As you walk in, Ailyn greets you. Welcome back. That was fast! Well, it seems as if you didn't come back empty handed!
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.
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A few minutes later, Yakopulio emerges with a kit of small tools in her hands. Chest? Really? How cliche. Pft. I swear.
She eyeballs it carefully.
Janiven, you interrupted my time with... I mean, you called me out for this? A child could get into this. Hell. Beppo here could. I've seen his hands at work!
She pulls out three slender tools. With one in each hand she puts the third one in her mouth in a manner that is almost suggestive. She quickly works on the lock, never using that third tool. After a satisfying click, she packs them back up, taking the one out of her mouth slowly while glancing at Beppo.
There. Your trunk is popped. And, Beppo. Don't forget...you have an appointment later, big boy.
She scurries off.
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The locker contains a package of six sets of false identity papers, each marking the bearer as Chelish nobility in good standing with House Thrune. (Even though they are vastly outdated, the papers would still provide a bonus to any Bluff checks made against the dottari, Hellknights, nobles, or other Chelish authorities.
Under these papers lie four potions of gaseous form, six potions of cure moderate wounds, and six potions of lesser restoration. A thin wooden
folio sits on the bottom of the chest under the potions; pressed between its covers are several scrolls and sheets of parchment. Above, a teak wand case wedged into the locker’s lid contains a wand of restoration (13 charges).
A key ring sits around one of the potion bottles— The wooden folio’s contents are a scroll of clairaudience/ clairvoyance, three scrolls of dispel magic (CL 10th), three scrolls of erase (CL 10th), a scroll of sunburst, a scroll of true seeing, and a piece of parchment. This parchment contains a short note from Liriam warning of fears that one of the Pathfinders may have become tainted by an evil artifact; ((this note is reproduced as Handout 2 in the shared folder.))
Loot table updated. Party may decide to keep and not sell...or individuals may buy at listed cost.
Aemon cracks a smiles at Yakopulio as she goes about her business. "Thanks for the help Yakopulio." He then walks up to the chest, and looks in. "Seems we got a real haul here."
Beppo eyes Yakopulio's tools as she sets to work. I hope you cleaned those before coming in here.
...
Looks like we may have our way into Delvehaven, and some important equipment.
At last!
I've been trying to get into Delvehaven for... oh I don't know how long! Finally, we have the means to do it and find out exactly what happened there.
But this note worries me greatly. Amber Arca, vampires? Was Delvehaven built above some underworld entrance? So many questions...
Nothing with this job is ever easy, is it? I hope this crap is worth it.
...Yes, Brandon, and so few answers. Clearly they were preparing for any number of dark things with this stash. These things could become very useful as you comb Delvehaven.
With that being said, Arael interjects, these dangers should not be taken lightly. Remember, Chelaxian Pathfinders attempted to reclaim the lodge, and their lives were lost. You are much to valuable to the people of Westcrown to throw your lives away foolishly. Consider carefully what items to take with you. Take time to prepare properly. Insure your fully rested, and let us know if there's anything we can do to help. If you have some loose ends to tie up, do so. And when you are ready to go, come back and let me know. I will petition Ioemadae for blessings to protect you.
And the blessings will be well received Arael. But I don't have much in the way of faith. I'd be much more comfortable with some solid information on vampires.
Brandon passes Aemon the note and he begins to read over it, he then looks up at the Alchemist. "At Least we have an idea of what waits for us in there now and we can prepare... anyone know about Vampires?" He then passes the note on. "Arael is right, Tessai speaks for being prepared and now i think is the time let's plan for everything i know that's a little crazy but i don't want a replay of the... knot." He then sits down slowly remembering what was lost there.
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Kyle tries to recall any information regarding vampires he may know.
He shares any information he knows. His thoughts turn to Calseinica. 'Woman, why are you so desperate to find me so quickly?'
After everyone has discussed their plans for tomorrow, Kyle prepares to visit Calseinica. He writes a letter in case she isn't home.
It has only been a few days since I visited you last. I look forward to our time together and I come to visit as often as my job permits. It has come back to my attention that you have been poking around for me. I try to keep out of the public eye and from the attention of hellknights bent on hurting others; in this case me. I am a law-abiding citizen that has no reason to worry about the wrath of hellknights, but I wouldn't be the first to be innocently punished. I had wished to spend time with you and tell you this in person, but I will be back soon if able.
Sincerely,
Kyle
He runs out to look for her dressed in his best clothes along with a grocery bag of ingredients to prepare a quiet meal for two. If she is home he says hi and tells her he brought some food to prepare a meal and discusses his concerns of her seeking him out while he prepares the meal.
"I enjoy the time we spend together, but I am not sure what it is you want out of this relationship. You know that I am a priest of Shelyn and I can not marry. But I must enjoy beauty in all things and I do enjoy your inner beauty."
Vampires hate the smell of onion. I think. Did I read that somewhere?
Arael sees the puzzled look in both your faces and replies, Trust in Ioemodae to give us the answer we seek. Attend to other matters in the mean time, my friends.
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Stop him!!
The caster attempts to counterspell Kyle with dispell magic while the oher tries to break his concentration. Both fail...and Kyle turns into a gas vapor. The wind from the nearby sea blows him along at a quick pace, but as it does, he hears the men talk to each other.
He got away!
Pft, whatever...it was still a success.
Why's that?
We know for a fact that the woman *is* connected to him and, by extension, his friends.
Maralictor Heriphis was right. He'll want to know this. Probably step up our interrogation of her.
I wish I was in charge of that. She's got a hot ass, that one does...
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Kyle shows up to headquarters carrying a grocery bag and looking blue.
"Well, I've got some good and bad news."
"Good news is that I'm making one lucky person dinner. The bad news is that someone is after us."
After he gets everyone's attention, he recites what just happened and what he saw and heard.
Tessai slams her hand on the table in frustration - "I know that name - he is a Hellknight of some standing, belonging to the Order of the Nail. They have our identities... Or at least clues... How?!"
After pacing around for a few moments, she turns to the others resolute - "We need to go out now. We need to make sure Calseinica is safe"
She starts gathering her gear.
"Tessai is correct, I know of him too..." Aemon rubs his right hand through his glovers. "As she said he's one of the higher up Hellknights, a real mean bastard." Aemon then looks at Kyle. "We've gotten sloppy, god knows who Calseinica was blabbing to. What was she doing out looking for you Kyle? We're meant to be a secret not drawing attention to ourselves." Aemon then closes his eyes as he scratches his chin. "We do have to get her out of there, we don't know what she knows anything that links us back here or the the shades and we could be done." Aemon then picking up his equipment and strapping on his armor.
How much does she know? Have we become so complacent with our recent successes?
Whatever the case. The time is overdue that someone stood up to the Hellknights. I'm not suggesting a frontal assault, although that is becoming more and more our calling card, but if we can get her our of there safely - and give those bastards a bloody nose at the same time - then all the better.
We need to act quickly but not rashly. What do we know about the Order of the Nail, specifically where are their headquarters.
If she knows something, it's definitely worth taking action - get her from them before they know about us...
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.
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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?
Aemon rolls his eye's. "Seems Kyles got some talking to do... If this is the only way then so be it let's get this over with and tie up this one loose end. It all seems clear Janiven again thank you for all this information."
"We should try to find ourselves a convincing role - Cala's legal representatives, or something along those lines?"
Sounds fair to me, Tessai. I am a member of a good House, and whether I do any of the talking or not, they should respond to my presence and name with respect.
Beppo then pauses for a moment, looking down as though deep in thought. What if they will not give her up? Are we prepared to leave Calsenica with some ambitious twit of the Order of the Nail? Beppo's eyes slide toward Kyle. Can we afford to leave her there? What does she know? I don't want them coming after Kyle next...
So many questions, and I doubt we have the answers...we cannot fail to bring her back.
I have little skill in diplomacy. Nor am I a member of a noble house. So the best support I can offer is to not inflame the situation further and leave Edmond at home.
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.
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"She doesn't know anything about us. And I think I know who dirtied our names. Visbaronetess Delour Aulamaxa had an obvious grudge against Calseinica."
Kyle looks at Janiven, "If it is just a matter of showing those documents, why couldn't we have a lawyer head over? It doesn't seem a good idea for me to be seen there."
"I don't think we can afford to allow Cala being subject to the Hellknight's methods of interrogation, regardless of what she knows..." - Tessai shakes her head.
"But Kyle is right, we may need disguises, and not only for him, and a good cover story. As for Aulamaxa... Her time will come, hopefully sooner than she expects" - she finishes, her dark eyes glimmering.
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.
Beppo raises an eyebrow. Perhaps you have not worked with a good lawyer before, Janiven my dear. Cruel men often bend the laws to their own purposes, even when they seem plain on their face, and a good lawyer can hold them to the truth...besides, their profession is all about handling things carefully, keen observation, and carefully worded questions. But if we do not have the means for such a thing, we will do what we must.
"We can talk about this all day, but it won't change the facts. We need to get her out of there, if she knows nothing then fine but this is again oppression by the Hellknights." He then rubs the side of his head. "Let's do something sooner the better."
The fact our personas are public may in fact help. The hellknights wouldn't dare arrest us on a made up charge, given our status would they?
Tessai ponders for a moment - "Very well, no disguises then. I am simply concerned about Kyle's safety, after all it seems there is already some sort of warrant for his capture? He was accosted directly with the intent of capture, so I wonder what may happen if he walks in just like that. On the other hand, we are going there exactly to dismiss said accusations, so we have the opportunity of rescuing Cala, and clearing the air regarding Kyle, all in a single blow"
Nodding at Aemon, she continues - "Yes, we need to take decisive action. I am ready to leave at a moment's notice. Kyle, Brandon, do you have any way to enhance our negotiation capabilities through the divine or arcane? It may come in handy. Otherwise, everyone get ready to depart" - she finishes.
At Brandon, she responds - "The Hellknights are zealots Brandon, I am sure they would fear the backlash of capturing us on weak accusations, but still they may find it worthy. If we strike back at a provocation in that place... I have the feeling we will never leave it"
"Though we have accomplished some amazing things in recent times. Sisters of what...?" - she jests with a huge smile.
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.