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"Honestly, it probably is a bit of bigotry," Pylos told the upset woman. "I doubt he'll suddenly draw his sword and cut them down, but as a fellow Chelaxian noble, I can say that we are raised with a certain amount of disdain for, well, pretty much everybody, including other Chelaxian nobles. Hell, about the only one we aren't raised to look down upon is Abrogail herself."
"Bow crafting? This is a coffeehouse, dear, not an archery range." Laria teases "Besides, it's just the string that's been broken. If you head on over to the Warcage I'm sure you could get a new one." She slides him a mug of dry stout.
Kritki says "Yeah I'd like that. Though I'm not sure if the tub is gonna be big enough hehe. Also, we haven't found out any leads that you'd find useful. Sorry about that."
Kethaera recognizes the amulet as an amulet of natural armor (+1).
Nisha is taken off guard as Pylos sits next to her and apologises. "Uhm, well. I just, I don't know. It, it would be wrong if I didn't help. Uhm SARENRAE wouldn't approve. Yes. Just, be careful okay?"
Phillip finishes his stew. So, now that our past disaster is done, what are we going to do next? I seem to have forgotten the game plan here with all of the running and screaming.
Tarnagius rubs his eyes and looks at it again.
Right. I'll be back then.
Tarnagius then leaves to find a new string.
Jules quietly and likely unnoticed slipped into his bunk and removed the tattered and bloodied clothing before roughly bandaging himself and putting on a clean set of clothes. I'll have to visit the clothing again, he sighed mentally. So much of my collection is getting bloodied and stained these days.
He walked out into the coffee shop and sat quietly running through the days events.
Running back into an occupied building, alone, to try and save someone you only met a few weeks ago? What are you doing? You could have easily been caught and sent right back into slavery. But... He thought of Nisha's face brightening up once she saw him there to rescue her, Isn't it worth it though? You have been where she was. Trapped against your will. Caged like an animal. Forced to work... Yes. I have to say it must have been worth it. Even if the Dragon is somewhat annoying, he's been nothing but a help to the cause. I suppose this is my life now.
He smirked and sat contentedly drinking his brew.
How about this, we try to find more about what our new Mayor has been doing with all those dogs he wants caught. We can get them out and deny him from eating them or whatever.
Tarnagius perks up as he's leaving.
I can get behind that. Barzillai loves his hounds.
"That's a good idea but wouldn't he have trained those dogs to be loyal by now? And also has anyone heard of anything going in the city? We still need to help people. To give them well hope."
Jules came out in the morning crisp and clean.
At Kethaera's question he responded, "Information networks take time to set up Miss Nightbreeze. I'm afraid news will be a little slow until I can get my people set up. As I said before, we shouldn't rush anything. That is how mistakes are made."
Patting Pylos on the back and giving him a reassuring smile, she tells him, "It'll be alright Pylos. I don't think your cousin will kill you as he'll have to do some explaining to the Queen as to why he's started killing other Thrune family members. I don't think the Queen wants her family tearing itself apart what with this civil war going on. But still be careful."
She gives him a hug goodbye, but turning to her ratfolk lovers, saying, "Now Kritki and Borr and I have some things to do."
Upon hearing Jules, she nodded and asked, "Oh Jules, good morning. And that...well makes sense. By the way, did you learn anything about the Red Jills when you went to free Nisha? I know you went in there both to free her and get some Intel, so I was just seeing if you learned anything."
No idea if he is training them as guard dogs. We should have a look just in case, if he is, then poisoning them.Don't glare at me. Would be a good choice. Otherwise we can use them as guardogs for ourselves.
Tarnagius walks quickly to the Warcage just a short way down main street. The weapons and armor shop caters for adventurers, and is built as a fairly large arena where customers can spar. The sign hanging above the street says in large bold letters "Haunted by Quality", and the shop's weapons are put on display proudly. One of the first items Tarnagius spots is a lucerne hammer with the head covered in ice. The owner Chuko, despite being a Tengu, is surprisingly cordial with Tarnagius. He sells him a new bowstring for 5 sails (gp).
As Tarnagius returns, he mulls over the discussion of Barzillai's hounds. He remembers a time when Barzillai was testing out new forms of excruciation. He liked the idea of making the victim feel like they were less than a dog, and thought about using dogs in these sessions of torture.
For once, the day does not begin with rain! The urban druids report that today will be a little colder than normal, but it will be a clear day with a gentle breeze. Today is Fireday, which means that most people set about the marketplace, buying and selling. You're likely to find a number of deals available when shopping that are normally unavailable during the rest of the week.
Tomorrow there will be a large court function for all nobility, including minor nobles. Barzillai Thrune plans to hold one every month. All who attend are expected to wear fine clothing that has not been embroidered, including any bodyguards. Side arms are permitted, but large barbaric weapons are banned. Body guards may wear tasteful armor if desired, but must leave any visors up to show their face. Tarnagius and Pylos are both legally able to attend this court as minor nobles, though neither are obligated to do so.
This morning, Laria has prepared for you a simple array of coffee, mead, or tea (depending on your tastes), along with sausages, fresh rye bread, and croissants with butter or jam. Rexus takes a seat first and starts digging in. He's been working very hard on the translations, and it shows from the bags under his eyes. Meanwhile, Derrattata approaches Tarnagius and gives him a present. "Mr.TarnagiusSir. I'veCreatedAFewPrototypeBombsForYouToTestIfYouWish. TheseBombsExplodeInANoxiousPlumeOfGasThatMayParalyzeTheTargetBriefly. I'mSureTheyAreNotQuiteWhatTheMilitaryHaveUsed, ButIThinkTheyWillBeAGoodStart." He hands Tarnagius 3 of these "Stun Bombs".
Phillip will hit the streets to find out where the dogs usually get taken
Tarnagius rolls his eyes.
We could spare the japes as we walk into the lion's den. Last time I was at a session with Barzillai the furfoots Spent hours cleaning up the blood and I got branded on my neck.
Kethaera came in dressed for the day, covering her mouth as she yawned a bit. She overheard the others talking about attending a meeting of nobles with Barzillai. She glared at Tarnagius when he used a racial slur directed at halflings. The half-elf hoped that he would eventually lose the racial bigotry or he would find her foot connecting with his manhood eventually. Her glare continued. If she glared any longer she might bore holes into Tarnagius.
Deciding to redirect her attention, she searched her memory of any knowledge that would aid both Tarnagius and Pylos in the upcoming meeting.
She also decided to help Rexus with his translations. She also called over Jules and handed him the journal she had taken from the dead Strix gang leader.
"Here you go Jules. Since you know Strix, and this came from the Strix gang leader we fought yesterday, I thought you might be able to learn more about her. Might give us some ideas about the other gangs or even places we could use."
Kethaera stretched her back, muttering on how both Kritki and Borr knew how to give a pleasurable experience.
While he is out looking for info, Phillip also buys a small lizard, a bit of string for a crude leash and some flowers and candies. He writers on a small card. "Kethaera my sweet, I've been waiting for you, kiss my lizard lips."
I gotta get a bet going to Tarn on wether or not she will go for it.
Jules came out to the tables in the morning looking respectable once again. He took tea and a bit of food before listening to the others plan. He ignored Tarnagius as he had during the other swipes.
He happily accepted the journal from Kethaera and smiled. "Ah finally a bit of information gathering."
He began to look over the journal while sipping tea.
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"Why spare the japes, my good clown?" Pylos said with a grin. "After all, Barzillai is the biggest punch line of them all. Well, at least, he needs a big punch in his line." Shrugging his shoulders, he looked over at Kethaera and said, "Actually, my beautiful diva, I was wanting to inquire about you joining me on this expedition into the dreaded lands of the noble Chelish."
Kethaera nearly chokes on her coffee when Pylos asked her.
Recovering she replies, "You do realize that our lord-mayor looked right at me during the protest. While I appreciate the gesture and invite it might not be a good idea. Unless Jules can disguise me so well that our 'esteemed' lord-mayor doesn't recognize me."
Tarnagius nearly protests, pauses, laughs heartily (by Tarnagius standards at least) then speaks.
Actually, that's an incredibly Pylos-ish thing to do. Bring a known dissident who's half Shoanti and half elf? I'd cause less scandal if I showed up naked, but this one does these stunts fairly regularly.
He stirs his coffee and twangs the new bowstring.
The question is, though, do we have a reason to bring her along, is there something we may need her for that's worth risking Barzillai deciding to simply execute her?
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Pylos just gave a big grin. "Oh no, my dear, I have a completely valid reason for this. As Tarnagius said, I do have a bit of a reputation for pulling slightly scandalous stunts like this. Your face is well know among the populous, both commoner and noble alike, and you are well regarded as a performer," he told her. "Not only that, but you have the added benefit of showing up on the arm of a noble of House Thrune, albeit one fostered at another House at the moment. Barzillai isn't quite ready to go directly against his own family just yet, as that would invite way more repercussions than he would want."
That's how you or I would play his hand, to be sure Tarnagius puts a finger in the air in a "wait a moment" gesture but I don't think either of us thought he would take over Kintargo in the first place. I'm all for flicking your dear cousin on the nose sometimes, but we aren't in a state to handle a dottari raid, should it come to that, and bringing her along seems like an excellent way to earn yourself a tail, Pylos. That's not to say we can't possibly bring her along, I would just like to know what your angle with it is. What's the goal?
Jules didn't even look up from the journal.
"Given enough time, I could likely disguise Miss Nightbreeze well enough. A trip to the Clothier for something I suspect he has would help if we had the money for it." He paused to sip his tea. "But, Mr.Vashnarstill is right. What do we stand to gain in this little snubbing? Other than Mr.Thrune having a good laugh at his cousin, I suspect it would only out you as a sympathizer. At which point you would be targeted even while not wearing the mask. It would also likely give the Lord Mayor someone to have trailed and could compromise our safehouses but that's just a furfoot's opinion."
Kethaera nodded in agreement.
"I agree, but Pylos don't take it the wrong way. It was nice of you to invite me, and I appreciate the thought but I don't want to see one of my friends brought to harm because of something I did. But I'm thankful and glad to know your heart is in the right place."
She had to keep herself from laughing at Tarnagius as Jules pointed out that he had heard the racial slur. She had to hand it to the halfling: he knew when to make witty comeback at racist bigots.
"While you two go to this meeting, I want to see if I can pick up any rumors about anyone who needs our help. I mean surely there are terrible events that we as the Silver Ravens have to undo. I know we aren't knights attempting to slay a dragon or crusaders trying to stop the Worldwound, but still I feel that we should help the people of Kintargo as the more we help the citizens the more support we can gain for when we finally overthrow Barzillai."
Kethaera looked at Jules to see if the halfling wished to come along.
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You know that the dogs are handed right over to the Dottari. They could be taken to Castle Kintargo to be trained as military hounds by the Order of the Rack, the Order of the Torrent, or simply the Dottari. Castle Kintargo is where the military headquarters are located.
History: Well, you do know of nobles going to court. It isn't like a court with a judge. More so a gathering of nobles as they discuss business (both legal and illegal), scandals, and pander to the lord or lady of the court.
Arcana: Though magical weapons and armor are fairly rare among the regular nobility, wonderous items can sometimes exist. Items enchanted with spells such as Detect Magic, Detect Thoughts, Comprehend Languages, Owl's Wisdom, and more could be worn at the court.
Nobility: All leaders of the noble families are to attend, except for the Victocorra family, since Rexus is the only surviving heir and he would be arrested on sight (and likely executed). This court will likely be the families' first real opportunity to show their unwavering support to Barzillai Thrune. There will likely be gifts, performances, and pledges of service. However, not every family supports Thrune, so it is possible that these gifts are only made to appease the ruler.
Local: You are not sure where the court will be held.
Religion: The court will most definitely include servants of Hell.
Linguistics: Languages spoken at court are usually Common or Infernal. Sometimes you might hear Draconic or even Shadowtongue.
The book is a roughly written journal about the Strix's life. The female Strix was named Scarplume and lived in the Kitkasiticka tribe of the Ravounel Forest. She was exiled when it was discovered that her hatred for all humanity had grown too great and threatened to bring too much attention to the tribe. She fled to Kintargo to terrorize those she hated so much. When Thrune came to power, she was very appreciative of the Chaos, and used it to sow as much fear as possible. She has collected a number of treasures from the thefts and murders, and has chosen to bury most of it in a grave by the Asmodean Cathedral. The name on the gravestone is Sergor Sum, and Scarplume claims to have no idea who the man was.
Just a quick correction from earlier. I previously said that Derrattata made the Stun Bombs, which would not be true. It was Bwikki that made them. Note that these bombs are thrown as splash weapons and affect the target and a 5ft. burst. It is a DC 12 Fortitude save to resist, otherwise the target is paralysed for 1 turn. If they succeed, they are only sickened for the turn. It is considered a poison effect. I know that may not sound very powerful, but it can be difficult to balance AoE status effects and I'd like to test this one as a starting point.
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Phillip grunts and does his other shopping before heading back. Well I found a little info. He tells the others. The dogs are most likely in Castle Kintargo if they are goin g to be trained or just the Dottari. That castle is way out of our league but we might scope out the Dottari.
Phillip then sets up Kethaera's love nest when she isn't around.
Kethaera then tells the others what she knows about the nobility. She does remind got Tarnagius and Pylos to get a suitable gift for the lord-mayor as not bringing one might raise his suspicions.
"Not only would he see it as being rude, it might raise several red flags in his head as to why someone who once served him and his own cousin refusing to bring him gifts. If you want to keep him from starting to investigate what you do in your free time. The gift should be expensive but not too expensive that it looks like you're completely sucking up to him. Might bring unwanted attention. Since you mentioned that he probably likes dogs, Tarnagius, get him something like a painting of dogs playing cards or a gold statue of a hellhound if you want."
After Phillip returned and reported what he found, the half-elf nodded and said, "I agree. Storming Castle Kintargo would be suicide. We should wait until we are strong enough to strike it. However, i like phillip's idea about finding more information on the Dottari. It might be useful to help us avoid their patrols at night as well as strike them when they are watching but only when necessary. I figure that Phillip, being the sort of man who shoots first and never gets around to asking questions preferring others to do the asking, would help us in dealing with our messes. I don't like it but I really don't think I've given you enough credit Phillip."
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Jules snapped the journal shut with a wry grin on his face. "Anyone above grave robbing?"
He waited a second before speaking, "Our late strix hid some ill-gotten gains in a grave near the Asmodean Cathedral"
Knowledge roll for Sergor Sum
Sergor Sum was once a well known priest of Asmodeus that convinced the masses to unite in the first rebellion to support Thrune. He is buried at the Cathedral of Asmodeus for this honor.
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Tarnagius is suddenly talkative.
Yes, Diva. I remember courtier lessons from when I was a child. Devil's piss, you sound like my old teacher. We've done this dance before, we know the steps. Hells, I broke a man's knees over one of these gifts once back in the Capitol. Fool thought it'd be funny to give Barzillai a bag of dog s$#~e. Called it the product of his labor.
Ramblings aside, he changes to more important news.
That one he gestures to Bwikki has been making some nasty little bombs for us to use later, but first court. You bring your sacrifice shoes, Pylos? The ones with the stain-resistant polish? I always like to be prepared in case the Church shows up. You know how they like making people bleed...
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Giving a sigh, Pylos looked straight into Tarnagius' eyes. "Okay, Tarnagius, we need to talk. I get that you were raised up as a proper Chelish nobleman, with all the crap that entails, but you need to settle down. These fine ratfolk have kindly put us up in their own home, allowing us to hide our efforts from Barzillai's thugs. Jules, here, has more of a reason to hate us than we do him, not that I have any negative feelings towards him, and has been a great help. As for Kethaera, she probably has the least reason to help out on Kintargo than any of us. Indeed, she'd he more than welcome in pretty much any major, and some minor, city in the country. All of them want to help bring down Barzillai and get this city back to the splendor it once had." His gaze hardening, Pylos leaned over the table. "So the question remains, can you maintain a civil tongue while in the presence of these people?"
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Tarnagius starts, scowls slightly, sighs, cracks his neck then turns to face Pylos. Evidently he's been simmering on this for a while. His voice starts off a low growl but slowly rises until he eventually begins yelling.
You're right. I'll apologize the second you two he points to Pylos and Kethaera start treating this like a revolution and not an opportunity to troll for sexual gratification. Last time we had an argument about this you insisted that you know better than anyone what we are up against but it's obvious that you are totally blind. You bring a devil into our fold, joke about making me crossdress when discussing going to court to MEET FACE TO FACE WITH THE VERY MAN WE ARE FIGHTING AGAINST, insist that we go and rescue Nisha - a proposition that ended with me carrying Kethaera's unconscious body halfway across the city, I might add - then immediately start trying to seduce her as you both lay bleeding and nearly unconscious! Do you realize what your corpse would mean to this revolution?! You get cut down, and our entire operation has to move and those three rodents you are defending will have to leave this precious home of theirs, the coffee shop will have to close since it's not like Rexus or Laria can risk staying here, and the rest of us will probably hang because if a Thrune goes and dies in some small-time gang hideout, Barzillai can't just let that go. If you're dead your mask is useless and half the gods-damned city will be crawling with guards and dottari and bounty hunters and probably even devils he glances sideways at Blosodriette because everyone will need to know exactly what it was you were doing there. Every single time you step out to fight something you risk ALL OF OUR LIVES. Start being responsible for once in your sheltered, cushioned little life.
He turns to Kethaera And you! I don't want to speak for the rest of the group but did you join this revolution to get rid of Barzillai or to solve every single individual problem in this city and **** half its population in the process? We are at war against an enemy that vastly outdoes us in strength and numbers and supplies and basically every other way and you want to go and recruit a fairy dragon and talk to some friends of yours? The priests were completely neutered when they got rid of Shensen. They're scared and nearly powerless politically unless they're coming from the Asmodean Church which will absolutely not help us! We need actual allies, who can help us actually hurt Barzillai's operations. Thieves, spies, soldiers. People who will respond to Barzillai's violence with violence. You saw what happened at the protest, gathering commoners with bowed heads and painted signs will only get people killed. Getting kittens out of trees and such may help you feel better about yourself, but it's not getting Barzilai any closer to being dethroned. Is this a revolution or a social club to you?
He seems to calm down slightly after his rant. And lastly, Jules. I admit, I have been horrid. You and Phil seem to be the only ones with anything even resembling a clue here, and I apologize.
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As Tarnagius' rant wound down, Pylos' entire changed. His body stilled, his face carefully blank, and a cold aura surrounded him. "Oh, you're quite right. I do joke, I do make inappropriate comments. I am quite aware of what I do. It is a defense mechanism, if you want to get technical. A defense to keep myself sane as the sole owner of a conscience in a family that, quite literally in some cases, cavorts with fiends from Hell," he said, voice the temperature of fresh-laid snow. "So I joke, I flirt, I generally make a fool of myself when I can. But don't, don't for one second think I don't want that son of a b+%~* dead. I will do whatever I can to get rid of him. But it cannot happen, this city cannot function, if we alienate everybody that doesn't conform to some ideal image."
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Tarnagius turns cold himself.
Defense mechanism or no, if you actually want him dead, learn to turn it the hells off. You're asking me to act against my nature and the way I have been for literally my entire life. Can you manage that yourself? Can you keep your head on a swivel and out of your pants for a minute? In the fight after the protest I had to save you. In the fight at the hideout, Nisha had to save you. In the next one, who even knows if we will be able to? Up until now, you have been a liability. Get your head where it belongs or go home. Maybe I've been insensitive, but I haven't risked getting us all killed or discovered yet.
With that, he stands up, pushes his chair in, and leaves.
I'm going to court to gather intel. If you are going to live up to your own standards and start actually helping the revolution, I will see you there. If you'd rather run off with a scullery maid like you usually do, I'm sure I'll hear about that too, but be in or be out. Stop making us protect you without contributing anything but dirty jokes.
Before Tarnagius left, Kethaera's anger had finally reached its breaking point as she strolled up to Tarnagius, blocking his path, and looked at him in the eye.
"You might be right Tarnagius, and yes, I may not have taken this rebellion completely serious, but let me tell you something: if you think that going around blowing stuff up and leaving a trail of bodies and a river of blood will win us the hearts and minds of the people of Kintargo, you're wrong! Yes, we will have to fight, and we will have to kill, but if we sacrifice our ethics and morals to defeat our enemy, then we are no better than they are. The Silver Ravens are to bring hope to a city darkened by evil and fear. We are to become a symbol of hope and good! But if we simply go around killling every Dottari, Chelish Citizen Group, and Hellknight, we might cause more hardship for the people of this city. Didn't you hear how the people listen to me and believed? Are we simply going to turn our backs on all that is right simply because we want to destroy our foes? Are willing to turn our backs on every man, woman, and child who lives in Kintargo simply to destroy Barzillai? Even if we win the war, we will have lost the people's trust. I won't be able to look at myself in the mirror if that happens. Yes, I know that I sleep with tieflings and ratfolk, but I don't care! To me, they are deserving of love and equality as either you and me! I love this city. It is my home. And I'll be damned if I let anyone come waltzing in and try to destroy the very foundations it's built upon. You are just like my mother. She didn't like me sleeping with ratfolk and tieflings, but the priests of Shelyn told me that goddess of love and beauty loves us all, no matter what race, gender, or nationality we are. Am I guilty for loving others? Yes. WOuld I die for that belief? You damned well believe I would without a second thought. I have seen friends dragged out of their homes during the Night of Ashes because of their beliefs! And you think I don't care about fighting for the people of this city? I do. I love Kritti and Borr as I love you and Pylos and Phillip and Jules! I would die for all of you! I care about you and I will fight beside by your sides. But you can't just go around and think that just because you're better than someone, you have the right to look down on them. No you do not. I have been the victim of discrimination for a long time! I had to claw my way to where I am today. I wasn't born into nobility like you or Pylos were, but regardless I prove my critics wrong, people like you Tarnagius. I looked up to people like Strea Vestori, a tiefling who strived to better her fellow tieflings so they don't have to be treated like second-class citizens. Even if you have never been in that position before Tarnagius, you surely have seen people treated like crap. I know what it's like to be treated like crap, trust me. I have a good soul and I pray to Shelyn to help in this difficult time, but you have to understand Tarnagius that I will not sacrifice my beliefs, morals, and ethics, but I will still help this rebellion with every fiber of my being."
Kethaera was fighting back tears of rage, sorrow, compassion, and hope.
"Yes, Tarnagius I love to love others. That's who I am."
She took a deep breath and pulled out the silver dagger and placed it in his hand and then took both and held them to her neck, saying, "If you truly think that I'm not fit to be a part of this revolution...to be a part of the Silver Ravens, then if you have the guts, then end my life. Prove to me and to everyone here that you're better than all of us. Prove to Shelyn, Milani, Cayden, to all of the gods of goodness and hope that are watching that you were right and I don't deserve to be a part of the Silver Ravens. And if do do this, I'll still love you and see you as my friend. And if you don't I'll still love you and see you as my friend."
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Yesh. Someone call the zoo, a drama llama has escaped.
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Sitting in the corner are Blosodriette and Vendalfek sharing popcorn as they watch the argument unfold.
Blosodriette rolls her eyes when Tarnagius mentions bringing a devil into the fold, but Vendalfek whispers "He's gotta point, you know." Vendalfek smiles at the mention of Pylos trying to seduce Nisha, while Blosodriette steals his popcorn. When Tarnagius glances at Blosodriette, she shrugs as if saying "I don't know" but it might also be interpreted as "I don't care".
Vendalfek nearly burst out laughing at the idea of Kethaera shagging half the city, but is quickly shut up when Tarnagius mentions him. Blosodriette grabs control of the popcorn and keeps munching.
When Pylos answers, Vendalfek whispers to Blosodriette "doesn't he also cavorts with fiends from Hell?" to which Blosodriette replies "Only if they're female. Unfortunately he seems more interested in the half-human variety." "Ohh" says Vendalfek, completely oblivious. "Wait, what's cavort mean?"
When Kethaera begins her speech, Vendalfek is completely captivated. He stares her down and soaks in every word, nodding the entire time. Meanwhile, Blosodriette nearly falls asleep. When Kethaera gives Tarnagius the dagger and puts it to her neck, Vendalfek screams "Noooo!", while Blosodriette snaps out of her daze and seizes Vendalfek, holding him down and preventing him from doing anything. "Shhhh" She hushes "I want to see what happens." Her eyes are suddenly full of excitement and mischief.
Tarnagius rolls his eyes and grabs the dagger, holds it for a moment looking Kethaera in the face then offhandedly throws it aside.
I'm not going to kill anyone here, but there is still a question you have to answer. People will side against us, and they won't all be black-robed, pentagram-tattooed, baby-eating Asmodeans. There will be people who are just commoners fearing that opposing Barzillai will mean the destruction of their homes. My father once told me that peasants don't care about the ruling class, or the arts, or abstract freedoms, all they care about is food in their bellies and roofs over their heads. If Barzillai convinces people that we threaten that by opposing him, they will try to kill us. I don't know if you've seen one in action, but mobs can't be reasoned with. If it comes down to it, are you willing to kill people who have done nothing wrong in order to get rid of Thrune? If ten cobblers and a blacksmith kick down our doors tonight with wood axes and daggers because Barzilai has made us all Pariahs, what will you do? A revolution isn't a popularity contest, it's an act of war, diva. Get off the stage for a minute and recognize that. People never write plays about this stuff because nobody wants to hear about how the brave heroes of yore needed to eat their own dead when they were stuck in a 42-year siege or how the great champions once only won a tournament because his enemy tripped over a rock. Do you think I'm grizzled and mean and murderous because it's good for my soul? Do you think I'm some sort of mad ax murderer? I am the way I am because I've seen what they do behind closed doors. You think you know being treated like crap?
He pulls a sleeve up.
This brand here means I was authorized to traffick on my lord's behalf with fiends of hell. I was given the duty to negotiate for assassinations with creatures that can't be seen by mortal eyes or heard by mortal ears. This one on my neck? I cut a living man's heart out and fed it to a hellhound to enhance its intelligence to serve as one of Barzillai's cousin's familiar. This symbol of a mastiff on my right hand? I was in the Battle of the Drawbridge. Don't try to look it up, if you knew what that meant you'd already be recoiling in horror and there's no record of it anywhere. Our illustrious queen personally sent minions into the ninth hell to erase the records even there. HELL balked at keeping a record of things I have done and seen. You don't know even ten percent of what we are up against. But maybe if we keep to your idealism we will all succeed anyway, but what if we don't? What good is being a 'symbol of hope' if we all hang for it? If their 'symbol of hope' is crushed what's going to happen? We won't do anything about it, we will be dead. Maybe we can go on to some rewarding afterlife or something, but where's that leave Kintargo? Even more defenseless than it is now against the machinations of Barzillai.
Tarnagius straightens his clothes out again.
He left the Capitol to do something here, and we don't have any idea what, but we know it's a play for power. That's all these people want. He left the Capitol because some unknown means to gain power exists here. That prospect probably doesn't, but it should TERRIFY you. It keeps me up at night. I can't sleep because I know at any moment whatever magical fiendish plot he has could come to fruition and he could become a God for all I know. Whatever it is that made him come here could make him unstoppable tomorrow. We don't have time for idealism, diva. We don't have the resources to make friends with every single solitary malcontent out there. We need to move quickly and ruthlessly to get rid of him before he goes completely beyond our reach.
He sighs.
You obviously want to help, but the goal of this revolution isn't to fix Kintargo's ills in their entirety, it's to get rid of Barzillai Thrune. Either get on board with that or go back to waving signs and making speeches outside his house. You're good at that, and hey, maybe he'll listen.
Jules quietly listened with a semi uncaring expression until Tarnagius apologized. He smiled a little before returning to his uncaring look.
Once the dramatics were over he spoke up. "Well, now that we have all of the pity and terrible things that have happened to all of us on the table, can we get back to planning?
Look. Here is the thing that some seem not to understand. This will not happen overnight. this will take weeks, months, maybe even years of work and planning. Running off half cocked needs to stop. I am alive through careful planning and well made facades.
We need to spend some time working on recruiting, subterfuge, and information wars. We cannot openly face thrune forces yet. This war will be in the shadows for a good while.
Pylos, Tarnagius, go to court. Get a lay of the land. Perhas there's a noble house that may show signs of sympathy. Take Blosodriette she may see something you do not.
Philip, Kethaera, patrol the streets a bit. Think about placing graffiti in areas of the city far from us to throw off the dottari and CCG.
I am going to investigate this lead I have on gear the strix may have hidden. Vendalfek should accompany me.
Does this sound alright to everyone or shall we continue comparing scars for the next few hours?"
The Halfling ended his matter of fact direction with hands sttepled in front of him and eyebrow cocked.
Sounds fine to me
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"Look, I don't really care about how you feel about our non-human companions, hate 'em or love 'em. Just keep it quiet. We all have to work together for this to work," Pylos said at the end before looking over at Jules.
"That does sound like a good idea, and Blosodriette has to stay close to her contract anyway," he said, giving a nod to the halfling. "If you can, help disguise those going out to the streets, especially Kethaera as they may be quietly looking for her."
Kethaera just dropped to the floor sighing as she looked up at Tarnagius tears trying to break the dam that was her willpower.
"You still don't get Tarnagius. If you try to defeat evil with evil you'll never win. History has proven that time after time. And you can't defeat ruthlessness with more ruthlessness. You have to take the moral high road and be better than your enemies. If your enemy kills a thousand people, you save a two thousand lives. And don't you realize that by helping the people of this city you'll undermine Barzillai's authority and power? You said that Thrunes, present company excluded, just love power and wielding authority didn't you? Then we take that away from him. We make him look weak to his allies. We make it so that it looks like to the people of Kintargo that he can't govern efficiently. By helping others, we take away his power. We hurt him where it hurts the most: his hunger for power. You can't...you can't sacrifice your soul to defeat evil. It never works..."
Upon hearing Jules's words the half elf got up and went over and kissed the halfling on the forehead and gave him a hug, saying, "Thank you Jules for being the most level headed person in this ragtag group of rebels. Thank you."