Kira nods with a solemn look "I'm sorry. There were rumors it was Thrune, is that why you're here? I came to help the Ravens, figured I could put my knowledge and skills to work."
Celia nods "Seems that way. I'm glad you're here. Have you kept up your studies? It's been awhile since I taught you at the Academy. Still focusing on transmutation?"
Kira nods "Yes, I've gotten pretty good as well. I'm actually an assistant teacher now, focusing on crafting magical items."
Celia's eyes widen and she smiles "Oh? Well congrats, though your timing couldn't have been better. I've really been needing someone to help me in doing just that, particularly crafting scrolls and the like."
The two woman talk a bit longer as they catch up, but quickly Kira offers to help Celia and the Ravens, while Celia happily accepts and sets her up with her own space to work, as the two discuss projects to come.
Celia's moment of reacquaintance causes Matiscio to fall into a hole of thoughts and regrets called Jaya. He excuses himself and roams the halls of the hideout to find some solitude, but with how crowded it is he manages to find none. A long-forgotten lesson returns to him as he slides an arm into his jacket: that what you can't find outside, might be found inside. Ah, why couldn't be half as wise as Master Jalpur?!
Returning to the Wasp's Nest with the others, Evander sits down with Rexus and Laria and says, "Barzillai's started hiring people to track us. We found one person who he hired and managed to flip them into our side, but we're going to have to start giving up information - sacrificing safe houses and such. Let's begin arranging to leave equipment caches in some of the safe houses we're going to give up so they think they're making progress."
So soon after their recent disruption, Gregor is wary of the convenience of an old friend of Celia's just appearing in their safehouse. Not to mention a tiefling to boot. He decides to try and keep an eye on her over the next few days, as well as realizing he may need to try and plan with Gilda how they can use the dragonling.
Rexus and Laria listen closely to Evander and Rexus says, "We'll need to coordinate with Lictor Octavio. He'll know what we can afford to let Thrune find and what we should keep. It will be a delicate balancing act between leaving too little and too much as well as leaving things of too much value and too little value. I'll speak with him as soon as possible."
Gilda stormed the narrow hall, eyes narrowed and searching the rafters for signs or shimmers or whatever it was that could tip off the whereabouts of something invisible. Gods be damned, she needed a way to spot things hidden from the eye after the whole situation with Tayacet.
Whistling, she shouted, "Venny?! Where you at, dragon? This ain't no time for nappin' or snackin'!"
The familiar form of Vendalfek emerges from his favorite corner in the hideout. He looks mildly annoyed - and quite sleepy - but only a bit.
He flutters down to Gilda and assesses her for a moment before saying, "Normally I would be miffed at you disturbing my slumber, but since you addressed me as a dragon - which I am - I will choose to overlook your mistake this time. What can the mighty Vendalfek do for you?"
Gilda chuckles at the tiny dragon's demeanor, seeing it as little more than a ruffle-haired child awake and cranky in the morning before breakfast.
"So, we's been thinkin' it's time fer a promotion fer ya! Getcha out inta' the field wit' us fer a little excitement -- and who knows? maybe a little treasure, too."
As the dragon seems a little interested, she continues.
"We keep dealin' wit spies and stuff sneakin' around n' tryin' to watch us... in fact we just caught one today."
Gilda leans in real close, looking the dragon in the eyes.
Plus, yer whole ability to talk in our minds would come in real handy when we gotta tell each other stuff and there's some sorta reason we can't do it aloud!
Vendalfek considers Gilda's offer, seeming particularly pleased when she recognizes his telepathic ability.
Eventually he says, "I suppose I will allow you to accompany me in the field. I could use someone to fetch me food and drink. Perhaps I'll even let you aid me in battle at some point, or offer suggestions as to my tactics. Yes, I think this will work quite nicely."
Vendalfek seems quite happy with himself, then he thinks of something and adds, "There's no maybe to it. I expect treasure to be part of my reward for allowing you to accompany me on missions. You should be grateful that I allow you to share in the spoils."
Gilda stares into the dragon's eyes for a long moment.
"Yeah, sure... share in the spoils. Trust me, I got an eye for the best treasures, been diggin' 'em up for ages."
Gilda shuffles back towards the main area the the others, beckoning the diminutive dragon over as she does.
Rubbing her hands together, she glances at the others.
"So, what's next?"
After your second encounter with Barzillai in Aria Park, the Silver Ravens only increase their reputation and renown in the city. More and more Kintargans are flocking to your cause and you soon realize you have over a thousand supporters. It’s becoming hard to keep up with the exact number. As you take stock of your resources and allies, you recognize that you have drawn a variety of groups to your cause, from the Fushi sisters to the Order of the Torrent, Kintargans are rallying to your cause.
At the same time, the majority of the rebellion’s resources and members have moved to the hideout beneath the Lucky Bones, freeing up the Wasp Nest, but still allowing it to serve as a secondary hideout.
While Celia and Kira work to improve existing equipment and make new items, Gilda finds herself having to work on keeping Vendalfek in line - no easy task, as she soon learns. The rest of you help finish cleaning out the bottom level of the Lucky Bones hideout, though in doing so, you remember that you still have two potential threats lurking within your base: the xorn and the drowning devil. The clock is ticking.
Near the end of a relatively peaceful week, word quickly spreads of another tax hike on all Bleakbridge traffic. Whereas before the tax was 5 sp per crossing, the price has been raised to 2 gp (or 10 gp for a day-long pass). More than a few Kintargans have voiced their disdain for this change. Those who own boats have begun smuggling travelers between north and south Kintargo as a way of fighting back against the government.
Hetamon Haace resurfaces during this time, reaffirming his support for the rebellion and ensuring that you’ll have the backing of the whole cult of Milani in the city. Its resources are at your disposal and, when the time comes, the Milanites will be ready to strike.
As Celia finishes her crafting and the rest of you finish up any loose ends you’ve been dealing with, Hetamon asks to speak to the five of you. Once you’re gathered, he says, “Thank you again for bringing Wex to justice. I’m sure it couldn’t have been easy, but on behalf of myself and all the other Milanites, thank you. We’re here to serve.
“And as such, I would like to offer a bit of advice. With the rebellion growing so large and with so many different groups taking part, I think it would be wise to hold the occasional meeting, a council, if you will. Perhaps you could even call it the Silver Council. Given the rapidly deteriorating state of affairs in the city, I would suggest you hold such a meeting sooner than later. If you wish to do so, you’ll need to decide who should participate. On that note, I’ll take my leave to give you a chance to discuss.”
Hetamon gives a brief bow before leaving you alone with just the five of you (and Vendalfek). It seems the forming of a Silver Council might be in order.
Time flies by when you aren't under constant pressure. For once, Matiscio gets to relax and kickback. This period of relative leisure does come at the cost of decreased physical activity and so, the brawler finds himself challenged in lowering the number of Laria's treats and delights he consumes.
Eventually, the day comes where Hetamon comes to meet them and shares his thoughts on where to take it from here. Matiscio has troubles with the idea of bringing all the important pieces in the rebellion together in one place, but if the leaders do not convene, can there truly be a unified organized effort? "So, anyone got any experience with running a council or running any sort of important meetings? Because I sure don't and I am completely clueless as to how we should organize this ... well, other than the fact we should try to keep the number of people on the council to an absolute minimum."
"Well, one thing is for sure, we don't want people to start acting on their own. We should probably include Lictor Sabinus on the council, as well as one of us. Hetamon might not be a bad addition - while I'm sure he and the Lictor would rub each other the wrong way, I think both would be able to put aside their differences to work together. That's three people - five should be a good size. Thoughts on the other two?"
Evander thought Rexus would be a good addition, but if Celia ended up being the group's representative, having Rexus on the Council as well might be seen as favoring the Victocoras.
Celia considers this whole council business. It's a good idea to make sure the various groups stay in sync but could also be a bit risky. After a few moment of consideration she notes "We should maybe try and find someone from the Academy if we can. If not, I suppose maybe Laria would be a good candidate since she is in such close proximity. I wish we had someone on the inside of the dottari we could work with as well but no one in particular comes to mind. I would say out of the five of us, one of our more diplomatic members should be the one we select."
She taps her finger to her lips for a moment as she thinks "Also, if we had someone from one of the noble families that could work within that area of influence it could be helpful, sadly I don't know who we could rely on. I'm just thinking the more different areas of the city we can have some influence over the better."
Gregor spends most of his week much like he did any other day. He maintains his routines in his fitness, the care of his equipment, and his determination that everyone just follow the damn rules.
At the word of a council he merely nods along, despite his usual disapproving scowl most often reserved for Gilda. As they discuss it among themselves, he offers, "Fittingly enough, a group of ravens is sometimes known as a conspiracy. Mayhaps we could use it in regards to a council."
He adopts an even more serious tone, "That said, I agree with the appointment of the Lictor and Hetamon, as well as Laria. Five works, as an odd number allows for a true majority in regard to votes. I would not seek understanding among my former brothers. What about the ship captain? Someone, with outside ties?"
"A good idea, Gregor, but he can't set foot in Kintargo. The meetings would have to be on his ship, and eventually the dottari might get suspicious. Although, perhaps he could appoint a representative to journey to meetings in his stead."
”Well, the captain had sent that woman to retrieve us. I don’t recall her name, but maybe she would work as his stand in. I agree that going to the ship repeatedly is a bad idea.”
Gilda considers the idea of a council, he usual paranoia at things unraveling at any change to the status quo (or in maintain it if that was the proposal on the table).
"Eh, the one danger of a council is if we decide ta have meetings we'd have all these folks'n the same place at the same! Gotta be extra careful."
Rubbing her hands together, she leaned in.
"So whatcha all think we should do next? Seems like we should be makin' friends with them Thrunes, so once ol' Barge'o'Lies is outta the picture we ain't dealin' with them comin' at us, but rather bein' pleased at our work."
Matiscio visibly agrees with what Celia says going by his posture and the way he purses his lips. "I like that idea, Celia."
It's not until everyone has had their say that Matiscio adds his. "We will surely make mistakes in how we set up this council, so perhaps we ought to think of some rules that let the council correct itself. Like, say, a rule of sponsorship which would give council members the ability to introduce potential new members, who would then be vetted and put up for a vote. Maybe ... maybe we should raid a local library and see if we can find a book on how the Andorans do this sort of stuff?"
Evander nods. "A good point, Celia - we should speak with the Captain about the possibility."
To Matiscio's suggestion, he again looks at Celia and says, "Do you think your academic contacts might be able to find us such a book? We could also come ups with some rules on our own."
Celia nods "If there is something that might help, I'm sure we can see about getting access to it."
Celia notes "Well, perhaps we should go speak with the captain first and get his thoughts then maybe once we have our first meeting we can proceed from there?"
”Agreed. Let’s get his input on the matter. It wouldn’t hurt to bring together our rather disparate members together to talk.”
"With your penchant for disguises, could we not aid the Captain via appearance changes to allow him ashore for our council meetings? I feel using a representative would be no different than just that representative as a member of said council. I agree that we should address our suggested members before assigning them to the role. That said, we have yet to have a member of the Acadamy actually stand up and represent them or seemingly stand in opposition to Thrune of their own volition, as we have our other elects. Therefore, until such a time, I feel they do not deserve a voice in that regard."
Celia nods to Gregor's words regarding the academy "You're right regarding the Academy. They don't want to take sides so perhaps until such time as they express an actual interest we leave them out of things."
Matiscio feels like the theoretical now has to be translated into something more practical. "We do have the silver raven figurines to get messages across, so let's make use of them? There's no need to physically show up at the captain. Yes, heh, I feel like we have been missing lessons our predecessors left behind for us to learn, and these silver ravens are one lesson we really ought to learn as soon as possible."
Celia grins and shakes her head, mostly at herself "Well, isn't that a good idea... glad one of us remembered about those things. That would definitely be an optimal means of checking in with those we seek to include in this council. Will need to be discreet though. I would imagine silver ravens being spotted flying to our allies would be somewhat of a giveaway."
Celia taps her finger against her lip as she thinks a moment. "We should probably check in with Tayacet, see if she has any news or leads for us to follow up on with Thrune. Is there anything else particularly pressing, aside from the damn spells I'm trying to figure out to release our two extra-planar friends?"
Gilda bobs her head.
"Oh, I'll check on Tayacet, alright..."
She pats the pocket containing the Tien woman's hair as she grins.
"Perhaps we should use the Ravens only at night. That way there's no chance of the sun reflecting off their silver appearance."
Juat before she embarks on her first effort to scry on Tayacet's activities, Gilda beckons Venny over as she sits cross-legged and assumes her "commune with the City" pose.
"Alright, let's see if I can dig up any dirt on more folks ta help us overthrow this Barge'o'Flies..."
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Gilda’s spell yields several promising leads.
She recalls the aquatic elves from the town of Acisazi. They could likely use the Ravens’ aid and their support could give the Ravens greater influence in Ravounel as a whole.
Speaking of places outside Kintargo, the city of Vyre could also hold potential allies. While the city of Vyre is technically part of Cheliax, it has long been treated more as a free city by the government, which values the fact that Vyre is a place where officials can go to unwind. Maintaining good relations with Vyre is important to the Chelish government, and thus securing Vyre’s support for Kintargo’s independence would be a significant boon for the Silver Ravens.
As for possibilities within the city, Gilda also learns that Lady Mialari Docur, of Lady Docur’s School for Girls could prove an excellent ally - or a dangerous enemy. It would likely be wise to speak with her sooner than later.
It may also be time to consider alliances with Kintargo’s aristocrats. While at least a couple of Kintargo’s noble houses are committed diabolists, several could likely be swayed to the Ravens’ cause were the right incentives or tactics used.
The last rumor Gilda receives is not from her spell, but from Tayacet. She learns from the investigator that Lord-Mayor Thrune is planning on throwing a masquerade ball in the near future as a way to curry favor with Kintargo’s nobles and artists. It might prove an excellent opportunity for the Silver Ravens to get close to Thrune and his allies.
With all the information Gilda got from the city Celia considers their various options, tapping her finger against her lips. Eventually she speaks up "So... that is a lot, but here are my thoughts. First, if Thrune is trying to curry favor with the nobles and artists, with some sort of ball, I think we should look into influencing the nobles first. The more we can turn to our cause the less he will be able to turn to his and we have an opportunity to act first. Then maybe we see about Lady Docur as well while we are here.
After that, I say we see about the aquatic elves we helped as I believe they are closer than Vyre, plus we already have a relationship started. Then from their we can turn our attention to Vyre and seeing if we can't get further support there. That seems like the most logical path forward to me."
Gregor nods once with each suggestion, either in acknowledgement or agreement is uncertain until he adds. "A sound plan. I agree with this course of action."
Celia thinks back on her time here in Kintargo before she was away for so long working as a teacher abroad and before everything went to hell in Kintargo. Things may have changed but she though back on which nobles may be the safest bet to approach first.
”We should start with the Aulamaxas. Lia aided us in the beginning - she might be able to help us make in-roads with them.”
From what Celia knows of the noble houses, the Aulamaxa, Jarvis, Jhaltero, or Vashnarstill house would likely be your best bet to approach first. Given your relationship with Lia, the Aulamaxa family is likely the best first choice in your current situation.
Gilda shrugs at some of her insights.
"Eh, not sure why this Lady Mialari Docur is such a big deal, but the City wants me ta' know it's pressin' to go make good with her. Maybe we see what she's up to while we make good with Lia's folks?"
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Gilda’s second spell reveals information about her subject. Lady Mialari Docur is a female forlorn elf who has long run Lady Docur’s School for Girls in Villegre. She has many contacts among Kintargo’s nobility and could prove useful in making inroads with nobles were you to ally with her. She is quite wealthy from her time running the school, though no one is quite sure how she amassed all the wealth she has. Lady Docur founded her boarding school three centuries ago to educate young Chelish noblewomen in the ways of the elves, which were in vogue at the time. Today, the student body is almost entirely composed of half-elves from across Cheliax, Isger, and Molthune.
Gilda also hears whispers of a group called the Lacunafex. Lady Docur appears to be involved with them somehow, though who they are or what they do is shrouded in mystery.
"Okay. Here's what we should do. First, let's use the Ravens to notify everyone we want on the council of the meeting so we can get organized. After that, we'll arrange a meeting with Lady Docur. We can also contact Lia and see what she can do to help us meet with the head of the Aulamaxa family about their support. If Lady Docur can help us make in-roads with the noble families, that could make our lives easier."
Celia nods "Sounds like a good plan to me." She volunteers "I will put together a first draft of a letter to send with the ravens and then we can go from there."
She goes to work penning a letter and once she is finished she shows it the others for any adjustments or improvements.
Gregor scowls, "A girl's school run by an elf and full of halfies? Could this contact be any more capricious? I guess if you need people to reject order and authority, elf is your way to go." He nods along agreeably with Evander and Celia's suggested courses of action.
"Yeah," Gilda nods at Gregor's words as she tries to sort through her own thoughts how some hoity-toity elfschool is exactly going to help them.
She shrugs.
"I ain't got no clue how this girl's gonna help us, but it seems she's got a lotta money and that always seems to help a cause."