Raven:
I do have access to the text, yes. And I believe I can read it while refraining from leafing through the rest of the adventure. ;-)
Millech sighs, "Good. I'll be much easier in mind with some folks that can handle trouble backstage. I'll get you a copy of the script. Dress rehearsal is Wednesday at three at the Limehouse. Performance is Friday at three at the Nightshade."
"I can't offer you any money. If the play goes without a hitch you'll have good seats to the theatrical event of the season. But if there is trouble, I'm sure Nonon and the Mayor will be pretty generous to anyone who saves the show."
This is the morning of Arodus 27, a Sunday, a day of worship for most people.
Zara has an appointment for Moonday (Monday) at dawn.
Raven has a potential appointment for Wealday (Wednesday) at 3 in the afternoon.
Waif, Marius and Akorian will get answers to queries during the day Moonday.
What's the plan for the day? Wait for night and return to the Bastard's as Waif suggests?
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Zarabeta will spend the day perusing her newly found notes on conjuration in the relative security of the safehouse, and reviewing the costs in her head to acquire scrolls of such. Staggering, really, the prices they charge, she thinks sourly, hoping that she can make friendly contact with another arcanist who would charge her the standard rate to copy spells from his spellbook, and perhaps be amenable to some sort of exchange...
Sadly, the Children do not seem to include any other arcanists. Still, she's hopeful that, eventually, their actions against the Hellknights will cause them to encounter a Signifier, as she is aware that they prize Conjurors must highly, given their infernal summonings.
Reflecting on the occasion, she will light some incense, although the scent is barely noticeable, and meditate upon the instructions of her personal patron, Irori, muttering a mantra under her breath as she reflects upon the way of self-discipline and the practical mind.
'Conscientia et terra, potentia. Conscientia et ego, prudentia.'
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Coptic would be more appropriate as the descendent of ancient Egyptian language under Arabic dominance, I think, and from what I can glean from this lexicon, you phrase would be:
"Emi to oun er0I0I, emi mno oun mets."
His business finished, the elf returns to the Children's safehouse to rest and relax. 'This should prove interesting indeed,' he thinks to himself as he makes his way to their hideout.
Once there, he makes himself comfortable as he waits for the rest of the group to gather so he can share what he has learned with all of them at once.
As soon as Zarabeta comes, however, he approaches her whenever she appears unoccupied. "Hello there. May I have a word?" Once given her permission, he starts talking. "I wanted to talk about our last confrontation with the Bastards, specifically their ability to create darkness seemingly out of nowhere. Now, I was not born yesterday, so I have heard of such magic, though I had yet to encounter it myself." He pauses for a second before continuing.
"It was a little... troubling. I have spent most of my life in the shadows and the night thanks to my chosen 'profession', so to speak, and, between my own elven sight and my getting used to conditions of dim light, I have rarely found myself in disadvantage. But that is not the only reason I wanted to speak to you." Another pause.
"My House Dwin'Alir, or extended family if you will, past and present, is comprised of scouts and spies and... others, who have gained more than a passing familiarity with hiding and moving undetected. But even within such a group, there have been those whose ability goes beyond simple skill and training, however formidable it may be. Some have been able to use the shadows and the dark, to gain mastery over it not just for hiding but for other effects as well. I have heard of some seeing through even magical darkness or vanishing within one shadow only to come out of another several feet away, not to mention other more extraordinary feats. Or, to be precise, supernatural, almost magical in nature."
"My question to you is, do you know anything about such things? Your being a mage, I suppose you are the most appropriate person to ask. As far as I have found out, although I am sure it is far from exclusive to us, it seems to be a part of my bloodline, since the ones I know of are Dwin'Alir elves and certainly no trained magic-users or priests. Quite frankly, I would not mind learning how to do it myself." The last sentence is accompanied by his usual smile, perhaps with a bit of mischief behind the expression.
As to Waifrin's suggestion, he readily agrees. After all, the goblins are a loose end and, besides, they did want to cook him for supper last time.
DM:
Arael is thrilled with the progress with the Bastards. He is curious as to what still needs to be cleaned up in their hideout. Also curious about long-term plans.
Akorian explains that a few of the tieflings fled, using their darkness to escape, but the leader was apparently cut down in the fight. And they've requisitioned most of the gang's treasure and operating funds, much of which they intend to return any rightful owners they can identify. Any clean-up activity will be confined to making sure the tieflings don't come back. And he may talk with Raven about rigging some traps to make the area more dangerous if they do.
As for long-term plans, the priest of Milani champions further deeds of heroism to inspire Westcrown...basically, anything visible they can undertake to remove another problem...such as the goblins they discovered in the Parego Dospera...and the shadowbeasts.
He reminds you he is willing to support you in any way.
"I appreciate that. We're doing quite well at the moment, but there may well come a time when we'll need to take you up on that. Something to see through the dark and take the fight to these shadowbeasts may prove useful if you think Iomedae's blessings can aid us in that regard."
Arael has nothing to report from the Children, but it hasn't been long and they all have day jobs.
"That's fine." Akorian goes on to tell Arael about the note he left with the shadowbeast corpse so the reward would go to Amaya and the rest of the Children. "Perhaps that will help subsidize their day jobs, while also giving them means to aid everyone else through acts of charity."
Sclavo can check on victims of the Bastards. He'll bring whatever information he digs up to the hideout in the evening.
"I'll let the others know and we'll meet him there."
Amaya meets you. She's glad to see you. Nothing to report.
Akorian plays the part of a perfect gentleman and enjoys their dinner together. Rather than spending too much time on the serious business of the Children and the Heavensent, he focuses mostly on just relaxing and recharging after their adrenaline-laced adventure against the Bastards.
"Make sure you tell the others about our accomplishments," Akorian says when they part, "Let them take hope that all of us can make a difference. In fact, it might be kind of fun to challenge them to outdo us with their own efforts." He gives her a small wink of encouragement and then takes his leave.
Three for the Bastard's hideout. Zara is at the safehouse so she can tag along as she will. What time of day do you want to leave and what route are you taking?
AKorian:
Amaya wishes you luck.
"You might also want to keep your schedules open for Wednesday afternoon at around three," Raven finally says when all are gathered at the hideout.
"I have been told by a friend of mine that the Mayor seems to be sponsoring a very particular sort of play produced by one Robahl Nonon, a murder-play called The Trial of Lazarod," the elf continues. "Such plays are part theatrics and part blood-sport with all the injury or death such a thing entails. My friend is in charge of backstage and has expressed understandable concerns over the play itself and what awaits the actors participating."
Pausing for a moment so his words have time to sink in, the rogue speaks again. "He has asked me to bring some friends with me backstage in three days when the dress rehearsal is to take place in the Limehouse, a spot between a slum and the Dospera. I believe this is certainly something we should look into and at least hear the man out."
"Not that damnable play!" Akorian doesn't react well to Raven's news. "That thing's been banned in every city with any kind of commonsense. Only in Westcrown, do we have a mayor with such a fascination for the opera that he'd be willing to explore such depravity."
"But you know..." he pauses, "If I recall correctly, the underlying story of Lazarod is actually quite inspiring. A rebel in his own right. Perhaps we could influence the play by talking to this Nonon fellow and see if we can get him to alter it a bit?"
...
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arius almost dropd his tankard of ale when Raven calmly announces what is to transpire.."Oh gods above...we should start praying for the souls of the poor fools who are going to be in that now.." Akorians remark makes him even worse "change it...Caydens brazen jockstrap man..we have more hope of making the church of Asmodeus do charitiable works" he looks at the cleric suspiciously.."I hope you aren't thinking of something stupid like volunteering us for the cast"
arius almost dropd his tankard of ale when Raven calmly announces what is to transpire.."Oh gods above...we should start praying for the souls of the poor fools who are going to be in that now.." Akorians remark makes him even worse "change it...Caydens brazen jockstrap man..we have more hope of making the church of Asmodeus do charitiable works" he looks at the cleric suspiciously.."I hope you aren't thinking of something stupid like volunteering us for the cast"
Akorian hesitates as if Marius has just given him a new idea. "You know, my thoughts hadn't really taken me there," he concedes, "But now that you mention it...how inspirational would it be to not only star in such a play, but survive it...for the first time ever? As actors, we'd also be free to give the dialogue our own special tweaks, making doubly sure to drive home the message of hope and the honored tradition of Aroden, Iomedae, and Milani...all far more worthy faiths than that which we endure today."
"Hmmmm...the rest of you are going back to the Bastards hideout, yes? Maybe I'll go talk this over with Arael and see what he thinks while you're gone. If it's a stupid idea, that's fine. I'm not tied to it or anything. But the more I think about it, the more I feel pulled by Milani to get involved...and not just because I plan on martyring myself in such a deadly play for all to see. It might make a real difference to the people...and, perhaps more importantly, to the elite...those who hold power and influence over Westcrown. After all, it's one thing to inspire the normal everyday citizens by eliminating threats like the Bastards and showing up the Hellknights. It would be quite another to win over some of the nobles and artisans, those who mold and craft political opinion in this city."
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Marius give Akorian a pained look and mutters "me and my big mouth" he continues"Well granted we might have a better chance of survival than those poor idiots of actors..but how does that mesh with us being the unknown heroes of WestCrown..the secret avengers of the night and all that horse pucky?"
He picks up his weapons and girds himself before stalking out behind Waif.
Marius give Akorian a pained look and mutters "me and my big mouth" he continues"Well granted we might have a better chance of survival than those poor idiots of actors..but how does that mesh with us being the unknown heroes of WestCrown..the secret avengers of the night and all that horse pucky?"
"It wouldn't," Akorian agrees, "But maybe we can do this more openly...as our true selves...and inspire Westcrown in another way besides donning our masks?"
The priest wanders off while the others prepare to go after the Bastards' hideout again, clearly pondering the possibilities Marius (and Raven) have inadvertently raised.
"Well, we could enter through the tunnels since we have cleared most, if not all, of them out last time and work our way up. In effect, make sure the underground is empty before going to the actual building above ground," Raven suggests. "This way we could always escape through the tunnels if anything goes awry."
No obvious changes to the neighborhood. The house and entry to the tunnels are just as you left them.
"You're the expert," Waifrin nods. "My criminal career isn't anything like as developed," she adds with a grin.
"Why, thank you dear lady," the rogue retorts with a wink, "but I am sure you will catch up with me in no time, worry not."
"Let's tread carefully, they might have left traps behind them."
"In that case, perhaps I should take point and keep an eye out for unpleasant surprises, I suppose," Raven offers as he does just that, eyes scanning walls, floor and scanning as he starts making his way as silently as he can, short sword in hand just in case. "Perhaps a quick check of the rooms we visited last time to make sure no tieflings have returned in the short time we have been gone and then the other pathways?"
The place is pretty much as you left it -- still as a grave. Bodies and blood grace the floor, although some bodies have been moved or turned over. Some of the bedding and minor personal effects are missing. Looks like they might have come back and looked the place over for anything they could use.
"I suppose you are right," Raven agrees. "So, do we check that door over there," he continues pointing at a door at the eastern part of the large room, "and then move on the long way around until we get to the Temple as well?"
While the others make their foray into the Bastards' stronghold again, Akorian takes it upon himself to investigate Raven's announcement regarding the Trials of Lazarod. He checks in with some of the nobles who champion the arts to get a sense of what the play might entail, who's starring in it, who's directing it, and who's funding it. He also seeks out Arael to speak with him about the possibility of using the event to further inspire hope for Westcrown.
A set of narrow stairs leads up to a hole in the floor of the woodcarver's house. A flat plate constructed of narrow strips of wood nailed together covers the hole. It is easily pushed aside.
The interior of this building is kept relatively
clean and livable, although some boards have been pulled from the interior wall, presumably to make the cover for the hole. The ground floor has two large wooden tables and two chairs. Upstairs is a chair, a table, and a bed with a headboard carved with a spring scene (perhaps a wedding gift).
The front door is finely made and built of a rich red-brown wood.
Looking at door from outside:
holding a piece of wood in one hand and a carving tool in the
other; the end of the piece of wood is starting to resemble the
front part of a horse. Also cut into the door is a young child
looking up eagerly at the emerging horse the man is carving.
The house is otherwise devoid of interest and deserted.
Another narrow set of stairs lead up into the carpenter's house. The stairs end in a smooth, nicely finished wood cover. The boards of the cover are well-fitted together. Raven listens carefully. It's as silent as a grave.
He experiments with moving the cover and finds it will slide aside or push upward easily.
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Zarabeta takes advantage of these notes to attempt to add the relevant spells to her own spellbook, poring over the notes and muttering under her breath as she grapples with the concepts. Mists rise up from the ground on several occasions, swirl around her in eddies, and fall away again as the hours pass. The final time, the mists are an unwholesome greenish-yellow, and surround her like vast and sinister serpents, coiling around her and finally dispersing into a foul stench as she raises her hands, banishing the unnatural forces from her presence.
Uqabi flutters his wings and moves further away from the site of the conjuring, causing the light from the lantern to gutter. "Bad smell!" he croaks, sagely.
She spends the next hour attempting to freshen up after her research, humming to herself in pleasure at her successes, and lighting some incense to mask the faint lingering bitter scent.
"So far, so good," the elf whispers as he pushes the cover upward just a little, enough to make it so he can take a peek inside. Once satisfied, Raven slides it to the side, ready to enter the house above.
Stealth:
Raven lifts the edge of the cover and slides it aside. The room beyond is dark, but enough light leaks under the cover that he can see two pair of skeletal legs. Half a second and the legs bound toward the cover and knock it sideways leaving a head-sized gap. Raven finds himself staring up the bony grin of a large skeletal dog.
Skeleton
First round is surprise round. Partial actions only. If you beat the skeledogs go ahead and post one action.
"Err... Nice doggy?" Raven blinks once when the toothy grin greets him and then backtracks in an attempt to get the dog to come to them instead of entering the room and finding himself possibly surrounded if there are more. "I would offer you a bone but you seem to have enough already. And I do not have one on me really."
"What am I supposed to do, punch it?" The elf proceeds to attack the creature once it gets near enough to him, fully knowing that his strike is probably going to be ineffective.