Arael's page

"Of course it would be my honor to officiate. I also think you'd make a fantastic mayor, I'm sure we can get the vote out for you." He says with a smile.

At Vizio's Tavern there is party going on when you arrive all the remaining Brotherhood is there drinking, eating and making merry. When you all walk in there a standing ovation. "Hip, hip, hooray"

The half-elf continues with the tale, "Vassindio rose swiftly through the ranks, and while the Council never actually had one single
“leader,” by the time his son Sidonai was born 7 years later in 4654 ar, Vassindio was as close as one could be to this vaunted role."

Making sure everyone is following the story, "Vassindio did much to maintain tradition within the Council through a mix of fear and power. Quick to reward success among the guild’s members, he was even swifter
to punish transgressions — no matter how frustrated the younger generations grew with the Council’s ways, the fear of the “old man’s justice” kept things in line." He shakes his head as he mentions how fear kept things in-line. "At no time was the power of Vassindio’s justice more obvious than in 4687 ar, when it became clear that his own son had brought shame on the family name by trafficking with the Mother of Flies in order to engineer a devilspawn child — a
misguided attempt to sire a son that the House of Thrune could not help but respect. When Vassindio learned of this foolish plan, he murdered his son’s wife and house staff and sent his son into exile — rumors that Vassindio sent assassins after his son to ensure that he never reached his new home in exile, He says, "We have it on good authority the assassination is accurate, as it turns out." He exhales. "This did much to bolster the old man’s power over the Council."

"Yet at the crux of these events, Vassindio, for all of his
ruthlessness and impartiality, made one mistake that sealed not only his fate but the fate of the entire Council. He let his grandson and granddaughter live and now we have a shift in power."

The next day Areal would relay the following tale about what the council, "Never a legitimate concern but his is what we have pieced together over from tales."

"The Council of Thieves has existed in Westcrown’s shadow for nearly 425 years. Born from the violence of a brutal criminal war that nearly tore Westcrown apart, the Council became an increasingly destructive presence in Westcrown as the years melted into decades." He stops to make sure Gerard is following the story, "By 4469, the council practically ruled Westcrown from behind the scenes, and the city’s citizens lived in constant fear of accidentally incurring the Council’s wrath. The then ruler of Cheliax, Queen Koradinna, saw that the citizens of the capitol were suffering, but knew that an all-out war against the Council would simply drown that suffering in bloodshed. And certainly there was something to be said for a self-governing guild of thieves as opposed to what Westcrown had before the Council’s rise—constantly feuding gangs of ruffians and thugs." He takes a sip of water. "And so the queen hit upon an ingenious solution. She met with the Council’s leaders and worked out a series of secret payments and hushed deals with the criminal organization. As long as the Council kept its crimes subtle, hidden, and relatively nonviolent, and as long as they paid the appropriate fines to the government’s coffers, they would be allowed to continue to exist without persecution. A number of scapegoats, criminals who had fallen from the guild’s good graces, were offered up by the Council and publicly executed, and the queen announced that the Council was no more. Although many believe that the Council of Thieves was eradicated during this purge, it was in fact at this point that the guild finally came into its own."

He takes another drink, "History tells us it continued to spread its influence in the years following Koradinna’s Accord, maintaining polite if not friendly relationships with the city’s nobility and always seeking to prevent more violent crimes from staining the city streets. Yet while muggings, murders, rapes, and the like dwindled from
the public eye, extortion and other white-collar crimes continued unabated."

"That is until the death of Aroden. The Chelish Civil War was a strange time for the Council. It no longer had to contend with the laws and strictures of a central government, but neither was it necessarily
equipped to prosper in times of such upheaval and violence. So the Council laid low for 3 decades, and when the House of Thrune seized control, it was quick to re-establish its presence in the city. Yet those 30 years of civil war changed the hearts and souls of every man, woman, and child in Cheliax—and the members of the Council were not
exempt from these changes. Whereas before its members had respected tradition and the pursuit of gentlemanly crime, the postwar Council members found themselves dwelling in a city that was but a shadow of its former glory. The government was no longer an enemy but active
competition."

"This new incarnation of the Council of Thieves has, over the past several decades, followed a slow descent into anarchy and disrespect for its roots as a result, despite continued attempts by the Council’s elderly members to maintain their traditions in the face of younger members eager for a change. In many ways, Councilman Vassindio
Drovenge (the youngest man to be elevated to a position of command within the Council at the age of 23 in 4647 ar) was the last traditionalist—the final member of the Council’s “old guard.”

"Lucrezia is at the safehouse...keeping it calm and organized in our absence."

"All hell has been unleashed upon the city over the last 24 hours," he comments then drinks the remains of a potion.

"Andrea knows where the stable is, it's by one of the gates leading out of the city. We will send word that we need some horses and to have them ready at dawn."

"Oh...horses are never an issue Gorvio's uncle is a horse trader." Areal looks over to Janiven, "Can you get word to Gorvio? When do you need them tonight or tomorrow?

The group gathers back a the safehouse towards the late afternoon. "We're still having some trouble on the streets but it's calmed down considerable...the pit fiend has taken some retribution on a few families and merchants. Are you going to go gather Grimm's body?"

"Of the three green hags, only the Mother of Flies was away when Vassindio’s forces stormed Hagwood with a deadly combination of fire, assassins, and charmed giants and fey. It is rumored that The Mother learned of Vassindio’s rage and, nursing her own grudge against the Drovenges for the deaths of her sister and daughter, relocated deeper into Hagwood and began the process creating a new Maggot Tree. To gird herself against further Drovenge vengeance, she sought and found an unlikely ally among the dark fey of the Court of Ether hidden within the upper reaches of the Darklands region of Nar-Voth." He shakes his head, "It is rumored that the Mother of Flies seeks revenge and retribution upon the Drovenge family."

"Then since the rise of House Thrune, the Flies have maintained their fastness at the aptly named Maggot Tree in the heart of Hagwood, where they constantly sought new methods to spin the tangles and threads of their schemes. When Sidonai Drovenge, the Vassindio's son approached them in 4686 AR seeking an infernal heir, the Flies cackled with glee."

"From the depths of Erebus, the coven procured a coin from the archdevil Mammon’s own treasury that, if swallowed within 24 hours of his heir’s conception, would impart the power of that duke of Hell upon Sidonai’s offspring. Little did Sidonai Drovenge know that by accepting this potent gift, he was cuckolding himself—the coin in fact held the possessing spirit of Mammon, and the heir would not be Sidonai’s but Mammon’s own son, begat upon the world through a mortal coupling. When Sidonai’s son was born a fiendish freak 9 months later, Sidonai’s father Vassindio flew into a terrific rage. He ordered the deaths of all involved—midwives and house staff alike (the mother having escaped this fate by dying herself from complications in birthing the infernal heir). While Vassindio tempered his rage when it came to his son (exiling him rather than executing him), the Flies themselves did not escape his wrath."

The half-elf continues after sipping his smoke whiskey and exhaling, "The Flies have been a part of Hagwood for as long as anyone can remember—long enough that the scattered and sodden woodlands within which they made their home became known as Hagwood. Far enough from Westcrown that the three hags weren’t considered a major threat, yet close enough to remain a constant menace in folktales and bedtime stories, these three green hags (the Mother, the Sister, and the Daughter) have for years played upon the fringes of Wiscrani society, working their nefarious plots for their own unknowable ends beneath the noses of the government of arguably Avistan’s most powerful kingdom." He looks at Andrea, Lucrezia, Daniel, Orsin and Gerard. "Such was their pervasive influence that Aroden’s death had no real impact on their lives and insulated positions—save perhaps in making it easier than ever to prowl the streets of Westcrown to further their complex web of plots."

He sips more of his drink then blinks repeatedly before continuing.

Areal and Lord Tilernos along with the several members of the Grulios family shift uncomfortably with Andrea's question about who is the Mother of Flies.

"Well," he ponders the question, "the Mother of Flies is one of what were three hags, that made up a coven - mother, the sister, the daughter they thrived during the civil war."

"Where the Adivian River continued to flow, the seasonal winter storms continued to blow, and on the far shore across the river, the insect infested wetlands endured. And within these wetlands, in a particularly forested area to the northeast of the city of Westcrown, a coven of hags known as the Flies continued to rule the scattered woodlands, known as Hagwood." He shacks his head, "There are rumors...stories, all unconfirmed but....today, this letter about Archduke Mammon shed truth to the darkness."

He stops you can tell there is more to the story that he knows but it obviously is making several people uncomfortable. "This city is vile...and one family was rumored to thrive in it..."

"Well we are...um...not exactly permitted to be in the temple. Thrune law forbids use of temples other than to Asmodeus. However, We could get a warehouse and I would propose Janiven as the face....I've had my brushes with some in the government. Their memories may not be so short."

"So what can you all tell us about this Red Knives group did you learn anything of interest other than they are kidnappers and murders?" As he opens up the discussion.

All the people in the room hush when Areal speaks, respect is shown for what he has organized.

Areal leads the group to the Grulios manor, where the house guards are expecting you. You are lead in to main parlor and offered refreshments, before being announced.

The time you are waiting is minimal before being escorted into the study. There a meeting is already underway...

"That would be terrific but the Hellknight Order of the Rack will be the issue that and the House Thrune." Contemplating the comments, "Your families support would be a huge boost, we have friends with the Grulios and Missepi Houses."

"Your family has been thrust into the recent city happens, like it or not, your brother should want justice. Kidnapping is neither honeorable nor legal, even if slavery is currently permitted by the law."

"Let's get moving to the Grulios house and we can take it from there, Janiven take a team to sweep the build. Mathalen take a team and look at the outside, see what there could be for ambushes."

"Oh, Janiven please send Orsin to the Grulios house if you see him."

The half-elf that goes by the name of Areal, looks at you "You can follow us, we have place to get cleaned up, a good meal and some rest before the meeting."

"Fiosa is safely working with Janiven and team of four others rendering aid near the docks." He whispers to Andrea.

Areal will suggest, "the three houses are meeting at the Grulios Manor your presence is requested." He looks at all the members.

"Hopefully John will already be there."

"There they are...all look safe." Areal points at the heroes as they approach. "quickly now," he demands of the gate guards. The gates open to permit entrance. There are several slaps on the backs and well wishes but the celebration is more reserved with all the prying eyes on you.

"My most humble apologies, no offense meant not would I want to spread rumor."

Talbard, Areal and Janiven whisper a few word together. It is noticeable to those paying attention in small shop. Finally Areal speaks, "Andrea, we believe scrying the whereabouts of Sascar Tilneros is an excellent idea. In fact, we beleive it should be done immediately...perhaps we can save her, at the least put to rest her whereabouts." His gaze moves to Daniel, "Your half-sister is of paramount concern."

In a deep reflective tone, "Devils honor their obligations to a letter, if Grimm is alive the devils will find him, and bring him out alive provided he does nothing to provoke an attack. They will use it as bargaining chit for future favor. If he is dead, they will honor their word and bring him out...a deal is a deal. Frankly, this is hard but those devils are probably the best way to locate Grimm."

Areal listens to the conversations then offers, "Our patrols to maintain calm have been very busy and for the most part well received by the residents of the city. They have been a calming influence and have stops 3 vandals of businesses, 2 muggings and have escorted many people home." He glances at Andrea, A foundation to the lightbearers."We are continuing our patrols to render assistance to those in need."

"I'm not sure if you noticed for 2 of the spiral flames had gone out....not sure hat that means."

Promptly at noon Areal and Janiven show up at Talbard's, they go over and welcome Faelyn back, "It's wonderful that Imodae's healing was able to bring you back to this world." His eye moves to the lovely librarian,"Many missed you."

Areal, also, hands Orsin a pouch with 6 cure serious wound potions for the group.

Areal would have hit john, orsin with restoration spells if they needed it. Lucrezia was elsewhere so, he will leave that up to Andrea.

It is just barely sunrise when Andrea finds herself at the safehouse, it is hoping already. Areal advises arrangements have been mad to resurrect Faelyn this morning. He hands a coin pouch to Andrea, "there are 600 platiums in there, give it to Talbard, he is picking up the difference in the cost for the resurrection and then the restoration that needs to be cast immediately on his revival."

"John, Orsin make sure she gets to Talbards safely. Then John you may want to go visit your mentor for the morning as Faelyn is brought back to life."

"You know that makes sense, he will want vengeance on whom ever confined him." He nods, "at least we should hope....and...pray." He looks at John, "and you are right, he should be weakened for a while, so you say they will return Grimm's body in 3 days time and they will wreck havoc on the Aberten which should weaken the siblings slightly with the lose of a spellcaster."

he straightens up, "John can you and Orsin make sure the others are gathered tomorrow morning sunrise at Tobin's shop and bring the remains of Faelyn, we have resurrection to do."

"What of Grimm, how is he MIA?"

"F...F...Faelyn didn't make it? Where's his body?" He shakes his head, the fog clearing "he's at Talbard"s...good, good. I need to contact Lord Tilernos' cleric Tobian he has a shop near the bridge. He can heal him....he will heal him."

His face loses color, "Poor Gruum may have lost yet another, I need to see him personally." He picks up his cloak. "How are you two doing and the others?"

Not sure if Orsin is with John. Truk and Lucreazia make their way to Talbard's.

Areal has a look of surprise when John enters. His gaze looks over the battered hellknight, "Where are the others? He pauses, "Is the mansion secure?" He waits for a few seconds believing the others would be there soon, then he continues, "We just heard that the Council of Thieves has splintered into two groups and are in open rebellion and infighting for power. Chammady and Ecarrdian Drovenge are seeking to seize control from their father Commander Vassindio Drovenge, who rules over of the council. The rebellious scions sent their agents to the manor when it exploded, did you run into them?

Areal nods, "I've one team already report back that the mayor's manor exploded, they are keeping a watchful but distant eye on it." He looks at the core adventurers, "If you want to try to get closer, see what's happening that could help us out. I understand that the dottari are setting up safety perimeters." He looks around. 'Be careful."

After what seems like a day-and-a-night everyone manages to get back to the safehouse. There is chatter off doom from a few newer members about judgment day but Areal quickly and firmly puts an end to this chaotic banter. The older members are much more disciplined standing waiting for instruction.

"STOP IT! We will have order and reason, panic will only add to the uncertainty." Then methodically he starts to implement a well thought out plan, designating squads of 7, all with at least 5 disciplined members. "We need feet on the ground, accessing the situation first, then helping others. We will send 10 teams into to the field at any given time. It is important to hold back 5 teams at base in reserve and to keep people fresh. Stay together separation can cause injury and death strength in numbers."

He begins to designate areas areas for the teams cover. The actual size and order of the Brotherhood should start to sink in for everyone. What began as small rag-tag group has actually grown into an effective group.

If John wants to make his way here that fine with me.

Areal would have nod, "No problem."

Areal nods that he has an acquaintance that may be able to help with Andrea's request.

He then turns to Faelyn,"Go let off some steam."

Morning prayers have been heard and granted, transformations following the horrors of the old pathfinder home are fresh on everyone's soul.

When the companions make their way downstairs they find Areal, Janiven and Ailyn sitting in Areal's office examining the Morrowfall. Ailyn is sketching the item and making notations in her journal, while Areal jots down a few findings.

The Morrowfall is one-half of the Aohl, an artifact gifted to the ancient Jaytirian Society following a sacred truce between their two feuding gods of millennia past. The Morrowfall is the remaining manifestation of the power of Easivra, a potent sun god now all but forgotten, but any good-aligned creature that touches the Morrowfall immediately knows the name and how to use the artifact’s powers. It constantly glows with the light spell. The Morrowfall can not be used by a neutral or evil creature. By presenting it strongly and uttering Easivra’s name (a standard action), the Morrowfall can be used to cast the following spells.

At Will— detect undead, disrupt undead, daze monster (DC 13)
3/day— blindness (DC 13), daylight, searing light
1/day—sunbeam (DC 20), sunburst (DC 22)

Destruction:
When the Morrowfall is joined with its counterpart, the Totemrix,its powers, as well as those of the Totemrix, are suppressed. In this state, both it and the Totemrix can be destroyed by anything capable of destroying a magic metal object of its size.

"This is the answer to the city's Shadowbeast problem! You've done it!! The residents owe you a debt of gratitude! THANK YOU!, Area excited exclaims when he see the party. Meanwhile Janiven and Aiyn are all smiles.

Areal rushes forward from his guard position and chants a few words touching Lucrezia. Your flesh is chewed and raw but the burning has stopped. He neutralize the acid.

A few seconds later he sense a healing surge into you. CMW: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (7, 5) + 3 = 15

I will come along and provide cover form the street, in case, a Hellknight, dottari or other person decides to stumble by. Once nightfalls, I will seek shelter till the morning, then I will return.

Your party is so friggin big, you don't need extra bodies in the exploration.

Areal says he's scouted the area recently and he mentions the following, "The front gate faces the meandering Adivian Walk, the road that runs along the eastern shore of Westcrown’s Rego Sacero; the far side of the road at this point overlooks a 30-foot-high bluff that drops into the waters below, and the road itself is generally not well traveled." he takes a drink of wine than adds, "few folks have need to use this stretch of road since it offers no access to the water and fronts a notorious building and that he, and his scouts, noticed only 1 Hellknight patrol over that last three days."

"There is warning sign at the front gate which is chained shut, and doesn't appear pickable, but the wall looks like it can be climbed."

Back at the safehouse, Grimm and Zizmort are facing off. Faelyn is simply cupping his face in his hands wondering if it will stop. Everyone eventually drags themselves back.

Orsin learns his armor will be delayed due to Ermolos' death, an unforeseen consequence for sure.

Areal is present with two new members, who simply watch and listen.

What is your plan for Delvehaven?

When Truk and Lucrezia arrive downstairs.

Areal is grasping forarms with an unknown, cankerous faced dwarf that has a frothy beard. While Janiven is doing the same thing with Gruum, each person is holding the others tankard and forcing them to drink. Both dwarf's are standing on chairs to get height.

"May Duncan drink the golden ales that Ragathiel generously provides." Arael's voice can be hear praising.

"Here...Here." followed by drumming on the table.

"Go let Truk and the Duncan unleash their anger on those assassins." Areal goes to his healers kit and hands you three lesser restoration potions and scroll containing remove disease, remove paralysis, remove sickness. "These should help."

"What is done is done. The noble girl is free and safe. There are enough enemies out there, no need to fight in here. Finding a solution to the Shadowbeast and ending corruption will provide the people with answers and hope. This will make this a better place city to live in."

"Those dark tactics are questionable." He looks from Duncan to John, "Slavery, although despicable is legal in this country and blatant assassination is unworthy of us. We would be replacing one terror in the city with another type of horror."

He nods approvingly to Andrea, "Very perceptive."

"Orn has never been here and doesn't know much does he?" He's a slave he's probably been beaten before and take some punishment.

Areal looks at the group, "Nobody is suggesting to let him be tortured; however, to move on the headquarters is an act of treason we condemn each and everyone involved to death, their friends, associates and acquaintances." He looks around,

"Duncan you ready for Gruum, Brian and his wife and child, along with the orphans in the shop to perish? If you get causght or one of you to be seen?'

"John surely this is something you'd think twice about?"

"Andrea the danger means Fiosa, your church and friends will likely be hunted."

He grimly goes on,

"Faelyn you many be new to the group the but the danger will extend to everyone you know."

His gaze meets Orsin, "Disaster will happen to your young friend, Shu Lien."

His eyes searching reaching your souls, "Rash decisions have consequences. This is not a bunch of Armingers transporting me to their citadel out fo the city, where the dottari have no reach. This will bring the dottari down on everyone."

"The Hellknights have their headquarters Northof here, in the old Taranik House. I can't believe Paralictor Chard would hold Orn." He looks a bit worried. "Assaulting their HQ in the city would be...unwise." His eyes meet John's.

"So it sounds like he has been there a short time...at least. he gave you money yesterday for the contest and he's gone by this morning." trying to put a positive spin on the explanation.

Looking at the group, "What news have you heard?"

"Things seem eerily quiet around town, to much so for my liking."