"Fendel... is right, Zaarah." Kiboko sighs, and does not get up from his repose on the edge of the chasm.
"If we are better people than either Montrose or the Raven... if we are 'super kind' as you say we are... then we must release Zaliex at once.
She will help us of her own free will or not at all.
No thinking creature of honest intention should call another Master."
"Haaarrrr!!! Haaarrr!!!" honks Mvumbu, nodding her massive head and then lying besides Kiboko, shielding his wounded body with her own.
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Zaarah raises an eyebrow.
"I do not know if you were with me when the VC said that we are tested and that we are tasked to find out why our lodge was attacked and another VC was murdered. So I really understand your moral dilemma here ... but now is not the time! We need answers and we need to ask questions so as long as our dear Phoenix can give us truthful first hand information about what is going on it would be in the society's interest to get these information!" she says with some desperation in her voice.
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Flyn smirks. ”I was there, Zaarah...I was there when the Venture-Captain refused to let us prepare properly in case something went wrong...I was there when they lifted not one finger to help in the aftermath of the ambush...I was there when they offered no healing to us after the fight...I was there when they questioned our loyalty to the Pathfinders and that bastard Osprey insulted us continually...and I was also there when the VC sent on us on this test, saying she believed in us, all the while still not trusting us...”
He bristles for a second before turning back to his former pupil. ”Forgive me, Zaarah, my anger is not directed at you but to our superiors who question our integrity...and integrity is what drives me here. Aside from that, the Phoenix is bound here and is not likely to have knowledge of what its former masters are up to, nor of anything outside this chamber...but, if it does, it’ll probably tell us once we’ve freed it...
“We are likely to find out more from the lady there when we bring her around...”
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Zaarah nods ... she think and then smiles.
“The Pathfinder leadership is uncertain where our loyalty lies. I understand the bitterness. But I know that we are all Pathfinders that owe the Society a lot. And I hope we can agree that we want to free the Phoenix but only need to clarify how we leverage the ring to ask it to really tell us everything!“
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Kramac trusts that this Phoenix will help us, should our cause be noble. He does not need to compel it to do so against it's will.
Kramac will toss the Phoenix the ring and continue,
Zaliex, our Lodge was attacked and one of our Leaders murdered by the Red Raven. You seem to think the Raven has a noble heart. As far as we have seen he is a cold blooded murderer. What can you tell us of the Raven, Teppin Montrose, and Adril Henstridge that might help solve the mystery of what is going on here. We came here to kill or capture the Raven, but Kramac is not sure now. Kramac seeks to understand the situation before we act further.
The Pathfinders check the fallen, but only Geppa and the bugbear still draw breath.
Zaliex watches the discussion in silence, her large face turning to point towards each person in turn as they speak. When Kramac tosses her the ring, she catches it deftly in her beak and swallows it whole. "You have my gratitude, strangers." Her melodious voice echoes off the cavern's rocky walls. "I will answer what I can truthfully of these things you ask."
"My story is not one that seems relevant to your reasons for coming here," she says, shaking her feathers and releasing a small flurry of glowing embers into the air. "Of the binding by which I was imprisoned here, I do not wish to speak further - especially to one who would say that the ends justify the means of getting there, should you decide that such means were necessary at some later time. As far as my time spent in the service of the Red Raven, I am - I was, now, the Guardian of the Roost. The Red Raven bid me to protect the people dwelling within it."
"As for the nobility of the Red Raven's heart..." Zaliex looks around the cavern at all the dead bodies, and her expression grows sorrowful. "I see the results of an invasion of someone's home. I see much blood on your jaws, little one, and not all of it is your own." Rising gracefully into the air, she lands next to the pair of hippos and leans over Kiboko. As she closes her eyes, a single tear of flame falls from her face and lands on the warrior-hippo.
"If you came here and struck them down with no mercy, what were your reasons?" she asks, opening her eyes again. "Perhaps they also had reasons for their own actions that they felt were right and justified and served the betterment of mortals. And what happens next? Does the cycle continue with yet another counterstrike? Where does the death and destruction end?"
"As for where the Red Raven is, I cannot say for certain." The phoenix extends a wing towards the nearby entrance to the cavern. "He left in a hurry a short while ago through that tunnel. As I am bound here, I could not follow. Above you will find the estate of Teppin Montrose - or at least such was the case when I last felt the warmth of the sun. I do not know if it still stands."
"There is honor and nobility in your own hearts," she finishes, folding her wings again. "I thank you for my freedom. Should you require my help in the future..." A bitter laugh escapes her beak. "Well, you know where to find me. I have some magic to offer and knowledge of the arcane."
Zaliex looks at the bound and gagged Geppa. "If you wish to speak with her, I would be happy to assist," she offers simply.
Kiboko stands, and bows his head.
"There is much truth and wisdom in your words, noble Zaliex. For though Kiboko offered parley on the bridge, it was not before we entered here with force. For such was done to us.
But it would be better to break the cycle.
Perhaps only the Red Raven can explain his actions. But we should speak with this woman, Geppa, before we follow."
Another thought occurs to Kiboko. His hippopotamus brow furrowed, he looks upon Zaliex again. "Great Zaliex, the ceiling above us is only rock. If you would see the sun again - even if you cannot truly leave - that rock can be broken, a window made for you. Kiboko would do this, as soon as our present business is concluded. Kiboko cannot say if that will be tomorrow, or ten moons hence, but Kiboko would do this."
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Flyn bows to the Phoenix. ”Wise words, noble Zaliex...and indeed, I would ask for your assistance in talking to the lady Geppa. I will awaken her...but it would be best if you speak to her first for she has little trust in us. We do not wish to harm her; we just wish to know the truth of things. We would like to know...
“ Why did the Red Raven kill Adril Hestram?
“Who was Teppin Montrose?
“Why did your friends steal the Pale Maiden?
“Where is the Red Raven now? For the present, we just wish to speak with him...it would seem we do not have a clear picture of the Red Raven’s actions nor those of the former Venture-Captain Adril Hestram...and we seek the truth, no matter where it may lead...”
When the Phoenix is ready, Flyn will tap Geppa lightly with his wand of cure light wounds till she comes around...
When the Phoenix cues him, he’ll remove the gag from her mouth...
Kiboko is also watched over by good spirits, though the boon doesn't mention whether they are a detectable presence or not.
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Kramac will take a moment to cast Honeyed Tongue on himself before waking Geppa up.
Onec she is awake, Kramac will ask,
Geppa, right? Kramac fears there is a misunderstanding and hopes we can avoid further bloodshed. The Red Raven and the elf over there invaded our lodge and murdered Adril Hestram. We begin to suspect he had good reasons for it, based on the word of the Phoenix and our own investigations. So please, tell us what you know of the Raven and Hestram, and why Hestram was murdered.
"Great Zaliex, the ceiling above us is only rock. If you would see the sun again - even if you cannot truly leave - that rock can be broken, a window made for you. Kiboko would do this, as soon as our present business is concluded. Kiboko cannot say if that will be tomorrow, or ten moons hence, but Kiboko would do this."
The corners of Zaliex's eyes crinkle as she nods to the hippo. "Your kindness does you credit," she answers. "All I would ask is that you do not endanger anyone residing above on my behalf."
When the phoenix is ready, Flyn will tap Geppa lightly with his wand of cure light wounds till she comes around...
Zaliex unfurls a massive wing as the archer pulls out his wand. "Save your resources, kind one," she commands, her voice gentle even as it rolls around the cavern like thunder. "You may need them in the future. Healing these wounds of the body is effortless for me, though wounds of the heart are not so easily mended." Reaching over Flyn's head, the phoenix gently brushes Geppa's face with a claw the size of the woman's head.
Geppa shifts her arms and legs as best she can for a moment before her eyes fly open. Fearfully she looks around the room, her gaze darting from Pathfinder to Pathfinder to the towering Zaliex behind them.
"Geppa, right? Kramac fears there is a misunderstanding and hopes we can avoid further bloodshed. The Red Raven and the elf over there invaded our lodge and murdered Adril Hestram. We begin to suspect he had good reasons for it, based on the word of the Phoenix and our own investigations. So please, tell us what you know of the Raven and Hestram, and why Hestram was murdered."
Geppa does her best to scoot away from the powerful half-orc, not caring that the rough ground leaves scratches and cuts on her legs. When Flyn removes the gag, she inhales deeply and prepares to spit in his face. Flyn sees her gaze suddenly break from his to look at something behind - and above - him.
"Geppa." Zaliex's voice is filled with sorrow, though she does not move from her perch on the edge of the ravine. "Hasn't there been enough blood shed today? They seek to defend their own, much as you do yours. Perhaps the best way to accomplish that is through peace rather than war."
Geppa's breath catches in her throat, and she doesn't speak for several seconds. At last she exhales and looks sullenly ahead at the cavern wall in the distance, not meeting anyone's gaze. "Fine."
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Seeing that Geppa appears to be looking for the Phoenix ring, Flyn bows...
"M'lady, Geppa, Flyn at your service. We gave the ring to the Phoenix so she can be her own master; we have no wish to control her and we mean you no harm. I fear we both may have misjudged each other...and I concede we may have been duped. Now, we seek only the truth no matter where it may lead. Can you tell us why the Red Raven killed Adril Hestram?"
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"Your people called us murderers" Kiboko adds. "We are not. Though as you have seen, we defend ourselves.
But as good Zaliex has wisely proffered, more death serves no purpose now. We must understand each other."
+2 if Geppa counts as a barbarian, +2 if she's really a dwarf, +2 if she somehow works for Grandmaster Torch
"Can you tell us why the Red Raven killed Adril Hestram?"
Geppa doesn't answer for a moment, then sighs. "The Raven was tasked with hunting down the murderer of Teppin Montrose by the Revolutionary Council," she says at last. "A- The Raven summoned Montrose's spirit and spoke with him, and he identified Adril Hestram by name as his killer."
"Zaliex said Montrose was a pathfinder... it is not our way to murder each other."
Geppa shrugs, refusing the offered wine. "Didn't know this Lord Montrose myself - some noble who managed to keep from drawing the attention of the Mob." She does not say anything about the Raven.
Geppa looks pointedly at the two large hippos, the giant heron, the four people standing over her, the phoenix looming in the background, down at the rope binding her, then back up at Fendel. "No s%~+ I'm still on edge," she answers flatly. "And you'll have to forgive me for thinking you might mean to do more than 'just talk' with the Raven after seeing what you did to Cale and Vernarr and Jeth and Teko and Bertol." She spits the names of the dead out one after another before taking a ragged breath. "Blood for blood, until all are dead. Break the cycle..." The whisper shakes, her voice unsteady.
After a few seconds, she speaks again in a flat voice. "We heard that some of the Mob were on their way here. You're not from Galt, so I'll tell you that that's never really a good thing. The Raven said he would deal with them and that we should wait for him in the Roost to return. That was..." She pauses, then continues, "...longer ago than I would like."
"Cale murdered three defenceless people merely for being present at our lodge. He offered them no trial. He did not listen to their pleas.
The Raven's archers tried to kill all of us, at the Raven's command. Neither were we offered any trial, nor parley.
'Blood for Blood' breaks no cycle, but only perpetuates it. Vengeance after bloody vengeance. Is this the Galtan way? Is this what you espouse and uphold?"
You deserve no better. You and your 'raven'.
Kiboko restrains himself and fights to keep his voice calm, but he feels only disgust for Galt and the Galtans, the most corrupt, most lost of all those who claim to be civilised.
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Zaarah understand the situation the woman is in.
"Listen lady, you see here that Kiboko is on edge, too. Lots of questions that have no good answers really. I suggest that we go on and try to speak to Mr. Red Raven! We will be back later." she says.
She casts detect magic and looks around the cavern to see if anything of note can be salvaged.
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Flyn looks sternly towards Geppa. ”That Elf in your party killed three unarmed servants at the Lodge you attacked...he also left two of the gnomes with him to die when he fled...
“The fighter on the bridge was dead before I could reach him. If you’ll notice, we not only spared your life, but that of one of your bugbears as well, not to mention we freed this noble Phoenix which you would not. Now, you tell us again, who are the murderers here?
“That being said, we still have no wish to harm the Red Raven at present; we need answers and seek only the truth. We will go to him now...we will leave you here with the Phoenix and return to free you afterwards...”
He then turns and bows to the Phoenix. ”If I may ask one more favor of you...could you please watch over Geppa and make sure she comes to no harm while we try to find the Red Raven?”
He’ll gently replace the gag in Geppa’s mouth...and then heal the damage that he received in the fight...
Looking to his friends, he says urgently, ”We should go now...”
Knowing Geppa’s worries about the Red Raven still missing, Flyn will head quickly through the tunnel that Fendel noted earlier; knowing time may be of the essence, he’ll forego stealth as he moves, but will keep an eye out for any more nasty surprises...
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Why would the mob be coming here? Are they looking for Teppin Montrose? Is it even common knowledge that he is dead? If they are looking for the Red Raven, why? Kramac thought that the Red Raven was working with the mob.
Regardless of the answer, we will go investigate and save the Raven from this mob if needed. Kind Phoenix, please see that no harm comes to Geppa while we are gone.
Geppa refuses to answer Kramac even before Flyn replaces the gag in her mouth. Zaliex holds up her wing again as the elf pulls out his wand. "Conserve your resources," she commands. "I will tend to your wounds."
While the phoenix's magic burns away the Pathfinders' injuries, Zaarah gets to work collecting anything salvageable from her fallen enemies.
"I will keep her safe," Zaliex answers as the group prepares to depart. "My prayers go with you."
The thin, winding passage out of the cavern leads up a steep incline to a dead end that is clearly the obscured side of a secret door. The door stands ajar just a crack, but appears to be built into the altar of a small private chapel. Light from stained glass windows above the altar suggests that this is above ground. Next to the secret door (still inside the passage), a rough red cloth cloak and the headdress of the Red Raven hang from a wooden peg in the wall. A basin of water nearby is tinged red, and a fresh pot of red paint sits next to the basin.
"The Raven has discarded his disguise. Perhaps one of us should adopt it? Alas, it is ill-suited to a hippo."
"Zaarah, before we venture further please recharge Kiboko's ioun stone again."
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Flyn nods at Kiboko’s suggestion. ”Good idea if the mob confronts us...Fendel might be able to pull off assuming the Red Raven’s identity...my ears would be a dead giveaway...”
The Elf smiles at Fendel, adding the flaming burst arrows into his quiver. ”Thanks, my friend...and I think you’d make a great Red Raven...
“There seems to a chapel through that door...we should proceed warily...”
When his friends are ready, Flyn will move into the chapel and check it out, moving as quietly and concealed as he can...
The secret door opens to into the false facade of an altar in an austere chapel dedicated to Abadar, Master of the First Vault. Numerous lit candles flicker from shelves built into the whitewashed walls, which extend thirty feet to end in what must be some sort of spire or steeple. The upper walls of the structure bear huge stained-glass windows that depict various scenes of a perfect man blessing likewise-perfect creatures and objects. Two huge double doors on the far wall stand open just a crack, revealing a sliver of the courtyard beyond. Several figures throng the yard, their jeering and yelling penetrating the solemn stillness of the chapel.
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Flyn nods to Fendel. ”Sounds like him, my friend...as for looks, in the brief glimpses I had of him, looks close enough for me...but I did put an arrow in him, so I could add one to you for more authenticity, if you wish,” he adds at the end with a quick wink...
Once in the chapel, hearing the noises, Flyn stays alert and quietly moves to the door; he’ll peek out the crack and, if prudent, he’ll silently open the door a bit more so he can better see what’s happening...
"At least we will have no problems going through those doors, Mvumbu." Kiboko says as he waits for Fendel and Flyn to report back.
Outside the double doors, more than a dozen angry Galtan citizens through the narrow courtyard of what appears to be a keep. At the far end of the courtyard stands a tall wooden guillotine. Four tall, gaunt humen men wearing long gray coats and armed with sturdy halbreds patrol the angry Mob, keeping the peace while at the same time cheering along with the bloodthirsty crowd. Howls of "...off with his head!" and "...death to the noble traitor!" emerge from the loud din of the rabble. A richly-garbed man wearing an absurd hat festooned with ribbons and badges looks down on the crowd from atop the courtyard wall, unfurling a scroll and preparing to speak. As the crowd shifts to reveal the guillotine, the focus of all the anger becomes clear. Kneeling in the mud, his neck exposed to the guillotine's blade, is a dark-haired human man dressed in familiar red leather armor.
"Aric of Halvon!" screams the hat-wearing man atop the courtyard wall. "You stand accused as an enemy of the Red Revolution and a sworn enemy of the People of Galt. By my decree, you are required to give us the magical password that grants access to Montrose Keep, that the ill-gotten gains of your evil nobility can be distributed to the good people of Galt!" The crowd cheers their approval.
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Activating the cloak's magic, Fendel suddenly appears upon the ramparts above the gathered crowd. As the red cloud dissipates, he calls out to the enflamed mob.
"Citizens of Galt! My beloved Brothers and Sisters. This man before you is no more an enemy than am I. Aric is one of us. He is loyal to the Red Revolution, to Galt, and to our cause. Trust in me. You know the Red Raven seeks out nothing less than the truth. The Red Raven watches from the shadows and strikes in the light. If this man were indeed guilty, I would place him under the blade myself. To detail the way Aric of Halvon has helped fuel our rebellion from behind the scenes would take more time than we have. Know that this man has looked after you at great peril to himself. Look at what we have almost done. Our enemies have attempted to twist our true intentions and tried to corrupt our love for Galt! They have conspired to get you to destroy one of The Revolution's greatest allies. We cannot stand for this!"
He pauses for the barest of moments so as not lose the crowd. "You all have a story of how the Red Raven has helped you, or someone close to you. A loved one, or a family member. I ask that you hear me in this. I am here to ask YOUR help in saving Aric. If you believe in the Red Raven, if you believe in our cause, then now is the time to show it. Free this man and allow him to continue to work on our behalf, to continue his loving support for Galt. To win all we desire, I need everyone who is true to our cause. I need Aric of Halvon. THE RED REVOLUTION NEEDS ARIC OF HALVON!"
"Join me! Call his name and let it ring like a bell. Shout his name in defiance of our enemies. Cheer him with me. Show him how true Galtans refuse to be sheep. Roar in defiance of our enemies and adore one of our faithful! Aric of Halvon, GALT AND FREEDOM!! A-RIC! A-RIC!