"Sounds good, but what about the Hellknights?" Brask asks. "We need to handle that too, but as you saw, I'm not very good at keeping my temper... or working stealthily."
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"Your use of your temper and visibility were integral to helping the previous hellknight escape his confinement. We each serve in our own way, Brask. Do not sell yourself short."
Elias turns to Femi, his eyes grow cold, "I, however, do have one problem with how that operation went. We released the torturers, instead of cutting them down as they deserved. I will not gainsay your decisions in public, but rest assured the cretins will be hunted down and slaughtered when I have the time, assuming they remain in the city. Their actions deserve pain, their victims deserve vengeance. I will do no less."
Elias turns to Femi, his eyes grow cold, "I, however, do have one problem with how that operation went. We released the torturers, instead of cutting them down as they deserved. I will not gainsay your decisions in public, but rest assured the cretins will be hunted down and slaughtered when I have the time, assuming they remain in the city. Their actions deserve pain, their victims deserve vengeance. I will do no less."
Femi looks up in surprise, and meets Elias’ stare. ’So you would kill everyone in Thrune’s employ? That’s an awful lot of killing. Sounds like the kind of promise that a despot would make.”
Catching himself, he immediately backs off looking guilty, ”Look, you must do what you must do and I’ll not stand in your way though I disagree with the scope of your anger.”
”However, as a Silver Raven, if it gets around that we take no prisoners, and kill all we see, it’ll only lead to trouble. We’ll have to fight every fight to the bitter end for one thing. While we had the advantage at the moment in this last one, a bad moment or two might have tipped the scales the other way.”
He turns to all present, ”I’d also like to think the Silver Ravens stand for more than death and destruction. I want us to build a better Kintargo. It will take the blood of Thrune, and his lackeys, to do it - of that I have no doubt. But it should not, in my opinion, be flowing in rivers. We kill when we must, but we cannot hold everyone to the same standards as we uphold for ourselves.”
”Some will follow Thrune, wallowing in his evil gladly,” he turns to Elias, ”And those, I agree, deserve death. But some will follow out of fear. Some out of ignorance. Some out of desperation. And some for reasons we cannot even fathom. I am not willing to be executioner to those who beg our peace. I cannot say what their motives may be, but we must carefully consider their pleas and be merciful when we can. We must be better than Thrune.”
He turns and faces Elias squarely, ”Now I do apologize. I had thought what I just said was clear to all from the outset, but perhaps not. I am also not the only Silver Raven - not by any stretch. I did not mean to speak for you back there, I was caught up in the moment and I’ll try to be more careful of your perspective in the future. Of course, if you foresee further conflict on the horizon, pull me aside anytime and school me. I am not above learning.” he grins.
Myradil notes "Let alone the issues of killing, our job'll much easier if the average guard knows they can surrender instead of needing to fight to the death."
Kalem nods along to Femi's speech.
"I understand the need of vengeance Elias, I really do. But responsibility has taught me there are consequences to our actions. Like it or not, we're symbols now and when people see us and word of our deeds spread, we will have influence in ways unseen. I do not want to create a community where everyone is scared of fighting for their personal truth, lest they be slaughtered."
He claps a hand on the half-elf's shoulder.
"But when the time comes, and their will be a time for vengeance, I'll back you up."
When the issue of the cash problem is brought up, Kalem thinks for a moment and produces the rest of his coin and tosses it on the table.
"Take it. It weighs down my pocket and I have no use for it currently. And with the way fights have been going, I'd like to see it put to some use. Just...maybe use some connections to help my fellows at the Devil's Nursery, that's all I ask."
Brask finds himself torn between both Femi and Elias' viewpoints. Both have worked hard to right the wrongs that Thrune exemplars, and yet their approaches are different. His... personal rage aside, Femi made some very valid points. However, when in the frenzy of battle, Brask's abilities and mindset favored Elias' point of view. He also remembered Elias talk with him about Brask's own crime of vengeance, which further tipped him in that direction.
"I... don't know where I stand on this yet." he admits after an agonized moment of silence. "I want them all dead, for what they've done. I'm not against doing dirty deeds if it means that the next generation can live without the fear of a man such as Thrune. I can choose to take on that burden, but... Femi is right. There are some people who will oppose us not because they're evil, but because they just don't know any better and we're defying what they see as the rightful order in the world. We could defeat them just as easily by opening their eyes, educating..." Brask sighs and walks away from their discussion table. "I need to think about this more." he says.
Later on, he can be found in the Raven's Nest sitting at the docks again, staring into the dark waters with a look of tired frustration on his face.
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"Do you truly believe I spoke of every man, woman, or child who has taken from Barzillai's hand? Those we released today were no town guardsmen trying to do a difficult job. They were not the citizen's group, attempting to find a place in the new regime. They were Excruciators. Professional torturers, Euphemia. They locked a man into a cage meant to break him, with every intent of feeding the scraps to their hounds. Those were the men who drove my people from the city, and dragged those who openly remained to the rack. I believe the scope of my anger to be very, very appropriate. We are a symbol, as you say, and I fear tarnishing that symbol by setting torturers free."
Elias passes a hand in front of his face, a sudden exhaustion writ large on his fine elven features. "...and yet we did let them go."
He slumps onto a stool.
"I do not wish for blood-washed streets in our silver city, though I fear it will come to that. I do not want pogroms. I do not even want the Excruciators tortured in return for tortures inflicted. So. A compromise. You do not wish to act as executor? Very well. Before I put those men to the sword, I will use the blessings of my lady to determine the worth of their hearts. If they be evil men, then I accept your assertion that they deserve death, and I will carry out the executions myself. If they are free of that stain, I will allow such...clemencies, despite the cruelty of their crimes. That is the most I will offer you."
He waves a hand, as if to clear smoke. "None of this affects the goal to rescue our erstwhile Hellknight ally. When last we spoke of it, we came to a choice, night or day? I would propose night. Our actions at the... doghouse, will make movement during the day more difficult."
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When the issue of the cash problem is brought up, Kalem thinks for a moment and produces the rest of his coin and tosses it on the table.
"Take it. It weighs down my pocket and I have no use for it currently. And with the way fights have been going, I'd like to see it put to some use. Just...maybe use some connections to help my fellows at the Devil's Nursery, that's all I ask."
"That's extremely generous Kalem." he considers the state of his own pouch and shrugs, "Would I have any substantive cash now, I would match it. Alas I do not. Perhaps I can stand beside you in honor in the near future."
lots of making sense, then... "Before I put those men to the sword, I will use the blessings of my lady to determine the worth of their hearts. If they be evil men, then I accept your assertion that they deserve death, and I will carry out the executions myself. If they are free of that stain, I will allow such...clemencies, despite the cruelty of their crimes. That is the most I will offer you."
He waves a hand, as if to clear smoke. "None of this affects the goal to rescue our erstwhile Hellknight ally. When last we spoke of it, we came to a choice, night or day? I would propose night. Our actions at the... doghouse, will make movement during the day more difficult."
Femi hesitates, "I do see what you mean - these were, ah, rather less harmless than most. And if you'll examine them for the depth of their evil I cannot argue with such a compromise. With such a reasonable step as that, I cannot but assist you, if you wish it, on such a journey as well!"
He smiles warmly, glad the worst of the confusion is behind them. "You're right too, approaching by day might be tricky. At night, any we encounter will know we're law breakers for the curfew, but I agree it's likely the safer path. And we have the wand of illusion to help us hide if we must."
"My vote is to go at night as well. And soon."
Myradil nods in agreement with Femi "Night seems the better choice, I know it's inevitable but all this violence still makes me a bit queasy. Anything we can do to reduce the chance of having to stab people or being stabbed by people seems like the right way to go to me."
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After assigning the Raven's their duties for the next week (and a stern word from Femi, ending the momentary fued), the Ravens discuss the moral implications of allowing Thrune agents to surrender and seem to come to a common ground. Now the hunt for Octavio can begin in earnest, after a nights rest and, I assume, a few healing spells for Kalem and Brask who would not fully recover from a single nights rest.
The trip to the Tooth and Nail sees the Raven Officers arrive safely at their destination, but a number of people were discussing the previous days direct attack on Barzillai's rule, the first the public is aware of. Thankfully there were no confrontations from the Dottari, but the patrols had certainly increased, and news of petty theives being prepared for a round of doghousing was spoken often.
Setrona breathes a sigh of relief as she opens the door to her pub and invites you all in, explaining that she took the torrent prisoner to a friends house to be taken care of in secret. She listens quietly as you discuss your approach out of the city to the Shrine and seems a little lost in thought herself.
"I understand the need to go at night, but it does increase the risk of being stopped by loyal Thrunies. I'm pretty light on my feet, and can probably help you find a secure path out, but it doesn't guarantee anything. Do you boys have anything way to make sneaking out of the city at night easier. Or less dangerous? The wand might be helpful, but it seems more reactionary to me than offensive."
Elias rubs his chin thoughtfully, "I have access to some few blessings that might assist us in getting out of the city safely. I could cast Lay of the Land on myself, to aid in planning our route out, and Muffle Sound to help the... less sneaky among us to avoid unwanted attention. Perhaps an invisibility spell in a pinch, but that would be the limit of my magics. I suppose scouting while invisible and covering our passage with the wand could work, as an option."
"I need to cover my armor, and maybe that muffle spell Elias mentioned." Brask says. "But I'm more of a liability here if we are trying to avoid conflicts entirely."
He scratches his chin. "I could take it off, go with a chain shirt or something." he offers.
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Elias nods at Brask, "Do it. We can carry the armor with us and re-armor you once we are clear of the patrols."
"All right. Do we have any suits of light armor to spare for now? I don't feel right going out there with no protection." Brask asks, unbuckling his shield and starting on his shoulder pauldrons.
Kalem shrugs. Healing spells always felt so...itchy after they were finished.
"I'm not exactly made for stealth either...and I'm not sure if I want to endanger you all by coming along. In a fight sure, but the chances of that happening go up if I come along...Is there anything I can help with here if I stay behind?"
Myradil explains"I can help us get past a known dangerous spot, but it'll take a little bit of planning."
"Going at night is proving to be a problem. Let's not split up though, but let's give up wedging ourselves into something we aren't. Let's just go by day, and take pains not to be followed by any Dottari when we get close."
"I think that's the best we can do."
Looks like I'll need to get invisibility sooner than I thought!
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"No no, we're all going." Setrona says, patting Kalem on the back and smiling broadly. "You've all agreed to see my cousin back safely if you can, and I saw you handle yourself out there young man. I hope we won't need your fists, but I insist that we have them just in case."
With the party discussing a number of ways to fortify their ability to sneak from the city, the small woman nods furiously and begins getting fidgety. She's convinced that you'll be able to make it unnoticed, and eventually convinced you all of the same. Or at least convinces you to go against better judgement in some cases.
There are a few close calls, but with Setrona and Myradil able to scout ahead unnoticed, the dottari are avoided, and by the time the party reaches the edge of the city, it's a simple matter to wait for an opening in patrols and slip out.
From the cities edge, a quick walk west finds you at the Ravounel Road to the swampy western shore of Argo Isle. As you travel, a few odd structures jut up from the ground. Setrona expresses that the shrine is undergound and shortly after, you find a two foot wide path rising up from the ground that leads to a heap of stones and driftwood.
On the southern end of this heap are two poles sporting gouts of fire that dance erratically in the breeze, and between them an opening leading downward.
Following the path leads the Raven's into a domed shrine beneath the surface, and in it, eyeing you suspiciously, are a couple of elderly humans. One man, with a large beard, and one woman with braids down to her waist. Both have driftwood and seashells woven into their clothes, and neither approaches you.
Setrona addresses them immediately, shoving her way past any of the ravens standing in front of her and taking a few steps toward the couple, hardly noticing as they back away an equal amount of space.
"Who are you and why are you here?" She looks around absentmindedly at the shrines interior. "And have you seen anyone else come through this way? Perhaps a man named Octavio?"
The couple looks at each other briefly, before the woman speaks.
"We know of Octavio. He has cast his breath upon the Stone many times, long a friend to our shrine. We honor those who honor the watery dead.”
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" The small woman shouts but neither of the couple offer up an explanation. She turns to you all, hoping you might be better able to understand the situation.
"Watery... Aren't they the order of the Torrent?" Brask asks.
Femi keeps his head down and his cloak collar up as he moves swiftly through the darkened streets. He’s glad for Setrona and Myradil keeping the group largely out of trouble as they traverse the city.
When they arrive, he’s surprised by the eternal flames, let alone the elderly couple. Very strange.
He steps up and tries a more polite approach, ”Our apologies for this late intrusion. We are the Silver Ravens, and we are seeking Octavio in the hopes we may help him in his current predicament. We are friends.”
Elias hangs back, wondering if he recognizes any religious significance in their words or dress, calling upon the blessing of his goddess as he thinks it over...
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The two elderly humans look at Femi curiously. Then look at one another and after what seems like ages the man tilts his head toward Setrona.
"She looks like him, doesn't she Remele?" The older woman nods and furrows her brows. "She does Jenbai, maybe-"
Before they can continue speaking Setrona smacks herself lightly on the forehead and steps forward, holding out a ring toward the couple. "He would have had a similar one. From when our family was nobility." She explains, finding the best lighting to display the family crest.
"Well, that certainly settles that." They say in unison before chuckling quietly to themselves. Remele, the older woman nods her head as she speaks, patting a giant sea shell on her waistband absentmindedly.
"Octavio is here. He and his men have often used this shrine as something of a way-house, and when he was in need of asylum, we provided it."
As she speaks Jenbai walks toward the srhine in the center of the room and pulls a hook-like key from a pouch around his neck. The altar itself is as unremarkable as the rest of the shrine. In the center of some driftwood is a large stone. Jenbai approaches the stone and moves some wood aside, revealing a catch holding the stone in place. He unlocks and begins lifts it up, to reveal a passage leading straight down.
"We'll let you pass." He says with a grunt as he moves the stone. "But you will need to prove yourselves as a friend to Saint Senex before you can see Octavio. That is our way." He waves his hand downward and invites your party to enter.
The shaft is about three feet wide with rusted iron rungs to hold onto on the way down. Just a few feet below the surface is a dark foggy mass.
Setrona wastes no time entering the door and climbing down, with an eager "Come on boys!" After a few rungs down she shouts again. "Oh, and thank you!" To the seers. Presumably you all follow behind.
The ceiling of this damp chamber is seven feet high, bolstered by square supports of rough-hewn wood. A shallow pool of water lies in the northwest corner of the room, where a rusty iron ladder descends from a hole in the ceiling above. An iron gate blocks access into a corridor to the east. Piles of sail canvas and jumbled coils of rope litter the stony floor, and the walls, floor, and ceiling have been carved to look like wood. Brown paint clings in patches, and it’s easy to see how the room may have once looked very much like the hold of a ship. To the west stands a statue carved from driftwood depicting a woman dressed in robes, holding the body of a drowned sailor in her arms. Elias recognizes this as Saint Senex herself.
After all of you are down the shaft and away from the ladder, a voice echoes through the room from the statue itself.
“Those who would visit the drowned departed must bring to these lips the gift of lung’s bounty, lest my guardian stand before your approach.”
Myradil follows and nods, "I believe a breath is due."
With a moment of trepidation, baring any objection, Myradil will step up, pause once again and then breathe into the statue's lips.
"I gotta... Uh... Kiss the statue?" Brask summarizes. He looks confused.
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Femi thanks the couple for their trust before proceeding down the shaft.
He stumbles a bit before catching himself and proceeding thoughtfully. woah...
When the group gets to the next area, he speaks, "OK. We're in a spell now. This isn't actually all under here - it's a magical plane made just for the purpose. Pretty impressive really, but it also means we're in a bit over our heads. Let's be careful."
When he sees Myradil do his thing he nods. "Smart."
"Yeah Brask, Myradil has the right idea I think. We have to breathe on the statue's lips to pass safely. Pretty cool really."
He walks up to the statue and breathes on it, allowing his lips to brush hers before he's ready to move on.
"Weird. I could see how most people wouldn't guess that. Ever." he comments, but does the same as Myradil and Femi.
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As Myradil and Femi and Brask breathe on the lips of Saint Senex the Raven's wait quietly for the results of their actions. After a few more moments it becomes clear that something must not have been done correctly.
"Hmmm." Setrona mutters as she considers the statues words.
"Oooo! She must mean-" The small woman walks up to the statue, but leans down to breath on the lips of the sailor in Saint Senex's arms.
As she does, a pile or ropes sitting near the gate begins to coil in on itself, over and over again, until it emerges as a seven foot tall golem. The creature ignores the party and moves toward the gate at the east where it pushes the gate open and returns to the spot it came from and falls dormant once again.
The corridor behind the gate is wide and mostly empty, lined with torches on the wall. As the Raven's approach the next room they spot a number of human shaped bundles of sailcloth lining the walls, sewn shut and laid side by side on the stone floor. A shallow pool of water sits in the south east corner, and in the northeast someone has set up camp.
A lone man sits at a desk, his back to the party, seemingly lost in his work.
Elias raises an eyebrow to Setrona. "Clever." he remarks, before noticing the man at the desk. He walks over to Femi and mutters "Does that seem real or illusory to you? I mistrust what I see in this place."
"Oh, I think he's real. In fact, that may well be our man." he says back to Elias. At least I hope he's real. I've never seen a rope golem either!
He walks up little ways before calling out, "Hail there, sir. We are friends, come to see what can be done to help your plight. We are enemies of Thrune." he says simply.
Myradil looks around tensely, overly worried about signs of an ambush or other trap while listening to Femi's introduction.
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The man at the desk nearly jumps as Femi calls out to him.
"“These shrouded bodies are those of drowned sailors with no living relations, given a place of honor down here by the grace of Saint Senex." He says as he slowly stands from his seat and turns to face the party with open arms. "Those who seek Octavio Sabinus have found him. His safe capture, however, is no certain thing."
As his scarred face scans the party his eyes widen when he spies Setrona among their number.
"Setrona! You wouldn't!" He says with an accusatory tone. Though his face quickly softens as Femi's words seem to sink in and he settles a little bit. "No, you wouldn't, or course you wouldn't betray me."
He lowers his weapon and steps a little closer to the Raven's, but still keeps his distance. His scarred face looks tired but determined.
Setrona moves ahead of the group with an audible sigh and stands next to her cousin. "Oh Octavio, I was so worried something terrible had happened to you. I, well I sought help from a particular organization, um, maybe I should let them introduce themselves."
Octavio smiles at his cousin and places a hand on her shoulder. "The Ravens. The Silver Ravens." He turns toward the party again and nods respectfully. "I've heard enough of the rumors, and more than one of you fits the descriptions I've heard. Is that truly who you are?"
Brask nods. "It is." he says, scratching at his own facial scars.
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Femi nods at Brasks' flowing soliloquy. Yet he hit all the highlights.
"As Brask says, we are the Silver Ravens. It is fortuitous that Setrona came to us. We're always looking for allies, and for ways to help the enemies of Thrune. So this is common ground for us, and I hope for you as well."
He gestures to the sailcloth, "I'm sorry for your losses."
He approaches the big man, and hopes his blade does not rise again. He holds out his hand, "I'm Femi. That's Brask whom you've already sort of met, Myradil, Elias, and Kalem." he gestures to his mates, introducing them all.
"What do you need? How can we help you?"
Myradil nods nervously at the mention of his name and awaits the answer to Femi's question.
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Octavio looks at Brask a moment, waiting for him to perhaps expand on his answer, but Femi takes over and provides a bit more insight into their motivations.
Before answer Femi's question he waves at the bodies around him and shrugs. "These lost souls are not my men. Just sailors with no living kin that the seers of Senex have interred for the benefit of their own religious beliefs."
"But how can you help me? You've come all this way to provide me assistance?" He laughs a little and rubs the back of his head. "You really are an odd group, you Ravens, but yes, I need help."
"From what I have heard you are certainly hopeful idealists, but in my experience, passionate revolutionaries lack discipline. Like my cousin, you have good hearts, but it takes more than heart to stand up for what’s right. If I’m to throw in with the Silver Ravens, I need two things. First, I need to know that my surviving armigers are safe. Second, I need to know that the Silver Ravens are more than thugs who seek to fight in the streets—I need to know you can exercise subtlety and work at least partially within the bounds of the law to solve problems when such an option exists. As it so happens, this is a perfect chance for you to accomplish both goals."
"It is my belief that most of my men, if not all are being held in The Holding House in Old Kintargo, but they won't be held their for long. I'd go in there and demand their release themselves if I didn't think it would end with my dying in battle against the forces that guard the station."
"What I need is for a group of individuals skilled in deceit or espionage, or perhaps even Chelish law, to rescue my men from their captivity."
Octavio watches each of you, waiting for any questions, concerns, dismissals or agreement to his request.
Brask turns to look at the rest of the group. "I'm not the best at subtlety. But. We have people who can prove your trust will be well-placed." he answers.
"What I need is for a group of individuals skilled in deceit or espionage, or perhaps even Chelish law, to rescue my men from their captivity."
Octavio watches each of you, waiting for any questions, concerns, dismissals or agreement to his request.
"I am not familiar with Chellish law. Did you have some legal leg to stand on with regard to their incarceration? My understanding is that Thrune made a law essentially making it illegal for you to exist. If they made the law, I can't imagine their actions are illegal, but perhaps some research might yield something."
He thinks a little before proceeding. "Do you know when and where they're being transferred? Perhaps we can disguise ourselves and handle the 'transfer' for them. Just another angle."
He ponders a little while before speaking again, "This may take some investigation. I hope we have the time to do it, but for my part at least, I'm eager to help."
"Oh!" Brask excaims, snapping his fingers. "Is there a way we can prove theyre 'not' order of the torrent? Like reassign them or fake their register in a different order? Like a legal shelter?"
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"No." Octavio says somewhat forcefully at Brask's suggestion. He looks at the half-orc, his eyes full of resolve. "Now, more than ever, my men must identify as members of the Torrent, or their safe return will be of little note to the people of Kintargo. Not that you'd get them to renounce their order anyway." He almost smiles at the last bit before he turns to Femi.
"I, might have a suggestion or two." He pulls his seat up behind him and sits down, offering the floor to the Raven's with an apologetic nod. "You could go for an all out assault, but that's likely to kill you all, and I'd caution against such an overt action and the outright dismissal of Chelish law." He frowns, his Hellknight loyalties clearly torn about his current predicament.
"You could also try to break them out quietly, without notice. For that I'd need to leave the plans to you entirely, as I have no understanding or respect for tactics like that." Setrona snorts and rolls her eyes at her cousin.
"But by my reckoning, your best bet might be trickery of a sort." Even as he suggests it, Octavio's face turns harsh, as though he's just tasted something he could not stomach. "Chelish law is full or rules and regulations, often times it hinders the very purpose it wishes to pursue. If you could forge legal documents and present yourselves as the ones meant to transfer my men, you could possibly walk in and out of the Holding House without any hassle at all."
"The only hang up I can think of is that you'd need to know exactly which of my men are being held there and what their prisoner numbers are. I've heard from a few of my Hellknights abroad, but not enough to know exactly who is in chains. Once you figure that out, you'll need someone to forge the document securing their transfer, but from what I hear that shouldn't be too hard for you."
You're unsure if Octavio means that as a compliment or an insult.
"I'll leave the final decision up to you, but my loyalty to your cause depends entirely on how effective you prove yourselves to be."
Kalem thinks on the information.
"Perhaps it might be best to dedicate some of our resources to finding these loopholes. Actually, that book creature we fought a while ago would have been very useful here."
"Perhaps the man we rescued could provide us with some of this information? If he was held with the other prisoners, he should have some idea of the situation in there."
Elias rubs the side of his neck, a happy grin lighting on his face at the thought of turning the laws of Cheliax against it's enforcers.
"Kalem, that's a good first step. Even if he were not kept with the other members of the Torrent, he at least might know who else was captured during the purge of the order. Speaking with him on the matter should be our first priority."
His eyes flicker to Octavio, "Indeed, as much as I might enjoy burning the Holding House to the ground and salting the earth upon which it stands, there is too great a risk of failure, or the innocent getting caught in the crossfire. I'd lend my weight to the proposal to transfer them out, but once they are free we need to make certain that word gets out that it WAS trickery. Making the establishment look like fools does our cause little good if no one notices."
"With access to a legal library, some time, and a little privacy, I think I could make workable paperwork. Assuming the lady favors my efforts. Does... does anyone have any contacts at such a place?"
"Great, we have a tentative plan then. We'll try to get the prisoners transferred to our custody and then just scarper off with them!" he grins at the thought.
"Let's find our man again and see what he can tell us. I wonder if these records are public at all? Can we just appear at some government office or other and find out who's in the prison at any given time? If we could obtain such a list, it would be a simple matter to get the names we need from it."
"Of course, we'll need papers of transfer, or whatever. I don't know what such documents look like, but if we could find some somewhere to copy, we'd be doing well indeed. I have some little skill and might be able to create a passable forgery, if we bluff well. Or I can help you Elias - we should each try perhaps and take the better!”
”Does anyone know, is there a district where government officials tend to work and hang out? We might gather information in those pubs and taverns specifically to learn what we seek. We’ll have to be careful how we ask our questions, but if we ask isolated questions in different locations, we should avoid too much scrutiny. And of course, we’ll buy lots of drinks to ease the memory of us as well!”
Femi turns back to Octavio, ”We’ll have your men freed by weeks end, hopefully sooner. A little research, a little drafting, and a lot of bluffing. Hopefully it works!”
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"I have little enough native talent. It would probably be better if I granted such blessings to you, so that you might do the work yourself. Let me consider what gifts my lady might be able to bestow."
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"Y-you already rescued one of my men!?" Octavio looks at you all incredulous. "How? From where? Who?" He seems over come with the information, so much so that he hardly acknowledges anything else you've seen.
Setrona fills him in while the Raven's discuss their options, describing the fight with impressive detail. "Benjen is recovering with a friend, I'll have him come seek you out when he's up to it."
Octavio, still a little mystified, nods at the party. "Yes, Femi, the information should be public enough. Even if it isn't supposed to be, Brazillai's latest proclamation will have anyone in charge of my men discussing their good fortune."
Acknowledging that he has little more information to provide the Raven's Octavio escorts you back the way you came. When you near the gate he shows you a hidden switch to open it from the inside and he leads you back into the room with the statue of Saint Senex in it.
"I will stay here while you work on this. The enchantments here make it harder for the Thrune's to find me, and I will not take any open action if it can mean the death of my men." He draws a shortsword from his side and hands it to the party.
"Take this, it is my mothers Mithril shortsword. It may help you in the days to come, against whatever demons you may face, but it will serve a second purpose. If you show this to my men, and explain who it once belonged to, they will know you as one of my allies, and someone who, for now, has earned my trust. Good Luck Ravens."
He turns and gives his cousin a brief hug, Setrona's eye's widen in surprise but before she can react, Octavio is already breathing on the statue and waiting for the Golem to open the gate.
"If you need to contact me, you may use the Seers as a proxy." He says as a final farewell before the gate locks behind him.
Femi thanks Octavio and leaves with the group.
"We've got lots to do, but it's late. Let's get to cover and sleep. Tomorrow will be a busy day!"
Femi walks with the others, reversing their route to the Longroad Coffee House. Along the way, he wishes they had more options. It's a long walk through the dark streets to get to safety. We need another safe house or two, spread throughout the city. he thinks.
Assuming they make it back safely, he falls asleep almost instantly, tired from the events of the day. He rises early though, eager to get started, and he chats with the group over breakfast.
"This morning I'll poke around the government files, see what I can learn if anything, who wants to help?”
”At lunch, we’ll follow the bureaucrats around for a few hours and see what we can learn about the forms we’ll need. We’ll have to be very careful about how we ask the questions, and it may be that we learn little as a result. Still, it’s worth a try.”
”We’ll spend the afternoon finding the form we’ll need to copy - hopefully guided by what we learn over the extended lunch. Then, tonight, we’ll see if we can find out the names of the prisoners. That should be an easier task as Octavio suggested. A few drinks, and folks will be bragging about their good fortune.” he shakes his head sadly.
”Tomorrow, we’ll make some forgeries,” he nods to Elias, ”and maybe carefully slip into the government files again to compare what we’ve done with the originals if we can. I don’t know how long the documents are, so I don’t know how long it’ll take to do the forgeries, but if we can, we’ll make our move that afternoon. If not, it’ll be another day.”
”What do you all think? Does that work? What am I missing? Oh, we need to talk to Benjen too, but he’ll come to us.”
Myradil nods
"Sorry about that, I got a bit lost in thought. I think I can be of great help here though. Remember, I used to work as a clerk in the mayor's office before everything went to hell. I'm familiar with a lot of Chelish paperwork. The most often detail even skilled forgers would miss sometimes is the appropriate layering of seals. It's not just left to right, it's lower ranking to higher ranking, meaning sometimes you have to know obscure titles, or at least be able to look them up."
Myradil continues "You're right though, we'll still need a sample of the current forms, I'm sure showing up with a transfer request where the middle copy is on goldenrod, when they've switched to daisy is a sure recipe for section 7 subdash B style disaster."
Myradil grows increasingly excited, getting to geek out a bit on his field of expertise instead of reluctantly stabbing people.
"I'm not very good at this subtle stuff... but if you need someone to bring you coffee or make distractions while you sneak about, I'm your man." Brask offers. "Feel kinda useless otherwise."
"Oh, excellent Myradil! I have some knowledge of languages and so might have made a passable forgery, but you're skill exceeds mine. Perhaps I can help mix some of the inks you'll need, but you should lead the effort."
He laughs when Brask suggests his uselessness. "Nonsense! We each have our own ares of expertise. This is Myradil's, and so we'll all serve him for a bit. We'll need you to lend credibility to our group when we face the guards as transfer agents. And of course, your combat skills should things go badly."