Way Down in the Hole — IC

[Namelessjake]

Home, Samiira thinks as Vyridis comes into view, her mood improving at the thought of getting to spend some time with Amelira and Lavi.

"Manpower is what the cause needs most - I am sure you would be welcomed into the fold," the assassin says in answer to Garvelli's question.

Level Up!

+1 Con +1 Dex

Take feat: Weapon Focus (Light Blade)

[BartNL]

Level up

Ability: Strength +1, Con +1

Feat: Urban Predator

Heroic Tier
Prerequisite: Shifter
Benefit: When you roll an Athletics or Streetwise check, you can treat a d20 roll of 2–7 as if you had rolled an 8.
A natural 1 is still treated as a 1.

[BartNL]

"There's no debt. You are free to make your own choices. If you want to join us of your own accord, we'll be happy to have you, friend." Hadrurus answers.

[ratwizard]

Garvelli smiles, his gaze over the city interrupted as he turns back to face you. Bowing his head curtly, he claps a fist to his heart. "Then I suppose I'll take my chances with your people."

Returning to Vyridis once more, you'd expect to make contact first by checking in at the Missing Talon Tavern, after which you'd likely be directed where to next. However, if you have any other tasks or loose ends to handle, now would be the time to do so.

[Chanchabruhh]

Level Up!

+1 Strength +1 Constitution/ Feat level 4= Raging Reach

[Scratcherclaw]

"Let us speak with our leaders," Alerio says, looking toward his companions. "I am certain they will be eager to hear what all has occurred." And I must beg for my leave, pained as I am to bid farewell after enlisting within their ranks. Yet there is a higher calling, and our goals still align.

 

[Namelessjake]

"Yes we should debrief Krendal and the others. I'm sure they will be pleased to hear of our successes," Samiira says. "The loss of Velasco less so, but we freed many, killed more slavers than we expected, sunk a ship and damaged the fort. All that for Velasco isn't bad."

[Chanchabruhh]

"Agreed.." 
pohaku grits his teeth as he looks at the others and takes a deep breath

[Fialova]

"I am sure you will be welcomed, as all who are devoted to the cause are," Josie says to Garvelli, glad for his devotion if not for the circumstances that brought it about. In a better world, he'd have no need to feel indebted to us, or to our cause. Hopefully we can bring about that better world.

As the others mention meeting up with their leaders, Josie frowns and holds her tongue after listening to Samiira's callous dismissal of Velasco's loss. She did not know him well, she means no harm, she reminds herself, holding back the harsh words she'd like to say in response. "Yes, let us meet with them soon," is all she says.

Mechanics

Level Up!
+1 DEX, +1 WIS
Retrain Religion to Stealth
gain World Serpent's Grasp feat

[ratwizard]

The seven of you make your way down the hillside, crossing the stone bridge that leads into Vyridis proper. Although the sun has only just began to set, you can see the stars piercing the veil of orange and pinks, growing brighter with every minute's walk. Josie and Hadrurus lead you through the winding web of the city streets, a wide expanse of wooden buildings both freshly-built and considerably ancient.

Here in the Pilestos Quarter, the streets are quiet. Most laborers are gone for the evening and most shops are closed until the morning. Nearby, a signboard sways in the warm, sea breeze atop an unassuming facade — Missing Talon Tavern carved beside a declawed eagle. You enter.

The inside of the tavern smells like pine smoke and chatter fills the halls. Azmati walks between tables, speaking with patrons, laughing at jokes, and clapping the occasional person on the shoulder. He notices you as you filter into the entry space, the smile not leaving his face.

"Pleasant evening, and welcome in," the stout elvish man calls above the din. He grabs a pair of recently-empty flagons from a table nearby as he passes, beckoning you toward the bar. With thick and calloused hands, he wastes no time as he begins wiping down dishes and preparing another serving plate of food. "So good to see you," Azmati says, looking between Josie, Hadrurus, giving Pohaku especially a warm nod. He casts a curious look at Brandys before he seems to recognize the man.

"Shall I call for her?" he mutters, his words barely leaving the bartop.

[Chanchabruhh]

Pohaku will look around and take a deep breath taking in the smells of food and the warmth of people as he looks towards the elvish man and gives a nod with a small smile looking him up and down

[Namelessjake]

Samiira hangs back stlightly as they enter the tavern, still not used to moving in such a large group, especially in populated places, preferring the ease of which a single person can disappear into a crowd. I hope we get some time here in town before being sent back out, she thinks while she waits for Josie or Hadrurus to set up the meeting with their handler.

[Scratcherclaw]

Alerio eyes the name of the tavern, a rare smirk forming past his lips. Missing Talon. El-unod humors me, it seems, with this fated sign. Truly, I am on the right path. He takes a seat at the bar, giving Josie a nod to summon their superiors.

[ratwizard]

"Indeed, we have plenty of boarding available," Azmati says suddenly, his tone returning to normal. "Upstairs. Come. I will show you."

At this time, a teenaged human boy steps into the hall from a side door, carrying a small stack of firewood.

"Petren, you're on flagons until I return," Azmati calls to the boy, tossing a rag toward him as the man leads you toward the stairwell. You follow Azmati up to the second floor and down a narrow hall. Toward the end of it, Azmati opens an unmarked door and turns back toward you, smiling and nodding. "Come, come. There is room enough for you all. I will have her sent for now."

You pile into the space, a strangely large room for the unassuming tavern. It is a meeting space of sorts, the kind that you sense would be for hosting a private party — or simply for a clandestine meeting like this. There is a long, simple table with a ring of stools around it, and each of you take one. Azmati closes the door and you hear his thumping footsteps retreat down the hall until it is quiet without and within.

Following suit, Garvelli pulls out a stool gingerly and sits down, his eyes scanning the room, his posture withdrawn. "I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this," he says quietly.

[Scratcherclaw]

"There is no need to worry," Alerio says to the newcomer, hoping to comfort with his words. Strange to an outsider, yes. I would surely know. Yet I understand the need for such secrecy. "I am certain you will be welcomed with open arms. Your drive to give back is speaking for itself."

[Namelessjake]

Samiira displays no emotion as the group makes their way into the tavern's backroom, having been there multiple times before for previous post mission debriefs.

Strange to think we were all that green at one time or another, the assassin thinks, slightly amused by Garvelli's reaction to his introduction to the clandestine world of the Unfettered.

"The cause has many friends, but it has more enemies still. We mostly operate with whispers, behind locked doors, and in the shadows. Rarely as brazen as our attack the other night," she explains.

[Chanchabruhh]

Pohaku heads into the tavern backroom with the group quickly letting his dreadlocks down and looks to the new blood, He looks them up and down sizing them up seeing if he notices anything about them

[BartNL]

Hadrurus sits down on the stool across the door, he rests a javelin against the table besides him.
"Yes, whispers in the dark are the bellows that stoke the flames of revolt." Hadrurus says as Samiira explains their current purpos to Garvelli.

[ratwizard]

Garvelli nods at your explanations and reasoning. "Then it is a wise decision to meet like this," he concludes. "I understand now." The young elvish man bows in thanks.

A moment passes before you hear the squeak of floorboards once more outside. The door opens and a half-elf, half-orcish man stands in the doorframe, his narrowed eyes passing over the seven of you before he shuts the door behind him. You would recognize him once again as Cymren, second in command to Olatya, and the Unfettered's final say on recruitment efforts. He wears an arming doublet of a soft green color, not a stain on it — and yet the hint of a scabbard peeks out from his waist.

"You," he says, his tone curt, a single finger pointing at Garvelli like a brandished lance. "Come with me."

The young elf nods in silence, his cheeks aflush and his eyes wide. Garvelli stands from the stool before Cymren leads the pair of them out.

It is only a minute or so longer before Krendal enters, the bookish orcish woman who serves as the handler for most field agents. Her hair is pulled tight into a tall bun — even tighter than usual, and it seems to pull on her temples. Lines of worry span her forehead, and she looks like she's possibly aged in the time you've been away.

While the six of you sit, she chooses to stand, pacing a moment before turning to face you. "Seven of you left here a week ago, and seven return. Yet two we did not expect." The woman's glance finally meets Brandys, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

"Tell me, what happened at the fort? Where are Velasco, and Gladia? And Brandys: why have you returned with them?"

[Namelessjake]

"Gladia turned back to aid a caravan stricken by a landslide - I would have thought she would have returned before us. Velasco died fighting the Powder Kegs - the intel was wrong and their number was much greater than anticipated. Brandys was among those we freed," Samiira explains in a very matter of fact way.

[Scratcherclaw]

"It is as she says," Alerio remarks, giving Samiira a quick nod. She wastes no time. Her directness has my respect. "We are fortunate that more of our ranks were not lost. Yet, a strong blow has still been dealt to the Powder Kegs and their accursed fortress."

He frowns and shakes his head, the loss of Velasco fully sinking in by now. Though he was reckless, this should not have been his time. "We have recovered a logbook as well, detailing their activity." He winces, recalling the intel on prisoner hauls detailed within. "I am grateful we brought salvation to their many prisoners, or they may too have found themselves within the Kelbis Mines."

[Namelessjake]

"A strong blow indeed - one of their ships now sits at the bottom of the fort's harbour and we burned all the buildings not made of stone within the fort itself," Samiira adds.

[ratwizard]

Krendal is unusually quiet, listening closely to your explanations, her hands clasped behind her back and posture as rigid as a board.

It is a long time before she speaks, and even then her voice sounds strained — as if fighting its way from her throat. "I must... agree. It seems that you truly have delivered the Powder Kegs a grievous blow. With their fort in ruins and their foothold lost, they may be limited to the sea for their raiding and enslaving now. I will pass along this logbook to Olatya and the others — I am sure it will prove useful in filling in many blanks we have about their number and aims." She frowns, her eyes unfocused and seemingly wet. "As evidenced by their greater presence at the fort than we had believed."

Krendal takes a deep breath, steadying herself. "Josie, Hadrurus," she says, turning toward the leaders of your operation. "To what or whom do you attribute the cause of Velasco's death?" Her look is stern now as she studies your faces for a response.

[Fialova]

Josie sits in silence when initially faced with Krendal, finding it difficult to formulate a response to the woman before the others can. She listens, allowing her comrades to describe the mission's events, knowing full well that she will eventually have to account for the death of Velasco. Poor leadership? Poor intel? Poor planning? Hubris? All of these things, truly.

"We were placed in command," Josie says, when directly addressed. "Ultimately, the fault is ours," she continues, more solemnly, as a tear begins to form in the corner of her eye. "Nothing about our assault on the fortress was as expected. We got in quietly, made quick work of a few of the sentries and snuck everyone up one of the towers. However, once we were spotted and their true numbers became apparent, it was quite difficult. We were separated and faced difficult odds, and, truth be told, it is a wonder that as many of us survived as we did. There were moments I feared - accepted, even - that I would join young Velasco in death."

She pauses, taking a deep breath, before slowly exhaling as the small tear falls down her cheek. "I do not know if we could have done more to save him, all things considered. But it is still my failure - our failure," she corrects herself, motioning towards Hadrurus, "that he is no longer with us to serve the cause." Whatever punishment is deemed necessary, we deserve it.

[ratwizard]

Krendal nods curtly, appearing satisfied by the answer. "You are right. Velasco's death is a failure of your leadership. However, it is a failure of ours, just the same. Our organization simply cannot afford to play a numbers game. Liberation will only be achieved by the living, not the dead." She frowns once more, looking down for a moment. "Every death... or dereliction... or captured agent — each of these weakens us permanently. While we may have struck our enemy off-kilter, Velasco was killed during the operation, and Gladia has seemingly broken her word. Pohaku and Hadrurus, Yzgo will have many questions about your having vouched for her commitment."

"Brandys," Krendal says, suddenly turning to face the older man. Her eyes are stern, her chin high. "You were meant to be passing along messages, yet you were captured — yet here you are once more. Could you speak as to the actions of your rescuers? And that of this other fellow you've all brought along?"

[BartNL]

"The failure of leadership is ours." Hadrurus confirms, unwilling to find excuses for Gladia, or losing Velasco .

[Namelessjake]

"Gladia knows much of our operation, with your leave, I will track her down and deal with that loose end," Samiira volunteers, assuming she is to return to her regular solo work for the Unfettered now the larger mission is finished.

[Scratcherclaw]

Alerio's stomach lurches as Krendal and Josie speak of the failures leading to Velasco's death, his heart aching over all the factors conspiring toward the tragedy. He takes a deep breath, steadying himself, growing even more resolved toward his duty. Though there is honor in admitting fault, the Powder Kegs' villainy is the true culprit of this injustice. Though negligence contributed, it is hardly fair to take such blame.

He gives Samiira a glance at her suggestion, seeing an opening to make his own case. "I, too, would seek your leave. Not to forsake this cause, but to further it," the Talon begins, a serious expression on his face. "To know even these Powder Kegs send their prisoners to the Kelbis Mines, I cannot sit idly. Yet I know the Unfettered alone cannot take on such a colossus of evil." He lets out a heavy sigh, frowning as his mind thinks of the atrocities committed within, and the sheer regional power it wields.

"So with your blessing, and the swiftness of the Eagle, I would return to my homeland and seek allies so we may dismantle and destroy this blight, and free those within. Perhaps my pleas may even earn the backing of the Temple and amass a righteous army and valuable allies for the Unfettered," he says impassioned, his lifeblood burning hot with faith and tenacity as he makes his case to the leader. "The Kelbis Mines cannot be suffered to exist. The gods have whispered this truth to me, and I must see it done."

[Chanchabruhh]

Pohaku will look around the room and listen to the words spoken by everyone and keep his eyes forward almost perfectly still as he thinks about everything said.

"If i have permission to speak i would like to ask what are we to do at this moment?.. i haven't been apart of this Operation for very long and i understand if my word doesn't hold much but i don't have the words to really speak of certain events and what have you..."

[ratwizard]

Krendal gives Hadrurus a terse nod, though the wrinkles in her forehead hint toward an understanding there.

"Our organization has more discreet ways of dealing with dereliction," she says, turning toward Samiira. "Your offer is appreciated, but that is for our leaders to handle. Instead, I suspect your abilities will be needed for the next step in our operations, which will be discussed soon, but not here. As for your question, Pohaku, next you will report to Yzgo at the usual place. Afterwards, I believe you all should have a day or two to pursue your own interests until you are again needed."

The handler listens closely to Alerio. "Your commitment to the cause is refreshing, Talon. I admit, I have met your brethren before — many years ago, when I lived in Shivan. A relentless pursuit of justice, sparing no comfort or kindness to transgressors. They would make for fearsome allies, but inflexible in their methods. However, it is not my blessing you will require. I will send for Cymren or Agirri, and they will be the ones to make that answer."

[Scratcherclaw]

"Very well," Alerio replies with a nod, relieved and emboldened by Krendal's mostly positive reaction. Inflexible, perhaps. Yet not incapable of change. I am living proof that unrelenting justice may still leave room for compassion. "I will await them then, but I thank you for your understanding."

[Namelessjake]

"I never said it wouldn't be discrete, but if I am needed elsewhere," Samiira replies to Krendal.

Inflexible and ineffective as a result, the serranborn thinks as the conversation turns to the Talons of Eagle Cliff. Though Alerio has proved himself. Perhaps there are more like him who might not be useless.

[Chanchabruhh]

pohaku will nod to Krendal and the others as he walks a few feet closer 

"Well there are a few things i would like to look into after meeting with Yzgo if anyone has anything else to say or ask before that ask away."

 

[greysigil]

Brandys sits in silence, listening to the others speak. His mind heavy, weighing the outcome against another, idealized version; weighing his decisions, and now, his words, how he will explain himself.

He waits for a lull in the conversation, a moment to speak his piece. "The lad's name is Garvelli. We met in the seafort, though we only truly spoke once the alarm was raised. He was quick to act, possessed of a natural instinct for teamwork. We tried to determine the nature of the apparent assailants, to no avail. Whoever they were--" He glances around the table, the barest hint of irony in his voice. "--they hid their approach well, the slavers only becoming aware of them once they were already there."

His countenance returns to somber, as he continues recounting his experience. "We were fortunate that they were allies, and they were engaging the Powder Kegs as enemies, rather than rivals. They fought valiantly, and without their aid, I shudder to think of what would have befallen us."

[ratwizard]

Krendal listens to Brandys' story, studying the man as he speaks. "In truth, we had not even accounted for you as missing," she admits, breathing out an unsteady sigh. "It was simply dumb luck you were freed by our efforts."

She turns toward the rest of you, taking you all in once more. "I would consider this operation a success, then. Not without defeats and mistakes, but who among us can claim perfection? We fight a flawed society that requires a flexible hand and an ever-learning mind. Very well, I will report my findings to our leaders. You are free to go, but remember to come by the charcoal workshop tomorrow night. While there is little in the way of payment for your collective services, please do ask Yzgo if you have need of something crucial."

Krendal steps away, leaving the six of you in the quiet chamber.

OOC

A few quick notes as we approach the next major operation!

We are switching to the Gritty Realism ruleset. This means a short rest now requires a full night's rest, and a long rest requires a week's downtime in Vyridis or another safe outpost of the Unfettered (many of which are scattered across the region.) While 4e is designed around several varying sizes of encounters in a single day's pace, this campaign will have much less — though the ones that we do have will be considerably more intense in scale. So, managing your economy of healing surges, dailies, encounters, etc., over the course of a week long operation is the goal, instead of me having to jam in an arbitrary amount of encounters in a given day to achieve the intended challenge.

Because of this rule change, you will now have several days here in Vyridis before your next mission. If there are any specific plot beats you want to accomplish, NPCs you want to meet with, or plans you want to set in motion, you have a chance to do so.

At minimum I will also set aside one on one RP moments for Scratch (Alerio out, Lucien in), and also a scene with Pohaku and Bart with Yzgo.

On a different note, gold will not normally be earned in this campaign as you are not a typical adventurer. However, because Sixth Era Ganoltir is relatively dense with magical and masterwork items, you can expect to see a decent amount of magical loot as we continue forward. If there are any other mundane items you'd like such as new armor, weapons, adventuring gear, mounts, etc., then let me know OOC and we can see how to accomplish that IC. The Unfettered is willing to outfit its agents to a reasonable degree.

 

[Chanchabruhh]

OOC

After the scene with Yzgo i would like to get some proper rest somewhere then see if i can get some info on his sister and Kaimana while also seeing if he could get some gear for the next mission

[Namelessjake]

"See you at the workshop tomorrow then," Samiira says to the group as she stands. Taking her leave, she exits the tavern and heads for the home of Amelira and Lavi.

OOC

Samiira will spend the downtime with Amelira and Lavi, looking in on them to make sure they have everything they need.

Beyond a mount there is no mundane equipment she needs, though she wouldn't acquire one unless the mission required it.

She does have the Powder Keg Lieutenant's rifle which needs mechanics.

[Scratcherclaw]

Alerio gives Samiira a nod and steps over to Josie. He pulls the neatly-wrapped bugle, the gift from the Almohorongi they had saved, from his bag and hands it to her, a rare smile on his face. "This will serve you more than it will I, my friend. Though I hope to depart for my homeland, I do not wish this to be a goodbye." He lets out a deep sigh, his smile growing purer. "I am fortunate to have traveled by your side. Remain strong, hold fast to duty, and forever let your heart guide you. I hope we meet again, to bring an end to the Kelbis Mines together."

With a courteous bow, he departs from the tavern as well. He eyes the sign once more: The Missing Talon. His pulse quickens and he lets out a contented sigh. I hear your call, El-unod. Let us hope Cymren and Agirri are agreeable to our cause.

OOC

Alerio would await the leaders for said meeting. He's also handing the Bugle of the Almohorongi over to Josie.

Likewise, he'd say his farewells to the other OG NPCs, especially bestie Brelnia if she's in town.

[ratwizard]

OOC - Brandys & Samiira

In the seafort encounter, Brandys came away with a Flintlock Pistol while Samiira took a Flintlock Pistol and a Flintlock Arquebus. Both of you found and kept a Firing Kit.

Please add the appropriate encounter powers below to your sheet / combat block.

Flintlock Pistol Shot

Range 10 (Can extend to 20 but lose the reroll)
As a minor + standard action, make one RBA against an enemy. Roll your attack roll one additional time, using the best result. On a hit you deal 1d10+6 damage.

This power recharges outside of combat by taking the time to reload your firearm. Requires a firing kit.

Flintlock Arquebus Shot

Range 10 (Can extend to 20 but lose the reroll)
As a minor + standard action, make one RBA against an enemy. Roll your attack roll one additional time, using the best result. On a hit you deal 1d12+8 damage.

This power recharges outside of combat by taking the time to reload your firearm. Requires a firing kit.

[Fialova]

Josie allows herself a small smile as Brandys defends their actions in the defense of himself and all of the prisoners that were saved, despite their other failures. It was a success, yes, she thinks, as Krendall comments further. A success on a larger scale, if not in all individual aspects. I imagine Velasco would be proud of the good we did, even despite his... she thinks, not wanting to even mentally mouth the word 'death.'

"Thank you," she whispers to her long-time companion, before turning to face Alerio at his approach. When he hands her the horn she looks down at it, then back up at him. In a rare moment of sentiment, she steps forward and embraces the Talon in a hug. "We have been through so much together, it feels odd to say goodbye. But yes, I agree, I would see the end of the Hole as well. I hope your fellow Talons will hear your words and be moved to act. Any army of those with as much conviction as you would be unstoppable against such a dangerous foe. I hope to be among them." As she pulls away, she watches as he leaves, sad to be losing another companion, but glad for the circumstances. She places the bugle in her pack, before turning to the others and offering a small wave before leaving as well, to return to her home.

OOC

Josie will return to her small home. If Cassandra is back from her mission, I'd be happy to do a watch rp in discord. If not, she will spend most of her free time helping out with things at the property she lives at, or random others who live nearby. She will also go find Lin to inform him of Alerio's passing and heroics, so happy to do a rp there too if that would matter.

[BartNL]

"Hope to see all of you soon." Hadrurus says as he starts leaving. Before leaving, he turns to Pohaku and says: "Yzgo tomorrow, we meet at dawn."

[Chanchabruhh]

Pohaku will nod and grunt to Hadrurus tapping his shoulder as he leaves "Indeed see you there Brother." he will then look to the rest of his group and give a firm fist to his chest and grunt as a sign of see you later

[ratwizard]

Pohaku & Hadrurus

The next morning, you meet Yzgo at dawn at the charcoal workshop, where he is doing some light conditioning. He stops, sweat dripping from his brow.

"It is good to see you returned," he says, wiping his face with a spare cloth. "Though I wish I could say the same for Velasco. His passing is an awful thing to hear. Every time I send an agent out, I wonder... will I see this face once more? Let us hope he is the last, though in the end, everyone of us must be willing to sacrifice everything for this cause. I know that I have. And I know that you have, too."

The pain in his brow fades, and he grows a stern look instead. He avoids your gaze for a moment, before he meets it once more. "Gladia did not return. You vouched for her, and yet she misled us all. While you have once failed in your assessment of her spirit, I will ask you again — in your time with this person, would you know her to be one to sell out our cause for her own gain? The other leaders are worried. They believe her to be a liability. Tell me: do they have reason to think this way?"

Alerio

That evening, you find yourself returning to the Missing Talon Tavern. Much as before, you are called upstairs by Cymren, who leads you into a smaller room with just a table and a pair of chairs.

Cymren studies you for a moment before he speaks. "You are an odd case, Talon. You are far from home, and yet when the leash of your god tightens around you, calling you back, you instead fight a fight many would consider unorthodox."

He leans forward, his palms on the table. "I had not expected your arrival, nor your commitment, and most certainly not your offer of potential recruitment. Now, I do not consider you to be a man who makes many jokes, so I will ask you again: you are speaking the truth when you believe you could lead more to our side? These Talon friends of yours — would they agree to march against our enemies, under our direction? Krendal says they are as as inflexible as an iron rod, though just as tough. Me, I am not so convinced that's accurate. You certainly don't fit the mold." The half-elf, half-orc flashes you a grin, lines forming on his stubbled and scarred chin.

Samiira

You return to the home of Amelira, a quiet and rustic cabin in the reaches of Vyridis, by the river. Lavi is quick to give you a mighty embrace before he returns to playing in the field nearby — a stick in hand and a net in the other.

Amelira is just inside, seated at her table. The cabin smells like cinnamon and maple. She welcomes you with an embrace of her own, before pouring a cup of tea for the pair of you. "You look well, sister," she says, a soft smile on her face as she takes a sip. "It is good to see you back here. Stay as long as you need. I've just changed the linens and I have some fresh clothes handy."

She looks at you for a long moment, the color seeming to drain from her eyes, lines forming at the corners. "There's still been no word from the east," she says quietly, the meaning unspoken but the implication there. Your children — Irvek, Druga, Romal. You've heard little to nothing about the state of things since you absconded six years ago. "I know you were hesitant, me asking around, but I..." She avoids your gaze, looking down into her tea for answers.

Josie

You return to your small quarters, a spare room in the home of a family you'd rescued before.

The curtains are drawn, but when you throw them open, the room is the cleanest you've seen it before. There've been some rearrangements, too. The bed has been shifted to the other wall. The dressers, too, you realize. A soft, new rug is sprawled across the floor — its elegant yet simple design making the space feel less like an outpost and more like a home.

On the nightstand is a small letter. You open it.

Zhou Si —

I spelled it right. Your real name. I think I did, at least. You should teach me more from your homeland. Names. Words. Anything.

If you're reading this, it's because you must have gotten back before I have. Solo work, and all... They've got me playing the traveling merchant, resupplying some of our outposts and gathering whatever rumors I might come across. It sounds fun. I think my father would have really enjoyed doing it. I think you would too. Maybe next time, you can come with me? I wonder if they'd let us go together. I guess that defeats the purpose of solo work. But you're practically famous with these people, aren't you? I saw that reception you got. I'm sure you could just, you know, ask.

That's enough about me, though. You must have made it back. I'm proud of you. I never doubted you wouldn't, but I was worried you might get hurt. Or others. I hope everyone made it back. I don't know many of the other people you went with too well, but everyone seemed like they're nice people. And I hope those bastard sailors got what they deserve. It's a shame I couldn't come with. I think I could have really torched their base. Yzgo won't let me in the charcoal workshop anymore, says I'm too much of a risk around all that dust. Might blow up, I guess. Whatever.

I miss you. It's weird, being in this room without you. It smells like you. I wish we could spend a few days together... Sit on the pier, find some dinner. Get up to no good. It can get lonely here for a girl like me.

Anyways, write me back. From what Agirri said, it might be a few weeks before our paths cross again. But I'll be thinking about you every single day.

Yours always,

Cassandra

[Scratcherclaw]

Alerio shifts in his seat, feeling almost as if he is sat across from his god, receiving his divine judgment. Scrutinized, studied, appraised. He focuses on the words, wondering if he is truly the oddity that Krendal suggests. Wondering whether his peers are truly bound by the shackles of duty, despite committing so fully to freeing others from their chains. To have El-unod's will called a leash. No, not his will, but how we have interpreted his will. He would not wish for such a comparison, I am certain.

The Talon takes a moment to consider, letting out a contemplative sigh. "Perhaps unorthodox, but... one cannot swear to fight for justice and then turn a blind eye to such a deep and scarring injustice. I speak the truth of what I say, though." He pauses, pursing his lips as he thinks back to the atrocities, the inhumanities, committed within those hellish mines. "Many of ours are unwaveringly rigid, that I cannot deny. I, myself, was once the same. Bound by duty and resolve, with a refusal to abandon our cause." He gazes into Cymren's eyes, his brows furrowing in focus.

"Yet, in those same people, my fellow Talons, a fire may be stoked. Those embers of faith and duty may ignite into a roaring inferno. All they require is enough fuel... and I believe the injustices of the Kelbis Mines to be that fuel for their hearts." As before, he feels the fire within his own spirit begin to burn hotter, impassioned with each passing word.

"So, Krendal is correct, yet incorrect in the same breath. The Talons may be an inflexible congregation, but even the sturdiest of iron rods will begin to bend should the forge burn hot enough. As you say, I live as proof to this fact. Now, I ask that you place your trust and faith in me, that I might reforge my comrades and usher in a devout army."

[Chanchabruhh]

Pohaku looks to Yzgo and clears his throat "The passing of Velasco is truly hard.. I did not know the man for that long but i did see how much he meant and the connections he with everyone here apart of the cause.. i truly wish there was more we could have done but as my people say the spirit will always be with us looking over us."

Pohaku's brows dance a bit of frustration and sadness at the mention of Gladia he then speaks slowly and emotionally "She.. meant alot to me we were very close as am i with Hadrurus my brother of the arena and the shackles of captivity.. it would seem that her quicker than anticipated departure was unexpected.. and saddening but she is a strong and from my experience trustworthy person i personally do not believe she would sell anyone else out she would die before breaking and i do not believe she is a liability personally."

Pohaku will look between Yzgo and Hadrurus waiting for they're responses

[Namelessjake]

Sammira smiles, holding Lavi tight before releasing him to go play. Entering the cabin, after greeting Amelira, she takes off her weapons and her travelling cloak, hanging them on the back of her chair.

"As do you both, and thank you - it should be a few days at least this time," she replies, taking her seat and accepting the offered cup of tea, cradling the warm mug in her hands before taking a sip.

She sighs as Amelira brings up the often taboo topic of their past lives.

"I understand the curiosity, believe me I've spend countless nights over the years thinking of what could be," she says, offering Amelira a weak smile of reassurance. "But at this point, I think I'd rather not know anything. It's better to let it go. You and Lavi are my family now."

[ratwizard]

Pohaku & Hadrurus

Yzgo nods at Pohaku, seemingly satisfied with the response. He turns toward Hadrurus. "And what about you?"

Alerio

Cymren smiles, his lips a jagged line that cuts across his scarred and stubbled face. "Well, you've convinced me. Who am I to turn down the offer of an army? Even if temporary and only somewhat in our direct control. Our numbers may have grown as of recent, but we are still the few against the many."

He raps a knuckle on the table conclusively. "So then, my friend the Talon: return. I hope to see your congregation on the field, when we drive these miscreants into the dust where they belong." Cymren stands up suddenly, offering his hand, clasping yours. His grip is warm, and firm, and he meets your eyes with a solemnity you hadn't noticed before.

Samiira

Amelira sighs plaintively, clearly unhappy with the suggestion. She looks past you, out the window, taking another sip of her tea. "I know, I know. And you are ours. It's just — I hold onto such guilt, Samiira. From when we ran. Why should I get to keep Lavi, my sweet, my stars, and yet my savior in you, who deserves the world, instead you must pick to either remember and hurt, or forget and heal? It is cruel fate that you... that they could not come with you."

 

[Scratcherclaw]

Alerio gives a genuine smile, a wave of relief washing over him as Cymren's words further stoke his flames. He takes the man's hand, giving a light squeeze in gratitude. "I thank you for trusting in me, as much as I thank you for the honor to have served among the Unfettered's ranks in my time here." He releases a bittersweet sigh, grateful for Cymren's understanding yet still saddened to bid farewell to his northern allies.

The Talon gives a resolute nod, a fierce determination in his gaze. "I will leave by first dawnlight, then. May the Eagle grant me swiftness, and may he grant you fortunate news in the journey ahead. I will not fail our cause." 

[Namelessjake]

Samiira sighs. "You are not wrong," she replies taking a sip of her own drink.

"But if they were here with us, I doubt I would do what I do - a good mother certainly would not. And then? There would be many more mothers and children separated from each other and forced into lives like we were. A cruel fate for me, but a better one for many more. I have grown to accept and live with that truth."

[ratwizard]

Alerio

Cymren returns your nod, clapping a fist to his chest firmly. "Godspeed," he says. "You know where to find us." You leave the cramped room after him, stepping back downstairs.

As you cross the seasoned floors of the Missing Talon Tavern toward its exit, Azmati smiles and offers a parting wave. "Safe travels, my friend!" he calls out before he pulls his attention away to a pair of patrons drawing near his bartop.

Outside, an unfamiliar handler has come by with the familiar sight of a tawny riding horse — Alba. Brushed and re-shoed, she stands alert and sniffs your way with calm eyes. You take the reins from the young man and climb up, finding a new saddle on Alba's back. She brays quietly under you, ready, knowing.

Tapping a heel against her side, you begin to make your way from this place, though you know as well as El-unod does that you'll be back soon enough.

Samiira

Amelira sighs again, though this time it is one of acceptance. "Of course, you are right. You are always right." She offers you an apologetic smile, the closest you know you'll get to a full apology for her caring so much about this on your behalf. "It is good to have you here. I slip too far into my own my mind oftentimes, with just Lavi here to talk to. I am lucky to have you to bring my thoughts right back to where they belong. But enough about me, Sami, dear. Your operation... you were not alone this time? What was that like? To have help... to have to rely on others?"