Elias nods his agreement to the plan. "I feel I must contact other followers of my faith. Our actions here are necessary, but we are also putting them at risk, and they deserve warning. I'll stop by in the evenings to check in, if I am needed."
With a nod to the others, Elias magically disguises himself, and steps back out into the streets.
"I'm... thinking I should stay inside this week, lay low for a while. Nox got a really good look at me. I wouldn't be surprised if they are looking out for a half-orc with a missing tusk and facial scars." he says, depressed. "And I can stick around Rexus, see if I can keep him company. Man just lost his parents."
|
Femi's time searching the city for signs of Trailblazer Huni don't turn up any results. The only record of his existence seems to be in the soul tome of Porcia Victocora. "Is trailblazer his title, or his first name? In any case it's a strange thing to call yourself!" Says one bartender when questioned. "If I ever meet him though, who should I say is looking for him?"
Femi does, however, hear a number of interesting rumors throughout the week. In at least two instances he hears about a ship named The Scourge of Belial that has been moored at the docks for quite some time. It seems to be a well known fact that it's captain, Cassius Sargaeta it not a fan of the Thrunes. The second thing he hears seems to be a direct result of the Raven's Attack on the Salt Works. "Thrune’s been using the Holding House as temporary jail, but there’s more to it than that. I hear they’ve got some sort of fiend in there too—something that’s been working to extract intelligence and more from the prisoners!”
Elias' free time is spent partially working on Myradil's spear, a little shopping, and a meeting with his prayer group to inform them of his escapades.
The meeting is simple, and though many of his fellow Calistrians are concerned about being uncovered, the idea of exacting revenge on Thrune is not unappreciated. Those who have known the false bard the longest seem particularly concerned about his chances of survival.
"Can you be sure your faith hasn't been recognized. Do we risk Thrunes wrath by allowing you to continue to meet with us?" Though it seems that Elias' expulsion from the group is not immediate, the rest of the prayer group does look for the elf's response, weighing it significantly.
Re: Shopping for a CHA boosting item. The cheapest I know of offhand is a headband of alluring charisma +2 for 4000gp. Did you have something in mind?
Kalem receives a raven back from the Tiefling's in the devil's nursery. In it, Zhea explains that the few tieflings being given work have been doing fairly well. Bringing some money back into the nursery and spreading the wealth (if it could be called that) with their families and local businesses. This has unfortunately gotten them noticed by the Hellknights and the Chelish Citizens Militia, who now seem to patrol the borders a little more frequently. Nothing has happened of note, but the recent success has certainly come with some increased suspicion. This coupled with the recent increase to the bridge toll (5g now! Can you believe it!?) has stymied the high of success somewhat.
Brask's time spent with Rexus is appreciated by the grieving man. "Did you know your parent's Brask? If you did, what were they like?" He asks over lunch one day. "Mine were more accepting than I might ever have hoped. They gave me the room to grow that I really needed. Were it not for that I might have been married off and miserable in some other estate."
The company helps, but Rexus still carries himself like a beaten man. He's often found sitting along in some corner or other, and his usual voracious appetite has significantly lessened much to Laria's dismay.
On top of that, she seems to be increasingly distressed with the number of people moving in and out of her secret cellar door. "I'm not sure how long we can keep this up without drawing suspicion!" She says on more than one occasion.
Kalem sighs at the mix of good and bad news.
It's a start. much better than what they were doing before, and now they have some money to pass around between them.
Hearing the concern with Laria's secrecy, Kalem brings it up to the others as well.
"Any ideas to reduce traffic? More members are great, but having this be our only location is somewhat limiting and dangerous."
Myradil tries to answer Kalem's question "If I could get a hold of current city records, I could probably help point out some good spots, that are unlikely to draw attention."
"Did you know your parent's Brask? If you did, what were they like?" He asks over lunch one day. "Mine were more accepting than I might ever have hoped. They gave me the room to grow that I really needed. Were it not for that I might have been married off and miserable in some other estate."
Brask sighs, putting down his food. "I don't remember them much, she died when I was young. Malaria. Father was... well, you know" he says, pointing to his tusk. "But I was a father, not for very long though. My wife..." He swallows hard, his throat dry. "A man came into town, he didn't take lightly to a half-orc marrying a human woman... even though he was assured that it was she who pursued me. I came home from work one night and found her. She'd been knifed several times. I didn't know she had been pregnant until the cleric collected her body."
Brask grows depressed as well but pats the man on the shoulder. "But... in chasing the bastard down, it led me to here. And here is where I can be the most help. Hang on, you still have much here to fight for."
Elias smiles tightly, "It would be unusual in the extreme for our enemies to have guessed my nature. I go out disguised as often as not, and the one enemy who witnessed my actions saw me cast no spells, and present no holy symbol. I am taking no unnecessary risks with your lives here, I assure you of that. What risks I do take, are wholly necessary. Calistria has been issued a grave insult in this city. If we are to give her the worship she is due, we MUST respond. I am willing to be that response alone, if I have to. But I am not willing to lie down and allow the insult to pass, not for a scant measure of security. That is not our Lady's way, and it is not mine."
---
Elias rubs his chin thoughtfully for a few minutes while listening to the others discuss concerns about their headquarters.
"Branching out from this one spot seems like it would be a wise course of action. Not only would it ease our poor hosts nerves, it would allow us to raise our visibility in the community without compromising this place as a safe haven when it's needed. I'm inclined to suggest opening something akin to a concert hall, if we can find an appropriately abandoned building for it. It would be large enough for significant gatherings of our people, and public enough that we could properly wage a campaign for the hearts of the public without drawing attention to a more secure location such as this."
Femi's time searching the city for signs of Trailblazer Huni don't turn up any results. The only record of his existence seems to be in the soul tome of Porcia Victocora. "Is trailblazer his title, or his first name? In any case it's a strange thing to call yourself!" Says one bartender when questioned. "If I ever meet him though, who should I say is looking for him?"
Femi does, however, hear a number of interesting rumors throughout the week. In at least two instances he hears about a ship named The Scourge of Belial that has been moored at the docks for quite some time. It seems to be a well known fact that it's captain, Cassius Sargaeta it not a fan of the Thrunes. The second thing he hears seems to be a direct result of the Raven's Attack on the Salt Works. "Thrune’s been using the Holding House as temporary jail, but there’s more to it than that. I hear they’ve got some sort of fiend in there too—something that’s been working to extract intelligence and more from the prisoners!”
Femi responds to the man, "Yes it is a strange thing to call yourself. No need to tell him I'm looking for him, you can keep that for yourself." he grins and presses a gold sovereign in his palm thanking him for his time.
Later, with the group, he agrees that branching out is a good idea. "Yes, we should have multiple places in the city that we can go to as bolt holes as well. Caches of supplies and the like. Let's plan for it."
He then shares the other things he learned during his time in the pubs. "I say we meet with this captain. Any enemy of the Thrunes is a possible ally - and an ally outside the city could be a powerful one indeed. Shall we go there tonight?"
"...after that, I'd like to see about the jails. Some of our people are likely to end up there sooner or later, and we should know now how to get them out, both legally and illegally, should that occur." he says simply, but uneasily.
Kalem nods.
Sounds good to me. If you weren't managing a rebellion, you'd make one hell of a company man Femi."
|
|
Elias' speech to his fellow Calistrians is particularly moving considering the nature of their faith, and after the prayer meeting, a number of his peers approach him offering their assistance in the fight against oppression and in service of their Lady.
Brasks conversation with Rexus seems to really effect the young man. Looking over to the warrior, Rexus raises his glass and nods. "It is easy to forget, my friend, that I am not the only one who has lost loved ones. Maybe it wasn't to the Thrunes, but it certainly puts things into perspective. Thank you, Brask, and also sorry. No man or woman should have to live through that."
On the third morning after the Raven's defeated Nox in battle beneath the museum, Barzillai Thrune makes an appearance outside of his opera house in order to make his ninth proclamation. By mid day, copies of it have been nailed to most message boards and even a few doors of popular locations, the Coffeehouse included.
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 citizens of Kintargo seem split on this newest bit of information. Though many in Cheliax have felt oppressed by the Hellknights, The Order of the Torrent has frequently been responsible for saving citizens from abduction by pirates and similar situations. Even many of the Raven's followers seem undecided.
"Some of my men seem to think Barzillai may already have removed the Torrent from their citadel." Forvian remarks that afternoon while informing the Raven's of his progress thus far. "We don't have any confirmation, but if the Night of Fires is any indication, he usually announces his move after it's been made."
The rest of the day moves by in a remarkably calm fashion. Though the debates about Barzillai's motives are frequent, there doesn't seem to actually be any development in the city. When the Raven's take their leave to visit the docks, they're just a few more heads in a sea of citizens going about their daily business.
It doesn't take long to find the Scourge of Belial though access to the ship itself is not readily apparent. There is a small grouping of sailors, in typical Chelish Navy uniform discussing a number of mundane things next to a dark haired half-elf dressed in a red and black Naval Officer's uniform complete with a rapier and pepperbox on her side.
She notices the Ravens approaching and walks up to meet them with a raised eyebrow. "Is there anything I can do to help you gentlemen? Perhaps point you in the right direction? I know the city can be confusing."
vs DC 15
Femi reads the notice and shares what he knows of the group with the party, "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."
"I wonder why Thrune is eliminating them? Perhaps he's just solidifying his troops under one banner. Easier to control that way I suspect. Still, there may be troops among the now defunct group that might find a home here. We should seek them out." he sighs.
"So much to do!"
- - -
Later, as the group approaches the docks, Femi will step up to the naval officer, "My lady, we would speak with your captain, Cassius Sargaeta. It is a personal matter with the captain." He tries to be gracious and friendly.
"No... I don't think he's solidifying troops." he answers Femi's suggestion with his own. "There have been disappearances in the city, and he's getting rid of the only legal organization that would actively investigate the people Barzillai has been making vanish. We could learn something if we could find some surviving hellknights."
When out in the city, Brask stays quiet and keeps the hood of his cloak up when it's not completely illogical to do so.
"A sound stratagem, Ulbreaker. If Barzillai seeks to undermine even the Hellknights in this way, we need to know why. It may demonstrate a weakness we can exploit."
---
Elias scans the docks while Femi approaches the naval officer. He occasionally glances towards the ship itself, but turns vaguely green each time he does, as the ship gently rolls in the slights swells of the harbor water.
|
|
It's clear that Femi's respectful attitude is appreciated by the elven woman, but she does not seem to relax at all, or even move to show you on board.
"Per your Mayor Barzillai Thrune and one of his latest proclamations, my Captain can not set foot in Kintargo. We are...not in the habit of welcoming nameless visitors on board. As the current representative of the Chelish warship Scourge of Belial, I must request that you be more open with your motives for meeting with our captain."
"It'd be a smart move to get some of the enemy's trained units on our side, but I don't know...I don't want them to offer us on a silver platter to return to the Thrune's good graces."
---
Kalem reminisces about his old days on the docks, back when he was a scrapper. It was mixed feeling of bitter nostalgia, but some warming comfort of a place he knew. Perhaps it was because he had been so close to death, but he felt more at peace here now.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Brask watches the exchange with some suspicion.
Having spent a lot of time with Chelish bureaucracy having to get these things right, Myradil catches the oddity and takes the opportunity to speak.
"I am Myradil Melrani, former clerk to the Mayor's office. As a loyal citizen of Cheliax, I... we... were hoping to speak with the captain."
Myradil will lean in a bit and lower his voice "Since it is easy to confuse loyalties in troubled times such as these we prefer to speak in private so our interests not be confused. I'm certain that a loyal Chelish warship Captain would agree."
I wonder what Myradil is on about? I must brush up on my formalities. My lack of knowledge is showing...
Femi smiles warmly, and continues to look peaceful, hoping that Myradil's stratagem works.
|
|
"You may call me Elia." The officer says as she reaches a hand out to for Myradil to shake. She looks the party up and down as she does, and though she never relaxes, she does nod to a sailor behind her who signals someone else on the ship to help him with the gangplank.
Eventually the Ravens are led on board the vessel. As they are, Elia becomes more talkative with the party, asking them about their preferences in wine, culture and song. She continues the conversation while one of her men fetches heads straight to the captains quarters and sets it up to receive the large visiting group.
'I've been in the navy for a decade now, half of the time under Captain Sargaeta. He's...a rare individual. Eccentric, but a man of refined tastes, from a noble Ostenso family."
The warship is clearly under heavy repair, the signs of recent battle are everywhere as is construction. As she notices the Raven's eyeing the damage Elia explains that the ship has recently returned from the Shackles, having gone as far as the Eye of Abendego.
Finally the sailor leaves the Captains Quarters and nods to Elia, signalling that they may enter.
"Lieutenant Nones, I hear you've brought me some visitors." Says a deep and cultured voice from the back of the room. Although it's likely the Ravens are more taken in by the various sights around the large and lavish captains quarters.
Three halfling slaves move about, one playing an elegant piece on the violin, another sews buttons on a clean white shirt and the third occupies a make shift counter cutting a pineapple. Two colorful birds prune themselves in golden cages and a small monkey in a minature sailors uniform shells peanuts atop the captains desk made of some rare wood.
Stroking the monkeys head is a light haired man in an immaculate captains uniform with a trimmed brown beard that runs the length of his clearly defined jawline. He sips his tea as he looks the party over, remaining silent for quite some time.
"I must confess, I do not think I know any of you?" He raises and eyebrow and sips again from his porcelain cup. "And you do not wear the colors of anyone I know, so I am not being called in for some favor."
He looks at Elia, who just shrugs to signal she is no more aware of your motives than the he is and the Captain frowns.
"Well, if you wish to speak with me, then speak. Elia here is my most trusted officer, so do not worry about that. Anything you tell me would reach her ears eventually anyway."
The captain sits back in his seat and waits for the Ravens to explain themselves.
Eventually the Ravens are led on board the vessel. As they are, Elia becomes more talkative with the party, asking them about their preferences in wine, culture and song. She continues the conversation while one of her men fetches heads straight to the captains quarters and sets it up to receive the large visiting group.
'I've been in the navy for a decade now, half of the time under Captain Sargaeta. He's...a rare individual. Eccentric, but a man of refined tastes, from a noble Ostenso family."
Femi tries to keep up with the sudden banter, talking of the fine wines of the Varisians - and the less than fine wines which were far more common! He even describes the sweet-bitter taste of home made dandelion wine.
"Lieutenant Nones, I hear you've brought me some visitors." Says a deep and cultured voice from the back of the room. Although it's likely the Ravens are more taken in by the various sights around the large and lavish captains quarters.
. . . He sips his tea as he looks the party over, remaining silent for quite some time.
"I must confess, I do not think I know any of you?" . . . "Well, if you wish to speak with me, then speak. Elia here is my most trusted officer, so do not worry about that. Anything you tell me would reach her ears eventually anyway."
"Oh Captain, we are a group opposed to the current nature of Thrune rule. Let me introduce us. I'm Femi, this is..." Femi goes around and introduces everyone. He worries, for a moment, that they are unduly exposing themselves, but he hopes if things go sour, they can fight their way off the ship without too much loss of life - on either side. These seem like fine folk.
"...and we're the Silver Ravens."
"We understand you also have no love of Thrune, and wished to speak with you to see if our two organizations might be able to help each other out. We are not here looking for alms, but rather a mutually beneficial relationship. Teamwork will bring Thrune down more than any individual achievement."
"Don't you agree?"
Elias slowly turns a sickly shade of green as he listens absently to the conversation. His seasickness is apparent to any who might recognize the signs, though he's obviously attempting to bull his way through it on willpower alone.
His eyes do snap to Femi when he mentions the stance of the Ravens in the city, and one hand drifts down to absentminded pluck a few notes out of his harp to match those of the violin-playing halfling, but he remains silent.
|
|
If the Captain is surprised by Femi's admission, he shows no sign of it. In fact he hardly seems to blink as he takes another look over the party, sipping his tea and pausing far longer than would normally be polite.
"If you really are the Silver Ravens, well then I must admit my disappointment. Giants out of myth are what I would have expected. Maybe silver armor, perhaps with some avian filigree? I certainly hope you'll at least take the suggestion under consideration if you continue to make the claim. At least look the part!"
He looks at Elias with a face full of interest.
'And you? Have your performed in Kintargo before? You look awfully familiar. I find that those interested in the arts often move through the same small circles, have you ever met the one they call The Poison Pen?"
"In any case, you are correct, I am not particularly fond of some of the Thrunes, this Barzillai in particular. He stops me from stepping foot in my favorite Chelish city! But, as you may see, I have also done quite well for myself under the current sovereign. I would be a fool to cast aside my loyalties for a burgeoning operation. Between you Ravens and the so-called Glorious Reclamation, everyone in the Navy is held under such scrutiny. Should I risk the lives of my men for these castaways?"
His last question is directed at Lieutenant Nones, who just shrugs her shoulders. "I do not know either." The captain replies.
He snaps his fingers, at which point the halfling slave cutting up food in the corner rushes forward and he whispers in her ear. Without delay she begins setting a nearby table with enough plates for the entire party.
"I will make no snap decisions, but if you would dine with me, and let me know a little of how you run your organization, I will promise to think it over." His face takes on a serious expression and he stands at his desk, making sure to look each of you in the eyes. "And you have my honor that I will not turn you in. At worst you will be defeated and I will find a new port to call in, at best, you will have a new mayor that lets me set foot in Kintargo once again."
For the next hour or so the Ravens dine with Captain Sargaeta. It is an informal and enjoyable experience. The Captain offers little in the way of his political interests but is willing to speak much about his adventures in other lands and he loves talking music and art in particular.
Myradil enjoys the fine dining immensely. He had almost forgotten about the occasional official dinner he had the privilege of attending.
Myradil makes polite conversation. He's not as well versed in the rebellious operations as his companions but he's not sure how much would be wise to trust the captain with anyway.
So instead Myradil will stick to mostly polite conversation while occasionally reminding of the ridiculous laws that have been posted, and a few stories of how the rebellion has helped a few.
Brask just does his best not to ruin the Raven's chances. The food is good, and he does try to enjoy the stories.
Once we're a more secured group, I think adding some silver ravens to my armor would be great. he thinks. Maybe there's some magic that can improve my armor's quality?
He looks at Elias with a face full of interest.
'And you? Have your performed in Kintargo before? You look awfully familiar. I find that those interested in the arts often move through the same small circles, have you ever met the one they call The Poison Pen?"
Elias dips his head slightly in acknowledgement. "I have, in fact. There was a time when I performed regularly at the Kintargo Opera House. When Barzillai took control there, he began replacing those of musical aptitute, with those of political aptitude. The performances, I hear, have suffered noticeably." he adds, somewhat smugly. "The purges were brutal, for all that they were aimed at relatively harmless musicians. I know of a dulcimer player who fled the city after suffering an accident that left all his fingers broken, but not a scratch anywhere else. I left shortly thereafter, before I too could be made a target."
Elias waves away the memories, the discussion seeming to draw him out of his seas-sickness somewhat. "The Poison Pen though? No, I have not had the pleasure, though I could make inquiries if you wish."
"As for how we are running the organization? We have resolved to do so openly, where possible. Obviously, we are taking some pains to prevent the current administration from stamping us out before we accrue allies who could bolster us politically. Thus our current non-descript outfits about town. Once we have secured a public headquarters from which to run a political movement, that would be the time for a more... flamboyant presence on the streets."
He respects the man who takes the long view, and says so, ”I appreciate you have opened your doors to us, and indeed your larder.” he sips a little wine, ”Very generous and very fine.”
”I respect your desire to consider us at arms length - at least at first - while you consider your options. That is commendable, and should we find a way to work together, it will solidify that relationship more than a quick word. Thank you.”
He talks of Varisia, and Korvosa in particular. He inquires whether the captain has been to that fine city and chats a little about his homeland if so most amiably. Eventually, once Elias brings us back on track, he joins in as well.
”As Elias mentioned, we are at an early stage in our growth. We have a few teams on the streets, we’re slowly collecting donations to the cause of both men and money. As we are small, and perhaps easily stamped out, we are being cautious, but yes - our approach is very above board. We will not sink to their level to combat them. We will merely bow so that we may see them there in the gutter.”
”Please do look into us, and contact us at your leisure when you are ready to converse further.”
|
|
Captain Sargaeta enjoys speaking of his travels in Varisia quite a bit. He has bee to Korvosa once or twice and he and Femi find a few common experiences to share. So too does he discuss the arts and famous musicians with Elias. He knows quite a bit about the people that used to play in Kintargo, and those that still do.
When it comes time to talk business again, the Captain listens to your arguments and he keeps the wine and food flowing until you are all fulfilled. At the end of the evening he clasps arms with each of you and gives a respectful nod.
"You have a good cause. That's more than I might have said before dinner. Perhaps it is the wine, but it's true, you do. You seem to have a strong leadership, this too is good. I will have Elia come find you when I have made my decision, whatever it is. Thank you, my friends, for reaching out to me like this!"
A few sailors escort you off the warship and it's close to curfew. The dottari seem to patrol a little more than they used to, but for the most part you arrive back home safely. The rest of the night is yours to spend as you see fit, and the morning brings a new day.
What's next on the agenda for the Ravens?
"So...what's next for us?." Kalem asks. "Femi? You seem to have a head for these affairs."
Femi warmly thanks the captain, and chats with the group once they’re safely home and secure.
”That went well. Better than expected I think. We’ll have an ally there, if only a passive one, or I’m much mistaken.”
"So...what's next for us?." Kalem asks. "Femi? You seem to have a head for these affairs."
”That’s a good question. We could try hunting down a few members of the Order of the Torrent. I suspect, as they’re in hiding, they’ll be hard to find. But we might discover something Thrune misses with their heavy handed ways.”
”Not sure how to go about it though. Normally I’d ask around the pubs and the like for leads, but that might not work here. Still, it’s what we might do if we can think of nothing else.”
Back at home Myradil explains his insight earlier to Femi
"Let nobody say the Chelish Navy doesn't stand on tradition. In all my years pushing papers, or listening to people ask for appointments never have I ever heard a navy ship introduced as anything other than 'Her Infernal Magistrix's Warship ___'. Leaving the styling out of the ships introduction is not something any trained naval officer would do lightly, or by accident. I'm just glad it wasn't a trap. I was worried it wasn't my place to step up and explain things, but I saw... I saw an opportunity and went for it."
Myradil pauses for a moment
"But I worry, we have to get lucky every-time, the government only needs to get lucky once. What if I was wrong and they were setting up a trap for us."
"We need to secure a second safehouse." Brask says. "I am worried that our continued traffic in the coffee house will get our host caught, and us with her."
"I agree Brask, but that will take some time. Yet, we could spend some time asking around for possible spots while we gather a team to prepare it." Femi nods, agreeing with Brask.
|
|
"You boys mind if I interrupt?" Says Laria as she comes down to the Wasp's Nest to bring you some food.
"This letter was waiting for me this morning when I opened up shop. I don't know who it's from, though I could likely guess, but it's asking for the Silver Raven's by name."
She shrugs when she hands the letter over to Myradil. "Requests that you go visit the Tooth and Nail, Setrona's place.
Any of you living in Kintargo for more than a few years would have heard of and likely crossed paths with Setrona Sabinus at some point. She's a vocal human woman who owns the Tooth and Nail one of Kintargo's oldest taverns. She's known throughout the city as a critic of the goverment and has earned the nickname "Countess" by those citizens who know of her family and their long lost noble roots.
"My guess is that this comes straight from her." Laria says as she takes a seat and eats with you all. "Not many people know this, but her cousin Octavio is the leader of the Order of the Torrent. I can't assume this invitation is a coincidence, given the most recent proclamation."
"I think this seals our path. The Order of the Torrent are likely allies, but we have a dwindling time frame to preserve them as such. I vote we proceed to the Tooth and Nail as soon as feasible."
Femi grabs his gear, just in case, and heads out with Elias. "I agree. This is excellent timing, and we should strike while it's hot."
"I'm gonna grab some stuff at the market on the way."
Elias nods, "That makes sense. Let's go."
Myradil nods in assent.
|
|
Give that it's still a little early for a Tavern visit, the Raven's make their way through town slowly, allowing Kalem to do a little shopping to bolster his combat abilities.
Once that's over with, you have a few hours left before evening and the Raven's finally head to their destination. Inside, the Tooth and Nail carries the stink of stale beer, tobacco smoke, and less discernible odors hovering in the air like clouds of gnats. Narrow windows, stained yellow, allow in little natural light, and a few sputtering candles do little to disperse the gloom. The furniture is dilapidated, and was of poor quality even on the long-ago day it was fashioned. The common room is nearly empty when you arrive, and only two people occupy the building as they prepare for the evenings usual business.
The woman cleaning the counter takes one look at you, and turns to the blonde lumpish man working beside her. "Why don't you take a break Insome. You've been working hard today."
With a curt nod, the man leaves, tailed by the brunette toward the door. Before you can all introduce yourselves, she locks the front door and turns to you all smiling.
"The Ravens, I presume?" She smiles broader still as she looks you all over. "You work quickly. I'd heard that, of course, but I only sent you that message this morning. I figured you'd be busy."
She's all smiles but a look of concern and stress is evident all over her freckled face. "I'm going to get straight to the point. Because I've been sitting on the decision to help you boys out for too long now, and this situation isn't getting any better."
She takes a deep breath and tells her story, not giving and of the Ravens time to do much other than nod or listen.
“My cousin Octavio is an obstinate and difficult man, but he’s also an honorable one. He’s led the Order of the Torrent for a decade, and during that time they’ve rescued dozens of missing people and other unfortunates from abduction. The order’s members aren’t all stationed here in Kintargo— they work throughout Avistan, after all, and I suppose it’s something of a blessing that most of their two dozen or so members were elsewhere when Barzillai made the order illegal. Those who are outside Cheliax are certainly lying low, awaiting word from their lictor, but if we can find my cousin, I’m certain he can be convinced to aid the Silver Ravens. He might grouse a bit at your methods, but I know for a fact that he’s no supporter of Thrune, and having his network of agents at your disposal can only help, right?"
“In any event, assuming he’s not in the clutches of House Thrune, I think I know where my cousin is. He’d probably hate me if he found out I told you this, but the Order of the Torrent sometimes uses a small shrine just south of the city in the Argo swamps as a safe house. The place is warded against magical observation, and they’ve used it in the past as a staging place for smuggling those they’ve rescued into or out of Kintargo. The place is the Shrine of Saint Senex, and if my cousin is anywhere, he’s there.”
When she's done speaking she moves to the bar and hands out drinks to each Raven, trying to guess at what each of them drinks. "So...what d'ya think?" She taps the bar nervously, waiting a response.
Brask looks down at the tankard in his hand. "I think you're amazing at guessing what I'd like. What IS this? It's astounding." he exclaims happily, taking another swig.
He wipes the foam off his lips and smiles. "Sounds like my theory was right. I'm in."
Femi tries to nod and listen at the same time and finds it’s trouble. He stops his head from jiggling and just listens attentively.
Femi sips his wine, and finds the bubbles tickle his nose in a most unexpected way. Fascinating! he smiles warmly at the bar matron.
”I think you have judged us well, and we humbly appreciate the offer. Brask is right, we cannot but help you in this matter - for the advantages to each party are clear. The trip is long; we shall shorten the road together.” he hoists his drink in the air and takes another delicate sip of the wondrous liquid.
Elias nods, "The place would be an appropriate sanctuary for the missing Order. The Saint was known as a gatherer of the lost. We should leave soon. We responded so quickly because this seems likely to be a time-sensitive opportunity. Also, we have...some experiences with Barzillai's...purges."
Elias shifts uncomfortably, not looking at the others, "We would prevent more wherever possible. Do you, by chance, know the God your cousin worships? I would forestall any miscommunication in that direction, if possible, since Barzillai and the Hellknights have had...broadly similar tactics, in the past."
|
|
The small woman smiles at the comlpliments on her alcohol choices, and positively beams when Elias Femi and Brask agree to seek out her cousin. he hugs each of the Ravens tightly and some of the weight on her shoulders seems to disappear. "Now, we'll have to be careful when we go to the shrine!" She eyes Brask's heavy armor and frowns.
"We can't be too obvious with our approach. Of course, being out after curfew is a risk too, but, well I'll leave that part up to you. You're the revolutionaries after all! I should also add that we'll need to be careful with the shrines guardians. They're likely to be uncooperative, especially if Octavio doesn't want to be found. I'd prefer to avoid bloodshed if we can though."
She frowns for a moment, the worry creeps back into her features. One arm absentmindedly wraps around her stomach, as though cradling herself.
"Um, hmmm." She looks you in your eyes. "If I might make another request actually. Before we check out the shrine, there's somewhere else Octavio might be, though, gods I hope he isnt."
She goes on to explain that there has been word around the city that Barzillai is about to start his " excruciations" the next afternoon. These are a series of public tortures. House Thrune, as all of you would know, feels that public execution is too swift, so each member of the family comes up with (or has their advisors come up with) their own forms of long drawn out public tortures to spread fear among their dissenters.
"I don't want to run to this shrine and risk leaving him in the hands of the dottari. They've been building some platform of sorts in the Veritas Plaza, would you be willing to accompany my there tomorrow before we move to the shrine?"
Brask looks down at his armor and looks troubled. "I'm not sure what I can do without my armor on, but we'll work out the details tonight. Maybe just some black paint." he offers.
When she makes her request, Brask nods. "Of course, we'd need to see if he's there first, or else we would have missed him while we head to the shrine, right?"
"A public showing might be risky, since we've someone in the Thrune see our faces. Might need to spend a bit of time disguising before we accompany you. Kalem adds.
Kalem takes a sip of the alcohol he's been served, letting the bitter taste mull over his mouth before winding down his throat. Then the pleasant warmness came.
Myradil explains "I can help us sneak past any patrols we find at night after curfew, but it's still a risk."
"I don't want to run to this shrine and risk leaving him in the hands of the dottari. They've been building some platform of sorts in the Veritas Plaza, would you be willing to accompany my there tomorrow before we move to the shrine?"
"Of course, let's take a look." Femi worries about what they're going to see, and how much it's going to offend them all.
Myradil explains "I can help us sneak past any patrols we find at night after curfew, but it's still a risk."
”Excellent. Remember too we have the wand of illusions. It lasts as long as I concentrate, so we can make an alley appear empty to a casual glance, particularly from a distance.”
"If we decide to don disguises, then they must be such that can be removed swiftly. Interrupting the Excruciations is a highly visible act, and if we undertake it, we must reap the political benefits of that risk." Elias sniffs the drink daintily before quaffing it in a nearly dwarven manner. "This is a test of our wills, against that of Barzillai. We must be the stronger, and we must be SEEN to be the stronger."
|
|
Once again Setrona beams and gives you each another round while she makes arrangements to meet you the next day at the Coffee House. It isn't long until her assistant returns and she moves on to idle conversation and ushers you all out. How you spend the rest of the day is entirely up to you, but nothing of note happens. The city seems almost at rest, finally taking a breath after weeks of change and conflict.
The next day, when you make your way toward the plaza, the crowds thicken. Most faces are sullen, drawn to the event by a sense of morbid curiosity, but a few look eager, and there are a number of citizens discussing the potential torture by the time the Ravens and Setrona reach the main event.
As you approach the platform built in the center of the plaze, Setrona frowns and looks back at the Ravens. "Way more guards than I expected." She whispers. "If he is here, I'm not sure we can handle this."
The excruciators themselves are dottari guards—men and women clad in black leather trousers, bloodstained chainmail aprons, and face-obscuring hoods painted with mocking visages, the universal emblem of their terrible craft. There are four excruciators present, along with a pair of feral dogs. In addition, four Order of the Rack armigers stand by, seemingly on guard in case anything unplanned takes place.
There is only one prisoner today, a tall man wearing nothing but his small clothes. He's led toward a large 30ft scaffold in the middle of the plaza that contains nothing but what looks like a doghouse on it. The walls and roof of the house are covered in dangerous spikes that could easily cause harm.
"That's not my cousin." Setrona whispers as the prisoner is led forward. "But it's one of his men. I don't know his name, but he's pretty low in the ranks." He voice sounds both curious and nervous at the same time.
Even as she finishes speaking, one of the excruciators pushes the prisoner toward the doghouse and shouts loud enough for the crowd to hear him.
"This is your last chance at redemtion! Give us the location of Lictor Octavio Sabinus!"
At the name of his superior, and your quarry, the prisoner stands up straight and eye's his soon-to-be torturer in the eye. The crowd around you silences, everyone waiting on his response. Rigid, and unafraid, the prisoner stands silent for a couple of minutes before the excruciator gets fed up and rams an armored fist into the prisoners gut.
A few shouts of encouragement come from the crowd but most are silent as a second excruciator assists the first in hauling the prisoner toward the doghouse, eventually forcing him into it and locking him in. It's obvious from his hunched position that if he attempts to lay down or stand, he'll be punctured in any number of places.
Once the doghouse has been locked and secured, one of the Order of the Rack Hellknights addresses the crowd.
"Every sunrise and sunset, this traitor will be released from his cage to scavange for food and water with his new playmates." To show his point he throws a piece of dried meat at the two feral dogs who immediately begin fighting over the food. They bite into each other viciously, and without hesitation until one of them wins and the other dog limps away hungry and hurt. "Any citizens who would like to witness these events are welcome. Let the Thrune's wrath be witnessed as a warning to all who would thwart the authority of their rule. If, in a weeks time, this prisoner is still standing, we will release him."
The Hellknight glares at the crowd, daring anyone to disagree. "Monsters..." Setrona whispers under her breath. "I wish there was something we could do. "