"Regarding your missing friend, members of my Order specialise in locating the lost. If you have a good likeness of the man and if he's still in this city, I can find him."
"He was studying these... 'soul books'? You say?" Vaelic listens, a tad sceptic, but he does come to the near-standing conclusion: "Doesn't that mean there is a good chance Rexus is following-up on some lead he found in those? Does anybody know who he was... uhm... 'reading'?"
"Right," Lictor Sabinus begins, bringing some order to an otherwise chaotic and noisy meeting of the Silver Raven leadership (and leadership hopefuls) at the Tooth and Nail. "I have three agenda items that I intend to discuss today. First, and most importantly...", Sabinus pauses briefly*, "the Silver Ravens lost good people last week. Lost good people helping me and my Order of the Torrent. We cannot hope to replace them, but I swear on my life and on the reputation and spirit of the Order of the Torrent that we will do everything in our power to ensure that their sacrifices meant something. Something to us. Something to this city! And the Torrent will begin right now, addressing the two most pressing concerns facing the rebellion."
"You lost three of your founding members last week. Turik and Ormus gave their lives to rescue my armigers. And Rexus Victocora has disappeared. Though I cannot bring back Turik, Ormus, or Philipe, if Rexus still lives and is yet still in the city, my men and I can bring him back... if it is the will of our new leadership. I understand that Thrune seeks to continue with his unjust excrutiations. It is a difficult choice, but my men and I can also actively run interference and possibly prevent unnecessary suffering at the hands of Thrune's excrutiators. Our new leaders will need to ask themselves if Rexus is truly more valuable than these "petty criminals" sent to the doghouse. Or perhaps, is there something more important than both Rexus and Thrune's victims?"
"Which brings me to my next point. My cousin has graciously allowed us to use her tavern as a base of operations. But it will not do for too long. It's too cramped, too public, and far from defensible. We need to prioritise the search for and establishment of a permanent stronghold. And I believe that the answer lies in my Order's founding."
"Years ago, the Lucky Bones was, to the public, a gambling hall and opium den. In truth, the building was a front for a guild of thieves and abductors known as the Gray Spiders. When my order learned the Gray Spiders were involved in a kidnapping and slavery ring tied to the cult of Norgorber, we confronted them. They responded by assassinating Lictor Reya, our heroic founder. In turn, we brought the full might of the Order of the Torrent down on them, and when we were done, the Gray Spiders were no more. But then Lictor Reya’s successor, Lictor Yehl, made the curious choice to seal the Lucky Bones rather than fully explore it.
"It was shortly afterward that others in the order discovered that Yehl and some of his subordinates had sought to preserve the Gray Spiders’ ill-gotten gains for themselves and had planned to return to the complex to loot it. Yehl and the others were charged with corruption and expelled, and command of the Torrent passed to Lictor Arcamo Hyrmagus (my predecessor), but no one ever followed up with the Lucky Bones. Lictor Arcamo was ashamed of the entire episode and forbade any of the rest of us from investigating it, and in time, it all mercifully slipped from memory. But those chambers still exist below the ruined gambling hall—chambers that were never mapped or officially reported. For all intents and purposes, they do not exist. Sounds to me to be the perfect place for a rebellion to set up shop... provided someone first scouts the place out to ensure nothing unwanted has moved in!"
;
Vaelic speaks out to indicate his active participation in the rebellion and the effort he made to keep Turik's legacy alive. "I agree that the points mentioned are likely to be our highest priority - but I want to make sure these are not forgotten: I've been thoroughly briefed by Tessara and our exchanges highlighted two things that have not been addressed. Firstly there seems to be a serial killer on the loose; there was quite a lot of positive ramifications for the Silver Ravens for solving the first set of murders - I'm sure word of mouth will increase even more if we resolve this issue as well. Secondly, Tessara recalled that apparently there has been a kidnapping of twins. I think that the order of the torrent is well suited to investigate this second issue."
With a sigh he adds, "And, I've brought this up before - but now is probably the best time to review it again: apparently Rexus has been extensively studying the 'soul books' that were retrieved from the Archivist's library. I suspect that his disappearance is in response to something he learned from those books. Does anybody know of something down that line of reasoning? Perhaps we can study the books ourselves to get a clue."
Vaelic nods his consent. "Those are good priorities to set for now."
Forvian's team enact a daring rescue attempt. They managed to rescue everybody!
Octavio and his armigers, after scouring Old Kintargo (district around Tooth and Nail) and Villegre (district around Long Roads Coffeehouse), report that Rexus, is at least not within those districts. However, they did encounter a strangely eloquent otyugh while traversing through the Old Kintargo sewers. It claimed to speak for the Wind and the Waves... and the Wind and Waves apparently requires assistance. The lictor promised that he would return with (or send somebody) that would be better suited to dealing with the forces of nature.
The Fushi sisters ran a night-time scouting trip through the Lucky Bones ruins. Unfortunately, after hours of picking their way through the rubble, they came up empty-handed. It was then that Maggie swears that she spotted a Tien woman watching them. Korrva and her sisters couldn't verify Maggie's claim, but they took a very long and circuitous route back home, just in case.
A few days after the Ravens had relocated to the "Tooth and Nail", a mysterious man enters and seeks out the current leadership of the Ravens. He's a slender, tall man wearing a trench coat and a wide hat covering most of his face in shadow, it can just be made out that he's wearing an eyepatch.
"Greetings, I'm Armstrong, Nick Armstrong, Kintargo's best detective. I've heard you've lost someone important, and I'm here to offer my services."
Nick explains that he specialises in finding missing people... for a price. After the night of ashes there had been an abundance of work, however most of the new cases have grim outcomes. Nick is used to working alone and never seeks partners, but given all that he's learnt the past few weeks about the dark nature of the current city leadership he feels it is best to join up with the Silver Ravens, as the disappearances are likely to just get worse the longer the Lord-Mayor stays in power.
Hardboiled
"Nice hat, laddie."
"Do we have a known address to send Vaelic's remains? We should either ensure his body gets to it's destination or give him a proper burial. Because of his actions we were able to take down the serial murderer."
Ramrut seeks out Hetamon
"Morning laddie, I heard that ye can supply us with some magical gear to help win this conflict. I have heard about belts that can enhance one's strength. Can I ask ye if you can craft something of this type for me? It'd be a great help to the rebellion."
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Sitting in a dark corner by himself in the Tooth and Nail, nursing a glass of hard liquor, reflecting: Last night I had to kill a man, put him down after watching him butcher one of my new associates. I was too slow, or getting too old, to save him! I made sure the son of a b#+$# could do no more harm. Pitty about Vaelic, dying so soon after his brother, damn shame! Raises his glass in the direction of the door, downs the drink and pours another..
This city has gone to hell, wondering if things will ever return to the good old days, where a case didn’t end at a bloody corpse, or several. At least the new Silver Ravens seem to be good people, quite the collection of different folks all working and dying together trying to save the city. They have the guts to try something, which is better than most, best I stick around and throw in with them for the long haul. Only alternative is at the bottom of a bottle, and why not both, ey? takes another drink...
Tayacet Tiora, there’s a name I’ve not heard in awhile. Having her in town, and on our trail no less, nothing but trouble. At least she did the courtesy of letting us know she’s here. She’s a professional, so doing that means she likely has some kind of end game in mind, guess we’ll have to wait and see what it is. I am not that easy to track, but best to be vigilant. On that note, I swear that girl from next door, Luculla, has been eyeing me. She’s a hard dame to miss, might just be my imagination, keep it together Nick! Downs the rest of the glass and retires for the evening.
A dirty, scrawny young man steps out of the shadows. You could've sworn there was nobody there a minute ago; and then he stood there. The gaunt features hold a certain charismatic bent, perhaps fascination with the impossibly thin. His one eye is closed. He protectively raises his hands, empty, to ward of any initial aggression from his sudden appearance. "I am Kush," he says, as if that should tell you all you need to know.
After a bit of a pregnant pause that may have given birth to violence Kush adds: "I have skills. Special skills that will be useful to you. This is the truth." The last sentence sounds like they are supposed to emphasize the depth of his skills - but he opens his closed eye and all hell breaks loose. A red bloodshot eye looks out from the man, including an impossibly large pupil and three black specks around it that appear to move. The more excitable of the Silver Raven are only just contained and for a moment Kush looks worried enough to make a run for it - but his red eye stares at Tessara (independently of his other eye!) and he stays.
The week that follows proves that the pale Kush does indeed have useful skills.
"These soul tomes are truly fascinating. Written as one thinks—a pure stream of a person's consciousness capturing the tacit and making it explicit. The recorded memories surrounding the establishment of the Sacred Order of Archivists alone, how they were able to go so far as to purchase property and construct the Monastery of Many Steps, will prove invaluable as we mobilise the Rose of Kintargo in support of the Silver Ravens. It is with this in mind, that I've decided to start capturing my own thoughts, albeit it less pure than a soul tome through the filter of language and my hand.
Thought 1: I have not set foot in the Tooth and Nail since the eventful night of my 'awakening'. Setrona has not changed; calm and collected as always, she diffused the situation caused by the Kush boy. I should have acted first; I know what it's like to be deemed other. If the boy can help, if his intentions are good, then I shall see that he is cared for in this rebellion.
Thought 2: For one that has gone through such recently traumatic experiences, Tessara seems undeterred. How does she do it? From witnessing the death of the Elmsdown brothers to chatting about the 'cute boys' in the rebellion with Luculla. Is that how she copes? Perhaps I should talk to her about it. Then again, I don't want to make it known that I overheard her and Luculla, especially since they had me on their list. Really? Me cute, with the blood of demons flowing through me?
Thought 3: Demons. My father's advancing age and frailty increasingly resist my ministrations. I fear this is the final stage in my mother's plan to destroy our family. I expect her to appear at any moment now. I know its irrational, but the dread feeling persists. So much so that I often find my mind wandering, instead of focusing on the tasks given me by the Ravens.
Thought 4: I only managed to finish half of the Ravens' orders. Two belts of mighty constitution (+2). One for Ramrut and one for Tessara. I added an extra detail to Tessara's: a feather motif (blue on one side and purple on the other (I also made sure that her belt was reversible so as to go with the variety of outfits my father made for her). I wasn't sure what to put on Ramrut's belt, but I think he's a man that just appreciates a sturdy and well-crafted leather belt. I'll get started on the two belts of incredible dexterity (+2). I should have them ready by next week, if Kush can continue to procure and cast the necessary scrolls.
Thought 5: How does Vendalfek hold so much liquor?
---
Rumours overheard in Old Kintargo:
"The Raven kill, gut, and string up a man in his apartment as a warning 'to other would-be criminals'? They say he was the Temple Hill Slasher, but without proof. No trial, because there was no proof to be found. I say it's a gang murder disguised as vigilante mob justice. But the Lord-Mayor won't do anything about it. He even refuses to acknowledge that the Ravens even exist."
---
Crow's team enact a daring rescue attempt. They managed to rescue everybody!
Notoriety increases by 1 for each person successfully rescued. Notoriety increases to 24.
;
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Octavio and his armigers, after scouring Jarvis End (district around Opera House) and Redroof(district around the Devil's Nursery), report that Rexus, is at least not within those districts. Octavio expresses his worry, as this would indicate that Rexus is either in the Castle District, Temple Hill or the Greens (noble district), or no longer in Kintargo.
Though Thrune doesn't acknowledge the existence of the Ravens, he has commanded an increase in Dottari patrols throughout the city, especially Old Kintargo. This applies a -4 penalty to all Secrecy checks for a week. However, an officer that succeeds at a DC 20 Survival check to study the patrol routes and patterns can reduce the penalty to -2.
Kush is a little startled, but thankful by the way he's received by the Silver Ravens. He's a little awkward around everybody, but he tries his best to not muck things up (as he thinks of everybody there as "polite society").
Luculla realizes quickly that she can get Kush to do pretty much any task no matter how menial by offering sweet pastry as a reward.
Laddie, I don't mean to alarm ye, but yer eye is all bloody. Too many hard night's drinking? Ye needs more practice.
Ramrut spends most of his nights in the Tooth and Nail getting to know whoever is present, most fellow rebels I would imagine. He has been a regular at this tavern since his previous tavern was taken down. He might also like the company of Vendalfek. As they might have encountered each other before. At the previous place
Hetoman me lad, this here belt is some fine craftsmanship. I appreciate you not sprusing it up. Last thing I need is people thinking me a tad fruity. This fine sturdy belt is just fine. Ye know... A fine crafter like yourself might find a blessing in giving Torag some thought. He crafted the world after all. How about I buy you a drink Laddie. You earned it!
*edit*
Munching on a cupcake Kush cautiously smiles at Ramrut, "Is not drink that made it like that. I don't know what it is. It is the Truth." Kush follows Ramrut about as he works out the patrol patterns, for Kush it just doubles up as a convenient way to be about somewhat safely and get Luculla's deliveries done.
Kush shakes his head subtly toward a group of young misfits across the street, sotto voce he explains, "They look like they would fit the cause - but their loyalty is to themselves and easy money; one or two of them could sell us out fairly fast. That is the truth."
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"Aria. That voice. That smile. Her presence, her timing, her poise; and above all that voice. A triumphant debut by Kintargo's newest rising star!" - excerpt from critic's review.
"Aria Divani gone missing in Night of Ashes - has Thrune's ascent silenced another?" - rumor among Kintargo's cogniscenti first week after the night of ashes.
"Did the Silver Ravens save Aria? The Voice has found its way back to us - and now it has wings!" - heard in old district.
"Kintargo is asleep. Its people trapped in a hellish dream! But the infernal flames that are stoked in their homes and on their lives sets ablaze a new fire. A cleansing fire - and break the dawn the time will come, when dreamers cease to dream!" - Aria Divani, rallying and recruiting for the Silver Ravens' cause
Thought 6: I don't know what to make of the Lord-Mayor's actions. Some of the Ravens believe that we've all but "won the war". I'm not so sure. At least Tassara and Octavio are moving forward with plans to establish a more suitable base of operations. Kush, Nick, and Ramrut have stepped forward to fill the leadership void. They're doing an admirable job, especially Kush. The Ravens seemed to have accepted him and few, if any, give him any hassle. That they have accepted me too speaks volumes about their ideologies. Perhaps I'll live to see an equitable Kintargo, where everybody gets afforded the respect and opportunities they deserve.
Thought 7: This week, the Ravens will be launching their first expedition into the Lucky Bones. The Silver Knights (that's what they call themselves), delivered some disturbing intelligence. A cult of devil worshippers, led by a coven of changelings, have taken up residence. I hope the Ravens can handle things peacefully. However, we have enough evidence which indicates that the changelings worship the Dowager of Illusions. Zachrin was able to tell us a bit about the Dowager, one of the four demigods known as the Whore Queens. He didn't paint a pretty picture. How will the Ravens handle such a cult? How far does religious tolerance go? Can an equitable Kintargo tolerate such a cult?
Thought 8: An otyugh cleric of Gozreh? Here in the sewers of Old Kintargo? How could I not know this? The Ravens should do everything in their power to help it finds its lost younglings. He might be the sole reason that Old Kintargo's aging sewer infrastructure still works.
Thought 9: The Gray Queen poses an interesting conundrum. On the one hand, she has proven to be a source of excellent intelligence. On the other hand, she is a source of terrible disease. There has been some discussion about exterminating her, but a few Ravens think its worth setting up a quarantine system of sorts. I just spent the last week treating several Knights (they discovered the Queen) for what appeared to be bubonic plague. Tassara and I had to invest several long nights of care and numerous castings of remove disease to bring their infections under control. I will need to monitor the rest of the Ravens for signs of infection for weeks to come. I know Kintargo does not have the resources to give every citizen the same level of medical care and healing. This city cannot survive both Thrune and a plague.
---
Rumours overheard in Old Kintargo:
"The Lord-Mayor stopped the public excrutiations. Funny that he did that just after the Aria Park negotiations (you were there, right?). I'm led to believe that the doghousing wasa just a tactic to deter Silver Raven sympathy without necessarily needing to acknowledge the Ravens as a threat. That plan sure backfired for the Lord-Mayor."
---
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Further excerpts from the case files of Nick Armstrong (Private eye):
Finally a breakthrough, this past week the Silver Ravens have finally been recognised by the authorities. I was expecting them to come down on us, and come down hard, so I was surprised when we were invited to publicly meet with the Lord-Mayor. I was sure it was a trap, and to some degree it was, he publicly praised us and recognised our activities, so devious was the man. This is obviously a political ploy to swing the public opinion, showing that our good deeds are sanctioned by the Thrunes, and so he can ride on our popularity. Simultaneously reducing the level of contrast between us and the corrupt Authority by making it appear we are aligned with common goals. Sneaky, and most likely to set us back quite a bit in garnering the public opinion. Sneaky indeed, this shows that our opponent is willing to play the long game, eyes on the big picture. We better start doing the same or else we might just have this rebellion pulled out from under us.
Nick scribbles notes down to look into setting up propaganda against the lord-mayor and highlighting how the Ravens are opposed to his actions.
a different entry into Nick's notes:
Met with the Captain of the naval warship, he's not what I expected. Typically a sailor is as salty as the ocean he traverses. Not Cassius however, he seems to be a refined man with a taste for the exotic. Peculiar request he had for us as well, a simple delivery in order to earn his favour. A man in his position could become a powerful opponent, so far better to aid him. The mission was easy enough, find a man, deliver the message, return. Things never go according to plan! Plan went smoothly, until the guy wanted to run away from his family upon reading the secret message, this nearly threw a wrench into the gears. It took some effort to smuggle him out from under his father's watch, back to the Naval vessel, but ultimately our covert behaviour went unseen. We were able to return the lovers together and in so doing earn the debt of a Pirate-hunter and at nearly no cost to ourselves, a great success. Scribbled down are some notes of what we could use the favours for, underlined was the name Elia with a question mark
Upon our return, we were set upon by a monstrosity. A servant or follower of some unknown demigod, the whore-queen Mahatahalla This does not bode well. Sure, nearly everyone we bump into on official Raven business is the high-priest of their own tiny religion, so Kintargo is a hotpot of different faiths, but this one is different. Firstly, the servant was a murderous monster and secondly, the whore-queens are servants to Asmodius himself. That we were attacked at night, is no coincidence, I believe we were targeted specifically. Likely someone is tailing us, someone other than Tayacet, she's a whole other sort of trouble... Note to self: covering of tracks and hiding movements has been compromised, this is what you get for not going it alone Nick! Either way, a new, and evil, cult in town can only spell trouble. This might require more investigation.
Side notes scribbled down:
whisky reserves running lower than expected, think that damn booze dragon got into my stores, could explain his broader than usual grin.
Luculla was at it again, flirting around with the people inside the Tooth and Nail. Think she's got a good deal going with the sales of her wares shooting up. Guess the extra income has made her a lot more cosy with the Ravens. Best keep an eye on her.
Kush, the new guy. He's a strange one. Sure we had a vacancy, but the Ravens are becoming weirder by the day. Guess desperation means we can't be picky in vetting the right people. My suspicions might be unfounded, Kush seems to be taking to the job at an alarmingly quick pace.