Laika enthousiastically gives Brianna 'wolf kisses'.
Laika, behave yourself you big softy."
Adun listens to Rexus, surprised to hear such strong anti-Thrune sentiment from a noble - even a dispossessed and hunted one. He'd assumed, naively it turned out, that the nobility were all pro-Thrune and happy to live in the status quo that kept them wealthy. "Seems I was wrong," he mutters to himself.
A series of revelations from his new-found allies take Adun aback somewhat. "So you're the Fiend? I've heard of you, you're well regarded in Redroof." Agnes' alter ego, and her clandestine affiliation with the Bellflowers, are an even bigger surprise. "Your underground building works make more sense now," he says with a smile.
Finally it's Adun's turn to introduce himself. "I'm Adun Wulle. I don't have a disguise or a clever second identity like the rest of you. But I hate the Thrunes and the Asmodeans for what they've done to this city, and for what they've taken from me. I've tried to do what I can in Redroof over the last few days, beating the Thrunish thugs who think they can do what they want with our new lord-mayor in power. I'll do whatever it takes to free this city, to give Kintargo back to her people."
Rexus turns from Darius and extends his hand to Agnes, "Yes, I was told to look for a woman with a riding dog, it is my pleasure. I had no idea about the Bellflowers though, what fortune! We'll need to attempt to reignite these contacts immediately, do you still have a lot of the old correspondence letters? Specifically the codes, the places, the telltales they used?"
He then extends his hand to Brianna next, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well. With our work being secret, having the skills to covertly fashion the tools we need will be invaluable. I have heard much of the Blue Thorn's resistance near the War Cage."
"Same with the tales of the Nightmare Beast," Rexus says, turning to Reynard now. "Though I never had imagined them to be so, true. Pardon me, please sir. I mean no offense, I have just never seen such a transformation before." Rexus then extends his hand to Reynard. "It is an honor to have you here as well."
"Wulle? As in the Wulle Building and Masonry? You and I share the same pain." Rexus clasps Adun on the shoulder and looks at the younger man with sincere eyes. "We'll get them what they're owed. Strong men like you, like all of you, will rebuild this city soon enough."
"To be forthright, I have a secret as well, in addition to being alive." Rexus pulls a small scroll from his jacket and begins to unfurl it. "I have become one of the Sacred Order of Archivists by birthright when my mother died and my sole inheritance is this responsibility that she has passed to me." Smoothing out the scroll, Rexus places it on the table.
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 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—few have. Mentions of them have
been redacted by the agents of House Thrune,
but during the civil war, the Ravens worked to
ensure Kintargo’s safety. They were heroes in
their day, and I fear that Kintargo needs their
kind again. Do not believe the government’s
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 site—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!
"From what I've seen today, I have no doubt that you are all destined to become the Silver Ravens."
Carl changes out of his costume once they are safely hidden away, and listens with rapt amazement to the stories of the others and Rexus. When called upon to introduce himself, he does so simply and humbly. "I am Carl, Carl Copperplate. My father was a well-regarded jeweler and silversmith in the old district, and I maintain his business. I-- well, you see I once belonged to a secret society that sounds very similar to the Sacred Order of Archivists. The Shadow Parliament? Thrune scattered its members, and I had hoped to learn what had become of them. They taught me strange magic powers that... well, I suppose it's best to just say that I want to know more."
”That was my father’s business, and it was to have been mine some day. I’ll never forget my father’s screams,” Adun replies, feeling a cold numbness inside himself. ”No one else should have to suffer the way we have, not if we can prevent it.”
He reads over Rexus’ scroll then looks up at the group. ”Are we heroes?” he asks, a look of doubt on his face. ”Can we really be the people the city needs? Are we fit to take on the mantle of these Silver Ravens?”
Darius exchanges a simple greeting with each of his new allies as they introduce themselves.
He reads over the scroll. Hearing Adun's thoughts he replies:
"Nobody is until they try, Mr. Wulle. Success or failure is another matter entirely, but we certainly won't be if we don't even try to protect our city from what is happening.
"Luckily, it seems like we've all taken this first step already." He adds, trying to not seem grim.
He then turns to Rexus, "I had heard of the Silver Ravens, rebels during the old civil war. Ever since the Night of Ashes, I'd been looking for more on them, but I could never find books with more information on them. Hearing that your parents were in such an Order would explain it. I must have read it in one of your libraries by chance over the years. Or perhaps Pratis wanted me to know of them as well."
"Hero is just a word," Brianna said, passing the note to the next person. "What this city needs are people who are willing to keep Kintargo's citizens free. Free of fear. Freedom from oppression, and tyrrany. Not one of us can do this alone. If we can become this symbol of hope for the city, these Silver Ravens...we give Kintargo something to believe in."
Brianna falls into an easy cadence as she speaks to the group, like a woman born to make inspiring speeches.
Agnes looks a bit disaprovingly at Laika, who is by now on his back, presenting his belly to Brianna for pettings.
"Well, Laika is sure convinced who the hero is here..."
When she hears the pain in Adun's voice, she softly places her hand on Adun his arm.
"I have retained much of my old correspondences. I've also been collecting what I can about the old societies, like the Silver Ravens. Its mostly scraps. But I see them as threads of hope. Threads that we may weave into a new story for Kintargo."
Carl tries to think of what he knows about the Silver Ravens, but nods along with the others at the idea of becoming one.
Rexus greets Carl the same, with a handshake and sincerity. "In Old Town? Yes I believe I've passed by but have never stepped in. Shadow Parliament.. I've never heard of it but I'll ask a friend, Laria Longroad. She is the one who brought me this letter and as well as a coffer from my mother." As Rexus moves about the room and retrieves the hidden coffer he continues to talk. "I have a fascination in magic as well, it has actually saved me life multiple times, most recently by driving me to late hours of studying at the Alabaster Academy and then with holding off those thugs until you all arrived."
Rexus turns with the wooden box in two hands. "Pratis did take after our mother more than myself in things like attraction to open rebellion. It would not surprise me at all, Darius, if he was somehow planting seeds of his dreams into your teachings. The coincidence that you are here now is quite remarkable, makes me guilty of not knowing more about that side of him now, perhaps he was more wise than I gave him credit for." Evidence of fresh pain and grieving can be seen on Rexus' face.
"From what I read, a Silver Raven isn't something you can just be named, but something you become in the eyes of Kintargo through actions and hushed words on the streets, fear behind the doors of oppressors. Hopefully my mother is right and we can gain direction from whatever remains under the Livery." Rexus sets down the coffer on the table and opens it.
What is reveled is a Victocora signet ring, a well crafted silver dagger, a silver key, and a set of bracers. A heap of coin fills the rest of the gaps between these four items, at a glance adding up to roughly 150gp. Rexus removes the key and twists it between his fingers.
"This is the paltry remains of my inheritance and estate. Save for this key, I will happily give all the rest to you if you agree to aid me in exploring the Fair Fortune Livery. I'm hiding out at the Long Roads Coffeehouse, Laria Longroad can be trusted. You can find me in the alley near there tomorrow night if you're in. I'll have these with me then for whoever shows." After allowing sometime for people to inspect some of the items; Rexus closes the coffer and nervously nods to you all, giving one last moment for conversation before he wishes to disperse this treasonous gathering.
"Mommy's mad Laika, go be a mean wolfie."
Brianna stands up and straightens herself. "I'd say that sounds fair. Anyone breaking into the Livery would be complicit in the same crime. Any masks that want into this venture can show up, say noon?
Brianna discusses with the rest before leaving, with a final offer of armor and weapons.
"You especially," she pokes Adun as the group leaves. It's an aggressive for someone that sounds so playful. "Moniker or no, gotta get you fitted for a mask. I hope your afternoon is clear."
"I didn't set out to be a hero." Reynard says, thoughtful look on his face. "But I'll not turn down any chance to strike at Thrune. For too long they have corrupted Cheliax. If doing our part means becoming heroes, that's a bargain I'm willing to make."
Carl closes his eyes and draws on something deep inside himself, murmuring arcane words and gesturing. Silver gleams briefly appear on his eyelids and in a cone before him.
He nods absently, clearly enamored of the silver ring. His gaze also lingers on the bracers, and he raises his eyebrows as if his spell demonstrates something intriguing about them. "Yes... yes. I would indeed be pleased to participate in this venture. The reasons I joined the Shadow Parliament would apply unequivocally to the Silver Ravens as well, and in fact I had whimsically begun to think of my cloaked persona-- my alter ego if you will-- as 'The Silver Shadow.' Has a nice ring to it, eh?" he tears his eyes away from the treasures to address the group, but on the word 'ring' he looks back almost longingly at the named piece of jewelry.
Brian gives Laika another frown. "Big softy"
"I never saw myself as a hero either, just doing what a decent person would do. Any advantage that we can get over Thrune is worth taking a risk for."
"I've already told you I'm not at your disposal. It's not the same as your pain, but I loved them as family, too. The day will come where Barzillai will rue his choices."
Rexus nods, "Midnight, we'll use darkness. You should be fine in this place for a few minutes more, but I must leave. Best of luck all of you, and, thank you." He then pulls up his hood and departs into the dark hallways.
"I could sell off the gear in the market tomorrow, I work in the market in Redroof. It's not terribly much, but anyone showing up tomorrow will get their cut."
"These pendants are fine quality, yes-- fine quality, not masterful, but well-made with good quality metal." Carl says while looking them over. "They could fetch us a good price, if we could find a buyer that did not care where they came from."
"If going to this place will help us in our fight, will help us take back our city, then I'm all for it. I'll be there, and I may be wearing a new mask," he says with a nod to Brianna.
"If anyone can spare me some time before we meet again, I'd appreciate having my leg looking at. It's still very painful, not sure I could run on it."
"Come with me to the north side of town, Adun," Brianna suggests. "Agnes and Laika can come too. We can defend you if you need to run, but we should be okay. I would offer more magical healing, if I could, but I'm pretty spent myself. I've got a spot you can rest until morning."
"Perhaps those of us who misfortunately have been wounded in the riot should make our way to the temple of Shelyn? We could pool our silver, pay the clerics there to see that our injuries heal more quickly."
"I'd be happy to help escort you back to cover. I could use some healing myself. This seems like more than Brianna should have to heal. Once the riot subsides, I like Mr. Copperplate's plan of visiting the Shelynites. Perhaps we can offer them some of the gear we lifted off those thugs."
"Or the Abadarans. I've heard that they don't ask any questions so long you can pay," Adun says, testing out his injured leg and wincing a little as he puts his weight through it. "Talking of gear, I'm going to grab one of those sets of manacles. Never know when we might need to take a prisoner to ask some questions."
"It might be more useful to hang on to the medals. They could be used to convince Thrune's lackeys that we are part of the Citizen's militia, if we need to at some point. But then again, it does sound like they'd fetch a pretty copper. I used to have a fence for such things, a friend who introduced me to the doctrines of Milani. But she disappeared with the Rose of Kintargo." Reynard says, his voice trailing off at the end as he looks off into space.
Carl pauses uncomfortably, concerned for his friend Reynard and what sounds to be his lost friend. But he soon picks up the conversation again, "I have some gold that I can contribute, but I don't think it's enough for more than one spell. Perhaps the House of Golden Veils would give us a loan, as we can be confident we will have treasure after tomorrow's business?"
It is known that the church of Shelyn is one of the few groups of faithful still able to worship since the beginning of the Chelish reign. They are housed within the Songbird Hall in the Temple District.
The Church of Abadar has found its home in the House of Golden Veils , what was once a Calistrian church before it was outlawed and resold. It is common knowledge that the House of Golden Veils has the largest supply of minor divine magic for sale in Kintargo.
Although it is quite overcast, the rain has stopped and it is approaching noon outside. There is no telling how merchants will react to the martial response at the protest this morning, but it is fair to assume that only shops in the Jarvis End District would be at risk to close early.
"The Abadites would certainly heal us for our coin. We might be able to convince the Shelynites to help us at a lower cost. I'm not sure we have enough to pay the Abadites full price. Besides, the Shelynites are a bit closer."
"I think I trust the Shelynites more than the Abadarans," Brianna suggests as the group drags closer to Temple Hill. "Not their abilities, I mean. But they may not be fans of those who protest the government. I think those in Songbird Hall might be more sympathetic to our cause."
"Not that we should do a lot of talking," the half-elf chuckles, talking to everyone and no one at the same time. "But a little caution can go a long way."
Carl nods approvingly to Brianna. "Excellent points, Goodwoman Reed. I am not a religious man, but I have always found the message of Shelyn's temple preferable to that of Asmodeus or Zon-Kuthon. I know little about those who worship in the House of the Golden Veils, but my impression is that they are more mercenary than most, and not as likely to keep our secrets. If we are to continue our efforts in the same vein as today, we may bring the chosen temple a great deal of future business. We are agreed, then, that Songbird Hall is where we shall seek succor?"
Continuing to the Songbird Hall, a woman in robes greets you as you crest the Temple steps. "Good day, I hope you all have been safe. The streets were quite harrowing this morning." Her smiling soft eyes grow a bit troubled as she notices the rough signs of combat on some of you. "How can we help you?" she asks while taking Carl's arm.
"Some of our friends were fell victim to thugs this morning," Brianna speaks gently. "I was hopeful that these men, these faithful of Kintargo, might receive the blessings of The Eternal Rose. We are happy to offer a donation...whatever you feel might be appropriate."
Brianna speaks perhaps to forcefully, but discretely pulls out a handful of gold pieces.
Carl winces, his arm still badly damaged. "We were attacked while we were trying to help innocents escape the square," he adds, somewhat abashedly.
The woman nods to Brianna, "We have been busy this morning, my sister, any donation will be much appreciated. I can offer comfort and a place to rest while we look at any serious wounds, but with how overburdened we are I'm afraid divine aid is limited to scrolls and potions for 50 gold."
"Seem we have enough worth here for about 4 scrolls. I'm loathe to give it all up, but Rexus needs us in fighting form tomorrow, and I can't imagine we'd have better luck elsewhere." Darius says, taking Carl and Brianna aside.
"If we need more, I have a bit I've managed to acquire here and there that I can contribute."
"If you can pay the priests with your gold, Reynard," Brianna asks quietly, "We can repay you with the proceeds soon."
Agnes has been quiet for a while. After the adrenaline rush had died down, she felt quite winded.
"I still have some coin to contribute. I wouldnt mind doing so."
The woman escorts you all inside and to a table covered in freshly boiled bandages awaiting to be rolles up and properly stored. She waves over a bald man, "They're here for healing, could you fetch the scrolls and potions?" He nods and leaves on his errand.
"The scrolls are 25 and the potions are 50, though I am willing to accept trades of things like parchment and spell quality ink. We have no use for tools of violence, ours is a doctrine of peace and we aid all victims of societies struggles." Looking around, there are actually some dottari and Chelish Citizens in here as well, laying on cots bandaged or getting a leg braced. "There are armorers just down the way though in Veritas Plaza."
She knowingly eyes the light maces and manacles. As she sees to Carl, Adun, and Agnes.
"I can make it out to armorer's to sell off what we have." Darius announced, taking the very unsubtle hints the attendant was dropping.
"I'll join you," Brianna called out as she catches up to Darius. "They're very safe here, and seem to be charmed by Conrad. Who knows what the state of the plaza is today."
Carl gratefully acknowledges both the healers' assistance and that of his new friends. "Be wary as you go!" he cautions them unnecessarily, fussing at the others almost as much as the priests are fussing over him. "I shall wait here for your return," he adds, as if he had a choice.
In Veritas Plaza Darius and Brianna find a place caled The Frontiersman. Inside an old half orc sits slumped on a stool and looks over the four light maces and the three manacles. "Not horrible, I'll give ya 32 gold and 5 silver."
There is a seller of nicknacks and moderate jewelry on the plaza as well, the Needle and Urn . On seeing the Thrune pendants the halfling woman sneers, "Bloody right of you, doing a service for the city. I'll gladly melt those down for stock, 20 gold."
Brianna hands over the maces and manacles and collects the 32 gold and 5 silver. Better to be rid of the tools of violence.
When the halfling offers 20 gold, Brianna scoffs.
"Those are worth more than that, madame," she corrects. "We'll happily take 60 gold, which is still less than half their value."
The woman double takes at Brianna and the pendants.
She focuses on them a bit more and then on Brianna. "They might be, but involve a bit of work as well. 60? Fine, 60 gold."
Brianna returns to Songbird Hall with Darius and another 92 gold and 5 silver.
Impressed by Brianna's terse haggling and forceful demeanor, Darius begins to view the half-elf more fondly.
"I knew her offer was low, but you certainly wasted no time calling her out. I can be persuasive, but usually it goes quite slowly. That haul should certainly help get us back in fighting order for tomorrow."