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Bwikki replies to you without hesitation, but seems to look past you rather than at you. He takes another bite of cheese. "Oh I say... *munch munch*... certainly not from here. My previous scratchmates, or companions as you may call them, lived near the shoreline a small walk to the opera house. While they squabbled and bickered, I took the liberty of sneaking into the opera's basement. Beautiful, like a fish on a rainy day." He stares off into the distance... "Before Thrune came in and shut everything down. Boarded everything up and drove us out with spears and firearms. Life hasn't been the same since."
Oh, I see. I thought you had discovered a way to access the Opera House from here. That would have been an incredible discovery indeed. It sounds like you're very busy, so I don't wish to keep you much longer.
"Thank you thank you, no need to fret. I am currently saving the life of a strange man. I believe he entered through the trap door in the pantry. Anyways, despite all his fancy clothing and glittering possessions, he is only wearing a single glove. Perhaps a new fashion statement on the surface?"
Tarnagius looks at Jules, then back at Bwikki.
Can we see him, actually? He's someone we were supposed to meet.
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Pylos motioned for Borr to let him down. As he regained his feet, Pylos swayed and grabbed onto the large Skritt's arm. "Right. Note to self: Learn to dodge." Shaking his head, he looked around at the group he found himself with and wondered how this all happened. All he had wanted to do was try to get his cousin to show reason, not nearly die before being dragged into the sewers! He rubbed his face, only now realizing that he still had his mask on - 'Second note to self: give a bonus to the mask maker, this is a splendid product.' - before taking a second look about. Figuring that it wouldn't matter at this point, he reached up and pulled the mask off, his hair flowing free once more.
"So, after we reach the Skrittdom and meet up with your possible ally, what is the plan?"
"Uhhhhhhhhh," hesitates Derratata. "This... IsTheSkrittdom. WellMostOfItAnyways..."
Bwikki waves you in as he turns his back and walks into a room on the other side of the wooden dock. Inside the room are a series of beds (roughly a dozen) mostly in good condition. Each bed has a chest in front of it, all of which are open. Although most of them are empty, 4 of them have all sorts of junk and other things shoved into them. On one of the beds lays a groaning man in embroidered fine clothing. Jules recognizes him immediately as his contact from the protest. He looks badly beaten with part of his face swelled up. He blinks dozily as you enter and moans "Uhhgg is that ... the doctor?"
Tarnagius examines the whole room as he enters.
This would make an excellent base to hide out in. A couple dozen hideaways, get some medical gear and a few workbenches down here and this could be very useful.
No, I'm not a doctor, I'm afraid. We are merely survivors who escaped the protest, two of us were supposed to meet you there.
He suddenly jerks to attention and turns to the ratfolk present.
Have any of you found any bottles of mysterious liquid or potions? That would speed this man's recovery quite a bit.
"I'm brewing one right now, as a matter of fact." Answers Bwikki "I could not find any potions within our new territory, but there are plenty of ingredients that I can put to use. It should be complete right about... *sniff sniff* now." He waddles off, sniffing the entire way, before shortly returning with a potion that glows a soft gold. "Alright, rich human. I expect you to pay top sail for this."
After drinking the concoction, the mans wounds swiftly heal to the point where you can barely notice them. "Ahhhh," he sighs in relief. "Many thanks, Mister. I feel sooo much better. Ah, master Vashnarstill, Mr. Corvid, I am most grateful to see you. My name is Rexus Victocora, and I must apologize for so many things. My tardiness, my poor stained outfit, our failed meeting. There is so much to discuss, and I would like to meet your friends as well." He bows to you all, although he still seems quite woozy.
"Wait what? Who are you exactly?"
She was puzzled by this man, wondering who he was...and...
Wait...did he say Vashnarstill!?
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Jules yiped like a wounded puppy as Tarnagius removed the bolt. "Ahgg."
He reached into a pouch and stuffed a bit of cloth in the wound.
Jules returned the look Tarnagius gave him at the mention of the one gloved man and quickly followed.
Upon the man's greeting Jules looked to Tarnagius and nodded affirmative.
"Mr. Victocora, It is certainly a pleasure aside from the circumstances. It seems we are all in luck. Aside from the two of us you know, We have Ms.Nightbreeze, a famous diva, and Pylos, someone who seems a friend to any brewing revolt. How did you find this place?"
"Same as you, I'm sure. Laria let me in." Rexus responds dozily. "Didn't tell me that anyone else'd be down here though."
"Laria? I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with that name." He said puzzled, "We were lucky enough to be rescued by these ratfolk."
"Indeed. Things got quite hectic when Barzillai unleashed his guards and brutes on us and the other protesters. So you were there at the protest as well Mr. Victocora? And who is Laria?"
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Well, this disguise, such as it is, is useless now.
Tarnagius removes his outer coat and hat, shaking his hair loose and away from his scalp after being soaked in rain and sewage.
Seeing Kethaera's surprise he extends his hand.
Tarnagius, house Vashnarstill, home of Scholars and where knowledge is our power, as my grandfather liked to say. More importantly, this is the man I was told could help me find the Silver Ravens. Could we get something to eat, Mr Bwikki? I've found eating after consuming magical concoctions helps keep the stomach settled.
"Wait...House Vashnarstill...as in one of the noble families of Kintargo House Vashnarstill!? That House!"
Kethaera was a bit surprised by this new information, until she realized that what with things as they were it shouldn't be that surprising that members of the noble houses were just as angry with Thrune as the lower and middle classes were.
"So House Vashnarstill opposes Thrune as well. What with the new Lord Mayor's actions, I really shouldn't be surprised."
It's... more complicated than that, but this isn't really the time.Put simply, we have our spats like any other family. Ours just tend to be bigger and quieter.
"Noble families trade in secrets and lies like we trade in food or gold." The halfling stated matter of factly as he took a seat on a bed.
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Pylos flopped down on a nearby empty got, his hand dramatically placed over his forehead. "Honestly, I'm surprised that anybody is happy with his proclamations," he said to the others. "They make no sense that I can figure, they are an inconvenience to the general population. Don't get me wrong, House Thrune doesn't really like anybody that isn't one of them, not to mention consisting with devils and other assorted nasties, but it was never as blatantly obvious as this. It's almost as if he's looking to start a riot or rebellion here."
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Bwikki rolls his eyes when Tarnagius asks for some food, but Kritki speaks up. "I'll get some for you! I'm super hungry too." She skips away. Derratata seems content to just stand there and listen, as is Bwikki. Borr takes a seat on one of the cots and rummages through the chest beside it.
"Did you not come through the coffee house? Oh... pardon me, I assumed you already knew Laria. Well, we should send for her at once, then. She owns this place, after all. She's a good friend of mine, I've known her for most of my life." Then he adds "I agree completely with you, Mr. Pylos. The house of Thrune, especially Barzillai, must be stopped in Kintargo before we end up in civil war.
My parents’ estate burned to the ground during the night of ashes—I escaped simply because I was studying at the Alabaster Academy during the fire. There were other fires that night, as you know—fires that many believe were started by Barzillai Thrune or his agents in an attempt to squash any spirit of rebellion Kintargo might have.
“Now more than ever we need that spirit of rebellion to stay strong, but Thrune’s actions have driven into hiding those who would stay strong and resist. Those who could once rally the city to a cause, such as Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus and my parents, are missing at best, and are more likely dead.
I cannot do this on my own, but with the aid of talented citizens such as yourselves, I have hope that we can. I believe that our meeting here today is truly no coincidence. Will you aid Kintargo? Will you save the city from the devil?”
Jules smiled innocently to the man, "I'm fairly certain that I can cause pain for house Thrune. The people have already voiced discontent with the tyrant. We can certainly use that."
She nodded at Pylos although she was a bit puzzled by his statement.
"Oh how do you know this? I'm starting to wonder Pylos, if you're an Andoren Twilight Talon or a Taldan Lion Blade. I recall both those nations have never been friendly with Cheliax. Although you do make a good point: he's up to something. But if he causes a rebellion or riot, it will make him appear incompetent which I highly doubt that he is."
Turning now to Rexus, she begins to think.
"You are indeed fortune. You might be the few, if not only, survivor of House Victocora. I've seen want remains of your former estate...not really anything remains. I do know that the Delronge, Sarini, and Tanessen families are steadfast Thrune sympathizers. I wonder if your family were enemies of them. I know the other houses, Aulamaxa, Aulorian, Jarvis, Jhaltero, and Vashnarstill are neutral at the moment. Which is odd, as I don't recall the Victocora House being particularly anti-Thrune, of course I didn't know your family that well; the same goes for the others as well. I wonder why your family was targeted, if you don't mind me asking."
Kethaera looked at the man, awaiting an answer.
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"Thank you, Mr. Corvid. I will remember your bravery."
Rexus blinks in confusion for a moment. "I'm sorry, have we met before, Ms. Nightbreeze? I'm terribly sorry if I have forgotten. It's just that you've met my family, and can name each house without error. I assure you however that the house of Victocora has always opposed the Thrunes, well very passively... anyways. I fear that I am indeed the last living heir... everything changed that day."
He takes out of his pocket a letter and hands it to Kethaera. "This here is a letter that Laria delivered for me. It was written by my mother, and addressed to me. I believe there are many clues hidden inside. Please, read it."
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 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!
Laughing a bit the half-elf smiled and replied, "Well I have performed at the Opera House several times and I am after all the Savage Diva. So I'm familiar with the noble houses. I know that your family has in the past complained about Thrune but never has done any direct actions against the Thrune family...to my knowledge."
After having said that she is handed a scroll and begins reading it...
"Hmm....
Jules perked up a bit and smiled. "If it comes to Ciphers, I may be of some help in that endeavors." Jules hopped down and walked over to Kethaera,
"If I may?" he asked, looking at both of them expectantly and with barely hidden excitement.
"Certainly! I'll admit I'm not that good with ciphers despite my reading of numerous Pathfinder Chronicles. Mom was actually a member of the Pathfinders."
She showed Jules the letter.
Jules investigated the letter thoroughly for ciphers and dual meaning. "Well I'm not certain about hidden clues but it does give a clear destination to find out more. This 'Fair Fortune Livery' could very well give is more insight on what to do next and I will happily follow this clue."
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- You've heard that the Sacred Order of Archivists are a secret organization dedicated to the accumulation of knowledge.
- The civil war started due to the death of the god Aroden, and was a time of giant bloodbaths and utter chaos. There are homes, towns and even an entire city completely abandoned due to the god's death.
- The Fair Fortune Livery is a small stables that's been abandoned for many years. Rumors say it is haunted. Located in the far south-east end of Kintargo.
- The Silver Ravens were rumored to oppose Thrune before the family took hold of the country's government, but there's nothing about the Victocora family that connects it to the other two.
- The Silver Ravens appeared after the death of Aroden, but before the civil war. That would put them as being active roughly 100 years ago, but could be as recent as 80 years. They disappeared shortly after Thrune took control, which was 80 years ago. They were known to be a large group of elite heroes, along with at least 50 lower members, and hundreds of supporters. There was no announcement regarding the Silver Ravens' disappearance, and nothing is known to this day as to how or why they vanished.
- The civil war was a nation wide rebellion that was triggered after the god Aroden, patrol god of Cheliax at that time, was suddenly killed. Many of his cleric perished instantly, and the government itself collapsed (many were clerics of Aroden). Actual war was sparked when the nobility regained their footholds and waged war for the throne. It was perhaps the greatest event of total civil warfare ever recorded in history.
- Not much is known about House Thrune. Her Infernal Magistrix Queen Abrogail the 2nd currently rules the fragmented empire. She is the sixth Thrune to be crowned, and is known to be even more ruthless than she is beautiful (and she is very, very beautiful). Almost every noble house has had at least a single encounter with a devil, and house Thrune is extremely tied with the realms of Hell. Queen Abrogail keeps the company of devils around her at all times in the form of advisers, scholars, and bodyguards. Most of the economy is spent on the nation's unbelievably powerful navy and military, invoking fear in many of the neighboring nations. Cheliax is particularly good standing with its neighbors Nidal, and certain areas of southern Varisia.
- The Sacred Order of Archivists are active throughout the inner sea, but are primarily a secret organization in the nation of Cheliax. Due to the heavy censorship the nation keeps over it's people, the order strives to preserve history and other lore before agents of Thrune, or redactors of Asmodeus manage to destroy it.
- The Fair Fortune Livery was originally a slaughter house in Redroof's earliest days, but under the ownership of the now-dead Juliac noble family, it was transformed into a thriving sables. The stables existed well before the death of the family, which was just after the end of the civil war.
Kethaera is able to tell the others about what she knows the civil war, the Sacred Order of Archivists, the current ruler of Cheliax, and the Fair Fortune Livery, which was once a slaughterhouse before becoming stables once run by the now extinct Juliac family. The stables survived past the noble family's end which was right after the civil war concluded, although nowadays people say the Fair Fortune Livery is haunted.
"That's pretty much all I know in terms of what I can recall just from reading this letter. Although I'm wondering if the Juliac noble family is of any importance. Now how do we get there?"
Jules related the tidbits of info regarding the Silver Ravens.
"So thats that. If going to this library will illuminate us on the Ravens then I am all for it. Though I would still prefer to have my things brought here. I could make our traveling somewhat easier."
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I'm all for making sure Egorian politics stay out of my home, thank you very much. I don't know if you've seen what goes on there, Mr Victocora, but any sane person who has will want ot keep it out here Kintargo.
He takes the letter and asks that he also look over it for cyphers and hidden meaning.
At the suggestion that Pylos is from Andoran of Taldor Tarnagius does the most unexpected and frightening thing he could ever do: he laughs.
It's loud and deep, with a growly edge to it, like he's viciously mocking someone's deep insecurities. His eyes begin watering and he wipes them.
BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA! Oh, diva, diva diva.Him? From Andoran? An Eagle Knight? Oh, I never knew you wrote comedy. That's just glorious.
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Pylos gave a wry grin as the half-elf mentioned Taldor and Andoran. That was probably the funniest thing he had heard in a long time. Though, Tarnagius's braying laughter put a damper on his his humor. "Nice guesses, though a bit far from the truth," he told her. "If it pleases the court, I shall now reveal my full name. Dear comrades, my name is Pylos Antavius Ranfri Thrune, of the noble House of Thrune. I'm a bastard, and before you make any jokes, I mean the fatherless kind. So there, now you all know. Maybe someday I shall regale you with my childhood stories."
"Well I have written a few comedies, of course since they're Shoanti fables most people don't get them. And by most I mean most aristocrats. And besides you have to admit that Andoran and Cheliax have always hated each other," she says in reply to Tarnagius.
When Pylos reveals his true identity, her eyes widened in shock.
"Well this...is a surprise. I can see why you don't like your family very much. But since you did help rally the protesters with me, I can tell you have no love for Barzillai or the rest of your family, so it is a honor to meet one, probably only, of the most decent and honorable members of the Thrune House."
She bows to him although her surprise is still written on her face.
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While Kethaera speaks and bows, Rexus gives Pylos a once over. "A Thrune, right here in the midst of a rebellion to overthrow Barzillai Thrune. Mr. Pylos, what is it that you despise so much about your own family? While Barzillai may be utterly insane with his take over of Kintargo, you have more rights than all of us combined."
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Pylos was quick to stop the Diva from bowing to him. "No need to bow, Kethaera, we're all down in the sewers together," he said with a mocking grin. When Rexus asked why he would go against his family, he pointed out, "Like I said, I'm a bastard. My dear 'mother' was fond of one of the brothels in the capital, and I was the result. I was made very aware that I was unwanted and the feeling was mutual. There was no need for me there, just another possible threat to the throne. But since I was already a public figure they couldn't just get rid of me. Instead, once I came of age, they went me here. As for Barzillai, he's a jackass. I don't think any of the family likes him."
"Oh you probably saw him during the protest aiding me in rallying the people. He was quite helpful and he even went out of his way to defend several citizens from the Thrune minions when the protesters were attacked. So I vouch for him. And as he said he has no love for his family, especially Barzillai."
She smiled as she explained in depth at what happened at the protest.
Jules said nothing as he eyed the nobles warily. It would not be unlike Thrune to place a mole in a growing revolt.
Like I said, the things these people get up to are things no sane person would consider. Pylos is probably as threatened as anyone.
"I see..." Rexus says, more to himself as he tries to make up his mind. "Well Pylos, I'm sorry for your family. It would seem fate has not been kind to you. I think we should keep you on for now, but also know that we'll keep an eye on you. Thank you for revealing this to us, I appreciate it."
He looks to each of you before asking "Is that alright by everyone? I don't want to be making all the decisions."
"Works for me. I mean that while I don't him that well, I believe we can trust him."
Kethaera smiled as she began to wonder what awaited them at the Fair Fortune Livery, although she did ask both Pylos and Tarnagius why they thought it was funny that she assumed that Pylos was an Eagle Knight of Andoran or a Lion Blade of Taldor. She was both curious and puzzled by their reasonings.
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Pylos just shrugged. "As long as you're not trying to run me through with a bit of steel I'm fine with being watched," he said before giving a wide grin. "Well, at certain times I may have to charge you for watching." He gave a salacious wink to Rexus at that statement.
Turning to Kethaera, he gave a nod of thanks for her help. "Thank you for your kind words, Milady," he told her. "As for the laughter at your suggestions, I found it funny since I am, of course, a Thrune, and they would be more likely to kill me or hold me hostage than allow me access to their ranks. Bigotry runs in many forms after all."
Derratata pats Pylos on the back "DontchaWorryNow, Mr.Pylos. OurScratchSupportsYou! It'sNotAboutYourBirthThatMatters, OnlyYourGoals. Why, MostOfUsCan'tRemeberOurSiresAnyways!"
If we're making confessions now. I used to work for our dear governor. Personally. In Egorian. That's why I'm trying to stop him now, actually.
"Ah I see. Well there's quite useful. You will probably know a lot about him and that information will benefit us greatly. I think we have many reasons to hate our new mayor. Now, we did suffer some injuries when we were attacked during the protest. We should meet Laria and then get some rest before we head towards towards the Fair Fortune Livery. What do the rest of you think?"
Kethaera thought this was the best plan but she was willing for everyone else to offer other suggestions.
Kethaera began to see if she could treat Pylos's wounds.
Kethaera sighs as she has trouble treating his wounds.
"My apologies but it seems that I'm not quite suitable for this task. Would anyone else like to try their hand at this."