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Kossrani's equipment consists of 2 potions, and 2 strange bags. Besides those he also had a suit of chainmail, a steel shield bearing Asmodeus' insignia and a composite bow with 20 arrows and of course his heavy mace. His pouch holds 28 gp.
Each of the fallen guards has a chain shirt, a light steel shield, an heavy mace, a longbow with 20 arrows and 11 gp instead.
Rocco does his best but is unable to detrmine anything related to the dwarf's equipment. The mace tells a different story though as it gives a significant psychic vibe. A rather unpleasant psychic vibe to be precise.
Kurglunn starts searching the compound and almost immediately finds something: in the salt pit there are 3 people chained to a pole. All three are males and quite muscular, sporting unkempt beards and wearing rags. They all seem nervous, keeping quiet despite the sounds they should have heard coming from the nearby hall. One of them seems a bit calmer and it's obvious the other 2 follow his leadership.
As 2 prisoners out of 3 notice Kurglunn their training falls short and they start screaming pointing their fingers at the monstruos apparition.
Lirotha will cast detect magic and try to suss out anything found yet, and what they may be, and how to use them; starting with the mace the halfling is holding out.
As the prisoners begin to scream in terror at Kurglunn's appearance, he screams right back, mirroring their own fear from the core of his being. Rocco's attention immediately leaves the dwarf and his belongings to discover what is happening to his ghostly friend. He sees Kurglunn standing by the wall, pointing down somewhere and screaming. Rocco runs over to join his friend and raises a hand to pat the phantom on the back, but his hand simply passes through his incorporeal companion.
Failing his attempt to calm Kurglunn physically, he reaches out through their innate connection. Settle down, buddy. These are the ones we're here to help. The phantom quiets down almost immediately, and Rocco turns to address the screaming men in the pit.
"Don't be alarmed! We're here to help you. My name is Rocco, and this is my friend, Kurglunn. Believe me, his bark is worse than his bite more often than not. Give us a minute to see if we can find some keys, and we'll be right down to free you."
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Thanks to Lirotha's magic the party discovers that only the potions Kossrani had on him are actually magical and their aura is not really strong at all. After a few moments she's able to determine the 2 potions provide those who drink of them with magical healing. As for the rest of the equipment it is mundane in nature and therefore Lirotha cannot ascertain its properties.
Rocco reaches the prisoners trying to calm them down as they scream in terror at the phantom's sight. Only their leader seems to mantain a modicum of calm, although he's clearly distressed:"You are here to help you say? Then free us! There's no telling when other Thrune goons might show up or someone will enter the factory to buy some salt!"
"Right. Be right there," Rocco says as he clambers down toward the imprisoned men. When he reaches them, he reaches into a carefully concealed pocket and withdraws a set of picks and various other tools of his "trade." Looking up at the leader, he grabs the manacles binding the man's hands and says, "This should just take a minute."
Mels rolls her eyes at Lirotha's orders, instead grabbing Veccio's arm and dragging him up toward the northern door. She heads across the courtyard and over to the bunkhouse, where she starts rummaging through whatever she can find, looking for...something. After a moment, she stops and looks over at Veccio. "We need to be finding some sort of document showing what zey were doing 'ere. Eef we can do zat, we may be able to start 'aving some momentum een zee streets. 'Elp me look." With that, she drops to her knees and starts looking under the beds.
"OK:Keys. Gotta find the keys boys and girls..."
Lirotha will cast Guidance on herself and look for keys of any sort.
And will keep doing this for a while.
"So, some kind of papers or something?" Veccio asks, staring for just a moment as Mel starts looking under the beds. After tearing his eyes away, he starts searching the room somewhat ineffectually.
While Rocco continues trying to pick the locks on the men's bindings, Kurglunn stands guard over his small companion, keeping an eye out for any opponents who happen to drop in unexpectedly.
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Rocco starts fiddling with the lock with feverish abandon. While the deed should have been possible using his thieving tools, the halfling doesn't have the time to best the mechanical contraption as Lirotha enters the salt pit with a triumphant smile on he rlips weaving the keys she just found under the hall's counter easily freeing the 3 hapless prisoners.
Meanwhile Mel and Veccio start searching for documents proving what the dwarf and his henchmen were doing was illicit but all they can find is a coffer holding 67 gp and 423 sp. Seems like Kossrani and his thugs were not fond of paperwork and as far as the party cna tell no sells are recorded anywhere inside Sallix Salt Works.
Once the now freed prisoners are sure Kossrani is dead they seem much relieved and they thank you profusely. Their leader, who goes by the name of Forvian Crow, promises to tell everyone he knows about what you did and how you stood up to Thrune's servants. After learning about Jonah's being previously freed Forvian thanks you again and decides it's time to take his leave:"If there's nothing else we can do for you it's better for us to depart. You did a great thing today, but Thrune's lackeys would surely take a dim view of it"
"Just remember it t'was the Silver Ravens that came to your roost t'day me lovlies. We wish you well in your endeavors!"
"Yeah yeah, talkin' us up is nice and all, but I'll tell ya what we could really use: bodies! We got a whole city full of Thrune's guards and lackeys, and we're not exactly an army here. So if ya want ta help the cause, let us know that we can call on ya if we need a job done. We'll do our best ta pay ya what's fair and all that. Sound a'right ta you?"
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"Mmmh... I've had worse contracts than kicking Thrune's butt. Besides we owe you big time for saving our hides while Barzillai owes us for ensalving us, so I think you have a deal, good people!" says Forvian nodding at Rocco with something akin respect.
Once they are sure no one is coming the party and the newly resqued mercenaries leave Sallix Salt Works and are able to get back to the Wasp's Nest wit ease.
Word of Kossrani's defeat spreads quickly throughout the city and the Silver ravens popularity grows steadily. Strangely enough Kintargo's government doesn't seem to care much for what happened at Sallix Salt Works although rumors start to spread about Barzillai being in one of his foulest moods of late...
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In the aftermmath of the raid on the Sallix Salt Works, Meliandri grows restless. She paces the inside of the Wasp's Nest, occasionally shooting glances at Veccio and then shaking her head. After an hour of this, she rolls her eyes and shrugs before walking up and tapping him on the shoulder.
"I am thinking we should be getting out for a bit. Not on zee business of zee Silver Ravens or anything, but just to 'ave a good time. I am going to find a bar or a tavern or something, 'opefully one zat eez catering to noble types, but first, I 'ave some stops to make. 'Opefully, Mother Dearest eez not 'ome, or I weel be 'earing another lecture about bringing 'ome zee noble boys."
As she gets herself ready to confront her foster mother, Meliandri tries to figure out which taverns might be most suitable for her purposes.
A few days had passed since the Ravens had returned from Sallix Salt Works. After the mercenaries had fled their captivity, Rocco "borrowed" a cloak off of one of the guards to make Kurglunn a bit less conspicuous. He had then stuffed the rest of their gear in a couple sacks he had found around the building, as well as a few boxes of salt to take back to his folks and to the Wasp's Nest. "Might as well stock up while we're at the store, eh?" he had said to the others, laughing as he handed another sack to his ghostly friend.
Now Rocco is sitting in a corner of the tavern, Kurglunn safely back in his consciousness. He watches as Mel approaches Veccio and proposes their own little "outing." Heh. I was wondering when something would happen between those two, he thinks.
Just then, Rocco notices a young woman entering the bar. Her boots and cloak seemed to be covered in the dust of every road between here and Westcrown. The look in her eyes tells Rocco that this woman is here for more than just a drink, though he supposed she probably wouldn't turn one down if it came her way. He swung by the bar and picked up an ale, then made his way over to the young lady.
"Care to join me for a drink," he asks, literally raising the glass so that it is at least at the level of her midriff. "The name's Rocco Hardweather. Hope ya don't mind me saying, but ya look like you just came in from the woods. What brings ya to our bright little gem of a city?"
"Word is you're a group of troublemakers..." she starts, as she leans on her staff.
"Which is just what this city needs at the moment."
She takes a hand off her staff. "Valarani, formally of Westcrown - now quite happily without fixed abode."
She takes a seat and the drink. "Seriously though, things are pretty dire here, and you folk look to be one of the few groups doing anything about it. I want in. "
She pauses. "I guess you want to know what I bring. Well.. aside from being a skilled lawyer... yes, don't start on me. Sooner or later you'll need my 'professional' services. I'm also able to fix the odd injury or two. Handy with my staff as well if push comes to shove."
Despite her red hair, and obviously Cheliax features, there is something oddly cold about the woman. Almost as if the temperature around her skin is two degrees lower than elsewhere.
Rocco frowns slightly as Valrani introduces herself and describes her purpose for coming to the tavern. With a grave expression on his face, he leans back in his chair and sighs heavily. "Ah, great. So now we're getting to be famous. That's just perfect." He scoots his chair around next to Valrani's and leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones, "Y'know, I was worried about this happening. We're glad to have new folks join up with us against Old Barzy, but I dunno if making ourselves look like a major threat right out of the gate is the best way t' do it, right? Gotta talk to the others 'bout that, though, I s'pose."
"Anyway," he says, straightening up and giving the girl some breathing room, "We'd be glad t' have ya aboard. You're right that we could use someone with a head for the law. Gods know that ain't me, and I gotta say, Veccio's sword seems far sharper than his wit sometimes. And, yeah, it's always good to have someone with a healing hand around when things get messy. Hopefully that won't be any time too soon, though." The halfling stands, not that Valrani would notice any difference in his height, and waves her over to follow him. "C'mon. Better introduce you to the others before I lose track of 'em. I got no idea where Eallos got off to. Oh well.
"Listen ya'RUNT! You don't get to summon me on'a moment's notice whenever you wanna! I'm busy going over reports and it already makes my head hurt whenever..."
Lirotha walks into the room and stops suddenly, her animated silver raven figurine perched on her shoulder and some smallish scrolls in her hands.
"...and who is this lovely Chelish lass Rocco? She's not your baby-mama of the week is she?"
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Step 1—Supporter Attrition
Four of your most recent followers decide it's too risky to rebel against the House of Thrune.
Step 2—Notoriety Maximum
You are not that notorious just yet
Step 3—Treasury Shortage
No need to roll yet. Let me know what you want identified though.
Step 4—Increase Rank
Unfortunately you only have 9 followers which means you are still lvl 1. A pity, no extra skill for this week.
Step 5—Deposits and Withdrawals
Should be high on your priority list.
I also need to know what kind of role Valrani wants for herself within the Silver Ravens (if unsure please review the rebellion's rules on the player's guide).
It's now time for the Activity Phase. Please check the avaiable actions and choose one. You have 2 teams at your disposal but can take only one action.
Valrani nods her head at the others as she is introduced.
"I'm nobodies mother... and won't be while Devils roam the streets." says the red head.
She sighs and looks at the disorganization around her.
But an organisation on anarchists... what would one expect?
"What is it you need the most help with at the moment? recruiting? I'm not really one for making flowery speaches..."
"Right... I'll have a look at the internal security. I know how these people think and work after all." offers Valrani.
"Great. It seems like we're starting to get noticed around the city, which means we're actually making some headway against Thrune, but it could also mean they're gonna be on us sooner or later. So the more secure we are, the better. Thanks, Val. Hope ya don't mind bein' called Val, by the way." Rocco stops to ponder their current position for a moment, then heads into the back room for a moment before he emerges with a mangled looking cloak. "I noticed this in the back, by the way. Seems...special somehow. We should get it looked at."
"I've already lost one name... what is another?" replies Valrani.
She has a quick look at the cloak...
"I can see it is magical.. but I can't tell anything more about it sorry."
Lirotha walks by reading reports from some of their newer members, and sees Rocco and Valrani discussion the strange cloak.
Mumbling under her breath and flicking her hand at the cloak to launch her magic detection spell, Lirotha looks closely at it.
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Lirotha is easily able to identify the cloak as a garment capable of making one better at moving between the shadows and not being noticed.
Word of your deeds does spread fast and you manage to gather almost a dozen of new supporters for your cause.
Then...
Nothing relevant happens and you pass the week un noticed again. You don't sit idly though. On the copntrary you discretely ask around trying to learn something useful in your ongoing battle against Thrune.
After the salt works, Veccio spends a lot of his own time practising. He works with blade and boot, trying to perfect his footwork and form. He's in the middle of a particularly troublesome maneuver when Meliandri catches him, his feet tangle together, and he goes into a crouching lunge to try to regain his balance and (hopefully) salvage his reputation. It doesn't work.
"Out?" he manages, standing carefully and wincing at a pulled calf muscle. "Out out? Together out?" His eyebrows knit together as he thinks. "Alone out?" A faint red flush creeps across his cheeks and nose; he quickly coughs a little too conspicuously and takes great interest in the sole of his left boot. "I mean, I'm not saying no," he flounders, "I'm just saying, I-" He freezes mid-sentence and lets out his breath in a short, heavy sigh. "I'd like that," he finishes lamely, an idiot grin threatening to break across his face. Perhaps the only thing that saves him from making a complete fool of himself is the new arrival.
Placing a hand on Meliandri's shoulder and giving it a quick squeeze, he sheathes his rapier and heads upstairs to the coffeehouse, blinking with surprise at the newcomer. While his shoulders initially square instinctively, he relaxes slightly when he notices Rocco and Lirotha already talking to her. ”So we have a reputation as troublemakers already?” he mutters, glancing out the nearest window, before his lips split in a broad grin.”Ha! Those Thrunies will be forced to acknowledge the threat we are soon!” Standing by the window, he turns to face the group, one hand resting on his rapier hilt, the other planted firmly on his hip. ”This city will be ours, friends!”
Rocco nods in gratitude at Lirotha as she reveals the nature of the gnawed cloak. "Hmm...well that could be rather useful. Kurglunn and I...may have some experience with sneaking around. This could only make us more awesome. Heheh."
Valrani raises an eyebrow at the blushing Cavalier. "It most certainly won't be overrun by a horde of devils any more. Down with Thrune!"
"Great. Zen eef you would come with me to zee family's 'ouse, we can be on our way." Meliandri gives Veccio a cheeky grin, winks, and makes her way out of the Wasp's Nest, trusting that he's following.
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You spend the week laying low and listening for interesting gossip concerning the state of the city and Thrune's take over...
Meliandri and Veccio spend quite a lot of time together and obviously hear the same things about the state of the makeshift prisons popping up all over Kintargo. They are said to be bursting full of people being dragged in during the night or at the dottari's whim even for the smallest of infractions. Yet the rumors about what happened at Sallix Salt Works give the 2 kintargans heart as people took notice of what happened there and the general sentiment seems to be that it was time someone had the gall to stand up to Thrune's thugs.
Rocco and Valrani both hear persistent rumors about gruesome killings happening in the slum known as the "Devil’s Nursery", situated in Redroof district. Seems like someone or something is sistematically murdering the tiefling residents taking trophies from their dead bodies. The authorities don't seem interessed in stopping this or even aknowledging the reality of the event. Maybe the Silver Ravens could do something instead?
Lirotha on the other hand hears about the strange noises coming from a place called "Fair Fortune Livery" suddenly ceasing. On the other hand she picks up whispers about eerily similar sounds coming from the Wasp Nest's itself!
"I'm new to Kintargo" admits Valrani.
"Who, or what was "the Slasher?" and do non-devilspawn have anything to fear from it? I know Tieflings were always thought of as second class citizens (at best) in Westcrown... was it the same here? Do you think we could recruit some to go against their blood if, well... if we tried to stop this Slasher?"
Not knowing anything about the Fair Fortune Livery...Lirotha will focus on the newcomer and her news.
"Valrani, I'm as much a stranger here my-lovely as you. But a killer on the loose that the watch won't wanna' stop?
Sounds like a job for the Silver Ravens m'dearie! Let's head for the Devil's Nursery and start asking around."
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"Oo', zee Slasher? I know zis story." Meliandri shivers theatrically, coughs once, and then lowers her voice down to a raspy mutter. "A long, long time ago, when my foster mother's grandmother was only a child, zee city was plagued by a 'orror most foul. A 'ooded menace stalked zee streets around Temple 'Ill, killing and spilling zee blood.
Oo', to 'ear my mother tell zee story, eet was 'oorible. You are just be minding your own business, thinking zat you would run a quick errand or two, and you are walking down zee street. Zee wind blows, and you look over your shoulder. Under zee moonlight you see a sight zat almost stops your 'eart. All tattered robes and deep 'ood, just watching you. So you try to scream, but terror takes zee sound before you make eet!" Mel's voice speeds up as she talks, a wild look in her eyes, and she stands to pace around the table where the Silver Ravens have gathered over Laria's coffee.
"As you turn to flee, zee robes and 'ood spring into action, following you, and you see zee knife. You drop your basket and duck into a door. Eet eez a garden shed for one of zee temples. You 'ear zee door slam, and realize zere eez nowhere left to run. Zee cold 'and reaches out and grabs your cloak, pulling you down to zee dusty shed floor, and you close your eyes and 'ope that zis eez just imagination."
She continues to pace around the table, speeding up her walking to match her talking. "But zough you fight to stay alive, your body starts to shiver, for no Kintargan could resist...zee long knife of..." She grabs Valrami's shoulders and all but shouts! "Zee Slasher! Ahahahahaahahaha!
"Anyways..." She sits down to take another sip of her coffee. "Eet turned out zat zee Slasher was actually a professor from zee Alabaster Academy, and 'e was executed een 4599. So probably eet eez not zee same guy. Mangvhune, I think 'is name was."
As a local Kintargan, Rocco has heard the stories of the Slasher before, but was always fuzzy on the details. He listens raptly as Meliandri spins the tale, and, when she emphasizes the killer's pseudonym to Valrani, he nearly falls out of his chair with delighted shock. Once he recovers himself, he laughs and thanks the lovely half-elf for her performance, "Hahaha! That's quite a thrilling tale you tell, Miss Mels. Sounds like someone must be cashing in on the old tale to breed new fear in the middle of the city's troubled times. That's just the sort of thing we cannot abide. I agree. We should put a stop to it."
Smiling sweetly, Lirotha will turn to the halfling.
"In addition me'lovlies, if this murderer is targeting tieflings exclusively, it may have something to do with the damnable
Thrunies in some form or fashion. That in itself is worth investigating too. So get your miniture rump out outta' that chair Rocco
and let's go do some recon."
Valrani, totally taken in by the story feels the small hairs on her arms stand up. Eyes wide she listens in wrapt attention as Meliandri performs.
As her cloak is pulled, Valrani lets out a little scream, and then remembers herself and sits up straight.
"What a lovely town you have..."
She grasps her staff and then joins in the others making an exit.
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Tieflings are treated as second-class citizens at best in Cheliax, and despite Kintargo’s progressive attitude, this prejudice is still rampant in the city.
The majority of Kintargo’s tieflings never make it out of the city’s most notorious slum—the Devil’s Nursery. Here, tieflings are generally left to live their own lives without much interference, but those who dare to travel far from the area run the risk of facing harassment or worse.
Thrune coming to power and the Night of Ashes changed things... for the worse. Strea Vestori, a long time advocate for tiefling rights and founder of the Cloven Hoof Society, a group dedicated to the welfare of tieflings, disappeared like so many other notable kintargans.
Armed with this knowledge you march towards the other end of the city, to the Redroof district, ready to investigate these mysterious murders. It's almost sunset when you reach your destination and the air smells of ash and sweat. You can almost feel an undercurrent of fear coursing through the very stones paving the district...