It is good to see you well, when news of the fire at ...well your home reached the populace well like my good friend Yorick here said, much was assumed.
He answered carefully following the man inside and sitting down. It would be far too elaborate and well too silly to be some sort of trap for them, it would have been just as easy to arrange their disapearance in the jail cells.
Beorn looks a bit surpised that the others know the gentleman in question. Seems he was sorely lacking in knowledge of Kintargo.
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Once everyone is seated, Rexus continues. “My name is Rexus Victocora, and until last week’s Night of Ashes, I was one of this city’s nobles. My parents’ estate burned to the ground that night. I escaped simply because I was studying at the Alabaster Academy during the fire. There were other fires that night, as you know. Fires that many believe were started by Barzillai Thrune or his agents in an attempt to squash any spirit of rebellion Kintargo might have.” He looks each of you in the eye, imploring you. “Now more than ever we need that spirit of rebellion to stay strong, but Thrune’s actions have driven into hiding those who would stay strong and resist. Those who could once rally the city to a cause, such as Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus and my parents, are missing at best, and are more likely dead. I cannot do this on my own, but with the aid of citizens such as yourselves, I have hope that we can. Will you aid Kintargo? Will you save the city from the devil?”
Right to the chase huh? Are you talking just working for a new mayor, or are we talking full scale revolution and independence?
Yorrick asks as he takes a seat wincing a bit stil
I certainly agree that these outrageous decrees need to be countered. They are the mark of one who is unhinged or really enjoys messing with the good folk of this city.
I agree.
My assistance is always available... For a price. There is great risk involved with defying Thrunites and this new mayor seems particularly vengeful. I ask not out of greed. I merely wish to not be taken advantage of. Perhaps a further description of what you require is in order.
My Dear Brothers are both right. Alessia nods to Brothers Beorn and Erdemon, There is risk in what you suggest that requires clarity, and discussion of the reward. But, it would seem that you afford us an opportunity to further the will of the goddesses. Tell us more of your plans.
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"Reward? Yes. Don't think I don't remember the pair of you. Fortunately my parents do seem to have left me with some funds. Funds and this note. The day after the Night of Ashes, I was approached by one of my mother's contacts." He pushes the note down the table for you to read.
My dearest son,
If you are reading this, what I have feared has come to pass and I am dead. For many years, I have belonged to the Sacred Order of Archivists and have worked to free Kintargo from Chelish rule. I have learned much about Kintargo’s secret history, and fear the time will soon come when the city needs the return of its Silver Ravens. You have likely not heard of the Silver Ravens—few have. Mentions of them have been redacted by the agents of House Thrune, but during the civil war, the Ravens worked to ensure Kintargo’s safety. They were heroes in their day, and I fear that Kintargo needs their kind again. Do not believe the government’s claims that Lord-Mayor Bainilus abandoned us! Darker things are afoot, and I fear that all who work against Thrune may find themselves in danger in the days ahead.
The Silver Ravens maintained numerous hideouts within Kintargo’s walls during the civil war. I have located one such site—the chambers below a building known today as the Fair Fortune Livery. If you are reading this, I was unable to seek further answers there myself. Gather heroes to your side, my son, and search below the livery. There, if my research is correct, you will find something to teach you more of the Silver Ravens and their legacy.
Do not let my death be in vain. Stand up for Kintargo. Bring the Silver Ravens back to life!
My condolances on your loss. These Silver Ravens, a militia of Kintargo?
Indeed I am confused, you don't want a revolution, but I take it you want us to search the chambers below this Fair fortune yes? With the current state of things here in the city, there will be more blood almost certainly. I for one, am not about to lie down and be trampled upon that is for sure. There are some Thrunites who owe me and my friend here some blood.
He said with a slight frown.
Brother Eddlestan has a valid point. If not by revolution, then how is Kintargo to be freed of the tyranny imposed by House Thrune, what are you proposing? Alessia's voice is soft and measured, and it seems from her demeanor that she is asking how to move forward, rather than simply questioning the idea.
She was an Archivist? Now that is interesting. It would seem that all of us are at a bit of a crossroad. We can walk away and find ourselves in a more restrictive Kintargo, but that might be all. Or we can go check this place out and see if we can make some change. I lost my brother in the night of Ashes. He was also an archivist, as am I. Though he was much more involved than I. I merely dabbled in forgery and copying documents for them. Perhaps it is time to take a more active role.
An archivist and the Silver Ravens, indeed. My interest is piqued. Opression is never good for business and I fear if something isn't done it will only get worse.
Aye
Alessia nods yes, May the goddesses bless our task.
Looking at Rexus, Do you know anything about the chamber below the livery, where it is, how to access it, or what we may face there?
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"The Livery is an abandoned building in the Redroof neighborhood, but I don't know anything of what we might find beyond what is in the note. Here's what I have to contribute to our task." He pulls out a small coffer with 150 gp, a Victotera signet ring and a pair of bracers in an antiquated style. He also pulls out a silver-colored key. "I'd like to keep this to remember my mother and father. I'm not sure what it goes to, but I'll keep it handy in case it turns out to be important later."
I am in, if nothing else it will keep us out of site for a day or so, that couldn't hurt.
He looks at Edd Whatta ya say Easy Eddy?
its as good as something to start as any. Its not like there are any plays with my beloved showing... in fact, its not like any know where she even is. It will also give us time to think how we can fight back against this.... breach of good government.
He took the bracers and looked at them, wondering their function and worth. He paused and concentrated, wondering if there were any magic in the things.
I will accompany the group. I have heard many things about the livery and I am interested in verifying the truth of these... stories. Of course, I still owe you a debt, Rexus, despite your "forgiveness".
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"Thank you all. Mr. Erdemon. You are definitely forgiven, but I appreciate everything you're offering. Together, we'll make a difference. Who is your beloved...Eddy?"
Ed finds the bracers to be very well made. Definitely of masterwork quality. It would not surprise him at all if they were enchanted, but you're not sure.
So we will be heading out right away? Everyone prepared?
In truth to sound a fool, that actress the half elf one you know Shensen, I saw her on stage a few times and bought her a drink once after a performance and have been smitten ever since. She disapeared around the night of ashes... and well.
He frowned and slipped the bracers on, for safekeeping so to speak.
If their are secrets or anything to be found at the livery have no fear we will find them. After all we have Yorricks sharp eyes and tongue to flush them out.
He said with a grinning smile.
Dont suppose you have any delightful supplies, or an army to protect us down there?
Given the Livery's reputation, I believe preparations are in order. Shall we gather here tomorrow after breakfast and begin our examination then?
As for my payment, it will be collected when services are rendered and all debts paid. Alessia says to man named Rexus
Very well! A good night's sleep after the harsh day we all have had and then exploration.
Beorn will head out when everyone is done and back to his place for rest.
The Long Roads sounds fine.
Well you're buying the espresso.
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Morning comes and a light rain leaves the streets a little emptier than usual. You all make your way to the Long Roads Coffeehouse from your own residences. The coffeehouse is located in Villegre, just northeast of the park where everything got started two days ago.
The establishment caters to an eclectic mix of customers, serving coffee and food to bright-eyed students of the Villegre and delivering fancy desserts and pastries to the noble estates in the Green. As you each come in, you spot Rexus at a table with a steaming cup of coffee and a delicious looking pastry. He smiles and waves you over to the table.
Alessia shakes the rain away before entering the shop, breathing in the warmth and aroma of the beverages brewed. She decides against food for now, her thoughts still ponder the opportunity the goddess has provided, and she tries to fathom what her role is to be in this upcoming search. She took a deep breathe and felt a sense of peace that the goddess would revel her plan in due time. For now she simply nodded a welcome, and smiled her lopsided smile.
Yorrick wanders in and orders a double espresso. Then sits in a heap with a sigh
Greetings Laria, a pleasure. With such praise, a drink sounds wonderful and perhaps it will shake off the damp. Alessia says with a nod. She then turns to regard Yorrick as he joins them.
Good morning Dear Brother Yorrick. You seem to bear the weight of a great burden upon your shoulders, what troubles you?
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Rexus nods sympathetically and adds, "Yes, did you encounter any trouble last evening?" It doesn't take long for Laria to return with the double espresso and a steaming mug for Alessia that smells of cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper, and thileu bark. Seeming to sense you might want some privacy, she doesn't linger and heads off to tend to other patrons. You can't help but notice her scowl at a large portrait of Queen Abrogail that hangs above the bar.
1- level = shield, color spray
He wasnt very good at mornings, so dragging himself from a warm bed, putting on those ridiculously itchy clothing and then making his way into the miserable morning certainly had a cumalative effect on him. He entered the place as the woman scowled at the portrait which caused him to stop short for a moment. He glanced around the place to make sure he was where he needed to be, and spotting finally Alessia and his friend Yorrick he made his way torwards them melting into the chair beside Yorrick.
Nothing wrong, other than our city. Beyond that I got a massive headache from yesterday. In any event. today is the day we turn it around. So how do we move forward Rexus?
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Ed staggers in, followed shortly by Mr. Erdemon. Laria soon conjures up two more cups of the delicious smelling coffee and a small plate of pastries flavored with the same savory and sweet spices found in the coffee. When she leaves, Rexus begins "Well, I think the next step is to check out this Fair Fortune Livery. Are you all ready to head to Redroof or do you need to make any preparations? What should we do when we get there? I've never done anything like this before."
I am ready, Brother Rexus. Once we arrive, we look around and allow the will of the goddess to guide us.
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Alessia's words prove to be the cue to leave the Long Roads Coffeehouse. Finishing up your drinks, everyone bundles up and heads out in the gray drizzle that is blowing in off he Steaming Sea this morning. The clump of five heads through the streets to Redroof and once there, it isn't long before you reach the remains of the Fair Fortune Livery.
The aged stable leans slightly to one side, its roof precariously propped up by aged wooden walls. The double doors at the front of the stable are chained together.
Alessia tilts her head at the same odd angle as the building leans. She pauses and says a silent prayer to herself.
Anyone good with locks or should we find a less obvious entrance?
I fear I am no good with them, let us circle around and check for other entrances.