Aurelio snorts when he hears his mother describing the chaos in the city. He no longer wonders at his family's generous donation to Ulthun's treasury to have him recalled from his post on the Ustalav border.
I can hardly believe things are worse here than in Vigil, but at least there we don't have to worry about noblemen's pet devils. Shaking his head, Aurelio pats his mother's arm. If I can survive a surprise assault from the Murdered Child, I think I can handle a little meeting.
He turns as, presumably, the heroes his mother mentioned enter the door.
He nods his head as they walk in. Anyone being told that Marion was Aurelio's mother would be surprised as Aurelio looks more like a peasant than nobleman. His nose has been broken several times, one ear is cauliflowered and he has numerous scars visible on his hands and face - a prominent one running down his right jaw.
He's dressed simply too - leather trousers and well-worn boots that look like they'd be more comfortable on the road, and a shirt and doeskin jacket without device.
And greetings to you as well Andrea and company. Indeed, the sooner we can calm things down, the better. My mother's been telling me a little about the problems in the city this last year.
He smiles warmly at them as they approach the table and finds a spot for himself a few chairs down from the head where his mother sits.
"I was bringing Aurelio up to speed, I haven't quite gotten to power struggle within the council of thieves and the plot that has this city in turmoil....perhaps, one of you would like to sum thing up for Aurelio."
She motions for everyone to help themselves to the table. The "formalities" of proper service have been dropped in what is a more casual meeting.
Andrea takes a seat and sips some wine. There has been quite a bit of trouble. When we first started our work to help Westcrown become stable and prosperous again we clashed with the low criminal elemant which was represented by a gang called the Bastards of Erebus. We eventually made plans to attempt to investigate the source of the Shadowcurse and found an important lead at the old Pathfinder lodge Delvehaven.
Andrea leaves out their snooping around the Mayor's Mansion for the Chelish Crux and the hideous murderplay that they had to endure.
At Delvehaven, we managed to contact the spirit of a pathfinder named Bisby and he said that a former ally named Ilnerik had stolen half of an important artifact called the Aohl, his part being the Totemrix and this was the cause of the shadowbeats roaming the streets. We recovered the other half, the Morrowfall and came into conflict with the forces of The Coincil of Thieves as they were attacking a being called the Mother of Flies in the surroundign forests. She told us that two members of the Council, Eccardian and Chammadey Drovange had siezed control from their grandfather, who they murdered and that Ilnerik laired in the Council's headquarters of Walcourt. We delved into Walcourt and eventually destroyed Ilnerik and by reuniting the artifacts and destroying them, we ended the curse of the shadowbeasts. In a few nights, people should be able to walk the streets safely.
It seems however, we still need to deal with Eccardian and Chammedy, they seem set on sowing chaos and if the Chelish Navy arrives while the city is still in chaos, they will enforce martial law.
Andrea sighs. So we need to see how we can help keep the chaos under control and deal with the twins.
Gerard is mellow, sizing up the... nobleman.
Lady Grulios nods, "We have been successful in getting some of the nobles to act with unity....unfortunately, many families still think of themselves only and there's a constant struggle for power. That being said, you all have enough to worry about leave nobility to us."
After sipping from her goblet, 'We really need to get the Order of the Rack (Hellknights) back on the streets. Something odd is happening there. I'll write an letter of introduction for Paralictor Chard...I'm not sure how far it will get you these days, but he was generally a nonsense."
Andrea rummages around in her haversack and pulls out a wrapped bundle of papers.I think Orsin and I are the only ones here who have these. We located some old identity papers on one of our...trips that might help us gain audiance.
Set of false identity papers, each marking the bearer as Chelish nobility in good standing with
House Thrune. Even though they are vastly outdated, the papers still provide a +2 bonus to any Bluff checks made against the dottari, Hellknights, nobles, or other Chelish authorities. Each set of papers is worth 300 gp
We've come across many odds and ends during our work in Westcrown. Best we put them to use and get every advantage we can.
Aurelio grimaces at the idea of "needing" to get Hellknights on the streets.
I was only a boy when I went to Lastwall, so I'm not sure if I qualify as in good enough standing with the Thrune to be of help with an introduction. Besides, I've never really had a winning personality.
He scratches his nose absent-mindedly as he considers the situation.
...Besides, I've never really had a winning personality.
He scratches his nose absent-mindedly as he considers the situation.
"That's why I'm here. I'll make sure things go smoothly when we meet with the paralictor. I'm Orsin, by the way."
After exchanging introductions, the bard asks, "Speaking of Hellknights, do you know anything, Lady Grulios, of the Signifier Verennie?"
Aurelio grimaces at the idea of "needing" to get Hellknights on the streets.
I was only a boy when I went to Lastwall, so I'm not sure if I qualify as in good enough standing with the Thrune to be of help with an introduction. Besides, I've never really had a winning personality.
He scratches his nose absent-mindedly as he considers the situation.
One of our members, who is currently busy with other duties in John Deos, he is a member of the Order of the Scourge and his mentor is a retired member as well. With the introduction from Lady Grulios and our known association with two Hellknights we have a leg up so to speak. While I am notas charming as Orsin, I have some skill at negotiation and can lend some aid.
Answering Orsin's question. "A power up and coming enforcer within the Rack," she places her painted nails over her lips, "rumored to be ambitious but real information from the order is limited." She shrugs, "They are secretive. "
"Well, if Andrea's keen to lie to them to get the information we need, so am I."
Euphemia murmurs, placing an emphatic hand on her hip. "I wonder if they keep files together... breaking into the citadel might also be a useful strategy."
Perhaps magical divination would be more useful. It would be very awkward to be caught rifling through the files of those we want to ally with. A little honey can go a long way before we need to break out the lockpicks.
"To say nothing of a little...glibness..."
Andrea grins at what Orsin is insinuatig. Indeed, we have a wide variety of skills and abilities at our disposal.
Deception is useful, leverage is better.
"My letter of introduction should suffice to get you a meeting with Paralictor Chard." She stammers a bit, "Snooping is good but remember this group uncovers deceptions, conspiracies and plots as their primary source of existence. [b]"Chard is local but the shots are called form the Citadel Rivad, so if they are not on the street quelling this unrest there is good reason."
Andrea nods and takes the letter once Grulios finishes it. Indeed. Thank you for your assistance, we will head out promptly.
Andrea looks to Aurelio. Will you be coming with us?
Anything I can do to help the family I will, yes. Tell me, how...combative do you feel this exercise will be?
Meeting with the Hellknights? I don't expect combat with them. However, we should be aware that the Council might try to assault us in the city since we have come into conflict with them so we should keep our eyes open for any ambushes.
Forgive me, maybe I'm being to indirect - an overreaction to coming back to a place filled with more grays than I'm used to. Would they be offended if I showed up in armor?
Aurelio already didn't like the city - he never had to worry if he'd offend an orc if he showed up armed and armored.
I do not believe so.
Well, that's a relief. At least I won't need to carry supplies in a pack mule in the city.
"Well, now that we have gotten that delightful bit of introductions out of the way, how do you say we proceed in the next few hours?"
Euphemia asks, one of the bandits-turned hedgehogs poking out of her frock as she maintains the posture of dignity.
"Straight to the meeting with our ...friends... in intimidating metal?"
Yes, right now it appears that it is our best course of action at this moment. We can also hopefully get information about the signifier while there.
The hedge hog squeaks as Euphemia pokes and Frank nuzzles.
"The sooner you find an answer the better." She waves to the guests, "they've came armed and it is dangerous out there, especially if you turn the wrong way."
Andrea takes 15 minutes to prep Wall of Stone in an empty slot. Being able to split forces is a useful ability.
Lady Grulios bids everyone farewell and success as they depart the compound.
The streets near the compound are calm, there is good amount of dotarri patrolling the area as you make your way to one of the bridges.
Here is a a city map for reference. This shows where the Hellknight's HQ at the Taranik House is form the original safehouse the group used with Areal.
Andrea will cast Blessing of the Watch on the group. for 11 hours, the group will benefit from a Bless spell(+1 Hit +1 Saves vs. Fear)
Aurelio took the time Andrea was contemplating to don his armor and grab his arms, emerging looking much more at home than he did at the fancy table.
As they begin their walk towards the citadel, he tries to keep a careful watch on all their surroundings from long habit.
Orsin will cast glibness on himself when they're about 10 minutes away from meeting the Hellknights.
Gerard scans the way ahead.
Orsin will cast glibness on himself when they're about 10 minutes away from meeting the Hellknights.
The group spends a few moments chit chatting as they walk, there is something down a side alley that catches Aurelio, Andrea and Gerard's attention. To Aurelio and Andrea it appears to be slumped form near an intersection. The buildings in this modestly upscale area are four to seven story brownstones and shops.
Andrea looks down the alley but shurgs and keeps walking.
Aurelio will look at the slumped form and halt for a moment.
Is that a body in the street?
He will put his hand on his kukri's hilt, having been surprised by canny undead more than once, and slowly approach the form, stopping outside of easy reach to get a better look.
Be cautious please. Andrea stays about 15 feet back from Aurelio.
A bloody mess and sounded like a woman screaming... could be bait. But, I'm a sucker.
Gerard bolts down the alley.
Euphemia chuckles at Gerard's assumption, though she's still a little pale due to the fear of said "bloody mess".
The slumped body is down the alley a bit. Gerard throwing caution to the wind dashes down the alley in a heartbeat. Aurelio is quick on the rogue's heels. The others hesitate as Andrea shrugs she was content on walking by the scene - she has grown cold and hardened by the city's routine mayhem to be concern - but she heaves as two of the group sprint off.
Meanwhile Gerard and Aurelio come upon...
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Aurelio looks at the dead bodies and grabs his shield off his back and pulls his kukri from its sheath before advancing down the alley.
What kind of city is this?
One that has been abandoned by Thrune and terrorized by those who don't care how much burns down before they can gain control.
Aurelio from your position you can hear the a swooshing sound as if something is brushing against the cobble stones, intermixed with rattling, this notice is definitely coming from north. (top of the map). You can see the blood slick fanned to in that direction.