To Laria's reaction regarding the lemures, Parai simply lifts a suspicious eyebrow. "Right. The Silver Ravens would 'never' deal with the infernal. It's been decades, and with very scant information remaining about this organization. Perhaps you should entertain the possibility that you may not know everything there is to know."
When Rexus invites the group to sit and eat, Parai makes it a point not to be the first one to sit. Once someone else has, though, she sits down slowly and gracefully, and begins to eat with a conservative, classy pace, using all the right forks and knives with each dish.
When Onorix mentions the desire to see Thrune's corpse, Parai adds, in true Asmodean attention to detail, "I think it is important to clarify that you probably mean Barzillai Thrune's burning corpse. I'm not at all certain I would entertain such speech about the Queen."
Nightgaunt thinks to himself, I'm not really in the right place. Dinner and talking about what's going on would be more up my alley as Marcellano. But, here I am, and I don't yet know these people well enough to let them know who I really am.
Nightgaunt sits down to eat with Rexus and the others. "The Queen is far from here. Barzillai is the one who is plaguing us. For all we know, there are internal family politics that we do not know about, and he has been sent here as a punishment."
He turns to Rexus. "I am eager to hear your proposal."
Abelard has happily tucked into the mountain of pastries: one of the nice things about an active lifestyle such as his is that however much he eats, it never seems to matter. He listens to the protestations from their host, and to Parai's scepticism.
He shrugs. "What does it matter, either way? What may or may not have happened doesn't do anything to the price of pastries." He refills his coffee and wolfs down another, just to make the point. "The question is, what do we do now? Frankly, I'm in far enough that there's going to be trouble either way. Might as well see it through."
He leans back, kicking off his (unpleasantly soiled) leather boots and putting his feet up on an empty chair. "I'm listening."
An offer... But the Fair Fortune had already been far past anything Alliszah could have anticipated; the thought of another "adventure" brought a faint sweat to her brow, and no doubt this halfling now thought her some sort of seasoned malcontent and dungeon delver... And what does this...business entail? she asks evenly, letting the tray of pastries sit for the time being. I must admit, true business would be my preference - it turns out my skill set is little suited to catacomb exploration. Perhaps I could begin work with Rexus on searching through these documents? After all, it will be no small task.
...People aren't always what they seem. You'd all do well to learn that lesson sooner rather than later...
Laria nods in agreement at the young Jhaltero scion, an icy cool running through her voice. "You'd do well to remember the same, young man. Both Rexus and myself could be hanged for half of the things we've done for this town, which is more than can be said for any member of the nobility, excepting the old Sarini boy." She warms again after a moment. "I apologize, dear. I sometimes get a bit...flustered, when my character is in question like this. I promise that Rexus and I will take greater pains to keep you in the loop, in the future."
...The Silver Ravens would 'never' deal with the infernal. It's been decades, and with very scant information remaining about this organization. Perhaps you should entertain the possibility that you may not know everything there is to know...
Rexus addresses Parai, and rather than becoming angered, like Laria, his voice remains impassive. "Of course don't know everything there is to know, Ms. Parai. But that doesn't mean we don't have hope. The Ravens were, and to some extent still are, Kintargo's best hope of fomenting any form of meaningful resistance to Barzilai's iron grip."
After Nightgaunt and Abelard speak, Rexus and Laria both sit. The halfling laces her fingers together, resting them on the table, her look deadly serious. "Alliszah, it is quite kind of you to assist Signor Victocora. I'm sure his work will be difficult, and he would appreciate any aid he can get. Thank you for that. For the rest of you," her eyes scan each of you in turn, "I want to take you all in. Get you off of the streets, into safe quarters. I want you to work with Rexus and myself, and my Bellflower Network. In short, I want you to become the next generation of Silver Ravens. The ones that Kintargo needs now, more than ever. I want to recruit Kintargo's downtrodden and desperate, and enlist their support in rebuilding the Ravens. Lemures and sigils be thrice damned, I give you full leeway to rebuild the organization as you see fit, under your leadership and guidance. What do you say, ladies and gentlemen?" Her voice quavers as she speaks, her eyes swelling with tears as she speaks aloud a hope that you can all tell she's been carrying in her heart for years.
Nightgaunt raises one eyebrow, but it's buried deeply enough in the shadows of his hood that nobody can see it.
"That is... quite an ambitious undertaking. But, given the current situation in Kintargo, I agree with you that it is one whose time has come. Still: what is it you are offering? Myself, I have... accommodations already. Perhaps as we come to trust each other more I will go into greater detail. I am eager to work with others to rebuild the Silver Ravens, and to create a true resistance against Thrune rule here. But, are you just telling us to do it? Or, are there resources you can offer, that would make it different from us just deciding ourselves to try to do it?"
A long silence hangs in the air between the time when Nightgaunt and Onorix speak, filled only with the sound of Onorix drumming his fingers on the table. To say he was deep in thought would be an understatement.
Rebellion. He thought to himself. High Treason, War against Thrune.
For her part at least, the halfling woman seemed genuine. "I had no intention of besmirching the honor of either of you. But Thrune ascended decades ago, and the Siver Ravens haven't existed in some time. You bear no responsibility for whatever dealings they have- for good or ill."
He could only delay for so long. My ancestors abandoned their roll years ago... is it possible for me to refill it? His sister had always been the one expected to inherit the family title, and all of the duties that came along with it. And if she really is dead...
No. He wasn't going to entertain that line of thought any further.
There was a time to wait and ponder things. But the way things had gone so far... What does it matter? I've already done enough to warrant a hanging. You know your duty.
"You will need more than the downtrodden and desperate to get what you want. That's always been the way of things, Miss Laria." Onorix says as he takes off the hat he's been wearing and places it on the chair behind him as he stands up. "And... in truth, I suppose I ought to get this over with." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a his signet ring with the crest of his family emblazoned upon it and shows it to everyone at the table. "You mentioned that you've done more than any of the nobility. I suppose it's time to change that. Onorix Jhaltero, at your service. And as far as hanging offenses go- just being in this room would be enough to ensure that."
As he sits back down he looks over to her. "I'm quite familiar with the activities of the bellflower network, and know you have no love of Thrune. Assuming we were to embark on this endevour, I trust we would have your organizations support? And secondly... what is it you want out of this. I have no intent of questioning your good intentions- but I want your specific goals. It would be better for both of us to resolve any issues we have now then to have them hanging over our heads in the midst of a rebellion."
Well then... no turning back now. He had really done it now.
"...what is it you are offering? ...are there resources you can offer, that would make it different from us just deciding ourselves to try to do it?"
"...Onorix Jhaltero, at your service."
"...I trust we would have your organizations support? And secondly... what is it you want out of this. I have no intent of questioning your good intentions- but I want your specific goals. It would be better for both of us to resolve any issues we have now then to have them hanging over our heads in the midst of a rebellion."
Laria considers Nightgaunt's question for a long, quiet moment. Her eyes dart between the hooded man, Onorix, Abelard, and Rexus. Moments before she speaks, Onorix stands and makes his confession. She starts at this, her lips frozen at the beginning of whatever word she was about to form. The halfling closes her mouth slowly, staring at the towering Jhaltero boy, and allows a small, hysterical laugh escape her throat. Rexus responds in kind, snorting at the revelation with a giddy chortle. After a moment, the two regain their composure, and take on a look of stern gravity once more.
Laria's eyes glimmer, a mischievous delight dancing across her face as she looks up at Onorix, twice her height. "Sit, please, Sir Jhaltero. I don't mean for Rexus or myself to offend. It's simply an unexpected boon, after a long, long period of unexpected setbacks. Your family is well-regarded by Thrune, which makes you somewhat more valuable than we'd originally expected. Thank you for sharing your secret. We all have them, but we mustn't harbor them from one another for this whole thing to work.
As far as your question..." she turns her gaze to Nightgaunt, "To begin with, your personal accomodations are sufficient. But ultimately, the people you recruit to your cause will be unable to live in their homes without fear of Dottari raids. I am offering the basement of this very coffeehouse. It would behoove you to have a safe, central location to convene. It is also to your benefit that such a place be this one, as I have a longstanding relationship with one or two members of the constabulary, such that they look the other way while my Bellflowers conduct their business...most of the time. It also serves to eliminate suspicion - those in the know of my current activities would think me an unlikely candidate for further involvement in rebellious organizations. Additionally, Rexus will be in contact with me as he and Alliszah work through the documents you've found."
She looks over at Rexus, who clears his throat, as if on cue. "As to your concerns, Sir Jhaltero - it is strange to say those words without malice - we have our own agenda, you may be certain. First among them, reinstatement of Lord-Mayor Bainilus' authority. Second, freedom for all Halflings in Kintargo. Third one pays for all - I want Barzilai's head, for killing my family. I hope that is not counter to your own stance."
Laria chimes in, resting her hand over Rexus', "Rexus, you mustn't allow your emotions to run hot. We have delicate business to conduct." She placates him, and turns her attention back towards her guests.
"Do you have any other questions, or demands? Or shall we begin? I wish to be clear, if you accept this proposal, you are swearing your loyalty to the Silver Ravens - an organization you will become founding members of. Your discretion, your honor, your trust will all be tested during the coming months, but we will all endure these trials together, so that no one of us suffers without the rest easing their burden.
If you choose to swear such an oath - I know it is a grave one, but these are grave times - we need to know. If you wish to beg off of this endeavor, you are free to go without judgment or retaliation. You'll never hear from us again."
Parai looks very attentive as she listens to all the words being bandied about, and at this point, after the vigilante and the Jhaltero have spoken, Parai speaks up in turn. "I confess, I have deeply conflicted feelings about your...request. My family", whom she does not explicitly name, "are great supporters of the queen. On the other hand, they are great supporters of lawful rule, which Barzillai has violated. And even had he not, I have my reasons to presently deviate from the footsteps of my family."
"I do not believe the rule of Barzillai Thrune to be in the interests of the city, of the queen, not even in the interests of my family or myself. I have seen enough idiocy on the man's part to feel he must go. Taking a personal active hand, however..." She purses her lips and her face tightens as she clearly looks to be wrestling with a difficult decision.
When Rexus addresses his and Laria's agenda, Parai nods slowly and quietly as she listens. "I can certainly agree with the first and third of your goals. Bainilus was the rightful steward of Kintargo, and I for one would like to know what happened to her; and I have no objection to killing Barzillai Thrune, should we ever get such a chance. As for the fate of the halflings... I can make no promises on that, as I am not seeking to become the Lord-Mayor of Kintargo myself, so I would have no power to effect such a sweeping change. It is something you would have to negotiate with the regime after the fall of Barzillai Thrune."
"As for swearing loyalty, that implies subservience, and I am servant to no one", she speaks proudly. "I am willing to work with you, as equals, to effect the fall of Barzillai Thrune, but I will not be your underling. Can we see eye to eye on this?"
Laria and Rexus exchange yet another significant glance. They nod, nearly simultaneously, and turn their attention back towards Parai.
"Pardon my misstep, dear woman. I have no intention of making you an underling. You will be an equal. The oath of loyalty is one we all swear, to harbor mutual trust and concordance. All of us work as one, and each one of us works for all, I think the saying goes." The Halfling woman stands, raising one hand to cover her heart, holding the other in the air. "I, Laria Longroads, swear to be loyal and faithful to you, Parai, and you, Nightgaunt, Abelard, Onorix Jhaltero, and Korva. I vow to assist you in whatever way I can. To harbor you in times of need, to lie on your behalf, even at the risk of my own life, in service to the Silver Ravens of Kintargo, of which we all become members tonight."
Rexus stands, raising his own hand in similar salute, and puffs up his chest before uttering a similar vow, "Rexus Victocora, at your service. It is my duty and privilege to swear loyalty to the Silver Ravens of Kintargo. I will study for you, learn what I can, and exploit my familial ties in the city to our mutual benefit. I will perform duties as befit my skills, in service to the Silver Ravens, with an aim toward the downfall of Thrice-Damned Thrune."
Abelard sits back, chewing thoughtfully on a pastry. What is being proposed is treason, pure and simple. He may have acted rashly so far, but he's always had his family name to fall back on, and that has worked. But not now. Not any more, if he goes through with this.
He grins. On the other hand, he was getting bored. "I'm in. Sometimes a chap just has to stand up and say 'no more' and this looks like one of those times."
Korva was stunned by what was being discussed. Her life was comfortable and she had little experience of the cutthroat games of the nobility, aside from what she had overheard her parents discussing at the dinner table.
Barzillai had changed that, his bizarre edicts and impact on the life of everyone in Kintargo had shown her how little control she had over her own destiny.
"I'm in. Barzillai has just started. Who knows where his reign will lead Kintargo?"
The nobleman finds himself sheepishly sitting back down as the halfling burst into laughter. He listens as the others have their say, although he internally winces at the prospect of trying to orchestrate the freedom of every halfling slave in Kintargo. That'll be harder to do than mounting Barzillai's head on a pike.
After the others have some time to speak, Onorix pipes up again. "Victocora, what you say is all well and good, and I have no reason to think you're being less than honest with me. But I wasn't asking you." Turning away from his fellow noble, Onorix faces Laria and asks, "I imagine you were behind the request for feeing slaves. But I want to know if you or your associates have another goal in mind, beyond the ones already mentioned. Which leads me to my next- and greatest condtion- before I swear to anything."
Turning back to the other noble, Onorix addresses the last remaining Victocora. "Barzillai's life is not to be taken by your hand- or mine. If we find conclusive proof that he truly ordered the deaths of your family and my sister, I have no objection to letting him be hanged or worse. But you and I will take no part in his trial beyond supplying evidence. In fact, neither of us should even be there to watch his execution, should that day come. I will not have it said that our actions were motivated by nothing more than a desire to spill the blood over personal vendettas or mere vengeance. It would beneath beneath the role we are called to in serve this city as members of the aristocracy, and I will not help this city throw off the shackles of Hell just so it's people can go and join the bloodthirsty mobs of Galt. I want your word on this matter."
Nightgaunt says, "I, who goes by the name of Nightgaunt, promise to be loyal and faithful to all of you, and to the Silver Ravens and the cause for which it stands. I will lend my eyes, my motion through the shadows, and my magic to the cause. I will strive to improve my skills, and use what resources I can garner, to remove the rule of the thrice-damned House of Thrune from Kintargo."
Parai listens to the oaths that Laria and Rexus swear, and then some of the others as well. "I don't share your flair for the dramatic", Parai says in reference to the way Laria, Rexus, and most recently Nightgaunt make their oaths. She's more partial to the way that Abelard and Korva announce their intentions, although given her background, she does understand the significance of pomp and ceremony.
"I, Parai Sarini", she begins, and this should be the first time that she herself mentions her last name, coming fully forth about which family she belongs to, "will join you in this endeavor. Kintargo can only heal when the rot that is Barzillai Thrune has been excised."
Laria and Rexus' smiles grow wider as each of you speak, with Parai's revelation clearly stealing the show. The halfling lets out a low, slow whistle, arching an eyebrow up at the Sarini girl. "Between you and that one," she tilts her head toward Onorix, "We're in a much stronger - and more dangerous - position than I think any of us had originally calculated. We'll discuss this later, Parai. Perhaps in private. Any of the rest of you holding out any secret noble lineage that I need to be aware of while I'm trying to cover for all of you?" Her tone is almost sportive, the question intended mostly to tease the group, though the undertone of annoyance at her own lack of foreknowledge is impossible to miss.
Rexus nods at Onorix's demand, rubbing the bridge of his nose and sighing. "Very well. At this moment, we will not take any violent action toward Thrune outside of the letter of the law. It's important to remain civilized, after all."
After letting Laria's question linger for a moment , she picks up a tart filled with egg custard, takes a large bite of it, and begins to speak, her mouth full of crust and cream. "The first order of business will be recruitment and housing. Recruitment will be easy, but takes time. I've mentioned housing you all in the basement beneath this room, but there is a...complication." She swallows the first bite of her pastry and takes another, not bothering to engage in such banal activities as "not eating while talking," or "chewing with her mouth closed" while she addresses you. Clearly she has become more comfortable around all of you now, and what she lacks in etiquette she more than makes up for with charm and warmth.
"Trouble is, The Wasps' Nest - that's what I call the basement - isn't exactly empty right now. I've been allowing my friend Nan Comerivos to use the basement's river access to smuggle textiles in from Varisia. He hasn't come up from there in a few days, and I'm starting to get worried. Could you perhaps...check in on him? I know that's silly, and it's a small favor, but I've been terribly busy."
Nightgaunt hesitates when asked if there are other secrets.
"As all of you doubtless know, I am traveling under an alias. I do this because it allows me some freedom to act, without compromising my position in society. My nature as Nightgaunt is... rather different from my nature when open in society. It is important to me to maintain this secret. But, as others here are revealing secret that could lead to serious trouble for them, and as we are all effectively vowing to commit what the leaders of this city would consider treason, I will share this with you. I ask that you keep this secret, for not only is it important to me, but I will be of more use to the new Silver Ravens if my two identities are not linked by most."
He hesitates again. He's clearly reluctant to say anything. "This is the first time I have revealed this to anybody."
After one more pause. "I do not have a noble lineage, so that will not complicated things. However, I do have some connections. I am in fact Marcellano Durbin."
You may well have heard this name before, particularly if you pay attention to the local music scene. Marcellano Durbin is a young and up-and-coming opera singer and composer. He's not especially famous, but he does have some nascent renown amongst those who closely follow the opera. He's the son of Ferdinand Durbin, a well-aged poet who hasn't done much lately, but decades ago wrote some things that could easily be interpreted as satirical criticism of the house of Thrune.
It may surprise you to learn Marcellano's identity. Those who know of him know him as a friendly, effusive, performer, one who seems to enjoy the publicity that comes with being on the stage. Marcellano has also been known sometimes to sing sacred songs at services to Shelyn; this, too, may seem a bit surprising, as Nightgaunt's grey-and-grim outfit and demeanor really don't fit the typical image of a Shelynite.
Who? Onorix quietly wonders to himself, being rather unfamiliar with the many names and faces of the opera in Kintargo. At any rate, the fact that others in the group were being open with their identities was a good sign. They all had a lot more to lose now if something went wrong.
"Before we go any further, I would like to make things official. I, Onorix Jhaltero, hereby swear to work to expel the rule of Thrune from this city and to restore the rightful lord mayor of Kintargo to her station. Let Heaven bear witness to my oath, and may all of its wrath fall upon me should I betray it."
With that out of the way, the nobleman addresses Laria. "Now, to business... I'm all in favor of having tunnels to traverse in and out of the city. But since you mention that your friend hasn't been seen in several days, what exactly do you think we'll find down there?"
"Let us go and find out," Nightgaunt says.
"Oh how wonderful!" Korva gasps when Nightgaunt reveals that he is Marcellano Durbin.
There is a very interested look in her eye now. She follows the others to the cellar without seeming to really be aware of where they are going.
Abelard gives a slight shrug, and a smile. "Sorry, afraid that doesn't mean much to me. I'm more into activity than culture. But your secret's safe with me. After all, if a chap can't keep another chap's secrets, then what would the world be coming to?"
Nightgaunt nods appreciation to Korva, but it's an understated gesture. He muses that had he been in his Marcellano persona, his response would have been much more enthusiastic. Hopefully, later, there would be a chance to speak of music with Korva.
Laria smiles as the group decides to venture downstairs, but pauses you all at the door. "To answer your question, Onorix, I'm not entirely certain. I've heard nothing. Before you go, know that you're welcome to a couple of rooms on the main floor, if you need. I imagine it's been a hard day for all of you."
Laria wakes you in the morning with a knock on each of your doors, followed by one of the staff entering your room a few minutes later with basins of steaming hot water, towels, and soap. After your morning ablutions and various routines, you enter the common area to the smell of hot coffee and warm, freshly-baked pastries. Laria is nowhere to be seen, but the doors to the coffee house have not yet opened, so you have the common area to yourselves.
Parai places a hand on Abelard's shoulder and whispers a few soft words, "I call upon the powers of the Everbloom to rejuvenate your spirit and heal your wounds."
If and when the group rests overnight, Parai will take Rexus aside at some point during the evening and inquire whether he has access to a Milanite holy symbol anywhere in the establishment. If Rexus does not, then Parai will repeat the process with Laria. Parai tries to do this one-on-one with either of them, as she's not comfortable exposing her need to everyone.
If Parai can obtain a Milanite symbol from Rexus or Laria, she will channel energy at the end of the day to heal herself up to full, before going to sleep.
"The hospitality is appreciated Laria. I'll just have to tell father I was stuck outside after cerfew and had to wait out the night somewhere else." Truth be told, he didn't feel like going home until his sister was found (one way or another), but he knew that he'd have to go home eventually.
Just... not right now.
Before going to sleep he notices that Parai is still wounded. "Well, if we're going to be working together, you might as well find out I can do this sooner rather than later." He rests a hand on Parai's shoulder and whispers, "May she be healed in your name."
A few whisps of shadows wrap around you and the pain from the wounds largely begins the fade away.
Onorix is up the next morning before anyone else, largely because he prefers to conduct the necessary prayers to regain his spells as early as possible. The prayers are done in his room, and he is now sitting in the common room and taking full advantage of the coffee and pasteries. I wonder if she caters for weddings. These are delicious.
"Indeed, thank you for your hospitality. I must say, though, that I hope Marcellano gets back into town soon.... he's due within the next day or so. Exploring the basements is a job I would do as my current self, however."
Abelard sleeps well, and is up early and rested the next morning. He does a few stretches, but a full workout is probably not a good idea given that he doesn't know what the day holds. Best to conserve his energies, for now.
"What ho, morning all." His eyes light up at the sight of the fresh-baked pastries and he wolfs several of them down, together with a few mugs of strong coffee. "So. Plans for the day?"
As the morning wears on, Laria can be heard from inside the kitchen, baking and preparing the days goods for sale. She comes out to the common area once, holding a fresh pot of coffee. She sets it down, and quietly slips a key from her apron onto the table beside it. She tilts her head toward the back hallway, and walks away with a smile, to continue her preparations before the doors open in a few short minutes.
Previous evening:
Parai discreetly thanks Rexus for the loan, and explains to him, "This will allow me to better focus on the teachings I have been starting to follow. I am grateful for the loan, and I will make certain to return this to you as soon as possible." After she has secured the Milanite holy symbol from Rexus, Parai is ready to retire for the night, but before she can practice channeling energy to heal herself, Onorix takes care of her open wounds from the day instead. "I...am grateful. Thank you", she nods to Onorix, though she still comes off as a little reticent and standoffish to engage more than that with her fellow noble. "Good night", she says to Onorix, before retiring for the night.
Morning:
Parai wakes up feeling pretty odd. Good, but weird. Maybe it's the proximity of the holy symbol that she's been keeping under her pillow that's been giving her some reassuring vibrations -- maybe it's a psychological sense of relief from having made a choice about her religious leanings. Or maybe it's just the feeling of having a secure roof over her head and food in her stomach for the first time in some weeks. Whatever the reason, she joins the rest of the group in the morning feeling noticeably less worried than during the previous day. "Good morning, everyone", she nods in a mildly pleasant greeting as she also grabs some food and begins to eat breakfast.
"I think our priority should be clearing out this 'Wasp's Nest' downstairs and checking on Laria's friend, Mr. Comerivos. Hopefully what we find down there will be less infernal in nature than what we found in the cellar of our previous investigation. I don't relish the idea of tangling with the hordes of the netherworld on a regular basis."
Abelard knocks back another cup of coffee. "Agreed." He gives a smile. "I need to work off all these pastries somehow, as well as return our host's hospitality."
"I second that motion." Onorix says after he finishes eating one of the pastries. "Does anyone have an objection to us taking care of this matter right after we finish breakfast? If I stay out for too much longer my father's going to be livid. He's likely already worried sick."
After having consumed her breakfast, Parai stands up and begins to prepare to get to work. Her chainmail armor has been polished overnight and she hefts the mace that she took from the thug outside the opera house. "Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel that the sooner we take care of the Wasps' Nest, the sooner we can all breathe a little better." She starts to head to whatever entrance leads downstairs. If there is a torch to pick up, she'll grab one for her off hand, to shed some illumination.
Korva rises and wrinkles her nose as she baths, she'll have to wear the same clothes she had on yesterday!
Once again she stays quiet as she eats her breakfast, she doesn't really know any of the people she's with, or even why she's here? For now she'll follow along and see where it leads? If she's going to get into trouble for being away from home she might as well go the whole length.
Rising she joins the others in heading for the Wasps nest.
If there's no disagreement, Abelard will take the lead - not so much to be in charge, but to be a barrier between the unknown and the fragile types behind him. A chap has certain obligations, after all.
Onorix lets Abelard take the lead without any reservations, but follows right behind him. He finds it odd that the man chooses not to wield any weapons beyond his fists... but well, he has certainly shown that he's more than capable of using them effectively.
You all descend the stairs into the basement of the coffee house, which contains numerous crates of cooking ingredients, sacks of coffee beans, and other supplies needed to maintain a thriving business. The northwest wall lies exposed, without any boxes or supplies against it. Laria has informed you that this wall is a secret door into the Wasps' Nest itself, the bolt-hole she created for use by the Bellflower Network.
When you nudge the door open, you see a long, damp hallway which opens to the southeast into a large, reservoir of calm, dark water. A wooden pier extends twenty feet into the water, while another twenty feet out rises the top half of a statue of a beautiful Elven woman. A foul smell, like that of rotting meat, comes from somewhere near the pier. Two holes have been knocked into the northwest walls to provide access to chambers beyond.
Parai will memorize a light spell for today, and will cast it on her mace to shed light in a radius around her. "This should help us see where we are going", she says.
When the door opens and Parai steps into the damp hallway, she wrinkles her nose a little. "Something here smells awful." The smell of rotting meat is not intimately familiar to her, as such things are not commonplace in a noble household, so she does not immediately realize what it is that smells so bad. "What's that out there?" she peers in the direction of the elven statue, cautiously walking in that direction as it seems to have caught her attention. The lighting sphere is fixed to her, and moves with her gradually in the direction of the statue. If she can get to the statue without incident, she will examine it.
Onorix feels revulsion at the awful smell, and takes the time to draw both of his blades before moving forward any more. He'd seen a corpse before, but he'd never stuck around to smell one before.
He doesn't say anything, but he slowly follows after Parai and looks for anything suspicious. He looks out with more than his normal sense,s and also concentrates and trys to detect anything of a more infernal persuasion. He doubted he would detect anything, but after the last building used by supposedly moral rebels he visited, he wasn't going to assume that anywhere in Cheliax was free of infernal taint.
Abelard wrinkles his nose at the smell. "Sounds like somebody hasn't bathed in a while." He lifts his lantern up, and moves forward, cautiously.
As you each approach the water, you begin to hear thrashing and splashing coming from the depths. You're not able to make out the source of the sound, but it sounds large.
Lacking any obvious alternative, Abelard keeps moving forward to see what happens.
Parai stops approaching the statue as the thrashing and splashing in the water grows more intense. (New location indicated on the map, token moved.) Her face frowns, her eyes narrow and she tries to peer into the darkness. She re-casts her light spell, focusing it on the corner of the pier that is nearest to the statue (center of light with the best lighting is indicated with yellow circle on map). "Can anyone see anything?" she speaks in hushed tones, and tries to peer out herself.
If she doesn't immediately see anything, she begins to cast detect magic and starts doing a 360-degree sweep, starting in the direction of the pier and statue.
Creeping forward Korva will send her Dancing lights out over the waters, hopefully lighting up whatever is making the noise?
The ripples in the water seem to be coming from beneath the pier itself. There is no obvious sign of anything living. The water is otherwise stagnant, and looks to be not terribly deep - perhaps 3 feet (~1 meter) at most. Across from the pier, two narrow passages lead into the darkness.