Elarion takes in the scene, looking to the others, and then Bellara, "No rest for the weary, let us dive once more into the fray,"
He passes his hands over her rapier, enchanting the weapon before moving up to get a better view of the fight.
A Friend in Need - Round 1 - continued
27 Celas (undetected)
27 Elarion
21 Noble Man (prone)
18 Buttercup (undetected)
17 Orange Thug
17 Yellow Thug
15 Impasha
15 Purple Thug
13 Red Thug
12 White Thug
10 Bellara
9 Green Thug
8 Myron
7 Blue Thug
Moving carefully and quietly, Celas is able to share what he sees, creep forward, and believes he is still undetected.
Elarion casts a divine spell on the blade of Bellara granting it more damage as if it were enchanted. He then moves to the mouth of the alley, not really hiding, but staying mostly around the edge.
The nobleman, knocked to the ground before, grabs his cane, and draws a sword blade out of the handle of the cane. He then casts a spell that creates a shield around him to ward any further blows.
Buttercup channels her earth elements and then uses her kinesis ability to bring a large chunk of rock to the ground between the heroes and the rioters.
Orange Thug lands a blow with his baton on the prone noble. it scores a hit, before the noble can get his shield fully into place.
Yellow Thug leaves off kicking the fallen man, turning instead to walk over to the newly generated stone, and investigate it looking around suspiciously.
Buttercup is about to call back the information but Cellas does so personally. In an attempt to buy folks time, she uses her Extended Kinesis ability to make it look like an something is is rising from the earth 30' away from her.
* channel elements
* Extended Kinesis to distract the attackers
* stealth to remain out of sight
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Impasha knows she's in no shape to continue fighting, especially a whole crowd of thugs. A lucky blow from one such goon and nearly killed her. But that didn't matter. Stronger than she'd felt at any time today, she now felt the spirit of Iomedae moving her to act. If ever the duty to oppose evil and defend the right existed, it was now. She could practically hear the goddess calling her name.
She brings her sword hand to her breastbone in a sort of salute and looks up into the sky.
"Inheritor, lend me your strength and healing, and help me do your good work once again." she says in a clear, solemn voice.
She then strides straight out into the street, practically glowing with courage and righteousness, as certain as she can be that she is the instrument of Justice.
"Villains! Leave that man be! Or by my honor, not one of you will walk away from this place! In the name of Iomedae, I call you out!"
She smacks the butt of her sword against her shield, just in case they'd missed the point, then sets herself and raises her shield, coiled to strike the first person to approach her.
Friend in Need - Round 1 - continued
27 Celas (undetected)
27 Elarion
21 Noble Man (prone)
18 Buttercup (undetected)
17 Orange Thug
17 Yellow Thug
15 Impasha
15 Purple Thug
13 Red Thug
12 White Thug
10 Bellara
9 Green Thug
8 Myron
7 Blue Thug
Despite being quite hurt, Impasha leaps into the fray calling out the thugs and clanging her sword against her shield to underscore the point. She does benefit from some healing first, but is still somewhat weakened.
At the champion's challenge, Purple, Red, and White go to see what this is all about. All they see is a single person challenging a group and feel like this is going to be easy. Red and Purple each get a strike against Impasha. The champion's shield absorbs most of the one successful blow, but she does get a little bruise.
White sees the others (not Celas or Buttercup who are undetected still) and pauses mid-step. "There's more of them," he shouts back to the rest of the thugs. Stopping his advance just shy of the champion.
When the clang of Impasha’s shield drew everyones eye, Bellara darted forward from the alley, skirts and crimson-lined coat flaring as she weaved past Celas and straight into the thick of the fight.
She snapped her rapier snapped up, now gleaming with Elarion’s enchantment, as she called out to the man in need. "We're coming, hang on!"
She slid her buckler into place, settling into her stance and locked eyes with the thugs.
"Well now, one dandy, one champion, and one lady area already making you sweat. But take a look behind me, boys. You’re about to be outnumbered, and badly. If you’ve any sense at all, you’ll scurry back to whatever rat-hole Thrune dug you out of before the odds turn ugly."
Friend in Need - Round 1 - continued
27 Celas (undetected)
27 Elarion
21 Noble Man (3hp dmg; prone)
18 Buttercup (undetected)
17 Orange Thug
17 Yellow Thug
15 Impasha (12/20hp remain)
15 Purple Thug
13 Red Thug
12 White Thug
10 Bellara
9 Green Thug
8 Myron
7 Blue Thug
Bellara rushes past the first cohort of thugs, and nears the second group which has the fallen man surrounded still. She challenges them, and then raises her shield as she comes.
Green Thug smashes his club and a booted kick at the fallen man. But neither attack lands for any damage.
From his place at the mouth of the alley, Myron raises his hand at the thug that struck Impasha and makes a gentle grasping gesture. An orb of biting cold coalesces around the man.
Friend in Need - Round 1 - concluded
27 Celas (undetected)
27 Elarion
21 Noble Man (3hp dmg; prone)
18 Buttercup (undetected)
17 Orange Thug
17 Yellow Thug
15 Impasha (12/20hp remain)
15 Purple Thug
13 Red Thug
12 White Thug
10 Bellara
9 Green Thug
8 Myron
7 Blue Thug
Myron casts a freezing cantrip at the thug that struck Impasha. The cold damage is less than intended, but still has some negative effect on the target. Myron throws up his magical shield immediately after.
Blue Thug makes a parting strike on the fallen victim, then strides over to Bellara, making a final attack on her. "Mind your own business and live another day," he sneers. The attack lands on the fallen man, bt clangs off of Bellara's buckler harmlessly.
End of Round 1
success
Friend in Need - Round 2
27 Celas (undetected)
27 Elarion
21 Noble Man (8hp dmg; prone)
18 Buttercup (undetected)
17 Orange Thug
17 Yellow Thug
15 Impasha (12/20hp remain)
15 Purple Thug
13 Red Thug (2hp dmg)
12 White Thug
10 Bellara
9 Green Thug
8 Myron
7 Blue Thug
Celas as he stealths forward and very quietly whispers a warning as he passed finds his hard working in jeopardy as the fancy sorcerer blats out a useless comment full voiced in the direction of multiple killers. Is he trying to get me killed? Celas flashed a death-glare back to Myron but then snaps his attention to the blunt menace of the killers. As he does Impasha bolts out and challenges, with Celas torn between gratitude at her drawing attention to her and wondering about her sanity. Then Bellara takes the cake racing past him to put herself in the middle of the muddle. Before Bellara makes the run though several toughs charge Impasha with little effect. Celas is nearly stunned wondering if he is the only one on this street with any sense. A thug with red and black armor is next to him but is all eyes on Impasha. How does he not see me? But Celas not looking a gift horse in the mouth will take the opportunity.
He sees Bellara in real danger with no close backup. So, he decides to throw his light blade to the thug with a white scarf. He draws his dagger and steps up to flank his new "friend" next to him.
Agile, +7 (Agile, Finesse, Thrown 20 ft.), Damage 1d4+4 P
Buttercup sighs and exclaims softly to herself, "Why am I doing this?" and piles onto the thug Celas targeted.
; target, white, is flat footed
**blast
*blast
Elarion will step out of the alley, taking cover behind Impasha but providing a clear view of the alleyway fight unfolding before then looking to see Bellara who has already made her way into the fight.
"Lady Bellara, you're in prime position to strike your foe!"
Friend in Need - Round 2 - continued
27 Celas (undetected)
27 Elarion
21 Noble Man (8hp dmg; prone)
18 Buttercup (undetected)
17 Orange Thug
17 Yellow Thug
15 Impasha (12/20hp remain)
15 Purple Thug
10 Bellara
8 Myron
7 Blue Thug
From his hiding spot, Celas throws a knife that sinks deep into the neck of White Thug. Caught completely unaware, the thug goes down from one strike. Celas than moves to flank with Impasha.
Elarion steps out of the alleyway, calling a martial benefit to Lady Bellara who is farther ahead, but the effect is still available for her to use to her advantage.
From his prone position, the nobleman unleashes a two motes of force against Green Thug. The damage from the two blasts this killing him as well. The caster then raises his magical shield to ward off any counterpunches.
While Buttercup meant to aim at White, Celas' sneak attack took that target down, so instead she blasts Red Thug with both elemental bursts, and the combined damage drops that foe as well.
Orange Thug looks at the quickly turning tide and decides not to move forward and engage the newcomers. Instead, he bludgeons the prone noble and starts to move away, around a corner and out of sight. Fortunately, what was probably a killing blow against the noble is lessened by his arcane shield, which is now broken.
Yellow Thug moves up to Celas, who just leapt out and killed its ally, striking rapidly twice with his club. The rogue is able to sidestep the first blow but the second bashes him on the head but the blow is more glancing than it seems, and Celas takes minor damage.
critical
8 total, reduced by shield block to 3.
critical
4hp total
riend in Need - Round 2 - continued
27 Celas (undetected)
27 Elarion
21 Noble Man (8hp dmg; prone)
18 Buttercup (undetected)
17 Orange Thug
17 Yellow Thug
15 Impasha (12/20hp remain)
10 Bellara
8 Myron
7 Blue Thug
Impasha lands one blow with her longsword against Purple, but that one blow is enough to send the rioter bleeding out on the street.
Myron has seen how lethal Celas can be, and he is also conscious of how the thug next to Bellara is liable to flee like the other thug did, so that's who he focuses his attention on. He crosses the alley to get a better line of sight and casts his frostbite cantrip again.
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When Elarion's second spell lands, she's immiedately reacts and lunges forward to strike. Afterwards, she takes a moment to barb her attacker.
After her taunt, she attacks again, this time with more focus.
↻ You're Next! If Bellara downs her foe, she points to another foe to tell them she's coming after them.
A Friend in Need - Round 2 - concluded
27 Celas
27 Elarion
21 Noble Man (8hp dmg; prone)
18 Buttercup
17 Orange Thug
15 Impasha (12/20hp remain
10 Bellara
8 Myron
Myron sends his icy magic across at one of the thugs, giving it mild cold damage.
Using a burst of quickness from Elarion's spell, Bellara is able to cut down the Chelish thug nearest her. She then pivots with a flourish to demoralize the nearby Yellow Thug, but he seems focused on combat with Celas and is not affected. Finally she moves ahead landing a blow on Yellow that kills that foe as well.
End of Round 2
A Friend in Need - Round 3
27 Celas
27 Elarion
21 Noble Man (8hp dmg; prone)
18 Buttercup
17 Orange Thug
15 Impasha (12/20hp remain)
10 Bellara
8 Myron
Buttercup will try to drop the man. She is not keen on having her actions reported and will try to slip out of view after blasting him.
**blast
*hide
Buttercup will try to drop the man. She is not keen on having her actions reported and will try to slip out of view after blasting him.
blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
bludgeoning damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5**blast
*hide
Thanks for pointing that out, Myron. Looks like Buttercup will remain behind and not fire off that nice blast. She's not going to be able to catch anyone so she will let the guy go.
Celas is facing one of the thugs lamenting that another is escaping, when Bellara finishes her target then charges at his and kills him before Celas can even try to attack.
He then starts to run saying as he goes, "Thanks Lady Bellara, I'll go after the last one. Buttercup could you get me throwing blade out of that guy?", saying pointing to the body of the chap with a knife in his gullet as he runs past.
As he races by the well-dressed guy he remarks, "Hope you're okay, I'm getting that last guy before he fetches more trouble."
He rounds the corner catching up with the fleeing thug but is caught between throwing his blade with a good chance of missing or getting ahead. He chooses going ahead to cut him off.
Elarion runs up next to Lady Bellara, "Good work in that scuffle, I overestimated these petty thugs,"
Buttercup relaxes a bit, but still take the opportunity to look around for more trouble. Not seeing any, she approaches the body gurgling blood from a Celas knife and removes it ruthlessly. She has a little knowledge about killing folks, but her medical experience is limited to not removing knives until a healer arrives. Oh well. Serves the creep right.
Naturally she also pokes around for other valuables or, even better, salable weapons and the like. Surprising how much a decent weapon will fetch in a town like this.
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As Impasha watches her foe slump to the pavement, unconscious, a wave of… not exactly regret, more like discomfort at what she was forced to do… pushes through her. An ambiguous frustration. She’d taken lives before, but it was still a rare enough occurrence that it made an impact on her conscience. She could still stabilize this man, but the clock was ticking, and she was now guilty of what the authorities would most likely call treason. And this thug would certainly not thank her for her trouble. Nor would the half dozen others bleeding out around him, if they too were treated for their wounds.
Musing thus, she sees Buttercup step out of the shadows and roughly pulling Hank’s knife from the neck of another fallen man. The sight startles her a little, as does the halfling’ s expert rifling of the body as lifeblood spurts out into the cobbled pavement. She had no grounds to speak or reproach Buttercup, but she recalibrates her understanding of this person whom she’d assumed to be a helpless innocent. Naturally people are often not what they seemed, but it could still be shocking when your misjudgments stared you in the face. She looks away uncomfortably.
Looking up ahead, she sees the dandy, still prone and wounded. He’d surprised her as well, wielding arcane powers against his attackers. Clearly he was no random target of these goons. She sees Hank race off around the corner, chasing down what must have been an attacker who was fleeing now that the odds had turned against his side.
In a way, she was glad this had happened. Today suddenly felt less like a rout— some good might still come from this latest encounter. She brings her holy symbol to her lips and silently gives a prayer of gratitude to Iomedae for her favor.
Myron rushes over to the fallen man, helping him to his feet.
"Come come, let's get you off the street in case there's more ruffians nearby."
Myron will start trying to guide the man into the alley, unless there's consensus to move somewhere else.
Celas rushes off to put a stop to the fleeing rioter. He catches up just around the corner, and the man begs for mercy.
The thugs have simple truncheons as weapons, and no armor or valuables to speak of. They do have matching armbands showing the red pentagram symbol of the ruling houses of Cheliax -- the same bands that the rioters in Aria Park had. Buttercup finds 1.2gp of loose change among the fallen thugs.
Myron helps the wounded nobleman to his feet. He seems hurt pretty badly and is unsteady at first but gathers his sea-legs after a few seconds. "Aye, let's move off the street, which is more and more dangerous." He points around the corner on a main street, where an outdoor cafe is only partly filled with diners. "Maybe we can sit there. And I can thank you properly. Refreshments are on me, especially since you saved my coin purse, at least."
"My name is Rexus Victocora, and until last week's Night of Ashes, I was one of this city's nobles. My parents' estate burned to the ground that night -- I escaped simply because I was studying at the Alabaster Academy during the fire. There were other fires that night, as you know -- fires that many believe were started by Barzillai Thrune or his agents in an attempt to squelch any spirit of rebellion Kintargo might have."
"Now more than ever we need that spirit of rebellion to stay strong, but Thrune's actions have driven into hiding those who would stay strong and resist. Those who could once rally the city to a cause, such as Lord-Mayor Bainilus and my parents, are missing at best, and are more likely dead. 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 form the devil?"
Assuming you accompany him to the cafe, he takes out a small vial of green-gold liquid and consumes it quickly, and you watch has his bleeding staunches, and the bruising around his face seems to fade. "Better, what?" He orders a demitasse and nods to you for anything you wish to eat or drink. Once the coffee arrives, he sips and smiles. "Now, that's more like it. Thank you again for that timely rescue. Truth is, our meeting was no coincidence. I followed you from the protest earlier today, but did not expect to get jumped in the process. You proved yourselves to be people of uncommon skill, and I am man of uncommon needs." He sips the demitasse once again, savoring the flavor.
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Moments after Myron reaches the wounded dandy, Impasha moves up as well ready to aid and assist him. She nods at the suggestion that they move off the street, looking about warily, then taking a few more steps up the street to look around the corner and see what has become of Hank and his quarry.
*****
Once ensconced at the cafe, Impasha pulls off her sword belt and drapes it and her shield over the back of a chair and sits down. She felt sweaty and dirty and knew how lurid the dried blood traced about her face and neck must look to anyone who happened to gaze at her, and her head still throbbed insistently. But perhaps what was even more uncomfortable was how nonchalant this man seemed to be about what had just happened to him.
When asked what she'd like to eat or drink, the fearless champion of Iomedae asks for lemonade and a croissant with jam. Protesting was thirsty work, and being half-beaten to death made a girl peckish.
Listening with intense seriousness to his proposal, Impasha cannot help but feel a thrill at how fate seemed to be thrusting itself upon her and the others. Had they not been discussing just such a person and cause as this just before they'd heard the street fracas involving this man? And indeed, had they been so noticeable that this nobleman had singled them out for his attention? Had they also been this noticeable to Thrune's henchmen?
"I would like to hear more about your movement, personally. I have many questions, some of which are probably best not discussed in public. Indeed, if you and your family have already been targeted by the Lord Mayor, I marvel that you came to the protest at all."
"But this much I will tell you--I am a loyal and dutiful servant of Iomedae. Our faith is dedicated to freedom and justice and defense of the oppressed. Indeed some of our faith have already struck a blow against the House of Thrune and incurred their retribution, as you have no doubt have heard. And I am here in Kintargo specifically and especially to oppose this unjust and evil regime, and will do whatever I am able to do to aid that cause. In some ways, I suppose I have been waiting to meet someone like you. You can depend on me, Mr. Victocora."
She then looks about the table to see how the others react, particularly Bellara.
Buttercup reluctantly shares the coins with the rest of the group (.2 gp/person), though she does not let her reluctance show. She follows the other to the cafe, not sure if she really wants to be part of some rebellion. It's not like they EVER end well. So mostly she just eats and listens.
"I'll take a tomato sandwich on sourdough bread and a glass of some decent beer."
When the talk turns to freedom, she can't help but ask, "Speaking of freedom, if the rebellion succeeds, what will be the status of all the slaves? As you know, this government makes a habit of enslaving halflings so, well, you know."
Regardless of the answer, she is highly suspicious. Pretending to be something you are not is a common tactic of the secret police. She watches carefully for any sighs of deceit.
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As Celas moves past him the thug deflates, all bravo gone. He begs for his life. Celas pauses for an instant and the thugs eyes fill with hope. Then Celas' eyes fall on the symbol of the devil on him and the sight of his father beaten to death, the face of the man before him on one of them. Is he really one that killed his father? Does it matter? His hand, seems to move of its own volition, strikes the man mortally, in a blow that leaves little blood to spill. Head throbbing from the blow, Celas wills the pain and exhaustion of two deadly fights from himself. He drags the man back as he dies, with a professional care to see the no blood trail or other sign is left to follow. As the gentleman starts his spiel, Celas check the body for change.
Celas then moves to Buttercup and silently gestures for the return of his throwing blade, with a slight if strained smile in thanks. As the well-dressed man asked for support, Celas crosses to Elarion side, thoughts of Bellara's reckless spirit conflicting with a growing need for firm allies.
Celas stares at the noble man, with eyes cold and suspicious. Ally or Spy? I do not know.
Celas looks to Elarion and with an uncanny voice that would due credit to the Winter King himself, declares, "I trust your judgement, your Wisdom."
Where House Valcaro goes so goes Celas.
Buttercup reads the nobleman, Rexus, for any sign of tell. A giveaway that makes it clear that he is being deceptive. She knows liars, cheaters, and thieves is used to spotting untruthfulness. As she watches the radicalized noble speak, she sees no sign of deception in him. Only true words spoken from the heart. But, maybe, he's just a really good liar.
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Buttercup reluctantly shares the coins with the rest of the group (.2 gp/person), though she does not let her reluctance show.
Impasha is caught unawares and hesitates as the halfling girl tugs at her tunic and offers her a shard of the spoils. A donation like that could help the soup kitchen, it would buy a bag of rice, or a basket of potatoes. But to take such money, liberated from the pockets of these dying villains, dispatched in the street—it felt uncomfortably like what the thugs themselves had sought to do.
With a pallid smile and a brief shake the head, she declines the bounty.
***
"Speaking of freedom, if the rebellion succeeds, what will be the status of all the slaves? As you know, this government makes a habit of enslaving halflings so, well, you know."
Impasha nods in agreement and waits to hear what Rexus says.
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He drags the man back as he dies, with a professional care to see the no blood trail or other sign is left to follow. As the gentleman starts his spiel, Celas check the body for change.
As Celas begins to drag the body back toward the group, Impasha appears. She hadn’t seen the Handyman kill the fellow, but had she heard his pleas for mercy? As he passes her, she gives him an appraising look but says nothing, then looks off past him warily to see if anyone is watching, or if more trouble might be coming. She finally sheathes her sword and prepares to follow the dandy to the cafe.
Response to Celas' execution....
Banterknell does not want to know and makes a point of NOT actually seeing what cut the mans pleas for mercy short. Though the sounds were pretty condemning, it is enough to allow her to sleep to not look and 'know'. Also aiding her hopes for a good nights rest is the fact that each survivor is a potential nail in her own coffin.
Myron pockets the coins from Buttercup with a smiling nod, but he doesn't even look at the coins before slipping them into his pouch. Once at the cafe, he orders a half-caf-double-decaf-quad-shot espresso with extra foam. Extra hot, but with some ice cubes in a second cup.
When his drink arrives he raises it in a silent toast to the others at the table, leans back in his seat, and takes a lingering sip of his concoction, wipes the foam off his mustache, and finally releases a deep sigh of satisfaction and relaxation.
"I am Myron Waldern Aulamaxa, of House Aulamaxa," he says to Rexus Victocora and any of the others he hadn't introduced himself to in the alley. "So tragic to hear about your estate! I hope your family was able to get out uninjured?
"Obviously something must be done about Lord-Mayor Thrune. There's heavy-handed, and then there's being a totalitarian oppressor! Very unnecessary, and this should be nipped in the bud, I'm sure everyone here agrees. I hear what you're saying about needing skilled people for such an undertaking. It's all about having the right people for the right job! And you're right -- in this political climate, finding the right people will be difficult, but with an organized movement like what you're implying, an insurgent machine could be just the thing!
"I have some modest experience with such endeavors, and I will gladly add my talents to the pool of dissenters that is gathering!"
Myron takes a long pull from his drink, forgets about the foam on his mustache, and declares, "Just point me in the right direction, so to speak! Ha ha!"
Naturally, Buttercup pockets the coins Impasha turns her nose up at, figuring Impasha might be secretly rich, or perhaps just odd.
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Elarion inclined his head to Celas, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of that trust. Then he turned his eyes to Rexus.
"hope is a dangerous thing to trade in," he began gently. "And yet here we sit, all of us driven to this table by it. Hope for justice. Hope for freedom. Hope for vengeance, perhaps." His eyes flicked briefly toward Bellara before returning to Rexus. "But hope alone is no banner to rally behind. If we are to stand against House Thrune, we must understand what you offer—and what you ask of us."
He leaned back slightly, folding his hands once more, leaving space, deliberately, for Bellara to speak.
Bellara let the demitasse warm her fingers while she studied the man. He had conviction in his voice and steadiness in his eyes.
She sat listening as the others weighed in with their thoughts on his words, taking it all in. When Elarion says his piece and folds his hands, she nods to herself and set the cup down with a soft clink.
"Rexus Victocora, your mother’s salons were the only rooms in The Greens where ideas were allowed to breathe. I’m... sorry for your losses."
She pauses a moment, her memories from earlier that morning flooding back to her. "My maid’s brother served your house. If any Victocora servants survived or are in hiding, say so and I’ll see them sheltered."
She straightens her posture and firms her tone. "As for your offer, I didn’t rattle Thrune’s cage this morning to slink back into quiet. I’ll help if this is a movement, not a martyrdom."
She ticked points off on a gloved hand.
"First, goals. Are we talking relief and protection for citizens, or open rebellion? Both, perhaps, but say it plainly."
"Second, structure. No more grand crowds for the dottari to break. Cells, safe houses, couriers, cut-outs. You’ll keep names few and need-to-know only."
"Third, proof. You chose us for our skill, you say. Very flattering. But trust is coin dearer than gold right now. Give us a first task that helps people and proves your network is real."
She tipped her head toward Buttercup. "And on the question that matters... Kintargo without chains. If this cause doesn’t end with halflings and all slaves walking free, say it now. I’ve no interest trading one tyrant’s ledger for another’s."
Finally, a flash of the familiar Valcarine grin. "If your answers satisfy, you’ll have House Valcaro’s daughter, her steward, and-" she glanced around the table, inviting others "-a few inconveniently brave new friends. Point us."
Rexus nods as Bellara appreciates his mother's past behavior. To Myron he says, "It is said the door was nailed shut before the fire broke out. Since the house is now aught but ashes, I have no proof, but no. My parents did not escape the blaze, and I would have joined them in the pyre, had I not been away, as I said."
He acknowledges Myron and Impasha's declarations of allegiance with a warm smile.
To Bellara: "The servants rooms were a detached structure that was not burned. Most have fled in fear, but a few stalwarts have agreed to stand by me. I will send them to your House for shelter and work temporarily, as it is likely not safe," he touches his still-bruised head. "To be seen with me at present."
In answer to Buttercup's query about halfling abolition, he says "I believe all ancestries are created equal under the laws of gods and men. I cannot say all my patriot countrymen agree, but liberation would be an issue I would fight for as hard as freedom from diabolical oppression should the opportunity arise. I encourage you to help your fellow halfling and throw in. The outcome, if successful, will not be worse than present circumstances, at any rate."
He takes another sip, and then turns to look at each of you squarely. "My mother may be dead, but her spirit is not. I have need of your service, and then we can get to the cloak-and-dagger business of fomenting rebellion without burning ourselves." He withdraws a folded parchment and hands it across the table to Elarion while saying:
"The morning after the Night of Ashes, I had a visitor, a halfling woman named Laria Longroad, who claimed to be a friend of my mothers. She revealed things I did not know before the fire. First, that my mother was a member of a secret society called the Sacred Order of Archivists dedicated to the protection and restoration of history. She gave me this letter as evidence. It's written in my mother's hand and appears to be authentic."
The letter reads:
My dearest son,
If you are reading this, what I have feared has come to pass and I am dead. For many years, I have belonged to the Sacred Order of Archivists and have worked to free Kintargo from Chelish rule. I have learned much about Kintargo's secret history, and fear the time will soon come when the city needs the return of its Silver Ravens. You have likely never heard of the Silver Ravens --few have. Mentions of them have been redacted by the agents of House Thrune. But during the civil war, the Ravens worked to ensure Kintargo's safety. They were heroes in their day, and I fear that Kintargo needs their kind again. Do not believe the government's claims that Lord-Mayor Bainilus abandoned us! Darker things are afoot, and I fear that all wo work against Thrune may find themselves in danger in the days ahead.
"The Silver Ravens maintained numerous hideouts within Kintargo's walls during the civil war. I have learned one such site -- the chambers below a building known today as the Fair Fortune Livery. If you are reading this, I was unable to seek further answers there myself. Gather heroes to your side, my son, and search below the livery. There, if my research is correct, you will find something to teach you more of the Silver Ravens and their legacy."
"Do not let my death be in vain. Stand up for Kintargo. Bring the Silver Ravens back to life!"
Rexus looks hopefully at you as the letter is read. Maybe you didn't notice till now, but he wears a black leather glove on what appears to be a misshapen left hand. He holds it up and shrugs. "My shortcomings are obvious. You can see by how I faired against those thugs that I am not the physical specimen needed to explore the livery, or to lead a revolution. That's why I seek you out. Go with me to Fair Fortune Livery, see what lies below, if anything, and help see if the Silver Ravens were even real. I lost everything in the fire, but Laria also brought me something else."
He takes from his pack a small metal coffer. He opens the coffer and shows you the contents. Inside are a small signet ring worth 15gp, a silver dagger, a set of bracers, and 24 gold crowns. He withdraws a single mithral key and keeps it for himself then pushes the coffer towards you.
"Take this as payment if you will, to accompany me. I have no need of these things any longer, and may not live long enough to enjoy them anyway. I do not know yet what this key opens, but hope to find out through these explorations. Will you take my offer and help me, and maybe Kintargo?"
Myron knows the place well. It's was a slaughterhouse back in Redroof's earliest days, but was remade into a thriving stable under the direction of the now-dead Juliac family wo insisted they make their fortunes from the care of creatures rather than their deaths.
Either Myron, or Rexus, can lead you to this place if you wish.
Buttercup lets loose a soft slow whistle as she eyes the wealth offered, already moved by the declaration of freedom for her race, and the involvement of a halfling in this escapade. Even if she later chooses to slip out of the arrangement, a chance she puts at about 75%, relieving others of their wealth has long been a hobby of hers. So, she is the first to pipe up with a "Yes, I'm in."
Rexus nods his thanks to the diminutive member at the table, and looks at the others with expectancy.
Bellara's expression softens a fraction at Rexus's comment. She nods and responds "Send any Victocora servants to Valcaro House by back streets only. They’ll be fed and hidden."
Bellara listened, then drew the coffer a finger’s breadth nearer and shut its lid with a neat click. "Very well, Rexus. This is the first task I asked for, and it answers enough. I’m in."