Bazzle rubs his already tossled hair. "Well I can ask about to see if there is anything that can help on that front."
When asked about contact with the Rose, Laria replies "Last time was about five or six months ago. They wanted help smuggling out one of their faith who were wanted by the Thrunes. Kintargo was relatively free of Thrune influence at that time, but getting past the pirates between here and Varisia is a real task."
Vendalfek also butts in (he's still on Bazzle's head) "There was a tavern here called the Thrashing Badger that the worshippers of Milani would frequent. Really nice fellows. They would buy me things that I couldn't steal."
In response to Rexandi's statement about the academy, Rexus says "They've been hurting since it was revealed that the temple hill slasher was a well liked professor there. Still, I hear that the academy produces excellent medics, healers, alchemists, and so on."
When looking for a base, Bazzle notes that it needs to have the following features to be effective: It has to be secure, it has to be secret, and it has to be livable within for long periods of time (so it has to have a source of water, a place for waste, a place to live in). Bazzle knows of various Redroof locations that would be secret, but not secure, nor livable. There is the old livery that has been cleared out recently. That place would be secure and secret, but would have to be properly cleaned and there would need to be a source of fresh water in order to make it work. Bazzle is also aware of a gang called the River Talons who live within the sewers. If they were cleared out of there, the area could potentially serve as a base.
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Finishing his drink with with a smile to Laria, Pylos let out a groan as he laid down onto his bed, Blosodriette hopping to the headboard. "With all the excitement last night, this Thrune reject needs a few days sleep," he told everybody with his arm over his eyes. "Wake me up in a couple hours. Or if the Hellknights or Citizen's Group finds us." Giving a pause, he added, "Or if a bevvy of beautiful naked people march by."
"Go to sleep, Pylos." Says Blosodriette.
And he's out.
Bazzle laughs at the imp.
"Well I think the River Talons have a hideout in the sewers. They are no friend of the people. But its secret, relatively secure and its not like street thugs are going to crying to the Hellknights. They old livery would need some work and clean water but could work."
"Remind me not to change while that guy's around," mutters Rexandi. Back in a normal tone she says, "Well... I don't relish the idea of the sewers, but I guess if it works, it works. The livery sounds a bit more promising, honestly, if we can figure out a solution for the water issue. Sadly, I can't create water magically."
Bazzle seems in thought, "Well the Talons if we hit them at the right time will have cash on hand. Might be a bit of a bonus."
Laria says "Getting the Talons out would be useful, though not as useful as say the CCG. Still, it's a place to start. Is that what you're planning then, to take out the Talons?"
Blosodriette rolls her eyes "They'll have to find a way to cross that bridge again." Then her ears perk up. "Unless we go during the day, and find an entrance to the sewers from there."
"We'd need some intel." He chuckles, "If we were really clever we'd send them info on a score against our enemies. Then hit them while they are nursing their wounds . . . but that's a long con . . . sorry thinking out loud."
Tarnagius starts to chuckle menacingly.
Ohohoho, I like this one. Making them go and kill themselves against the dottari or something would be great, but I doubt they'd believe any rumors that would be connected to a score big enough to justify going and picking a fight against someone we need to hurt. Unless there's another gang out there for us to take a base from.
Laria replies "Not that I'm aware of. You already took care of the Red Jills."
Rexus says to Bazzle "Well unless you want to take the mission yourself, you could use the performers to gather information on the various members. Or, you could send the Skritt down there to try to scout as much of the area as possible."
Bazzle's eyes cross and look up at his new dragon friend, "What do you think you're a spy right."
Blosodriette mutters very softly "If he'd keep his mouth shut."
Vendalfek perks up and clears his throat. "Absolutely! So the very best thing about bandits, thieves, and people is that they're always really easy to affect with my magical powers. I can make them fall asleep like they drank too much, or make them fight each other by insulting they're mothers. Really sensitive bunch. Oh and they all really like getting drunk. Whenever I see a really drunk person, I'm pretty sure they're a thug, thief, or maybe a sailor. Yeah."
Both Laria and Rexus put their hands to their face and try to forget the last few seconds that just occurred.
"Sounds like we can put ears to the ground on the Talon's if we find an asset among them that might open other opportunities but info first."
He looks at the dragon, "hmm sounds about right. We need lots of time and focus. You're among R-tists'." He kisses his fingers for emphasis. "We need to play it cool learn what we can then we can put them to sleep and have drunken brawl. Who know you can help with a hilariously deadly spy prank masterpiece. Legen - wait for it - dary."
Bazzle chats with Laria about what she knows of street performer cells and any secret contact signals he is not aware. He will then head out during daytime with the dragon if he'll join him. If any one wants to tag along or everyone wants to tag along that might be fun.
He makes the rounds watching performers and making small talk. He joins some performers he's familiar with and joins in himself doing his normal routine.
Bazzle has three lines of inquiry in addition to the normal reports the performers might offer. The Talons, their hideout and word on the street.
Laria informs Bazzle that she only knows about the street performers that Bazzle was part of prior to becoming a full-time resistance fighter, so Bazzle would likely know more than her.
Vendalfek happily agrees. He says that it's been too long since he last got to see all of the city and the comings and goings of big folk (which to him is anyone larger than a 10 lbs cat).
Kethaera nods, although she does add, "While I'm not sure if all of the gangs are bad...cough, use to have a bit of a wild streak when I hit puberty cough...and taking out the gangs will be good for the people of Kintargo, the only problem is that it does live a power vacuum and that might allow something much worst to move into the area. However, I don't think it'll hurt to gain information on the Talons and their hideout. Maybe we could cut a deal with them or even persuade them to join the Silver Ravens. It gives us a way to keep an eye on the other gangs as well as to have some backup if things get messy with the CCG."
She shudders at the mention of the Hill Temple Slasher, saying, "I've heard stories of what happened, and when I attended the Academy, I would always get a chill near where he used to have his office. Everyone did so as well, so pretty much everyone stayed away from there if they could help it."
The half-elf checks on the Skritts asking them if they knew of any other Skritts living in Kintargo who might want to join the Silver Ravens.
Kethaera nods, although she does add, "While I'm not sure if all of the gangs are bad...cough, use to have a bit of a wild streak when I hit puberty cough...and taking out the gangs will be good for the people of Kintargo, the only problem is that it does live a power vacuum and that might allow something much worst to move into the area. However, I don't think it'll hurt to gain information on the Talons and their hideout. Maybe we could cut a deal with them or even persuade them to join the Silver Ravens. It gives us a way to keep an eye on the other gangs as well as to have some backup if things get messy with the CCG."
Bazzle chuckles, "Well successful insurrection tend to be lawless. Dealing with some rougher gangs might put us in position to control and utilize the underworld. Some gangs are just thugs and will profit selling pesh and extortion rackets. Knock them out of the way then we can push those criminals to see the profit in a black market that caterers to the rebellion, hits our enemies rather than the good folk of Kintargo. If a gang of knuckle draggers are gonna knock a strong box I'd prefere it be someone on the Citizen's Guild."
"Just let me know so I can work my classes around it," says Rexandi, still idly bouncing one crossed leg. "If you're going to get up to some fisticuffs the least I can do is come along to take care of the cuts and bruises."
"Just let me know so I can work my classes around it," says Rexandi, still idly bouncing one crossed leg. "If you're going to get up to some fisticuffs the least I can do is come along to take care of the cuts and bruises."
"You are welcome to. Hopefully fisticuffs or pointy measures I hope will be kept to a minimum but hit by a stray jugglers toss can singe your hair. This trip I hope is all info and hiding in plain sight." Bazzle produces a card then makes it disappear.
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Oh you HAD a wild streak?!
Tarnagius gets to helping Rexus while Bazzle gathers intel, looking incredulous.
Bazzle hits the popular centers of town to perform and earn some coin and intel. Vendalfek flips around in the air during the performances and casts flairs into the sky while breathing out bursts of glitterdust. By the end of the day, the duo have impressed a wide range of citizens, and have earned a whopping 6 gold pieces for their work, which is tons compared to the average busker. Meanwhile, Rexandi tags along and eavesdrops on the various conversations nearby. Talk of the Red Jill's gruesome fate at the hands of the rival gang called the Silver Ravens is still circling, and some are wondering what might become of the all-Tengu River Talons. It has gotten to the point that even the 'relatively' open-minded citizens of Kintargo have become more and more racist towards Tengus that the War Cage's shop keeper is facing plenty of oppression.
Tarnagius wearily aids Rexus in translations and deciphering, reducing the time it takes by another day. Tarnagius figures that if he helps one more time, that the documents will be decoded by the end of that night.
Kethaera has been chatting with the Skritt about all things sewers and Skritt-related. They let her know that there are plenty of Skritt around who don't like Thrune, but most are too scared to poke their heads above ground. There are also those who would be called supremacists, who are interested in overtaking Kintargo rather than coexisting with it. In regards to the state of the sewers, they say that there are a lot of problems going on lately, namely the difficulty of getting across the Bleakbridge. Even once they've gotten to the other side of the bridge, there are a bunch of Tengu who live just inside. The best way past them is to run really fast, because they're too busy yelling to hear properly. The Skritt don't know where exactly, but they assume that there's some sort of hidden entrance to their lair, because their voices come from inside the walls.
By the end of the day, everyone is back at the nest. Tarnagius, Pylos, and Kethaera back to their normal sleep routine.
Bazzle returns with the others still laughing and carrying on with Vendalfek. He returns and puts the trove of coins, pocket lint and other collected bits equaling 6 gold out for Laria. "Hope this helps keep up costs."
When everyone is back together he shares what was discovered. "Wow did we have a day." He holds up a hand to get a high 5 from Vendalfek. "So we were out working the corner in Jarvis End." "We did pretty good touched base with the street performers we were able to learn that . . . the talons are Tengu I mean I knew they had Tengu but its like beaks only." He stops a moment, "Oh there is a new 'gang' called the Silver Ravens who recently knocked off the Red Jills." He points his fingers like crossbows "Ya'll are famous." He then realized he has shared little of substance.
Bazzle scratches the back of his neck, "Um Rexandi you were in a good spots to hear some news did you pick up some good detail."
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With his body and mind rested after the evenfull night, Pylos spent the day relaxing and making sure his gear was maintained. Talking a bit with everybody, getting a feel for where everybody was at, he started feeling restless cooped up underground. As they all gathered again, he asked, "Are you sure they said the Silver Ravens? Did we ever say that during the fight with the Red Jills?"
"That's the word on the streets." Bazzle shrugs.
"The Silver Ravens have a long history in this city. People will ascribe events to them haphazardly and erroneously due simply to their historical fame," points out Rexandi. "As for rumors, not much. There's been backlash against tengu in the city specifically because of the wild stories about the Talons."
Well the Talons sound like either an asset or a threat. We need to deal with them in some capacity either way.
"Well I have heard they are generally up to no good." Bazzle shrugs, "We wanted their real estate . . . I mean that is why we started looking into things."
Vendalfek hesitantly adds "Um, Pylos, if you don't remember there was uh, an interrogation at their base."
Pylos suddenly has a flashback when Nisha tried to save him from the Strix by sacrificing herself. Vendalfek saved Jules in similar fashion. There was so much blood.
"Should I still plan on attending a few seminars at the university, or are we going to form something more concrete about the Talons?" asks Rexandi.
No problem with you going to school, really. There are times outside of class, I assume. We can work around a schedule if we absolutely need you to come with us.
Kethaera explained to the others on what the Skritts had told her.
"There are plenty of Skritt around who don't like Thrune, but most are too scared to poke their heads above ground, which I don't blame them. Unfortunately, there are also Skritts who you could call supremacists and are mainly interested in overtaking Kintargo rather than coexisting with her people. In regards to the state of the sewers, they told me that there are a lot of problems going on lately, namely the difficulty of getting across the Bleakbridge. Even once they've gotten to the other side of the bridge, there are a bunch of Tengu, which I'm guessing could be the Talons, who live just inside. The best way past them is to run really fast, because they're too busy yelling to hear properly. The Skritt don't know where exactly, but they assume that there's some sort of hidden entrance to their lair, because their voices come from inside the walls."
Kethaera thinks for a second, before continuing, "You know there is that Tengu shopkeeper on the docks. It's a slim chance, but he might know something about the Tengu in the Talons. It's worth a try."
Rexus says "We can likely put Rexandi into 'self study' courses that will make her schedule very flexible."
So Laria sums it all up. "So from the sound of it, the Talons live in the sewers on the other side of Bleakbridge. They have some sort of hidden entrance, and they fight with each other regularly. They are composed of Tengu, and it's possible that the Tengu shopkeeper might know about them. The Talons have been known to be petty thugs and pickpockets. I've never seen any sign of them furthering more than their own agenda, but who knows, maybe they could be swayed. I wouldn't bet on it, though.
We are also suffering from an image problem after your fight with the Red Jills, and I suspect the battle at the Salt Works didn't aid our case. We could try to spread misinformation to help dissolve the bad image, but that will take some time. In the meantime, Rexus is nearly finished with the documents, and we need to sign Rexandi up for those self study courses. We also have plenty of gold in our treasury (6 gold richer now too), so I think it would be wise for you all to take some time off and do some shopping. So tomorrow you've got yourself a choice: You can either take the day off to shop and get some errands done, or you can deal with the Talons."
Bazzle looks curious, "Image problem? What happened that facing the Jills gave you all . . . us an image problem?"
Kethaera cleared her thought before speaking, "Well we tried to help out the city by taking out some of the street gangs in order to make the streets a bit safer. We succeeded but unfortunately there are people who think we are just another gang. And then we liberated some people who were enslaved to labor in the Salt works. We succeeded in that regard as well. Although you can guess that it caused a huge mess in that we took several members of the Chelish Citizens Group including I guess a mid ranking member of the CCG. Not to mention we got some innocent ferrymen captured and I'm hoping we can free them soon. I feel bad that we got them so I hope we can save them."
"I guess there's not much we can do about the Jills issue now," says Rexandi. "We can't change their post-hoc image, since they're gone. So we just have to roll with the punches. Shall we go after the Talons immediately after we get whatever intel we can?"
Bazzle looks about incredulously, "How is knocking off the Jills a negative. I will have a talk with the street performers. They can no doubt point out that many victims of the Jill celebrate their demise. No one else enslaved or mugged at least by them. They can also note the exploited victims forced into a shameful life rescued . . ." He stands on a chair and lifts a hand, " . . . nay LIBERATED by the heroes of the Silver Ravens."
Kethaera smiled and clapped her hands at the gnome's words.
"Oh! I like that! That should go a long way to improving our image."
I don't know if we need to mount a campaign to restore our image with our limited resources right now. If we can keep knocking off people hurting people eventually someone is going to notice that the Silver Ravens aren't actually hurting anyone and that muggings and kidnappings and such are going down.
Tarnagius shrugs.
I still think that we will work better toward our goal of getting our beloved Mayor out by working with these groups rather than by fighting them, but if we are going to do it I think we need to spend all of our resources on these fights rather than splitting off part of it to mount a PR campaign.
Bazzle shrugs, "Words are free."
"Even if we can get the Talons to help. Do we trust them enough to set up our base in their compound. They might not like our Skirtt allies."
"You leave that to me. I'm quite skilled in getting people to work together. Being a follower of Shelyn will do that to you a lot. Shelyn wants people to get along, whether it's trying to get a bunch of five year olds to sing a hymnal or organizing a protest against a tyrannical government, so we as her acolytes train in having a silver tongue. I did motivate that crowd a couple of weeks ago in standing up to Barzillai, although something tells me that he wasn't too happy about that."
She stops and thinks for a moment before asking, "Now that I think about it, what does the rest of the Thule family think of the Lord-Mayor? Pylos, you would be the expert on that part. And Tarnagius, you used to work for him before you realized how evil he was, so did anything really get on his nerves or something?"
"So if we want to parlay maybe this tengu shopkeep is our ticket."
"Indeed. That seems to be the best route to take," the diva said in agreement.
"All right... do we have a cover story?"