Sev blushes and and stutters as he offers up the information he'd discovered to the rest of the group. He's a mixture of excited and terrified, still not used to addressing groups of people. Because he's able to read much of the information directly from the texts, his stutter is almost unnoticeable and he's much easier to understand.
On the way back to the safehouse he's nearly ecstatic. I was actually able to help! He thinks to himself with an inward smile.
When the group begins to actual discuss their plans, he finds himself hesitant again. Information was one thing, experience was another.
"Wh-what about the sewers too? Where we m-met the first one? We know they travel through there." He frowns and rubs one of his wrists as he thinks. 'The information said they d-d-don't like complete darkness. I-if we can find an abandoned building w-with lots of w-windows, we might be l-likely to lure on there."
He waits quietly for the others input, worrying himself with all sorts of dangerous scenarios that might pop up.
|
Faustinia creases her forehead on the way back to the safe house. It was frustrating not being able to find anything herself, and Catina and Lorenzo proved to be thoroughly novice researchers. It wasn't their fault, of course; Faustinia simply felt the sting of her own failure to guide them properly and research at the same time. Sev, though... His findings were impressive, but it only brought up more questions about his past. She had assumed him a simple servant - perhaps this success was luck, or perhaps the halfling was hiding his abilities as a skilled researcher. He hadn't really divulged anything about himself (and their new allied group of well meaning criminals had explicitly given their blessing to that secrecy) and Faustinia couldn't help but wonder what she didn't know about the nervous "servant."
Faustinia finishes her stew after Lorenzo, having taken her time and minded her manners, making sure all of her utensils (what few there were) sat in all the correct spots. She dabs her mouth with a napkin before adding her own thoughts on the plan. "I can indeed conjure lights. Between Catina and I, I'm sure we'll be able to provide what we need. We may want to hold off on casting those until we're actually in the shadowgarm's presence, and stay in the dark until then. I don't think we should risk the graveyard - as Sev discovered, if we find any there, we're likely to discover many of them as well as undead creatures. As much as it would be noble to tackle that particular blight, I doubt we could survive that.
”The sewers are a better option, since it would likely be the territory of just one creature. However, we don't want to get lost down there. Not to mention the torbles and goblins and who knows what else. I think Sev has the right idea: we can find a decrepit building on the north side of the city - somewhere with enough people that a shadowgarm would hunt there, but not so many that we would likely encounter anyone else, especially dottari.” Faustinia punctuates her approval with a polite nod to Sev. Her eyes linger on him just a bit too long as if she's trying to discover his secrets with a look, but she turns back to the group at large before it becomes too impolite.
”Here's what I propose: we head north just before sunset, then setup a makeshift camp in an empty building likely to have lots of dark corners. We stake out the streets and try to find a creature from there for the night. Perhaps we could have groups of two walk around the building together while the other two stay inside, in order to lure out one of these beasts. When it shows up, Catina and I can make sure there's light enough to slow it down, and we engage it. Assuming we survive, the only left is to transport its corpse to the drop off. Perhaps we can borrow a cart or something.”
Catina nods at Faustinia's suggestion. On second thought, the idea of spending the entire night close to a graveyard does not sound too enticing. "But, but... If we go there just before sunset, will we have to stay there the entire night, waiting until the next morning before we can safely leave?"
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Faustinia nods gravely. "Correct. Wherever we hunt for this beast, we will have to be out at night. I imagine we will also have to move quickly in order to bring its corpse to the drop off before morning. Perhaps once we have completed that step we can flee back to the safe house. If we do this, there aren't any options without risk. I hope that I have proposed a plan that mitigates that risk while getting the job done as best as we can."
Faustinia leans back into her chair and takes a deep breath. She looks each of her compatriots in the eye worth purpose, as if to embolden them and draw strength from them at the same time. She continues, "I'm of course open to investigating other avenues, but I think this will work. Lorenzo, could you borrow a cart from your employer? Surely there isn't need for masonry at night. Or we could call on Gorvio's uncle again, for a cart and work horse. Unless anyone has any other ideas?..."
Catina looks quite miserable, but keeps a brave face. "Just to be sure. When you say when we have get back before morning, you mean after sunrise, right? Or we'd have to face many more shadows..."
She looks to Sev. "Should we take tomorrow to scout for suitable places, Sev? I'm sure you'll be able to more around without drawing attention, and I've gotten pretty good at that, as well."
Sev averts his eyes as Catina talks to him, still not sure how to handle being part of a group.
"Y-yeah, I c-can help look tomorrow. I'll get up and clean early in the m-morning so I can be done by the time we leave."
He briefly worries that moving through the city might risk him being seen, but he doesn't want to stop being useful to the group now and makes up his mind to join Catina in finding a suitable place to lure their target.
Faustinia leans back into her chair and takes a deep breath. She looks each of her compatriots in the eye worth purpose, as if to embolden them and draw strength from them at the same time. She continues, "I'm of course open to investigating other avenues, but I think this will work. Lorenzo, could you borrow a cart from your employer? Surely there isn't need for masonry at night. Or we could call on Gorvio's uncle again, for a cart and work horse. Unless anyone has any other ideas?..."
Lorenzo had second thoughts, "Well, I'm officially unemployed right now so I don't think it would be a good idea to ask my former boss for a favor."
He quickly added, "I could if necessary. it's not like I didn't leave in good terms but I rather try and get something from Gorvio's uncle."
He summarized the plan, "So, we scout out an out of the way abandoned house and wait for a shadow beast to appear. We hunt it, kill it, and bring it back for a reward. Why do we need to bring it back before morning? Will these things disappear under sunlight?"
Catina gives Sev a quizzical look when he talks about cleaning up, but she refrains from asking him about it. He was allowed to live her, wasn't he? So I suppose it's only natural that he chips in. She looks happy at the prospect or spending some time in the city with the halfling. "Good. I hthink we can find something suitable."
When Lorenzo summarizes the plan, she can't find any fault in that. "Well, we were supposed to lay low for a while. Crossing the city in broad daylight with a shadowgarm in a cart wouldn't really qualify." She giggles slightly at the idea. "We're supposed to drop off the body right at dawn, I think, so people find the body. Arael will make sure the right people know if was us. At least, that's what I though we were supposed to do."
She turns the idea of the cart over in her mind. "Sev, didn't you say that shadowgarms aren't that big? Just about five foot tall and the weight of a very think person? That would mean we may not even need a cart. A wheelbarrow or something might be enough. And that would be a lot easier to get hold of."
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Lorenzo had second thoughts, "Well, I'm officially unemployed right now so I don't think it would be a good idea to ask my former boss for a favor."
He quickly added, "I could if necessary. it's not like I didn't leave in good terms but I rather try and get something from Gorvio's uncle."
He summarized the plan, "So, we scout out an out of the way abandoned house and wait for a shadow beast to appear. We hunt it, kill it, and bring it back for a reward. Why do we need to bring it back before morning? Will these things disappear under sunlight?"
Faustinia nods toward Catina as an answer before saying, "That's about the scope of the plan as I see it, yes. I don't know if the shadowgarm's corpse dissolves in sunlight or anything like that - honestly it wouldn't surprise me - it's more that we want to be rid of it as as soon as possible. Unless you wanted to do your own research on it, but I think we've got more pressing issues. Not to mention, whether its flesh is more material or shadow, it likely won't have a pleasing smell when it starts to rot."
She nods at Catina again. "Sure, a wheelbarrow could do it, too. We'll just make sure to bring an extra blanket or something to cover it. And make sure you all bring proper clothing - cloaks and such to keep warm and keep anonymous." She smirks, remembering something. "Or maybe Arael will have our little group's uniforms ready by then. Who knows?"
Now that the plan is established, you all go back to your homes. Before you leave, Arael approaches you and smiles reassuringly. “Here” he says as he hands out four crimson armbands made of silk, “We decided these are going to be part of our uniforms. We have not come to an agreement about our uniforms yet, but we’re sure these armbands are going to be part of it. I believe it would be good for you to wear them in your shadow hunting mission”. The armbands are simple and designed to be tied around your left arm, at chest’s height.
You have a whole day to prepare for the shadow hunting mission.
---
The next morning, Catina and Sev reach Parego Dospera in the hope of spotting a good hunting place for the night that could double as a hideout for the dangerous night spent in the ruined portion of the city too.
The Parego Dospera (“Despair’s Altar”) refers to the abandoned ruins and downtrodden slums of the northern shores of Westcrown. The roads are often in disrepair, and running in the Dospera invites a twisted ankle or a broken leg, leaving one fair game to the many threats in its shadows. While the northern sector is entirely a ruin, only kept in vague control by the sureshots of the rundottari on the walls around it, the southern rego acts as the buffer zone between it and “civilized” Westcrown. It’s precisely this buffer zone that Catina and Sev get into.
They walk for several hours the rough paths of Parego Dospera. They see few people living there, and fewer guards patrolling the area. As a result, they come across a wide variety of humanoid misery, from vagrants to disreputable men. A drug dealer even offers them some illicit substance to buy “at a fair price”, but they manage not to get into any trouble thanks to Catina’s diplomacy and Sev’s altertness.
Finally, the strange duo spots a good place where to hide into for the night: a ruined wooden building, its interior hosting only a few broken chairs and several blank parchment sheets scattered across the floor. A fireplace in the eastern part of the small, single-story building might have been the cause of a fire resulting in the house being abandoned by its previous occupiers. The building is surrounded by a rough road and other ruined structures.
---
After completing their task, Catina and Sev get back to the “civilized” part of the city in order to inform their companions of the place they’ve found. Once everyone is ready, the group departs several hours before sunset in order to be able to reach the ruined building and access Parego Dospera without arising too much suspicions from the guards at the Parego gates. The group has to lie about its true purposes, of course, but its members get the clear impression that the guards at the gates don’t really care about their health, as long as they don’t infringe any laws.
Once the group reaches the ruined building, its members enter it. They wait inside until the night crawls on Westcrown, its freezing, skinny hands enveloping the ruined building where the group is hidden into.
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Catina looks incredible proud at having received the armband. "Thank you, Arael. We will wear them with pride." She carefully tucks the piece of cloth in her pouch, discusses the details for Sev for where they will meet, and then says her goodbyes. She hurries back to the temple, thoughts racing on the task they're about to undertake, and on how she'll balance her work with the new group against her committments at the temple.
--
Catina spend most of the morning with Sev in silence. She had hoped to be able to get a bit closer to the halfling, maybe get him talking a bit, but the misery in the half-ruined part of the city gets her down. She'd known it was bad, but this just made her realize why she usually avoided it. It also reinforced her drive to get this done. Something had to be done. "Wouldn't it be wonderful, if we could actually do some good for the city, to see the people here back to a decent life instead of this squalor?"
--
As they are about to depart, Catina checks everything she's brought: Working clothes in which she could move easily (and that would fit in perfectly in the Parego Dospera) her armor worn over the shirt but hidden by the thick cloak, the potions they had found and been gifted, and her temple glaive, wrapped up to avoid questions.
As they set up in the ruined building and wait for sunset, Catina is visibly nervous, which makes her chatty. "Do you really think this is going to work? What if no Shadowgarms show themselves? Or what if lots of biggers ones show up?" She repeatedly recognizes that such questions will do no good, forcing herself to be silent by closing her eyes in prayer and fiddling with her bracelet. "Lorenzo... If we do spot the Shadowgarm. I've prayed to Shelyn for shelter this morning, against evil. If we have to confront it face to face, I know you'll probably be first to face it. So I'll cast the blessing on you before you go. OK?" She fidgets with her bracelet again. "So, we should stay in the total dark here, shouldn't we? So the Shadowgarm doesn't want to come in. It'll stay out, where it's dim. And then, when we spot it, we go out, and Faustinia and I will weaken it with out light." She unwraps the glaive and shudders (though not from the cold), thinking of the last time she thought about using it, and how it had nearly cost her life. She looks out through a crack in the wall, and for one of the first times in her life, she's happy for the infernal part of her that grants her darkvision.
Lorenzo was keenly aware of his disadvantage of seeing in the dark. He just could not do that very well. And although he trusted Catina and Faustinia to be ready to conjure up light, he still wanted some sort of independence. So he took out some of his gold and acquired three sunrods, hoping not to have to use them.
"Lorenzo... If we do spot the Shadowgarm. I've prayed to Shelyn for shelter this morning, against evil. If we have to confront it face to face, I know you'll probably be first to face it. So I'll cast the blessing on you before you go. OK?" She fidgets with her bracelet again. "So, we should stay in the total dark...
The paladin nodded and smiled as Catina showed concern for his well being, "Yes, I plan on being the first into battle and your prayers will be welcomed."
He pulled his cloak a little tighter to ward off the cold and waited for the darkness, "I plan on going out if we don't find anything anything in the first couple of hours. I'll serve as sort of bait if you will. You should not be too close to me during that time so it may be best if you cast your spell beforehand. I don't want you to be bait."
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Despite the cloak she's brought and the old blanket wrapped around her, Faustinia shivers in the cold. Her eyes flick from the view of the surrounding rubble-strewn street to the empty bottle she borrowed from her house's kitchen, ready to receive the oily remains of a shadow creature. She nods in agreement with the plan, trying to keep her teeth from chattering. "I think this plan will work. Or, in any case, it's the best one we have at the moment."
She suddenly shoots a look at Lorenzo, her eyes boring into him with a serious expression as she summons the words she wants to say. "You're brave to go out there alone. It's that sort of magnanimous sacrifice that reflects the nobility in your veins. Either that, or it's the foolhardiness of youth." She's silent for a beat, sighs, then continues. "What I'm trying to say is... thank you, Lorenzo. I hope this works, and know that we'll be here to support you."
The group waits for a couple of hours inside the ruined structure. The night is cold and every now and then the building produces some creaking, eerie noises, but nothing shows up, apart from a couple of tiny rats making their way in the building and leaving it as quickly as they came in as soon as they spot the group of do-gooders. You expected Parego Dospera to be frightening at night, and the experience of sit in an abandoned, ruined building waiting for something to happen in the darkest hours of the night proves even more terrifying than expected.
After a few hours of waiting, the group decides to send Lorenzo out as a bait. The young paladin lights up one of the sunrods he bought on his way to Parego Dospera and ventures outside alone while the others keep a close eye on him through a broken window in their shelter.
Lorenzo walks for a few minutes in the ruined streets of the abandoned district, his sunrod’s light glowing in the darkness. Suddenly, he hears the sound of something crawling towards him. As he turns in that direction, he fails to see the threat he expected, but as soon as he makes a step in that direction his eyes fall upon an amorphous creature loosely resembling a cross between a large snake and an insect. It has black oily skin, and parts of its very flesh blend seamlessly into the shadows. Its constantly moving, writhing form makes it difficult to identify from a distance, but now that the creature is at a distance of approximately 15 feet from him, Lorenzo identifies it as a shadowgarm. No doubt the creature is coming his way, and is likely to attack him. Fortunately, Lorenzo’s sharp sight allowed him to become aware of the threat before too late.
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The shadowgarm does not waste any time and attacks. The amorphous creature moves toward Lorenzo, covering the distance separating them at an unexpected speed, then reaches for him with one of its shadowy claws. With his shield behind his back and unable to use it to protect himself, Lorenzo’s flesh is ripped by the creature’s assault.
The attack transfers a swath of cold black slime onto Lorenzo’s flesh. This slime causes a growing numbness and lethargy in Lorenzo’s body. As it turns out, the shadow slime of the shadowgarms was not only a myth.
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Shadowgarm √
Lorenzo
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Numbness crept over his muscles where the slime touched him.
With his shield on his back, Lorenzo relies on the Lady's weapon to attack. He makes sure the thing was rotten at its core and then calls down his faith's inherent goodness on it.
He swings with his blade, hoping to lop of the thing's head.
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Sev appreciated the cleric's silence in the morning. Even as he fiddled nervously with his new armband, he realized he was growing more comfortable with his freedom and his growing friendships. When she finally does talk, he looks at her nervously.
"I-I didn't realize p-people actually lived t-this way until I started wandering the city on my e-errands." He frowns as he looks around and compares it with the lavish household he'd served in. "It would be wonderful if w-we could help. I h-hope we can."
Sev sits quietly as they wait for any sign of their prey. He's so nervous he can't even speak and he mostly just nods at anyone who speaks in his direction. When Lorenzo leaves to go find it himself, he wants to go too, but he's too nervous.
When he hears the combat begin he jumps and looks at the women. "L-let's go! H-he needs our help!" He squeaks and waits just long enough for on of them to produce some sort of light before running toward Lorenzo.
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"Got it," Faustinia says as the shadowgarm approaches Lorenzo, just as planned. She barks a quick set of syllables and makes a motion with her hand, snapping four orbs of light into existence around the shadow creature.
She then starts picking her way through the rubble, calling out, "We're coming! Hold tight, Lorenzo! It should be slowed down now!"
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Once the decision is made to send Lorenzo out, Catina's chattyness makes way for an eerie silence. She explains that her prayer's aren't yet powerful enough to last long, and that she wouldn't want to waste them. She apologizes twice, for having to send out Lorenzo without divine protection. The night has frazzled her nerves, and she again turns to prayer for comfort.
At her spot looking out, Catina only notices the shadowy creature when it's about to strike. She shrieks involuntarily, and quickly clasps a hand in front of her mouth to stifle the sound. The next moment she throw open the door to the ruined cabin and darts off, glaive in hand. She looks back at her companions, an elderly woman with a walking stick, and a nimble halfling on short legs. Not wanting to leave Lorenzo alone with the creature, she pushes herself forward at maximum speed, trusting in her perfect eye sight to get her across the treacherous terrain.
As she looks ahead and is about to call Lorenzo, her foot snags on something and she loses her balance. "Aah!"
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Lorenzo’s sword slashes through the shadowgarm’s strange, amorphous flesh, almost tearing it apart completely with a single hit. In the meantime, Lady Faustinia conjures some magical lights around the battlefield while Catina and Sev try to reach Lorenzo.
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The shadowgarm counterattacks immediately, leashing out with its three clawed appendages. Lorenzo deflects the first and dodges the second, but the paladin cannot avoid being hit by the third one. The shadowy claw delves deep in the paladin’s flesh, almost causing him to fall to the ground. Fortunately, his body is able to fight against the shadow slime effects, not allowing the substance to further affect his agility.
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: dancing lights (9 rounds remaining)
Shadowgarm √
Sev
Lorenzo
Catina
Faustinia
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Darkness seems to envelop the paladin as the shadow beast tears into him. With his last bit of strength, he prays to the Lady for another chance.
He swings his blade and calls out weakly to his companions, "I got one..."
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Catina hits the floor hard, but she spots the red armband next right next to her face, from her arms flying up as she fell. She immediately scrambles back to her feet and keep moving as fast as she can. "Hang on Lorenzo, we're nearly there."
Having reached Lorenzo, Sev stares, just for a moment, at the shadowgarm, with nothing but fear, and his heart starts raing but he knows what to do. After that last battle he understands that he can actually be of some use to his friends and he moves to attack faster than he might have expected.
Using Lorenzo as a sort of cover, he crouches low and creeps to the right as he draws his bow, hoping to get the creature caught unaware.
Sev's arrow darts towards the shadowgarm, piercing the creature's shadowy flesh. The shadow beast, already injured, is delivered the final blow by Sev as it starts shrieking and writhing. After a few moments of agony, the shadowgarm turns to nothing but ectomplasmic remains. Lady Faustinia moves closer to the place where the shadowgarm died and uses her empty bottle to collect the creature's ectoplasmic remains as a proof to show their bold deed.
---
The group spends the rest of the night in the decrepit, abandoned house in Parego Dospera. Each member of the group takes watch in turn, but nothing scary happens, apart from some eerie noises coming from the outside and a single woman scream piercing the silence of the darkness during Lorenzo's watch turn.
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Still shivering from the encounter and his near-death experience, Lorenzo nears Catina, "Can you uh... hold my hand and do what you do? I'm nearly spent."
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Once everyone is up, Lorenzo comments, "I heard a woman scream but nothing else so I didn't wake any of you? Anything interesting on your watch?"
He stretched his lower back, "I should be getting home and check on my sisters; what's the plan for the rest of the day? We should inform the others of our success."
Catina rushes over to Lorenzo, tears welling up in relief as she sees him and Sev vanquishing the shadowgarm before it overcomes Lorenzo. She hugs him tightly, then gently traces a hand with long slender finders across his wounds. "Yes, of course," she babbles. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't even in time to grant you the blessing we spoke about. You... you really did it. You defeated one of the shadows!" She suddenly realizes that she's babbling, and hasn't even healed Lorenzo yet. "Shelyn, blessed Lady of the arts, please grant me your strength, so that I may heal this brave man's wounds. He fought for a better life in the city here, as do we all." She traces Lorenzo's wounds again, and watches them vanish. Shortly thereafter, she casts her prayer to bring light, using it to make her bracelet glow. She holds it to the wounds, watching for the shadow slime to disappear.
Back in the ruined building, Catina blinks, staring at the bottle. "So, we really did it, didn't we?" She sighs with relief. "Now we'll just have to stay here, until dawn..." She shivers.
--
Catina has trouble getting back to sleep after her watch, but eventually weariness overcomes her. Once she's woken, she recalls the events of that night, figuring out the importance of what they've done. Lorenzo's words bring back memories of her watch, but she addresses first things first. "Arael told us that we'd have to leave the shadowbeast's corpse on the garbage stoop outside the tavern across from the old Lerounge estate. I suppose the bottle should count as a corpse, so we'd best stick to those instructions."
She hesitates for a moment, then adds "I thought I saw some people walking outside during the night. I don't know how that could be, though... with the shadows lurking there. And they had... Well, they were like me, it seemed."
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Faustinia runs a handkerchief over the side of the bottle she holds, now filled with the strange black remains of the shadow creature. She shakes off black drops of ectoplasm from her hand, frowning with visceral disgust before sealing the jar and casting a cantrip to clean herself off. She maintains some distance from Lorenzo and Catina, letting them have some space to deal with Lorenzo's wounds.
---
Faustinia wakes up restlessly, dark circles under her eyes. She moves less purposefully than usual, not used to sleeping without a bed and not having immediate access to her usual coffee and breakfast. "I hope this doesn't become a particularly regular activity for us..." she mutters as she prepares her things and checks on the ectoplasm-bottle (wrapped in cloth to keep the dawn's light off it). "Catina, as long as no one saw us last night - or at least, no one decided to do anything about us hanging around - then I think we call this a success and get in touch with Arael tonight. I'll drop off the 'corpse' and we can all meet back at the safe house later. For now, I've still got work to do at the estate. And I could use some coffee..."
Sev barely registers that it was his arrow that felled the beast. He's too worried about Lorenzo, but thankfully Catina takes care of him quickly and the young man seems fine. He watches, mystified as the slim remains of the shadowgarm fits within a small bottle.
In the morning Sev looks at Lorenzo when he mentions the woman screaming and wonders what had stopped the paladin from rushing to check on her, but he doesn't say anything about it.
"I-i'm sure everyone would like to know we s-succeeded." He says quietly. "If w-we're splitting up, I can just tell the rest when I get back to the t-temple. S-s-since I live there." He shrugs and gets ready to finally exit the terrible building with everyone else.
When the sun rises, the group leaves the abandoned house and quickly reaches the "civilized" part of Westcrown. After that, the group splits and each member goes on his way. Lady Faustinia makes a stop on the garbage stoop outside the tavern across from the old Lerounge estate in order to leave the bottle containing the ectoplasmic remnants of the killed shadow beast there.
Once she's there, looking up she notices an open window and a figure covered in a blue cloak gazing at her from beneath her hood. The woman quickly disappears, only to pop up at the doorstep in front of which Faustinia is. A mass of blooming curly hairs pour out from beneath the hood, together with a couple of blue eyes. The woman looks around herself, and as soon as she notices that no one is in the narrow alley, she speaks to Faustinia.
"You must be here on behalf of the group Arael told me about yesterday night. You're welcome. And thank you. May I have a look at that bottle?" says the woman before taking a closer look at the bottle's content. She analyzes it meticolously, then she opens it and sniffs it. "Authentic. Very good. It's no small feat to perform to slay a shadow beast. Well done." The woman smiles, then produces a clinking pouch. "Here's your reward. It's been a pleasure to work with you. Westcrown will have its nights back."
---
---
After devoting your time to your own businesses, you meet again at the Shrine of Aroden a few hours before sunset. You inform Arael and the others of your success, and everyone in the group seems very happy with it. The group members seem to be proud of your deeds, and they also propose a toast in your honor. Arael himself congratulates you personally.
The conversation then moves onto another subject: the uniform of the group members is discussed along with the name of the group itself.
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Lorenzo showed the area where the shadowbeast had attacked him again to those that cared. Although it was now healed and cleaned, there was still something lingering from the beast's touch.
When it came time to discuss uniforms, "Are you sure uniforms are really necessary? Do we want to be recognized on sight? Isn't there someone who might be 'upset' with what we are doing?"
He added, "How about if we were wearing uniforms when we rescued Arleth and killed the Hellknights? Wouldn't the Hellknights hunt us down if they knew who we were?"
He shrugged, "Shouldn't we be thinking the other way and perhaps hide ourselves from casual observation so no one is able to pinpoint who we really are. We can of course leave some sort of 'call signal' to let people know that it was 'us' who did these deeds."
He then added, "And about this 'us'? Are we settled on the 'Children of Westcrown'? I like it."
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Faustinia is somewhat distracted during the recounting of their encounter with the shadowgarm and the toast, thinking about the woman in the alley and the pouch of coins she received. It felt odd to stoop to back alley deals with strangers to make money. But this questionably legal trade made her more money in a day than her estate had in a very long time.
She snaps out of her thoughts once the proper discussions about the group begin. "Lorenzo, I understand your worry, but that hellknight saw our faces. Given, he and his armigers probably thought we were just a group of bandits, but if they wanted to hunt us down they'd be hunting by now. Uniforms may make us recognizable to our enemies, but they should also inspire hope in our fellow citizens in these trying times. We could add something to the uniforms to cover our faces - that way we can walk around freely as citizens and change as needed."
Faustinia frowns slightly at Lorenzo's suggested name. "You don't like the 'Aegis of Westcrown' better? I think it's got a nice strong classical sound to it. That would be my choice, but I won't impose it on our group unwillingly. What do the rest of you think?"
Catina doesn't agree with Lorenzo's ideas, and shakes her head. "We're trying to bring about a large change, an actual change, and we can't do it by ourselves. I think Arael and Janiven are right, that we have to show people that there's an alternative. And we have to show, by example, and by being visible. Of course we're going to upset some people. We just have to make sure that we have enough people to rally behind us, if things go wrong. Besides, Arael said previously that the Hellknights don't have an actual say in the city." Already speaking passionately, Catina also tries a different approach. "Think about it this way: If we stay undercover and we eventually get caught by the Hellknights, who would know? This way, people will know that it's us, who are working to make things better for them."
She also has some differing opinions on the name that the group should take, and takes a firm stand, caught up in her own vision of the better Westcrown that she's seeing. "I'm not sure I like that name. 'Children'. It sounds too much like we're just some toddlers doing play-pretend. We're not children, and we're not doing this out of some naive belief that we can make this better." The fact that Catina is still in her teens - and that she does this precisely because of such a belief - does little to strengthen her arguments, but she somehow compensates with enthousiasm and strength of will. "We want to show people that we're committed. To our cause, to the city, and to them. That we will shelter those who need it, and that we won't yield when things get tough. I say we go with Aegis of Westcrown, as Lady Faustinia suggested."
At the end of her speech, Catina stops talking and suddenly colors, realizing that it was indeed a speech. "Uhm... that's... just what I think, of course."
NAME
Lorenzo raises his hands, "Ok, so it's the Aegis of Westcrown. I won't fight you over the name. It's just that to the common people, that will mean nothing to them. Nobody knows what an aegis is?"
He looks at Sev, "Do you know what an aegis is? I had someone tell me what it was because I also didn't know."
He continues, "And children should not be like we are toddlers and don't know what we are doing but rather that Westcrown is our home. We were born and raised here and have a real stake in making this a better place."
He concluded, "But like I said, I won't fight you over the name so feel free to pick whatever you feel is appropriate."
-------
SECRECY
The paladin asks, "I don't understand what the significance of covering our faces and having a uniform is. If we cover our faces then we may as well just leave a 'calling card' after an event and NOT use a uniform. When will the uniforms be used?"
He then states, "I agree that people need to know that there's someone out there trying to make things better but a uniform while covering our faces is the same as no uniform and a calling card. No?"
Catina looks a bit dispirited by Lorenzo's reaction. She had hoped for some more enthusiasm, following her sudden speech. "It's not... It's not about fighting over the name. We should just come up with something that we can all rally behind." She looks to the rest of the group for aid.
In a small voice, she adds "I don't think we'll need to cover our face as well. Or at least, you won't have to..."
The group divides between the options available. Arael, realizing that a disagreement is starting to mount, and wanting to clarify a few points before the decision is made, chimes in the conversation, his charismatic aura making everyone else become silent.
"My friends, my friends! Please, a moment of attention! Today we're making an important choice, and there a few points I'd like to clarify". The leader nods to Janiven, who nods at him in return. "First of all, a few words on the reason why we need uniforms. I know that for some of you having a uniform may seem detrimental to our own safety. Anyway, I believe everyone here is able to recognize the importance that being identified by the people of Westcrown has for the fullfillment of our general goal. We need an uniform, but it shouldn't be anything too flashy. We have our armbands, but they may be hard to see for the people of Westcrown. We could use some symbols, such as white cloaks. White is the color of purity and clareness. The color of justice, the color of Aroden. White used to be the official color of our city before House Thrune took power. As you can see when you go for a walk in the beautiful streets of our glorious city, the older blocks of Westcrown have white walls, a style which is known as Old White. That is the symbol of our city's glorious past, those building the remnants of that which our city once was and it is no more, replaced by the new black, gothic style from Egorian. Well, everyone can wear a white cloak and it won't scream to anyone: Look, we're that group of rebels! I remember white clothes to be in style a few years ago. It wouldn't be strange for someone to wear a white cloak. But a white cloak together with an armband...Well, that would speak to anyone willing to listen. Anyway, and this is very important, we shouldn't be wearing our uniforms except when we're in mission, when we want to be recognized because we want the people to see that there's someone who's caring for them."
"And as for our face being covered?" asks Ermolos, used to go straight to the point.
"Well, I can see both the benefits and the negative effects of covering our faces. We can discuss about that. We can devise some sort of mask, so that no one will know who's underneath the white cloaks. But that would go against creating a group of heroes the people can identify and look at with admiration. Since our group of heroes is right here with us, I believe they should be given the power to decide. What do you think?" asks Arael.
The group nods in agreement. Everyone starts looking at you.
Janiven laughs. "So it seems like this decision is up to you. Do you want our faces to be covered? Would you prefer a mask or something else?" Janiven asks.
---
After the decision about uniform has been made, Arael ensues. "Well, I'm happy to see we've reached an agreement. Now we need to think about the next issue. Our name. From what I've heard, our main options are Children of Westcrown and Aegis of Westcrown. I like 'em both, but let me propose my personal favorite. The Eyes of Westcrown, which would make our members be known simply as The Eyes. Why The Eyes? Because the eye is the holy symbol of Aroden, and is still the symbol of our city. Aroden is the symbol of the glorious times of our city, something we'd like to restore. You know, dottari also use to wear an eye on their uniforms. We should do the same, to underline that we're trying to protect the city like they do, but in different ways. The eyes also recall that which watches over the people of our city, and that looks with attention at those who betray Westcrown and its interests. Let's put it to the votes then. Children of Westcrown, Aegis of Westcrown or Eyes of Westcrown. What's your favorite?"
"Aegis of Westcrown" votes Gorvio. "It underlines that we're the shield between the city and the threats haunting its nights. It also recalls the fact that we're inheritors of the city traditions. And it also reminds to everyone that we're not some stupid, illiterate oaf. We're cultured and well lectured individuals. Well, at least some of us are".
"I vote for The Eyes of Westcrown" says Fiosa, "Arael reasons are just too good to ignore. I'm with him!"
"I like Children of Westcrown" chimes in Mathalen. "Even though the name possesses some childish implications, I believe that we're children of our city, dwarves on the shoulders of its past glory."
In general, the group is undecided between the three names, giving you the decisive votes.
Catina looks a bit dispirited by Lorenzo's reaction. She had hoped for some more enthusiasm, following her sudden speech. "It's not... It's not about fighting over the name. We should just come up with something that we can all rally behind." She looks to the rest of the group for aid.
In a small voice, she adds "I don't think we'll need to cover our face as well. Or at least, you won't have to..."
Lorenzo smiles, "Please Catina. Don't take this the wrong way. I understand that people rally around names and symbols; I'm more down to earth and rally around a concept and deeds, actual things done to improve something. Therefore, I don't have a preference on what we call ourselves as long as we continue to do good deeds. So any name is good with me."
He then leaned in closer, "I'm sorry I didn't catch that. Did you say something about the masks?"
----------------
, I'd say that's pretty good
Janiven laughs. "So it seems like this decision is up to you. Do you want our faces to be covered? Would you prefer a mask or something else?" Janiven asks.
Lorenzo shrugged, "I guess it all depends on what we are doing. If we're picking up garbage on the side of the road or rallying around a neighbor's home to fix their roof then we do not need masks."
"However," he then added, "If we're doing something that could be construed as illegal like say breaking out a prisoner from the government's grasp, then yes, I think we need masks. Unless you all plan to eradicate any witnesses but I don't think that's the tone of the group."
He added, "I think half-masks, just covering the lower part of the face, should be enough and are easy to carry around."
He asked the group, "Do you not see us doing something that we would get in trouble if caught? If the answer is yes then we need some sort of secrecy."
All the discussion about uniforms and being recognized begins to eat at Sevs nerves to the point where he can barely soeak. When Lorenzo asks him if he knows the word Aegis he just shakes his head yes, unable to explain his own rudimentary pursuits into history and anything else he could get his hands on.
He just keeps thinking about being seen, being recognized. The rest of them would be jailed, maybe tortured but not him. He would be shipped right back to the Drovenges, and who knows what would await him there. The brand on his arm began to itch and he did his best to ignore it, trying desperately to calm himself.
"M-masks!" He finally blurts out. "I vote in favor of masks. F-for time like L-Lorenzo mentioned, w-when we'really acting directly against th-the Thrunes or Hellknights."
He blushes nervously as he continues speaking, realizing this may be the most input he's offered since joining.
"A-and I like Aegis of W-westcrown. We could j-just call our agents The Aegis, i-it sounds unified and d-doesn't give away how s-small we are."
|
|
Faustinia sighs with relief when Arael steps in to offer some solutions and structure to the discussion. Watching the rest of the assembled wannabe do-gooders give their attention to the man, Faustinia freshly realizes why he's so important to their organization. With a calm and well spoken leader like Arael that the others respected, the group could save itself from squabbling and unite people who otherwise would never have talked to each other. Thank the gods they had managed to rescue him.
She chimes in on the uniform discussion, "A cape and armband sounds wonderful, Arael. And carrying around a half-mask wouldn't be too hard, for when secrecy is important. A white or red kerchief would do the trick. An excellent suggestion, Lorenzo," she adds earnestly.
"As for what we call ourselves, well..." Faustinia begins, her eyes looking up at nothing as she tilts her head back in a thinking posture. "I know that I suggested 'Aegis' - and I do still have a fondness for it - but I actually think I like the Eyes of Westcrown a little more. I feel like it's more proactive, not to mention the history behind it," she says as she looks to the Arodenite murals in the great hall of the safe house.
Catina shrugs off Lorenzo's inquiry about her mumbled words, pointing to Arael who is about to intervene. She finds herself caught up in the half-elf's description of their uniform. She can imagine herself in a shiny white cloak and red armband, with dressed in every which colour and a vibrant multi-coloured sash.
As the topic of the mask comes up again, Catina gets ready to elaborate on her earlier words: that having to conceal yourself is as much a curse as a blessing, and that they shouldn't see themselves - or be seen - as criminals. However, Sev's blurted words put a stop to that. She withholds her own ideas and arguments, seeing the scared halfling and thinking about the stonemason with his two sisters. I shouldn't be selfish. If I have to cover myself again, for their safety, I will, the thinks as she resigns herself to having to wear the mask.
--
When the discussion turns to choosing a name, Catina finds herself torn. Arael makes an excellent point yet again. The Eyes to her also symbolize that they should have attention to what's going on in the city, and to see what defines its glory. However, she had earlier voiced support for Faustinia's suggestion, and she can't well switch at the earliest convenience. She looks from Arael to Faustinia, brows furrowed, until the noble lady herself solves the dilemma. I too agree with the Eyes," she pipes up shortly after Faustinia.
The voting reveals two clear winners: the group will wear partial mask covering the lower part of the head together with a white hooded cloak, and the group's name will be The Eyes of Westcrown. Although it was a close call, and despite the disagreement on the name matter, eventually everyone is satisfied with the results of the voting.
After eating an early dinner together, The Eyes start to take their leave from the Shrine of Aroden at short intervals.
There was another decision tonight: while the group as a whole will be known from now on as The Eyes of Westcrown, you, in the role of elite heroes, will be called "The Irises" as a group, and each of you, individually, will be known also as "Iris", symbolizing that you are the shiniest part of the group as a whole.
---
While the other Eyes take their leave, Arael summons the Irises in his private study. Once you get there, you find Arael sitting behind his desk as usual, with Janiven leaning against a wall. The woman nods at you with her typically mischievous grin, while the half-elf greets you politely as you're used to.
"Here they are, our irises!" says Arael with a blink, "my congratulations for your shadow hunting mission. Bluehood told me you were very efficient. Good work!"
"Go straight to the point, Arael" cuts short Janiven, "sunset is approaching, and we can't ask them to stay here for the night too frequently, otherwise their ordinary lives will have some problems".
Arael smiles gently at Janiven and even blushes a bit. "You're right, Janny. OK, let's get straight to the point then. We believe we have layed low for enough time now. It's time to get back in action. Here's the problem".
Arael clears his throat and goes on, "in the past few weeks, a group of thieves calling themselves the Bastards of Erebus have committed a spree of robberies near the old city, with at least one incident resulting in a double murder. The Bastards are reputed to be a gang of tieflings living in the ruined part of the city".
At this point, Janiven chimes in, "their name implies a connection to Hell, but we are not sure wheter they are serious about it or if they are using it just to evoke fear, if their tiefling heritage actually stems from a fiend of Erebus, or if they have some greater connection."
"Regardless," says Arael as he takes the floor again, "they always leave behind a wooden token showing a devil’s head in profile, and have become more brazen about their nighttime crimes. For whatever reason, probably corruption..."
"...or incompetence", interrupts him Janiven.
"For whatever reason", resumes Arael giving Janiven a smile, "the city guards have as of yet done little about the Bastards".
"Which is probably why the mayor turned to the Hellknights for help", points out Janiven.
"The people of the city are growing worried; it’s bad enough that they can’t go out at night except for a few key streets, but at least they were safe in their homes during the dark hours. Now even that safety seems to be vanishing" says Arael with a somber tone.
"However," chimes in again Janiven, "I believe we have accurate information from a vagrant living in the ruined part of town,a man who comes to the active city to beg for copper coins, but sleeps in an abandoned house across the wall, as to the location and nature of the tieflings’ lair. Isn't it, Arael?"
"Indeed. In fact, it was after returning from a visit to this contact that I was captured by the dottari under suspicion of rebellion", remarks the half-elf. "If we hope to increase the quality of life of the people of Westcrown and eventually inspire Cheliax to rid itself of House Thrune and its evil taint, we must act and protect the people of Westcrown when the guards are not able to do it."
"Eliminating the Bastards of Erebus will show Westcrown that there are people who care about justice and protecting the innocent—and if someone other than the Hellknights does this, it shows the people that there is strength that has nothing to do with Hell", remarks Janiven with a firm expression.
"So...the most important part of the matter now...Would you help us defeat this menace?" asks Arael. "We can promise you no reward but justice, whatever loot the Bastards have on them, and the gratitude of tens of thousands of Westcrown citizens".
Catina looks happy with the decisions reached, although she frowns at the surprise that they will be called "Irises". In her mind, it was coincidence that the four of them had taken the biggest part in freeing Arael, and she hadn't felt all that special while fighting the Shadowgarm. They were a group as a whole, weren't they, without the four of them being more special?
Such thoughts are put to the background as Arael and Janiven explain their next target. "I saw them," she blurts out. "When we were waiting in the shack last night, after the fight with the shadow beast. I heard some voices, and then I look outside. There were three of them, all with horns." She looks to the other three for confirmation, even though none of them saw them. "I was wondering... How could they be outside at night, to do their dirty work?"
Regardless of that question, Catina is determined to get to the bottom of this. "Of course we'll do this. Right?"
--
As they leave, Catina pulls Faustinia to the side. "Faustinia, I was thinking," she starts with some hesitation. "Now that we've settled on the uniform, with the white cloak and the red arm band. I kind of need some new clothes, I think, if we're going to be out doing more work like this in the city. Could you... Do you know a tailor, that could make a dress fit for... for doing what we're going to do? Without me having measure taken, of course."
|
|
"Hm. What a distasteful name," Faustinia remarks about the Bastards, one eyebrow raised in contempt. "Of course I will lend my expertise in dealing with this threat. If they're burglars and murderers, I have reason to doubt that we'll be able to settle this peacefully. Was there any other information that you were able to discover about them, Arael? Janiven?"
---
Do these Bastards of Erebus really have some connection to hell? Faustinia wonders. Whatever their motivations, leave it to a bunch of tieflings to embrace hell's corruption even when they're just a group of bandits.
Her thoughts are interrupted when Catina pulls her aside. "I..." starts Faustinia, distracted as she stares at Catina's small horns poking through her hair. She quickly snaps out of it and regains her focus, at least for the sake of being polite. "Apologies, I was lost in thought. I know a more frugal tailor that I have recommended my servants to if you are looking for something sturdy. Typically a fitting is required to make sure everything is correct but... Well, do you know how to take your own measurements? I'm sure that someone among the Eyes of Westcrown must have at least some rudimentary knowledge of these things. If you can provide me your numbers, I can procure what you need." Faustinia faces the girl with her usual noble bearing, although she looks tense as she tries to suppress the awkwardness she feels.
Catina fails to pick up on the noblewoman's unease, caught up in relief that Faustinia will help her. "Yes, I think I know my measurements, sort of. From when I started as an acolyte in the temple and needed robes." She gives Faustinia a big smile, looking dreamy-eyed as she tries to envision the dress. "At first I was thinking black or dark gray, since we'll sometimes try to hide. But I don't think that gives the right impression. Does it? What do you think of a rich and dark green? With a skirt, but divided so I could run better? And a simple top, somewhat padded so I could wear armor over it when needed?" Her eager eyes, in a scarred face screaming infernal obscenities, look at Faustinia with hopeful expectation.
Lorenzo adds his willingness to deal with these low-lifes, "You don't to sell me on bringing thieves and murderers to justice. I serve the Lady that stands for justice."
He then added, "Am I correct in thinking that we start this by speaking to your contact? if so, can you give us directions and a name so we can find him?"
Sev takes a moment to think about the band of tieflings and wonders if he's heard anything else about them that may be helpful. He realizes that he's actually quite eager to take on another mission. He's still nervous, and hesitant about what he can offer, but after saving Arael and taking on the shadowgarm, he's somewhat more confident in his abilities.
"I-is there a chance the H-hellknights are watching your contact?" The halfling wonders outloud. "They c-caught you after a meeting with him. Can we be sure that we won't have the same p-problem?"
"Sh-should we wait until we have cloaks or just wear the armbands for this one?"
The questions by Lorenzo and Sev bring Catina beyond her initial reaction, and makes her realize they should start planning right away. "I think Arael said he already knowns the location of their hideout. And the 'nature of their lair...'?" She then turns to Arael and Janiven. "Wouldn't it be dangerous to just storm in there? Do we know how large this group is?"
"Of course I will lend my expertise in dealing with this threat. If they're burglars and murderers, I have reason to doubt that we'll be able to settle this peacefully. Was there any other information that you were able to discover about them, Arael? Janiven?"
"It actually is" says Arael with a nod. "Janiven..."
"Yes, we have several information about the Bastards. First off, they always attack at night. They never attack two nights in a row, and most attacks are anywhere from 3 to 7 days apart...the last attack was the same night you went into the sewers" explains Janiven.
"Eight attacks have taken place in the past 3 weeks..." continues the woman, "mostly places with small, portable valuables such as a gemcutter, but one was a moneylender and another a crafter of fine weapons. It was the weaponsmith who was killed, presumably because he heard noises downstairs and went to investigate; the tieflings killed him, then went upstairs and killed his wife, probably so there would be no witnesses. They always leave a wooden token or coin with their mark in the shop they’ve robbed and on the bodies of those they’ve killed, and twice they’ve scrawled their name on the building’s front door with a sharp object."
"Obviously they’re sneaky", says Arael, "and skilled at picking locks, for none of the robberies resulted in broken doors or windows, and they even relock the door after leaving. Given the small size of the shops, the number of tieflings involved in a single break-in is probably very few—more than about four and they wouldn’t have much room to move around inside the place they were robbing."
"However," says Janiven, "we suspects it’s more than just a group of four tieflings involved, though we have no evidence for this".
"They just tend to gather in large groups for protection when not working for normal people", says Arael, betraying a bit of prejudice against tiefling.
"Anyway, my scouting mission has brought some more information to the table. I know the Bastards keep a lookout in the old church’s bell tower, but I didn’t spot any patrols during the 3 hours I spent watching the location. Near the temple are a bunch of two-story buildings, probably a shop of some kind on the bottom with a small residence above. I didn’t risk getting close enough to see what was in any of them, but I did see that the one with windows on the ground level had them boarded up. Other buildings farther out, on the order of 200 feet or more, were either ransacked or had sturdy, locked doors to thwart looters. I also noticed a barn-like structure nearby, little more than a hitching post with a roof, which had a lot of loose rock piled within it, but I couldn’t figure out what the point of that was. I've sketched out a map of the area. This", she says as she points out a particular path on the map, "is a path by which even clumsy people can approach unseen to within about 50 feet of the church; any closer and they risk being spotted by the bell tower lookout.
"Am I correct in thinking that we start this by speaking to your contact? if so, can you give us directions and a name so we can find him?"
“There’s no need for it, Lorenzo. Before I was captured, I was going to ask Janiven to sneak out and investigate the location the Bastards are supposedly using as a headquarters, an old temple of Erastil in the ruined part of the city, during the daytime when the tieflings’ darkvision wouldn’t stack the odds in their favor. Janiven has since agreed to do so and…”
“…and I’ve just returned from my mission with confirmation—there are an awful lot of tieflings in the area of the old church”, confirms Janiven, also answering Sev’s concerns about the Hellknight watching their contact.
"Sh-should we wait until we have cloaks or just wear the armbands for this one?"
“Yes, you should. But we know a good tailor who’s a good friend of our group and will be able to get us the cloaks within tomorrow”, explains Arael.
"Wouldn't it be dangerous to just storm in there? Do we know how large this group is?"
“It would be very risky to just storm in there Catina. That’s the reason why we need to devise a plan. Fortunately, we have something for you, isn’t it Arael?” asks Janiven.
“Actually, yes. You have far more strength at your disposal than I do, so I’ll defer to how you want to manage the fight. My only concerns are making sure all of the Bastards of Erebus are eliminated, and that nobody on our side, meaning you and the other Eyes, gets killed. The Bastards are dangerous foes, so I’ll reject any plan involving the unskilled members of his group fighting directly against the tieflings; I’m willing to bring them along to chase down any stragglers fleeing the temple, but I don’t want them to be part of a direct assault where a stray enemy spell could easily kill one of them.”
“We are both willing to accompany you”, adds Janiven, “and some of the rebels will help if asked, particularly if they can stay near Arael or me.
“We may accompany you into the lair, but that means the rest of the rebels won’t be coming along. You may bring me or Janiven, with whichever of us isn’t selected directing the other Eyes to watch the temple for escaping tieflings or help kill that lookout in the bell tower with a concerted attack. ”
Catina listens attentively, registering Arael's attitude versus the tieflings. It makes her think about how she feels to go up against a group of people that she has something in common with. Not much, since they are thieves and murderers, but something that cannot be ignored anyway. She tries to push those thoughts to the background to concentrate on more pressing matters.
"So, we have to plan on how to get in there and... and kill them all. Even if we have no idea how many there could be." She looks quite out of her depth, but makes a genuine effort to think things through. "I think it would be best if the others have the benefit of your leadership, Arael. And leaving you out of the main assault means you will be in less danger, as well. You mean so much to this group..." She immediately apologizes to Janiven. "I'm sorry, not that you're not important, of course. It's just that Arael... We just saved him from the Hellknights. But I, at least, would be very grateful if you would assist us in dealing with these... Bastards." The words rolls off her tongue awkwardly, she's not used to cursing like that.
"I'm not sure what the other people should be doing: Taking out the lookout sounds important, but so will dealing with any stragglers. Would those last few still post a threat, if one or two manage to escape?"
The paladin was having second thoughts about the mission.
He out his hand on Catina's shoulder, "Wait Catina, before we go too deep into planning, let's talk about this."
Lorenzo sighed, "So these are people who have committed crimes against the citizens of Westcrown. Is there no way to bring them to justice other than to kill them? Could we not catch them and turn them over to the authorities? Surely they are as interested as we are to put an end to crime. This is still a lawful city, is it not?"