"I've always wanted to join, but not like this." Irisa shakes her head, long locks flying. "Mom and dad always told me to wait... That I would get to join when i was ready. But now I'm all alone... Tell me, tell me what you know of them, tell me that they are alive, please?" Irisa is close to tears in desperation, yet she looks at the man wit a hopeful look in her eyes. She hopes that the worst will not come to pass and that her fears will be abolished.
"I am afraid my news is grim indeed. I believe all who opposed the Thrune or were believed to be in position to oppose him have been slain. This includes my own Mother and I believe your family members as well. I have been reaching out to many to heed my call. Most are too afraid and after today it seems their fears will only be heightened.
What I can give you is hope. My Mother, Porcia, was a high ranking member of a Secret Society called the Sacred Order of Archivists, a band of Iroran scholars dedicated to the protection and restoration of history. I learned this the day after the Night of Ashes, when I approached a woman named Laria Longroad, who claimed to be one of my mother’s contacts. I was dubious of her claims at first but believed her once she produced a coffer of valuables and a note in my mother’s hand. The valuables are all I have as an inheritance, and the note.
I fear I am too fragile to lead this Revolution but I will stand behind it and I will fund it. First, I will need brave souls to go forth and do what is necessary to fight for Kintargo.
I agree young Lady, it is a desperate move to ask complete strangers for aid in such a task but this is a most desperate hour".
He hands Tiel the note.
My dearest son,
If you are reading this, what I have feared has come to pass and I am dead. For many years, I have belonged to the Sacred Order of Archivists and have worked to free Kintargo from Chelish rule. I have learned much about Kintargo’s secret history, and fear the time will soon come when the city needs the return of its Silver Ravens.
You have likely not heard of the Silver Ravens—few have. Mentions of them have been redacted by the agents of House Thrune, but during the civil war, the Ravens worked to ensure Kintargo’s safety. They were heroes in their day, and I fear that Kintargo needs their kind again.
Do not believe the government’s claims that Lord-Mayor Bainilus abandoned us! Darker things are afoot, and I fear that all who work against Thrune may find themselves in danger in the days ahead. The Silver Ravens maintained numerous hideouts within Kintargo’s walls during the civil war.
I have located one such site—the chambers below a building known today as the Fair Fortune Livery. If you are reading this, I was unable to seek further answers there myself. Gather heroes to your side, my son, and search below the livery.
There, if my research is correct, you will find something to teach you more of the Silver Ravens and their legacy. Do not let my death be in vain. Stand up for Kintargo. Bring the Silver Ravens back to life!
He places a hand on Irisa's shoulder, "Stabd with me and you shall not be alone!"
He looks to the women assembled before him, "I see the strength of my mother within each an every one of you. Will you help?"
Tiel scans the note then reads it aloud.
"I'll need to get my things."
Sholti listens to Rexus make his pitch and listens to Wylintiel read the contents of the letter.
It's not exactly a plan of the type I had in mind, but this is intriguing...
"Very well, I will come with you to see what the Fair Fortune Livery reveals. I have never heard of the Silver Ravens, but that would have been at a time before my family arrived in Kintargo."
As the man speaks Irisa's tears start falling. She thought she was ready for the worst, but it still makes her extremely sad. "Dead? I had feared as much, but it's still awful to get it confirmed. Of course I'll pick up their cause." She manages to get through the tears.
The tears abate slowly as she wipes them away and she continues speaking. "Of course I'll make sure Kintargo is free. I would forever live my life in shame and regret if I did not. I have to live up to their deeds, no surpass that an fulfill their goals in their place. Their reluctance to include me probably saved me from sharing their fate. I should be grateful that they managed to protect me. I wouldn't be much of a follower of Desna if I didn't fight for freedom." Irisa has completely gathered herself by the end of her speech. She surveys the rest of the room. "We can do this. We can be the angels Kintargo need. Are you with me?"
Zeldana stood from the chair she had settled into after the man before them spoke, causing her head to spin making her stagger a bit. But she faught through it "Wait... You only spoke about those who opposed Thrune. What of those who where taken away for religious differences? They are... just still imprisoned right?" Zeldana asked with a rather worried look on her face.
"Hell's Angels," Hiranno smirked.
Rexus shakes his head at Zeldana, "I cannot be sure but if they live we will find them and we will free them". He reaches into a pouch on his hip and hands a vial to Zeldana, "Drink this, it should help".
He cocks his head at Hiranno, "I don't like the sound of that. Another code name would be better for now at least until we can pick up the mantle of the Silver Ravens. There are five of you. You are certainly a force to be reckoned with if your actions in the alley are any indication".
He pauses and looks at each of you, "My apologies if I sound crass but each of you is beautiful... How about Fox Force Five? That sounds much more heroic than Hell's Angels if you ask me!"
Tiel's comment make shim shake his head, "An excellent point. Shall we take our leave of each other and reconvene here tomorrow? Then with all of your gear in tow we can explore the Livery. Is that an acceptable plan?"
Sholti purses her lips and considers. I think it's early yet to be trying out names. Let's focus on what we might actually accomplish. We will know more when we see what the Fair Fortune Livery holds. Will tomorrow an hour after sunrise be a good time to meet here?
"I agree with... " Irisa is at loss for words, she doesn't actually know the woman's name. Her eyes widen in shock before she catches herself and continue. "We haven't been introduced have we? I introduced myself to some of you, but not all. I'm so sorry. I'm Irisa Scicilo." She curtsies slightly, letting the other offer their names if they want to.
"Anyway, back to the topic at hand. No need for any name if we haven't accomplished anything. If what you say is true, there are no one else to pick up the mantle of the Silver Ravens. If so, picking such a name, a name that evokes emotion and stories would probably serve us better than coming up with a new one."
"As for when to continue this quest. I would be loath to wait a moment more than necessary. However if you need until tomorrow to prepare, then I would rather wait for you to get ready than to only go in with diminished number of even alone. So, how long do you actually need to get ready? Could we pick up your things on the way to the Fair Fortune Libery? At the moment the streets are probably not safe, so no matter where we are going, whether to the Fair Fortune Livery or to get your things, it's probably a good idea to wait for a bit."
Rexus smiles at Irisa, "I appreciate your desire to begin but I think a day to allow things to slow down would be helpful. Fresh clothes, a new hairstyle, things that will make us less noticeable are important. We don't want the Thrune's men following us because we look like anyone who was involved in the melee at the Opera House green.
Plus, I have a contact I wish to meet with to get more supplies for our entrance into the Livery".
Zeldana listened to the group and as the man spoke of changing their clothes and hairstyles she sighed. "I don't think you'd want me in this sir... If you can't tell my hair and eyes are rather... Distinct. No hairstyle nor new clothes would change that I'm afraid." She told him as she sat back down, the coke he had given her was still being toyed with in her hands.
Rexus turns to Zeldana, "What is it my dear? You could wear a hood to hide your hair easily enough, it must be something else. What troubles you?
Zeldana looked at the vile as she spoke softly, "I just... my parents did so much to ensure that I was kept out of danger... my mother lied to the hell knights and said I was a shylenite. If they are still alive and we get caught I sign their death warrants! Then there is... well lets just say I've caught the eye of a hell knight, he's been stopping by the shops a lot lately and even today he saved my life. He's the reason I met up with these others, he killed the man who was attacking me. I'd be putting you all in even more danger by letting him be so close."
Sholti's eyes shift toward Zeldana as she explains her reticence to Rexus.
This is exactly what I was speaking of. The man does not seem to be discerning in his trust. He doesn't understand webs of connections. Already we see the danger in that.
"Just give me a pictures of sorts. Women please, and the picture must be of some notable detail. Human definitely and preferably ones that have passed already. All then is time and a mirror."
Rexus places his hand on his chin thoughtfully, "Yes. Yes I can see why you hesitate. What you see as a problem though, I see as a boon. If a Hellknight is falling for you he could be useful as a font of information.
It would be dangerous for you my dear but if your parents live it would be the best way to find out where they are being held. If they have passed on, you would honor what they fought for.
Either way if you do nothing, their sacrifice is in vain. The spirit of revolution is in the air we must gather our forces now else the Thrune will crush that spirit".
Rexus turns to Hiranno, "There are some portraits in the store, I could bring one in for you".
"Evidently, he likes you more than he likes the rules. I can easily get some see-through material that we can use to hide your" Tiel pauses to look at everyone in turn, then back to Zeldana, "our appearance. Even your eyes."
Irisa looks to Zeldana, still tears in her eyes. "What our parents believed in, what they fought for, that is worth fighting for. Freedom is worth fighting for. As a follower of Desna I can't just watch as freedom is being robbed from everyone. Would you rather settle down with your hellknight and worship Asmodeus while Thrune crushes what little freedom we have left? As Rexus says, you could use him for information, but it doesn't have to be that way, true freedom means having room for both hellknights and people like us without either oppressing the other. If you want to, I believe it's still possible to make it work."
Zeldana slowly looked from one person to the next then sighed. There is no winning with these people... might as well help and make sure innocents don't get caught in the cross fires.
She drank down the potion that had been given to her before she gave a nod. "Very well I shall help you, but know this here and know! I reserve the right to back out, not that I believe I will ever need it, and the hellknight who has been coming around is not to be used as some form of... information sheet. I honestly think he is just a lawful person who wants to keep peace. I will not subject him to something like that unless it is a dire situation. Like we need that information now!" She told them, then her eyes settled on Irisa. "I would be careful of your anger, less you be lost to it and become worse than what you hate. I too follow Desna, as my parents, and while I believe she would want those who follow her to help I also believe she would leave it up to each person. After all she values freedom." Zeldana said with a kind look in her eyes.
"Now, I offer up my home as a place you all may stay to lay low for a while. There are only three rooms but the back rooms of the shops have some cots that can be put to use." She offered.
Rexus smiles, "Splendid. I am not here to force you yo do anything my dear. If you feel the dangers are too great you can always back out with no hard feelings from me.
I think you will find that this decision was the best one you could have made. Let us meet here tomorrow eve, then onto the Livery".
Sholti to Zeldana: "Thank you for your offer, but I must return home. No doubt news of what happened today will spread quickly all over the city. My parents will be beside themselves until they know I am safe."
Sholti frowns slightly. Also it wouldn't do at all for them to contact the Dottari, if they are worried and decide to have them search for me.
Bidding them goodbye until tomorrow, she takes her leave.
"I'm with Sholti," says Tiel. "I mean, I agree with Sholti. I need to get home, myself, and see how things are going. If things are bad, we may need someplace to stay that's out of view of the Watch. I don't really like skulking around, but it's better than being in jail. Or worse."
"We should go, if we take too long we may end up out past curfew." Zeldana said as she got up. "If you need anything Mr. Victocora you can find us at The Blooming Butterfly" Zeldana told him with a kind smile.
Then she lead Irisa to the shops as they spoke. "You are welcome to stay as long as you wish. I would welcome the help around the shop." She told her with a small smile.
Irisa nods to Zeldana. "I'll go with you. I'm afraid of heading home after what we learned today. Thank you for your offer."
Hiranno takes a few small pictures from around the store and bows out gracefully,"I will see you tomorrow with new face,"she says before going out the back door.
She was rather tired from the days activities and the hit from earlier seemed to have taken a toll on her ability. After going through the many back alleys and winding side streets, she managed to get back to her quaint little apartment by the bay. She made sure then to lock the doors and windows while screening her house for any intruders, but was still rather dizzy from todays events.
Feeling at least somewhat safe in her home, she gave a sigh of relief before suddenly changing to her true form, an orange furred Kitsune. After cleaning her sword and undressing herself, she set the pictures she acquired from the store. Little by little her appearance changed as she tried to mimic the appearance of those in the picture. It was rather difficult for her, having not done such in a long time.
She finally settled upon something more in line with the other natives of the city. Hiranno again was in human form, but now as a more tanned skinned woman possibly in her twenties. A slender figure with long brown hair, a moderate bust, and dark green eyes. Looking between a small dirty mirror and the picture, she smiled in delight as she went off to bed.
Sholti makes her way back home. She sticks to busier streets where people are out and about. She does her best to hurry along, but avoids any streets that would take her any closer to the Opera House.
As she walks, she mulls over what she will tell her parents.
If Mother doesn't already know most everything there is to know already, she will soon enough. Not point in avoiding telling her about what happened there. Just not the parts that involve drawn weapons in my proximity. Or, anything involving the people I met. That certainly didn't happen as far as she's concerned.
The trick is, how much to tell her about Thrune's motives and plans? If I tell her the whole thing was set up for violence from the very beginning, she might be outraged enough to be sympathetic to anti-Thrune sentiments. On the other hand, she might make it more difficult for me to come and go without too much attention. Likely both. As always, this was going to take some negotiation.
Luckily she does not notice the bruises along the side of your body.
The next evening you head out hoping to learn something more based on what happened yesterday.
You discover that the Proclamation Eighth is now official and will be enforced effective immediately. Mother will no doubt be furious with it.
Soon enough you find yourself at the bookstore.
Soon enough you find yourself at the bookstore ready for action.
The next afternoon you find yourself at the bookstore awaiting the arrival of Rexus and the other women.
Neitehr that night nor the next day does Zel's admirer arrive to pay her a visit.
Irisa convinces Zel to take to the streets to learn what effect is any, the events of the day before portend in the short term. You discover that the Proclamation Eight has become effective immediately. You also discover that the Thrune is considering restricting a tight evening curfew.
Soon enough, you find yourself at the bookstore awaiting the arrival of Rexus and the other women.
All nonnative ships’ captains must remain on board their ships and are barred from setting foot on land within Kintargo’s city limits—their crew and agents are free to come and go, but their actions are directly the responsibility of their captains, and any crew caught breaking Kintargan law shall have its punishment visited upon the crew members as well as their captain. Any captain caught setting foot in Kintargo is to be punished by squassation.
As the sun begins to set you all find yourselves at or near the front entrance of Crissali’s Fine Tomes. Soon enough Rexus arrives and smiles at you all, "I am glad you are all here. Are we ready to proceed? Once we arrive I will ave a few things for you but I would rather reach our destination before stopping to talk with the tension in the air this day".
"What can you tell us of the place? Is there something we should be wary of? Otherwise I'm eager to be off. It's nice to finally make a different." Irisa says cheerily, before sobering somewhat. "Though it's kinda scary as well. Anyway I should be ready."
"I am ready, and very curious. Let's proceed."
"Why hello everyone," Hiranno greets them in her new look. She gives a kind bow of respect, "It is me Hiranno. Like I am a whole new being."
Tiel arrives wearing her armor and carrying her glaive. Neither one has a nick, scuff, or scratch on it. "Hello, all. Are we ready to go?"
Irisa makes wide eyes at Hiranno. "Wow, you are quite different than how I remember you, magic?" She nods to Tiel. "We are all here. That's good. Let's get going unless anyone have anything further to bring up?"
"I don't believe so, just the questions you posed Irisa and maybe a few more once we get there however I may have some." Zeldana told them.
Rexus motions for you all to follow him as you all make your way to the Livery which is located in the eastern section of the city on Argo Isle.
"I was able to dig up a bit on the Livery's history last night Irisa. It was slaughterhouse when the city was first built but was remade into a thriving stable more than a century ago by the Juliac family. In the intervening time according to my mother's letter the Silver Ravens used it as a hideout until their defeat.
Let's hope we can find something there that will assist us".
As Dottari patrols stalk the street, Rexus takes a few twists and turns to keep your group from coming into direct contact with them. As the day grows shorter you arrive at the Livery, the place has seen better days.
The aged stable leans slightly to one side, its roof precariously propped up by aged wooden walls. The air reeks of stale urine. The set of doors in front are closed and chained.
Rexus steps near the doors and reaches into a bag he had hidden beneath his cloak. "These may well help us here and now".
He pulls the following items from the bag.
"Any ideas for getting in?"
"This place is abandoned correct? So long as we can remove these chains we should have a simple way in no? She asked as she looked over the door and its locks. "Wait... if this was a place for rebels, wouldn't there be more then one way in?" She added.
Sholti's nose wrinkles at the smell. This doesn't look promising. But, I'll withhold judgement until after.
"Looks to me like the lock and chain are more solid than the building. Perhaps we can just pry one of the doors away and leave the chain in place?
Tiel listens to Rexus's story as they move through the city and into the livery. "Zeldana may be right. There may be another way in that does not require us to destroy property."
Usiu chirps softly as Tiel starts rapping the blunt end of her glaive to walls and floors, listening for anything that sounds hollow.
"I could climb up to the roof, find some way to open it from inside, but I don't know what is in there."
"Hiranno, Sholti or Tiel should use the ring, your fighting styles leave you most vulnerable to harm when you are up in the face of the enemies. As for the braces, only Zeldana is without armor. They don't work without armor. My father had a pair, as the armor interfered with his magic, is it the same for you?" Irissa looks questioningly over at Zeldana.
Irisa walks over to the chain. "Let me see if I can figure this out. My dad always gave me tons of puzzles to figure out, mechanical ones as well as magical and mental ones. May Desna guide my hand." Her eyes gets misty at the memory of her father.
"I could climb up to the roof, find some way to open it from inside, but I don't know what is in there."
Sholti looks at the building's roof. "If you could find a couple of loose or missing boards up there maybe we could all go in through the roof. With a rope it wouldn't be a difficult climb. But do you think the roof would support your weight?'
Sholti realizes how bad that sounds just as soon as it's out of her mouth. "No, I mean, um, not YOUR weight. Just a person's weight. I was thinking about the roof looking rotten and weak, not your weight. You look fantastic..."
Sholti just shuts up.
"I agree with her." Zeldana said as she pointed to Sholti. "I wouldn't try that roof..." She add
Zeldana gave a nod to Irisa question. "Yes, wearing armor makes casting rather difficult. The bracers would be helpful." She agreed as she took them and slipped them on and began to look around for another way in.
While Irisa is working with the lock, Sholiti will give the building a closer look all around.
As Tiel rattles her Glaive near the doorway Irisa works the rusted lock in the doors. Luckily the tumblers inside are not as rusted as the outside and the lock clicks open.
Sholti steps away from the group walking the perimeter and finds a back door with another set of doors similarly padlocked. She also finds a small board on the eastern side of the house missing though the space is not large enough for a human, even a small woman, to slip through.
"Tada! It's open. I knew those games were good for something Irisa says with a smile as she turns against the rest of the group.
Irisa's brows furrows. "Wait, I hear growling! There is something in there. Be on your guard. Desna guide us." Irisa says and channel the power of her goddess to herself and whoever else is nearby. Afterwards she gets out her crossbow and loads it up.
Sholti sneaks back around to the far side of the building where the others are congregated.
There is another locked door on the far side. Also a plank is missing from the wall. We might be able to see inside through it. Too small to use as an entrance without removing more boards though.
To Rexus Sholti adds I heard some growling inside. Is this building still in use? Maybe there is a guard dog inside?
"Maybe whatever growling inside snuck in through the hole? I opened the door here, so we can just enter in here. Let me bless you. Desna guide your steps." Irisa says as she walks over to Sholti and touch her briefly, giving her the blessing of guidance as well.
"I do not hear anything, but shall take your word," she says while then looking to Sholti, "Weight?"