As Allemar leaves, Guillaume (down near the crowd, near Aurelius) begins to laugh loudly. "So it's rebellion then? Throw off loyalty to the government and join this upstart cult? Worked out well for Cheliax in the past, didn't it? Decades of devastating civil war! And did Iomedae power her faithful to victory over those loyal to Asmodeus? I don't think she did. Trying to throw off House Thrune's rule is just going to get a lot of folks dead, if they're lucky! More likely get their souls damned for eternity." He shrugs "But suit yourselves if you like, don't listen to the tiefling, what would he know about Hell?"
Amala grins and takes off the sash.
"Let's go Hallidan!" she says and discusses with him how they do it.
Amala moves down and walks towards the two people that are guarding the helmet while looking at Hallidan so that she knows when he is ready to begin.
"Oh sorry you two ... you are just so handsome in your uniforms! I love that in men ... the authority you represent! Mesmerizing!!" she says and tries to distract them.
She then tries to step and move so that it is easier for Hallidan to vanish again.
While the guards are, hopefully, paying more attention to Amala’s feminine charms than the shining helmet, Hallidan steps up near the table. As quickly as he can, he darts to the box, grabs the silver helmet, and runs.
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Aurelius's voice rings out in the crowd as the perfect counterbalance to the priestess's words. As he weaves his oratiory spell it has the desired effect upon quite a few members of the crowd, some of them nodding slowly, yet other shaking ther heads in defiance...it is these that Guillaume concentrates on here as he overtly makes his presence known. Muttering darlky under their breaths the rest of the defiant squakers finally move off and decide to deal with other pressing concerns.
Amala's entrance has the desired effect here drawing one of the young man's admiring stares as his gaze roves over her body. It takes a bit more effort here from the tiefling to distract the other guard long enough for Hallidan to swipe the helmet allow Hallidan to swipe the helmet from its display!
"Hey! Stop thief!!" Both guards immediate cry out and move to pursue the nimble rogue, leaving Amala behind here, yet Hallidan is able to find a shadowy alley where he ducks into, leaving his pursurers running past him futily!
Seeing the approach of the deputies drawn to the commotion you quickly decide to make yourselves scarce, regrouping outside the city walls. Once Hallidan has rejoined you Cimri suggests you all return to the Ash House to report upon the day's events. It is nearing evening by the time you make your way back to the parlor where Razelago once again awaits your report, "I hear there was a...disturbance at the sermon earlier this afternoon. Care to explain that further?"
Aurelius raises and eyebrow into sword knight allamars direction as her "precious" got stolen.
It seems evident that you can not even protect your own valuables, what hope would you have to protect others? But I guess this was never your intention... To get in a final humiliating hit in on the Iomedean, as he turns his back on her with a flourish, and walks off like a boss.
@Razelagos
The sword knight indeed preached rebellion, yet mine and Sir Guilleaumes words where quite effective in swaying the crowd into a state that was compliant with us. Even better, Sir Hallidan and Lady Amala managed to steal their "sacred relic", letting her look very very stupid. Aurelius chuckles
I am all but certain that either she, or her sons, will do an even dumber thing, like attempting to retrieve their "relic". Now, if we were to execute them for rebellion, in my view that would turn them into a martyr, but if their punishment is due to thievery, burglary, perhaps some assault and perhaps arson, then they could be dealt with, with the cities operations suffering minimal damage. He pauses
There is another funny trap, I have repeatedly and, in my view truthfully insinuated that the extremely capable and highly dangerous demon Lord Nocticula is pulling the strings of the Iomedeans, who, left on their own devices, are utterly incapable of managing a budget or doing anything other then bleating and marching in formation. What if we affix Nocticula unholy symbol to the inside of the helmet, and thus prove the association?
He offers a rather demonic ploy.
Amala gives Hallidan a hug when he comes back! "Good job!!"
~
When they arrive at the Ash House she really is surprised about the location.
And when the mystery man makes his entrance Amala listens to Aurelius first with a smile but then and shakes her head.
"Always the planner Aurelius ... you should have seen him! He was quite the speaker! But I am not so sure about the symbol and the helmet. Hallidan should decide what to do with the helmet! He risked everything!" she says quite clearly.
She then waves at Razelago with a seductive smile.
"Oh Razelago darling, our friend Cimri told so little about you ... I love secrets! So tell us please ... what is your plan? And do you want me to continue my dirty tricks with these people here? It was fun but you have to give me more then just the sweet promises I received from Cimri so far!"
Certainly Lady Amala, as the one who bore the greatest risks, and contributed, in my view, the most to this exploit, it certainly behoves Sir Hallidan to make appropriate decisions concerning the use of his cunningly gained loot. I am just offering options.
Aurelius says.
Amala gives Hallidan a hug when he comes back! "Good job!!"
Hallidan, unaccustomed to womanly affections he didn't pay for, only stands still and smiles shyly.
* * * * *
The rogue produces the aforementioned silver helmet, its angelic features somehow even more radiant now that it's in his possession without his rightful ownership. "Not sure," he says in response to their deference. "I ain't used to such schemes. Usually when I get my hands on something fine, I just sell it. But seems to me that since they know it got taken, anything we do to it they can just say it wasn't them. What if, instead of it turning up with the wrong symbol, it turns up in the wrong hands? Like, I don't know, find some other do-gooder sect around here and have them found with it? Set them against each other, like."
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As the group of you begin to fill in the details of your escapades Hallidan lays the helmet upon the table, where despite the shadowy form of Razelago remaining hidden the sense of curiosity emanating from him is palpable. The ornate silver helmet is indeed finely made, sculpted with angelic features and a halo of curls. The faceplate’s eyeless hollows stare sternly back at you.
“That’s a more dramatic move than I’d expect from a country priestess — I’m impressed." Razelago replies, "Tileavia Allamar might be more interesting than I’d thought. It’s the helmet and this ‘Angel Knight’ I’m curious about, though. I’ve heard rumors of the Glorious Reclamation. An overzealous mob of Iomedaean fanatics calling for a nationwide revolution, as if there was any hope of that. Still, Archbaron Fex might find this information valuable." Razelago is silent for a moment before adding, “In any case, you’ve done well. You’ll find your payment in the parlor. I shouldn’t have any more work for you today, but I suspect that might change tomorrow. I’ll send word."
I do as a matter of fact wish to pose a question.
We have so far kept civilian casulties to zero, using words and subterfuge rather then brute force to improve security and loyalty. Alas, is this soft touch actually the Archbarons prefence? I would assume so, but please do not take our lack of committed bloodshed as an indication of incapability in this regard. Aurelius makes a typically tactful statement.
Is there a library, or a register, somewhere? After collecting my part of the payment, it would be my preference to conduct some "open source" research on the Allamar family, there is after all a mother and 2 sons, which opens the question of the father, and I have a number of humorous ideas as to how we could utilize this "missing person". Even if these do not come to fruition, information is ammunition, the more I know about them, the better I can get under their skin. He inquires.
Sir Octavionus, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to avail myself of your magnificient aid in such an endeavour, assuming it is compatible with your timetable. He adresses Octavionus.
Amala raises her hand.
“So do you have more views on some of the people at the gathering? We saw the sheriff and then these clerics and some guards. So tell me a little more also about the political players like this reclamation and the sash symbol and whatever else about why all of this is not just crushed by House Thrune or some Hellknights?!“ she asks with a inquisitive look.
"Just 'Octavonius' is fine," Octavonius says to Aurelius as he absent-mindedly scratches his wrinkled cheek in thought. "Any information I have may be a few decades out of date, but if we have the time I could keep my mind busy doing whatever research you'd have this old man do. Perhaps, as you say, a library or something similar will aid in such endeavors."
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"I would not presume to guess at the Archbaron's wishes here Aurelius," Razelago replies in a somewhat testy voice, "but I am sure he will make his wishes clear in this regard very soon! As for a library, the only building that could even come close would be the Longacre Historical Society which has a modest store of tomes." Octavonius is well familiar with this place as he has talked with Mrs. Ilmerri Unero, who knows more about what once went on in Longacre — and less about what’s currently happening — than anyone else in town. As the curator of a small library of dry, locally written histories and civil documents, Mrs. Unero eagerly spends hours regaling visitors with details of centuries-old economic trends and the romantic gossip of long-dead local celebrities.
In response to Amala Razelago shrugs, “I know very little about this Glorious Reclamation. They seem to all be followers of Iomedae — priests, mostly, and a handful of knights—who are convinced that optimism and a few outraged peasants can bring down House Thrune. It would be laughable if they weren’t so fanatical and well armed. From what I’ve heard, they’re mostly operating in the mountains along the Isgeri border. In truth, I’m a bit surprised their zealotry has stretched this far.”
Fellzir raises his hand and asks quietly, "Is anyone else concerned that they might track the helmet? Perhaps we should put it in a lead-lined box? Or in a hole in the ground with a bell and a spike trap?"
Aurelius meanwhile reconsiders, claims a room as his and starts mending it into a reasonable room (probably the north eastern one on the first floor). This will likely take several hours.
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"Leave the helmet with me," Razelago orders, "I shall ensure its privacy."
Sensing your meeting with Razelago is at an end Cimri leads leads you all back downstairs where you find seven small bags awaiting you in the parlor (though without food and drink this time), each one containing 200 gold coins.
“This building looks awful but I’ve spent time in worse places! Hmm … so who can give me a tour and tell me which room is occupied? I won’t bite … not if you don’t want to!“ she says with a sly smile.
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Once you have settled upon your sleeping arrangements here the evening passes quickly and soon the morning arrives. Your time of rest is brief as at the crack of dawn, Cimri once more gathers you to meet in Razelago’s office, where the stranger has a new job for you. “Nothing more than an errand today, but one well suited to your skills. I met with the Archbaron last night.” Razelago’s silhouette inclines a hand toward a stack of rolled parchments on the table. “He has issued several new decrees that he’d like posted across town to inform the citizenry.” Cimri takes the stack of decrees and hands them out, giving you a moment to peruse them.
“Post these decrees at the notice post in the church square, the jail, the Last Stand Tavern, and the Castle Gate. And while you’re at the jail, stop by the sheriff’s office. The Archbaron has a second decree for you to deliver.” Razelago’s shadow tilts toward Cimri, who picks up a folded page from the table. “One that dismisses Rhona Staelish as the sheriff of Longacre. You have until noon today. Perform as reliably as you have in your last two tasks, and I’ll pay what we agreed upon for your first task. If this assignment goes smoothly, the Archbaron would like to meet with you. It sounds as though he might soon have some civil positions to fill.”
Amala is not amused.
“I am honest that this is horrible!! This place is so not fun and you’re making it less fun! I just hope that we’re not affected? And why is this all necessary?!?“ she asks and rolls her eyes.
“I can take the document to the sheriff… but what is your beef with her!! Vengeance is something I can understand but I need details!“ she says.
Aurelius reads the decrees, trying to use his knowledge of local affairs to figure out what this means, and how much resistance it will cause, as well as to anticipate possible questions about it.
Lady Cimri, Lord Razelago, the immidiate question upon removing the Sheriff is the question of her replacement. I believe you have someone in mind?
My current plans for the future do not include being Sheriff of the majestic town of Longacre. He thinks to himself.
Do I flat out ask if they want to have the elder Staelish slain? By making the dismissal super insulting and provoking her into a fight? Nah, that would greatly limit my options in this affair if they say yes.
He considers further questions.
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Razelago nods impatiently to Amala's questions, "“Archbaron Fex takes word of the Glorious Reclamation very seriously. Rather than seeing Longacre become a mire of fetid thinking, he seeks to steel his holdings against it before it takes root.” He inclines his head towards Aurelius continuing, “Staelish is popular with the people because she’s soft. She’s never seen eye to eye with the archbaron. In these times, we need unity between our leaders and those who would enforce their will. As for her replacement I am sure a suitable candidate will make themselves known rather quickly.”
“This building looks awful but I’ve spent time in worse places! Hmm … so who can give me a tour and tell me which room is occupied? I won’t bite … not if you don’t want to!“ she says with a sly smile.
"Don't you worry about rooms, miss. If there ain't enough to go around, well, I won't need my whole bed so we can share."
Hal reads the notice and frowns. "A curfew? He really expects people to go for that? I mean, seems to me like we're on official business, but the whole city?"
Amala looks at her whip and then back at
Hallidan.
“If you can endure a little spanking Mr. Regg then I’ll gladly come to visit you!!“ she says and some cruel thoughts are visibly flashing in front of her eyes.
“Oh and I saw that these ruthless souls here have really nice weapons. Got a longbow for me where those came from?!“ she demands.
Guillaume prods Cimri with an elbow. "May as well keep the Sheriff's office in the family, eh?"
Octavonius reads over the decree with his familiar perched on his shoulder. His eyes linger on the last words. The warnings and threats of punishment. His skin tingles as his mind momentarily wonders to his past tortures. It's only when Ohd playfully plucks at his wispy white hairs that he is snapped out of his revere.
"You're a very well connected man it seems, Razealgo," the old wizard starts, waving away his familiar's prodding as he addresses the shadow. "Securing an audience with the Archbaron himself on top of everything else you have provided us is quite an honor, to be sure. But before I go running around the city I do hope you'll forgive an old man's curiosity on wanting to know more about the man who hides in shadows."
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Razelago turns his attention to Amala seemingly unfazed by her request, "I am sure we can accomodate your request...should you perform admirably on this task I have for you. As for my dealings with the archbaron?" Razelago pauses briefly before answering, “We’ve had a variety of business dealings in the past. This is but one more. Concerning the curfew, of course there will be grumbling, but most of Longacre’s citizens know their place. For those that don’t — well, I should think the archbaron will need a sterner sheriff than the one he has." There is the ever slight presence of amusement in his voice.
Cimri leans forward to whisper into Guillaume's ear, her voice strained, "Actually can we leave the jail to the last? This...will not be easy..."
"I'm happy to follow your lead, little lady. The view's better with you in front." Guillaume whispers back with a wink.
"If we are sticking together my vote is the castle gate first," Octavonius says as he slaps his right thigh. "Time to give these old bones to wake up a bit before we go traversing across town.
Amala smiles.
“The wise man is choosing… so let’s go!!“
Rise and shine!
Do we have any idea on how to answer likely questions?
Hallidan shrugs. "Makes no matter to me. Castle gate it is."
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Deciding to tackle the Castle Gate first you quickly arrive at your destination, still early in the morning, and see it is not well travelled though each of you have travelled through it before. Longacre’s western gate looks almost as if some great giant picked up the stone gate from a rugged frontier fort and dropped it across the road leading into town. A set of weathered wooden doors stands open in the fortified stone. The Castle Gate, as Longacre’s western gate is popularly called, might present a hindrance to invaders were it situated in a wall. As it is, the gate is merely a mossy stone tower connected to a short stone span that interrupts the aged, chest-high wooden fence surrounding the town. For most of Longacre’s residents, the gate is a symbol of their town’s grit and determination, but for the town’s honorary gatekeepers, managing it is a solemn charge.
One of the gate keepers Bo (aka Bolouisia, wife of Denton Gramel) notices your approach from a chair beneath a rigged-up awning atop the tower beside the gate and nods a greeting in your direction, "Ho, how are you fine folks doing this fine morning?"
Greeting Lady Gramel, the archbaron has tasked us to display his missives on the gate. I am certain you will oblige us? Lady Amala can provide you with further details if you so desire. Aurelius speaks politely.
Guillaume stomps up and thrusts a decree into her hands. "The Archbaron has issued this decree, which he wants posted here and followed. I take it you can do your part?"
Amala smiles at the guard after Guillaume‘s explanations.
“Thank you for your cooperation!“
Octavonius keeps quiet near the back of the group but does keep an eye out on their surroundings, with the help of his familiar, for any signs of trouble.
"To Hells with these eyes," he mutters darkly as he attempts to rub away the blurring vision. His stubborn refusal to use a cane is only matched by his refusal to procure a set of spectacles.
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As Cimri hands over the parchment for the decree over to Bo without a word, she take a moment to peruse it...and the her eyes flash with anger. "This...this is an outrage! That ArchBaron...that filthy no good lousy pig's ass has no right...no sense of decency to do this!! “We’ve kept this town safe and this gate open — except for nights and holidays — for all the eighteen years Dent and I have minded it!" She then shakes her head at you fixing you all with a furious glare! "No cow-pile baron or his trumped-up dung-berries are going to make us close it! And you...you must be his boot-licking lackeys! Think you will be rewarded for your services? HA! He will discard you like a used piece of trash when you have outlived your use to him!"
This commotion draws the attention of Bo's husband exits the small shack, asking what the fuss is all about — Bo then turns her attention away from you giving the opportunity to tell her husband what she thinks about this situation. This gets him just as worked up, though as Guillaume fixes the pair with a steely glare after his pronouncement , though proves just as impotent as the couple stalks off leaving a trail of muttering and nasty names behind them as they return to their home, leaving you the task of closing the gate here.
Lets search through the gatehouse, lets see if we find a key.
Aurelius gets to the task of rummaging around for a key, to actually close the gate.
Just barring it could also work.
Amala is almost sad that there was no resistance.
"Oh well, I think we came to an understanding! Hmm .. you fine people surely will use your keys to close and lock the gate. And you can now guard the gate and make sure that nobody enters! Is that clear?" she asks with a frozen look on her face.
"There will be continuous checks so I am sure that you understand that your duties are needed as much as ever ... but now it is important that you follow the decree!"
I do wonder who of these two, Amala or Guillaume, will be the first to draw blood and deal death. I am kind of betting on Sir Guillaume here.
Aurelius muses.
Eh, I take the bet, Lady Amala will be the first to kill a human! Speaks a voice in his head.
You again? Aurelius mentally retorts.
Did you miss me? The voice purrs
Yes, apparently I sadly missed you with the magic gigantic crossbow bolt of "totally not a Succubus"-slaying which I fired at you in my dreams. He mentally snarls
Oh, dreaming of Phallic Symbols in conjunction of me? You are coming around! The voice is speaks, with an evident degree of glee.
Hallidan watches them go with a roll of his eyes. "This gate doesn't do nothing anyway. Shoulda known their days were numbered."
"I can always find something to stymie the lock so it won't open in a hurry, but not sure if that really counts as 'locked' to the big baron."
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Amala's words fall on deaf ears as the upset gatekeepers walk back to their house leaving the task of closing the Castle Gate tou you. Fortunately Aurelius and Hallidan find the pulley mechanism inside the gate house building which allows them to lower the gate into the closed position. Now all that is left is to bar it...which looks like it will take some brute strength here...
Well Sir Guillaume? If I may avail myself of your assistance in the manner?
Aurelius speaks to Guillaume, his own, more wiry then bulging, muscles doing pretty good work.
Lets impress the Ladies a bit yes? He whispers.
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Fellzir prepares Mending instead of Light for the day and spends some time in the morning repairing his "bedroom." He stops when it's time for the mission, but plans to get back to it later.
After the gatekeepers are relieved, he stealthfully tails them a little bit to eavesdrop on their reactions/plans/intentions.
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Fellzir sneaks off after the two gatekeepers as they head back to their house, which is in eyesight of the gate. While the mysterious man nearly manages to stay out of sight a chance back reveals the man to them. "What? Come to escort us back to our house? We know where it is!" Bo calls out.
"No, to make you an offer instead. Throw in with Fex for as long as he might live in this rebellion. If he can trust you to keep the gate closed and stay out of trouble, he may reward you sooner and not trouble you later."
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The strange man's words nearly set off Denton here and he takes a step towards Fellzir raising a fist but his wife shows a cooler head, "No...no, that is just what he wants you to do...trying to provoke you. Don't fall for it..." she says as she pulls him away and the two hurry off to their house, closing the door quickly behind them.
Meanwhile Cimri, mindful of the deadline of the tasks laid for them, moves to help Aurelius bar the gate. "We do make a good team right," she grins.
Aurelius grins back at her.
Church square next? Then Tavern, then Jail?
He offers, and will go just there in that order if 2 more indicate their assent.