Lubella greeted the newcomers and exchanged pleasantries. She followed Laria upstairs, and waited until everyone was settled. She stood on a box to address the others. She clasped her hands behind her back, as she tended to do when she was in a formal setting, and a bit nervous.
"Hello everyone! We are here to discuss a vital matter for the city of Kintargo: reviving the organization known as the Silver Ravens. The Silver Ravens protected Kintargo during the chaos that erupted after the death of Aroden. Subsequently, the Ravens seem to have diminished, and have become inactive in recent years. With the current crisis, and the takeover by Barzillai Thrune, the Silver Ravens are needed more than ever!
"The purpose of the revived organization, will be no less than to organize the city, and free it from the yoke of oppression! Be under no illusions: joining the Silver Ravens will place you in grave danger. If you aren't ready to commit to such a perilous undertaking, you should back out now. There is no shame."
After pausing to see if anyone wanted to leave, she continued.
"I met Arcos at the Aria Park protest, and I can assure you that he can handle himself in a fight. We rescued Rexus from a band of Thrune thugs shortly afterwards.
"As most of you are aware, Rexus' family estate burned to the ground during the Night of Ashes, and his mother is missing. What you may not know, is that she left him a note, in case anything should happen, telling him to look for information about the Silver Ravens, in the basement of the old Fair Fortune Livery. Rexus, along with myself, Arcos, and two others that we met at the protest, explored the cellar, and discovered a cache of documents. They are written in code, and will take some time to decipher.
"The two others that I mentioned, decided that they weren't ready to take on the might of House Thrune, and are not joining the Silver Ravens at this time. I believe that they can be trusted, and will not betray us.
"I see our next steps as: One: Set up formal responsibilities for the founding Officers. Two: Build support among the people of Kintargo. Three: Establish control over individual neighborhoods. Four: Build alliances with regional powers outside of the city. Only when we have done all those things, will we be in a position to challenge Barzillai Thrune directly.
"I'm sure you all have questions and ideas of your own. Now is the time to present them!" She stepped down from the box and took a seat. She didn't speak of the Devil's Nursery murders yet, although dealing with them was urgent. She felt the others needed a chance to discuss the Silver Ravens organization first.
After meeting Julessa, Aldren alternates between banal chatter and slightly scandalous but not very serious flirtation on the remainder of their walk to the coffee house. As brief introductions are proffered by Laria and Rexus, he smiles and nods to each of the new faces, each time with a compliment or soft words of flattery.
His overall affect is not just confident but even a bit cocky. While others talk, he pokes around the room a bit, fails to find whatever he's looking for, then sits and pulls out a bottle of absinthe from his bag and pours himself a sip as Lubella lays out the situation. Though his posture and movements are languid, his azure eyes fix on her as he listens intently.
When she's done, he leans back a little further and takes another sip of the green spirit before setting the glass on a table and pulls an amulet from beneath his breastplate. He slips the chain up and over his head, then places the whole thing on the table, gently and with reverence but open to view: a sun symbol with three daggers radiating outward.
"Lubella, it was, right? That was remarkably forthright of you. Foolish perhaps, but as it happens I like fools. So, I see no reason to dance around my motives for being here." He gestures to the holy symbol. "I'm a Calistrian, my faith banned by the Thrice-Damned Thrunes and my church's position and holdings usurped and stolen by Abadaran thieves and lapdogs. My lineage is apparent enough and, while I'll not deny I take advantage of my father's name, our mutual contempt is surpassed only by my desire to see his whole Thrune-boot licking house burn to the ground... with him in it." Preferably screaming.
He pauses, time for his words to sink in while his simmering rage brings a flush to his cheeks, then the dark tone quickly fades as a smile flickers back to his face.
"So, treason, vengeance, or is that justice, yes, justice. Sounds like a lark. Someone told me being a rebel gets you all the tricks. I'm in. My talents start with my tongue, work their way down, and I think will be of use to you. I've a few conditions, quid pro quo, what-have-you, minor details, but let's hear from the others first." He pours himself another bit of absinthe and offers the bottle to any others who might be interested. As the others talk, he listens while holding his glass in one hand and tracing the outline of his holy symbol with the other.
"Yes, well, if Rexus or Laria didn't think someone could be trusted, they wouldn't have been invited to this meeting," Lubella replied to Aldren. "That's good enough for me." Sure, there's always a risk. No-one can truly know the heart of another, but if you can't trust anyone, you'll never change anything.
Aldren tips his glass in silent acknowledgment of Lubella's words. Assuming we're all as we appear, but no point spooking them with parlor tricks. She's not wrong, and that little flash of temper might not have made the best first impression. But hey, I'm being honest; that's new.
Julessa eyes Aldren as he makes his introduction. Her expression remains studiously neutral, but there is a hardness in her gaze that belies her flour-spattered exterior. When he straightens, she inclines her head politely in return.
"Julessa Emberlain, proprietress of the Owl Bakery. There is no rum in my coffee cakes."
Having left the coffee loaves downstairs, Julessa follows Laria up to her study and there takes a seat, folding her hands in her lap and sitting straight backed and she examines first one and then the other stranger. There is a self-possession to her that affords her an intrinsic form of dignity; one could easily imagine her as composed were she dressed in the greatest finery as her common baker's smock.
When Lubella comes forth and states the purpose of the meeting, even Julessa can't hide her shock. Her eyes widens and she leans forward a fraction, casting a glance at Laria as if to confirm that this is no jest, and then leaning back and crossing her arms as she listens on, brow lowering.
Aldren then speaks his piece and reveals his true identity; this earns him a new examination, though Julessa doesn't appear too surprised; if anything, it would seem that pieces of a puzzle have just slotted into place.
Finally she rises to her feet and steps to the window, where she gazes out over the streets below before turning back to the others.
"Kintargo is in dire need of revolution." She speaks carefully and slowly, as if picking a path of stones over a fast flowing river. "From my vantage point behind the counter at the Owl Bakery I have sensed the growing desire amongst the people for change. It is unformed, unspoken, even, but I've seen it in the hardened expressions, heard it in the whispered conversations. There is a groundswell taking place, and now might very well be the moment to usher in such a revolt. However."
She pauses, frowning, as she considers those gathered before her. "Any concerted attempt to do so might very well result in the deaths of all involved, their friends, and their business associates. Therefor, before I commit or reveal more of my own abilities, I would like to know more about the details behind these plans. How do you intend to build support amongst the people of Kintargo? How would you go about establishing 'control' over neighborhoods, and what does 'control' mean? As for regional alliances - do any here have connections that could be leveraged? Ultimately any revolution would have to face the ire of Cheliax itself. Only a strong network of allies would allow such a revolution to last longer than it takes for news to reach the heart of the empire."
Lubella listened to Julessa's concerns, which were to be expected. She had done a great deal of thinking about the matter in the last couple of days.
"To build support, we need to do things to help people. Arcos, Talvek and I have just returned from the Redroof district, where there have been several murders. Besides the obvious need to prevent further loss of life, solving the case would generate goodwill from the people in the area, especially the tieflings. We don't have a lot to go on yet, but I think this should be our first priority."
"The next thing I want to do, is to set up a clinic to provide free medical care for the poor. We should also make an effort to feed the hungry. We'll also want to make contact with the members of banned faiths that have gone underground. I'm sure there's other things we can do, so don't be shy with your suggestions.
"Once we have built up enough support in a given neighborhood, we can organize a citizen's militia, ostensibly to combat crime. Obviously, the dottari would still be patrolling the area, but we would be in a position to isolate anyone who supports the regime.
"One thing to remember, is that Cheliax faces a massive threat from the knights of the Glorious Reclamation! They've already conquered the citadel of Dinyar, the headquarters of the Hellknight Order of the Godclaw. If the Queen has to choose between holding on to Egorian, and retaking Kintargo, I think she'll keep the troops near the capital. I suspect she would regard Kintargo as a provincial backwater, and ultimately expendable."
Arcos nods at the group and says with a sly smile, "New recruits. Well, I'd say that I'll be damned but with the proclivities of the Thrune's Id certainly hope not. In any case, I can certainly vouch for what Lubella says. One thing for all of you to know, in public combat I take on a rather different persona, so if I begin talking in third person and referring to myself as the Blue Warlock, you'll know why."
Julessa listens with fierce intensity, nodding on occasion, and when Lubella finishes her explanations she turns her attention to Arcos. She gathers her braided iron-colored hair over one shoulder, smoothing it down.
"This gathering is already furthering your goal of contacting other members of banned faiths. Calistria," she says with a nod to Aldren. "And in me, Milani. I am a cleric of her faith, and the center of a small knot of her faithful."
She squares her shoulders as she says this, chin rising.
"No doubt that's why Laria called me to this meeting. But I like what I am hearing, and must admit that I have long studied the Silver Ravens and rebellions in general. I'm sufficiently impressed by your plans to lend you my aid, and though I fear the road that lies before us, I will do all in my power to ensure the revival of the Silver Ravens is a successful one."
At this her stony demeanor cracks into a smile, and her eyes twinkle with both enthusiasm and excitement. "I can aid in helping provide feel medical care, and can do so under the aegis of the Owl Bakery - perhaps we could use the bakery as a front, providing free, restorative meals to those in need. Further, we must put thought into our propaganda: how are we to communicate to the masses what is afoot? Controlling that message and ensuring its spread will be pivotal in the weeks to come. Finally, we should reach out to the leaders of the other powerful groups in the city: the workers, the intellectuals, the women who labor in obscurity. It is only by harnessing their might that we can all rise up to overthrow the government."
Rexus smiles as he likes how the group appears to be on the right track.
As a combatant, I cannot provide much assistance. However, as a scholar and aristocrat, I have some connections yet in the city which may be helpful to the cause.
At the very least I owe it to my parents, especially my mother, to decode these documents.
I am sure they will provide additional clues on the original Ravens and may ultimately connect the old with the new and help defeat the rule of the Thrunes and all his depravity.
He crosses his arms as if to show he is 'in' and said his piece.
But rebellions take more than just a half dozen like minded people in an upper room. We will need funds and a campaign to recruit. Who of you have skills to lead by example in this area. New members will need to be vetted and trained.
Laria smiles as well.
You all have wonderful ideas. I can use some of my connections with the Bellflowers and you are welcome to the Wasps Nest...at least until you outgrow it.
Which could happen sooner than later, depending on the success of your recruiting. Eventually you will gain the attention of Thrune, and it may be good to have an alternate site ready if a hasty evacuation is needed. But for now, this is probably the last meeting in this room.
Others should be held below, where secrecy is more easily guarded.
Aldren follows much the conversation with a hint passivity or indifference to the significance of it all, casually stroking his holy symbol with the tip of a finger while drinking with a curious smile. When Arcos speaks, the half-elf chuckles slightly. ”Speaking in third person or in tongues, trust me, it won’t be the first time I’ve heard such a thing. Adrenaline and excitement bring out curious utterances.”
When Julessa reveals her own faith, he sits upright just a little, reconsidering the dour baker who eschews rum in her cakes. Hmm. Kindred spirit, or sour grapes? An idealist to be sure. Could be a bore, but... He nods silently in recognition of her conviction. He slowly settles back into his seat, twirling the green liquid in the glass before turning his head to listen to Rex and Laria.
”Rex, I hadn’t thought much of you when we first met, but I’ll be the first to say... I was wrong, and don’t sell yourself short. You saved my life with your bravery and I’m in your debt. If I can help you with your mother, or anything else as part of this little soirée, you let me know.”
As Laria talks, Aldren almost misses it completely, his mind consumed with other thoughts, but it screeches to a halt as something clicks. Suddenly, much more intensely, he stares at her and almost barks, ”What!? What do you mean, ‘Wasp’s Nest’?”
Yes, it seemed time to address who should be in charge of the various areas of responsibility.
"From what I understand, there are six officer positions that need to be filled, although perhaps some could be appointed later," Lubella said.
"First is the Demagogue: the Demagogue crafts and spreads the message of the Silver Ravens, convinces people of the righteousness of our cause, and builds anger towards the government.
"Second is the Partisan: the Partisan commands the paramilitary wing of the Silver ravens, and will be responsible for establishing and training the militias.
"Third is the Recruiter: the Recruiter identifies new recruits, assesses their skills, and matches them with positions within the organization.
"Forth is the Sentinel: the Sentinel maintains internal discipline, and responds to organizational challenges that arise.
"Fifth is the Spymaster: the Spymaster tries to learn of the government's plans, while preventing the government from gaining information about the Silver Ravens' operations.
"Lastly is the Strategist, who charts the overall strategy of the Silver Ravens, and coordinates the other officers towards achieving the organization's goals."
The paused for a moment, and continued, blushing, "I, uh, think I would be well suited for the Demagogue position." She found this sort of self-promotion rather embarrassing.
The conversation has Talvek riveted until he hears something that makes him jump out of his chair. He stares at Arcos with his mouth open before bursting out: "You're the Blue Warlock?! Wow! I've heard so much about you, I can't believe I get to meet you, I mean, him, erm..." He trails off in embarrassment as he catches the stares from the others, taking his seat again and grinning sheepishly.
The next few minutes he seems to be absorbed in his own thoughts, glancing at Arcos every now and then, grinning to himself, although he perks up again when Julessa mentions Milani, and from that point on he distributes his puppy-eyed glances equally between her and the wizard. Julessa does remind him of his mother, and an idea forms in his mind.
"If you wish to get the community leaders on your side, I know one you could start with. You should meet my mother, Palla. She didn't set out to be what she is, but circumstances and her own nature have made her into one of those people that everyone goes to when they have troubles. She's taken in many desperate women, and they have formed a coalition of sorts." He switches to the slum dialect, his speech becoming rougher and slightly slurred. "No bloke messes wiv' me mam and the bleedin' Kindred Clan."
He grins and switches back to more proper speech. "As for myself, I'm good at finding out things. I found out about the Silver Ravens, didn't I? Studied them for years, although they went and buried all that information deep, they did. I could be the Spymaster."
If nobody else describes it, Laria chimes in to Aldren's question.
Well, after Lubella and Arcos investigated my cellar, they found a shrine to your deity down there. That is how is has the nickname of Wasps Nest. I have called it that for years, but it has been abandoned.
Its a small shrine, mind you, but I said they could work down there...you know until you need a bigger place. It is fairly secluded at least...for now.
Rexus nods to Lubella and Talvek.
Sounds like two positions filled. How about the rest of you? Any of these roles strike your interest? If not, the spots can be left vacant for now. I would take a role myself, but as Laria and I have other connections, I would think it could be a conflict of interest and make it more difficult than if we retain our support role.
He looks at Arcos, Julessa and Aldren.
Lubella replied to Julessa's offer to use the Owl Bakery as a base for providing food and medical aid, "That sounds great. Where is your bakery located?"
Aldren nods in appreciation to Laria, then chews on his lower lip and seems lost in a moment of thought while the others talk. Well, Mistress, if ever You were to send a sign... But hidden beneath a coffee house? My Lady, you confuse me so.
He coughs slightly and looks between Lubella and the others, though primarily the halfling as she seems to be the one in charge. "So, I don't mean to gauche, but I said I had a few conditions for joining this little crusade. I hadn't thought of hidden shrines, but it seems my Mistress forces my hand. The Abadarans and the House of Satin Veils... when the time comes, I want your aid in removing their blaspheming presence and restoring the temple to its rightful Owner. And, as for this shrine, you'll allow me to tend to it and treat it with the proper respect of a place sacred to Calistria. I'm not asking anyone to join the faith or practice our rites -- though I promise you'd enjoy them," his grin takes a lascivious edge, "but if She has a shrine beneath this place, I must see it restored and tended."
He corks the absinthe and stands, "If that is acceptable to you, I'll join. As long as we're doling out titles, I'd opt for the recruiter or partisan. Calistrians have to size up people quickly and sometimes coax them out of their comfort zones and, while we're no soldiers, if you think our only utility is in the bedroom, well... I'll have to tell you sometime of the Savored Sting."
Lubella knew that cooperating with other religions was going to be essential in overthrowing Barzillai Thrune, and the Church of Sarenrae generally maintained good relations with most other faiths.
"The Silver Ravens will be supportive of all faiths, provided that they don't promote evil practices. All religious buildings and sites that were damaged by the regime during the Night of Ashes, or seized illegally, will be restored. You may certainly restore the shrine in the Wasp's Nest, so long as you respect the religious practices of other members of the Silver Ravens.
"I am open to cooperating with individual supporters of all religions, providing that the greater good is served. Obviously, one must keep one's guard up, and consider their motivations, and it will likely be not practical to work with the faithful of Asmodeus. The one exception I must insist upon: there will be no tolerance of the worship of Rovagug, the Rough Beast!"
Julessa nods her firm agreement to Lubella's proclamation.
"I can envision myself taking on the roll of partisan. I have some experience at this stage in my life of detecting the good apples from the bad, and could work at ensuring that our security forces are maintaining their integrity."
She looks over at Rexus. "I would appreciate being kept abreast of your attempts to decipher the documents. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. Milani can grant me the ability to understand all written and spoken languages."
Aldren listens closely to Lubella's words and, while she agrees to his requests, he notices a few subtle conditions of her own. 'Evil' is a bit subjective, isn't it... But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
"Utterly reasonable, though you should be thinking about how much you can trust the Abadarans, too, not just the Asmodeans. This is rebellion, treason. The Abadarans are partial to law and order, not the anarchy of revolution, and they benefit from consorting with the current regime. But, other faiths... I'm nothing if not flexible. To wit," he looks at Julessa and adds, "I'd love to hear your thoughts on Milani sometime. Fighting against injustice, and vengeance for the wronged... I think there may be much we have in common after all, though we might differ on the particulars. Maybe over some rum?" He can't help the last and grins a little.
And, as for the documents, he adds, "I've had a small hobby of playing with words and letters on occasion. I surely don't have your talent, Rex, but perhaps I can help, too."
Lubella listened to Aldren's concern. She agreed with his point that it was prudent to be cautious.
"Don't get me wrong — I'm not saying we should trust the Abadarans, Aldren. I agree that they may not be terribly sympathetic to our cause. I'm merely saying that I'm open to cooperating with them on a case-by-case basis, should it be in our interest to do so."
With sudden embarrassment, Lubella realized she had neglected to properly display her holy symbol, now that she was among friends. She pulled her angelic ankh, the symbol of Sarenrae, out from under her tunic. "For those of you who don't already know, I am also a worshiper of a banned faith: Sarenrae, the Dawnflower; goddess of the sun, redemption, honesty and healing."
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Julessa smiles at this revelation and steps forward to take both of Lubella's hands in her own. Julessa's palms are callused from long years of kneading dough, and her grip firm.
"It is a pleasure to see one of your faith here in Kintargo, Lubella, and it does my heart good to know that a beacon of faith dedicated to the Dawnflower burns here in the dark."
She gives Lubella's hands a final squeeze then steps back, smoothing her baker's smock down over her thighs.
"The Owl Bakery is located in Old Kintargo. It's been in my family for over forty six years; some of you might remember the building in which it's housed once being the infamous Naiad's Grin, a wicked den of hedonistic pleasure that would have made a Callistrian blush."
She pauses as she considers Aldren. "Well, perhaps not. But my grandfather won the deed from the owner after completing three tasks set to him that were supposed to have been impossible: drink six gallons of the Yolobulis harbor water right where the alchemical shops had their run off; race from the old Lucky Bones gambling hall to the Newt Market in under ten minutes; and steal a kiss from Hanna Ithilien, a half-elf beauty who was deemed utterly unapproachable, and who eventually became my grandmother."
Julessa smiles warmly as she tells the tale, clearly drawing pleasure and strength from her own family mythology. "Anyway, the Owl's my heart and home, and I open it to all of you. I have a shrine to Milani beneath the premises, created forty years ago by my grandmother, and if ever you have need of either sanctuary or sticky buns, please come pay a visit."
Laria smiles and volunteers. Since you seem to be lacking in the area, I will act as your sentinel for now. I can draw upon my contacts in the Bellflower network to help get the cause started. I cannot promise to stay an officer for long, but at least until you get started. I can vouch for my staff of 2 here, and for four more names that Rexus knows personally in favor of our cause. That should get us 6 supporters right now.
She looks at Aldren. Hopefully your recruiter can find a team good with trading. Cash is needed and it best get someone to start working on the treasury. This kind of stuff don't come free you know.
Rexus also looks to Aldren and any others. I will take any help any of you can offer in decoding these documents. However, they do require knowledge of three different languages and some study of the structure of languages to have any chance
Aldren can’t help but chuckle when Lubella reveals her faith, though it’s more self-deprecating than anything else. ”Oh my. Redemption and honesty. I’m in trouble.”
Aldren is surprised he doesn’t recall anything of the Naiad’s Grin, but local history hadn’t really been a focus of his rather informal education. ”I’d have loved to test that theory. Since I was initiated as a sacred courtesan, only one person ever made me blush.” He pauses slightly, his thoughts seem to flicker elsewhere and a slight line of tension comes to his jaw — Keya, a thousand deaths aren’t enough for what they did to you. I hope you’re safe — and is just as quickly gone. ”And while I mourn the loss of a proper den of debauchery, it’s kind of you to offer your home and business as sanctuary. I wish I could do the same, but father would have none of it and it would lead to a short revolution indeed.”
He sighs, returns the absinthe to his travel bag, and then adds, ”If you don’t mind, I’d like to look at this shrine, then I can get about corrupting the moral fiber of this town.”
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Aldren collects a piece of parchment along with ink and quill before making his way down the stairs and into the warren beneath the Long Roads Coffeehouse. (If necessary, he procures a lantern or torch as well.) At first, he can't imagine there being a shrine to any but the lowest of the gods existing in such a place. And then he sees the statue rising out of the water.
His first reaction is a clenched jaw and reddening of cheeks in rage at the indignity but, after a moment, he allows it to pass and surveys the area more closely, looking for clues and context. In the end, he is convinced this was either a place of worship forced into secrecy or one devoted to the faith's more violent endeavors, and perhaps both. Surely none of Her most sacred rites would be performed here. Although, perhaps, rites of domination? The stonework lends itself to... Focus, Aldren.
He slowly walks to the water's edge and examines both the pool of water and the ramshackle state of the 'pier'. Stagnant, untended, rotting... And Laria never told me? I must have a word with her. The Bellflower Network and saving slaves is one thing, but this is sacred. Or was.
And with the last thought, he blanches, realizing how profanely the dilapidated state of the shrine had affected his lack of obeisance. He drops to his knees, facing the shrine, and bows his head. "Mistress, please forgive me, I forget myself. Rage fills my heart. If there is vengeance to be had, it shall be Yours and, until then, I shall do all I can to restore this place to its proper glory and purpose."
He continues to pray like this until several minutes pass, when he stands, proceeds to strip everything but his holy symbol, and walks out into the water to more closely inspect the statute. (If anyone were to observe, it would be a fair question whether it was done out of practicality to avoid soiling his new breaches and armor, or as a matter of course when approaching such a shrine.) He pauses before the statute again, utters another round of prayers, this time in Elven, before proceeding to slowly circle the statute.
If there are any loose or broken pieces, he collects them one by one, walking them to the shore where he places them in a concentric pattern to remember where they are collected from. He inspects every bit of mud, slime or algae, whether above the waterline or below, and determines whether it can be removed with cloth, brush, tool, or requires something more like a universal solvent or artisan's work. When done, he offers one more prayer, then returns to the shore where he dries off, takes the parchment and ink, and proceeds to catalogue each of the loose pieces he collected and finds a table on which to store them before covering the lot with the silks that form his clerical garb.
These tasks complete, he dresses himself, dons the armor and black tabard of crushed velvet, and returns to his duties for the Silver Ravens.
Laria smiles at Aldren I am sure you would like to take a look. I don't mind at all. However, lets finish up business here and then I will show you to the cellar.
Rexus has some friends drop by later, know him, some know Laria. They agree to help raise funds for the cause.
Rexus introduces them to you as the evening draws long. These benefactors can help us with raising the treasury.
It has been a long afternoon, and much planning is still needed, but I must retire for the evening. he raises his cup to each of you as he drains it and heads out.
Laria appears to be getting concerned with all the visitors to her upper loft and starts clearing dishes and cups.
Well, tomorrow is another day. Lots to do, yes. Bishop Aldren, I will take you down there when you are ready. she says the last part with a wry grin.
Not long after the Chelish Civil War came to an end, the church of Calistria was forced to abandon its cathedral on Temple Hill after House Thrune outlawed worship of the Savored Sting. Most of the faithful fled north to seek shelter in cities such as Magnimar and Riddleport, but here and there worshipers clung to their traditions and their homes, practicing their faith in hiding. One small group chose this area as a place to hole up, and walled off a stormwater overflow pool to use as a shrine to their goddess. Eventually, inquisitors of Asmodeus routed the cult, and today all that remains of the shrine is a statue standing in 3 feet of stagnant water. With a successful DC 10 Knowledge (religion) check, a PC identifies that the statue depicts Calistria, the elven goddess of revenge and lust.
Taking the hint, Lubella said, "Thank you for coming, everyone. I look forward to working with all of you! Do any of you require accommodations?"
Aldren's jaw clenches slightly at the delay due to matters temporal and mutters, "Mine is not a patient goddess," but Laria probably knows the mercurial and grudge-nursing half-elf well enough to realize that as long as he is voicing his irritations, it's not too serious. It's when he stews over them in silence that it becomes a problem. Indeed, after a moment of chewing on his frustration, he adds, "...but thank you." While matters related to the formation of the Silver Ravens are discussed, Aldren dutifully puts his mind to the task and contributes.
When it comes to the topic of accommodations, Aldren almost dismisses the notion out of hand. Sleeping in a moldy basement? But then he remembers it is the same location as the shrine. It wouldn't be the first time he'd suffered an indignity in service to the Lady and, if it kept him closer to the shrine and risked fewer encounters with the dottari... "If there are places to sleep in what you're calling the 'Wasp's Nest', or we can make them without too much trouble, I will probably move my things there." After a moment, he adds, "And, if what Laria says is true, I wonder if it would be worth some time investigating the waterways down there. If we can come and go without having to use the coffeehouse, it's less likely to attract suspicion."
As to Laria's jest of Aldren being a bishop, he takes it with the good-nature it's intended while being careful to avoid Calistria's wrath for blaspheming, "Thank you, though I'm no bishop. Pretty much the least of Her priests, truth be told. Maybe in time She will grant me a loftier position, but I'll have to earn it."
Lubella replied to Aldren, "It's rather sparse at the moment. There was a dire corby down there, which made a bit of a mess." Her lighthearted manner dropped as she warned him, "Be very careful near the water! An alligator made it's way in there through the sewers!" She shuddered at the memory of the beast's terrible jaws clamped around her leg.
At the news of a dire corby's "mess", Aldren's face goes utterly expressionless. "I see. Alright. I have cleaned up worse." I can't recall when, but... Oh, My Lady, I'll do as you wish.
Talvek ponders for a moment, then sighs heavily. "I will not lie to you. Mine is a dire secret. You see, my mother... she is a wonderful person, and so are my sisters and aunts, all nine of them. But a man in a house with so many women, makes you a bit loopy, yes?" He hurriedly adds, bowing to Laria, Julessa and Lubella. "No offense intended, ladies." He taps a finger against his chin. "One part of me wishes to stay with them and protect them, another wants nothing more than to run away screaming. But... I should not kid myself, they can take care of themselves and I may be able to protect them better from here. And if I attract the wrong kind of attention, it is better that I am far away from them." He nods to Laria. "So, that is my long winded way of saying, mistress, if you would not mind, I would like to make use of this nest of yours."
To Aldren, he adds. "I will help you clean up, if you don't mind. If the women in my life taught me anything, it's how to hold a mop."
Julessa inclines her head. "I would be happy to assist in cleaning out this nest, though I would rather not leave the Owl for now."
Lubella listened to Talvek's rather awkward statement. "Arcos and Aldren, in addition to your current responsibilities, it will be your jobs to help Talvek recover from his loopiness!", she said with mock seriousness.
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The half-elf comes out of his ruminations on the fate of cleaning dire corby feces to listen to Talvek briefly discuss his family situation. It's the first time Aldren had actually considered the quiet man, though hardly his first encounter with a tiefling. The plane-touched were frequently counted among Calistria's faithful and occupied some of the church's most important positions. With a grin, his mouth opens as if to start with a quip of his -- Company of men? Teach him to hold more than a mop? -- but something about the tiefling's tone makes Aldren change his mind.
His mouth snaps shut, the grin disappears, and he takes a more earnest affect. "I would very much welcome the help, Talvek, and I imagine some old-fashioned work will be good for the both of us. Thank you. You, too, Julessa." What in the Nine Hells is wrong with me? Getting entirely too serious.
"But only after I find some rum, damn it! I never clean sober, besides the smell of the bottle will help counteract the stench of any filth." Maybe... possibly... who cares, it's rum.
Arcos chuckles, "Well, I am not the manliest or toughest of fellows, at least in terms of brawn. Nonetheless I will certainly try my best to help out with cleaning out the nest. Nethys knows that place is a mess."
The 6 benefactors are glad to meet you all and agree to do their part to raise money for the cause. Rexus shows them out, and they rush to return to their respective homes nearby.
Laria leads the rest of you "Ravens" down to the cellar, through the secret trap door.
Remember to keep this closed if you are coming up or down. I don't want the dottari spotting it and ruining my Bellflower hiding places.
She lets you all down, and assumes you have lights or torches.
I am going to close up the Longroads and head to bed. Tomrrow will be here soon enough. And dears, please don't wake any more monsters down there...at least not tonight. she chuckles and heads back up.
Oh, and one more thing. Remember there is a curfew, so Talvek and Julessa, since you came from the south of the Bleakbridge, you would have to go through checkpoints to get home. Ta ta for now.
"Maybe it would be better to sleep here than to risk the checkpoints," Lubella suggested to Julessa.
She refilled her waterskin and cast a light spell, before descending the stairs to the Wasp's Nest. She recited her evening prayers (she should have said them earlier, but they had been in the meeting). After that, she helped move some of the broken furniture out of the way, and used her newly mastered Prestidigitation spell to clean up at least a little bit. Finally, she set out her bedroll, and prepared herself for sleep. "Good night, everyone."
When Laria shows Aldren and the others into the Wasp’s Nest, he essentially ignores the others as he takes in the condition of the shrine. Emotions play plainly across his face, predominantly rage. He prays at the edge of the water, promising vengeance and restoration, then strips of all but his holy symbol before wading into the water where he utters another prayer, in Elven, and then begins a slow and methodical assessment of the statue’s condition, collecting and inventorying any loose or broken pieces.
Once it’s all done and given the late hour, still undressed and with all the modesty one would expect of a prostitute, he grins at at anyone else who happens to still be awake and asks, ”So, anyone interested in taking communion?” When there are no takers, he just chuckles, puts on what amount to a Calistrian’s undergarments (barely anything) and finds his own spot to sleep for the night. I’m sorry, my Lady. I hope tending Your shrine is obiesence enough for today.
"Indeed, I think I will sleep here for tonight and tomorrow morning grab a few things and move in. My mother is used to me wandering off now and then, so I hope she won't worry overly much. Besides, with the checkpoint at the bridge and my rather attention-grabbing looks, it is best to minimize the number of river-crossings per day." Talvek tosses his hair with an exaggerated movement and smooths one hand over his horns, then winks at the others. Because, of course, it is his good looks that are attention-grabbing, and not his other... features.
As they descend into the Wasp's Nest, he spends some time poking around and whistling at the size of the place, then begins to tidy up, starting with the smaller rooms to the side, which he converts into sleeping places. Next up, he does his best to stack the crates and barrels in the warehouse in an orderly manner in an attempt to create more space there. If they will be spending a good amount of time here, they'll probably want an open space for training or meetings.
When Aldren offers to share the worship of his goddess, Talvek raises his head and hesitates, but then returns to work with renewed energy, his ruddy skin hiding any trace of blush that may or may not have blossomed on his cheeks.
Julessa nods to Lubella, her mouth stiffening into a prim line as she considers the work that will be set back by her absence, but then smooths down her apron once more.
"You are right. No sense in tempting the fates. Besides, I would fain see this Wasps' Nest. If there's one thing running a bakery has instilled in me all these long years it's an abhorence for dirt and messes. Let us see what we can do to remedy the situation."
Following the others down, she spends some time exploring the rooms, then rolls up her sleeves and pitches in with the others, sweeping, mopping and dusting the rooms that Talvek and the others clear. She works with good humor, singing a song under her breath, hair pinned back beneath a kerchief, and when she finally sets her tools aside, she smiles broadly at the others.
Lubella was alarmed about Aldren's disregard for the potential dangers in the water. "Be careful!", she urged him. "An alligator made it in here; who knows what other dangers could lurk below the surface!"
She had trouble concentrating on her work, knowing that he was alone in the watery chamber, and kept returning to silently check that he was OK.
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Fortunately, Aldren does not uncover any alligators or lurkers in the deep to disturb the otherwise quiet and flooded shrine.
The rest of you are able to make plans and clean up the areas (see map if you have not already) and start a layout of how the Ravens may operate your fledgling rebellion from this small base...for now.
Any who are interested in staying and sleeping the night are able. Nothing further happens until morning (unless Aldren sleepwalks, which would be enough to cause nightmares to just about anyone).
***
The morning arrives, although this far under ground, there is no hint of the dawn and only the faintest of smells of brewing coffee from upstairs.
Laria will poke her head into the trap door.
Rise and shine you sleepy heads! Big day today.
Lubella dressed quickly and hurried upstairs for her morning prayers. After completing her religious obligations, she poured herself a coffee and sat down at the usual table. As she savored the taste of the java, she pondered the things she had to do.
She needed to find a buyer for Nan Comerivos' textiles; the Silver Ravens was going to need more money, and she also had some equipment she wanted to buy. She also needed to investigate the ruins of the Silver Star. Her official mission here was to find out what had happened to Shensen, after all, and that seemed like the logical place to start. The matter that seemed most urgent, however, was to stop the murders that were happening in the Devil's Nursery. She had a bad feeling that the killing wasn't going to stop until the perpetrator was discovered. They didn't have much to go on so far, but they had only spent a morning looking into the matter.
After she had finished her coffee, she went back down into the Wasp's Nest and had another look at the magical raven figurines.
She returned back upstairs
When Laria yells out to wake up, Aldren groans and tries to roll over and fall back asleep but the poor conditions don't lend themselves to a leisurely roll in a feather bed. Is that a rock under my arm? It feels like a rock. I should get up. But that was a nice dream, maybe if I just... Nope, not happening. Damn. It takes a moment for him to get his bearings and remember where he is when he finally sits up and looks around him. "Yup, a rock." He picks it up and throws it into a corner.
He stands, stretches, takes a sniff of himself and doesn't seem too pleased. Probably that water. Ugh. And there's still cleaning to be done. Well, maybe I can plan a little better around that.
He heads over to the shrine and prays, summons some fresh water to clean himself, then goes about dressing himself and making ready for the day.
0-Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Mending
1-Command, Murderous Command, Protection from Evil, Charm Person (d)
Sleeping in an unfamiliar place hadn't made for a restful night and Talvek is just as grouchy as Aldren when he wakes up. While not used to the same comforts as the half-elf, he is nonetheless used to an entirely different set of noises to greet him at dawn - his mother's bustling about, the voices of his sisters and aunts as they negotiate turns in front of the washing room, the sizzling of eggs being scrambled. Although one thing is familiar, and the tiefling's nose tracks the smell of coffee upstairs. It's not so much the coffee itself, but the companionship of breakfast that he seeks. Once he has a bun of two in front of him and Laria bustling around, he becomes a much more pleasant person, joking with the halfling and complimenting her (and probably Julessa's) assortment of baked goods.
As the others start to trickle upstairs, he turns his mind to the day's business. "I want to go back to the Devil's Nursery today and see if we can find out more about those murders. We only saw one location, perhaps we can glean more information from the others. Or perhaps someone saw or heard something. I won't sit idle and wait for another murder to happen."
Dressed but not yet wearing his breastplate, Aldren ambles upstairs to find some coffee and something sweet to eat when Talvek mentions something about a murder. Struggling through a yawn, he eventually manages, "What's so interesting a...aaaaa... about a murder? People are killed all the time."
"What you say is, unfortunately, true. This murder is the latest in what seems like the work of a serial killer, though. One who targets tieflings and, if rumours are to be believed, takes trophies from the victims. So, aside from the moral duty to help a population that has been historically oppressed and discriminated against, there is the hope that we might gain supporters from among their ranks, should we earn their goodwill by solving these murders and stopping the killer." Talvek belatedly realizes that he sounded a lot more pontificating than he intended, especially for someone who just woke up and hasn't had their coffee yet. He briefly considers adding in a joke to lighten up the mood, but decides against it and just takes another bite of his bun.
Julessa is possibly up first; a lifetime spent rising four hours before dawn makes it hard for her to sleep in late, so she leaves her impromptu bedding and slips upstairs to sit in the pre-dawn light and whisper her devotions to Milani.
That done, and with a deep sense of calm and purpose filling her, she begins to outline her new venture. Sketching it out on some paper, taking notes, making lists.
"A worthy endeavor, Talvek. Please let me know if you would like my assistance. In the meantime, I shall begin exploring the creation of a mobile 'meal cart' that can act as the cover for our healing endeavors."
Aldren's response about the murders was familiar to Lubella. Faced with the ever-present suffering around them, most people's reaction was to shrug their shoulders, figuring there wasn't much they could do to make a difference. She couldn't help imagining other people's anguish, however, and felt compelled to try to help in some way.
"You're right Talvek. If we want people to support us, we need to first demonstrate that we support them. I'll go with you and continue the investigation.
"We should find out when and where the previous murders occurred. It will take some asking around, but hopefully we can find more witnesses who will talk to us. If there have been several deaths, someone must have seen or heard something more."
She was heartened by Julessa's embrace of the Raven's social welfare outreach. "Keep me advised on your progress, Julessa, and let me know when you need assistance. When you're ready, I'll spread the word about the service."
The half-elf listens to this with at first with drowsy eyes, and outwardly it may be hard to tell how much he’s listening at all or if it’s just chatter to him. First Talvek, then Julessa, then Lubella. Targets tieflings. Takes trophies?
When he’s done with his pastry, then finally looks at Talvek and says, ”The Lady in the Room counts many of your kin among her faithful. I know you’ve been subjected to many wrongs and slights for no reason but the accident of your birth and your physical appearance. That someone would murder your kin for such... well, I may not agree solving any murder is a ‘moral duty’, but I do know My Lady would want me to help give the victims their rightful vengeance.” The Calistrian’s mirth and carefree affect is completely gone, replaced by a fierce intensity. ”I will go with you.”