Hell's Rebels Adventure Path (Inactive)

Game Master TreasureFox

Pylos moaned in his unconscious state, the jostling of the descent agitating his burns.

Disable: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

In the pitch black darkness, you hear one of the ratfolk mumble mainly to himself. "Uhm uhm uhm... okay let's see here. Right humans can't see in the dark. Uhm... torches are there any torches? Squeak squeak squeaken! Damn no torches. Uhm do any of you have light making stuff? Kritki don't just stand there, help the man with his shackles. Uhm Borr, carry the unconscious one. We'll need to scratch for the light me thinks."

"I found shiney!," yells another ratfolk, in a slightly higher-than-already pitch voice. "It's a broken sword, the one the man kicked over here. The sword is pretty, I like the sword. Oh right, shackles. Bleh. Lemme see here..." You all hear the jostling of chains before a resounding *click*. "Oky I got it! I'm keeping the shackles, they look pretty. There, you're free now Mr.Man!"

The giant ratfolk simply wanders up to Tarnagius and picks up Pylos. He doesn't say anything.

Oh. Uh, thank you. Go ahead and keep the shackles, you've earned them.

"I would insist that we get moving? I don't think the Dottari will tarry much longer, sirs and lady." Torch or not, Jules didn't believe a manhole cover would cover their escape long.

Pylos, I'm going to treat you as 0hp, stable, and conscious. You'll be staggered, but I'd like you to be able to converse.

At first, the ratfolk are more interested in yammering and searching around for things, but all of a sudden, an enormous unearthly roar echoes from above the manhole cover. Scarlet flames lick through the holes before dissipating. The usual screaming of the rioters quickly diminishes.

"Okay...Uhm...TimeToGo!," says the particularly talkative ratfolk. Taking you all by the hand (or in Pylos' case, being carried), the ratfolk start to lead you down the black chambers. You hear the dripping of water in the distance, and the ratfolk are moving things out of the way to make your travel easier.

Ah, thank you. It sucks when the healer disappears on us. Hope its okay if I RP me 'waking up' since I've been unconscious in my posts til now.

Pylos groaned as his eyes slowly opened. Everything was dark around him, and he was bouncing up and down while being carried. At first he tried to struggle away, but his body was took weak to do much more than twitch. "W-Where a-am I?" he barely got out, his voice raspy.

Pylos feels coarse fur between his fingers, and what feels like a hand and arm wrapped around his waist. It is simply too strong to escape from. "He'sAwake!" Pylos hears. "GoodToHearYou'reNotDead!MyNameIsDerratataAndWe'reRescuingYou! Uhm...RightYouWantToKnowWhereYouAre... WellWe'reScratchingRightNow. SoWhatWasAllThatBoutTheFightingAndStuff?"

A higher pitched voice pipes in Hey! I'm Kritki, and that one's Borr. Good that you're alive Mr.Man! Your buddies are ever quiet! Well another man gave me shinies, so he's nice!"

Especially when she's the only one who can cast Light too.

I probably ought to not give away his identity.

Tarnagius speaks up to make sure Pylos hears him over the chattering ratfolk.

It's Tarnagius. Well, friend, we escaped probable death or arrest and then death by hopping into a manhole with the assistance of some kind ratfolk. We're in the sewers now, but I can't see any more than you can.

Something something about 3 blind mice

See how they run.

Pylos just groaned. "Well, at least I'm not dead yet," he said quietly. "I thank you for your timely rescue, my new furry friends. Where are we headed?"

The voice named Derratata answers you. "LikeIToldYou, We'reScratching. ItShouldBeGettingCloseNow, SorryForTheLongTravel. We'reTryingToFindNewTerritoryTheseDays, NowWithThruneOnTheSurface, CreaturesDownBelow, ThingsAren'tSafeAnymore. WhenWeGetThereBwikkiWillFixYouUp. He'sOurFixer. SuperLazy, ButReallySmart, HeFoundABookYearsAgoAndLearnedToReadIt. NowHeMakesThingsForUs."

The other voice named Kritki speaks up "Everyone has a job in the Scratch. I'm the finder, Bwikki is the fixer, Borr is the scrapper, and Derratata is the talker. We're a small scratch, but a good one! We found a secret place a few days ago, with lots of food, shinies, and other stuff. A real Skrittdom I tell you! It's beautiful."

Then Derratata asks "SoMens, HowDidYouEndUpInSuchABigScrap? ISawSoManyMansFightingUpThere. IsTheSurfaceAtWarAlreadyWithThrune? AreYouGoingToFightThruneFromNowOn? WhatIsItLikeOnTheSurfaceNow?"

You can see a faint light in the distance

Tarnagius shrugs.

It's hard to say now. Things got really bad there, but I don't know if that means people are out in the streets fighting, or if they're shutting their doors and hiding.

"That is to be determined sir. We can't really know anything until we have eyes above ground again." Jules felt along as well as he could. "I would very much like to retrieve my things though if we are to go underground as they say. The Dottari will likely be looking for such high profile protesters such as yourself, Ms. Nightbreeze and our masked friend."

He sucked in another pained breath.

"I was hoping to make contact with the Silver Ravens but that will have to wait."

Normally I would need us to go across the river to get here, but I hope you don't mind if I skip past that.

The small white ratfolk with a high pitch voice (kritki) asks Jules "What are Silver Ravens? Are they yummy birds? Super pretty shinies, maybe?"

As you approach the light, you're able to see each other and the ratfolk. The source of the light seems to be some sort of iron rod with a golden tip at one end. The walls, floor, and ceiling are made of white stone that echo your voices and the sound of lapping water. The water runs along the walkway you stand on, and flows past you to where you'd imagine to be the river or ocean. Along a walkway to your left, a large rusted iron floodgate blocks your entrance. The lever next to it seems to be damaged beyond repair.

The small brown ratfolk (Derratata) announces "Well, Here'sOurScratch. WellTheFrontAnyways. Uhmm IfYouWouldn'tMind, Mr.Tarnagius, CouldYouHelpBorrOpenIt? WeHaveToLiftTheGateSinceTheLeverDoesn'tWorkYouSee."

At this time, Borr, the giant brown ratfolk, gently places Pylos on the floor. He then wades into the water and bends down to grab the floodgate.

Str check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The rusty gate refuses to budge

Of course. Not like I want to stand about out here.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Jules raised an eyebrow at the little ratkin. "Um, no they are none of those things. The Silver Ravens fought to defend the city during the Civil war but disappeared soon after. They are people. I had spotted a contact at the protest but the ensuing fight caused me to lose track of him."

Smiling Kethaera thanked their new friends, giving the one named Kritki a kiss on the forehead, then saying, "Thank you for aiding us. We were about to be overrun up there. It would seem that Thrune and those devil worshiping fanatics aren't too happy about how upset the citizens are at them. And...well I'm sorry about this but now Lord-Mayor Thrune has put a bounty on you our friends...he has offered money to those who bring a living ratfolk to him. Probably to take part in his sick and twisted entertainments. I tried to stand up for you but it made things worse. I only hope that I can fix this and make things right."

Turning to Jules she asks, Wait...contact? Are you saying that the Silver Ravens are still around!? I thought they were all wiped out during the civil war."

"Not wiped out Ms. Nightbreeze. They disappeared." He smiled to the half elf, "Through a significant amount of investigation, I beleive that they yet live. I had made arrangement to see a man at the protest but the swarming crowd prevented me from getting to him. I will have to start looking again."

"I see. So they still exist. Well hopefully we can still wander around above especially since what happened at the protest," Kethaera replied to the halfling's response.

"If we can retrieve my things, then I should be able to help us in that aspect." the halfling gave her a sly wink.

Swoon goes Kritki. You may not be able to see her blush under her white fur, but she plays with her long ears in embarrassment. "Oh gosh," she says. "Most of us know about Thrune... but... we didn't think anyone would stand up for us. You're so nice miss, and... I'm sorry but I don't even know your name."

While Kritki fawns over Kethaera, Derratata whispers to Jules. "TheseSilverRavens... WhatchaThinkIfWeFindThem? CouldWeFightAgainstThrune? WouldYouFightToo?"

A solid clunk is heard as Tarnagius and Borr lift and hold the rusty floodgate high enough for everyone to get through.

He wasn't wearing a single glove, was he, eh... friend? I was going to meet him to.

Tarnagius pauses, not knowing Jules' name.

And yes, that's what I was hoping to do, actually. I don't like Thrune or what he represents, myself, but I don't know if there's going to be a way to find them again now. It took me months to track down this one man who was going to be at the protest, but now he's probably disappeared into the wind.

He turns to Kethaera

No, diva, they're still around, just in hiding. Very, very deep in hiding.

Kethaera smiled at Kritki. Borr was cute too. Then the half-elf wondered...

"My name is Kethaera Nightbreeze friend. And you and Borr are quite cute. I greatly appreciate you helping us. And thank you Borr for catching me. Maybe later, I can thank you both more privately, and.... she paused a bit as she grinned, whispering this last part in Kritki's ear, ...more intimately."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

She turned to Tarnagius and nodded, both puzzlement and curiosity written on her face.

Legally, Ratfolk have most of the same rights as regular people, except that they don't count as Kintargo citizens. There is a lot of racism against their kind, to the point where very few people will even consider trading with them. 99% of them live underground or in the sewers. You know nothing about their culture, general ambitions, or even what they eat. The whole talk of shinies, scratching, Skrittdoms and more are completely new to you.

"Kethaera Nightbreeze" Kritki repeats in wonder. "You have a... really pretty name. I'd... I'd like to get to know you better... Kethaera."

As Tarnagius lifts up the gate with Borr, the big ratfolk says in a deep voice "Thaaank Youuu." He smiles sweetly as he ushers everyone inside, then lets the gate slam down behind him. If any of you are wondering, I've taken liberties to altering the ratfolk for this campaign since we don't have any ratfolk PCs. Borr, for example is a unique ratfolk who is medium size. He does not have a racial bonus to Intelligence, and does not actually speak common.

The dark, calm water that you wade through here is about 3 feet deep (sorry Jules). About 50 feet ahead of you, rises the top half of a statue depicting a naked, beautiful elven woman. A little further you can spot a wooden dock attached to the stone floor which rises out of the water, revealing multiple corridors in the distance. The only light source at the moment is the iron rod with a glowing golden tip, which Derratata picked up before entering. You can hear a voice in the distance, singing opera... really bad opera.

Ah okay.

Kethaera smiled at Kritki.

"Thank you Kritki. And I would like to know more about you as well. Once we find somewhere more private...you, Borr, and I can enjoy getting to know each other more closely. Besides, you're quite...attractive. And Borr is very handsome. I want make sure I reward you both...appropriately...and intimately."

She grins as she gives Kritki a kiss on the lips...a very passionate kiss. Kethaera was a devout follower of Shelyn, and the Eternal Rose taught her faithful that love was to be given to all, regardless of their race, gender, and well other factors that Shelyn didn't care about. Well except for a person's morals and ethnics. That mattered greatly. The half-elf was also interested in learning more about the ratfolk.

As they continued, she looked at the statue of the naked elven woman, she was puzzled and asked Kritki about the statue, curious about how it got down here.

Then she heard the bad opera singing. It was way off key, but realizing that other ratfolk might be singing, and not wanting to offend her new friends, she kept her mouth shut although she made a mental note to teach the ratfolk a bit.

Kritki nearly faints, but returns the kiss happily. She stands on the tips of her feet, and wraps an arm around Kethaera's waist. Her ears have flared red with embarrassment and shyness, but she seems happy. Completely speechless, but happy. "I'd... yes," she answers.
Borr laughs and claps when he spots them, and Derratata raises an eyebrow, but smiles slyly.

When Kethaera asks Kritki about the statue, she says "I dunno really, but it's super pretty. I wanted to take it and put it with my shinies, but it's built into the floor. Kinda strange, don't you think?"

Derratata comments about the singing "ThatWouldBeBwikki. SorryDon'tMindHim, HeThinksHimselfAThespian... WeHadToMakeHimPromiseNotToSingWhileWe'reSleeping, HeDidn'tLikeThat."

Pylos groaned softly as they traversed the water. When the off-key singing reached his ear, he said, "Kind of reminds me of a cousin, she couldn't sing to save her life. Literally." Looking down at the ratfolk carrying him, he asked, "So, what is the Skrittdom? Is it your home?"

"Home," says Borr ever so simply. Derratata elaborates for him. "UhmHeDoesn'tSpeakTaldaneMuch, ButYesThisIsOurHome. KritkiLikesToCallItASkrittdom, KindOfLikeAKingdom. It'sAReallyGoodHome, That'sForSure. ItEvenComesWithRealPlumming. AnywaysMostPeopleCallOurKindRatfolk, ButTheProperNameIsActuallySkritt."

While wading through the water, both Tarnagius and Jules spot a glimmer under the water. It seems to be shining from the base of the statue.

Kethaera smiled at the white furred ratfolk and when she asked the diva if it was strange that the statue was built into the floor Kethaera nodded in agreement.

When Pylos mentioned his cousin, she began to think for a moment and asked, "So Pylos you've mentioned before that you've met the Chelish Queen. That must have...been an interesting experience."

When Derratata said that while most people call them ratfolk but the proper name was Skritt, the half-elf made a mental note to remember that.

Kethaera asked, "So you've mentioned that Bwikki enjoys opera. How long has he had an interest in it? Come to think of it, how many Skritt live down here?"

"We're a squad of four!" Kritki announces proudly. "We found this here place just two days ago, and it's amazing. There's so much stuff that we haven't even found all of it yet. There's a secret door with a pantry on the other side, a bunkroom for beds, and a MILLION crates filled with pretty clothes and other shinies. My shiny collection is super big. Even bigger than Derratata's. Bwikki's really lazy, but he talks about listening to the opera house. He's a really bad singer, but don't tell him that. He's super sensitive."

Shinies refer to shiny things. Ratfolk (in this game) are a lot like dragons in this case... or magpies.

For the record, real-life Derz is a very 'you do you/safe sane consensual' type, but Tarnagius did grow up in this racist environment.

Tarnagius looks absolutely appalled at what's unfolding in front of him with Kethaera and their saviors. He doesn't say anything, but judging from the surprised "guHUEEH" sound he makes it's very clear that he neither understands such behavior nor approves of it.

Im never getting that image out of my head. Uncle Cesaer used to say the elves were disturbingly close to nature, being part fey, and I never believed him. But then she goes and kisses and propositions a pair of rats. This is disgu- Tarnagius shakes his head violently and begins walking around the other side of the statue.

The Opera house? Where is he? We need to talk. Now.

His voice and demeanor have changed completely. Before his voice was low and had a bit of a softness to it, but now it's much more clear and harsh. He's clearly used to making demands and having them followed through on.

Kethaera looked at Tarnagius, puzzled at why he made such a strange noise.

She figures he is not used to moving around below the city and was a bit disgusted at being down here. Of course she also figured that out from his demanding personality as he demanded to be taken to the singing ratfolk.

Jules looked to the water and looked a mite alarmed before looking to Borr and asking nicely for a ride so as not to drown.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

He blinked a few times at the rather forward actions of the diva but dismissed it.

He nodded to Tarnagius's question about the man with one glove. "I saw which way he fled and what he looked like. We may still be able to find him."

As they passed the statue, he signaled Borr to stop and point at the shiny thing under the water. "What is that?"

"Bwikki!! ComeOverHere! WeNeedSomeHelp! Derratata calls out (a little nervously). The terrible opera singing stops before the voice calls out "I'm trying to save a man! You can take care of yourself! There's only so much holy water available here."

"Bwikki!! ISaidNow!" Derratata commands. In the meantime he lowers the rod to get a better look at the shiny thing that Jules spotted. "Oooo LooksLikeACacheOrSomething! HowBoutYouOpenIt... uhm... SorryIDon'tKnowYourName."

Assuming Jules opens it (I'd be surprised if he didn't) he finds the following things inside.
- Numerous scrolls that seem to have been damaged long ago by the water
- A gold holy symbol of three daggers
- A whip that glows yellow ever so slightly

Tarnagius has been through the rigamarole of dividing discovered items of unknown value.

Diva, can you tell what's going on with the whip?

He doesn't vocally emphasize the fact that he doesn't use Kethaera's name, but it's hard not to notice given she just told everyone her name a few seconds ago.

"So, what did you say your name was again?" Pylos asked his new Skritt friend carrying him. "I'm afraid I'm not working at full capacity right this moment."

Looking over at Kethaera, he said, "I suppose it was interesting, yes. I spent a lot of time in the Chelish palace before I came to Kintargo."

Derratata translates for Pylos. He speaks in a series of squeaks, chirps, and expressive hand gestures. "Borr," the big Skritt answers. "Good... meet you." He then speaks to Derratata in the same language, although much slower and deeper. "OhHeWantsToAskYourName! IDon'tThinkIKnowEither..."

Pylos grinned sheepishly at the request. "Ah yes, forgive my slight. My name is Pylos, and it is a pleasure to meet such fine folk as you all."

"PleasedToMeetYa, Pylos, Kethaera, Tarnagius... AndOurHalflingFriend!"

"Wait a moment Tarnagius. Let me take a look..."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Going to see if she recognizes anything about the statue, maybe she notices a similarity of that of a local artist or something.

Kethaera studies the items.

Kethaera can tell that the whip has been slightly enhanced by magic. The grip of the handle is particularly easy to maneuver, and lashes made with the whip should make a slightly bigger impact. It is a +1whip.

Furthermore, Kethaera can recognize the statue as a shrine to the goddess Calistria. She represents lust, vengeance, and trickery for her worshipers. Normally in human settlements her clergy is found in brothels and courtesan posses. In elven settlements, however, she is much more likely to be venerated in thieves' guilds and other criminal organizations. Here in Cheliax, her worship is strictly forbidden and punished by fine or excruciation. The golden holy symbol also proves that worship of Calistria existed here.

Jules opens the cache indeed. do you need a roll at this point?

"Oh my, Ok well I can certainly try to save these documents and figure out their meaning" He said sliding them gingerly into a pocket in the coat.

"My name is Jules Corvid. It is certainly a pleasure to meet you all." He winced again. "Would someone be so kind as to remove this bolt from my back?"

"That is one naked statue," Pylos said with a soft whistle. "A little to perky for my tastes but a beautiful piece none the less. As for the whip, that is a little more my tastes. If nobody else wants it, I would be much obliged if I could whip the soldiers a new one with it."

"The whip has been enchanted, so it should come in handy Pylos. As for the statue, it is of the goddess Calistria. She is the deity of lust, vengeance, and trickery. Depending on what type of settlement her worshipers live in, her clergy are found in brothels in human settlements while amongst elves, her clergy are usually found in thieves' guilds and other such criminal organizations. However, here in Cheliax worship of Calistria has been outlawed and any caught worshiping her is either heavily fined or executed. This must have been a secret shrine to Calistria before it got flooded with water down here. Especially since this is her holy symbol."

She begins to try and remember anything else about the worship of Calistria particularly here in Kintargo.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

No roll needed, Jules. I'll give you some disable stuff later on ;)

Actually, it's excruciation (aka torture), not execution. Not yet anyways.

History: The worship of Calistria was abolished from Cheliax after the family of Thrune took over, several years after the death of the god Aroden. Along with Calistria, many other religions were banned, except for Asmodeus (the new patron of Cheliax), Abadar, Iomedae, Zon-Kuthon, and Shelyn.

Local: When worship of Calistria was a recognized and legal practice, Kintargo had a temple known as the House of Satin Veils in her honor. Unfortunately, worship was outlawed and the temple was taken over by Abadarians who supported Thrune. They reworked it into what is now known as the House of Golden Veils, which is more of a bank than temple. There are still plenty of secret worshipers of Calistria, and most of them wish vengeance on Abadar and/or Thrune.

Arrest of a worshiper of Calistria is either fined 100 sails (gp), or is imprisoned and tortured (excruciated) for a minimum of two weeks. If hostile actions were needed for the arrest, they have a one-sided public trial that ends in execution.

"Now that I think about it, the city's current temple to Abadar, the House of Golden Veils, used to be a temple dedicated to Calistria, the House of Red Veils. But when Thrune took over, worship of Calistria was banned, and the clergy of Abadar were given the temple, although it's more of a bank than a temple nowadays. There are some Calistria followers who hold a grudge against Abadar and or Thrune depending on the person I guess."

She ponders for a moment before continuing, "I know that worship of Calistria was banned several years after the death of Aroden and the Thrune family took over the country. Besides Calistria, other faiths were outlawed, except for Asmodeus, Abadar, Iomedae, Zon-Kuthon, and Shelyn."

She then looks at the scrolls wondering if they can learn anything from them despite their damaged conditions.

The scrolls are completely ruined. There's no way to garner information, even after a 'make whole' spell.

GM, would I be able to shuffle along by myself now or should I continue to be hauled around like a sack of potatoes?

By all means, feel free to shuffle as you wish.

"Alright, alright! Now what is all the ruckus about?" says possibly the fattest ratfolk anyone has ever seen. Assumed to be Bwikki, this ratfolk has dark brown fur and is holding a vial in one hand while eating half a wheel of cheese in the other. He speaks to the other ratfolk with large hand gestures that threaten to throw away what he's holding.

Did I ever tell you guys my name? I've been playing it like "we may not know each other for long, so let's not be friends" but if I said it, I guess Tarnagius slipped. Something in-character I guess.

One moment, Jules. Here bite this.

Tarnagius hands him and arrow.

This is going to hurt. I'll count to three. One, two

He quickly yanks it out after "two"

Sorry, needed you to be relaxed, and you'd tense in anticipation at three.

If Tarnagius is surprised at the appearance of such a rotund ratfolk, he doesn't show it.

Is it true you can hear what's going on in the opera house from down here?