The weapons are fine, but we're bruised and bloodied - that might draw some attention" - Ederion points out as they make their way - "And we'll definitely turn some heads if we head into the Greens, best avoid it"
As Torga answers the door, the elf stays to the side, and leaves the talking to others better with words than he is.
"Yes, of course!" says Rexandi to Aster. "Morgran is our first priority."
"Who's still bruised and bloody? I can at least take care of the bruises," she suggests during the walk as Ederion mentions that their rough condition might draw unwanted attention.
"Lemme clean that up, Ed," says Rexandi.
As the two Dwarves finish hugging, Torga sends her son to his room. He wants to talk, but she sternly hushes him. When he obeys, she closes the door and says "Thank ye, but there's still one missin. Where's Darrak?"
"Maybe Morgran would like to get cleaned up, as well tell you all we saw? Or go with one of us to get breakfast for everyone?"
Whether Torga decides to hear the news on her own or with her remaining son, Aster will tell her. "It was a cult to Urgathoa, under the city. An undead priest and his court of ghouls... they... we destroyed them, but it was too late. I am..." Aster stops knowing Torga already would have guessed where this is going, and saying Sorry seems beyond not enough. "We brought his remains out of there, and we'll take him to the nearest temple for you. Take care of everything so you can concentrate on Morgran... he doesn't know yet."
Torga takes the news solemnly, but her lip quivers slightly sending a twitch down her salt and pepper beard. She nods slowly and tells everyone to wait here for a moment, before heading back inside. She comes back out within a few seconds, bearing trinkets. As she hands them out, the warm rain falls mercilessly upon everyone's heads. Her tough hands are scarred from decades, if not centuries of hard work and cuts. These trinkets are tiny hammers made of stone, expertly carved and polished. There's a very fine engraving on one side of each hammer. It is written in Dwarven, but translates to "Folgrit bless you". At the end of the hammer is a little loop that can be used to make a necklace, bracelet, or something of that nature.
She presents the group with a bag of money. It's mostly made up of silvers, but adds up to roughly 10gp. "For the fire." She tries to explain.
The Dwarven pantheon may not be exactly secret, but it is a very insular collection of faiths.
15: Folgrit must be one of the Gods of the Dwarven Pantheon. Most Dwarves worship Torag as the head of the pantheon, and ask him to deliver their prayers to the other Gods.
20: Folgrit is the Dwarven Goddess of mothers, children, and the home. She is the wife of Torag, and mother of many.
Rexandi's lip quivers alongside Torga's. She may not have lost a child today, but she can certainly empathize with the poor dwarven woman.
She puts her hand on Torga's. "He'll be buried. As is right and proper. I swear."
"We... We couldn't get there on time... I am truly sorry" - Ederion adds but says no more, accepting the small hammer miniature.
Aster assures Torga along with Rexi about making sure he is taken care of, and accepts the bag of coin, not to use, but to make sure it gets back to Torga somehow. Not being able to pay for her own son's funeral might drive another nail into her cracks that the study woman might not be able to take right now.
She'll give the woman strong long hug if she seems like she'd take it, a pat and a squeeze otherwise.
She'll describe the funeral rites to the others on the way to the temple. "I have some gold left over from my move, I'm unsure how much it will be though."
Torga isn't really the hugging type, but with these circumstances she makes an exception. The two hug under the pouring rain, which masks any tears coming from either of the women. When the two separate, Torga says "Thank ye, fer evrythin. Now aye talk to Morgran. Farewell, Ravens. Thank ye."
After looking around at the burial services available, the group has the following choices:
- House of Golden Veils, Temple of Abadar: A simple, but honorable burial: 100gp
- Songbird Hall, Temple of Shelyn: An expensive, but elegant burial with a chance to inspire the populace: 200gp
- Shadowsquare, Temple of Zon-Kuthon: A simple, but cheap burial: 50gp
- The Temple of Asmodeus does not offer burial services. Their cremation service is very cheap, however. A mere 10gp.
As a day one trainee, Aster is not privy to the Raven's money supply, so she says she can cover 50gp of the funeral, maybe a touch more but she does have a child to raise and no job. She also thinks the Temple of Abadar would be a good choice, thinking Shelyn would potentially make it into a spectacle and is unsure how Torga would take that.
"I made the promise," says Rexandi to the team, "So I'll make the payment out of whatever share I've earned from our work. Anyone who wants to contribute can, but I understand it's expensive to run a rebellion and if you have other expenses earmarked that's totally fair."
She thinks for a few moments about the possibilities.
"I want to have the Shelynites bury him. The Abadaras will just do a pure ritual. The Shelynites will tell the story of his loss - and that will let people know that there is a rot under this city, something awful that the Thrunites won't fix and that will claim their own children. That evil is coming for them and the Asmodeans will just roll over and let it happen because they're already in bed with evil."
"I'm fine with you banking it for now" - Ederion nods - "But when we turn what we have found on that Gods forsaken crypt, once we are done with it, I will pay my share" - he adds - "By the way, when are we finishing this... 'Business'..?"
"Welll... we do need to sell some of our findings to finance our continued work," says Rexandi. "Let's get some breakfast and catch up on the news, take care of sales, then see what arrangements we can make."
Bazzle regards the mother, "Please keep your coin. We had hoped to bring two boys home. I cannot take profit in this grief.
"I agree I can add to that. Of the burials the Shelyans will do it right. No offense Tarn but the Abadarans are all business. We might even convince the Shelyanites that it would be a proper work of art to honor dwarven traditions."
Torga tries to explain to Bazzle that the money isn't a reward, it's to cremate her son. Common is not her first language, so she doesn't know the word 'Cremation'. Instead she used the word 'fire'.
The group comes to the conclusion that Shelyn will be the best choice, even with the extra cost. Perhaps even some good could come from this tragedy. They leave the remains with the old Father Zachrin Vhast, who will prepare the burial for tomorrow evening (pre-curfew, of course).
Now that their job is finished for the time being, the sun reaches its highest point over Kintargo. The Raven's stomachs grumble, but a revolutionary's job is never done.
Kethaera returns to the Wasp Nest to help Laria and Rexus in managing the rebel teams.
Given some free time, Rexandi helps to look over some of the items discovered earlier, using her attunement to magic to sense their powers.
She also checks over the gems for their likely value.
Quickrunner's shirt
Potion of Keen Senses
Small Centipede Poison
Plague Rat's Belt
Unholy Symbol of Norgorber
This belt is called a Plague Rat's belt, and is a magic item capable of giving the wearer a +2 bonus to their constitution score (only functions after wearing it for 24 hours). Three times per day, the belt can be called on (as an immediate action) to reroll a saving throw against a disease or poison. The wearer must use the 2nd result, even if it is worse.
Furthermore, if the wearer resists a disease or poison (even without the belt's help), the belt will absorb the disease or poison. The wearer can then at any time run their blade or arrow against the belt (as a move action) to infect the weapon with the disease or poison. Upon doing so, the belt loses that disease or poison. It must be used on a weapon or ammunition capable of dealing either piercing or slashing damage. Diseases and Poisons that are not usually transmitted through injury are changed to function by injury.
Coins and gems (Appraise)
Broken set of masterwork thieves tools can be repaired with a Mending spell from a 5th level caster, or a craft (blacksmith/locksmith) with 25gp, or 50gp and someone who has craft (blacksmith/locksmith).
Rexandi spends the morning checking in on Ederion, Tarn, and the others to make sure that their wounds are healing, no lingering poisons or diseases remain, and that they'll be fit for fighting again soon.
(To Ederion)
Rexandi examines Ederion's skin with a critical eye, especially the areas where he was bitten.
"I've never quite seen anything like it," she says to him skeptically. "It's like you were never bitten. You're in fine shape and ready to tackle anything we run into, Ederion."
The tiefling pats him on the shoulder and hands his tunic back to him. "I must admit I'm a little concerned. I don't like the idea of some kind of legalistic entity watching over your shoulder and mandating that you uphold some kind of contract with your life in the balance."
~~~~~~~~~~
In the afternoon she spends her time looking over the gemstones and asking around about jewelers who might buy stones secondhand, getting a feel for their value.
In the evening, of course, she attends the funeral. She even brings her clavichord to play a piece for the mourning.
Morning: Seeing that Ederion is being taken care of, Aster says good bye to the group for a little while to spend time with Becka. Telling her stories "Oh yes, a huge fat lardy undead priest tried to eat the hero of our story. Bellowing about her sweet succulent flesh and how delightful she would be in a pie." Becka giggled at Aster's bellow as she holds her inflated belly, not believing a word of it. Aster's story leaves out a particulary curvatious demon that would just distract for the wholesome story of undeadth. No reason to include it At ALL.
Aster will give lots of hugs, fuss over the little one, and help her with her figures, math being extremely important to the former merchant's mind. Trying to be a good replacement mother.
Afternoon: She will help out Togra and her kin with anything they need to get ready for the funeral. Delivering lunch, distracting children, answering questions to whatever kin needs to know things, sheparding other neighbors to the proper place and the proper time. All before getting back home and getting Becka into her dress and to the funeral for the...
Evening: Attend the funeral.
Rexandi doesn't discover any lingering illness in any of her teammates, despite all the rot and filth that was lingering throughout that strange dungeon. Even Bazzle, who brazenly frolicked through the explosive spores was no worse for wear.
For gemstones that are only cut, not actually used for jewelry, Rexandi would already know that a city bank would exchange for standard currency. In Kintargo (and most regions), the bank is the church of Abadar. For gems that are used in jewelry or other forms of art, they would need to be sold like a regular item. There are some options for where to sell them. Rexandi learns that the Redroof Market might be a good place to pawn non-standard items that don't fit with regular adventuring gear or magical items. That being said, the Whitegate Market might be interested in gems and jewerly, and they would pay quite well, but that means getting into the Greens districts. The Greens is the district for the noble families, who hire mercenaries to shove 'undesirables' out of the area.
The gems that Bazzle recovered have been analyzed by Ederion, who guesses a value of about 215gp.
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After what they have been through, it feels good just relaxing for a few moments and letting Rexandi take care of him.
"I've never quite seen anything like it," she says to him skeptically. "It's like you were never bitten. You're in fine shape and ready to tackle anything we run into, Ederion."
The tiefling pats him on the shoulder and hands his tunic back to him. "I must admit I'm a little concerned. I don't like the idea of some kind of legalistic entity watching over your shoulder and mandating that you uphold some kind of contract with your life in the balance."
"Good to know there seem to be no more consequences from that bite - it was bad as it was" - he smiles at his companion - "And even though I am thankful for being alive, I did not ask for any otherworldly intervention, nor did I sign any contract" - he winks in his usual good mood - "I will show my gratitude if I can, but I won't go against my will"
He presses on, but changes the subject - "Tarn has been silent about it all, but what about you? How are you?"
----------
Ederion spends his time going over the loot with Rexandi. This is something he is good at - evaluating, categorizing and organizing - so the elf sets himself to it methodically until they have all the necessary details to either sell or keep the items.
"Later I will have to look at these with some more attention" - he adds to her, storing the cold producing contraptions away for now.
----------
Ederion attends the funeral in silence.
After the service and when they are on their own, he will address Aster - "I won't press the subject if you don't want to talk about it but... You are able to... 'Transform'?"
Rexandi is quiet for a little while when Ederion asks after her. Finally, she hesitantly says, "I'm tired, Ederion. People like me have been fighting the administration in this city for generations. The church of Asmodeus treats us like dirt and the Chelaxian government follows suit. This is bad enough, but now that the regime is really cracking down, people who once had power and privilege are feeling it. Sooo we make strategic alliances... we find common cause with the wealthy and elite who are at risk. But they still treat us like dirt!"
She sighs and then just lets it out. "He's a bigot, Ederion. He assumes that because I'm fiend-blood that I must enjoy evil, that I'm the same as a succubus or something. And he assumes that I'm from a poor, humble neighborhood because of a moral failing, because just being what I am means I am automatically a bad person who's punished by the gods with poverty and squalor for my 'sin' of being born... what I am. And the worst part is, we need him. We need people like him. People who were part of the system, but are just now waking up to how bad it is, because it affects them now. Yet how can I believe that anything new will be better when this revolution is shaped by people who treat me like that?"
"We could overthrow the governor and cast this city into rebellion and still people like me would be treated like dirt. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."
She sighs heavily once more and wraps up her selection of bandages to pack them away again, then organizes her healer's kit idly to keep her hands busy.
"I understand" - Ederion nods - "I find that to be the issue with many revolutions. Or so I have read, because I have never been part of one" - he chuckles - "There are always many involved, and all with their own reasons and agendas" - he adds.
But regarding Tarnagius, and because you have known him much longer than I have - don't you think this may be nothing more than a misunderstanding?" - the elf continues - "And even if he wants to change his perspectives on bigotry and prejudice, maybe it takes time? Have you spoken to him again?"
Becka was really worried about Aster when she didn't come home for the night. She had nightmares about Aster being dragged off by mean dragons. However, now that she's back, Becka laughs and giggles happily like nothing happened. School is very difficult, and expensive. Becka is in fact the only kid in her district to actually go to school. All her other friends have jobs or help their family. The kids who go to school with her are mean, and pick on her for not wearing the right clothes. They're all children of wealthy merchants or nobility. She tries not to get shaken up by it, but it's hard and she's really happy whenever she can spend time with Aster or her friends.
The afternoon is very sombre for Aster. Every Dwarf in the city who feels safe going to the church will do so. Others also join in, friends of Darrak, community members, friends of Torga, and more. Those who are illegal immigrants stay behind, for they know that they can't claim sanctuary in Songbird Hall. It was the Shelenites who turned over the Sarenrae worshipers to Thrune.
-------------------------------------
Ederion manages to identify and sort everything the party has come across. It'll take a good day or more to sell all of these things, but the money will be worth it. Thankfully, Kintargo has a reasonable magic item market that they could make use of.
------------------------------------
Bazzle looks up at the others, "I think pitching in for the kid's funeral cleaned me out. Did we find anything worth selling. I need to pick up some supplies and a decent crossbow."
Bazzle notes that Ed was planning on evaluating and selling the gear and hangs with him for the day. He makes a point to check any street performer contacts if he runs into any, looking for news and spreading the good word that the Ravens rescued the boy and are 'really looking out for the people.'
Aster hates that Becka is being picked on, and would do terrible things to those hateful little brats if it would help. But school brings possibilities, allowing Becka to have better chances in life. Somehow she'll keep paying, somehow...
Funerals are... what they are, having attended too many of them in her life. Age does that to you, piles these things up like laundry. She bares it though, being a comfort to Becka, and as much a helper to Torga and kin as she can.
----
Later to Ed, "I... wasn't born, Aster. Ash is what grandmother named me, something beyond useless she'd hiss. Too small and slow, letting my siblings eat..." she stopped not wishing to describe anymore, though her hand rubbing her lame leg in memory tells enough. "I am a wererat, born in darkness to live off cities like a cancer. At least my grandmother's pack was like that, probably not all my race are nearly as bad. But I live as a humsn now, thanks to... someone special." turning to meet Ed's eyes, she asks steadily, "Please treat this information as a secret. Life would be difficult for Becka if it was common knowledge."
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In the morning, Bazzle gets a quick checkup from Rexandi before heading out to the streets in order to spread word of the Silver Raven's deeds. Unfortunately, most of his time is diverted as a group of CCG thugs have decided to target him. Even as he sneaks around to lose them, they usually show up again before he can do much good.
In the afternoon, Bazzle travels to the Wasp Nest to check in with Ederion, and decides to use the time to withdraw a little coin from the coffers to buy himself a crossbow and some alchemical supplies. He visits a shop owned by a fellow gnome known only as 'The Newt', who sells all manner of adventuring supplies. To Bazzle's surprise, he even carries a light crossbow sized for a Gnome, and is an alchemist himself.
In the evening, Bazzle decides to forgo the funeral in order to get some extra errands done. He takes the gems appraised by Ederion and travels to the temple of Abadar in order to exchange them for proper coin. Then, he spends some extra time listening around for rumours. What he hears comes from some Dottari. There is a Tien woman present in Kintargo who is working for Thrune. It sounds like she's trying to find the identity of the Poison Pen.
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Tarnagius spends the morning by checking in with Laria and Rexus regarding rumours, recruits, the teams, etc. He learns that some of the supporters that left two days ago have actually mysteriously disappeared. Laria can't find them, and those she can find refuse to speak to her. In addition, it sounds like a small group of Dottari have left the city and are camped just south of the walls on Argo Isle.
In the afternoon, Tarnagius and Rexus search through the soul tomes for any information regarding the so-called Lucky Bones. Rexus finds some information from one of the tomes, and tells Tarnagius that the Lucky Bones was something of a gambling den, but it had prostitution, drugs, sex and slave trafficking and all manner of illegal or taboo activity. They were run by a coalition of cults. Cults of Norgorber were the leaders, but they had Calistria and Urgathoa as well. In the early days of the Order of the Torrent, they found the Lucky Bones location and stormed the place. For some reason, the Order never finished what they started, they just sealed it up and abandoned it.
Tarnagius decides to forgo the funeral in order to keep up appearances with his family and surrounding nobility. Dinner was a difficult time for him as he tried to explain why he's been seen travelling in a mercenary band with Kethaera Nightbreeze. To his surprise, Tarnagius actually handled the situation with surprising grace. He was able to divert the questions or half answer them without raising suspicion. In the late evening, he was able to relax a little bit and have a nice hot bath.
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In the evening, the Songbird Hall hosts Darrak Saltbeard's funeral. A procession of Dwarves, Tieflings, minority Humans, and even a family of Kobolds leave the district of Old Kintargo and slowly walk towards the Temple of Shelyn. Present are Aster, Becka, Ederion, Rexandi, Kethaera, and Laria. Torga is not with the group, and thankfully so, for a team of Dottari are watching the procession closely.
Within the Songbird hall, a closed casket sits upon a pedestal, wreathed in the most beautiful flowers available. An artist skillfully drew a portrait of Darrak based on Morgran's features and Torga's description.
The aging Father Zachrin Vhast leads with a speech about the tragedy of losing a child, about the wonders of youth, and finishes with a prayer to Shelyn that Darrak be remembered, and that his soul should rest peacefully. At one point in the speech, he was particularly passionate about uniting the community, but a cough completely broke the moment. He glanced over to a woman dressed in the robes of Asmodeus, who had interrupted him. Though he recovered very well, those who payed attention to this noticed his cowed speech thereafter.
After, every Dwarf stepped forth, young and old, male and female, poor and wealthy. They gathered before the casket, and began to sing a mournful, hopeless song in the Dwarven tongue. This must be a song known from a Dwarf's birth, for each member knew the words, the notes, everything without practice. This song is about the tragedy of losing a Dwarf child, who represents the future of the Dwarven race, the power of Torag, and the prosperity of all. A mournful tune, where Dwarves are long past their golden age, slowly dying off as their memories fade and their monuments crumble. Tears drip from their eyes and roll upon their coarse beards.
Afterwards, the casket is left available for people to stand before it and speak a few words for Darrak. This can be directly to Darrak, or it can be a small speech to the people present.
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Ederion would usually stay to the back, casually watching the woman dressed in the robes of Asmodeus. And he did so for the most part, but then something grated on him... He had carried the boy's remains for a long time with him... He had found him....
This was completely out of place for him, but he had to say something, so I stepped forward with measured steps to stay next to the casket.
"I did not know Darrak... He was a headstrong young boy from what I have heard..." - Edrion begins slowly, clearing his throat - "And I have no words that would bring hope or relief after the death of a child" - the elf speaks calmly - "I am only happy we were able to find him, and give him some measure of peace here in this house, where his friends gather, mourning and remembering him" - he adds - "He would not call me a friend, but I will never forget him" - and steps down, returning to the back of the room.
Ederion's quick speech is followed by a series of solemn nods of approval. He hears a little murmuring as he returns to the back of the room, and even receives a firm handshake from one of the Dwarves. Despite being an Elf, it is clear that Ederion has earned the respect of the Dwarves. He also notices that the priestess of Asmodeus has been studying him intently. When they make eye contact, she averts her gaze, but for the rest of the event Ederion can feel like he's being watched.
A few others offer some words for Darrak, but eventually people start to trickle out. They solemnly shake your hand, nod politely, or say Thank You before leaving.
When the group leaves, they have to hustle back to the Nest quick as they can before curfew sets in. At least the rain has stopped and the clouds have moved on.
Rexus really wanted to go, but he can't afford to show himself in public. Laria offered to disguise him, but the stubborn noble refused relinquishing his expensive attire. Nisha Sunsister decided to stay as well. As a Sarenite, she doesn't feel comfortable in the church that gave up her people. It was a decision that was difficult for her.
Toilday, the 11th of Sarenith, 4715AR
Toildays are usually considered the worst day of the week simply due to the fact that its the first day that one works the entire day without having time off for religion or family. Those who work indoors with lament the fact that unlike the day before, today is a very nice clear day with comfortably warm temperatures.
Those who have been injured are now fully healed, ready to take on the hard challenges.
After having trouble falling asleep thinking of Darrak, his dreams were filled with strangely soothing images of Xyl and the elf actually managed to grab some much needed rest.
He came out of his bunk looking for some food, but was happy enough when the smell of coffee reached his nostrils, and reached for the closest cup he could find - "Mind if I get some of that coffee?" - he asked to whomever was in charge of it - "Smells delicious"
Then he goes looking for his companions.
Laria is the one in charge. "One of the perks of being part of the Ravens is you get free, unlimited coffee." She says as she hands him a cup, with some cream and sugar on the side. She puts her hands on her hips and looks Ederion up and down. "What kind of breakfast would you like? I've got pretty much anything."
The Wasp Nest is still only just beginning to stir. Vendalfek the faerie dragon seems beside himself. Ederion heard that several mornings ago, he used his magic to wake everyone up to the sound of a church bell, and nearly got kicked out of the group then and there. It didn't help that the sun hadn't even risen yet. Nisha the Tiefling is also up. She's sitting at a table mixing alchemical ingredients, while also chanting softly.
Aster is at home, fiddling with toast and jam for Becka, packing her things up for school and explaining "I will probably be not hear when you get home tonight so go to Verna's as usually, and I'll pick you up from there, little one. Remember no telling our stories to those at school. They are ours, not theirs." She gives the little one a huge hug, wishing in all the world she could go with her and smite some bullies for her... but she can't. Beating kids with maces is wrong, even bratty arrogant bully kids.
Then she'll pack up her own stuff, including a breakfast of jam and toast for herself, and head to the Wasp's nest, wondering what day three will bring.
Laria is the one in charge. "One of the perks of being part of the Ravens is you get free, unlimited coffee." She says as she hands him a cup, with some cream and sugar on the side. She puts her hands on her hips and looks Ederion up and down. "What kind of breakfast would you like? I've got pretty much anything."
Ederion bows deeply at Laria - "Anything milady?" - then looks back at her also up and down - "Cheesy broiled eggs on toast, bacon on the side. Yogurt with cereal and honey. I'll just down it with ale and... More of this coffee?" - and flashes his best smile.
Nisha the Tiefling is also up. She's sitting at a table mixing alchemical ingredients, while also chanting softly.
Becka is feeling pretty sad. She didn't know Morgran very well, but he was nice to her, and stood up for her when she was getting picked on. She's really not looking forward to the day.
Laria is fairly plump for a Halfling, but Ederion's keen eyes can see that she's got some muscle to her as well. When his eyes go over her bosom, Laria folds her arms underneath to raise them. She smiles slyly and winks. "Of course sweetheart. Whatever you want." Then she heads back upstairs to the kitchen.
Ederion has found a fellow alchemist in Nisha. She's preparing her daily extracts. Ederion recognizes the Cure Light Wounds extract, but none of the other ones.