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Erryn returns from the tunnel, her previous fire replaced by a determined limp. She climbs the stairs to where Birgid and Manny stand, and looks down at the unconscious rebel beginning to stir. She kicks his weapon away into the canal, saying "Someone ought to tie this man up. I'm sure we have questions for him."
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"You alright, Erryn? I know a spell or two that can soothe those wounds away."
Manny frowns as Birgid calls Nalla a fool, but Liger's observation causes him to sigh in defeat. "That robed person was going to snatch the Firebrands right beneath her nose. She was so close to listening to reason, too. I don't like these barrels of oil lying around in waterworks. We should move them outside, at the very least."
He shrugs and begins to tie up the sleeping Firebrand. Once that's done and everyone is ready, he uses some water to splash the man's face. "Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey! You've got some 'splaining to do! Who was that robed man? Why did you listen to him over Nalla? What was his plan with King Edyrd?"
Manny goes straight to using the Charm spell on him. "My allies here want to tie you up and deliver you to the king. Me, I think you've been duped. I'll put in a good word for ya if you just help us out, friend."
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The rebel rubs his eyes, looking around the chamber, a smirk slowly introduces itself to his face before he turns to Manny. As Manny's spell takes effect, he offers his hand towards the bard. "Hello, my names Jake, how may I help you? And these, your friends." He smiles at the recovering Birgid and Liger. "Oh, that man, you mean Harsus. He's a fine priest, our priest, that's why we followed him. Most follow Nalla, but Harsus keeps us close, someone has to protect him and the rebellion. I'm not party to his plans, but he guides Nalla when she needs it, though she doesn't follow Razimir. Harsus came here to the River Kingdoms to search for new converts, like me. Nalla knows nothing of our faith, she thought we all followed her leadership, she was a fool. As for a plan against the King, we plan to overthrow him, Nalla has all the details. Do you think that Nalla and Harsus would entrust us with their plans, they know the secrets of the plan. Whatever it is, it is starting soon, maybe even today. All the different cells that came visiting today, but you know that, you came in with Chops. Don't you know where he and his men went?"
The man goes and sits on the barrels, kicking his feet, "Anything else? I really could do with a drink and some food, really peckish at the moment."
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Erryn shakes her head at Manny's offer. "I'll be all right, just need to sit down and patch myself up."
While the others interrogate the prisoner, she does just that. before moving on to Liger and Birgid. While attending to the fungus leshy's rather unusual anatomy, she quietly says "Thank you."
"Both of you will need additional care," Erryn says afterwards, frowning. "Don't push yourselves too hard in the meantime."
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"'Sup Jake!" Manny shakes the prisoner's hand. "Harsus didn't tell you what was going on? Man, what a shame. But I hear ya. Razimir priests and their secrets, am I right?" He whistles and then throws up his hands, like a punchline to a joke.
"I think we know where Nalia's hideout is." Manny thinks.
"Oh well. Hey Jake, is there a Firebrand signal you like to use? Something you could use to signal it's time to act?" Manny grabs some rations and hands it to the guy.
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Erryn thinks about what she heard, it certainly makes sense. She noticed subtle distortions in the way Harsus' face and hair move, could it have been some form of disguise or illusion on his face to hide the Razmiran's mask. The way the man's face moved under his cowl, was slightly off. His bronze skin, his smile and sneer as he escaped her touch, may have been his real expressions, but they weren't his real face, though Erryn did not see any hint of the metal mask.
The man looks at Zug, with a quizzical look, before turning back to Manny, "Your goblin friend needs to take the wool from his ears, I said that only a we few follow the prophet Harsus, the rest are just puppy dogs to Nalla." He shrugs, "But there's a secret door that leads to the keep, the door is over there somewhere." He points to the alcove to the east. Erryn is the first to notice the secret portal, opening it she sees Nalla standing there. She in in a defensive stance, "So you found me, where is Harsus?"
Jake watches Erryn proceed, and in a chirpy voice asks "Well Manny, if that's it, how about a drink?"
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"Give me a raincheck on that drink, Jake. I got a few errands to run- okay, I've got a date back in town. She's... quite the catch and rather impatient, hehe. Just wait over here for a second, alright?" He gives Jake a thumbs up.
Hopefully Jake gets the message: Manny's gonna be busy, soon! so he heads to Nalla.
"'Sup Nalla. So, Harsus. He ran. Abandoned you as soon as we saw through his ruse. I assume you heard everything Jake said, so I'll skip to the summary: Harsus is using you as a puppet. As soon as you overthrow the king, he'll dispose of you and then install a Ramziran priest who will be ten times worse than Edyrd. Harsus has slowly corrupted your revolution from the inside out." He pauses to let his words sink in.
"But we can turn this around. Let's head to the king and warn him of the treachery afoot. If the attack is happening today, a lot of innocent people are going to get hurt for this guy. Not for your revolution."
"And for the record, words work way better than swords when it comes to this."
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"So Harsus was using the rebellion for his own means, it's good his treachery has been found before our actions are taken. But my friends, the King still has no intention of listening to the will of his people, as I said before. You appear to be working as agents for the king, so what does King Edryd offer to stop our discontent?" the woman walks out of her hiding place, back into the chamber to continue the conversation with Manny and the Pathfinders, closing the door behind her.
With Manny's and the others attention elsewhere, Jake considers the offer of a drink with his new friend. Seeing Nalla approach decides that her anger would best be directed at the other Pathfinders, not him. The unarmed man runs from the chamber, calling out to Manny, "See you for a drink in the Bearded Spider, gotta go now!"
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Liger happily walks away form the oil barrels, not fond of fire. She will nod her head slightly at the thanks mentioned, but otherwise remains quiet on the matter.
As Nalla is revealed Liger will spread it hands wide, "Harsus fled when he realized we were not going to be defeated. As for you, well. My statement stands, that entreating with the King, and seeking some middle ground, is the most likely solution that benefits everyone... Compromise on both sides, though uncomfortable, is usually far better than an outright rebellion... After-all, what if you fail, and then Edryd becomes certain the people are out to get him? That might just drive him to the tyranny you seek to ensure never happens."
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"Typical of outsiders, you say fine words, but offer no solutions." the woman says, her voice showing hints of annoyance. "I may lead, but there are many now primed and ready to go. These few who protected Harsus, are but the tip of the iceberg of the many who follow our lead. Harsus' influence is not gone from the rebellion, he will not be able to divert the objectives. The groundswell of rebellion is the fire in the belly of citizens, despite your words. So you tell the king of our demands and let him compromise as your little friend says."
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"So if I got this straight. You're going to let someone kill innocent people in the town you're trying to take over. Somehow this will make you a hero, and you're okay getting killed and replaced immediately." Manny scratches his head.
"If you're not going to talk and you're going to kill people, then this makes my decision pretty clear. You're under arrest, lady." Manny readies his whip.
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"Be reasonable," Erryn says, rolling her eyes. "You have allowed yourself to be used as a tool against your own people, and were very nearly executed on the spot when they realized you knew too much. We are not, despite your insistence, agents of the king. We have been honest with you from the beginning, and also happen to be responsible for saving your life. You have the chance now to save the lives of the people you claim to fight for, but your continued refusal to believe your own eyes and ears wears on my final nerve."
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Manny can see Nalla is steadfast in her mission. Even if that makes her stubborn. "Okay Nalla. Let's go see the king and you can air your grievances to him. You can use your words to explain why people are so discontent. While we're there, we'll stop some crazy false priest from ruining your dreams, okay?"
If this didn't convince her, Manny was ready to head back to town to warn the king immediately.
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Birgid closes her eyes and sends Folgritt a prayer for patience. "Nalla," the paladin begins slowly. "It is abundantly clear that you are not leading anything--Harsus has completely supplanted you, your fellow 'rebels' took his instruction over yours without hesitation. I see nothing at all to suggest you have any greater influence over whatever other cells are scattered around, so we must assume that the Razmirans are running this little uprising now."
"Here is what I propose: come with us to warn the king--whatever your complaints with his rule, it cannot be worse than Razmir's lackeys will be if they seize power. If you're careful and clever, you might be able to position yourself as some sort of folk hero for helping to thwart the rebellion! That sort of popular support would make you a legitimate actor to speak on behalf of the discontented and win concessions down the line." Birgid's earnest expression hardens. "Or, if you're determined that only violence will satisfy you, we can start right now. I'm perfectly capable of warning King Edryd without your help. The choice is yours."
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As Jake walks off and waves goodbye to his friend Manny, he slips on the wet stone floor. Off balance, he falls, hitting his head and lying unconscious on the walkway floor.
Nalla responds to the words said to her, "So you expect me to just walk into the lions den and expect you to protect me from our ruler's wrath. You think I can trust you, when so far all you do is the King's bidding. You offer nothing so that the King will listen to his people, the one's whose lives were laid down for him to take the throne. As is the River Kingdom's right, if you can't hang onto your kingdom, you do not deserve to continue your rule. And you are mistaken if you think Harsus has the mind and men of the revolution. He was not here when we fought alongside King Edryd's men, those men will remain loyal to the cause of freedom of the people of Artume and not be swayed by religious froth. They like me had families and friends murdered or enslaved by the evil Waike, they will not let evil rise again, especially from some King or religious sect. So tell me how you expect to ensure that without removing King Edryd." she counters to the Pathfinders.
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Entering the tunnel behind the secret door, it is reasonably spacious, 10 feet high and enough for one normal person walking together in single file. There is dust on the floor and cobwebs found in the passages.
Looking into the southern alcove next to the secret door, Zug finds a skeleton with some items on it. The bearded skeleton has pouch, something on its head, and a bottle on its belt. The skeleton is wearing a hat, a yellow and blue turban, on which there are strange runic marking. In his hand is a blue bottle containing thick, viscous oil.
Hat of the Magi: grants +1 on arcane checks, and cast prestidigitation.
Oil of Potency: If rubbed into a weapon, it temporarily becomes a +1 striking weapon, or, if into armor, it temporarily becomes +1 resilient
armor.
You enter from the secret passageway, a wide red carpet runs across this hall of white stone, leading from a pair of iron doors to a dais with two thrones. Several statues and trophies line the walls of the hall as chandeliers light up the room. Light from outside shines through skylights set in the ceiling. The light in several of the skylights flicker yellow and orange, the tell-tale sign that the rebellion has started and fires are burning.
A group of soldiers line up protecting King Edryd, a regal woman that you presume is Queen Mother Sovella and a councillor. Two more heavily armoured men stand close to the king and his mother. They turn towards you as you enter, they are on edge and ready to defend their King. The young king calls out, "Stay there, state your business or feel my guards steel."
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"Man, Nalla is a few nails short of a toolshed. Couldn't find anyone in town who agreed with her opinion. Does she even know what she's railing against? Reminds me of my teenage years." Manny laughs, although he is confused by the skeleton.
"Oh sweet. An Oil of Potency. Rub it on a weapon and it hits harder , or you can rub it onto armor for defense. "
Manny travels through the passage, hoping it's not too late. But the fires in the sky indicate trouble has already started. He curses under his breath. Oh, also heavily armed soldiers about to leap upon him (and not the cute heavily armed soldiers, either.)
"Whoa! Uh, your highness! There's a plot by Razmiran priests to overthrow you. They took over a group of rebels called the Firebrands. We found their hideout, it's full of oil." He points at Jake. "We even captured one of their devout members. We're here to help, really."
"This secret tunnel leads right to their headquarters- only the leader remains, a stubborn goose named Nalla."
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"Ha, a skeleton in alcove!" Zug says, pointing the at his findings. "Is that human saying, with double meaning?"
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Zug storms into the throne room along with the others, and when he sees the guards draw their blades he understand how this must look - and that the situation could turn bad very quickly.
"Hello, your kingness!" the goblin begins with an awkward and unorthodox combination of kneeling and bowing. "We come in peace to tell bad news. Like Manny say, there Razmiran plot to make rebellion. And is starting already! Fire burning in town, see!" he continues, ponting fervently at the windows.
"Must hurry, make it stop!"
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"My companions have the right of it, Your Grace, and I apologize for the doubtless alarming method of our arrival. I am Birgid Sapphiresong, a paladin of Folgritt, and we are Pathfinders who found ourselves caught in this scheme while investigating a defunct lodge out in the swamps. Not an hour ago we crossed blades with some of the rebels and the Razmiran wizard leading them. This man," she gives bound Jake a push forward. "Will corroborate this, he is one of the rebels. Sadly the Razmiran escaped, though not uninjured."
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King Edryd looks on, the eyes of everyone look at them with distrust. "You all stay there, until I have spoken with your prisoner. Guards bring him to me, so he can be interrogated."
At his words, three guards march towards you, weapons drawn. Two sheath their weapons and take the man you called Jake. The prisoner is thrown in front of one of the captains of the guard, who swiftly pushes him to his knees in front of the King. All three guards take up their positions, with their weapons ready.
King Edryd stands looking down at Jake, "So these men and women say you are a Razmarian rebel, looking to overthrown the crown. Is this true?" His voice tries hard to maintain his authority, as he looks to his mother and the other man, before he nods.
The bound Jake looks up at the King, his eyes deep in terror and hate, as he looks back at you. "My Lord, King Edryd, I am a loyal subject, who fought for you against Waike. They knocked me out, see the bruise on my head, tied me up and brought me here for what reason I don't know. They are the rebels!"
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Before things get too out of hand, Liger will slip into view. "Your highness. Might I add an additional measure to back up our claims before you make any hasty decisions?" Liger slowly slips the letter from Smine, that was to get them in to see the king from the outside, out and offers it to the nearest guard.
"I know our entry was most uncouth, and I must apologize for our abruptness. I know you have no reason to trust us. However, as the Society would rather see stability in these lands, and I would see such to my neighbors, I must implore you to believe us in this manner."
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The guard looks down with at the strange small leshy as he plucks the letter from the Pathfinder's hand, afterwards staring at Liger making sure he returns back to his friends.
The courtier standing behind the king says in a quiet and emotionless voice, "This one is an obvious rebel, his words cannot be trusted."
Hearing this Jake realises this is getting more difficult, spurts out, "They are not with you my king. They came in, slaughtered my friends and would have killed our priest had he not run. We, the select few handpicked to follow Raziman, were the victims of the gods of these outlanders. But they left the rebel's general to go free. They left Nalla the general to continue to fight for your crown. Ask them, if they let Nalla live to continue the fight."
The queen mother hisses at her son, "The prisoner is condemned by his own words, my lord. You know that treason must be met with force and a heavy sentence. Your judgement, my lord."
Knowing the punishment that his mother is calling for, King Edryd nods to the guard by Jake, "Silence him, may his god meet him in the afterlife." With that the guard slips his sword into the man's chest, cutting deep through his ribs, piercing his heart. Jake screams as he takes his last breath, blood trickling from his mouth and pumping out from his torso as he is left lying motionless in a pool of red sticky blood.
The King turns to you, "His treason has been punished, but is it true, you let this Nalla go free to organise this rabble?" His face turning red with anger, that a chance to stop this insurrection has been missed by these meddling outsiders.
A hand from the councillor, lands on the Kings shoulder, restraining him from moving forward in haste. Quietly in a calming yet controlled voice the man asks "All might not be lost Edryd. If these people know the reasons behind the peoples discontent, or at least those who are rebels, perhaps we can provide the circumstances that would calm and stop the rebellion. The people can then see you have a warm heart."
The king turns "You could be right, Bother Karyn. Speak Pathfinders, what do these rebels want, did Nalla tell you what she wants of me?"
The queen mother quickly adds, "My son, if they are unable to help, they should be punished as all who help the attempt to take your crown."
But the king turns back to the regal woman, "Queen Mother Sovella, let them answer first, we shall listen before we judge."
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Manny can't help but wince as Jake is run through. It was fun to play pranks on him, but death is no good.
"I mean the previous ruler, kept the people under their iron grip with extortionate taxes, he might as well have taken the babes and infants from their mothers arms, the harm his taxes caused. The punishments were swift and unjust, many starved and had to steal bread or flour to survive, those that were caught were put to death. Yet whilst we lived in poverty, even by River Kingdom standards, they lived a life of luxury in the castle, off the hard work and labour of their subjects. See we all fought to remove and get rid of Waike, but did we the revolutionaries receive any reward, no! King Edryd's just as much an opportunist as his predecessor. OK, the poverty and punishments are a little better, but still he does not reward the population for their support of his cause. Nalla speaks and knows better than I do, she can tell of the people's demands."
Manny recalls the words of Chops.
In all her dealings with the tanner and old warrior, plus hearing the tittle-tattle around her, there were no real complaints about the King. Most were appreciative that this monarch had relaxed the burden of taxes and seemed to believe in the freedoms of the River Kingdoms.
Manny remembers Birgid's investigation, too.
"Typical of outsiders, you say fine words, but offer no solutions." the woman says, her voice showing hints of annoyance. "I may lead, but there are many now primed and ready to go. These few who protected Harsus, are but the tip of the iceberg of the many who follow our lead. Harsus' influence is not gone from the rebellion, he will not be able to divert the objectives. The groundswell of rebellion is the fire in the belly of citizens, despite your words. So you tell the king of our demands and let him compromise as your little friend says."
Nalla's words ring in his ears, too. Silly Nalla!
"We met Nalla. We had hoped to speak to her, to prevent her plan from carrying forward. We urged her to come to you with words, and speak her grievances. That Ramziri priest attacked us, however. After that, we spoke to her, and I think she's afraid of the past. Of the previous king. She sees his sins in you, my Lord. Er, King."
"The taxes of the previous king were much too high, and this hardened her mind. We've spoken to the people you protect, and they are quite satisfied with what you've done. You believe in the River Freedoms, and they believe in you. There will always be those who don't, and Nalla had already started this by the time we met her. We were already too late to act."
"She's stubborn as a mule, and thinks your taxes are still too high. That's not my judgement to make, I just got here. But to risk people's lives like this?" Manny looks at the windows, frowning as he sees the smoke and fire. "We hoped to get here as soon as possible and warn you of her plot, so we didn't waste time trying to capture her. It wouldn't have stopped this rebellion, not with Razmiri twisting its purpose."
"Sorry for going so long. To keep it simple and sweet: Nalla thinks your taxes are too high, but most of your citizens think you're doing a great job. Please don't kill me."
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"We are here as agents of the Pathfinder Society--not as your subjects, Your Grace," Birgid reminds the boy with a stern look to his mother. "We came to warn you in the hopes of mitigating the harm caused by Razmiran instigators, because we felt it the right thing to do. Attempting to 'punish' us would be misguided; we are not your enemy."
"As for Nalla, she may have been in charge when all this started, but no longer. The Razmiran Jake referred to has by all appearances fully supplanted her; Nalla appears to have been an unwitting catspaw in this scheme, and we assessed a swift warning would be more valuable to you than brawling with a foolish woman. As Emmanuel says, your people appear satisfied with your rule--Nalla is stuck fighting old battles, but the Razmirans are your true foe here."
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Erryn narrows her eyes as Jake is unceremoniously murdered in front of them, on the orders of a king who turns his boyish anger upon the very people trying to help him. With effort, she softens her expression and simply nods at appropriate times while Manny and Birgid make their appeals.
The support of Milani's servants for the young king bodes well, but the speed at which he resorts to violence and threats is troubling.