"Give it a coat of black paint and no one will recognise it."
"Hah!" Akorian can't help but laugh in surprised agreement when Marius offers his advice. "Of course! Now that's good thinking! We could even file away the markings on it, if we liked."
"Hmmm...perhaps this weapon could come in handy," he ponders aloud, "I'm certainly skilled with a crossbow. A better shot than most. If you'd like, I could hang onto it for now, as I suspect anything further we get ourselves into may require me to hang back and support everyone anyway. I can obviously do that with Milani's blessings, but also with a well-placed shot or two."
"Of course, if it turns out we don't need the crossbow," he continues, "I'm just as willing to have Raven here sell it and split the funds with everyone accordingly. But, personally-speaking, I'd enjoy the irony of turning this weapon on its previous owners...especially if it's used to help free Arael."
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Yawning, Waifrin rests her head on the couch she is seated on, and draws her knees up to curl up. Her head aches and she is bone tired. As the conversation batters back and forth she watches people.
Marius of course is Marius, no longer the gangly boy she played with who teased her, but a hard, dangerous fighter, his presence makes her feel safe. Raven's a rogue the likes of which she knows well, quite open about his talents as a thief ... which strangely makes him more trustworthy. Of the other two women, Zarabeta seems friendly, and her casual use of magic is almost reassuring that her own talents aren't abnormal. Mather Vangelis is ... well, she fights, she cares, and she seems quite ... motherly. Then Akorian, clearly a nobleman, clearly on their side, and equally clearly he really can use the power of the gods ...
Waifrins eyelids droop and she drifts into sleep.
The safehouse is curiously laid out. The hidden door opens into a series of small rooms, half a dozen in number. The entry room is the largest of these and acts as a gathering area. Other rooms include a large closet, a kitchen, two dormitory rooms, and a small bedroom. The rooms a very plainly furnished. The only hint of luxury being the heavy curtains. The walls are bare save for a map of Westcrown and its environs in the entry room.
The small rooms line one end of of the building.Three of the rooms have doors leading into a single large room. At its far end a pair of double doors opens into the streets. The closer end is on a dias raised thigh high above the floor of most of the room. A table-sized block of pink granite sits in the center of the dais. Aside from the stone table the room is free of furniture, but the walls are covered with frescoes, somewhat obscured by ancient dirt, but still decipherable. They feature a man walking by the sea, addressing a large crowd from a hilltop, conversing with angels, holding the scales of justice, and, in the largest one behind the table, as a giant flying over Westcrown.
There are four people here when you arrive:
- Ermolos, the muscular door keeper.
- Mathalen, a wiry woman who helps you clean up and laments the lack of hot water. She is very appreciative of Zara's work to clean up the company.
- Rizzardo, a man dressed in tan shirt and pants with very brighly colored sack-like hat and a flamboyant sash, who chides Mathalen in his foreign accent that they dare not risk a fire to heat water sufficient to clean such a large party.
- Gorvio, an amber-eyed man in the plain clothes and heavy boots of a laborer. Close proximity yields a whiff of horses (or their by-products.)
Perhaps an hour after your arrival a gnomish woman opens the door and enters. "Seems clear out there." Her name is Yakopulio.
Janiven tells you that you may spend the night here if you wish. She implies that she wishes you would. She might need your help when she finds out just what is going on. She talks with the others, asking what they've heard. She especially spends time with Yakopulio.
The others are very interested in your adventures of this evening. They give you as much or as little privacy as you wish however. Young Rizzardo is pushiest about getting your story, but even he can be warned off forcefully.
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Zarabeta will use her magics to warm some water for Malthalen, shooting Rizzardo a nasty look for discouraging the woman. "It's not much, and I can only warm a teakettle's worth at a time, but it won't take more than a minute or two to warm enough for general use."
She thanks the woman for her kindness in trying to help everyone get cleaned up and comfortable, and chooses a spot on the floor to bed down.
Before she goes to sleep, she makes one last attempt to see if Uqabi is within range. Whether the raven is or is not in range, she can't pass along any useful instructions through their empathic link, only hope that he either returned to her room or found a safe place to bed down for the night. Somewhere deep inside, her mercenary nature is already wondering if she should replace him with a toad, that she can keep in her backpack...
Getting up from the couch in order to give Waifrin a little more room to get comfortable, Raven walks towards Rizzardo. Having noticed the youth's eagerness to learn of the group's escape through the city's sewers, the elf is only too happy to oblige him.
To whoever listens, however, the story he spins may seem just a tad exaggerated, perhaps a little more dramatic than the way things actually happened; to the rogue's defence, at least each adventurer's role is made to sound equally impressive, from Marius' "fight with three, or was it five, Hellknights simultaneously" to Zarabeta's "otherwordly summonings and blasts of eldritch might". One can only wonder what his stories will sound like when this group Janiven has brought together accomplishes something truly exciting.
Janiven replies to all inquiries regarding Arael by saying they can make a plan when you know more. When you know anything actually. Everyone gets cleaned up, acquainted. There are fruit and sandwiches for the hungry, along with a barely adequate wine or water. Beds are available in the dormitory rooms for those who wish them.
After a few hours the hidden door opens and a thin, pale, short man in raw cotton robes slips in. His hair is in a civil service buzzcut. He nods to Raven.
Janiven rises from the table. "Sclavo, have you any news?"
Sclavo nods. "You won't like it. The Hellknights are getting custody of Arael. They'll be moving him tomorrow morning to Citadel Rivad. The Dottari will escort the Hellknights and Arael to the west gate two hours after dawn. If they get him to that castle alone, they'll make him say whatever they want. We'll all be for a long fall."
Janiven calls out, "Get everyone up. We need a plan."
As everyone in the hideout gathers she tells Morosino to fetch the others. He leaves quickly. Janiven describes to everyone the situation.
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Zarabeta wakes up groggily, and moves into the center room to plan, as instructed. "Whatever plan we make, expect Akorian, myself and Waifrin to have no magics to contribute, as it seems we are not going to be allowed to replenish our magics with these interruptions."
She looks to her remaining dagger () dubiously. "I suppose I could stab someone." She moves the dagger in what is probably meant to be a threatening swipe, but only telegraphs how little she knows of armed combat.
Janiven rises from the table. "Sclavo, have you any news?"
Sleeping fitfully because of the unfamiliar and less comfortable surroundings than his usual accommodations, Akorian notes Sclavo's arrival and sits up to listen in on his conversation with Janiven.
"You won't like it. The Hellknights are getting custody of Arael. They'll be moving him tomorrow morning to Citadel Rivad. The Dottari will escort the Hellknights and Arael to the west gate two hours after dawn. If they get him to that castle alone, they'll make him say whatever they want. We'll all be for a long fall."
Worry crosses Akorian's face as he contemplates Arael's likely future at the hands of the Hellknights. The Order of the Rack won't be gentle at all once they have him inside Citadel Rivad. As Sclavo goes to wake everyone, he quietly rises and assists the man, noting the ever-observant and sleepless Raven is already joining the table.
Janiven describes to everyone the situation.
"Though risky, we should intercept this escort and free Arael if we can," Akorian suggests, "And, in all honesty, I do believe we can. We faced the Rack's armigers in the sewers not once, but twice and prevailed easily each time. They're overconfident and underprepared for us."
He looks around the table at everyone.
"And we make a pretty good team," he soberly notes, "Raven and I have worked together before, but each of you have your own talents and reasons for wanting to oppose the Hellknights. And I believe we can accomplish quite a lot by working together in this..."
"As a show of solidarity," he finishes, "I would have you know that all members of the aristocracy do not hold with the leadership of House Thrune or the impact they've had on the once-great city of Westcrown. I am Akorian Henderthane...of House Henderthane...the same weaponsmithing family that supplies Chelish forces and Hellknights who subjugate their own people under tyranny and fear. As Janiven stated earlier tonight, we may have peace in Cheliax and Westcrown. But it's a false peace, one that has us all looking over our shoulders for permission to live our lives the way we want. As a follower of Milani's faith, I rebel against that notion. Each man and woman should be free of such fear. And it starts by no longer fearing the Hellknights' retribution...and a willingness to take action and show ourselves to be better than they are at the very things they try to do for the people."
"So, I believe we should rescue Arael," he shares, "We know him as a good man. A follower of Iomedae, a fellow saint of Aroden, himself. There is nothing to fear in him. We know that, but the Hellknights do not. They don't bother looking any deeper than the rule of draconian law handed down by devil-damned Asmodeus. So we should free him. And then, we should start looking for ways to embarrass these Hellknights...by solving the problems facing the people of Westcrown before they can...by showing that Westcrown doesn't need them. And once the people recognize that, they won't fear them anymore...and they'll be more ready to take action themselves."
Needing less sleep than humans, the elf does indeed seem somewhat more rested compared to the rest of his companions, having retired right after finishing his tale of their "daring escape" from Vizio's tavern.
Raven listens to what Akorian has to say and nods in agreement when the cleric mentions going after the escort. "It is certainly a better alternative to laying siege to Citadel Rivad after he gets there. I expect the place to be well fortified," he jests. "I am not quite sure though about the Hellknights being as unprepared as the patrols chasing us in this particular case, especially not after their failure to capture us. We should do well to avoid underestimating them."
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Zarabeta listens to Akorian with growing impatience. "Janiven already said if this man is tortured, he'll reveal information that will lead to all of us being *hanged, to death."
"We don't need to be encouraged to participate in an action that will save us from the gallows. Let us focus on practical matters and less on flowery speeches exhorting us to do things we have no choice but to do anyway. Does your family have any assets or resources upon which we can count in this conflict, Sir Henderthane? Our own resources, at least those of the arcane," she gestures at herself and Waifrin, whom she presumes is a sorceress, "are exhausted by the debacle that was last nights secret meeting."
Mother Vangelis's brows contract as she gravely listens to the discussion. Finally, she breaks her silence.
"I don't fancy myself a rebel, but I reckon those knights have done some pretty awful things to my neighbours. Who knows? My family might be next. If you really think this Arael person can make Westcrown a better place, then I'm all for it, even if this isn't the kind of adventure I was hoping for. You can count me in."
A thought occuring to him, the rogue turns to Mother.
"If there is time enough before whatever we decide here is set into motion, I believe I can contact any family you might have in the city and warn them about the danger they might be in," he says softly. "It should help to make amends for my mouth running off by itself earlier."
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Waifrin struggles to awaken, blinks a few times as she listens.
"S'easy, Marius knows a good messenger. Here's the plan: Me and Zara and His Lordship go back to bed, we leave the city before they do, jump them when they come out and are far from help, grab him, and run like hell. G'night," Waifrin drags herself and her blanket back into the small dorm and goes back to sleep.
A thought occuring to him, the rogue turns to Mother.
"If there is time enough before whatever we decide here is set into motion, I believe I can contact any family you might have in the city and warn them about the danger they might be in," he says softly. "It should help to make amends for my mouth running off by itself earlier."
"Oh, I reckon Lucy and her husband should be fine for now. It's a big city and she's got her own name, so it would take a lot o' work to put two and two together. But thank you kindly just the same!"
Janiven spreads a map of the surrounding area out on the table.
"Let's see what we can here."
Mother:
Since you lived out in the Turanian Hills you're familiar with Rack Road. Settlement along the road thins out the farther you go from Westcrown. The first 6 or so miles are pretty thickly settled. There would probably be witnesses to any action.
About 10 miles out you can find isolated spots on the road where you needn't worry about bystanders or witnesses. Up to this point the sides of the road are kept well clear of brush and stands of trees. Beyond 10 miles the woods close in on the road, depending on if there are locals to kept the way clear, but there is always some open area on the sides of the road. One of those deserted stretches might be a good place. Or there is a fast-running stream, the Athua, with a narrow stone bridge about 12 miles out and fairly isolated. Also a candidate.
The Citadel is about 30 miles from town.
The Order of the Rack often impresses labor from the commoners so they're not hugely popular, but are feared by the local populace.
"Janiven already said if this man is tortured, he'll reveal information that will lead to all of us being hanged, to death."
"As a follower of Milani, I don't fear the hangman's noose, my dear," Akorian solemnly replies, "I'll go to my reward regardless...either by inspiring people through a noble death to change the world around them...or, if I live to see the day my contributions help throw down House Thrune, I'll accept that as well. But followers of Milani rarely enjoy that luxury. We sacrifice so others might benefit. And so I'm willing to sacrifice for Arael...so those who have faith in him might benefit from his continued guidance."
"We don't need to be encouraged to participate in an action that will save us from the gallows. Let us focus on practical matters and less on flowery speeches exhorting us to do things we have no choice but to do anyway.
"So be it," Akorian nods, "Make your own choice, for your own reasons."
Does your family have any assets or resources upon which we can count in this conflict, Sir Henderthane? Our own resources, at least those of the arcane," she gestures at herself and Waifrin, whom she presumes is a sorceress, "are exhausted by the debacle that was last nights secret meeting."
"My family has many resources," Akorian answers, "But none I can draw upon that wouldn't call further unwanted attention to our plans."
"As for last night, I'm sorry you perceive Janiven's meeting as having infringed upon you," Akorian answers, "But this city's been infringed upon far worse than one evening of crawling through the sewers and fleeing Hellknights. I stopped fearing them the moment I let go and trusted in Milani. But I guess we all find comfort and inspiration in different things. So if you trust your arcane spells and they make you feel safe, by all means go and prepare them. And if you feel you have no choice but to help rescue Arael, so be it. We could use your help. Regardless of the reasons you use to justify it."
Somewhat annoyed by Zarabeta's demeanor, Akorian turns away from her and focuses more intently on Janiven's map. A knot of excitement and a small amount of fear forms in his stomach despite his brave words. 'If I take this step, there can be no turning back,' he tells himself, 'But you knew Milani might require a martyr for rebellion to truly take shape. Like the rose of the Everbloom, you must put aside your fear and bear the thorns of winter to attain spring's hope and beauty.'
The priest clears the tightness in his throat.
"We'll need to take steps to hide ourselves," he suggests, "Not just for the purposes of ambush. But I mean our faces. It won't do to be seen again as we were in the sewers. I mean, I don't think anyone got a good look at us down there. And even if they did, they were mostly just a bunch of armigers. But the Hellknights escorting Arael will be a cut-above, I imagine...or at least, led by one who is..."
"So, we should mask ourselves," he explains, "Maybe dress the same or wear some kind of unifying symbol...a colorful sash...or armband. Something that gives them the impression we're more organized than we really are. That ought to worry them all the more if we're successful, as they'll be guessing what faction we represent. And it'll worry them even more if we're not successful, because they'll always wonder if they got all of us. And that means someone else could take inspiration from our actions and don the same disguise someday."
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Zara's departure to return to sleep, will wait until Akorian has begun his response;
"As for last night, I'm sorry you perceive Janiven's meeting as having infringed upon you," Akorian answers,
Until this line, at which point her eyebrows shoot up, followed by her hand going up in a traditional 'mach a feig' gesture that a long time ago was a general 'ward us against evil' sign, but has since come to indicate something more like 'talk to the hand.'
She misses the rest of the explanation as she walks away, although she obviously would agree with the disguises part, since she's already been working on that...
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"I have some cloth, it won't take me long in the morning," Waifrin nods agreement as Zarabeta walks off. She leans close and mutters to Akorian: "You know, she could have just got on a ship home. That would have been the safest thing for her to do, but she didn't. You might want to think about that."
Then she addresses their problem.
"I think the bricdge is the best place to catch them. Can we get cart? We could have it 'break down' on the bridge ..." Waifrin's grin is infectious.
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Marius sat though the bickering between Akorian and Zarabeta only showing some interest when the Cleric revealed his lineage..."now theres a useful contact" he muttered to Waif
"When it came to the plans he nodded at his cousins comment.."you need to find a choke point..but not be obvious about it..a cart across the bridge would be a dead giveaway"
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"Either way a big hey cart could be cover to get us close," Waifrin shrugs. Rummaging in her pack she produces a large bolt of black cloth and starts snipping and folding it, then stitching the edges.
Soon she has what looks like the hood of a cloak, with a second piece of cloth attached to the inside that masks the lower face. It is so attached that it looks like a scarf across the face, but is less smothering and harder to dislodge.
She dons the odd garment and only her eyes show, it hides both face and hair.
"What do you think?"
"I have some cloth, it won't take me long in the morning," Waifrin nods agreement as Zarabeta walks off.
"Perfect," Akorian says with an encouraging smile, "I noticed you had a bit of sewing skill and hoped you might help with the disguises."
She leans close and mutters to Akorian: "You know, she could have just got on a ship home. That would have been the safest thing for her to do, but she didn't. You might want to think about that."
"True," the priest responds in a low tone meant only for Waifrin, "But if she's made the decision to help Arael...and, by extension, all of Westcrown...she needs to set aside the justification of only doing it out of self-preservation. Otherwise, I don't think any of us can fully trust her commitment. She could just as easily change her mind later, you know? And then where will that leave us? Nevertheless, I do understand your point and appreciate the wisdom of your words."
"I think the bridge is the best place to catch them. Can we get a cart? We could have it 'break down' on the bridge ..." Waifrin's grin is infectious.
"Maybe..." Akorian responds, listening for the moment rather than offering a plan of his own. In truth, he watches everyone else very closely to try and determine their own individual commitments and involvement in Janiven's effort to rescue Arael. He clearly wants a better read on those assembled.
"...you need to find a choke point..but not be obvious about it...a cart across the bridge would be a dead giveaway"
"Perhaps..." Akorian nods. "It depends on how much the Hellknights truly expect anyone to try and rescue Arael. Personally, I think we'll catch them pretty flat-footed myself. No one's ever stood up to them...not in an organized fashion, at least. And those who have done so individually get hunted down quickly and brutally punished for daring such insolence to their 'rightful' rule and enforcement of the 'law.' I suspect a bit of deception might go a long way. In fact, we might be able to use such an obvious cart to make them think the ambush is coming from one direction, when it's really coming from somewhere else."
"Either way a big hay cart could be cover to get us close," Waifrin shrugs.
"A hay cart could also help us hide Arael once we get him out of there," Akorian notes, "Though it really depends on how we pull off his rescue. We're going to need some fast horses...both to catch the escort and to escape. And pulling a cart might not let us get out of there quickly enough."
"So, what we really need is a way to draw them out," Akorian explains, "They'll have mounted Hellknights, make no doubt about it. And they'll be eager to put down any sign of a rescue...probably thinking they can capture the rest of us in our feeble attempt to rescue Arael. So why not play that to our advantage? Let's fake an ambush from one direction...get the embarrassed Hellknights who lost us last time to ride that much harder to catch us...but then, those pulling off the ambush can run...or at least, withdraw enough to get them to leave Arael much less guarded...long enough for the rest of us to ride in quickly from another direction and free him. Then, both parties run. And we make arrangements to meet back here once we get away."
"Janiven?" Akorian addresses their host, "Perhaps between the two of us we can secure some horses. If I have to use the Henderthane name, I can do so. But let's just borrow them...that way, there will be nothing distinctive about them that can lead the Hellknights back to us if they try and track the animals to their owner."
"As for the cart of hay, I think Waifrin might have a good idea there. It should give those making the initial ambush some cover. And the Hellknights will think it's just as obvious as Marius described. But, you can abandon it and get to your own horses to escape before the guards close on you. We might even want to look for a way to slow down or frighten their horses when they do give chase. Maybe torch the cart and use it to block a bridge or something so you can get away faster?"
Soon she has what looks like the hood of a cloak, with a second piece of cloth attached to the inside that masks the lower face. It is so attached that it looks like a scarf across the face, but is less smothering and harder to dislodge. She dons the odd garment and only her eyes show, it hides both face and hair. "What do you think?"
"Very nice," Akorian encourages the girl, "We may just pull this off...and your hoods could become the defining symbol in the minds of these Hellknights going forward. Try and make them distinctive, though...not just a black hood. Any would-be bandit could wear such a disguise, but we need something that shows we're not bandits. Instead, we should show them we're all children of Westcrown doing what's right, both in standing up to the Hellknights and in doing their job of protecting everyday citizens better than they can. If we do that, we get in their heads...and we start winning the hearts of the rest of the city."
"So think further on it," he suggests, "Maybe pair a distinctive armband or scarf with the hood. Something with a symbol of Westcrown on it, maybe? That'll really grind salt into their wounds when we're done."
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"Caltrops " Marius says "thats what we need..we can lay them around the bridge..and then scatter some just as the escort hits it..or maybe draw some of them off into a field sown with the things"
"What's more given that they only have one route to take we dont need to catch them we can just lay in ambush along the route"
"Caltrops " Marius says "thats what we need..we can lay them around the bridge..and then scatter some just as the escort hits it..or maybe draw some of them off into a field sown with the things"
"Fantastic idea!" Akorian claps Marius on the shoulder. "Now that's sound thinking," he notes.
With a wink towards Raven, he laughs, "Now why didn't you think of that? That's the kind of surprise you usually cook up."
"I can make some inquiries at the Henderthane armories," he shares with the group, "And get us some high quality caltrops. The kind those Hellknights won't soon forget."
"What's more given that they only have one route to take we dont need to catch them we can just lay in ambush along the route"
"We should probably 'ambush' them from the bridge first," Akorian says, "But the second group...the one tasked with actually freeing Arael...should come at them from behind. That way, we cut off any retreat. And, we'll be coming from a direction their escort won't already be traveling when they respond to the ambush."
"We can also ride out the same way," he suggests, "That way, they'll still have to split up if they want to catch us. And that might help both groups get out that much better."
Mother Vangelis speaks up. "That's a pretty good plan, but you've got the wrong place. I farmed out in the Turanian Hills most of my life. The two bridges over the Moorstalk are too close to Westcrown. There's still too many people. You've got to go farther out if you don't want a crowd of witnesses and bystanders. If you want to catch them at a bridge there's a little stream called Athua about 12 miles out of town. Nice little stone bridge there and the stream's fast and rocky enough you can't ford it. Also out that far the trees aren't cleared back as far from the road."
As the meeting gets heated, Sclavo says he must get back before he is missed and that Morosino should wait by the white oak in case there is more news. Janiven waves him out.
During the discussion, Janiven keeps silent and nods to acknowledge the party's points as they are made. The others press up close to the table too, stretching their necks to get a view of the map. Mathalen finally ventures timidly, "What about the rest of us? Our necks are on the line too. We should get a chance to help." Young Rizzardo cheers agreement. Ermolos nods. Gorvio adds, "There's almost a dozen of us all told, 'tween us and the others Morosino's rounding up."
When the subject of horses arises, Gorvio says, "We'll need, what 18 or so? My uncle Jacovo trades horses, but we've got only fifteen or so right now."
Janiven seems to disagree. "But none of you are trained for combat. That's why we're recruiting these good people. " "You can't stand up to the Hellknights in battle, even their armigers would rip you apart."
Mathalen fires right back, "It's our necks too. We can't ask these people to risk their lives while we just wait here. Besides what if there's too many Hellknights? You've got to take everybody that can lift a sword."
Ermolos points out drily, "most of us don't own a sword."
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Oh i think we can do better than that for the escort..
Marius turns to Javinen as she argues with her people.."can your people draw the escort off and into a little trap perhaps...do we know how many there will be"
He turns to the others.."all you would have to do is show yourselves.. in some trees perhaps and when the escort chases you they run into a field of caltrops...if I know these knights they will be eager to revenge the insults we gave to them today..especially as most of them are armigers and unused to real opposition...you can leave the actual rescue to us I think we are more than capable of handling the half dozen or so they would be likely to have in the prison van"
"and we wont need 18 horses if we use Waifs idea of a haywain to provide an extra diversion...this could work"
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"Don't forget the rope across the path trick," Waifrin reminds him. "I'm not happy about involving so many in the fighting. We'll need people to help out by providing a place to run to afterwards, and ensuring we get there. I don't think this fight's going to be bloodless - after it, the Hellknights will be out for revenge."
Her quick fingers are darting over the cowl, embroidering a simple pattern into the face of it.
Mathalen finally ventures timidly, "What about the rest of us? Our necks are on the line too. We should get a chance to help." Young Rizzardo cheers agreement. Ermolos nods. Gorvio adds, "There's almost a dozen of us all told, 'tween us and the others Morosino's rounding up."
Akorian says nothing, but inwardly his heart soars to hear Janiven and Arael's band finally coming around to thoughts of taking direct action. It isn't much, of course. But it's a start. 'Apparently, Arael's capture is all the catalyst they needed,' he thinks to himself.
When the subject of horses arises, Gorvio says, "We'll need, what 18 or so? My uncle Jacovo trades horses, but we've got only fifteen or so right now."
"We don't want to get your uncle in trouble, though, Gorvio," Akorian interjects, "So if we use his mounts, we need to make sure they don't trace any of them back to him."
Janiven seems to disagree. "But none of you are trained for combat. That's why we're recruiting these good people....You can't stand up to the Hellknights in battle, even their armigers would rip you apart."
"They're still important to our efforts," Akorian says to Janiven, "Every hardworking citizen of Westcrown deserves a chance to contribute something if we're going to pull this off."
Mathalen fires right back, "It's our necks too. We can't ask these people to risk their lives while we just wait here. Besides what if there's too many Hellknights? You've got to take everybody that can lift a sword."
Ermolos points out drily, "Most of us don't own a sword."
"How about a crossbow?" Akorian asks. He nods at Marius and the others, "You know all those crossbows we liberated from those armigers in the sewers? I think I foresee a use for them. It doesn't take a swordarm to point and shoot one of those things. And they can do it safely from range while the rest of us risk life and limb to rescue Arael." He says the last for Janiven's benefit to assuage her concerns about the commoners getting involved.
Marius turns to Javinen as she argues with her people. "Can your people draw the escort off and into a little trap, perhaps. Do we know how many there will be?" He turns to the others. "All you would have to do is show yourselves. In some trees perhaps and when the escort chases you they run into a field of caltrops. If I know these knights they will be eager to revenge the insults we gave to them today. Especially as most of them are armigers and unused to real opposition...you can leave the actual rescue to us I think we are more than capable of handling the half dozen or so they would be likely to have in the prison van....And we wont need 18 horses if we use Waifs idea of a haywain to provide an extra diversion...this could work"
"That's a sound plan," Akorian agrees, "If they can hide in the hay wagon and emerge with crossbows, they should be able to fire enough shots to draw the armigers away...and into the caltrops. The rest of us ride in from behind with the fastest horses we can get. We bust Arael out of there and everyone turns and runs."
"And I guess that brings us to one more point," the priest adds, "We need to avoid killing the Hellknights. Misguided though they might be, it serves our purposes better if they live to tell this tale and report back to their superiors. That way, there'll be further embarrassment for the Order of the Rack. No matter how silent they try to be...or how few witnesses are around to see us...the story will get out. And, in fact, we need it to get out."
"Also, it doesn't help our or Arael's cause if we slay the Hellknights," Akorian presses, "It will only bring more deadly attention our way. As long as we keep our activities focused on doing no harm, and only good, for Westcrown, even the most totalitarian members of the Chelish government will hesitate to devote a great number of resources against us. Particularly if the public outcry champions our accomplishments where the Hellknights failed to protect them. I guess I'm thinking beyond Arael's rescue, though. Maybe I should wait to talk more about that after we've succeeded in saving him from Citadel Rivad."
"I'm not happy about involving so many in the fighting. We'll need people to help out by providing a place to run to afterwards, and ensuring we get there. I don't think this fight's going to be bloodless - after it, the Hellknights will be out for revenge."
"Without a realistic band of armed rescuers initiating the fake ambush, our plan won't work," Akorian replies, "The group attacking from the hay cart will need enough members to pose a credible threat. Janiven? I'm going to recommend you lead them. You've got the common sense to know when the ruse will have worked well enough to retreat. And you've got the dedication to make sure these people make it out alive. Leave the hard part to the rest of us. Between Mother's knowledge of the backcountry, Marius's skill-at-arms, Waif and Zarabeta's arcane might, and the skills Raven and I can bring to bear, I think we'll have enough to set Arael free. Just buy us enough time to face workable odds when we ride in...and we'll do the rest."
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"Just one thing ... er, Marius, you remember that pony I had for my birthday? The one I kept falling off? Well, that was the last time I sat on anything vaguely horsey."
Waif holds up the cowl, this time with a rose sketchily embroidered into the mask on the front.
"What do you think? I can add it in any colour you like, it might help us tell each other apart."
Waif holds up the cowl, this time with a rose sketchily embroidered into the mask on the front. "What do you think? I can add it in any colour you like, it might help us tell each other apart."
"Well...what do you know..." Akorian says as he humbly regards the stylized emblem, "Roses do come in many colors. They symbolize the many different ways the Everbloom can bring about change. Having each of us wear a different color makes sense. It unifies us, but it helps us tell one another apart. Very good idea. Practical and symbolic all at once. You've got a good head on your shoulders."
The priest thanks Waifrin and then moves off to start taking stock of the crossbows they took from the Hellknights so he can split each batch of bolts among those most likely to fire them.
Leaning against the wall, Raven seems to pay more attention to the coin dancing on his fingers than to the plans being formulated. After a while, he does speak, his tone somewhat apologetic. "Do forgive me for not participating my good friends, but I have to admit that the few plans I have made in my career up until now have involved only myself. Besides, I may be a... rogue, but I am no bandit; I mostly operate in cities rather than the open country."
The rogue shrugs somewhat indifferently and then moves closer to the rest of the group. "It is not like I would have anything better to suggest anyway. I do agree with Akorian -who seems to be quite the orator indeed by the way- on one particular point though: I should have thought of the caltrops."
"And yes, Janiven's group should also participate in some way and their providing a distraction is a very good one. After all, sooner or later everyone should start acting like a rebel; it is quite a bit of fun I should think, especially since that is the point of this whole thing," he finishes with a smile before adding a bit of clarification. "Action that is, not fun. Action is the point. Fun is an added bonus."
Leaning against the wall, Raven seems to pay more attention to the coin dancing on his fingers than to the plans being formulated. After a while, he does speak, his tone somewhat apologetic. "Do forgive me for not participating my good friends, but I have to admit that the few plans I have made in my career up until now have involved only myself. Besides, I may be a... rogue, but I am no bandit; I mostly operate in cities rather than the open country."
Mother grins. "Don't worry, son. Hiding behind a tree ain't no different than hiding behind a lamppost, I reckon!"
During the next hour or so other members of the nascent rebellion arrive. Some help Waifrin; all are eager for news. At dawn Gorvio announces his intention to arrange the horses. He could use someone posing as the customer. Janiven will provide cash for the horses' hire.
The casters are woken up so that they can prepare themselves for the day. Mathalen runs out for bread for breakfast.
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Marius suggests Raven or Akorian as the 'customer'. He will try and organise the rebels finding out some things about them (with Waif's help if she is amenable)
He will also suggest that Mother have a talk with Zarabeta...the older woman might be able to get through to the girl in a way the rest of us cannot.
"I do not mind posing as the prospective customer. It would also give me the opportunity to sell those things we took from the knights and do not need. Which reminds me..."
With that, Raven proceeds to hand the masterwork crossbow to Akorian and one of the healing potions to Ms. Vangelis. "There are four more potions you should divide among yourselves, though one should probably go to Marius over here. He seems to be the one most often in close combat so he might have need of it."
"I do not mind posing as the prospective customer. It would also give me the opportunity to sell those things we took from the knights and do not need. Which reminds me..."
With that, Raven proceeds to hand the masterwork crossbow to Akorian and one of the healing potions to Ms. Vangelis. "There are four more potions you should divide among yourselves, though one should probably go to Marius over here. He seems to be the one most often in close combat so he might have need of it."
"I agree," Akorian replies, "Marius? Make sure you take at least one of those. And split the rest among the party in case I'm not available to share Milani's restorative blessings...or if we get separated when we run."
"As for the prospective customer, I think Raven can adopt that role well enough for us," he continues, "And selling the swords should provide coin for the horses and caltrops. Make sure you get plenty of bags so we can properly sow the escape route." Akorian pulls Raven aside as he prepares to accompany Gorvio. "Keep a few extra caltrops for us," he advises with a wink, "You never know when they might come in handy with Hellknights chasing us all the time."
Gorvio and Raven and three others leave for the livery barn.
Janiven asks the spellcasters to stay however. She would like for them to discuss what they can and can't do and coordinate spell choice. "On a Katpeshi caravan I saw some twins, just novices of Sarenrae, take apart a group of attacking gnolls. You don't need fireballs to win fights if you work together."
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"I just get mad and ... well, I can freeze thing, burn them, hit them with lightning or even a really bad sound. But that's it. I'm not quite sure how to do anything else ... I never learned it, it just happens," Waifrin explains awkwardly. She looks at Zarabeta, "I don't know what kind of magic you'd call it ... I met a sorcerer who said it wasn't what he did."
"I had thought to focus on Milani's protection and her powers to impede others," Akorian offers, "I can call upon another mist to help obscure our retreat once we free Arael...or to cover our approach if they stop in place."
"Also, much like I called on Milani's aid to guide our hands in the sewers," he shares, "I can also ask her to stay the hands of the Hellknights and disrupt their aim."
Strategy Discussion:
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Once she's rested, Zarabeta will wake up and prepare her spells, focusing on a pair of Color Sprays (with Summon Monster I as her specialization bonus spell), and Daze, Mage Hand and Prestidigitation as her cantrips for the day.
Coming out into the central area, she'll see the clothing that Waifrin has sewn up and express delight at the clever work, touching up the coloring of the cloth with her minor magic, looking for a suitable color. She seems most fond of blue, white, gold and green, for unifying colors, "I think the Hellknights have a monopoly on red and black, as it is. I guess we wouldn't want to confuse them..."
On the way to the livery:
It's a fine morning. The sun rises pink and orange in the east. Gorvio sets a brisk pace to the stables. Rizzardo, who had insisted on tagging along, complains about Gorvio's haste.
Perception DC 17:
Gorvio's pace was well-measured however for you wait only a few heartbeats before an older bearded man arrives who exchanges greetings with Gorvio. "Uncle, I've a bit of luck for you. This elf would like to hire some horses for the day."
Gorvio's uncle turns a sharp eye on Raven, Rizzardo and the other members of the stable group. He rubs his hands and begins quizzing you.
"Horses for the day, eh? What do you need them for? Where will you be taking them? And what security can you post for their return?"
Mother smiles and tries to look innocent. Dissembling is not her strong point, so she keeps her mouth shut and lets others do the talking.
Once they have reached their destination, Raven, having left his cloak and short sword behind in an attempt to appear less threatening, offers his hand to Gorvio's uncle in a firm handshake, a friendly smile on his face.
"Good day, good day! Your nephew over here has told us all about your fine strong horses and we thought you are just what we were looking for. You see this woman over here? Her father, a good and old friend of mine, has recently passed and left her with a small cottage and farm a little way outside of the city. Unfortunately, it is not in such a good shape and could use with a bit of repairing. Great man her father was, not so great a farmer though." Clapping the bearded man on the shoulder, the elf leans in in what seems like a conspiratory manner, his voice a whisper. "And if you ask me, he did like his drink a bit more than he ought to, but we all have our faults, huh?"
Moving back once again, he continues. "Well, we seem to have gathered enough people to give us a much needed hand and, between the two of us," he says indicating himself and Mother, "we have enough money to make the old place look like something one can live in again. But we cannot just walk over there. What is more, how would we carry the materials? Which is where you and your fine animals come in."
The hosteler nods, accepting Raven's story. "Horses and a wagon, then? How many will you need?"