Gianluca gasps as he feels the life force sucked out of his golden skin.
Still, he manages to smile as Thrassk claws and bites one of them into dust. "Well done, brother!"
Gianluca steps forward with a blazing strike that leaves only a stunned shred of a spectre before him.
_______________________
Seeing the specters falling quickly, Argor breathes a sigh of relief and sends five more magic missiles at the remaining undead that was not stunned.
__________
Cladissa moves along the wall toward where the orator had fled while observing the battle with the spectres. She targets the undamaged one with her Misfortune hex, hoping it will only have a few seconds left of its existence and will do no further harm during that time.
The beast who is Grommesson finds himself alone of mob. He turns his falchion on the wounded thing in front of him.
Thrassk steps into the center of the spectres and starts laying waste to them. He manages to claw and bite one of the spirits to pieces, even though his attacks don't work very well.
Gianluca gasps as he feels the life force sucked out of his golden skin.
Still, he manages to smile as Thrassk claws and bites one of them into dust. "Well done, brother!"
Gianluca steps forward with a blazing strike that leaves only a stunned shred of a spectre before him.
Seeing the specters falling quickly, Argor breathes a sigh of relief and sends five more magic missiles at the remaining undead that was not stunned.
Cladissa moves along the wall toward where the orator had fled while observing the battle with the spectres. She targets the undamaged one with her Misfortune hex, hoping it will only have a few seconds left of its existence and will do no further harm during that time.
The spectre resists Cladissa's hex.
The beast who is Grommesson finds himself lacking mob. He turns his falchion on the wounded gardener in front of him, cutting into the man with two meaty slashes.
The remaining active spectre tries to touch Thrassk, but the death ward protects him.
The gardeners at the north end withdraw carefully towards the gate, looking wary of the Freaks. The two near Grommesson attack him again before stepping back to join their companions.
The magistrate and the stragglers from the mob flee down the road and out of sight.
================================
Thrassk bites and claws the un-stunned spectre, destroying it. He turns his last talon on the stunned undead, shredding the thin wisps of it that remain. He whirls towards the slowly retreating gardeners, roaring at them.
Argor scowls at the men responsible for this madness and their attempts to flee to continue more mayhem in the future. He conjures up another pit of spikes amongst them, hoping to prevent their retreat. ”Someone free Lady Geppa from her bonds!”
__________
The two Grey Gardeners over the pit slip and fall in, while the others scramble away from the edges.
"You read my mind." Gianluca replies.
He cuts the bonds holding Lady Geppa and bows to her. "I trust that's a bit better.
"I'm Gianluca, the Honeyed Hand of Arshea. Your husband and my compatriots discovered we share a common foe, and we look forward to discussing it, when the last of these gardeners are dealt with."
”Grommesson! Do not let those men in grey get past you!”
"You read my mind." Gianluca replies.
He cuts the bonds holding Lady Geppa and bows to her. "I trust that's a bit better.
"I'm Gianluca, the Honeyed Hand of Arshea. Your husband and my compatriots discovered we share a common foe, and we look forward to discussing it, when the last of these gardeners are dealt with."
"Ah, that's better. Thank you," Geppa says, rubbing her wrists. She gets to her feet before turning on the Grey Gardeners around the pit. She casts a spell and black tentacles spring from the ground to grab at the Gardeners. The tentacles grab the men tightly before beginning to slowly constrict around their bodies.
Bleeding for the first time in awhile enrages the beast who is Grommesson. He steps up and turns his falchion on the wounded red and gray gardner in front of him.
Grommesson's hacks into the grappled gardener twice, cutting through his armor like a can opener through a tin.
"Good people! Go back to your homes and think on what your hatred has wrought! The guillotines are nothing but the houses of life-hungry undead! There are better ways to effect change! I implore you!" she calls after the peasants who are dispersing.
Once the battle is well in hand, Cladissa nods her head to Cole who speeds off back through the tunnel.
"Ahem," he announces in his rich voice that he still rarely uses. "The battle is won; Geppa is saved and the guillotine destroyed. Would you like to come up? There will be prisoners."
The tentacles hold the Gardeners trapped, as Grommesson continues to mindlessly attack them. After cutting down the two Gardeners not in the pit, he tries to control the beast again.
The beast finally manages to calm himself, and the group takes the two wounded Gardeners in the pit captive. The Pathfinders confiscate their polearms, and tie them up.
Geppa offers a slight curtsy to the group while Cole goes to get Teko. "Thank you for saving me. I thought I was dead for sure." She looks at Argor. "Did I hear you say you were Pathfinders during the battle? Who are you exactly? Where are Teko and the others?"
Teko nods to Cole. "As you say, little cat." He leaves the two bugbears and Raven phoenix to guard the roost, and brings the two scallywags with him up to the surface.
Cole fades into spectral mist to punctuate the fact that he is no mere cat, and speeds on ahead.
Cladissa climbs effortlessly down from the wall as Geppa speaks. "We are, but not aligned with Hestram. In fact, we suspect him of grievous crimes. I've sent for Teko, he should be on his way. I am Cladissa de-- um, well, just Cladissa for now."
Geppa suddenly looks concerned. "Where is the Red Raven?"
Cladissa's hand rubs her throat and her countenance darkens. "He's safe for the moment."
"Was he successful in killing Hestram? What of Cale and the others who went with the Raven? Did you...did you kill them?" Geppa looks less thankful and more worried by the moment.
"Yes, he was successful, and may have thwarted any chance we have of finding proof of the dark forces he was working with, and a means of finally getting ahead of them. So, keep that in mind if you start to feel less grateful that your head's not in a basket and your soul not trapped in one of those vile engines."
”And I am Argor Blakros,” Argor answers somberly. ”And the Raven is back at the Lodge. In his zeal to slay Hestram, he and his men blindly attacked everyone present assuming we were aligned with Adril. Quite a few innocents were murdered as a result. We convinced him that we were not aligned with him, but even so, he managed to nearly kill Cladissa here. He said we could learn more about his motives by searching the manor for clues regarding the man Hestram murdered.”
”If it helps, he gave us a phrase to tell you to prove our temporary alliance,” Argor says before reciting the phrase again. ”Remember the Vernal Key.”
Geppa nods at Argor's words. "What you say is true. There is proof of Hestram's treachery within."
Teko, the two raven soldiers and Cole arrive through the chapel. Teko walks over. "Still alive, eh, Geppa?"
"No thanks to you..." she mutters. She holds out her hand to Teko. The fighter sighs and takes off a ring with a large ruby set in it, and hands it to Geppa. She slips it on.
"Let's go inside and I can show you your proof," Geppa says. She walks over to the doors into the mansion and says "Sweet Geppa." The doors swing open to allow the group entry. Teko steps over and starts to slap the bound Gardeners as the group enters the manse.
An ornate purple carpet bisects this huge audience chamber, running from the huge double doors that lead to the courtyard to the east all the way up a short flight of steps to a beautifully carved wooden throne that looks out over the chamber. To the left of the carpet is an enormous dining table with two long benches. Unfinished meals and drinks rest upon the table, as if more than a dozen men abandoned a meal in progress not long ago. A smaller table on the other side of the carpet is piled high with stacks of paper, maps, and envelopes, arrayed in a pattern that suggests a formal investigation. Doors on the east and west walls appear to lead to other chambers.
Geppa points to the table piled high with paper. "There is your proof."
Cladissa steps inside and uses her senses to make sure there is nothing lurking within unseen. She smiles briefly to Argor, knowing that the stacks of documents would be his playground.
She turns back to Geppa and Teko. "Thank you. But you know hoing through all that will take time. I want to know about Galt's current state of affairs. I was under the impression that now that the nobles have been exterminated, the revolution has turned against itself. But you keep talking as if the nobles still lurk about as some sort of bogeymen. Is there any hope for peace? When will it all end?"
Teko laughs.
Geppa merely shrugs. "We work with the Red Raven to continue the Revolution. Wherever there is corruption against the people of Galt, we try to hunt it down and cut it out. Usually we work with the Revolutionary Council in in Isarn. However, as too often happens in Galt, the local governments are not in careful communication with the Revolutionary Council. It's true that most of the nobility was destroyed early in the Revolution, but anyone with too much money or success can become a target of a mob whipped up on charges of excess or noble behavior. It is in short..rather chaotic. The Revolution will not end until Galt is free from corruption and the people are truly granted liberty."
Argor ceases walking through the manor at Geppa’s statement. He motions to Adrenia to go acquire the papers before saying to Geppa ”So you are telling me that you and the Raven are in league with the very men who just tried to execute you, simply because you live in a manor? You do see the madness and folly in all this, yes?”
Cladissa sags, looking weary. "What does that look like, in the end? What is liberty, ultimately? Some people will excel, make fortunes and want to live in comfort. Some people will err, and lose money. Is liberty only when all people are equal? It's a noble concept, but difficult in application." She realizes the word she uses, and quickly adds, "'Noble' in the sense of, virtuous or commendable, not, you know, those of noble birth who by no fault of their own and only by pure happenstance are to be reviled." She can't help but bitterly spit that last part out.
Argor ceases walking through the manor at Geppa’s statement. He motions to Adrenia to go acquire the papers before saying to Geppa ”So you are telling me that you and the Raven are in league with the very men who just tried to execute you, simply because you live in a manor? You do see the madness and folly in all this, yes?”
"Not exactly. I'm telling you the men who just tried to execute me ignore the central government and use revolutionary fervor to whip up the Grey Gardeners and mob against anyone who threatens their interests. They are part of the corruption that I'm talking about. The problem is the Council isn't strong enough to control the whole country. Either way, we are in the right. You'll see our writ of possession there in the papers. We legally occupy this property by order of the Council."
Cladissa sags, looking weary. "What does that look like, in the end? What is liberty, ultimately? Some people will excel, make fortunes and want to live in comfort. Some people will err, and lose money. Is liberty only when all people are equal? It's a noble concept, but difficult in application." She realizes the word she uses, and quickly adds, "'Noble' in the sense of, virtuous or commendable, not, you know, those of noble birth who by no fault of their own and only by pure happenstance are to be reviled." She can't help but bitterly spit that last part out.
"It looks something like Andoran perhaps? Isarn needs to grow strong enough to control the whole country again, and then there needs to be some kind of representative government. The people should choose the Council members based on merit, and there should be just laws equally enforced. What we definitely don't need is a return to aristocracy. It doesn't matter whether some of them were good people. Even good people shouldn't have power on the basis of their birth."
"That's appropriate, I suppose," Cladissa says, looking deflated. Then she perks up. "But what if there was a powerless aristocracy, as figureheads for the public to admire, but the actual governance be vested in an elected body by the populace? An aristocracy devoted to defending the realm, but not to govern? Could that be something acceptable? I'm just spitballing here, mind you."
"I suppose...But to be honest all that is really beyond our paygrade. We're more about finding the bad apples and removing them from the barrel."
Geppa looks worried once again. "I have to ask, if you find what you're looking for here in the Raven's things, will you let him go?"
Cladissa's face twists. "Then who has the pay grade to work on something like that? I want to put an end to this cyclic revolution and bring about peace, if I can."
Cladissa exchanges a look with Argor about the Raven. "I believe we can do that, but I have to ask, why is he so important to you? He's killed indiscriminately."
"I love him. He has a good heart."
"Not to be rude, but how many people have you killed whose ideas you disagreed with? If he were truly evil, I wouldn't be able to love him. I'm sorry if he was mistaken about you. He had good reason to go after Hestram and his cronies."
"As for what could fix Galt? A miracle? Maybe someone of royal blood and fabulous wealth and power retiring from a career of adventuring? Who knows...."
”He has his own murders to answer for back at the Lodge. If you were willing to come, peacefully and alone, to present your case to the Venture-Captains there, then perhaps his case will be better. But I can make you no promises other than this: if nothing else, I can assure you that so long as you remain peaceful you will be allowed to return home, as you yourself have, as of yet, committed any crimes against us. I know it may be difficult to trust us, but your beloved himself trusted us enough to send us to treat with you, when we were able to subdue him ourselves.”
Argor then turns to Adrenia, ”Adrenia, what did you find?”
"I love him. He has a good heart."
"Not to be rude, but how many people have you killed whose ideas you disagreed with?"
She folds her arms in front of her. "Very few, I'll have you know. And always when they were trying to kill us."
"As for what could fix Galt? A miracle? Maybe someone of royal blood and fabulous wealth and power retiring from a career of adventuring? Who knows...."
Cladissa finds herself without anything to say to that. She steps back, studying Geppa intently.
Cole speaks up, having materialized on her shoulder. "Well, I think that's a wonderful idea. You should spread it around."
Cladissa stomps her foot, mortified at her familiar's behavior. "Cole! Now you decide to get chatty!?!"
The feline simply purrs and looks like he got the canary.
Map of the Maze
This freshly drawn map appears to show the route from the ruined courtyard of the Maze of the Open Road to five locations deep within the twisting and impossible paths. The five points are marked: MONTROSE, KEEL, SHEMIS, KYALLA, and PRINCE ODRIAN. From the ruined courtyard it's a more or less straight walk to the great lawns of the Woodsedge Lodge.
Edict of the Revolutionary Council
This official document bears the imprint of Galt’s Revolutionary Council, the current ruling body of the chaotic land. It reads, "Citizen Aric of Halvon, Long have your efforts furthered the glorious cause of Revolution! Be it therefore formally decreed by this Council that the Edme estates of Lord Teppin Montrose are to pass into the legal possession of Citizen Aric of Halvon on the condition that he uses his peculiar skills and methods to determine the nature of Lord Montrose’s murder, which was an affront against the Revolution. This Council expects monthly updates as to the identity of Montrose’s killer. If discovered, Citizen Aric of Halvon is instructed to bring the Revolution directly to the murderer or murderers in whatever means befit his sound judgment. Despite his noble status, Teppin Montrose was a true hero of the People, and his death shall not go unavenged!"
Signed in Council, Citizens Goss, Andruhine, Galadran, etc., etc.
Intercepted Letter: Woodsedge Lodge
This scroll bears the broken wax seal of Venture Captain Eliza Petulengro. In feminine script, it reads: "Osprey, our last encounter leaves little doubt that you have a direct line to the Decemvirate. Please mention to them the efforts on my behalf you observed upon your last visit. The servants tell me that the Lodge once frequently hosted masked visitors, and a cursory check of local records suggests the hedge maze in the lawns was donated by the Forest King Narven himself. Is this the Maze of old? I have discouraged further intrusion by curious locals, but as in all things, I await the instruction of the Ten. I do hope you mention my efforts to them, as I wish only to be helpful to their needs. — Eliza
Intercepted Letter: Suspicions
This scroll bears the broken wax seal of Venture Captain Eliza
Petulengro. In feminine script, it reads:"Osprey, more work than you can possibly imagine remains to fully prepare the Lodge, but if the Talespinning must occur now, I will ready my staff and grounds for the early intrusion of visitors. Make no mistake, I am honored by the attention of the Ten (to say nothing of the Pale Maiden!), but I fear all this distrust of Adril Hestram is misplaced. The man is a boor and an oaf, to be sure, but we share many of the same field agents and some of the same Absalom circles, and I don’t think him capable of treachery. He’s certainly too headstrong to get caught up in this Onyx Alliance/Shadow Lodge nonsense, if it’s even real. Still, the Ceremony will tell the tale. You are always welcome at the Woodsedge Lodge. I will send for Hestram immediately. — Eliza
After listening to Adrenia’s recounting of the documents and looking them over himself, Argor looks quizzically to Geppa, ”And how, exactly, are these proof of Hestram’s guilt?”
After listening to Adrenia’s recounting of the documents and looking them over himself, Argor looks quizzically to Geppa, ”And how, exactly, are these proof of Hestram’s guilt?”
”He has his own murders to answer for back at the Lodge. If you were willing to come, peacefully and alone, to present your case to the Venture-Captains there, then perhaps his case will be better. But I can make you no promises other than this: if nothing else, I can assure you that so long as you remain peaceful you will be allowed to return home, as you yourself have, as of yet, committed any crimes against us. I know it may be difficult to trust us, but your beloved himself trusted us enough to send us to treat with you, when we were able to subdue him ourselves.”
"As you can see there, servant of Abadar," she motions to Argor's symbol of Abadar, "we were following the instructions of the only legal authority in this land. And I quote, 'If discovered, Citizen Aric of Halvon (aka the Red Raven) is instructed to bring the Revolution directly to the murderer or murderers in whatever means befit his sound judgment'. Our spies in the Lodge assured us that the servants there were working against the Revolution, taking care of Hestram like royalty and hoarding wealth in their Lodge while the locals suffered. That is a capital crime in this nation. So I think you'll find that while Alric may have killed some Pathfinders, he was doing so at behest of the government. Not to mention the fact that the Pathfinder Society has no legal authority in Galt and no right to hold anyone prisoner."
"I may not be strong enough to stop you from doing whatever you want. But a great way to destroy Captain Petrulengo's efforts to reestablish the Society in Galt would be to continue to hold a hero of the Revolution in kidnapped captivity on spurious charges. You might hold us, or execute us, but when the Council finds out, which they will eventually...well, they'll burn the Lodge to the ground and put everyone even remotely associated with the Society to the Final Blades. Not to mention probably banning the Society from Galt again."
Cladissa, glad for the distraction, studies the documents as well. She echoes Argor's sentiments.
"But these are letters to Osprey about Hestram! And they were in his possession? Then he would have known all this ahead of time!" She begins replaying events in her head, trying to make sense of it all.
"No, mam. Those letters were from Captain Petrulengo to Osprey. The Raven's agents among Patrulengo's servants intercepted them and delivered them to the Raven. Hestram never had access to those letters. They were part of the Raven's research trying to determine if the Pathfinders were all in with Hestram or not."
"You keep saying that Alric murdered innocents...did he really? I can't see him doing that. Cale and the gnomes....maybe if they got carried away, but not Alric." She looks unsure whether to believe the Pathfinder's characterization.
"Technically, ssshe isss right. The Raven only raisssed hiss blade againssst Hestram, usss and the two Venture Captainsss. He ssspecifically attacked during the ceremony, when it wasss only Agentsss in the Great Room."
"It wasss the elf, thisss Cale, who went about murdering the ssservants. That wasss after we'd already neutralized the Raven. He had no way of knowing what the elf wasss getting up to. Parhapsss hisss crime was nothing more than lacking control over all his underlingsss, and mistaking usss for alliesss of Hessstram. It ssseemsss to me that Alric will do more good for Galt asss the Raven than rotting in the Lodge endangering itsss continued exissstence."
Cladissa unties the red ribbon from her neck and shows them the faded and almost healed gash across her throat that almost had her bleeding out. "I don't profess to be an innocent, but I will always have the memory of him slashing my throat. And if the captain's men slaughter innocents, shouldn't the captain be held at least somewhat accountable?"
"I'm sorry he hurt you, but he must have felt he was defending himself."
"Perhaps a commander bears some small responsibility, but one man can not be held accountable for the actions of another. Especially when the commander did not countenance and was unaware of whatever war crimes were being committed. Which, it sounds like Alric wasn't the one going after civilians. How could he have stopped whatever happened in the chaos of the battle?"
"Defending--? He attacked us! And a commander damn well should take responsibility, because you're certainly happy to lump all Pathfinders together! If we're guilty by association, then so is he, and so are you!" she finishes at almost a shout.
A thud of metal on stone echoes through the hall as Argor stamps the end of his staff against the floor. ”Enough,” he says bluntly.
”Arguing semantics here does nothing to further either of our goals. Let us bring this information to the Venture Captains, as well as allow Geppa to plead her case to them in person.”