"Ok, it sounds like we have several different avenues to pursue and we don't need to have the whole plan just yet. Let's get as much information as we can first." He looks at the young man with the amber eyes, "Gorvio. Your uncle is a horse trader. If you can get access to some horses, let's send a small group out to look at this bridge and the open area. Take Rizzardo. It sounds like he knows the locations. Tramtris, I'm sure you were taught how to ride a horse. Let's send you as well. Oh, take Vitti too. Sounds like he knows his way around the woods and might see something along that route that could help us out."
"Next, we need a group to learn more about how bad they want Arael and whether they might consider a prisoner swap. We can even figure out if we might be able to arrange to have a second prisoner in that transfer if it would do us any good. Sclavo, you've worked for the courts. You're perfect for this. Take Sevros, he's good with words in case you guys need to make up a quick story. Find out as much as you can about what they have on Arael and whether we might be able to get out of this with a good lawyer, even a fake one. I think you'll also have the most luck figuring out exact timing without raising too many questions."
"Hippa, I've got a dastardly idea for you. You and I both know our way around medicines. I want to see if we can arrange for a substitute driver for that wagon. If we can figure out where that driver likes to eat, I'm sure we can arrange for him to be horribly sick on the day of the transfer, catch my drift? Do you think you can track down who the driver is and where he likes to eat as well as collect some extra herbs for his meal?"
He fixes an eye on the rest of the participants "Do any of you know how to drive a wagon? Ah, Mathalen. You worked as a porter. I bet you know what it takes to do this. We're going to put word out on a new transport business in town, willing to provide drivers or wagons on short notice. If any of you know of an abandoned shopfront in a not too unpleasant part of town, ideally near the hellknight's quarters or the prison here in Westcrown, that would be perfect. We're going to set up a fake storefront."
"Janivan, Larko, and Fiosa. If we don't simply ride hell-bent to or away from this scam, we're going to need camouflage. Do you think the three of you can come up with some supplies we could use to make some props that we can hide people behind or under? I'm thinking that we might need to hide people along this riverbank where the bridge is or even in this open area. We could paint some canvas to look like boulders and collect some shrubs from one of the parks that we can plant in convenient locations."
"Last group for now. We need to get information on this wagon and the transfer. What they're going to use. How many hellknights will be going. Brannock, some of your informants have to have info on this. Amaya. Tarvi, Yako. You might have connections too. Let's ask around. Nothing too obvious. I'm hoping we can get a quick answer and then I can try to sneak in and get a closer look at this wagon. Vitti, we might have need of your woodworking skills or Ermolos, we may need you to help arrange for a small problem with that wagon. We'll see once we get the rest of this information."
The Hellknights want him bad. There will be no swap. The obly good news is that because we are hitting them outside of westcrown technically we are breaking no laws.. Janivan pipes up. Slavo nods at this
Then in a whisper Audi these are not ready to battle the Hellknights. When it comes to it I believe they should be part of the distraction team and you and yours the hammer. . She says full of concern
"Janivan, I'm still hoping to avoid a fight altogether. It would be far better if we can arrange a distraction, get Arael, and melt away. Sclavo, if we don't need you for the lawyering bit, I think you might still be able to get details on the exact time of day and the Hellknight escort. They're Hellknights, they plan everything and probably write it down in triplicate."
Sclavo nods
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"I think it will lead to bloodshed down the road regardless of intentions Audi, but one can admire your dedication to avoid things if possible...I doubt the hellknights will think your way though. Scouting the site might not be a bad idea though." Tramtris began, rising from his seat. Something tickled the back of his mind about one of the people gathered there... the dark headed one named Tarvi... she looked familiar... His eyes widned suddenly when he recognized her.
2 years ago, her family had been in ... discussion with his family about her being a possible bride for him, even though she was just entering her young adulthood. It was the way of such things. He recalled not a lot of that time, he had only wanted to go to the academy in Egorian, the wispy thin maiden had never caught his eye really. That was the beginning of his... dislike for how things worked it seemed.
He recalled there was some meeting with tea, and his mother was questioning the girl. There was something about how she answered, spilling of tea and 'accidently' knocking over the expensive tea pot and it shattering that spoiled things. He hadn't been there for the meeting, all he knew was His mother was offended by what she had said and that shortly afterwards he was sent to the academy and there was no bride waiting for him when he got home.
Which was how he had fallen in love with Chaliss then, and how they discovered when they returened she was being married to some Egorian noble leading to his current heartache. He shook his head and found himself staring at her, just standing there for what seemed too long. He sat back down in his seat coloring for just a moment. Now he certainly looked a fool. The girl, Tarvi, had certainly grown into her frame.She certainly had fair features,and he was sure with a little effort she would be more than just pretty. His train of thought had been totally stymied he found himself looking about the table.
"Uh... who was going with me?" He asked having completely forgot names after that short embaresing interlude.
"You. Gorvio for horses. Rizzardo for the locations. Vitti for woodcraft." With a quick whisper to Tramtris he asks with a wink, "And Tarvi?"
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He slight blush deepened a bit when he realized it probably was obvious he had stared. He did return with an answer in a whisper back.
"A couple of years back, I believe her family was in negotiation with mine about an arranged mairrage, nothing came of it but...She certainly matured well."
He said doing his best to not stare at the young woman any more and to get his breathing under control.
Perhaps we can start in the morning? I don't think anyone wants to be out at night.
Janivan says. Now if you would please settle the uniform dispute so they can focus?
"I've spent enough time around the stage that I can help with disguises. But it sounds like you want a symbol to distinguish us? If we were to go with Torchbearers as a name, it could be as basic as a simply pin or an orangeish-red handkerchief."
"Vigorous name debates, uniform disputes. No critique of tactics.
A prim little frown as she looks down and realizes she is still dressed in castoff clothes she slept in, her hair a mess... "I need to return to my apartment to put myself together. Certainly cannot walk the streets dressed like this. I fear I must indulge of your hospitality yet again. Perchance, my original clothes are nearby? I'll need to wash them."
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"Cloaks, something simular to pins, maybe. He answered first before glancing at hippa. She had a point and yet didnt. Names, held importance.
"If we went around calling ourselves the 'angry goblin brigade' dressed in orange and blue clothing no one would take us serious, we would find no help, sadly such mundane things sometimes hold import. You are correct Miss Janivan, I certainly dont want to travel out at night do you have space for us to stay here or should i go find a nice space on a floor somehwere?"
He asked glancing torwards Tarvi again, but catching himself before it became an obvious glance. He had to speak with her now, he just had to.
Janivan rolls her eyes and smiles at Hippas comment about clothes
they are young and excitable and what they wear is all they can really control right now. I believe your plan is over complicated by I have said I will trust you so I will. Your clothes should be clean soon. But I must insist you stay the night. It is auicide to travel in the dark!
Sevros has been listening quietly to the suggestions, mulling them over.
"Whatever our course, there's great danger. I'm with Audi in that I prefer a situation where we melt away without injury."
"As for a uniform, I think we're asking for trouble if we're wearing an obvious identifier when we attack a prisoner transport caravan. If we're talking about a uniform for our time cleaning up the shadows, where we're not in direct conflict with hellknights, it might be interesting. I just don't want to be tossed in chains for being in possession of a purple hat, or whatever the uniform includes, I'd rather not be so obvious."
"I'll come along to scout the area with Brannock and Tramtris. My friend Mr. Corvus might help us find something interesting from his perspective."
Sevros comment creates an uproar!
we must be identified. Our willingness to stand up to the Hellknihhts is what will give us our legitimacy! Otherwise we are just words in the wind!
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"Im not suggesting as we travel about our daily lives we walk about holding giant signs that say, here were are come arrest us. When we do strike, we need something to identify us, something the people cant point at and see, otherwise there is no point to making a stand. Mayhap from my heritage I understand the purpose of Symbolism. If not a uniform we need something to leave as a calling card. A sign that shows we were there, we had done something.
He frowned, wondering if he was an even bigger fool for getting involved in something like this, He knew one thing, he would have to find some way to anger his parents enough to get disowned. He wouldnt have his foolish moves affecting his family at all. He did glance again torwards Tarvi, wondering how her rich parents would feel about her being here. Then again, maybe she was here with their blessing. He would have to ask.
Sevros shrugs.
"Words in the wind can still be heard but not caught. I absolutely support what is happening here. Hells, I'll even help supply the fabric and tailoring for those uniforms. Wearing an identifier that signifies me as an outlaw makes it much more difficult to talk my way out of something if I'm caught."
That is why we won't get caught! Something simple to remove, but obvious to see is key! Orange armbands and hoods that can be pulled down over our faces would work! If we must flee we turn the corner and tear the things off and continue on our way!
Sevros reconsiders the idea.
"Hmm... actually that's not bad. As long as the item can be discreetly carried or discarded when necessary... I'm Sevros Kalaris, my parents run Kalaris' Needle and Thimble. I'm fairly skilled in garment design, repair and fabric negotiations. I can help."
Sevros bows to the group.
Wide grins split faces all around the room
so it is settled. Torchbearers of Westcrown with orange armbands and hoods. Sevros we will need enough for all of us in two days. Can you do it?
Before everyone turns in for the night Janivan asks the 5 of you to sit with her.
This is going to be hard for me to say, in fact I have argued with Arael over this very point many a time...I had thought to keep it to myself, but I simply cannot. We need to try to leave the Hellknights alive if we can. I know just hear me out. They can be oppressive and abusive, but they are the law. Remember we are not trying to overthrow House Thrune. We are trying to keep this city from descending into chaos. If we play our cards right, eventually even the Hellknights will realize that we are a force working for the city, not against them. Once you all go to bed I intend to grab some muscle and gather those that we left in the sewer up and deposit them somewhere safe.
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The nobleman shrugged. In truth, he didnt want to earn the ire of the hellknights, nor was he all that interested really in overthrowing thrune. Did his families fortunes take a down turn all those years ago? Indeed they had, did his love get taken away from him to one of the thrune toadies in Egorian, again yes but it wasnt as if she might not have been wed off somewhere else as well.
"Do you have any idea how to rescue your friend then if indeed it is hellknights moving him? Its hard enough to stop them when you are trying to kill them let along pulling punches. I will be ready in the morning regardless of your choices, I think Im going to turn in, its been a strange trying day."
He said simply pausing, "I dont suppose You could tell me where Miss Tarvi's room is? I wanted to ask her a few simple questions perhaps to clear my head about something in the past." He added just a hint of color in his cheeks
"Good. I agree." reading the reaction of their faces, "Well, assuming they are still alive. Speaking of which, for planning a distraction and getting up close and personal, don't we have 4 hellknight suits sitting in the muck down below?"
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"I am glad to hear you say that. I do not wish to kill men who are simply doing their job, even if their orders are misguided. If we kill them we are no better than the enemy we are trying to defeat. Perhaps if we get the better of them continually and show mercy and restraint each time, they will see our true intention."
Brannock still did not like the idea of uniforms or other identifiable clothing. Those things had a way of being found during searches.
"Perhaps instead of uniforms, we could create a symbol, a burning torch or a man holding a burning torch. This symbol would be left as a calling card. Please don't think me a coward. I will wear whatever uniform you want. My fear is for the people who will come to support our cause. They will begin to wear our colors and stir the ire of the magistrates. Uniforms and masks can be planted in people's homes and the very innocents we seek to liberate could be suspected and killed."
There had to be a way to accommodate both ideas, but Brannock could not think of it until he remembered a merchant caravan he had accompanied several years earlier.
"Do any of you practice the arcane arts and if so, are you able to make a mark? I saw it once before, it was like a magical signature, however this man was able to mark individuals as well as items and documents. He told me he could make the mark visible like he had done his property. Or he could make the mark visible only o certain eyes. If we created this kind of signature we could imprint it places as well as on our members. I am not well versed in these things but it seems like that might be a bit better than some cloth. No offense to you or your family, Sevros."
"It is beyond my limited tricks Brannock, but I like your idea of a calling card. I share your concern about uniforms."
Hippa gives a little wave. "I've left calling cards throughout Westcrown. Helps me remember persons and locations and such.
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Milady Tarvi, do you have a moment to speak perhaps, its I tramtris if you remember me, I believe your parent spoke with mine a couple of years back?" He said through the door simply. Part of him hoped she didnt answer the door, the other half hoped she did. Either way if had been a long and trying day.. at least his hangover was long gone.
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This is most certainly an awkward meeting, I understand. Are you well? I didnt.. I mean I remember your parents speaking with my mother about a possible pairing, then something went sour. My mother is a difficult woman, I just didnt want you to think I had hard feelings or anything. Though it would be hard to be upset with a pretty maiden for wanting freedom and a choice. Are your parents... still trying to find you a match?
He asked trying to diplomatically ascertain her availibility.
No she is definitely not making this easy
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"First off, I could feed you a line about how we could all die tomorrow or the day after but you are too smart for that. Its not why I am here. Well it is, but its not.. not really. Gah! The words they wont come out properly."
He frowned outside the cracked doorway running his hands through his
hair in frustration. This was not going how he saw it in his mind. In truth he wasnt sure how it had went in his mind.
"I am attracted to you, but no, im not here for quick fun. I just wanted to tell you, that I now think it was a shame that something wasnt worked out I guess. We are both here, so we have at least some simular interests in helping our great city."
An idea was forming in his mind really,but it wasnt totally wicked and foolish like some of his were. He blamed that on the fact he was sober. It was just so much easier to escape the anger and sadness when drunk and lechorous.
"I just thought maybe, if your parents were still trying to find you a match, and my mother always on the look out to 'improve' the family in whatever ways she deemed best, that perhaps we look into something that works for the both of us? But friends first and foremost, Though i would like to see you, in a more formal setting, assuming we make it through this rescue.
He waited readying to leave should she but ask it.
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"Indeed, and gone forever to some toady in Egorian. I have seen first hand how little choice I have in life, It would seem if your parents are still shopping you around that they hold simular ideas about your freedom of choice. I doubt I would be here at your door had I not met her in the academy. Then again I wouldnt have met her had you been arranged. Would you feel better if i were a crying mess?
He began his voice rising just a slight upward notch. Not loud but certainly louder. He took a deep breath and continued on in that same earlier tone.
"I did cry, like a fool almost for the first month. I threw fits and got angry and drank.. well am drinking way more than I shuold be. But it gave me time to think, A lot. Hence why I moving on, and wanting to get to know you better. Whats the worst that can happen? You find out im a jerk your parents arrange you to marry someone else?You discover Im alright? perhaps we can work to get something arranged. It was just a thought I dont expect you to decide right now at all. Just keep in mind im interested."
He said to the crack in the door. He frowned only a little at that, Their was no eye contact this way. She probaly thought he was full of it.
You want me to roll high tram
bah right in the middle!
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"wait, you did that on purpose? He said into the closing door frowning. He sighed and turned away heading to wherever he was supposed to bed down at. That certainly could have went better he guessed...and he thought he had been thinking of others. Morning would arrive all to soon and his fitful rest was obvious as were the dark circles.
"Here is a thought. Several of us are capable of spellcraft. We could work on a distraction to see if we can get some of the hellknights to peel away from the transport to pursue troublemakers.
If that happens, good, if not the next parts will be more difficult...
Cast sleep spells strategically to affect as many hellknights as possible. We may even need to sleep the transport driver and/or the horses to ensure he doesn't take off with our cargo.
Option one - Access the wagon and remove Arael
In this case we should focus on sleep, fear or command spells to reduce the hellknight numbers. We'll have to have a clear plan for getting Arael out of the wagon and a clear escape route. Perhaps even stock up on some lengths of rope by which to bind the hands and feet of the hellknights to limit their chase.
Option two - Steal the wagon
I'm leaning more toward this option. We can start similar to the first option, reduce the hellknight numbers as much as possible. If none of us are comfortable driving the wagon we intimidate the driver into escorting to a location of our choosing. Once Arael is out, we tell the driver to take the wagon back to Westcrown.
Obscuring mist and ghost sound will help cover our retreat in either case. If we can avoid bloodshed on either side, that's the best route but let's not forget hellknights won't have the same objective."
Sevros snaps his fingers
"Someone here has family who trade horses? Is there any chance we might have use of them?"
Says that he can indeed borrow some horses but if they get killed we will have to pay for them.
"That was my thought as well, Brannock."
"How will we ensure the wagon stops when the hellknights peel off? Perhaps one or more of us act as if our mock bandits have assaulted us and ask the hellknights to help reclaim our belongings to add inspiration for them to give chase..."
"Or... if we get someone to wear the Hellknight chain and act as if they are wounded I could pretend to be providing assistance walking them across the bridge. Again we could act as if a band of brigands attacked and need to be persued. Seeing a fellow Hellknight wounded by the group might be extra motivation to give chase."