Aroden's dead.
Murder, criminal activity and anarchy thrive, and the town of Westcrown has become most notorious over these last few years. If that's not enough, Hellknight's patrol the streets, frequently marching from street to street raining justice down upon all those who oppose the House of Thrune!
The unrest is high, and the people of Westcrown are tired of the dictators that control their lives. Noble or commoner, neither are safe, for even stranger things are occurring behind closed doors.
At night nobody goes out. Why? Well, evidently not all's what it seems. Sightings have been reported of mysterious figures prowling through the dead of night. Local figures have claimed to have felt they were being watched as they peered out their windows to the moonlit skies. Some even go so far as to report knocking on their doors way past the witching hours, almost as if someone or something is beckoning them outside.
Regardless of this, it's clear that anyone foolish enough to be out past sundown are looking to live short lives, and with so few places lit up at night, there's little to do but remain inside, within the comfort of their own homes, unless of course it's their intention to become yet another local resident to disappear in the midst of night, never to be seen again!
Now, it's down to a small group of heroes to band together in unity as they form their very own resistance to make a stand, and discover the very secrets hidden within the Town of Westcrown.
Dictatorships? Oppression? Fear you say? NAY! It's time to grab the bull by the horns AND RECLAIM YOUR FREEDOM FROM THE TYRANNY THAT HOLDS YOU!!!
5pm Starday, 17th Gozran, 4709AR:
It's twilight and you're standing in one of the many darkened alleys of Westcrown's Spera District, observing citizen's as you do on most days. Peering around the wall of a local armoury, you notice a fight break out between two of Rego Pena's less wealthy citizen's.
It would appear the fight began over a loaf of bread. One man found it and claimed it as his own, while the other claimed he had a family to feed and tried to snatch it from the man's hand.
The fight escalated quickly and fists flew quickly. The original man ended up unconscious and slumped down with his face pressed against a bench while the man with the family just stood there with a bloodied nose, seemingly hysterically in shock.
This caused quite a stir amongst the public and it didn't take long for the Hellknight's to step onto the scene.
The oppression of others is something that deeply saddens me. the voice airs quietly.
If you could change all of this. If you could make for a better future by improving the state of Westcrown, would you? the voice asks, as you watch the Hellknight's drag both bodies away.
Upon turning to face the one speaking to you, you're presented with a beautiful human woman with black, wavey, shoulder length hair, in rough clothes, wearing worn purple and black armour.
10am Starday, 17th Gozran, 4709AR:
It's mid-morning and you're in the Lamplight Theatre, reading scripts and preparing for your big event this evening, with most of the shows cast also in tow.
Having left the front door wide open as usual, the sounds from the streets outside are but a slight distraction as the sunlight creeps in across the floor. Not particularly worried about outsiders nosing around, you'd normally tell potential fans and theatre lovers that you're not open for viewing and to come back later unless they have interest in working for or alongside you, but this morning was different.
Oddly enough you looked towards the entrance just as the sunlight beamed brightly across the room, and as you did, you noticed a woman looking up at the fascia above the door.
Lamplight Theatre? I guess this is the place! he thought to herself.
Peering in, the woman hesitantly marches in, quiet in her approach but makes sure to seat herself down in the front row of the Theatre's seating area, getting herself comfortable as she crosses her legs and curiously observes you and all those working alongside you.
Upon closer inspection, you're presented with a beautiful human woman with black, wavey, shoulder length hair in rough clothes, wearing worn purple and black armour.
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11am Starday, 17th Gozran, 4709AR:
After a rather spectacular night of drink, drugs and debauchery at the Noble House of Liddio, some thirty minute walk away from your own home, you drunkenly make your way back to your own place in dire need of water and a good long rest, for you know the headaches that follow all too well.
The walk seems to take a little longer than normal, though you did get yourself into a state more extreme than the norm on this occasion, so wrong turns and the off-balanced swaying meant for an unintended detour!
A stunning woman yourself (with the exception of a partially concealed scar that's considerably less concealed in your current state), you're approached by another beautiful woman and one of which who wears rough clothes, worn purple and black armour, and black, wavey, shoulder length hair.
As she introduces herself, she quickly realises you're in no fit state to converse and accompanies you back to your home, ensuring you get in safely with all of your possessions and dignity before leaving you to it.
I'll return tomorrow. Hopefully then she'll be in a fit state to talk!
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4pm Starday, 17th Gozran, 4709AR:
Already down at one of the port bars in Rego Cader (a sector within the Parego Dospera District) drinking away, the Tavern doors swing open as a hooded figure in purple and black armour enters.
Her clothes seem to be worn and roughened up and you can't make much of her face for the hood covering it, but it's obvious this person is a woman, seemingly human with good looks and black, wavey, shoulder length hair.
She walks confidently towards the bar and sits down beside you.
Coffee please, and a tankard of Ale for the one next to me. she said to the bartender.
Keeping her hood up and staring only at the mirror behind the bar in front of her, she begins to talk quietly with the Tiefling woman beside her.
Now's not the time to elaborate, but a friend said you're looking for work.
Reaching down, the woman pulls out a folded piece of paper.
If you want to make a difference around here and want to improve your life and all those around you, meet me here tomorrow.
As she finishes the last of her Coffee, she rises to her feet and once again speaks quietly without facial contact before leaving.
I understand it's hard to trust a stranger, but please listen to what I have to say and if you're still not interested after this point, then you're free to leave. Keep this to yourself though, and come alone.
7am Sunday, 18th Gozran, 4709AR:
As morning breaks and your night shift ends, your employer and Priest of Iomedae approaches you with an unbranded, wax sealed letter.
I don't know what it reads, but a young woman maybe mid-twenties, stopped by at around 1pm yesterday and gave me specific instructions to hand this to you personally. It appeared the woman was in some kind of a rush.
As the Priest hands the envelope over to you, he comments; I daren't go outside at night and with what goes on, I'd assume that neither does that woman. She appeared to wear rough clothes with worn purple and black armour. Hair length? I'd say about shoulder length. It was black and wavey. She was human like me. Rather attractive but pre-occupied with something. Anyway, I apologise. It slipped my mind, what with all of the work I've been doing around here lately. I hope it brings you good fortune, Araraxus.
sense when we meet for the first time. - A friend.
Araraxus nods and folds the letter, "Thank you Father. I wonder if she can be trusted? The spies of House Thrune are everywhere. This could be a trap. But, such are the risks we take."
Araraxus stares a moment into the morning sky. "So, I will meet with her then. We need to recruit more soldiers. Perhaps she represents another resistance group."
Araraxus then smiles warmly and bows to the priest, "May Iomedae bless you Father. Thank you for everything you've done for me."
With that, he departs for the temple to spend the remainder of the morning in meditation.
The woman then backs away from the Half-Devil as twilight begins its transition to night. Anyway, it's late. I must go, but I trust you'll make the right choice......and before I go, that child you saved. The mother was ever so grateful. Until we meet again!
You're quite welcome child. Your service has been most appreciative. If your intention is to pursue this womans cause, may Iomedae light every step of your way. I wish blessings of Iomedae upon you, and may your travel be of safe passage.
He follows the woman's path instead, doing his best to catch up to the mysterious beauty - but careful not to give away his presence. Perhaps her path will lend some indication to who these other minds might be...
Not silly, the woman knows fully well she's being followed and heads into one of the nearby alleys before branching off through one of the few remaining market stalls to still be crowded.
Slowing down, she throws up her hood, ducks down a little and seemingly blends into the crowd.
She seems a little rich for someone that wants to change things, thought Sonya suspiciously, eying the purple on the armor. What's your angle, stranger? Still... Maybe...
She was too damned hard to read either way, and she clearly wanted to keep this brief. It was a change of pace, if possibly a dangerous, get-yourself-arrested change of pace. Sonya wasn't going to get a chance to press her for information here.
"No promises," Sonya said after a moment. "You'll make it worth my while?" was the only question she asked.
Lirandra groaned and covered her face with her sheet, trying to block out the sunlight that mercilessly fell across her bed every afternoon as the city's clock struck six. Her head felt like a tiefling was singing inside it and her mouth felt wooly and dry. In short she felt the same way she felt most days when she awoke. The night before at Liddio's had been spectacular. The Harlot Sweets weren't the best, having been cut with something cheaper, but had still had the disired effects,... everyone had been very friendly with each other. I must try to get some more, Lirandra thought to herself with a smile, they make everyone sooo much fun.
She had had a strange dream though. Had the woman been real? Lirandra had the distinct memory that she'd invited the lovely lady inside, but had been rebuffed. Her hand unconsciously moved to the scar on her cheek and her good mood drained, replaced by self-doubt and a throbbing headache. I must have some more sweets around here somewhere she thought as she began hunting through her belt pouch for the white square of paper she thought she remembered stowing away,...
Keil rounds the corner from the alley and realizes he's lost her. That, was fun... Smiling he pulls his hood close and quietly passes by the stall. Giving up on his pursuit, he ducks back into another alley and makes for a safe place to spend the night.
Settling down against a wall in one of Spera's boarded up apartments, the Tiefling relives his recent taste of excitement. He closes his eyes and instantly the woman is standing before him. Her wavy black hair catching the last rays of the evening light, those dark brown eyes were they brown? There was a hint of perfume too. The Tiefling's nostrils take a deep breath searching for the smell, trying to remember...Keil's eyes snap open, She's cast a spell on me... He shakes his head clear and sighs, filling his hood with smoke. Reaching into the worn sack at his side, he pulls out a piece of old wandermeal. The dry cake has gone a little stale but it will satisfy his hunger for tonight. Vizio's Tavern...a good meal and a few good minds. I wonder how many she's gathering. What kind of people will be there? A rodent scurries past. Keil stares as it makes its way across the room, A good meal, that sounds like a nice change. He closes his eyes and listens to the night. The sun has set over Westcrown and all is silent...the creatures have taken over the streets.
I have things to tell you. Things that'll bring change to the Town of Westcrown, and all I ask is that you hear me out. I won't take up too much of your time. Believe me, I'm sorry to intrude but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't of the utmost importance.
I'm not asking you to trust me yet. Believe me, I wouldn't trust a stranger who just approached me acting as though she knows me, but I can see you ARE the man I was looking for, so that's one question down.
The woman pouts for a moment before commenting once more; Self righteous folk seem completely oblivious to what you express within your plays.
The woman smiles but seems a little surprised.
From what I've heard, you play a dangerous game. However it's unsafe to speak further here. Follow these instructions and I'll show you how deep the rabbit hole goes, or stay in this world of oppression and misery a you live every day the same, when deep down you know you can make a difference with a little effort.
Janiven then reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small weathered parchment with a slight grin on her face.
He'll make the right decision. There's too much at stake here.
The very next day, you awaken to a knocking sound.
It's 10am, your beauty sleep has been disturbed and your head is still pounding after the party at Liddio's two moons ago.
As you try to ignore it, burying your head further within the pillows, the knocking seems to subside...but for a brief time only.
The knocks don't appear too heavy, neither do they sound like a kid playing a trick. It just sounds like the knocking of someone who has a lot of patience.
That location, though... Vizio's Tavern - Sunday 18th Gozran at 4pm, Eastern Shore of Rego Scripa. Sonya mused over the time and place of the meeting. That's a bit of a walk... Darker hours, but not night; that suits me just fine.
Either way, Sonya needed to make sure she was well rested first. She headed straight to that fleahouse of an inn she was staying at, the nameless ugly building with the words Beds and Booze written on the sign above the door. Once there, she did what anyone could expect: She ate dinner, chatted with a couple skulks like herself, and eventually headed off to her room to prepare for the morrow.
Lirandra climbs from her bed with a muffled curse, brushes her dishevelled hair back and, shading her sensitive eyes from the light of day, makes her way to the door. Pausing only to fling a long cloak over the chemise she had slept in, she throws open the door. Momentarily blinded by the bright light she manages to curse "Alright. What is it? Just quieten down for the gods' sake"
With the first rays of the sun, dawn breaks over the skies of Westcrown. Unusually, a Tiefling awakens to the sound of birds. Groaning, Keil covers his eyes to drown out the vexing noise. A puff of smoke rises from his mouth, Aaughh, not again... Yawning, he pulls his cloak tightly over is head in a vain attempt to go back to sleep. But it is too late, his mind has already spurred to life with questions of the previous day. Who was that woman? Why didn't I ask her her name? Images of her begin to drift in and out of his head.
The noise of the birds grow louder, chasing the beautiful figure away. Sitting up, the Tiefling shakes his head clear and stretches his arms. As if somehow connected, tentacles appear from under his hood, stretching in unison with his arms before relaxing back into place upon his head. They seem to have a mind of their own; sometimes reacting to his emotions, never to his will. Most days, Keil tries to ignore them. The rest of the time he tries to keep them hidden under the oversized hood of his cloak.
Keil leaves the apartment and makes his way to Vizio's. The tavern's about an hour away. It would be nice to find a way inside before the meeting. Although familiar with Vizio's, Keil has never actually ventured inside. Beings of his station aren't usually welcome in such establishments, unless it is for work. Then they are relegated to the back; unloading boxes or hauling rubbish. Perhaps he could approach Vizio for a quick day job? Keil rolls this thought over in his head for a few minutes. Keil shakes his head, a day job would not get him inside any earlier. Gingerly grasping his small pouch of coins the Tiefling sighs, Looks like the direct approach.
Before too long, Keil rounds a corner and can see Vizio's tavern at the other end of the block. Slipping into the shadows of the nearby buildings the Tiefling stares at the tavern and the buildings around it. He selects an inconspicuous spot within sight of the tavern and settles down for the day. Munching on trail rations and staying close to the shadows cast throughout the day, Keil keeps watch on the tavern. He takes note of any Hellknight patrols and all who enter Vizios.
As mid-day grows near , Keil emerges from hiding and discreetly enters the tavern. He sits near the back, facing the door. Taking out a few copper pieces, he orders some tea and bread, then waits for her to arrive.
Good luck with your play this afternoon! It's unsafe at night as we all know, so I don't travel much in the evening, otherwise I'd have attended to see your work.
Anyway she says as she stands up.
I've got a busy day ahead of me, so I'd better go. Thank you for your time.
With that, she smiles at you and then leaves.
Her appearance seems vaguely familiar to you.
Sorry to....bother you. You were in a bit of a state yesterday when I helped you into your home, otherwise I'd have spoken to you then.
For all intent and purposes I am a friend, and one who knows how much you've suffered she then leans forward and whispers Under the House of Thrune.
I'm here today, more so out of curiosity than anything else. If you could get revenge for what has been done to you, would you be prepared to give even your own life for the cause?
The woman then looks at you, seemingly awaiting your answer.
Entering the building, it looks as though repairs are still in place and you get the impression the whole building is under refurbishment. Though, it's not empty.
To your left, a woman with Black shoulder length hair looks strangely familiar to you, and as she notices you, she speaks up.
You're early! Sorry, but I'll be right with you. I just need to hammer this nail back into the wall.
A few loud bangs later, the beautiful woman climbs back down the ladder and asks; Would you like a drink? What do you have, Mead? Ale? I've got a lot to prepare for our meeting later, so you'll have to excuse me, as you'll be waiting a while.
Caught off guard with the sight of all the repair work going on, Keil is at a loss for words. He watches in silence as the woman bangs in the nail, That must be her...
Suddenly feeling rather foolish, the Tiefling looks to the floor and shifts his weight awkwardly. As she climbs down the ladder, Keil gathers his thoughts saying humbly, My apologies, I didn't realize the tavern was closed for repair. He musters enough nerve to look the woman directly in the eye and politely declines her offer of alcohol, I'm careful to stay away from such drinks, perhaps some tea?
Keil learned many years ago, consuming such drinks on a stomach as empty as his usually is, is not a good idea. He quickly adds, We did not get a chance to introduce ourselves earlier, Bowing politely, My name is Keil, blushing, the Tiefling abruptly realizes she probably already knew that. Looking any where but the woman now, Keil tries to diminish his bumbling start by offering to help with some repairs, Is there anything you'd like me to help you with?
The show doesn't go over terribly well. In fact, it's clearly one of Dahren's worst performances in recent memory. Only his sheer innate talent prevents it from being a complete loss.
Afterwards, he simply shrugs, and chalks it up to being distracted by the meeting invitation for the next day, though the other theater troop members are genuinely concerned.
He spends much of the next morning doing damage control with the district criers, padding pockets with silver to make sure the worst is left out, then gets ready to go to Vizio's.
At the woman's words Lirandra is shocked into wakefulness. how? she whispers! turning bright red in shock,... What do you mean? What cause? I would make anyone who'd hurt me suffer in return. But. How could you know of these things? How would you help me make him, make them suffer?
Right. she says, seemingly in a bit of a rush.
I've got a lot to do today, so if it's further information you require, meet me at Vizio's Tavern 4pm this afternoon. The Tavern itself is found along the Eastern Shore of Rego Scripa within the Spera District. Please come alone.
Taking a step back she then says; Oh and before I go.....I mean this in the kindest of ways, but clean yourself up. You're a lot prettier when you're not hungover and you may take a fancy to a certain Aasimar who should also be in attendance.
The woman then nods with a smile as she briskly walks away.
As the woman turns and leaves, Lirandra closes the door and sinks to the ground sobbing with a sudden release of emotion brought on by the rush of memory. After some time she gathers herself and moves back to her room, lost in thought. Almost as if her actions are guided by another, she bathes and cleans herself, dressing in a new emerald green tunic, black corset and some of her less-flamboyant jewellery.
As the afternoon approaches she slips out of the house and makes her way carefully through the streets, making for Vizio's tavern. I can only be getting myself into more trouble she thinks to herself, unconsciously checking the daggers hidden in the sleeves of her clothing. I should just go to Inelgei's party. Nevertheless, she soon finds herself at the door to the tavern. - A place where she had frequently visited over the last few years but had not been near since Vistir Vizio and his family had left town. Stopping for a moment nearby she glances around to check that she's not being followed, before stepping forward and entering the building.
Knowledge (local):
10 minutes late
You do well to stay off that poison. It clouds your judgment and in your life of anonymous heroism, you need your wits about you.
Placing the hammer on the side mantel, the woman you find to be most attractive heads out back to the kitchen. Calling out to you, she comments; Tea....I think that you're in luck!
As the rustling subsides, she boils the kettle over the stove, bringing it out to you along with some milk she'd kept secure in the cooled pantry.
Take it how you have it, and then I'll show you what needs to be done. she smiles.
I wouldn't worry about trying to impress me. I know who you are - not by name, but by actions and colour me impressed! Most in your situation would succumb to starvation, but you go out of your way to ensure the safety of others through the darkest and most horrifying nights, and even homeless, still somehow manage to live a life of noble cause. I heard rumours of a Devilish man saving children and escorting those left out to safe havens of rest through the night, but realistically, I felt it would be a longshot of us ever meeting.
Holding out her hand, the dark haired woman introduces herself.
My name's Janiven. I own this place with one other, though he's out right now.
Turning around and looking at the tattered walls and ceiling, she comments; This place really is a state. She sighs as she asks you; If you're kind enough to follow up on your offer, I won't turn down an extra pair of hands.
Scanning the room, Janiven looks around for tasks to assign to the Devil man.
Keil, you say your name is? What would be a really great help is if you could lay the tables and position the chairs into some form of semblance. It won't just be us in attendance later. There are more to come. I'll discuss things with you all when the time comes, but for now the plates and cuttlery are in the Kitchen. If you give me twenty minutes I'll start with the dinner and regardless of who turns up, it's always better to over prepare than under prepare, right?
Janiven chuckles slightly as she hammers the last few boards back into the wall and dusts the place over, before lighting several candles across the tables occupying the room.
Dahrehn remembers Vizio. It's been a while, but the old Chel really knew a good brandy. That was back before Dahrehn came into greater notoriety.
Dressing in black pants, a clean grey shirt, a black vest and a short-brimmed hat, Dahrehn strides up to Vizio's just a moment before 4 pm. He enters, tosses his hat towards a half-remembered rack, and makes for the bar after taking a look around the premises.
Upon finding Vizio's tavern, Araraxus spends several moments surveying the area around the tavern, looking for anything amiss.
Assuming that everything seems normal, Araraxus will cautiously enter the tavern. Dressed all in black, he keeps his hood down and avoids making eye contact with the other patrons. Walking up to the bar, he takes a seat and slides a silver piece to the bartender.
"Whiskey please."
Happy to finally know her name, Keil quickly puts down his tea to accept her hand in greeting. A pleasure Janive, the tea was too hot anyways, at least to his liking.
Letting the tea cool, the Tiefling gets to work arranging tables and chairs. He tries to be quiet, never dragging the chairs across the floor, but gently lifting them. It is the same with the plates and cutlery. Purposeful, silent. By the time Keil returns to his tea, it has lost its steam - barely above room temperature. Adding a health dose of milk, the Tiefling settles into one of the chairs nearest the wall and watches the door intently, There are more to come? Should be interesting.
Around half an hour passes and eventually one other man turns up as you sit, curious about what's to follow.
3.30pm
Dressed all in black, the tall and well built man keeps his hood down and cautiously moves forward as his long black hair flails wide with each step. Avoiding eye contact, he walks up to the bar before taking a seat and sliding a silver piece over to the "bartender".
3:58pm
Dressed in black pants, a clean grey shirt, a black vest and a short-brimmed hat, a tall (6'3 ish) and lanky man enters the Tavern. Tossing his hat towards a rickety old rack, he makes for the bar after taking a look around the premises.
4.10pm
With a soft tap, the Tavern door once again swings open, only this time to reveal a dainty young, human woman.
Seemingly of Noble appearance, the woman is in fact a Chelaxian beauty with pale skin, long sable hair and a willowy, slight frame. Her soft features are partially concealed as hair sweeps downwards, covering the left side of her face.
3pm
Upon entering the building, things seem different. Things are quiet. A little too quiet in fact.
As you stand in the doorway, you immediately notice a homeless Tiefling in what appears to be tattered clothing.
There are no customers from what you can tell, and aside from the bowing of wooden beams across the ceiling and walls, the building feels incomplete. The interior looks as though it's had recent repairs, though is in need of a more dire makeover, and the person you approach at the bar is in fact a woman.
A woman of beauty with shoulder length black hair, wearing black and purple armour. You believe her description fits that of what your Priest friend/employer gave.
Glancing at you ever so quickly, the woman responds to you.
Whiskey? Sorry, but it's Ale, Mead or Tea I'm afraid. It's all we can afford right now. Keep your money and take a seat with Keil over there. I won't be much longer now. I promised dinner and it'd be a shame to see it burn and go to waste! the woman says cheerfully.
3:58pm
Dressed in black pants, a clean grey shirt, a black vest and a short-brimmed hat, a tall (6'3 ish) and lanky man enters the Tavern. Tossing his hat towards a rickety old rack, he makes for the bar after taking a look around the premises.
4.10pm
With a soft tap, the Tavern door once again swings open, only this time to reveal a dainty young, human woman.
Seemingly of Noble appearance, the woman is in fact a Chelaxian beauty with pale skin, long sable hair and a willowy, slight frame. Her soft features are partially concealed as hair sweeps downwards, covering the left side of her face.
Standing at the bar you can see a well built, tall figure, leaning over the counter with a silver coin held in his hand.
Around you, the place looks like a bit of a dump and has clearly been out of business for some time, but looks as though it's had some recent repair work done.
4.10pm
With a soft tap, the Tavern door suddenly swings open, only this time to reveal a dainty young, human woman.
Seemingly of Noble appearance, the woman is in fact a Chelaxian beauty with pale skin, long sable hair and a willowy, slight frame. Her soft features are partially concealed as hair sweeps downwards, covering the left side of her face.
4.10pm
As you enter the building, you can see four people in clear sight.
All four of them are gathered around one table in front of you and slightly towards the left. Sitting at the table appears to be a homeless Devil like man with what looks to be "hair", resembling tentacles more so than any hair you've seen. On his right side appears to be the beautiful woman who visited you at your home earlier this morning (Janiven), while to his left, a Cloaked figure sits silently and patiently.
The interior looks as though it's seen better days, but is currently under repair, now dimly lit with candles as the day grows darker.
Across the far side of the room, a more Noble man seems to be looking around the room and silently talking to himself as he comments on the few photo frames still dotted around the better looking walls.
You found us then! I was beginning to think you weren't going to show, said Janiven with a pleasing smile on her face.
Lirandra steps in through the door, hurriedly closes it behind her and glances around the room. Seeing the strange assembled group she pulls her green cloak (which precisely matches the colour of the long tunic beneath) tighter around her willowy frame. She nervously smiles at Janiven and glances towards the bar, but remains silently standing near the door, seeming almost ready to run.
Araraxus bows to the woman, "Ale then - the darkest you have. Whom do I have the honor of speaking with? I think you already know whom I am. I must warn you, If I find that you have any affiliation with the government, I will leave immediately."
Araraxus turns to Keil and the others,"Greetings, I am Araraxus Black Star. I am a humble servant of Iomedae whom seeks a better future for Westcrown. I'm guessing that you all received the same letter as I did?"
Araraxus turns expectantly to the woman behind the bar,"My lady, thank you for the drink and dinner, but I must ask you to get to the point quickly. In my line of work, it's dangerous to spend too much time with strangers."
Araraxus will detect evil on everyone.
Sitting silently at the table, Keil nods a greeting to the other Tiefling at the bar. He watches the dark figure with some amusement, Huh, I'm not the only one... Smiling to himself, Keil gestures to the chair on his left, offering the newcomer a seat. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I received no such written invitation, Janiven spoke with me personally.
With each newcomer, Keil greets them with a polite nod. His faded perse skin and pale eyes are all but concealed by the tattered hood the Tiefling has seems to cling to. Anyone sitting at the table will notice the vestigials covering his body like jagged teeth or his numerous horns which are more like tentacles sprouting from the carapace atop his head. Overall, Keil's odd appearance makes him more of a curiousity normally found in a circus. It goes without saying that this Tiefling does not fit into what would be considered normal. As a result, he has spent most of his life not being very socially active.
Dahrehn saunters across the room, smiling. "Janiven, you missed a... Well, an utterly forgettable performance yesterday. Not one of my better works or performances. It seems that I'm in need of new material." He smiles, nods for a cup of tea then turns to Keil and Araraxus.
"Gentlemen! I'm glad that I'm not alone in following a beautiful woman into an old bar. Vizio's was always such a charming place. Glad to see that it's under new management. Dahrehn Hallea, at your service." He extends a hand to each in turn, then turns with the others when Lirandra enters. He raises his mug of tea, then takes a seat at the table.
Araraxus nods at Dahrehn and shakes his hand, "I'm honored, sir. I've seen several of your performances at the Lamplighter - brilliant! Westcrown hasn't seen an actor of your talent in years."
Araraxus tips his mug and finishes his ale, "You know, the people on the street love you. They would follow someone like you. I believe that you could inspire them to throw off the shackles of tyranny. I'm really hoping that's why you are here."
Lirandra slowly makes her way to the table without a word. Peering intently at the others she pulls out a chair and takes a seat, making sure to place herself between Janiven and Dahrehn. She stares openly at the Tieflings, making no attempt to hide the fact that she is doing so. Finally she speaks, addressing both of them. "I'm told that your kind are less than human. Allyssa always said she wanted to bed a Tiefling but I think she was just trying to shock. For myself, I've never had dealings with a Tiefling before - I prefer not to judge until I've known someone for a little while - or at least until we've gotten drunk together... After all I never never liked Peiter until we'd thrown up together and spent the night with those four half-elves. He proved to be great fun and I never would have thought he was so adventurous - full of surprises he was. You wouldn't believe the things he could do with a feather and a wet cloth! A pity there's nothing decent here to drink...."
Sense Motive:
She's also trying to come of as a bit air-headed
Act:
"Ha! You are too kind. However, "Throwing Off the Shackles of Tyrrany" would be an overly bold title choice at this time. Perhaps a minor character to say it..." Dahrehn waves a hand dismissively. "But now is not the time for quibbling over titles or lines. It is for welcoming excellent companions such as yourself to table."
He hops up again to help Lirandra with her seat, then sits himself. However, he gives her a rather confused look as she proceeds with her tale. "Indeed, it must boggle the mind, my dear." He shifts in his seat a bit, before turning his attention fully to Janiven.
As the others talk, Keil takes up an old habit; watching. His pale eyes dart from person to person, picking up bits of conversation. Frequently, his gaze comes to rest on Janiven. He is drawn to her beauty. But there is more than just her looks to intrigue him. What will she tell us?
A lifetime of being the voyeur is a learned trait - few questions are asked of those who play at being invisible. Listening to the others, stirs an old yet familiar feeling. The kind of feeling you get when you are the odd one out. But it is not Lirandra's questions that bother him. Her gawking makes the Tiefling feel, uncomfortable. Like a freak. He tries not to return her stares.
Averting his eyes from the woman, Keil shifts his attention to Dahrehn. I've never seen a play, Keil blurts out in an attempt to be sociable, but I have noticed the posters. Is it difficult? Being a performer I mean?
Dahrehn shrugs. "The only difficulty is in pleasing critics, but I have many years of experience in doing so. Some are easier to convince than others, but most just want to see you put on something that gives them a chance to praise the current government. I also find that there is little privacy, save when granted it with a wink and a smile."
He sips tea and shrugs again, as though waving off a memory, then smiles and offers, "If you would like to see our next performance, simply stop by the box office at the Lamplighter and tell them that you are a friend of Reinala's. They'll give you whatever seat you like. I don't recommend the front row, as it's too close, and you strike me as someone who would prefer to be closer to an exit, if needed."
Araraxus gives Lirandra a cynical smile, "So you don't like Tieflings, eh? Well I admit, my kind certainly deserves it's reputation. You know, of course, humans have committed their share of atrocities in this city also. House Thrune is predominantly human, I believe. But, I won't hold that against you. Please do not judge Keil and myself based on our appearances, the acts of our kin, or our lineage. I assure you, I am working to eradicate the diabolical taint from myself and this city. "
That is a kind offer, thank you. Shifting his gaze between Dahrehn, Ararxus and Lirandra, Keil tilts his head pondering. True, he'd never seen a play. But he has seen street performers; jugglers, acrobats and such. To Keil, the difference between a street performance and a play was the story. Put on something? You mean tell a story.