"If we decide to do any more jobs together, we have to find an easier ways to heal ourselves. If that crossbow quarrel would have been three inches to the right, I'd have been done for...and one of us almost bled out anyway. I mean, we can buy a few potions with our gold, but more healing is always better," Breeze admonishes, as she rubs the hole the bolt left as it passed through her.
Aevelyn utters a small sigh of exasperation at the catfolk. "I do agree with you we should each possess the means to heal one another, yet such is easier said than done. I do not know of a priest of Asmodeus who would answer the call to walk behind us as we travel along our way, patching up our wounds like he was some traveling healing kit! Until one of them willingly joins us, then we need to be prepared in advance with several healing potions."
Once they leave Razelago's presence, Cherry's demeanor shifts away from cautious deference, quickly back to her previous carefree attitude.
She gasps out loud at the feast and tucks in happily. "I'll pass on the dagger-throwing," she mumbles to Cimri through a mouthful of smoked fish, "but - mmph - I sure wanna watch."
Cherry immediately goes for the mace (it is her god's favored weapon, after all) and touches the Asmodean unholy symbol reverently. "This is perfect."
"Um, hey... Not actually an ordained priestess, but acolyte of Asmodeus, right here," Cherry says to Aevelyn. "I can't perform healing magic yet, but I'm going to practice it for the future. And I am capable of using magical wands, and such. I doubt we have enough to get one right away, but if we can save up for one of those, that's probably more cost-effective than a potion."
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Cherry - mace
Aevelyn - crossbow
Shiloh - longspear
Breeze - short sword
Now it's just a question whether Nysene or Tavitha will take the longsword and greatsword.
In response to Aevelyn's question about Cimri's schooling, the latter chuckles with genuine though wry amusement. "Schooling? Heh. That's funny." You don't get the impression that she's had much in the way of *formal* schooling, at least.
Swallowing her mouthful of the wine, So where did you learn that?
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"Picked up stuff here and there. Knives, from somebody who used to rob the rich *and* the poor...and give to himself. 'Course, he's hanging from a tree now, but that didn't take away what I'd learned from him before that. Longacre... Longacre isn't much in the way of schools, less you wanna pick up a trade in shoveling s*$# or putting your t~~* on a table in front of hungry strangers. Which I guess is sort of the same thing."
She does all sorts of little knife tricks while talking, dancing one across her knuckles, twirling one by its tip, spinning one in her fingers, balancing one dagger on another, and so on, but you get the impression that it isn't to impress anyone, but rather it seems like something she does to distract herself.
Shiloh's great Diplomacy gets Cimri talking, but she doesn't seem too eager to talk about her own history, instead she starts to ramble about Longacre. The following is a combination of what Cimri says and what you already know.
Longacre is a town of should-have-been heroes. Easily overlooked in its quiet, charmless corner of Cheliax, the town provides refuge to those who wish to forget and be forgotten. Unlike so many rural crossroads, Longacre girds itself in faded military trappings, the worn uniforms and tarnished regalia of hundreds of former soldiers caught up on both sides of the war that cast their nation into the grip of diabolism. More than three-quarters of a century after the hostilities ended, Longacre remains a dumping ground for Cheliax’s unwanted veterans, many of whom are outspoken in their criticism of House Thrune and the nation’s military policies.
In the better part of a century since House Thrune came to power, Longacre has changed little. Many of those who came to escape now find themselves prisoners of their own memories, entering their twilight years burdened with old scars and regrets. The families of the waning veteran population tend to either linger, knowing nothing but the town’s quiet life, or—in most cases—drift away down the Whisper River.
Essentially, it is a dumping ground for Cheliax's disillusioned veterans, both from the Civil War and from later conflicts. Cimri describes it as a dead end town in the ass end of Cheliax, full of people whining about how the country let them down or cost them an arm and a leg (sometimes literally). Defeated losers that are never going to amount to anything.
"But Razelago, see. He's the big ticket. The way out of this soul-sucking black hole. He's gonna be big. And if you play your cards right, you can get big with him. That's what I'm putting my money on. That's what I recommend for you. Listen to the guy."
"He seems a bit strange, though, that's for sure. Have you ever seen him face to face? Or does he always hide his image like that? I find it tough to trust someone who I can't look in the eye..."
Hearing Cimri talk about not only her lack of schooling, but the nature of those who ended up here in Longacre set thw wheels in motion in her mind.
So that is why we were encouraged to come here...the dumping ground indeed! Well I, for one, refuse to sully myself with the stench of failure here! I will make it out of here!
Hearing Breeze's comment on the nature of their benefactor causes her to chime in, "I can understand his caution. Many souls have the ears of Thrune so to dismiss that is folly."
He may actually BE one for all we know!
Inically Shiloh's mismatched eyes follow the dagger but soon move to look at her hunk of bread. Quietly picking at her food but her appetite withers and dies as Cimri talks about her home. They sent me here to rot. Wretched people. This is why I left and I will not return... unless it is to cut them down and leave them with the trash.
Looking back up when Cimri is done speaking, in a soft voice, Thank you Cimri for tell us that and the opotunity to meet with Razelago.
Pulling her eyes from Cimri to look over at Breeze, He does not know us. In time confidence and trust are earned.
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"It wasn't until real recent. I'd set up comfy good in this place, and came home one night... I was s!!~faced drunk, thought the light in the window was me seeing things at first, but closer I got to the house I started realizing it was there for real... I went upstairs to see what it was and Razelago was there... From then on, things have been looking up!"
Tavitha remained silent during the meeting with their employer, but joined in the drinking and celebrating afterwards. She was glad that Loose-Lick would not be missed, but strangely suspicious of their rewards. Rarely had she seen such fine weapons...to have them gifted so freely was unexpected. She tested the heft of the greatsword and smiled.
Hearing the others voice distrust for Razelago Tavitha had to chuckle. "He can have all the shadows he wants -- he pays well!" And he wasn't half as demanding as the Owb had been.
Aevelyn pauses and considers the other woman's words carefully, something she is certainly not used to.
If I had not found you when I did, then Shiloh and myself would be in your straits as well. While I know you have your own agenda, perhaps we can walk along the same path...for now.
Putting a smile upon her face, she takes Cimri's hand in her own. "Yes, I can tell you are happy Cimri. Having a purpose and a goal does make a difference. I...I am thankful we got this chance to work together, and I hope we can do so again in the future."
Cherry listens to Cimri's talk of her past and of Longacre with interest and a bit of sympathy. Not the greatest life. I could have ended up like her, if things had gone only a little differently for me. Thank the Hells my schooling wasn't only from now-dead bandits.
"Huh...just showed up out of nowhere? Pretty lucky he picked this place to hole up in," she chuckles.
"You call it luck. Personally, I think it's more like fate," she says, then smiles. "Either way, it's a great opportunity."
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The night fades into dawn, and you all seek out sleep in your own ways. For some of you, you might go back to Longacre and find an inn. Others might choose to crash at the Ash House together with Cimri. Either way, all of you eventually drift to sleep while the sun rises over the small town of veterans bitter at Cheliax.
When you wake up, probably in the afternoon, the rest of the day is uneventful. You may stroll around Longacre taking in the layout of the town (feel free to check out the map on Google Drive and ask questions about what sorts of things the town has, if you wish). You may do shopping if you wish. If you do anything of note during this day that I should be aware of, include it in your next post.
That day closes uneventfully. It's a lazy day after a work night, just getting acclimated with Longacre. The next day, however, begins with an event. Cimri wakes the PCs (if they are crashing at the Ash House with her) or comes to fetch them around noon (if they choose lodging elsewhere), telling them Razelago wants to meet with them again immediately. Razelago’s office is as it was before, only now a small, black lacquered box sits on the table before the paper screens.
Razelago and Cimri wait for everyone to make their way to the office.
Natural healing rules as per the PRD, for two nights (and possibly one full day of bed rest). One night recovers 1hp and resting in bed the day recovers an additional 1hp, for a maximum total recovery of +3hp if you sleep two nights and chill the day.
Breeze heads to one of her accomplices and picks up two CLW potions, handing over the 100 gold that she had just gotten. She was trusting Cimri, and betting that this Razelago was going to keep them employed for a while. Handing over 100 gold proved that, as she could live well on that for months, so this was a leap of faith for her.
Breeze spent some time entertaining herself at the Ash House. She practiced her card tricks, and was getting pretty good at creating a few different illusions with it. She stayed at the Ash House, not wanting to waste any of her gold, so when Cimri scheduled a meeting, she was one of the first to arrive.
Aevelyn gives Breeze her share of the gold recovered and asks her to pick up a pair of healing potions for her as well.
The next day she keeps a low profile, only venturing forth in the evening with a scarf wrapped around her head eager to pick up any news of the disappearance of the tanner in the rumor mill.
The following day finds her returning to the Ash House once again to see what their mysterious benefactor wishes of them.
Handing half her gold over to Breeze, If you could be a dear and get me a healing potion as well. Thank you very much Beeze.
Leaving the Ash House in favor of sleeping somewhere that does not look like it might collapse while she sleeps. Once safely along she sits on the bed and calls Valrah back to this plane. The brand reforms on her face. Be quiet and let me tell you what else happened, then you can yell all you want.
Quietly explaining what happened after she got to the Ash house and the horrible revelation that her family sent her here to rot. The two quietly talk and bicker hours into the night when they should be sleeping.
Once the sun has come up Shiloh leave the inn with Valrah. Both careful to keep their hoods up and hair in the way of their shared brand. Avoiding Shilohs cousin and Nysene they wonder about the town of rejects.
Quietly listening to people conversations or starting them with various people. Hoping to learn more about he people here and if there is any news of the activities that happened last night.
Spotting a strip of fabric with pockets Shiloh buys it and returns to her wondering. On her way back she sees one of those stones that dead idiot used. With a smile she buys that too. Eventually ending back at the inn the two curl up in bed and sleep well into the morning.
With the sun well into the sky and Cimri pounding on her door Shiloh sends Valrah away, Washing her face and straightening her dark clothing before setting out to return to the Ash House.
Breeze goes shopping for the girls. "Remember who hooked you up next time we are in a spot, will you ladies," she jokes as she goes shopping for everyone. "If you see me fall, please be a dear and pour one of these down me," the feline says as she points out where she stores her healing draughts.
Cherry remains at the Ash House for the night and most of the following day, because she likes the atmosphere of a half-burnt building. At one point she starts burning symbols into the walls with the tip of her finger, just for fun, until she gets scolded for possibly adding to the house's instability.
She will go out to shop briefly, and purchase a new outfit with her newly acquired money. Normal-looking common clothes, instead of her vestments, in case they get into a situation where she wouldn't want to be immediately identifiable as an Asmodean.
Breeze goes shopping for the girls. "Remember who hooked you up next time we are in a spot, will you ladies," she jokes as she goes shopping for everyone. "If you see me fall, please be a dear and pour one of these down me," the feline says as she points out where she stores her healing draughts.
Nodding, Of course I will. That is what I wanted it for.. I certainly do not plan to be near the violence.
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Aevelyn's diplomatic inquiries find out that the tanner's disappearance has been noticed, of course -- after the gong farmers returned and found Louslik gone, they went to the sheriff who had come right over. The sheriff and deputies have been exploring the site in the morning while you were sleeping, but you hear no rumors of a body being found. There are whispers around town that maybe he skipped out with an illicit lover or took his cash and ran before an upcoming tax audit.
I will get back to further results for Shiloh and Nysene after this scene. Remind me if I forget.
Tavitha may post any previous day actions retroactively. Moving forward. Once you are all assembled, Razelago explains the situation.
“With the number of veterans who live in town, it’s not surprising that there’s a church of Iomedae in Longacre. But there might not be one much longer if Tileavia Allamar, its priestess, does what she has in mind.”
Razelago’s silhouette clasps shadowy hands. “There’s growing unrest in the empire, and not just in Pezzack and along the Hellcoast. Many of Iomedae’s faithful have begun speaking more boldly of the monarchy’s vices and the rights of citizens. They seem to believe this is Andoran and that the people have only to reach out to seize power. But they are wrong. This is Cheliax, not Andoran, and we know where true power lies.
“Fifth Sword Knight Allamar is gathering all who will listen for a sermon in front of her church this afternoon—only two short hours from now. I don’t know what she has in mind, but I suspect some revolutionary claptrap that can only sow the seeds of confusion and frustration among Longacre’s citizens. That is contrary to my wishes. So I’d like you to attend the rally. In the box are sashes marked with the insignia of Archbaron Fex. Wear them, remind people that the lord of this town is not without supporters, and see what transpires. Afterward, Cimri will report back to me. In return, you will all receive double what you did last night.”
Cimri quickly agrees to the assignment for her own part and takes the box, opening it. It contains what Razelago said. You have an opportunity to ask questions if you wish.
"Are we to remind them with our muscles or with our wiles," Breeze wonders, not sure if they were to be head breakers or simply sewing seeds of discord to the supporters.
Aevelyn gives Breeze a wry smile. "I don't know about you, but I shall use my words here." Turning her attention to Razelago’s silhouette she asks him, "Has she attempted to perform these sermons before, or otherwise caused trouble in Longacre before?"
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"It's a church of Iomedae. The relationship between that church and the lawful rule of Cheliax has been uneasy for long. Allamar has given special sermons before, and is not known as a staunch supporter of the House of Thrune, to say the least. But the Infernal Majestrix has promised freedom of religion in this land, so as long as they do not break the law, I would like you to do just as I said, and no more. Wear the sashes. See what happens. Work within the system."
"Understood," Cherry says. "I assume it wouldn't be the best idea to advertise that I follow Asmodeus?"
Shiloh keeps quiet and walks over to the box. Pulling out a sash and staring at it for a moment before looking Razelago's way, You want to pay us that much to wear this. Holding up the sash, Is this likely going to get violent?
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To Cherry, "In fact demonstrating that would accomplish much the same as wearing the sash -- to remind the people who rules this land."
To Shiloh, "That is what I am paying you a large amount to find out. Information is what I desire. Go. Find it. Bring it to me."
With that, the audience with Razelago is over, and the light source behind him is extinguished, making his silhouette no longer visible through the screen dividing the office. Cimri ushers the group back downstairs to the parlor. Back in the parlor, Cimri opens the small box and withdraws a broad, crimson sash emblazoned with the symbol of Cheliax and the arms of House Fex—a pair of fighting stags with bloody antlers. There is one sash for each PC and Cimri.
You have two hours. Do you wish to make any plans, or are you ready to head out to the church?
As she affixes the sash to her outfit, Aevelyn comments to no one in particular, "It looks like we are on our way again.". As they exit the Ash House she remarks, "I see no reason to waste any time now, we should head towards the church and see if there is anything unusual currently going on there."
Breeze takes a sash but chose not to put it on just yet. "While the rest of you make your presence known, I think I'm going to case the joint and try to hear what gossip is being spread. If I find out anything, I'll find all of you immediately and fill you in."
Smiling over at the feline, Be like the wind you are named for.
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You make your way from the Ash House (map 2) to the Church of Iomedae (map 4). The town is surrounded by walls, so you have to come in through a gate. The most reasonable choices are the road coming in from the north (coming from the direction of the docks and river) or the road coming in from the west (coming from the direction of the tannery). See map for details. Approaching the church from the northwest direction, you may pass by the following map markers: 1, 11, 12, 7 or 19. All of you may choose to Diplomacy to Gather Information or Knowledge Local about any one of the map markers on your way to the church. One marker and one roll per PC, and you may choose either Diplomacy or Local, whichever you prefer (but not both).
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As Aevelyn makes her way towards the church with the others, she keeps her eyes open for anything unusual happening nearby, a dubious endeavor at best.
Passing by the Arch and Lark, she can see why it is the least popular pub in Longacre—which is to say, the town’s only other pub after the Last Stand—the Arch and Lark caters to local and traveling nobility. She recalls talking with the owner Fordaneil Cembers once before, and remembers how she looks down her sharply pointed nose at their competitor Last Stand and its owner Bolgart Caggan, calling him an “oaf who caters to oafs.” She realizes the would-be noble lady had a reputation of fawning over anyone she thinks could enhance her establishment’s reputation or even fulfill her dreams of receiving an endorsement from the archbaron himself.
Obviously why she gave me the cold shoulder.
All things considered, in Shilohs mind, it really is not that unreasonable that when they pass the jail she takes a moment to look about. Muttering to Aevelyn, I will just be a moment. And with that said she quickly darts off.
After a few minuets Shiloh returns to walk next to her cousin. Linking arms with Aevelyn and walking for some time in silence until the jail is long out of view. Once she thinks she is a able to speak without being overheard she quietly fills her cousin in, That was the Longacre Jail. Their sheriff, Rhona Staelish, nice name right. She is a vile woman and far more likely to lock people up in those pillories for all the world to see then put anyone in the cells. A grin forms, That does not seem very kind or lawful to me. Do you think we could sic Nysene on her?
Diplomacy for Marker 12
Unfortunately, Breeze wasn't able to blend quite as well as she had hoped. Rubes around here still won't talk to a feline! I'll show them all one day, prejudiced bastards, she thinks as several groups of people clam up as she walks near.
As the group sets out, Cherry carefully fixes the sash over her black and red robes, and holsters her new masterwork mace at her side, in such a way that the holy symbol can be seen. Anyone looking at her will notice her religious affiliation right away.
Cherry recognizes one of the places they pass as the local market - someone had mentioned it to her in the past, but she hasn't been there before and as such, doesn't know anything else about it.
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You make your way through the northwestern parts of Longacre to finally reach the square outside the church. You've got about an hour and a half before the sermon is scheduled to begin. There is no crowd present yet at the time you arrive at the site. I have added a map "Sermon in the Square" to the header above the gameplay tab. Feel free to position your own character tokens anywhere you prefer on the map -- you have ample time to move where you like.
Note that the scale of the map is 1 square to 20 feet, which is why your icons are so small. All of you can be in the same square if you like, because of the scale. If you have trouble locating your tokens, I have placed them one square up and to the right of the C1 marker.
H indicates the church of Iomedae.
Longacre’s Church of Iomedae, surrounded by a wrought iron fence, sits just to the north of one of the town’s squares called, appropriately enough, the church square. The square contains a well, available for use by anyone in town, and a tall wooden post for posting notices and announcements. Shops and businesses surround the plaza, and a wide thoroughfare runs north and south through the square. A conspicuous white-clothed table stands in front of the church, apparently in readiness for the sermon, though the table is currently bare.
One of the buildings across the square from the church used to be the Three Bands Cooper. The shop is dark, boarded up, and empty.
The alley between Buckman’s Hardware and the Graceful Goose Haberdasher is wide and clean, but it remains in shadow for most of the day. The entirety of the alley is considered an area of dim light.
One block east of the church square, Seward Street is largely empty, but a distracted workman has left his donkey and a delivery cart loaded with four casks of wood tar here.
Over the next hour and a half, more and more people begin trickling into the square little by little, obviously coming here for the sermon.
Aevelyn glances about her noting the lack of people in the square. "Looks like this sermon is not as highly anticipated as we were led to believe?" As the crowd starts to thicken, she comments further "Or perhaps the Sword Knight Allamar has a reputation for being late to arrive?"
She turns to the others in the group, pointing out the alley across the square. "Do you think that would be a good place to keep an eye on the crowds?" She says quietly, addressing Breeze in particular.
Perception
Know. Local
"That place has been out of business for about a year. There's a staircase behind in he alley that would let someone access the second floor. Might be good to have higher ground, at least for one of us."
After Breeze points out what she knew, she decide to walk around a bit, listening for anything juicy she might be able to use in the mission.
Perception
Nodding to the others, So is someone going to be up there? I would like to volunteer myself if that is part of the plan.
"Seems fine to me. Personally I'd rather be down on the ground if anything breaks out, I'm better up close."