"Good. Anyone able to do disguises? I need to have two tusks and to hide the scar, my face is easily recognized." He scratches at the scarred part of his face where his tusk should be, thinking about it.
"You know, I wonder if there's anyone at the Devil's Nursery who might have the skills or connecitons we need. I'm gonna pen a letter and see if they're up to it."
Before he goes to do that, he also mentions.
"If its not too much to ask, could I use that sword? I've been learning to fight with weapons again, and something that can cut through demons sounds like an asset."
"I have dabbled a bit with disguise, mostly just for some theater work I did at one point, but the knowledge should carry over. I wasn't great at it mind you, but not too horrible. Some simple disguises are a good idea, though we should be careful to keep it simple and not overreach."
"Kalem, that's a great idea. See if your people can help. As for the sword, I can't use it, so have at as far as I'm concerned." he grins.
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As the Raven's return home and continue discussing their plans for helping Octavio, Setrona offers her assistance too.
"You boys ever need somewhere to stay in Old Kintargo, stop by the Tooth and Nail. I'll put out a message to Benjen that you need his help, but I'm going to suggest he meet you here. Traveling all the way to the other side of the city as a wanted escapee puts him at undue risk."
As you reach the bridge, she bids you all a fond farewell and gives each of you a hug and a warm smile. "Thank you, boys, for helping me check on my cousin. I know you'll be able to win him over, and together you'll be unstoppable!" She smiles on last time before disappearing into the streets to avoid the patrols.
Between Myradil and Femi, a trip to the records house is a simple affair. Myradil knows how to request the right information without sounding too suspicious, given his previous affairs, and the two manage to find a significant enough portion of transfer orders throughout the years to see that the papers have been uniform for quite some time.
Unfortunately, Femi, on his own is unable to uncover anything about the names or prisoner numbers of the Hellknights they need to rescue.
Back at the Coffee House for the day notice Rexus wandering around the cafe laconically. Even Esther, a kind elderly lady who frequents the place and often flirts with the young men of the Silver Ravens finds it difficult to get much out of him. Though he seems to linger a little closer when he hears talk of forgeries and linguistics.
Kalem's Silver Raven token is sent back almost sooner than he might have expected, with a short response.
I know of someone who can help. I'll come by tomorrow to let you know tomorrow, on the chance this is intercepted, I'd rather not write it down. -Zhea
When Zhea finally does arrive early the next morning, she does so holding a piece of paper in her hand, and she looks at each of you wryly. "Another proclomation."
She places the paper down on your table so each of you can read it.
POSSESSION OF POETRY OR PROSE WRITTEN
BY THE FOLLOWING AUTHORS IS HEREBY
FORBIDDEN AND PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF 100 GOLD PIECES OR IMPRISONMENT: BOSWYTH THE BARD, CHARLETTA D’VANEP, GHENRAIL OF VYRE, AND THE ANONYMOUS MISCREANT WHO CALLS HIM- OR HERSELF THE “POISON PEN OF KINTARGO.” ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING THE WRITINGS OF
THESE MISCREANTS MUST BE TURNED
OVER TO THE DOTTARI FOR DESTRUCTION BY SUNDOWN.
"I Should stop by the Tooth and Nail soon regardless. It has been too long since I raised cups with my friends there, given the stresses that the city currently faces."
Elias turns to Myradil, "After some consideration, I think my magics can be of use in this. I can offer spells of Guidance, and the Luck of my lady to assist you in your efforts. Such should augment your efforts some small amount."
Femi likes nearly all that he hears, until the proclamation.
"Elias that's wonderful, between you and Myradil, we can't lose. We just need the names and we're in business - maybe tomorrow. Let's have breakfast at the Tooth and Nail tomorrow - I want to lunch and dine with the bureaucrats again and find those names."
"About this proclamation. I don't want to spread us too thin, but it would be wonderful if we could paper the town with their works. Make the dottari spend resources finding them all and ripping them down. I don't know how we'd manage it, and the risks may be too high, but boy it would be fun." he grins at the thought of the dottari wandering around the town scraping poetry off walls everywhere.
"It would be a delightful waste of their time. And anything that keeps them from punishing the innocent is a good thing. I just don't know how we'd do it."
Myradil gets to work on the transfer papers with Femi's assistance.
"Femi, when we get the names, help me make sure we get them exactly right. I've known a few jailers that hated to give up prisoners and would refuse to give up their prisoners if even a single dot was out of place. I'd hate to lose somebody due to a misplaced umlaut."
Brask ponders. "Wait... why couldn't we just ambush a transfer team and take their orders? I mean we'd have to take care of them anyways, since they'd otherwise be showing up while we're trying to get the prisoners in the first place."
"Of course, that would require them to be transferring the prisoners we want... but that can't be hard to arrange, right?"
"I think Zhea may know someone. She's offering to bring him in some time today (which I assume is the tomorrow)".
Upon hearing Femi's idea, Kalem has an additional thought, though he doesn't like it.
"The Devil Nursery is always strapped for cash....we could hire the literate ones to reproduce the works for us, allowing some funds to go their benefit. But if they were caught...."
Kalem shakes his head.
"No, nevermind. I'd rather not take that risk."
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"I'm- I'm right here Kalem." Says Zhea, one hand still on the proclamation, looking a little hurt. "And I agree, I'd also rather not take that risk. Let our people make pick themselves up by doing work that looks honest to both sides. Then no one can complain."
"Anyway, no, I'm not bringing your contact here, I just don't like putting things in writing when they can be discovered. I'm sure the Ravens you send are mostly trust worthy, but, I'm not comfortable with it yet. Hard to trust a magical item..."
She shrugs but keeps going. "Ruba Fenquay. She's an elderly Varisian woman living in Old Kintargo. She's got a shop out there that basically handles every type of paper work I can imagine. On more than one occasion she's forged documents preventing our homes from being condemned, so I know she's good for it. She also a copyist, so this could kill two birds with one stone."
Zhea provides directions for the group and settles down as she orders a coffee from Laria. She takes a seat and winks at Kalem. "This is the first time I've been able to purchase something outside of the Nursery without wondering if it will empty my purse. It's nice."
Rexus, whose been listening in the whole time places a hand on Femi's shoulder. "I might be able to find some of these inflammatory works. If you go meet with this Ruba, ask her about your idea, if she's amenable to it, I'll start delivering pieces to her for copy on occasion."
"Ruba huh? Great! Myradil, why don't we obtain one from her, and do one in house. Then we'll pick the best of the two and use it. But we still need to get the names." he says with some frustration.
When Rexus offers to help, Femi grabs it quickly, "Wonderful idea Rexus. See if there's some interest, and maybe we'll finance the operation." he looks to the others, "Shouldn't be too expensive, and might keep the dottari off our backs a little. Plus it's a way for less skilled folks to help out."
"Not everyone can be heroic." he says simply.
"I think I've done all I can today, I'm turning in. Tomorrow I'll hunt down those names, I promise not to let you all down!"
The next day, he again spends his lunch and dinner times seeking information about the prisoners for their list.
Sorry Zhea...spaced out there for a second. Perhaps the stress of it all is finally showing."
Kalem leans back in his chair, and covers his face with one hand, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. He'd gotten enough rest sure, but running a rebellion with the secrecy and risks takes a toll on you.
"Okay," Kalem announces, bringing himself forward, ready to continue. "If we have a couple days for Femi to gather info, I'd like to help out at the Nursery."
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Rexus nods at Femi respectfully and clasps him on the shoulder. "Glad I can still be of some use!" He says, and you can tell there's truth to the statement. Without hesitation, he heads out after grabbing a couple of other Ravens sitting around in the Coffeehouse.
A few of the regulars begin piling in as the breakfast rush sets in and Zhea, unused to crowds that don't consist mostly of her own kind grabs Kalem's hand and pulls him from the building. "I don't know how much time you have, but it looks like your free today! Let's head to the Nursery and see what we can get done."
The next few hours for Kalem are unremarkable, but uplifting. While there's still a lot of struggling in the Devil's Nursery, the general attitude of the people living there has started to improve considerable. Even just the way the tiefling's carry themselves is more confident and less defeated than before.
____________________________________________________________
Kalem learns that those individuals who have been employed outside of the Red Roof district are experiencing a lot of racism by the older Kintargans, but their employers have been treating them better and paying them a decent wage.
The last month or so has certainly been an improvement and he's heralded as a local hero by those that recognize him. As the evening draws near, a young street urchin runs up to Kalem, and tugs on his shirt.
"Some n' told me to give this to ya Sir!" The young boys says as he hands Kalem a bouquet or roses. Attached is a small note that reads.
My Dear Ravens
You are not alone in your fears for the nest we share, but for now, my flock and I must remain quiet and hidden. The time will soon come when we must meet, but until then, keep building your contacts and resources. Do not rush into opposition against our common enemy. The time to retake Kintargo will come, but to strike too soon will be to lose the war before it even begins. Recruit. Prepare. Remain strong in your patience. We shall speak soon. —The Rose of Kintarg
____________________________________________________________________
Femi, unfortunately has little luck that afternoon. The only name he consistently hears is Benjen's, which is the only name he doesn't need for the transfer paperwork. However near the end of his outing he hears one bureaucrat in particular bragging about how he's glad Barzillai has been able to keep "the rest of those Torrent Knights from escaping too."
Following his lead, Femi is able to piece together the information he needs over the next couple hours. There are, in fact, three more Hellknights in custody: Hortense Lierre, Ilsani Aberveen, and Kasston Auruda, and the mage is even able to cobble together the prison numbers for each one.
You have noticed, one or twice today, a very intense looking Tian woman just out of the corner of your eye. Running into the same people isn't that odd, but both times she seemed to have been watching you.
Femi makes careful notes when he's not actually pursuing leads and is glad when he gathers the names at last. At least we won't waste another day hunting for this information! he compliments himself on a job well done - if a little slow.
His outgoing personality makes him blind to that which others might find easily. He makes his way back to the coffee shop and heads quickly downstairs in his excitement.
He shares what he found with the group, and suggests, "Myradil, you should start on your papers while we take a copy of this information to Ruba Fenquay. Who wants to come with me tomorrow when I seek her out? When we're done, we should also check out the Tooth and Nail as a possible future second hideout."
Kalem brings out the message and the bouquet for the others to read and examine.
"It looks like we have more allies than we thought."
Myradil nods "Take care out there, things haven't been as rough as I imagined and the easiness is giving me a bad feeling."
Kalem brings out the message and the bouquet for the others to read and examine.
"It looks like we have more allies than we thought."
Femi smiles warmly, "It's working. There are many throughout the city who would see us succeed - and in fact are working toward the same ends in their own way. That's how we know this is a movement, not just a couple of guys in a basement plotting the overthrow of a government."
"We're in the right folks. We're in the right." he says triumphantly.
"Femi, I will join you to seek out this Ruba Fenquay. Have you ventured to the Tooth and Nail before? It is a wonderful public house, with a grand selection of dwarven ales. I think you will enjoy it." Elias says absently while he scans over the note from the Rose of Kintargo.
"Poison Pen of Kintargo, Rose of Kintargo, I wonder if they are at all related..."
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While the rest of the Raven's stay across the river at the Long Road Coffee House, Femi and Elias make their way to the other side of the city, and even cross in front of the Holding House, the very building you intend to eventually rescue the armigers from.
Eventually, you make it to your destination, the one made on your map from Zhea the previous morning. A sign hanging proudly over the door reads Ruba Fenquay: Notarius, Copyist, Reader, Translator
Opening the door reveals a front room full of paperwork and books laid open on various surfaces. Mostly legal documents, lain side by side with various notes or information scribbled in the margins.
An old woman sits in one chair with a magnifying glass in one hand and a pen in the other, her silver hair tied back in a tight bun. At the sound of the bell over her door she turns and looks at Femi and Elias with a raised eyebrow.
"What kind I do for a couple of young men like yourselves?" She questions as she turns back to her work. "Need a copy of the latest proclamation? Maybe you've come upon something you can't read? I could figure that out for you too. What'll it be?"
Femi looks around the small shop, impressed by what he sees. He makes sure they're alone, before producing the magical silver raven he carries and setting it on the table - not as an offering, but just so she can see it and what it symbolizes. He covers it with his body, so it cannot be seen from the street through any windows that may be visible.
He leans in and says quietly, "We can read just fine, but it is a copy of sorts that we require. To be blunt, and save your precious time, we are members of the Silver Ravens, and we need your assistance in saving the lives of a few men who, without it, will assuredly die - and painfully I suspect."
"What we are asking for is not, strictly speaking, legal. And if you produce the document we seek - we will claim it to be our own creation if you wish, to avoid any entanglements befalling yourself."
"You come highly recommended by the people you have served in the past, as someone who is discreet and skilled. We may have a further opportunity for you as well, if you're so inclined, when this deal is finalized. But I do not wish to encroach upon your time if we've come to the wrong person."
He collects his silver raven and tucks it back in his pouch. He smiles warmly at her, and awaits her response.
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As Femi speaks, the old woman begins smacking the wooden dentures in her mouth.
"Not strictly legal, eh?" She laughs as she turns back around to the mage. "It's surprising how you folk all seem to find me. Might as well just put Forgery on my sign and be done with it, for all the secrecy I've gotten."
She stands up straight and walks over to her counter where she keeps a small cash bin. She taps it twice and smiles at the two Ravens.
"I'll help you, but for a price. One thousand gold coins, it'll be worth it." She smiles again and holds out one hand.
He smiles at her joke, but the wind goes from his lungs when she quotes a price.
"A thousand gold? Well that's quite a bit steeper then we had anticipated, and I'm not sure we'll have the funds to pay such a high price. I'll need to confer with my associates you understand, but if you could come down, at least a little, from your lofty perch, perhaps we could meet at say 700gp?"
"I'm hopeful I can get my associates to agree to such terms, and confident that we have that in reserve." he says hopefully.
"A thousand gold, madam? Even seven hundred is a price far too rich for the work. Usually such a bill comes from the dangers of discovery, but you know we are in no position to turn on you. One might almost find such a prohibitive price... suspicious."
"Or perhaps there's a favor we could perform." Kalem suggests, hoping to use effort to put the scales on a more reasonable balance.
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The shrewd woman glares at the Ravens as they negotiate and shakes her head.
"Suspicious? No, elf, it's opportunistic. The types who need forgery come in all shapes and sizes, and even from various positions of wealth. My services are costly, and also provide me with the funds necessary to bride any officials that may come knocking at my door if they ever catch wind." She smacks her dentures some more and taps her hands on the table.
"700 is still quite low. Are you sure you gentlemen couldn't do more. 850 perhaps?"
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Elias nods firmly, "I am certain. Despite the optimism of my compatriot, we can't justify even seven hundred. The work we do is incredibly dangerous, and money we give you is money we can't spend ensuring we will not be captured or killed. As we already have a potential source for such documents as you might have provided, and were simply seeking alternate sourcing, I cannot justify such an outlay of funds. Good day to you madam, you have our words that what we have spoken of here today will not be spoken of again."
With that, Elias turns on his heel and begins to walk right out the door, before pausing, as if in thought, "...however. Your work. Undermining this corrupt, established government. It is not also without import. I might see clear to offering some smaller amount, along with the backing and protection of the Ravens in your future endeavors if you are interested, in exchange for the work. Say, three hundred and fifty gold?"
Elias nods firmly, "I am certain. Despite the optimism of my compatriot, we can't justify even seven hundred. The work we do is incredibly dangerous, and money we give you is money we can't spend ensuring we will not be captured or killed. As we already have a potential source for such documents as you might have provided, and were simply seeking alternate sourcing, I cannot justify such an outlay of funds. Good day to you madam, you have our words that what we have spoken of here today will not be spoken of again."
Femi shrugs, unhappy that his suggestion is summarily punted so quickly. Ahh yes, but you are always the generous one aren't you? He moves quickly to follow Elias...
With that, Elias turns on his heel and begins to walk right out the door, before pausing, as if in thought, "...however. Your work. Undermining this corrupt, established government. It is not also without import. I might see clear to offering some smaller amount, along with the backing and protection of the Ravens in your future endeavors if you are interested, in exchange for the work. Say, three hundred and fifty gold?"
He nearly bumps into the man as he turns, and has to step out of the way to avoid toppling to the floor. He bumps the doorway and rights himself, trying to look less foolish than he feels. He stands quietly behind Elias, balanced precariously on one foot, hanging onto the door frame for support as he waits for the man to properly negotiate.
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The old woman cackles as Elias negotiates, her wooden dentures showing through a broad grin.
"I've heard the Ravens had balls. Didn't expect to see them myself!" She says, still laughing.
"Alright, 350 it is. What do you need boys?"
Ruba whistles appreciatively when she learns the details of the assignment, but begins drawing up the necessary papers and appropriate language. She leaves gaps for the prisoner numbers until she hears what they are, and fills in the names where she knows to be appropriate.
It doesn't take more than a half hour for her to finally finish, and when she hands you her forged document, it certainly looks similar to other transfer orders you've seen.
"You boys need any more work, feel free to come back. Won't even over charge you next time!" She says with a crooked smile as she leads you from the building.
Femi hesitates to make sure Elias is done negotiating, and when it's clear he's well and done, he fishes out some coins and pays the fee.
He looks at the end result and whistles as Ruba did a short while previously. "This is truly impressive, it's no wonder you have a reputation as you do. Thank you!"
He returns to the group with the others, jubilant that the pieces are coming together. On the walk back he praises Elias, "Wow, that was spectacularly well done. Remind me to ask you along next time I head to market. Silver and gold are the same with eyes closed - to me, but not you!!"
"Do we need anything else or is it time? Myradil, have you finished your copy? We should compare and take the best one." he asks, ready to go save the order just as quickly as possible.
"There's no knowing what tortures they're suffering, so we should go quickly, and by day I should think. After all, we're going as a legitimate force, transferring the prisoners. Easy." He says the last word with less conviction.
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Returning back across town to the Wasp's Nest, Femi finds that Myradil has, in fact, finished his draft of the transfer papers. In fact, at first glance, the two documents look almost the exact same, excepting for hand writing of course.
Traveling back and forth to opposite ends of town has taken up most of the day, but it's not quite sundown yet, so you have a couple hours to operate. Let me know if you all want to head out now.
Myradil will set his ego aside and examine the 2 sets of documents.
Brask walks up, sipping a mug of coffee as the ravens return to the coffee house.
"How did it go?" he asks. "Been bored off my ass."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Myradil shows Brask both sets of documents "Now, put the coffee down first, and come take a look, this could be useful if you've got a pair of Dotarri and are trying to decide which to punch in the face first... See the extra marks on the right side of the emblem here? That represents..."
"Good job on lowering the price Elias. I don't think our budget could have taken a 1000 gp hit."
Kalem looks down at the papers being compared, not really being able to tell the two apart. Why couldn't finances be solved with a clever combat maneuver like most problems?
"Uhh... This one looks just like that one. Is this tail curve thingy always been on 'q'?" Brask, while not a tower of intellect, does his best to help proofread the work.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Using his professional eye and setting aside any bias he may have about his own work, Myradil studies both forgeries, picking apart everthing that might fall under scrutiny by another clerk.
In the end he discovers that, though nearly identical, Ruba's copy seems slightly more current, the legitimacy of her notary seal lends itself to the documents validity.
Elias shrugs at Kalem, somewhat embarrassed at the praise. "If I had not been able to lower the price, we simply would not have paid it. At the least not without having seen Myradil's excellent efforts first. Now we have two sets of paperwork, in case this needs to be done again. Assuming our actions do not cause them to alter procedure."
Elias stops to ponder for a moment, a faraway look in his eyes, "It speaks volumes that such skilled bureaucrats as Myradil and Ruba have taken to working against the city's master rather than for them. When you all have taken the city from it's current masters, and run it yourselves, I may see if I can convince her not to take a position in the government. Her capabilities would seem to be a useful counter to an overreaching government."
Myradil notes "She's good, at least as good as I am, and she's got a real notary seal, or at least a more convincing forgery than I was able to put together."
"Excellent." Femi is very pleased they have a backup just in case...
"So, shall we go now? We've a few hours of daylight yet. We could instead go first thing in the morning. Either way, they might be a little sleepy. Now the boredom of a long day begins to set in, and first thing we catch them before they're fully awake."
"Now feels better to me, so that's my vote, but I'd be easily swayed if someone needs to prepare." He looks to the others as his pulse races with the excitement of what they're about to do.
"Don't we need... Uhm... Dottari uniforms?" Brask asks. "I dont think theyd just hand them over to anyone, paperwork or no."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I didn't think of that. And even with uniforms I'd feel better if we went fully disguised anyway, in case we run into anyone we've had a "disagreement" with already."
Elias looks doubtful, "I can disguise myself well enough with magic, but unless the rest of you have similar skills, actual disguises might do more harm that good. You can look like hired muscle easily enough with no changes, but there is a certain... talent needed to pull off looking and acting LIKE a known quantity, such as the Dottari. If you like, I can be Dottari, and you will be my strongarms, to handle the prisoner."
"Do we know if the Dottari are the only agents of Thrune? Surely prisoners are released to other agents." he looks perplexed.
"I don't know though. It's something we should check huh? That would be too obvious a hole in our story now wouldn't it!" he agrees.
He'll poke around that afternoon, and see what he can learn, if he doesn't already know.
...or
Myradil nods "Thrune has many agents, whoever we are we should know in advance though."
"I just... stick out, you know?" Brask reminds the group, scratching the scarred portion of his face and missing tusk. "I'm sure after the last 'event' I went to they'd be on the lookout for someone fitting my description."
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Femi knows that the dottari are just city guards for the most part, and each city has it's own dottari. Prisoner transfers are usually done by common soldiers or hired mercenaries depending on the situation. A group of armed men without uniform would not look too out of place, given the appropriate paper work. And half-orcs are typically found within such groups.
Their fears set aside. The Ravens get themselves ready and head, for the second time today, back to Old Kintargo toward the same neighbourhood they purchased their forgery in. As they travel across the city the light starts to get dim and the hustle and bustle of the city is noticeably diminished as it gets nearer to curfew.
The Holding House is a stone, one-story, bunkerlike building. One of the earliest constructions of Old Kintargo, it’s also one of the city’s strongest. The Holding House was the city’s original jail, but until recently the structure sat abandoned. Barzillai Thrune decided to reopen the Holding House as an interim prison for suspects who might not yet warrant full imprisonment. The Holding House’s walls feature no windows and are made of reinforced masonry. The building’s gently sloped roof has slate shingles over a reinforced wood frame.
Stepping into the main office the group is greeted by a couple of guards playing dice. Only one of them looks up as they enter.
"State your business, unless you plan to stay the night."
Kalem remains silent, knowing that his tongue is more of a rusty bronze rather than silver lies that needed right now. He tries to carry himself as the silent muscle, doing anything for a bit of coin, even if it means working for the Dottari.
Myradil looks to Eliastraza, deferring to his 'superior' to explain their purpose.
Brask will fold his arms, flex his muscles and remain silent, waiting for the more social characters with the talk to back it up.