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"I have nothing but respect for the Inheritor. That is my main concern, in fact. Many in Cheliax still hold great deference towards Iomedae, or at least Aroden's memory. Do you not think your involvement here might reflect negatively on your peers elsewhere in the empire? Action is well and good, but you are in the rare position where talk might serve you better..."
The man looked to the side, asking with genuine curiosity, "I know that the Shining Lady has hands in this lands, but what do you mean? Is there a role you think Arael should take rather than lead a revolution?"
"You might want to ask her personally. Not that we were afforded the same courtesy..."
The man paused, thinking and waiting for Arael's response.
"I agree with Naberius. I would no more answer for her reasons than I would for yours. When we recruit, we guess what the reasons would be for someone joining us, but more often than not, it ends up being something entirely different."
"I would assume the rose symbol she owns has something to do with it," the masked man answered slyly, knowing well the significance. "Which goddess might that be? That said, what are you searching for most when you go for recruitment?"
Once the last word escaped his lips, he found himself before the abandoned house he knew.
"Well what do you know, we're here already," the man said with an open smile that showed in his voice. "Time does fly when you're having fun."
He took the two unconscious tieflings, and headed upstairs in the low-middle class stone-and-wood house. Grabbing a chair and rope, he secured both, and left one in each room, away from shouting distance from one another, before heading to the leader, Palaveen, first. Bound securely, deprived of his armor, weapon, and unholy symbol.
Raveen prayed it was enough, and that the cleric did not have a desperate spell in mind. The tiefling began to stir, and the first thing he noticed was the masked man before him, sitting with calmness and composure.
Bound to a chair looking around at each of you, Palaveen laughs giddily. "Yesterday I was the head of my own criminal organization, and today I am tied to a chair to die a slow painful death. Very well, ask your questions, as I assume that is why I am still alive. Maybe I'll answer, maybe I won't."
"Now, now, Palaveen: this is no time for self-pity," the masked man replied quietly. He paused for a moment, and then said, "I hear you have ancient blood in your veins. You carry yourself with enough dignity to show it."
"I call myself Cathas, Palaveen of Mammon," the masked man said, before Palaveen can interject, placing a palm on his chest in a friendly manner.
"And I am a man with a few questions, as you so astutely deduced. I wish to learn about you: tell me about yourself. You claim an ancient lineage, correct? We can start from there."
The man looked to the side, asking with genuine curiosity, "I know that the Shining Lady has hands in this lands, but what do you mean? Is there a role you think Arael should take rather than lead a revolution?"
Naberius thinks for a brief moment before replying, "As I said, there are not many people in Cheliax who can speak their mind without fear of retribution. Arael has the potential to serve as a counterbalance to the crooked scales of justice, as it were. It may not seem like much, but it is certainly more beneficial in the long term than a hundred failed rebellions. By involving himself here he is throwing away that possibility. Not all of us have that choice, and I feel that such action should not be taken rashly. I am sure rushing around saving peasants from petty criminals is very satisfying in its immediacy, but it does nothing if there is no plan beyond it..."
Turning back to Arael, he says, "Raveen is right to point you to look at the bigger picture. If this little rebellion is to lead to anything but ruin, there need to be leaders after, leaders who can deal with the empire without the stain of having taken part in sedition. People who can act with a degree of legitimacy. Public figures in good standing, respected by all. As a representative of Iomedae, you should not be skulking in the shadows. There are those here who were created for that role, it seems, and others who have little choice in the matter. I doubt the Inheritor wants you to indulge in your own need for heroics, instead of accepting real responsibility. That requires more than a few acts of vigilantism. Less action, and more words. There are relationships that need to be built to secure alliances and access to resources, and preparations that need to be made to ensure the safe transition of power..."
The conjurer seems to trail off, realising how impassioned his little speech had become.
Do not get too involved, you sentimental fool! This campaign was doomed from the start, as all others before it. Focus on survival...
Naberius settles into a corner of the room behind Raveen, facing Palaveen. He leans wearily on the wall, prepared to assist as needed.
The wizard clears his throat and speaks up, "As a scholar of the infernal, I too am quite interested to hear more of your heritage. This is a rare chance indeed! Not many of kind can claim to have the blood of an archdevil flowing in their veins. It is no wonder you came to lead the others, and inspire such fervent devotion. It was in their nature to kneel before their betters..."
The words of hollow praise came easy enough, though it had been some time since Naberius had been part of the courtly life of Korvosa. Ten long years of hardship, and look where he was now...
Palaveen puffs up his chest at the flattery and for the moment, he forgets that his doom is eminent.
Who are you? Where are you from? What is your parentage?
With an air of superiority the tiefling answers, I am Palaveen, great-grandson of Mammon and I have lived here in Westcrown all my life.
Who are your allies (Tieflings)? Where did you know them from?
My allies are my tiefling brothers and sisters. Where did I know them from? Of course, ones of yourself would ask that. Are we that invisible to you? We are doomed to lives of discrimination, despair and loathing, living in constant shame. It was not hard to recruit my brothers and sisters to extract payback to those who have wronged them. Tell me, did you spare any of them or did you slay them all?
What were you after in your thefts?
Palaveen laughs at the question. Revenge against those that have wronged us. The coin and goods were just a bonus. For example, just recently we paid a visit to...uh..I believe their name was the Hammersmiths. They refused to sell any of their weapons to tieflings under any circumstance. We paid them back and made them suffer for their arrogance.
If something particular, did you find what you were looking for?
Palaveen laughs again. I believe you heard how the Hammersmiths were found? Good riddance to them! Palaveen spits on the floor.
If after wealth, who did you target?
Why those that had it and were guilty of prejudices against my people. How long before other tieflings come for you? Out of all the thieves, why is it you picked the one run by tieflings first?
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"I am Palaveen, great-grandson of Mammon and I have lived here in Westcrown all my life. "
The masked man interlaced his fingers, and didn't speak, waiting for Palaveen to elaborate.
If he didn't, the masked man prompted, "Does the Archdevil's blood flow from...the maternal or paternal side of your family?"
My paternal side. I guess you could say that my mother debased herself with my father and their dalliance is now my shame. the tiefling says with a wistful sigh.
Palaveen shakes his head negatively. No. Fiends are not too tolerant of 'half-breeds' so he thought I would be better off among you 'civilized' people. Little did he know or care that you all are as about as tolerant as fiends when it comes to us.
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My allies are my tiefling brothers and sisters. Where did I know them from? Of course, ones of yourself would ask that. Are we that invisible to you?
We are doomed to lives of discrimination, despair and loathing, living in constant shame. It was not hard to recruit my brothers and sisters to extract payback to those who have wronged them. Tell me, did you spare any of them or did you slay them all?
"I will rephrase my question, then," he said calmly. "Are they all from Westcrown? Did you know of them growing up, or did they join you once you began your work? Quayzark and Prashana, or Vethamer, for example," he said, waving off names casually, looking away.
He doesn't know who survived, the poor devil-spawn. I wonder what he feels like--other than self-pity.
We really are that invisible to you, then Palaveen says with obvious disgust. How is the view from your righteous mountain-top? I did not need to go outside of Westcrown to recruit. I had plenty of brothers and sisters from which to recruit from. I just wish that my little organization grew to include them all! If the coun..uh..things had gone differently I would have! Quayzark and Prashana? They were disappointments as recruits. More into each other than the cause. That is why I gave them a job of least importance. Vethamer and his brother, Ostengo? Now those were recruits. If I had an army such as them, I would be drinking wine from the skull of Aberian Arvanxi right now!
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"We really are that invisible to you, then. How is the view from your righteous mountain-top? I did not need to go outside of Westcrown to recruit. I had plenty of brothers and sisters from which to recruit from. I just wish that my little organization grew to include them all! If the coun..uh..things had gone differently I would have! Quayzark and Prashana? They were disappointments as recruits. More into each other than the cause. That is why I gave them a job of least importance. Vethamer and his brother, Ostengo? Now those were recruits. If I had an army such as them, I would be drinking wine from the skull of Aberian Arvanxi right now!"
Raveen gave sad grin on the 'disappointing recruits' remark. I know the feeling.
"'If the Council had given more substantial aid', I suppose you meant to say," he said, shaking the previous thought from his head, standing up. He turned to Naberius, tilting his head to him in silent communication.
The wizard shakes his head.
Why were you so vicious in your tasks?
Because we are victims of the most vicious forms of racism and degradation. We repaid in kind.
Arael mumble Fiendish scum! and starts to grip the hilt of his longsword.
Tell me of your childhood. What were your parents like?
Palaveen smirks, It was fun! My parents took me to the park often to play with me, hired bards for my birthday party and sent me to the best schools! He then turns serious, My Father abandoned me and once my mother got over her 'rebellious phase' she dropped me off at an orphanage that specialized in others of 'my kind'. I heard she had married a merchant and is living happily in Sandpoint with her human children.
Tell me of your tiefling friends. What are they like?
They, like me, are outcasts from your 'civilized society'. You blame us as a problem, but if you want to know the true source of the problem, take a look in the mirror. Of course you would have to remove your masks, both figuratively and literally.
What is the lineage of your friends?
Funny that you keep using that word ‘friends’. My fellow tieflings are not ‘friends’, we are just those united in a common goal. It is hard to form ‘friendships’ when for your whole existence, you are told that you are worthless at best, an abomination at worst.
Why were you so vicious in your tasks?Because we are victims of the most vicious forms of racism and degradation. We repaid in kind.
Arael mumble Fiendish scum! and starts to grip the hilt of his longsword.
Naberius steps closer Arael, awkwardly putting his hand on the cleric's shoulder to calm him down.
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"Because we are victims of the most vicious forms of racism and degradation. We repaid in kind.""Fiendish scum!"
"Arael, we will handle this. We will inform you of any developments," the masked man said, not looking from his quarry. "Please guard the others."
Tell me of your childhood. What were your parents like?Palaveen smirks, It was fun! My parents took me to the park often to play with me, hired bards for my birthday party and sent me to the best schools! He then turns serious, My Father abandoned me and once my mother got over her 'rebellious phase' she dropped me off at an orphanage that specialized in others of 'my kind'. I heard she had married a merchant and is living happily in Sandpoint with her human children.
"That's funny, Palaveen. I like your spirit," the masked man said dryly, making a mental note to inquire about tiefling orphanages.Apparently, his mother is not of significant ancestry. That's one question I didn't have to ask.
Tell me of your tiefling friends. What are they like?"They, like me, are outcasts from your 'civilized society'. You blame us as a problem, but if you want to know the true source of the problem, take a look in the mirror. Of course you would have to remove your masks, both figuratively and literally."
"I never blamed anyone for anything, Palaveen," he replied calmly. "You are trying too hard to divine our intentions in attacking you. You don't know why we we attacked you."
What is the lineage of your friends?"Funny that you keep using that word ‘friends’. My fellow tieflings are not ‘friends’, we are just those united in a common goal. It is hard to form ‘friendships’ when for your whole existence, you are told that you are worthless at best, an abomination at worst."
"I am sorry," he said softly, correcting his terminology. "What is the lineage of your comrades-in-arms? Do any of them share blood with you or another significant patron? Do any share blood with the nobles of Westcrown?"
Ostengo, for one, must have some reason for his mutation--unless it was his sorcery.
"Arael, we will handle this. We will inform you of any developments," the masked man said, not looking from his quarry. (Please assume I've marked the tiefling with my check.)"Please guard the others."
As the cleric starts to head to the door he turns to Raveen and Naberius. Just be sure this one's honeyed tongue does not cause you to sympathize with the fiend!
A slow smile appears on Palaveen's face. Arael was it? I will remember that. He will be among the first of you I will get my revenge on.
"That's funny, Palaveen. I like your spirit,"
Ooh and I like yours! Why don't you two remove your masks and tell me your real names? You, 'scholar of the Infernal', have nothing to say? Are you afraid? Do I make you afraid? When you two go to sleep at night, make sure you check under your beds for fiends! He laughs at you two and then with a grin says, BOO! and laughs some more.
"I never blamed anyone for anything, Palaveen," he replied calmly. "You are trying too hard to divine our intentions in attacking you. You don't know why we we attacked you."
You never blamed anyone for anything, but I doubt you gave a tiefling any charity either. I do know why you attacked us, we are tieflings, for your kind that is reason enough!
"I am sorry," he said softly, correcting his terminology. "What is the lineage of your comrades-in-arms? Do any of them share blood with you or another significant patron? Do any share blood with the nobles of Westcrown?"
Perhaps, but we are not so fond of our lineage as you. For most, our lineage is shameful and many don't even know it. My father might have sired many tieflings, but for some reason it was I he imparted my connection to Mammon. Of course fiends have been known to lie, right scholar?
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"Arael, we will handle this. We will inform you of any developments," the masked man said, not looking from his quarry. "Please guard the others."As the cleric starts to head to the door he turns to Raveen and Naberius. "Just be sure this one's honeyed tongue does not cause you to sympathize with the fiend!"
The masked man nodded, turning to Arael before he left. I must guard my tongue against another slip.
"You said that your repaid your enemies in kind," the masked man said, turning back. "Who was the person you threw to the rot grub? Another uncooperative trader?""That's funny, Palaveen. I like your spirit.""Ooh and I like yours! Why don't you two remove your masks and tell me your real names? You, 'scholar of the Infernal', have nothing to say? Are you afraid? Do I make you afraid? When you two go to sleep at night, make sure you check under your beds for fiends!" He laughs at you two and then with a grin says, "BOO!" and laughs some more.
The man said nothing to that, but grinned under his mask. This guy...
"I never blamed anyone for anything, Palaveen," he replied calmly. "You are trying too hard to divine our intentions in attacking you. You don't know why we we attacked you.""You never blamed anyone for anything, but I doubt you gave a tiefling any charity either. I do know why you attacked us, we are tieflings, for your kind that is reason enough!"
"Tell you what," he said. "Once we're done talking, I will tell you my own reason for attacking you. Remind me when the time comes, all right?"
At least, as a reward for your cooperation, he thought."I am sorry," he said softly, correcting his terminology. "What is the lineage of your comrades-in-arms? Do any of them share blood with you or another significant patron? Do any share blood with the nobles of Westcrown?""Perhaps, but we are not so fond of our lineage as you. For most, our lineage is shameful and many don't even know it. My father might have sired many tieflings, but for some reason it was I he imparted my connection to Mammon. Of course fiends have been known to lie, right scholar?"
Another dead end, the man thought. Though then again...better to be disappointed than to be surprised.
The masked man turned to Naberius.
"Arael, we will handle this. We will inform you of any developments," the masked man said, not looking from his quarry. (Please assume I've marked the tiefling with my check.)"Please guard the others."As the cleric starts to head to the door he turns to Raveen and Naberius. Just be sure this one's honeyed tongue does not cause you to sympathize with the fiend!
Naberius lets go of Arael's shoulder as he storms out, letting out a sigh.
Far too hot-headed...
The masked man turned to Naberius.
The conjurer decides to remain silent, rather than allowing himself to be provoked by the tiefling. He shakes his head at Raveen.
"You said that your repaid your enemies in kind," the masked man said, turning back. "Who was the person you threw to the rot grub? Another uncooperative trader?"
Don't know him, don't care. But he did provide the boys with some entertainment. Have to keep the troops occupied you know!
"Tell you what," he said. "Once we're done talking, I will tell you my own reason for attacking you. Remind me when the time comes, all right?"
Will that be before you kill me or while you kill me? the tiefling says evenly.
Quayzark and Prashana stare at Janiven, Monday and Tuesday. We will answer any questions you have. Why must we wait for the other three? Quayzark asks. Agreed! interjects Prashana Palaveen can be a little long-winded, his interrogation could be a while!
Ermolos greets Tal as he starts to make his way home. Did you see much combat in there? We didn't see any out here. I was hoping to put some of what you taught me to use. I don't think Arael and Janiven have further need of me. Mind if I accompany you? I would love to here about the fight and besides, if we encounter any shadowbeasts, two swords are better than one!
"Yeah! We don't have to wait on them, you didn't with us anyway." Monday chimes in while sidling up next to Janiven.
"Or were you hoping they'd come back before something else happened?" she purred.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes Tuesday remains at attention. He keeps his arms crossed but he doesn't lean back against the wall for this interaction.
What is the Council of Thieves?
The tiefling pales a bit at the question. If you have to ask, then you shouldn't know. The council does not like its secrets told, in fact I don't know much about them.
What is your relationship with them?
I had no relationship with them. I was working on that when you all interfered and now I'll never join them. Thanks a lot! Palaveen adds sarcastically.
How did you come across them (or vice versa)?
I made inquiries and then they contacted me. I was hoping to show myself useful The tiefling says wistfully.
How did they supply you?
Through a man named 'Beck'-Not his real name I assume. They wanted to see how well I did with what they gave me. I suppose you didn't spare the flaming wolf skeletons, eh?
What were their orders?
There were no orders. Just for them to see what I did with what they gave me. They seemed to not appreciate my efforts. I am sure even less so now.
Both Tieflings smile at Monday while Janiven looks confused. What did you have in mind? Prashana says with a smile.
Monday gets her usual wolfish grin as she starts to slide a finger up Janiven's spine. "The same thing I always have in mind."
Forfeiting any usual sarcastic expressions he possessed the Phantom arches an inquisitive brow at their boss.
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What is the Council of Thieves?The tiefling pales a bit at the question. If you have to ask, then you shouldn't know. The council does not like its secrets told, in fact I don't know much about them.
"Let me rephrase that, then," the man said. "What do you know about them? Spare no detail."
Other than being a legendary thieves' guild, there must be something--especially since everyone believes them to be undone.What is your relationship with them?"I had no relationship with them. I was working on that when you all interfered and now I'll never join them. Thanks a lot!"
"Judging by this," he said, waving the letter of rejection from the Council, being as thorough as possible. "They seemed to consider you a source of good old-fashioned chaos. What do you believe were they pushing you to do?
"Did they mention targets to hit? People to avoid? Did they suggest for you to do or refrain from doing something in particular?"How did you come across them (or vice versa)?"I made inquiries and then they contacted me. I was hoping to show myself useful," The tiefling says wistfully.
How did they supply you?"Through a man named 'Beck'-Not his real name I assume. They wanted to see how well I did with what they gave me."
Thank Norgorber, a name!
"And how did this Beck contact and direct you?" he said evenly. "Did you ever meet him?"Even if merely letter correspondence (as is hinted), that is still a trail we can follow.
I suppose you didn't spare the flaming wolf skeletons, eh?"
The masked man shook his head, and then said, "If it is of any consolation to you, I'd say you got your money's worth: they were very vicious.
"Although had you used them for purposes other than defense, they might just get too excited and uncontrollable. It never helps to overreach. Speaking of dogs...those hounds you had. I don't believe I've seen such a breed before. Where did you get them?""What were their orders?""There were no orders. Just for them to see what I did with what they gave me. They seemed to not appreciate my efforts. I am sure even less so now."
"It seems that was the problem, Palaveen: what if the reason the Council were not as appreciative as you would wish is that you never took the steps they wanted you to do?" he said, before pausing. "Think: have they not hinted at something? Mentioned a person who is 'inconvenient'? I presume they might have also helped fund you--rarely does one spend all that money and effort on a nobody."
I'm flattering Palaveen more than all my teammates combined! By Erastil...
TAl looks at Ermolos and gives a small smile. Ermolos, I would count myself lucky that you did not see any combat. While the stories are glorified the reality is usually dark, dismal and horrifying. Yes we had multiple combats but none of them were what I would call story worthy. In 2 occasions I faced skeletons that had fire coming off of them that burned me so bad that I almost died even though they never touched me with their claws. On both occasion it was all I could do to just survive. I say this not to quell your spirit but to give you the strak reality of it.
I do enjoy sparring and the ebb and flow of combat. I train so that when I do see combat I am ready and can protect myself and my companions. If we could fix this city without fighting I would be one of the first to applaud. However I know that is not the case so I take up arms and armor to help. You too wish to help and should we both be found in a fight together then I will appreciate your ability to stand with me. It sounds confusing but I while I never want to see that happen I know that if we continue to train gp together then we will both be prepared together and will be victorious.
"The same thing I always have in mind."
Oh boy! Janiven exclaims, Perhaps I should wait outside until you are all...um...finished.
"Let me rephrase that, then," the man said. "What do you know about them? Spare no detail."
They are a secretive bunch and you must be invited to be an initiate. I was hoping to be one until you all ruined my plans. If you wanted to know so much about them, you should have kept my Bastards alive and let us continue our work. I have an even better idea. Why don't the three of us start a new Bastards of Erebus. Maybe we can become initiates together and you will have your answers. What say you? You will probably get more wealth than you would with Arael. Right? That is his name.
"Judging by this," he said, waving the letter of rejection from the Council, being as thorough as possible. "They seemed to consider you a source of good old-fashioned chaos. What do you believe were they pushing you to do?
Isn't it obvious? To prove myself worthy of their attention.
"Did they mention targets to hit? People to avoid? Did they suggest for you to do or refrain from doing something in particular?"
Nope. The targets were my own. I guess they wanted to see what type of initiative I had.
"And how did this Beck contact and direct you?" he said evenly. "Did you ever meet him?"
No, not in the flesh, only through letters
"If it is of any consolation to you, I'd say you got your money's worth: they were very vicious.
Palaveen laughs. Not vicious enough or else our roles might have been reversed!
"Although had you used them for purposes other than defense, they might just get too excited and uncontrollable. It never helps to overreach. Speaking of dogs...those hounds you had. I don't believe I've seen such a breed before. Where did you get them?"
Beck sent us a letter where to find them and the next day, that is where they were. I used a control undead spell and they made perfect pets.
"It seems that was the problem, Palaveen: what if the reason the Council were not as appreciative as you would wish is that you never took the steps they wanted you to do?" he said, before pausing. "Think: have they not hinted at something? Mentioned a person who is 'inconvenient'? I presume they might have also helped fund you--rarely does one spend all that money and effort on a nobody."
No! It was all to see what type of leader I would be and I guess what I would bring to the table. They just haven't recognized my talent yet he thinks for a moment or I guess ever.
Ermolos bites his lip digesting all that Tal had said. I think I understand. I hope that you will continue to spar with me. You all have given thin movement new life. Before we were 'weekend rebels' if you will without any training or skills, but since your arrival, we know have something to aspire to. You might not hear it often, but Thanks!
"The same thing I always have in mind."Oh boy! Janiven exclaims, Perhaps I should wait outside until you are all...um...finished.
"What?! No!" Monday pleads as her eyes go wide, stepping in front of Janiven she rests her free hand on the woman's hip while keeping her other hand at the small of the fighter's back. "You work so hard, you should relax every now and then, lest you get burnt out..." she says as she slides up against her, looking up at the strong woman with hungry eyes.
Tal softens at Ermolos trying to get rid of the harshness that he may have had previously. Thanks for the compliments Ermolos. Of course I will continue to spar with you. I will hold my word as well that one of these days that I do not need to escort Mera around the group does not need me either we will go down in the sewers and clean out some goblins or rats. There will be little glory but the fighting will be real and by cleansing the sewers we can make it safe for others to use them. If it seems like we are in too far though you must listen and agree to retreat with me covering our backs. For now though I think that we need to just get myself home and relax. You should be able to spend the rest of the night at my place so you don't have to worry about travelling at night. Sound like a deal?
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"Let me rephrase that, then," the man said. "What do you know about them? Spare no detail.""They are a secretive bunch and you must be invited to be an initiate. I was hoping to be one until you all ruined my plans. If you wanted to know so much about them, you should have kept my Bastards alive and let us continue our work. I have an even better idea. Why don't the three of us start a new Bastards of Erebus. Maybe we can become initiates together and you will have your answers. What say you? You will probably get more wealth than you would with Arael. Right? That is his name."
"It is not a question of money," the masked man said with a sigh, before moving on to the next step. "You cannot provide me with what I want--and I presume I could speak for a few others."
The bastard has some character and exerts some control, to say at least.
"Did they mention targets to hit? People to avoid? Did they suggest for you to do or refrain from doing something in particular?""Nope. The targets were my own. I guess they wanted to see what type of initiative I had."
"They didn't tell you to avoid a noble or strike a certain storage? Nothing?"
Chaotic indeed! he thought grimly. That's all there is?"And how did this Beck contact and direct you?" he said evenly. "Did you ever meet him?""No, not in the flesh, only through letters"
Damn. I can still work with this. I think.
"So you never met or had any face-to-face contact, then," he returned evenly."So how was it? Did they place letters in a specific place?"Please don't tell me they anonymously sent them through street-children.
"If it is of any consolation to you, I'd say you got your money's worth: they were very vicious.Palaveen laughs. Not vicious enough or else our roles might have been reversed!
The man turned to his friend , smiling faintly at the silent, vigilant conjurer, What do you think of this guy?
"Although had you used them for purposes other than defense, they might just get too excited and uncontrollable. It never helps to overreach. Speaking of dogs...those hounds you had. I don't believe I've seen such a breed before. Where did you get them?""Beck sent us a letter where to find them and the next day, that is where they were. I used a control undead spell and they made perfect pets."
"I meant the hell-hounds... But since you brought it up: where was that place they left the skeletons in?"
It must be a secure place under them to leave undead skeletons. Such a place would have clues."It seems that was the problem, Palaveen: what if the reason the Council were not as appreciative as you would wish is that you never took the steps they wanted you to do?" he said, before pausing. "Think: have they not hinted at something? Mentioned a person who is 'inconvenient'? I presume they might have also helped fund you--rarely does one spend all that money and effort on a nobody."No! It was all to see what type of leader I would be and I guess what I would bring to the table. They just haven't recognized my talent yet, he thinks for a moment or I guess ever.
I don't know why, Raveen thought, looking at the dejected tiefling. But I feel sorry for you.
The man turned to his friend , smiling faintly at the silent, vigilant conjurer, What do you think of this guy?
It is rather hard to get a read on a silent man wearing a mask, but Naberius meets Raveen's gaze with another shake of his head. He pointedly flips out his pocket watch to check the time.
We are wasting our time with him.
"What?! No!" Monday pleads as her eyes go wide, stepping in front of Janiven she rests her free hand on the woman's hip while keeping her other hand at the small of the fighter's back. "You work so hard, you should relax every now and then, lest you get burnt out..." she says as she slides up against her, looking up at the strong woman with hungry eyes.
Janiven sighs. I'll stay, but we do have an...uh..interview to conduct. She smiles at Monday Now if you were me, what would you ask them?
Ermolos smiles at Tal. It is a deal on all counts sir! Thank you for inviting me to spend the night! He had heard about Lily's hospitality and was looking forward to spending the night somewhere in a place that felt like a home. Ermolos thought back to his Da before he disappeared and remembered his home life the way it used to be and a wistful smile crossed his face.
"It is not a question of money," the masked man said with a sigh, before moving on to the next step. "You cannot provide me with what I want--and I presume I could speak for a few others."
Palaveen looks at Raveen like he has just said the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. And I was beginning to think you were a smart one. Let me give you a valuable lesson before you kill me. Money rules the world! You don’t need fancy titles or pedigrees. With enough coin you can hire a sellsword army and take over any place you want! If my brothers and sisters had more coin, do you think we would be treated as shabbily as we are? I think not. You might think you have noble ideas, but it is coin that gets things done, boy!
"They didn't tell you to avoid a noble or strike a certain storage? Nothing?"
What kind of leader would I be if I needed to be told what to do? I am sure they want those that can make decisions and earn.
"So you never met or had any face-to-face contact, then,”
Nope. I am sure that he did not want me to be able to recognize him if I proved unworthy. Palaveen lets the statement hang in the air.
]"Very well. How did you exchange correspondence? They took the trouble to send their rejection multiple times, apparently, which means that (to a certain degree) they wish to keep contact.
"So how was it? Did they place letters in a specific place?"
We had a drop spot right outside the hideout. Never could catch anyone picking up the notes as much as I had tried. I am sure they will soon know that the Bastards are no more if they don’t already. They always seemed to know things.
"I meant the hell-hounds... But since you brought it up: where was that place they left the skeletons in?"
I am sure you found the building that I left a pair of them in?
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"It is not a question of money," the masked man said with a sigh, before moving on to the next step. "You cannot provide me with what I want--and I presume I could speak for a few others."Palaveen looks at Raveen like he has just said the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. "And I was beginning to think you were a smart one. Let me give you a valuable lesson before you kill me. Money rules the world! You don’t need fancy titles or pedigrees. With enough coin you can hire a sellsword army and take over any place you want! If my brothers and sisters had more coin, do you think we would be treated as shabbily as we are? I think not. You might think you have noble ideas, but it is coin that gets things done, boy!"
"Like I said--when we're finished, you may ask me my purpose. You might be intrigued."
"What kind of leader would I be if I needed to be told what to do? I am sure they want those that can make decisions and earn."
"Nope. I am sure that he did not want me to be able to recognize him if I proved unworthy."
"We had a drop spot right outside the hideout. Never could catch anyone picking up the notes as much as I had tried. I am sure they will soon know that the Bastards are no more if they don’t already. They always seemed to know things.
"Perhaps they would," Raveen said, bitterly thinking, If this is true...then they've almost got away. They are very cautious--almost as much as I am.
The masked man processed this information, and stood up from his chair.
"Please wait here," he told Palaveen. "This will not take long."
1. Palaveen's ancestry seems legitimately fiendish to me--but the significance of this is small, since the rest are not also of his blood. That is a dead end.
2. The group is just a group of petty thugs who stumbled upon a bigger fish, gathered by Palaveen. Palaveen does not like Aberian, but said nothing significant about him. Dead end.
3. The Council gave them a lot of weapons and gifts, but are not even monitoring their work--at least, so far as Palaveen could see. They either lost interest, or got what they wanted already. The contact a Beck person (a person whom I am not familiar with). So far, this is a dead end.
4. I still have questions regarding how to contact the Council--but they are cautious, and covered their tracks well. I hope that this will not be a dead end."
He stood silently for a moment, and then added, "I suspect we'll have an easier time raiding Abadar's Vault than getting any secrets from him. I will continue my interrogation regardless, but before then, I must ask. Arael--Naberius: do any of you have ideas or questions?"
"Oh, you know... what are you two's plans now, what do you bring to the table, some more irrefutable ways we can trust you?" Monday murmurs as she leans up against the taller woman to get her lips onto her neck.
"1. Palaveen's ancestry seems legitimately fiendish to me--but the significance of this is small, since the rest are not also of his blood. That is a dead end."
Naberius scoffs, "He provided nothing substantial to corroborate his claims. From what we have seen, he has an exorbitantly bloated sense self-worth. It is far more likely that he used his knowledge of the Infernal Order to fabricate the entire story, in order to impress his peers. It seems to have worked out for him, until now..."
"2. The group is just a group of petty thugs who stumbled upon a bigger fish, gathered by Palaveen. Palaveen does not like Aberian, but said nothing significant about him. Dead end."
The wizards nods. He says, "Yes, as I understand there are very few people who like the Lord Mayor. If he is anything like his daughter, I do not blame them..."
"3. The Council gave them a lot of weapons and gifts, but are not even monitoring their work--at least, so far as Palaveen could see. They either lost interest, or got what they wanted already. The contact a Beck person (a person whom I am not familiar with). So far, this is a dead end.
4. I still have questions regarding how to contact the Council--but they are cautious, and covered their tracks well. I hope that this will not be a dead end."
He stood silently for a moment, and then added, "I suspect we'll have an easier time raiding Abadar's Vault than getting any secrets from him. I will continue my interrogation regardless, but before then, I must ask. Arael--Naberius: do any of you have ideas or questions?"
The conjurer sighs tiredly and muses, "Well, we confirmed what I already suspected: Palaveen was merely a tool. He might have served a purpose for a time, but as his correspondence indicated, he had already been discarded before our involvement. If there was any greater plan behind what he was doing, he was obviously purposely kept ignorant of his true part in it. Feel free to keep trying, but I suspect that the vault you are trying to break into has been empty from the beginning. As you say, this Council is operating in a very sensible manner. This is only to be expected considering their supposed venerability. The group would hardly be the subject of local legends if they left such easily trackable leads, would they? They certainly seem to know what they are doing, whoever they are..."
He studies Raveen for a moment, and asks, "Are you quite certain you wish to meddle further in the matters of such an organisation? That seems... unwise."
"Like I said--when we're finished, you may ask me my purpose. You might be intrigued."
I don't know if anything would intrigue me at that point but the method of my death.
I'm sorry for being unclear, DM. I'm asking him where he got the hell-hounds. Once he hears his response, Raveen will do the following.
"I suspect we'll have an easier time raiding Abadar's Vault
"Oh, you know... what are you two's plans now, what do you bring to the table, some more irrefutable ways we can trust you?" Monday murmurs as she leans up against the taller woman to get her lips onto her neck.
Surprisingly, Quayzark turns serious. We actually want a better life for ourselves. All our lives we have been told it is not possible, and I am sure our former, fearless leader would agree to that. In fact that is how he recruited us by preying on our shame, our feelings of unworthiness. Love is a foreign concept to tieflings as we do not even trust easily, but surprisingly, Prashana and I have found it! If we can find love, maybe we can find some sort of respectibility leading honest lives.
Prashana adds, Look, we don't know what your revolution is about, but the fact that you did not kill us outright and EVEN wanted us to be a part of your band spoke volumes. We felt you were judging us as individuals and not by our heritage, and for that we will try to earn that trust you have placed in us.
Janiven wipes a tear from her eye.
Monday actually stops her fondling of her boss at the tiefling's outburst. Smiling serenely as they finish she turns her face back up to Janiven? "Anymore questions for Prasha and Quayzy?"
Underneath his scarf Tuesday smiles too as the duo air their righteous indignation.
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Naberius scoffs, "He provided nothing substantial to corroborate his claims. From what we have seen, he has an exorbitantly bloated sense self-worth. It is far more likely that he used his knowledge of the Infernal Order to fabricate the entire story, in order to impress his peers. It seems to have worked out for him, until now..."
...
The wizards nods. He says, "Yes, as I understand there are very few people who like the Lord Mayor. If he is anything like his daughter, I do not blame them..."
...
The conjurer sighs tiredly and muses, "Well, we confirmed what I already suspected: Palaveen was merely a tool. He might have served a purpose for a time, but as his correspondence indicated, he had already been discarded before our involvement. If there was any greater plan behind what he was doing, he was obviously purposely kept ignorant of his true part in it. Feel free to keep trying, but I suspect that the vault you are trying to break into has been empty from the beginning. As you say, this Council is operating in a very sensible manner. This is only to be expected considering their supposed venerability. The group would hardly be the subject of local legends if they left such easily trackable leads, would they? They certainly seem to know what they are doing, whoever they are..."
The rogue nodded, flipping his sketchbook closed, and throwing it into his pack.
He studies Raveen for a moment, and asks, "Are you quite certain you wish to meddle further in the matters of such an organization? That seems... unwise."
"Wise or not, it is necessary," the rogue returned calmly, observing his pack, and ruffling through its contents. "Tomorrow morning, word will run that an new order has risen in the back streets of Westcrown. If they didn't hear about us yet, they will soon."
He then said, dropping his pack, "Considering our plans for this city, we are bound to either be natural rivals or natural allies. The sooner we know of where their hand reaches, the better it is for us. We're entering the criminal-ridden underbelly of this Westcrown, and acts performed without intelligence will end us very quickly, and very quietly."
With Naberius's opinion noted, he signaled for him to the door. "It's time for another round."
This bastard better give something useful, and fast.
But on the outside, behind his masked face, his voice was calm and collected, as he sat before the tiefling leader.
"Let us continue."
"Wise or not, it is necessary," the rogue returned calmly, observing his pack, and ruffling through its contents. "Tomorrow morning, word will run that an new order has risen in the back streets of Westcrown. If they didn't hear about us yet, they will soon."
He then said, dropping his pack, "Considering our plans for this city, we are bound to either be natural rivals or natural allies. The sooner we know of where their hand reaches, the better it is for us. We're entering the criminal-ridden underbelly of this Westcrown, and acts performed without intelligence will end us very quickly, and very quietly."
Naberius nods and says, "Yes, of course it is prudent to be prepared. I could not agree more. Still, you might be overestimating our current importance. Investigating this too aggressively might do more to attract the Council's attention than our recent actions. As always, I urge you to practise constraint if you wish to pursue this further."
With Naberius's opinion noted, he signaled for him to the door. "It's time for another round."
The wizard follows, taking his place at the back wall.
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Naberius nods and says, "Yes, of course it is prudent to be prepared. I could not agree more. Still, you might be overestimating our current importance. Investigating this too aggressively might do more to attract the Council's attention than our recent actions. As always, I urge you to practise constraint if you wish to pursue this further."
"Of course. For now, all we are doing is a (quite fruitless) interrogation," the rogue said briefly.
"Wait. You are more knowledgeable than I in matters of other realms," Raveen amended before entering the room in a soft undertone. "If he ends up...a little on the not-alive side, will he return as a devil? Is ending him a bad idea?"
"Wait. You are more knowledgeable than I in matters of other realms," Raveen amended before entering the room in a soft undertone. "If he ends up...a little on the not-alive side, will he return as a devil? Is ending him a bad idea?"
The conjurer shakes his head. He explains, "After a few centuries, perhaps. Most likely a lot longer than that, but it is impossible to predict exactly. The process is largely outside mortal understanding. The torments of Hell are manyfold, and not all of them end with induction into the ranks of devilkind. At best, the result is total annihilation of the soul. At worst..."
Naberius pauses for a moment, and then motions to the interrogation room.
"...let us continue."