Kethaera smiled and nodded. "Indeed I am."
"And why is that?" - he adds.
Luculla smiles slyly after Tarnagius' offer. "Thank you kindly, noble sir, but why would they come for me? After all, I'm just a sweet candy girl. Besides, I have a shop to run. These lollipops aren't going to sell themselves. If you're ever interested in having some business with me, well you know where I'll be."
Meanwhile, Bazzle rallies the three artisans. They echo his thoughts that the Dottari just pulled something dirty and illegal, and of course there's no way they'll be held responsible.
Aster's disguise really seems to help, as Setrona now looks like a teenage tomboy. The look is further complete with the blush of embarrassment on Setrona's usually proud and regal face.
Once the group sets out, Ederion and Kethaera do not see any suspicious activity around them. Some of the masses have ended recently, and people are flooding into the streets. Those who need to get across Bleakbridge overwhelm the guards, who simply take payment and herd them across. A safe and secure trip back to the Longroads Coffeehouse.
A... coffeehouse? Aster inquires, genuinely curious.
Ederion picks up the pace so they can rejoin with the others - "No tails" - he nods - "Where are we heading?"
"Mostly because I'm into the arts especially the singing and acting parts."
Kethaera nods in agreement with Ederion, as she didn't see anyone tailing them either.
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Rexandi looks back at her tail and says, "What?"
Tarnagius makes a face at Rexandi's mischief that says "joking like this is why I drink".
"Inside. Not safe to explain things in the streets, even here."
"Mostly because I'm into the arts especially the singing and acting parts."
Kethaera nods in agreement with Ederion, as she didn't see anyone tailing them either.
"Makes sense" - the elf nods - "I was wondering if it would be some sort of behavioral thing" - he adds in good mood, despite the recent events.
Rexandi looks back at her tail and says, "What?"
"Except for the one of course" - Ederion grins, trying to avoid looking at Rexandi's tail, but failing completely.
swish, swish
Bazzle chuckles at Ederion, "Our Diva is both kinds of divas. She prior to the opera being shut down she was a singer, Diva is an important part of an opera." He looks around sidelong, "Colloquially it implies high maintenance . . . formally she has never demanded crushed candies in a brandy glass before performing."
In the back room of the coffeehouse, everyone meets up with Laria. A plump and smiling halfling with short blond hair. With a nod from Tarnagius, she descends into the cellar and pulls a lever on the wall, revealing a secret base by lowering the stone wall. Inside is an open space with tables and chairs, a cistern with clean water, a dormitory, a storage room, and a fully functioning loo. Quite a few people are within from various races and likely professions as well. This includes several ratfolk (known as Skritt), a shy tiefling, several rugged mercenary-like men, two clowns, and several halflings.
"Welcome to the Wasp Nest." Says Laria. "Everyone here is united in a singular purpose: To protect Kintargo and its people from House Thrune and their lackeys. Each of you have a bed to crash in and a chest to store your valuables. My team and I provide the food, and the water here is quite clean. Your leaders are the group you arrived with, or myself or Rexus if they are absent. This is going to be hard work, so I hope you're ready to make a contribution. That being said, we're a family here, so we'll help you however we can."
"I've organized the teams for the week. We're going to try to spread some disinformation with the street performers and Vendalfek, while also upgrading our fighters and sneaks. Thrune is likely to be on our trail after that fight, so we want to help throw him off-course. The upgrades are going to cost, though not enough to be in trouble. We still have plenty in the treasury. My only concern are supporters. We lost quite a few last week, and we're going to be too busy to actively recruit more. You guys will be our only presence topsoil, so just be conscious of your actions. Oh and if you come across a good recruit to become an officer, we could definitely use them."
Tarnagius continues after Laria.
"Some of us are somewhat-high-profile people, which is why all the secrecy. I'm Tarnagius of House Vashnarstill, home of scholars and where knowledge is power - as my grandfather used to say."
Kethaera giggles at Bazzle'a words.
"Now now, I'm not that high maintenance darling. And yes I was a singer, dancer, and artist prior to the Opera House being closed down."
The half elf then introduced herself, "I'm Kethaera Nightbreeze, artistic and faithful follower of Shelyn and devout believer in supporting civil rights to both tieflings and Skritt."
Nodding her head at Laria, Kethaera added, "Indeed. We should try and increase support from the public in order to show Thrune that we mean business."
Aster smelled them long before seeing them, causing her nose to twitch and her fur to bristle... or at least where her fur would be. Even after years, instincts were so strong. Ratlings… beat them, bite them, NEVER let them forget that they are LESSER!!! Grandmother's voice screamed her lessons in her head.
But that was then, before Sara. Now, she ruthlessly suffocated her irrational desire to dominate them, and put on a calm kindly smile.
"It is a pleasure to meet you officially, Laria, Tarnagius, and Kathaera." after greetings, she brings up "Support... is that what we are planing with the hellknights? Gain their support for the cause? This is Setrona, Madam Laria." Aster places her hand on the young woman's back, steadying her in the host of new faces, since she is a new face as well. "She needs a place to hide. I do not know how involved she wishes to be in our activites, but may she have a bed as well?"
"We'll have to see what they have to say. Like I said, our good name isn't meaning as much as we might have hoped lately. That being said, they are somewhat respected in the community and definitely capable individuals, and the enemy of my enemy is usually a friend."
"Probably worth a shot" - Ederion nods - "Though... We should make the first approach count, or we may not get a second one, if they decide to take us in"
"Heats on. All over. Success is mort than just recruitment. We need to deal with our rep is a bit on the rising crime gang side rather than 'down for the struggle.' Also I think its safe to say we should protect those that have sided with us. As things are under scrutiny."
Laria smiles slyly as she crosses her arms. "Tut tut miss Setrona. Didn't you say to me once that you and your Sweet Tooth would run me underground? Well the truth is that I was already underground to begin with, just probably not quite what you meant. I'm only joking, come on in. We've still got several beds left. I do hope you like coffee, though."
"Coffee? A dark ale would be much better, and a cigar to boot." Replies Setrona. She gives the party a wink as she follows Laria to the dorm. The two of them begin to bicker relentlessly.
A slim man in regal, embroidered dress approaches. With a deep bow he says "Rexus Victocora at your service Aster and Ederion. Laria and I were the ones to suggest your full recruitment into the Silver Ravens. We're hoping that you'll accompany our founders, Tarnagius and Kethaera, and our battle-tested companions Rexandi and Bazzle, in an effort to make Kintargo a safe place. It is a dangerous job rife with fighting, stealth, and quick-thinking, but we believe that you possess the skills to make the biggest difference here. Will you help us?"
Aster returns his bow, low and deep. I am honored by your trust, humbled by your expectations, and a little frightened if I may admit. straightening up she gives a brief smile, But yes, I will do all I can.
"I...." - the elf seems to hesitate, but then smiles widely and bows - "I am Ederion Quel'Thalas, and how could anyone refuse an endeavor all about fighting, stealth and quick-thinking alongside such fine a group?" - looking all around at the others.
"I'm very glad to hear it. We're going to have to come up with some name to refer to your squad. If you think of something please let us know. Apart from that, where are you all headed to next? I can prepare the Skritt squad or the Salties to scout or back you up if you're interested."
"A name you say..." - Ederion seems interested in the idea...
" Apart from that, where are you all headed to next? I can prepare the Skritt squad or the Salties to scout or back you up if you're interested."
He then turns to the others - "We do have a path ahead of us, correct?"
"Well, what's the latest hot spot, Rexus? We have some new information thanks to our last trick, but did anything happen while we were down there that we should worry about now?" asks Rexandi.
"Nothing certain at the moment, but there are some hints and rumours floating about that I'm trying to double check. Usually once I verify one, I'll bring it to your attention for a mission. If you want to look into them, I'd be delighted, but no worries if you're too busy."
"I'm trying to locate an old critic of House Thrune, known as the Poison Pen of Kintargo. I used to read their work when I was younger, and foolish enough to carry it on my person. If you kept your eyes out and your ears open, you could hear about various pages floating around the city. Elegant work, political poetry of the highest quality. When Thrune arrived, his work was still floating around, but ever since the big crackdown at the Aria Park protest I haven't heard a thing."
"Originally a workshop rented to freelance clockmakers, the artisans shop was just taken over by Thrune to make firearms for the Dottari. I hope you understand that this is a serious problem, for our armor will be absolutely useless against them. The place is heavily guarded, so charging in could very well be suicide. I'm not sure what to do here, but if we can find some sort of weakness, I'd want to take them down as soon as possible."
"There are a bunch of rumours floating around about missing people. Two kids from the Old Kintargo tenements, tieflings in Redroof, and even a few of our own supporters have just vanished into thin air. I have no idea if any of these are connected, but it bodes ill for not only our efforts, but for the safety of Kintargo."
"Kids. Seriously. That really needs to be top priority. . . .Do we have any books on torture. Hurting kids that is probably the one thing that begs such cruelty." He seems put out. "Security of our people should be job one. Word with the street performers is our efforts so far seem to be that of a new crime gang this might help change that image."
Aster nods, not about owning any books on torture, but about stopping the kidnappings of children.
Tarnagius' eyes go wide.
"I don't even want to know what they plan to do with children, and even ignoring questions of morality, we do need a better public image."
Rexus replies "Um, no we don't have any books on torture... You're not serious about that are you? Ahem. If you'd like to investigate the kids, you'll want to talk to the Saltbeards in the tenements. I bet Aster knows of them."
My neighbors. Aster responds wistfully The brothers a few doors down. Nice young men. I'll introduce you.
Setting down her heavy pack, she pulls out just what she needs. Sitting as she does to rest her leg a bit, then rise and asks Are we ready then?
Bazzle puts up his hands in resignation. "Mostly kidding about the torture. 'Sides that was to punish the kidnappers not the kids."
"I agree. We need to find out what is going on and figure out if the disappearances in both Old Kintargo and Redroof are connected. It's possible that Thrune is snatching people up to not only strike fear into the people of the city but also to make it look like as the Silver Ravens can't protect the innocent. We should investigate both areas and learn what we can. It wouldn't do us much good if we rush into this blindly."
His inquisitive mind and knack for oddities pull on Ederion to investigate the Vespam Artisans, but he doe snot voice his opinion for now, following the lead of those he has just met and joined - "I am sure we will get to the bottom of this in no time" - he smiles in agreement with the others and Kethaera - "Or they could have been kidnapped for specific reasons" - he adds, his tone somber now - "I guess the first step would be to find out who has been taken exactly, and under which conditions?"
"I'm not above a few fisticuffs for more information, but torture is condemn-able. We need to be better than that."
Ederion knows that Redroof is the main tiefling population, though that's not actually why it is called Redroof. It's called Redroof due to all the buildings made of brick and tile from red clay, rather than Kintargo's iconic white limestone. A bit of a shantytown, many buildings in Redroof are abandoned and left to crumble. That being said, there are a few noteworthy places. Kelimber's dry goods and supplies stocks minor magic adventuring gear (such as low level scrolls, potions, etc.), and the Devil's Threads is possibly the best tailor shop in Kintargo. For decades, the slums south known as the Devil's Nursery have had rumours of being ruled by diabolists and erinyes, but the Cloven Hoof Society was trying to dispel such beliefs until it was shut down during the Night of Ashes.
"I'm not above a few fisticuffs for more information, but torture is condemn-able. We need to be better than that."
"I'm not above a few fisticuffs for more information, but torture is condemn-able. We need to be better than that."
Bazzle looks serious, "Look I get it. I did not mean to set of your moral alarm bells. I am not in favor of torture. I was expressing outrage that some ridculous dastardly piece of filth would target kids. Can we move on or do we need to talk more ethics." He rolls his eyes.
Kethaera nodded, although she was greatly concerned about those who had vanished, hoping they were alright.
"I don't think we should use torture as there are other ways to gathering information."
Rexandi's tail swishes with agitation as she says, "Kids! Oh, we can't let that happen!"
"Oh, sorry Bazzle. I didn't mean to raise offense. Go right ahead, good luck on your mission." Answers Rexus sheepishly.
Kethaera doesn't know anything specific about these missing persons, but she can recall some lore about Old Kintargo. The main focus around this district is the massive salt sales which give Kintargo an equally massive economic boost. Old Olmer the Dwarf runs a smithy here (and has since the early years of Kintargo itself), but he rarely gets much in the way of sales due to his gruff attitude. The only other businesses here are the Tooth and Nail, Vespam Artisans, and I suppose you could count Odde & Daughter Herbs (but don't be fooled. The shop itself has been abandoned for decades. Ryk the tiefling uses the facade there as a way to sell mystery meats). Other features include the filled graveyard that has been overseen by the Gens family for generations, the newly re-opened Holding House (a prison), and the abandoned court house.
Back to where the party was originally, Aster leads the Ravens to the Iudiemous tenement where they go to see the Saltbeards. A knock on the door is immediately answered by a middle-aged dwarf with long silver hair, and a salt and pepper beard. With a look of surprise through weary eyes, the dwarf quickly clears her throat and readjusts her brown dress. She speaks with a heavy dwarven accent.
"Aye? Kan aye help ya?"
Tarnagius lets Aster take the lead, since she knows the area best and looks up and down the exterior of the building, looking for anything that doesn't seem like it belongs at a home or forge.
Nothing about this building looks like it would resemble a forge. It's essentially an apartment complex with paper-thin walls, a squeaky staircase, and doors that are more for privacy than actual security. It stands 3 stories tall and each room is no more than 375 square feet.
Tarnagius can see a tiny kitchen and table inside the room. The smell of fish wafts from inside.
"I don't think we should use torture as there are other ways to gathering information."
Bazzle facepalms.
"Seriously! They are kidnappers. Hurting kids. But hey lets reserve the moral outrage for the suggestion they actually deserve rough treatment. Bah!"
Bazzle sulks.
He softens as the team approaches the tenements.
Hello Miss... um... sorry memory for names has been failing me of late. Your boys helped me move in a few weeks back. A little girl and I. she'll pause..
We're... um looking for...um... she considered being coy, try and beat around the bush, but instead she goes for it. The salt beards. We're members of the ravens, and are looking for whoever is stealing kids off the street.
We're just asking directly then. Ok.
Tarnagius notes the inconsistencies and files them away for later.