After you collect the gear and deal with the dead and unconscious you make your way to the Ash House. Razelago is there flying around in his natural form.
"Come in. Sounds like you had an exciting day to say the least. I am sure you would like to rest in your beds, but before you do there is yet another matter to discuss. I have gathered multiple reports of growing descent among the commoners, it sounds like a riot will happen soon. When it does, I would ask that you spare the lives of the commoners as much as possible. They have been poisoned by the lies of the Iomedaen and things are escalating a bit to fast to control. More Dottari are to arrive from Westcrown soon to bolster our ranks, until then we need to quell this uprising. "
As you are finishing getting ready for your days a runner from the north gate comes to the Ash House. He says he is looking for the Heroes of the Whispering Woods. A Hobgoblin named Zaggar was refused entry because he does not have a writ of passage, but he won't leave.
"Deal with this if you will, but also stop by the Sheriff's office. He was given an interesting proposal by an old business associate of mine. Cimri is talking with them now."
"Excellent, then go to the old bathroom and wait until night fall. It should pop out of where ever it hides then. Banish it, kill it, what ever, just get rid of it." Razelago says.
Assuming you do so
The bathroom is 10'x20' and the only remaining fixture inside is a old copper plated tub which is against the north wall and takes up 6' of the 10' portion of that wall smack in the middle. Part of the exterior wall is torn down here and it is a 10' drop to the ground outside. You are on the second floor.
Go ahead and arrive back when you would like. I am going to assume you are all meeting back at the ash house now, but if you want to do something before you go, post it no problem.
"Good job dealing with Caggan and Kels. Our master is quite pleased. Now I have a favor to ask. The undead creature that haunts this place has become more bold, and last night it attacked my poor Gaurig(his pet Krenshar). I do not have time to chase around this thing, so tonight when it appears will you dispose of it? It seems to appear mostly in the old bath. In the morning if you dispose of it I will pay you each 50 gold to be rid of it."
"I see, well that explains things a bit doesn't it. I suggest using all means at your disposal, but be cautious, the presence of Iomedaeans so boldly attacking you in broad daylight is worrying. The Archbaron has reinforcements for the new sheriff coming in from Westcrown, he is brokering the deal now. This is escalating a bit more rapidly than we had hoped. After you are finished with the prisoners come back to the ash house tonight. Now touch this mirror and receive an infernal blessing." The Devil mummers in infernal and you feel blessed. You have +1 to attack until the end of the day.
Izrail is asked inside the manor. There is a mirror on the wall with Razelago's face on it. "You wish to speak to me agent?" Razelago says in an oddly cherub like voice.
Kels just silently cries himself to sleep.
Sir Folken, now Sheriff Folken, arrives to relieve you of the responsibility of the prisoners. "Good to see things getting back to normal around here. I am sorry I could not get to these miscreants myself, I was investigating a disturbance in the Whispering woods. "
Razelago smiles and buzzes off "I'll let you two play. Should you need me you know where to find me. " He giggles a little as he flys off. Pivenzobili hurries behind him.
"Oh course little one, loyal slaves are the best kind."The Archbaron has exotic tastes and not a stranger to the ways of hell so he probably sees something in Margaletta most men wouldn't.
“I told you they’d be up to the vow,” Razelago says. “And
eager to get to work, I suspect. Which is good, considering
what I’ve just uncovered.”
"Having done so I believe they are privy to seeing your true form. I tire of your illusions." The Archbaron interrupts Razelago.
"Very well" Razelago begins to change and before you floats a bloated fly. Like a disfigured cherub.
"As I was saying, This Angel Knight doesn’t appear to be just some fiction
concocted by an overzealous priestess. A talentless local
minstrel named Riley Kels claims to have met her, and has
even composed a series of ballads in her honor. While the
amateur’s singing is crime enough, he performed these
songs at The Last Stand Tavern last night—which incidentally
broke the new curfew and sanctions against gathering.
“If it pleases Your Lordship, our friends here should arrest
The Last Stand’s owner, Bolgart Caggan, for defying the new
law. I suggest pillorying him in front of the jail as an example
to others. Additionally, see what you can find out about the
Angel Knight from Kels.”
"Excellent point Izrail. Consider today your dry run so to speak. The Archbaron has invited us all to dinner to discuss that very thing. One point that concerned me though was the disbanding of the local deputies, I had hoped the Sheriff would not leave the town so bereft of law and order. As such the Archbaron has appointed a temporary replacement, a Sir Folken Van Napaciza. He is a half-bred bastard, but he is loyal. You will find payment with Pivenzobili. I need to prepare for tonight's dinner, as I am sure you do. " Razelago says and turns to leave.
Tell me what you want to do in town, and I will just move us to the after meeting then.
"Good, glad you were able to keep schedule. Being punctual is important. Any problems to report?" Razelago asks with an air that suggests he already knows every detail of what occurred.
"You have until noon. What you do with the day other than that is up to you. " Razelago says in response to the breakfast conversation and walks up to his study.
"So long as you wear the Archbaron's sash you are counted among his faithful servants. The time for contracts will come I assure you, but I would like to witness a bit more of your willingness to follow orders and how competent you really are before I go through all the necessary preparations."
The crowd disperses. Some are genuinely shaken by Izrail's words. The Sheriff quiets everyone and asks everyone to return to their homes and her deputies deal with anyone that is being too unruly.
The priests say nothing to Izrail. They simply pack up as the Sheriff instructs.
I will put in the campaign tab rebellion points. So far you are at 0 having convinced the population that Louslik's death was justified.
You return to Razelago.
“That’s a more dramatic move than I’d expect from a country
priestess—I’m impressed. Tileavia Allamar might be more
interesting than I’d thought. It’s the helmet and this ‘Angel
Knight’ I’m curious about, though. I’ve heard rumors of the
Glorious Reclamation. An overzealous mob of Iomedaean
fanatics calling for a nationwide revolution, as if there
was any hope of that. Still, Archbaron Fex might find this
information valuable.
“In any case, you’ve done well. Pivenzobili has your payment. I shouldn’t have any more work for you today,
but I suspect that might change tomorrow. I’ll send word. Until then I have arranged rooms for all of you. ”
Pivenzobili hands out payment as before. 200gold per person. He gives Izrail 300gold."The master was most pleased with your speech master Izrail."
************************************You have all gained a level ********************************************
"A great question Alicia. I wish for the day where it will be that simple, but as you might have guessed our local sheriff and some of her ilk have taken up with the church of Iomedae. We have tolerated Iomedae in the past in certain pantheons as a deity of law, even some hellknights revere her in such a way, but lately this discontent from that church has become a source of chaos. I was here during the old days, believe me you do not want chaos!" A crack in Razelago's illusion becomes apparent as he gets angry and for a moment devilish horns appear on his head. He calms down and drinks some wine before continuing.
"So arresting the upstart is out of the question for now, and I suspect they would put up a fight that may be beyond you. No offense just stating facts. I want you to gather information from the crowd and bare witness to anything we can use against them. I have a feeling we will have a new sheriff and deputies before long." Razelago says with a wink.
"In any event I am curious to see how you act. Should you get arrested again I will get you out, but should things escalate to far I can not guarantee your safety. "
Second Mission
“With the number of veterans who live in
town, it’s not surprising that there’s a
church of Iomedae in Longacre. But
there might not be one much longer
if Tileavia Allamar, its priestess, does
what she has in mind. There’s growing unrest in the
empire, and not just in Pezzack and along
the Hellcoast. Many of Iomedae’s faithful
have begun speaking more boldly of the
monarchy’s vices and the rights of citizens. They
seem to believe this is Andoran and that the people
have only to reach out to seize power. But they are
wrong. This is Cheliax, not Andoran, and we know
where true power lies.
“Fifth Sword Knight Allamar is gathering all who will
listen for a sermon in front of her church this afternoon—
only two short hours from now. I don’t know what she has
in mind, but I suspect some revolutionary claptrap that can
only sow the seeds of confusion and frustration among
Longacre’s citizens. That is contrary to my wishes. So I’d like
you to attend the rally. In the box are sashes marked with the
insignia of Archbaron Fex. Wear them, remind people that
the lord of this town is not without supporters, and see what
transpires. Afterward, Cimri will report back to me. In return,
you will all receive double what you did last night.”
Feel free to post anything you want to do before dinner, I just need to get all of this down.
After you prepare for dinner...
There is an elaborate meal being served by Pivenzobili. A feast of roast duck, pork and exotic wine. For dessert a cheese cake from Westcrown.
Razelago sits at the head of a long banquette table."Now we can have a proper introduction as civilized people. This meal is not only to welcome you to my organization, but also for what you all did in the whispering woods. I lost many a shipment to those damn vegepygmies, and I know dealing with them was no small deed. As such I want to give you all a special gift. Pivenzobili, bring me the chest." Razelago says and Pivenzobili comes back momments later dragging a large chest.
He presents Jerax with a Masterwork Battleaxe made of Cold Iron. The axe looks like wings and the handle flames forming into a menacing devil head at the top center.
He presents Izrail with a Masterwork Longsword made of Cold Iron. The hilt is a devil's mouth with two fangs on either side of the blade, the blade itself is the shape of a tongue and forked at the end.
He presents Sister Margaletta with a sash in the livery of the Sisters of the Golden Erinyes. Cunningly stitched inside are 50x Shurikens, Master Work. You get +2 circumstance bonus to sleight of hand if trying to palm one or conceal them inside the sash.
He presents Ileosa with a Masterwork Heavymace made of Fire-Forged Steel. The head of the mace a devil with the horns the spikes of the mace."I will also present you with a gift for your slave as it is inappropriate for me to give him a gift directly. This is for Kirk should you choose to give it to him." He gives Ileosa Kirk's Masterwork Halfling-Sling Staff made of Whipwood.
He gives Meridian a Masterwork Dagger made of Adamantine. The blade has infernal writing on it that spells Doom.
He gives Alicia a scroll of Burning DisarmFrom Cheliax Empire of Devils supplement, if need specifics PM me
" I have many friends in high places that want to see order restored. As to what there is to be done, that will be revealed soon. Those that would sow discord are also aware of how remote this city is, but it does have a strategic location at the mouth of the river and its position to the whispering woods. I would prevent such corruption from setting in the first place if I could, else it will spread to the capital. " Razelago takes a drink from a glass on his desk and stands up and stretches.
"That is enough for today. Take your payment downstairs and ready yourselves for another assignment. I would tell you more, but I too am awaiting orders. Get some rest, but I would not wonder this house too much at night. Spirits of those that once resided here ignore me, but I cannot say the same for you."
"Future High Priestess I would think." Razelago says eyeing Ileosa lustfully." Well it is good to be ambitious at least. The important thing is it is done. Had I been here things would have went smoother I am sure." Cimri looks away embarrassed.
"We have much work to be done in this city and I need ambitious capable people to do it. Can I count on you?" The man asks looking at each party member.
"He bites too." Pivenzobili says as he holds up his hand with a large gash. He casts a cure spell and winces in pain as it leaves.
"Pivenzobili, Gaurig is finished feeding. Leave me and your companions to discuss business. " Razelago says in a commanding voice and Pivenzobili gets up and makes his way out of the office.
"So you had complications, explain." Razelago says a bit demanding, but measured.
"Here we are" Cimri says.
What remains of this manor looks like it could collapse at any
moment. Bearing the scars of a decades-old fire, the house
is blackened and sags under the weight of its collapsed third
floor. Shattered windows pose no barrier to the riot of ivy
scaling each gable and invading every cavity. Bent pillars and
a cracked granite porch lead to a warped door bearing a rusty
doorknocker shaped like a boar’s head.
"The front door is stuck, I usually use the broken windows around the corner." Cimri says as she goes around the corner and climbs in the window.
Assuming you follow her "Let's go upstairs to Razelago's office."
Toppled bookshelves, a table, and some chairs half-covered
in ivy suggest this room was once a library. The ashes and
pulp of burned, waterlogged books lay heaped amid fallen
furniture, creating a large nest of sorts against one wall.
A set of folding paper screens divides the room. A lantern
flickers on the opposite side, projecting the silhouette of a
desk and high-backed chair upon the thin paper.
You see Pivenzobili feeding a large cat-like creature "Hi friends" Piven says and the cat hisses at you.
"Is it done Cimri?" A man sitting in the chair asks. He looks like a balding middle aged man.
"It is, but there were complications..." Cimri says.
"Oh? Razelago asks as he looks up and at the party.
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