Your sister, Hellknight? I don't remember that but if you want I can work something in.
Euphemia looks up from calming Frank with well-placed caresses. She's just doing her best not to make the situation worse, and continues to do so up to the meetingpoint.
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Uh-huh! we do good! I smash theefs! I smash shadoos! I make city safe for my wuv!
Aurelio will go to his mother and the rest of the nobles he has and start getting them prepped on singing the praises of the forces of order already existing in the city.
Andrea hurries to Madam Luci's office. Excuse me, I need to speak with Barrister Luci Fer about retaining her services so she can argue for Martial Law NOT being placed upon Westcrown. We have about three hours to appear before General Vourne and argue our case. Please and thank you.
Chard and Lieutenant Whatley Pinkerton approach the group. "We will be present and represent the lawfulness that you've done for the benefit of the city."
'My, my you've been a busy little beaver." She smiles in a seductively wicked fashion. "So, you want me to help present your case on the biggest stage Westcrown has had in years." She smiles, "And what can I expect as payment?"
I have an rather substantial amount of coinage that can cover your fees. Andrea passes over a small slip that shows she can pay several thousand gold if need be. I can also supply some surplus enchanted items that have been identified by a reputable party at the Westcrown Exchange.
She flicks her wrist in brushing back manner, "I've plenty of coin, gems, and jewelry I'm thinking something more sensual, erotic in nature. Something your teachings would condone." She smiles deviously.
Good thing I've talked to Fiosa about this.
Why of course. I am very open to negotiations for..alternate methods of payment. I have an extensive assortment of tools and a well detailed manual of techniques that I am sure will interest you. Will you require a..down payment for your servicing..services?
It is rather difficult for Andrea to appear alluring while in a suit of blood stained armor, but she does her best.
Basically, his family sends out agents like Gerard far flung across the world to act independently. Each with their own knacks and methods. His older sister has been a deep cover agent as a Hellknight. She actually does worship Asmodeous and is a true Hellknight.
But, she is on thw watch for those with Evil and selfish tendencies. She has not been heard from in years. But, Gerard is confident if she is not here (for something of this magnitude) she has worked her way to the highest ranks and the most trusted inner circles.
Any contact may be a nod and a fleeting smile. As she would most likely recognize him before he'd recognize her. Not looking to steal the spotlight, just a hook (tie in).
She looks at the blood and gore coating Andrea, "I'm sure a quickie would be fantastic after some vigorous scrubbing. She smiles, 'I may have my kinks but I am a bit refined."
As Gerard heads back to round up some concerned supporting citizens he gets cut off by Parilator Chard. He simply states, "We need to meet at my office...in an hour."
Andrea nods. But of course, I know this very delightful and discrete place we can adjourn to that provides baths. Or if you room here it would work just as well. Of course, I might need some help washing my back and can return the favor. Andrea bats her eyes at Luci Fer.
"Oh...I have spa here."
Well, I am very interested in seeing it, one of the many perks of a prestigous job. Andrea slips off her bulky gear and sets her shield and armor aside until she is clad in just her quilted garments that are worn under armor.[/b]
I'm afraid I am a somewhat battered rose. Andrea bares some skin that has a network of scars along it. But with some care and attention, I am sure that even these can provide you with the delights you desire. Andrea rememebers the teachings of The Book of Joy on presenting oneself as desirable even under adverse conditions. Her finger lightly brushes Luci Fer's hand as a sign of thing smoving from the professional to the intimate..
To sum up activities before the meeting on the warship:
1. Andrea's relieving a day's worth of tension with Luci Fer Noguilt.
2. Aurelio and Daniel are getting their families, other nobles, dottari, and Hellknights on support.
3. Euphemia - ?
4. Gerard - Chard asked for a meeting.
Euphemia, once certain there is nothing more of urgency to do that pertains to her, steals away to cook a meal laced with euphoria-inducing herbs with what food she has left in her apartment.
Some of this she eats. The rest she packs into a basket to deliver to her friends come their next meeting.
She cackles and giggles and rolls around on her bed like a small child for about an hour.
Then she sleeps the sleep of queens.
Frank makes sure she doesn't die of laughter.
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Andrea comes running up the party, her comrades, and friends she has a bit of an glow to her cheeks as she straightens her armor. The dockworkers are busy loading and unloading cargo under the watchful eyes of soldiers. There is obvious tension in the air.
The line to get onto the warship Asmodenaut is slow moving as identity is checked by the officers. There is squad of Hellknights with a signifier checking the ranking nobility and merchants.
You can see Parliator Chard with small retinue already on board. After what seems like an eternity the group makes it to the guards near the gangway.
"State your names and business." The stern soldier announces.
Aurelio Grulios of the House Grulios, here to speak with General Vourne on the status of Westcrown.
He seemingly checks the list and then waves you through. "Follow the gangway to the maindeck."
He does not ask for you to leave your weapons behind.
Gerard nods.
An hour later, after ensuring Phem and Frank are settled... He moves out to meet the Hellkight. He shakes his head, amazed at the thought.
Gathering his senses, he remembers how deadly the current situation is. Arriving at the Hellhouse, it announces himself. Lord Chard... Your Holiness. How may I be of service?
Andrea indeed has a spring to her step after her most refreshing bath and romp with Luci Fer. The lawyer was most receptive to trying out a few of the chapters of The Book of Joy and had a few toys fo her own for them to enjoy. After redressing, Luci told Andrea that she would join them as soon as possible at the warship.
Andrea steps up with Aurelio, her eyes warily looking at the soliders. Andrea, associate of Aurelio Grulios, here to speak with General Vourne as well.
Gerard cannot help but notice some of the laced flatbread got jammed into his pack.
"Excellent to see you. You and your friends did a great service for the city, I won't forget it today. I had a visitor today asking questions about you. Maralictor Nisroc, she handed me this letter to give to you. She's assigned with two squads as General Vourne's personal detachment." He slides the sealed envelop to Gerard.
He leaves you for a moment.
Gerard tries to hold his reaction, but is unable to pull it off. Tentatively, he reaches for the missive. Maralictor... Nisroc. She's not claiming abandoned spouse, I hope.
Hell hath no fury like a... Well, you know. Sorry.. Gerard smiles tightly.
Appreciating the privacy, Gerard opens the note.
Everyone is waved through the security check point and you gather on the main deck. The deck is lined with soldier and there are hellknights about, looking at everyone with suspicion. The deck itself is jammed pack with concerned merchants and noble families both minor and major in rank. The Grulios, Tilneros families are present and they flank the Oberigo family.
You see Chard and several friendly dottari in the crowd.
There is a bugle sound that gets everyone's attention. That is followed by a booming voice from the aft castle "The High General, Sir Vourne calls this inquisition to attention."
With that there is silence and a lot of nervous faces. You can clearly see there are spellcasters multiple high points looking down at the crowd.
Gerard cannot help but notice some of the laced flatbread got jammed into his pack.
Andrea somehow has a container of very tasty mixed fruit and nut clusters in her pouch.
Dearest Brother,
When I received word that you relocated to Westcrown - I knew, in my heart and soul that you were somehow associated with the usurping of power. You never played well in the sandbox.
The General intends to declare marshal law, although I believe he has settled down from his initial reaction to try this "Brotherhood" for conspiracy . He does listen to reason and I've placed a few words in his ear.
Watch your back and be respectful. You've accomplished much don't let it slip through your fingers.
-Sis
Gerard remembers his older sister's hand-writing. Resisting his urge to keep the letter, the rogue tosses it onto the fireplace. Safer this way...
He patiently awaits Chard's return.
There's a soft knock on the door. 'Everything alright? It's time to go."
That was my sister, Chard... Apologies for the lame ruse. Guess assassinating Vourne is out of the question. I'll have to figure on an alternate plan.
Shall we? Gerard stalks out of the office.
Gerneral Vourne stands above everyone and begins to speak.
"Thrune is disappointed at the that has deteriorated Westcrani society. This City has reached into the depths of the abyss itself." He stares at the group. "For over a year birds have chirped about this..." he waves his hand, ...so called , Brotherhood." He sneers.
You all see a tall homely looking female hellknight standing to the General's right hand side. Her hand on a massive mace handing from her left shoulder.
"Tell me why Martial law should not be imposed and why this Brotherhood should not be executed as traitors to the state?"
General Vourne, the Westcrani citzen's actions have been an act of loyalty to Westcrown and ultimatly Cheliax. The Council of Thieves underwent an upheavel by those who discarded even the simple wish for long-term prosperity for quick gains at the cost of order and prosperity of the city. The walls were in disrepair, crime rampant and the tools provided by Thrune subverted for ill-gain.
The Brotherhood reached out to the dottari and even hellknights to work with them, wanting Westcrown to flurish again and rid the streets of goblin tribes and murderous thugs such as the Bastards. They helped people who were injured when the mayor's mansion was destroyed and put an end to a murderous kidnapping ring that was acting against the law of Westcrown, and when Eccardian Drovange sent his devils and thugs out to burn shops and wreck chaos on the streets, they stepped up again to protect the city and citizens.
This was all done to help Westcrown become properous again and through it, let Cheliax and even Thrune benefit. We ask that you give us this chance to prove ourselves again that we have Westcrown's best interests at heart.
The stern and orderly man looks down upon Andrea as she talks, his steely gaze softens slightly as she talks.
The paladin strides foreward.
Daniel Arrisen, sword of the House Tilneros. I would make submission, General, that the populace of Westcrown themselves have done nothing to neccesitate martial law.
The Council of Thieves was a private criminal organisation not supported by or in control of the population at large. They controlled kidnapping, extortion and murder plots to make a bloody and violent attempt to sieze power for themselves in Westcrown. The lady Sascar kidnapped, a son of Oberigo murdered, various other prestigious house patriarchs kidnapped and tortured unlawfully to further their own ends to pull control out from under the lawful establishment. My assembled comrades stand before you as founding members of a lawfully chartered Group, "The Lantern Bearers" and myself a member of an assaulted house who simply sought to prevent the powerplay of the council of thieves and save thousands from the outcome of a bloody war on the streets when Thrune would eventually come to bring the city back to it's legal Rulership. If it pleases the inquisition I would humbly request you call on those assembled to give testimony to the assistance we gave and open consultation this party had with the senior offical noble houses, Hellknights and Dottari to bring about a rapid end to the new Council of Theives BEFORE they did irrepreble damage to the Westcrani citizenry and the lawful enterprise this city is built upon.
The paladin offers the General a salute and steps back.