Tarnagius flippantly holds Porcia's soul tome out at Rexus, assuming he'd want to poke around in it.
"The Book of the Damned seems like something Thrune would be immensely interested in. What does it say those chapters were about?"
Rexandi can find that the chapters were about Mephistopheles, ruler of the 8th layer of hell, keeper of secrets and contracts.
Soul tomes are created when a scrivenite from the city of Axis attacks a mortal. The memories of that mortal are replicated in the tome and sent back to Axis for analysis and storage. The more attacks the mortal suffers from the scrivenite, the more information is replicated.
The name 'Trailblazer Huni' is an anagram for Barzillai... Thrune.
"Oh my mistake. 'Trailblazer Huni' is Thrune himself, obviously. The man's got such an ego he used an anagram of his own name. Surprised he was even that subtle. Well then, we have everything we need, and can send the laborers for the rest of it later. A couple of laborers for my family's shipping company shouldn't attract too much attention. Let's get home and rest for a while if none of you need anything else."
Weary to the bone, the Silver Ravens head out of the monastery, the fantasmogorium, back to Laria's coffeehouse. Laria and Nisha fuss over everyone's wounds, and are shocked by the tales of the monastery. Tarnagius organizes the labourers to pick up all the books he wanted brought back. Now Nox is dead, and the Silver Ravens have an inkling into whatever it is that Barzillai is plotting. The book of the damned...
Rexus finally feels some closure now that he knows what happened to his parents. The battle has a huge impact on him. When ready, he thanks Tarnagius for saving his life by taking several attacks for him. After reading the soul tomes about his parents, he hands them back to the rebellion, as the information within is near priceless for running a secret organization.
Gained:
- (Nox's death+shut down of the archives)
- Books worth 200gp or +1 loyalty
- Soul tomes worth 1,600gp or +2 secrecy and +1 security. Also counts as a library for Knowledge history checks.
Sunday the 9th of Sarenith, 4715AR
Black metal grieves stomp upon the cobblestones of Kintargo under the banner of the Order of the Rack. Barzillai has increased patrols across all districts, proclaiming criminal factions to be the reason. Clouds hang low over the city, but the streets are busy with the religious. Commoners and the wealthy travel in some of their finest clothes to take part in mass within the legal churches. Missionaries also travel around the city in small groups, proselytizing any who are willing to listen.
Laria brings bacon, eggs, fresh bread, and coffee for the awakening Ravens. Sometimes her fake smile breaks when she's not paying attention, revealing the grimace mixed with deep pondering. Around the Wasp Nest, teams are ready for their next missions, but each is either weary or lacking any optimism. Three officers left the Ravens, two of which were team leaders. The Skritt Squad finally healed up, but were out of action for the week. The Street Performers tried making some extra coin, but came up almost barren. The Salty Labourers tried to clear out some of the sewers for safe travel, but were swarmed and barely managed to get out. Rexus might have found some closure for his parents, but he's still terribly troubled. Even cheery Vendalfek refuses to play pranks on anyone, which is normally his favourite pass-time.
"If you don't mind, darlings, I'd like to talk about what's been happening lately while you've been busy." Says Laria. "Thrune's been busy the last two days. He's brought in more hellknights, established control over Vespam Artisans, repopulated the Salt Works, and even released a swarm of imps. Word of the Silver Ravens continues to spread, and some of it is not good. It seems most people consider us to be thugs, a gang of sorts fighting for control against other criminals. We've lost a lot of supporters recently."
She pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath. "The loss of our fellow officers will hurt the rebellion considerably. I know you can help run things part-time, but we need full-timers. I'd like to recruit some new allies, potentially to become officers. Also, I've located two new potential allies that might fit your team. A worshipper of Milani, sweet Tian woman who's lived as a travelling merchant. The other is an elf who's known for his fencing and crime-solving. I don't know much about his details. Both have been supporters for our cause, but have decided that they want to step things up and be a much more vital part of the team. If you're interested, I can set up a meeting with them for you."
"If you've looked into them and think they're capable and not loyalists, then I am all for it. We absolutely need more people."
"Alright. I'll have you meet up with them. The bad news is that you'll have to travel to Old Kintargo. You'll find the Tian woman Aster at one of the tenements, and Ederion frequents the Tooth and Nail in the same district."
"We will need help. If they can be trusted. With things tightening up we must look to the safety of those who are with us."
Vendalfek flutters in and picks up a slice of toast with his tiny teeth. He between mouthfuls "Can I go too? I get so bored cooped up in here. Can we go now or do you have to ask other questions?"
A small Tian woman of middle years perches on a wobbly stool outside a rundown hovel of a tenement. She sips a steaming wooden mug as she watches the people moving along the street, sighing wistfully after every swallow, often looking down into the mug and shaking her head. Her glossy black hair is piled neatly on top of her head, her clothes are low quality but brand new, covered by a lacquered jade breastplate that has seen more than one fight. Other gear, a round wooden shield, and a masterfully crafted heavy mace, rests against the wall.
Occasionally she nods to a passer by or exchanges a few words with another. Friendly, but clearly not wanting to engage at the moment.
She seems to be waiting on something.
Tonight is going to be the fullest moon possible, but the clouds probably won't show it in it's true glory. Aster is greeted by Nurla Botve, an elderly Chelish woman who owns the Ludemius tenement that Aster resides in. At first, she was a foul-mouthed cantankerous woman, but over time she's become far more friendly towards Aster. Aster has learned that politeness and flattery goes a very long way for Mrs. Botve. She chats briefly about the weather, a surly tenant who always smell horrible, and makes one or two comments about Tieflings that would make some grimace.
On their way to Old Kintargo, the Ravens encounter quite a few events. The crier of Villegre (the district that the coffeehouse is in) is yelling about a new proclamation coming from Barzillai Thrune. "By order of Lord-Mayor Barzillai Thrune, the congress of hellknights known as the Order of the Torrent is from this day forward stripped of its charter! All of its holdings and possessions are confiscated, its privileges and entitlements revoked, and its members declared outlaws! Steadfast citizens are commanded to turn over those members who have slipped the net of justice!"
At the bleakbridge, a small handful of poor citizens are arguing with the Dottari about the sudden price increase to cross the bridge. What used to be a 3 copper charge has become 1 silver, making it very difficult for the poor to travel from one end of Kintargo to the other.
Just before reaching the tenement, the Ravens pass a place called Vespam Artisans. Six Dottari guard the loud workshop, but interestingly they are each armed with a musket and bayonet.
Aster returns the small talk,
Yes, a firm hand. Always important.
Is that where the smell was coming from?
So on.
She'd prefer Mrs. Botve would move on before her upcoming companions arrive, but she also knows pushing a river yielded less than ideal results.
After hearing the town crier. "Tarn do you know how to contact members of the order of the Torrent. They might be in a rebellious mood."
Tarnagius hands the bridge guard a silver piece and keeps walking, head down and trying not to make eye contact with anyone.
Order of the torrent, they keep turning up. Definitely worth looking into.
Tarnagius doesn't know of any relations between nobles and the order of the torrent. All he knows is that it is a local order that's been in decline for many years. They would rescue abducted people, stop sex trafficking, and patrol waterways for people who could be drowning. Their numbers are likely no more than 2-3 dozen, and very few would be true hellknights. Most of their history is redacted.
Aster's prayers are answered as Mrs. Botve spies one of her tenants who's been avoiding rent, and lunges after them as fast as the old crone can manage, yelling obscenities along the way.
A minute or two later, a small cluster of armed and armored people start approaching the tenement. They are all varied races and wear no colours or symbols. They seem to be looking for something, or someone. That is until they spot you.
The brutish CCG are identified with red armbands on their right arms
The dottari are always in black uniform that shows the symbol of Cheliax
Hellknights are always in either breastplate or full plate that features symbols of their order.
In essence, these guys match none of those. Adventurers is your best guess. Maybe thieves.
Hmmm... Aster wonders to herself. After me? Why? Haven't done anything... yet. Still, a strong stab of fear slams into her. Becka is in the building. If they are after her, then what will become of her?
So she smiles and wishes a bright "Hello!" and "Can I help you gentlemen? Oh, you must be looking for the Dottari officer that lives around here. Jacobs right? He just followed after sweet Mrs. Botve a moment ago. I could call him for you, I am quite sure he's still close enough." she smiles brightly from her stool.
Kethaera brushed lock of hair from her face as she listened to the town crier explained that the Order of the Torrent was disbanded.
"Well, that's a surprise. You would think the Chelish nobility would want to keep some more Hellknights around. Although I wonder...
She whispers in Tarnagius's ear, "I think we need to regain the people's trust in us, if we are to gain more supporters."
"For once, we're in agreement, Diva. That IS a surprise. You would expect the hellknights of the area to have some connections, even if they were somewhat obscure as an order. Either they must have done something to alienate their allies or our enemy has done something to attract them away."
Tarnagius shuts the door behind him and looks through the windows into the street for a few seconds before he says anything to Aster.
"We're associates of Laria Longroads. She told us you'd be willing to assist us in an endeavor of ours."
Aster has met Laria in the past. A secret meeting about supporting the Silver Ravens.
"Ahh... a mistake in the first moments of our meeting..." Aster's embarrassment of misidentifying is quickly suppressed. Setting down her "tea" and while gathering her gear, she starts talking "I met Laria on..." she fills in the details of the meeting. Details she assumes Laria gave to them as well, to corroborate that she is the Aster they are looking for. She does leave out anything she believes would be too damning if she was wrong about who they are, like the location of the meet.
Once done she stands before them, small, past her prime, but with a quick smile and a sharp mind. "Yes, to answer your question. I am willing. Do you have others?" She assumes she won't be hearing much about them until she proves herself. Secrets and all.
Somewhat concealed by Tarnagius and Kethaera, a notable tiefling woman does her best to avoid too much notice, but she leans forward and says to Kethaera, "The vise continues to tighten; we just need to convince people of the value of diversity in tactics."
Perhaps most surprisingly, while she is garbed in sensible clothes and her sword is belted on at an odd angle that shows that she has no idea how to actually wear or use it, the pack slung over her shoulders has emerging from the top a clavichord.
Tarnagius' tone is quick and to-the-point. Father always said subtle is slow and slow is dead.
"We're picking up one more recruit. Then we'll go to meet Laria and the rest of our associates and discuss things in more detail in a secure location. Are you ready to leave or should we come back for you so you have time to gather your effects? Some of us are somewhat high-profile individuals so we'd like to not waste time."
"I am ready." Aster says simply "Lead on and I will follow." she nods and smiles to the other three members of the group. Eyes widening at the interesting instrument from the young woman's pack. But keeps questions to herself. Inward she sighs, having hoped their names at least were not part of the secrets to be kept from her.
She nodded in agreement with Tarnagius.
"Wonder if they were trying to find the missing mayor and learn something about Barzillai that he didn't want people finding out. Or maybe he's trying to play the different Hellknight orders against one another. We do need to work on gathering more support from the people."
She nodded in agreement with the tiefling, "Indeed. Stagnation especially in tactics is never a good thing. Better to be diverse so you can adapt to what life throws at you."
Kethaera greeted the Tian woman.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. And I look forward to working with you."
The Ravens travel a short distance to a tavern known as the Tooth and Nail. It is a non-descript building that looks more like a large one-story house rather than anything else. However, it is marked with an outside post that has wolf's teeth nailed into it. One of the wolf's teeth is painted white, red, and green in diagonal repeating stripes. Inside the dark tavern is a strange scent, a mix of tobacco smoke and peppermint. Most of the dilapidated wooden tables here are empty (to be expected since it's both morning and Sunday), but there are a few interesting characters about.
A very short, young woman with freckles and red hair waves to the Ravens from the other side of the bar. In a pleasant, but a bit high-pitched voice she yells "Welcome ladies and gentlemen! Come in come in and find yourselves a seat. I'll be with you in just a heartbeat!"
A side door within the tavern opens at that moment, and a breeze filled with the smell of freshly baked foods wafts through the otherwise dreary building. A young woman with shoulder length raven hair steps through the door. She is wearing an eye-patch, along with a cute white dress. "Sweet tooth is open for business now! I've got some scones and other pastries fresh from the oven."
Three burly (but unarmed and unarmored) men sit at one of the tables with several mugs around them. There is also a well dressed man at another table who is shuffling cards. A small pile of coins sits at the table's center. Lastly there is a small table in the corner with an elf with cigar in one hand and brandy in another.
Ederion seems distracted with something on the table in front of him - a notebook of sorts maybe? The cigar burns itself away into almost nothing, as he only picks it up every once in a while for a long puff, going more often for the brandy in his left hand.
As he continues scribbling away, you notice his attire is well kept and good looking, even if in a more functional kind of way, with pockets and straps keeping a multitude of items in place, and easy reach. The dark hued outfit of blacks and browns hugs his light but well built frame, and there is a definite glint of armor under the vest.
The elven heritage is evidenced by his fair skin, water blue eyes, and pointed ears peeking from underneath an almost stark white hair, but there seems to be a grim look to this one, very different from the usual aloof or lighthearted elvish posture.
At his belt he sports a light mace and a dagger, and on the table rests a well made and polished buckler. In easy reach, a beautifully hilted rapier leans casually against the table.
When the raven haired woman steps in, he lifts the head from the book and smiles widely, seemingly about to say something... But then he notices you, and no words leave his mouth. He closes the notebook, and waits.
Because you a regular to this inn, you would know the people working/frequenting it. The red haired barkeep is the owner of this place, Setrona Sabinus. She's known to be a kind, but fiery woman. Regulars like to call her 'Countess' due to her polite yet bossy nature. The Sweet Tooth owner is Luculla Gens, a lovely, cheerful woman who tends to sing when she bakes.
The well dressed, devilishly handsome man with cards and dice is Morvius Alazario. His job is to run games of chance in the Tooth and Nail, and he does his job very well. Few win against his games, but those who do usually end up with huge payouts.
The last three men aren't of much interest. Artisans: A cobbler, a barber, and a bookmaker.
Only see one blue-eyed, white-haired elf in the room. Laria said he likes to solve mysteries...
Tarnagius pulls his gloves off as he sits opposite Edrion, keeping them folded in his hands and on the top of the table.
"My associates and I come representingan organization headed by among others miss Laria Longroads and have been told that you can help us look into some missing persons of recently-removed noble stature. If you'll come with us we can discuss this in greater detail in a place of greater security."
Bazzle nods. "Hey."
Aster's eyes widen at the mention of scones. Tempted as she is to just excuse herself for a moment, to investigate the perimter so to say, she manages to push down the thoughts of delightful refreshment.
Standing slightly away from the others, she watches.
As Tarnagius approaches the table, Ederion glances once at his weapon but leaves it in place.
Tarnagius pulls his gloves off as he sits opposite Edrion, keeping them folded in his hands and on the top of the table.
"My associates and I come representing an organization headed by among others miss Laria Longroads and have been told that you can help us look into some missing persons of recently-removed noble stature. If you'll come with us we can discuss this in greater detail in a place of greater security."
"Very well" - the elf nods, looking first at his interloper, and then at the others - "Hey back" - he replies to Bazzle, then looks back to the warrior - "I have two questions for now - are we exchanging names?" - smiles - "And do we have time for a drink? Setrona will surely be able to bring us something appropriate" - and motions to call the woman to their table.
The tiefling woman shifts nervously from foot to foot, unsure of whether to stay or go, but she waits for Tarnagius and Kethaera's lead.
Aster glances at the others, but decides politeness is the foundation of any endeavor. Even secret ones. She'll step forward, a small Tian woman shaped vaguely like a pear, and gives a small bow "Aster Cobblestone. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
As Aster approaches Ederion immediately stands up, accepting and returning the polite bow - "Ederion Quel-Thelas at your service. We were discussing the matter of refreshments..." - he looks back at Tarnagius.
Bazzle looks up at Aster, "Scones to sound good don't they." He looks over toward where to order them. "Bazzle Blast-hazard good to meet you." He looks up at Ederion, "and you as well." He looks up at Tarn quizzically. Are we using fake names. Oh well. I am a performer. Hopefully that is all my name means.
Her salivation over the scones being noticed embarrasses her to no end, but she covers it as best she can. "It is exceedingly lovely to finally meet you properly, Bazzle. You as well Ederion. And I also agree. If you excuse me a moment I will get us all a proper snack." without waiting for an agreement she'll start moving toward the bakery, to have a moment to recover. Her leg dragging behind her in a slow shuffle.
"We're not in a rush, I suppose but we probably don't want to discuss things in too much detail. These people call me Tarn."
"Nice to meet you," Kethaera says to the elf.
"I'm Kethaera. And I hope we're be able to do a lot of good together."
Kethaera smiled at both Aster and Ederion before Aster stepped away a bit.
"I wonder why Aster's leg drags like that. She shows so much strength to stand up to Thrune and his goons despite her disability."
"And I'm Rexandi," says the tiefling woman. "I'll have one of those scones, if you don't mind!"
Fresh, perfectly baked scones waft right through the smokey atmosphere as Aster returns with a platter full of them. The owner comes with her as well, carrying two small jars of jam (one fig, the other blueberry). She introduces herself as Luculla Gens, while closing her eye and smiling sweetly. "If there's anything I can help you with, don't hesitate to ask." She then politely excuses herself with a light curtsy, as she's about to start making some toffee-flavoured fudge.
The red haired bar owner approaches just a few moments later. She stands maybe half a foot taller than most dwarves. Placing a hand on her hip, she says "Welcome to the tooth and nail, everyone. I'm Setrona Sabinus. Is there anything I can get for you to accompany those fine scones? I have a sweet mead if you're interested, or perhaps a strawberry cordial?"
"I am sticking with the brandy Setrona, thank you" - he nods, sipping some more of his beverage, and waiting for the others to take their pick.
Aster performs a proper named greeting with Kethaera and Rexandi, then sits to a delightful snack, dividing the scone into two to taste both jams. I apologize madam, both of those sound lovely, but something a little lighter for me if you would. Then she settles in, making small talk until we are ready for heavier topics, which she assumes would not be here.
Tarnagius orders a mead and sips it quietly, waiting to see what Ederion is waiting for.
Just as Setrona asks Aster if she'd like an apple cider, three Dottari march into the Tooth and Nail. Each one wears well-maintained chain mail, a longsword, a light crossbow, and a sap. As they take a moment to evaluate the tavern, a hush falls over everyone inside. Luculla gently closes the door, while the three burly artisans make themselves seem smaller. Setrona looks a bit worried as the guards stride right up to her, their metal grieves thudding with every step.
The eldest of the three human men says "I am Lieutenant Aristor, and these are my partners Officer Brutus, and Officer Servus. We are here under orders to bring one Setrona Sabinus into the holding house for questioning. Setrona, we believe that you hold information about the whereabouts of ex-lictor of the torrent. If you come quietly and prove that you have nothing to hide from the Dottari, I'm sure everything will go smoothly."
Tarnagius wiggles his fingers and signs to Kethaera.
Maybe she just left and they missed her?
Tarnagius pipes up.
"Unfortunate. She just left. A couple of slips came in and handed her a letter and then she left."
Tarnagius' eyes widen and he thinks for a minute.
If we ever want to join forces with the Order of the Torrent, we'll need someone who can find them, and we need to find them before the Mayor cuts off all their heads.
He stands up, taking a split second to tap Kethaera's leg twice and punding his fists on the table.
"Did the hellknights start coming in short sizes when I wasn't looking?! What makes you think a dwarf who runs a diner would have anything to do with them? Stop wasting our precious silver and leave small businesses alone!"
Time for a speech, Diva.