Zoomackulas's Council of Thieves


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Human

Jeric starts a little at the words of the elf.

Damn.

He nods, and lifts his hand to his hood. Pulling it down, he also draws his hair back from his face. All can see that, while the right side of his face is perfect and unmarred, the left side of his face and neck have been burned horribly. The skin is blackened as if it had only just been charred, although the freedom of expression proves it is an old wound. A faint silvery mark can be seen on his left cheek.

"Nethys did indeed gift me. He gifted an arrogant young mage with wisdom. Sometimes, you get burned. Sometimes it kills you. And other times...it changes you."


Xaandros reveals a small tattoo of a stylized butterfly within the Pentacle of Asmodeus to Shadow Blade. It's wings breaking the pentacle ever so slightly, but at first sight, it appears to be a normal stylized pentacle.

It's best to hide the truth behind in an obvious location...A Sheep in Wolf's clothing...

Dark Archive

Male Human (mixture of Chellish, Taldane, and Azlant) Fighter [1]

"we should eat, we will need strength, I suggest we pull tables together, so we may share in these talks over dinner"


Male Human (Mwangi - Zenj)

As the white-haired man reveals the price he had to pay for his own admitted arrogance, Za'unda wonders if he should do the same with the whip scars on his back and the brand that marks him as a noble house's property. Still knowing little about those gathered around the tables, he decides against it. Most will find suffering for your god noble but who knows what they would do if they learned he is an escaped slave.

He rather chooses to add to Almander's words. "Yes, food would be much good but, at this moment, I mostly wonder what lady Janiven has to offer us."


Hmm, I wonder what meat is on the menu for tonight...My body doesn't digest vegetables & fruits very well, so it's pure meat for me, must be my nature...

Liberty's Edge

Janiven busies herself with finishing the dinner for the group she has gathered as they take their seats around the center table. An old well used table with many scratches and dagger holes and some of the chairs are in no better shape. By the look of some of the chairs they have been put back together a few times from bar room fights. Janiven has Ashenel place bread and butter on the table as she follows with a plate of assorted cheeses. She tells everyone to begin as she will bring the rest and motions for Ashenal to please take a seat also thanking him for the extra help. A few minutes later she places on the table a big haunch of roasted goat, a bowl of roasted potatoes, some wild greens litely dressed and a tureen of mixed seafood and vegetable soup. She lets everyone take some and pass it along before taking any herself, sitting at the head of the table. She continues to glace at the window every so often even while taking bites of her food. The food is satisfactory but not exceptional, she participates in the idle chatter around the table keeping the topics lite and friendly. Janiven finishes before the lot of you, moves to the door and locks it then heads over to the windows and shutters them. She takes her place at the head of the table after all secure measures have been taken but does not sit. She takes a deep breath and smiles, Again thank you all for coming and I assure you we will be done in less than a hour with pleanty of time for all of you to return home before sunset. I have chosen each of you for a singular reason—everyone here, myself included, has suffered, whether we realize it or not. I have lived in Westcrown my whole life, and although I love this city, I must admit, as must you, that despite our peace and prosperity, we continue to suffer. Fear should not be an expected part of life, and yet each night brings fear to our doorsteps. Yes, Westcrown has been safe from war and famine for nearly seventy years, and yes, our businesses has
prospered—but this safety and prosperity has been bought in the coinage of fear and prayers to Hell. Other lands live free from tyranny. Other cities do not fear the night. Other governments do not cede the streets to monsters of the infernal shadows. Westcrown was once such a place, and she wants to be such a place again. Westcrown is not only her buildings and canals and docks and history—she is also her people. Westcrown is our friends and neighbors, our mothers and fathers, our siblings and cousins, our sons and daughters! With but a small group of supporters and dedicated brothers and sisters, we can earn the trust and admiration of those people. A Westcrown free of these shadowy beasts that stalk our streets is one step closer to a Westcrown free of the devil that is the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune!”

The words of treason hang in the air as she finishes with her speech. The only noise in the room is the group finishing their meals. Janiven sits back down in her seat and looks to each person to judge their reponse to her little speech......


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

Mithrael concentrates for a moment, closing his eyes to feel his familiar's presence. After being assured that all was well, Mithrael quietly saluted Janiven with his glass of wine.

Well said. Long have I watched the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune corrupt everything it touches. Everything! Mithrael grips his staff until his knuckles turn white. Even elves.

Mithrael looks around the room, hoping that everyone would respond as he had.

I am Mithrael Sevireanne. And the last true elf to bear that name.

Knowledge (Local/Nobility/History):

The Sevireannes are known as the House of the Fallen. Once one of the noblest Elven families, the Sevireannes tainted their magic and religion with diabolic practices. Now most of that family are the lapdogs of the House of Thrune.

My predecessors have turned from their culture, their history, and their gods to pursue a much darker path than the Brightening that most elves would seek out.

Mithrael stands to his feet, holding his staff before him.

I will stand with you, Janiven, and with whoever else opposes this House of Thrune. The darkness that corrupts this land not only instills fear, it holds back the light. It is an unnatural way to live. Death to the House of Thrune! I will not rest until the three curses of this House are cleansed by the Three Blessings of my patrons, and the balance of nature and order restored!

Sovereign Court

Ashenal raises an eyebrow at the standing elf and grins.

I'm not sure I can top that performance. And I'm not sure that I need to. I would only add that it sickens me to take the stage before a crowd of devil-worshipping noblemen.

We have all spoken volumes about our thoughts regarding this city merely by our presence here tonight. What I would hear from our hostess is her plan of action, for I will not throw my life away on a rash, emotional crusade. Change will only happen in Westcrown through guile, wit, courage, skill, and luck.


Male Mordent Spire Elf Fighter 1

Tahlali stands, following Mithrael's example and speaks softly, but even so it is easy for everyone to hear him. "My name is Tahlali Waverunner, the Shadow Blade. The shadows are not something to fear, but are just another natural part of life to be embraced and utilised. It saddens me to hear that this city is held in the grip of fear, not just by the devil tainted nobles, but also by these sinister shades. I pledge my Family's Blade to you Janiven."
He pulls a finely crafted long slender Silver Sword from the scabbard behind his chair and lays it upon the table before him.


Wuglat raises his cup a bit speaks, Here, here. I agree with both of you, action must be taken. But action without reason or thought will leads us to our own damnation.


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

Mithrael sits down again, calming his features.

I did not mean to imply that we act recklessly. Caution must be taken, naturally; but let us use our opportunities wisely. If there is a plan to bring this city, or this nation out from under the grip of the Hellknights, I am willing to listen to it. Even if it take a thousand years.

Dark Archive

Male Human (mixture of Chellish, Taldane, and Azlant) Fighter [1]

"I am in"


Xaandros takes a large portion of goat, and the seafood soup, carefully taking only seafood and broth. He eats it, the meat nourishing him...

Xaandros sits patiently listening to the others...then he stands

Look to me, I represent that which is wrong in this city, I'm a nobleman by birth, though cast out because the infernal pacts made by my ancestors, I am a tiefling, a mockery to both the nobles who lost control and to the fiends themselves!

Xaandros moves to the tabletop

Death for a good cause is a good death, there is no throwing life away of we inspire others to rise up against this tyranny, these diabolists clinging to their very existence, they prevent us from meeting and slinking about the shadows to keep us under foot. Under the Jack Boots of the Hell Knights!

he pulls his sitar from his back, and begins to play

City of Shadows,
She's lost her crown of flowers.

The once grand city,
Fallen to the fiends,

No longer does laughter,
fill the joyful air.

Aroden fell, a century past,
That's when she fell as well.

With fiendish pacts, and fiendish laws,
Enacted by the pack.

Now she looks to heroes,
To pull her from the brink.

Now she looks to heroes
To bring her glory back.

Xaandros trails the song off...

What say you?


Male Human (Mwangi - Zenj)

"Your cause is just, lady Janiven. Even the Land itself suffers from the corruption of these evil spirits you call 'devils'. I was given the power of my ancestors in this strange foreign land for a reason. My voice joins the voice of others. Let this land and its people be free from the evil that plague it so !"

"I also know this : in the future, Westcrown is cleansed. This was reveal to me in a dream vision. Free your heart from fear for we will not fail!"


Human

Jeric bowed his head to Janvien.

"I cannot see all like the great Nethys can." Jeric rasped. "But this cause is a true and just one. I will work with you, and hope Nethys blesses our endeavor."

Liberty's Edge

I want to thank you all for your words! It seems I did choose the right persons with like minds to join together and improve the lives of the people of Westcrown, but all of you must take care not to appear as rebels or rioters. We must form our own band of protectors and must work to win the admiration and support of the citizens by doing good works and providing what aid we can. The key to this tatic is the fact that Westcrown is largely ignored by the rulers of Cheliax as home in exile for the old nobility. As long as we work to win the hearts of Westcrown's citizens by good deeds and avoid as many direct entanglements with the government as we can, the House of Thrune will continue to ignore what they'll interpret as "petty squabbling" in the old capital! She looks to the door and windows again as if expecting someone, you can see she is getting more nervious by the minute. Her head turns back to those she has gathered and forces a fake smile onto her face. If there are any questions, now would be the time to ask as time is short and we must be going very soon! If there are none then finish up you meals and we will discuss when is the best time to.......BAM BAM BAM....Janiven jumps at the loud banging on the front door, she collects herself quickly and races to the door with a very softly spoken word leaves her lips, "Arael" and then a little louder as she makes her way to the door, "Thank Iomedae"!

She opens the door slowly after unlocking it and a small out of breath and frightened looking teenager stumbles into the tavern and shouts, [b]They've got Arael!! He then doubles over in a fit of coughing brought on by what must have been a long run. Janiven face grows grim as she relocks the door and says, What are you talking about Morosino?


At the sounds of the door, Wuglat jumps to his feet and steps toward the door to insert himself between Janiven and her would be attacker. When the boys falls in coughing he turns to Janiven and asks, "Who has whom?"

Sovereign Court

Ashenal springs to his feet and puts his hand on the boy's shoulder.

Take a breath and tell us who has your friend, and why, he says kindly as he looks carefully out the door. While the lad wheezes, Ashenal turns to Janiven.

It would appear our first good deed is nigh upon us, milady.


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

A large golden hawk flies in with the boy, alighting on the twisted head of Mithrael's staff. It makes a quiet clucking noise, and turns its head towards the newcomer.

Mithrael softens his voice to a murmur. No no. Its alright. I believe he is a friend. Thank you for the warning though.

Mithrael turns his attention to the adolescent. Morosino, is it? Please try and calm down. Tell us what has happened, and who this Arael is.


Male Human (Mwangi - Zenj)

Standing behind the elven wizard, Za'unda whispers to him. "Perhaps it would do us good if Elim returned to his perch. The boy could have been followed." With this said, Za'unda simply waits for things to unfold.


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

Mithrael is thoughtful for a brief moment and looks toward Za'unda. "We do not yet know who he is referring to. If we can give Morosino an opportunity to explain who has captured this Arael, then we can try to determine if he might have been followed by them."


Male Mordent Spire Elf Fighter 1

Tahlali grabs his weapon from the table and races to stand by the door, listening for any threats from outside. The boy's loud breathing right next to him and the stream of questions from the others however serve to mask any sounds coming from beyond the door.
Perception Check. (1d20=1)


Indeed, let us hear her out, so we might know what our next course of action is.

Liberty's Edge

Janiven addresses the group before turning back to Morosino, Arael is the leader of our movement, he was supposed to be here to eat and talk with all of you! I was hoping that maybe he got held up with business but feared something else happen because it is unlike him to be late for a meeting.

To Morosino, What has happen? Morosino stillout of breath says between gasps for more air, The dottari nabbed Arael, and the Hellnights of the Rack are trying to get custody of him! There's a bunch of Hellnights on their way now! I only just made it in here to warn you, they're already surrounded us! What are we going to do? Sounds of clacking armour advancing on the tavern of course follow the boy's warning.

Janiven remains calm some how, I apologizes to all of you for involving you this matter! As she says this the Hellnights outside begin pounding on the locked doors of the place and demanding in booming voices for those within to come out and give themselves up! Follow me! Her and Morosino swiftly move behind the decrepit bar and lift a hidden heavy trap door in the floor. The pounding increases in loudness, The shaft leads down into Westcrown's sewers, we should be able to flee the Hellnight quickly down there!


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

Without having hardly any time to respond to the urgency in Janiven's voice or the sudden difficult situation of hellbeasts pounding on the tavern door, Mithrael urges his new companions to follow the lady of the house, moving swiftly toward the trap door himself.

Hurry, do as she suggests. The hellbeasts are nothing to trifle with. Elim flutters her wings in an agitated motion as Mithrael's voice rises in worry. I will do what I can to buy us some time.

DM/OOC:

I will move to the ladder and cast Obscuring Mist back in the room as soon as everyone else has gone down the ladder.


Male Human (Mwangi - Zenj)

"At this time, I hate being proven right. Fleeing is also something I hate." says Za'unda with a snarl. He straps on his shield, grabs his spear and stands in a battle stance, ready to throw his weapon at the first knight that enters the tavern.


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

We do not stand a chance against the Hellknights! Let us flee while we can. The punishments of Westcrown are... too vicious to ponder right now, and for now I am focused only on the survival of our new fellowship. By the gods of my ancestors, we have no recourse here but to escape Hell's Legions.

Elim flies into the air and flaps her wings agitatedly as another heavy thud erupts from the door, followed by more shouted commands from those outside it.

There is no time to discuss this further. Fleeing is the only option we have right now, as distasteful as it may be for those who think otherwise.


Fear not brave Wiscrani! Pharasma may deliver us this day, but give the good fight, take these dogs down, now is the hour upon which we make right, or DIE in the attempt! Now, stop your cowering, and prepare to fight, for tis better to die facing your enemy than to die with a bolt in the back!

Quickly upend these tables, provide cover for us, block the doors, so those heavily armored knights have trouble moving through this tavern.


Human

"Running is a good plan. I'll leave a...surprise for the Hellknights." Wispered the scarred priest. "It might make them a little angry, however, so we'll want to step quickly."

That said, Jeric grabbed his staff and moved to the main door door, and those who watched would see Jeric draw a faintly glowing sigil on the ground inside the door with his gloved left hand. As soon as it was complete, the symbol faded into nothingness.

"Lets go!" He hissed as loudly as he could (not very loud at all), moving with youthful speed to the trapdoor, his black robe swirling around him dramatically.

DM/OOC:

Spoiler:
Placing a Blast Rune just inside the door. 1d6 Fire damage, DC 26 Perception to find, DC 26 Disable Device to disarm.


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

Mithrael holds the trap door so that Janiven and Morosino can go down before him, as well as the priest of Nethys. He turns to Xaandros and Za'unda.

Have you two ever fought Hellknights? They fight in units of 13, all heavily armored, all well trained in combat. These warriors do not fight fairly, and they have the advantage of numbers and experience. Do not let your pride and bravery prevent you from seeing the folly of attempting to fight them.

Elim flutters into the air and screeches, diving down the hole after those that had gone before.

Let us move quickly now and live this day. One day we will have justice.


Male Mordent Spire Elf Fighter 1

Startled by the loud knocking on the door right next to his hed and worried that he did not hear anything approaching, Tahlali steps back from the door and brandishes his blade.
Upon hearing Janiven's story however, he quickly hurries over to the trap door and descends, wondering what is keeping everyone up top.
"Is everything alright up there," he calls from below.

Sovereign Court

The time for battle will come, Za'Unda. But it will be a battle of our choosing, not theirs. For now, run!

Ashenal quickly clambers down the ladder and waits at the bottom to assist others coming down.


And they've surrounded the building...which means they're not in formation, and of course, there's nothing to say these are veteran hell knights and not their Armigers.


Male Human (Mwangi - Zenj)

Admitting that the others might be right, Za'unda slowly falls back to the trapdoor. "Victory can't be ours without the aid of others, come Xaandros !" says Za'unda with frustration before climbing down the ladder.


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

Mithrael turns his head to contemplae Xaandros's argument, but the loud knocking on the door has turned to heavy thudding.

"I have never seen a unit of Hellknights not fight in formation. If they've surrounded the building as the boy has said, then there are likely two formations upon us."

He begins to wave his staff in the air, gathering up magical energies in a subtle sparkle of light.

"Make haste down the ladder. They will be upon us soon; I intend to have as many leave here alive as possible. Shalathir Milayil"

A strange fog begins to seep into the room through the cracks betwen the boards on the floor. With a flick of his wrist, Mithrael wards the fog away from the area near the front door, but the fog continues to rise. It is a dense fog and difficult to see through, but rising slowly enough for everyone else in the room to make it to the trapdoor.


Well enough, another day then...

Dark Archive

Male Human (mixture of Chellish, Taldane, and Azlant) Fighter [1]

With the last of the companions down the ladder, Almander follows. Knowing today is not the day for a fight.


Male Mordent Spire Elf Fighter 1

Standing with the others below the trap door, Tahlali turns to janiven and asks, "so where to from here? I'm assuming if these Hellknights are as good as you all say they are then it won't take them long to fing the trap door. We should be gone from here when they do."
He grips his sword tightly, not yet ready to relinquish it back to the safety of it's scabbard.


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

DM/OOC:

"Obscuring Mist" actually centers on the caster, 20' radius. (From the trap door.) And I can't shape it, so if there's a part of it that interacts with the explosive runes, the mist could be partly burnt away. Duration 1 minute.

Mithrael tries to regain his composure, Elim also calms down, hopping from its narrow stone ledge on the wall onto Mithrael's staff. It makes a curious clicking noise and Mithrael nods in the darkness.

"I agree. A little too dark down here."

The elf reaches into the deep pocket of his robe and pulls out a red crystal burning with a bright flame. He holds it up near his staff, and Elim tilts her head, silently opening her beak at the sight of the crystal. She adjusts her position on the staff's "branches", and Mithrael sets the crystal firmly into a notch.

The golden light from the flame spreads out like that of a torch.


Sewers! I love Sewers, they make my clothing smell like the loveliest day. [dripping with sarcasm]

It's dark down here? Oh, I hadn't noticed, that's one good thing about my heritage I supposed he quips.


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

Finally back in lighted conditions he could actually enjoy, Mithrael looks around to make sure everyone made it and is well enough to continue on.

Dark Archive

Male Human (mixture of Chellish, Taldane, and Azlant) Fighter [1]

Almander looks for something to bar the trap door to buy some time in our flight, "We need to move, it won't take those hell's lapdogs too long before they pick up our scent."


Male Human (Mwangi - Zenj)

"The spirits of nature can help me dispel the darkness as well." The dark-skinned man retrieves an oaken cudgel that was strapped on his backpack and starts waving his free hand at it while whispering a few quick words in his native language. Suddenly, five points of light appear at the tips of his fingers. Slowly taking the shape of fireflies, the little lights fly to Za'Unda's cudgel and start circling it. The light given off by the 'fireflies' is similar to the effect of the elven mage spell. Holding his new 'torch' high, Za'unda takes some time to examine their surrounding, almost as if he's looking for something in particular. Eventually, he turns back to the group and speaks softly. The warrior has the right thought. We best be moving. Light up the way for Lady Janiven, master elf. I will watch our back."


I'll take the rear, since I can see in the dark...

Xaandros says as he lags behind.

Liberty's Edge

It takes a little time to get everyone down the ladder and into the sewer. Mixed emotions and ideas on how best to handle the situation slow the group's progress but finally the group is a the bottom. Janiven was the last one on the ladder as she shot up to make sure the trap door was locked and then back to the sewer floor. You all hear the sound of wood cracking above as the knights must have broken down the door, it does seem they are having some trouble as curses drift down the ladder. Shouts of "I can't see anything in this cursed fog" or "Hey watch where your walking lunk head" and "thats no pillow"
Then more wood shattering as the knights come through another door, a great whoosh sound is heard, then screams as knights race about the floor above, crashing sounds and loud thuds make the floor boards above groan under pressure from the heavily armoured knights. More shouts and curses fill the air, "Quick someone get some water in here" and "Cleric"

Janiven motions to follow her and takes off into the darkness. She whispers back, should anyone get lost or fall behind look for these marks on the walls or doors at every intersection, the sword points always in the direction of the safe house!

You are all standing in a twenty foot long, five foot wide dry hallway that leads to a simple wooden door which Janiven is slowly opening. She stops and pushes aside a rock near the entrance to reveal a small hollow in the wall and sighs in relief, Good, they're still here! She pulls out a small cache of vials with a rubber stopper. Its hard to tell in the light what is inside but Janiven reveals the contents of each vial as she starts passing back one to each of you, we will not have time to stop and rest as long as the Hellknights are after us till we get to the safe house, use then if you are wounded but becareful, that is all we have and we have a long trip in front of us before it is safe. Be on your guard, there are other things down here besides us and soon the Hellknights!

There is enough of the vials for each of you to have two each as they are passed around the group. Janiven pulls out a sunrod and goes through the door with Morosino a step behind. A blast of air is the first thing that hits the group and by the smell you are diffinately sure you are in the sewers now. Stepping out into the next hall you are in another hallway that is five feet wide but now half of the hallway is taken up by a small steadily moving stream of dirty water heading south towards the sea. She turns right heading in the same direction as the water flow along the right side of the wall, the left full of water, garbage and other things you don't want to know what it is, luckily the pathway you are on is above the water level, at least for now.........

Everyone

Spoiler:
Make sure you check the discussion thread each time before posting for important information, it might save your life!

Sovereign Court

Ashenal lifts the twin vials before his face in mock salute to Janiven. Milady's courtesy is none diminished.

Tucking the vials into his belt, he lets the others pass to follow in the rear with the bard, a throwing dagger in his right hand. Ashenal's gaze is constantly drawn behind them.

Let's get moving. Our pursuers seem to have lost no motivation.


Wuglat draws his great sword and takes up position in arms reach of Janiven and the boy. Ready to jump in front of trouble.


Xaandros fishes in his backpack and pulls out a small bag...

Caltrops, I'll drop some in the water just after we enter the sewer, where I'm sure one of the knights will step on them, they'll have to be more careful after that, lest they want the filth fever, then after a few hundred more yards, I'll drop another, just to keep them light on their feet...


Male Human (Mwangi - Zenj)

Za'unda quickly pockets the two vials and thanks Lady Janiven with a small bow. Once they get going, he hangs at the back of the group but still in front of the stealthy Xaandros and Ashenal.


Male Elf Universalist Wizard 1

Mithrael slips the two vials into the bag hanging from the sash around his waist.

"Be careful of the slippery stones. Keep an eye out, and for any unwholesome things that might make the sewers their home."

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