Cimri raises her own glass to Luccinus' toast, "Better times, yeah. You all did good, Razelago's happy, I'm happy! Let's drink! I wanna try out my new daggers... anyone up for some bull's-eye! " she says, expertly throwing one of her new daggers at a makeshift target drawn on a nearby wall.
The dagger strikes the target near center, and Cimri saunters confidently over and pulls it out, turning to address Mazer's question, "Definitely not! Yer my crew and now Razelgo's seen what we can do, expect more work! " she declares, then walks over and holds her empty glass out to Luccinus.
Mazer rubs a scar on his wrist, feeling the throbbing pain within. "A toast. To new friends. To a new crew," he holds up his glass nervously and quietly.
After the toast, Mazer will move a chair or similar object away from everyone. With a flick of his wrist, he'll test out his new spiked chain. "The Midnight Prince would be proud" he mumbles as he hits the chair from afar.
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Masin sees Cimri's target practice and says "I prefer to use this beautiful dagger only when needed." He knows he didn't really reply to her properly, but he is in fact a little tired from the ordeal, it is late at night. Usually he is asleep at this time.
He toasts with the dwarf and thinks Hopefully I've found an efficient crew and also loyal to the throne. He lets himself smile, feeling safe.
Cimri shrugs when no one takes her up on her competition, eating her fill of fine food and drinking her share of the wine.
With a long , feline stretch, she yawns, "All right, if yer bunking here, there's some straw mattresses in the hall there," she says , indicating the entrance to the north, "If not, scram!" she commands good naturedly, rearranging her own straw mattress in front of the fire.
"I'll come get you for the next job, " she says, yawning again and taking a look out the window, where the first light of dawn is pinking the horizon.
"I don't mind it here.". Mazer looks around at the shabby establishment. He was uncomfortable in town as people were staring at him and he's not used to such chaoticness that comes with any settlement. "It's peaceful. I can hear myself think."
He sits down and pulls out a mattress. "Tell me a story Masin."
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The wizard arrives back at his inn shortly after dawn as the staff were starting to busy themselves.
Luccinus hands over 20 gold coins to the proprietor and advises that he'll be extending his stay, and that he was not to be disturbed until dusk at the earliest unless someone invokes the name of 'Cimri'.
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Jarithe knows how much a good house might cost and knows he is going to need alot more money. It looks like food and lodging here is good so he grabs a blanket and a straw mat and looks around to find a run down couch and then pulls it up and puts down the straw here and there and flops into it for the night.
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Masin follows the wizard's lead and says "I also have a place to stay. Perhaps another time." He is answering both Cimri and Mazer. He is in fact a little disgusted by the mattresses tossed around unorganized and unclean.
Reaching the inn, he goes to his room and promptly removes the intricate clothes he is wearing, making sure to stash his coin pouch securely. He is, in fact, very tired. He falls asleep thinking of what kind of story he could have told the dwarf.
Mazer and Jarithe settle down to the soft snores from the seemingly instantly asleep Cimri. Despite the light of dawn coming in the windows, both are soon similarly slumbering.
Around midday, a loud thump from upstairs wakes all three. Cimri, rubbing her eyes, hastily gathers her things and rushes to go upstairs, saying, "Stay here, I'll check what Razelago wants."
A few minutes later, she descends, her face set purposefully, "He's got another job for us. I'll go fetch the other lads. " she says, then climbs back out the 'entrance' window and heads for town.
A bit past midday, you're woken by Cimri either banging on your door or even shaking you awake, "Another job! Get to Ash House while I get the others!"
You slept well, with the exception that you occasionally were woken by the sound of faint splashing coming from upstairs, as if someone were getting into a bath, and then out of it later. Strange you didn't see a bath in Razelago's office, and the rest of the upper floor was a ruin.
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Masin has had little sleep, being used to waking up early. After preparing all his alchemical supplies in an easy to grab manner, he goes have some lunch for breakfast and is interrupted by Cimri. He nods, not wanting to miss out on such a good opportunity, finishes his meal quickly and sets off towards the Ash House.
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Luccinus had an afternoon of black leather masks, silk stockings and high heels in mind - who knows, maybe his whipping slave would have dressed up a bit too... but he gives a mental shrug and banks that happy thought for the future, after all pleasure without discipline was chaos.
I am here as summoned Mistress Cimri. What would you and our benefactor have us do?
Mazer looks frazzled, more frazzled than normal. He groans before laying back down, eyes open. But that doesn't last long. He gets up, combs his beard and his hair, and dons his clothing.
Hoping to find a secluded space, he says a quick prayer to Zon-Kuthon, rubbing his scars. "May you guide me in my actions today."
Eventually he meets with Jarithe with a nod.
Masin and Luccinus return to Ash house at Cimri's summons, where they find her pacing back and forth in front of Mazer and Jarithe.
She throws up her hands, exclaiming "Finally! Come and you'll find out." she says to Luccinus, leading the group up the stairs to Razelago's office.
The office is as it was before, with the exception of a small, black laquered box sitting on the table before the paper screens.
Waiting a moment for all to shuffle in, Razelago speaks in his high whispery voice, "With the number of veterans who live in town, it’s not surprising that there’s a church of Iomedae in Longacre. But there might not be one much longer if Tileavia Allamar, its priestess, does what she has in mind. "
His silhoutte clasps shadowy hands, "There’s growing unrest in the empire, and not just in Pezzack and along the Hellcoast. Many of Iomedae’s faithful have begun speaking more boldly of the monarchy’s vices and the rights of citizens. They seem to believe this is Andoran and that the people have only to reach out to seize power. But they are wrong. This is Cheliax, not Andoran, and we know where true power lies!"
Razelago pauses,then continues, "Fifth Sword Knight Allamar is gathering all who will listen for a sermon in front of her church this afternoon—only two short hours from now. I don’t know what she has in mind, but I suspect some revolutionary claptrap that can only sow the seeds of confusion and frustration among Longacre’s citizens. That is contrary to my wishes. So I’d like you to attend the rally. In the box are sashes marked with the insignia of Archbaron Fex. Wear them, remind people that the lord of this town is not without supporters, and see what transpires. Afterward, Cimri will report back to me. In return, you will all receive double what you did last night."
Cimri nods and steps forward, picking up the small box, "Not a problem, boss, we'll do the job." she says, stepping back , glancing to the side at each of you.
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Masin gets visibly upset as Razelago talks about the rally. He has noticed Iomedae's church's presence in town and is somewhat bothered by it, knowing its intent on challenging the throne. But inflating the folk against their lawful sovereign is too much. He thinks Allamar is overstepping her boundaries.
He is proud to wear Fex's insignia in public, but something about the plan confuses him. He asks "Are we only to wear these? Are you sure there is nothing more we can do?" Of course, he wishes he could disperse the rally with his will, but knows this isn't how things work. Still, he wonders if they shouldn't prepare their own counter speeches.
"Who is this 'Archbaron Fex'?" Mazer eyes the sashes. He dons it and tries to put on his best smile... which isn't all that pleasant.
Then he scoffs at the mention of Iomedae. "She thinks she's so high and mighty.". He'd rather not get into a theological debate at the moment and says a quiet prayer to the Midnight Lord while rubbing a scar on his wrist.
He nods as Masin asks what they are to do. "Are we to stir up trouble? Murder this Allamar? Or just sit back and watch?"
The figure behind the screens shrugs , "Your primary aim is to report what the Fifth Sword Knight Allamar says in her sermon. Beyond that , I leave to your discretion."
The shadow turns towards Mazer, "Do you not know the lord by right of Longacre? He’s a stern ruler and a staunch supporter of House Thrune, as well as an accomplished practitioner of magic. He’s easily the most influential figure in town and not a man you want to cross."
He the addresses all of the group, "The sashes are a symbol of Archbaron Fex's influence. Wear them proudly, and perhaps the mere sight of them will curtail any treasonous thoughts among the gathered villagers."
As Luccinus reaches for the box to take his sash, Cimri scowls and hisses, "Not here...downstairs.". She then sketches a bow to Razelago, "Thank you sir, we'll be sure to do as you ask."
Then with a gesture she hurries everyone back downstairs to her parlor. Opening the box, she allows each to pull a sash from the box, before taking one herself; a broad, crimson sash emblazoned with the symbol of Cheliax and the arms of House Fex—a pair of fighting stags with bloody antlers.
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Masin bows politely at Razelago then follows Cimri. He notices that she is a little antsy and not knowing why makes him anxious as well. Now that they are far from their boss, he asks her "Cimri, you seem jumpy. Do not tell me we're going to keep an eye out for you." He wanted to express concern, but his anger showed through his words.
In the meantime, he takes a sash for himself and gets ready to go. As the others prepare themselves, he takes his alchemy material and begins preparing an extract that he usually leaves unprepared for contingencies.
When the shadowy figure talks to Mazer about not knowing who Fex is, Mazer just shrugs. "Not from around here."
But he puts on the sash and tugs it. 'A bit ugly. Colors clash,' he thinks, but tries to mimic the others.
"Ready for action."
Cirmi glances at Masin with a scowl, "It's nothing...I just know my know-it-all aunt, the Sheriff will defnitely be there. If she is, let me do the talking." she says, looking at each of her crew, resplendant in House Fex's coat of arms.
She nods at each statement of readiness, then gestures, "Let's go."
She leads the group into town, and heads directly to the central square.
There she pauses , looking at the small gathering of elderly residents clustered about the well and the fence that surrounds the churchyard, all chatting among themselves.
Cimri gives Jarithe a twisted smile, indicating a nearby closed shop with her chin, you might find an nice perch in there.
She leads everyone around the square, to acquaint them with it, then walks down a nearby alley , dim with shadow, "A good place to watch from...". She pauses at the other end of the alley, giving a nearby donkey and wagon (laden with 4 barrels of some black substance) a look before moving back to the square.
You can see the contents of the barrels is wood tar...quite flammable.
Back in the square, some more residents have arrived. As she looks about, Cimri sees someone moving towards her, an older woman with more than a passing resemblance to the boss, "Great...here we go." Cimri mutters, as she waits for her aunt to approach.
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The manipulative mage would LOVE to listen in on auntie but he stays mission focused.
Friends, he says smiling pleasantly and opening his arms wide - as much to appear non threatening as it is to reveal his sash, How passes the day? What think you of yonder event? as he nods towards the shrine of Iomedae.
()
Mazer loafs about, sneaking in the dark alley the Cimri suggested. He listens in for anything important the locals are saying.
As you settle into the shadows of the alley, a few townsfolk take up station nearby. Their conversation is mostly banal, but one pipes up with the following observation: "Fex doesn’t like the townsfolk gathering in large groups like this. Allamar’s message must be pretty important if she’s willing to provoke the archbaron."
The townsfolk Luccinus approaches at first react with some distrust, eyeing the Arms of House Fex with some alarm. However, Luccinus' charm does its work and they warm up to him, nattering on about how nothing interesting happens here etc. An older man leans in and mutters, "Something bad went down at Louslik Tannery last night. I bet that’s what has the priestess worked up. We’re in for some hellfire from her for sure! "
There is a rickey wooden staircase on the side of the building, leading to a door Jarithe finds to be locked.
No need for a stealth roll to listen in on the Staelish's conversation, just to eavesdrop on the locals.
The Sheriff comes right up to Cimri, "Cimri! How’s my favorite niece doing?"
Cimri smirked and "I'm just dandy, Aunt Rhona."
Sheriff Staelish smiles , "Some shady folks you’ve been hanging around with lately. Want to introduce me to your friends?" she asks.
Cimri deadpans, "Not really."
You get the definite feeling that the Sheriff is asking leading questions of her niece, trying to get her to reveal information.
The Sheriff gives Masin a look, then turns back to Cimri.
"So, you’re here for Sword Knight Allamar’s sermon? I didn’t think you were the religious sort." the Sheriff says.
Cimri scoffs, "Not likely, unless she’s pulled the stick out of her robes and started worshiping Calistria."
Masin can allow Cimri to deal with her aunt, the Sheriff, or he can add to the conversation.
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Masin doesn't feel that Cimri has what it takes to deal with the sheriff, not because of her position of authority, but because of their family ties. He approaches the sheriff cordially and offers a friendly smile and speaks, trying not to sound condescending "No, madam, I am not the religious type. If it isn't obvious, I am a man of science. I do have my beliefs, however. In fact I, like yourself, am on the side of the law."
He shifts his weight which gives him the opportunity to call attention to the sash he is ostensively wearing and he continues "As you can imagine, I worry about the words that will be spewed today. Call me a concerned citizen, that the population might be enticed to cause a commotion in detriment of the rightful lord of this land, and I want to help avoid this as much as possible."
Feeling satisfied, Masin lets the sheriff process his words and awaits her take.
Mazer attempts to blend in with the crowd, something he's not used to. And apparently it works! He listens in to some of the local gossip. 'Ah, I don't care what the weather will be like tomorrow...'. He groans as he listens in and nearly gives up to join the others.
But then, he hears something interesting. Mazer knows rulers like Fex - egotistical, power hungry, corrupt. So whatever Allamar will say must be important. Mazer wants to see what will happen. He hangs back, hoping to hear any more gossip.
If nothing more comes of it, Mazer will join in with Luccinus.
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Walk with me friends, and I'll stand you a round or two of drinks after the event. A silver shilling each if you pro House Fex, knowing that every man has a price and wanting a small mob of positive flunkies to increase his gravitas... as well as act as human shields.
He moves with those who are willing, smiling and having graciously as he works the crowd, his sash much in evidence... and mentally marking any of that initial group who refused his offer.
The Sheriff nods as Masin, "Glad to have a concerned citizen around my niece. a nice change of pace, Cimri." she says.
She then fixes Cimri with a steady gaze, "Did you hear about what happened at the tannery last night? You wouldn't know anything about that , would you?"
Cimri shrugs, "No, should I?"
The Sheriff looks at Cimri for a long moment, then nods, accepting her niece's answer. With a gesture at Cimri and Masin's sashes, she asks "What's the story with the sashes? Is the archbaron or someone paying you to wear those?"
This time Cimri give a casual, "Is it a crime to be patriotic?" that obviously does not convince her Aunt, judging from the narrowing of her eyes.
Jarithe's failed attempt to ascend to the roof was not in vain. He realized that the roof presented no concealment from being see from below, but if he could get that door open, the window and small balcony would present a perfect perch.
Mazer hears naught more of interest, besides the growing crowds interest in what the Iomeadean will speak of. He spies Luccinus making his way through the crowd and moves to join him.
Luccinus' offer of drinks and coin does sway a few members of the crowd, but finds most scowl at the sash and wave the smooth talking mage away. The strange looking dwarf that arrives at his side does not help matters.
Both notice Cimri and Masin in animated conversation with Cimri's aunt , the Sheriff.
Mazer files in behind Luccinus. Sneaking behind him, the dwarf whispers, "What did you find out?". Mazer waits before responding. "The talk on the street is that Allamar has something very important to say. Fex hates large gatherings. So Allamar is risking something big."
Mazer points out Cimri and Masin. "Perhaps we should join them."
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Masin looks at Cimri sideways as she denies any knowledge of the events at the tannery. He wonders if what they did was as lawful as Cimri claimed. He stays silent for now, not knowing all the moving pieces.
He tells the sheriff "I am not someone whose allegiance can be bought or haggled. I believe that if this country is to root out senseless attempts at dissent, people need to be often reminded of who their sovereign is. Since you do not know me, I take no offense at your comment, but I ask that I am not mistaken for a mercenary." His tone is calm and measured, sincere.
Masin purposely fails to tell the sheriff that he is being paid. However, in his eyes, he is receiving money for expenses, not his allegiance. This is also why he failed to tell Cimri that he would have come for free, as serving his country was reward enough for him. But he wouldn't refuse being paid either.
Mazer approaches Masin and Cimri, as well as the sheriff. He listens in to Masin's animated speech. Though not a Chelaxian, Mazer nods - his allegiance to the Uskwood (and to Zon-Kuthon) runs through his veins, nothing can stop that.
Though he shrugs at the thought of being a mercenary. Deep down, Mazer knows he is.
The dwarf waves as he approaches, but does not speak about what he found, especially in front of the sheriff. "How much longer do we have until the start?"
Looking in the window, Jarithe can see that the inside is bare of furnishings, looking to have been unoccupied for some time. The door moves slightly as he tugs on it, the lock rattles some. A good shove might just get it open. The rising murmur from the crowd below should mask the sound opening the door might cause
The sheriff gives Masin a long look , then looks back a Cimri with a wry smile, "Well, I have to keep an eye on things here. You all stay out of trouble, you hear?"
Cimri responds with her trademark smirk.
The Sherriff notices Mazer for the first time when he speaks, responding, "Shouldn't be too long. Allamar will probably wait until the square is full....and it's getting there quickly."
She nods a quick farewell , then catches the eye of one of her deputies in the crowd. Moving quickly, she gives quiet instructions and the deputies move out into the crown.
Luccinus' new friends keep close, some making ribald jests about what the priestess of Iomedae may be wearing, others commenting with worry about the what trouble the Glorious Reclamation may bring their way.
A stir moves through the crowd, now numbering at least 100 townsfolk, as some activity is seen on one of the church's balcony.
Mazer nods and starts to walk through the crowds. Absentmindedly, the dwarf grasps the handle of his spiked chain while saying a prayer to Zon-Kuthon under his breath.
Jarithe's first attempt must have loosened the lock as his second attempt forced the door open! The empty room reveals itself as well as the window overlooking the square. The growing murmur from below concealed the noise of his entry.
From his vantage point he can see activity at the temple....
The crowd's restlessness grew until movement was seen at the temple. A couple of acolytes bring out a table and drape a white cloth over it, making sure it was even on all sided before retreating back into the temple.
Then after a few moments, Tileavia Allamar, Fifth Sword Knight of Iomedae, appears on one of the church’s balconies, dressed in the yellow-trimmed white cassock of her faith, and addresses the crowd in a clear, strong voice, “Friends and neighbors, I have wondrous tidings to share! We have all known hardships in our lives—needless sorrows, injustice, even cruelty. Indeed, such is the struggle of all who live. But many among us have known more than our share. Many among us have shouldered burdens laid upon them not by the Inheritor, but by those who would curse her name and taunt her faithful. But today, I bear a missive from champions of Iomedae’s faith, heralds of the goddess’s will, who know your troubles and would see them end.”
She gestures and the acolytes return , you can see that they are twins, carrying a box swaddled in white linen. They place it on the table, and the priestess unfurls a parchment and again raises her voice, "I received this letter last night: ‘People of Longacre! The time of your redemption is at hand. When the song of the Inheritor rises, you all must choose: live as complacent vassals of corruption and evil, or embrace honor and claim the glory that is your right. The Glorious Reclamation gives you a choice. Signed, ‘Lencia Visserene, Knight-Inheritor of the Glorious Reclamation.’ Friends, it is up to us to restore the worship of Iomedae to its proper place in Cheliax and reclaim our nation in the name of the Inheritor. But we have been given a sign—a sign that the ‘Angel Knight’ has come to Longacre to lead us to glory!"
The acolytes lift the linen and box lid, revealing an ornate silver helmet sculpted with angelic features and a halo of curls. The faceplate’s eyeless hollows stare sternly into the crowd.
Some in the crowd immediately disperse, but quite a few remain , looking at the helmet and asking questions about the Glorious Reclamation and this 'Angel Knight', Lencia Visserene.
Luccinus' flock generally frowns and scoffs, one of them looking at him expectantly, "'Ow about that drink, then?"
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He hands each of the group a silver coin, then identifying a leader...ish figure also hands him a gold coin. More than enough for you all to have a few ales each on my Lords account. Speak well of House Fex as you do so. He provides order, law and structure for the people... much better than this pie in the sky fancy helmet rubbish.
He then gives another gold coin.
And remember well the name Luccinus De Concorezio as you drink... where might I find you and this merry band if I have future need?
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Among such pomp and performance, Masin identifies a threat. This Lencia Visserene seems like someone who will try a coup against House Thrune and this should be considered, even if they stand little chance. For now, Masin makes sure to make himself seen in the crowd, being respectful and diplomatic. He asks questions in the dispersing crowd about Tileavia, and the general feeling of the people towards this performance.
Mazer rolls his eyes at the speech. "The Inheritor? Psshah!" He spits at the mere thought of the name. "Cheliax will never fall to Iomedae," he mutters to himself.
But he moves forward with the crowd around the helmet, listening in to the conversation about the Glorious Reclamation and the 'Angel Knight.'
Luccinus' band readily takes his coin, the leader-ish one nodding feverishly as the mage hands over the gold, "If I'm a-drinkin' it'll be at the Last Stand, Sir!" he gushes, before wandering off with his fellows.
Masin finds that most of the townsfolk who remain are buzzing about the 'angel' and look awkward as he addresses them adorned with Fex's emblem. Still he gets the feeling that there's a barely concealed excitement running through the crowd.
Mazer finds those nearest the helmet are excitedly talking about the possibilities the Reclamation and 'Angel Knight' might bring to their lives, talk that becomes muted once he makes his appearance, and disappears entirely when his sash is noticed.
After about 10 minutes the twin acolytes re-box the helmet and carry it back into the temple. A notifiable number of townsfolk watch them carry the helmet away with avid attention, then walk away in small groups, wondering what it could all mean.
The Sheriff and her men watch from the edges of the square, then they too depart, the Sheriff giving her niece a long look before walking away.
Cimri then moves through the square, gathering up her crew, looking around, "Well that was interesting. Where did Jarith get to?" she asks.