"Aye to all of that!  Infidels should know their place!" Brana cheers, raising her mug and sloshing some ale over the side tipsily. She takes a deep draught and sighs deeply.  "An' if they don't, it's our place to remind them!"

Ilshin, you and Vanna were the only dark elves in the tavern.

The party continues drinking into the early hours of the morning, before eventually retiring upstairs to your rooms. Cimri needs some assistance making her way up the stairs. For the evening's revelry and a night's stay at the Last Stand, go ahead and spend 1 of your hard-earned gold each. The first round was on Cimri, as she got the lion's share of the reward.

You wake up with mild hangovers, not enough to give you disadvantage on any rolls, but definitely enough to be annoying. You wake up at around noon to the sound of Cimri banging on your doors. Despite her state the previous night, she appears to be a picture of clarity. "Razelago wants to meet with us, right away," she says.

You follow her to the Ash House, and back up to Razelago's office. It appears as before, but this time a small, black lacquered box sits on the table before the paper screens.

Razelago speaks up. “With the number of veterans who live in town, it’s not surprising that there’s a church of Iomedae in Longacre. But there might not be one much longer if Tileavia Allamar, its priestess, does what she has in mind.” Razelago’s silhouette clasps shadowy hands. “There’s growing unrest in the empire, and not just in Pezzack and along the Hellcoast. Many of Iomedae’s faithful have begun speaking more boldly of the monarchy’s vices and the rights of citizens. They seem to believe this is Andoran and that the people have only to reach out to seize power. But they are wrong. This is Cheliax, not Andoran, and we know where true power lies. Fifth Sword Knight Allamar is gathering all who will listen for a sermon in front of her church this afternoon— only two short hours from now. I don’t know what she has in mind, but I suspect some revolutionary claptrap that can only sow the seeds of confusion and frustration among Longacre’s citizens. That is contrary to my wishes. So I’d like you to attend the rally. In the box are sashes marked with the insignia of Archbaron Fex. Wear them, remind people that the lord of this town is not without supporters, and see what transpires. Afterward, Cimri will report back to me. In return, you will all receive double what you did last night.”

You have two hours before the sermon, plenty of time to spend your gold if you so wish. Cimri also spent some of this morning unloading the tapestries and tools, procuring another 35 gp per party member.

Ilshin squints as they make their way back to the Ash House, pulling the hood of his cloak up and low to shield his eyes from the sun.

"I almost envy you, Vanna," Ilshin says. "You don't have to endure the searing brightness of this sunshine."

He listens to Razelago spell out the details of their job for the day, trying to keep all the different factions and people straight in his head. But one thing was clear, twice the payment for just wearing a sash and listening to a boring sermon. Cheliax clearly was not short of wealth. This working for House Thune might pay dividends sooner than he'd hoped if this kept up.

"If any of the crowd need some encouragement to share their thoughts with us, or for some reason one of them needs some sense knocked into their heads, is there any restrictions on what we can do while we wear the sashes?" Ilshin asks.

"Pah," Brana groans, grabbing a sash out of the box and affixing it to her tabard, unashamed to be seen bearing the Archbaron's symbol early.  "To have to listen to the sermon of an inferior god is already insult enough.  If it were me, I'd arrest that Allamar and have her tried for treason immediately.  But I suppose we can try this peaceful way first."  The frustration is clear in her voice.  "I'll be savin' my coins for a better armor, but I wouldn't mind walking around the marketplace a bit early and making our presence known.  Might discourage some of those fools from showing up to the sermon in the first place, which makes our job easier, doesn't it?"

"Absolutely the role for you dear Brana, but do remember that hard power works best when paired with soft power. I'll be finding out what I can about this preacher."

(Once the conversation is done, Vanna's going about town to learn more information on Tileavia Allamar. Assuming that's a Charisma roll: 17. I'd also like to see what I already know about her religion: 6.)

"You can do soft if you like.  I prefer the hard way," Brana grins.

(Once in town, Brana will use her sash and her presence to try to dissuade people from showing up to the sermon before it starts:  Intimidation: 20 (19 + 1 guidance)

"I am with you Branna. We should just put them in chains and be done with it... All of this peace is rather boring." Zaradius say as he cracks his knuckles and moves to rest one of his hands on the hilt of his new dagger.

((@BunniRabbi: normally I'd like a Investigation roll, which is even better for you!))

Vanna is able to learn basic information on Tileavia Allamar; she's the head priest of the church of Iomedae in Longacre, she has twin sons, supposedly she has a kind heart, and she has recently been speaking of "prophecies" that will bring an end to Cheliax's tyrannical structure. You don't know too much about her religion, unfortunately.

Brana, it will take attending the sermon to see the exact effect of your Intimidation attempt, but you definitely scared more than a handful of Longacre citizens this afternoon.

Razelago responded to Ilshin's question: "If you deem it necessary to knock a few heads, it would be a good reminder of who is in power here. I'd like to refrain from any outright killing in such a public setting, however."

Ilshin remains on the edges of any crowds in the village, mostly observing the reactions of the townspeople to Branna, and staying out of the direct sunlight as much as possible. For now he keeps the sash hidden in his pouch, saving it for later in the day.

He does keep an eye open for anything resembling an adventurers outfitters shop or a scribe or even a magic shop.

Ilshin, go ahead and roll Investigation as you look for these specialty shops.

As you gather with Cimri at the town square, she suddenly curses under her breath. "It's the sheriff. Play it cool."

You turn to see a middle-aged woman with braided brown hair approaching the group. She has the telltale symbol of the sheriff, a red X on a black background, on her chest. "Cimri!" she cries out as she walks up to you. "How is my favorite niece? And who are your new friends?"

"I'm fine, aunt Rhona," Cimri practically spits out. She turns to the rest of the party and, referring to her own sash, says, "Just a couple of patriots gathering in the town square. Is that a crime?"

Ilshin Investigation Check: 12  

Ilshin pauses in his search for specialty shops when he hears the sheriff greet Cimri.

"This is too good," he says quietly to himself.

He steps forward, keeping his back to the sun if possible, takes Rhona's hand and bows low.

"You can't possibly be our dear Cimri's aunt," Ilshin says. "You must be the same age. Are you sure you're not cousins?"

He then steps back and looks at the red X.

"Ah, this explains why this charming little hamlet is so peaceful and orderly. With one such as you acting as shepherd to this flock, I can see this would make a fine home. Now, you must share all the embarrassing stories you know of Cimri as a child."

"Be greeted," Brana says, smiling at Rhona warmly.  "I'm always pleased to meet those who willingly take it upon themselves to enforce the law and order of the Empire upon its citizens.  I hope you are taking it upon yourself to keep any revolutionary upstarts down," she adds.  "After all, those who attempt to free the camel from the burden of its hump are also freeing it from being a camel.  We're all proud and loyal citizens here, and it's everyone's duty to make sure things stay that way."

Zaradius eyes the sheriff quietly as he makes sure that the wash I on tight, slowly removing the hand from the dagger in order to not arouse suspicion. He still makes no attempt to hide his weapons, looking to the others. "Brown nosing won't get you to much affection. Or at least that is my experience." He says to the drow even as he nods to the sheriff. "Yes as our dwarven friend said, these rebels or the whatever they claim themselves to be need to be stopped."

Ilshin looks at Zaradius with a complete lack of emotion on his eyes or on his face.

“If you are too continue down your path of condescending vulgarity I will require you expand your vocabulary to correctly identify sycophantic flattery rather than grovelling bootlicking,” Ilshin says to Zaradius. “Lest you wish awaken tomorrow wondering what happened to your most precious of digits.”

Ilshin, you find one store called the Rees House that may qualify as an adventurer's outfitter, though from the front it looks pretty cluttered. There's also the Longacre Armory, which seems cleaner, but charges more. You also find Odmer's Tonics, a proprietor of mystical medicines. Finally, you find the Longacre Notary, which may serve as a scribe. No specific magic shop, but the stores listed may offer a small collection of minor magic items.

The sheriff winks at Ilshin. "You flatter me, sir. Perhaps I could share some of those stories over a drink or two?"

She nods at Brana. "Yes, I will be keeping an eye out for any... radicals. But we must allow them to speak, yes? Freedom of speech, and all that? Of course, as the sheriff, I am neutral on all matters, officially."

She looks at Cimri once more. "Ol' Louslik says he was strong-armed out of some of his money recently. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"

Cimri shakes her head. "No idea what you're talking about."

Cimri Deception: 14

The sheriff puts her hand on her niece's shoulder, and says quietly, but loud enough for all to hear, "I know what you're doing, and I appreciate it. Longacre appreciates it. But be careful with how you do it. Had I caught you in the act, you'd be in chains now."

"There's a fine line between freedom of speech and sedition," Brana observes mildly.  "It is the duty of the lawbearers to draw it, after all.  An enviable task," she adds.  "You are a lucky woman and I envy you your job, madam."

Zaradius simply snorts as he shakes his head at the drow, his eyes glowing as he lets a small bit of his inate magic take effect. "I would not make idle threats... I am a tad paranoid and do not put much thought into it before I end threats."

As people begin to gather in the square, you overhear some excited chatter from the townsfolk:

“I heard one of Sword Knight Allamar’s sons say she was visited by an angel! This could mean great things for the church and the town.”

“Fex doesn’t like the townsfolk gathering in large groups like this. Allamar’s message must be pretty important if she’s willing to provoke the archbaron.”

"Something bad went down at Louslik Tannery last night. I bet that’s what has the priestess worked up. We’re in for some hellfire from her for sure!”

After a moment, the chatter dies down, and you can see a woman that can only be Sword Knight Allamar appears on one of the church’s balconies, dressed in the yellow-trimmed white cassock of her faith, and addresses the crowd in a clear, strong voice.

“Friends and neighbors, I have wondrous tidings to share! We have all known hardships in our lives—needless sorrows, injustice, even cruelty. Indeed, such is the struggle of all who live. But many among us have known more than our share. Many among us have shouldered burdens laid upon them not by the Inheritor, but by those who would curse her name and taunt her faithful. But today, I bear a missive from champions of Iomedae’s faith, heralds of the goddess’s will, who know your troubles and would see them end.”

She gestures to two young men who appear on the balcony. DC 12 History check to recognize them:

 The two men carry a box covered in white linen, and place it down in front of Allamar. The priestess unfurls a bit of parchment and continues speaking.

“I received this letter last night: ‘People of Longacre! The time of your redemption is at hand. When the song of the Inheritor rises, you all must choose: live as complacent vassals of corruption and evil, or embrace honor and claim the glory that is your right. The Glorious Reclamation gives you a choice.’ Signed, ‘Lencia Visserene, Knight-Inheritor of the Glorious Reclamation.’ Friends, it is up to us to restore the worship of Iomedae to its proper place in Cheliax and reclaim our nation in the name of the Inheritor. But we have been given a sign—a sign that the ‘Angel Knight’ has come to Longacre to lead us to glory!”

The two men remove the white linen from the box, and Allamar reaches inside and pulls out an ornate silver helmet sculpted with angelic features. She places it in front of the box, turns to reenter the church, leaving the two young men to watch over the crowd.

A good portion of the crowd disperses after the sermon, but a few stragglers remain behind, getting a good look at the silver helmet.

Ilshin History Check: 18  

"She does give a rousing and enthusiastic speech," Ilshin says. "She almost had me thinking about joining up with this Glorious Reclamation crowd."

He then looks over at Brana and Zaradius. "You two seem well versed in the diabolic and angelic. Does that helmet mean anything to you?" Ilshin says then pauses, while his gaze lingers on the helmet. "I think I'd quite like to have that helmet."

He joins the stragglers to get a better look at the silver helmet, searching his memories for anything that might have filtered his way.

Arcana Check: 8