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Septimus Will Save:
Unfortunately this fools Septimus and after Berenice gives the party away, Septimus steps out and attempts to punch the illusion in the face using his improved unarmed strike
He probably hits it because it is an illusion, has no AC or dexterity modifier and does not defend itself. His fist probably goes through it.
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As the Illusion disappears you hear a little bit of laughing coming from around the corner and then a Halfling steps into view. You immediately recognize him from the Crowd as the Halfling that started the whole thing. "Hahah, Rex old boy you should have seen your face! and the rest of yall!" he says as he points and laughs. "Well just be glad that I took the liberty of walking around this place and making sure yall went being followed that is something you will have to do on your own. You can never be to carful." the old man whezzes his lungs barely able to contain the laughing.
"Ba at your service" once he calms down he introduces himself. and calmly shuts the curtain back to where they were. "This everyone, is my current asscociate, that I have been waiting for to arrive. even if that was not HOW I was expecting him to arrive."Rexus says after a moments hesitation. shooting his associate a definite annoyed expression.
@aldren your SM check didn't notice anything and neither did the perception. Rexus was not faking his worry or was aware of what was going on.
Berenice glares at the new arrival.
"Sweet barleybrew, don't DO that!" she snaps.
She hops off the chair and goes to retrieve her arrow.
"I freakin' hate mind magic," she mutters under her breath.
Lirana looks at the Halfling most sternly. "That was a cruel prank to play on people who have lost loved ones in such manners."
Rexus concurs with Liranas statement. "Yes, You gave the Lady's such a fright." He holds his cane as if about to draw it as a sword. "Our arrangement does not give you leave with such nonsense."
Ba bushes off Rex's comments with a wave of his hands. "yes, yes...."
Having known it was an illusion, Aldren seems a little less bothered by the unveiling yet still scowls in disapproval. He looks at Berenice (as the solitary known quantity in the room) and shakes his head in a discouraged expression.
More to himself than anyone else, he mutters, "Yes, the ladies were terrified." And our good master, Lord Rexus, but no, we shan't say that. Coward. "And such an amusing display, too, were one a court jester. Fortunately, we won't be adding another corpse to the tally... today."
He neither invites or expects a response as he puts the morningstar back to rest on his hip, leans against the wall near the curtain-covered entrance, and stares coolly at the newly arrived halfling.
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Septimus gives a look at the halfling with hard stare and says, "This is no joking matter you fool of a Halfling. The loyalists of the Thrune are throughout this city and will bring swift death to those that oppose them or mock their methods. One should not use the Asmodians as tools for you tricks."
"Ah, well, Master Septimus, you may not have noticed in all the commotion, but this is not Mr. Ba's first bit of mockery today. It was he who teed off the riot with those tomatoes at the Lord Mayor." Aldren continues to stare at this 'Ba' fellow while he speaks. "And then he... disappeared, just as the Thrunes' cudgels came out and starting cracking skulls."
His gaze switches back to Rexus and his patience for this foolishness has clearly expired. "That's it, Rexus," he drops the formality of title and honorifics. "Your 'partner' is here. I was told to meet you at the protest. You've hinted at a 'proposition' for all of us. Spit it out."
"Ah well sit down everyone, you see, up until earlier this week I was a member of nobility. Rexus Viracorva at your service. Anyways, my parents apparently were killed in what the commoners call the Night of Ashes. when our estate was burned down In a coup. At least that's what my contacts have called it since the reigning lord mayor Balinus went missing that same night. " Rexus stops to let that sink in. getting another drink before continuing, "Well shortly there after; while I was hiding out in a room. I was approached by Ba over there, he has been working with the bellflower network and then with a underground group called the Veiled Alliance. Ba was looking for other like minded people that don't like the way Chelaxia was run. Well after a little time Ba mentioned that he knew where there could be a stash of items from a old revolutionary group called the Silver Ravens. Ba also believed and I concurred that the Silver Ravens reborn so to speak would be a better symbol than what they currently have. Plus I cannot do this alone I have been slowly putting a call out for other able bodied citizens to help us. I cannot pay much, if any. And the only thanks you might get is at the end of a headsman axe." Rexus then waits to see if Ba adds anything.
"HAhahha, try not to oversell this Rex", Ba says sheepishly.
"I just want them to know what they are getting into, Ba." Rex retorts back.
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Septimus listens to the halfling and then says, "You have my condolences of what occurred in the Night of Ashes. I was there, forced to take part in its affairs by my Watch Commander and saw first hand the injustice, tyranny and chaos that was unleashed during that time. As for the Silver Ravens, as a former member of the watch I've heard of them but from what I have learned the organization was destroyed years ago by the city forces. Still, it is possible that some of their stashes remain and it would be prudent to investigate to see if they can be appropriated for our own use. While I measure our chances as slim to overthrow the current regime, Kintargo is my home and by Abadar something needs to be done to bring true Justice to this city and have these Tyrants account for their actions."
@Septimus- Rex comes forward and claps your shoulder saying ,"Glad to have you onboard. I'm sure your sword will be needed."
Aldren listens to this and manages to keep his expression fairly cool, though in truth Rexus's tale catches his interest. He has a need for vengeance, though lacks the ability to seize it. I'm sorry if I doubted You, My Lady.
Still... Ba's antics here and at the protest have not sat well with the half-elf, and the guardsman, former or otherwise, seems too easily swayed by a good cause. Good causes all too often end with an axe or a noose... especially in Cheliax.
Unconvinced, Aldren looks at Berenice with an arched brow, curious as to her thoughts before he commits.
You can use Bluff to pass hidden messages to another character without others understanding your true meaning. The DC of this check is 15 for simple messages and 20 for complex messages. If you are successful, the target automatically understands you, assuming you are speaking in a language that it understands. If your check fails by 5 or more, you deliver the wrong message. Other creatures that hear the message can decipher the message by succeeding at an opposed Sense Motive check against your Bluff result.
Berenice watches Aldren with a quirked eyebrow as he speaks without speaking, and frowns. Then she looks at Ba.
"Any friend of the Bellflower Network is a friend of mine, freakin' stupid jokes aside. Tell me, how many of you have heard of it?"
She nods and gestures innocently to Beppe.
Lirana looks at Ba with disdain. "I do not care for you or your methods, but if you will give your word to spare us from any further practical jokes of yours, then I will agree to your proposal.
"This idiot's antics could have gotten innocent people kileed tonight."
Aldren listens as Berenice and Lirana state their willingness to work with the two men. Against his better judgment, he acquiesces. "It's a chance to strike at the Thrunes and Cheliax, so I can see some sense in the madness. But Lirana is right; if you're going to be provoking House Thrune and making jokes at our own expense, this is not going to end well."
Least of all for you, Bellflower Network or otherwise, he thinks while looking at Ba.
Ba lets out a deep breath as if lecturing. "Listen, you might think that what I did was reckless or even stupid, but let me tell you what I did was necessary. Thune now knows that he can be hit. That attack meant more than you think. The citizens that watched that now know also that he is not all powerful." Ba looks at you skeptically. then *sighs* "I apologize however, for my rash prank , I have been at this a long time. I've buried many, and even been betrayed by a few. You really know the worth of someone when you hit them in unexpected ways. I'm also not looking for heroes, I'm looking for people that will get the job done that will probably get their hands dirty."
Rexus blanches at the talk of headsman's axe but pushes forward. " I'm still in Ba."
Beppe steps up and says "you can count me in also." looking up at Laurent expectantly.
Carawyn says, "We are in, why dirty hands though?"
Berenice nods at Beppe, then addresses the whole group.
"Short version, the Bellflower Network get enslaved halflings out of slavery. That's why I asked you your views on that stuff, Septimus. What we do is good work, but it's not always legal."
She looks at Ba and Rexus.
"If these Silver Ravens can keep Kintargo's halflings free, then I'm in."
She spits in her hand and extends it to Rexus.
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Septimus says to Berenice, "Slavery belongs to the laws of Cheliax, it has no place in the just laws of Abadar. I would support bringing an end to such unjust practices"
He then looks to Ba and says, "Our motley crew has already broken enough laws to be executed so little what we do matters now. Be it one law or many, the punishment is the same for our lot so our only chance for liberation is to see this cause until the end. I for one would rather die fighting for a just Kintargo than lose my head to a chopping block or other worse forms of execution."
He then looks to the others and says, "I shall not force the rest of you to follow my resolution if you do not wish it. If you do not wish to join the fight I would advise leaving the city and heading for one of the free nations such as Andoran and perhaps make a life for yourself there. But if you chose to fight, know that you may well give your lives for the cause. Surrender will not be an option when dealing with the maledictions of the Thrune. You will fight or you will die, that is as simple as I can put it. So what say you all? Will we make a go at this rebellion or will you leave Kintargo to become yet another slave-state to Cheliax?"
"I hold to my earlier statement. I cannot react properly to real threats if I don't know for sure that they are real threats and not Ba being bored and treating this like a joke."
Aldren listens to Septimus with a wry grin. My he is earnest. Pent up tension? But he just winds up nodding again with Lirana. "I'll not argue Ba's justification of his tomato gambit, nor his foolery here. I think he makes for a capricious ally and, whatever worthy causes he may be associated with, I have a feeling it will be our hands that get dirty. Not his. And not the noble's."
He looks at both of them and shrugs, "I speak bluntly because I don't think this is a time for mincing words. You ask much of us and offer little but vague promises of materials and a short relationship with an executioner's axe, but no strategy and little I see in the way of meaningful support."
He looks at Berenice briefly, with whom he frequently disagrees but nonetheless for whom he has developed something of a sort spot, and sighs. "But, I'll hear you out, and should I betray your confidences, may the Lady in the Room stab me with a thousand stings." While the reference will surely confuse Carawyn, those passingly familiar with the faiths of Golarian will likely realize he is referring to Calistria, a vengeful goddess who visits horrible wrath on those who wrong Her.
Ba places up his hands with a "hrump, kids" and leaves the room.
Rexus tries a placacating gesture. "Now there is no need for that Ba." talking out the door at Ba, Then looks to everyone else,"Please listen to me. Kintargo is in trouble. Don't worry about the old Halfling as far as I'm concerned we don't even need to deal with him. My parents were in deep and members of a secret Order that was not known to very many. I..... I.... I found a letter from them after the night of ashes it was left with a friend of the family. A lady by the name of Laria Longroads. it should explain more.
he hands the letter over to anyone.
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 belong to a secret order called the Order of Archivist and have worked to free Kintargo from chelish rule. I have learned much about Kintargo's secret histories as well. You likely have not heard of the Silver Ravens- few have. But during the civil war they were known as a symbol. and that's what Kintargo needs a symbol for people to rally behind. Hope buried deep in people's heart that are ready to break free. Speak with a old Halfling named Ba. At the Longroads coffeehouse ask Laria about him. he will tell you more.
Rexus says that Ba already told him where to find one of the silver ravens hideouts at a old abandoned slaughterhouse call Fair fortune Livery.
"Look I'm being blunt, I'm not a fighter like my brother, I'm not a hero like my parents, nor am I a well respected noble. I'm a accountant, or a merchant if you will. And I need help. can I get it. I'll offer all I can to see this through." and he takes a gulp "Including my Life."
and with that he offers Bracers of armor +1, silver dagger , and 150 gp.
The Calistrian watches Ba leave and appears, contrary to what might be expected, somewhat chagrined by the development. A slightly hurt expression comes to his face and his hand twitches as if to reach for the curtain and follow with an apology. Yet he doesn't, and, as the curtain falls behind the halfling, Aldren listens to Rexus's explanation. His face is inscrutable, that of a gambler, betraying nothing as he listens.
"You recruited the right halfling. Laria's a friend of mine, and if this Ba's a friend of hers, then the same applies, and to you as well. You may not be a hero now, but I'll bet we can toughen you up yet. Whadaya say?"
She motions to her spit-filled hand, still waiting on that handshake from Rex.
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Septimus recalls most of the relevant information but never really delved deep into the acts of the Silver Ravens and it was before he joined the Watch (Unless the War happened less than 4 years ago). As far as he's learned the Silver Ravens were broken years ago and likely will not see their return. If they were not executed for their crimes, they likely have long fled elsewhere.
He looks at the offering and says to Rexus, "Such payment is not required for myself mister Rexus. I am already involved and I need no payment to spur me to action. As for those with me however, if they wish to partake of your generosity then far be it for I to prevent them."
Aldren waits until Rexus accepts Berenice's offer (), then steps back over to the table where he addresses Rexus squarely. "I appreciate the candor and sympathize with your plight, perhaps more than you realize. It sounds as if your parents were good and decent people. I also agree with you on the state of the Silver City, though I can tell you some of the blame for that rests on the shoulder of our city's leaders...it's nobility."
He pauses, pinning Rexus with a stare not meant to be intimidating but rather to emphasize the point. "I'll join this endeavor on one condition. I don't want your gold nor your trinkets. What I want from you is a promise. Swear that if we are to succeed in restoring a semblance of freedom to Kintargo and you to your title that you will use all of your influence and resources to restore the banished faiths, including that of Calistria. Swear this, and I'll aid you."
Lirana will read the letter that Rexus passes around. "You have my sympathy Rexus. The only father figure I've known was recently taken away and I still have no idea if he is alive or dead. I am willing to offer up what help I can, though I warn you that I am not much use in a fight."
"Perhaps the monies you offer could be used to purchase some supplies to help fix up this old hide out of the Silver Ravens? Maybe keep a stock of food and necessities that can be given out to those in need?"
Rexus shakes Berenices hand after a moment of hesitation. "Thank you" he hands over the gold but so far nothing else.
Asumming no one else needs anything Rex asks, "Do we want to look at this place tonight? or tomorrow? if we go tonight the cerfew will be in effect." after another moment rex adds "I have this place for about another thirty minutes to make some decisions."
Carawyn's eyes scan the letter quickly, brow furrowing slightly.
After finishing, she leaves it on the table and recites from memory:
"There were five Silver Ravens: None was a bird, but rather a bard, an illusionist, a ranger, a cleric and a swashbuckler. They were known for a song of silver that could cast a large spell over Kintargo. They were led by the elf, Jackdaw, the swashbuckler. She is the only known living Silver Raven but has not been seen in Cheliax in many years. During the civil war, the Silver Ravens' ranger kidnapped the prince of Kintargo and killed the illusionist, which also sent the Ravens flying off on their own."
She pauses and looks around at each of the other people in the room.
"We wonder who in this room will be in our murder?"
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While waiting for Rexus's response, Aldren blinks and looks at Carawyn in pleasant surprise. "Did she just use a metaphor? How could people be in a murder, lest they were in fact killed by another person? Or are we to become birds?"
Lirana shrugs. "Unless she expects one of us to murder her, I assume that she is referring to us becoming Ravens. You know, if she ever gets captured by guards, they will have a very difficult time questioning her."
Carawyn smiles (or at least it looks that way behind her veil) at Lirana.
While waiting for Rexus's response, Aldren blinks and looks at Carawyn in pleasant surprise. "Did she just use a metaphor? How could people be in a murder, lest they were in fact killed by another person? Or are we to become birds?"
Berenice rolls her eyes.
"A group of crows is called a 'murder,' ya dolt. A 'murder' of crows. She's askin' who's in on the gaffle," she says, in a tone that says "seriously, you should know this already."
"A group of ravens is called an unkindness, though."
"Or a conspiracy..." Carawyn whispers.
"You know, Bee," Aldren grins, "You don't always have to be so short all the time. Be the bigger person."
Berenice facepalms.
"Ah for cryin' out loud! Those jokes are so old the rough drafts are carved on the godsdamned STARSTONE!"
She pours another cup of water and gulps it down.
"So...are we gonna check out this Livery place or not?"
With a wink, Aldren glances back at Rexus. "Well, how about it? When our little conspiracy does an unkindness and, if not murders the damned Thrunes and their lackeys, at least takes them down to size, will you use your title and influence to restore the forbidden faiths?"
The appearance of a Asmodean priest at this unknown location seemed just a little too much like kismet to Laurent, and his suspicions were born out when the cleric turned out to clearly be an illusion- though a good enough one to fool most of his companions.
As the rest of the group banters about, Laurent remains silent, observing them carefully. He does introduce himself to Ba briefly and politely, careful to make it known through his body language and tone that he took no offense at the halfling's little prank.
When Ba leaves the room and Rexus proposes reviving the Silver Ravens, a group which Laurent knows only by name, the young nobleman is the last to speak on the matter. He waits while the others are discussing the proper name for a group of ravens before talking with Rexus in a slightly-below-speaking-level voice
"Rex, if I may call you that, I have some reservations about all of this. I don't like the Lord Mayor -I don't think anyone does- and I'm all for removing him. But breaking with Cheliax is a serious problem. Despite all the redactions, you know as well as I do that Cheliax was not always Thrunes and their deviltry. Kintargo has been part of free Cheliax for six hundred years, and was part of Taldan Cheliax for Gods' know how much before that. What I'm trying to say here is that I'm willing to help get rid of the Lord Mayor, but throwing away centuries of tradition like this because of one bad ruler in one city, or even 100 years of Thrunes as sovereigns, is throwing the baby out with the bathwater."
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Septimus looks to Laurent and says, "It is a difficult choice to be sure mister Jhaltero. To break with Cheliax, despite myself being of pure Cheliaxian heritage is a decision I don't make lightly. I have heard tales that the rest of the world see us Cheliaxians as the most wicked of peoples for abandoning our once noble roots when Aroden perished and giving our wills to a patron who is an embodiment of evil. I seek to prove this wrong by showing that at least some of us hold righteous law and justice to a high standard. We must bring down this system of Diablory or nothing will change for the better in this city."
Berenice lets out a small whistle.
"You should have been a paladin, Falkland," she says, clearly impressed.
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Septimus looks to Berenice and says "The religious pursuit was one my sister took up and not the path that I considered. I preferred the more direct approach to law enforcement by becoming a consolable in the watch. Despite my direct connection any gods, my martial skills still can be homed towards a cause that I believe in."
"I'm fine with checking out the Livery tonight. Not like I'm going to be able to get any rest tonight anyway. Too much has happened to quiet my mind."
As Rexus talks with Aldren "Yes of course I'll help with the religions, everyone should be free to make their own choice. I'm not a politician however ,and I don't know how much I can help." after speaking with Aldren he turns to Laurant, " As far as breaking with Cheliax, we haven't gotten that far yet. My hope was to make Thurne think twice before stepping into Kintargos business. We have done a good job for ourselves and I don't want to see it go to waste."
Rex looks at the group. "Should I go? will you need my help?"
Beppe looks at Launrant "If we are caught outside at night we will be in some trouble sir."
currently it is about mid to late afternoon.
Aldren accepts this oath as enough from Rexus. "Funny thing about the people... they follow titles bestowed upon those by the accident of their birth quite readily." Whether the inheritor of the title is worthy or not. "You may find you're more help than you realize. As for whether you come with us... what are we to do once we find this cache? It may be helpful if you come along. Besides, I'm not sure how much longer Miss Crissali will care for our company, but maybe I'm wrong." And it hardly does to alienate you at this point, does it? And a weak noble can be just as helpful when properly 'guided'.
He steps back from the table, ready to leave, but waits to see if others are in agreement. He does, however, quietly mention to Carawyn, "I don't know what help you can offer in a fight, but you may want to take those bracers. And, not for nothing, but someone may want that dagger. Silver could help us against some Thrune servitors."
Carawyn gives Aldren an enigmatic smile as she takes the bracers, examining them briefly before putting them on.
"When it's cold, a cloth around the neck can keep you warm ... or it can make you cold as the grave," she murmurs. "We may be like the spider, spinning a web that proves stickier than the fly expects."
Aldren winks, "Bondage and domination. Got it." Mistress, if she's naught but a tailor, this is going to end badly.