DM J's Council Of Thieves, Part 1: The Bastards of Erebus


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13 Desnus, 4708AR, Oathday

Oathday dawns cold and grey, more like to the winter that has passed than the summer that should have nearly arrived by now. Early in the morning a courier arrives for each of you, handing you a note and not waiting for a response before running on. The notes read as follows:

Kael:
Written in a strong feminine hand: Your dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in Westcrown has been noticed. Do know that others feel as you do, and that we wish to act quickly to enact change. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in the Rego Scripa at dusk. All will become clearer when we speak.

Sincerely,
Janiven

Sarien:
Written in a strong feminine hand: The night passes, and those who would walk in the dawn beckon. No more shadows should prowl our streets, preying on those too weak to fight back. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in the Rego Scripa at dusk. All will become clearer when we speak.

Sincerely,
Janiven

Rauno:
Written in a strong feminine hand: You have questions regarding those who oppress Westcrown, I have answers. The truth should be permitted in the light, rather than be forced to skulk in darkness; I too wish this to be so. For now, though, meet me at Vizio's Tavern in the Rego Scripa at dusk. All will become clearer when we speak.

Sincerely,
Janiven

Freya:
Written in a strong feminine hand: Your dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in Westcrown has been noticed. Do know that others feel as you do, and that we wish to act quickly to enact change. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in the Rego Scripa at dusk. All will become clearer when we speak.

Sincerely,
Janiven

Tao:
Written in a strong feminine hand: Your dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in Westcrown has been noticed. Do know that others feel as you do, and that we wish to act quickly to enact change. Meet me at Vizio's Tavern in the Rego Scripa at dusk. All will become clearer when we speak.

Sincerely,
Janiven

If you wish to do anything during the day, please let me know. Once everyone has done what they need to do, I'll advance.


Female Human (Chelaxian) Witch 2 | hp 14/14 | AC: 12 (12 touch, 10 ff) CMD 12 | Fort +1 Ref +2 Will +3 | Perception +5 (+7 w/ familiar) | Init +3 | Attack of Opportunity +3 (+4 vs. Chelish officials)

DM:
Freya narrows her eyes after the courier. She hadn't known that anyone knew the abandoned building where she had been sleeping; perhaps it was time to move on. She didn't know exactly how far the Asmodean Sisters would go to find her, but she hoped they wouldn't bother themselves any farther than the outskirts of Egorian. Westcrown had seemed the safest choice, the former capital, now out of fashion with the courtiers of the House of Thrune, and known for harboring unwelcome elements and impolitic opinions.

Slipping back into the dim light of an alleyway, she rips open the note with the blade of her dagger and reads it quickly. When she has finished, she smiles. She hadn't realized her reputation would have been made so quickly. She had only been in town a matter of weeks, but she had taken the opportunities given her to harry the local authorities. So far it had only amounted to throwing clumps of mud at Hellknights and running away, but one day ... she smiles, as the centipede curls around her wrist.

Janiven. Had she heard that name? She racked her brain for any information she had picked up about the name, the tavern, even the part of the city mentioned in the note.

Knowledge (local) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

Sarien Ruseff stared after the courier for several moments, the letter held almost forgotten in his hand. He received such things as rarely as never and the incident had caught him somewhat off guard.

After the courier had passed out of sight, Sarien looked down at the note. He examined it carefully for a moment, turning it end over end.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Finally, he opened it and read the contents three times, sliding a finger over the writing as he did so. He frowned to himself and tried to think whether he'd heard of either Janiven or Vizio's Tavern.

Knowledge Local for Janiven: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Knowledge Local for the tavern: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

He'd have to investigate both a little more before this evening, but he was definitely intrigued. Of course, it could be a trap of some sort. On the other hand, it could be exactly what he'd been waiting for.


Male Human Aquatic Druid 1

Kael reads the message again to himself, secretly pleased that someone out there is as proactive as he is, and is allowing him to get in on the action. Apparently his stay in Westcrown will not be as bad as he had previously thought.

With revolution on his mind, Kael finishes his breakfast and heads back to his simple room to ready his gear. He intends to be as ready as humanly possible for the rendezvous tonight.

Im ready. Feel free to skip ahead.


Freya:
Vizio's Tavern is named for a family that ran the establishment not too long ago. It used to be known as a place that merchant guards would congregate, carouse, and find work. However, it has stood empty of late, since the Vizio family patriarch died and the remaining family moved out of Westcrown. You recently heard someone mention, in passing conversation, that the place has new owners - reputed to be a half-elven man and a human woman.

Janiven is not unknown in Westcrown. She’s worked for several guilds and mercantile interests, sometimes as a caravan guard but more often as a city guide and bodyguard for visiting merchants and business partners that the guilds want to keep out of trouble with local thugs or the shadow beasts that patrol the streets at night. Janiven has a reputation of being a bit rash (for example, she recently dragged her charge half-dressed out of a whorehouse when he refused to head back to a safer part of town before sundown) but quite trustworthy. Every time you've heard her name in conversation, the speaker has had nothing but praise for the woman.

Sarien:
Vizio's Tavern is named for a family that ran the establishment not too long ago. It used to be known as a place that merchant guards would congregate, carouse, and find work. However, to your knowledge it has stood empty of late, since the Vizio family patriarch died and the remaining family moved out of Westcrown.

Janiven is not unknown in Westcrown. She’s worked for several guilds and mercantile interests, sometimes as a caravan guard but more often as a city guide and bodyguard for visiting merchants and business partners that the guilds want to keep out of trouble with local thugs or the shadow beasts that patrol the streets at night. Janiven has a reputation of being a bit rash (for example, she recently dragged her charge half-dressed out of a whorehouse when he refused to head back to a safer part of town before sundown) but quite trustworthy. Every time you've heard her name in conversation, the speaker has had nothing but praise for the woman.

Your readiness is noted, Kael.


Female Human (Chelaxian) Witch 2 | hp 14/14 | AC: 12 (12 touch, 10 ff) CMD 12 | Fort +1 Ref +2 Will +3 | Perception +5 (+7 w/ familiar) | Init +3 | Attack of Opportunity +3 (+4 vs. Chelish officials)

DM:
Freya considers. This Janiven seemed like an independent woman, a strong woman, a woman unlike the servile Asmodean Sisters. And anyone working against the government was someone to be admired. She refolds the note and slips it inside her vest, along with the rest of her meager worldly goods. She would spend the rest of the daylight hours looking for a new place to sleep at nights, then she would go to the meeting. Even if this Janiven was to be trusted, she didn't like being so easily found. "Deeper and darker," she murmurs to the caterpillar, "I agree."


DM

Spoiler:
Rauno will go immediately. He'll pass by several times, and circle around the meeting place and taking up watching to see who comes or goes until the appointed meeting time.


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

Sarien rested for much of the morning, napping after another late night and conserving his energy. After noon, however, he dressed in his laborer clothing and went out to scout out the area of the tavern to get a lay of the land and a good feeling for the area.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

He familiarized himself with the streets leading into and away from the tavern so that he had a good idea of some potential escape routes should there be any surprises. After he'd explored the area to his satisfaction he returned to his hut and dressed in his night clothes.

An hour before dusk Sarien went back to the tavern and positioned himself in the shadows of a nearby building to watch for who might arrive.

He's going to keep an eye out for any others who might be coming to the meeting and then enter.

Sovereign Court

Dot


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 1 - Inquisitor 1

DM:
Tao spends the moment after reading the note in quiet contemplation, reflecting on his past to center his mind. The anticipation becomes to much to bear and he leaves for the tavern right away. He will try to find the most secluded corner of the tavern, waiting, and watching...


DM Rolls:
Rauno Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Sarien Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Rauno Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Tao Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Rauno:
In your scouting near the tavern, you notice a slender man dressed in laborer's clothing passing by several times. You are unsure as to whether or not he is honestly running errands - he certainly moves like a laborer, but he doesn't really seem to be doing anything other than looking around. After awhile, he walks away. Additionally, you notice a large hooded half-orc seated on a bench in a secluded corner near the inn. He appears to be doing precisely what you are doing, sitting and watching. You get the sense that both of these others notice you, but as yet neither acknowledges you.

Sarien:
As you are scouting the area earlier in the day, you notice two interesting individuals. One is a half-elf (he looks like he's trying to disguise that fact, but your keen eyes notice the angular features immediately), and the other is obviously a half-orc. They are clearly studying the area. You get the feeling that they both take note of your presence in the area. Neither acknowledges you specifically as of yet, though.

Tao:
Throughout the afternoon, you notice two individuals of note, both of which appear to be studying the area. One is a slight man dressed in a laborers outfit, the other is an equally slender man who is milling about a corner not far from you. The laborer is serruptitiously studying the area, while the other seems to merely be watching the crowd in a manner similar to what you are doing yourself.


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

DM:

Sarien notes the two individuals he spotted examining the tavern area and keeps a special watch out for them when he returns late in the afternoon. Now that's he's keeping watch on the tavern, he's making a greater effort to remain hidden. Stealth Check:
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 1 - Inquisitor 1

DM:
Tao attempts to get a better measure of the individuals of note (i.e. weapons, holy symbols, etc.) trying not to be too obvious.

If noticed: Tao will tip his cup in a friendly gesture.
If not noticed: Tao will continue to wait and watch.


Sarien:
Before you leave, the last time you glance at the half-orc, he tips his cup at you in a friendly way. When you return to the inn later that night, you feel confident that you are well hidden. You will notice the arrival of people below, I'll let them describe themselves further. You can be the last to arrive if you wish.


Tao:
The man dressed in the laborer's outfit appears to be unarmed and relatively unassuming. Based on the Perception check I rolled for you, he moves with a fair amount of grace and fluidity, but aside from that he is unremarkable. You meet eyes with him, and tip your cup to him in a friendly gesture.

The man milling about the corner is armed only with a stout club, although your warrior's eye tells you that he lacks the frame to do much damage with it - it's probably just a means of self-defense at last resort. Other than that, you can see the tips of a few scarfs poking out of various pockets, and he wears one loosely around his neck in the Varisian way. He wears a belt pouch, the kind that ordinarily is used to hold money. He meets your eyes with his, and you tip your cup to him amicably.


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

DM:

Sarien paused a moment as the half-orc tipped his cup and then smiled and nodded slightly before leaving.

He'd definitely like to be the last person to arrive, noting each person as they enter.

Sovereign Court

DM:

Couldn't catch you on MSN. A6 finished and sent.


DM

Spoiler:

Smiling smugly to himself, Rauno will rise and cross to the meeting place. If that's the best they have to offer, I won't even have to raise my cudgel! Bold and feminine was the writing, so bold and feminine is what he is looking for as he enters.


I am now skipping forward to the meeting, if anyone has any actions they want to retcon, that's fine, just let me know.

Rauno and Sarien:
Near dusk, perhaps a few minutes early, the half-orc stands up abrubptly and enters the inn.

Rauno:
Do you wish to follow, or will you wait a while longer?

Ack, ninja'd! Rauno, I'll have you follow the half-orc.


Everyone will see the following, as they enter the tavern for the meeting:

Vizio's tavern has clearly seen better days. A long wooden bar stands to the right of the front entrance, and runs to the back wall, interrupted only briefly by a space for a barmaid to make their way through. Behind the bar, there are several shelves for spirits, but these stand mostly empty, only a few bottles inhabiting a space meant for many more. An open doorway leads from the area behind the bar to what appears to be (and smells dintinctly like) a kitchen. The smell of roasted meat and steaming vegetables wafts from this room. To the left of the entrance is a great room, filled with tables and chairs of various sizes. The place is empty, save for an attractive woman in loose, baggy clothes who is standing behind the bar.

Greetings, I am Janiven. Thank you for coming. If you'll kindly have a seat, the rest of our guests should be here shortly, andwe can break bread together and discuss our...common interests.

Everyone, please describe yourselves (I don't have descriptions for a few of you). The party will arrive at the inn in this order: Tao, Rauno, Kael, Freya, and Sarien. As you arrive, you'll encounter what I've described in the text above and any of the others who have arrived before you. Once the last guest arrives, I'll move along.


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 1 - Inquisitor 1

Tao is short for a half-orc (6'1"). He carries his muscular frame in a relaxed, unthreatening manner. His shoulder length black hair is worn down and he has deep black eyes that seem to be constantly surveying his surroundings. Strapped to his back is a greatsword, under his simple cloak he wears scale mail, and hanging from his neck is the symbol of Erastil.

In a calm, unintimidating voice, he says, Hello, my name is Tao.


One of the people joining you at the table is a tall Varisian man. His dark eyes, olive skin and dark hair mark him distinctly as a member of the wandering gypsies of that land. His long hair is loosely braided in the back, letting it fall over the sides of his head but not over his shoulders. He wears modest clothing of a man not too wealthly, but the modest garments are complemented with rich colored scarves, some brightly colored and others beautiful but muted. He wears them at his neck, his wrists, at his waist and one from shoulder to hip like a bandolier. Others drape from pockets where they are loosely tucked in. He carries a cudgel that is obviously stout enough to be a weapon, though he feints using it as a walking stick. His features at first seem slightly odd. When you are ready to dismiss them as merely being the exotic of a Varisian, you can make out a strain of elven influence in his blood. The elven blood is either well diluted, or he is going to some small pains to mask it.


Male Human Aquatic Druid 1

A lithe, unassuming young man with deeply tanned, weathered skin enters next. Kael gives the room a once over, his eyes stopping to linger a bit on the attractive woman he assumes to be Janiven. Indeed, his guess is correct as she greets him and motions to a table.

"Well met, Janiven, and many thanks for the invite," he says politely, unstrapping his pack and spear and propping them in a corner. He gives a small nod to both of the men seated at the table and takes his seat, throwing off his hood and revealing a short, disheveled coif of thick brown hair that has been long since bleached by the sun.


Female Human (Chelaxian) Witch 2 | hp 14/14 | AC: 12 (12 touch, 10 ff) CMD 12 | Fort +1 Ref +2 Will +3 | Perception +5 (+7 w/ familiar) | Init +3 | Attack of Opportunity +3 (+4 vs. Chelish officials)

A thin teenage girl with black hair enters the tavern. Under an odd, bristly vest, she seems to be wearing what might once have been a religious habit or school uniform, but it has been cut off short to serve as a tunic; beneath it, she wears men's trousers stuffed into the tops of her shoes. Although she looks like a runaway, she doesn't move with any of the timidity one usually sees in them, instead seeming to possess a confidence and boldness that belies her vulnerable appearance. She seems to be wearing an unusual bracelet around her wrist; just as you are taking a closer look, however, the bracelet twitches and runs quickly up her sleeve, revealing itself to be a centipede.


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

A few minutes after the girl enters, a dark figure steps through the door and pulls it shut behind him. Dressed all in black, he wears a cloak with the hood pulled down over his head so that even his face is in shadow.

He stops as he enters the room, head turning slowly to examine everything within, beginning with the doorways, then on to the four others who had already entered before finishing on Janiven.

He nods to his host and then slowly crosses the room and enters the dining area. He paused to examine the table and the walls, and finally moves to a seat where his back can be to a wall. There he allowed his cloak to fall open, revealing a slender, almost wiry figure. He is dressed in a loose black shirt and tight black trousers, a rapier hanging from the belt. His gloved hands, which had been holding the cloak close about his body, lower the cloak's hood to unveil a not-unattractive face and close-cropped black hair of a young man in his early 20's who otherwise looks absolutely ordinary. Unfastening the clasp at his neck, he removed the cloak and folded it carefully. On his back there's a small black backpack to which two shortspears have been strapped. He shrugged out of the pack and set it down on the floor beside the table, drapping his cloak over it.

"Good evening, gentlesfolk." He said softly with a slight smile. "You may call me Sarien." He sat down and tilted the chair back on its rear legs, arms crossed over his chest.


Tao, Sarien, and Rauno: you each recognize each other from your interactions outside the inn this morning.

Thank you all for coming, Janiven says, scanning the room slowly. Her eyes rest on each of you in turn, seemingly taking measure of you; your capabilities, your trustworthiness, your temperment. She takes a deep breath before continuing. As I have mentioned, I have a meal prepared for us - come, let us break bread together and get to know one another more before we speak of darker things.

She moves into the kitchen, briefly rattling some dishes before emerging with a platter of roasted meat and steamed beans. Would anyone like ale? I have some here - the tavern is not open yet, but we are beginning to get supplies in. It's not the best ale in Golarion, Cheliax, or even Westcrown, but even so it should serve to quench your thirst. To those who request ale, she serves a mug, which is passing fair - about as advertised. Finally, she sits down to eat with you. The meal is satisfactory, but not exceptional. Every few minutes, Janiven glances out the front window.

If you have questions for each other, or for Janiven, now would be a perfect time to ask them.


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

Sarien accepted a mug of ale gladly, and was pleased at the flavor. It may not have been the best but it was better than he was accustomed to. Nevertheless, he drank sparingly while he helped himself eagerly to the meal, piling a heap of meat and a large spoonful of beans onto his plate and eating hungrily.

Sarien spoke as he ate, unconcerned about appearances.

"I recall seeing you both this morning," he mumbled around a mouthful of food, lifting his fork and gesturing to Tao and Rauno. "Caution becomes you. Are you newcome to Westcrown?"


Rauno smiles at Sarien's comment. Caution is always called for in Westcrown, unless boldness is called for. When boldness is called for, caution is especially needed!

Rauno casts a quick spell. DM and Spellcraft 15

Spoiler:
He is casting Detect Poison on the food and ale. Assuming he doesn't detect anything, he'll go ahead and eat.

As he starts in on the food, he says My name is Rauno Redpath. I have actually been in Westcrown for many years now, though I am normally not this... social. I came here as a student, and I suppose it is true that I still study, though not under any tutors anymore.


Male Human Aquatic Druid 1

@ Janiven:

"You keep quite a keen vigilance for someone who is hosting us with such harmless pleasantries. May I inquire as to what troubles you, m'lady?" Kael asks sincerely.


Female Human (Chelaxian) Witch 2 | hp 14/14 | AC: 12 (12 touch, 10 ff) CMD 12 | Fort +1 Ref +2 Will +3 | Perception +5 (+7 w/ familiar) | Init +3 | Attack of Opportunity +3 (+4 vs. Chelish officials)

Freya eats her meal appreciatively, if not necessarily like someone unaccustomed to enough food, certainly like someone unaccustomed to sitting down to a hot meal in comfortable surroundings. Like their hostess, she keeps an eye on the entrance and front window. Hearing Kael's question, she scoffs quietly. "What doesn't trouble you?" she asks under her breath without directly addressing the other man.


With the question on everyone's mind asked by Kael and emphasized by Freya, Rauno listens carefully for an answer, though continuing to enjoy the meal. He will quietly add to no one in particular I believe this fine gathering you've called in reluctant to ask questions of each other, lest they become obligated to answer themselves...

With that he smiles broadly. Realizing that is likely what is happening and, for the first time in a long time, he feels like he may be among kindred spirits.


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 1 - Inquisitor 1

Tao raises a hand in gesture to decline the ale, Thank you, but I must decline the offer of ale. When able, I avoid partaking of anything that might cloud my judgment. I gladly accept the offer to break bread though.

Tao patiently waits until others at the table have taken food before taking himself. Hearing Sarien's question he answers, Honestly, it wasn't so much caution, but anticipation that brought be this morning. I have been a Westcrown resident for some months now and while the general acceptance of one such as I is a blessing, I have found it difficult to find those that I might break bread with.


Rauno:
No poison.

Raising her gaze to meet Kael's, she looks momentarily agitated, then smiles slightly. Good of you to ask, Kael. As you no doubt are aware, shadow beasts stalk the unlit streets after dark. I have heard many different explanations for these creatures, but personally, I think I know the answer. She lowers her voice conspirationally. I believe that they were put into the streets by House Thrune, to oppress the citizens of Westcrown and consolidate their infernal power. She glances out the window again before continuing. I assure you that our meeting should not last past true nightfall, but should you wish to stay the night here, I will gladly make arrangements as necessary.

Sense Motive DC 15:
Janiven is clearly worried about something, but she seems forthright in general. You're fairly certain that everything she's telling you, she believes. You're somewhat less sure whether or not she's telling everything there is to tell.


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

Sarien's hand tightened on his fork for a moment as Rauno cast his spell Assuming there was a visual or audio component) but he relaxed when nothing exploded.

"A student? In Westcrown? I'd not have thought that anyone would come here on purpose."

He nodded at Tao's words, though he was still a little surprised at the notion that anyone would choose to come to Westcrown of their own free will. "You usually have to be careful who you eat with unless you have a particularly strong stomach." He looked to Janiven. "Your reputation is good enough, Janiven, that I'm not inclined to make sure no one turns blue while eating at your table."

His eyes lifted to the door. "I presume that you're waiting for another arrival before speaking more about our purpose here?"

DM:

Sense Motive in regards to Janiven's behavior: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
*sigh* - That'll likely be my last 20 for quite a long while.


Female Human (Chelaxian) Witch 2 | hp 14/14 | AC: 12 (12 touch, 10 ff) CMD 12 | Fort +1 Ref +2 Will +3 | Perception +5 (+7 w/ familiar) | Init +3 | Attack of Opportunity +3 (+4 vs. Chelish officials)

Sense Motive 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Freya's dark eyes watch Janiven's face intently. "Hmf. Wouldn't put it past them." Any native Chelaxians can no doubt pick up a slight accent and manner of speaking that mark her as originating from the capital city of Egorian.


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 1 - Inquisitor 1

@Janiven
I know little of magic. How can the fiends that walk these streets be dealt with? More importantly, if your belief in the source of this threat is true and someone were to cleanse these streets, what can be done to prevent it from happening again?


@ Sarien: I was hoping we would be joined by another, but I am thinking that he may not be coming, after all. It is unlike him to be late.

@ Tao: Those are great questions, the answers to which apply to a much wider situation. And now, as everyone seems to mostly be finished with their dinner, it seems that mayhap we should discuss that situation...

After dinner is finished, and with the last rays of daylight beginning to shine outside, Janiven stands up, takes a deep breath, and addresses the group openly.

Again, thank you for agreeing to meet with me here. 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 have 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!


Sarien Ruseff wrote:

Sarien's hand tightened on his fork for a moment as Rauno cast his spell Assuming there was a visual or audio component) but he relaxed when nothing exploded.

"A student? In Westcrown? I'd not have thought that anyone would come here on purpose."

Verbal and Somatic.

Depending on what you intend to study, Westcrown could be a perfect place.

To Janiven: And what could just a handful of people do against this power? I have been watching it, studying it for years now. It permeats so much of the city, on so many levels, where would you even start?


Female Human (Chelaxian) Witch 2 | hp 14/14 | AC: 12 (12 touch, 10 ff) CMD 12 | Fort +1 Ref +2 Will +3 | Perception +5 (+7 w/ familiar) | Init +3 | Attack of Opportunity +3 (+4 vs. Chelish officials)

Despite her stirring speech, Freya only sits back for a moment, examining Janiven through narrowed eyes. "I don't care about your friends and neighbors and mothers and fathers and aunts and second cousins," she replies at length, "but if you think that we can cause House Thrune a sleepless night or two by killing these shadow creatures, I'm in." She glances at Rauno a bit dismissively. "You start wherever you are, with whatever you find to do," she tells him, "or else you spend your whole life sitting back and b%+*!ing about everything that's wrong with the world without ever stepping up and doing anything about it."


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 1 - Inquisitor 1

I must agree with Rauno. I hear lots of strong words, but as of yet, no solutions. I would gladly give my all to end this infestation if someone were to provide me with a way to do so.


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

Sarien sat back and watched Janiven carefully throughout her speech, seeing a passion in her that impressed him. He listened to the Rauno and the strange young woman as well, trying to get a sense of their character, even though he knew there was no sense in judging them from a few brief words.

"I too have lived in this city all my life," he said at last, looking at each of the others in turn. "I've lost friends to these shadows and know the danger they represent. I don't know if they're the fault of the House of Thrune and I don't care. If there is something that can be done to rid the night of these things, I will do it. The girl is right: you must start where you are. The danger is right here so this is where we must begin."

Only after he spoke did he admit to himself that he didn't quite know what that last meant, but it sounded good. Better than waiting to be the next victim, anyway.


Male Human Aquatic Druid 1

Kael leans forward, raising a hand to quiet his companions so that he may speak.

"Passion and resolve are fine traits to possess, but they mean little without a proper plan. And a plan is only as good as the intelligence it's based on."

He turns to Janiven. "M'lady, you sought us out. You contacted us, and brought us together. Such a display of initiative and resourcefulness smacks of a plan, and I believe that is why you invited us here tonight. So my question to you is: What do you know of House Thrune that makes you think we five can successfully oppose them?"


Fair questions, all of them, and deserving of what answers I can give. I firmly believe that a dedicated group of concerned citizens will be able to sway the citizens of Westcrown to our cause - not necessarily through blatant acts of defiance, but through good works - and in so doing, form an unstoppable tidal wave of popular sentiment that will wash the filth from our streets, and the infernal influence from our city, if not our great nation entirely. Rest assured, you are not alone in your desire to see the city renewed in this way. My business partner and colleague, Arael, is full of ideas regarding how we should proceed, all of them sound. We have already assembled a small group at our base of operations, and Arael is certain that...

At this moment, a sudden excited pounding at the front door disrupts the meeting. Immediately adopting a defensive posture, Janiven peers through a window, then swiftly moves to the door, unlocks it, and opens it.

In stumbles an out-of-breath and frightened-looking teenager. They’ve got Arael! he calls out, then immediately doubles over in a fit of coughing brought on by what looks to have been a long run.

Janiven's face grows grim as she comforts the lad. Come, Morosino, what nonsense is this? What are you talking about?, she asks.

The boy takes one long, deep breath, and finally words come tumbling out of his mouth. The dottari nabbed Arael, and the Hellknights of the Rack are trying to get custody of him! There’s a bunch of Hellknights on their way here now! I only just made it in here; they’ve already surrounded us!

DC 15 Perception Check:
From outside the tavern, the clanking of armor and the rhythmic sound of marching feet are drawing near.


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

Perception Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Sarien brings the front legs of the chair down with a crash and hops to his feet, grabbing his pack and pulling it on over his shoulders. Then he pulls his cloak rapidly over him and hurries to the window.

"I can hear them coming already!" He calls as he peers into the night. "Janiven, there is a back door to this place, isn't there?"


Female Human (Chelaxian) Witch 2 | hp 14/14 | AC: 12 (12 touch, 10 ff) CMD 12 | Fort +1 Ref +2 Will +3 | Perception +5 (+7 w/ familiar) | Init +3 | Attack of Opportunity +3 (+4 vs. Chelish officials)

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Freya had leaped to her feet at the knock on the door. She gives the boy an angry glance. "Excellent job leading them right to us," she bites out scornfully. "Really well done. Did you leave a pathway of rosepetals for them to walk on?" She moves quickly to the kitchen to look for another way out.


Sarien:
You see a heavily armed and armored brigade of Hellknights coming down the street. A quick count puts them at 15, but the line is stretching out of sight.


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 1 - Inquisitor 1

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Tao draws his greatsword and takes up a deffensive position between the front door and the kitchen door."Ok Janiven, what's the plan"


Male Human Rogue (Investigator)/ 1

"There are at least 15 of them, surely more: Hellknights." Sarien turns away from the window. "We really need to get out of here, right now."


Janiven frowns at Freya's outburst. He is only a boy, Freya - one who does not share your street savviness. He sought only to warn me. This is not his fault.

Regardless, I regret involving you all in this. She reaches up and locks the door, displaying amazing calm for someone in such a position. If you will all kindly follow Freya into the kitchen, we may yet escape.

As she moves behind the bar, the door begins to take a heavy pounding. A deep voice exclaims, Open up, in the name of the Hellknights of the Rack!


Male Half-Orc Barbarian 1 - Inquisitor 1

Tao moves to the kitchen door, making sure not to block the way, resumes his defensive posture, and when everyone has entered the kitchen, he will follow.

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