The Archbaroness frowns at Matiscio and Gregor’s comments. She says, “I would have thought that ones as capable as yourselves could have come up with something on your own. I recognize that different people have different skill sets. I’m asking you each to demonstrate your own. Something that not just anyone can do. If I need to specify beyond that, I must admit that I will be very disappointed.”
Lady Aulamaxa looks quite impressed as Gilda performs her unique trick. “Very well done. There’s a good example of the sort of thing I was hoping to see.”
Shortly after Gilda’s trick, the invisible Vendalfek alights on her shoulder and whispers, “Coast is clear, though there are plenty of places people could be watching from. But we weren’t followed, I assure you of that.”
Celia considers her options. She notes "While I'm sure I could impress with my studies of the arcane arts, I feel it would utilize a resource that may be needed at a later time for a more vital purpose. As such, perhaps I can impress you with the breadth of my knowledge, showing you that we not only have the skills to affect change, but also the smarts in how to do so effectively and efficently."
Giving a miniature lecture on the nature or magic, religion and the planes, then explaining how she can use her breadth of knowledge to help Kintargo and specifically to noble families.
Lady Aulamaxa seems quite impressed with the breadth of Celia's information, particularly with her knowledge of the city and its nobility.
"You have indeed impressed me sufficiently. Excellent talk."
The noble lady turns her attention to Evander, Gregor, and Matiscio. "And what of you three? What unique talents do you possess?"
Evander smiles. "Might I have pen and paper?"
Evander quickly pens a quick story about a boar named Boarzilla who can't find his own buttocks. He signs it "Reverend Loflar."
Gregor scoffs, "What unique talents? This already feels as if the serious nature of our situation is but a farce. While the city suffers under the weight of a power gluttonous shipwreck crashing against the very city, we stand before you performing parlor tricks to prove what we have and what we have done to proceed to push this fight forward. The question should not be about what it is that we can do to prove that we can stand up against the corruption that threatens to tear our city apart, it should be what minuscule amount is the rest of the city willing to do. We merely hold the banner aloft as we lead the charge against the wrongs leveled on the citizens of this great city. The true fight belongs to the army of citizens and their need to oppose the tyranny that is Barzillai Thrune. Are you and they willing to do what is right for Kintargo not only to survive, but to thrive?"
Unlike Gregor, Matiscio is less annoyed by the Lady's request. Sure, it seems odd to ask for such a display from every Silver Raven present, but if this is her particular peculiarity, so be it. Matiscio takes the Lady, if she's willing, through a couple of basic Vudrani mindfulness exercises. In these poses reside the core of his strength, and perhaps the Lady sees this, but regardless of what she might think, Matiscio is convinced the Vudrani teachings can help anyone no matter what they want to achieve in life.
Gilda smirks a bit as Gregor delivers an oration rivaling some of Celia's monologue on magic, religion, other worlds and... nobles?
She juts a thumb at Gregor and Matiscio.
"He's uh, pretty good with a bow, too. And Muscles here's good wit his fists!"
Celia begins her mini lecture "The first thing you have to understand is that magic, in it's very essence is everywhere, in everything. Whether magic comes from the gods or is harnessed from a primal source, at it's base it is really the same. The different major focuses of magic have been equated to religious standards of sin and virtue. Lust and chastity, gluttony and temperance, greed and charity, sloth and diligence, wrath and forgiveness, envy and kindness, pride and humility."
"Magic has this inherent duality and it is up to those who wield it to dictate its application. This duality effects not only magic but the cosmos as a whole. There are planes of existence that converge all around us and make our reality what it is. Should any plane hold more sway over the others it would throw off the balance of the very cosmos and could spell utter ruin for everything we know. Our material plane sits opposed the ethereal plane at the center of it all."
"Now, all of this is a lot to consider, and there is so much more depth to it then I possibly have the time to explain, but for brevity let's look at something closer to home. The noble families of Kintargo hold great sway over the city and just like magic and the planes their are opposing forces. For example, families much like your own that cherish the relative freedom and opportunity afforded the people of Kintargo as opposed to much of the rest of Cheliax. On the other end of the spectrum are those more interested in personal power and enrichment through the oppression of others."
"You see, we stand on the brink of chaos now because the balance of power has shifted too drastically toward oppression. Just like a mage can use magic for good or ill, so to now must the nobility of Kintargo make a stand against the looming darkness and restore some balance before our great city slips into ruin. We have seen over the weeks past the darkness taking hold here; the unreasonable proclamations, the destruction of a noble line, a murderer rampaging through our very streets, and sinister darkness taking hold under the guise of the overreaching law. This lawful chaos is breeding destruction as the balance of powers shift too far. We are but one city and one people, but we stand apart and if we do not band together to strive against this, I fear what dark days may lie ahead."
The Archbaroness reads the work of 'Reverend Loflar' and nods. "Not the best of his works I've read, but it'll do. These are hard - and dangerous - to come by these days."
Lady Aulamaxa also nods at Gregor's oration. "Well-spoken, if a bit forceful at times. I would encourage you to be more flexible in the future. If you thought this noble's request was frustrating, you have little chance of winning the others over to your cause."
Not only the Archbaroness, but the whole Aulamaxa household, go through Matiscio's exercises. They seem thoroughly bought into his methods. Master Jalpur would be proud.
Once everyone is finished, the Archbaroness says, "Thank you for humoring me. You've all more than proven your unique talents. It's fair to say that you have the full support of House Aulamaxa in what are sure to be more direct conflicts yet to come. When political power struggles ensue, we shall support your cause. If we can be of assistance in the shorter term, please let us know. I will say that at the very least we can assist in setting up meetings with other noble houses. We should be able to set up two separate meetings without raising suspicions. Just let us know which houses you wish to approach next."
"Might a meeting be arranged with Baroness Jarvis? I suspect she might be rather...approachable."
Gilda nods at Evander's suggestion.
"Yeah, whichever houses you think we'd need them intro's for. Preferably we can meet with the ones that are as, uh, good humored as you all are."
Lady Aulamaxa nods at Evander's question. "Yes, Baroness Belcara is a good choice. I can probably have a meeting set up within a week or so. Can't afford to seem too eager.
"If you want my advice as to the other one, I would go with the Jhalteros or the Vashnarstills. Either would be a decent option."
Celia considers a moment and then suggests "Maybe the Vashnerstills? I remember Gilda mentioning one of their export businesses struggling after Thrune came into power, plus with the Jhalteros' head being protective of his family, I think the more we can turn to our cause before speaking with them will help show safety in numbers."
Lady Aulamaxa nods, "So be it. I'll see about arranging the meetings for you. I'm a bit closer with Baroness Belcara, so the meeting with the Jarvises will probably be ready first. I'll send word through Lia when the time comes."
With the Aulamaxa family's support won, you depart to return to your hideout. As you do so, Gregor is approached by Tessara who hands him a sealed letter and says, "My sister came by a few days ago. She heard about what was happening in the city and decided she should return from Varisia. She mentioned you by name and asked me to give this letter to you. She's staying at a local inn and said you could find the name inside."
Gregor,
My name is Leilisaria, and I am your mother. I don't expect you to believe this, at least not right away, but I felt I had to return. When Kintargo was at peace, there was no need for me to complicate things. Now that the current turmoil has arisen, I felt I had to return and see that you were safe. I couldn't trust that your father would choose the right side and it seems my distrust was well founded.
I'm staying at a local inn, Tooth and Nail. If you ask the proprietor for me, she'll take you straight to my room. Gregor, I just want to see your face. To know you are okay. If you want nothing to do with me after that, so be it. But as your mother, I still care for you. That's why I left in the first place and that's why I've returned now.
Yours in love,
Leilisaria
As they return to their hideout Celia gets together with Rexus to talk about the two noble families they will be visiting and refresh her memory on the two houses for anything pertinent that may help them in their upcoming meetings.
Afterwards she finds the others to see what their next plan is. "So, we are going to be waiting a few days for our next meeting, Gilda had suggested checking in on the aquatic elves we freed. Maybe that would be a good use of our time in the interim instead of just waiting here sitting on our hands?"
Evander nods. "Checking in on the aquatic elves would probably be good, but we'll need to make sure we have sufficient means of breathing underwater."
Celia nods "I can take some time to adjust my spells where I can transmute each of us up to three times. Each time I do so it will give all of us almost 3 hours where we can breath under water."
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Gregor's brow is deeply furrowed as Lia's mother hands him the letter from her sister, "Why would an elven woman seek me out? I know none, never treated with any, nor owe them anything?" He scowls with a suspicious eye at the letter, turning it over as if there were a viper hidden within.
He first inspects the envelope with a discerning eye, ensuring there are no signs of magic present, indicating any sort of trap or illusion. He lags behind slightly as he finally opens and reads it. "HA! How stupid you think I am, to set such an obvious trap?" He tears the letter in half, crumples each piece, and tosses them to the ground.
----------
Gregor shakes his head, "More elves, bah. I can do without the lot of them. It might be worthwhile to ensure they are not up to ill will."
Rexus eagerly discusses the noble houses with his sister, happy to have a lengthy conversation with his only surviving kin. They are able to recall quite a bit about the two noble houses.
Baroness Belcara Jarvis heads house Jarvis. They are known for being passionate about architecture, friendly, and rumored to worship a certain forbidden god of good cheer.
It’s a poorly kept secret that the Jarvises’ loyalties lie with the city of Kintargo itself. Much of the city’s current architecture and layout is a direct result of the Jarvises’ planning and influence.
Baroness Belcara in particular has carried on her family’s legacy of architecture and is particularly interested in the subject. Anyone familiar with the craft or perhaps building more broadly would likely have a much better chance of winning her favor.
Baron Sendi Vashnarstill is known for being greedy, sleazy, and worldly. His family cares greatly about money, so the recent hit on their trade has caused a shadow to fall over the family. The baron himself has apparently gone into something of a depression as a result.
The Vashnerstills’ primary business is through Arcadian trade, fishing, and shipbuilding. Only their fishing business has managed to stay mostly intact. With few foreigners visiting Kintargo and outside trade all but cut off, the Vashnerstills are in a precarious financial situation.
Despite their circumstances, the Vashnerstills have always been known for their loyalty to Kintargo. Perhaps even patriotism, if such a thing were possible for a city.
Baron Sendi is particularly infatuated with money, so if you could prove your skill in economic matters, he would likely be impressed. Carrying on a decent conversation with the depressed man could also potentially lift his spirits.
You know that no ships ply the waters of the Dismal Nitch, where the aquatic elves’ village, Acisazi, is located. If you plan on making the journey by boat, you’ll need to hire a captain specifically for the journey. It’s an 85-mile journey.
Gilda leans back, somehow finding a stale bagel to nibble away at while feeding the hardest pieces to Sprinkles Too. The cityshaman lets Rexus and Celia discuss the finer details of the two noble families with one ear trained torwards bits that would be relevant to her own interests while she begins to discern Venny's tastes in snacks while she offers the lower half of the bagel.
"So, Ven. Whatcha like snackin' on?"
**
As the conversation wraps, Gilda restates the tidbits she gleamed as most interesting to herself.
"So we got some friendly boozies in Belcara? I like the sound of this family. And Sendi's just interested in money eh? I dunno much about Arcadian trade - what's that mean??"
Celia relates what she and Rexus recall about their two target families, thinking she will need to spend some time brushing up on her architecture and economics.
As Gilda asks about Arcadian trade Celia grins "Arcadia is another continent... landmass far to the west. The ocean off the coast of Cheliax is the Arcadian ocean. As such his business dealing involve trade most likely over the ocean, though I highly doubt he has a trade route to Arcadia." she shrugs.
Turning the conversation back to the elves Celia notes "As we look to travel to see the elves, no boats regular the waters there. We will need to hire a captain specifically for the task. It is about 85 miles, which depending on the size of the vessel we charter will take us anywhere from one to two days to reach. Not sure if this might be worth calling in a favor from our captain friend so at least we know we have someone reliable there with us?"
"I believe this is absolutely worth calling in a favor. It will save us the needed time to find a boat that can carry us there."
Gregor scoffs and shakes his head, "What is it again that we need from these elves? Especially so that it would warrant traveling two to four days outside of our concerns, while also calling in a favor that may have greater purpose. If we are intent on garnering the support of these families, I feel sooner rather than later would be in our best interests. This favor of the ship Captain that we call in could be used instead to arrange some coordination with the Vashnarstill family, that they may find shipping, and ships work to mutual benefit."
Celia rolls her eyes at Gregor's continued seething racism toward the elves and calmly notes "It would do us well to have allies outside of Kintargo to call on as we continue to progress our plans of eventually dealing with Thrune. Additionally, there is still the whole matter of the skum that were living here previously and what they were up to, plus the potential threat of an aboleth..."
She pauses a moment to let that sink in before continuing "Additionally, we have several favors left with the captain so I don't see using one now as hampering us in the future. It may also be good for you to see how elves live and get a better understanding for them so you can possibly learn a bit more compassion. Over generalizing an entire race of people with limited interaction with them is just prejudice and we should all strive to be better than that."
When Gregor doesn't reply one way or the other she turns back to the others "Well, since we seem to only have one dissenting opinion perhaps we just go with majority rules. Let's send word to the Archbaroness that we will be out of town for a bit, she said it would take awhile to setup meetings anyway, but this way we ensure she doesn't set something up while we aren't here. Afterwards, we should go to the captain to speak with him about this excursion."
You send word through Lia that you'll be out of town for a bit, which Lia doesn't think is a problem as long as it's not more than a week or so.
You bump into Setrona Sabinus on your way out of the hideout to see the captain. The Lictor's cousin nods to Gregor and says, "Did you receive Leilisaria's note? I know she's eager to see you as soon as you have time. Second floor, first door on the right. Can't miss her. If I'm back at the tavern before you, when should I say you'll be by to see her?"
-----
You depart the hideout and head for the Old Harbor. Captain Sargaeta's ship remains where you found it last. Some of its repairs seem to be coming along nicely.
The Captain and - once he's sure you weren't followed - Marquel greet you warmly, happy to see familiar faces.
Sargaeta says, "Welcome aboard. Come to cash in one of your favors, I presume? What can the Scourge of Belial do for you today?"
Gregor shakes his head and gives the woman a questioning look, "Whatever ploy has been cooked up, it is not even a good one. Clearly they did not bother to study their targets, because then they would not have been so short-sighted in trying to rope me in with an elven parent. What you can tell 'her', is that I did not fall for it."
Setrona frowns at Gregor's words. "You're saying it's a ploy? There was no one but her. Perhaps she's lying, but you could at least check. She seemed sincere. I know everyone who enters and exits my tavern. She came alone and no one else is staying there at the moment. Not exactly common to get visitors at the moment anyway. She came a long way to see you. The least you could do is hear her out."
-----
”Good day to you, Captain. We were hoping to use a favor to take a bit of a journey. Would this be amenable?”
Celia gives the captain and Marquel a polite smile and a slight bow of her head as they greet them. When the captain mentions the favors she nods "Yes, this should be a relatively easy one for all intents and purposes. There is a village of aquatic elves up the coast we would like reliable transportation there and back."
Gilda nods agreement as a thought races through her head.
"Hey, these aquatic elves. Any chance this village is underwater instead'a next to it?"
Captain Sargaeta nods at Evander’s question. “Of course. I was beginning to wonder if you even wanted my help, so I’m happy to be of assistance as you have been to me.”
At Celia’s words, the captain says, “Acisazi? I wouldn’t describe that as an easy journey. Not many go that route and the reef near the shore makes the journey take longer than it otherwise would. But I would be happy to bring you there and back as one favor. Just can’t say I’ll be able to get you right next to the village. No captain in his right mind would brave those reefs. You’ll be within a mile or two, though. Is that amenable to you?”
The captain says to Gilda, “It’s a coastal aquatic elf village. Most likely half the village is below water and half above. There are usually some half-elves among the villagers.”
Celia offers the captain a smile as she notes "Indeed, a mile or two is much better than the distance we already have to travel."
Gilda overtly rolls her eyes while grinning.
"Only half the village is underwater? Good thing we got some experience there!"
Captain Sargaeta is ready to sail almost immediately. He calls for the few members of his crew still ashore to come aboard and the ship’s sails are soon unfurled and its anchor raised. Marquel watches from the captain’s quarters. He seems enamored with all that is happening.
As the crew continue with final preparations, Sargaeta says to you, “You’ll have to bunk with the crew for the journey there and back. Only other place is my quarters, which are already reserved. Can’t say the hammocks are the most comfortable of beddings, but you could do a lot worse on a Chelaxian war vessel."
Final preparations are completed and the ship departs from Kintargo. For the first time in quite a while, you leave behind the city you’ve fought so hard for. From a distance, it’s hard to tell the tyranny that has taken hold of Kintargo, yet you know all too well the threat that Barzillai poses. Perhaps this journey will in some way bring you closer to a free Kintargo.
Captain Sargaeta stays at the helm most of the day, making sure the ship stays on course. He seems to take his duty to transport you rather seriously. Perhaps the constant threat of the reefs near the shore also heightens his focus. The rest of the day passes uneventfully and night settles in. The captain informs you that, assuming no unforeseen delays, you should arrive around dusk tomorrow at the cove where he plans to drop you off. The ship will wait there for your return.
The captain wasn’t kidding about your bed situation. You each have your own hammock which are only a few inches away from the next hammock over. Anytime a wave of any size rocks the ship, you bump into the people beside you as the hammock moves back and forth. It doesn’t make for the best night’s sleep, but the captain’s crew don’t seem to mind, and they also don’t seem to mind you.
Not only is Gregor less than happy about the current mission, it seems that the rolling of a ship's deck at sea is also something he doesn't agree with. Despite fairly smooth a fluid movements in combat, he just doesn't keep a loose enough stance to manage to roll when the deck does. He's never been at sea before, and in fact other than just outside the city's walls, never left Kintargo. The temple they went to in order to find the Lictor was, up until now, the furthest he's ever been from home. These two things combined, has turned his generally stoic and taciturn mood into one of extremely sour grapes. He stays quiet, tending to his fitness and care for his equipment in the salt air, deigning not to say anything to anyone if he can help it. It's not exactly clear whether it's to avoid saying something aggressive, or for fear of losing his meal as soon as he opens his mouth.
Expecting little by way of pirates boarding their vessel, Gilda opts to employ one of her most powerful magicks to check up on Tayacet.
Celia seems almost excited at the prospect of the trip. The others, who don't know as much about her past, might expect a bookworm like her to really struggle leaving the city and being out at sea, but she actually seem happier than she has been in quite some time.
It had been sometime now that she had been doing nothing but surviving cooped up in their lair in Kintargo. The open sea was a refreshing change of pace for her and the prospect of meeting new people and exploring new things was exciting. Surprisingly she slept alright even with the bumping about and swaying, she was definitely not the stereotypical noble that her family name suggested.
Overall she is definitely more chipper than usual, an almost polar opposite to Gregor on the trip.
HP: 42/42
AC: 14 (Base 14)
Reservoir Points: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Pearl of Power: [ ] [ ] [ ]
Lvl. 0 Spells: Acid Splash [U], Detect Magic [U], Light [U], Message [U]
Lvl. 1 Spells: Toppling Magic Missile [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Lvl. 2 Spells: Glitterdust [ ], Invisibility [ ] Knock [ ], See Invisibility [ ] [ ]
Lvl. 3 Spells: Dispel Magic [ ] , Water Breathing [ ] [ ]
Lvl. 4 Spells: Emergency Force Sphere [ ] , Greater Invisibility [ ]
Evander had never been out of Kintargo, never been sailing on a ship before, and certainly had never imagined that this would be his life. As such, he feels a mixture of both fear at doing something he'd never done before, and excitement at the new experience. As the voyage gets underway, excitement overtakes fear, and he spends the entire trip in an excited mood, experiencing something new for the first time.
When the sailors or Captain Sargaeta aren't busy, he asks questions of them about sailing, the ship, and places they've been. He does his best not to be annoying, but he was just so excited by this new experience.
2nd-level - barkskin, see invisibility, invisibility, [one empty]
1st-level - cure light wounds x2, shield x2, monkeyfish x2
Gilda casts her spell to spy on Tayacet. She finds the investigator to be going about what is presumably her normal routine. Tayacet is currently patrolling through the city, studying each person she sees for a few moments before moving on to the next person. It’s hard to say from Gilda’s scrying whether or not Tayacet is still committed to the rebellion.
Captain Sargaeta and the other sailors answer Evander’s questions when they aren’t busy with the ship’s various duties. Sargaeta seems to do so willingly and the sailors begrudgingly. Still, the information they provide seems highly detailed and accurate. These aren’t half-trained seamen but fully-trained Chelaxian navalmen. The sailors also seem to know better than to ask any specific questions about who you are or what you’re doing.
-----
The next day you arrive at the cove Captain Sargaeta mentioned around the time he said you would. He anchors the ship and extends a wooden walkway for you to reach the rocky plateau that forms this section of the coast. He bids you good luck and asks that you send word in three days’ time if you are unable to return by then. If he doesn’t hear from you in five days, he’ll fear the worst and return to Kintargo without you.
From the plateau, it’s only a couple miles’ journey to arrive at the village of Acisazi.
A dreary, sodden skeleton of a village clings to the shoreline here, nestled in the embrace of fog-slicked cliffs to all sides save the west, where the gray waters of the sea surge. With buildings of driftwood and wicker connected by rope bridges and soggy wooden boardwalks, the town does not present a welcoming embrace. Even the sea birds that festoon the roofs of the small village seem tired and listless.
A large group of elves and half-elves gathers to stare nervously at you before one of them, a full aquatic elf, makes his way through the crowd to present himself.
He says tersely, “I am Nerrenn Aeelamna, the village warden. Outlanders are not welcome here. You must turn back at once. Return to wherever you came from.”
Nerrenn has a strange cadence to his mannerisms. You suspect that he has been dominated.
Gilda leans over, putting her hands on her knees while she takes a deep breath.
"How many miles did we just walk? A hundred? Next time, we bring a carriage or somethin'!"
Sniffin' the air as she resumes standing, Gilda smiles as the sodden remnants of the village don't look that dissimilar to her creature comforts in Kintargo.
"Ah, rotten' fish.. smells like home."
**
As the group is greeted by the foremost aquatic elf, Gilda takes a step back behind Matiscio.
"Oh HEY, Nerrenn. You're uh, real charming for an elf! This is quite a dominating group that's come out ta' greet us!"
Gilda nods towards Celia and then towards Nerrenn just in case the wizard was busy preparing a monologue instead of catching onto her cues.
Evander picks up on what Gilda is laying down, and tries to buy a little time. He says, "Our humblest apologies. We've simply gotten lost. Perhaps you could provide directions?"
Celia says nothing but gives Gilda a nod, she takes up her stance ready to start casting a spell to dispel any magic that may have taken hold of this warden.
Nerrenn seems completely oblivious to the secret message Gilda passes.
At Evander’s question, he points away from the village and says, “Yes. That’s the way out of the village. You would do well to leave immediately.”
"Well, we were hoping for something more specific than that. Could you tell us how to get to the city of Vyre from here?"
With Evander obviously trying to keep the ruse up Celia takes a chance and casts her spell on the warden hoping to dispel whatever is dominating him.
Nerrenn seems thoroughly frustrated by Evander and his face is reddening. Still, Evander's question seems sincere enough and the elf completely misses Celia's attempt to cast a spell. The other elves seem to miss it as well, their attention shifting between Evander and Nerrenn.
Shaking his head, Nerrenn replies, "You can't get there from here. You'll need a boat. I'm sure you can find one in Kintargo. In any case, you'll find no help here. Leave. Or I'll be forced to remove you."
Celia is relieved when no one notices her failed spell attempt but frowns as Nerrenn is persistent about them leaving she looks to Evander and gives him a nod as she notes "I guess we should be going and leave them be, they obviously don't seem too helpful right now..."
Sensing that she's communicated her message well, Gilda also seizes the opportunity of the distraction Evander is causing to see if she can undo whatever binds the man's mind.