Janiven_JCS's page

I want to make sure that all of you have everything you need to be prepared before diving into that Lodge. To that end, Arael is preparing a number of potions to assist you. I know some of you would like to purchase some new adventuring gear and the such. In order to free up your time, I've arranged some of the other Shades to run those errands for you. Just tell them what you need, and they'll hunt Westcrown for it. Yako and Amaya, in particular, seem to have some great connections for some more rare things. Tarvi has been working on her skill in enhancing magic items. If you require divinely blessed items, Fiosa and Arael can assist you.

This will take some time, but it is time well spent. I know a few of you are just itching to go. However, I want to make sure that you have every advantage going up against the nightmares of that place. In the mean time, while you wait, you can relax, work with the others, or spend time in town. If you have any questions, let me know.

Janiven laughs at Beppo's story. Arael motions to her. She pats Beppo on the shoulder. Good, but no cigar this time, big man. The bossman calls. Try not to have too many women give you a lap dance while I'm gone!

She meets Areal in a corner where he discusses something with her.

After a while, the party begins to wind down (Last call to chat with NPCs or each other!)

Why don't you tell me the story first, and I'll consider it? Janiven says loud enough for everyone to hear, causing laughter to erupt from most.

Janiven looks at Aemon and replies, You're right, I'm not actively recruiting...but I'm always keeping an eye and ear open for those who would be willing to join our cause. And it would seem Ailyn knows a few people in this town whom I had not met before. Unfortunately with the loss of some of our original members, it behooves us to accept extra help when its offered.

A tall elf gets up, from speaking with a tiefling sitting on one of the pews.

Ah. And this is Arael, our fearless leader. While we all desire a Westcrown free of fear, it is Arael's visionary path of motivating the people from within that is proving to actually work.

As the party continues, Ailyn and Janiven return from the sewers with two gentlemen you do not recognize.

Everyone, if I could have your attention for a moment. I would like to introduce two new members to our little underground hero group here. Killian and Taryin share our desire to see Westcrown change peacefully from the inside out. I'll let them introduce themselves.

Please introduce your character to the group, including a detailed physical description...including older members...make sure you intro yourselves to the new guys.

Indeed. Stick together. Make your case diplomatically. Observe and report on anything you find that may help our cause. Come back in one piece. That's the mission.

With that Janiven heads to the trap door in the safe house. We are in agreement. I will lead you to my friend who can take you there.

Within an hour, you are part of a caravan that begins its journey early the next morning for the citadel. It does not take you long to arrive.

I'm not convinced disguises are necessary. In face, they may be detrimental. First, keep in mind that your public idenities are *very* public as you all have been involved in not one, but two public shows. Second, we have no reason to believe that the Order knows of your connection to the Shades of Grey. If they suspected that, I believe that you all would have been hunted in public, with a much greater force, than what we've seen here. However, if you disguise yourselves in the citadel, and your disguises are discovered, it could be viewed as a deliberate attempt to deceive officials. That would result in some immedate actions that you don't want to think about.

To answer your question about lawyers, Kyle, you have to know a bit more about the laws here themselves. They are incredibly deep and complex. Now, the good news is that this is pretty clearly a case of an overzealous knight overstepping his bounds to get promoted. The law clearly states as much. We don't need a lawyer to argue that fact. It's plain. We do need to make sure, however, that the interactions with the Hellknights is done with the utmost care and diplomacy. If not handled carefully, a creative officer can certainly use a lack of respect to interpret guilt through some other law. More importantly, your open eyes and ears may garner us valuable information. While I don't want you to do anything that could possibly draw suspicion, your keen sense of observation and carefully worded questions could produce valuable results no lawyer would do for us. At the very least, confirm that the Hellknights got no information about us through Cala.

I have secured space in a supply caravan heading to the Citadel early tomorrow morning. You can take that. It will get there in plenty of time to request an audience with the Order's leaders.

Delvehaven will have to wait, then. Give me a some time. I have contacts close to the Order. Let's not rush into something this big blind. Let me see what I can find out.

----

After nearly a day of waiting, hypothesizing and making various plans, Janiven returns to the safehouse.

Ok... This isn't as bad as we thought, but it isn't good, either. I've located Cala. She is alive, though she is imprisoned for seditious acts she did not commit. They also suspect Kyle, and it was definately the Order of the Nail that was trying to entrap him.

Janiven throws a folder of papers on the table. Tancred Desimire, a HellKnight on the rise, received a report of Cala and Kyle spreading bad rumors against the government in the dinner party. The report was from a single witness, and while not enough to hang someone over, Desimire hopes to get more information through torture. If he could prove this to be true, it could be enough to get him promoted. These documents, secured by my agent close to the Order, shows that there is simply not enough proof, by letter of the law, for this type of treatment against Westcrown citizens. This should be evidence we can use to exonerate her, ensure her release, and clear Kyle all at the same time.

The bad news is that Cala is being held in Citadel Vraid, home to the Hellknights of the Order of the Nail. Convincing those totalitarian mercenaries that she must be freed is going to be quite a challenge. You must present these documents if Cala is to be free and Kyle's name cleared. More important, while we don't believe Cala knows anything about the true nature of what Kyle or the rest of us do, we simply cannot take that chance. We've stayed alive this long making sure that every loose end is tied up.

Now, while the Order of the Nail has earned its reputation as a cadre of ruthless mercenaries, its Hellknights are still bound to uphold the law. I’d wager that the order’s leaders would release Cala if they can be convinced they’re holding her unlawfully. You, must do just that.

One more thing: I know we don't like the Hellknights. Many of you are chomping at the bit for a chance to get back. But, I honestly believe that this is best handled as a diplomatic mission and not the time to air your personal grievances against the Order. There are over four hundred Hellknights in Citadel Vraid, and you’ll be in their home. Getting Cala out of there is your sole priority, and since the law is on our side, you should run into no problems doing so provided you behave with reasonable caution and restraint. Do not take this warning lightly—you cannot take on the entire citadel in combat. Appeal to their sense of law and leave them to their business.

Any questions?

As you talk about locks, Janiven says, I think I got someone who's fingers are a bit more nimble than the tieflings'.

She walks away to one of the back rooms.

"The party returns to the hideout. Janiven asks excitedly, I'm glad to see you all are in one piece. Did you find it?

Aemon hands the urn over. She, in turn, hands it over to Ailyn. As promised...

I apologize...I thought that the information provided inferred a certain amount of reconnaissance on my part. While I have not been there in a few months, I have scouted the ruins area, including the Murder House, a few times. Of course, you have do better than I. The challenge with them is that they rarely leave their monastery, or even walk outside. This made me curious, so I asked some of my contacts about it. One of them informed me that a few of the ladies come out, heavily robed, once a month or so, to trade for food and goods from the marketplace. The building itself is large enough to accommodate two to three dozen.

The only other advice I can think to give you is to keep in mind that they are assassins. As such, they will be trained in hand to hand combat, and may deal in poisons.

Tessai: Your own knowledge (local) bears the above to be true. You do not know more than that. Are there any other questions, or actions you want to take before the group heads off?

You could try. But you might want Tessai to do that kinda of approach for you. They're is a sisterhood afterall.

The sewers will get you so far, but there's nothing really close to that area of the ruins.

It is up to you. Each method carries its own sets of risk. Personally, I prefer to use a cloak and moving during the day, as I don't see well at night... not to mention there's the Shadow Beasts. However, you have Tessai and perhaps other means of dealing with darkness...and you avoid nearly all chance of being seen by guards if you move at night with no illumination.

I got some information for you all. The 'Massacre House' is a hexagonal stone building whose slateshingled roof comes to a sharp triangular peak. The external walls are thick, with four 10-foot vaulted passageways cutting through this stone shell to four separate heavy wooden doors that appear locked. Each door is fitted with a narrow sliding window. Obviously, that allows them to see who comes knockin' at their door without putting themselves at risk.

The Sisters of Eiseth can be identified by their distinctive habits of blood-red silk. We have no idea how many there are, as they rarely come out. If you find yourself overwhelmed, do not hesitate to retreat. Do you want to travel by day or evening?

The city marketplace is busier than normal. The mood of the people seems light. Here and there you can hear people speak, in low tones, but the murderplay where actors...nay, heroes actually survived! Another speaks of a gladiator that took down the long reigning champion by killing devils with his bear hands.

I'll catch up with you in a few, Tessai. I need to touch based with a few of my contacts. Janiven darts into the crowd, pulling a cloak over her head.

I understand. You see similar looks in the eyes of the halflings here. Some of them have been servants or slaves their whole life. They are taught to think that way, with not thought of what a better life might even entail.

As such, I think it's important to let them make the decision as to what they want to do next. The implications of which, as you point out, may be hard to understand. But, if anyone can help them see that, perhaps Kyle can. He seems to have a way with them.

Do they even want to be a part of us? Or do they simply want to go on their way? Have you spoke with them lately?

When she sees that he has not, she answers, Talk with them, and let know. I need to head with Tessai into town today. Let's meet up tonight and discuss it further.

"I will be going out for a stroll through Westcrown tomorrow - if we need to re-equip, we need to go out. Also I want to get a feel for how things are at the moment, after we have started our... Activities" - Tessai smiles.

"Anyone care to join me?"

I will, Tessai. It has been a nearly a fortnight since I have been to the market district. I have a few contacts there I need to touch base with.

Be careful if you head out at night. Shadow Beasts still patrol the streets. During the day, be careful when leaving the city proper, as the watch or knights may see you and get curious.

It may be the only way to learn about the protections that surround the lodge. There is some good news for you. While infiltrating Massacre House is likely no easy matter the Sisterhood’s self-selected isolation will work to your advantage if you take the more head on approach. Put simply, what happens in Massacre House stays in Massacre House. She smiles. By keeping themselves in the old ruins area, and very self contained, there's no one outside of the organization to witness and report what you do while you are there. Even if you resort to violence, they are well outside city jurisdiction.

I make it my job to keep an eye on other groups in the city, especially those who ally closely with House Thrune. In recent years, they've been on the decline. It is indeed ironic that in our day, where they can act relatively openly, the Sisterhood has languished. Most of their monasteries are now abandoned, and those that remain are run by relatively small numbers of low-level monks. This Massacure House isn't much different, if they haven't changed since I last had it scouted.

That chapter of the Sisterhood stubbornly maintains its convent in the ruined section of the city, refusing to relocate their traditional home to safer areas. Of course, the order’s relatively notorious reputation does much to keep the lowlifes and thugs who live in the ruins from bothering the building. Devout worshipers of Eiseth, the Sisters are staunch supporters of House Thrune and make it their business to keep a watchful eye over Westcrown’s piety.

It is my understanding that they still carry out assassinations now and then, but if they are, they do so keeping a low profile. Anyway, the 'Massacre House' in the northern reaches of the ruins.

You are right, Tessai. The group is much more experienced and cohesive then when I first called you all together. It feels like half a year ago, though it really has not been that long. What was once a rag tag band of citizens with dreams of a better way in their hearts has become a force to be reckoned with!

I must say that he did...you ALL did, a fabulous job there.

As the beast moves towards Beppo, Yako comes up and gets Janiven's attention.

Hey, Yako says that she has some scrolls that she ... um...borrowed from Arael's room. Kyle, do you want to look at them?

That all sounds helpful. So, friends, what first - Beppo counts the options off on his fingers - look for other clues to the hidden cache, go all the way to Nidal for this Sivanshin fellow, or try to find the bodies of the others, including the unfortunate Venture-Captain-slash-statue?

The note mentions that the statue or remails of that individual might be in possession of the Luccas. Rance Lucca is somewhat known for his distaste of government. And he's not too far from here. May be as good as place as any to start.

As she finishes, Janiven opens up the silver box. Odd, they just have candles.

Vheed? Dargentu Vheed? He was the last mayor. He vanished some time ago.

With some help, we've determined that the Chelish crux is similar to a bag of holding in that its interior space is larger than its exterior would suggest. Each face of the crux is carved with a different rune or image—in order to open the puzzle box, a person must trace the outlines of these runes and images with the tip of a finger in the proper order. Each time a rune is triggered in the correct order in this manner, it glows with a soft red light. But whenever a rune is triggered out of order, the light flashes into fire...nothing fatal, but it does hurt. Failure to open a crux eight times in a row causes the combination of runes to randomize to a new combination. With that being said, we have figured it out, and now let's open it.

She runs her finger along the runes, carefully, and lays the crux down. It folds open revealing its contents...

Leather Portfolio: This leather-bound portfolio bears a single mark on its cover—an embossed and very stylized letter “D.” Ailyn identifies this mark as the symbol for the Pathfinder lodge of Delvehaven.

Scrolls: These three magic scrolls consist of a scroll of heal, a scroll of remove curse, and a scroll of scrying.

Silver Box: This is a small silver box engraved with dancing skeletons

Wands: This is a matched pair of slender oak wands.

Severed Head: As soon as the crux is opened, The strangest object in the crux ... a severed head immediately begins shrieking and screaming.

Janiven half-yells, I can't believe I'm hearing this. Are you out of you mind? Kill our friends? I thought you told me you're half-elf! Clearly you've lost all grip on humanity!!

Janiven asks, Are you...are you actually suggesting we KILL him?!?!

Janiven looks at Kyle and Beppo. Her face read with a mixture of anger, doubt and frustration, she whispers, It's just...just... he can just sit there and talk about Devil as if he's just another casualty of war! Another lost soldier that we simply have to dismiss and move on!! I just... I just can't think of Devil that way.... of any of you! If I thought the way he did, he would be in a Hellknight prison right now, dead or tortured close to it! We saved him because we put the needs of one above the group. It's just....just... She trails off, wiping the tears from her eyes...

... he might be right here. Listening to what you told me, you all barely escaped the Knot with your lives. Marching to the church, asking questions about devils with the intention of finding a way to confront the creature? To say it's a risk to your freedom or your lives is an understatement, even with the best planning. Few people know this better than I. Yet, while I know this to be true...indisputable... I just wish... there was a way to save him. Part of me wants to take the risk, no matter the odds.

I just wish I believed that some part of Arael felt the same way...

I...I need a few minutes. I'll be back.

Then let's do that... if anyone else has something to say, now is the time. While you speak, I will hand out small parchments. Please write your vote on it, fold it and hand it to me. I will count the votes and tell you which direction wins the majority.

Looks like voting is the way here. Everyone has until 6pm EST to email me their vote - jcservant at cyberlightcomics dot com. Janiven will announce the group's decision at that point.

Something else some of the more faithful among you should ponder. You may be asked to demonstrate your faith to the church of Asmodeus. It may mean that you have to say a prayer or something along those lines publicly showing your support for said deity. That may be a problem for some of you.

Looking solemn, Janiven adds, It's a very difficult decision to make. Dealing with the church can be very dangerous for any of our members. She frowns. And you don't know that what you'll find out will actually be helpful. It's a tough decision, and its ultimately up to you all. We'll support you either way.

Tessai touches the mirror, and instantly finds herself back at the 'abandoned' Temple of Iomadae.

Tessai!, Janiven exclaims. Where did you...it doesn't matter. Where's Kyle! Black devil just feel onto the floor, out of the blue! He's hurt, and needs healing! Arael is on assignment and Fiosa used her energies elsewhere!

Well, I... Tessai stammers for a moment, clearly looking just a little shocked.

Do you have anything that can heal him? He'll die if we don't do something fast!

For the record, those of you still in the room in the Knot can SEE what's going on, but you cannot HEAR anything.

It's traditional to arrive in your dress outfits, not change later. In this case, that's your full gear. As soon as you walk in, someone trumpets your name, and everyone looks at you. So, Yuko may have a point. If you arrive with it all soaked, you may not make a good first impression.

As you prepare to leave, Janiven approaches.

Best of luck to you. Oh, and I have a present for you! She hands you a map. With Ailyn's help, I was able to secure a copy of the layout of the complex today. It doesn't have much notes as to the purpose of each room, but it does show the layout of the complex. Of course, if you can find and enter the Asmodean Knot, you're on your own. My Desna, Iomedae, Cayden and a few others guide your path!

Once the invitations are recieved and you inform the other Shades, they rejoice. Arael and Janiven Key (Who knew she had a last name? I didn't!) to personally congratulate each of you. She tells you that while you have been otherwise engaged over the previous week,they have been gathering more information about the mayor and his home.

She shares that events take place in the Great Banquet Hall although the guests tend to wander about some of the side rooms when they are not eating. In all, there are some 40 guests attending.

She goes on to say that you can expect each course to be eaten from tables laid with a dazzling array of cutlery, including a delicate barbed short spear on a slender thread and a fat silver goblet. The table settings are removed at the end of each course and set again for the next event in a 15-minute flurry of action while the guests entertain themselves in adjoining rooms.

Eating generally takes half an hour for each course, during which time attempts to leave the feast without being noticed would be unwise, as everyone is seated. Guests can sit anywhere they wish. She recommends that you use that time to learn more about the Knot and the Folly, as there will be much talking going on. She mentions that with the amount of people about the use of spells might be difficult, and would most certainly offend the others.

Obviously, as we spoke about earlier, she says, I believe your best course of action is to act normally until they are all too drunk to notice if you all go off. Pay particular attention to the Mayor and some of the higher guests. You don't want to do anything they may consider impolite. Expect the courses themselves to last well into the late evening.

After Key offers what help she can in the way of information, she hands you four potions of cure serious wounds and four potions of
lesser restoration to aid against the events to come, and allows you an opportunity to ask questions.