Lubella asked Sidus," Brakisi, I'm going to heal the elf Nerrenn. Can you check on his lungs? That creature seemed to be trying to do something to me.".
She swam back to the unconscious sea elf and cast a healing spell on him.
She explained, "We killed an evil creature called an aboleth that may have been controlling you. I'm going to revive your pet; can you comfort it, so it doesn't try to eat me?"
Talvek sets to work, and with skill and precision and a bit of luck, his efforts disable the pulsing rune.
The malice of the chamber is being slowly lifted like a curtain from this room.
Lubella heals Nerrenn as well. He seems to be changed and confused where he is and why he is restrained and injured.
”What…what happened? Who are you? “
Lubella told Nerrenn, "My name is Kyda of the Silver Ravens; You're in the Dismal Nitch."
She untied him and healed his pet shark.
"The beast called itself 'Menotheguro', and had befouled a chamber filled with corpses near here."
She related the group's descent into the hole, the battle with the undead, and meeting 'Menotha'.
With the mention of the name Menotheguro, the sea elf returns to his actual personality—a stoic, taciturn individual laced with a new sense of shame and humility
I...I thought it was a dream...a nightmare. Having been turned into an enemy’s pawn. Menotheguro’s influence was focused upon our Acisazi village. He was an aboleth necromancer. My dreams, or so I thought, revolved around his activities with the runes in the chamber beyond. Wait....so if this is..was real. Then the bodies of those from my village? he sobs with his face in his hands.
Lubella replied, "The runes have been disabled, which seems to help. I will do what I can to bless the dead. It might be advisable for someone from the village to come here and complete the task."
She displayed her holy ankh, and swam back to the chamber to prepare for the ritual.
After disabling the malevolent rune, Talvek swims back to Lubella and Nerenn.
"What do your people's customs dictate in this situation, Nerenn? I can try to tow the corpses to the surface and hopefully your people can take it from there."
Nerrenn responds to Talvek and Lubella.
I...I...don't know. This is not my area of knowledge. I am...was supposed to protect the village.
Athannah, the elder of our village. She will know. She will want to know...everything that happened here. he goes into another round of sobbing.
Yes, we should go back to the village. Leave the bodies here for now. Athannah will know what to do. She will be grateful as will my people. I am so sorry.
Once you finish the cleanup and inspection for any other clues and Lubella peforms her ritual, you are able to return to the surface and catch the dolphin express back to the village to meet with Athannah.
Your friend, Aava greets you. Oh you survived. What did you find? Were you successful? Nerrenn, is that you? How...why...oh nevermind for now. We best tell it all to the Speaker, Athannah.
***
Your trip to the village is uneventful. The Speaker is waiting for you.
Athannah speaks Greetings again. I sense you were successful. I am feeling a great pall of evil has been lifted from me and all of our people. What happened in the Eye? Nerrenn, what can you say for yourself? We will reward you as best we can. But you have our undying gratitude for your efforts as strangers. You will be honored guests and we will offer whatever aid we can to your cause in Kintargo.
She and the clan wait to hear your report. Nerrenn stands stunned and silent. His embarrassment is obvious. Aava watches him to say anything but he cannot find the words.
Nevertheless, With this significant favor done, we elves of Acisazi
readily agree to support your new Silver Ravens.
She continues, with a motion to Aava to bring her a cask.
While we aren’t ourselves a significant defensive force, we have
contacts with other aquatic elf settlements deeper in the
Arcadian Ocean.
She pulls out an ornate sharkskin belt and hands it to Talvek for the party.
We offer the our greatest treasure, a belt of physical might as a reward for dispelling the vile rune which sickened our village.
Nerrenn pulls off his own vest and motions his item should be offered as well.
While letting Lubella do most of the reporting, as she had a talent for succinctly summarizing the important aspects, Talvek does speak up for the formerly dominated sea elf. "In Nerenn's defense, the creature that was down there had some very powerful mind magic. It attempted to command us as well, and it was able to erase its presence from our sight."
She nods to Talvek. If it was indeed an Aboleth, then only the strongest of wills can resist their domination. No doubt, Menotheguro hoped to harness the latent energies of the site, augment them via procedures applied to
living victims harvested from Acisazi, and raise up a
deadly aquatic undead known as a sea bonze. This would have been horrible.
Kenji bows.
“I am glad that we were able to support you. Now we are asking for your support. We told you about the city’s challenges … is there anything that you could do??!!“ he asks.
Lubella added, "At some point in the future, we may declare Kintargo independent of Cheliax. We are looking for allies to defend the city against possible retaliation by the Chelish Navy."
You have our committed support. If it were not for you Silver Ravens, our village would have been completely decimated in a few weeks. We owe you all our lives. It may take us a week or so to recover, but we await your call. says Aava with a nod from the Speaker and even Nerrenn.
"Thank-you for our support!", Lubella replied. "We will need to leave in the morning to return to Kintargo. I would appreciate it if we could replenish our water supplies before we depart."
The speaker affirmed your request. ”Absolutely. We will provide food and water to get you home. Even an escort to your boat if needed. “
Nerrenn and Aava nod.
Sidius smiles, "Thank you for all of your assistance."
With your alliance with the Acisazi Sea Elves cemented, you are able to collect your belongings and rewards before hiking back to the boat. Captain Dog Leg is waiting impatiently, but had not yet given you up for dead.
I saws me some flash of light and like the waters towards the Eye seemed to settle. I figured you all done been successful...well, or you were dead. but no matter, Captain McGee always keeps his word. At least when it ain't gonna get him killed.
***
The trip back to Kintargo is largely uneventful as the waters seem to be more hospitable. On a few occasions you see a friendly wave from a pair of Sea Elves which seem to be shadowing your craft back home.
"Many thanks for your gifts and your assistance. It was the pleasure of the Silver Ravens to help how we could."
"Take care, all of you. And Nerenn... no hard feelings, at least not from me." Talvek finishes his farewells and is ready to return to Kintargo.
On the way back, the tiefling spends a lot of time thinking, turning over plans and discarding them, but mostly worrying about his family.
"Things will heat up soon, and not in a good way. I am thinking that I should find a safe spot out of the city for my mother and aunties and sisters."
Kenji is glad that everyone is safe now.
“Let us head back then!“
You make the trip back to Kintargo and Capt McGee avoids any patrols. You are able to seek the Lucky Bones and provide a report to Octavio and the others from your teams. The week was relatively quiet.
Octavio approaches you and asks. It is beyond my place to ask, but were you successful in forging an alliance with the Sea Elves? The others from the Silver Council may ask at the meeting. There has been no further announcements on this Grand Ball or whatever the Lord-Mayor is calling it. The teams completed their assignments.
He hands Lubella a sealed scroll.
This arrived yesterday from Lady Docur.
If you open it and read...
“Greettings Silver Ravens. In preparations for the next meeting of the Silver Council, I have been calling in favors regarding the leanings of the various noble families.
The Aulorians seem to be shifting support from Kintargan tradition to Thrune. Feels more and more like our so-called nobles are turning into the lord-mayor's pets!
Very few seem to be willing to oppose the lord-mayor. Baron Sendi Vashnarstill may still be open to our goals.
See you soon. I hope your travels are more fruitful and eager to hear the next steps on our mutual path. Cheers. L.D."
Lubella replied to Octavio, "Our expedition was a success! The sea Elves have agreed to an alliance."
After reading Lady Docur's scroll, she showed it to to the other party members, "Looks like we have our work cut out for us to win over the nobles."
”Indeed. But first the preparations for the Silver Council. Any change in agenda, invitees or the location? “ the hellknight commander asks as if planning a military campaign.
Kenji also looks at the letter.
“Do we need to speak to any of the nobles? Anything we should do now before the ball?“
Sidius nods at Talvek's comment, "That would be wise... Trust me, it's terrible not knowing where a loved one might be.... in many ways, it's worse than watching their execution -- at least for those like you and I with a quick mind capable of imagining scores or hundreds of terrible outcomes." He adds quietly, "Not that I recommend either possibility."
Sidius pauses at the Hellknight's question, "I think the agenda remains the same, though the difficulty of some tasks have changes. Invitees... I believe is something we should think on. If the so-called nobility is shifting allegiance, then they'll be looking for ways to jockey for position and be the best toadies they can. Which greatly increases the risk of any contact with them or their agents, as subtle as it might be."
He shakes his head, "I guarantee that one of them desperate for standing would turn in a group of their own scions -- at least from a lesser house -- and call them the Ravens, if the deception wasn't guaranteed to be found out, with some rather terrible consequences."
Lubella asked her comrades,
"Does anyone have any suggestions for the location of the next Silver Council meeting, and who to invite?
I'm thinking we should invite Zachrin Vhast, High Priest of the Church of Shelyn. I'm not sure that we want to propose meeting at Songbird Hall, given that he might want to draw attention to his involvement. The last meeting was at Longroads, but that's across the bridge, and I don't want to draw too much attention to Laria's establishment. I was previously thinking of the Cloven Hoof Society, but their headquarters seemed abandoned the last time we checked on it.
"Holding the Meeting at the Lucky Bones would risk giving away the location of our base, while the Tooth and Nail might draw attention to Setona's place of business. In any case we do need to pick some location."
Octavio snaps his fingers and one of his team breaks out a ledger.
”So guests to include Leaders with influence or networks in their own right. Lady Docur, potentially High Priest Vhast, what of the Bellflowers or Roses? Some of the nobles, but Lady Docur will have the best intel on them. I am not sure about the level of commitment by Captain Saegeto? If he could use his influence to gather any navy force that would help. I hear he has powerful connections in Vyre. There may be other forces there willing to see the Thrunes falter. The Glorious Reclamation is too far off and have their own agenda.“
He starts to sketch a map of the area’s surrounding Kintargo. Sea lanes, overland supply routes, anything allowing reinforcements.
”I wish my team could offer more. But all we can offer is consultation or limited raids. It is often said ‘Amateurs talk tactics or strategies but wars are won by logistics and diplomacy.’“
Lubella replied to Octavio, "We should naturally extend invitations to Laria Longroad and Hetamon Hace.
"Your comments about Vyre makes me think that a trip to that city is in order at some point; Captain Sargaeta could provide us with transport there if we called in a favor. I guess the timing depends on the date for the masquerade ball, once that is announced."
Lubella informed her comrades of her intention to visit the Tooth and Nail, to discuss with Setrona the feasibility of holding the next Silver Council meeting at that location. After that she left the entrance to the Lucky Bones; after checking to make sure that no one was following her, she walked the relatively short distance through Old Kintargo and entered the the tavern from Tuce Alley.
Setrona greets Lubella warmly while preparing for luncheon customers
”Well look who the wind blew in. My word it has been a bit. How can I help you. Hope everyone is doing well.“
Upon seeing Lubella’s expression seeking a more private discussion she pulls her into a back private dining room and shuts the door
”How can I help? And how is that cousin of mine? I hope not in trouble again.“
Lubella explained her recent absence, "We just got back from a trip from a visit to an aquatic elvish village not too far from here, where we secured a pledge of support in in the event of Kintargo's eventual independence."
"Last week we held the first meeting of something called the Silver Council, where we discussed Kintargo's future with interested parties. The first meeting was in Villegre, at the Long Roads Coffee House. Lady Docur, the headmistress of Lady Docur's School for Girls, was there, along with Hetamon Hace, and Laria Longroad, the proprietor. Lady Docur wants to help us; it seems that her school instructs its students in the art of espionage, in addition to social etiquette. Laria Longroad is a member of the Bellfower Network, and Hetemon is secretly the leader or the Church of Milani.
"The Council needs a venue for its next meeting. The idea is to hold meetings at different locations to maintain secrecy. I wanted to run the idea by you of meeting here at the Tooth and Nail. We're planning on inviting Zachrin Vhast, high priest of the church of Shelyn, to discuss how we can work together. He can't openly support us right now, which I can understand."
"What do you think about holding the next meeting here? I understand if you feel that it's too risky."
She pauses, tapping her chin in thought.
”I guess it will be ok. Those are not the type of customers The Tooth and Nail sees regularly. Normally that would be great advertising for business. But in this case, it is more likely to get me shut down by Thrune dottari right quick.
But if the members are willing to wear a disguise or at least spread their arrival times, I can offer this back room.“
She thinks a bit more and worry crosses her face.
”But just this once? I don’t think we could make this a regular occurrence.“
Lubella assured Setrona, "I'll be sure to request that the attendees take appropriate precautions. We'll limit this to a one-time meeting."
After determining the best date and starting time with Setrona, Lubella returned to the Lucky Bones and met with other members of the Silver Ravens about the Silver Council meeting.
She sought out Sergio Isaurus and asked how things were going with setting up the medical clinic. She talked to him about the Silver Council meeting, since she figured it would be a good idea for him to attend the upcoming meeting.
Once she had consulted with the main players bout the Silver Council meeting, she started preparing the invitations to be sent out by raven.
“Your service to our village will never be forgotten. Our team of scouts will arrive in Kintargo next week. If I may ask one more favor, for though we of different races, we share similar passions. If you hear any word of Shensen, please share with me. The Speaker has foretold to me somehow our fates are connected. Thank you”. -Aava.
Talvek goes to visit his family, broaching the topic of taking a little holiday to the countryside for an indefinite time, but none of the women are receptive to the idea.
"We will not run, while you and your friends put yourselves in danger. We will take precautions, and we will take care of each other like we've always done, but we are staying. Tell us how we can help." His mother Pella speaks for the rest of the Kindred Clan, the found family of tieflings, her posture proud and her expression resolute.
"Yes, let me fight some stupid dottari with you!" chimes in Zea, shadow boxing some invisible Thrune lackeys.
Although it isn't the outcome he was hoping for, Talvek cannot help but feel proud and deeply touched by his family's determination, and after extracting another round of promises that they'll be careful, he goes to pay a visit to Hetamon.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Hace!" Disguised as a young human noble, Talvek acts as if he has never set foot in the shop before. "My friends tell me that this is the place to get something... special. Not the boring stuff that's in fashion these days, I'm looking to make a statement." He leans in for a stage whisper. "You know, for the event." He wiggles his eyebrows conspiratorially. "Something elegant, but comfortable. Tasteful, understated, but not boring. Something that would still catch the eye and turn heads, if you know what I mean."
Hetamon Haace welcomes Talvek as a new customer
”Greetings and welcome to my shop. You have come to the right place. I have been busy with orders for the EVENT. If rumors can be trusted, it could be in a couple weeks. And as a masquerade no less.“
The day of the Second Silver Council is set and those you invite have agreed to attend. The Tooth and Nail is prepared with the back room and the guests are scheduled to arrive.
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Lubella convened a meeting ahead of the council meeting, to plan the group's strategy.
"Let's discuss what we want to get out of the second Silver Council meeting.
"As far as I can see the topics we need to discuss are:
"One: preparations for the masquerade ball. I still need to get a costume. I understand several of yo have contacted Hetamon about making outfits. We should also go over what we know about the attitudes of the various noble families. The ball is a good opportunity to talk to members of the individual families. I'm hoping Lady Docur can give us a good perspective on how we are viewed by the different noble houses. We should also discuss in more detail how Lady Docur can help us with her intelligence network. It would be good if we could find more out about the venue; as I understand the ball will be held at the Kintargo Opera House. It's interesting that Barzilai Thrune has chosen the Opera House as his headquarters, as opposed to Castle Kintargo.
"Two: travelling to Vyre. We want to gain support in that city. Once we know the exact date for the masquerade ball, we can ask Captain Sargaeta to sail us to Vyre. We would need to be back in Kintargo for the Ball.
"Three: Information about Senshen. Aava put a note in my possessions, asking me to pass on any information about the elvish opera singer."
She showed her comrades the note written on a roll of kelp.
"Four: Coordinate strategy with The Church of Shelyn. I can understand Zachrin Vhast's situation: openly supporting the Silver Ravens now would be disastrous for his church, but we can still plan for the future."
Five: Additional steps to secure support in Ravounel. At some point, we need to close the Menador Gap, to block reinforcements from Cheliax."
Kenji, a thoughtful expression on his face, takes a moment to carefully consider Lubella's words before speaking up.
“First, I must commend you, Lubella, on your thoroughness and insight. As a paladin of Irori, I am committed to the pursuit of knowledge, and it is my honor to contribute to the cause. I am new so I have some ideas but also questions!“ he says.
“Regarding the masquerade ball, I believe my skills as a diplomat may serve us well in gauging the attitudes of the various noble families. In our quest for support, I can strive to identify potential allies while simultaneously avoiding the snares of our enemies. Moreover, maybe there is a hidden passage within the Kintargo Opera House, one that could provide us with a discreet vantage point during the event? We could endeavor to learn more about things that may prove invaluable for our cause but who can help?
In relation to Vyre, do we have more connections within the city that may be of assistance? While our primary focus should be gaining support for the Silver Ravens, it is also vital that we uncover any hidden threats lurking within the shadows so what can we di there? Can we reach out to contacts and gather information about the political landscape in Vyre?
As for Senshen, the elvish opera singer, I who has crossed paths with talented performers in Kintargo that could tell us something about them? Can we consult with contacts, discreetly, of course, to see if they can shed light on Senshen's identity or motivations?
In regards to coordinating with the Church of Shelyn, I wholeheartedly agree that we must tread cautiously. I have faith that our shared love for art and beauty will bring us closer to Zachrin Vhast and his followers. Perhaps we could establish a secret means of communication to ensure that we can collaborate without jeopardizing their safety?
Lastly, concerning Ravounel, can we explore the possibility of forging alliances with other local factions? By banding together, can we present a united front against Cheliax, making it all the more difficult for them to breach the Menador Gap?
I hope that together, we can achieve our goals and secure a brighter future for Kintargo and its people!“ the paladin says with howls in between.
Octavio waits outside the conference room until after your strategy session is completed.
I am assuming the agenda is set. You can always adjust to any news or changes once the meeting progresses.
He motions for two of his Hellknights to approach.
These arrived for you while you were out conducting the mission with the Sea Elves.
He hands you each a bundle with a wand or suit of armor, and a note, with the number "9" scrolled on it.
Arcos nods to Lubella, "Well, my trusty magic sleeves should help me fabricate whatever outfit I need, and my talent for diguise shall see me through the rest of the way. I must say, I'm far from used to rubbing shoulders with nobles but we do what we must for liberty. I do know a thing or two about them though, if that will come to any use. As far as the Menador Gap goes, I wonder if we could get a team of sappers from somewhere? A well timed explosion the collapse the tunnel at Menador Keep could close it off and take out a few lackeys of the Thrunes all in one fell swoop. Hell, the dwarves built the thing, I wonder if they'd be willing to help us?"
Lubella selected a healing wand from the bundle that Octavio presented, "This should come in handy!"
The overcast evening arrives for the Silver Council and Setrona is rushing around while pretending not to be nervous. The rain pouring outside helps conceal the visitors and the city patrols at the same time.
She welcomes you and your guests and ushers to the back room before hoods and cloaks are pulled back to reveal who arrived
”Welcome to the Tooth and Nail. Please bring your wet cloaks back here to dry. “
Once everyone arrived who you invited, she closes the door and nods to Lubella.
Lubella double-checked the security arrangements with Talvek and familiarized herself with the acoustical properties of theme meeting room. She wanted to make sure that they could discuss strategy without being overheard.
Once everyone had arrived and found suitable seating, she started the meeting.
"Welcome to the second meeting of the Silver Council. My name is Kyda; We'll start the agenda by updating everyone on our progress over the last week, before moving on to discussing new business.
"We had a successful journey tp the aquatic elf village of Acisazi, and defeated an aboleth that was threatening them. The village leaders have pledged their support to us in gratitude. They should be helpful in defending the sea approaches to Kintargo."
She motioned for Sergio Isaurus to come forward.
"I would like to introduce you to Sergio, who is setting up a charitable medical clinic, in cooperation with the Church of Shelyn. The church isn't in a position to openly support us at this time, but I look forward to cooperating behind the scenes. This initiative will help us build support with the general populous, as well as help us identify members of the public who are interested in aiding our cause.
"Moving on to new business, our main focus is on preparing for the upcoming masquerade ball. I myself have not yet acquired a costume, so I will be coordinating with our excellent tailor to outfit myself in what I'm sure will be memorable attire."
She smiled at Hetamon.
"We will want to learn as much as we can about the venue for the Ball: the Kintargo Opera House. If any of you are familiar with the opera house, we would be grateful for your input. Once we know the exact date for the event, we my try to arrange transport to the city of Vyre to make contacts there. We will need to be back for the Ball, but we have a good idea of who can provide transport. I'm very interested in suggestions of who to meet in Vyre."
"The Masquarade Ball will be an excellent chance to meet prominent members of Kintargo Society. We should discuss who we should plan to meet to build our support."
The first to be introduced, the fine elven Lady Docur greets everyone, including Sergio with a formal bow.
Indeed, the Masquerade Ball is an interesting move by the Lord-Mayor. I am not sure what his motive is, but more than likely a trap for your group. From what I hear, it will be in two weeks, but plans are not finalized yet. She pauses to let that resonate.
Undoubtedly, you know you have irritated him to the point of embarrassment and he cannot continue without some public reaction.
His offer of gifts and recognition did not go as well as he hoped.
This may be a ploy to appeal to your clandestine nature. Any of us attending, and I would not miss it. We will need to be alert.
She continues. As far as my delving into the social circles of the city's elites and nobels. I have found but a few of the houses may be willing to join our cause.
They will certainly attend the ball. If we can win over a few before then, it would go well.
Baron Sendi Vashnarstill, although greedy, sleazy, and worldly, is still more loyal to his own wealth and interests in Arcadian trade, fishing, and especially shipbuilding. A powerful ally if naval power is needed. He considers himself witty, so that is the angle to try.
Do not waste your time on Count Geoff Tanessen or Archbaroness Melodia Delronge. They seem already deep in Thrune's confidence.
Of all the others, I find Baroness Belcara Jarvis the most amicable towards your cause. She is interested in the arts and especially architecture.
The Lady Docur gracefully nods and returns to her seat.
Hetamon Haace affirms the lady's comments. My shop has been receiving orders for many costumes, so I suspect the two to three weeks is correct. So much so, I have had to hire extra help to handle the influx. Unfortunately, this has left me little time to do much else. The Roses will be ready, mainly to support healing, but we have little info to offer beyond what was already uncovered by Lady Docur.
Zachrin Vhast defers to Laria as she stands on a chair to speak.
Greetings all. Especially nice to meet you, Sergio.
The Bellflowers have access to more information outside Kintargo, in the country and around the region.
The Glorious Reclamation continues its march through
the rest of Cheliax. However, they lost control of Kantaria, where
Thrune agents recently won a decisive victory over the
Iomedaeans.
The halfling continues after a brief look around the room.
However, larger cities, such as Senara, are falling
to the Glorious Reclamation, forcing House Thrune to
mobilize their armies to defend the Chelish heartland
and southern coast, which incidentally leaves less and
less direct support for Barzillai Thrune and his rule
here in Kintargo.
If done quickly, there is an opportunity in cities like Vyre to find allies willing to provide help.
Talvek takes mental notes as the others speak. The idea of cozying up to someone like Baron Vashnarstill turns his stomach, but Baroness Jarvis sounds more palatable.
"It sounds like our next step is Vyre, then. Are there any individuals there that you suggest we contact?"
Sidius listens, nodding, I can't say I expect Vashnarstill to be loyal to the cause -- the sort who'd turn on anyone for the right pay.... Still, winning him over would tear away support from my Dear Cousin, and so we'd just need to be sure that the Baron were well managed...".
He has to force himself to listen and concentrate when the Bellflower speaks, reminding himself that the information is important, pushing off memories of the halfling that did the actual work of raising him... and especially of her execution for being part of the network.
Finally he sighs, and says, "I agree that would be useful, but the ball has us on a schedule that may tie our hands.... That said, I think His Lordishness is expecting us to be at the ball and so it would be a large surprise to him - and everyone - if we were taking action outside of the city so close to the date...."
He pauses, "So, I think I like the idea, if we can make the logistics work. Even if it's only a first contact."