Nodding in agreement, Kethaera said, "I'm ready. I believe we should get moving."
The half-elven diva readied herself to go, practicing changing her voice a few times until she was satisfied there was a difference.
"Just curious here but this dye in my hair will wash out right?"
[b]So where will we be going and do we have any sort of goal beside s'Kick out the mayor?'
"Mr. Gastone, we are heading to the Livery to follow up on a clue regarding the Silver Ravens and possible information that would be useful for the stirring rebellion. If all goes well there shouldn't be any skull breaking but you never know. Removing the mayor is an end goal but it may be some time before we get there. Patience and finesse will be the key for now. we are too few to strike hard."
Rexus pipes in "The Fair Fortune Livery is suspected to be an old safe house that belonged to the first Silver Ravens during the civil war. I have reason to believe that there may be certain artifacts that belonged to them that have yet to be discovered."
"Well Mr. Gastone we are hoping to build up our rebellion which means we can't afford to do risky things unless it means helping the people of our fair city. Ever since our new mayor appeared there are a lot of people who have been harmed. No one is looking out for them. Which means we must."
She then replied to Rexus, "That's good to know. Hopefully we can put these artifacts to good use, namely rebelling against Thrune."
She then added after looking at Pylos, in her middle aged voice, "Or in your case having to resolve some issues with your annoying family. And no your mother isn't invited to this year's art festival!"
She laughed a bit.
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Pylos snapped his fingers at his 'wife's' proclamation and sighed. "Ah, drat, and she was so looking forward to getting some new artwork to match the skulls upon her main room's walls," he said. As Corvid finished the disguise, he took a moment to glance over his new appearance and give the halfling a thumb's up. "Excellent work, Master Corvid, I do believe nobody will recognize us. Shall we proceed to our destined appointment?"
Phillip nods. I can work for that. If we do get into a fight though, make sure to tell me if you want them alive. My time in the army didn't leave much room for subduing.
"Sure thing. So you were in the Andoren military? Must be nice to live in Andoran. And what is it like? Andoran I mean. I've only read about it."
Kethaera was curious about Andoran.
Well Andorian has much of the things many other countries have, it does have a noticable lack of what Cheliax has right now. Like using halflings as footstools. Still plenty of arses though so the more things change, the more things stay the same.
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The air is even more tense than you remember it from the day before at the failed protest in Aria Park. Most people keep their heads down, or move quickly to avoid the guards patrolling the area. One such group of guards wear heavy black plate armor and their robust shields bear the house of Thrune. They march in perfect unison, with their plated grieves stomping into the cobblestone streets. Grey skies lurk above the city of Kintargo, blocking the sun from it's divine light.
As you continue walking to the Livery on Argo Isle, you must cross the Bleakbridge. It is the only bridge that unites Argo Isle with mainland Kintargo. The familiar sight of merchants line both sides of the bridge, but they are quieter and lesser than usual. At both entrances to the bridge stand two Dottari guardsmen (each), who are collecting tax for admission onto the bridge.
As they approach the bridge, Tarnagius looks to the group.
Let's not have any trouble with these men. I'll foot whatever money we need to get across, but no arguing or haggling any more than we need to fit in. And remember, Mr Cossel, you gave me the money if they ask.
He gestures to Pylos.
Kethaera nods in agreement with Tarnagius. It was better to get pass the guards as quickly as possible.
Kethaera smiled and speaking in her middle aged voice, "Indeed dearest. Such a lovely day for a stroll."
Phillip follows behind. we should try to look into getting different ways across in the future, like a small boat.
The two guards, apart from one being a man, and the other a woman, are essentially the same. They each have a heavy mace, a shortsword, a longbow, and a light shield that bears a red mark of the house of Thrune. Their armor is mainly black leather clothing, but they each wear a chain shirt. All of their gear is sheathed or stowed on their back.
As you approach, the male guard takes a step forward and holds his hand out to block the group. "Halt. If you want to cross the Bleakbridge, you will need to pay a government tax of three pinches per person. Refusing to pay is a direct offense against the House of Thrune."
Although dutiful, these guards are bored out of their minds.
You can tell that the guards are serious, and that they are not trying to shake you down for coin.
Tarnagius hands them the money and proceeds.
Jules kept quiet and appeared as innocent as possible.
Phillip pays
As Kethaera paid both hers and her 'son's fees to pass, she noticed that the two guards were completely bored out of their minds. She didn't say anything so as not to draw attention. She smiled a bit the guards before calmly walking by them.
As Pylos pays the guards, the disguised diva keeps her ears open as she listens to the other citizens talk, hoping to pick up on any rumors or news that would be important to the rebellion.
"Right. On your way then." The guard says in a voice that has probably been repeated 17 thousand times today.
"Shame they closed down the opera house. I was looking forward to seeing Shensen in the role of Aolar in Huntress of Heroes. Of course, they say she’s gone missing too. Wouldn’t surprise me if she got herself thrown in some Thrune oubliette, the way she’s gone on about the government."
Don't do anything diva. Don't do anything diva. Don't do anything diva. Don't do anything diva. Don't do anything diva. Don't do anything diva. Don't do anything diva. Don't do anything diva.
Tarnagius keeps on walking, two paces ahead of the party as bodyguards traditionally are. If the news of the oubliette and Shensen bothers him, he doesn't show it.
Kethaera kept her mouth shut as she heard about Shensen. She did say a silent prayer to Shelyn to watch over Shensen. It seemed that things were indeed getting worse as she kept on walking not showing any sign of being bothered by the news as she listened out for other news.
The newly formed silver ravens continue their journey across the bridge, hearing no more than merchants peddling their wares. The market here is mainly offering common goods such as food, basic clothing, and trinkets. As the group leaves the bridge and enters a district known as RedRoof, they see a few interesting buildings along the way.
The first is a large, old stone building that has been abandoned for several years.
The second building of note is a small shop with a sign depicting a full backpack. Inside the shop looks to be quite a bit of adventuring gear, such as adventuring kits, basic weapons, and more.
The third is an open market that is bustling with customers despite the martial law. Offered here are plenty of goods such as greed groceries, meat merchants and butchers, but the real claim to fame is the amount of clothing offered here. Styles both local and foreign are presented here in a wide variety of colors, along with leathers goods and cobblers.
To the side of the market is a shop with a sign depicting a spool and thread, except that the thread gradually turns into a forked tail at the end. Inside looks to be various sorts of clothing and shoes, some of which seem to glow with magic.
Kethaera often visited the Redroof district to shop here especially the clothing stores here. Upon seeing the store with the sign depicting a spool and forked tail thread, she smiled a bit.
She whispers to Pylos and Tarnigus motioning at said store, "That's my favorite clothing store. In fact I always love to shop the vendors here. Others might turn their noses up at shopping here but not me."
The diva then adds whispering to Tarnigus, "Do we have enough money to buy you a new weapon?"
She then motions at the store with the sign of the backpack.
Kethaera won't know all the names as the open market changes weekly, but she knows the main shops by heart. As for the backpack shop, it's called Kelimber's Dry Goods and Supplies. It's run by a strict, but kind man known as Maercin Kelimber. He doesn't allow much bargaining in his store, but his prices are quite fair. The shop itself is an adventurer's arsenal packed into one store. He carries basic weapons, armor, rations, adventuring gear, kits, tools, scrolls, potions, and even the odd wand or wondrous item on occasion. It's also one of the only shops to openly carry things like thieves' tools, disguise kits, and some basic traps.
The other shop of interest is known as The Devil's Threads. It is this shop that is responsible for the huge amount of textile trade in not only this district, but in all of Kintargo. Hetamon Haace may be a tiefling, but he is seen as a generous man with a caring heart. Despite the amount that he donates to the poor, his business thrives off his personality and unique skill. The Devil's Threads is known to carry various magical wondrous items, along with very well made clothing that is tailored to the individual.
Tarnagius just keeps walking and shakes his head at Kethaera's question.
I don't want to interrupt your stroll, ma'am. I can take care of that on my own time, and I am perfectly capable of keeping you safe now.
He gestures to his bow.
She smiles at this, nodding.
Kethaera then whispers describing the different shops.
"The one with the backpack sign is Kelimber's Dry Goods and Supplies. Maercin Kelimber is the owner. He's a bit strict since he doesn't allow much bargaining but he's friendly and nice, not to mention his prices are fair. Caters to adventurers since he carries weapons, armors, rations, tools, potions, scrolls, the odd wand and wondrous magical item, and..."
She whispers to Jules, adding, "...Disguise kits, thieves tools, and other things we might need."
She then pointed out the other shop, smiling.
"That one is the Devil's Threads. I know the owner, Hetamon Haace. An excellent tailor, his store is responsible for a huge amount of textile trade in not only this district, but all of Kintargo. Hetamon is a tiefling but he has the heart of an angel. Despite the amount that he donates to the poor, especially in this district, his business thrives off his personality and unique skill and trust me he's very skilled. The Devil's Threads sometimes carries various magical items, along with very well made clothing that is tailored to the individual. Most of my wardrobe contains clothes he designed."
She then explained about the market, "I don't always know who has set up shop in the open market as it changes all the time, usually weekly."
The half-elf always enjoyed shopping here and despite having to be in disguise she was starting to wish she could shop to her heart's desire and enjoy herself. She knew that they were on a mission and they needed to move quickly. Still Kethaera listened out for any gossip that was being spread, trying to see how Redroof and people who lived here were faring.
Most of what Kethaera hears is just general conversation. The only thing she could note is that the populace is speaking negatively of Thrune. Kethaera doesn't see much in the way of guards.
The Fair Fortune Livery lies completely abandoned at the end of this district. It's wooden frames lean precariously, while filth and garbage coat the stone floor. There are no people nearby, and even the buildings next to the livery stand empty.
Looking at the abandoned Livery, Kethaera asked, "So are we going through the front or do we try and see if there's a back door?"
Tarnagius checks his quiver and his bow, and the kukri in his boot.
We don't have any reason to suspect trouble, do we? It's an abandoned livery, not a dragon's lair. Let's go in the front.
Tarnagius checks his quiver and his bow, and the kukri in his boot.
We don't have any reason to suspect trouble, do we? It's an abandoned livery, not a dragon's lair. Let's go in the front.
"I guess you're right. I'm still new at adventuring but still sometimes the life of an adventurer can begin at anytime to anyone no matter who you are. So I guess we head inside unless someone wants to check for traps."
Kethaera checked held her sword in her hand ready for trouble especially given what happened at the protest.
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"And you say I never take you to exotic locales, honey," Pylos said, still acting 'in-character' as they gazed at their destination. When Tarnagius said to go through the front door, he scoffed before thinking about it. "That...might not be such a bad idea. Certainly any enemies wouldn't expect that, since the heroes always go through a back or side entrance." Straightening an imaginary belt, he walked forward and looked at the door to see if it's locked and/or had any traps.
Kethaera laughed a bit.
"Indeed. Going through the front door might be the best option as they may even have guards at the back door. Although it is also daylight too so the number of guards should be small. Although the livery is supposed to be haunted."
Looking at the front door, the group does see that it is chained, but so loosely that a halfling could slip in without issue, and larger races could potentially squeeze through. The chain itself is fashioned with a lock. There doesn't seem to be any traps.
Phillip looks at the lock and pulls a few pins and thin metal objects from his pouch and poke around in it.
After some clicking and prodding, the lock opens(hopefully).
There we go.
Tarnagius draws his bow and notches an arrow. All this talk of hauntings and guards had put him on edge all of the sudden.
I still don't know why you would expect it to be guarded. Surely if the powers that be knew what was here they would have just made it a guard outpost or something. Or even moved it elsewhere. Assuming these 'artifacts' are even remotely valuable or useful.
After glancing at his new companion, Tarnagius puts his bow and arrow back.
Phillip, could I use either your ax or club? My sword was broken in the protest and I didn't want to waste time replacing it before we got here, but if you have a spar weapon, I'd probably be better with that than a bow.
*Click!* The chain and doors are officially unlocked.
Whistling a bit Kethaera was greatly impressed by Phillip's skills at unlocking the lock.
"Most impressive Phillip."
She smirked a bit remembering how she had suggested to Tarnagius to go and buy himself a new weapon.
She then said to Tarnagius, "You're quite right. Unfortunately, the Night of Ashes shows that Thrune was quite prepared to sweep in and start taking over. So let's hope it isn't a trap. An old saying goes, 'Always expect the unexpected.'l
Philip hands over his axe to Tarnagius. Thar you go, let's see how good you are with yer choppin. Phillip then gets his sturdy club in hand.
With the doors unlocked, Tarnagius opens it and strolls in, ax in hand.
I saw that smirk, diva, and I thought as a thespian you would know that we ought to not have acted out of character. If we are going to be a family and I am your bodyguard it would be most unseemly for me to force you onto a detour because I was unprepared, to say nothing of drawing attention to ourselves when we want it least. People notice when you buy weapons.
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Phillip screams in agony as he and Tarnagius are crispy-crittered like another ranger and barbarian in a far-off country.