| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Malgar pauses and looks back, eyes raised slightly as he stares at Paquen, seemingly taken aback. "You're not Robin! You're just a lookalike," he says, eyes narrowing in anger. "So what makes *you* a credible leader, then? Do you even know how to work a crowd, how to recruit and train soldiers? Agents? Organize logistics? All I'm hearing is a lot of complaints, for little input. You act as if you have the answer to everything, that we somehow need to prove ourselves to you. Hah!"
He barks a short laugh. "You say those who followed me got killed. Yes. Because it was so obvious Thrune would bring a legion of devils from f$+$ing nowhere to suddenly end the war. Or how like... nine spread-out Dottari somehow contained a rioting crowd of hundreds. Back in the day, they'd have been swarmed and killed to the last man, held down as they were stabbed through the visors. An average peasant would know how to do it. But I see now what people have grown soft and weak in the decades after the war. Seemingly content to suckle devil tits and look the other way from their abuse until a tyrant wakes them up - except for these Silver Ravens, apparently. And now it's on the edge of being too late."
He takes a deep breath and calms slightly. "But there is opportunity. The Shining Crusade divides Thrune's attention, and Barzillai is now hated among the people for many reasons. And we now have these statues to talk across great distances. No, I'm not the only choice to follow, and like I said, I'd prefer not to be the leader again at all - If we do this, it would have to be as a united group. But for the love of Cayden, DO get off your high horse until you show you've actually got what it takes to be a leader first. As it stands, I'd follow Tiny over you since she leads something , at least!"
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Borgan immediately turns to Malgar as he verbally accosts Paquen.
"Malgar. Even if your mind has gone to shreds, your ears should still work. We are not offering ourselves up as leaders, who think to know everything better than you, or Variel, or anyone else. We are advocating caution and planning over someone just saying, 'let's start a rebellion' thinking it would all work out in the end. We need guidance, true leadership to even think about inciting rebellion, Paquen, me, and even Litsy realize that we are in over our head if we try to 'wing it' so to speak."
He exhales loudly, rests his eyes on Malgar again, then continues.
"We don't know how to work a crowd, train soldiers or agents, organize logistics. That is exactly the point we are trying to make. We are not complaining, we want change. We don't have the answers to everything, but we have the realism to look at this and see it is bigger than us. We need help, we need plans and organization and we realize that we, as a group, do not have enough of that yet. Before we speak of becoming the next Silver Ravens, heroes of our time, it would be best to stand still and think about what that entails. It is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly on a whim."
He then calms down as much as Malgar did at the end to come to his conclusion.
"Don't put words in our mouth we haven't uttered. You are right, we do have an opportunity now. A chance perhaps to change our fortune and that of the others in this city. But it is for the good or worse. With proper leadership we might change it for the good. If we rush in blindly, unprepared, we might change it for the worse. That is what we don't want. What we all don't want I hope."
"That is why I am worried that we didn't find any sign of the old Silver Ravens yet, they have beean leaders before, they have the experience to run this kind of organization, something we could learn from, a mentor. That way we could learn how to work a crowd, organze logistics, train recruits in to agents. I don't aspire to be the leader of this group, I'm guessing Paquen doesn't either. But if we are to be a united group, as you say, than we should be able to expres our worries and reservations about these things. We will need to think things through before we act, that is all."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Frowning, Litsy rubs her temple, feeling a good old-fashioned migraine coming up.
"Hold your horses, I didn't even decide whether I'm in yet. But you know what, neither do most of you. So lads, how 'bout we stop yelling at each other over stuff we don't know right now? Haven't you heard Rexus? He says he knows someone who might know something about the Ravens, and we need to go see her anyway 'cause she can store the important stuff we found away, where it's safe. So how 'bout we all play a game that's called 'let's all shut up and just finish the job before we start thinking about what comes next?'"
"Besides, we've all got a payment to collect, remember? He's got magical braces with my name on it." Beat. "Well, his name on it, at least his initials, but it's going to be ours. Mine. Ours. Kinda."
"I didn't ask who I wasn't Malgar. Is your only talent covering for your own failures? 'Who could have known?' and 'People are soft now' is what you offer to explain your failures? I'll offer one credential for my leadership. I take responsibility for the outcomes of my decisions. There, I already have you beat."
"I've been waiting for happy hour to be over so we can be on our way for a while now Litsy."
Beorn deflates from his boisterous joy at being a silver raven when Paquen rebukes everyone. You are right Paquen. I have lived a rather privileged life and my dream of rebellion was born in tea houses and clubs rather than the harsh life. I will certainly try to temper my expectations.
Rexus having been left behind where thankfully no Lemures were just waiting for an opportunity to dance in his blood makes his way up the ladder still lost in thought over the documents.
"By myself it will take about two months to fully decode and translate the hundreds of pages in that box." He says as he reaches the top of the ladder. "My course, friends, is set. I've nowhere to go and nowhere to return. I was expecting a comfortable life of study, working to hone my magical heritage, and advocating for robust social programs for the unfortunate." Rexus shrugs. "Now I am the unfortunate. Whatever you decide I have obligations to see this through."
His piece said Rexus makes his way to exit the stables.
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Variel looks around at what was once a private talk with Paquen and had evolved into a group discussion involving everyone. This wasn’t exactly what he wanted when he left to speak with Paquen but perhaps it is what was needed. Everyone having a chance to air their thoughts, frustrations, fears. As he listens to everyone a possible thought…an idea of a thought forms. Try as he might Variel could not grasp it fully he can’t. But it was there gnawing at him trying to get out nonetheless. Opening his mouth Variel starts bumbling along not sure how to make his point. I think…I believe…we are where we need to be right now. Yes I mean here right in the middle of an abandoned stable. Anywhere else we go people will overhear us. I also mean that we all are drawn here at this point in our lives. Each of us wants and needs something. That is why we went to the rally yesterday. Now I don’t know what each of you are wanting or needing exactly but I have a hunch it may be the same for all of us. I didn’t even know what it was for myself till yesterday.
Variel looks tired but more sad than anything when he turns to you Paquen. Paquen, you are right that I don’t know how to start a rebellion without us getting killed. I don’t have the responsibilities you bear in looking out for the entire tiefling population in Kintargo. If something happens to me that is where it stops. I have no family left to worry about when I am gone. I have no loved ones that will mourn me or dependents that will starve if I can’t provide for them. I have few friends either. Thrune took that all away from me already. I know I am not a visionary or a leader or one to inspire others. I am simply a person that is hurting and wanting change for myself and others and I am willing to try to do something about it.
Turning to Tiny Variel gives a smile to her much as you would imagine a father would when he is beefing with pride. Tiny, you amaze me sometimes. Last night all the talk was about you joining in and helping and now you want time to think about it. I get it. I truly do. You want to be able to make the choice on your own without anyone telling you what to do. You are a strong independent woman who tries to look out for those you feel responsible for. Variel then puts his hand on her head and ruffles her hair. Thanks for the support but I am not the heroic type. I just don’t know any better sometimes.
Borgan I do not know you much at all. I wish I knew you better as you seem to have a good heart. I don’t know why you were at the protest yesterday but you were there and that tells me you are not happy with the way things are in Kintargo. You raise questions and concerns that I don’t have answers to not know where to even look for them. You want guidance and leadership but we have no one to turn to but ourselves. Perhaps that is best as we clearly need to find ourselves first and what direction we want to go before we could listen to others. We start with us and that is it. We decide what we want. Then we focus on what it is our group can do. We don’t expand to include others yet until we are ready for it. That way we start small and grow as we need to.
Someone who does have some experience is Malgar…yet… Variel move next to the dwarf and lays a hand on his shoulder. Malgar how are we to listen and learn from you when you seem so disconnected from reality. None of us know this Robin and clearly Paquen is not this person that you refer to constantly. Yesterday I was confused when you called her Robin as I did not know her real name. Now that I do and after listening to her prior to the rest of you coming up it is insulting for you to keep referring to her as such. You have a lot of knowledge and wisdom stored into that head of yours if we can make sense of it. How do we get past your troubled history to create a path forward for others to follow?
I still want to make a change for others. Perhaps the term rebellion is too strong for what we wish to do. Instead we support the people and their rights and see where this takes us. Paquen, this may be forward but perhaps we could start by helping the tieflings first?
"I agreed to explore an old building and make a quick earning," Litsy qualifies with a defeated shrug. "Not to take part in the next attempt to overthrow the government. But if you forbid me to do it, perhaps I'll just join out of spite," she adds, though the joke only feels half-hearted and not really meant.
Perhaps it is by bringing up the rally or pointing out her inconsistenties, but Variel has managed to struck a cord, leaving her troubled.
She stands uncharacteristically silent and preoccupied.
|
|
Variel gives Tiny a rueful grin. I believe I am past the point of telling you anything. That was made painfully clear last night. However it is good to know that if I ever really need you to do something I just have to tell you to do the opposite.
Variel looks at Rexus leaving with the papers and turns back to Tiny, Paquen, and Borgan. If you need some extra time do we leave with him now and meet up some other time?
"What?" Litsy asks distractedly, then blinks as if she'd just remembered Variel's presence. "Oh, I'm fine with escorting him to his contact, and then... I don't know. If we have enough time to split up and meet tomorrow or in a couple of days, I'm for it."
But before she can follow Rexus to the stables, she slaps her forehead and exclaims: "Wait, the loot! We forgot about the loot!"
Retracing her steps, she rushes back to the crates to help gathering all the items they've found before leaving. She gives the small but beautifully designed crossbow an appreciative glance.
"We just pick everything up, split shares later?"
Malgar sighs and rubs his temples. "Fine. We try it your way, Variel. We go and escort Rexus to his contact and see if we learn anything. We take all the loot with us for now. And after talking to this contact, we can decide how to run things - those of us who decide to try taking this mantle upon ourselves. Maybe none of us are fit to be the sole leader of an operation like this. Then again, we don't need a single one. We could vote for everything we do if we agree to all do your damnest to whatever the outcome is, even if a decision is not one we ourselves would make."
He glances at Paquen and Tiny. "'Course, we don't know who will stay. So I'd suggest going there now and seeing who we have to work with first."
He turns to Rexus and makes to follow him if the man is agreeable to go find his contact. He remembers the earlier discussion about loot distribution on the way out. "I'd like to keep hold of the cloak for now, for use in an emergency. We can decide on a definitive distribution later. I could use the mace too, as Beorn said, but it's a backup weapon for me, at best. Probably better for others."
"I like the crossbow," Litsy jumps in. "But that means giving up on my bow..." She quickly reaches a decision. "Oh, who cares, I'll just leave it here if no one wants it. It's an old one anyway. Anyone wants some spare arrows? "
"escorting Rexus back to his contact? Aye, let's do that. We can collect our thoughts along the way. It is much to take in and we don't have enough information to go on."
Borgan admits as Variel tries to diplomatically smooth over any concerns the group has between the individual parts.
"I own two melee weapons, not any ranged weapon. If we ever come across a situation in which I need one, I guess I could use any spare bow or crossbow we come across. Though it need not be a fancy one."
As the group intiates to move on ahead, he extends a hand to Malgar.
"Malgar, that would be one thing I will always agree upon. Doing our darndest to reach our goals, no matter what. I will join that agreement."
"There's a shortbow in this crate that'll require some muscle", Litsy suggests. "And I still have my old one, if it ain't too small for your hands."
Paquen shakes her head in disagreement.
"I appreciate the sentiment Variel but what the tiefling community needs is to be left out of all this. No special treatment, no extra attention. Nothing that brings the wrong kind of attention to them."
Paquen hefts her pack.
"Let's bring the bows along. At the least they can be sold." she tell Litsy.
Bearing the burden of sudden unwanted responsibility the group takes it slow through redroof to the Villegre Along the way armbanded and thuggish men and women are putting up recruitment posters for the Chelish Citizens Group over old advertisements for operatic performances and various other light entertainments throughout the city. Rexus clutches the box carefully as if the box itself would crumble to dust. The pipes below the livery that haunted the old silver raven safehouse would fall forever silent, and after a time the grimples would move on away from the somber entertainment to more interesting holes to inflict cruelty from.
For our heroes however the scenery changes from the quaint old town feel of red roof to the finery and culture of the streets by the university. Where finely dressed servants and halfling slaves go about the business their masters couldn't be bothered to seal with Rexus seems comfortable here though he more than anyone is aware the state of their clothes and their smell. He takes you to a quaint little cafe called the Longroads Coffeehouse where it's halfling proprietor is outside chatting with a beautiful young couple enjoying the cream cake and anecdotes she offers. Her smile broadens as she spots Rexus and company approaching her business.
Hurriedly excusing herself and meeting th group at the door she interrupts any kind of greeting with warm enthusiastic hugs and exclamations of not having seen any of you in a very long time.
Before you have a moment to start asking questions like "who are you" or "whose paying for this?" You find yourselves seated in her cramped office with hot coffee made to preference and an oversweet pastry in hand.
Maintaining her brilliant smile and with the door firmly closed the halfling addresses the group. "Now that appearances have been met and alibis made we can speak more openly. Judging by the collective smell I'm betting you already went look for the old ravens nest. Tell me Rexus and company what did you find?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Beorn follows the group deep in thought. His grand plan to help install the spark of rebellion into the people of Kintargo looked to be going wonderfully, but alas, there was no battering down the doors to drag a whining Brazalli to justice, just hurried flight and knee deep in diced beast as they fought for their lives underground.
Once the fighting was done and harsh reality set in, Beorn was wondering if his boisterous ways actually hurt the cause? He looked around warily as they darted through the streets, wondering if they would be recognized.
|
|
If that is the approach you think best Paquen then I will listen to you. You know that area and the people better than I do. Variel helps gather the left behind items from the stable or any of the the tools that he brought along that may have been left behind. Following behind the others Variel spots the thugs hanging up posters and longs to smash one of their faces. However he also knew that direct action was not was the group wanted or needed right now. What they all needed was time to contemplate the next steps and evaluation all the options. Adjusting his pack straps from the added weight Variel just kept his head down and kept walking.
Eventually arriving at the destination they were escorted inside without any introductions. Keeping it so Variel answered obliquely to the halfling woman, We found a cesspool of rot that accumulated over 80 years of disuse. We were the first ones inside since the previous users flew the coop. Variel doesn't say anything else until Rexus gives an indication it is ok to say any more.
Litsy watches the recruitment posters being put in place with a lump in her throat, wondering how she'll ever manage protecting the kids who depend on her. If some of them won't even defect to the dottari after all- better be on the winning side than the one who'll get brutalized. She wonders if she'll hold it against them, if they do.
Probably.
When they reach the pastry shop, the warm, affectionate effusions of the halfling woman catch her completely off-guard, and she responds to the squeezing hugs with wide eyes, stiffening with stress and giving Variel a look that all but says "someone get that crazy woman off me please". Confused, she lets herself be pushed into a tiny room and then into a comfortable seat with a mug of coffee and a pastry, before the woman's mask falls, and Litsy immediately relaxes.
"Oh, so you're Rexus's contact?" she chuckles awkwardly, finally understanding her ruse and appreciating it for what it is. "Well, we found a lot of clutters. Some tiny animals. A couple of shiny things," she adds, making deliberate eye contact with Rexus to know if it's safe to expand on the matter.
Malgar, for his part, is mostly comtenplative on the way to the cafe. He pulls his hood over his face as he usually did, obscuring the scarred visage from view. He didn't know how many people alive now could identify him up close as the one who shot Barzillai, but a remnant of common sense told him to do it.
...And it promptly leaves him as the entire group is suddenly shoved into the office of a cafe to discuss starting a rebellion. Yes, a cafe - right? Surely there were no potential security leaks. Maybe Rexus should reconsider this and not speak openly of their findings here.
...But they had cake, and it was good.
He sniffs the pastry with his dwarven nose for potential poison, then eats it as he waits for Rexus to share with her what he was comfortable doing. He'd have done it himself, but eh, people might blame it on him for being too reckless.
Especially the Robin lookalike.
...Wait, was she missing? Where did she go?
He scratches his beard, feeling he was missing something important.
Ah, Robin! The finest halfling to ever be under his command, easily worth ten Thrunites and a dozen Dorttari a hundred times over! So great was her loss... if only he could see her again...
Borgan is equally as surprised as Litsy from the halfling woman hugging the group as warm and tight as she does. Only later when they're all seated he realizes that this was a ruse to portray the group as weary friends that have finally come to visit her.
When the coffee and cake is offered, Borgan takes coffee as dark as it is served in this fine establishment. Then takes a bite from the super sweet pastry and his mind is taken aback by the delicious taste. He even misses the first question she asked.
"Sorry what? This pastry is delicious. This is a piece of art in itself."
He now realizes what she asked as the others finished their story.
"Old Ravens nest? There's not much to add to their descriptions, though how come you know about the old place?"
Beorn is rather overwhelmed by the exuberant welcome by the owners. Good to meet you as well, Madam Longroads. The pastry is sweet and sticks to his beard and the coffee compliments it perfectly. His confidence renewed by the rush of sugar, Beorn nods along with Borgan. Indeed, decrepit place, needed a good scrubbing.
"Oh." The halfling says looking a bit disappointed. "So no equipment? Nothing important or useful."
Rexus looks between you for a moment before silently pulling a page out from his vest and laying it out carefully on the desk. The halflig leans over to look at it and looks back at Rexus quizzically.
"There are hundreds," he says, "all of them written in the same code."
The halfling sits up and thinks for a long moment.
"So, I suppose now that we're all partners in sedition we should at least get to know one another," she smiles pleasantly, "my name is Laria and this is my coffeehouse, also a stash house and safe house for my friends, up until about a week ago. Hard to do your job when most of the bellflower network is either gone, deep in hiding, or fled town. As for how I knew? Well, I didn't," she gestures at Rexus, "his mother did. Probably among hundreds of other useful secrets likely gone forever with that groups expungement."
Rexus looks pained for a moment while Laria continues, "I already know your names ao you can save yourself the awkward introductions. Though it looks like she's stepped out. Too bad, she's stuck in whether she acknowledges it or not. She's not going to be a liability is she? And, assuming she's not, what are we doing next?"
We did find these silver raven statues. Magical in fact.
|
|
Once Rexus divulges more information and the halfling woman gives her name Variel feels a bit more at ease. Sorry for being a bit uptight there. I didn't know who you were or if Rexus was in agreement with this. We knew he had someone he wanted us to meet but with no description I did not want to say more and jeopardize the situation. Thank you for the coffee and pastry as well. As for what else we found, Beorn is right that we did find the raven statues that perhaps gave the group its name originally. Those statues and the papers are the most significant findings. There were few other minor magical items and gems and coins but nothing significant.
You say this place was a safe house up to a week ago...not to sound rude but is it still safe today after all that has happened with Thrune lately? I would hate to be discovered before we had a chance to even talk or think everything through. You see Laria we are still trying to figure out the answer to your last question ourselves. None of us know exactly what the next step is or how involved all of us are going to be. What we need most I think is a chance for some to reflect and think about what is needed personally, what Kintargo needs and how does Rexus/yourself and the Silver Ravens/Bellflower Network fit in to all of that.
Variel looks around the group, Unless people have had enough time to think on the way over here.
"Not really. We were all too busy moping," Litsy sniffs her pastry cautiously, then takes a small bite out of it. "Guess we were still wondering how to crack the code of the documents Rexus found, 'cause that can give us some kind of lead. Also, we need to figure out whether or not some of the Ravens are still alive and around, preferably not behind bars. If they are, maybe they've kept one of the statuettes with them, which is a start. We don't know if we've found all of the statues they owned after all."
Still musing, she takes a big chomp of the pastry, spreading sugar on her chin.
"That doesn't mean we don't have any questions for you either. What's the Bellflower network you're talking about? What's your link to the Ravens? And how much for a dozen of those pastry things?"
Rexus gives Variel a pained look while Larria rolls her eyes at Variels question of safety and responds sarcastically. "Oh no not safe at all! In fact it was all burned to the ground a week ago before a mysteriously handsome stranger broke my chains and reminded me of the power of love. Whereby I got on my back clapped my fuzzy feet and the whole building and the strangers pants all popped right up out of the ashes!"
She takes a long sip of her own coffee before taking a look at Beorn smiling pleasantly. "Maybe if you play your cards right ill clap fuzzy feet for you too."
She pauses briefly for Beorns reaction before laughing and turning back to the matter. "But seriously I have a lot of friends. Most of whom have a vested interest in keeping this place off the dottari's interest list. And many who would be scandalized and belligerent to find their favorite coffeehouse harassed by suspicious guards in this nice part of town."
"As for the organization I help out we work to ensure people get to where they need to go. So if say a masters son gets too handsy with someones daughters, maybe a master beats their servants too hard, or maybe someone just wants to find gainful employment literally anywhere but here or nidal I help ensure they make it to their new destination mostly stress free. Not that much of that is happening right now. Heat's too much and the new proclamation makes negotiations trickier. Maybe I should start a delivery service? Food for thought. No link to the ravnes far as I know. They're a myth, a legend you dont talk about in polite company. And given it's been near a century since they were more than that I suspect thats all they are. So as far as me and Rexus are concerned you're it until the dottari hang you."
Latia gives Litsy an appraising look before answering. "22 silver for a dozen. But if I find nothing missing when you leave you can comeback tonight and have a sack of whats left. I have a bad habit of baking too much."
"If you're still trying to plant your feet on the ground you can make use of the storehouse in the meantime for privacy. You'll just have to work it oit with the current occupant."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Beorn looks quite puzzled at Latia's statement and no doubt somewhere high above a bird is struck by how high it went over his head.If we could some magical help perhaps in decoding the papers it would be a big help. I fear my language skills are lacking in that area.
""22 silver for a dozen. But if I find nothing missing when you leave you can comeback tonight and have a sack of whats left. I have a bad habit of baking too much."
"Deal," Litsy replies without hesitation. "I'll come back tonight. You really shouldn't let my kids you're so generous though. They'll never leave you in peace."
She takes a moment to think about the implications of Larria's explanations. An organization that helps people in trouble move out of the city cheaply- how come she had never heard of it? One can almost see the gears turning in her head as she assesses how useful such a service could be.
"Well, magical help that'd come from someone who wouldn't denounce her, that is," she finally joins back on the conversation. "And ultimately, it doesn't matter if the Silver Ravens are real or aren't, innit? I doubt whoever made those statues chose crows just 'cause they really liked them. Some people have wanted to be the Ravens at some point- not so long ago if Rexus's mother knew where they stashed their stuff-, that means they could be found. Possibly be of some help."
"Hey, your organized escape stuff, they don't have contacts within prisons, I presume?"
"I don't think magic will help too much." Rexus says as he picks up the page, "even the best spells for it only last for a minute or two and only helps the person casting it. It can be done without. If I have help it'll be faster. If not it may take a while."
Laria rhinks for a moment. "Not many prison guards. Priaon breaks draw too much attention. Besides, prisons are for people," Laria says bitterly, "slaves aren't recognized as people until they're not slaves anymore.
Laria shakes her head, "But, I think you misunderstand. The organization Rexus's mother was in was dedicated to chronicling Kintargo's real history. They were good enough to find an untouched safehouse don't you think they would have mentioned if any living member still existed in the city? Besides, it's a waste of resources and time to look."
"In two weeks time Barzillai's upended decades of careful underground networking. He's eliminated a lot of sympathetic allies and cowed those on the fence while quietly cultivating his own force of local muscle," Laria sighs in exasperation, "to top it off someone had the balls to take a shot at him in public, justifying further crackdowns and brutality. I've already heard from people that the Order of the Rack are dragging dwarves out of their homes and businesses and shaking them down. The lucky ones are still able to walk. If you want to do this you have to focus on what you can do now, and what you can achieve with what you have. You have six capable people, some starting funds and a bunch of documents that may hold further useful secrets. I can let you use the stash house for a bit after you check on it and try to get a hold of some people needing some direction of their own to give you a hand. I'm laying low until the Network can operate safely in the city again but I can pass on info where I'm able. That's real, and real people will benefit or suffer based on what you do with it. No long forgotten stories or magical solutions required. If this is too much for you to handle I recommend walking out the door and not stopping till you reach Andora. It only gets uglier from here."
Harsh reality being dropped Laria leans back in her chair and crosses her arms.
Sensing the sudden seriousness of the room Rexus clears his throat.
"Well, that aside, who needs them? You are bold my friends. Was it not you that raised your voice and your swords where others cowered? Was it not you that took the first steps into the forgotten darkness of the past and brought forth real evidence of Kintargo's true glorious past? Are these not the tales that our greatest operas apring from? You can do this, Paquens misgivings aside, I truly believe you're capable if you try. I cannot do this on my own, but with the aid of talented citizens such as yourselves, I have hope that we can. Will you aid Kintargo? Will you save the city from the devil?"
Borgan listens to Laria's tale and comments about how she knew about the Raven's hideout. but shifts uneasily in his seat as she mentions no one of the Ravens would probably still be alive this day. Forgot about how long ago that was, she's probably right. Still a shame that we have no one to guide us... Wait.
He listens further to her explanation and Rexus's comments as they describe the situation of the group. A group capable of possibly changing things, although the current look of it may be bleak to start with.
Borgan sighs for a moment, licks his lips and begins.
"Well for starters, we did have a discussion already about this. When we found the hideout and the eventual Raven statues, some of us were elated to possibly revive the reputation of the Silver Ravens, others reserved as they knew what it could mean. We discussed that we needed a plan, guidance and good leadership to properly execute such future ideals and to keep casualties and injuries to a minimum."
He gestures to the others with his left hand.
"We are perhaps able-bodied, but unexperienced in running an underground organization. Your help, miss Laria, would be invaluable for sure, even if it is just information from around the city and working to decipher that book. Perhaps you could even give us pointers on how best to hide in plain sight with your experience with the Network."
He folds his hands in front of him, twiddling his thumbs for a moment.
"Where to start is a good question. I can think of two initial questions. One, who do you think could help you with deciphering that book we found? It is a good a start as anything and any help from that book will probably be welcome.
Two, who is the current occupant of your storehouse? Do you think he or she would be willing to lend us a hand?"
|
|
Variel listens to the dismissive tone Laria gave him when she answered him. Her answer was was enough to satisfy him after the snide remarks. The question he posed was meant more about her previous contacts and the possibility they would turn on her. Apparently that concern was not needed as there were quite powerful patrons that would protect Laria and this establishment. It is good to know that this is truly a safe house. My concern was about others informing on you but clearly that is moot.
Just to make it clear I am all for doing 'something' to help the people of Kintargo. I have a personal vendetta against Barzillai Thrune whish helps my motivation but I have also bought into the dream that Rexus presented to us. I like the idea that children in Kintargo can grow up without fear of questions and learning. I want to see them have a better life than what we have now. The question remains as to what that 'something' is. I would be glad for any advice or suggestions. Before with Paquen I was thinking that we could help the tieflings in the city yet I do not know of anything specific that we could do.
I agree Borgan that Laria's assistance and knowledge would be beneficial. I think that the leadership is going to be us with the aid of such as those of Rexus and Laria. We must still decide though what direction we want to go as a group. Looking at those that still haven't made up their minds much, Shall we go visit the occupant downstairs while some of you keep thinking things over?
I must wonder why this Barzillai has gone so petty with his proclamations. The ones against grain and tea are baffling and mounting pictures of The Thrune Queen is an odd choice. He would be more likely want his portrait all over the place.
""Not many prison guards. Prison breaks draw too much attention. Besides, prisons are for people," Laria says bitterly, "slaves aren't recognized as people until they're not slaves anymore."
"Can't say I'm surprised," Litsy sighs in disappointment. "But I'm not talking about breaking someone out of prison. Only I need to find out where someone is, and it happens to be in jail. If you know of prison guards who can get bribed into taking a look around, I can give you more details tonight."
She does her best not to look at Malgar out of the corner of her eye knowingly during Laria's rant, but clearly her best is not quite enough. Rexus's grand speech, however, is met with both incredulity and dismay.
"That's... Not how you do flattery. 'Forgotten darkness of the past'? Glorious past- that how you describe treading in possum puke? Beorn, are there any operas about possum puke?" She gives another, weary sigh. "Before we even talk about saving the city from the devil or some shit- which I'll believe when I see it-, let's figure out a way to stay alive in that hellish f*&%hole. At least a stash house and free pastries is a start."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rexus withers under tiny's incredulous berating. Laria laughs, "I take it you've never been a tosher? No, you don't have the smell or the lye burns. Like I said i'll help where I can but you'll need a lot more friends than us if you want to make any headway. Do some favors, call in some if you have any, etc," standing up Laria starts to collect everyones cups. "His names Nan and he was smuggling some foreign textiles. Nothing too serious but enough to land him in prison. He was stowing textiles for weeks before he went in to take stock before moving it to a potential buyer. Haven't had the time to look in on him. Still there though, seeing as the food I leave out is getting eaten. Theres also laughing at night. So, I'm guessing he decided to use my storehouse as a place to get ridiculously high or something even more inconvenient like turn into a ghoul."
Before Laria opens the door to lead you out Rexus snaps his fingers as he remembers something important, "hang on, I need to pay you."
Hand on the door handle Laria gives him a sidelong look as he reaches under her desk and pulls out a small wooden box and presents it to the group with all the promised treasure from yesterday. Once the group settles up with that Laria quickly leads you to the basement, where the strong smells of fresh coffee beans, cinnamon, nutmeg and various other spices and sugars intermingle. Pushing aside a crate Laria points out seems in the masonry that would otherwise be hidden. She then takes out a simple piton and mallet not out of place in a storehouse and gently hammers into the seem roughly a foot off the ground. A soft click is heard and she catches the piton as it falls off. The door swings outwardly revealing a plaster facade over a sturdily built and very quiet wooden door. "Mechanism is much easier on the other side. Keep it clean and put nothing there that smells strong including bodies. Keep light away from the door as it can be seen through the crack by someone who knows what to look for. There's a bunkroom and the temperature stays pleasant through most of the year if you need a place to sleep. Though if you want a spot on the upper floor with a much bigger bed and nicer company you'll have to take me somewhere nice and call me pretty." Laria smiles brightly and looks up at Beorn on the last remark.
Well Madam Longroad, I would very much like to give you a sterling performance at the opera, but that cad Brazalli is squatting there. So perhaps after we bounce him out on his ear.
"Are there any ghouls that snack on waffles and muffins?" Litsy sniffs the sugar-scented air that wafts from the basement. "Can't be that bad if there are. And that's a nice secret door you have there- I'll have to install the same one at my place. Or Variel's place. It could be a secret lair where you mope and plan your revenge," she teases the man. "How do you open the door from the inside?"
|
|
I don't know much about the undead but I don't think that they like to eat waffles and muffins. That being the case the laughter gives me pause as we do not know the condition of Nan's mind. We need to be careful. Speaking of which I am still slightly injured from the rats. Anyone able to fix me up?
When Rexus pulls out the payment Variel tries to identify the ring and the bracers.
spellcraft bracers
spellcraft ring
Once finished with that Variel looks up at Tiny as she gives him her mischievous quip. Thanks Tiny but you should know by now that I don't need place special to plot and plan for Thrune's demise. I am quite capable of moping about anywhere. A place to hang an effigy of Barzillai would be a nice touch to spruce up the place. Maybe I have a secret area of my own already that you don't know about. Variel does pay close attention to the details Laria gives them about how and when to use the secret door and hidden room.
Variel casts shield upon himself as he makes ready to lead into the secret room.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Perhaps we could get a special Moping Mirror? We can practice our glowers and thoughtful silences in it before heading out on a mission.
"Thank you Laria, we will need to think about our next actions as we settle in. We will probably require your input from time to time. Still, I wonder, do you know of anyone we should contact or help out that could help you with this translation of the book? I think that would be most helpful. "
When he turns to the others he hears the friendly banter and smiles. "let's hope Nan is also just as mirthful as you guys, nothing worse. In that case you could get along just fine."
Borgan moves to check the place out and see if this Nan hasn't lost his mind yet.
"No idea," Laria answers Borgan having retreated for the moment from the solid mountain that is Beorn's chastity, "I'll see whose left and get back to you. In the meantime I have a shop to run. I'll check on you before we close to see if you need anything Rexus is holed up in my office straining his eyes in the meantime. Shut the door behind you, the lever opens it up from the inside. The other workers here don't know about this place for their safety so make absolitely sure no one's down here before using it. Take care.
Within the hall way it's pitch black. For those who can see this long, damp hallway opens to the southeast into a large reservoir of calm, dark water. A wooden pier extends twenty feet into the water, while another twenty feet out rises the top half of a statue of a beautiful elven woman. A foul smell, like that of rotting meat, comes from somewhere near the pier. Two holes have been knocked into the northwest walls to provide access to chambers beyond.
Beorn uses his darkvision to peer into the gloomy gloom.
I believe something must have died here recently.
|
|
Variel shares the items with the rest of the group. I will take the dagger if that is ok with everyone.
That is never a good sign or smell. Perhaps Nan did turn into an undead creature. Beorn if you are good with it let me create some light down here so we can see from a distance what is going on.
Variel casts dancing lights and sends them down the path to illuminate the pier area.
perception
"Nice statue. What a bummer when your interior decoration gets flooded, innit?"
Litsy squints in the dim light, wary of the smell and the darkness.
"Something's definitely dead somewhere." Out of cautiousness, she draws her bow.
"Almost like I'm back at the prison... but at least the jailor's a lot cuter and good at baking treats," Malgar says when the whiffs of fetid *something* reach his nostrils. "Should probably make sure whatever that is, is not in our water supply here. Armies are more often killed by disease than casualties."
He peers around for the source as well.
"If that's so, surely something must've happened to Nan. Either he got attacked by undead or he has become one."
Borgan states a thing that would've probably crossed the mind of everyone as he also looks around with darkvision across the room.
"I hope whatever it is, doesn't get close to that water. I don't want to fall in wearing all this armour."
The pier leads off into a pool of water that disappears into a tunnel down the way. The room looks like it was whole befofe but the two holes in the wall go into different chambers.
Tiny and Beorn with their keen vision and dark sense respectively and easily spot out a body tucked just off shore underneath the pier. The man has been there for a while and has been...chewed. His left leg is missing just under the knee.
More concerning is the large pale shape outlined against the black waters sitting motionless just a few feet from it. Long powerful jaws and small red eyes at the top of its head are just above the water the rest of its eight foot long body lies just underneath the water its thick hide reminiscent of pictures youve seen of dragons.
"Oh, shit," Litsy swears, her voice echoing in the empty room. "I think Nan's just been done in, poor soul," she points at a bloodied pile of clothes that, on closer inspection, does appear to cover a human body, though it looks extremely dead. " And I bet this f$#*er did it," she continues, this time pointing at something large, reptilian and hungry lurking in the muddy water. "What is it anyway- a gator?"
Oh dear, it seems the rumors of alligators in the sewers are true.