Cass doesn't sense any sort of foul play. It just seems the two men are cautious and not trusting of a pretty face showing up asking questions without some form of proof.
Nodding, she says "Alright. I'll be right back, just a moment."
She returns to the group and fills them in on what has happened. "I don't think that they are trouble, I think that they don't trust me. We could bring her out, but we'd need to make sure you all can protect her if we do."
"I know if I show up people generally start to get nervous, as if I am a little intimidating, but I can certainly protect her. Just tell me what to do when."
"I feel okay about bringing her out. I think we are capable of protecting her if needed."
Surexeria shrugs. ”Do what ya want,” she says as folds her arms across her chest.
Cassie puts her hands on her hips and summons the nerve to address Surexeria "Look, love. I'm trying to help with the things that I'm good at. I know I stole your thunder, but you could please swallow your pride for a few minutes at least and get on board with making sure she stays safe and drop the attitude? Savvy?"
”Thunder?” Surexeria scoffs. ”You think I’m concerned with getting credit for outwitting some simpletons are the city gate? Please!”
She stands and walks past the bard and others as she says ”I’m more concerned with the fact that I’m working with people who think it smart to send someone else to talk with some old seamen priests when you had an actual ships captain at your disposal! Makes me seriously doubt the presence of foresight and strategy when it comes to properly dealing with House Thrune.”
She heads over to Setrona and says ”Come on, luv. Let’s go talk to these salty dogs and see about finding that cousin of yours.”
She then leads the group back to the shrine alongside Setrona. Once there holds her hands out to her side placatingly and says ”Ahoy, gentlemen! How are we this fine evening’? Pardon the intrusion, but as my associate informed ya we are lookin’ ta find this lass’ cousin! Any chance ya’d oblige us some hospitality?”
Sorix watches, her expression pretty much blank. She then looks at the other Ravens and shrugs as Surexia walks off. ”She does make a good point.” Sorix then follows a cautious distance behind Surexia.
As Surexia chats up the men, Sorix smiles and waves when they look her way.
Mawl is there, staying behind everyone and crouching just a little so as not to look exceedingly large. Attempting to look the wallflower. Not making direct eye contact with the two men, just trying to not get noticed.
Horillo walks in with the three women, he stands between Surexeria and Cassie, hoping to smooth the way and calm the waters between the two. Entering the building he rolls up his sleeve, his forearm baring the holy tattoo of Erastil. He looks around at the shack and the men within it, mumbling "Forgive the intrusion of so many, the journey here can be difficult, there is some safety in numbers. Our friend here is in need of our help, and yours." Though it does little to receive any attention from the men
The group approaches the shrine again, this time with Surexeria leading the way, Setrona right behind. As the much larger group of people approach the men reach for their weapons, but loosen their grip as it doesn't appear to be a hostile attack.
Setrona steps forward and shows the two men a signet ring and the men wave the group forward. One of the men notes "Octavio has been granted asylum in the chambers below, but if you wish to speak to him, you must pass the altar door and meet the challenges below, to prove to Saint Senex you are worthy to speak to a friend of the shrine."
One of them uses their long weapon, sticking it into the back of the alter and you hear a clicking sound, then the two men push the alter aside revealing damp steps that lead down.
Mawl begins down the stairway with the group. A slight nod to the two as if a brotherhood of warriors.
The ceiling of this damp chamber is seven feet high, bolstered by square supports of rough-hewn wood. A shallow pool of water lies in the northwest corner of the room, where a rusty iron ladder descends from a hole in the ceiling above. An iron gate blocks access into a corridor to the east. Piles of sail canvas and jumbled coils of rope litter the stony floor, and the walls, floor, and ceiling have been carved to look like wood. Brown paint clings in patches, and it’s easy to see how the room may have once looked very much like the hold of a ship. To the west stands a statue carved from driftwood depicting a woman dressed in robes, holding the body of a drowned sailor in her arms.
As soon as someone steps more than 5 feet into the room, the statue magically begins speaking to the room.
“Those who would visit the drowned departed must bring to these lips the gift of lung’s bounty, lest my guardian stand before your approach.”
Horillo, sees the statue from the door, cocks his head to the side and wonders aloud, "Now that statue, what's it doing down, here and who is it.Is it from some pirate ship, marooned below or something else." He looks at the women in the group, who to be honest seem to have more about them in the brain power region, if only they could all work together.
Mawl is a little startled by the abrupt start of the statue speaking and his hands go to his sword. He keeps his sword at the ready and thinks, ...'bring to these lips, lungs bounty' "That's air" He thinks aloud. "It probably just wants us to kiss it and blow some air into it."
Surexeria nudges Mawl forward with an elbow. ”Well, go oblige her! Rude to keep a lady waiting!” she says with a wink.
Mawl is a little startled at first, that he blurted out what may lead to opening the way to where they need to go.... Then cautiously he approaches the statue, sword still in hand, taking a deep breath, he leans down and blows into the mouth of the statue. After expelling his air he jumps back ready for whatever happens next.
Horillo sings gently, an homage to Erastil, hoping that the words soothe the woman holding the sailor, whilst Mawl tries to breathe life into the rescued sailor.
"Surexeria has all of the hot air, maybe she should be doing the blowing." Cassie remarks mostly to herself. She prepares for trouble, should it arise from Mawl's blowing.
Mawl bends down, taking a deep breath and presses his lips against the sailors as he releases his breath. After a moment, you all hear a creak and a screech as the gate on the opposite side of the room lifts to clear the way forward. With the gate open, you’re able to proceed down the hallway without issue. It turns to the right shortly after you enter it before turning to the right once again after about another thirty feet. As you near the end of the hallway, you can see a new, dimly-lit room in the distance.
Once you arrive, you can see that this seven-foot-high chamber contains over three dozen human-shaped bundles of sailcloth, each wrapped tightly, sewn shut with heavy thread, and laid respectfully side by side on the cold stone floor. A shallow pool of water lies in the southeast corner, while in the northeast corner of the room someone has set up a camp.
Besides the features of the room itself, the most noticeable thing you encounter is the heavily armored, square-jawed man with close-cropped hair who stands up from behind a small desk near the northeast corner. His gray eyes stare at you fiercely and he says, “These shrouded bodies are those of drowned sailors with no living relations, given a place of honor down here by the grace of Saint Senex.”
Based on what you may know of the Lictor yourselves and what Setrona has told you, you immediately recognize this to Octavio Sabinus. His heavy armor also bears the distinctive marking of the Order of the Torrent.
He continues, “Those who seek Octavio Sabinus have found him. His safe capture, however, is no certain thing.”
He wields a halberd defensively in front of him as he assesses you. He doesn’t move to strike, but also doesn’t appear to trust you in the least. Moments later from behind everyone Setrona speaks up "Octavio, no need to be so rude, we came to make sure you were safe."
Setrona moves up and as the man sees her he lowers his weapon and gives the small woman a smile. Setting the weapon beside his desk he takes a seat and gestures to the area around him and says, “Come, sit. That you are not Thrune’s lackeys is reason enough to talk. I cannot offer more than the cold floor, I’m afraid. I understand why my cousin has come but who are the rest of you, exactly?”
He looks to Setrona who looks to the rest of you not sure what you want to relate. She nods toward as if to say 'You can trust him' but waits for one of you to answer.
”We are some who would see Barzillai lashed and thoroughly bled before tossing him overboard ta swim with the sharks,” Surexeria says as she crosses her arms across her chest and leans against a wall.
The Lictor eyes Surexeria and then the rest of the group but eventually nods "A little excessive but it seems we may be looking toward similar goals, removing Barzillai Thrune from power in Kintargo. While I normally would never condone working outside the law toward overthrowing a legal authority, this is different as Thrune has perverted the laws and bent them to his own bizarre ends. He is a Tyrant who hides behind the law and causing suffering to those he rules over."
The man considers things a moment before looking to you all and asking "So you are all just friends trying to take down Thrune? Do you represent some sort of organization or are you trying to do this on your own, because if you are on your own, I don't know how much of a chance you stand..."
Mawl begins to answer without thinking of the complexities of communications--politics, perceptions, hidden agendas. "We are a group of friends that have formed a formidable team. We have found other groups that have the same goals and we have joined with them to work together, each where we are talented..." He stops talking abruptly as he just realized he's not very good at keeping secrets, and he is certainly not a good choice to communicate with anything but his sword.
"My friend speaks for us all, our ranks are growing with like minded folk, we have struck blows against the tyrant, though there is much more to be done. If it were not for Setrona, I doubt we would entertain an alliance with Knights of the Order, but your sister is a great aid to us. If we can repay her kindnesses, it is a debt we owe her." the cleric adds, smiling at Setrona.
The man eyes you all a moment as Mawl and Horillo speak. "I've heard rumors of such. If you are seeking to join groups together that have issues with Thrune then perhaps we can come to an arrangement. If I’m to throw in with you though, I need two things. First, I need to know that my surviving armigers are safe. Second, I need to know that your 'group of friends' are more than thugs who seek to fight in the streets - I need to know you can exercise subtlety and work at least partially within the bounds of the law to solve problems when such an option exists. As it so happens, this is a perfect chance for you to accomplish both goals."
“What I have in mind is finding out what happened to my armigers and rescuing them without causing more violence. I strongly suspect that my armigers are being held in the Holding House. If you can engineer their freedom, I will be more willing to act openly against Barzillai. And…”
Octavio struggles to continue for a moment, before finally saying, “And I will join this 'group of friends'. I will be even more ingratiated to you if you can accomplish this mission with subtlety.”
Lictor Octavio seems to have more to say about the mission, but he stops himself and instead says, “Before I continue, are my terms agreeable? I don’t pretend it will be easy or that it won’t be dangerous, but I need to know you’ll try to rescue them before I give you more specifics.”
"I can guarantee that we will rescue them or die trying. I would need to talk with my team first about the agreement as I cannot necessarily guarantee the subtle part. I have difficult being subtle and my party members are exactly what I need for direction and the more subtle aspects of resistance." Mawl steps back a little to allow for the more diplomatic party members to take over.
Cassie's is unsure if she should be speaking for the party as a whole yet. She's the newest member of the group and at least one of her new companions has been critical of her opening her mouth. She risks a few words, not going too far.
"Good day, Octavio. My name is Cassie and I can assure you that the sum of these parts are more than capable of accomplishing the tasks you have outlined here before us. Each of us brings an incredible set of unique talents that go far beyond the extraordinary. We understand subtly and discretion when it is required and do not shy away from dangerous and difficult."
She backs off before pressing her luck too far and agreeing outright to the proposed terms.
Horillo smiles at Surexeria, "Let me introduce our companion here, I can assure you she is an intelligent woman, who is perhaps most adept at subtle approaches. As a country boy myself, I don't possess the more intriguing talents used by city folk." the cleric continues. "But I will do my best to rescue those who are imprisoned by Thrune. Already those imprisoned in the Salt Works at Kintargo have been freed. We can do the same for your companions, though we will need to have some proof to take with us that we are acting on your behalf. Your men have fearsome reputations as Hellknights, we don't want to seem antagonists." the cleric follows Lictor Octavia's reaction to his words and Surexeria's words and actions.
Surexeria tips her hat at the Lictor. ”Yeah. I can do my best ta get yer boys out all quiet like, but if push comes to shove, I’ll not risk their or my life on the sake of a fools errand of quiet exits. If the safest way out proves to involve a small ruckus, then that’ll have to suffice.”
The Lictor nods "I understand and wouldn't expect you to put your people's safety above being stealthy, but I would expect that with enough planning and forethought you should be able to devise a means to deal with this, without violence. Now, for what I know that might be of assistance in your planning. First, as you noted, some proof that you are there to help my armigers."
He stands and unstraps a sword from his belt handing it over to whomever wishes to take it. "This was my mother's mithral short sword. Not only will it help you against any devils you may encounter in the days to come, showing it to the armigers and explaining that it was my mothers should be all that is needed to convince the prisoners you are allies."
As he takes a seat again he continues"The way I see it you have three primary approaches. First; force, but this is the riskest option and likely would draw undo attention which is why advise against it. You would likely have to deal with the full force of the guard there and any reinforcements they can muster. Plus, these are mostly just people doing their jobs and don't deserve to die."
Second; Stealth and subterfuge, though this depends as much on luck as it does on timing and planning. While getting in may be easy enough, sneaking a bunch of prisoners back out may prove more difficult. Only dottari or official members of the government are permitted inside. The Torrent used to be allowed entry other than as prisoners… so I imagine the Rack are allowed entry as well. There are no hidden passages. That would be too easy, wouldn’t it? There are only two entrances - the main double door entry to the processing room, where all prisoners go through before being placed in a cell. There’s also a single door entry to what’s known as the “Welcome Mat.” The room serves as a lounge for guards and as a general meeting place. Even if you are successful in extracting the prisoners this way, a prison break could draw some unwanted attention to your 'group of friends' activities."
"Finally, there is straight up trickery. This likely has the strongest chance of success. Using the government's own overly complicated rules and regulations against itself. This would be my suggestion to take. However, you would need to secure a set of forged transfer papers and present them to Sabo, the warden. As long as they pass her inspection the guards are unlikely to suspect a thing and there is pretty much no chance it would draw any unnecessary attention to your group. The trickiest parts of the forgery would be the seal and signature. You’ll also need to cite each armiger by name and by their prisoner number. The numbers you should be able to obtain simply by asking around. As for my armigers, Thrune would undoubtedly have imprisoned them all, but you would need to confirm this. The four are Benjen Preveau, Hortense Lierre, Ilsani Aberveen, and Kasston Auruda."
The Lictor looks to you all having said his peace, waiting to see if you have any follow up questions.
Cassie hesitantly looks towards Surexeria before speaking up. Oh get over it already! She doesn't own you or run this group. Speak your mind, girl!
Clearing her throat she steps forward and says "We'd like to avoid the force option foremost. The other paths may devolve into force eventually, so we should not set out on that path initially."
"While I like the second approach the best because it has the most upside for the least amount of conflict, I worry that some of us are not best suited for a quiet approach. Though as you mention, we may be able to make our way through it."
"The third option does seem to have the highest likelihood of success, as you mention. Let us confer among and we will come to a unified decision on approach."
"Before we do however, what further can you tell me of these four armigers beside their names?"
"It sounds like you know the Holding House well, a map of its rooms and structure would be helpful, and if you can map its surroundings too, might allow us to at least seem familiar enough to trick some of Thrune's lackeys. I doubt I have much skill in trickery, though I have a holy symbol of Asmodeus and acolytes attire to help fool the gaolers." the cleric says somewhat disappointedly.
When Cass asks about his armigers the Lictor shrugs "Are you looking for something specific? I mean they are Hellknights. They follow orders and the work hard. They don't deserve to be locked up or worse, depending on what Thrune's plans are."
As Horillo speaks up he nods "I can draw you a map of the inside." He shuffles through some papers before pulling one out, dipping an ink pen into some ink he starts to scribble out a map.
"I like the third idea myself, but of course, I'll go along with whatever the group decides."
"Thanks, Lictor" says the Horillo as he accepts the map. The cleric his head down, says quietly to the two women, "Surexeria, Cassie, as far as I know neither Mawl, Sorix nor I have connections to skills that might aid the creation of documents. If we can do that, we might be able to trick our way in and out. It would be the safest, if we succeed. Cassie and Surexeria, would you be able to get the information that the Lector says we need for success. I can help with prayers to Old Deadeye, though the teachings of the hunt and family, help little with deception." he shrugs, worry lines across his brow.
The Lictor chimes in when Horillo suggests they don't have the skill to create a forgery "I may have a resource you could reach out to if none of you are capable of forging the documents. It wouldn't be my first choice as we've had to fine her in the past for forging documents but I suppose as long as you don't specifically mention who you are trying to help you might be able to convince her. Desperate times I suppose..."
He shakes his head to himself as he continues "Her name is Ruba Fenquay. She runs a scrivener’s shop in Old Kintargo, a hand-painted sign proclaims out front, “Ruba Fenquay: Notarius, Copyist, Reader, Translator.”. Should be easy enough to find."
"That sounds like a great idea and a good contact to have given the circumstances. We should make our way to her."
"I have some skill in the, um, recreation of documents..."
Horillo raises his eyebrows at Sorix's sudden outburst, "Gosh ..."
"Still might be helpful to visit Ruba though. She might have some resources to help."
Nodding her head, she thanks the lictor. "Excellent. We may pay Ms. Fenquay a visit to see if she can assist. I appreciate the additional information and guidance. If we are unable to get these documents created to satisfaction, we know where to turn."
The Lictor nods "Very well. I will remain here under the protection of the shrine, which in addition to its remote local has magical barriers to keep anyone wanting to use magic from locating me here. I will await word of your success."
”Alrighty then! Let’s hop to and ship out!” Surexeria says as she tips her hat to the Lictor before turning to leave the underground portion of the Shrine.
As you ready to leave Setrona moves over to give her cousin a hug as she notes "Be safe."
You start to make your way back toward Kintargo. Along the way Setrona proclaims "Thank you all for helping me make sure he is safe. I know he is a bit rigid and gruff, but if you can get him on your side I'm sure he will be a valuable asset to your goals."
"Despite my initial thoughts about Hellknights, he was a reasonable and straight man. If like you Setrona, a man we can trust with our lives. I know we will do what we can to get his men free."
As they approach the city once more, Horillo asks Cassie a Or do we have a backup plan?nd Surexeria, "Can you get us through the gates again?" As he asks he places the holy symbol of Asmodeus around his neck and brings out the text of the devil god. "Might not be a real disguise, at least it shows that I'm not against Thrune outwardly. Might help ease our way through."
He thinks a short while, "Have we got a backup plan should our ladies fail? I could ask Erastil for another blessing, a prayer to bring a mist around, should we need it. It will take an hour to prepare. I've not been in this position much, though I will need to get used to it." he smiles.