Muziel is very puzzled by the strange comment about the bath. I knew I heard something last night, he thinks. Another thing to add to the mystery.
He takes items offered by Penelope. "Ooh, what's this? A thunderstone! You sure know a way to a gnome's heart. Call me Muziel, since we're about to go out in public."
Muziel goes shopping and purchases a picnic basket (4 sp) and a grooming kit (1gp). He cleans up a bit, and places in the basket some food, wine, platters, and wineglasses to help play the role of a servant. Though, as he's collecting the food, he seems to be eating quite a bit of it.
Once at the event, he seems to enjoy making quite a show of serving wine and hors d'oeuvres to everyone. "More wine, milord and lady?"
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Amanda will meet up with Sarini and say, "It is a pleasure to see you again milord. Might I say you style of dress gives much creedence to your noble bearing."
She then says quietly to him "Before we go on our excursion, we should do well to come up with good cover identities. You may address me by the name Noravia for instance. Best that we not drop our real names lest we have the them have one further means of unraveling our ploy."
Amanda says to Kolaiah, "Ah, now that's a statement that is a very predictive one. What could go wrong? Many things could. Besides not only are we there to listen but also to sway those there from rebellion. By blending into the role, I open new venues of gathering information."
"Your preparations are too much. We have simply been instructed to go and watch and listen. What could go wrong?"
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Nikolai looks at Amanda with a bit of shock. "What on earth are you talking about? What ploy? We are here as representatives of the Archbaron. I have already registered in a local Inn and been approached by a valet on the street that knew exactly who I was and where to find me. I doubt a fake name will suffice as I am a known lord, besides why should we be skulking around it is our job to be seen as true supporters. That little gnome had a good laugh calling me gluttony last night, but I have been thinking on it and decided I do not mind the moniker. I do enjoy partaking in all that life has to offer. Call me gluttony if you insist, but do not expect me to hide my true name if asked. "
Nikolai straightens his sash and walks proudly among the crowd looking for anyone he might recognize to start up a chat with, or of noble birth.
Penelope wonders if one of their number is a bit off his rocker... but she keeps that to herself and follows her "lord", scanning the crowd like a real body guard would.
Ismene arrives at the church yard somewhat later than the others, cleaned up and dressed in formal Asmodean robes, her pentagram and sash both displayed prominently. The usual red-and-black are offset by golden trim, reminding the townsfolk that a Sister of the Golden Erinyes walks among them. After making contact with the others, she peels away from the group and wades into the crowd. Doubly opposed to the Iomedaens as the rest of her cohorts, she places herself near the middle of the throng where the Lady of Valor's faithful are sure to notice.
Festus explains his progress with the carriage as he assists you in your preparations.
"I've secured an appropriate carriage, sir, but it is not ready yet. The carriage in question hasn't been used in several months, so I'm having the workers at the Jackdaw perform some restorative maintenance to the exterior and refurbish the interior. I also hired a painter to apply a new coat to the whole thing, as well as apply the crest of your House to the doors. I also arranged for a pair of acceptable horses to pull it. I, myself, have the skills to drive, though I can hire a talented, full-time driver on your behalf if you wish.
"The Jackdaw assures me that the vehicle will be ready by tomorrow morning, though they say they will not release it until the remainder of the balance, two hundred twenty gold, has been filled. I managed to negotiate a sizable discount on the package as a whole, and got them to take the costs of the restoration onto themselves for having not kept the carriage in the condition it had when they took possession of it from the former mayor's estate."
After the status report, Festus assures you that your bath will be ready to your specifications when you return.
Most people are seeing the sashes and keeping a nervous distance, but there's clearly a lot of rumor-mongering going on, and eager discussion of the upcoming sermon. About an hour before the sermon is scheduled to start, several figures wearing crimson and sable armor make an appearance: Longacre's sheriff and her deputies. The deputies start wading through the ever-growing crowd, reminding people of their presence, while the sheriff herself heads straight for Cimri.
"Cimri!" she says, pleasantly. "How's my favorite niece doing?"
Cimri's expression immediately turns sour. "I was just dandy, Aunt Rhona," she answers reluctantly.
The sheriff's cheery mood seems unperturbed. "Some shady folks you've been hanging around with lately. Want to introduce me to your new friends?"
"Not particularly," answers Cimri, folding her arms.
"So you're here for Sword Knight Allomar's sermon?" asks Sheriff Staelish, undeterred. "I didn't think you were the religious sort."
Hmm I don't notice anyone, all people of low stock. Nikolai sees Cimri speaking to her Aunt, who is also the sheriff apparently. He walks over there eager to meet someone of value. When introductions are mentioned he jumps on the opportunity."Cimri, you never mentioned your Aunt was the sheriff. Allow me to introduce myself madam sheriff, I am Nikolai Sarini of the House Sarini." He bows and offers his hand, if she takes it he will kiss it." I admit I am not in my best, but I hope you don't find me shady madam sheriff. Quite the opposite really."
Kolaiah determines that Cimri is a bit at a loss for words, so he decides to assist. "Here now Sheriff, we may not all be Iomedaens, but I am sure that I need not remind you that she was Aroden's herald, and her worship is more than legal, provided it stays within certain bounds. Likewise, the Archbaron has supporters, such as we, but the two need not be mutually exclusive, correct? Can we not too listen to what the sect of Iomedae has to say without fear of reprisal, assuming, of course, that the message does stay within established bounds?"
+2 vs outsiders, +1 vs members of Chelish aristocracy
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Once the group arrives at the scene Amanda stays close to the party, acting the role as one of the ladies of the court of the Baron. She speaks to people in the crowd pretending to be an interested person in the upcoming proceedings, asking their opinions on what the upcoming speech would be and what they feel about it, often feinting interest and perhaps some malleability to what the Imodeans have to bring to the table.
Lost in his acting role, Muziel is completely oblivious to the nuances of what's going on. But he is still stunned by the very open revelation!
If he gets the chance to do it discretely, he's going to pester Cimri about it. "Psst. You never mentioned that your aunt was the town sheriff! No wonder you don't want to stay with your aunt!"
Rhona Staelish takes Nikolai's offered hand in an almost mechanical accepting of the gesture, while still maintaining a skeptical look in her eyes. Though it's obvious that she still harbors suspicions despite your manners, Nikolai and Kolaiah's grand words provide enough of a distraction that she doesn't notice when Cimri doesn't answer her question at all, and instead leans down to whisper an answer to Muziel.
"Yeah, she's a real controlling b%$+%. She always has something to say about what I do, who I do it with, and until what hours. I can't stand her." There's more than a small portion of petulance in her tone.
"You won't find any objection to listening from me," Rhona says in direct response to Kolaiah. "While I'm here in an official capacity to make sure things stay calm and civil, I think there's often a lot that Sword Knight Allomar says that's worth listening to. I've found myself wishing more than once that my niece would listen to her more." She smiles, sadly. "So what's the story with those sashes?" The question is loosely directed at all of you, but especially directed toward Cimri once again, bringing her attention back from Muziel. "Is the Archbaron or someone paying you to wear those?"
"I don't think I care for the implication of your questions," Kolaiah says indignantly. "The idea that my loyalty and affections can be bought is abhorrent. If there weren't laws against such things, and you not being a member of the constabulary I might take physical umbrage at the affront! Let me assure you that neither the Archbaron, nor anyone else has paid me to wear this sash."
"Why? don't you think its fashionable?" Nikolai answers coyly when asked about the sash."I am glad you are here sheriff. So who is this Sword Knight Allomar anyways? Sounds a bit redundant "Sword Knight" perhaps I shall start calling myself "Mouth Singer"." Nikolai remarks jokingly trying to distract the Sheriff.
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Penelope barks a laugh, before getting ahold of herself and maintaining bodyguard calm. She remembers a whore who was nicknamed Mouth Singer and imagining the Knight Sword doing that got the better of her.
She remembers a whore who was nicknamed Mouth Singer
Noticing the sheriff approach Cimri and the others, Ismene thanks Asmodeus she decided to go off on her own. I wonder what the old b!@*& wants? Probably giving Cim s*@# about the sash. Double pay doesn't seem like such a good deal if it means having to listen to Sheriff Staelish lecture from her high horse.
Floating among the other townspeople, Ismene revels in the townspeople's discomfort at her presence. Her eyes scan the crowd of people, most of whom won't even make eye contact, while she strains her ears to listen in on the swirling conversation around her. She performs a controlled breathing exercise the Sisters taught her to help her concentrate as she tries to follow multiple conversations at once.
"Ha! Don't you get paid to be in your uniform, miss Sheriff?" asks the gnome. He holds out a wineglass with wine. "Would you like some wine? Oh wait, you're on duty!" He takes the glass back and sips it himself.
Sheriff Staelish shrugs, seemingly ignoring the sudden bout of laughter from Penelope. "Fashionable or not, it's an odd choice for one noble to wear the insignia of another. And it's doubly odd for Cimri to show such obvious support for anything in public." She ignores the question of redundancy in terminology, but quirks an eyebrow at Muziel's Comment about being in uniform.
"Speaking of uniforms," she says, reaching out to her niece and trying to feel the material of her new armor. Cimri quickly pulls away from the gesture. "That's a lovely new set of armor you're wearing, Cimri. I can't help but wonder at the timing of it, what with there being a break-in at the tannery last night and several pieces of merchandise stolen. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"
"A break in! Goodness, no! And no, I purchased that armor for her. She needed something more substantial, sounds like good timeing too if burglars are about. As to the sashes, this is the Archbaron's territory so we all decided that it would be the patriotic thing to wear something befitting. Don't you agree sheriff?" Nikolai interrupts trying to head off any suspicion feeling right at home as if back in court.
"And you paid way too much for it if you ask me. Those damn merchants! Always selling things for full price and buying them for just half. I'm sure Abadar smiles on such things, but it's a poverty on the small folk if you ask me."
+1 vs members of Chelish aristocracy
Muziel just keeps his mouth shut and enjoys the riveting performance. They were all so smooth, even Muziel started to believe what they were saying - and he knew the truth!
The sheriff nods. "Well, it's good to know that Cimri's got friends she's willing to let look after her. She worries me sometimes." She nods to each of you. "You folks have a nice day. Hopefully this speech doesn't turn into a lit powder keg."
She turns and starts making her way through the crowd. Cimri gives her back the finger as soon as her back is turned.
Not much changes over the course of the next thirty minutes or so, with the exception that more and more people arrive. Finally, precisely on time, Fifth Sword Knight Allomar appears on one of the church's upper balconies, while her twin sons, Loran and Lacall Allomar exit the front doors, carrying a box swaddled in white linnen between them. Sword Knight Allomar puts up her hands to shush the crowd and begins to speak.
"Friends and neighbors, I have wondrous tidings to share! We have all known hardships in our lives. Needless sorrows. Injustice. Even cruelty. Indeed, such is the struggle of all who live, but many among us have known more than our share. Many among us have shouldered burdens laid upon them, not by the Inheritor, but by those who would curse her name and taunt her faithful.
"But today I bear a missive from champions of Iomedae's faith, heralds of the Goddess's will, who know your troubles and would see them end." Sword Knight Allomar gestures down to her sons, who move forward and set the box down on the table that had already been set out in front of the church. Meanwhile she unfurls a roll of parchment and again begins to speak.
"I received this letter last night:
"'People of Longacre! The time of your redemption is at hand. When the song of the Inheritor rises, you all must choose: live as complacent vassals of corruption and evil, or embrace honor and claim the glory that is your right. The Glorious Reclamation gives you a choice.'
"Signed, 'Lencia Visserene, Knight-Inheritor of the Glorious Reclamation.'
"Friends, it is up to us to restore the worship of Iomedae to its proper place in Cheliax and reclaim our nation in the name of the Inheritor. But we have been given a sign, a sign that the 'Angel Knight' has come to Longacre to lead us to glory! Come, see it for yourself and know the truth!"
On cue, Loran and Lacall lift the lid from the box, pulling out an ornate silver helmet sculpted with angelic features and a halo of curls. The faceplate's eye holes stare sternly into the crowd. Sword Knight Allomar re-enters the temple once the helmet is revealed.
Some people immediately drift away following the sermon, but several pockets of curious and upset townspeople remain in the square to get a closer look at the silver helmet in the churchyard and muse on the meaning of the priestess’s message, gathering in larger clusters than before. Loran and Lacall stay by the table to keep things orderly.
"So that doesn't sound good. What do you all think?"
"Ugh, seems like those self-righteous Iomedeans are stirring up trouble. That can't be good for business!" Muziel admits that the church put on a pretty good show, though; he's curious about what that strange helmet was. "Anyone wanna take a look at the big helmet? It might not be nearly as special as the Iomedeans make it sound like."
"I'm good, you go ahead and look. I've no need to see some silly artifact of that particular god."
A couple of people were saying one of her sons was visited by an angel... bet that thing there is supposed to be from that.
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Listening to the speech Nikolai laughs "Complacent vassals of corruption and evil? HA!" Nikolai finds a balcony or table nearby where he can stand above the crowd somewhat and begins a musical retort. Lies always sound better sung after all he smiles to himself
"Lencia Visserence, sounds sweet and clean
But what of her two sons? abusive and obscene
What's that you say? Worship Iomedae?
Why not Erastil? Or Sarenrae?
BECAUSE THIS IS LONGACRE AND WE LIKE IT THIS WAY!" He looks at the priests boldly for the next line
"Pack up your pretty hat,
Take it with you foul rat
Tell your pathetic 'Angel Knight'
Longacre is strong, we will fight
What's that you say? Glorious Reclimation?
LEAVE NOW OR FACE TOTAL DECIMATION!"
"Okay, suit yourself!" responds Muziel to Koliah. Muziel heads on over himself to see this helmet, and starts up a conversation with the twins once he's there. "Hey, so what's this thing supposed to be, anyway?"
He looks at the helmet carefully from up close, wondering if he could see any signs that it wasn't whatever they claimed it was. !
As soon as Nikolai sings his song, the mood of the square changes dramatically. The solemness is largely broken by the humor, and the reminder that life really hasn't been as bad as they make it seem. Several people gathered around talking or waiting in line chuckle or laugh and decide to move on with their day.
Muziel, up close, can see that the twins Loran and Lacall are flushed at the neck, but doing their best to ignore the insults, focusing instead on their job. They're clearly finding it difficult, though, their muscles are tensed under their cassocks. Upon closer inspection of the helmet, you find that it's a functional battle helmet aesthetically shaped to resemble the head of an angel. What appears to be silver is actually highly polished steel, likely because using actual silver for such an important piece of armor would be silly for anything other than decoration and this is definitely not just for decoration.
"It's as mother said," Lacall answers Muziel's question. "The Angel Knight sent the helmet as a token of intent along with the letter."
"It means we won't have to suffer the rule of Hell much longer," adds Loran. "You need not be a puppet for the Archbaron anymore."
Meanwhile a wicked grin has come over Cimri's face. She takes a look around for her aunt and her deputies before leaning in conspiratorially to the others who are still together. "I wonder what those pious, holier-than-thou jerks would do if we nicked their precious helmet. Who knows, Razelago might give us a bonus if we bring it back to him!"
"I am certainly not opposed to exercising a little personal initiative," says Kolaiah, "especially if it lines my pockets, and furthers my causes."
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"Hey, just because I'm small doesn't mean you can call me a puppet!" says Muziel, offended. "Did you see the Angel Knight bring the helmet yourself? I thought the letter was signed by a Knight-Inheritor. "
Muziel looks carefully for signs of discomfort or untruth.
"I was referring to your sash, not your stature, master Gnome," explains Loran. "But to alleviate your confusion, the Knight-Inheritor and the Angel Knight are one and the same."
"It was delivered to mother, not to us," adds Lacall, "but I did see her. She was dressed all in angelic armor, with an another helmet identical to this upon her head."
Do either of the brothers detect as being good?
Kolaiah nods knowingly, rubbing his chin, and stares a bit more intently at the two, trying to determine which one's blood might taste the best.
Don't think trying to nic that is going to be that easy. Unless... Penelope gestures to the wagon full of flammable wood tar. A lot of things could get lost in the amount of chaos something like that could cause.
"Huh? What do you..." Kolaiah spots the wagon Penelope gestured towards. "Ohhh. I like how you think. How are you with flint and steel?"
She gives a smirk Oh I can start a fire. But making those mules go where we want, not sure I could manage that.
"Well, I would love to help, but animals and I do not get along."
Muziel looks down at his costume. "Oh, my sash? I rather like it. It looks pretty stylish, don't you think? Well, I'm sure that helmet is very important. I hope you're keeping it somewhere safe." Muziel hoped these rather earnest brothers might let slip where and how it was being stored and guarded!
*Edit* - "Also, is the Angel Knight really an angel? And is she coming back soon?"
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Knowledge Religion
Amanda has not heard much of the Glorious Reformation but bring an Inqusitor she was briefed on a potential threat of this righteous Rebellion of the Faith's of good. She decides that damage control would be in order. She approaches Lancall and says,
"Mister Lacall for what reason would you and the angel knight want to disrupt the peace of this fine city of Longacre? You would suggest that citizens of this city rise up against the proper authority of law and order? Where was your goddess when Aroden died and the nation burned on civil war and rebellion? It was the iron rule of Asmodeus that brought peace and security to this city and all of Cheliax. Now you are suggesting that after so many years of peace that our nation once again tear itself apart from within over religious reteric? How is your Godesss any less "Evil" if she would sacrifice innocent lives to bring war and devastation to the great nation of Cheliax?"