The dragon rolls its eyes at Mereldas remarks. "That's called improvisation. It's what happens when you flub your part and forget your lines. You had a part, a quite fun one I might add. But last minute changes, and ambition larger than capability have brought you low. But fear not, thanks to my quick thinking I've more or less accomplished the goals we set out to do. No, no thanks required! I am merely grateful for the opportunity to do so! But on to the matter at hand as the young girl pointed out. We were discussing the ousting of a particularly loathsome slug from the opera house. So what fun and exciting activities are you proposing in exchange for my eviction?"
Embarrassing the thuggsh Chelish Citizens Group. Perhaps after failing to capture those meddling adventurers, they get to be bitten by all those dogs they have been taking in.
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From his position cleaning the bar and the room Variel pipes up. That actually sounds like a sound plan Beorn. Anything that will turn the people against the likes of Thrune and his lackeys will benefit us. We turn their embarrassments into the true currency that we need: local support and information. With both of those we can stay one step ahead everyone that may want to crack down on us.
I second Litsy's assessment though. How are we going to proceed as a group if we have someone actively trying to con us for her own interests? Any thoughts on that you would like to share Merelda?
With the fairie dragon on the candle fixture Variel fully studies it for the first time. Does it show any undead characteristics that may cause the citizens of Kintargo to fear it?
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Perhaps setting loose all the dogs they have captured? Everyone will be wonder 'Who let the dogs out?'
Merelda rolls HER eyes. She then flicks a hand at the dragon.
"We are similar creatures at heart. I am what I am at face value in most instances, and I don't offer apologies lightly. Vendalfek and I had some minor fun at you and your friends' expense. Strange, I always thought Kintargan 'rebels' were made of sterner stuff? Famous for it I heard?"
She then sighs and sits on a clean chair.
"Trust me or not, but I can guarantee you a few things: My interests align with yours until Kintargo is freed. If you don't want essentially 'free' help from Calistria's church, that's completely up to you. I won't be offended in the least. However, I have been directed by my church to help Kintargo against its oppressors. I either do that with you, or I need to find some other way to help the city at large. Hopefully without getting in your way? I really don't have much of a choice in the matter personally: A great Revenge in Kintargo against Thrune has been called, for the sake of Calistria's lost parishioners, and this has been demanded by my High Priestess and therefore by my goddess. Now...HOW I do that, is completely up to me."
She smiles, then shrugs and throws up her hands.
"Besides...Vendalfek will vouch for me! Won't you, oh 'Great Scaly One?' He came to me to set this all up, and I just played along in my own way in order to protect the innocent bystanders he was trying to rope into his little scheme...and to have some fun while doing it. What's wrong with a little harmless fun from time to time? There was no real danger in our little masquerade, the dragon is obviously not undead, and he is now curious about the city and how to help bring down Thrune. Tell me...how does all of this...makes this city any worse off than it was before?"
She leans forward onto her knees and looks around at the others, obviously too tired to be anything but honest.
From his position cleaning the bar and the room Variel pipes up. That actually sounds like a sound plan Beorn. Anything that will turn the people against the likes of Thrune and his lackeys will benefit us. We turn their embarrassments into the true currency that we need: local support and information. With both of those we can stay one step ahead everyone that may want to crack down on us.
"Not to mention doing what you already like to do," Litsy suggests. "Which is keeping people out of trouble if they happen to piss off the Hellknights a little too much with some bold graffiti, or by suggesting their political views don't align with the current mayor's agenda a little too obviously. Always good for public image, that -especially if you play the part of the mysterious revolutionist well."
"Speaking of intervention. What was it with the woman we helped out? You talked of a conspiracy."
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As far as Variel can tell the fairy dragon isn't undead. Though it has done a fair job of staying out of arms reach and being seen only when it wants to be seen.
At Litsy's question the dragon starts pacing around the fixture cauaing it to wobble ever so slightly.
"Oh, when you're roughly the size of a house cat and endlessly fascinated by how humans go through their lives you tend to hear all sorts of things. Like how Isger fell to Iomedaen crusaders, or a manservant claiming he's seen the yellow coated man in a painting in his ladies house, or that the loathsome slug recruits from prisons." The dragon stops and leans in conspiratorialy.
"But sometimes when people believe none who can hear them cares, they get up to dark bargaining and sinister dealings. Take the ship's mate helping his captain with his marital issues. The captain can't leave the boat himself, but his crew can, his officers can, and especially his wife can. A wife whom he suspects is acting...unfaithfully. A time, a place, an exchange of coins and a set of concerned ears with a dillema to solve. Afterall how does a six pound nine ounce force of draconic fury match to well armed killers intent on the blood of another? Well I'm not in the mood to be skewered no matter what mushrooms the satyr is offering! But what would happen if the killers found themselves at the knifes edge of some very cross people themselves? Turns out the answer is they'd get themselves brutally killed. Shame that. But pardon me if I don't cry for the fate of vicious murderers."
*Ding!*
Aha! So that wasn't just some random act of violence that was happening. well played! Perhaps more happy accidents can happen.
Litsy feels pretty torn between slight relief at the thought of two less murderers prowling the streets of Kintargo and squeamishness at what she's done. She was a thief, and a swindler, and was not so sure about letting her career evolve into becoming a cut-throat. Petty theft was dangerous enough; you didn't want manslaughter to be added to the list of charges if you got caught.
"Nothing to do with Thrune, then. Now, I suppose you want to discuss financial matters before deciding if you'd want to become a secretive vigilante."
"If the owners of this place can't be talked into letting you stay if you promise to behave, we help you find a new lair. As far as payment goes, I'd say we can start with five gold coins a week. More if our organisation grows fast, or if we give you additional responsibilities." Litsy mentally prepares herself for some tough negotiating. The dragon seemed like one who liked to bargain.
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Once the reality sets in that the fairie dragon is not an actual undead creature Variel warms up to the creature. I must offer an apology Vendalfek. I was lead to believe that you were an undead creature that needed to be destroyed for being a blight upon society and the world in general. Based on that information I was intent to strike and kill you before. Now that I know the truth of who you are I can better appreciate your antics. Variel lets out a low chuckle in hindsight thinking of all that had happened to the party.
I must say the fish heads were a delightful touch for some members of the group. And knowing that the 2 men that were killed were part of the trouble at the docks. We were investigating that issue yesterday when we stumbled upon the shenanigans here.
Joining Litsy in the offer of joining the group Variel adds his piece. Anytime you want to join us and stay invisible while doing so just let us know. You might have an enjoyable time and maybe see something that we don't.
diplomacy aid
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Undead are blights? Such a harsh attitude to have against the hemoglobin challenged!
"Oh, ... or a manservant claiming he's seen the yellow coated man in a painting in his ladies house, ..."
Still sitting upside-down in their chair the yello coated stranger opines.
"Hmm I don't remember getting painted in a ladies house. But Castor says I am an unreliable narrator."
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Perhaps we can create a story about you? A vigilante that leaves the mark of the dragon upon evildoers? Prey on criminal's fears since they are a cowardly and supersitous lot.
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"Sorry, I prefer to work behind the curtain as it were. And that sounds very derivative. I can't promise behavior as I am be having much boredom while the entertainment dourly stares into their drinks being about as fun as river sand in your socks. And no I'm not undead that was part of the bit, thank you for catching up with the rest of us I trust the trip wasn't too harsh on your mind. I am willing to resettle particularly if we're talking about dumping salt on the loathsome slug. But behaving is just a lie parents tell their children to prepare them for the tyranny of adulthood. And besides before I make any decision I'd need to see this proposed new home. We can go look when you like, but it best be soon I think I hear the first afternoon's patrons making their way here."
"Oh, we're not telling you to stop being a p- mischievous dragon," Litsy says with a shrug. "Just to try and reserve most of your tricks for Thrune goons. If only to avoid drawing too much attention to a particular place. How do you think we found you?"
"As far as your interests and skills go, there's always going to be work for an informant or a spy if that's what you prefer to do. I think you're versatile enough to fit right in."
"We're going to discuss where we might relocate you... If you'll excuse us for a second." The young girl beckons the members of the group closer, obviously intending to discuss the matter out of the dragon's earshot. "Okay, I think giving him some lodgings on the bakery is a bad idea,"" she hisses. "Where else might it go?"
[smaller]Indeed, although payment in pastries might be an excellent bonus. Perhaps a spot in our new hiden base? my apartment is rather small I am afraid and doesn't have much appeal.
Merelda’s eyebrows jump at the mention of a ‘hidden’ base, but she remains silent.
"Wouldn't it be bored in the new hidden base? Has the opera house re-opened? Maybe it'd see some action then. And overhear some interesting conversation."
I think the mayor is staying there.
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Hell, now that I know she isn't an undead creature and this is just mischievous fun, I say let her stay here and carry on. A bar is a great location to pick up gossip and pull pranks. As long as she is on our side and no one gets injured, I say go for it.
Besides it is easier for her to keep this as her home than try to introduce her to a new location, of which we don't have a suitable one anyways.
Sounds good to me! Perhaps get some debaters in here so he can enjoy the arguements of the past.
Besides it is easier for her to keep this as her home than try to introduce her to a new location, of which we don't have a suitable one anyways.
Merelda raises a hand with curiosity written on her face.
"Point of order? I know I'm new here, but I think the Dragon is tired of this place. And...his boredom can be a bit dangerous for common folk is my guess now? Also, the Great Scaled One has the means to move about the city COMPLETELY unseen at any time of the day since he's naturally invisible. You want to just leave him here? He's the best spy and gossip-monger you could ever find or hire, and he just wants a new place to move to and some fun 'poking the bear' that is Thrune for payment. Are you really going to deny him that?"
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Somif we do t have any good locations now, what locations would be great for her to be at that in the future we could use an ally? Do we know of a tavern or bar that is frequented by the mayor’s riffraff? Is there a smithy that is in charge of furnishing weapons and armors for his lackeys? Is there a bakery that provides the food to the opera? All of these would be good targets that could use her specific brand of mischief!
"Imagine setting it loose in one of those nob's freaking manors," Litsy doesn't quite grin, but the mere idea seems to improve her mood somewhat.
Beorn rubs his beard. Perhaps a place full of stuffy nobles where he can over listen. Some teahouses or gardens..
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Still reading, or at least pretending to, Pollux pipes up. " If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done quickly." Pollux tosses the play onto the table and rolls out of the chair to stand up. "Or at least completely. If our imaginary friend is going to be a Raven then it needs room at the roost. Besides setting a figment against a phantom may wile away a long winter evening."
Merelda looks at Pollux with a crooked eyebrow then shrugs an d hooks a thumb at him.
"What he...it?...said."
Quite right, Pollux.
[dice=Knowledge (local)]1d20+7
"Imagine setting it loose in one of those nob's freaking manors," Litsy doesn't quite grin, but the mere idea seems to improve her mood somewhat.
Litsy can think of dozens of undercrofts, basements, hidden crypts, buried houses, riverside caves, attics, and alleyway hodeaways that have served her or anothers gang at some point. The though even crosses her mind to let the dragon loose in some rival gangs territory. The issue being that those place were clearly not what Vendelfek was looking for in terms of wither lodging or entertainmwnt. That and the idea it might befriend and ally a rival gang emerges from a paranoid part of her brain that camcels the idea out of hand.
Then there were a variety of brothels, restaurants, taverns, and other more lively places, but every time she thinks of one that fits into the dragons ideals she remembers they're either ash, or under new more conservative management. She could suggest housing the fairy dragon their but it runs the risk of repeating the cycle in a new venue. While the same might go for the longroad's coffeehouse, there is Laria who might have a better handle on things if she knows of its exiatence, and there's you who might be able to redirect it's boundless energy into something more constructive to the cause. Plus, Pollux may have a point in setting a naturally curious predator loose in a wasp's nest with a snake in it.
After some very animated discussion, Litsy finally turns to the dragon.
"Alright. We know of a place on Longroad that could accommodate you and your stash. How about we take you there so you can introduce yourself to the owner, and have a look around, see if you like it?"
A most excellent place to go! Plus wonderful baked goods!
Merelda smiles evilly as the mess is cleaned up with some minor magics, and decisions are made! She then looks suggestively at Beorn.
"OH beard boy...you had me 'baked goods'! Shall we?"
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Variel finishes the cleaning with a flurry of magic before it seems the finalization of plans have been made. This sounds like a great idea as long as Laria is on board. I do think that better accomodations may be in order at some point if we ever have a surplus of gold that falls into my lap. Vendalfak, what say you to a temporary abode now and then finer furnishings later when I can afford them? It will also give you freedom to prank Thrune's minions endlessly until we are caught!
As guests file in for afternoon service and the bar opens in earnest you make your way to the coffeehouse. Vendalfek, being a shy creature by nature is assumedly following behind though how far back and where is a mystery known only to him.
Approaching the coffeehouse itself you can't help but note that it's surprisingly empty for this time in the afternoon. At the front a very exhausted looking Laria is leaning in the doorframe nursing an unlit pipe. Seeing you approach she beams widely and invites you in.
She glances briefly at Merelda before addressing the group as a whole.
"So nice of you to drop by! Sorry that service isn't up to our high standards the Dottari came to check in on us and sadly I could not personally attend ot matters of service. And you brought a new friend along!"
Sensing a bit of the obvious, Merelda casually squints at the sign over the door.
"Long Roads Coffee House? You guys MUST be desperate...but it makes for good cover I guess..."
She sighs sincerely, a wisp of a good memory showing on her face then disappointment.
"An elvish winery here in Kintargo would have been a little TOO much fun I'm sure. Goddess forbid I get to have fun while doing her bidding!"
She smiles gently at the halfling, and throws an eyebrow at gentle-hearted Beorn.
"Beard boy probably eats half of your stock of tea-cakes and scones every morning. Am I right?"
Merelda then slaps her forehead loudly with the palm of her hand, causing certain assets to jiggle more than they had a right to do in such tight leather.
"Where are my manners!"
She bows with respect and gives a basic introduction while placing her hand on her recovered rapier casually, in case the halfling gets the wrong idea.
"My name is Merelda Widdomeria, I am an Inquisitor of Calistria formerly of Kyonin, now of Kintargo. The pleasure...is always MINE. I can assure you of that."
She then hooks a thumb at Beorn and winks at the halfling.
"Beard-boy can vouch for me. Right honey?"
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Merelda then slaps her forehead loudly with the palm of her hand, causing certain assets to jiggle more than they had a right to do in such tight leather.
Litsy stares at Merelda's antics before turning to Laria. "She's not dangerous, I promise," she says evenly. "She just likes to puff up."
"What did the dottari want? Did they mess up the place?"
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I assure you that I would never abuse the hospitality of our host! Beorn looks hurt that he would be suspected of taking another sweetroll.
Our new member is indeed one who shares our goals and will be a rambunctious but valuable guest. I hope the intrusion by louts has not brought harm to you or your establishment.
Smiling gently at Beorn's hurtful look, Merelda blows him a kiss.
"I only jest Sir Beard: No need to worry. But I can pretty much guarantee'rambunctious and valuable'!"
Laria's face stiffens as Merelda casually introduces herself takong a quick glance behind you she exclaims a bit more loudly than before.
"It's always wonderful to receive visits from your opera friends Beorn! Though I think the subject of her improv performance may have been in poor timing given our recent scandals with the good dottari! What's that? You want to pay for your drinks by helping clean up the mess? Absolutely! "
Motioning for you to follow she leads you to the cellar storeroom. Along the way you see much of thw kitchen and backroom to be in disarray with various baking and brewing tools scattered on the floor along with patches of flour, sugar, and spilled coffee beans.
Getting to the cellar door she opens it and motiona for you inside with all the grim ceremony of a sacrifice being led to the altar.
Merelda holds up both hands once they are quietly ensconced inside the establishment.
"Slow down! Hold your roll little lady! I like being man-handled with the best of the them, but...you need to leave the door open for a few seconds more to allow for a friend to enter invisibly. And trust me...you really want to meet this guy. And I'm pretty sure he will want to meet a dozen of your pastries too, once he arrives with all the fanfare."
She glances back at the entrance over Laria's shoulders, eyebrows raised.
My goodness! This is quite the mess, I will just grab a broom.
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Varie steps in to help with the clean up. Casting a few cantrips to start the process he then turns to Laria. Yes, sorry for the lack of introductions or a proper warning that we were bringing visitors. As for Merelda here, she has a penchant for being a thorn in the side of those who cross her. Thankfully she is with us and has been vetted as thoroughly as we could. As for the other guest that we brought that Merelda is referring to…well let’s just say that without him there would be an innocent who would be lost today if it wasn’t for his timely intervention.
Like most of us, each of them strays beyond the confines of the current law to help out where Kintargo needs it most. A little unorthodox maybe but their hearts are in the right places.
Hopefully Vendalfek appears after being so introduced. Vendalfek, please show yourself to our host.
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Castor immediately begins stuffing their cheeks with the coffee beans.
Pollux surveys the wreckage. "I like what you've done with the place. It looks more "Lived in" somehow." Pollux picks up a stray bean from a near perfect boot print in spilled flour. "I assume our loyal friends were filling these hob-nails?" Pollux crunches the raw bean between their teeth. "Did they say why they came calling or were they just in the neighborhood?"
Litsy whistles as she takes in the mess. "What were they even looking for in those jars? Priceless riches? Secret messages hidden in pastries? Not exactly the warm welcome I was expecting."
She doesn't break eye contact with Laria as she makes casual conversation, and stops at the entrance of the cellar to listen to what's downstairs. The halfling woman probably wouldn't lure them into a trap, but Kintargo was going to such shit these days, you could never be too careful. She wouldn't be that surprised if Laria didn't betray them some day to save her own skin, and if the dottari had already paid her a visit, today could be that day.
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Vendalfek doesn't respond indicating either the fairy dragon got distracted and wandered off, is keeping quiet, or is otherwise not present
For her part Laria seems panicky and is speaking rapidly in an attwmpt to stifle conversation and lead you to somewhere more private.
"INVISIBLE FRIENDS WHAT AN ACTIVE INAGINATION! NOW LETS CONTINUE THIS PERFORMANCE IN PRIVATE SO WE DON'T DISTURB ANY CUSTOMERS! NEVERMIND THE KITCHEN THE MESS IN THE CELLAR IS MUCH MORE SERIOUS! Laria practically vibrates as she tries to pull people away from the kitchen and towards the cellar below.
Seeing Laria about to explode, Beorn clamps his mouth shut and marches into the cellar without another word. They were all on very thin ice.
Approaching the coffeehouse itself you can't help but note that it's surprisingly empty for this time in the afternoon.
Finally turning around and spotting the few customers who hadn't had the common sense to leave the coffee shop (ah. Well, that explained things), Litsy does the wise thing, shuts her mouth, and hurries into the cellar.
She waits for Laria to signal that they can speak freely to sigh. "That was a close call. I hadn't seen them there," she says, keeping her voice as low as she can.
"Vendalfek, might as well come out now. For what it's worth. It's honestly a miracle we survived this long," she adds, grumbling.
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"[/.