DM Bloodgargler's Hell's Rebels

Game Master Camris

"Name's Rexus... pleasure to meet you." introduces himself with a quick nod and unworried grin to Idril.

"And I am Idril. Pleasure to meet you..." Said Idril, brushing her hair back. She paused, spotting motion behind her.

Hrm, this is most annoying...but it shall have to be done then.

Indios eyes flashes again as he focuses on the foe straight ahead, over the head of the fighting gnomish merchant.
He then withdraws a dagger from its wrist sheath and sends it hurling.

Hypnotic gaze.
Attack: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 2 - 4 = 15
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Painful gaze: 1d6 ⇒ 2

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4Attack
1d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1Damage

Again,the thug evaded Bastargrae's poke with a twist of his knees.

Erodel's falchion is deflected by the seriously injured Chelish thug.
The comrade at his side facially expresses first his intent as the gnome ignores his final warning, then dumbstruck when his weapon won't move toward the gnome. A half-second later, they both drop with fluttering dozy eyes.

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Rexus steps back as the thugs from the west draw nearer. He shimmies up against the wall.. putting most of his face in the slim shadow, but leaving his weapon, and appearance of readiness in full view.

Once they see their allies drop simultaneously they halt their advance. Black-eye holds one hand back toward Limper and gestures for him to fall back. He then raises a finger toward you. "You'll get yours... All of you...." Then begins backing away toward the opera house.

Rexus steps up "We need to move. I know a safe place just around the corner... Back room of Crissali's. Come."

>area map<

"Lead the way." Erodel says to Rexus, eager to avoid further entanglements.

It's a lot of faith to put in a man they just met; he could be a real criminal!
But...
Any port in a storm it is said. Idril followed.

Asha is just glad to get off the streets, so she follows the man without comment.

"Hmm, one of them is still breathing, but he will expire soon. A pity, but there is nothing that I can do for him that would not risk us getting captured as we linger."

The rescued man - who'd introduced himself as Rexus to Idril, pauses a moment, and gives Indiro a pained look. "Nor I.. regretfully." He quickly scans the others (perhaps in hopes someone is both so skilled and inclined, perhaps out of respect for Indiro acting against his conscience aloud) before leading on.

"Please, allow me." Asha moves past them into the alley, where she kneels next to the thug who is bleeding out. She places a hesitant hand on his chest and closes her eyes as she chants in a foreign language: "Naomba wewe roho nzuri, kuponya mtu huyu, kwa nguvu yako, kufanya naye nzima."

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Bastargrae turned his nose up at the fallen Bullies,sheathing his sword back into its scabbard.He gave his cane a twirl and tipped his hat.

All I expected was to sell a few cuppas to fellow Kintargans but ending up in this...unexpected mess.Bastargrae Layton Sweetgulp, tea merchant. Pleased to meet you all

Indio nodded to himself as he retrieved the dagger he had thrown and returns it to the wrists-sheath with a click.
The fewer dead they left behind, the easier it would be for their actions to be hidden amongst the rest of the riot.
Plus, it never hurt to be seen as a merciful sort.

"Indio Black is what I am known as.
Duellist, gambler and information broker."

Wiping sweat from her forehead, Asha rises and gives a deep bow, hand pressed to her heart. "I am called Asha. Morvius Aulorian is my master. I may look a little foreign, but Kintargo has been my home for the past six years. It breaks my heart to see it treated so."

Hearing all of the others introduce themselves, the formerly falchion wielding man nods to the others before turning to the one-gloved man. "The name's Erodel Voralius. I believe you and I need to chat...but maybe not in such mixed company."

Idril looked up from her straightening her scarves.
"Yes, Idril Ssethan." She said smiling, curtsying gracefully.
She looked at you all expectantly for a moment.
"You have... heard of me right?" She said, her smile dimming.

You won't have heard of her unless your character followed the opera/ballet scene. She was a promising understudy.

"Quite, Idril Ssethan, up and coming performer, you were in The seven seals of Ameril Loracso as I recall.
If not for the resent...upheaval...I would have expected larger roles in the very opera house we just recently left behind in such a hurry."

As the healed thug starts coming to, Rexus hurries you away from the alley, and leads you to Crissali's Fine Tomes - a few buildings away. As you enter, you see a dowdy round woman near the top of a ladder dusting the high bookshelves. Another woman.. older and lean and in robes is sitting upon a floating disk with her feet dangling over the side... lazily flipping through a large book, and directing the other.
"No no no. Right there!"
The dusting woman searches for a moment before the one on the disk sighs, and wiggles her fingers at the ladder. The ladder then stiffly walks itself over to the dusty shelf while the employee clings on in fear.

Rexus motions for you to follow toward a door at the back of the room. You nearly reach the door without a glance when "Using the parlor?"

Rexus responds "Yes, Madam Crissali." as he opens the door, and gestures for you to go on in.

Crissali peers down from her floating disk. "Pfft Madam... Nandy.. please. Discussion group? Topic?"

Rexus responds again "Yes, Nandy. Literature.. and magic."

"Oooh both, eh? How nice. Off you go." and goes back to her worker.
"You see it now, or shall I animate the feather duster as well?"
The worker now looks at her duster fearfully at arms length.

--- --- ---

The parlor has several upholstered chairs, a couple sofas, and many mismatched wooden chairs... the room is unoccupied.

"First off.. I thank you once again for the rescue. Truth be told, our meeting was not entirely coincidental... I was watching the protest from afar. I noticed a display of uncommon skill among you. I happen to be a man of uncommon needs."

"My name is Rexus Victocora, and until last week’s Night of Ashes, I was one of this city’s nobles. My parents’ estate burned to the ground that night—I escaped simply because I was studying at the Alabaster Academy during the fire. There were other fires that night, as you know—fires that many believe were started by Barzillai Thrune or his agents in an attempt to squash any spirit of rebellion Kintargo might have."
"I saw this at today's protest as well. The Chelish Citizen's Group was primarily targeting those who were attempting or expected to rally or coordinate the masses."

“Now more than ever we need that spirit of rebellion to stay strong, but Thrune’s actions have driven into hiding those who would stay strong and resist. Those who could once rally the city to a cause, such as Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus and my parents, are missing at best, and are more likely dead. I cannot do this on my own, but with the aid of talented citizens such as yourselves, I have hope that we can."

"Will you aid Kintargo? Will you save the city from the devil?”

"Take time to think about it if your answer is anything but yes."

Erodel folds his arms across his chest as he listens to Rexus's impassioned speach.

"Look, I can't and won't speak for any of these other folk, but I have no love for the Thruneies and would be more than happy to make things difficult for them." Glancing at Rexus's gloved and un-gloved hands he continues, "I was at Aria Park specifically to meet someone fitting your description...supposedly you know something about the Silver Ravens."

Bastargrae somehow produced a tea kettle--already heated with gnome magicks--from beneath his poncho.Happily, he went around to those gathered about to serve each a spiced mint tea alongside some biscuits from a tin.

....Hmm.Curiouser and curiouser today has become.All I wanted to do was protest how absurd it was to ban mint and having the gall to tell a citizen such as myself when and when not I could have my tea!

Bastargrae huffed into his clay mug....Tis not like my business is going to thrive under such conditions. I may as well help rectify what wrongs I can.I do so detest Bullies...

"Quite, Idril Ssethan, up and coming performer, you were in The seven seals of Ameril Loracso as I recall."

Idril positively danced at that, before settling down and smoothing her skirts with a serene look.

"If not for the resent...upheaval...I would have expected larger roles in the very opera house we just recently left behind in such a hurry."

Idrils face darkened.

"Will you aid Kintargo? Will you save the city from the devil?”

"Ha!" Barked Idril derisively. "Overthrowing the Empire is a fools errand, and I'll have no part of it.

Hmmm, I believe I have gained some favour with the starlet, the merchant, the healer and the nobleman now.
The warrior is a harder one, thought fighting beside him may count for something.

"So, is Kintargo to go the way of Westcrown then? Interesting..."

Hearing Indio's comment about Westcrown, a grin crosses the gruff man's face. "I like the sound of that. I like the sound of that a lot."

Asha watches the bookshop with undisguised curiosity, her fingers trailing along the spines. As they move into the parlour she stands timidly at the edge of the group, not taking a seat. The mention of the Alabaster Academy from Rexus makes her raise her head sharply, her interest suddenly aroused. "The Alabaster Academy? Then do you know my master? Lord Morvius Aulorian, he teaches planar zoology. I really do hope he will let me help you. I cannot stand what is happening to the city. I'm only a slave and I'm sure my talents aren't as great as you say, but... I know a few people and I have a small gift of healing."

"...supposedly you know something about the Silver Ravens."

"That I do." He hands Erodel a scrolled parchment to read. "This just came into my possession the day after the Night of Ashes."

Rexus inhales the steam from his mug.. "Funny thing... I could do without mint.. until that ridiculous proclamation came about. Now.. nothing rivals the aroma." He smiles and bows his head to Bastargrae.

He is momentarily enthralled by Idril's impassioned response.
"I'll not ask for more than what's possible."

To Indiro "In my mind we rivaled Westcrown in many regards... before House Thrune. I know I am not alone in that belief."

"Then do you know my master? Lord Morvius Aulorian, he teaches planar zoology."

"Hmm. I do... well enough." He taps his steepled fingers together.. ruminating for a moment. "I will need to put some thought into how to approach the matter, but I will speak with him."

"And.. The gift of healing is no small thing. You saved a man's life today... from bleeding out to healthy and ready to rise... in a few seconds. Though he may be against everything most of us stand for... the number upon which I'd wish a violent death is rather small."

Once Erodel is finished reading, he gestures for him to pass it around.

Indio chuckles slightly at what to him seems like will full obtuseness on the part of Rexus.
Naturally I was referring to the uprising and subsequent city-state status earned by Westcrown, thanks to the heroes that was present...The Gardeners I believe they called themselves.

"Well now, if Kintargo is to keep up with the sister city of Westcrown, heroes need rise here as well, to thumb their proverbial nose at the oppression of house Thrune."

After eyeing the parchment, a frown creases Indio's brow.
"Delightfully vague, and ominous as well, for there may be safeguards and more to keep the secrets of the...Silver Ravens."

"I wouldn't a bit surprised if there were trap awaiting anyone who tries to enter, hell I'd almost be a bit disappointed if there weren't." Erodel says to Indio, with a crooked grin on his face.

Turning to Rexus, "I won't speak for the others, but I'm in. It'll be nice to see something to go along with the stories that great-grandpa passed down."

Bastargrae's interest in the situation increased exceptionally upon laying eyes upon the mysterious missive that was being passed about.He clapped his hands giddily.

Ooh! A mystery! I like those! Suspense, intrigue,and a pinch of mortal danger. Count me in!he practically squealed with excitement.

The tea merchant was starry-eyed at the very thought,seemingly taken with the romantic slant of open rebellion to a tyrannical empire.It was probably the most exciting thing he'd be a part of in his fifty-some years of life.

Except for that incident down at the docks with that curious dwarfmaiden who seemed a bit underage to be on her own.And her using some loud contraption spitting smoke and fire to sting his bum like a handful of hornet's that left him getting a healer to pluck bits of rock and lead out of his nethers for two days....

That had been exciting but full of ouchies. Hopefully this adventure wouldn't be too much for him to handle.

Gesturing to the note... "I came into contact with a woman named Laria... Laria Longroad.. who claimed to have known my mother, Porcia, and of her secret... affiliation. She gave me a coffer of heirlooms, and this note... my inheritance."

"Laria said she had spoken to my mother seven days ago.. just after Lord Mayor Bainilus vanished. At the time, Laria had thought my mother was overreacting, but when the Victocora estate burned down that night and my mother went missing, Laria knew she had spoken unvarnished truth. Laria sought me out and delivered the message and coffer, along with her condolences. She also offered a room at her establishment, the Long Roads Coffeehouse, should I find myself in need of a place to sleep."

Rexus pulls a silver coffer from his satchel.
"Aid me in exploring the Fair Fortune Livery, and the coffer is yours." He opens it, and removes a mithral key "Apart from this... sentimental value." then turns and tilts the coffer to display its contents.

150gp
signet ring (75gp sell value)
mwk silver dagger (161gp sell value)
+1 bracers of armor (500gp sell value)
coffer (50gp sell value)

Erodel shrugs, seeing the contents of the coffer.

"Like I said, Rexus, I'm in." Erodel says, glancing around at the others in the room to see who else will be joining him beyond the gnome.

"That being said I'll be sure to take my fair share of that coffer." he adds with grin on his face.

"A Livery?" Commented Idril doubtfully. "I can already tell its going to be smelly..."
She sighed.
"Still. It's the best offer I've had in months. I'll help."

"Oh, no, I could not take anything of those!" exclaims Asha, holding up her hands in refusal. "Even if I was allowed to have them, it's not right. Those are your heirlooms. I will help if I can, but because it is what must be done, not because of any payment."

Bastargrae, having no qualms to helping himself to something that was freely offered or not,picked up the pair of leather wristbands from the coffer.The gnome appraised the set with a critical eye,tapping the sturdy boiled leather and giving it a sniff.

Hmmm....Oh! These are one of those magicked accessories adventurer s wear.Bracers of armor! They imitate a mate's armor enchantment by gifting the wearer with an invisible but tangible field of force. Which would give one some protection even if they were stark naked just as though he were wearing armor.

Frowning at the fact they seemed fit for a human,Bastargrae undid the frilly sleeves of his shirt and awkwardly slid them onto his scrawny forearms.His eyes popped in astonishment when both bracer shrank to fit his wrists perfectly. Wow!

Rexus bows his head acknowledging Erodel willingness...
"Excellent... thank you."

He gives Idril two thumbs up...
"Smelly.. but thrilling, I'm sure of it!"

He smiles, shrugs off thoughts of convincing Asha otherwise... "We've only just met, and I already admire you.", and bows his head in gratitude.

His hands reflexively give chase to the bracers for a moment, he then smiles awkwardly and shrugs.
"I suppose.. show of good faith... You are then well aware they will do nothing for you.. when you are already wearing armor." he puts the coffer back in his satchel. "Would be best to decide how we might dole this out after we search the livery, yes?"

He turns to Indio...
"May we count you among us?" his words sound cliche to him as he speaks them, so he doubles down.. and asks with a dramatic delivery... "What say you? High adventure, and Fair Fortune awaits!"

I am glad they were distracted from realizing I never answered if I would be willing to commit long term.
For the short term, I can easily go along, gather information and see where it all leads."

"As a gambling gentleman, I will of course trust in fortune."
Slipping a double headed coin from a pocket, Indio smiles.
"Heads I go along, tails we separate here and now."

Flipping the coin, it is no surprise that it lands heads up in Indios palm.
"It would seem dame fortune favours this task, so let us proceed.
My life is a chip in your pile, ante up."

Shrugging,Bastargrae popped the Bracers off and tossed them back to Rexus.These really don't suit me...

"So that's everyone then? Smashing..." His expression becomes that of a an eager child.. "When can we go? Now? Tonight? ... or do we wait until the wee hours? It is abandoned... so we would not be trespassing."

"Likely fewer Dottari walking the streets in the wee hours. That would be my vote." Erodel says, slowly becoming more at ease with his new co-conspirtors.

"I would be most comfortable given a chance to clear my mind and refocus my powers.
Aside from that, I have no great preferences."

Bastargrae plopped down onto the rug,spreading out to shuck off his bulging leather satchel to use as a pillow.Hmmm.I'm a bit drained from this morning's misadventure. I think I'll be needing a nap.And to prepare some extracts for whatever we may find in the livery...

"I should see to my master, he's probably wondering where I am. And there are a few things I need to gather. I shall be back before midnight." Asha hesitates a little, glancing at Rexus. "Where will I find you?"

"Understood...."
"The park in Redroof is not far from the livery. Meet near the southeast corner... at midnight?" He scans the group for acknowledgement, approval of, or issues with his suggestion... but he can't stifle his grin... "Oooh so excited I'm trembling!"

Erodel nods. "Southeast corner of the park in Redroof at midnight. Got it. See you then." he says as he turns to leave.

"Thrilling. I've heard that before." Groused Idril.
"I have to go trade my shift with another waitress, but I'll see you then and there."

Having taken inventory of his possessions to ensure he hadn't dropped anything during this morning's events,Bastargrae slid his backpack back on and took his leave with a wave of hat and cane.

Farewell, new comrades, for the time being. We shall cross paths again come the witching hour at our rendezvous point. I must secure my shop and her wares--I simply cannot leave her laid bare for ne-er-do-wells and what have you defiling her in my absence.

With that, the tea merchant skipped on home.

"Yes, let us part ways for now, make what preparations we need and meet at the appointed hour."

As he turn his back to the excited fellow, he almost cannot resist rolling his eyes.
A modecum of restraint and decorum seems to be lacking here...

Asha nods in acquiescence and bows silently to Rexus and the others before slipping out, one last longing glance at the books in the shop.

--Fair Fortune Livery

Rexus is there in the Redroof park at midnight. After a quick greeting in hushed tones, he walks with you to the abandoned livery a few hundred feet to the south.
This aged stable leans slightly to one side, its roof precariously propped up by aged wooden walls. A gentle wind evokes a creak from the rusting hinges of the freely swinging double doors, and delivers a sample of the stale urine scent held within.
It is dark not far beyond the doors.

Idril looked through the doors and did not like the darkness one bit.
"Can we make a light here? Or will someone want to stop us then?" She whispered to Rexus.

Bastargrae stuttered to a halt mid-skip when he laid eyes upon the location where their adventure was to take place. He stared in open mouthed disappointment.

...Well,that's underwhelming.

He doubted the most threatening thing to be found within was the need for a tetanus dosage from rust and splinters.Or the dilapidated building coming down upon their collective heads.

Probably nothing but vermin,debris, and old heaps of horse dung...he groused internally.