Kenji heals himself with holy hands, then moves up to get closer to doorway
”Your path of evil will not prevail.“
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Kenji nods in appreciation of the healing. Many thanks to you. However, reaching these foes will be the next problem. ======round 16====
The preparations for costumed attire are made in a rush as you prepare for a voyage to Vyre. Papers are collected and messages sent, you try to sleep but constantly think of one more task that was left undone. Pre-Dawn alarm awakens you, perhaps less rested than when you started. But you are able to pull your travel gear together and head to the docks, Octavio bids you success as he watches you depart. ”Safe travels and much success. We will hold the line here until your return. Send a message if you need us for any reason and we will do our best to fulfill it here or rescue you wherever needed. Good luck! “
Octavio waits outside the conference room until after your strategy session is completed. I am assuming the agenda is set. You can always adjust to any news or changes once the meeting progresses. He motions for two of his Hellknights to approach. These arrived for you while you were out conducting the mission with the Sea Elves. He hands you each a bundle with a wand or suit of armor, and a note, with the number "9" scrolled on it. Note: Greetings, Sentinel of the Silver Ravens. I am sending this gift to you to help your cause. Citizens of the region appreciate all you are doing to right the wrongs of the city and the current leadership there. There are several in high (and low) places in Vyre who also wish you success. May this gift aid you in times to come. -MM you can pick one armor or wand valued 1200gp or less.
Octavio snaps his fingers and one of his team breaks out a ledger. ”So guests to include Leaders with influence or networks in their own right. Lady Docur, potentially High Priest Vhast, what of the Bellflowers or Roses? Some of the nobles, but Lady Docur will have the best intel on them. I am not sure about the level of commitment by Captain Saegeto? If he could use his influence to gather any navy force that would help. I hear he has powerful connections in Vyre. There may be other forces there willing to see the Thrunes falter. The Glorious Reclamation is too far off and have their own agenda.“ He starts to sketch a map of the area’s surrounding Kintargo. Sea lanes, overland supply routes, anything allowing reinforcements. ”I wish my team could offer more. But all we can offer is consultation or limited raids. It is often said ‘Amateurs talk tactics or strategies but wars are won by logistics and diplomacy.’“
”Indeed. But first the preparations for the Silver Council. Any change in agenda, invitees or the location? “ the hellknight commander asks as if planning a military campaign.
You make the trip back to Kintargo and Capt McGee avoids any patrols. You are able to seek the Lucky Bones and provide a report to Octavio and the others from your teams. The week was relatively quiet. Octavio approaches you and asks. It is beyond my place to ask, but were you successful in forging an alliance with the Sea Elves? The others from the Silver Council may ask at the meeting. There has been no further announcements on this Grand Ball or whatever the Lord-Mayor is calling it. The teams completed their assignments. He hands Lubella a sealed scroll. This arrived yesterday from Lady Docur. If you open it and read... Lady Docurs Scroll: Written in beautiful handwriting of fine script:
“Greettings Silver Ravens. In preparations for the next meeting of the Silver Council, I have been calling in favors regarding the leanings of the various noble families. The Aulorians seem to be shifting support from Kintargan tradition to Thrune. Feels more and more like our so-called nobles are turning into the lord-mayor's pets! Very few seem to be willing to oppose the lord-mayor. Baron Sendi Vashnarstill may still be open to our goals. See you soon. I hope your travels are more fruitful and eager to hear the next steps on our mutual path. Cheers. L.D."
Octavio is relieved to hear Setrona offered her ticket. I know she would like to see all the gala, but it will not be safe. Anyone with wisdom should be cautious approaching the gala. I heard the Lord Mayor has sent out invitations to most parts of the city. I would expect finding someone else willing to part with theirs to be fairly easily managed as most will not have the means to purchase attire for the event. Very likely, that was his intent.
Octavio's states My cousin Setrona at her Tooth and Nail, has claimed to have received an invitation to the ball. The date is not listed as she must pick up the admittance ticket in one week as part of her RSVP. The date of the event will be provided at that time. He pauses. I cautioned her against attending. Even with high ranking nobles on the guest list, I suspect an ulterior motive from the mayor. But what that is, I cannot guess. Bringing in outside troops? Soliciting Nobles sponsors to pay for his increased dottari presence? Either way, my cousin may be willing to offer her ticket to one of you.
Lictor Octavio nods. Understood. I have been using a false name of Kaizen Bo when I go disguised into the city to meet with my cousin. He considers the intel and offers a few pieces of advice to Lubella. I have long suspected that Kintargo’s previous lord-mayor never left
I still believe this to be true even though I have received no new information about my theory. Turning to Talvek. While the Menador Mountains are not impassably rugged,
Finally he concludes. Still, all is moot if the sea lanes are available for naval transports. The sea elves may not be able to stop a fleet, but could provide scouting or hamper ships enough to buy time.
Unless you make a scene or stop to interfere, the 2gp gets you quickly past the dottari bridge toll, as others continue to bicker and protest. You make it back to the Lucky Bones. Octavio and the other team leads are eager to hear how things went at the Council meeting. I trust you have some news from potential allies? Any immediate course of action? All this waiting is making me impatient for something tangible to accomplish. the Hellknight commander asks once you have settled back into the lower levels.
Octavio nods to Sidius ”The setting for the first such council of Silver Ravens will be key. Who to invite, and where to hold it. We do not want to draw attention to the Lucky Bones. We could host at my cousins Tooth and Nail bar but I would recommend someplace further from this base. Perhaps the Longroads Coffeehouse. Then change locations every week or two. “
Octavio nods and pauses in thought . ”Hetamon Is wise in recommending establishing a council with the different factions. Some would be valued Allies but others I would not dare trust. “ He counts out on one hand. ”Hetamon’s Rose followers of Milani. The Bellflower Network. Our Order of the Torrent. Those are a given. The Cheliaxian Navy Captain I am less certain, as is the Church of Abadar. Possibly allies, but they must straddle the river else the Thrunes would confront them openly. There are a few of the half dozen or so powerful noble houses that would have funds and some guards. But keep in mind…none of these could strategically challenge the Kintargo government as they stand now. “ He shrugs ”As you have already seen, he is able to call upon supernatural and diabolical forces well beyond any army of mortals. Much more powerful and In greater numbers than anyone has ever seen. The Glorious Reclamation and their lofty paladins are challenging Cheliax on many fronts. But they do not care about Kintargo. It has no strategic importance to their fight. No, we still must operate under cover for a time longer. Building a collective force from here in the city or beyond. “
Hetamon directs Sidius to the woman Feiya in the northern part of town near to the Longroads Coffee House. Sidius:
You meet the woman and she has her fox talk to Aeria. We understand you are trying to help the city. Anything that sticks it to the Thrunes is good for us. *** Back when the party is all together, Octavio calls his team together. He leads the report out of the team. The sea elves have departed from their home. They told me to convey to their extreme gratitude and for you to seek them in Acisazi.
He gets a more serious look. What are the plans for the teams now that we are relocated to this Lucky Bones. We should fortify this place as best we can. I have heard rumors of a call for a special council?
Octavio makes a dismissing motion at the comment. I cannot blame her, but her guild was breaking the law and my order was attempting to uphold it. Unfortunately, my Order took extreme measures, and was not something I am proud. I am glad she seems to have settled in peace. Aava nods to Lubella. We will forever be in your debt. Any equipment you can provide will be helpful. Leather armor, spears or tridents. Or even a simple dagger for each of us five would be expensive, but help. Sharkskin armor I am certain you will not find here in the human city. Octavio raises an eye at the mention of equipment, as his team has their own needs. However, their equipment is much more expensive than the simple weapons asked of the elves. He looks as if to mention something, but then refrains with a 'not now' glance back to the others. ***
You return to the Lucky Bones with mixed emotions. The sadness of saying goodbye to the ghost who finally found release from her torment, but the excitement of knowing you now have a larger, more defensible base for the movement. Searching through the gaming room, you find the remaining gear of Lorelu, which she said she no longer needed and donated to your cause, which she identified as: Lorelu's stuff:
Her magical treasures and coins remain: 240 gp, 119 pp, a bejeweled silver ring worth 1,500 gp, a Small suit of +2 shadow leather armor, a ring of protection +2, a circlet of persuasion, and a partial deck of illusions containing only the eight spade cards Octavio, as the senior member of the supporting teams bows in silence with his Hellknights, as your infiltrators. He has assembled all the teams at this milestone achievement for the rebellion. The Order of the Torrent snaps to attention as you enter the room. All honor and praise to the New Ravens!!! Smiles can be seen on the many faces of the other teams. Tuck and the halfling burglars (ahem thieves), Aava and the rescued sea elves as potential spies, Master Crow and the small band of freedom fighters and your original team of now merchants. All look to you for guidance. All look to the Silver Ravens as the future of a free Kintargo. Your team's efforts for the past couple weeks have garnered a large number of new supporters, the treasury has almost reached 300gp and you are known as Sentinels (rank 9). *** End of Book Two ***
As the ghost nods and re-merges with her corpse, there is a sense of calm that had not been present for many days while down in the basement of the Lucky Bones. Octavio and the Order of the Torrent look down the hall. What happened? Did you survive? The howling has stopped. He stands ready with halberd in hand. His team still working with the sea elves, who long to return to their home off the coast.
The morning arrives as has any other. Damp and dark until the light of the Dawnflower breaks the darkness. I am afraid dealing with ghosts is not my area. Octavio says as he calls his team back and ready to assist should the 'negotiations' go poorly.
You finish cataloging the items and haul them up the well to the awaiting team. Octavio tells the other Hellknights ”The mission at the least uncovered the history of one of the former Guildmasters sought by our order years ago. “
Talvek is convinced, by his mastery of traps, that these chests are neither trapped nor magically locked. Probably just needing small keys, looking very similar to the three clutched in the boney hand of the skeleton outside the room.... A moment later he has all three chests open, and the party is amazed at the wealth stashed here. Octavio raises an eyebrow and comments.... No wonder our greedy guildmaster risked his life on this treasure. White Chest:
The first contains the guild’s final takes from ransoms and other thefts, amounting to 388 pp, 2,345 gp, 6,590 sp, 14,400 cp, and various art objects, gems, and jewelry worth an additional 4,200 gp. Grey Chest:
The second chest is lined with padded velvet, and contains eight pink potions, four green potions , four violet potions, four gray potions, four brown potions, two vials dust, six vials clear liquid, a single purple vial, and a ruby vial (worth 3,500 gp) containing a single dose of golden oil. Ebony Chest: The third and final chest contains a cloak of green cloth, a small wooden model boat, four magic rings, a wand , and a magic black robe.
”My assessment is Guildmaster Baccus was fleeing my Orders predecessors. Departing with all the guild funds and leaving the rest to their own demise. It would appear his grand plan backfired. “
Octavio whistles and shakes his head. Being a guild master of thieves appears to pay well, if you can survive the treachery of your allies.
Octavio sighs in relief, as he strides forward to offer his assistance. I was concerned we would be in need of a healer. But your team is truly skilled in this area. It is an honor to serve with you. Within Talvek sees... Three heavy iron chests sit against the north wall of
Kn:Nature DC22+: The dead creature was a jorogumo, a type of spidery shapechanger from Tian Xia often used as specialty
assassins by certain Norgorber cults.
Octavio looks down upon the skeleton as he approaches within a few strides away. His eyes widen as he states with astonishment. Aye, so ended the Gray Spider's guildmasters—Baccus the devil
Octavio stands to attention. I am ready as ever. Just say the word.
Octavio, stops to watch the halfling examine the pillar. What is it?
Octavio nods and follows. ”Makes tactical sense. “ Talvek does not find anything out of the ordinary.
Octavio nods. I am more accustomed to combating demons, not ghosts. So I am not able to provide much assistance in this area. He looks around. Is there anything remaining here or are we heading back to the others? Octavio seems eager to return to his team and the sea elves to report of the devil's defeat. gm:
Octavio nods ”We cannot go out to sea now. But maybe when better prepared. I can send a reconnaissance team. Or the Sea Elves could report back if they use it to return home. “ He looks around some and waits for Lubella to finish her search before move back to the tunnel to the east. ”So there are sewers to the east and river or sea to the west. This could make an excellent base of operations. On the conditions that it stays dry. And also that the howling halfling ghost, no offense Lubella , can be suitably neutralized. My team is braver than most and cannot tolerate it long. The other teams will not even enter the area.“
Octavio pokes around in the cavern ”It would seem this western passage leads to open water somewhere. Our elven guests will be interested to hear, I am certain. But whether it is clear or not, they should not venture without being rearmed. “
Octavio waits for the poison and heavy aura to run their course ”I would not want to fight another of those any time soon. But if the fish men are gone then I could understand its willingness to try and bargain for its freedom. Likely held here since my order sealed the doors many years ago. “
Octavio Despite the poison, Octavio will try his best to stab the devil again. Return to the nine hells, fiend!!! for The halberd skewers the devil in the neck. As it flails out wildly, Talvek's blade pierces it below the tangled arm and the fiend calls out.... Released...at lassssst. and with a clap of smoke and Sulphur it disappears.
Victory favors the bold! states the hellnight commander. Octavio
Octavio grips his halberd for another pair of thrusts at the aquatic devil ”Back to Avernus for you, fiend!.
for
Talveks blade fails to find its mark ”You can see what I mean. “ Octavio nods at Talvek
Alas, it squirms like a serpent, much faster than its size would suggest!
Alas, it squirms faster than it's size would seem possible.
Octavio nods to Lubella and strides against the chest-deep water to stab at the devil. Your service to your masters will end NOW! for
The devil howls in pain. Hellknight, you have forgotten your own master!
”I am much more capable of fighting demons than devils, but I will do what I must.“
I knew we could not trust him! To BATTLE! Octavio flips down his visor and readies his halberd to strike anything within reach.
I do not trust it or any of its kind. Octavio states plainly, and looks from face to face and back to the creature, holding any further comments to see what manner of bargain is struck.
Octavio watches in awe as the creature speaks into his head. He grips his halberd with grim determination. What...what is this creature before us?
Enjoying the festival, Kaizen Bo is reminded of some of the celebrations of his distant homeland in Tianjing. He wanders from booth to booth and marvels at the colors. Keeping careful hold of his belongings, especially his favorite bow and quiver. Hmm. I should purchase some memento to take back to my parents home. Should I ever see them again.
Even with 4, do we need to alter character level/mix? For some reason I thought we had 5-6 PC's but I guess some backed out.
This was my draft of Zen Archer (human) which is hopefully not too over the top ( and should be PFS legal). Tell me if I need to modify him. |