"Tell me Nox," Lubella said to her opponent, "Is your soul bound to Hell, or are you free to renounce the infernal powers, and embrace the light of the Dawnflower?" She suspected that the former might be the case, but felt the question worth asking. At the same time, she continued her assault on Barzallai Thrune's bodyguard, driving her back towards the underground stream.
"Please let us know soon, before it is too late. For you, that is."
Talvek doesn't hold much hope of Nox repenting her ways, but the banter can be a useful distraction as he tries to land another blow.
In the bombastic voice of the Blue Warlock Arcos says, ”Indeed, you might find your fate a bit...”
He pauses for a moment as he strikes Nox with more arcane electricity before continuing with added emphasis,
I RENOUNCE ....NOTHING!
Nox screams as Lubella's blade cuts again and Arcos lobs one more bolt of electricity.
She looks to each of you and then down to her greasy glaive.
You will see me again...count on it!
She steps back as minor wounds heal and with an infernal word and arcane gesture she smirks and disappears.
=== Round 12=== [+1 blessed]
Aldren(0, prot-vs-evil) , Lubella(-7),Arcos(0), Talvek(0)
Nox(-42)
Lubella stopped dancing and looked around, trying to discern where the half-devil might have gone. "Did she bug out, or is she still here?", she cried.
Lubella cannot tell what type of arcane magic was used, but there is no visible sign of Nox in this chamber.
The eastern half of this colossal chamber appears almost theater-like, with an arched ceiling painted roughly like the night sky and hanging lanterns radiant with cool, white flame. The room presents an incongruous sight this far underground—a resplendent garden, complete with a babbling brook, a gravel footpath, and all manner of flowering and fruiting plants. The pathway winds through the lush grass, over a small footbridge, and to a book covered knoll at the far end. The brook cascades into the room from the north and then flows through a grate to the south.
"She may well have teleported away. We should search the area quickly, and then get out of here. If she's gone to get reinforcements, we don't want to be here when she gets back."
She concentrated for a moment to end the grease effect on the glaive and picked it up."Yellow, can you carry this? I don't want Nox getting her hands on it again, if she is still around."
After handing the weapon off, she crossed the bridge and examined the knoll, scanning for magic auras
Talvek keeps his rapier unsheathed and ready as he advances cautiously into the underground grotto, heading for the knoll.
"I think we found the books that were missing from the shelves earlier."
Treasure: The books Nox has gathered here in the garden are more than mere texts nonetheless represent a wealth of knowledge on not only various historical topics, but also on how to successfully found and run a secret society. Nox has apparently been studying these texts and intended to ship them to the Church of Asmodeus.
There are a dark tomes here in all. The books weigh 20 pounds in all and, as a collection, are worth 1,600 gp.
These are soul tomes that contain many of the thoughts and memories of the archivists who were cornered, captured, tortured, and eventually killed (and in some cases animated into zombies) over the past week. The contents of these tomes are scattered and incomplete, but
Their existence doesn’t harm the souls of those whose memories are recorded, and the books aren’t themselves evil. Indeed, the knowledge within them can be of great utility, and if used as a resource while attempting a Knowledge (history or local) check, the books grant a +4 competence bonus on the roll. If Rexus is given the two soul tomes that record some of his parents’ memories, he is tearful and grateful. After reading them, he turns them back over to the PCs, knowing that the information therein can aid the Silver Ravens.
You are able to quickly clear out the Fantasmagorium and the Many-Steps Monastery, and with such your new Silver Ravens should be well the way to becoming one of the most potent threats to the oppression
Even with the success in the days to follow, Barzillai Thrune, Kintargo’s lord-mayor is still hesitant to admit this to his minions or himself. Public rumors as to the events are met with a stance of “no comment” on the topic
The next few days there is surprisingly little official reaction by the mayor and his Dottari. This offers you a little more time to get to know Kintargo, especially and to explore the city.
Rexus and Laria congratulate your party and the successful raid.
Well done! You are heroes in the city, whether you admit it or not. We all owe you a debt of gratitude!
Rexus adds So now what is the plan? Will you all continue? Will some choose wisdom and not confront the Thrunes further? Are you all in? I will continue to provide what support I can, but you have surpassed my skills now.
Lubella helped her team-mates quickly search the monastery, and made sure to scan the monetary, library and the Fantasmagorium for magic auras, to make sure they didn't leave something important behind.
When they returned to the Long Roads Coffee House, she gave Rexus and Laria a detailed account of what happened.
She replied to Rexus, "We are very grateful for your work deciphering the Silver Ravens documents. We do have a lot more books here that you could help us sort through.
"This is but the start of a long struggle, I think. I will not rest until Kintargo has been freed of the Thrune taint!"
She changed the subject to the other matter that had been weighing on her mind, "Rexus, I would like to know your wishes concerning the zombie corpses. I should say that we don't know for sure that it wasn't some sort of Asmodean trick; I can't say with certainty that those are the bodies of your parents. I'm assuming that we should retrieve the bodies and give them a proper funeral."
Before she left the Many-Steps monastery, Lubella took out one of her pieces of paper for raven messages, and drew a Sarenrite holy symbol on it, along with the word 'Sarenrae' in taldane script. She slipped into the unconscious half-ogre's hand, in the hopes that it might arouse his curiosity later.
Rexus’s response to Lubella ”If possible I would very much like to seem my parents properly cremated and would be honored if you could recover them. But I understand if it is too risky. “
Lubella replied to Rexus, "We'll retrieve them. We'll have to be careful about how we do it, but we'll get it done. It may take a few days, depending on the level of activity we've stirred up at the Fantasmagorium." She felt that her friend deserved to be able to honor his parents properly, and was determined to make it happen.
Based on her knowledge of city, and her contacts in the Silver Ravens, Lubella made some inquiries about suitable cremation service providers. She needed someone who could be discreet, given the high profile nature of the bodies to be cremated.
Once she had some possibilities, she scouted the locations out, looking for locations with no checkpoints between them and the Fantasmagorium.
"Another thing, Rexus. Among the books we found there were these soul tomes." Talvek produces two and offers them to Rexus. "If my intuition is correct, they record memories and thoughts of your parents. It doesn't harm their soul to have these contained here, and I thought you might want to read them."
He turns to Lubella and Arcos. "There were more, from other archivists, which I would like to study. So far we have been very lucky in how we have revived the Silver Ravens, but these people actually knew how to run a secret society. I think we have much to learn from them."
Rexus’s nods in gratitude are all he can muster. Obviously grief stricken at the thought of his parents demise.
Snapping out of his melancholy, he replies
”Those tomes indeed could provide a wealth of information on the running of a group or revolution like the original Silver Ravens “
Aldren chimes in ”I am sure a rebellion is needed but I am feeling a calling to establish the temple to Calistria will be the best way for me to contribute. If Laria is willing, I will spend the next month or so establishing a proper shrine in the Wasp Nest. “
Lubella’s research uncovers a few options for the cremation of Rexus’s parents. However they vary in practicality.
1) the city government with the help of the asmodians conduct mass cremations daily for bodies found in the streets, victims of disease or crime or even prisoners tortured. It would be relatively simple to turn them over. But one would not expect any reverence
2) the underground church’s are too small and are still in hiding from Thrune, so cremation is not an option. Some like Milani are able to conduct burials outside the city
3) the church of Abadar could be paid to conduct a proper cremation without involvement by the city. While the most expensive, it would be the most expedient and offer some level of dignity
4) Aldren says it is possible to conducting your own cremation outside the city if you would want him to perform the services
”It is the least I can do. But I can contribute to fees if another option is preferred. “
Lubella considered the options, before saying to Aldren, "I think doing it ourselves would be most meaningful to Rexus, and would avoid the security risk of involving others. I think Rexus would appreciate it if you were to perform the service."
She spent the next few days working with the Calistrian cleric to plan and organize the logistics of the ceremony.
During the next few days of planning and recovery, your rebellion support teams continue to perform their duties. Rumors are growing on the streets of some organized resistance. Several of the local populace have volunteered to support the Silver Ravens. Some monetarily, some organizing activities and a few braver (or more foolhardy) even openly offer to join raids against the Thrune oppression. It seems there is no shortage of people with an axe to grind with their treatment.
Laria has turned a few away from her door for lacking discretion before coming to you one evening.
”You know there are a few of these volunteers which could be handy and possibly a blessing. Most were nuts or too rash and would draw undesirable attention. But for those with true skills, would you be willing to speak with with them and maybe a couple would be willing to join the three of you?“
Lubella agreed with Laria, "Yes, let's set up meetings with some of the more likely candidates — one's with enough sense to be discrete. We could use some help on our missions, but it has to be someone who can be careful about what they say around potential eavesdroppers."
She was growing concerned that people seemed to know to come to the Long Roads Coffee House to contact the Silver Ravens. "Laria, I'm worried that government agents will figure out that you are in communication with the Silver Ravens, if they haven't guessed already. There's too much Silver Ravens traffic going to your establishment right now; we really need to find a new headquarters, preferably on the other side of the river.
"Please be careful with the volunteers approaching you. We have to assume that the enemy will try to infiltrate our organization."
Laria smiles
”I know dear. But I can take care of myself. But you are right. If this movement keeps growing, you will need to relocate. In the meantime,I will make arrangements for a few candidates tomorrow. Rexus’s parents will finally be put to rest and we can move forward. “
Aldren approaches your group after a day of preparations
”Rexus and I have located a secluded copse off the Night Road which should be far enough north of Kintargo to avoid any unwanted attention. We can conduct the ceremony on Moonday. “
When she had the opportunity, Lubella made the journey to Old Kintargo, to pay a visit to Olmer's smithy. She wanted to find out if she could get a mithril chain shirt made for her (she didn't expect that he would have a halfling-sized example ready-made). She even planned to ask about getting an enchantment on it; after the raid on the Many-Steps Monastery, she had some money to spend.
She was pleased when Aldren reported that he had found a suitable spot for the cremation. "That sounds good! I'm glad that we can conduct the ceremony ourselves. I'm sure that the church of Abadar would do it efficiently and respectfully, but to me it seems it will be more emotionally satisfying this way. That's my hope, anyway."
Laria leads in a handful of prospects to be interviewed.
I will send them in. You three can do the rest and let me know. she smiles.
She introduces each of the candidates in turn.
Aria Rose
Darien Essense
Fhingle Nib
Reynard Freeman
Sidius Consano
Aldren nods to Lubella.
We figured you would agree. And I have no love for the thought of those filthy Abadarian bankers getting rich at Rexus's family's expense.
Lubella said to Arcos and Talvek, "We'll interview each of them in turn. Take whatever notes seem relevant to you. This evening we can compare notes and talk it over."
For the initial interviews, she wore a disguise, just to be on the safe side. There was always a possibility that the government would try to infiltrate the Silver Ravens, and she wanted the enemy to have some doubt as to the officers identities. Once they had checked the candidates out, they would be in a better position to judge their trustworthiness.
When the group met with each of the volunteers, she candidly outlined the danger that was involved, and made sure they understood the risks. "I don't want you to get into something you aren't comfortable with. Make no mistake, you'll be risking your life if you join our strike team. We try our best to plan for all possibilities, but there's inevitably going to be surprises. If you don't feel ready yet, there are other positions in the Silver Ravens that you could fill."
Talvek nods. "I think interviewing them will not be enough. Canny people will tell us what they think we want to hear. I'll see what I can find out from whispers on the streets about each of them."
During the interviews, he uses an alchemical concoction to alter his appearance beyond recognition, although the effect is temporary and on one occasion he has to rush out of the room when the discussion runs over the allotted time and he feels the effects of the extract beginning to fade.
While all of the five appeared to be qualified a couple of them stand out as a better fit for the group and spend a bit more time at Laria's request.
Sidius nods at the warning, "To be fair, this corrupt system, and House Thrune in particular, have already taken my life from me... and, by the Everbloom, it's well past time that action be taken stopping them from doing that to anyone else."
He stops, taking a breath to prevent his anger from rising, though enjoying the way that it seems to have displaced the nervousness he wasn't expecting to feel at this meeting. I don't think I was this nervous that first night with Rossalyn, he realizes, the thought both amusing him and twisting the knife of her loss, Careful, Sidius, you don't know if she's dead, yet. They may still be trying to pry her mind open to learn all they can about Milani's faith here. He absent-mindedly lifts a hand to the tiny dinosaur on his shoulders, rubbing its head in apology for the negative emotions he was sending down the empathic link.
He fixes a smile on his face, looking at the team before him, and adds, "But that action needs to be intelligent and well-planned, because the Empire can throw hundreds of Hellknights at us... and so being smart and striking where they're weak... and doing it in a way to inspire and bring hope to the populace... that's the only way we can win... So, while I'm more than willing to risk dying for the cause, I'm not interested in taking stupid risks. If I just wanted to do that, I could have just walked into a pack of dottari and started casting spells."
Lubella said to Arcos and Talvek, "We'll interview each of them in turn. Take whatever notes seem relevant to you. This evening we can compare notes and talk it over."
For the initial interviews, she wore a disguise, just to be on the safe side. There was always a possibility that the government would try to infiltrate the Silver Ravens, and she wanted the enemy to have some doubt as to the officers identities. Once they had checked the candidates out, they would be in a better position to judge their trustworthiness.
When the group met with each of the volunteers, she candidly outlined the danger that was involved, and made sure they understood the risks. "I don't want you to get into something you aren't comfortable with. Make no mistake, you'll be risking your life if you join our strike team. We try our best to plan for all possibilities, but there's inevitably going to be surprises. If you don't feel ready yet, there are other positions in the Silver Ravens that you could fill."
Fhingle sits in line quietly waiting for a few before him to go in, pulling out a roll of paint brushes Fhingle fiddles with them in nervousness. Once he is called upon, Fhingle quickly stores his brushes and leaves his pack just inside the door.
Wearing a breastplate under a loose fitting shirt, heavy mace on his side and some rope looking like it is tied to his wrist Fhingle sits in the chair a head of him.
"I think I am ready for this, I was used almost my whole like as a conduit for my master to channel his conversations with Hell through. My mind he thought was broken but he became broken when he broke a contract and Hell used me to kill him. I am...." Fhingle takes a breath an looks around "I am ready to finish this and stop all these hellish contracts and to free my people."
After consulting with Arcos and Talvek, Lubella said to them, "We are in agreement then. I think they will make an excellent addition to our team."
She met with Sid1us Corsano and Fhingle Nib individually and told each of them, "I would like to invite you to join the Silver Ravens Special Operations Team. There will long hours and plenty of danger, but you will have the opportunity to build a better Kintargo. If you accept, be prepared to commit yourself 100%. What do you say?"
Sidius nods and says, "I say: Excellent. When do we start?"
"Indeed, good to get a few more people willing to fight back against Thrune's lackeys."
Arcos goes to greet the new recruits, talking in the soft and understated voice of his social identity, "Well, good afternoon. I am Arcos Vadreis, one of the bookkeepers for the Silver Ravens." He pauses for a moment, his sleeves of many garments shifting into the blue and silver outfit of the Blue Warlock as he says in the bombastic voice of his vigilante persona, "I am also the Blue Warlock, sorcerer and freedom fighter!"
Laria smiles at the halfling Fhingle and human Sidius as she washes a set of cups for the night.
My contacts with the Bellflowers said you would both be excellent additions. If I wasn't so old and out of fighting shape I'd offer to join you. Kickin' the Thrunes in the giblets would make my week.
She chuckles until Rexus joins the group, coming down from the loft upstairs.
New recruits? Welcome to the team. Anyone Laria' vouches is fine by me. We can take all the help we can get. After the funeral tomorrow, we will need to determine the next steps.
He frowns and coughs a bit.
Besides, if you haven't heard, The Lord-Mayor is at it again. And this is against righteous allies of the Bellflowers who rescue abductees and missing persons. Shameful!
He hands you a rolled poster.
+---------------------------------------+
BY ORDER OF LORD-MAYOR BARZILLAI THRUNE,
THE CONGRESS OF HELLKNIGHTS KNOWN AS THE ORDER OF THE TORRENT
IS FROM THIS DAY FORWARD STRIPPED
OF ITS CHARTER! ALL OF ITS HOLDINGS AND POSSESSIONS
ARE CONFISCATED, ITS PRIVILEGES AND ENTITLEMENTS REVOKED,
AND ITS MEMBERS DECLARED OUTLAWS!
STEADFAST CITIZENS ARE COMMANDED TO
TURN OVER THOSE MEMBERS WHO HAVE
SLIPPED THE NET OF JUSTICE!
+---------------------------------------+
The next time Fhingle and Sidius saw Lubella, she looked rather different. Her dark hair was now blonde, and she looked younger. "My apologies for having to interview you in disguise, but it's only prudent to limit the number of people that are familiar with my true appearance." Her accent hinted that she was not a local, and her complexion was darker than most Chelish halflings.
She told the new recruits, "Our first mission with you aboard, will be to retrieve the bodies of Rexus' parents, for the funeral. They're still in Hocum's Fantasmagorium; we stirred things up a bit there, and it didn't seem a good idea to bring them out with us at the time."
She added discreetly, "The corpses had been animated as zombies, so I'm afraid they're not in the best shape."
When Laria told them of the new decree, Lubella studied the poster, before commenting, "This could be turned to our advantage. It means that the entire membership of the Order of the Torrent are potential new recruits! What do we know about their numbers?"
Sidius winces, then offers, "It might be safer to call them allies and keep them at arm's length. They may be outlawed, but they are still Hellknights, dedicated to Order - and I have to imagine they'd be violating their vows by joining us."
He then adds, "Still... I don't think their vows would stop them from fighting back, especially since the Lord-Mayor is clearly overstepping his authority... Though that might not extend to raising blades again other Hellknights."
Sidius turns to the immediate mission, "If you've already been to the Fantasmagorium, then, I imagine, we have enough information to plan - the only question is whether 'stirring things up' will have them on alert and waiting for us."
"Thank you for having us, I konw that times will be hard but that is what I signed up for. The Hell Knights of the Torrent were good guys, they rescued people and helped out." Fhingle chews on the new information a bit.
"Rexus' parents are zombies that we are rescuing? Or we are going to end their torment and put them to rest? They are very different things."
Lubella said to Sidius, "We raided the Many-Steps Monastery, which was set-up in the chambers below the Fantasmagorium, and dealt them a heavy blow. Lady Nox — Barzillai Thrune's bodyguard — got away, but we killed her pet hellhound, along with many of the Redactors (that's what they call their monks). After that, they may have just abandoned the place for now.
"The bodies that we need to get are in the office area of the Fantasmagorium. I don't think there's anything of value left there, just zombie remains, so I'm hoping that it won't be guarded."
She replied to Fhingle, "We have already ended their torment. It should be just a matter of transporting their remains out of the city, to the spot that Aldren and Rexus found for the cremation."
Rexus chimes into the conversation with a wheeze and cough.
I really appreciate each of you for making the attempt to recover them for the proper funeral and cremation tomorrow. I know this is putting you into grave danger. I wish I could go with you but I do not want to be recognized. And I have a few last minute items to get together for tomorrow.
Laria also adds a with a bit of concern.
This unjust 9th Proclamation, much like the others before...is going to cross the line and more folks will be in contempt against the Thrunes after this madness.
check reveals that the Order of Torrent are a small band of Hellknights native to Kintargo, housed in the Castle District in Citadel Vaull.
The Order of the Torrent’s primary purposes are to seek out and rescue abductees and missing persons and to protect coastal and river travel, but over the past few decades, the order has been in decline.
Lubella replied, "Rexus, it's the least we can do for you. You deserve to be able to hold a proper memorial for your parents."
She asked one of the new recruits, "Sidius, do you think you could make a herbal concoction to mask the smell of the zombie corpses? I'd really like to avoid unnecessary attention when we take them through the Rust Gate tomorrow; they'll be hidden in a wagon."
Lubella knew a little of the Kintargo-based Hellnight order that Barzillai Thrune had just banned. "The Order of the Torrent is based in Citadel Vaull, in the Castle District, if I'm not mistaken. I wonder if there would be any value in investigating it?"
She dined with Fhingle Nib and Sidius Consano, getting to know them better, and answering some of their questions about the short history of the newly revived Silver Ravens.
In the morning, she rose just before dawn, as was her usual practice, and recited her dawn prayers. Then she joined the others for breakfast and discussed the day ahead. "The first thing we'll need to do, once we cross the bridge, is to scout out the area around the Fantasmagorium, and see how much enemy activity there is there. Then we'll hire a wagon to transport the bodies."
Sidius considers, "I know of a formula that would mask scent -- it doesn't remove it completely, but it muddies things up enough to avoid being tracked. Should probably work, at least at the gate.. unless someone puts a nose right up against the corpse. Also, if our plan is to walk through the gate, I'm thinking I'll prepare an Alter Self.. Changing race should be a pretty good disguise... at least on the way out."
He pauses, then says, "If I'm mixing that, though, it means I'm probably not able to make any potions tonight."
Now that the new recruits had been vetted and accepted into their ranks, Talvek reveals his true appearance to them - a red-skinned tiefling with luxurious, long black hair and polished horns curving up and to the sides of his head.
"Welcome to the Silver Ravens reborn! My current role is that of spymaster, ensuring that our operations do not attract too much attention and helping gather intelligence on the targets of our operations."
He frowns at Rexus's continued coughing and wheezing. "My friend, I mislike the sound of that. Sidius, Fhingle... would one of you mind examining Rexus here and see if you could ease his trouble?"
He nods as Lubella summarizes her knowledge of the Order of the Torrent. "That's right. They're a small order, and have been in decline in the last few decades. I can ask around and see what else I can find out about their current situation and... disposition. As Sidius points out, they are unlikely as recruits, but might be convinced to help us."
He nods as Sidius mentions altering their appearance. "By necessity, we are becoming quite adept at disguising ourselves. I find it very interesting that you mention doing so through a formula. We should compare notes sometime."
Sidius nods, "Absolutely. And if we figure out what it is, I can try to use an herbal remedy to ease it."
Fhingle moves up to Rexus, "That cough doesn't sound good, can you tell me how long you have had it?" Fhingle listens to everyone talk as he looks at Rexus, "What do you usually disguise yourselves as? As a Halfing we can blend in just by looking like slaves really."
Lubella replied to Fhingle, "Usually I just make myself look older, or sometimes younger, and alter my hair color. Sometimes I dress as a halfling lad. The fact that people often assume we're slaves is an advantage; they don't pay as much attention to what we look like.
"When we're on a mission I wear a bandana over my nose and mouth as well."
The next morning you make preparations to visit the Fantasmagorium and recover Rexus's parents corpses.
Rexus greets you and prepares to send you off.
This cough? Well, I have never been the picture of health. I think the smoke from the Night of Ashes and the stress of my family has exasperated it lately. No worries. I am sure it will improve once my parents are properly laid to rest.
He resigns to his room and books to continue his research as you depart.
***
The disguises work fine as usual and the twists and turns getting to the Bleak Bridge to cross the Yolubilis River start out normally enough. However as you approach, the dottari guards seem to be arguing with several peasants and merchants at the checkpoints.
I don't care if you used to pay 3 coppers to cross. That was yesterday! Today the price is 5 coppers. Either pay up or go home!
Several shrug and turn back. A few dig into their coin purses and reluctantly pay the extra toll.
He can't keep doing this you know? There will be a point where enough's too much! one old gaffer quips.
Fhingle produces the copper needed for himself to cross, looking around he sees a lady with small children, digging out the copper needed for them Fhingle hands it over to the woman quietly.
"Have you ever thought about getting guards on your side?" Fhingle whispers to Lubella
As per her usual practice, Lubella cast her arcane spell on Arcos, Fhingle and Talvek, telling them, "This will let me whisper messages to you at a distance. She has already established that Sidius has also memorized the same spell, so he would be able to do likewise.
She observed the bridge ahead of the others, and confirmed that the guards were still using the same procedure, stopping every twentieth group and searching them. She whispered back to the group when it was safe for them to come across.
When she heard about the higher toll, Lubella muttered, "Five copper to cross? That's outrageous! How are the poor supposed to pay that?"
After paying the fee, she said in a low voice to Fhingle, "That's a long-term project, I think. We are trying to minimize casualties among the dottari, to make that easier to do." She once again reflected on the fact that she had been the worst offender on that front, having killed two dottari at the Aria Park Protest. I should have been more disciplined!
On the way, Talvek walks up alongside Sidius. "Forgive me, friend, did I hear you correctly referring to the Everbloom?" he asks in a low voice, while keeping his eyes on the street ahead. "I confess that I find the topic... fascinating, myself."