"Hippa, I'm not a fan of the Hellknights either, but as much as the Order of the Rack seems to accept a lot of drunk on power a$!&+~&s, the ones I've had to deal with haven't been the murdering sort. If we go around killing them, we're likely to bring all of Citadel Rivad down on Westcrown instead of only the small outpost they keep here now. We've got bigger problems in Westcrown than the Hellknights. Let's embarass them, not kill them." Auði moves to stabilize another one.
There is sewage
Sevros looks over the bleeding Hellknights and is conflicted.
"I suppose you're right Audi... letting them die doesn't further our cause, it just stacks the charges against us if we're caught."
Sevros tends to one of the bleeding hellknights then takes whatever money/valuables he may have.
All the hell nights are now stable.
I am going to assume that you do not take their armor, due to time and anyone with a knowledge 10 local realizes that the armor will be nigh impossible to sell. If you decide to take it then let me know, and that might change whether or not another group catches you.
once you are ready to move on roll a d100
Detect magic + spellcraft () to identify the potions or note any magical items the hellknights were carrying.
Sevros takes one of the light crossbows and 20 bolts.
The potions are potions of CLW
Leaving the still breathing Hellknights to their fate, and leaving their armor behind our heroes advance again through the darkness, and once again they come across a path blocked by stacked crates.
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"Bah, who in the hells put all these damn crates down in the sewers anywhow, they need all sorts of sense slapped into them." The noble began very irratably as he set his halberd to the side again and started to work on shifting the crates away so they could get through. Out of curiousity he threw one against the wall hoping to break it open to see what it held.
An intense smell of rot comes over Tramtris as rotten food spills out.
This is it! Once we clear these crates, there is a ladder leading up and that will put us in our safe house.
The heroes drag their way out of the sewer and find themselves in a rundown alley, behind an abandoned shrine to Aroden.
Janivan moves to the end of the alley and knocks on the door, a hatch in it opens and a man peers out.
Ermolos, open up. I have new allies, but they have Arael.
The door swings open and a massive man, moves to let you in. It is apparent he has a slight limp.
Inside the shrine is immaculate, though dark curtains are hung to keep light from escaping and ruining the facade of a run down abandoned shrine. Janivan shows everyone where they can wash and rest.
Once you have done so, we can have some introductions.
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I assume that wasnt part of the plan, so what did you have in store for us..." The noble begins his noise wrinkling at the smell of the sewers traveling with them.
" And please tell me someone has spare clothing about, the smell might kill me where the hellknights failed." He added a little sourly, but it was easy to tell it was probably a stress related snappish tone.
One of the many others in the safe house brings everyone some clothes that they can wear, they are mostly ill fitting, but will do until your clothes are cleaned.
There is much to discuss. But I would rather wait until you are clean and rested before we discuss business. I want you at your best.
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"I dont suppose you have any pretty and young niave maids as part of your group to impress with my tales of daring battles in the sewers beneath the city?"
He said with a sly smile taking the clothing and thanking the person bearing them. He wondered if there was a bath to be had here. It was no matter fresh clothing would be just as well for the time being.
"I was speaking in jest of course, where do I freshen up?
Janivan smiles. Everyone here is young and inexperienced. Some of them might have the ability to learn the sword or magic, but all we really have is heart and hopes...and now you...I hope
Janivan says as she shows Tramtris to the bath.
Later that evening our heroes make there way down stairs and hear a ruckus coming from one of the rooms.
Children of Westcrown!...NO!...Warriors of Westcrown!...NO...Champions of Cheliax!
As they enter the room they see 10 people sitting around a large table with drinks in hand and all of them are shouting.
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"Oh, I dont think at the moment I have anything more pressing to do, besides traipsy about the sewers with the intention to fight shadowspawn in secret for you my lady. Funny thing being the third son... your not that important it seems. For all of our sakes I hope these shadow creatures are indeed something of flesh and blood so so speak, The steel of my halberd is just that steel despite my birth.
He said simply giving her a polite nod at the site of the tub. He set everything aside slowly. (his halberd and the change of clothes.)
"HAHA! Yes! Janivan, meet Mr Corvus. I've been expecting you, friend. I trust your journey was without event?"
Mr Corvus flies in and perches on the edge of the bath.
"Thank you, Janivan. I'll be along shortly." He offers her a wink as he closes the door to finish his bath.
"HAHA! Yes! Janivan, meet Mr Corvus. I've been expecting you, friend. I trust your journey was without event?"
squawk!...squawksquawk...SQUAWK!
Auði shakes the chair leg as he emerges through the trap door and the light goes out. "Phew! Yeah, we reek. I'll definitely have a bath." He follows Janivan down the hall and after scrubbing extra to remove the stink of the sewers, he emerges to hear the debate. Seeing brews at hand, he is quick to grab one himself and have a seat. "Hello, I'm Auði Jaw-Jacker. What's all this debate about?"
Giving Suki a scratch behind the ears, she cuddles for another five minutes. "Clever kitty. So glad you found me. Hungry?" Pulling aside the covers, swinging her legs around and with a small drop hits the floor. The oversized shirt drapes down almost covering her feet. She has some kinks, sore muscles and still some blood seeping from the bandages. Wonder how Brannock is healing up. Better ask the gods for a little assist. See who answers. Sitting on the bed, propping the boar spear on left shoulder, she identifies by touch, the holy symbols gifted to her. Many grateful folks who could not pay in coin, she accepted meals and their blessing invoking a favored deity. It mattered not to her. As each charm was identified, she prayed for patronage and support in native tongue. Finished and feeling refreshed, she belts a scarf, grabs three of the charm bracelets and arranges her hair into three pony tails. Functional, barely presentable.
She departs the room towards the brouhaha. Seeing the crowd of boisterous tall folk reminds her of the lack of physical presence. "What's a woman got to do to get fed? I am starved." She catches sight of her familiar zipping by, following the walls unseen. Now where are you going?
The large man that was the doorman speaks up. We are trying to decide the name of our organization. What do you think?
As soon as Hippa speaks about food there is a flurry of movement and halfling woman quickly has a pile of food in front of Hippa and a saucer of cream down for Suki...how she knows of him you have no idea.
About midway through her meal, "Torchbearers." and then she starts to scan the crowd. Looking for familiar faces or previous patients but regardless finally taking in her surroundings. Us commoners are a friendly folk. Simple pleasures and a hard scrabble life.
Torchbearers of Westcrown? Not much alliteration there...
From the other side Who said it has to be alliterative?
From the man who opened the door What is alliterative?
And the explosion of argument begins again.
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"Torchbearers has a charm about it I suppose. It denotes beign a provider of light, and in this case in our fair city, that means A certain element of protection. One could do far worse I suppose." The noble began musingly. He did like it and it was certainly charming like he said more importantly it was...simple, innocent.
"It is also certainly mundane sounding, which leads it to be less threatening to perhaps those in power here in Westrcrown. Simple enough perhaps only the most astute or inquistive of hellknights would look into it perhaps. " He added.
unless they think we intend to burn the city down?
Pushing the half-empty plate away, "If I were to make an argument for torchbearers, I agree with Tramtris's statement of simple and mundane. It can be used in public conversation without drawing attention. It has many meanings, so if questioned, it can be deflected into any manner of subjects: love, sconces, ceremonial tasks, entertainment. I personally think of it as lighting up the shadows where bad things hide. You want alliteration? Throw in a little misdirection. Pick a noble family that is long gone, gotta be one that starts with a "T". Use that name as a rallying cry. Lets NOT use Thrune."
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"Now wouldnt that be some fun misdirection. We would just sound like misguided patriots. Still an old Noble house that starts with a T eh?"
I wouldnt suggest we use house Tilernos, as minor as they are they still reside in the city and frankly Millicent Tilernos would be ever so cross with me if she found out I was part of some group that used her families name... and there go my weekend nights."
He said with a joking smile. At least maybe it was a joking smile. It was hard to tell.
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"while I understand the need to be somewhat subtle, I believe our name should rally the people while frustrating our foes. Torchbearers does not strike enough of an accord in my mind. We all have been fighting this "battle" quietly in our own way. The time for quiet has passed, as evidenced by this evening. I am not recommending a name synomonous with war; however our presence and cause MUST be known and our membership kept secret. I don't know the name that accomplishes his.
After such a long speech, Brannock sits down heavily and takes a deep pull from his ale.
"You probably have access to records and archives that the rest of don't. Don't rack your head over it. If the family is long forgotten its perfect. Take your time and research it."
"I don't know, I too like Torchbearers. While symbolic of that flight we just took through the sewers, it more importantly represents pushing back the shadows of the night. It represents hope. And that is the first thing we need to accomplish."
At that moment Janivan enters.
Again with the names? We can settle that later. For now we have to figure out what we are going to do to get Arael back. If the Hellknights follow their pattern they will transfer him elsewhere in 3 days. Ideas?
"Anyone know a good lawyer? Any chance of getting a hearing before they move him? And if not, where will they move him to? Citadel Rivad? Or someplace within the city?"
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Baited ambush... if we know where he is held, and which way they might take him, we disguise ourselves, stage a disturbance on the path, when the hellknights move to arrest the troublemakers they run splitting their forces, we swoop in, rescue this Arael, and disapear again. Of course, that would mean this Arael fellow can never really show his face again without worry.
He paused and mused a bit more stretching there in the room.
"If we had the wealth, im sure an accord could be reached with their commander, after paying the appropriate fees of course. And by fees i mean bribes though they dont call them that."
Janivan rises. There is a path that we could lay an ambush on, as he is being transported to the Citidel. But I believe introductions are in order.
Janivan introduces the following people, each rises and gives their story.
Amaya-A stunningly beautiful Tien woman, who works as a glassblower. She blushes as the men look at her.
Ermolos Human) : Ermolos
is incredibly muscular, a physique the result of a long
apprenticeship as a blacksmith. He walks with a slight
limp—a lingering effect of a childhood illness. His father,
Ermolos the Elder, was a relatively well-known adventurer
who vanished on an ill-fated journey to Thuvia several
years ago—Ermolos still clings to the hope to some day
travel across the Inner Sea to find his missing parent.
Fiosa (female halfling: Fiosa is a house
servant who is friends with many halfling slaves; she
takes advantage of her freedom to help her kin as best
she can. She has a very real respect for Janiven and Arael
after they helped her smuggle several halfing slaves out of
Westcrown (and out of a particularly heinous merchant’s
home), and her newfound faith in Iomedae is quite strong.
Gorvio ( male Chelish human ): Gorvio works
for his uncle Jacovo, a horse trader, but has increasingly
grown curious about his ancestry—his vibrant amber
eyes (among hints he’s overheard from his uncle during
the man’s frequent drunken bouts) make him suspect that
somewhere in his past lurks the blood of a tiefling or two.
Larko (male Garundi human: Larko
lives a simple life as a dock worker, but daydreams of his
childhood in the hills east of Westcrown and hopes some
day to be able to afford to move out of the city and live a
hunter’s life. He’s the strong, silent type, rarely speaking
unless he has to
Mathalen (female Chelish human:
Mathalen is a thin and wiry woman who worked as a porter
but found the job dreadfully dull. She got through her days
by making sure to take frequent breaks to meditate and
purge her mind of “the poisons of menial labor.” This
attitude struck her employer as lazy, and she was recently
fired from her job and thinks of the Children of Westcrown
as her new calling.
Rizzardo ( male Varisian human): After
stowing away on a Chelish ship, Rizzardo found himself
more or less stuck in Westcrown years ago. He earns his
keep working at odd jobs as an unskilled laborer, but has
to switch jobs frequently as a result of his temper and
impatience at following orders from one person for too
long. He only joined the Children of Westcrown because
of a powerful attraction to Janiven, but has since grown
to enjoy the company of the others, particularly Ermolos,
who he insists sounds like his little brother. Janivan and the others all laugh at his ready admittance of his attraction to her.
Sclavo (male Garundi human: A soft-spoken
yet intractable (if secret) worshiper of Iomedae, Sclavo has
long worked as a scribe for one of Westcrown’s courts. He
longs for a day when the laws of Cheliax can be reformed,
and sees this group as a tool that, eventually, can be used
to do just that. .
Tarvi ( female Chelish human: Tarvi’s
parents own a prosperous jewelry store in Westcrown—
the “Glitter Palace.” She’s worked there for years, but is
far too witty and intelligent to do the job well. In those
years she has engineered the failure of no less than a dozen
attempts by her parents to get her married into nobility.
Her true passion is studying magic—she has little time for
romance, and hopes some day to be able to create and sell
magical jewelry.
Vitti ( male Chelish human: Vitti is a strange,
eccentric man who dyes his hair green and refuses to eat
any food he doesn’t grow or catch himself. A talented
woodcarver whose works earn him a modest income, he
prides himself on the fact that he only carves wood that’sbeen harvested from deadfalls and other trees that died of
natural causes.
Yakopulio ( female gnome): Of all the
Children of Westcrown, noisy and irreverent Yakopulio
is the least religious—she wears her atheism proudly,
and her eagerness to contradict often sparks arguments
among the others in the group. She works as a bartender
(and moonlights as a pimp) at a tavern called the Bruised
Eel, and many of the others in the Children of Westcrown
don’t understand what Arael sees in the offensive gnome.
Auði smiles at Amaya and gives her a wink when she blushes before returning to the task at hand. "We have a couple days and quite a few of us. How will they transfer him? Is there any chance we could manage a non-violent switch? Think how embarrassed we would leave them if we stole him right out from under their noses."
He will be in a wagon, and we can hit them outside the city proper. What did you have in mind Audi?
"A wagon." Auði looks thoughtful for a moment. "Will it be enclosed or open?"
that I don't know. It could be either
"Well, sounds like we have a couple days to see if we can find out. If its open it will be harder. I'm thinking maybe we see if we can swap a driver and see about stealing it outside the city if we can manage a distraction. If its closed, I'm thinking of making a modification to the wagon. Slip up ahead of time and prepare a disguised hole in the side or bottom. Then we stop it along the way and slip Arael out of there."
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"What about switching the prisoner with a different person more "deserving" of the hellknight's attention?
Brannock had just the man in mind. He had been wondering how to adequately deal with this man without killing him and here would be a perfect opportunity to deal with a disgusting piece of filth and save a little boy.
"We could do either audi's or the noble's suggestion. Though I am loathe to bribe the hellknight's, it may be the safest way to handle the return of Arael. Although bribing the hellknight's perpetuates one of the very problems we are hoping to correct. Perhaps we could convince the hellknights our alternate prisoner would look better for their superiors. I assure you I know of someone we could offer. Is that a possible avenue we could explore?"
we have to keep Arael in mind. Who is this man Brannock?
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"A vile man in the docks district one of the children told me about. He pauses, obviously having difficulty discussing this man. The revulsion and anger is plain in his eyes and as he continues, the knuckles of his fingers grow white as he grips the table in front of him harder and harder.
He abuses children. One boy in particular. He likes to beat several of the orphans I keep an eye on but he has an evil glint in his eye reserved for one boy. I have seen that glint in other men's eyes when they enter the brothels or mean to harm a woman in a different way. The boy does not talk to me about it and has recently become withdrawn. I suspect he has ... Done some...foul things to the boy. At this admission, Brannock's grip snaps through the end of the table leaving a jagged edge on the lip and small pieces of shattered wood on the floor...
I am sorry my friends, I forget myself sometimes. I will clean this mess up and pay for the repairs.
Looking extremely embarrassed he stands and heads to the kitchen for a broom.
"I like it Brannock. Although I can only imagine the difficulty of planning an ambush, kidnapping of prisoner and escape, adding in another kidnapping and insertion of a reluctant participant."
Hippa then grins a little. "and surely his innocence of events would soon come out. Assuming he is a shady character in need of correction, may I suggest another turn of misdirection? Wouldn't you rather be disguised as that deserving individual as you prance around wreaking havoc with all eyes upon you?"
She gives Yakopulio a raised glass salute' as a token greeting. Hippa might've heard of her, yet never paid much attention due to her problems. It was really past time to look around and make friends as well as coin.
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At some point the actions of this group will attract the eye of the hellknights, and if our run-in in the sewer is any indication, I doubt they wont be unhostile ones. If you want to try to figure out a way to switch prisoners we can try that sure. He began smirking inwardly at the quickness audi had moved to flirt with the tian woman, even in such a subtle way. He thought he played well at being a womanizer his eyes ran over the collected group with some wonder.
"I doubt we could afford the 'fines' to free your friend." He was speaking directly to the woman Janivian now, though his eyes did slide over the group. It was such a strange lot gathered, one of those there he thought he had met at some party or another, but he couldnt accurately place her.
Arael would not approve of bribery in any event. Not to mention the distinct possibility that they would take our coin and lock us away anyhow.
The tian woman speaks up what will our task be in this?
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The easiest and safest route under my idea would be the distraction causers. With the proper speed and good disguises you could pratically melt into a crowd they will be in that heavy armor of theirs as well I would imagine so darting down allies rigged with perhaps debree to slow them on horseback if they have horses will make it easy to throw off your trail. The tricky position would be the assualt on the wagon itself, and it would be much like the first group hit the wagon hard and fast disguised, free your man, then give them time to escape while we flee away after a moment or two, perhaps have a horse ready for his egress."
He paused and took a drink looking about the group.
"This is the rough first draft of the plan mind you, we would have some time to go over it, perhaps even time to practice it tomorrow morning, before we give it a shot. Of course their would have to be a signal to cancel the plan. Is this Arael worth the capture of us all?"
He asked them, trying to offer a smile to to the exotic tien.
we will be hitting the outside of town so there will not be a crowd
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"Oh well then, they have the advantage mass missle fire and hope they all drop then and we dont lose too many if they have caster support."
The noble said with a shrug. The city would have given them much greater advantages though it also would have made a few more unknowable complications. It wasnt his little revolution cell though, in fact, he felt a little outsiderish still. A lot of that probably had to do with the difference really in their societal classes. Chaliss would have known what to do, but she was gone from his life now, absconded away to Egorian by petty politics, damn them all. He thought to himself looking very deflated suddenly.
"Okay simular plan harder to pull off, we get some horses, and a large group of us 'attack' the guards and flee when we realize how overmatched we are. Perhaps someone could add a "Oh no its hellknights we were told it was going to be regular guards." or the like, get their egos involved. when they chase after the distraction group the others ride in take out the guards and flee wagon and all a different direction. we get on a boat or the like and sneak back to the city a different way."
He said leaning back and draining his drink. He felt empty like his mug. The initial adrenilin and excitement had finally fled his system leaving the young impulsive noble with far too many questions to his liking.
Trams suggestion spurs a fury of chatter from the recruits. About half think it is a perfect idea, and half think it is insane. Finally Sclavo speaks up.
Whatever our plan I think we need to realize that we need to disguise ourselves. Something to cover our faces, and at the same time something that will become recognizable, if we want people to join us then we must have a uniform of sorts. Nothing so elaborate that cannot be quickly removed though...
Rizzardo pipes up
Before we talk about the disguise...I figure we could hit them at the bridge across the stream or we could hit them about half a mile past that...there is a great area with nothing in it!