Beppo as you approach Tarvi, sitting on the floor in front of a long pew that's covered in papers with notes and arcane marks. She doesn't look up, but speaks in a low voice thick with anguish and disappointment.
The horses...the knights...it was much more frightening than I ever thought it would be. They were coming up on us... so fast. So fast. I knew the caltrops were there, but my mind raced...what if they weren't enough? What then?
I could stop them... at least, I thought I could. A simple sleep spell would have stopped them right there. I've done it before. I have! They make fun of me...but I have cast real spells before. I just...I just choked up. We could have died back there. I let everyone down. I let myself down...Maybe Yako is right...
Beppo gingerly moves closer to Tarvi and lays a comforting hand on her shoulder. Hey, now, everyone gets a bit scared the first time. You just have to remember that you have done it before, and you'll do it again. I never cast a spell, but I'm pretty sure it works that way, just like swinging a blade.
Shades of Grey? Hmmm...sounds like a fine name to me. And it would be easy to represent via color of uniform or a bandanna.
Aemon, I hope that through a series of selfless, decisive actions, we inspire the people to a different way of living. If Westcrown is to experience significant improvement, it must happen through its people. No one group or organization has the power to effect such change against the House, Knights and Church. And, in all frankness, I'm not sure that even if we did, if it would make Westcrown better. Instead of Knights and Inquisitors, we would have lawlessness... people would still live in a constant state of fear and worse of all, I'm afraid none would rise up to do anything about it. We must show them that courage and strength, properly applied, can change everything. We must show them to live without fear.
I know you probably want more specifics... but to be honest, Arael and I are still working that out. Having a name and identity is the first step, obviously. With that done, perhaps you cab do a few things around the city while Arael and I plan our first major step. I've asked some of the others to keep their ears open, and I believe we have a few suggestions. Listen to them, and let's see which one works best for you.
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I dunno. All of my life, my parents have tried to force me into things I don't want to do. I've told them that I can do better. They want me to run their business...they want me to marry the men they pick for me...they don't know me! They don't know what I want. They don't care...but...when I saw those horses, I froze. For a moment, I asked myself, "What am I doing here? I'm not cut out for this! My parents told me, I just do tricks. I can't do real magic!" I could have died right there.
She pounds her fist on the table. But I will do it. I will prove them wrong. I will master this! I am in charge of my destiny!!
"He's looking for a name. Someones to be when not being we. Like the names some called when war we played. Part true, part false, in masquerade."
"I say we be 'Shades of Grey', to honor our captain, Tessai. She should be 'Dove', or 'Dawn', or 'Rose'; there is such. Beppo, 'Steel', Kyle, 'Silver', or 'Old Man' if he favors that. And remember, they need not be true, although a mask can shape the face beneath."
"Brandon might be 'Dark' and 'Light', both, so we can refer to the spear or the scalpel. They are so different."
"Corellon and I, and Aemon, you'll ride with us, yes? We can drawn from all the others; Smoke, Shadow, Midnight, Sunrise, Blue, Green... the list is longer than my wit."
Stepping from the corner where she had been listening to the conversation, Tessai approaches the group - If you guys don't mind, I would like to bring some realism to the table - I am perfectly ok with the idea behind selecting a name for us to go by - I will take Lotus for myself. But... Without any disrespect to Janiven, I do not think we are suited for random acts of kindness or goodness - Take a good look at us - she waves around the table - Apart from Kyle, who has been able to shine through both in battle and in generosity, we are combatants. Clearly suited to the fray, but severely out of place when it comes to spreading kindness... She shakes her head.
We are all still too attached to our possessions meager as they may be, and what best purchase can be made with a couple of gold coins, still too dettached from ideals, or doing good for its own sake - If the plan is to have us raise this towns' inhabitants belief in hope to shine through the deacy, I'm afraid we are direly ill suited for the task at hand.
If you want my suggestion, use us to help rebuilding a home, transporting and protecting the sick, fixing a cart, fighting off starving wolves from a farm, or even putting down some criminal element that may be on the up and rising, cowering the people even more into their homes - you can trust us to succeed at that.
With a somber look she adds - Do not let us out on the streets, hoping that we will be helping charitably our fellow citizens, just out of the good of our hearts - we would fail at that. Play on the strengths we truly have, and not on the ones you think, and we wish we did.
"You are faulting us? Why? Was it better Janiven recruited a tavernful of saints?"
You can see Tessai's nails digging into the wooden table in front of her as she stares at Devil - Faulting Devil? What do you mean? Would you say that we are the ones most indicated for random acts of kindness upon the cities of Westcrown? If you do honestly feel so... Very well. I am simply stating my opinion on what I believe our strengths are - and I do not believe that to be one of them.
Janiven answers Tassai. Do not be concerned. Each person here was recruited for their various connections, strengths and talents. I asked each of you, she sweeps her hand in the direction of the party because you bring tactical and combat prowess to the table. Most of you have the characteristics of adventurers, mercanaries, soldiers and healers. While charatable acts of giving can help to inspire others, we simply do not have the resources to sustain such a campaign for any amount of time.
Arael folds his hands near his face. Understand, the apathy we fight is a direct result of fear. People no longer anger over the deaths of innocents because they believe nothing can be done about it. While each member of our little group has their own role to play to inspire others, yours will be be the most important. It will be to do what you do best. Whether you realize it or not, as of yet, missteps aside, this group Janiven has recruited has demonstrated that it can handle itself in the face of physical challenges. It will be those demonstrations, properly applied, that will best benefit our cause. Do not expect us, however, to haphazardly set you loose on the street and hope some good comes of it. There are others around this table who act as our eyes and ears. Janiven and I listen to their reports, and will provide you with opportunities to make a difference that best fits your skills.
As far as your concern for funds, it was something I anticipated. We do not expect you to fight ill-prepared. While our own warchest is practically non-existant, it has been my experience that criminal elements oftentimes have items of value and purses of gold lying around. There are, of course, some obscure laws that address that. However, in my decades of living here, I've yet to see them enforced, and they only apply in city limits. Outside of the walls, you have even less concern about taking what is needed from you fallen foes. Make no mistake, these will be evil creatures and persons we will ask you to confront. Adding their resources to your own weakens their future efforts while strengthening our cause. You are welcome to take, keep and spend any treasure, magic item or valuable that you come across in the course of your jobs. Interestingly enough, one of the jobs available that Fiosa brought to my attention actually has a reward attached to it. Fiosa?
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Fiosa stands up on her chair to be clearly seen by all. Westcrown’s common folk now fear going out at night, for everyone in the city has heard the strange cries of—or lost a pet or loved one to—the creatures of pure darkness that hunt the streets after sundown. However, a masked woman calling herself “Bluehood” offers a reward for any shadow beast killed if the slayers drop its corpse on the garbage stoop outside the tavern across from the old Leroung estate. Anyone doing so finds a bag of 100 gp left for them at their home or inn.
There are a couple of other opportunities, but I asked Janiven to mention this one first for a number of reasons. The people fear the shadow beasts. Killing any number of them is sure to raise their courage and our reputation. The fact that this hidden benefactor is willing to pay for the effort is an added boon. As Janiven said, funds are needed for any fighting group to be properly supplied and equipped. More than the others, this opportunity allows us to address two conerns at once.
Aemon peaks up at the talk of shadow beasts and the hunt.
There were often times me and my brother would run from the shadows never knowing when one would strike and kill us. I'd be more than happy to return the fear back to them.
Sitting back and taking a deep breath.
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That's not all, Larko speaks up. While workin' on the docks, I heard some of the watch talkin' about several groups of bandits harassin' people and merchants as they come in and out of the city. Some of the watch has been assigned outside the city walls because of it and they ain't none too happy.
If were were to address that, Arael chimes in, I could see that working in our favor. If we were to eliminate the threat and leave a note for the mayor that is was the "Shades of Grey" group which made that happen, it would surely raise awareness of our action for the better.
And, Janiven says, bandits do tend to have some manner of gold on their person or wherever they may be hiding out.
Vitti, a man with green hair that would fit in with a group of gnomes speaks next. Bandits aren't the only thing outside our walls that are of concern. A crafty whitebearded goblin named Whitechin lives in the ruined part of the city, near the north wall. The forest tells me that he has staked out a small territory for himself and attracted a number of followers. If left unchecked, his minions and their goblin dogs could start raiding the city or harassing merchant traffic. You mentioned earlier you ran into goblin problems in the sewer. I do not know if they belong to Whitechin, but if he does organize them, Westcrown could have another serious issue on its hands that may rival the plague of the Shadowbeasts.
Any of theses would be excellent opportunities to spread the name of the Shades of Grey, and perhaps earn some much needed coin for each of you in the process. Additionally, while you work on these concerns, Arael and I will continue to gather information and plan our next move as a group.
Indeed. Accomplishing any of these acts are bound to win gratitude of the people and show them that there are people who care about justice and protecting the innocent without using the powers of Hell to do so. What say you?
Turning to the others, Tessai comments - I have crossed paths many times in the past with those vultures that surround Westcrown - more than once we had to repel them from... She catches herself midsentence, pausing for just a moment, her brow furrowed, her eyes losing just a tad of their dark glow.
Quickly composing herself, she continues - They are worth nothing, a pitiful excuse for human beings, attempting to prey on those weaker than themselves, they are wretches one scrapes from one's boot. I bear no love for goblins - they are easily mistaken for a comic excuse of a monster, but I have witnessed truly horrible deeds performed by those puny things, they are much more of a threat than they are usually given credit for.
But Shadow Beasts... For a long time I have been wanting to stare straight into one of those, having them face someone who is not willing to run away, but instead ready to take them on. I wish to challenge those creatures - they are one of the utmost symbols of the people's fear in Westcrown, and standing up against them would be way more than a galvanizing move, it would be an essential one - showing that fear can be confronted, and put DOWN!
She pounds her fist on the table. But I will do it. I will prove them wrong. I will master this! I am in charge of my destiny!!
That's the spirit - your parents aren't here, so don't let them stop you. This is YOUR time - you have to let yourself make a mistake and keep at it. See this-
Beppo shows off a scar conveniently located on one of his biceps- and this- he leans in close to show her another just below his neck - Got those because I didn't know what I was doing or took a bad swing. But each time I got up, took care of the bastard, and got better.
{Merchants have guards. Goblins are bad neighbors. Shadows are enemies to all...}
"The Shades should start their war with the Shadows. If only to prove most swiftly, it is fear we battle. Let us practice merciless battle, perhaps to leech it from our systems, before we face sentients we might wish to spare. I find anger rising as apologies are made for my motives and methods, so let us strengthen our bonds with a simple battle against an avowed enemy made manifest. I also favor that whoever delivers the shadow corpse gets paid. I have no wish to handle coin when it stains my blackened fingers, and I am marked a miser for careful accounting."
"Is it known of these shadows, are there weapons of a certain type needed? My share is unspent, and unwanted. But if any of us lack a silver, or cold iron, and that's known as needed...?"
I have fought shadow beasts before, and survived. We know they fear and shun light.... and that they seem to pray off of any flesh they can find. If you go forward with a lot of light, they will stay clear. That's how the watch moves about the city. However, I suspect if one were to go out in the dark, draw them out, and then illuminate the area, it would put the beast at a disadvantage. That's the best advice I can give you.
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Tarvi looks a Beppo. Thanks. My parents refused to get me real training in arcane magic even though they could afford it. They've never supported me. I've had to figure most of this out on my own with books that I've found, borrowed or bought. I want to do this for myself. If it helps others in Westcrown, that's even better. I'll show them all!
"Don't dismiss yourself, yet, Arael. Let me mine a bit, for that advice. When the beast attacks, is it in the manner of a hound? Or of a great cat? Or as a rending ape? Is it a single, intent attack, or a raking series of claws, or a grabbing crush? Are they single hunters? A pack? Are they known to have a locus, a place one might be sure to find them?"
"As for light, there are some of us with less need for it. A light that might be hidden might be a great boon, and not just against the shadows."
It was a quick scuffle. I don't even know how to describe it outside of saying that its a creature befitting of its name...a monstrous beast made of living shadow. It attacked me with some sort of claws. I drove it away with a burst of light.
Janvien adds, Pickpockets and other street urchins often share wild tales of shadows battling fiercely in the alleyways and nighted dens, fighting with raw savagery instead of their more customary stealth. Some canny street folk use this territorial nature to trick competing shadow beasts into fighting each other, giving wanderers out after dark enough time to move through territories infested by these lurking hunters without being attacked. This doesn't always work, however.
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I also favor that whoever delivers the shadow corpse gets paid. I have no wish to handle coin when it stains my blackened fingers, and I am marked a miser for careful accounting.
Kyle laughs, "Only you marked yourself as miserly. I was making a point after your interjection of my interest in a ring. A ring that is an obvious gift from Shelyn for the approval of our work."
"I have given thought about your request for a more fair split of items retrieved. I suggest all items be marked for sale so the gold is split evenly. This is not to say we can't sell the items to whomever wants them. Since I fancy Shelyn's gift, I shall compensate everyone for the item as if we had sold it. All items will be done in this manner so we can settle your qualms of rapacious behavior and every one gets a even split for all activities. That means," Kyle keeps his eyes on Devil, "that you will take a split no matter who delivers the shadow corpse."
"At this point, I won't accept any other method." He looks around at the others. "And since I obviously don't have the money now, I will once again add the total to my debts. I'm sorry for doing so; I will not make this a habit, I promise." He frowns at his predicament.
Slamming her fist on the table, which groans in protest, her teeth bared, Tessai raises her voice a tad higher, but in a cold, calm manner - Let me add something right now! We have wasted enough time throwing veiled comments and word games at each other about this! Me clearly included.
Here! The ring should OBVIOUSLY be in your hands - she adds as she delivers the ring to Kyle. And I won't accept any other method - she adds bluntly.
Yes! I was furious at the fact that most of you would so easily ignore a maimed man, while pouching money that was never yours to begin with, to run off and buy a NEW SWORD or trinket, with the excuse that it will help us be better at saving Westcrown tomorrow?! There was one of them to be aided right there and then! Not the next day!
Yes! I think that money obtained from the HellKnights must have surely come from the pockets of Westcrown's citizens, and using it to heal one of their own was not only the right thing to do but also an OBLIGATION!
However, our relation is not based in "bosses" or "leaders", so it is not my word to say what each and any of us should do with their coin, regardless of my opinion on how that coin was earned or not - we are all here for a reason, and I am willing to accept different perspectives on the same topic. I was furious... HELL, I am still furious!! But... If someone gets me a DECENT drink, I think I MAY just be able to calm down - she nods with a wink to Ermolos.
Tessai's light frame is deceptive, her amazing strength belittled by a slender, elegant form - with a firm grip, she tightens one arm around Kyle and another around Devil, bringing them together, whispering.
Different yes... but still brothers! Or we best part now before we ashame ourselves.
Easing her grasp, she adds - After all... We DID BEAT those Hellknights, and THAT, my friends, deserves a toast!
"I will drink with you both, with you all, and to each of you.", Devil says, nodding to Tessai, "In the manner of a sacrament of your faith.", he grins. "While I continue to ponder the mystery of my turpitude, with money left on the table, while Kyle goes heroically, dutifully, into a martyr's debt. Surely, this is one of those religious mysteries which are opaque to we unenlightened. But law and accounting are not my suit, in this deal. Nor in any wise, trump. I would say of the division of spoils, sell nothing we might use, nor what might mark a trail back to us, and to each what he might use best. Just now, I think I can make good use of this wine."
Raising her glass, Tessai waits for the others to join in, then smiling makes her toast - I guess there is at least one ideal that we stand for Boys! - she says laughing - There is Night and Day, there is Fear and Courage, and there is Black and White, but in between... There are myriad Shades of Gray.
Devil blinks. "For just a moment, there were two of you. It was wonderful."
There were often times me and my brother would run from the shadows never knowing when one would strike and kill us. I'd be more than happy to return the fear back to them.
He never mentioned a brother. And by his manner I daresay he won't be talking of him again any time soon.
Brandon watches the exchanges carefully.
He turns the steel vial over in his hands, watching Tessai draw the 'brothers' together and roar for drink, Kyle smiling and sipping at his wine.
Shades of grey... he whispers
Without further word he pushes himself from the table and strides to his small pile of meagre belongings in the corner.
As his hands busy themselves, obstructed from view by his body he begins to speak;
I am.. many things. A scholar. A chemist. A doctor even. Did you know I delivered a baby once? It was the most frightening thing I have ever done. To bring that tiny life into the world, to have that responsibility. I'm not a particularly brave man and I certainly never thought I was a soldier. No. I am a scientist.
He turns back to face the group, a long strip of grey cloth laying across both hands, torn from his travelling cloak. He starts to tie it around his head like a bandana.
But an old teacher of mine said that "War is the science of destruction." If Shades of Grey we are then let us show this city that they need no longer fear and it is the Hellknights and Inquisitors and Church that should fear us! Beginning with their damned shadow pets...
this very night I say."
Devil blinks. "For just a moment, there were two of you. It was wonderful."
Not joining in the drinking, but giving a nod to the toasts.
Our name mean's nothing without the deeds behind it. We could be called anything in tell we get out there and show these people what we can do and what they can do once they stand up against oppression, our words are wind.
Standing up looking around and pointing at Brandon.
Brandon has the right idea of it let's not waste time. We sit here talking about change when we should be out there, the oppressors will not be sitting about talking of what they can do about rebellion they are out there now stopping it in any way they can. Let's move on this right now the shadow beasts are our target let's give the people one less thing to fear in the night and maybe save a lot of lives.
Putting his head down clenching his right fist again..
Valmark...
Aemon Moves past everyone and heads to where is equipment is and start's to get ready.
Janiven gets up I, too, must prepare. There are some things I must accomplish before the night passes completely. I wish you all the favor of the gods.
Looking over his wineglass, Devil asks, "Did I miss a plan being formed? Something more detailed than 'now'? I think lights were mentioned. Magical are most facil. Can we lay hands on such? I'm told I have nearly four hundreds of gold..."
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Yakopulio interrupts Beppo's chat with Tarvi. Hiya handsome. Why don't you let the bookworm there study her...stuff, and spend a little time with me before you leave with your friends to go fight the big, bad shadow beasties. Who knows? This might be our last night alive. Wouldn't you like to go out with a smile? This wallflower doesn't know how to please a man the way I do.
Tarvi almost seems to ignore her interruption and proposition, studying one of her sheets intently.
Amaya approaches Black Devil. Tomorrow eve' I perform my music in a local tavern for the people of the city. Perhaps I may borrow some of your words to inspire their hearts?
"All you've heard, and more beside. Made to your purpose, bespoke. Defiant or dutifully deferrent, though salted with satire for sure. It's a spice I don't seem to be able to cook without..."
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Fiosa approached Kyle, Janiven told me that the pretty statue she has on her stand was made by you. I...I was wondering... she hands you a piece of paper with a crude drawing of a halfling boy Do you think you could make something that looks like him? Its... its my brother. He was killed years ago by a Shadow Beast. I'm very happy that you all are going to kill some of the beasts...but I figured out a long time ago that nothing will ever bring him back. But, maybe... if you could... the tears well up in her eyes and her voice cracks. I understand if you can't...just... she runs off, leaving you to hold the picture.
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Gorvio's amber eyes widen slightly. Torches? Surly you jest. If all it took were a mere torch to distract the beasts, every townsperson would carry one at night, and there would be no concerns. You need something stronger, my friend.
What about multiple torches? ,Arael muses.
Janiven replies, Light does get brighter with multiple sources, but you would need to light them at the same time to maintain the element of surprise. A shadowbeast will shun a strong light source that approaches.
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Kyle takes the picture and looks at it for a while. He measures the different angles and curves in his mind certain he can create the requested figurine. He puts it in his bag with his craftsman tools. I will pray for guidance from Shelyn to help create this when I get back tonight.
He looks up Janiven at the mention of different light sources. "What do you suggest?"
Kyle looks up Janiven at the mention of different light sources. "What do you suggest?"
"...Within four hundred coins?", Devil conditions the question.
My wayfinder is always a reliable source of light as are Kyle's spells and even a few sunrods. I feel like I can help prepare in a more tangeable way though. If anyone wishes to spare a few coins for components I can brew some potions of the same extract that enlarges me? Or even light cure remedies or even magical shields?