| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Dear Friends, I enjoyed our time in the woods and I have been thinking of you. After our adventure I found a job with a nice employer, Razelago, and I told him about you. He isn't so bad and only kicks me sometimes, but his pet cat creature angers me sometimes so I set it on fire when the master isn't looking. Anyways, I am not sure what you are doing now, but if you are interested in more mercenary work there is work to be done back in Longacre. I would like to meet with you. I will introduce you to Cimri. She is another one of Master Razelago's employees. She is ok, but smells like a human...gross, and she eats with tools in her hands, and curses at me, and sometimes doesn't let me eat the soft legs of things we kill, actually I don't like her either, but she is good at her job. So come meet us at The Last Stand Inn and we can catch up.
By Barbatos' Will,
Pivenzobili
Either compelled to meet old friends, test skills, or simply to earn some money, you decided it was time to meet this Cimri and get to work.
Colorful wooden shields and weathered antlers hang upon
the deck girdling this rustic public house. Overhead, a sign
carved with crenellations bears the name “The Last Stand
Tavern”—the letters “L” and “T” formed with painted greenfletched
arrows
Inside is a quiet tavern filled some people you are familiar with. Pivenzobili and Cimri are sitting in the back of the Tavern.
Cimri sizes you up as you approach. She is a human wearing light leather armor and has the look of a trouble maker about her, in fact she has a fresh black eye.
Pivenzobili jumps out of his seat and welcomes you to the table "Welcome old friends" He glances back to Cimri "See I told you I know the heros of the Whispering Woods! You owe me two silver!" Pivenzobili says in a snotty tone.
The tall tiefing clops across the tavern floor to see a couple of his friends in the back of the room.
"Piven! You sonovab!t<#! Good to see you," exclaims Jeraxs as he takes a seat facing the tavern door, and slaps the dread gnome on the back.
As Jerax gets sitted, he looks over to the human sitting at the table. "Hey, Cimri. Been a while." Pointing to his own eye, Jerax comments, "Nice shiner. Anybody I know?"
"Jobs are hard to find these days, and the ones you do find are hard. Hard to believe this lot are the ones everyone talked about last year. You guys really went and hunted those vege..whatsits?" Cimri says with a degree of scrutiny in her voice.
Alicia walks into the Inn. The money she had gained in her first job had been nice, and it would be nice to see the others again.
her original ragged cloths had been replaced by a scholars outfit, as she had been working with a local wizard, learning the skills of spell and fire.
Greetings friends. It has been a while
Margaletta scowls in the doorway. Without armor, her step is light; and she wears a newly-granted crimson robe of her order over a plain traveler's tunic and breeches. A few small knives and clubs hang at her belt, but the polearm strapped to her back has been replaced by something more ornate—a flame-tipped ranseur of excellent workmanship, carved from Andoren darkwood, and bearing a silver emblem that might have once been an eagle, hacked by some enterprising quartermaster into the rough outline of an Erinyes. A silk baldric carries a new pair of nunchaku in matching darkwood, with similar emblems, with a score of throwing stars sewn into the lining at chest-height.
In her heavy boots, she pads across the inn with surprising grace, and sits down at the table. "So, Cimri," she introduces herself, "I'm Margaletta, of the Sisterhood. That wretched imp these blokes and I worked for recently had some nasty things to say about you, which I figured means you might be worth meeting."
"A sister in training...impressive, your crazy story is starting to make sense Piv. Pleasure to meet you Sister Margaletta, I am known to be nasty on occasion, typically only if I am getting paid." Cimri says with her tone changing to sincerity.
"Oh, my pardon." Margaletta actually seems to smile at Pivenzobili, perhaps the first that the party has seen. "I only meant that anyone Piv here feels like insulting behind her back is probably a pretty decent person."
Jerax looks around the table asking, "Drinks? Drinks?" The tiefling then tries to flag down a member of the wait staff for an order.
and something to eat as well Alicia adds.
|
Izrail walks into the tavern wearing newly acquired elegant clothing, close by his side walks Ileosa.
When he sees the rest of the group he waves a hand to them "Well met, friends! Long time we don't see. How's life treating you all? We have some news... big ones indeed!" says Iz as he walks and takes a sit for Ileosa and him "Pivenzobili, I hadn't thanked you enough for taking us out of that wretched place back in the day, so next drink is on me."
"So good to see my friends. Ok I will drink more then thank you Izrail!" A Halfling barmaid brings drinks and some bread for the party.
"Big news?" Margaletta asks Izrail, "You're pregnant?"
Meridian walks into the tavern wearing new clothing, new armor, with a new weapon by her side, all of very fine craftsmanship. She walks with a new air of satisfaction and confidence as she approaches the group coming to stand beside Jerax, "Hello again to you all. It is good to see you after so long. What is your news, Ileosa?" She certainly seems like the cat that ate the canary.
Ileosa, dressed in a long elegant black dress trimmed in red silk with a split that runs from the bottom of the dress up to her hip on the left side of her body, walks in along side her husband. When they find the group Ileosa embraces Jerax and Meridian joyfully before she takes her seat next to Izrail. "Pivenzobili, it is good to see you again." When Margaletta asked if they where pregnant Ileosa shook her head. "I don't think Izrail and I are ready for that yet, maybe some time soon though." She said as she took Izrail's hand. "And Meri dear you and Jerax already know our news. You where there after all." She pointed out. "This is more for Margalette, Alicia, Pivenzobili." She said politely. "Oh! Where are my manners?" She stated with a small laugh before she looked to Cimri. "You must be Cimri yes? I am Ileosa Arvanxi. This is my husband Izrail Arvanxi." She gave a polite nod to the woman they where here to meet.
many congratulations. A drink for tte newly weds
Meridian smiles warmly at Ileosa's obvious happiness, "Well, yes, but I didn't want to steal any of your thunder. The First knows you were there for me when I needed it." Though I will never understand the desire to commit to only one person. Then she pokes Jerax in the shoulder and gestures for him to scoot back a little. Once there is room she settles on his lap and kisses him soundly before downing her drink entirely and beckoning for another.
"Congratulations" Cimri and Pivenzobili exclaim as they raise their cups.
After well wishes and initial conversations dull down Cimri begins to speak in a slightly hushed tone. "I am sure you are aware of all the discord going on in Cheliax lately. The upstarts are providing an opportunity for those who would seize it. I can not talk here, but you can meet me outside of town at dusk by the old tree that overlooks the tannery. Pivenzobili knows where. I will leave you all to commiserate until then. May the nine watch over you." Cimri takes her leave and pays the tab at the bar.
|
|
"Here I was, thinking that no more shady bussiness were going to appear on my way... Piv, tell us honestly, can we trust this woman and your employer?" says Izrail between sips of his drink "Because it is indeed true that the unrest caused by the upstarts opens opportunities... but I'm concerned about which side offers ours. We are loyal to House Thrune and the Lord of the First."
"Cimri's shady, but trustworthy. She's never betrayed a confidence, as far as I heard," speaks Jerax. "But this Razelago guy, he doesn't ring a bell." Looking to Meridian and Allica, Jerax asks, "Is Razelago some noble I haven't heard off?"
"She is ok as far as humans go. Razelago is a strong leader. I have even seen him meet with some of the local government. He is aligned with the Master of the Woods, I mean Barbatos, but I don't know anything other than that. " Pivenzobili explains as he eats an entire loaf of bread without cutting it.
"Hmmm... Razelago, Razelago." Ileosa muttered as her fingers softly ran over the top of Izrail's hand. "Well if he is a follower of Barbatos he may not be too bad. We will get to meet him before we agree to anything yes?" She asked.
Meridian contemplates the question for a moment before responding.
"The Master is away on business so he left Cimri in charge. I have to go feed his cat. Go meet with Cimri though, she will know what to do. Thanks again for coming it was fun seeing you. Oh, and I made these for you all. "
Pivenzobili hands you all Holy Symbols of Barbatos crafted from dried treant flesh.
Meridian nods to herself as Piv leaves, then looks up at Jerax and around at the others, "I have heard of this Razelago. I do not know if he is simply a tiefling or an actual Devil, but I have heard that he is a rather devout follower of Babatos." She picks up one of the holy symbols and tucks it into her belt pouch beside the other. "Opportunity is knocking, and I am going to go answer the door. Will the rest of you come with me?"
Kirk follows the others while keeping his head down.
Well at least it sounds interesting. I'm coming.
"The Master is away on business so he left Cimri in charge. I have to go feed his cat. Go meet with Cimri though, she will know what to do. Thanks again for coming it was fun seeing you. Oh, and I made these for you all. "
Pivenzobili hands you all Holy Symbols of Barbatos crafted from dried treant flesh.
"Sweetness, Piven! These looks amazing! Thanks," exclaimed Jerax. "I gotta get some cord for this later, so I can wear it."
"Opportunity is knocking, and I am going to go answer the door. Will the rest of you come with me?"
Looking into his lover's eyes, Jerax replies, "Well, if I wasn't on board for this caper before, I am now!"
Margaletta puts the holy symbol away in a pocket, with no interest in actually wearing it.
"Right," she adds. "And I'm here for the money... which is how much, exactly?"
"That is part of what we are going to go find out. And even if it is not a lot of money, if there is a chance to gain the favor of House Thrune, the favor of Thrune is worth much." With a quick kiss, Meridian hops off Jerax's lap and begins heading toward the door. Her tail wraps around his wrist and uncoils as she walks, not quite pulling him along.
You meet Cimri at the Old Tree at dusk. Across a scrubby field, barely distinguishable under the starry sky, a darkened, fort-like compound hunches in the distance.
Cimri points toward the dim structure. "Its time for Ol'Louslik to pay his taxes...and to take a closer look at who is supplying him. When the Vegepygmies hit the supply lines last year all the other Tanneries took a hit, except the Lousliks. Now he is late on his taxes. My master thinks he is holding out hoping that the local government will change before he is forced to pay." She takes a breath and gauges the group.
"That is where you come in. Here’s the job: We break in,
sack Ol’ Louslik’s office, take whatever’s shiny, and get out
before the sheriff shows up. If we get separated, meet back
at the Ash House by dawn. If you get pinched, remember: you’re mute. Keep your mouth shut, and I’ll handle things. I got assurances that
we won’t take any blame if things go south. But get chatty
and I’ll let you rot. This is a test of discipline.” A beat passes and her usual crooked
smirk appears. “If you don’t screw things up, we’ll all be
drinking on Razelago’s coin come dawn. Let's do this."
"Wait a second," Margaletta ponders, "We're taking money owed to the throne from a tax dodger, and this doesn't have the sheriff's support?"
Cimri looks at Sister Margaletta with a solemn face. "These are strange times. My master suspects they are protected by an upstart mole in the local government. Hopefully we can find some proof."
In a whispered tone, Jerax addresses the group, "Okay. For most of you, this part of life is new. So keep in mind a few things: 1) Only talk when you need to, and if you do whisper. 2) Take your time and don't make too much noise. We are not in a race. 3)If someone yells 'run', you f#<king RUN!"
Ileosa's cheeks turn a light red when Izrail kisses them as she give a smile. "Of course husband." She pulls up a black hood from the back of her dress and drapes it just right on her head. "How are we getting in Cimri? Or do we get to pick that?"
Ileosa asks a good question. There is a 10' fence surrounding the compound and a large gate that is obviously locked with a chain from the outside, and probably boarded from behind.
Cimri comes closer and whispers "Jerax is right about whispering. They could have agents watching us, but the old tree is revered and its not too uncommon for people to gather here. What I purpose is this. You all scale the wall while I work on the lock. I will slip in after you've scaled the wall and secure a quick exit. I know how that sounds, so I will give you all a down payment now. 25 gold each. Try to be quiet on your approach I believe they have dogs that patrol the compound."
Jerax whispers, "Awesome. 10 ft. wall no problem. I'll help everyone over the wall by everyone climbing me to get over the wall, leaving me for fast."
Alicia looks a little unsettled at the task.
sneaking is really not my thing. But defeating a tax dodger... i can use my magic to help climbing the wall as well.
Jerax whispers, "Awesome. 10 ft. wall no problem. I'll help everyone over the wall by everyone climbing me to get over the wall, leaving me for fast."
Meridian grins wickedly in the darkness, "Now I get to climb you in public? Oh, this is going to be a fun night! Perhaps I should have spent a few more nights skulking around in the dark with you than I did, eh lover?"
Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, Kirk finally makes his appearance known.
He bows towards his new master Izrail and new mistress Ileosa and makes his way over to the gate and looks up at it.
10 feet? Looks more like 25 from where I see it...Oh wait... He then looks towards the group and snickers.
Kirk is sporting a new suit of black and red masterwork studded leather, which Ileosa graciously allowed him to purchase. Just visible under the leather is a large tattoo that covers his chest. It is the symbol of Asmodeus.
He seems a little more sure of himself since last you seen him wander off towards his master's tavern with his share of the winnings in his sack.
Shortly after being purchased by Ileosa and Izrail rumors spread throughout the town that his previous master died from a mysterious brown mold. Later, as the body was burned to stop the spread of infection, Kirk was seen sitting on a fence railing with a vicious smile on his face. His laugh was the stuff of nightmares.
Meridian grins wickedly in the darkness, "Now I get to climb you in public? Oh, this is going to be a fun night! Perhaps I should have spent a few more nights skulking around in the dark with you than I did, eh lover?"
Jerax shoots Meridian an exasperated look and whispers, "Dammit, woman! Later!" So, she's not adverse to public play, eh? Argg! The tiefling shakes his head out of his revelry.
"Kirk! Glad your here! I want you on the wall first, so you can act as lookout for when the others can go over."Jerax addresses the rest of the party. "Okay. Follow me. And stay low."
as the tiefling makes his way to the wall.
Alicia tries her best to be sneaky, casting guidance on herself first
could someone help me climb? I'm not very good at it.
Alicia will cast guidance on each climber that wants it, including herself.
"I think I'll gladly accept your help to climb, Jerax. "
Add +2 to Izrail's climb check as Jerax aids his climb.
could someone help me climb? I'm not very good at it.
Alicia will cast guidance on each climber that wants it, including herself.
Sadly, despie feeling the calming rush of guidance spell, Jerax could not properly assist Alicia climb.
Margaletta, calm and collected, runs at the wall at a low trot, grabbing the top and pulling herself over the edge.
damn all walls the the ninth circle Alicia muttered as she attempts to climb.
She falls in a heap. Getting up she tries again
Thump!
Couldn't we just storm the gate? It would be easier.
You all stealth to the wall without hearing any response from inside. Everyone except Alicia make it over on the first try like seasoned pros. Alicia finally makes it over, but alerts the dogs in the process.