"I have some magic that will help for a short time, an enchantment that can render someone invisible for just shy of a minute and some illusions that may assist in hiding our movements.
I agree with Artegall about Whisper, if we are seen it won't really matter whether we have a wolf with us or not. I guess the only question is whether you think Whisper can keep quiet.
Unless anyone else has any additional thoughts, it sounds like we have something approaching a plan."
I'm more an obvious threat, and target, than anything. Maybe that would distract a foe for our more discreet people? I'm afraid that's the extend of my sneakiness.
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"We are staying at the Yellow Juggler. We have a private room that we meet in. I have something to attend to this afternoon and into the evening, but why don't we meet up at the yellow Juggler at, oh lets say 11:00. We can plot under cover of darkness. We will see you then Artegall."
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Later that afternoon the guests were led to the shrine under the Yellow Juggler. It was positioned such that the sounds of pleasure, as well as the occasional secret from the rooms above could be heard, but today it was quite as it had been for some time since the onset of the plague.
The slightly hazy air in the dimly lit room smelled of pleasant incense. Lengths of yellow silk festooned the walls and drapes of heavy velvet sectioned off parts of the room into areas private from the others but still open to the shrine to Callistria built into the wall.
The only light in the room came from yellow lanterns positioned about the small altar while smoke rose lazily from thuribles hanging from each lamp. On the altar itself was a statue of Callistria, beautiful and seductive. Despite all her allure, a particularly astute observer would notice the hint of a dagger in the folds of her dress, the suggestion of a whip in the ornate belt about her waist and the ambiguity of whether the clasp in her hair was meant to be an actual wasp or merely a decorative adornment.
Twilight greeted each of her guests and directed them to the private partitions. Nargun and Atticus each to their own and Mirella and Devan together in a third. A pile of silk cushions and a loveseat decorated each section along with a low table.
"Thank you for accepting my invitation to this very special ritual. I know that the timing is inconvenient, however it is imperative for its success that I not delay it any longer. I had hoped that after the ceremony we could enjoy the rest of the evening in a little revelry, but I think that a night of subterfuge is equally appropriate." she said, giving a sly smile.
"Before we begin, understand that rituals such as this are full of symbolism. Small acts that may seem insignificant on their own, but represent greater ideals. I have crafted this ceremony based
on traditions both newer and ancient. As such there is an element of risk involved to myself if Callistria is displeased with the results. Sometimes it may be unclear whether or not something is part of the ritual, I ask that you don't interfere unless I ask."
"Each of us here participated in an act that Callistria deems divine, but we must not forget that there is one other honoured guest among us. Madame Zellara who herself was murdered by Lamm. Who's thirst for revenge was potent enough that she forsook her own afterlife to become an instrument of Callistria and bring us all together on this divine endeavour. Who in fact still guides us from her harrow deck. I welcome her to this ceremony and giver her a place of honour."
Twilight motioned to Atticus and took the harrow deck from him. With reverence, she bowed before the shrine and gently placed the deck on the altar to one side, fanning the cards slightly as she did so.
"We were all wronged, in one way or another by the actions of Lamm and it was by our own actions that our vegneance was satiated as the man suffered and died." Twilight took her silver holy symbol from around her neck and removed it from its chain. She held up the holy symbol to the audience, the points of the three daggers glinted in the lantern light "On that day I collected from Lamm his final humors: A tear from a man who spirit is shattered as he has seen his own fate in the eyes of all those who he has wronged over the years; the blood from a man who's body is now battered and broken, treated with the same callousness and disregard he has shown to others; and spittle from one who's mouth has uttered a lifetime of lies and deceits, who has used his words to influence others to perpetuate his own transgressions and thus multiplied them beyond what he was capable of himself."
She turned to face the statue and presented the holy symbol "These I offer to you Callistria. While others counseled me that there was nothing more that could be done, to let the law run its course, to let it go and move on, you took me in and nursed my burning desire for vengeance. You gave me the tools and conviction to seek out satisfaction on my own terms and when I was ready, you gathered a group that likewise thirsted to see Lamm pay for his deeds."
She knelt down and bowed, placing the holy symbol on an ornate stand on the centre of the altar and offered a prayer:
"My life is my path, and none will sway me from it.
I devote myself to the pursuit of my passions.
I take what I desire, by trick or by force. If others resent my actions, they may attempt to take vengeance against me.
All slights against me will be repaid tenfold.
I am the instrument of my own justice. If I am wronged, I will take vengeance with my own hands."
She then softly rang a small silver bell and a woman dressed in sheer yellow silks entered the room carrying a dark wooden box covered in carvings of wasps. The servant quietly placed the box before Twilight, bowed and left.
Twilight raised her hands to the statue "I offer myself for your judgement by the old ways, to know if my actions have pleased you and whether you deem that I have stood true to your tenners."
She undid a strap about her neck and allowed her blouse to fall about her waist, baring herself to Callistria.
Grasping the wooden box on both sides she shook it strongly three times, uttering a short prayer after each before setting it back down before her. With great deliberation, she oped the box and then prostrated herself before the altar and began a lengthy prayer.
The moment the box was opened an exceptionally large wasp angrily emerged. Slightly larger than a grown man's thumb and striped brilliant yellow and glossy black, the agitated insect buzzed about the room menacing the onlookers before coming to a rest on Twilight's bare back.
She continued her chanting as the unusually large wasp skittered skittered across her skin, occasionally taking flight only to land again moments later its abdomen pulsing threateningly the whole time. Twilight braced herself for what she expected to come as the wasp finally plunged its stinger into her shoulder. Without interrupting her prayer she endured the intense pain and waited with anticipation. One sting was expected, it had always been a single sting and she knew precisely what it was that displeased her goddess, her willingness to at times put other people's needs above her own, but as long as it was only one sting she could proceed.
She waited for several minutes as the fiery pain from the sting spread across her shoulder. She could feel the painful welt pulling he skin taught. The wasp continued to traverse her back seeming to taunt her with the threat of more pain before finally leaving her and coming to a rest on the statue.
Twilight finished her prayer with relief, a smile crossing her face. With a final thanks to Callistria she donned her blouse once more, wincing only slightly as even the gentle caress of the yellow silk sent pain shooting through her shoulder.
Having been deemed worthy of continuing Twilight turned to the audience once again "For the ceremony to proceed, I need to perform a small obedience. Devan would you grant me the pleasure of a single kiss here before the lady?" She smiled and held out her hand for the bard to join her before the altar.
Gently taking the bard's hand she knelt down with Devan before the altar. As she drew close the fire in her eyes betrayed more than simple passion, there was a fervour that lie beneath.
"Callistria, I dedicate this act to you" she whispered breathlessly before embracing Devan in a deep and passionate kiss. The pain from the welt mingled with the pleasure from the kiss as it lingered. She relished the moment for as long as she could before Devan gently drew away from her. A sharp pain caused him to suddenly pull way from Twilight. Devan raised a hand to his lip where she had bit him. "A small sting, to match the one to my pride when you chose Mirella before even giving me the pleasure of a single evening" she smiled wickedly.
"And you..." she took a small yellow silk pouch from the side of the altar before turning to Nargun. "After observing a particularly dazzling display of archery, you vowed to donate to Erastil. But despite having benefited from the The Lady's blessings and succor before and since, you have never offered coin to her temple. Tonight I give you the opportunity in Her holy place before Her image to make make amends." She gently lay the yellow silk pouch in front of Nargun before going back to the altar and retrieving a well worn book with many bookmarks. "And finally Atticus, when Callistria was there ready and willing to offer aid, it was Desna that you called out to seeking assistance." Twilight opened up the holy text to a marked page "A short prayer of thanks to Callistria before her shrine to show gratitude for those times she has nudged fate in your favour."
Twilight waited a few moments as her companions decided whether or not they would make amends for the small slights against her patron. Satisfied, the zealous fire faded from her eyes as she relaxed.
"Thank you for assisting me in my ritual, it was important that we all participated for it to succeed. As I mentioned, I had originally hoped that the rest of the evening would be filled with revelry but that is not to be. The rest of the ritual will be somewhat esoteric, but please stay and enjoy what hospitality of the Yellow Juggler I was able to arrange. Otherwise I will meet with you in the meeting room when I am done."
With that, Twilight rang the bell once more and then turned to the matter of the holy symbol. It sat shining on the altar, the yellow light reflected in its blades. She cast a spell and examined the magical auras, the rigid blue lattice of the arcane power already bound to the symbol, and the formless yellow divine magic that pooled within. But now, with the proper rituals the air was charged with divine acts, passion had been indulged, trickery had been employed and binding it all latent vengeance filled the air. With Callistria's permission, Twilight began weaving the divine magic about the arcane and for the first time it held. The power of Callistria, instead of slipping from the arcane magic and collecting in the centre now flowed like yellow droplets along the arcane lines, still mercurial in nature but now primed to be given form when called upon.
While Twilight completed her ritual, servants dressed in the colours of Callistria entered the room bearing delights for a variety of tastes. The little luxuries offering to bring a brief respite from the horrors of what was going on outside. The velvet curtains were pulled a little tighter offering more privacy while still giving a narrow view of the altar and shrine itself.
A pleasant man and woman brought scented oils and offered to massage their stresses away, or leave them to their privacy if they so desired.
For Nargun a small table was set up and a man set up a small collection of very fine spirits and ales. Before offering his wares, he presented Nargun with a exquisite crystal decanter and a fine goblet of dwarven design carved from a single piece of granite. "Before any other drink, I was asked to present this to you. Water borne from the depths of the elemental plane so I was told.
Acquired through arcane rites at the Academe it has touched nothing more than the air and the decanter it is. It is in the truest sense the purest water one can have short of drinking from the endless elemental waters directly."
A pleasant young woman in modest dress suggested a game of wits to Atticus, either Fox and Geese, favoured by Twilight or a game of chess. She was quite good at both games and asked Atticus about his academic matters showing an interest in his studies and thesis. Although her knowledge on any subject was not deep, she knew just enough that coupled with an exception skill at conversation was able to keep a pleasant discussion on almost any topic going for quite some time.
Mirela manages to keep a smile off her face when she hears Twilight's words to Devan but she can't stop the twinkle in her eye.
When the ceremony is wrapping up Mirela offers a small donation and silent prayer to the Savored sting asking for her blessing on all her family at the Sailor's Delight.
Then she pulls Devan into their semi private chamber with a wicked smile and in view of the altar proceeds to use the tricks she learned from her aunts to kindle his lust.
Some time later... she heads back upstairs and equips herself for the night's activities, and brings Whisper downstairs to wait for the others.
When Twilight comes down she says softly.
Thank you for including me tonight. Our ceremonies do be normally much more about feasting. I forget sometimes about how much more lively yours are. Although the wasp probably didn't be feeling all that fun for you....
Twilight words.. well.. stinged.
Sure, Nargun is a dwarf, was a dwarf, and will probably always be a dwarf, and dwarves are rumored to be tight-pursed (more inventive and insulting words have been said, but rarely in presence of the dwarf aimed, as they are quite prideful and even more generous in the beatings they can give.).
Sure, the town is all turpsy turvy since the last weeks, and fighting for your life seemed to be more important than promises made.
But being a little more than battle-crazy, with nearly no concern r even concept of personal safety doen't mean you don't keep true to your word when you give it, if only to close friends.
So he gives five gold coins to the Temple of Calistria, pushing the coins into the yellow silk purse, and thanks the Savored Sting for all her blessings.
Then, he thanks Twilight for the glass of water, admiring the exquisite dwarfen craftmanship.
He even smiles while tasting the water!
You truly went out of your way for me, Princess. I appreciate. Maybe we should talk later about how I could put myself into your goddess service. Even if I'm not at ease with the carnal side of your preachings. That is simply not for me, not now.
Unfortunately, the group doesn't have all night to indulge in Twilight's sacrament, and they find themselves facing the blunt front face of the warehouse-turned-hospice in the faint grey pre-light of false dawn. Some might say this is the best time to attempt an assault, when night guards are tired and bored and looking forward to getting off-shift.
As the ritual came to a conclusion, an exhausted Twilight admired her handiwork and gave one last prayer of thanks before retrieving her holy symbol from the altar and returning it to its chain.
She took the harrow deck as well intending to return it to Atticus later, not wishing to interrupt him at the moment.
She ascended to the rooms above and indulged in a short bath to relax and prepare for the evening's infiltration. Once satisfied she donned attire more suited for the upcoming events and returned to the private dining room waiting for everyone to show up.
.......
Even the dimmest light was enough to allow Twilight to see clearly thanks to her elven heritage. She kept an eye on the building to make sure there were no guards about as they approached.
She kept to the shadows and tried to stalk around to the back of the building as quietly as she could.
Artegall nods to his new companions as he rejoins them.
A half-elf like Twilight, he too can see in dim light.
Artegall moves around to the back side of the building. He isn't as subtle as he might be, but he does fairly well. If the guards are not right on top of him, then he may escape their notice.
Mirela and Whisper travel quietly to the back side of the building, hoping the darkness and soft noises of the nighttime city keep her from drawing attention.
Nargun couldn't be more obvious in the darkened streets..The dwarf, even in his best behavior, wasn't really acquainted with subtlety.
The group approaches the building and circle around back. Artegall, Mirela, and Whisper move like ghosts through the quiet wagonyard but Twilight and Nargun can't manage to keep from making noise. In the hush of pre-dawn, any noise at all is a clarion call, but no guards sally forth from the building to intercept the group.
They soon find out why- the wide loading doors in the back of the former warehouse are covered with boards nailed into the frames.
Artegall breaks out his tools and tries to quietly pry off the boards. He works methodically, hopefully unhindered by any threats or distractions.
While Artegall is opening the door, Mirela takes a moment to use a blessing to buff her Health and protection on Nargun.
Then she stands with her bow out watching for anything that might attack them.
Artegall quietly removes enough boards from the warehouse doors to squeeze into the the warehouse. The scent of exotic wood and sawdust fills this maze of barrels and crates. A web of ropes and pulleys crisscrosses the ceiling; from one thick cable hangs a net of barrels suspended nearly twenty feet above the splinter-scattered floor below. Three great wooden doors stand in the northern wall- the group just came through the westernmost of these- while leather flaps lead to the south and east.
Mirela slips in the room and freezes as she peers in the dim light.
She grabs on to whisper as she waits for her eyes adjust.
Dark and there do be lots of shapes…. I sure will be knocking things over if I did be moving.
At least the darkness wasn't too much an hindrance for Nargun, whose eyes are used to the lack of light.
He tries to guide his companions through the rooms without bumping into too much furniture
He whispers
Which door first?
Artegall can see in dim light, though not complete darkness.
He puts his tools away and readies his shield. He does not draw his sword at this time, but puts his gauntlets back on and flexes his fist.
He moves over to listen at the east door (to the northern part of F2).
If he doesn't hear anything, he will open that door.
Quiet as a mouse, Artegall peeks through the leather flaps covering the opening to the east. Nearly within arms reach, a pair of Gray Maidens stands sentry at a double door in the north wall, but he is so quiet and subtle in his movements they never know he's there.
Artegall motions to the others.
He holds up two fingers and points through the curtain.
Then, before his allies start to move, he will step out and grab the weapon from the one on the left.
Hmm... Artegall's own CMD is 20... I will use two uses of Inspiration to add +1d6 to that.
Twilight cautiously moved forward following Artegall's lead. The man certainly was skilled in the art of stealth.
She was not entirely prepared for his bold maneuver, however she easily discerned the intent of his hand gestures. The last time she had been in the hospice she did not remember there being any guards down on the ground floor.
In an attempt to salvage whatever stealth they could, she grasped her newly empowered holy symbol and shaped its formless power into a spell of silence, hastily trying to cast it on Artegall to cover whatever he was doing.
She whispered to Nargun "There is a zone of silence around Artegall for a short time if you can deal with the problem quickly."
Covered in a zone of utter silence, Artegall explodes out of the loading bay to assault the two Gray Maidens guarding the door. Early in the morning, from an unexpected direction, they're taken completely by surprise.
The investigator steps up, draws the lefthand Maiden's sword out of her scabbard, and tosses it behind him where it clatters to the floor without a sound.
Initiative:
Whisper goes on point, but stays next to Mirela waiting for a command....
Twilight paused, she had never cast this particular blessing before and it turned out to have affect a larger area than she had anticipated. Enveloped by her own zone of silence, she was fortunate that her training in deception and illusion afforded her the ability to silently apply a minor ward on Nargun.
The Gray Maiden on the right drew her sword and struck at Artegall, the swift, sudden violence eerie in the utter silence.
She couldn't get through Artegall's defenses, though.
In one swift move, Artegall rips the sword from the remaining Gray Maiden and holds it to the throat of the first one.
He points to the ground and mouths the word Down.
The first Gray Maiden Artegall had disarmed takes a sudden step forward and smashes her shield at the investigator.
But Artegall is ready for her and evades the brunt of the blow. The pair of Maidens don't seem ready to surrender as they both maneuver for their next moves.
Let me in... How can I help if I'm stuck in the other room? You two, leave your weapons down, and you will live. Pick the up and your cold and bloodied bodies will rest on the floor.
Mirela moves over near the curtain, then when she sees the maiden swing her shield at Artegall, lets a bit of divine blessing flow into the wolf then makes the hand motion for Whisper to attack.
In the strange silence Whisper leaps ahead past Nargun, Artegall and the Maidens then turns and bites at the maiden who swung at Artegall trying to knock the Maiden down.
Nargun moves closer while Whisper charges in. The canine can't bite through the Maiden's well-crafted armor. Both Maidens take the opportunity to try to slam the canine with their large shields.
Neither connect and the attempt manages to put one her off balance and Whisper trips her up, sending the soldier to the floor.
The heady fervor of the earlier ritual still lingered and Twilight realized that she had greatly misjudged the size of her spell.
Shaking the pleasant haze from her mind she made her way up to the edge of the doorway, just close enough so that she could reach through the leather strips to bestow her obscuring illusion on him as well.
Twilight casts an illusion on Artegall, making him harder to hit, while the Gray Maiden bracketed by him and Nargun slams her shield at the investigator.
Twilight's spell deceives the silent soldier and she misses Artegall.
Artegall dodges the shield bash and retaliates with a wicked left hook.
Mireal looks worriedly at the fight before her.
Norgorber take it, This do be taking too long!
Mirela Steps up to and lays her hand on Nargun granting him a blessing for the next few moments.
Meanwhile Whisper moves around behind the guard that is focused on Artegal and snaps at her legs.
Artegall nearly takes off the Maiden's head with his deadly punch but she manages to stay on her feet. She glances very briefly back at the doors behind her but doesn't flee even though her head has to be ringing from the powerful blow.
Whisper slips around her to flank but her sharp teeth find nothing but hard steel.
Artegall hits the Grey Maiden with a knee to the face as she tries to stand.