Brandon looks around at the gathered individuals and catches the female Tiefling's eye. He gives a quick half smile and then looks away.
"It appears whoever you are still waiting for has been delayed, perhaps permanently." His hand went to the recent wound at his side. "Supper was nice and all but I think you'd better explain what we're doing here. If you don't kind, of course..." He trailed off as he felt that Tiefling's intende gaze on him.
As she contemplates the group around her and Janiven's nervous attitude, Tessai is beginning to feel that this may be somewhat more serious than it seems. As they entered,some were friendlier, and others more to themselves - it would seem that the more unassuming man she was now observing already knew the Tiefling sitting at her side from somewhere else. The others seem as strange to each other as to Tessai.
The presence of another half-breed was somewhat reassuring, but there wasn't much meaning to be gleaned out of it - she had come across traitors before, and surely would face like minded vermin in her years to come.
For now, there isn't much more that can be done but wait, I guess... But I tire of sitting
Standing up, the grey skinned tiefling walked up to one of the windows of the establishment and peered outside - I wonder why you keep peeking?
Perception for "suspicious" outdoor activity :
{None plan to fail; Many fail to plan.}, thought Devil, rising as Tessai did, in his correct old-school mannerly manner. When the grey lady went to spy on their host's spying- or worrying, Devil could not tell, probably both, he excused himself from the table, and made for the kitchen. The floors were clean, but the repairs Janiven had been making suggested a fight, a barfight. Cleanup would have needed...
A mop. And there it was, wrung, drying. Wet, the head would have been a half-stone or more, intended to be swung about. That made the stave a worthy guardian's tool. Once it was free of the mophead...
Which it now was. It would only take a moment to remount, assuming the clamping part weren't used in a battle. Which Devil did not yet assume.
He took another moment to stoke the stove and set some pots to boil. Improvised, imperfect... but at least, a plan.
Returning to the front room with his prize mopstave, Devil takes the first opportunity to say calmly to Tessai, "I've set some pots to boil. In case we were able to find some lobsters, or similar."
Corellon sizes up Hal for a minute, having watched him make his way from the street into the tavern. There is something of the familiar about him, through has not seen him before ... its his gait, his mannerisms ... they are smooth and finessed, though quite deliberate. He cased the room and the people in it much like he himself would do. 'One can't help but pick up on the traits of others that ply a similar trade, would be the same with carpenters or blacksmiths I guess'.
Corellon smiles at the thought of such a motley crew assembled here, if there were to do something about the malaise that affects this place they'd have a hard time doing it on the up and up.
Looking over at him, he inquires, ”Hal, is it? Have you been in town long?”
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With still a few hours to go before sundown, Janiven shutters the windows after locking the door, then takes a deep breath and clears her throat to get everyone's attention. She thanks each of you for attending the meeting. She again assures you that they’ll be done in less than an hour, with plenty of time left over for everyone to get home before sunset. Her speech is short, but delivered with great passion.
“Again, thank you for agreeing to meet with me here. I have chosen each of you for a singular reason—everyone here, myself included, has suffered, whether we realize it or not.
I have lived in Westcrown my whole life, and although I love this city, I must admit, as must you, that despite our peace and prosperity, we continue to suffer. Fear should not be an expected part of life, and yet each night brings fear to our doorsteps. Yes, Westcrown has been safe from war and famine for nearly seventy years, and yes, our businesses has prospered—but this safety and prosperity has been bought in the coinage of fear and prayers to Hell. Other lands live free from tyranny. Other cities do not fear the night. Other governments do not cede the streets to monsters of the infernal shadows.
Westcrown was once such a place, and she wants to be such a place again. Westcrown is not only her buildings and canals and docks and history—she is also her people. Westcrown is our friends and neighbors, our mothers and fathers, our siblings and cousins, our sons and daughters!
With but a small group of supporters and dedicated brothers and sisters, we can earn the trust and admiration of those people. A Westcrown free of these shadowy beasts that stalk our streets is one step closer to a Westcrown free of the devil that is the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune!”
As Janiven ends her speech, silence descends on the group like a shroud. For a moment, the tension is palpable.
It is Brandon, perhaps the least likely, who breaks it.
"Wait, what?" he says, aghast, the most animated he has been all evening. It is clear to see that he is startled, even fearful of what he has heard. "Is that why you've brought us here? To talk about rebellion, sedition? I agreed to come here because I thought I was going to meet Pathfinders, to help me finally get into that damned Lodge, not..."
He pauses for a moment and his eyes narrow.
"How do you know about me, Janiven, about any of us?"
"You spoke of combating the beasts.", Devil says evenly. "So I came. Now, you speak of insurrection. And it surprises me, but I notice: I'm not leaving."
Beppo raises an eyebrow at Janiven's impassioned speech, then sips from his mug of ale.
Ah, yes. Once again the oppressed masses yearn to be free. Maybe this time we won't get sold out and have to run for our lives.
...I wonder if her passion shows itself elsewhere?
He turns to Brandon. So you did not think our little clandestine meeting was for a clandestine purpose?
Pausing briefly enough to consider his next remark, yet clearly not awaiting a response, Beppo continues. Still, I wonder, Janiven, how you picked this motley crew. Did you just pick the first half-dozen fools who agreed to meet you, or do you know something of us, as Brandon suspects?
"Please don't misunderstand me Beppo," he takes out his battered Wayfinder. "I know what would happen if the Hellknights discover me with this. I know that reason, education, understanding, all that is controlled by the House of Thrune."
He takes a deep swallow of his wine.
"I hate that Janiven would be dragged into who knows what kind of torture and damnation if the wrong people had heard what she just said. And not just the Hellknights, ordinary folk too fearful to know better than to inform on her at the first opportunity. That's not society, that's... Hell."
"But nevertheless, what is being discussed here is insurrection as Devil says, no one should be under any illusions otherwise. That's why I want to know why she approached us specifically."
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She looks at Brandon as he asks his first question. I know that people have been killed for less than what I have just said here today. However, I am not proposing that we engage in outright rebellous activity or sedition.
There are ways to enact change in a city without such dasterdly approaches. I do believe that a small group of like-minded friends can improve the lives of the people of Westcrown, but, of course, we must take care not to appear as rebels or rioters. That would only bring the Inquisitors or worse, and a quick end to anything we do.
Her eyes move over to Brandon to answer their mutual concern.
As far as how I know you. Well, some of you I saw promise in you myself. Whether it was one of you fighting a shadowbeast in the street to save another, or the artisian selling beautifully crafted figurines of Sheyln. She looks at Kyle for a moment. Certainly, my friend, the goddess of art and beauty would flourish more in a city where people are forced to follow a god of devils through rule of fear.
For others, such as yourself, let's say I have plenty of friends here in Westcrown and beyond. I know of the Pathfinder Society, and what they represent. They ask that those who are in their organization explore and report their findings. I know of you desire to be part of it. I also know that carrying a wayfinder is enough to get the attention of a Hellknight if you're not careful. I know that my proposal isn't the most direct route to what you desire, Brandon, but look at the long term. Help us encourage the hearts of the people of Westcrown, and you, as well as others like you, may one day be allowed to explore without worry of prosecution.
There are no guarantees. I live under no illusions, myself. I take a chance, with each person I reach out to, that one of you may turn me in or be a say for the House. When one dares dreams in the land of Cheliax, she looks over at Kyle, one assumes certain risks.
She walks over and puts her hand on Brandons sholder, and drops her voice just a bit.
Help us, Brandon, and I will use my resources and contacts to find a way to get you into that lodge.
Like a rat in a trap, Corellon's first instinct is escape. Its not that he didn’t have some sense of what he was getting into, its just with the words out in the air, confronting them directly is hard. He eyes the door and windows, and immediately becomes conscious of his position in the room and means of egress. He very casually positions his hand near the hilt of his rapier, ready to draw it if need be. But something inside of him is drawn into her plot, some part of him recognizes what she says and shares her desire for change, he is otherwise motionless.
His words chosen carefully, ”And even if we agreed with you, what would you have us do that would make us traitors in the eyes of all Chelish citizens?”
'I hope she is right, I hope her judgements of these others is sound - it just takes one spy or informant in this group to guarantee a noose for each of our necks.'
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This discussion has become more dangerous than anticipated. As a member of the church, I have always had a slight protection doing certain activities. To continue down this path I not only lose that protection, but I alienate what standing my church has in this city. Kyle thought to himself as the weight on his shoulders started growing heavy.
I prayed for guidance for the last couple of days and felt led here by Shelyn. If this is her bidding, then certainly that is all that matters.
"Sometimes the right thing is not the easiest." Did that come from me?
Kyle looks around the room at the others. True beauty comes from within. He tries to see through the individuals and see them as Janiven has. She is obviously sincere and chose these people with reason. What does she have in mind?
Kyles finds his desires subconsciously sending ideas of inspiration for his next piece of art. Strangers... devils... freedom...
The words came out of his mouth before he knew what he was saying. How do we start? He wasn't even convinced yet that he should help. Why did that come out?
Help us, Brandon, and I will use my resources and contacts to find a way to get you into that lodge.
With her hand on his shoulder he was acutely aware of her presence and felt himself flushing.
She said she didn't want to take part in openly rebellious behaviour. That encouraged him.
He didn't know what to say. He had thought for all his time in Westcrown that things were wrong here. People shouldn't live in fear, they shouldn't wonder if the Hellknights were going to drag their loved ones away at any given moment. But can she make a difference? Can we?
"Tessai, Hal, what do you think?"
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Before anyone can answer Brandon, a sudden, excited pounding at the front door disrupts the meeting. Immediately adopting a defensive posture, Janiven peers through a window at whoever’s knocking, then swiftly moves to the door, unlocks it, and opens it. In stumbles an out-of-breath and frightened-looking teenager. They’ve got Arael!” he calls out, then immediately doubles over in a fit of coughing brought on by his long run.
Janiven’s face grows grim as she comforts the lad and asks him to explain himself; in a moment the lad recovers enough to spurt out, The dottari nabbed Arael, and the Hellknights of the Rack are trying to get custody of him! There’s a bunch of Hellknights on their way here now! I only just made it in here; they’ve already surrounded us!
"Janiven - you know this place best - should we hide fight or try and escape?
"Is therea way out?", Devil asks as though punctuating Corellon's question.
Laying a gentle hand on Tessai, he leans in to ask softly, "Care to help me serve the lobster?"
{None plan to fail; Many fail to plan.}, thought Devil, rising as Tessai did, in his correct old-school mannerly manner. When the grey lady went to spy on their host's spying- or worrying, Devil could not tell, probably both, he excused himself from the table, and made for the kitchen. The floors were clean, but the repairs Janiven had been making suggested a fight, a barfight. Cleanup would have needed...
A mop. And there it was, wrung, drying. Wet, the head would have been a half-stone or more, intended to be swung about. That made the stave a worthy guardian's tool. Once it was free of the mophead...
Which it now was. It would only take a moment to remount, assuming the clamping part weren't used in a battle. Which Devil did not yet assume.
He took another moment to stoke the stove and set some pots to boil. Improvised, imperfect... but at least, a plan.
** spoiler omitted **
Returning to the front room with his prize mopstave, Devil takes the first opportunity to say calmly to Tessai, "I've set some pots to boil. In case we were able to find some lobsters, or similar."
Looking amused at Devil's antics, Tessai puts in, her eyes never leaving the window and the street outside - It just remains to be seen if the lobsters are outside or inside... She nods in the direction of the gathered group.
With still a few hours to go before sundown, Janiven shutters the windows after locking the door, then takes a deep breath and clears her throat to get everyone's attention. She thanks each of you for attending the meeting. She again assures you that they’ll be done in less than an hour, with plenty of time left over for everyone to get home before sunset. Her speech is short, but delivered with great passion.
“Again, thank you for agreeing to meet with me here. I have chosen each of you for a singular reason—everyone here, myself included, has suffered, whether we realize it or not.
I have lived in Westcrown my whole life, and although I love this city, I must admit, as must you, that despite our peace and prosperity, we continue to suffer. Fear should not be an expected part of life, and yet each night brings fear to our doorsteps. Yes, Westcrown has been safe from war and famine for nearly seventy years, and yes, our businesses has prospered—but this safety and prosperity has been bought in the coinage of fear and prayers to Hell. Other lands live free from tyranny. Other cities do not fear the night. Other governments do not cede the streets to monsters of the infernal shadows.
Westcrown was once such a place, and she wants to be such a place again. Westcrown is not only her buildings and canals and docks and history—she is also her people. Westcrown is our friends and neighbors, our mothers and fathers, our siblings and cousins, our sons and daughters!
With but a small group of supporters and dedicated brothers and sisters, we can earn the trust and admiration of those people. A Westcrown free of these shadowy beasts that stalk our streets is one step closer to a Westcrown free of the devil that is the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune!”
** spoiler omitted **
And there it is...
As Janiven spoke, anyone taking a more attentive look at Tessai, would see her dark eyes growing impossibly bright, as if taking in all the shreds of light from around the room - the orange from the fireplace, the reflections of the bright afternoon filtering through the window, the unsteady light that pops into the room whwnever the door to the kitchen is open, the deep orbs seemed to take it all in.
The ever present grin in Tessai's face is surprisingly gone as she listens to the spoken words, her head spinning between thoughts of rebellion through the streets and pure simple treason in that woman's voice.
Sense Motive for Janiven's speech:
Beppo steps toward the door and draws a long curved blade from a scabbard at his waist.
hellknights. Dammit!
He then takes a half step back, looks around for an exit, and waits for Janiven to answer Corellon and the Devil.
{Drawn steel, and held before the door... So many questions of Janiven, she cannot hope to hear them all... At least, one might find comfort, that one's host was an inexperienced insurrectionist... It rather proves her sincerity...}
She looks at Brandon as he asks his first question. I know that people have been killed for less than what I have just said here today. However, I am not proposing that we engage in outright rebellous activity or sedition.
There are ways to enact change in a city without such dasterdly approaches. I do believe that a small group of like-minded friends can improve the lives of the people of Westcrown, but, of course, we must take care not to appear as rebels or rioters. That would only bring the Inquisitors or worse, and a quick end to anything we do.
Her eyes move over to Brandon to answer their mutual concern.
As far as how I know you. Well, some of you I saw promise in you myself. Whether it was one of you fighting a shadowbeast in the street to save another, or the artisian selling beautifully crafted figurines of Sheyln. She looks at Kyle for a moment. Certainly, my friend, the goddess of art and beauty would flourish more in a city where people are forced to follow a god of devils through rule of fear.
For others, such as yourself, let's say I have plenty of friends here in Westcrown and beyond. I know of the Pathfinder Society, and what they represent. They ask that those who are in their organization explore and report their findings. I know of you desire to be part of it. I also know that carrying a wayfinder is enough to get the attention of a Hellknight if you're not careful. I know that my proposal isn't the most direct route to what you desire, Brandon, but look at the long term. Help us encourage the hearts of the people of Westcrown, and you, as well as others like you, may one day be allowed to explore without worry of prosecution.
There are no guarantees. I live under no illusions, myself. I take a chance, with each person I reach out to, that one of you may turn me in or be a say for the House. When one dares dreams in the land of Cheliax, she looks over at Kyle, one assumes certain risks.
She walks...
With Janiven's last words, Tessai bursts into motion, quickly standing up - her gloved fist smacking so hard on the table, it opens a wide crack, one of its supporting legs splintering from the impact of the blow.
By Cailean, THAT is the kind of honesty I was talking about when we met a few days ago! Listen here Janiven, I have sworn away fear many years ago, and would first fall prey to one of the shadowbeasts than ever again cower or skulk in the darness. Even though I can mask my intentions well enough (), I refuse to back off, and that is why I WILL speak my mind, regardless of who in this room may be friend or foe - she looks at each of the adventurers around the table.
I care for Westcrown, and I refuse to sit idly by, watching in veiled anger as one more is taken away because he does not fit in nicely enough, or refused to step aside for a perceived "superior" to pass by!
I will not leave unto others the tasks I have the obligation to take myself - I have done it before but... It will happen NEVER again!
If you are friend, then well met and you have my comraderie, whether you want to stay or not - freedom is to be taken by no man or woman but oneself. If you are foe, by all means, strike me now as I stand right here! - and with that she stares intently into Janiven's eyes.
Help us, Brandon, and I will use my resources and contacts to find a way to get you into that lodge.With her hand on his shoulder he was acutely aware of her presence and felt himself flushing.
She said she didn't want to take part in openly rebellious behaviour. That encouraged him.
He didn't know what to say. He had thought for all his time in Westcrown that things were wrong here. People shouldn't live in fear, they shouldn't wonder if the Hellknights were going to drag their loved ones away at any given moment. But can she make a difference? Can we?
"Tessai, Hal, what do you think?"
I am no zealot Brandon - Tessai smiles - But I hold these matters dear... The measure of our worth will not be in succeeding or failing, but instead in TRYING or not.
"Is therea way out?", Devil asks as though punctuating Corellon's question.
Laying a gentle hand on Tessai, he leans in to ask softly, "Care to help me serve the lobster?"
I carve and you boil? was her answer, throwing a wink at Devil, as she drew the rapier from her waist scabbard and headed to one of the windows, peering outside.
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Janivan returns Tessai's stare with a confident, sincere look in her face. I am joyed at your words, and glad that I did not mistake your heart. You will find those with similar conviction in our group, though rarely have I met one with such passion. I assure you, my stated intentions hold no falsehoods within. Rest assured, my friends and I seek to form our own band of protectors, to work to win the admiration and support of the citizens by doing good works and providing what aid we can. If they can see your passion through such efforts, I have no doubt that we will be one step closer to seeing a Westcrown free of the grip of fear and darkness!
Laying a gentle hand on Tessai, he leans in to ask softly, "Care to help me serve the lobster?"I carve and you boil? was her answer, throwing a wink at Devil, as she drew the rapier from her waist scabbard and headed to one of the windows, peering outside.
"If only I had my fork..." Devil's smile, black on black and flocked in fuligin, was hard to see. His quick steps to the kitchen, were plain to any watching.
But his call from the kitchen was plain to all. The words, if not the meaning. "Lobster ready, better when fresh! Call for service!"
Laying a gentle hand on Tessai, he leans in to ask softly, "Care to help me serve the lobster?"
I carve and you boil? was her answer, throwing a wink at Devil, as she drew the rapier from her waist scabbard and headed to one of the windows, peering outside.
"If only I had my fork..."
These Tieflings are insane!
Brandon snatchs up his wayfinder and strides into the kitchen. Seeing Devil arranging several pots of boiling water he says;
"I fear that will do little to armored Hellknights, but still, any deterrent is useful at this point. Did you see a back door to this place Devil, a tradesman's entrance, delivery hatch, anything!"
Brandon snatchs up his wayfinder and strides into the kitchen. Seeing Devil arranging several pots of boiling water he says;
"I fear that will do little to armored Hellknights, but still, any deterrent is useful at this point. Did you see a back door to this place Devil, a tradesman's entrance, delivery hatch, anything!"
"Over there, beyond the shelves, perhaps?", Devil answers. "But if we're surrounded, you're only confessing, by running out the back door. Stay here, die with pretty company, and quick. Or make your break for it, run step by step, and die day by day." He meets the human's eye, though the moment loses something to his pupil-less golden orbs. "And the water's not to kill them, it's to make the first couple scream. That'll slow the rest down, maybe make them fall back until they can bring up a mage." Devil grins at this, carnivorous white teeth blazing in contrast to his midnight visage. "I'll introduce you to Annie, you can thank her for the use of her room."
"As much as I'd like to give her my regards, I'd rather this endeavour didn't end before it got started!" he says with a somewhat manic grin as he frantically searches the kitchen for any possible source of egress.
Tessai, as you look through the blinded windows, you see well over a dozen well armed and armored Hellknights just within view, and judging by the sounds of metal hitting the road, there are more out of your line of sight. You see no other exit aside from the front door. (Same as Beppo)
Hmmmmm... Boys?! We've got company - Tessai warns the others - At least a dozen Hellknights coming this way, probably more - this will not be pretty.
Walking to the front door, making sure it is locked and barred, the Tiefling casually leans against it - Beppo, you look like a strong, solid fellow... Give me a hand in making sure this door stays in place? - she addresses the big armored man.
Someone keep watch over those windows so we have eyes on the outside.
Corellon joins Hal in moving anything heavy - tables, oak barrels, shelves to create a barricade for the front door.
He calls out to Beppo and Devil in the kitchen, "Is there a back door or anything, maybe a cellar?"
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In a hushed tone, Janivan responds first to the boy, The Order of the Rack. Of course.
As the party batters here with questions, Janiven remains calm. I'm very sorry for involving you in this matter. It was not my intention, not at least until you actually had a chance to hear me out completely and make the choice for yourself. If we act quickly, we may escape before they identify you.
The Hellknights start hammering on the locked doors of the place. In a booming voice, one of them demands, By the power of the Order of the Rack, we demand that all inside come out and give yourselves up for crimes committed against the state!
As the party bars the door, She grabs the boy by the sholder, pulls him up and swiftly moves behind the tavern’s decrepit bar, motioning to you to follow them. She lifts up up a heavy trap door in the floor. As the pounding on the door increases, she breathlessly says that this shaft drops down into the Westcrown sewers. By fleeing along this route, they should be able to lose the Hellknights quickly. She awaits your response as the banging on the door increases and you hear one of the men yell something about battering it down.
Kyle, you see a statue you made earlier sitting on the fireplace. Nothing else in this place looks asthetic in the least.
I see no other way out. Let's hope your little friend didn't just lead our death to us.
He nods to Tessai and helps block the door.
Be on guard. Anything could happen, including that they ty to burn us out.
...
When Janiven heads for the trap door, Beppo makes a move to follow and waves the others on.
Come on - let's get the f%+* out of here!
Corellon makes an effort to get as much of a barricade set up in front of the door as possible.
"Everyone, down the hole, I'll keep piling stuff up and will follow you in last. I'm pretty fast, now hurry!"
Ok people! Get moving! I will follow right behind with Corellon! - Turning her attention to the half-elf still piling all manner of junk at the door, Tessai speaks in a hushed, serious tone - Are you sure?
Correllon pauses for just a moment and looks into the deep eyes of the exotic female, mesmerized for just a moment, he reassures himself by saying "Its our best chance, the longer we can hold them off the more time we'll have to make our escape." And then rushes to move a large table up against the forming pile.