The cellar appears much like the kitchen, sacks of flour and sygar tossed around intermixed with bags of coffee beans of various origins. To your relief it looks like the entrance to the hideout itself remains unmolested likely overlooked in the dottaris search.
Once all are inside and Laria bolts the door she visibly slumps and uncharacteristically sits on the stair case her face changing drom one of barely contained panic to quiet fury.
"ok, you first." She points at calloused finger at Merelda. "Who the hell is that and why is she comfortable proclaiming herself an enemy of the state in the middle of my respectable and law abiding coffeehouse?
"Meet Merelda. She's a Calistrian." Litsy states as if the very word was enough. "She's a bit lacking in the subtlety department -but then again, don't we all?"
"What? If the dottari round us all up tomorrow to bludgeon us to death or walk us to the devil's pit, might as well make light of the situation while we still can. No?... Tough crowd."
"I'd say it'd be dangerous to recruit someone who blows their cover on day one, but what the hell y'know? You're the best at not looking shady, Laria. All of us... Not so much."
"Meet Merelda. She's a Calistrian." Litsy states as if the very word was enough. "She's a bit lacking in the subtlety department -but then again, don't we all?"
Grinning gently at the great introduction from Litsy, Merelda bows slowly and gently at the older halfling. Once straight again, Merelda smiles even broader and waves both hands in the air in a gesture of 'I give up!'
"My apologies proprietress Laria! I meant no offense. I was sent from the High Priestess of Calistria in Kyonin, to aid our downtrodden worshipers in this fine city. And if nothing else, to exact revenge for their lost homes and lives. I admit, uprisings are not my specialty...yet. But I have many skills in basic combat, subterfuge, and interrogation...as well as my goddess' magic to guide me and aid you all."
Winking at Beorn's anxiety-stricken face, she waves a hand at the others and shrugs as she looks around disappointingly at the meager basement.
"As I explained to these people, I don't have a choice really. I am here to help you, whether you want it or not. My High Priestess, and therefore my Goddess, has declared it is my destiny to try or die attempting to do so. Better to try and work together rather than possibly at odds to each other, correct? The enemy of my enemy...and all that."
She ends her quick speech standing in a military 'at ease' pose with her hands behind her back, her eyebrows raised, head turned slightly, and jutting her delicately pointed chin out at the glaring halfling. She then waits for any response or judgement from Laria.
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Laria looks at Merelda quietly for a moment before turning to the others to read their reactions. Apparently satisfied with what she seessh3 shakes her head and throws her arms up.
"Well maybe you can get your goddess to bless you with some sense because if you haven't noticed many peiple have gone missing or dead for doing far less than proclaiming themselves a foreign agent of a hostile power in a town where the new lord mayor is justifying his tyranny with that very reason. Have you tried claiming to be kuthonian? Spikes and black leather and i doubt anyone would bat an eyelash nor try to get into your private life."
"Speaking of sense, do you want to guess how the Dottari suspected I was harboring criminals here? And how lucky I am that I know exactly how the watch commander likes his coffee and would rather be beating drunks and beggars out of this part of town than raid a reputable establishment?"
Beorn looks very nervous. Well.. I believe that us going unmasked and doing very public actions are a part of it. Plus our speaking of things that should not be said in public.
"I'm guessing it's got to be related to us somehow, but I've got no f$&+ing idea what could have been the kicker. Plenty of options to choose from. The salt mine thing? The lady we've rescued? A mole on the team? Or an unwanted witness?"
"Whatever it is, rest assured we're very sorry about it," Litsy adds hurriedly as Laria gives her a Look.
"surprisingly it has little to directly do with you" she says.
"Rather, someone sent then a rather interesting letter. Anonymous, of course. It details a group of seedy individuals plotting with vile dissidents and malcontents. Conspiring to spread propaganda and lies about the new lord mayor, and trying to ruin good order by releasing convicted criminals and killing servants of the state. I didnt catch enough details he was only dumb enough to let me see the letter not keep it."
Grinning again with almost evil intent, Merelda holds up a hand quickly.
”It appears I arrived just in time then! It sounds like you have a dissident or mole within your group. As an inquisitor of Calistria, and an outsider, I am the perfect person to help ferret out your letter writer. Let it be your test for me! Whether I succeed or not, and I WILL succeed, you may use this situation to judge my actions accordingly and decide from there whether you still want me amongst your rag-tag group of bitter rebels. What say you all? The worst that can happen is I end up killing your letter writer, or I end up getting myself killed. Where can you possibly lose with that?”
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What it sounds like is we need to develop alias and disguises sooner than later. We also need to get a second hideout to reduce the suspicions here. Unfortunately, disguise is not my strong suit, but I am willing to take any assistance that is offered.
Turning to Laria, Tal apologizes again. What can we do to help you at this time?
If only we could get that letter we might get a clue. Maybe. Do you know where that particular Dottari lairs?
"Mm. I imagine none of your employees could have been the snitch?" Litsy wonders for a moment if Borgan, or even, she thinks with a pinch in her heart, Paquen could have betrayed them, but a moment is enough to dismiss the idea. Borgan, with his clunky code of honour of his, could have hardly turned the dottari against Laria, and the newly formed Ravens are probably more useful to Paquen's mission of helping out the tieflings on her own to tell on the rebels. She doesn't deem Rexus stupid enough to turn his coat now.
"It'll probably be best to lie low for a while and find other headquarters. Any idea?"
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I am afraid that I don't know of anyplace in particular to stay for a group of our size. My place is too small.
Smirking, Merelda stretches like a cat getting up from a nap (making everybody watching question exactly how protective such flexible and revealing leather really is), and then leans against the nearest wall casually.
"You must have some contacts and trusted informants all across a city like this. Right? Its not small by any means. Plenty of people here must hate the Thrunes. Why not just ask around...discreetly...and see if there is someplace out of the way or just abandoned that could work. You may have to clear a few squatters or monsters out, but...I can help with that part too."
She looks askance at the basement all around.
"Not complaining of course, but is this really all you have put together so far? A bakery-shop basement to meet in? I'd heard rumors the city resistance was more organized than this. Or is that part of your appeal here? Low-key so low nobody would suspect? 'The Ravens' or some such thing...or is that some other group?"
I believe we should stay at the place that had the dogs and ooze men
"Look, it's not my place to tell you how to clean your own house but I have a lot of people who rely on this place remaining open and secret. If the network doesn't get back in touch with me ill eventually get back in touch with them. If that goes to s&%$ than getting downriver for them is going to be harder. Not to mention al the other not so law friendly things that go on down there. The dottari get enough false reports that they'll probably toss it in the trash and move on. But if a second, or Desna forbid, a third comes along you can bet they're going to be a much more thorough in their questioning."
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"hmmm" Pollux hums and rubs their chin.
A bit too much time goes by. Just before anyone gathers the will to interrupt Pollux speaks.
"A letter...Not who but why?..."
Pollux begins to pace. A few steps in one direction a turn of varying degree and more paces. Each paced line has an odd number of steps.
"If the author knew about the place that isn't here then why not reveal all?" Pace pace, turn pace. "They know about the salt but not the teeth" Turn pace turn. "More importantly, they are telling the truth when fabulation would bring a better reward."
Pollux freezes in place. "They do not want this place raided." The stranger states matter-of-factly. "They want exactly what they got. Suspicion, pressure, a thumbscrew is not an wine press." Pollux looks at the ceiling. "I would suspect the fish-dropper of playing a prank but this lacks their wholesome rustic style." The yellow coat resumes pacing, it's occupant staring fixedly at the ceiling. "They know too much and say too little to be just a twitch in a curtain." Pause. "Is it someone trying to help? Flood the hobnails with letters in several hands and decreasing clarity until all worthy suspicion is dearly departed. It is a good plan, remind me to ask you about it later. We will need more fingers." Pause, turn. "Cannot answer not enough words. Goodness and light rare in this city. Discounting help for now.."
Pace. "Pressure. Most people wrapped in blinders seek pleasure, have motives." Pause directly in front of Points, turn. "If they seek to put a rat in the nursery they will want to see the follow through." Turn, pace. "We ignore security but the place that isn't doesn't entirely." Turn, pause, pace. "If the letterer wants a box seat for the whole performance then they should be in the isn't. Is this our piper branching out into a new art form?"
Pollux stops pacing and stops staring at the ceiling. "Yes, I think it is. The action is small and orderly. Pity they didn't leave the letter. Graphology can reveal much about a writer... Hostile but, not catastrophic. Creating a risk to this place, but not to specific persons and holding no risk to themselves." Pollux nods solidly their neck popping loudly after looking up for so long.
"Our formerly undead friend might prove useful if they care to. They can poke and slide where angels fear to tread. Even if they do not find anything they might push our epistolary piper to precipitate action and push us in the way of more information."
"Opera had an idea. Do we know where this letter calls home and habitation?"
"By now? Probably the trash. It's enough for the duxotar at the castle to have received it to note it in their massive ledgers but I'm serious when I say they get anonymous accusations all the time. Jealous boyfriends, angry wives, s%+#ty rich kids trying for an early inheritance. If they kept all the paperwork they'd be drowning in it by the end of the year. Your little pissant probably didn't expect it to stick the first time because of that." Getting up Laria gestures to the wall across the cellar and starts moving upstairs. "I'm gonna close the shop and start cleaning up the mess. If anyone asks you why you stayed the night come up with a fun story, like I dunno, strip harrow or something after the kids asleep. Show your new friend around I think Rexus has been stuck in the office getting eye strain all day."
I believe we should stay at the place that had the dogs and ooze men
"How quaint," Litsy rolls her eyes. "Still, it'd be good to redirect everyone's attention elsewhere. Even better if we could pick an abandoned building to use as a lure."
Once Laria has left the room, the rogue takes a look around, shifting from foot to foot. "I'm just thinking -if Vendalfek's hasn't followed us, we'd have no way of telling, right?"
"No, you wouldn't. Which is why this is funny." Vendalfek's voice calls from the roof of the cellar.
Half-closing her eyes, Merelda smiles at Vebdalfek's perfect entrance.
She then points at Beorn.
"Did somebody say 'strip' Harrow? One of my FAVORITE games! One I never lose either. What'dya say Beard Boy? Want to play a hand or two... or twelve?"
Beorn facepalms.
Hmm...I think you would like the new place, I think there was a statue of your goddess there.
Looking confused, Merelda looks askance at the large man.
"What are you talking about? New place? Rat-boy was making more sense. What statue...?"
I mangled my words there. We came across a building that had an underground area that had a statue of your goddess. We can perhaps set up there for the time being so we don't risk The Longhouse anymore.
"How quaint."
"You hear that, Vendalfek? It's up to you. Either we all move to a more secure place, or you stay here and try not to draw too much attention to yourself. Last thing we'd want is for the dottari to make this lair even duller than the one you just left."
"Oh I'm here purely for the entertainment value. Though it seems to me no matter where you go you'll simply be bringing the dottari with you until your affairs are in order."
Putting her hand on her hip Merelda smiles again.
“That is where I come in. Let’s get started! Since none of you were present for the raid… you are all suspect…”
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Personally I think having Vendalfek here if other nosy dottari come back could be entertaining. All those tricks played on them would be hilarious as long as it doesn't cause this place to shut down.
I like the idea of the stables as a back up hideout once it gets cleaned up. However that will take some time and maybe once we acquire another team to work on it that will help. Until then we are here. Shall we show you the rest of the hideout? fair warning there are some Tengu here as well that call this place home.
Turning to Merelda Variel smiles conspiratorially. I have an air tight alibi. I was with Beorn and Litsy the entire time. They can speak for me. The same can not be said of you though.
Merelda wags a finger at the presumptive human and smirks.
"Not so fast Mr. Magic Clean-fingers! I didn't even know this place existed until just a few minutes ago, and ANY of you could have written that letter days ago! No telling how long that letter languished on some poor Dottari's desk before they finally read it and decided to act on it! The real question is...how many people know this place exists and that you use it for 'special' purposes! I need an exact count and a list of their names and general usage around here."
She looks around and sniffs disdainfully.
"I will need somewhere where I can interview everyone, preferably alone and...can I at least get a chair of some sort?"
I think we have a box. Beorn opens the secret door.
The real question is...how many people know this place exists and that you use it for 'special' purposes! I need an exact count and a list of their names and general usage around here."
"If we knew who busted us, that'd be easier," Litsy replies distractedly, her gaze fixated on the secret door. She is already moving closer to Beorn, intrigued by what discoveries lie ahead.
Pollux speaks to Points as the door opens. Their gaze going vague and unfocused.
"You, alone? The tuition for that school may be too dear for the poor birds. We will sit in. Castor likes to watch"
Squinting at whatever was left of the human that spoke to her, she turns to the rat as she enters the secret 'lair'.
"I don't do 'viewings.' Get your giggles...or whatever they are...elsewhere."
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A piece of the wall comes away and slides inward revealing a dark staircase and the musky odor of a storm drain. A few steps down and around the corner you come out into a long hallway that opens up to a reservoir of dark water standing in the middle of the reservoir covered to her knees in water and to her torso in thick green algae is a rober and concealed depiction of the goddess Calistria holding a dagger before her point downward. Standing out in this hallway carrying their weapons and conversing quietly until you appear are the tengu sisters and two of the varisian mercenaries who nod in greeting as you approach but eye the newcomer with naked suapicion. The rest of the mercenaries are playing cards in the bunk room and don't look up from there game save the one watching the door who looks on apprehensively as you pass through but otherwiae sounds no alarm or acknowledgement.
This depiction, subtle, dangerous, and hidden, is perhaps her most controversial depiction. This is the goddess that is patient, cold and utterly merciless. This is the goddess that starts murdeeing relatives one by one before the true target. This is the Calistria whose followers kidnaps children to be raised in the church to use the very same children to slit the throata of their parents. This is the savored sting who spends weeks spreading rumors, secrets and lies to ruin a life so thoroughly they laugh from the shadows as the victim takes their own life. This Calistria is the one the priestesses don't talk about in public often but is every bit as important as her fun side. Churches like this took their vengeance out on families, organizations, nations or entire races when it waa called for. If this is what they descended to with the rise of Thrune it is perhaps no small wonder the devils would prioritize rooting them out.
"Welcome to our very own special Calistria of the sewers. Feel free to grab a mop," Litsy heads to the sentinel guarding the door to speak to them privately. "You didn't notice any weird noises coming from upstairs? All quiet?"
Welcome to our little getaway, these are our fine allies. Good folk! Here is our newest recruit, Merelda, faithful of Calistria. Speaking of which, we should get this statue cleaned as well as the water purified. Merelda, can you use your magic to do such things?
Taking in the inspiring scene, Merelda lowers her head and says a soft prayer to her goddess in thanks.
To the rest of you a new woman has appeared in front of you all: Gone for the moment is the swagger and hawk-like intensity, leaving only a pious and ultra-calm Merelda in her wake.
“I am where I am supposed to be. No doubt. No hesitation. Goddess willing, I can live long enough to bring the Savored Sting’s subtle but vicious revenge to her enemies. The Thrunes will rue the day they offended my goddess!”
She turns to Beorn and smiles gently.
“I hear you dear Beorn, and I feel the honesty in your voice: Thank you for that. No, I have no magics to clean the water or the icon. Most of my power lends to hunting enemies and removing them. I may clean the icon later by hand when there is time. It would be an honor to do so.”
Facing the whole group, her face grim, a little of the hawk-like Merelda returns.
“I pledge myself to your cause. Freeing this city from Hell’s clutches shall include the goddess’s revenge on a scale unheard before. I swear this to you AND my goddess. Shall we get started? A house is only as strong as its foundation. We need to see to that.”
At the last she glances around at all the new faces intensely, the old Merelda obviously in control again.
A strange expression settles on Litsy's face as she notices the change in Merelda - something approaching appreciation? A newfound respect? Perhaps not quite. It must not be a familiar emotion, however, because it doesn't stay long. The Calistrian's cocky grin is met with the same jeering smirk as before.
However, the rogue pondered, Merelda was right in one thing: there could be a mole, and it would be a hard one to unearth. Public accusations could make the situation even more chaotic than it already was. Rumours of a traitor among the Ravens' ranks would create panic and disorder when every member of the group knew they could be killed if the Dottaris ever caught a whiff of the rebellion. "And what'd you suggest?" she asks the inquisitor flatly.
She replies easily.
”Narrow your list of suspects. Who had means and opportunity to report this place? Then we can go from there.”
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Looking around at the group that was present Variel shrugs, Honestly, the only ones I know that know about this place are currently here and Laria, and Rexus. We have some supporters in the populace but they don’t know of our hideout here.
We might have to accept that it was a random patrol or lead that caused them to look for us. However, if it happens again then we know we have a mole. Pollux did think there was something hiding trying to get Castor down here. Not sure what it might be. Vendalfek might be able to figure it out for us with his flair for traps.
Merelda shakes her head in disagreement.
”If we wait for another raid, then it might reveal this place or the next letter might offer more details. No, we need to investigate this. Let ME investigate. This is literally something I was trained to do. If I don’t find anything damning, then you’ve lost nothing but my time wasted.”
Seeing Points flip back and forth Pollux mutters softly "That horse her mettle from her rider takes.."
To Mr. Smiles. "That was no random raid. The music, the murder by wall, and something quiet that stifles Castors creativity. Not chance but action."
To Points. "Twist the little birds as it amuses you to make them sing. The song will not please you. The hand that pipes, that pressed Mr. Shirt, that wrote the letter, and oppresses the Ruler in the Walls walks among us but is not of us." The stranger stops. "Yet this is different, new. They act at a distance. Are they growing in power or anger? Or have they found a cat's-paw to take their counterpoint. Maybe your dance in the house of your betters will mark a path. Yes, try. Our eyes are dimmed by weight of woe and it is time for Castor's bath."
With that Castor leads Pollux deeper into the Lair. The two connected by the stained red thread on Castor's lead seek food or rest or things better left in darkness.
Merelda purses her lips at what the rat’s puppet spews forth randomly it seems, but realizes there is unknown data there.
“Wait. There was a murder here? Nobody thought to mention that? That’s a big clue right there! What happened exactly?”
Only murder was of all the dead rats due to Castor trying to become rat king.
Looking confused, she turns to Beorn.
"So there was no 'Murder by Wall'? Or something like that?"
"He just likes to speak nonsense," Litsy shrugs. "You'll get used to it."
"But in every of b#~#&&!& that comes out of his mouth, there's a nugget of truth. Generally speaking. " "Look, if you want to ask questions, knock yourself out -they don't know you yet, so it might work. Just don't shove your boobs into anyone's face, and don't cause a panic, we've got enough chaos to deal with already."
Litsy crosses her arms, and for a moment it seems like she's got nothing else to say... Until her eyes widen, and she turns to Pollux abruptly. "Hold on -you don't mean the guy who got eaten by a croc, do you? You weren't even there! " Or the other..." She suddenly snaps her mouth shut. "... Nevermind."
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Indeed, there was a death of one of our street performers, may Mr. Shirt rest in peace, but we were never able to determine if he was the target of the questionable espionage of the wall or if it was bad luck. If you put all the individual little quirks together then Pollux is likely correct and we have someone working actively against us. Yet again though we have no idea whom it may be.
If you have methods to figure out who the spy, mole, or enemy is please help Merelda. Vendalfek, we could use your expertise as well. I admit that something like this is out of my league and I will assist you as needed.
Nodding and smiling, Merelda appears to be in her element and looks up and whispers 'just loud enough'.
"Vendalfek? Keep and eyes and ears out around here invisibly as much as you can. If you pick up on anything out of the ordinary in this place...anything that appears to be seditious to the cause...let me or Cleaning Fingers here know as soon as possible."
She looks at the rest of the group still here.
"Bring me the evidence from the wall collapse and in the next few minutes start sending everyone hiding here and does not have an alibi of any sort to me in a few minutes after that."
Once she views the chisel and hammer from the collapse, she will move on to the interviews.