Know local
Summoned by Areal Tal makes his way to the hideout. This would give him a great chance to meet up with Richard as well. Listening to the proposition by Areal Tal nods his head appreciatively. That sounds like a sound opportunity. I don’t know much of these Red Mantis but if we have the means to bring back those that were killed I am up for it. After all I am in this to support and make Westcrown better. If they would give us the coin for the revival to find some other cleric of a different god Kioshi great. I don’t think that is an option here though. Looking at the rest but his words directed more towards Richard Tal continues, I know I have been wrestling with what happened down in Delvehaven. After much reflection I know that we all did our best with the given information that we had. None of us individually is to blame for what happened yet I know we all wish we could have done more. This is a chance to rectify any mistakes we may feel we made. If people don’t wish to take the stone themselves and seal with these assassins I will do it myself. I am not afraid of any assassins so long as I have my shield and armor. Plus I will be invisible on the way there carrying it. Once paid I will not stick around for pleasantries. I will bring a potion of invisibility as well and drink it to escape if there are issues. The rest of you can bring the bodies for reviving.
Richard wakes up from another night and grunts. Sherix doesn't squawk anymore but her tambourine is annoying, especially when she uses it as an alarm. "What is it? Don't wake me unless Arael summoned us." The room goes silent. "Damn it, he did call us, didn't he?"
Richard gets to the hideout a bit late as the sun is so bright and Sherix has to lead him around. "Hello everyone. Areal, what shall we do today?"
As Arael gives the details, Richard frowns more and more. "Tempting. But no."
"Working with worshippers of fell gods can only lead to further damnnation. What happens if this priest binds the victim's souls, or condemns their souls to the Infernal Realm when they die? What if they come back as twisted fiends? I don't trust them either, Arael."
Richard pauses for a moment to burp, the smell of alcohol is still fresh. He takes a moment to compose himself. He turns to Tal.
"What if we don't survive? We hand them the stone, then they betray us right then and there? Even if we survive and defeat them, the organization will know who we are and that we have it. We could expose this entire operation.
"I will never trust a priest of Asmodeus." Richard is surprisingly blunt.
Not surprised by the reluctance of some Tal simpler presses on. That is why I will also be wearing the hat you created me. With that I shall assume a different look and mask the fact that I am wearing armor and shield. We may never have a chance again like this. I am willing to risk it. Before I leave you can caste your heroism upon me. Edric and Kioshi can cast what ever spell they think will protect me as well.
Turning round to Areal, I understand you would prefer the Inheritor’s blessing. After the exchange for the scrolls I could bring them to you. As you know I am not an expert in magic but even if the scrolls were created by a cleric of asmodeus but cast by a cleric of the Inheritor does that change things? Lokking at Edric and Kioshi, Since we would have the scrolls could you not examine them closely for any duplicity before they are used? If there is an underlying condition then we don’t use them and we are simply out the stone that we can’t use anyways. At best we have raised 4 of my townsfolk from the dead who will likely join our cause, identified a group of assassinsand where they operate for future removal, and did away with an otherwise unsellable magic item,
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Kioshi is skeptical.
”Look Tal, I want these people to come back from the dead as much as you all do! But are you aware with whom you are dealing?! If these assassins want this item then only to spread their evil. More people could die if we make this deal! Your plan is okay but I would rather go in there with the goal to eradicate this sect of assassins!“ he says truly concerned.
So would you rather meet them and try to ambush assassins? That sounds like a certain way to piss them off and have them actively hunt us down. I have no issue dealing with them right now on a straight business deal. Future ramifications we can deal with later even if it means hunting them down.
Sometimes it's nice when no one pays attention to you. Tal hands her a bag of gold pieces with a surprise inside!
As Richard says most of what she believes, she flitters off to an empty pantry room and digs out the tiny chain shirt. Oh, Tal even took her wings into account and added some slits in the back!
She flies back to Richard's side and returns the change to his pouch. "Now, if I can find a weapon..."
Mera frowns, leaning against the wall "What a mess."
Pushing off the wall and circling the room, she says "We are damned either way, no matter what we choose. Inevitably, I think protecting the stone from falling into their hands is too important, no matter the price."
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"I will not be a party to this." Edric says, in a tone that allows for no more discussion. "The Church of Asmodeus and the Red Mantis are anathema to all right thinking people. The only reason for this offer is that they are buying an item which they could use for significant evil and offering this to sweeten the pot. To do a little good at the cost of a greater evil is no good at all. I cannot and will not be party to this. Better that we destroy it or lock it away in Delvehaven once again."
His hand clenches around Mera's as she passes, a sign of just how deeply this matter hits with the normally composed and cheerful cleric. But given his physical and mental scars it is perhaps unsurprising...
Tal sees the look of resolve on everyone’s face including Mera‘s. Sighing at the lost fight Tal says resignedly, I hope you can find an approved buyer for the stone then. In the meantime you can find me at my shop or at my orphanage. It should be ready soon thankfully as it seems it will be needed. Heading towards the door Tal stops before leaving, I don’t blame any of you for what happened down there but still thought that if there was a way to fix it we should. I will go talk to the families and tell them that for the possible future greater good we can’t bring them back.
Sherix frowns as Tal explains it. "Being good isn't easy."
Growing up here watching families cower at night and hustle home for fear of the shadow beasts isn’t easy. Watching Hellknights take people in for questioning on a whim isn’t easy. Watching the nobility feast while others starve isn’t easy. Being in a murder play for the sadistic mayor’s benefit isn’t easy. Raising, or wanting to raise a family here isn’t easy. Nothing is easy Sherix. That is the truth of the matter. Maybe I have a different perspective than the rest of you since I was born, raised, and stayed here my whole life. I see what this place is like when I walk along the road to meet my wife or go to my shop. Westcrown is filled with people that want hope but don’t see any. I thought I could be that hope for them. By bringing back those people we could have given that hope to them. They would have something to believe in again. Yes there are dangers with the assassins and with the cleric of Asmodeous but no less than what we have faced so far in an undead triceratops or vampires. Hell The assassins will find a way to train anyways.
Tired emotionally from the verbal exchange Tal heads out to the smith to works some of his frustrations out on the metal there. Good and evil were philosophical terms that he didn’t put much stock in. He did what he did to make a better life for himself and those he cared about. Both good and evil people did the same. Besides they didn’t know that he knew of the families that lost loved ones even if he didn’t recognize the fallen themselves. Those lives lost were nameless pawns to be used and protect the more important chess pieces.
Finished with his work he heads to the Porter’s, Nielsen’s, Carrowway’s, and Drea’s households to speak with the families. He tries to give them hope for a better future for their families, a promise to take in any orphans, food to those that are hungry and a promise to make those responsible pay for their deeds.
Diplomacy
Before Tal can walk out Mera sticks her arm out in front of him, stopping him "Uhm, excuse me. I was also born, and raised here the same as you. These are also my streets. You are not the only native in town, Tal."
"And so I agree with your statement, but I believe I'm at odds with your intentions. The assassins will do what they will, us providing them this weapon will only slow them down. I would rather that they be forced to find other ways to go about there business, hoping it saves a few lives in the process. Can we stop them all? No, we cannot. But what little we can do day by day helps, and that includes not giving into the weakness they are playing against us. They know we care and grieve and they aim to exploit us for it. We cannot allow this Tal, we must be strong and look to see what could be lost in the future should we equip them with more power."
With that, she will let him leave.
Tal looks at Mera but refrains from retorting at her. Yes she grew up in Westcrown but her version and his were much different. She grew up in minor nobility to the point where she needed a bodyguard and protection. That reality is much different than the reality he was taking about. She never had to worry about food or shelter. Yes she had other worries to worry about instead.
"Tal, when you are going to visit those families, please invite me." Another burp. "Maybe when I am more sober..."
"My uncle was head of the Holysmith family here. I needed his help finding a devil worshipping cult. We worked hard to find the sponsor who kept their meetings secret and supplied their cursed weapons. Westcrown became my second city, thanks to him. We did a lot of good."
"I suspecting something was missing- I needed an outside opinion. So I sought Arael. A kind yet diligent man who gave me access to even more temples of the kind hearted gods. We traced a web throughout the temples, the vagabonds, the harlots, and the fallen. Every lead came to the same two places. The temple of Asmodeus... and the Holysmith household."
"I'll spare you the details of my uncle's downfall. I'll skip ahead to the amount of corruption the Asmodean priests caused. A few symbols here and there. A few key phrases inserted into the Holysmith mottos. A backroom converted into a torture chamber. A summon circle used for divine wisdom but really used to summon and add infernal ranks to their army."
"There were many clues, and I ignored them all because I did some good along the way." Richard frowns. "If we're going to do good we need to do it right." He stands up straight for a moment before burping again. He frowns. "Ugh, I'm no good shape right now. Those deaths weigh upon me. The best thing I can do is to make sure it never happens again."
Tal looks at Richard who was clearly drunk, I am going to the families today. I would suggest you stop drinking before you make a fool of yourself. This is no time for self pity. Sherix came to me to try and cheer you up. I can not. You must do so yourself and stop wallowing in misery. If you really want to make a difference focus on the future and put the bottle away!
You said it yourself just now that you had clues but no action. I am talking about taking action when we can, now. But, this is not the time it seems. When the time is ready you know where to find me.
It has been two weeks since you have left Delvehaven and you have spent the time recuperating from its terrible ordeal. Poor Stryx sill refuses to leave his room! It is getting to be dusk and most folks are returning to their homes to escape the terror of the shadow beasts when suddenly a huge explosion rocks the city! The streets rumble and glass rattles! Suddenly people start screaming! You hear pleas to multiple deities asking for mercy! Some claim it is Aroden returned!
The initial explosion is over soon enough, but what remains behind is even more unusual and disturbing. Five pillars of fire, like stationary tornadoes of flame, spiral up into the sky around the explosion site, trailing into the clouds above and lighting the southern view with an infernal radiance.
"You... asked him to cheer me up?" Richard asks Sherix as he watches Tal leave. "I have been... a dissapointment. He's right. I can't present myself like this." Richard quickly takes his leave.
Richard spends most of his time in solitude, trying to isolate and cleanse himself. He takes the time to get rid of his bottles, although he does enjoy his evening entertainment.
He spends his time visiting the victims of the families, apologizing and doing all he can to help them. He knows he can't help them, but he has to keep his principles. He even tries to talk to Stryx, but it's clear the undead horrors he saw may have scarred him for life. Richard reminds himself to keep here.
Two weeks later, Richard is on his way to a particular woman he enjoys spending time with. Sherix flies after him. "Boss! Boss! Something's wrong!"
Richard is about to ask if he's going to get lectured when a noise rings out. "W-what was that? Come on, Sherix!"
"Those pillars are above Mayor Arvanxi’s manor. This certainly can't be good. Do you see anything else, Sherix? Let's go there immediately, we need to look for survivors!"
Sherix nods. She's glad Richard's spirits are up and he's gotten rid of the bottle.
She speaks much more about the heavens, her mission to uphold the peace, and the many divine agents aiding the Holysmith family for generations. While she doesn't mind the alcohol or the hedonism, she does remind him to keep it in check, overkill is possible.
Sherix also thanks Tal for the armor. He got the chain mail's dimensions down, and it fit her perfectly. Also, his tough love was just what Richard needed: A kick in the pants from one of his allies.
Two weeks pass, and Sherix practicing her acting skills when something worries her. She can't describe it, but... she needs to find Richard, fast!
She flies out of his Inn room, flies down the street, avoids the patrols, waves hi to the kindly beggar, and travels toward Richard's favorite lady of the night. She's nice when she's talking about gardening.
"Boss! Boss! Something's wrong!" She cries out. He's incredulous, of course. He never believes her. At first.
She's proven right, of course, when infernal energy surges forth. She flies out and follows Richard toward Mayor Arvanxi's manor.
She's glad he seems to be back to normal and focused on saving as many as he can.
know local
perception
Tal was half way through enjoying the meal that Lily had made for him. It was a wonderful if simple meal of stew that had slow cooked all day. She started it that morning when he went to the smithy and tended the fire just right. When he met her at the Orphanage she told him to finish the holes for heat as she went back periodically to stoke the coals. She was already home when he got there with the table set and the stew sitting in his bowl with a generous hunk of bread next to it.
When the explosion first happened Tal's first instinct was that of the body guard he was used to being. He jumped up to place himself in front of Lily not knowing at the moment what was the cause. In the silence after the explosion Tal looked and saw with relief that Lily was safe having dived under the table. The house seemed secure and they were in no immediate peril that he could see. However a light was coming from outside that should not be. It was nearing dusk and everyone should be inside. What was that red glow...
Hurrying to the front door Tal looked out in fascination that turned to horror. There in the sky above where the mayor lived was tornados of fire illuminating the sky and everything around it. What turned his blood cold though was the sight of a devilish face rising in the clouds. Lily, I have to go. Help me with my armor please and my pack as I grab my shield.
4 minutes later Tal strides from his house after giving Lily a kiss for luck. Guard yourself and don't let anyone in unless they say 'Areal sends word'. With that Tal hustles down the street on the way to the Mayor's mansion pausing only momentarily to change his appearance to that of a middle aged man wearing peasant clothes. (hat of disguise)
Mera had been spending more and more time training with weapon masters and less and less time with any of the cultural arts that she so loved. The longer she held Edge, the more it had continued to change her. Her love of song had to into lust for blood. She practiced hours and hours a daily with multiple experts, helping her continue to refine her new craft.
When the explosion hit, she had just finished her third lesson of the day and was preparing to bathe and meet Edric for supper. She was hurried to meet him, hoping he knew what was going on and where they needed to be.
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One day you receive note that Kioshi has left the city and only left a letter for you to read.
To the heroes of this city:
I am unbelievably sorry for the loss of life that was caused because of my inexperience and recklessness! I have to admit that I tried to overcome my insecurity and to overcome the guilt but seeing you and your shining example everyday made me understand that I am not cut from the same wood as you are.
I apologize for everything and hope that you will be successful! Mera, Tal, Richard and Edric ... thank you for being the heroes that this city needs.
Your Kioshi
Thank you all! One of the captives speaks up. Me and three of the others here are from Shinnerman’s Fortune.
Another speaks up. Me an' me two friends are prospectors who were working claims upstream. Dang beasts took us by surprise! I thought we were goners when these ogres stopped and did not continue on with the other ogres and prisoners. I think they wanted to eat us!
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Mera finds Edric standing at a window staring across the city towards a huge smoke cloud. Behind him is a table set for two, with plates, candles and an obvious effort at a nice dinner.
"I think dinner will have to wait." He says without turning around, his keen senses picking out Mera's distinctive step easily enough. "There's something out there, and its not good. There was a face in the flames, hellfire. A devil I'd say, and if someone was stupid enough to bind it in the middle of the city... well this is going to go horribly wrong."
As the two leave Edric collects one item he never has before, a golden helmet with delicate filigree'd wings. "Mera, I'd like you to wear this. If this is what I hope it isn't... well, I want you to be safe."
Mera takes the helmet and flips it over in her hands, examining it. "Gold. Exquisitely crafted Edric, this must have cost a fortune. I love it!" she says and throws her arms around him after putting it on. "How do I look?" she says, modeling it of for him.
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"You should be thanking Lux, not me." Edric says, smiling as he clearly takes pride in Mera's happiness. "This is her new form... she suits you wonderfully. Now before you say anything else," He adds, holding up a hand to forestall Mera. "Lux is my familiar and was sent to aid me. And the best way she can help me is by protecting you. I'll be much happier knowing that you are as protected as well as I can arrange."
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Mera is stunned. "Wait, this is Lux?" she says studying it, unsure. "Uhm." she says, holding the helmet. "She wants me to wear her? Is she going to talk to me while I do this?" she asks, placing the helmet on her head.
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"I don't think so." Edric replies gently. "Her bond is with me, not you. But while you wear her she'll grant you protection as best she can. If helps..." He adds, "She can change shape."
At that moment Lux does so, slimming down into a delicate filigree coronet of gold that makes Mera look like a queen. "Look." Edric says, offering a well polished plate as a mirror.
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"Ohhhhhhh." Mera says, admiring the new accessory in Edric's mirror. "I do look good in gold, darling."
She puts her hands on his shoulders and says "I'm sure the city has that explosion under control, why don't we go back to dinner so I can then be your Queen and command you afterwards?"
Mera frowns trying to balance the people getting hurt versus the potential benefits of a fancy dinner and playing Queen Wist-Thrune. She takes his hand says "They'll probably be fine. C'mon, let's go before someone sees us."
Sherix flies towards the area and sees Edric and Mera. She lands on Edric's shoulder.
"Hey, Edric. Hey Mera. Richard is right down the street. We're trying to see if anyone got hurt, and-"
Sherix peers at Mera's crown. "Um... nice... crown?" Sherix peers at it, curiously. "Looks very... regal?"
A few minutes later, Richard arrives to Edric and Mera.
Richard notices the... tension in the air. Sherix seems oblivious. Or maybe Mera's new jewelry is distracting her. Whatever. Lives need to be saved!
"Edric. *pant* Mera. *pant* I haven't seen you in the Theater in weeks." Richard catches his breath. "Nice crown though."
"Alright. We're here. Where's Tal? We need to figure out what's going on with the Mayor's manse."
Mera frowns when Sherix appears. "What a coincidence, we were hoping to run into you." she lies.
She adjusts her crown when compliment, smiling. "Thank you. It really makes my breasts look bigger, don't you think?" she asks Richard, puffing her chest out a little bit in front of him.
"I've been too busy for the theater, love. I have been focusing more on some defense training. Mayor?" Mera sighs, "I suppose we ought to go find that big lump of metal that we call Tal then."
Turning back to Edric, Mera makes a pouty face "Next time, I suppose."
Since Tal's path was only a block away he did make a quick stop at the hideout to see what was going on there. Thankfully he did. Arriving right on time Tal, still looking like a middle aged peasant, hears Mera's comments. Chiming in and not wanting to miss a beat or a chance to get under Mera's skin he adds, No ma'am. It doesn't make your breasts look bigger only your hips.
Smiling Tal looks around to make sure that no one else is really paying any attention to them before he drops his pretense and resumes his normal appearance. I could get use to this hat Edric. Thank you.
Turning serious though Tal nods his head towards the inferno blazing in the sky. Let's get going though unless Areal has something for us. I am sure that this can't be good did any of you see the demon's face in the clouds? I am not sure what that means but it can't be good for Westcrown.
Richard coughs nervously as Mera's bust is thrust in his face. Not that he didn't want a gander but Edric might smite him with the fury of the gods. Also, Sherix would probably yell at him. Thank goodness this stranger broke up the tension.
"Sir? Thank you, but- oh, it's you Tal!" Richard turns to face him, giving a hearty handshake. "I never got to thank you properly. That pep talk we had got me a chance to control myself a bit." He looks up to the sky. "Good timing, too..."
"Well then, shall we head toward the manor? Something tells me the sooner we find out and stop it the sooner the madness will end."
Arael agrees that you should check it out.
You all make your way to where the Mayor's manor stood. The crowds have started to dissipate as people, not seeing anything new happen, go back inside to avoid the shadow beasts.
As you near the manor you see a hastily erected barricade of lumber, wagons, rain barrels, and crates blocks off the street leading into the ruined plaza beyond. Numerous spears and sharpened lengths of wood protrude through the barricade to aim at the plaza, and a stack of wooden boxes and blocks on the left side allow access to the top of the wall should someone wish to drop down into the plaza on the other side.
Six dottari guards man the barricade. You can tell they wish to be anywhere but here! As you approach one calls out. Halt! No lollygagging here! Ain't nothing to see here!
"You're right. Nothing to see here." Richard puts on his killer smile. "You never saw us here."
He waves them off and continues his stride, unopposed.
"Well, I wouldn't denigrate them like that." Sherix plays good cop. "But it's dangerous in there. You should protect the perimeter while we secure the interior, okay?"
"Thanks for keeping the city safe!" She flies by over the barricade.
Tal does stop as he sees the barricade with the dottari standing guard. However unlike Richard or Sherix he tries to get some information from them. What happened here? I was just getting ready to eat when I heard the explosion. Is the mayor alright? We were invited to a banquet with him after Mera Wist-Theune’s perfect performance on stage in The Six-fold Trials of Larazod. Is there anything we can do to help?
Diplomacy aid
Mera says at Richard and Sherix's mediocre attempts. Adjusting her beautiful gold filigree coronet that makes her body voluptuous, she saunters forwards and places a hand on one of the guards "Hello, boys." before blowing them a kiss. "Tell us, what's going on here? Can we help?"
She turns back to Dickey and winks, one-upping him yet again. Turning back to the dottari, she wiggles her rear end for Richard.
Even without her singing, she's still showboating. Richard sighs as he's ignored. Again. Even Tal is doing a good job here!