"Following their example is probably a good idea. I won't speak for the others, but this is my first rebellion and it's all new territory to me. My gut tells me we should take to the streets and rally support openly -- but we all saw how poorly that went at Aria Park. As much as I hate skulking around, it does nobody any good if we get ourselves nipped in the bud before we can affect any real change."
"I too don't know anything about rebellion. Honestly, I wish I could just stay out of sight. I'm just a simple girl. But I'll do what I can to help. I can help with recruiting. That doesn't sound too hard."
"I favor seeking as much intelligence on our foe as possible," says Voreni before glancing at Wilhelm, "But we might be able to kill two imps with one boulder. By inciting civilians at an early stage, we can observe the response from Thrune and use that as a baseline from which to measure future reactions. We must know our opponent as much, or better, than we know ourselves. It is the only way to plan moves we can be sure will have a major impact."
After speaking his peace, Voreni sits beside Rexus. "Since we found these documents, I have been studying the language of heavenly beings. I do not know that I will be of much help just yet, but if you would like me to look over anything, I am at your disposal."
"There are ways to incite without being seen," says Corian. "Leaflets. Posters. Graffiti. Symbols can truly inspire." His eyes glitter at the idea.
"And yes, we need to know what we're up against, or we'll be rounded up in a turn of the glass. The tengu can help us with the aerial approach, or rooftop, at least."
"I'm sure you must already know my answer Rex, we Vashnarstills are practically information networks all on our own, it would be almost rude of me not to use my skills for our little rebellion here."
Ignati had been lounging comfortably in his seat, but when Voreni mentions language he bolts upright and goes to stand next to both him and Rexus.
"I'd completely forgotten, after we left you with the notes Rex, I started considering some of the languages in the old family ciphers we were taught when I was young. One of them was so odd that my parents had never bothered to use it, but Fausta and I learned it so we could pass secrets between us. I knew what the language was, never cared, but considering all the similarities it has with the infernal tongue, I've come to the conclusion that it must have been Strix." He scans the pages and pronounces a number of words he recognizes. "Yes it looks like I may be right, between the three of use, I'm sure it won't take long to work all of this out."
Wilhelm takes in what the others are saying about their own strengths and nods his agreement.
"I don't want to give the impression that I would be useless at cloak-and-dagger," he adds. "It's just not something I have a lot of experience with. I can be stealthy and lie if I need to, but I'd prefer to keep the banner with me unless it will absolutely jeopardize the situation. One of the ways I've kept my moral compass in the Guard was to ask myself if I'd be ashamed to fly my banner with whatever I was doing. The slogan on it needs to go, though. I was thinking of changing it to either a simple silver and blue, or a silver raven on a blue field, given what we're attempting. What do you all think? The former is less conspicuous given the city's history, but the latter has more specific meaning, I think.
"Of those officer roles, I quite like the sound of the Sentinel for myself. I've always thought of myself as a protector first. It's how I came to be in present, after all."
Rexus begins making notes in a small ledger.
"...Wilhelm, Sentinel...alright then, sounds like we've decided on taking a more subtle approach as well...and I'll have some help from Ignati and Voreni on these translations. Now, what do we want to do first? The city is in chaos since Barzilai arrived, and the Dottari seem more concerned with suppressing dissent than any of the safety problems facing the people here."
"An excellent point. I think we need to secure our own security force. We will not be able to respond to every single threat in Kintargo, but we need the citizens to know that someone is watching out for their safety. My first thought would be to use our own guard connections to go after the two best sources of a security conscious individuals: other guardsmen and women, and the organized criminal element. There are bound to be some in the guard who are eager to actually do their duty to protect people, and local thieves have a vested interest in stability. I'm not talking about madmen here, but the sort who organize into guilds."
Voreni thinks for a moment before continuing. "The criminals in the city will also be needed in causing damage to our enemies. If we set parameters for them, for instance, 'Open season on noble families supporting Thrune, but no muggings of common citizens' we can maximize their effectiveness while ensuring their support."
"Speaking of such things, we need operating capital. I can craft all manner of useful tools, but need a lab. The Nest has plenty of space for such needs, but I have little money to stock a proper work space."
"We need a network as well, and perhaps a few individuals willing to stand up to Barzilai on a more political and legal platform. The more spies and informants we can gather, the more we can push our interests from behind the scenes. Even a Thrune can't completely ignore politics and if we can get enough voice on the side of the people, they can force him to take measures to protect Kintargo's people."
"If we can find enough noble souls before revealing to the Dottari that we are a fully organized outfit, we could have agents in place well before they even suspect any subterfuge."
Valleria reacts to Voreni's suggestions.
"If we have the option, I'd rather not use criminals... this is a debt we will one day regret. Even if they prove valuable right now, when we successfully overthrow Barsilai, what will stop these empowered bandits to stop their business?" She shakes her head. "We'll only change an open enemy for an occult one."
"I'm also not sure about letting the people know we exist, at least not right now... they might see no hope at the moment, but at least Barsilai shares their thoughts. If they know about our efforts, soon will Barsilai and, at least for now, we have no means to fight his full force."
"Well we are below an inn. Why don't we simply start locally. We should all spend a lot of time in the Long Roads Cafe and establish ourselves as patrons so are comings and goings don't appear conspicuous. We can also get a feel of the other patrons of the inn; which ones we can trust and which ones we can't. News and gossip will probably be plentiful and we can wait for the right opportunity to present itself."
"I understand that gathering information is vital to our long term survival," says Wilhelm. "What I don't understand is what to do in the short term. Gossiping and recruiting feels like sitting on our hands to me. I would feel better if we were out accomplishing tangible things, even if it's not directly opposing Thrune yet, like helping the local downtrodden that aren't getting the protection they deserve from the Dottari. I like Voreni's suggestion of our own security force to help in that regard, though recruiting more people directly from the Dottari needs to be done with extreme caution. Approaching the wrong person -- even one that's been receptive to our ideals -- can be a disastrous move. Not to mention that guards dropping from their ranks is bound to draw attention.
"Then again, everything we do bears that risk, so don't take my warning as an objection. Voreni seems to have a lot of ideas for activities and expansion. I would therefor suggest he'd be a good fit as our Strategist, and a good compliment to Ignati as our volunteered Spymaster."
"We recruit through actions, then. A saved person, not to use a religious tone, is one who is more likely to help. So, we should go save people. And if we do not recruit criminals---I am in agreement with Valleria--could we free those unjustly imprisoned?"
Corian notes to Rexus. "I have already been on the streets on a box pulpit. I can handle some demagoguery. Not of the oppressive sort, but actual communication. Help the people learn why they should fight. Street epistemology, if you will."
"What if we recruit the right criminals?" Ignati asks with a smile. "I mean to say, what of the Bellflower network? An entire organization based on Halfling slaves escaping under the nose of the nobility. They must have spies, structure, allies. Laria herself said she's worked with them. Maybe they were wiped out with everyone else, but if not, we may have a way to build a reputation among the people without revealing the true extent of our intent."
"I understand and share the concern about the criminal element being empowered. I've long wanted to confront some of the lawbreakers directly. That said, consider that if we do not employ them, Thrune will, so we'll need a contingency to respond to that in the future. Let's put a pin in that for now."
Voreni nods emphatically at Ignati's suggestion, "True, they're a hidden organization that has been operating for quite some time and some of their aims overlap our own. We definitely need to secure a meeting with someone in the Bellflowers who can begin negotiating."
"And Corian has a fantastic idea. Who would be more loyal to the movement than those who have been protected by it? Perhaps freeing the unjust can serve two purposes: adding to our power base and buying some goodwill with the Bellflowers?"
Rexus strokes his goatee silently during the debate, listening intently.
"I like the idea of helping those who need help in these trying times, though I get the impression from Laria that the Bellflower Network has largely fled from Kintargo for the time being. I will speak with her about looking into others who may have need of our assistance, though."
He stiffens a little, as if weighing the wisdom of continuing, before he speaks again.
"One other thing comes to mind, though I am loathe to send you into danger once again for my own selfish reasons...but perhaps you could investigate the fires? My family's home was not the only one to burn that night, and I suspect that the fires were targeted at Thrune's political enemies in the city. Perhaps we can find something useful in the ashes, or even a clue as to where our potential allies might have fled."
"Indeed. Fires can easily look like accidents, immolate evidence, and destroy life and property. We will need to identify the victims, then examine some of the damage for ourselves."
"And if we find anything in the fires linking evidence to the Thrunies, we can present damnable evidence to the people," says Corian with a grin. "Danger? The most dangerous course is to do nothing. Let us investigate."
"I would be most surprised if the fires weren't targeted, really. We're all in this together, so I'd have no issue with looking into looking around on your behalf even without a potential benefit. Hopefully we'll find something worthwhile, though. If any of those targeted survived and are in hiding, I'm sure they could be persuaded to ally with our resistance."
He takes a moment to think.
"Did anyone find a secret exit to this place, or are we going to try slipping out nonchalantly in ones or twos?"
"Unless someone is thinking of going for a swim...yes, we should leave in small groups and meet somewhere else."
Corian spends some time attempting to quell attrition among the ranks of their fledgling group.
Ignati spends much of the next week looking for any contacts he may be able to find dealing with the Bellflower network, or even just, anyone in need of help, though he doesn't have much luck.
When not working on finding contacts he assists Morrigan in identifying the few magical items left to be figured out and he has a number of excited discussions with Voreni about the nature of alchemy and magical extracts, jumping at the opportunity to study the young mans forumlae book. Eagerly adding the results of his studies to his own notebook.
The more Wilhelm thinks about how to change his banner, the more he realizes that what he really wants to do is go back to the banner he was using before he made a special one for the protest, the silver dragon on the blue field. Come to think of it, there's a few other personal effects that he'd like to retrieve, if possible. Using the bit of downtime they have before they head out next, Wilhelm will try to return to his old place in the Dottari barracks and retrieve his stuff. His plan is to act natural, since he'd been living there before, and hopefully acting like he belongs will keep anyone from really noticing until long after he goes. He'll go wearing plain clothes, rather than his armor and weapons, to hopefully reduce the chance that anyone could be alarmed by his presence. With luck, his stuff will still be where he left it, since it's only been a day or two since he'd last been there.
Kintargo's current danger rating: 20
Result was "Rivalry", which can't happen as you only have one team.
"Dangerous Times" - Danger rating of Kintargo is 30 for the next week; One of you may attempt an Intimidate check to halve this increase (so it would be only 25 for the next week).
I share the information I discovered about the fires with the party.
Besides the Victocora Estate, the other two targets of the fires were the Thrashing Badger tavern, and a music store called the Silver Star. Interestingly enough, the Silver Star is owned by Shensen, an opera singer who is known for being an outspoken critic of House Thrune. The Thrashing Badger, on the other hand, is just a tavern, though Morrigan has heard rumors that a number of Milanites drink there.
"It may be worthwhile seeking out this Shensen or the owner or patrons of the Thrashing Badger if they survived."
Wilhelm, still a guard in mind and deed, will attempt to keep the city's danger from escalating so rapidly in the burgeoning "Barzillai Epoch."
"I agree. We should search their burned places to see if maybe we can find some clues as to where they might be hiding. Knowing who owned those places makes it just seem more likely that they'd be interested in helping us should we find them. And, if it turns out there are any clues to find, it's better that we find them than someone loyal to Thrune."
"A bar and Milanites? I am there. Morrigan, are you old enough to go to a bar?" Corian's eyes crinkle as he says the last bit--he's only a few years older, as are the rest of the crew.
"Morrigan, are you old enough to go to a bar?"
"No, but that's never stopped me before. With a little extra make up and a little extra padding, I can look very mature for my age."
"Morrigan, are you old enough to go to a bar?""No, but that's never stopped me before. With a little extra make up and a little extra padding, I can look very mature for my age."
I can surely understand that... Valleria remarks in her mind, quickly gazing at the girl's ample breasts.
"I agree with you... these places might indeed prove valuable source of information... I guess we should go there at night, to avoid being seen by Barzilai's agents..."
"These places were brunt down weren't they?" Ignati asks with an eyebrow raised. "Not very long ago at all in fact, I don't think our Morrigan will have any trouble gaining entrance to the rubble, no more than the rest of us."
"I know rumor is that no one survived but as you all know I refuse to believe that, so I agree, lets see if we can't track down any information, either from the owners if they live, or maybe even from the sites themselves."
"Looking at the map, the Victocora estate is the closet to us in the Greens District. The Thrashing Badger is also not too far from us in the Yolubilis Harbor District. The Silver Star is the farthest, sitting across the Yolubilis River in the Jarvis End District. I suggest we might as well visit them in that order."
"I also see another tavern in the Yolubilis Harbor District called the Clenchjaw's is said to have received an influx of new customers. Perhaps old patrons of the Thrashing Badger?"
Voreni listens quietly and checks his gear for the third time. "Dealing with people isn't my strong suit, but I am happy to back us up."
"It's a good plan Morrigan, though if we're headed home to the Greens I'll need to whip something up so I'm not recognized."
Ignati takes a few moments to work on a disguise self extract, he lifts it proudly when he's done, but does not drink it right away, instead he pulls up the hood of his cloak and drapes the rest of it around him.
"It will only last for twenty minutes, so I won't drink it until we're closer to the district. This hood should suit me until then. Shall we be off?"
You arrive at the ruins of the Victocora Estate around mid-morning; the area is preternaturally quiet, save for the occasional squirrel or raven spying upon you from the trees. Rexus decided to tag along with your group, though he seems doubtful that there will be much left.
Rexus' fears, it seems, were largely correct: your initial search of the ruins turn up little more than burnt wood and piles of ash. Before you can make a more thorough search of the premises, however, you are interrupted by the loud clap of a club ringing against the pavement.
"OY! Bit late on arrival for scavengers, ain't ya? Reckon yer might be folk 'o the Victocoras?" Calls out a tall, rough-looking man with a shaved head and 3 days growth on his face. His teeth are crooked but well-cleaned. He is dressed in black, wearing the same symbols as the Chelish Citizens Group members that you met at the riot. Behind him are two other men of similar size.
The one on his left brushes his dark, greasy moustache before he speaks. "Victocoras? This is the 'ol Victocora place? Buncha uppity bookworms, I heard. Talkin' all that rebel talk. Got what was comin' to 'em, if you ask me...fire take all these feckless intellectuals!"
The third man has a darker complexion than the other two, and a short goatee. His club is already out in his hand, and you can see that it was him who struck the ground to catch your attention. "So what is it then? Are ye thieves, and deservin' a thrashin'; or kin to these dead, burnt-up traitors, and even more deservin' of a thrashin'?"
Wilhelm sees the brigands readying their weapons and quickly makes to do the same.
"If you're set on attempting a thrashing either way, then I guess the best answer to your question is that we're your mothers' lovers," he shouts back.
Voreni gapes for a moment at Wilhelm's insult, then quickly recovers to pile on as best as he can. "Indeed, and he has to bed them concurrently, rather than consecutively, since he must save time as they are too busy servicing the entire neighbor!" He glances at the rest of the team, "Is that how you do it?"
Valleria sighs at her companions insults. Why is this obsession with other people's mothers?
Valleria quickly rushes forward, trying to hit the thugs before they can react.
"You might need to work on your insults my boy!" Ignati winks to Voreni before drawing his sword and drinking his Shield extract.
Voreni draws his rapier and stands ready to stab at one of the men if they get too close.
Wilhelm chuckles at Voreni's attempt, and unfurls his glorious blue and silver banner from the end of his polearm.
"People like these will always try to be intimidating. They may fool the weak into thinking they're strong, but they're nothing but common ruffians. They're weak, pathetic, and, ultimately, meaningless in the grand scheme of things. We have the right! Don't be fooled!"
- Combat Reflexes (3 AOO/round)
- Longspear (10' reach)
- Banner (+2 morale vs fear, +1 morale on attacks while charging)
- Inspire Courage +1 (attack rolls (competence), weapon damage rolls (competence) and saves against fear (morale))
Corian casts Bless.
"I'm so disappointed in them--their mums were so much kinder," says Corian with a wink. He draws his heavy morningstar, ready for a swing.
19 - Corian
16 - Wilhelm
16 - Ignati
10 - Voreni
10 - Valleria
10 - Morrigan
04 - Thugs
Blessed and inspired by Corian and Wilhelm, the Silver Ravens prepare to do battle with the Chelish Citizens' Group once again. Ignati drinks an extract, while Voreni draws his rapier and prepares to strike. Valleria does not wait, and charges in, smashing the leader in the face with her shield. His head snaps back hard, his face now a mess of blood and broken teeth.
(space for Morrigan's action)
Drawing his mace, the leader swings wildly at Valleria...
...but finds only her shield.
The man with the greasy moustache moves past Valleria, leaving himself open to an attack of opportunity...
...and draws a clean, deep cut across her back.
...but he slides past and moves to attack Voreni, who strikes first!
Voreni's rapier pierces the man's chest, narrowly missing his heart. He gasps with a mixture of shock and pain, blood filling his mouth.
The pain drains the energy from his strike, which falls listlessly against Voreni's guard.
The last man, with the goatee, also circles around Valleria and attempts to flank...
Summary
The lead thug has taken 9 points of damage total (including bonuses from Wilhelm).
The moustache thug has also taken 9 points of damage total (including bonuses from Wilhelm)
Valleria has taken 7 points of damage.
Round 1: Initiative 10
Morrigan's voice deepens and she speaks with a dark seriousness. "We do not fear you, but you will know fear after I am through with you! Cause Fear!"
Morrigan targets the third thug with Cause Fear. Will DC 15. If he fails, he is frightened for 4 rounds. If he succeeds, he is shaken for 1 round.
Thoughts of riling his opponents up with insults fade from Voreni's mind as his rapier plunges into the man's chest. "Flee! While you still breathe!" Shouts the tiefling as he moves for another strike, keeping himself in a defensive stance.
The fear effect leaves him shaken, which would have made him miss Valleria with a mere 18. Valleria has thus taken no damage in the first round.
Round 2: Initiative 10
Morrigan targets the same opponent as last round with a weave of shadows. "Binding Darkness"