Taking a slight bow as he tips his hat in respect.
"Well, what an interesting lot we have here."
Standing at 5'10, very ruggedly fit looking, glimpses of brown hair can be seen from under his gray woolen stetson. Piercing brown eyes glance over the room as he sits down. His gray leather duster falling open, his pistol in view, resting comfortably in her holster. He props his feet up on a nearby stool.
"Name's Huck, Huck Le Berry, and this here's Bessy." Taking his pistol from it's holster, giving her a good wipe down.
"I'm what ya call, a gun for hire. Full of piss and vinegar some would say. I recon they don't take too kindly to my kind of charm is all." His sarcastic tone drifts off into something quite serious. "I ain't one to fancy what this snout kisser has done to my town and aim to do something about it."
Letting out a laugh before glancing over at Leila.
"Tea you say, well I do think you and I will be fast friends. That bastard just can't help himself, can he?"
I look up at Rexus and flip my hood back revealing my face. For those who have not seen me up close, I have the Holy Symbol of Asmodeus branded onto my forehead but you see another Holy Symbol around my neck. I stand a little under 3ft tall, have shoulder length brown curly hair and striking green eyes.
I am Lily Rivers, I have lived in town all my life. Currently I just go from small job to small job, trying to stay out of the public eye too much. Which might have really done no good now after what I did a bit earlier.
She starts to get more upset but then pauses and calms herself.
I recognized Lily from my own time in service to Asmodeus, but that was some time ago in a past life
"My name is Zidane Dyst, but feel free to call me Dyst. I was trying to avoid the protest as much as possible, but when I saw you all fighting, I thought that maybe fighting back could make more of a change than just sitting on the sidelines."
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Dammit. That bastard is sleeping away, while I am in need of a good introduction.
Declan slowly rose, tugged at his bright blue silk waistcoat, and straightened his gold chain of office, so that it draped properly over his heavy fur-lined velvet cloaks, and dusted off any residual debris from his pantaloons. He gave an elaborate bow with this polished oak cane, topped with a door-knob sized crystal, which he held in perfectly manicured hands that had clearly never known manual labor. With a wry smile visible under his luxurious beard, his melodic voice oozed with condescension, "I am sure that I need no introduction, as I am sure you recognize a member of the great house, Tanessen, but for those of you lacking in a proper education, I am Declan. But you may call me, my lord."
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With a flourish, he greets each of you in turn, with impeccable ettiquette and a rakish glint in his eye.
“Thank you again for the rescue. Truth is, our meeting was no coincidence. I followed you from the protest earlier today, but in the panic that erupted I lost track of your group. You proved yourselves to be people of uncommon skill, and I am a man of uncommon needs.
“As I said, my name is Rexus Victocora, and until last week’s Night of Ashes, I was one of this city’s nobles. My parents’ estate burned to the ground that night—I escaped simply because I was studying at the Alabaster Academy during the fire. There were other fires that night, as you know—fires that many believe were started by Barzillai Thrune or his agents in an attempt to squash any spirit of rebellion Kintargo might have. “ He shakes his head, ruefully.
“Now more than ever we need that spirit of rebellion to stay strong, but Thrune’s actions have driven into hiding those who would stay strong and resist. Those who could once rally the city to a cause as—Shensen, Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus and my parents, are missing at best, and are more likely dead. I cannot do this on my own, but with the aid of talented citizens such as yourselves, I have hope that we can. Will you aid Kintargo? Will you save the city from the devil?”
Bainilus was a competent ruler, walking the fine line between the demands of the law-and-order Chellish and the less orderly nature of Kintargo's populace.
I can't speak for everyone here but I would be glad to do anything and everything I can do to bring down Thrune and the Church of Asmodeus
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I have no love of House Thrune nor the Church of Asmodeus. I vastly preferred the culture that Bainilus fostered here in our fine city. However, my family is fiercely loyal to Thrune, so I am in a unique position. I must be careful to conceal any treasonous activities on my part. However, I hope to be able to provide intelligence on the loyalists.
I must ask of course, after the scene we all witnessed at the opera house, what plan could you have for us to combat their dominance of the city?
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"I'm in. If it can stow those fires and put a stop to those devils, you have my blades!"
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”Thank you, my new friends,” He pauses, seemingly overwhelmed by the moment, before continuing.
”After...after the Night of Ashes, I didn't know what to do. I couldn't remain at the Alabaster Academy—I had to assume that the Dottari would be looking for me.
“With no where else to turn, I went to see one of my mothers friends. A halfling woman, who runs a Coffeehouse in Villegre named Laria Longroad. She astonished me—not only did she take me in, a fugitive with no hope left—but she told me she had a message from my mother!”
With this, Rexus pulls a small wooden box from his robes.
”This is my inheritence, such as it is. All that remains of my patrimony.” From the box he pulls a slip of paper out, and hands it to one of you.
My Dearest Son,
If you are reading this, what I have feared has come to pass, and I am dead. For many years, I have belonged to the Sacred Order of the Archivists, and have worked to free Kintargo from Chelish rule. I have learned much about Kintargo's secret history, and fear the time will soon come when the city needs the return of its Silver Ravens. You have likely not heard of the Silver Ravens—there are few who have. Mentions of them have been redacted by the agents of House Thrune, but during the Chelish Civil War, the Ravens worked to ensure Kintargo's safety. They were heroes in their day, and I fear Kintargo needs their kind again. Do not believe the governments claims that Lord-Mayor Bainilus abandoned us! Darker things are afoot, and I fear that all who work against Thrune may find themselves in danger in the days ahead.
The Silver Ravens maintained numerous hideouts within Kintargo's walls during the civil war. I have located one such size—the chambers below a building known today as the Fair Fortune Livery. If you are reading this, I was unable to seek further answers there myself. Gather heroes to your side, my son, and search below the livery. There, if my research is correct, you will find something to teach you more of the Silver Ravens, and their legacy.
Do not let my death be in vain. Stand up for Kintargo! Bring the Silver Ravens back to life!
"So, what say you? I know my limitations—I'm capable of working some minor magic, but my health is poor and I'm no one's idea of an adventurer. But you folks have shown yourselves to be men and women of bravery and skill, and to have no love of Thrune's dogs. Will you help me reform the Silver Ravens and inspire this city to sieze its freedom?”
Kicking the stool from under his foot, standing as he holster's Bessy. Huck stands eagerly, removing his hat and brushing it off.
"Well, it seems we are all fittin to dance. Count Bessy and I in. And all is not all hopeless, I've met quite a few that share the same desires as we do. Some a bit rough around the edges, others quite yellow when it comes to anything physical. All in all, quite right for what this city needs."
Walking over towards Leila, flask in hand. "So, care to break the rules and help cure a fix? I'd be much obliged."
Nothing would make me happier than bringing back the Silver Ravens and to bring this town back to what it once was
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Declan liked the idea of a whole other noble family being indebted to him, and based on his experiences so far he found the idea of battling the tyrants right under their noses, to be quite thrilling.
"I suppose I could be persuaded to lead this cause for you."
"Before we commit to anything as quaint as adventuring, I must inquire, my dear," he said turning to Lily, "I can't help but notice the symbol around your neck, are you by any chance trained in the healing arts? My man, Jeeves, got himself badly bludgeoned this afternoon."
Yes I am, can you summon your friend?
Lily stand up waiting for Jeeves to be summoned. When he is summoned Lily grasps the Holy symbol.
The Goddess Milani has been there alot for me. She will help you too.
Looking up at Huck, ”I don’t have any tea with me at the moment. Sorry little human. We’re supposed to have gotten rid of our stock at the shop... but I may have taken some home with me.” Winking at Huck, she turns to Rexus. ”I’m not really sure I can even picture myself as some sort of town saving hero, but, I would like to see things settle back down. Last I checked, I don’t think devils and demons like drinking tea. I think they like big cups of blood. At least that’s what I’m pretty sure I’ve been told”
Seeing the devil summoned in the room, Leila shrinks back a bit. ”Hey, that one was there at the park and wasn’t doing his job.” Glancing back and forth to Declan with suspicious eyes, ”What is going on here?”
Almost as soon as she spoke the question, she noticed the brand on Lily, Leila walks over and clasps Lily’s hands, ”Oh honey, what monster did that to you? One of these Chelish fiends? Well, if we’re all playing heroes, maybe I can help you out, ok?”
As warmth spread through his body, Jeeves groggily drifted awake. It had been such a good dream, with Declan being tormented with fire pokers, while Jeeves took delicate bites of chocolate.
He blinked several times in confusion at the halfling with a hideously scarred forehead laying her hands upon him. He then blearily looked around to get his bearings. Upon seeing Declan standing over him, smugly clearing his throat as usual, he quickly rose to his feet and made himself presentable.
How may I be of service, master Tanessen?
nodding to the group in the street, Rathgur almost opens his mouth when the commotion in the alley draws everyone's attention
Seeing the group of militia attacking the lone man, he feels the rage blossom through the fatigue. not now old friend he says as he starts to charge the alley when everyone runs away. He nods to the wounded man as everyone else speaks, follows everyone into the bookstore. Listening to everyone's story, he thinks to himself "what have I gotten into, these folks won't get me home." Stepping forward, he begins his story
You see before you an average sized humanoid, 6' ish 230 pounds. Dark hair, red tips, dark eyes, small horns on his brow, great axe strapped to his back, longbow slung over his shoulder. Travel stained clothes, hooded cloak.
my name's Rathgur, and I'm from the south. Across the sea. I came here 10 days ago looking for a new home and maybe some adventure. I DON'T like being told what to do and anyone who takes advantage of the weak is weak themselves. The leadership in this city needs to return to the city. I was trying to find a way it out of this accursed place, but today's events have changed my mind.
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Fear not, this devil is well trained. He was doing exactly as instructed. I had to maintain deniability that my actions today as a respected member of court, were beyond reproach. One cannot be blamed when the help fails to comprehend the complexities of a chaotic situation," Declan assured Leila, oblivious of the vicious side eye Jeeves flashed at him.
Declan feigned ignorance as attention was drawn to Lily's scar, I hadn't even noticed that before, I was so captivated by those enchanting emerald eyes.
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Declan auto-succeeds at those.
”Excellent,” Rexus says. There's still hope for this city, yet.
He opens up the box and empties it onto the table here.
”The rest of my inheritence is yours. I'm sure we can put it to good work.”
On the table are 200 gold pieces, a Victocora Signet ring worth 75 gold, a masterwork silver dagger, a set of leather bracers that Rexus identifies as bracers of armor +1, and a pair of potions of cure light wounds.
”The Fair Fortune Livery is in Redroofs,near the Yolubillis. It has a reputation of being haunted. I don't know if thats just superstition or not, honestly, but I would be prepared for anything.”
You guys can go directly to the Fair Fortune, or you can rest first if you like. You can also spend money if theres any supplies you need.
Lily takes her hand and rubs her forehead softly.
My scar....I don't tell anyone normally but this seems like we are going to be together now so...This was given to me by a devil of the Church of Asmodeus after I narrowly escaped getting sacrificed, but my parents were not so lucky. I will get even with that church if it takes me my life.
As she ends her sentence she slams her fist on the table and you can see the hatred in her eyes.
Before we leave for the night I see that Rathgur is still hurt. I walk over and reach out to shake his hand. As he accepts my handshake I cast cure light wounds
"Well then, I shall take my leave. Shall we meet up here tomorrow morning, check out this Fair Fortune Livery?"
Tipping his hat as he goes to leave. "Oh, before I forget, I've got me a cozy lil spot over at the Tooth and Nail, feel free to come on by."
agreeing with everyone on the days rest, Rathgur thinks on his next move. A meal and some rest would be good after this mornings excitement
so should we walk the streets as a group, or go separately? The Dottari and the militia may have our descriptions by now..... Hey Huck, is the place you're staying full? Mind if I head that way with you? That way if something happens, we can look out for each other.
I say lets go separately, I will be getting a place at Tooth and Nail also. Let's meet there tomorrow morning. Night.
The Lily leaves and quickly fades from view.
As the others disperse, Leila heads out to purchase a few small goods. . With her newly acquired goodies, she heads to her place to pick up some of the dreaded tea leaves, then makes the trip to the Tooth and Nail.
Handing over the Warhammer to Rath and the tea to Huck, she sits near~ish a fire and lets Mr. Flap Flap out of the satchel. He flutters around the room, then settles on her shoulder as she feeds him bits of banana.
”So, we’re going to the haunted thingy tomorrow? That’s kind of exciting, yeah? I wonder what they’re like. Ghosts I mean. Maybe one of them was a soldier from long ago, and he had to fight so far from his love. When he died, he was so sad, that his spirit just got stuck here.” Leila turns and looks at Huck. ”Do you think that’s it? That’d be so sad.”
agreeing with everyone on the days rest, Rathgur thinks on his next move. A meal and some rest would be good after this mornings excitement
Sounds like a good idea, I've got to pick up a couple things. I'll see you guys in the taproom
Leaving the bookstore after an appropriate about of time, Rathgur pulls up his cloak to cover his head it's so cold this far North . After leaving the bookstore he goes to a weaponsmith and pics up a Warhammer. might need something like this if we're going into a haunted house trying to keep a low profile a he makes his way to the Tooth and Nail.
Entering the taproom he looks up the bartender/inkeep
I'll take a mug of ale, plate of food, and a room for the night sliding some coins on the bar
Dyst agrees with resting for the night.
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Pharast 5h, 4715 AR (Fireday)
After meeting at Crisalli's Fine Tomes and checking in with Rexus, you arrive at the Fair Fortune Livery.
The morning is subdued, with a light, freezing drizzle keeping citizens off the street unless they have a very good reason.
The Fair Fortune Livery is in a state of extreme disrepair. The roof sags in places, the windows are all broken out and borded over, and as you approach smells strongly of wild animals, urine, and decay.
"And here I was thinking nothing could smell worse than those fat drunkards over at the Tooth and Nail after a long night of gamblin... seems I might have been mistaken."
With a look of disgust and displeasure at the sight in front of him, he unsnaps Bessy's holster.
"Well this is a fine mess we have gotten ourselves into, wouldn't ya say?" Letting out a gentle laugh before continuing "Hey Declan ol' boy, isn't this a bit outta your leage, slummin it up with the rest of us?" His laugh turning into a full blown belly laugh.
"I do suppose it's time we get to work. Made Bessy here some new toys, and she's just itchin to try em out."
Adjusting his hat before flipping back his duster and pulling Bessy from her holster.
"Let's go be bad guys!"
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Declan audibly scoffed at the insolence of the handsome gunman. He started to retort, but his anger quickly turned to amusement. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something that made the scoundrel far too likable. Indeed as his surveyed the group before him, he couldn't help noticing that while surely none of his compatriots were of sufficient breeding, there were certainly the most attractive band of misfits he could hope to consort with. He opted instead to go with charm rather than brute force to lead his men in the coming battle, "You are right, we should enjoy ourselves. Nothing quite like the thrill of combat, my fencing instructor always said."
"Shall I have Jeeves open the door for us, or would someone go to the effort of booby trapping such an establishment?"
Jeeves approached a little timidly. He did not like the looks of the place and he was still a little bruised from yesterday's excitement. Jeeves moved up to look in the boarded up window making note to examine more closely anything that seemed to catch his master's eye.
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Fair Fortune Livery Map
Pharast 5h, 4715 AR (Fireday)
It's dark inside. You are unable to see the far side of the building. Here and there, rogue shafts of light from holes in the roof and walls illuminate patches of filthy floor.
This aged stable leans slightly to one side, its roof precariously propped up by aged wooden walls. The air reeks of stale urine. Broken desks, scuffed tables, and torn chairs crowd the horse stalls, all of which are covered with a healthy layer of dust.
Lets try and get a better look inside.
Maybe He can see something
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Moving your eye just inside the doors, you can see a little, from the light passing through the partially open doors. However, most of the building is shrouded in darkness.
Standing outside the Fair Fortune Livery, Leila pulls her morningstar out and gives it a few test swings. "Well, this should be interesting. Any objections to me lighting up the inside here? I can cast some magics in there for us... or were we trying to do this in poor lighting? It'll make for better stories if we make it more difficult." With that, she turns and giggles softly to herself.
Level 1
damn this weather
How do you people even live here? Does it ever get WARM?
Scanning the streets as we travel from the bookstore to the Livery, Rathgur feel uncomfortable in this weather. Taking in the unfamiliar sights of the old, run down building he tries to think how he would defend this location.
anyone see any traps? Or should I just open the door? as he walks up to the doorway.
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[ i] damn this weather [ /i]
How do you people even live here? Does it ever get WARM?
Scanning the streets as we travel from the bookstore to the Livery, Rathgur feels uncomfortable in this weather. Taking in the unfamiliar sights of the old, run down building he tries to think how he would defend this location.
[dice=Perception]1d20+5
anyone see any traps? Or should I just open the door? as he walks up to the doorway.
[ ooc] scanning the street also, is anyone paying our group any attention? Has anyone been watching for people following us?[ /ooc]
No one seems to be paying any attention to you.