Kayla was rather proud that she played a part in recovering the stuff. and to be acknowledged by the others was even better. When you spend most of your time in the shadows, you tend to get missed.
Kayla quickly gets to searching around for any more hidden compartments or people for that matter. she leads Tic, showing him how people in her line of work do things.
Tic pays close attention to Kayla's teachings, "Thank you, Gnome, this is valuable. If you would like I will show you how people in my line of work search for 'hidden' information as well."
"We need to hurry. The fire will probably attract attention that we don't need."
Az quickly restrains the traitors, and then does stand watch over them, mace held theatingly at the ready.
She nods towards Tycho when he addresses her and then "compliments" her, but doesn't say anything to acknowledge him.
"Haste cannot be tolerated if it leads to something being missed. We will take as much time as needed, and recover as much information as possible."
If you want too you could likely carry it all without a wagon assuming you empty the boxes.
You do find a dung wagon outside but the drivers have fled.
Searching the workshop you find a hidden stash of 1000 gold in assorted coins.
"I think riding around in that crap wagon would send the wrong message about the team."
"I think riding around in that crap wagon would send the wrong message about the team."
But it would send the right message about terrorists who try to overthrow our government, Ambrose says, unceremoniously piling the unconscious insurgents onto the dung wagon.
You grab the prisoners and all the goods from the stash and head out to meet Cimri. She is very please with your performance and approves of you taking "the direct approach".
She says it's time to go see the boss and she guides you to a large manor just outside the village proper. Some guards take the prisoners into custody and Cimri brings you to a chamber with some food and some sofas and she tells you the boss will be along shortly.
A large cat, a tiger of some sort lies in the corner. It opens one eyes and glares at you when you enter and now it is content to ignore you.
Indeed a few moments after you arrive the same mysterious figure that briefed you before arrives still shrouded in a purple fog.
"Excellent work. You've all done well. You’ll all find your payment waiting in the parlour below, along with a gift for each of you. Go, enjoy, celebrate. You deserve a reward for your impressive work. We’ll talk more in the morning" he says
Corbie eyes the big cat suspiciously and hops from Mercer's left shoulder to his right to get a little further away from the beast.
"Raaaawk...." the raven says suspiciously.
Tic nods at Cimri, "Should you need assistance with questioning you may find me in my room." He then heads down to the parlor to pick up his payment before heading to his room to rest for the remainder of the night.
Down stairs a large table has a series of chest labelled for each of you. Inside is 300 gold and a unique item for each of you (Pick an item or two worth a combined 1000 gold or less) along with eight bottles of a fine Wiscrani barbera wine (worth 250 gold a bottle), several loaves of fresh bread, garlic-flavored butter, and a variety of smoked fish and boar’s meat. It’s a veritable feast, and among the best food many of you have ever had in your lives.
Cimri grabs a bottle and unceremoniously pops the top and takes a drink.
"Take some time and celebrate but don't overdue it you can bet there will be more work to do tomorrow. There is a number of empty rooms all around there. Just pick any one. Your free to wander about, there is a bath down there and slave quarters down there. Just don't try opening any locked doors." she says and takes a few pieces of meat and heads towards an empty room.
Azrielan's helmeted visage nods.
"Of course. Perhaps a bath would do me good, along with a few slaves to help me out of my armor?" she finishes questioningly.
Attempting not to smash into the stairwell as she heads downstairs, she raises a gauntlet at the first slave she finds, expecting her armament to be explanation enough for who she is.
"You, come here. Help me out of my armor."
After that is done, she retrieves her payment from her chest, and then heads to the first open room she finds.
"So, Tycho, what do you think of this new...ah, 'employer' of ours?" she asks, setting her shield and mace down against the wall.
There are 8 empty guest rooms, 4 downstairs and 4 upstairs.
Tic stares blankly at Cimri and as she finishes he heads to the table, takes his gold, and inspects the items on the table. He takes a dark cloak with flecks of steel woven into it before heading to one of the rooms near the slave quarters. He doffs his armor and lays down to sleep.
Mercer heads over to get a drink of the fine wine and make himself a sandwich from the bread and meat.
He takes his meal and the pouch left for him over to a chair and takes a seat.
He opens the pouch marked for him and sifts through the contents. From the collection of coins he withdraws a gleaming white Pearl of Power that will help bolster his available magic each day.
Corbie eyes the shiny bits of gold and the pearl with a gleaming, greedy eye.
Satisfied with his reward, he turns to devouring his sandwich.
Tycho holds his hand out, examining the aura of the gifts laid out for him and Azrielan. For Tycho, a Pearl of Power similar in function to the one Mercer was gifted, but instead of white, his is blood-red. And for Azrielan, a black shirt emblazoned with the symbol of the Godclaw in red on it, that can be used to hasten her pursuit of criminals: a Quick Runner's Shirt
Wordlessly, he takes the proffered items and goes up to his room with Azrielan. Waiting until the slaves leave the room, he takes a long breath and pauses before replying:
"We were hired to do the job, and we did it. Truth be told, I would have offered my services for free if it meant helping to stamp out this growing acceptance of dissent. I am disconcerted with the idea of being given an extra gift for completion of a contracted task. That said, my magics haven't discovered anything harmful about these items. It would be a shame to not make use of them. Here, to help you better chase down those who disobey the law."
Tycho throws her the shirt and then takes out his pearl, rolling it between the fingers of his hand.
"I will not be communing for spells for another couple of hours still. Perhaps we should go down and partake in the offered food and drink. I wouldn't mind a chance to learn more about our new companions, or our employer."
"Payment freely offered is not to be turned down. We must use every resource available to us, especially in this dark time for my order. We need to stop this "Reclamation" before it leads to things we don't want to see."
Seeing the value in learning who her new companions were, she picked up the harness her mace was attached to, and slung it around her shoulders again, just in case. She left the clawed shield.
"I had hoped to bathe, but that can wait. I'm sure they're already out there waiting, so let's not keep them."
She doesn't set out immediately, instead waiting for the priest to head out, knowing he was better suited to beginning the partnership on good footing.
Ambrose whistles, holding up a finely crafted suit of armor. C'mere girl, he motions to Rowena, fitting the armor onto her. He carefully stows away her previous armor, saving it for Elsie.
The big man then holds up a vial of paint, reads the inscription and smiles, tucking it away with his other belongings. Lastly he produces a bone and tosses it to Elsie.
Good haul, and some damn fine food, Ambrose says matter-of-factly, eating heartily and feeding his pets directly at the table.
"So I wonder what's next?" Mercer asks the others.
Tycho and Azrielan enter the dining area. The priest claps his hands and beckons to a bottle of wine, waiting for a slave to serve him. While he takes a long sip from the glass, Tycho considers his words carefully. It is at this moment, that he notices Ambrose feeding his dogs at the table.
"Honestly, I have seen first hand how useful your pets can be. That said, how could you possibly feed them at the same table at which you eat? How do you endeavor to train them that you are their master if you treat them as your equal?"
"I would hear of the recruitment of my compatriots before feeling comfortable calling them my allies. Tell me, how did all of you come to join this worthy cause? For our part, Azrielan and I were told that an insurgency is likely building in Longacre, and that our skills could potentially be used to prevent all-out rebellion. It seems so far that our mysterious benefactor was correct in his assumption."
Way I see it, they risked their lives same as we did. They should get a share of the food, too. Besides, if I don't keep 'em well fed, they might get hungry at night and start sniffing around your bed chamber. A ha ha ha!
Ambrose wipes some grease on the back of his sleeve and laughs heartily, winking at Tycho good-naturedly.
He thinks a bit before responding to the cleric's query.
I've been a volunteer constable for a fair few years now. I'm not gonna let some religious zealots come in and start taking what's ours. Cimri knows what me and my girls can do, put me in touch with our...what's that word you said? Ben-ee-fak-tor? Anyhow, here we are.
"So I wonder what's next?" Mercer asks the others.
Friend, you best take a minute to savor our victory. We might not have many in the times ahead, and even if we do we might not get much savorin'. Who knows where the rest of these scum are hiding.
Kayla makes her way down the stairs, finally, she had been rather enjoying the goings on upstairs for a bit.
once at the bottom of the step, her eyes widen at the sight of the food. dashing toward the table she props herself up to see everything, scanning for the pastries.
Kayla skips everything and starts to load up of all sorts of pastries and sweets, she completely misses the payment.
She finds a nice comfortable spot (of her size) to sit and enjoy.
It does not take long for her to realize the payment. setting her food down to retrieve it.
she looks it over pulling out a small Magenta stone. she examines it and with a flick in circles her head. she also tucks away a small vial then closes the pouch of coin and tucks that away as well.
She then happily goes back to her feast.
You talk for a time, collect your rewards and eventually go rest/
The next morning another meal is prepare but it is much smaller just enough to serve as a decent breakfast.
Your benefactor as Ambrose called him arrives.
"Greetings I hope you are well rested. We have taken the liberty of interrogating the prisoners and checking the evidence during the night. With the number of veterans who live in town, it’s not too surprising that there’s a church of Iomedae in Longacre. But there might not be one much longer if Tileavia Allamar, its priestess, does what she has in mind. There’s growing unrest in the empire, and not just in Pezzack and along the Hellcoast. Many of Iomedae’s faithful have begun speaking more boldly of the monarchy’s vices and the rights of citizens. They seem to believe this is Andoran and that the people have only to reach out to seize power. But they are wrong. This is Cheliax, not Andoran, and we know where true power lies. Fifth Sword Knight Allamar is gathering all who will listen for a sermon in the church tonight. I don’t know what she has in mind, but I suspect some revolutionary claptrap that can only sow the seeds of confusion and frustration among Longacre’s citizens. That is contrary to my wishes. So I’d like you to attend the rally. In the box are sashes marked with the insignia of Archbaron Fex. Wear them, remind people that the lord of this town is not without supporters, and see what transpires. Afterward, Cimri will report back to me. I leave it up to you how you wish to handle the gathering you can simply observe or break them up but remember this town is a powder-keg and acting rashly may ignite it."
Kayla has a breakfast of jellied toast (extra jelly) and a couple of simple hard boiled eggs.
as she listens to the assignment. she wonders out loud, perhaps an assassination is in order? Is this an assassination order?
Kayla was rather silent as the others relayed their stories. she was unsure what she should convey, what was best left secret.
finally it came to her turn.
Not much to tell with me. on the run from the Red Mantis. I used to be one of their initiates until a certain incident occurred. was recruited for my special talents. and being a completely unknown here, probably a rather valuable asset as well.
She told the information like a rehearsed script. it is most assuredly not the whole story.
Tic dons his armor as the benefactor speaks. At the conclusion of the information, he goes to the box to drape the sash between the various armor spikes as instructed. He then steps back behind the group to await their actions and follow accordingly, clearly showing that he knows his place in Chelish society as a Tiefling.
"No not an assassination order, if done improperly that could make her a martyr. However this Lencia Visserene is a threat if you see a chance to eliminate or capture her you should take it. Be warned she is an experienced paladin however and won't be easy to catch of guard."
"Whether she can be caught off guard may not matter. Can she be converted? I will use my skill set to attempt to sway her path if it you command it. Perhaps if conditioned appropriately, she can preach the correct message," Tic says in his standard flat monotone. He then goes to get his food after everyone else has taken their fill.
The man grins and laughs "That would be even more difficult I think but you are welcome to try. If you actually succeed I would be very impressed."
Ambrose tries to recall what he can about the Iomedaens.
"If the people of this town want a sermon, I will be more than happy to provide them with one. I can assure you, I won't be singing the praises of Iomedae. We will disperse these rabble. Preferably with little or no bloodshed."
Kayla ponders the order. just to be clear, regarding this Lencia Visserene, Do I have an assassination order for her?
"Not yet. Perhaps later. For now attend the rally and see what they have to say. The Rally is not until tonight so for today go around town and see what you can learn."
"Not yet. Perhaps later. For now attend the rally and see what they have to say. The Rally is not until tonight so for today go around town and see what you can learn."
I'm on it! Ambrose says, bolting up from his chair immediately.
Me'n the girls want to stretch our legs, and I know a few souls around town. I'll try to see which way the wind is blowing. Anyone who's up for it can tag along.
Ambrose takes Elsie and Rowena around town, stopping at a few watering holes to see what he can learn about Lencia Visserene and tonight's rally.
She came to town a few years ago and rebuilt the old abandoned church of Aroden into a temple of Iomedea. She is a moderately powerful cleric capable of at least curing diseases with her magic tough she is not powerful enough to raise the dead.
She has two twin sons who are both skilled fighters and who are both also clerics of minor power. They provide protection for the church acting as it's guards.
Mercer follows along with Ambrose, trying to find out more about the people attending the upcoming sermon.
He also tries to find out more about the church itself and its history.
Kayla bows showing her understanding of the order.
she gathers some things and heads out.
she remains stealthy as she leaves the "hideout" then once she is a little distance away she will proceed in the open browsing the marketplace.
she poses as your standard "adventurer" looking for work.
listening in on conversations and trying to get close to people that look like they may have some knowledge of the rally.
(+2 diplomacy from the ioun stone)
Tic decides that since he has little to offer in the way of politely gathering information and that his presence doesn't exactly foster an idea of peace he will stay where he is during the day and wait for the rest of the group to deliver information before the rally.
Meeting the benefactor's gaze in a non-challenging way, "Is there anything I can do for you around here before the rally?"
"Just stroll around town wearing the baron's sash and make your presence known it should give people something to think about."
Most folks will not openly discuss the sermon and will simply walk away if you bring it up but a few are willing to talk.
"Yeah I heard about it but unless Allamar pulled the stick out of her ass and started worshipping Calistria I'm not interested"
"Sermon? Yeah their just stiring up trouble if you ask me. Folks come her because they want to disappear this is going to bring cheliax's attention to us I just know it!"
(if wearing the sash)
"What's the story with the sash? Is the baron paying you to wear that?"
"I heard that Allamar's son was visited by an angel bunch of b!#*%++s if you ask me but Allamar seems to believe it"
"Fex doesn't like townfolks gathering in large groups like that. Allamar's message must be important if she is willing to risk angering the baron."
"Something bad happened at the Louslik Tannery last night. Allamar is in fumes about it. She's all worked up and were in for some hellfire from her fer sure"
Tic dons his sash and heads out to stroll about the town dragging the spiked chain along side him . Anyone who speaks to him he simply stares down with the same flat affect without speaking to appropriately convey that Tic is a representative of Archbaron Fex and he is indeed in control.
(if wearing the sash)
"What's the story with the sash? Is the baron paying you to wear that?"
Paying me? No! I'd pay him to wear it if he asked, and happily. Me and some others are showing support for the archbaron because we don't take kindly to outsiders coming here and thinking they can break the law and tell us how to live our lives. If you think the same, make sure you show your support with the baron and let these Iomedaen rabble-rousers know what you think of them.
"Something bad happened at the Louslik Tannery last night. Allamar is in fumes about it. She's all worked up and were in for some hellfire from her fer sure"
Actually it was something good--we find some rebel conspirators and escorted them to the proper authorities. They were hoarding weapons and terrorist propaganda. If we hadn't found it when we did, they could be attacking our citizens right now. If Allamar's mad then that just proves her involvement. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits sharp. You see anything fishy, just let me know, alright?
Having found out what he can from the locals, Mercer will put on his sash and get ready for the assembly.
Finally the time has come for the meeting you make your way to the church.
As you approach a group of villagers block your path. "Your not welcome here you filthy loyalist scum" says one of them and they seem intent to fight you but the high priestesses herself arrives to disarm the situation. "All are welcome to hear my message Bolgart even those who are deaf to it" she says. The villagers seem to disagree but they let you into the church.
Azrielan puts the sash on as told, and heads to her room to put her armor on before leaving.
"You two slaves, help me into my armor. Quickly, now."
After getting...'dressed', Az picks up her shield and mace, and joins the rest of the group.
As they walk through the streets, her visored face is silent, keeping watch on the crowd, with her armor drawing quite a few looks, none of them good.