Duncan is a bit annoyed at the symbol of Asmodeus but wasn't, so stubborn as to not upgrade his defences. "One Goal, ANY weapon." Was a common saying among inquisitors.
In the morning he Dons the breastplate, breathing an apology to his Emphryal Lord, Ragathiel.
He looks at Lucresia and Andrea. The two a ye should consider me Chainmail and the other breastplate from that Tiefling. We only gonna get 1/2 value from Grumm. The man's gonna skin me when e sees me. Let's make sure we strip this place clean. Still gotta pay fer bringing that guard back.
Duncan is a bit annoyed at the symbol of Asmodeus but wasn't, so stubborn as to not upgrade his defences. "One Goal, ANY weapon." Was a common saying among inquisitors.
In the morning he Dons the breastplate, breathing an apology to his Emphryal Lord, Ragathiel.
He looks at Lucresia and Andrea. The two a ye should consider me Chainmail and the other breastplate from that Tiefling. We only gonna get 1/2 value from Grumm. The man's gonna skin me when e sees me. Let's make sure we strip this place clean. Still gotta pay fer bringing that guard back.
"Hey there boy, you're a friendly little pup aren't you?" Lucrezia lets the dog sniff her hand and then scritches his head.
Fiosa sitting eating a bit of breakfast with Andrea, John and Shinon admits,'I've never been so scared in my life...don't know how you do this all the time. I..I..i mean its dangerous ....really dangerous, not the romantic story stuff wither." her eyes big now, It's exciting but at any moment death lurks...I..I..I need more guidance.
Reaches over to hold Fiosa's hand. I was pretty terrified the first time I ever got into combat as well when the Hellknights chased us into the sewers he first time we met Janiven. Andrea pecks Fiosa's fingers.
There is nothing wrong with perhaps a little time off. I'll be happy to talk more about spells and how to defend youself if you want to later.
"So what are we doing wtih all the bodies?"
I think the dottari said they would be around here this morning. They wern't able to guard the area when we broke down the door but I believe they would geta patrol together.
Andrea points to the senseless Bastards who were unconcious but stable. No doubt they will be happy to have that bunch. Unfortunate that the leader died but no crying over spoiled milk. As for the other bodies, we can pile them upstairs for disposal.
After eating, Andrea starts getting the senseless Bastards piled outside and helps with gathering the dead. WOuld this place make a good bolthole for us? Since it was abandoned, we might be able to claim it and fix it up.
He is small little guard dog. He seems a bit hesistant to get near the men in the group. He was found upstairs with some tieflings in the temple, he was not big enough and mean enough to make into the helldogs. Persumably helping to guard the entrance, he became submissive once the tieflings died. He is malnourished.
Lucrezia searches about the room for some bits of dried meat of any other food that might be laying about and gives the dog some if she finds any.
Lucrezia searches about the room for some bits of dried meat of any other food that might be laying about and gives the dog some if she finds any.
There is plenty of food in the caverns. In fact, in the part where you were held, there's a crate of dried pork, a crate of corn, a crate of wheat, a barrel of fine mead, a small cask of white wine and a cask of red. There is crate containing two spools of fine cloth (purple and gold)
Lucrezia gives the dog some dried pork and ponders a name for him.
"We're going to need 2 or 3 carts for the gear and the bodies."
Ma'am, I don't know about government stuff. It kinda goes over my head. I try to take care of myself and help my friends. I can offer you my skills but can't tell you that I will go after someone. I will defend myself and try to protect those around me. I am not use to working with groups.
Tweaker pauses and thinks some more. It takes him a bit.
I can offer you my abilities. I am willing to help with finding the corruption but I am not an executioner. I will ply my trade but would not attack anyone unless they start a fight. I can be happy with trying to make things better but not by becoming what I am trying to get rid of.
We can ask Gorvio for some wagons. Since it is morning we should have lots of time.
Andrea will help load the wagons once they are brought in. She will also help Duncan identify items with detect magic.
Janiven smiles forthe first time in a long time when she hears Tweaker. "That is all I ask...Help make things better but not becoming what you're trying to get rid of."
As the group exits the temple there is an apparent commotion outside the front door. There are two squads of dottari in formation to enter the building flanked by 15 guards from the House of Missepe, which are led by the young Noble's father. One closer inspection, one of the dottari squads are your friends, lead by Lieutenant Whatley Pinkerton, and Sergeant Maurice Greenhelm (look at the NPC's tab in the Campaign Info tab). The leader of the second dottari group scowls when he sees the adventurers exit safely from the temple.
The group is formally introduced to the noble's father, Horace Missepi IV, who is grateful for the rescue of his son. He extends an invitation to join him, and his family, at their manor tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm, for a light lunch and drinks. The Noble house, along with Shinon, will depart to take the Grulios noble back to his family.
The second dottari group takes their leave as soon as reasonably possible. This leaves the group with thier dottari allies. Who warmly congrat everyone...."Should be some tankards kicked back this afternoon," Maurice announces. His curious eyes move to the two new members.
During this time a few carts and horses are brought to the temple and big showing is made of the carrying out the dead Bastards. Although the dottari did not assist in bringing the Bastards down, this group knows how important it is for residents to have hope.
The bright morning light bombards Orsin's eyes as he and the others exit the Bastards' hideout. He's thankful to see Maurice among the Hellknights present, but still feels cheated that they should take even some measure of credit for the Brotherhood's victory.
They did extort him for 100 gold after all.
The bard feels a little embarrassed to meet the Missepi nobles in such ragged attire. He realizes he needs to visit the haberdashery today in addition to Gruum's. He helps the others with the carts, making no complaint. Or at least, not aloud.
Lucrezia speaks to Janiven and the others while eyeing the dottari warily. "Well, I guess I should be heading back the Mermaid's Grotto for now. Not only do I rent a room there, but I should see if I still have a job after my disappearing act. That and my friends there might be worried about me."
Absolutely, Maurice. How about at a real tavern this time? First round is on me.
Duncan puts on a smile but inside is troubled. He needed to pray and to think. Much had happened in the last day and he'd hoped he had not lost sight of why he was involved in this.
Orsin brightens as he thinks about all that new cloth of purple and gold that can be made into fine clothing for him. He marks that crate special so he has easy access to it. The haberdasher you rescued would love this material. Orsin's day has gotten much brighter.
Tweaker helps the group get everything moved and stored. While the accounting and identifying is happening, he sees if there is enough time to check and see if Tiny is ok.
Lucrezia speaks to Janiven and the others while eyeing the dottari warily. "Well, I guess I should be heading back the Mermaid's Grotto for now. Not only do I rent a room there, but I should see if I still have a job after my disappearing act. That and my friends there might be worried about me."
Maurice looks up "the Mermaid's a fine establishment.'
"As for the drinking...I'll let Orsin pick this time."
"I'm an actor and even I think it's too early to be drinking, Maurice. That being said this 'Mermaid's Grotto' sounds inviting. This city certainly loves its mermaids..."
You suspect his anger comes from your dishonor of his gifts simply for a better a material item. He may be the son of Dis but he is in no-way aligned with Asmodeus. Simply paying your deity lipservice with a quick prayer is not sufficient.
Right now, he has withheld you divine spells.
"After my shift young man...after my shift we shall meet at the friendly Mermaid's Grotto." The Sergeant chuckles. "Doubt we can make her blush." As he smiles at Andrea.
As the wagons roll and the dottari's nod to the on lookers, and a few times stop near curious faces and comment, "The Goblinking earlier in the week and the Bastards of Erebus today...who is the next criminal to be rooted out of their holes?"
"Even alleged infernal blood didn't protect this scum ridden clan of thieves."
Duncan is quiet on the way back. He fidgets in his armor as though it were uncomfortable, despite it's quality. Once the wagon with the confiscated weapons and armor arrive with him and Ermolos at the smithy, he immediately hops off, heading to his forge and firing it up with barely a word to Grumm. He doffs the breastplate and dons his apron and looks at his helm featuring the Visage of Ragathiel. He remembered his role. But with no one further to seek Vengeance on he did what any dwarf would do and set himself to work. There would be no drinking and likely no sleep today.
He calls to Brian, Boy, Have Ermolos convey me apologies but I won't be at the tavern this eve. And I ain't t'be disturbed by any cept Grumm.
And the work begins....First he had to get rid of that damn symbol. And recall the face of every victim he'd failed to save...
"Well then, I hope to see you all later. I'll be sure to give the girls warning." Lucrezia smirks as she heads off to the Grotto, thinking of a hot bath, fresh clothes, a meal and a good drink. Wonder if anyone noticed I never came back inside for the night? If anyone did, it'd most likely be Orn. *sigh* I really don't know what to do about that one.
Orsin follows Duncan into the smithy, slightly confused by the dwarf's silent determination. He enters only a moment after Duncan, but the inquisitor has already disappeared out of sight. It's just as well, Grumm's the one that Orsin came to see anyhow.
"Grumm, well met," says the bard as he approaches the master smith. "I have a blade that's in need of service, though honestly, I don't know how much good it will do me, given the state it's in."
Orsin places the masterwork blade on the wooden counter. The sword makes a scraping sound as it's pulled from the scabbard, encrusted with dry blood. The metal, though once glorious, hasn't been sharpened or oiled in what seems like more than a year.
"I have a mind towards the purchase of a stronger, perhaps magicked, blade. Do you reckon I might find something like that here?"
"Boy yer a fine lad but yer papa needed to take a a belt ti'ya bottom more." Shaking his head in disgust, "ain'tcha ever 'erd of wipin' the blood from her 'fore puttin' her back in the sheath?' his hands vigorously working on the caked blood..."tsk...tsk..tsk...son, ye gotta take a stone to the blade every day."
He has a disturbed look of disgust on his face, "What kinda' blade ye be looking fer?"
"Ye gotta treat yer blade like fine lady, ye git the most from her with a little luvin..." His head shaking, "'fore I let one my children date ya, I'm gonna teach ya some proper manners in how to care fer her."
"Understood, Master Grumm. I confess my experience with blades has mostly been on the stage and I only recently killed a man for the first time. I tried to wipe the blade as best I could, but without a whetstone and oil...I could only do so much. I came to you because your craftsmanship is unrivaled in the city and I would greatly value whatever instruction in blade maintenance you see fit to give me."
Orsin will spend some time, learning about sword care from Grumm, all the while hinting that he's trying to get his hands on a +1 longsword. With what he has in savings and his share of the loot, he should be able to afford it. After that it's off to the haberdashery before lunch with the nobles. What a morning!
*Bang! Bang! Bang*
First it started with Sturm Foehammer, 7th generation warriorson of one of the proudest and most noble of the Dwarven Houses. More Skilled, privileged and years older than Duncan, the houseless poor knew well the young dwarfs hidden, sadistic side that was visited upon the young girls who lived in the beggers halls. Many pleas made by Duncan for protection for the girls to the guard in that most Lawful of Societies fell upon deaf ears until Sturm himself got wind of it and thought to teach Duncan a lesson by availing himself upon Duncan's only sister, who died in the act. Sturm was the first person Duncan had ever killed. That was the day Duncan found Ragathiel.
The Angel protects and holds me. He strengthens my limbs when I am weak. Fills my lungs with fire when I cannot breathe....
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
After what seems like a day and half Gruum nods approvingly, "ye got strong hands...solid grip, 'ere try this sword a bit." It feels a bit too light for your arm. He shakes his head back and forth. "No No ...never work...too light...solid blade but ye need sumthin' like this one 'ere."
He hands you a gleeming blade with a wonderfully honed edge, its hilt is wrapped in soft reddish brown leather. "Try her."
"boy you stop that snickering or I'll make ye a foot shorter." turning his furry on Ermolos, who is giggling at your weapon care lesson.
Andrea helps turns the still alive bastards over to the dottari and transport the gear to Grumm's for later sorting.
I will be happy to meet everyone later Lucrezia, I just need to run a few errands.
Andrea briedly returns to her apartment to change her clothes and then
turns to Fiosa.
Will you come with me to Alister McHuffin? I need to give my confession for my actions before i came to Westcrown, even if you don't follow The Lady in the Room, having you there would make my heart glad.
Orsin nods in agreement at the new blade, ignoring Ermolos' childishness. "Yes, the heavier blade feels substantially more suitable. More a part of my arm than a weapon, really," he remarks, feeling out the sword's weight and balance.
*Bang! Bang! Bang! *
Then there was Grumble Coldforge, so cruelly nicknamed by his peers, because the old Smith could bear no sons. The first Dwarf to ever (besides his dead sister) show him love. Grumblehad identified the spirit that had resided in this young dwarf who wanted to be a smith. The greybeard spied Duncan attempting to work a pike out of a pole he found with no heat and only a Rusted old Hammer. Ye'll do nought working it that way, Master Red hammer, . He had inadvertently given Duncan a surname and taking pity on the half starved youth brought him in to teach him Proper work
*Bang! Bang! Bang!
And the son shall rise above low and foul beginnings for his trials strengthen his will to fly....
Fiosa acknowledges her needs for a proper bath and a foot rub, "Aching feet in boots all day, and night, even when sleeping." She huffs a bit about the warriors life.
"Yes, I will accompany you. I've seen a lot and heard alot."
**Bang! Bang! Bang!*
The sound in your ears ring but the song has yet to come back. More work, more reflection, more prayer.
**Bang! Bang! Bang!*
Andrea kisses Fiosa and goes to Alister's chapel and approaches him when he appears.
Father McHuffin. I am here for my confession.
Going to the confessional, she takes the proper stance. This is my first confession in the service of Calistria. May my sins be cleansed and my mind and faith renewed.
And so Andrea tells of her past life, the gorging of food until she vomited, the drunkeness from liquer until she was again sick and the poisoning of her body with drugs..
..and of the time she ran in the forest with the ghouls and beat a man with her fists until he was dead in tribute to the Pallid Princess and coupled with a ghoul in unholy union..
Forgive me Calistria for my sins..
The simple sign reads: "Tiny's Oddities"
The store front is tucked back several blocks off the main road near the older docks and rundown warehouses. Near this part of the southeaster tip of the city is an area reserved for shipping, warehouses, and seedy taverns and brothels.
The tinker's shop stand open for trade, its friendly owner is happy to see his friend Tweaker when he arrives. "WOW, that must've been some job -- being gone fer nearly two weeks, not a word either." A slightly perturbed look on his face. "Pay must've beengreattokeep yathere." At times Tiny forgets to stope between words when he is excited.
Ummmm.... Here is your tools. Did you get the rest of your payment? Tweaker has his eyes looking at the floor. He is sagging like he did something wrong.
I am sorry. I didn't know what they were going to do. I did the best job I could even after they took all my stuff. Tweaker is trying not to cry with everything that has happened. Being near death was hard on him because he knows Tiny had nothing to do with it and was being nice to get Tweaker an honest job in town.
Tweaker voice breaks though he does hold back the tears with difficulty to relay everything that happened to him after arriving to do the job. He never really pauses to give Tiny a chance to talk and then sags to the floor when the story is finished. He only omits the full details of the job he has been offered and told that the group can use a trapsmith.
"Nosireedidn't getno remainingpayment frum those fellas. Thoughtthey'd give it to you maybe. He responds with hand gestures waving in front of his large body.
"Whatsa the matter" stopping to remember his bucket of friend chicken on the counter, he picks up a fat breast piece and takes a big bite. With his mouth full "Wansumofthish" pointing his greasy finger at the bucket. He sits down and his ears perk up when Tweaker starts is story.
Bang! Bang!.....Bang!
Finally. Duncan was done. And he was satisfied that he'd figured it out. He would not compromise his faith for his Greed. He joined this Brotherhood because he wanted to serve others. Worshipped Ragathiel because he'd been given the chance to BE THERE for others. Their avenger. He'd taken the armor. The problem was he took it out of selfishness. There were others who needed it more. And he knew who.
Ermolos, get in here ye great buffoon!
The large man burst in at his mentors call.....Duncan stared him straight in the eye and saw the new strength there. The brotherhood, Grumm and Duncan, in his own way, had given him that.Ye did good down there....I shan't be callin ye 'boy' anymore. Take this.
He handed Ermolos the reworked Magical Breastplate. Gone was the symbol of Asmodeus. Replaced with a Phoenix rising up from flames, it's wings ablaze.
Ragathiel was born from the Hells lad. A twisted union Between Dispater and a creature o Fire. He rose though to become a Emphryal Lord. Divine Patron o Vengeance. Terrible Beginnings are common lad. What we overcome is what makes us who we are. Wear this plate as ye ride through what this place throws at us. Ye're making me proud.
He walks out of the Forge and collaspes in his room. That was 14 of the toughest hours he'd done at the forge. He did not know if Ragathiel would forgive him. But the dwarf knew he'd done the right thing. He starts to drift off to sleep, but the last conscious thought right before he passed out..."Who are the council of theives?"
Lucrezia walks into the tavern and brothel early in the morning before the day's big lunchtime rush.
The protective half orc yells from across the bar. His long stride is quick, someone use to covering short distances in a hurry from his years of being a a bouncer. With a giant bear hug he picks you up and squeezes you.
"Mr. Lourdou is on a warpath, looking for you callig you all kinds of unmentionable names, beware!"
The Cleric listens to Andrea's confession and simply states,
"Calistria teaches that Forgiveness is the domain of fools and
weaklings unwilling to protect and avenge their interests." He looks at you and continues, "You were pulled from your path and brought forth into the light and shadows of the true faith for a purpose. Our great Mother used her beguiling touch to seize you, a disciple of Urgathoa, not to grant you forgiveness but for a greater purpose. One undoubtedly covered by her savored three stings."
He puts his hands on your head, "It's ok to lust but certain craving which you have previously fallen victim to are unhealthy and certainly don't fit into her plans for you...sister." This is the first time he has acknowledged you as a sister of the cloth.
"Oww, Orn, I need to breath ya know!" After Orn loosens his grip a bit, Lucrezia takes a deep breath and then attempts some kind of explanation. "I ended up being damned unlucky enough to be kidnapped by some gods be damned, miserable, misbegotten tiefling bastards. They were there grab some nobles son for ransom. That young fella that was "visiting" Pearl the other night. Surely that miserable old tight fisted bastard Lourou can't hold me accountable for being kidnapped??"
The Cleric listens to Andrea's confession and simply states,
** spoiler omitted **
Andrea's mind works as Alistar makes his statement. He is correct. Why should I ask Forgiveness from Calistria when she isn't the one I should ask forgiveneess in the first place? Begging forgiveness instead of actually doing something to counter act the past is the way of the fool.
A faint sheen of sheet covers Andrea's face as new determination flows through her. I won't ask forgiveness for poisoning myself, I will avoid glutteny and drugs and drink in levels of sickness. I will lust in unharmful ways A look of bliss passes through Andrea's features
and she nods to Alistar. Yes. I will take the words of our Mother to heart. Andrea bows her heads and accepts a finishing blessing. Thank you father.
After rising and a short prayer in front of the altar, Andrea returns to Fiosa who has been waiting on a pew. Hey there. I think it is high time you got your bath and foot rub. Andrea grasps her lover's hand and leads her out into the bright day.
John when you get back to your mentor's training center,
Once there he will update you that Lumar Decan has taken his vows to become an aminger RACK member. he should serve there as an apprentice for a year at least, then assuming he does well, he will become a full HellKnight of the Rack.
"I'm heard about your part in the ridding this city of the Goblin King, that was good work. That Sergeant Greenhelm...I remember him from his lesson here. He's a good man. It's good that you ahve some friends out there."
"Dangers events are brewing in this city under the surface involving the nobles. Don't know what it is but there is someone workig in the shadows right now. Be careful."
"Damn right he blames ye fine looking arse, the noble disappeared and ye disappeared. That boy's family threatin' to crush Mr. Lourdou." He stops to breath, "Buncha dead noble guards outside be bad fer bezness and missin' bounc'r."
He sees your blood stained gear, "Wherja been?"