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The year 4606 AR saw the fall of Aroden, god of humanity, innovation and history. None felt the effects of his death more than the city of Westcrown, who swore their worship to the god of humanity at the time. It was only a matter of years before the church of Aroden followed the fate of its god. The Arodennama, a plaza with a towering statue of the god was left abandoned, and Cheliax had found itself embroiled in a civil war, stripping Westcrown of its very soul.
Thirty years later, the House of Thrune took the opportunity to seize control of Cheliax. In doing so, it destroyed Westcrown further by moving the capital and royal court of Cheliax north to the city of Egorian, emptying Westcrown of its affluence and prestige. Whilst it is still a vibrant place to visit, Westcrown is a shadow of its former glory and is now a playground for vultures eager to pick the royal carcass.
Today is the 18th day of Arodus, 4709 AR. What appears to be yet another ordinary day for a select few in Westcrown will soon prove to be anything but ordinary, as the choices these few make will forever change the future of Westcrown.
The morning rays shine upon the docks as people begin another day of work. Fishermen haul their daily catches in, getting ready to carry it to the market whilst the Dottari, the Chelish city Guard walk by the docks to ensure no trouble is being caused around the area.
You hear a male voice behind you loudly whisper.
“Hey, did you hear about what happened to Rohor?”
A female voice replies sadly.
“Yes I did. Heard he was torn by them Shadow Beasts. Poor guy. He didn’t make it back in time last night. Such a nice man as well. I hope his family is ok. Have they heard the news about their son yet?”
As you listen in on their conversation, you notice a somewhat colourfully dressed man walk towards you extending his hand in greeting. He appears to be of Garundi heritage, with broad shoulders and dark coloured skin.
“Hello,” he says in a somewhat gruff voice.
The man looks at you as though sizing you up before continuing.
“My name is Larko. I was wondering whether you had a moment to talk. I've got an offer that you might be interested in, if you're willing to hear me out.”
The sun's rays pour in through the window of your bedroom, brightening its dark corners up as another day dawns. Looking about your bedroom, you spot your trusty Falchion, Kukri and crossbow leaning on the wall opposite your bed, and an unopened flask lying below the table in your room.
Moments later, you hear frantic knocking at the front door of your house, and an urgent male voice shouting,
“Hey anybody home!? Kyras, you there? It’s me, Colin, your uncle!”
The morning rays reflect off the now derelict and the statue of Aroden bathing the imposing statue in a soft and warm light. Taking in the view of the glowing statue, you notice a man that appears to be of Garundi heritage walk towards the statue. He stares at the statue for some time, as though waiting for something to happen to it. Moments later he speaks in a soft, yet firm voice.
“Magnificent statue isn’t it? It’s unfortunate that Westcrown has abandoned Aroden and left him here like so.”
The man sighs, shaking his head. He then turns his full attention towards you before continuing.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t introduce myself. I am Sclavo, a scribe for one of Westcrown’s courts. I come here now and then to draw inspiration from Aroden when I need to in times of need. I’ve seen you here on some of my visits yet I’ve never had the opportunity to talk with you. What about yourself? What are you doing here?”
You are currently in one of Westcrown’s lesser known taverns. The tavern itself is quite empty early this morning, save for the bartender and a couple of patrons drowning out their worries with some Wiscrani ale.
Looking around the tavern you spot a young attractive woman entering the quiet establishment. She glances around the place quickly. Spotting you, she smiles as she approaches you.
“Ah, found you. How are you doing this fine day?” She asks.
Before you have a chance to respond, the woman glances around the tavern nervously, making sure nobody is hearing the conversation. She then lowers her head down towards your ears, whispering to you.
“I heard you are looking for a group of people that are seeking to resist the government. Am I correct in saying that? If so, I might be able to help you.”
Westcrown, also known as the city of Twilight - Having lived here as a noble, you certainly understand the way of life in the most magnificent empire in the world. Westcrown is a city whose very people form pacts with devils to enable the betterment of their own lives. Whilst it is the way of life in the City of Twilight, you know it is an extremely dangerous venture.
Standing amongst the streets of Westcrown, you notice a thin, wiry Chelish female looking at you. Having spotted you, she cautiously makes her way towards you to introduce herself.
“Hi there, how are you doing today?” She inquires.
As she mentions this you hear two Hellknights walking by laughing cruelly. Behind them, they are dragging a beaten, half-naked, unconscious tiefling along the ground.
The Chelish female pauses as the Hellknights walk by. As soon as they are out of hearing range, she leans forward, whispering to you.
“I have a question to ask you. Would you be interested in hearing me out if I told you that we might be able to make Westcrown a better place to live?”
Westcrown, the city of Twilight. Having walked along the streets of Westcrown for some time now, you notice something very different and somewhat wrong about this city. The curfews that occur just after sunset; guardsmen beating up on people whilst their friends walk by them on the street trying not to notice them; Parents hushing their children as they ask why their neighbours are taken away by the guard. You realise something needs to be done to change the city, and it needs to be done now.
Walking amongst the streets of Westcrown, you are met by a young female Halfling. The Halfling bounds towards you with enthusiasm, taking the opportunity to introduce herself.
“Hi there. How’re you doing today?”
The Halfling turns her head sideways, looking at you as though she is trying to read your mind.
“You seem a little lost around here. Are you new to Westcrown? Pretty different city from the rest of them isn’t it? Did you need any help?”
I literally roll out of bed, falling flat on my back with a grunt and a groan, my pounding head enjoying the hard meeting with the wood floor even less then my body did.
"What do you want? Go away!"
I yell towards the front of the house as one of my hands reaches up to blindly search for that flask of gin that's gotta be around here somewhere, the sound of my own voice only making my headache worse.
I begin to regret just how much I drank last night as suddenly I realize who's banging on my door and get up as quickly as my hungover body will allow at this early hour, forgetting about the gin.
"Wait, gimme a minute!"
I yell, again my head pounding, as I rush to the front room and fling open my door, grabbing my uncle in a warm, thankful embrace. After a moment, I let him go and look into his eyes while mine start to fill up with tears of joy (or maybe it's just the bright light hitting my fuzzy brain).
"Where have you been? I thought you were dead!"
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Marcellius looks around, surprised that the Garundi is speaking to him.
I... I too come to the statue for inspiration. It is a reminder to me of the way things once were in this city, in this land, and how it could be again. And I am always hopeful that He might return and set things right.
Marcellius pauses and looks around the derelict circle of shrines.
Even though I know it will take time and effort.
Patrum eyes the woman suspiciously for a moment. After her a moment he answers her in his usual gruff manner.
Young lady, you shouldn't make such allegations. Especially in places where people can here. We should move to that table in the corner. An please keep your voice down.
Patrum grabs her hand and prcatically drags her to the table. He is hopeful that she is telling the truth, but suspicious as he doesn't want to disappear the way his friends did.
Ankara's eyes narrow and he pointedly does not look around to see who is looking, as he has recognized that is a sure sign of having something to hide.
"I am always looking for work. Better work than this."
DM:
Though he was indeed tempted by the woman's words of improving the city, he had been in Westcrown long enough to know that one never gives information with out at least receiving information in return. A useful lesson to have learned when dealing with devilish pacts. So, he simply stood there after finishing speaking and waited for the woman's response.
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“Oh it’ll definitely be better than hauling fish day in day out, I can guarantee that.”
Larko looks over your shoulder, perhaps at the couple who talked about the shadow beasts, nodding in their direction.
“As you might know, Westcrown ain’t the colourful city it used to be. So called shadow beasts roaming about at night, guards beating up on citizens without a word of warning at times… nothing has been right with this city ever since the death of Aroden. I’m with a group of people who are interested in making Westcrown a better place for all to live in.”
Looking back at you, he continues to speak.
“A lady named Janiven is interested to meet up with you. She would meet up with you, but she’s busy arranging the location and asked me to personally invite you to it if you're interested. The meeting will be held at a place named Vizio’s Tavern in the eastern areas of the Rego Scripa late this afternoon. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find as I believe it is the only rundown tavern in that area. Knock on the door around that time and she’ll let you in. Don’t worry about any sort of identification, she knows who you are.”
Larko pauses for a moment, glancing around the docks in case somebody has listened in to the conversation.
“Anyway, I’m going to head off and prepare for work. It’s nice to know that you’re interested. Perhaps I’ll see you around soon. Later.”
With that, Larko gives a quick wave and heads off to the pier for the day’s work, leaving you alone.
Colin quickly steps into the house, obviously beaming. He quickly steps into the house and closes the front door before speaking to you.
“It’s good to see you Kyras. I’ve been meaning to contact you, but the government has had their eye on me for some time now ever since I made contact with the freedom fighters. I had to lay low… to keep you away from danger.”
He paces around the room for a bit, as though he’s trying to find the right words to say.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve tried to find some other way to contact you. It’s just…”
Colin stops pacing about as he trailed off mid sentence, trying to find a reason to explain why he hasn’t contacted you. He then turns to face you, shaking his head, unable to come up with a good reason as to why he suddenly disappeared.
“Never mind, I’m sorry I disappeared like that without contacting you and I promise I won’t do it again.”
“Anyway, I’ve told those freedom fighters about you Kyras. A lady named Janiven would like to meet up with you if you’re still interested. If you want to make Westcrown a better place to live then she is the best hope you have right now - her and the Freedom Fighters. So, are you interested in making Westcrown a better place for all? It’s been too long since she’s been under the rule of the House of Thrune.”
“I see…”
Sclavo turns to look towards the statue of Aroden once more. Staring at it for some time, it looks as though Sclavo is contemplating whether or not he should say something. After a moment, he turns to you and begins to speak.
“I am currently part of a group that is planning to make Westcrown a better place to live for everyone. We’re a small but growing group looking for more people to join our cause. Would you be interested in joining?”
“Hey, watch it!”
The woman cries out in surprise, somewhat shocked as you drag her to the corner table. This caught a couple of people's attention, including the bartender, who asks:
“Hey what’s going on? Everything ok there?”
The woman quickly addresses the bartender, trying to drive his attention away from the incident.
“Uhm, nothing… I nearly tripped and asked him to be more careful that’s all,” she replies hastily. “Everything’s ok.”
“Alright,” he says.
The bartender goes back about his business and the patrons go back to their drinks. She then turns to Patrum, whispering furiously, but quietly enough so that only the two of them can hear.
“The next time you grab me like that could you at least warn me before you pull my arms out of their sockets?”
She glances around the tavern to make sure no one else is listening before continuing in a much softer tone.
“Okay, let’s start from the beginning. Word from the grapevine is that you and a band of merchants arrived here a few months ago, yet you’re the only one out of that merchant group that remains. Word from the grapevine also says that you are seeking a group of people that are forming a resistance against the local government. Am I correct in saying that?”
She looks somewhat taken aback at your response and seems to be slightly flustered at your response.
“Uhm, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… it’s just…”
The woman looks at you like a little child that has just been scolded by an adult.
“My name is Mathalen,” she blurts out.
The woman stares towards the ground at her own feet, uncertain as to what to say next.
"Good day to you Mathalen. Now you see, that wasn't so hard, now was it? I am Malcom. Why don't we walk for a bit and possibly catch an early lunch. I am rather famished, and from the look of things, you could use something in your belly as well. While we eat, you can tell me all about what was so urgent that you felt the need to interrupt me during my walk. Malcom doesn't even wait for the girl's response as he heads off in the direction of a nearby inn to grab a meal. His cane letting off a small tapping sound each time it hit the ground, lending a rhythm to the cadence of the dexterous noble's walk.
Ankara's black eyes never waver from Larko's face, although his brows furrow when the man looks around to see if anyone is looking.
He shows interest at the thought of hunting shadow beasts, and his face turns carefully neutral at the mention of guards taking people away. His most visceral reaction is when mention is made of the Last Azlanti, and one of his hands curls into a fist and touches his heart for a moment, although the reaction doesn't reach his face.
"Thank you for the offer of work. I will be there."
He turns away, muttering under his breath, 'Vizio, Scripa' over and over in a sing-song undertone, trying to keep the directions fresh in his head.
Patrum speaks in a hushed tone.
Sorry for the rough treatment lass, but I've been out of sorts since the last one disappeared. Tell me more about this group. It sounds like our current goals are in alignment.
Patrum glances around to make sure no one is listening and returns his attention to the young woman.
My name is Patrum Blakkhamer. What is yours?
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Marcellius is thoughtful for a moment, his gaze turned upward to the statue as it seems to set afire in the bright yellow sunlight as it reflects off the old gilding of a broken down temple.
"If your friends would be willing to put up with an old romantic fool, Slavo, I would definitely be interested in joining them. I am called Marcellius..."
Marcellius lowers his voice.
"I am a paladin of the Red Crusader, a faith which most of the world believes to be a lost cause... Perhaps much the same as the faith of Aroden."
Marcellius turns from the statue and faces Slavo.
"I would be honored to help bring life and vitality back to the city once again. If your friends are interested in bringing back the sacred light that the city seems to have abandoned, I would be considered one of them."
I sit down, holding my head in my hands, concentrating on defeating the nausea from my sudden burst of action, breathing slowly before I speak, looking up into Colin's eyes.
"You know as well as anyone how much this way of life has destroyed me. After you disappeared, I thought about just leaving, going somewhere else. I've heard that not every nation is like Cheliax, and not every city is a Westcrown. At first I didn't leave because this is all I know. I was scared of anything else. I don't know how things work outside of this city. But as I thought about it more and more, I came to realize that that is not the reason I haven't left. I may hate the way we live in Westcrown enough to want to leave and never come back, but I hate the idea of leaving these people here to suffer. I can't stand by anymore as these people live in fear.
"Take me to this Janiven Uncle, so we may be rid of the House of Thrune and it's devilish compatriots sooner rather then later."
I sit down, holding my head in my hands, concentrating on defeating the nausea from my sudden burst of action, breathing slowly before I speak, looking up into Colin's eyes.
"You know as well as anyone how much this way of life has destroyed me. After you disappeared, I thought about just leaving, going somewhere else. I've heard that not every nation is like Cheliax, and not every city is a Westcrown. At first I didn't leave because this is all I know. I was scared of anything else. I don't know how things work outside of this city. But as I thought about it more and more, I came to realize that that is not the reason I haven't left. I may hate the way we live in Westcrown enough to want to leave and never come back, but I hate the idea of leaving these people here to suffer. I can't stand by anymore as these people live in fear.
"Take me to this Janiven Uncle, so we may be rid of the House of Thrune and it's devilish compatriots sooner rather then later."
Sorry, forgot to post with my alias......
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Westcrown, the city of Twilight. Having walked along the streets of Westcrown for some time now, you notice something very different and somewhat wrong about this city. The curfews that occur just after sunset; guardsmen beating up on people whilst their friends walk by them on the street trying not to notice them; Parents hushing their children as they ask why their neighbours are taken away by the guard. You realise something needs to be done to change the city, and it needs to be done now.
Walking amongst the streets of Westcrown, you are met by a young female Halfling. The Halfling bounds towards you with enthusiasm, taking the opportunity to introduce herself.
“Hi there. How’re you doing today?”
The Halfling turns her head sideways, looking at you as though she is trying to read your mind.
“You seem a little lost around here. Are you new to Westcrown? Pretty different city from the rest of them isn’t it? Did you need any help?
With each encounter Sevegny becomes ever more outraged. Life is a precious gift from the gods, not to be spent cowering in fear. She swore a silent oath to her goddess Calistria that she would do whatever she can to free these people from tyranny.
The cleric regards the halfling woman suspiciously. This one could be an agent of the government, sent to spy on outsiders.
"I'm doing as well as can be, thank you. Yes, Westcrown is quite different. You'll have to excuse me for being in a daze. I can't get over how beautiful it is."
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“Glad to hear you’re still willing to follow the cause through boy. People have dreams that never come to fruition because they have little willpower to go through with it.”
He walks towards you and sits next to you.
“The meeting will be held later this afternoon, just before tea by Janiven at a run-down tavern known as Vizio’s. Not sure if you’ve heard of it before. It is in the eastern area of the Rego Scripa, and is the only run-down tavern in the area if memory serves me correctly. Knock on the door, I let her know about you and she will gladly welcome you to the meeting. I would take you to the meeting myself but I fear the Dottari are still looking for me, and walking with you down these streets will only put you in danger.”
He pauses for a moment as he contemplates whether he should say something else.
“Kyras, is it ok if I lay low at your house for some time? I believe they are out searching the streets at the moment and I need some place to hide to make sure they don’t find me.”
A beaming smile appears across Sclavo’s face as he hears that you are willing to assist the group. Hearing this, he walks towards you till he’s beside you and begins whispering,
“A group meeting is to be held later this afternoon, just before tea at a place named Vizio’s Tavern in the eastern area of the Rego Scripa. The meeting will be held by a lady named Janiven, a member of our group who also owns the run-down tavern. It shouldn’t be too difficult to find as it is the only run-down tavern within the area. Just knock on the door and she’ll let you in; she knows who you are.”
He then turns once more towards the statue, looking for inspiration before saying,
“I must be off for yet another day’s work. Life as a scribe never stops… I wish you well on this day Marcellius and I hope to see you soon.”
With that, Sclavo waves farewell to you and heads off for his day’s work.
“Tarvi. Tarvi’s my name,” she replies.
“The group is a citizen’s watch of sorts. Our goal is to make Westcrown a better place to live for everybody. It’s a small group but we’re growing and constantly seeking out new members who have similar goals. We wondered if you were interested in joining such a group?”
Tarvi looks at you expectantly, waiting for a response.
Mathalen runs to catch up to you, walking beside you but keeping a bit of distance between the two of you. She looks around her surroundings before speaking up.
“You probably know this already living here, but… Westcrown is not the city it used to be. I belong to a group that wishes to make Westcrown a better place for everyone to live in. A place without corrupt guards, where we can walk the streets safely at night. We would like you to join, if you’re willing to hear us out.”
The halfling tilts her head the other way.
“Hrm, it used to be a much better place… before the corrupt guards, the shadow beasts…it’s not a bad place to be, but…”
Her words trail off as she looks at the surroundings, making sure that no one else is hearing before continuing.
“Don’t you honestly wish that Westcrown is like the other cities? Brighter, safer without the corrupt guards running around doing as they please at times? I can’t honestly agree with you if you believe that this city is extremely beautiful. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice place, but… it could definitely be better.”
As Malcom continues towards an inn, he listens to what the woman has to say. When she has said her piece, the noble replies with, "Yes, I have indeed heard of the changes that have happened to this fair city. But every city goes through changes and though you have yet to convince me what your organization can offer for the betterment of our fine city, I will be willing to meet and learn more. However, just so we are clear, my acceptance of your invitation is not a sign that I wish to join, only that I am willing to hear your group out." He doesn't pause as he speaks, forcing the young woman to hurry to keep up with him. The tap, tap of his cane ever present as he nears his destination.
Patrum ponders the statement for a few moments.
This sounds like an interesting idea. It may help me discover the fate of my friends and I could sure use some direction right now. I look forward to bringing some order back to the city. When and where do you next meet?
“Glad to hear you’re still willing to follow the cause through boy. People have dreams that never come to fruition because they have little willpower to go through with it.”
He walks towards you and sits next to you.
“The meeting will be held later this afternoon, just before tea by Janiven at a run-down tavern known as Vizio’s. Not sure if you’ve heard of it before. It is in the eastern area of the Rego Scripa, and is the only run-down tavern in the area if memory serves me correctly. Knock on the door, I let her know about you and she will gladly welcome you to the meeting. I would take you to the meeting myself but I fear the Dottari are still looking for me, and walking with you down these streets will only put you in danger.”
He pauses for a moment as he contemplates whether he should say something else.
“Kyras, is it ok if I lay low at your house for some time? I believe they are out searching the streets at the moment and I need some place to hide to make sure they don’t find me.”
OOC: If you’re ready to move on we can make your next post the last one before fast forwarding you to Vizio’s Tavern, or we can roleplay the situation a little further before heading to Vizio’s. Let me know if you want this to happen and I can fast forward the time. Depending on the situation you might end up at Vizio’s at the same time as some other people. Let me know when you’re ready.
"This has nothing to do with willpower and dreams. This is just plain not being able to take it anymore. If I don't do something to fight this horrible heirarchy, I will snap, and I will die inside completely, as the booze has been doing to me slowly."
I pat my uncle on the back.
"But don't worry about me. You've given me the hope I need to continue living."
I stand up, the nausea hitting me again from the headrush and I run to vomit into the chamber pot.
"Or at least return from the dead."
I say with a grin.
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Marcellius waits until midday, when the final gleam of sunlight reflecting off of the statue of Aroden is replaced by the shadow from his noble brow. With a sigh, the disaffected paladin turns away, keeping a wary eye on the still remnants of the shrines that surround the statue. A sparkle of light pulls his attention to a shattered stained glass window, the winged sword of Arazni glittering in the shadows.
With no lack of emotion, the young paladin lifts a gloved fist to his eye, wiping away at the dust that had settled there.
"I will not fail you! Not like my father. You will be restored, my Lady. I swear it!"
Marcellius stiffens his jaw, resolved to the fate that lay before him, and left the large circle of abandoned shrines. He stopped at a street vendor for a bit of chicken, some bread, and a goblet of wine, then made his way to the Rego Screpa
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The tavern was easy enough to find with the directions provided. The streets around the tavern are noticeably empty and as described, Vizio’s Tavern sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the buildings surrounding it - one in a state of disrepair. A notice hangs on a nail stuck in the closed door of the tavern with the words ‘Opening Soon’ inked in bold, black letters. Through the windows, a woman can be spotted making her way to the bar, making some minor repairs to a broken stool.
Judging by the setting of the afternoon sun, the time of the meeting is almost at hand.
Mathalen nods her head, understanding what Malcom has said. She hurries along to keep up with Malcom.
“Of course. If you’re still willing to hear us out the meeting is being held at a place called Vizio’s Tavern. It’s in the eastern areas of the Rego Scripa and is being held late this afternoon. It won’t be too difficult to find as it is the only rundown tavern in the area. Knock on the door and the woman inside will let you in. Her name is Janiven. Don’t worry, she knows who you are.”
Mathalen stops in her place as she yells out to Malcom from behind.
“I have to get going. Perhaps I’ll see you again soon Malcom.”
With that being said Mathalen walks back in the direction from which she and Malcom arrived from earlier, leaving Malcom to continue walking towards his destination alone.
“The meeting is being held later this afternoon at Vizio’s Tavern. It isn’t too difficult to find as it is the only run down tavern in the eastern areas of the Rego Scripa. It is going to be run by a woman named Janiven who should be there at that time. Knock on the door when you arrive there.”
Tarvi looks around the tavern once more before saying,
“I better get going. I have to go back to my family’s jewellery store and help them out. Who knows, I might see you again soon Patrum. All the very best to you.”
With that Tarvi stands up abruptly, smiling and waving to Patrum as she exits the tavern.
The Halfling turns to face you once again, continuing to speak to Sevegny though in a much softer voice,
“You look like a somewhat honest person and it doesn’t seem as though you like this city any more than I do, or what it is nowadays. Would you like to help make Westcrown a better place to live? I’m with a group of people that wish to make this city a better place for all to live. Would you be interested in hearing us out?”
The Halfling looks at you expectantly waiting for an answer.
Patrum stands up from his seat in the tavern and makes his way out the door. Outside he looks around for a moment to get his bearings and turns toward Visio's.
Ankara recognizes Kyras from the falchion strapped to his back and enters alongside him.
"I remember you. You are the one Graccus chose to be his guardsman instead of me. Was guarding his precious shipment as irritating as the man himself?"
Malcom simply continues down the street, whistling a little tune as he heads to grab a small bit to eat.
After buying a small bite, he will take his time until it gets closer to the meet time, then judging by how for the Tavern for the meet is, Malcom will give himself just enough time to arrive at the tavern just as late afternoon gives way for night for he was wise enough to know that not many venture around at night unless they were looking for the shadow creatures.
Ankara recognizes Kyras from the falchion strapped to his back and enters alongside him.
"I remember you. You are the one Graccus chose to be his guardsman instead of me. Was guarding his precious shipment as irritating as the man himself?"
"Actually, the guy you punched for giving me crap about being a half-breed kept at it even after you were dismissed. I ended up brawling with him before we even got to the shipment. Graccus kicked me out too.
"But whatever. I heard from one of the others that Graccus shafted them on pay. By the way, what are you doing here anyway? Ankara right?"
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Marcellius's dark red cloak is draped over his chest and shoulders, doing little to hide the silver and golden glint of metal and the sword that hangs easily at his side.
He looks in through the tavern window, noticing that two other men had stopped outside and were talking to one another as though they knew each other. He remains silent as he listens to them, trying to determine if they were part of the new friends of order he had heard about.
"Indeed." answers Ankara curtly, sizing up the red-cloaked stranger with a wary eye, muttering in a low voice loudly enough to be heard by both Kyras and Marcellius, but not loudly enough to carry much farther. "Expensive armor, but a wooden shield. Not so rich as he appears. A spy would have gotten that right. Come," he extends a hand to Marcellius, "let's get off the street, warriors." and he turns and enters the tavern.
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The Halfling turns to face you once again, continuing to speak to Sevegny though in a much softer voice,
“You look like a somewhat honest person and it doesn’t seem as though you like this city any more than I do, or what it is nowadays. Would you like to help make Westcrown a better place to live? I’m with a group of people that wish to make this city a better place for all to live. Would you be interested in hearing us out?”
The Halfling looks at you expectantly waiting for an answer.
"Actually my dear, I can be quite dishonest when I choose to be. But yes, it offends me that elves and common folk must live in such fear and oppression. So what do you intend to do about it?"
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The woman turns around to look out the window, spotting and making eye contact with Marcellius. Smiling, she walks towards the tavern door and opens it. Opening the tavern door, she found herself a little surprised that Kyras and Ankara were standing not too far from the tavern entrance itself as she didn’t spot them earlier.
“Well don’t just stand here. Come on in!”
She makes a friendly gesture welcoming Kyras and Ankara inside. Looking at Marcellius standing there by himself, she beckons him into the tavern.
“Don’t be a stranger. Come on in, you don’t want to be standing out here too long by yourself. You’ll look suspicious.”
As she says this she looks around, checking to see what’s happening on the streets.
“I can’t say much more here, but there’s a meeting being held later this afternoon at a place called Vizio’s Tavern. A lady named Janiven will answer all your questions there and she can explain the situation much better. The tavern should be easy to find. It is the only run down place in the eastern areas of the Rego Scripa. Remember, Vizio’s Tavern.”
The Halfling looks around her surroundings once more, aware of the fact that anyone could be listening in the conversation.
“I had better get going. Perhaps I'll see you soon. May Iomedae find you well on this day.”
With that said, the Halfling bows, waves and walks off, leaving Sevegny standing there by herself.
Ankara's whole body freezes for a bare moment in surprise, as he was just opening the door when it swung open in his face, but recovers soon enough and nods brusquely in greetings to the woman who seems to know his name, whiling moving past her into the building.
He pauses for a moment while his eyes adjust to the dimmer lighting and steps to the side, to make room for others to enter, while he warily eyes anyone else present. He looks for Larko, in particular.
Kyras, trusting his uncle's judgment of this woman implicitly, merely steps inside and stands directly to one side of the door, and realizes that he didn't have to take those shots, he felt like he had no reason to be nervous now, at least not about the authenticity of their host.
Still, one can never be too cautious about anything associated with even speaking against the government, let alone meeting to actually fight it. Kyras looks around, surveying the lay of the room and anyone else that is inside.
Patrum arrives at the tavern and notices it seems to be closed, but as he rounded the corner he saw a group beckoned in by a woman.
Well, this must be the place. At least we'll be alone and not have to worry about eavesdroppers.
He makes his way to the door and enters.
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Marcellius bows his head respectfully, and enters the tavern behind Janiven.
"I did not want to intrude. But I can see now that you are correct."
He turns to the one who addressed him earlier.
"As for the wooden shield. It has been in my family for generations. The carvings have worn down over time, but it used to be quite beautiful."
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The woman nods as each of you enter the tavern, a little surprised at seeing Patrum as she did not see him when she looked down the streets. However, she smiles immediately upon recognising him.
The tavern itself is dimly lit with the only source of light being the afternoon sun streaming in from the window. Dusty benches and tables take up the majority of the floor space of the tavern. At the back of the tavern is the bar.
“You’re all a little early. We’re still waiting on several to arrive before we begin the meeting. Hang on a moment; let me grab some food and drinks from the kitchen. Feel free to sit anywhere in the tavern and talk to each other.”
With that said she smiles and heads to a door at the back of the tavern, opening it and disappearing into the room. The smell of roast chicken wafts into the tavern.
Ankara frowns, not seeing the man who contacted him, and having no idea who the woman greeting them is.
He shrugs. 'If your host is serving poison, might as well clean your plate.' he thinks, remembering an ancient proverb he heard somewhere, and waits for the promised food to arrive.
He looks around one more time for Larko, dismissing the woman who spoke earlier as a pretty distraction of some sort.
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A red-haired woman enters the tavern. She wears a half-cloak of crimson silk over a dress of black satin. She regards the assembled men coolly.
"I am Sevegny Veilstar, priestess of Calistria. I was invited to this party by a halfling woman."
She looks around, as if searching for a familiar face.
"I don't think she told me her name," Sevegny adds awkwardly.
Ankara's naturally suspicious nature is thrown off by Sevegny's natural charm, and he steps forward (neatly blocking Marcellius, if possible), "The man who invited me to this place is also not here. There is a woman bringing food who may know of this halfling."
He pulls out a chair for Sevegny before remembering to introduce himself, "I am Ankara."
"No, Westcrown is now my home, but I was born in a fishing village up the coast." Ankara says casually. "Are you a native?"
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Marcellius sits down at the table, sweeping his red cloak to the side and revealing the well-kept silver chain mail armor. He pushes the hair that had fallen over his forehead to one side, keeping a wary eye on the room.
"I am Marcellius Voralion, a paladin of the Red Crusader. Preserver of light and justice until Her Restoration. I was invited here by a Garundi, but he did not say he would be coming himself - only that I would meet friends devoted to a sacred cause."
Kyras decides to sit down and get comfortable, leaning back in his chair and putting his feet up on the table. Noticing that everyone seems a little nervous, he speaks, not knowing if what he says will help allay any of their fears.
"Ankara, everyone, I believe we can relax. My uncle, who would never do anything to bring me harm, is the one that sent me here. I believe this woman is Janiven, the woman we are supposed to meet with. My uncle told me about her to.
"We're safe. At least as safe as people meeting to plot against the government can be."
As Marcellius sits down, Ankara looks amused, but his expression changes as the Paladin describes his faith. His black eyes close for a moment and he turns to look at the others who have gathered for this meeting, and, in particular, for the woman who promised food.
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"You must remember, Mistress Sovegny, this empire is ruled by devils. The high evil scourge of light and life. I knew that many sacrifices would have to be made to restore the empire to its former glory, but I did not account for an outright assault against the government. But.... if this is what must be done, then let it be so."
Marcellius grips the goblet that had been set before him, lifting it up and setting it down further away.
"And until the time comes when righteous men again rule this Empire, I shall forswear all luxuries in the effort of this pursuit."
Ankara turns his head back to the table at Marcellius' pronouncement, a bewildered look quickly turning opportunistic. "And so long as people know hunger and thirst, to waste food and drink is heartless." he says without a beat, taking Marcellius' goblet and draining it in a long swallow, before setting it down and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
He sets the goblet down very precisely, not with a challenging thud, and his face is carefully neutral, his black eyes betraying nothing, until his 'poker face' is disrupted by Sevegny's rejoinder about 'natural pleasures,' his arced eyebrows arcing even higher, and a smile tugging at his face.