"It's just too bad we're only here to show the flag. Maybe we'll get lucky and one of the blind fools will pick a fight. I wouldn't mind getting to carve up a couple of Iomedae's servants. Call it the first payment on a debt I owe her." the big tiefling clearly has a history with Iomedae's church, and not a good one.
Hal puts on the sash eagerly before emerging into the square. He sidles up to a few of the people milling around the well, hoping to turn them against the Iomedaeans before the sermon can even begin. ”So what’s all this then?” he asks them, gesturing toward the table in front of the church. ”Those priests going to ask for money again, are they? Don’t they have enough of it already?”
Fellzir nods vigorously at Hal's diatribe, pretending he doesn't know him, but fully supports him. Yeah! That guy's right!
Once the crowd is fired up, he will (of course) check out the cemetery.
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Deciding to split up here you move out to check out the various areas...
The elderly mage hobbles over to one of the buildings across the square from the church that used to be the Three Bands Cooper. He recalls the archbaron’s excessive taxes on local craftsmen, especially those working with local goods, drove the cooper out of business about a year ago. The shop is dark, boarded up, and looks empty, but there’s a rickety staircase in the adjacent alley that leads to the building’s second floor, where a door provides access to the second story apartment. Ohd for the most part doesn't see anything else of interest, except a few tasty bugs flying around.
As the rest of you make your way into the churchyard and start to mingle with the townsfolk (with Fellzir eying the church grounds itself he can see the graveyard has not been used in months) you catch glimpses of conversation from the townsfolk, mostly curious you would guess. As the time of the sermon grows near the crowd grows...
But good citizens, as long as the whole thing stays lawful, you have little to fear from the law, would you not agree? He speaks, playing up his quite congenial nature, his arms far removed from his swords and saps.
If one takes him into a degree of confidence, he will further prod with:
Truth to be told, some unvarnished accounts of local conditions may be of great use, given that the archbaron may be ill advised, with his chosen lackeys possibly keeping information from him.
The few half-hearted responses Hal receives tell him he isn't being particularly successful, so as more people gather about he tries a different approach. Hearing murmurs that seem relevant, he slips between the crowd to get closer.
Unfortunately, his stealth skills are much more suited to staying out of sight than to mingling among others.
"So what's the big speech going to be about?" Guillaume says as he sidles up to a few of the townsfolk.
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The townsfolk glance over to Aurelius and Guillaume and seem to shy away from further conversation, until one of the elderly women speaks up in a strident tone, "“I heard one of Sword Knight Allamar’s sons say she was visited by an angel! This could mean great things for the church and the town!” Unfortunately Hallidan is not able to glean anything further.
Fellzir tries to move about unnoticed.
Aurelius own backstory awards him an unique idea here
Smilining politily at the old women.
You claim that one of her, undoubtedly easily influence sons has been approached by a winged outsider? But can you be certain of the type? The way the 5th crusade ended has greatly strenghtened the hand of the Lady in Shadows, and her agents, free from any moral concerns and able to assume the shape of other outsiders at will, wish nothing but to spread chaos and mayhem in lawful societies such as Cheliax or yes, Mendev.
And what would be more fitting for them them to put lawful against lawful, by appearing Angelic, by whipsering sweet words of rebellion, by handing out sacred gifts of an actually profane nature?
Pray tell, has the young man become more charismatic, stronger or more dextrous after this visitation? Perhaps he know speaks we newfound purpose? Or even is wise about things that he has no business of knowing?
He pauses
And consider, Succubi in particular are wont to go after and to abuse virgins, and I very much believe that the son, unmarried I believe, of Sword Knight Allamar would be just that?
I would council you to keep the peace, to not act rashly, and to not jump to conclusions about visitations, dreams or omens, dark forces are undoubtedly afloat to put as against each other
Aurelius believes he hears faint femine laughter in the back of his brains as he says this, and listening to it makes him far more convincing, his delivery far more in line with his audiences breathing and perceptive patterns, his voice far more steady, then it should have been.
TLDR: Angel? Nah, Succubui are toying with you good folk! Also, I am totally going with Aurelius playing Good cop, we have good choices for bad cop for sure!
Octavonius takes note of the second story. If the shop remains abandoned and the second story's occupants are busy in the square or elsewhere it could make for a strategic vantage point to watch over the proceedings or provide aid if violence were to spill out below. The wizard waits for his familiar to return to him before proceeding to check the door to see if it is unlocked and, if it is, poke around to see who and/or what lays beyond.
Whatever he discovers, Octavonius recalls Guillaume speaking Infernal so will send Ohd to discreetly let him and, by proxy, everyone else know what he has discovered and extend the offer for anyone to join him if the second story is accessible.
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Suddenly, a female Tiefling with a strong presence joins the crowd.
Her supple skin, black hair and facial features clearly mark her beauty.
But her eyes look very much like those of a snake which betray the more bestial aspects of her fiendish ancestry. The Tiefling additionally exhibits a long, flexible tail which is covered with tiny scales that are arrayed in patterns not unlike those of a serpent.
She has a backpack on her back, is wearing leather armor that has been recently oiled, and has a whip, dagger and sling at her side while her left hand wears a spiked gauntlet that holds a buckler.
And she is wearing a sash marked with the insignia of Archbaron Fex!
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Amala was pleased when one of her contacts, Cimri, told her that the mysterious Razelago offered her another job.
She had been surprised to hear that the Fifth Sword Knight Allamar is gathering all who will listen for a sermon in front of the church to spread her revolutionary claptrap that can only sow the seeds of confusion and frustration among Longacre’s citizens.
But she was not surprised that Cimri's boss, this so called Razelago, is not amused about that.
She was advised that a couple of others were hired as well to attend the rally and that she would recognize them as they would wear the same sashes - marked with the insignia of Archbaron Fex - that Amala was given.
When she arrives, she looks around.
"Hmmm ... there I see Cimri ... and look at the delicious group that she has gathered around her. Ohhh ... and who do I see there! What a coincidence to see him again ... it really is Aurelius!" she thinks with a smile.
"And he is giving one of those speeches again?!? But I have to admit that he is very believable!" she thinks while shaking her head in amusement.
Amala does not immediately approach the team that she obviously is supposed to join but starts by innocently asking around the crowd to understand what is going on here!
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Fellzir skirts the edges of the crowd but is not able to pick up any more details while Octavonius discovers the door, despite leading to an empty apartment, is securely locked thus barring access. Ohd flies down to deliver the message, yet the stunning new arrival of the statuesque tiefling draws the attention of the compatriots (and more than a few glares, noteably from Cimri) drowning out the squawks yet Amala's words have a mesmerizing effect on a few of the townsfolks congregated together, including the old lady Aurelius was conversing with. "I...I don't know what you mean...excuse me..." the old woman darts off clearly disturbed by the Tieflings words. Amala hears one group of them mutters, “Fex doesn’t like the townsfolk gathering in large groups like this. Allamar’s message must be pretty important if she’s willing to provoke the archbaron.” Sauntering over to a pair of middle-aged female laborers she gleans the news “Something bad went down at Louslik Tannery last night. I bet that’s what has the priestess worked up. We’re in for some hellfire from her for sure!” Fortunately Amala was appraised of the raid upon the Tannery, which left all three workers seriously injured but expected to recover.
Huh, seems familiar, who, could that be Amala?
He perceives the newcomer with some surprise.
Oh boy, I need to shunt either Cimri or her on someone else, or I get either sap-boinked or whipped, yikes.
He thinks, probably not incorrectly.
All a hard days work for quarter Succubus-man. Ah crud, I shouldnt think like that or I get quarterd by Succubi or something. His thoughts trail of a bit, which frankly happens quite often.
Amala winks at Aurelius and walks over to Cimri.
“Hello Cimri darling, I’m here. So who are these friends of yours?“ she says with a sly smile.
Amala swirls around theatrically.
“Im Amala!“ she says with force and a wicked smirk.
If Guillaume allows him to, Ohd, the raven familiar, would be on his shoulder. Otherwise he is simply bouncing around at the group's feet crowing. "Stairs!" and "Locked door!" over and over in Infernal. When Amala introduces herself Ohd cocks his head side to side for a moment before squawking, "Ohd! Master's familiar!"
Fellzir notes the dramatic entrance of Amala and tries not to say anything stupid... and thus says nothing at all.
Guillaume merely glances at the bird, then slowly nods when it speaks. Seing Aurelius's reaction to the newcomer, he slides toward him and whispers
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As Amala introduces herself to the group causing not a little consternation from both Cimri and Fellzir (although for different reasons) the other townsfolks glance at the lot of you and start giving you all a wide berth. It is not long afterwards before your presence draws the attention of someone which you all have a passing familiarity yet Cimri tenses up and a brief look of hate flashes over her face before being replaced by a practiced look of disinterested boredom...as the Sheriff of Longacre, Rhona Staelish — who also happens to be Cimri’s aunt — approaches all of you...
If Guillaume allows him to, Ohd, the raven familiar, would be on his shoulder. Otherwise he is simply bouncing around at the group's feet crowing. "Stairs!" and "Locked door!" over and over in Infernal. When Amala introduces herself Ohd cocks his head side to side for a moment before squawking, "Ohd! Master's familiar!"
Amala raises an eyebrow.
In infernal she replies to the raven.
“Oh what do we have here?!? A very intelligent and eloquent little bird! So your master is somewhere else I assume. Tell him I’d like to make his acquaintance!“ she says with some rare hesitation though.
Fellzir notes the dramatic entrance of Amala and tries not to say anything stupid... and thus says nothing at all.
Seeing that the mysterious person eyed her but did not speak she looks at Cimri and laughs.
“Well, your friends are shy Cimri! Come on handsome… I’m not going bite! Don’t you have a name?“ she asks and comes awfully close to Fellzir.
"Take awhile!" the raven squawks back. "Master old!" He then takes wing back to said old wizard who tries to peer from his vantage point at the newcomer. Though his eyes not being the most reliable things he eventually aquieses with some grumbled complaints as he descends downstairs and enters the courtyard.
Most likely recognizing the Sheriff, he gives the woman a wide berth as he hobbles to the group. By his wrinkled skin, long, thin mane of white hair, and slightly hunched posture Octavonius has the look of a man in his seventies. He eyes the young newcomer suspiciously but inclines his head in greeting. "Octavonius Procchus at your service, my lady. Might I ask how you found your way into our merry band of miscreants?"
Most likely recognizing the Sheriff, he gives the woman a wide berth as he hobbles to the group. By his wrinkled skin, long, thin mane of white hair, and slightly hunched posture Octavonius has the look of a man in his seventies. He eyes the young newcomer suspiciously but inclines his head in greeting. "Octavonius Procchus at your service, my lady. Might I ask how you found your way into our merry band of miscreants?"
Amala raises an eyebrow at the entrance and smiles.
“Well, Cimri and Archbaron Fex of course. I think that we’re here for the same reasons!!“
She makes clear to Octavonius that she’s also here to disturb this event.
“Well, your friends are shy Cimri! Come on handsome… I’m not going bite! Don’t you have a name?“ she asks and comes awfully close to Fellzir.
"Fellzir the handsome, at your service."
Amala forms and evil grin on her face. She takes a moment to size up Fellzir.
"Oh darling you do not know what I do to those that are at my service! So do not say that lightly ... " she responds and suddenly her demeanor changes and she has quite a stern look on her face.
Taking a break from concern trolling wannabe crusader, Aurelius slowly approaches Amala, Guillaeume in tow.
What a pleseant surprise to be reacquainted in less stab intensive circumstances mylady, by your most excellent choice of wardrobe attachments, we work for the same most generous master?
He says with a smile.
Heh, she had Rakshasa blood? I guess it manifested after I dabbled in heroics, Nyaa
May I introduce you to Sir Guillaume Coeur-de-Lion? Better at violence then I am He makes introductions between the 2 of them.
Amala touches Aurelius arm and nods slowly.
"Yes, it seems we are on the same side. And it is dangerous but good to see you again Aurelius. I have to admit that your speech was ... well fabulous of course! And you make Mr. Coeur-de-Lion sound unbelievably intruiging to me!" she says and licks her lips.
Hal notices through his information-gathering efforts, which are going poorly, that a beautiful woman of some otherworldly origin is getting far too chatty with his allies. As he gets closer, though, he notices that they seem to be neither nervous nor falsely friendly with her. Is she… part of this? He looks questioningly at Cimri, who gives him an “it’s okay” nod. He approaches. ”So you’re part of this too, are ya? We’ll look alive, I think it’s starting soon.” His one slitted pupil surveys her two, and a part of him can’t help feeling just a little grateful. Next to her, I don’t stand out so bad.
Guillaume just shrugs.
Amala nods at Hal.
“You look interesting… and yes. I’m waiting for the party to get started. Maybe the sherif will light the fire?!“ she says grinning.
She then looks at Guillaume with an astounded look on her face.
“You are right. Very right … “ she responds and her face reveals a certain longing.
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As all of you continue to make your acquaintances (some of them more awkward than others) the Sheriff Rhona Staelish circles back to chat softly with one of her deputies before finally turning her attention to you. She nods briefly in a polite greeting to each of you, yet her focus is on Cimri. Her tone is more formal than what you might expect from a relative as she speaks to your employer.
“Cimri! How’s my favorite niece doing?” Rhona asks with Cimri replying coolly, “I was just dandy, Aunt Rhona.” Rhona doesn't seem put off by this as she continues, “Some shady folks you’ve been hanging around with lately. Want to introduce me to your friends?” Cimri replies a bit testily, “Not particularly.”
Usually, Amala is more or less ignorant to other's feelings or motives as she concentrates ... on herself of course but today she feels something.
She steps forward to the sherrif.
"Hello my dear Sheriff Staelish. I usually am rude but today I make an exception so I am just saying this once: This feels very much like an interrogation here, and your questions are definitely leading questions, a question that prompts or encourages the desired answer! What are you up to Sheriff? Don't you see that we are official representatives here?" she says and points at the Sash!
She points at the crowd and the people leading the protest.
She looks at the Sheriff a little bit apologetical now.
"Listen, we are all on the same side I think! The government's side is our side, right? So maybe we concentrate on that instead of on poor Cimri? Because we all here are not 'shady folks' as you are indicating but we are here to support the local authorities ... so we are aiding you Sheriff Staelish!" she says with a persuasive voice.
Fellzir hears the Sheriff and immediately starts looking for an exit strategy.
He recognizes the interrogation attempt and doubts Cimri will fall for it, especially from her aunt. So he slowly steps behind one person on the street and then another, hoping the Sheriff will lose sight of him.
He then stops, awestruck at Amala's words. She could be quite the force of personality if she wasn't so flamboyant. Maybe she could be convinced to switch religions, he thinks.
Sheriff Rhona I believe? Aurelius Flavius, recently hired by our most magnanimous Baron to increase this settlements security.
I have heard from rumors that there was an armed robbery at a Tannery in the vicinity? There have been other instances of unusual and/or criminal activities in the surroundings, beyond your jurisdiction and, as a professional paranoid, they may be connected. I do not mean to introde upon your investigation, but any forthcoming information would possibly be fruitfull in uncovering plots, for I fear nefarious forces to be at play here.
Aurelius keeps spinning his tale, carefully hatching seeds in distinct plots of ripe rumor land, hoping to watch them grow into a gentle vine that shall strangle all thoughts of rebellion.
Soon, all will know that the glorious reclamation are unknowing but very much willing catspaws of Lady Nocticula!
Ahahahahhahaha go on
Who was that? And why did I think of the
He mentally struggles for a short moment
BIG BONED BAT B$&#@ as Lady?
In his mind, and his mind only, he hears beautifull but dangerous feminine laughter.
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Gliding forward to a place just behind Cimri's shoulder, Guilaume smiles at the sheriff. A woman as impressive as Cimri is bound to attract plenty of admirers, ma'am. I know she's made me a better person just from getting to spend time with her. You must be proud to have such a family." Guillaume says.
Nice hells, a sheriff? Cimri's aunt or no, she might take a dim view of their mission here today. Instinctively, Hal tries to make himself scarce.
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The Sheriff listens carefully to the persuasive words of both tieflings, and at first is reluctant here, but soon she nods slowly as you both finish up. Barely paying any attention to the rest of you she replies cordially, “Well, I have to keep an eye on things here. You all stay out of trouble, you hear?” She then nods farewell to her niece Cimri before moving off to mingle with the crowd.
Aurelius makes a rough headcount of how many people are there overall, how many of them could possibly be armed, if anyone moves as if he had seen combat, other then that he makes himself quite visible and does not hide, hopefully aiding his more stealthy teammates in their efforts.
Octavonius stays near the group but keeps silent and watches the exchange. It'd been several decades since his first and only run-in with the law so he hopes his degraded appearance is enough to disguise himself from anyone who would remember such a time. He watches the Sheriff carefully and does his best to remember her face.
Sensing the Sheriff's intention he simply let's those better at distracting her do so. Once the Sheriff departs he searches for the two more stealthy amongst the group to inform them of the locked door on the second story. Only to find they had disappeared!
"Blast it all! Now where have they gone off to?"
With Ohd's help he attempts to locate either Hallidan or Fellzir and see if they would be able to unlock a locked door and then help him explore it and maybe use it as a vantage point for the coming sermon.
"Huh. Not a bad idea, old man. Show me where it is." Hal follows Octavonius to the locked apartment door and inspects the lock. "That's something I oughtta get with the sack of gold from the last job-- some good lockpicks." He casts about for anything that might do for now.
"Nicely done," Octavonius says to Hallidan, though his twitchy eyes dance across the scaled parts of his skin more so than anywhere else when he speaks to him. "Very nicely done indeed."
"Steal shinies! Steal shinies next!" Ohd squawks. Octavonius swiftly shushes the creature before sending it out to discreetly move around the square and temple as well as to pass along the information that a vantage point has been made available.
With a grunt of effort, the old wizard slides down beside the window to keep an eye out without hopefully being easily spotted himself. It is from here he intends to watch the sermon with great interest.
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As you settle in here you see the activity around the Church increase and then you see Tileavia Allamar, the Fifth Sword Knight of Iomedae, appear on one of the church’s balconies, dressed in the yellow-trimmed white cassock of her faith, and addresses the crowd in a clear, strong voice. “Friends and neighbors, I have wondrous tidings to share! We have all known hardships in our lives—needless sorrows, injustice, even cruelty. Indeed, such is the struggle of all who live. But many among us have known more than our share. Many among us have shouldered burdens laid upon them not by the Inheritor, but by those who would curse her name and taunt her faithful." Here she pauses briefly before picking up again, her voice growing more strident and animated. "But today, I bear a missive from champions of Iomedae’s faith, heralds of the goddess’s will, who know your troubles and would see them end.”
Allamar gestures to a pair of young men who carry a box swaddled in white linen between them and place it on the table in front of the church. The priestess unfurls a rolled parchment and again raises her voice. “I received this letter last night: “‘People of Longacre! The time of your redemption is at hand. When the song of the Inheritor rises, you all must choose: live as complacent vassals of corruption and evil, or embrace honor and claim the glory that is your right. The Glorious Reclamation gives you a choice.’ “Signed, ‘Lencia Visserene, Knight-Inheritor of the Glorious Reclamation.’
“Friends, it is up to us to restore the worship of Iomedae to its proper place in Cheliax and reclaim our nation in the name of the Inheritor. But we have been given a sign—a sign that the ‘Angel Knight’ has come to Longacre to lead us to glory!"
The two men lift the linen and box lid, revealing an ornate silver helmet sculpted with angelic features and a halo of curls. The faceplate’s eyeless hollows stare sternly into the crowd.
Allemar looks over the crowd allowing the proclamation to sink in before she turns and re-enters the temple, leaving the silver helmet on display watched over carefully by the two young gentlemen.
Amala looks at the team and smiles.
“Great that you found this window access old man!! Does anyone have quick hands?“ she asks.
“I suggest that I go down with whoever in this group that has the guts to steal the helmet!! Someone shoots an arrow or a crossbow from this window on one of the guards of the helmet but stay hidden! Then the shooter flees but the panicked crowd is diversion enough so the helmet is easy game!! What do you say?!“ she says with a grin.
A call to open rebellion? Without having actually prepared for it?
Are you under some mental control sword knight? I would recommend it as a possible legal defense, that will soon be personally relevant for you
For all others, it is a pretty dumb idea. Like, seriously, some wench giving you a tacky helmet with wings attached to it is no basis for a system of government. Aurelius sighs
Consider who is funding the cause of the reclamation. Right, Mendev, a nation known for being so insanely indebted, they would probably have to come up with something ridiculous like printing paper with queen Galfreys face on it and claim that this constitutes money, to ever come out of debt.
That reclamation needs funds, it needs manpower, it needs livestocks. Now good people, three guesses as to where that is going to come from. Right, from you the money
He points at a shopkeeper
From you the livestock! He points at a peseant.
And from you the young blood He points at a mother with 2 teenaged sons, his voice for a moment tinged with genuine sadness.
Meanwhile, there is an objectively superior choice to openly proclaiming rebellion, because some "sword knight" tells you to do so, notably without making any statements or commitments on things like taxes, conscription or incoming foraging, and in full view of several of the archbarons retainers, some, but not all of whom run around with sashes literally saying that. Aurelius points at his and smiles.
Now, what would be smart? Well, . Does the great sword knight really get away with such insipid tomfoolery? Do you really think that taking sides with her now will get you anything more then a first class ticket into getting conscripted by the reclamation as poor f&+&ing infantry, that the "Honorable anvil on which the enemy is held while the elite cavalry moves in for the kill"? And thats assuming she wins. He pauses
That may sound romantic, but it mostly gets you killed. On the subject of getting you killed, it is incidentally what the good sword knight is trying to do right now. She preaches rebellion within the Archbarons view, she puts you on the spot. She has not even deigned to give hints to you in advance, about the wisdom of coming here with some weapons, or perhaps that it would be cunning if those of you with a mind of rebellion would wear something akin to a Gambeson or armor under your clothes.
Is this the behaviour of someone who values your lives and livelihoods? Aurelius goes for the rethorical killing blow.
As Aurelius gives his big speech down below Octavonius glances over at Amala with a raised brow. "I'm not sure who sent you here but we were given explicit instructions to show our allegiances and dissatisfaction with Iomedae's wishes by simply displaying our bands and seeing what transpires." The old wizard glances out the window for a moment before continuing. "Perhaps we wait and see what trouble gets stirred up below us before we do anything too rash."
“Ahh!! All these rules… where’s the fun in that!?“ she asks with a raised eyebrow.
“So who’s interested in stealing a potentially very valuable item?!“ she asks the others in the group.
"I think wait" Fellzir says softly and starts casting Detect Magic at the helmet. "This seems like a trap."
"I says," Hallidan responds after a moment, "there's no better way of undermining that fancy speech of hers than taking whatever that thing is right from under her nose." He smiles. "I'm in. I've got practice at not being seen, so if you can do the distracting I can do the taking."