Sounds are muffled, a wash of water and then suddenly with explosive breath you are above it and all three of you lay on the street of a narrow back alley, panting for breath as the sun becomes red setting beyond your view. Chompsky noses at you all to keep you moving and concious and when you look up you see that the building you are behind is a solid, but long-abandoned seeming Church of Aroden, the dead god. However the windows are still intact, and shuttered and door looks in good repair.
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After getting my breath back, I stand up. Feeling a sense of recognition and relief, I look around and see a pure black cat running towards me. I duck to let her jump up onto my shoulder and feel like I am complete again. Blacky casts her pure black eyes - no whites or irises - around the scene, and looks expectantly at the door.
"I don't know about you gentlemen, but I do not want to stick around these streets." I say, moving towards the door. I knock on the door three times, pause, then knock twice more.
While we're waiting, I peer in through the windows to see if I can spot any movement inside.
The door is answered by a man with narrowed eyes, he looks up and downt he street furtively before leading you inside. The inside is totally different fromt he exterior, well furnished and immaculately maintained, candles and lanterns keep it well-lit and warm. You are quickly ushered into the chapel, where more people cease their chatting at your entry.
Near the altar Janiven talks to a handsome black-haired half-elf. She waves you forward when she spots you all.
I step forward, waving to Janiven.
"Sorry we took so long, but you know how decrepit and dangerous those sewers can be. Now, why did you invite us here? How did you know to contact us in the first place?"
"I said I want to help of t' folk o' this town, and I mean to stand by me word. But how much gettin' chased around the damn fool sewers by knights and th' dead is it goin' to take?"
'Glad you all made it safe, the sun is falling, so you can all stay here in the sanctuary tonight. Me and the others will make sure your safe.' She smiles, lingering notably on Wat.
'I'll get some food for you all, and the dog and cat. But first, let me introduce you to the man in charge of this little operation,' she turns to face the half-elf.
'This is Areal.'
The half-elf moves forward and profers his hand, shaking all of yours, with a formal bow of the head to Euphemi.
'Gentlemen and Lady, I am indeed Areal, a humble servant of the Inheritor. My church is interested in having Westcrown find the light again, and no longer be known as the City of Twilight. For this reason I have decided to try and improve the lot of the people, and if we can try and influence change for the best. Janiven sought you out to offer you membership, and I'd like to reiterate that offer.'
I shake both of their hands and sit down on a seat near to them. I stroke Blacky's fur thoughtfully
"I am quite pleased to meet you Arael. I am very interested in joining this society, but I would like to know what would be expected of us, who else is a part of this society and what support and protection we can expect from you. Also, how did you know how to find us? Sorry to be so inquisitive, but I've learned by experience to look before I leap, and things are rarely as they seem."
'Well,' the handsome half-elf smiles as he responds.
'We plan to enact numerous tasks and endeavours on behave of the people, things that the dottari cannot or will not do. Such as combat the increasing bandit activity in Dospera, and help citizens in trouble. Our full members include myself, Janiven and nearly a dozen other operatives, though only me and Janiven would be of any martial ability. This place is sanctified and protected from scrying magic, and I myself can provide some magical healing should you need it. Although I'll not lie, you will provide as much if not more to us and Westcrown than we can truly repay excepting with our eternal gratitude. Your inquisitiveness is more than justified, these are troubled circumstances, in troubled times.'
Janiven has left and returned with some blankets and cloaks as you speak. She hands them over before returning to what you assume is a converted kitchen with a pleasant looking blonde woman who looks to have traces of Ulfen blood.
"I said this t' Janiven earlier, but I feel it deserves a repeat: I seen too much o' the people on top takin' ev'rythin' they can from the little folk, and I won't stand for 't. Bandit activity I can't agree by, but the blame lies with them as drove 'em t' banditry, and that's who we need to deal with if we seek to help out th' ordinary folk of Westcrown."
I take a blanket from Janiven and drape it over Chompsky, before taking one for myself and bowing my head in thanks.
"I'm not one t' come and tell folk how things ought t' be done, but that's just the way I see it."
"I would be honoured to help you in this endeavour. I am quite eager to help make these streets safer, having grown up in them. I can't speak for my companions, but you have my help. What activities are you planing at the moment?"
I take the blanket with relish and wrap it around me, Blacky sitting on my lap.
Looking to Wat Arael says softly, 'Honestly, I couldn't but agree, the nobility of this city revels in the neglect and depravation of the city like pigs rolling in rotten fruit. But they are as neglected by Egorian, though still empowered. We could rise up as the did the town of Sambrewen, which no longer exists or is remebered, we could rebel like the winged people of Pezzak, who must fly to the mountains to avoid the torching of thier homes. Make no mistake, the Thrice-Damned House holds this nation in an iron grasp, and to tear it away wuld be to destroy it.'
He looks at each of you in turn, 'What I aim to do is remind the people of Westcrown what it is to feel pride, and safety with lip service to infernal masters. I want the people the sing glorious praises so that no darkness can oppress them, and I don't want to get all of the people who desired this killed along the way. And so, my plan, our goals are to do what we can to improve the lot of the people, to earn their trust whether masked or openly, to become indespensible to the people, and thus undisappearable by the government. Then they will have to listen or the revolt would be too large to crush, you can squash one hundred frightened men, but one hundred thousand rining cries will drown out any lie or threat.'
'I apologise if I seem overly passionate, and trust me I would love nothing more than to topple the nobility. But, sir, turn that passion to the people, help me rekindle their pride so that no noble can demean them, then in time, we will save the hearts and souls of Cheliax's people.'
'What say you, what say you all?'
'There are a number of goals that I beleive would help raise your status and the people's spirits. But first we would need to decide if you wish to openly reveal your faces, or don a noticeable garb? And indeed, perhaps you could help us name our organisation, some suggest 'The Children of Westcrown', but I am unsure, what are your thoughts?'
"We can't free th' people of this damned city without first winning their trust? We can only shake th' power of the nobles if th' citizenry are with us? 'tis a powerful idea, Arael, and you have me on your side."
I thrust my hand forward to take Arael in a strong handshake.
"The way you tell 't, fightin' openly in this city will get us killed faster 'n a flash. We'll have to hide our true selves if we're t' be fightin', to keep suspicion away. But how then do we talk t' the reg'lar folk o' th' street? For that reason, at th' same time as we hide our faces for violence in th' night, we ought t' put ourselves t' charitable work, helping the folk of Westcrown and takin' them up from th' dirt! The Westcrown Congress for Common Good! None can know of th' connection between th' two, for th' safety of our own selves and th' safety of those we seek to aid."
"Considering I am from this city, and relatively well known among the lower classes, I would rather not let my face be shown. Apart from that, I am willing to follow you in your efforts to rebuild this city into what it should be: a people's city."
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I sit quietly in the corner, nodding softly, massaging my feet gently. I pay attention to everything that is said. I keep quiet through it all, waiting for a moment to speak.
'All of them... Fighting against the wrong target... It isn't the Nobles that need our attention, or at least not just them. My true target is those bastards on top, the ones we cant even see. I will find a way to save it or tear this flaming city down around us if I cant!' Acid drips from every thought, poisoning me further in my hatred.
As Euphemi finishes I stand and nod. "I'm in. Whatever it takes, however long. My family has a reputation here in WestCrown and I intend to see it last!"
'Whatever it takes! Whatever!'
'Great,' Arael exclaims. 'If you give me a few days to get prepared, I'll find information on various targets for us to work at. During that time I can provide you all with seven hundred gold pieces each, the last of my free starting funds to get you all fully equipped and ready for action.'
Janiven returns with bowls of soups, they smell far more appetising than the fare at the inn and you surmise that she didn't cook these herself.
'Eat up!' She smiles. 'I'm glad we'll all be working together. You should all get some rest. Tomorrow shop around and touch base with any family or friends, then return here and we'll plan our masks and our private and public names, like Wat suggested.'
She fetches blankets and the days troubles quickly catch up with you and you find yourself resting in bunks in the old rectory.
The next morning sun streams in from the chapels high windows, and nobody is present except for Janiven. She fetches you bread and cheese and water for breakfast, simple but filling fare. 'What are you all doing today,' she enquires as you eat.
"Well first of all I'd like some details of our first mission, so I can plan accordingly. I'm going to take the day to stock up on some weapons, and maybe do a little research into the enemy, once I know who they are. I'll also be spending some time at home. I didn't tell my family I wouldn't be home, so they're probably worried sick about me.
Where is everyone else? This place looks empty?"
"I've nothing really t' be getting at... Perhaps a day's good work down by the docks would pass the th' time well."
'Arael mentionsed three targets he's going to give to you while he gathers information on the bandit groups active in the ruined parts of Dospera.'
Janiven begins to clean up the dishes. She looks decidedly uncomfortable at such a domestic task, clearly she'd rather battle thugs than dirty plates.
'He plans to ask you to go about slaying one of the at night, to test their strength and compostion, the self-proclaimed Goblin King and to see about helping with some problem or other he's been having.'
'How and what order you do them in is up to you all. Oh, and here is the money Arael promised,' she indicates three very small chests in the corner. 'Seven hundred gold each.'
'Everyone is out at their day jobs Euphemi, none of us live here bar Arael, though often end up here. There are five other full members, with various connections and their own informants in the community. We'll introduce them this evening, everyone should be arriving at the fourth bell of evening.'
'And Wat, if your looking for some honest work, I'm trying to fix this place up, some carpentry, fixing furniture and window shutters, and a little masonry, plastering up cracked walls. Your welcome to help me if you'd like?'
"Well my trade is in takin' down and choppin' up wood, not fixin' it t'gether, but I'll help as I can. As for these tasks... tell me more bout th' shadowbeast, what manner of creature is it?"
"Well my trade is in takin' down and choppin' up wood, not fixin' it t'gether, but I'll help as I can. As for these tasks... tell me more bout th' shadowbeast, what manner of creature is it?"
'That's the question isn't it, most no-one goes out at night, and there are many kinds, some that might be handled by competent individuals like yourselves, some that would scour your soul in sorrow. If you get at one of the little shadowgarms, sentient swathes of corporeal shadow, kill it and test your steal against it. They're said to leave behind a marker, and if your bring it to a tavern in Rego Scripa, The Running Man, a woman there known only as Bluehood will leave a stipend for you the next night. I beleive Arael wants to get us into her good books. and of course see how we can combat the night.'
'His lair is somewhere in the southern section of the sewers, Morosino found it recently and he can lead you to it's entrance above groud before a short walk in the sewers. Defeating him will but a stop to increasing organisation among the sewer goblins of Westcrown, and defeating the legendary menace will raise your status as heroes.'
Does this Bluehood know anything about how to defeat the Shadowbeasts? Is there any publicly available information about them?
Does this Bluehood know anything about how to defeat the Shadowbeasts? Is there any publicly available information about them?
'Not truly, there are many kinds, but it's held the lesser ones, known as shadowgarm can be hurt by weapons of mortal make. Others may be ghostly, touchable only by magic blade. The task is to hunt one of the shadowgarms. As for Bluehood we don't know anything about her. All that is known is that you leave the proof at the inn's back door, then knock three times, then leave. Your money is then delivered the next night.'
'But it will be a noteworthy challenge.'
In that case I suggest we waste no time. My vote is that we should prepare today, and stalk the streets for a shadowbeast tonight. In the mean time, we need to come up with aliases and masks. If there is anything you would recommend I should get in preparation for tonight, I shall get it during my errands.
In that case I suggest we waste no time. My vote is that we should prepare today, and stalk the streets for a shadowbeast tonight. In the mean time, we need to come up with aliases and masks. If there is anything you would recommend I should get in preparation for tonight, I shall get it during my errands.
'That is up to you to be honest, you three will be handling the most public of our exploits. I reccomend a single color, masks, hoods and to wear it over your clothes and have it easily purchased anywhere in the city, don't buy cloaks that are obviously from the only shop in the city that sells them.'
The day passes quickly, Arael returns in the evening and informs you that tonights general meeting has been postponed until tomorrow for worry of discovery.
Ignatio visits home, as does Euphemi who runs errands for the party. Wat and Janiven have spent the day working about the temple, fixing and improving its interior.
Darkness begins to fall on the city, as people flee to their homes, eager not to be caught on the street by the shadow beasts of Westcrown.
I get settled in to one of the chairs and adopt a business-like tone.
Okay, what's the plan? Do we have any idea where there lesser beasts roam, what their tactics are, where they come from, what they're favoured prey is? Any information at all?
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I enter the Temple slowly as my knock is answered, dressed head to toe in a heavy white canvas material, my armor worn under the long white coat. My face is completely obscured by a white mask, the eye holes, one decorated with a black teardrop, are made of a material that is so sheer it gives 100% visibility.
I walk towards the gathering and stop a little away, waiting for a chance to speak, thinking as I do!
You search your memory, but fail to find any detailed stories of shadowbeasts, only tales of running in fear.
'I beleive, Areal pipes in, that the dottari night watch prefer the route near the Canorden, the great canal under the Pegasi bridges at the border between Paregos Spera and Dospera. From what I gather it is because while the shadow is as virulent there, it is most often the smaller varieties which a squad of gaurds can fend off. That is where I suggest you start. However we are halfway down Parego Spera, so it could be a long dangerous walk. You could also hunt around the Shrine, and not stray to far.'
"I think we should try to make our way up to where the smaller beasts frequent. We should be as quiet and as nondescript as possible on the way though, so as not to draw undue attention to ourselves.
What do you guys think?"
"Aye lass, starting off with one of th' smaller creatures seems th' wisest course. What ought we do if we encounter a patrol of such guards? The city watch int gon' t' take well to a group of people in disguises, brandishin weaponry... Are there any secretive paths we might take, in th' sewers or on th' rooftops?"
'I don't know about about above or below ground, but patrolling dottari carry massive torches at night. You'd see them coming a mile away. Tonight the weather should be clear, so you'll be able to find your way in the dark, travelling without a light should lessen the risk of detection, by dottari or worse.' Janiven pipes in.
'However,' Arael then adds.
'You'll be at a disadvantage in the darkness to the shadowbeast.'
"We'll light our torches upon meeting a beast, so we can see the thing better. I would recommend we get it in some kind of trap and shine a bright light on it so we can study it before we kill it, if at all possible. I will prepare spells of a light-based nature so we can achieve this a little easier."
"Do th' tales of the creatures tell us if they be harmed or hurt by lights?"
'None that I've heard, but that's the purpose of this foray, to find out more about the shadowbeasts that so haunt the night. Darkness approaches, are you all ready to head out?' Arael asks aloud, the light filtering through the shutters has become even dimmer, and Janiven lights a few torches and lanterns to illuminate the chapel.
I pack away my whetstone, and rise from the corner where I've been sharpening my axe for the past few minutes. Chompsky uncurls himself from by the fire and pads to my side.
"Well," I say, "S'pose we oughta get this business done with."
Stealth check:
As the stealthiest and most familiar with the streets of Westcrown, I run through the streets ahead of everyone else, with Blacky running along the rooftops keeping an eye out. I am paying particular attention to our Empathic Link for anything out of the ordinary.