Glad to see Rexus safe when they emerge, Adun follows along with the rest of the group to the coffeehouse. He's about to ask what they're doing here when a halfling woman, clearly the proprietor, greets them all like they're old friends and not-too-subtly ushers them out of her parlour and into the back room. Unwilling to drop his new identity as yet, Adun stands with Rexus and the others, still wary.
Used to Halflings covering for eachother, Agnes naturally makes some small talk as the others file by.
"Aw, thank you, its so good to be back. Work just keeps me busy, you know?"
Reynard tries not to look too awkward, wondering momentarily why this strange halfling is greeting him like a friend. Perhaps Rexus brings a lot of "friends" by. Must be a secure place.
The Fiend removes his disguise once the group is out of the livery.
Darius happily follows Rexus to the coffeehouse. He'd been here a few times, usually after his studies, or for a meeting with Pratis, but he did not often have coin to waste on the shop.
Rexus seemed to trust the proprietor and vice-versa, Darius was curious what the shop's relationship was to this resistance. He quietly nodded after the invitation to the back room, and went there quietly, their discussion was not one for the front of the shop.
Tired from the late night that now turned to morning, Brianna was sliggush as she changed out of her costume, and followed the rest into the Long Roads Coffeehouse. Stunned by the scent of roasted beans, she missed what the halfling woman said entirely. Luckily, the rest of the group walked to the back with some cups of the precious brew. She followed eagerly, fetching a cup from the tray as Rexus set it down. She found a spot to sit and began to sip eagerly, despite the heat.
Laria replies to Agnes in their native tongue.
Turning to take a small tray to the aforementioned Ms. Jones, Laria slightly double takes at the sight of Darius but continues on her way.
Gathering in the windowless room you all have a short time to settle in. The coffee is hot and fresh, anyone familiar with the local cafes will know that it is an Andoran brew. The room has eight small chairs surrounding a modest table. Along the three walls without the door are shelving that hold flour, beans, and other mundane goods. Fitting everyone at the table sitting is doable and comfortable enough, but a bit of a squish.
As soon as the last is inside and the door has been closed, Rexus starts pouring mugs while asking, "Let's see what you found. Silver Figurines you said? I'm guessing no one had real time to inspect anything yet?" After all eight mugs are filled Rexus moves the tray to a shelf mounted on the far wall. "I'll make room to lay it out."
Agnes warmly shakes Laria's hand.
Seeing how cramped the room will be, Agnes leaves Laika to guard the door to the room.
"Yeah, we really didnt want to take too much time down there. It was all kind of weird. With a super gross pool and some molten devil things."
"It wasn't somewhere I'd rush back to," Adun agrees, "but I can see why it was chosen as a hideout."
He starts unpacking some of the items they found beneath the livery, laying it out on the table for Laria to inspect.
"Much better," Brianna sighs as she finishes her coffee. "Let me have a look at some of the hits you guys took while you're sifting through things."
"Thanks," Adun says, feeling much better with Blue Thorn's magic easing his pain and settling his burgeoning bruises.
"A lot of this stuff is really well made," he adds, laying out the weapons and armour on the table, admiring the quality of their manufacture. "I don't suppose anyone has a key to this?" he asks as he hefts the iron coffer onto the table with a dull thud.
Wishing to be helpful, Carl briefly closes his eyes to draw upon the reserves of magic hidden within him. (He casts detect magic and concentrates to determine what, if anything, in their trove has been enchanted.)
Darius noticed Carl taking charge with identification, leaving that to the more skilled appraiser. Instead, he looked over the trove himself for any such key, but did not notice one.
"We could always smash it if it's not magic," Darius added bluntly. "Obviously, I'd prefer a cleaner solution, but it's worth mentioning. I doubt we can afford to not learn whats inside."
With the items laid out and the experts in the group reviewing them, Adun takes off his mask and cloak, bundling them up and stuffing them into his backpack.
"I'd rather not smash it open," he says at Darius' suggestion. "I feel like anything that's secured as well as that chest must have something important in it."
Spread out on the table lies a suit of leather armor, a composite shortbow (+1 Str), a masterwork quality hand crossbow, a masterwork silver morningstar, a cloak, a pouch of a dozen pearls, an iron coffer, and six silver raven statues.
Rexus nods to Agnes and Adun's remarks. "Well, as long as you didn't miss anything there should be no reason to go back. This," he says hefting the coffer, "looks very promising. A more, delicate touch might do the trick." Rexus says smiling to Darius. "I can see what I can do if none of you want to give it a try."
Laria finally enters the room. "Why, good morning. You all look like you haven't slept all night. I am Laria Longroads." Rexus introduces each of you and Laria greets everyone individually. Looking at what is on the table, Laria takes a seat and gives Rexus a suspicious smile. "Am I correct in guessing that you are all in league with Rexus' mission? Are each of you really interested in rebuilding the Silver Ravens?"
Carl marvels at the quality of the objects the team has liberated. "These figurines contain wondrous power," he breathes, poring over them carefully less than an inch from his face. He does the same for the suit of armor, noting "This suit of armor is also magical. But whatever is inside that coffer, it is clearly magical as well. We would be wise not to risk breaking it with brute force, my friends."
He proudly nods to Laria's question. "One could say we already have begun to do so. Will you be joining us, good lady? You are clearly in sympathy with both our leader and our cause."
Agnes looks impressed at Carl. "You can tell that there is something magical in there, trough the metal and all? Wow! I didnt know that was possible with magic."
When Laria enters, Agnes warmly shakes the other halflings hand.
"My allegiances are with the Bellflowers, but they too have gone dark. I hope that by pooling our resources, that in the end we can do what is best for the people of Kinthargo."
Darius stands up and offers the halfling his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you properly Ms. Longroads. I've been in your shop before, but not often."
"It seems evident you and the Victocoras were somewhat close, if Rexus comes to you with confidence after the Night of Ashes. I'm sorry for you loss, the city is lesser for losing them."
"They paid for my education and treated me with great kindness; taking up their cause and protecting their city is perhaps the only way I could repay their generosity. I will do whatever I can to help rebuild the Silver Ravens," Darius finishes his thought with renewed conviction.
After a short pause, looking at the loot, Darius then adds "The figurines are perhaps a little too on the nose, aren't they?"
Carl preens a bit at Agnes's attention. "Well, my friend, the magic is but a tool that a skilled crafter can put to good use. Perhaps my talent with fine jewelry has other applications?" He smiles as if he has made an interesting discovery himself.
"Thanks for taking us in Ms Longroads," Adun replies, put at ease by the halfling's easy manner. "I can't say I know much about the Silver Ravens, but if they're opposed to Thrune and the Asmodeans who are taking over our city then they sound like something I want to be a part of."
With no room to pace, Brianna sits in the corner and fidgets as she thinks to herself until Laria enters
"I think we're looking to make a difference," the half-elf pipes up as people start speaking of the Ravens. "The city is getting worse every day since we lost Mayor Bainilus. We have what it takes to make this city safer, and we know we can't expect the new Lord-Mayor to step up. Not for the people who need it."
"The Silver Ravens can do this. People need to see someone standing up for them. They need to see someone stand up to Thrune," She very ceremoniously takes one of the Raven statues. "I'm in."
Laria nods as voices of agreement and support for the Silver Raven's cause can be heard. "I have been in the business of revolution for quite sometime, Mr. Copperplate. I worked with the Bellflowers for decades before their dissolution. This coffeehouse was part of an underground freedom trail during the most active years of the Network, but my main focus was intellectual. In tandem with Porcia I've researched and chronicled the various other secret societies of rebellion within Kintargo. I offer a safe place and whatever histories may be useful to you."
Turning to Agnes, "I understand, perhaps the Network can rise again on the wings of the Ravens? I'll keep my ear out for hints of old contacts. Hopefully seeing what you all will do will stir them out of hiding again."
"Mr. Motalis, of course. I recognized your face but we had never been properly introduced. There would be no better way to repay their charity than to take up this cause, that would embody what Porcia had stood for."
At the mention of Mayor Bainilus Laria and Rexus share heated looks. "The first victim of this new regime, I suspect." Rexus says bitterly.
Reynard shrugs. "Thrune is a cancer. Someone has to do something. No reason it couldn't be us. Hopefully we'll have more success than my ancestors did last time."
"I couldn't agree more. If any of you need a safe place to hide you're welcomed to stay here in one of the bunkrooms. There are also some secret tunnels below the coffeehouse that I used to use when the Bellflower Network was more active."
Rexus nods, "Nan's gotten on his way then?", but Laria has a hard to read look in response. "I don't know what Nan's doing down there, but it's been long enough with no sign. He's likely on to his next gem of an idea by now," she replies.
"That's very kind," Adun replies. "We'll do everything we can to keep our comings and goings as quiet as possible. Who's Nan?" he asks.
"He's a friend, but not actively part of our cause. I let him use the tunnels to smuggle, think it was Varisian textiles that he brought through four days ago, but with the mayhem going on outside in the city I haven't had time to check on him or the Wasp's Nest as I call my little underground network," Laria replies to to Adun.
"Secret tunnels beneath the city would undoubtedly be useful. Could we see them?" Darius didn't like the idea of messing with the livery further. A place to meet that was less conspicuous would be excellent.
"I don't know about the rest of you," Brianna sighs, "but I think I need a nap before we tackle another mysterious underground tunnel."
"We can look tomorrow if you'd rather?" Adun replies, seeing the fatigue written across Brianna's face. "Anyway, I need to find somewhere to pick up a crowbar before we start delving underground again."
Agnes nods in agreement with Brianna. "A nap and a biiiiig meal"
Reynard nods "Rest is probably prudent, but I'd love to check out these tunnels when we get the chance."
Laria smiles at your interest to aid her, "Thank you for the help. I'll keep my ear open today for any gossip about your adventure last night. Wait right here, I can bring some more cured meats, cheeses, and pastries." Laria makes several trips, accumulating enough food to feed ten. She reiterates her invitation for you to lodge here if needed after the meal, Rexus commenting that he is personally staying here while in hiding.
Its good that Liara brought out enough for 10 people, because Agnes eats as much as 3 grown men.
Laika happily gnaws on a bone.
With her stomach finally sated, Agnes declares: "I'm going home now. While I'm about ready too keep over, I do have the stables to attend to. The animals will need tending. There will be cleaning to be done. Depending on what we do I can turn in late in the afternoon, or push trough and take a normal nights rest."
Carl smiles at their host's hospitality, and rubs the back of his head. "I don't suppose there's anything back at the shop that can't keep," he says, looking for a reason to stay with his new friends. He helps himself to food and drink and does his best to enjoy the time between conflicts.
"With all the fuss the past few days, I don't think anyone will notice if my humble bookstand is closed another day. I'll take you up on your offer to rest here, and I can proceed later this evening." Darius takes a small portion of the meat and cheese. While he didn't seem tired before, the suggestion of rest left him visibly more tired.
"If there is not more to discuss, I think I'd like to get get some rest."
"I've got no reason to go looking for work," Adun says around a mouthful of cheese. "It's very kind of you to let us lodge here, Laria," he adds, using his hands to sweep up his crumbs from the table before depositing them onto his plate. "We'll do our best to be excellent guests."
After lunch Adun will head out into town to a builder's merchant who was a friend of his father's and is sympathetic to Adun's plight. He'll buy a crowbar, just in case any more rusty grates need opening.
"I don't believe I have anything going on today." Reynard says "Your kindness in extending your hospitality is much appreciated, Laria."
Those bedding down at the Long Road's Coffeehouse are lead out of the private room and into a storeroom, there Laria pulls down a ladder and motions you to follow her up into the second floor. Entering the second floor into a sitting room with three adjoining rooms, Laria opens one of them and gestures to the bunkroom inside. "It's not private or highend as in the Green, but you'll be safe in a quiet neighborhood."
He has several crowbars in stock, all are the average thick iron prybars that are 2gp a piece.
The animals are hungry and craving you attention. Once they are all taken care of and at ease, rest comes easily. Later on, heading back to the Long Roads to reconvene with the other Ravens, you pass a shop called The Balanced Bolt.
"Not me Roman. I'm keeping my head down but my ears open. I don't want to do anything that might attract the authorities," he replies, glad to see a friendly face. "How's business?" he asks, handing over a couple of gold coins for one of Roman's sturdy and well-made crowbars. "Getting any hassle from our new overlord's lackeys?"
After some hours of rest, Brianna readies herself quickly. Descending in the early afternoon, Brianna inserts herself into coffeehouse operation unbidden.
After taking care of the animals, Agnes collapses in the hay, counting on Laika to wake her up if something happens.
The wolf was not only a light sleeper, he was also more prone to taking short naps, followed by activity, then napping again.
After resting enough, Agnes wakes up in the late afternoon. After finishing chores and feeding the animals, she leaves for The Balanced Bolt.
Once there she buys a bundle of affows and a Silver weapon blanch. She would not be caught unprepared by those devils again.
Purchases complete, she makes her way to the coffeehouse in a roundabout way.
As you all awaken and return to the Long Roads Coffeehouse, Laria can be seen running the establishment out front. If anyone asks for food or drink she will happily prepare them something and any inquires for Rexus are responded with a nod to the private back room.
Inside as the last of you return to the private room, Rexus puts down the iron coffer with a sigh. "Only broken one pick so far, slow and steady right? If you're ready to check out the Wasp's Nest I can show you to it."
Once you are all indeed ready, Rexus stands up and moves his chair to the side. Feeling along the floor that had been under it, you hear a soft click and he pulls up the hatch of what had been a hidden door. "Down this ladder. I don't know what to tell ya, shouldn't need luck to wake up Nan's lazy ass. Only way in that I know of, but let me know if you have any questions."
Darius wakes up from his rest, goes downstairs, exchanges pleasantries with Laria, and gets a cup of coffee before heading to the back room to finish it.
Darius will cast Light on Adun's gauntlet (if he accepts), and then casts Heightened Awareness on himself before descending into the hatch.
In the morning, Carl prepares his spells and then joins Darius and Laria for breakfast. When the party is ready to head down the ladder, Carl dons his vigilante costume before making his way down.
Reynard follows the others down, then steps off by himself to let his transformation take hold.
The moment Agnes enters the building, she realises how hungry she is. With all the rushing around, she had forgot to eat a decent mean.
And you cant run around tunnels on an empty stomach.
After devouring a big meal, Agnes dresses up Laika (who patiently undergoes the procedure).
While busy, she talks to those who assist her.
"While I was heading home, I noticed that the Chelish Citizen's Group was everywhere, sneering and bullying those weaker then them. The bastards. The streets were quite empty. I think most people are avoiding going out unless they have to."
One by one you all descend into a dark, dry cellar. It contains numerous crates of cooking ingredients, sacks of coffee beans, and other supplies needed to maintain Laria's thriving business. Using one of the many methods of light that you have, it is seen that the ceiling is roughly 10ft high and the aged stone walls have empty torch sconces bolted into them.
Dressed and masked up, Blue Thorn proceeds through the storeroom in her usual second position, but doubles back attempting to assist Agnes and Laika.