Falina made sure she was back enough to be out of the eventual blast radius and sent another volley of magical missiles lancing out at he mounding rats to try and take another down.
REDROOF DISTRICT (Sewer-Realm of the Gray Queen; Desnus 4)
Dom and his falcata eliminate the reanimated rat and then the Gray Queen herself. Caldariel and Falina eliminate her remaining court members, living and undead. An examination of the Queen reveals something unusual: a silver necklace entangled in the knot of tails that binds the Queen's rat collective together. Upon closer examination, this piece of jewelry proves to be an unholy symbol of Urgathoa, its fly stylized yet also twisted and asymmetrical. The holy symbol radiates strong necromantic magic if/when tested with detect magic. In the filth nearby is a silver bracelet inset with small pearls.
A quick jaunt through the rest of the nearby sewers reveals no other major threats; when a normal rat is spied, Arani puts an arrow through it, just in case it carries the Gray Queen's taint. When you depart the sewers, there's a feeling among you all that you've likely ended the plague threat in the neighborhood.
T'chazzar also, unfortunately, has bad luck, as usual.
KINTARGO (Desnus 4-8)
It takes a few days for Dom and T'chazzar to fully recover from whatever potent disease the Gray Queen and her minions were spreading. Everyone is gathered at the Silver Stein for breakfast when someone enters and everyone else in the establishment immediately falls silent.
A dark-haired half-elf woman stands near the entrance, dressed in the red-and-black uniform of a Chelish naval officer with a rapier and pepperbox firearm sheathed at her sides. Her eyes scan the room, seeming to linger on T'chazzar and Sabrina. She nods her head and grins before addressing the party at their table.
“Good day! I am Lieutenant Elia Nones of the Chelish warship Scourge of Belial. Captain Sargaeta requests an audience with you good folk. I’m afraid attendance is compulsory.”
Pointing a long finger at Sabrina, the woman adds, "It concerns a friend of yours." Lieutenant Nones looks down at your breakfast plates to see if there's any remaining morsels she might snag.
With both Dom and T'chazzar diseased, Caldariel stayed to minister to the two of them. Without his mask, the doktor remained urbane, polite and professional in his dealings. From his time with the group, he made the decision that his presence would be beneficial for the group, the city, and himself.
When Ms. Nones came in, the elf nodded in greeting to her, and waited for the others to respond. It seemed like they knew her.
Eyeing up the new arrival, Dom's fork is at the ready, and if she tries to go for anything off his plate (or those of anyone seated next to him), she's gonna get it.
"Compulsory, eh? Sounds serious." He slow-walks his way through the rest of his plate, then gets up when he's damn good and ready. Turning to Sabrina, Dom asks, "Ogonka, have you got any idea what this is about?"
Arani studies the Lieutenant carefully, taking note of the ease with which she wears her weapons, and her confidence. "So...not so much a request as a summons then?"
SILVER STEIN TAVERN (Redroof District; Desnus 8)
Sabrina looks back at Lieutenant Nones suspiciously. The runaway noblewoman doesn't seem to recognize the half-elf, but the expression on her face seems to indicate that she's got at least a guess as to what this woman wants. Sabrina whispers something into Dom's ear.
Meanwhile, Nones's cocksure grin widens further when Arani addresses her, nodding as if another piece of some puzzle has fallen into place. "Aye--a polite summons, I hope," the half-elf says. In a whisper, the sailor adds, "But I tend to be a little rough around the edges...and you people were a pain to hunt down."
"I think she's referring to Marquel Aulorian."
You accompanied Sabrina (and occasionally Jessibel) on several visits to the Aulorian family villa in the Greens when you worked for the Sarinis. You met Marquel briefly a couple of times. Your impression of him is a sort of prissy and melancholy nobleman with a withered right arm. Mostly harmless, not cruel or full of himself like some other nobles.
The Aulorians made their name in Kintargo through the salt and silver trades.
The Aulorians have long supported Kintargo, but with Barzillai Thrune’s arrival, the family patriarch Auxis has grown increasingly supportive of Thrune, abandoning his family’s more traditional Kintargan values.
Auxis's son, Marquel, was born with an atrophied right arm and is active in the Kintargo arts scene.
Lieutenant Nones specifically avoided the standard introduction of a warship (normally introduced as “Her Infernal Majestrix’s warship”); that could be a subtle hint that she and her captain might be dissatisfied with Thrune’s methods of ruling Kintargo.
Arani remains quiet, but her gaze becomes more discerning and definitely intrigued. Returning the Lieutenant's slight nod with one of her own, she smiles at the whispered part.
T'chazzar says nothing but watches the lieutenant cautiously. His fingers tap nervously on his belt as he wraps his hands around it to keep them busy. His eyes flicker over the lieutenant several times as if he recognizes her somehow.
Falina had become quite used to hearing Sabrina's whispered words at night so she caught what the young woman said to Dom. She had no idea who the person she mentioned was though, maybe a noble of some kind given Sabrina's rank? With no further knowledge Falina reached one hand over to squeeze Sabrina's thigh gently in silent support beneath the table.
"Any idea as to what the purpose of this 'summons' might be?" Arani asks calmly.
SILVER STEIN TAVERN (Redroof District; Desnus 8)
Nones looks around the room to make sure no one is close enough to overhear her reply to Arani's question. "My captain is somewhat limited by a couple of recent proclamations set forth by your new lord-mayor," Lieutenant Nones semi-explains. "He doesn't want to put himself at odds with the empire if it can be avoided at this juncture. He's heard how certain citizens ably liberated a certain gathering of wrongfully imprisoned Hellknights from unjust incarceration. He figures such enterprising folk might be able to accomplish something similar for him. My captain's goodwill is not something you should take lightly."
Arani smiles. "Well then, given your captain's goodwill, your likely...patron, and the fact that we're rather fond of rough edges, I suppose it would be best for us to accept the invitation." she replies quietly, somehow managing to be both nonchalant and gracious at the same time.
Dom thinks back to the few times he saw this Aulorian fellow, back when he was a slave and Sabrina's bodyguard. He nods back to the young woman as if to say, Probably alright, yes?
"We were a pain to find for good reason, and hope you can value discretion, Lieutenant. Now then, if there's no getting around it, let's get this compulsory business underway, hmm?" Dom picks at the last of his breakfast, and stands up. "Now I'll be able to say I've been on a ship. Damn but aren't I leading a full life," he quips.
SILVER STEIN TAVERN (Redroof District; Desnus 8)
Sabrina decides to accompany the group, if they'll allow her to. Before departing the tavern, though, she has a whispered conversation with Rexus, likely informing the orphaned nobleman that he, Jessibel, and whomever else they can recruit might have to rescue the Silver Ravens if this is some sort of elaborate trap.
"The Scourge of Belial is moored in the Old Harbor, beyond the Salt Gate to the west," Lieutenant Nones informs you all, finishing off a strip of bacon she apparently lifted off someone's plate. Grinning confidently, the half-elf woman adds, "I hear tales that some upstart rebels raided a salt works there and rescued some political prisoners Thrune ordered put to work there cuz the prisons and dottari watch towers' cells were filled up. Says something about either your new lord-mayor or the people of this city that the prisons filled up so quick, eh? I mean, you lock up or oppress everyone you don't trust to obey your every whim and you'll eventually lock up someone that means a whole lot to someone else who's actually capable of opposing you, am I right?"
On the long cross-city walk, Lt. Nones chats incessantly, asking about your likes and dislikes, along with where you have travelled outside the city. She initially directs such questions at Arani (with whom she may believe she's built a certain rapport) and the quieter, less enthusiastic party members like Dom and T'chazzar (whom she may be lightly teasing or attempting to draw out of their collective shell). She also tries to ease some of Sabrina's obvious fears, telling her that Captain Sargaeta's got no ties to or love for her family, but at the same time she warns Sabrina not to mention her family name around the rest of the crew.
Dom is a little concerned at the woman's line of questioning. Sure, she's saying all the right things, but to what end? I'm the only one here that could be implicated in that whole mess, the realization hits him slightly. If things go bad I'll make sure the others are clear of it.
Feigning ignorance, Dom replies to Nones, "I heard that thing at the salt works was the CCG sticking their noses in. Whether it was to try and muscle a piece of the action, or to try and flex for the new Lord-Mayor, who can tell with them?" He shrugs.
Trying to draw her out some, he continues, "As a naval vessel, I'd have thought the Scourge to be exempt from any restrictions of the recent Proclamations...?"
THE STREETS OF KINTARGO (Desnus 8)
Lt. Nones's grin widens at Dom's questions, though whether it's because she's gotten the gruff and cynical half-orc to converse or due to the acuity of his queries is anyone's guess.
"Well, we weren't ordered or summoned to port here--just reprovisioning a bit--so I suppose it's debatable whether or not the Scourge of Belial would be exempt to lord-mayor Thrune's decree," Nones replies. "Also, we weren't aware of your lord-mayor's latest proclamations 'ere we pulled into port, and there be a lot of gray area in those proclamations to start with. Captain Sargaeta was born in Cheliax, but his family left the empire when he was but a child, and he didn't return here until he was a grown man. In any event, he was never a citizen of Kintargo. So...what constitutes a 'nonnative captain?' Native to the empire? Native to your fair city? The proclamation's poorly worded...which is likely intentional and quite brilliant. Barzillai Thrune has the final judgment on its parameters, and Captain Sargaeta would, understandably, prefer to avoid any such unpleasant entanglement."
You sense there may be a lie, half-truth, or omission in what the half-elf just said. Then again, wise folks tend to walk on eggshells when dealing with or speaking about members of House Thrune.
You're not quite sure what to make of Nones and her story. Your best guess is that she's trying to pressure the Silver Ravens to meet with her captain by hinting at knowledge of some of the rebel group's actions. At the same time, the relative subtlety she's used seems to indicate that maybe whatever Captain Sargaeta wants of you is something he'd like to keep from prying eyes...maybe even lord-mayor Thrune's.
Though T'chazzar is usually quiet, he's no stranger to the disarming quip.
"Wait, you mean there's an actual regime and insurgency going on? I thought people just treated me badly because of who I am."
The dark elf makes his delivery with a completely flat expression.
"So your captain's looking to liberate... what, friends? Family? His navigator? A parrot that he brought back from Sargava?"
THE STREETS OF KINTARGO (Desnus 8)
"All excellent guesses!" Lieutenant Nones remarks. "Except for the parrot one. The situation is...delicate...and a bit complicated. It's not my place to say more. Also, I have no idea what sort of reward my captain intends to offer for your assistance, but he's a fair man."
"I hear tales that some upstart rebels raided a salt works there and rescued some political prisoners Thrune ordered put to work there cuz the prisons and dottari watch towers' cells were filled up. Says something about either your new lord-mayor or the people of this city that the prisons filled up so quick, eh? I mean, you lock up or oppress everyone you don't trust to obey your every whim and you'll eventually lock up someone that means a whole lot to someone else who's actually capable of opposing you, am I right?"
”Very true, tyrants become increasingly confident as they lock more people away, until they can no longer tell the dissident they shouldn’t cross from the one that bends the knee. Push hard enough, and the will of the people pushes back.”
"Well, we weren't ordered or summoned to port here--just reprovisioning a bit--so I suppose it's debatable whether or not the Scourge of Belial would be exempt to lord-mayor Thrune's decree," Nones replies. "Also, we weren't aware of your lord-mayor's latest proclamations 'ere we pulled into port, and there be a lot of gray area in those proclamations to start with. Captain Sargaeta was born in Cheliax, but his family left the empire when he was but a child, and he didn't return here until he was a grown man. In any event, he was never a citizen of Kintargo. So...what constitutes a 'nonnative captain?' Native to the empire? Native to your fair city? The proclamation's poorly worded...which is likely intentional and quite brilliant. Barzillai Thrune has the final judgment on its parameters, and Captain Sargaeta would, understandably, prefer to avoid any such unpleasant entanglement."
”A reasonable line of thinking.”= Arani replies with a nod of acknowledgment. "You must be a fair hand at cards.” she says, seemingly off-topic.
Before they left to accompany Lieutenant Nones, Falina went upstairs and changed forms as she usually did before going out on Ravens business. When she had come back down she looked much like she could be a woman of the same social class as Sabrinah presented, keeping her blonde hair this time, but darkening her skin tone.
When they left with the Lieutenant, Falina stayed close to Sabrinah and squeezed her hand when it was mentioned the captain nor crew had any love for her family and that she had best keep her family name hidden from the crew. Falina didn't like that someone would look down on her Sabrinah for her family name but knew it was not uncommon in upper society for the name to attach any feelings towards the family to it's bearer whether they deserved it or not. She did squeeze Sabrinah's hand to provide some comfort to her and to show she was not alone
THE SCOURGE OF BELIAL (Old Kintargo; Desnus 8)
The Scourge of Belial is moored at the southernmost pier in the Old Harbor beyond the Salt Gate and Sallix Salt Works, a sleek, three-masted warship that dwarfs the common fishing vessels. Busy activity on the ship’s main deck isn’t slowed by the party's arrival, though the crew do eye the newcomers with surly suspicion. The ship is obviously undergoing extensive repairs and isn't just in port to resupply as Lt. Nones had suggested. "Damned pirates," the half-elf sniffs as if that explains everything. As Elia leads the group up the gangplank and aft to the entrance to the captain’s cabin, she explains that Captain Cassius Sargaeta has had a short fuse lately, and recommends that they avoid interrupting him when he’s speaking.
Captain Sargaeta’s cabin is richly appointed, with windows of stained glass and walls hung with seascape paintings and nautical antiques. The cabin is large and spacious, taking up the entirety of the aft quarter of the ship’s deck, and smells of pleasant spices and rare incense. Three halfling slaves are about the cabin--one plays an elegant piece on a violin, another sews buttons on a white shirt, and a third cuts up a pineapple. Two colorfully-plumed tropical birds perk up in golden cages, and a small monkey in a miniature Chelish sailor’s suit shells peanuts atop a large desk of rare wood.
In front of the desk stands a man in a pristine captain’s uniform, with light brown hair and a neatly trimmed goatee adorning a well-defined jawline. He sips tea from a delicate porcelain cup decorated with a graceful floral design. There is a superior air about him, and he scrutinizes the party silently with a cool and dispassionate gaze. The captain appraises the PCs in silence for an interminable period as he sips his tea--the primary source of the exotic scent in the room. Lieutenant Nones stands near the door at attention, also silent.
When the captain speaks, his voice is deep and cultured. “I can’t deny my disappointment. I expected more...towering giants out of myth, someone more...grandiose. Alas, this is what the waves have washed up on my shore. Wencella, see if our guests would care for some of that delectable fruit.” The female halfling winds amongst the party, her tray of pineapple slices balanced expertly atop her head, held in place with one hand.
Once folks have had the opportunity to grab some pineapple, Captain Sargaeta sighs. "Looks can be deceiving, though. Look at my crew: Attentive, hard-working, and disciplined, though if you saw them gathered together at leisure, I imagine they'd appear to be nothing more than yet another gang of ne'er-do-wells. From what I've heard, you folks have rescued enslaved citizens, thwarted Thrune's barbaric doghousings, and rescued Hellknights of the Order of the Torrent. Perhaps there's more to you than meets the eye...."
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Falina found the captain to be an ass right from the beginning and decided she did not like him one bit, though she kept in mind that it could be a front in order to provoke them and see what they were made of. When he finally stopped speaking Falina rolled her eyes and said, "We may not be what you expected but then I've found the young often still have their head in the clouds. If the rebels were so easily identified there would be no way they could rebel for long now would there?" Falina's accent was still as odd as usual, a bit archaic sounding, and a bit annoyed in tone.
With a sigh Falina added, "Besides, heroes are so easily forgotten when they fail, it's the story of the villains they fought that keep their names alive in the end." Her tone implied she knew all too well how the people forgot their heroes, "Even the villains can sometimes been forgotten after all, few remember the Demon of Kintargo now it seems."
”Verbal sparring is as tiring as it is pointless.” Caldariel said. ”Let us assume good intentions from each other, until proven otherwise.”
THE SCOURGE OF BELIAL (Old Kintargo; Desnus 8)
The captain's gaze falls upon Falina and remains there as the disguised tiefling speaks. Unlike what is usually the case, the man's gaze isn't leering nor focused on her beauty; instead, it seems to be measuring her words, looking for tells in her facial expressions. When Caldariel interjects, the man nods curtly.
"Fair point, sir," Captain Sargaeto says. "Let's get down to business then."
“As it turns out, I have need of a group with your skills and resources. Lord-Mayor Thrune’s proclamations have, shall I say, impacted my interests in the city. I cannot venture onto land to take care of... well, let’s call it a ‘personal matter.’ I could send my crew to attend this, but they have other work to do and I would much prefer sending someone with whom I have plausible deniability, should they fail in their task. Would you be interested in providing me with such aid? I daresay that people in your position could stand to benefit from having a captain in the Chelish navy owe you a few favors, hmmm?”
After taking a deep breath, the captain asks Falina, "Are you Davina Eradon?"
Falina found herself at least somewhat impressed by this captain. He wasn't falling for her charms nor did he let her words provoke him. She listened to what he had to say. The man seemed to need their assistance on a discreet mission and, while she was not one to like helping anyone associated with Chellish military she was willing to if it would be use to their goals.
When the captain asked if Falina was Davina the disguised tiefling shook her head and said, "No, I am not." Falina was suddenly thoughtful as she considered the question in a different light. She didn't think the Captain would ask such a question without a reason so she decided to add a little more as she said, "If, however, you need me to be I can certainly try."
THE SCOURGE OF BELIAL (Old Kintargo; Desnus 8)
The captain seems a bit taken aback, especially by Falina's last words. "Not the pulp author?" he asks, a bit confused. His eyes jump briefly to Arani before fixing upon Sabrina. "Are you the Sarini girl?" he asks in a hushed tone. "Or maybe the Aulamaxa lass?"
Sabrina freezes, likely because she fears this Chelish captain may intend to send her back to her family villa. Capt. Sargaeta seems to read her fear and asks a different question: "Do you know Marquel Aulorian?" When Sabrina gives a meek nod, the captain seems a bit relieved.
"I need a message delivered to Marquel--without his father's knowledge," he tells the group. "If you can manage that, I may have a second mission for you to undertake."
Falina smiled in amusement at the Captain's confusion at her words confusion. It seemed he was not as self assured as Falina thought he was. When he asked if she was the pulp author Falina shook her head again and said, "No, and I highly doubt you would have heard of me regardless. I was out of circulation for a very long time."
Falina thought back and gestured towards the docks outside and said, "The docks had five less slips and the customs house was not where it is, it was around, oh three slips over and...hmmmm...," She thought for a moment and then added, "Oh! And none of these warehouses existed yet, they replaced the ones aI remember," She left her remembrances at that and let the Captain continued. When he recognized Sabrinah and her lover tensed up Falina reached over and grasped the young woman's hand firmly to lend her support.
Arani notices the momentary gaze, as she studies the Captain's attempts to determine the identities he was familiar with.
Dom's hungry eyeing of the pineapple is cut short by the Captain's mention of Davina. Snapped back to full attention, he bristles as he says, "Madame Eradon is indisposed, attending to other matters. She's no part of any matters happening in Kintargo at this time. If you need us to get a message to the Aulorian fellow, I'm sure we can work that out."
THE SCOURGE OF BELIAL (Old Kintargo; Desnus 8)
Captain Sargaeta seems to be at a loss when he hears Falina's musings. He nods at Dom's declaration, however.
"If you can manage that, you'll have my gratitude...and whatever aid I can give you in your efforts," Sargaeta says. The halfling presents the tray of pineapple one last time as you prepare to leave the cabin.
It seems the captain has some information about what the Silver Ravens have done since their reformation, but it's far from complete or fully accurate.
Taking a piece of pineapple for herself, with a nod of thanks to the halfling woman, Arani nods, having remained silent while assessing the Captain during his explanation. "It would appear that we can help each other, and hopefully find the interaction to be mutually beneficial...despite your...disappointment."
As Dom ponders the situation, another question occurs to him, and he asks the captain, "This message we're sending. Will we be expected to bring back a response, or is the communication one-way?"
THE SCOURGE OF BELIAL (Old Kintargo; Desnus 8)
"Deliver my message and get Marquel's reply...verbatim, if possible."
"Arani simply gives the Captain a nod, rising from her seat. [b]"We'll be in touch when we have that response for you."
Glad to see that the group was capable of talking these things through, the doctor silently followed Arani out.
SILVER STEIN TAVERN (Redroof District; Desnus 8)
The party stops again at the Silver Stein to let Rexus know what happened with their meeting with Captain Sargaeta. Turns out the orphaned Victocora scion has a bit of news as well.
"Leora stopped by briefly," he tells the others sadly. "She's afraid her affiliation may have been uncovered, so she's leaving the city. She left something for you and some coin to pay for a round of drinks to remember her by. You want the drinks now or to celebrate the success of your next venture, once it's accomplished?"
Rexus moves up to Dom and deposits something small in the half-orc's hand.
As the group discusses ways in and out of the Greens, and dealing with the curfew, Arani considers their options, revealing a bit more about herself. "I can get into the Greens before curfew, possible with one other as a guest. My father is Lord Jacoby Thorindal, and while we don't exactly talk, my...alter ego has been known to pay a visit to my mother from time to time, so it wouldn't seem out of place or be a problem for me to get through the Whitegate."
"Likewise, as a licensed physician, who should not be known to be affiliated with this group as of yet, I do not expect to face undue scrutiny. Especially if I am to accompany Arani, under the pretense of checking in on his mother's health." Caldariel offered.
Falina considered about infiltrating the noble's distract to passs the message on and nodded to Arani when she mentioned she should be able to get in without trouble given her ties. It made sense and before she could say anything Caldariel spoke up as well and Falina couldn't help but agree, "Yes, you both should be able to get through without trouble. If you want a third I can adopt another look and goes as well. If they aren't using divination magic they won't be able to tell the difference."
"I'm pretty good at disguises, but not that good, and I can't evade magical detection," says T'chazzar. "What do you want me to do?"
"Yes, you both should be able to get through without trouble. If you want a third I can adopt another look and goes as well. If they aren't using divination magic they won't be able to tell the difference."
"That could work. Your magic could definitely come in handy if things go south, and Arani Thorindal, has been known to be seen in the company of beautiful women, so you're unlikely to draw any undue scrutiny."
"I'm pretty good at disguises, but not that good, and I can't evade magical detection," says T'chazzar. "What do you want me to do?"
"I suppose you and Dom being somewhere near the Whitegate in the event that we need to make a less than subtle exit for some reason?"
”There are potions that might be used. There are ones that can alter oneself for a time.” After a moment’s thought he added ”And I do believe that some upscale merchants sell hats that nobles use for their dalliances. They could come in handy now, and later. Depending on whether an investment is warranted. I foresee future events that would require discretion in appearance.”
Falina nodded to Arani and said, "That was what I was thinking. If you have any suggestions on how I should appear then tell me and I will apply them"
At Caladriel's suggestion of potions to change appearance Falina laughed lightly in amusement and said, "Such things do not last for long and I don't need them. I am fairly sure I have the right outfit already, though it may depend on what Arani's tastes in attractive ladies might be."
SILVER STEIN TAVERN (Redroof District; Desnus 8)
"I'm not going back into the Greens--EVER, if I can help it--but Jessibel should have no problem passing through the Whitegate," Sabrina chimes in. "Perhaps she could play the part of a noblewoman returning from a shopping spree, and Dom and T'chazzar could be her 'porters.' if you will."
Falina looked to Sabrina when she spoke up so vehemently and leaned over, one hand brushing along the young woman's jaw lightly and turned her face to look at the sorceress. "And no one would ask you to luv, nor would I let them try to make you." Falina leaned in and kissed Sabrinah's lips lightly before looking back to the others. "But having Jessi do so would be helpful in getting everyone through, though the usefulness of having people able to distract the guards on the outside if we need to force our way through could be very valuable."
The imbiber of the potion is both the caster and the target. Spells with a range of personal cannot be made into potions.
"Believe me, I'd get a magical disguise if I could, but they're kinda contraband-ish these days."
Falina nodded to Arani and said, "That was what I was thinking. If you have any suggestions on how I should appear then tell me and I will apply them"
At Caladriel's suggestion of potions to change appearance Falina laughed lightly in amusement and said, "Such things do not last for long and I don't need them. I am fairly sure I have the right outfit already, though it may depend on what Arani's tastes in attractive ladies might be."
"Redhead should work, pretty but sort of, unassuming. We don't want to draw too much attention, after all." Arani replies with a grin.