Caleb Cage |
Actions 1
"I've never used a scroll." Caleb was curious "How do they work?"
Actions 2
"Look. I've been thinking, and I want to set up the temple in the Wasp's Nest. I know it means we'll have 'customers' coming through, but I think it's worth it."
Caleb is really, really keen to set up a temple of Callistria, ASAP. OOC I'm happy to set up somewhere else... but soon. It has been 2 weeks and the statue is still under water. Thinking a scroll of Shrink Item might be worth trying? Laria may not want a 'Dance Hall' under the coffee house.
Fabian Benavente |
Ball's in my court. I'll recap no later than tomorrow afternoon.
I did not get any'guidance' regarding your MO for investigating the fires so I'll just select my own.
You know like having Rowan try to be stealthy or Caleb trying to be diplomatic with any Thrune agents they find, etc. :)
Game on!
Vandomir Jarvis |
Ok, cool, I'll hold off posting. With Vandomir back in action in the family business, he can bring the gear (ropes, pulleys, etc) needed to move that statue. And I do believe we intend to check it out when we go to move it. Taking 20 on that Perception check would give him a 26. Taking 10 on my stone masonry check gives a 19 towards safely moving the thing, unless I can take 20 on it. I'm not in a rush.
What's the plan with the loot?
Tillia |
Action 1
Tillia blushed at the suggestion she was brave, the young woman felt a coward most of the time and was supremely flattered that Rexus thought so of her. "I...I'm not that brave, I'm always scared Rexus. Scared of everything. I've lived most of my life in fear, first of the streets, then of my master, now of everything. Hearing you say I'm brave doesn't make me believe it," she leaned towards him her head tilted back as she looked into his eyes and said, "but I'm glad you think so, it means a lot to me." She leaned in the rest of the way and kissed Rexus on the lips then sat back after a second and nervously watched him to see how he'd react.
Action 2
Nothing.
Action 3
At the Victocoro Estate
Tillia felt sorrow for Rexus as she sa the state of his families former home. The place truly was in ruins and no amount of effort was going to give them anything. The place was truly ruined, the rubble and ash made any further attempts useless. She turned to the others and said, "I think we can safely move on from here, there's no point in disturbing it further."
At the Thrashing Badger
As she saw what shape the ruins of this place were in Tillia quickly volunteered to stand watch while the others dove into the ruins to search. Between her and Selina they made sure the group wasn't discovered by any roaming guards.
At the Silver Star
Tillia realized that Rowan was going to fall an instant before the floor gave way and called out, "Rowan, watch out." With the sudden appearance of an underground chamber she said to the group, "Well, this looks promising."
Rowan Drovenge |
Action 1: nothing
Action 2: nothing
Action 3:
At the Thrashing Badger
Rowan had had high hopes until she saw what was left of the Thrashing Badger. Elsbeth had been able to tell her about the tavern and how followers of Milani had used it quite frequently. Being unfamiliar with the location, her hope was that searching the location would yield more leads. Her pace slowed as she saw that the building had fallen into the water and then she came to a complete stop in disbelief. All hope of finding something more evaporated, realizing that anything in the water could have been swept away.
At the Silver Star
Rowan was still distracted by the absence of leads at both previous fire sites. If it hadn't been for Tillia's warning, she would most likely have fallen completely through the floor and injured herself. As it was, when the warpriest heard her name and realized the wood under her feet was cracking she was able to make it to safety.
When they got the coffer open, Rowan was pleasantly surprised to learn she could read what was on the scrolls. "These will definitely prove to be useful but hopefully we won't be put in a situation where we have cause to use them."
Once they made it back to the Wasp's Nest, they decided that they needed to sit down and discuss the upcoming week. "We probably don't want to lose the momentum that we gained with the people when we freed Forvian and the others. Has anyone heard anything more about where others are being held? Tillia, I know we didn't find your friend at the Salt Works like you had hoped. Any news about where she may be?"
tag everyone but especially Tillia
"I guess another option may be to disrupt some of Thrune's plans or to make his life difficult. If we liberated payment that would go to pay the dottari or other mercenaries, they may be less than pleased with their overlord. But that's just one thought. Anyone have any better ideas?"
tag everyone
wasn't really sure what our options were for next week. Recruitment is always good but not sure if we're allowed to have more than 2 teams at this point. Gathering Information may provide us with leads on how to 'stick it to the man'
Rowan would also like to try and find out how many followers of Milani survived the Night of Ashes and whether they'd be willing to help in the rebellion or maybe they just want to do their own thing. Not sure if they'd ever be counted as a group for the Silver Ravens.
Fabian Benavente |
wasn't really sure what our options were for next week. Recruitment is always good but not sure if we're allowed to have more than 2 teams at this point. Gathering Information may provide us with leads on how to 'stick it to the man'
Rowan would also like to try and find out how many followers of Milani survived the Night of Ashes and whether they'd be willing to help in the rebellion or maybe they just want to do their own thing. Not sure if they'd ever be counted as a group for the Silver Ravens.
Ok, I've updated the Silver Ravens 'character sheet' by adding a table that shows the available actions. I also added the 'rebellion' progression table to see what comes next.
You are rank 3 and are allowed to have three teams of which you only have one team (Forvian's) since the tengus don't count towards your maximum but you also can't upgrade them.
With regards to Milani and her followers, I'll add something in the turn recap.
Questions?
Game on!
Eirik Clausen |
Gather Information is always good, to get a lead we could then pursue. The Lake team could do this, since I don’t know if we are in dire need of gold yet. Recruit Supporters also good, never gonna have too much folks on our side. For the third action, I’d say we Recruit a Team, since we are one short of the cap (would prefer the Advisor -type team for the Spread Disinformation action). No reason not to get all the resources we can use. Now… does an action taken by a team count towards that limit of 3 per week we have, or was it assumed it was a team that did the task? What I mean is, do we get 3 actions + 1 per team, or 3 actions that need to be performed by our teams? I guess not quite the latter, since we can recruit followers even though neither of our teams can do that…
Eirik Clausen |
"I guess another option may be to disrupt some of Thrune's plans or to make his life difficult. If we liberated payment that would go to pay the dottari or other mercenaries, they may be less than pleased with their overlord. But that's just one thought. Anyone have any better ideas?"
”Anything that took from the Thrunes’ while adding to our resources at the same time would be perfect, but I fear we need an opportunity for such a move,” Eirik said. ”I don’t doubt some of the government’s storehouses or counting houses would be badly guarded, but which, at which night? It wouldn’t do to storm a warehouse that had just been emptied of goods, or one that had just been reinforced because of some rumor of criminal interest. But perhaps such information could be acquired if we focus our attention in the right places.”
”I think it would also be the time to start an information war against the Thrunes,” the monk continued. ”The Paracount has already done much to alienate the people on his own. We could capitalize on some popular support by reminding people how much better things were before he came to take over. I suggest we start small, by making short pamphlets and spreading them over the city during the night. Say, attacking his fourth proclamation. Why should only the government’s lapdogs be allowed to wear what they please? Plain colors for plain people? They would make you pay for the right of wearing what clothes you please?”
”Another thing we should consider is spending some money among the people most looked down by the government. The thiefling community for one. A bit of gold and sympathy might well buy us loyalty from those who have little left to loose.”
”Furthermore, I believe we should start finding out exactly which people have gained the most under the new management and use that information to focus people’s anger. Give the people a few morsels of truth – that merchant has benefitted because the government shut down his worst competitor – and embellish it – perhaps the merchant had bribed the government to find proof of wrongdoings so he could dominate the markets. See, the prices have gone up since then. Which, of course, would have happened in any case because of the Paracount’s latest proclamation against merchant captains will no doubt up the prices for everyone. Still, it’s too good an opportunity not to make use of.”
Fabian Benavente |
Gather Information is always good, to get a lead we could then pursue. The Lake team could do this, since I don’t know if we are in dire need of gold yet. Recruit Supporters also good, never gonna have too much folks on our side. For the third action, I’d say we Recruit a Team, since we are one short of the cap (would prefer the Advisor -type team for the Spread Disinformation action). No reason not to get all the resources we can use. Now… does an action taken by a team count towards that limit of 3 per week we have, or was it assumed it was a team that did the task? What I mean is, do we get 3 actions + 1 per team, or 3 actions that need to be performed by our teams? I guess not quite the latter, since we can recruit followers even though neither of our teams can do that…
It's 3 +1 actions and keep in mind that some actions don't require teams to be performed. Moreover, teams are limited in what kind of actions they can perform.
So I have gather information, recruit supporters, and recruit team (advisors). There's still one more available if you want to take advantage of it.
I plan to recap tonight.
Game on!
Caleb Cage |
Action 2
Caleb is beyond delighted when praying at the statues's feet revealed the cache.
"See! This is a sign! Callistria is helping us!" Lovingly he cradled the golden symbol, and the yellow and black whip somehow undamaged by long immersion.
"Yeah. It's an actual sign! The three-pointed star, the whip, and the Book of Joy. Callistrians have been an underground sect since THRUNE outlawed them. They've had no temple since the House of Satin Veils was stolen by the damned Abadarians - no offence Eirik."
"I've got to convince Laria to see sense on this. You don't screw with Callistria."
Actions 3
"I think Eirik's got the right idea...ish. Maybe not the fourth proclamation. I've lived on the street and you'd be surprised how many people don't really have the money for clothes like that anyway. I reckon we really spread that dog-lover song. I mean, songs are free, but pamphlets need scribes or a printing press. Though I suppose we could set one up... or get someone outside to print them for us..."
"I'm really glad to hear someone else talk about taking out people on THRUNE's side. Let's make it so people are afraid to support them!"
"Tieflings... well, maybe. They'll take your gold, of course, but they're not really for sale - well at least, not like that. They're more susceptible to Callistria's methods than Abadar's."
"Now what I want to do is this. I want to take the Tengus and go find the Callistrians hiding out in this city. Then I want to take them to a brand new temple, with a statue, symbol, whip and book. I want to get the worship of Callistria set back up in this city." he sighed "And they're used to operating in secret, working on the shadow-side of the law. The Church would be a really good ally, if we could get them all together."
proposing an action to Gather Information on Callistrians.
Finish 'cleaning' the hellmouth, turn into temple.
Another action to recruit a Sneak Team ('dancers').
if possible do a conventional recruitment via pamphlets as well.
With permission I'd like to put the skill rank into Lore:Callistria. Is it a potion each? Is it okay to use the potion as a hook to find a Callistrian?
Fabian Benavente |
proposing an action to Gather Information on Callistrians.
Finish 'cleaning' the hellmouth, turn into temple.
Another action to recruit a Sneak Team ('dancers').
if possible do a conventional recruitment via pamphlets as well.
With permission I'd like to put the skill rank into Lore:Callistria. Is it a potion each? Is it okay to use the potion as a hook to find a Callistrian?
So actions are: gather information on Calistrians, recruit supporters, recruit team (street performers who will be upgraded to advisors), and recruit team (sneaks aka dancers).
The potion is one for the group so I would think that you would have to get the group's permission if you were going to give it away.
Questions?
Game on!
Eirik Clausen |
Can we even get 2 more teams? Or does the Tengu team not count towards the limit of 3? I'm game with going with Caleb's Sneak team, just as long as we fill the vacancy. That'd still leave one action to be used.
Eirik nodded his head at Caleb's suggestions. "A song... I like it. Wouldn't be too hard to find a handful of people to sing it around the taverns, and there should be enough people dissatisfied with the Thrunes to pick it up and spread if around. And if the Paracount lashed out to forbid bards and ballads? It would work even better for us."
Fabian Benavente |
Can we even get 2 more teams? Or does the Tengu team not count towards the limit of 3? I'm game with going with Caleb's Sneak team, just as long as we fill the vacancy. That'd still leave one action to be used.
Yes, you can have three teams plus the tengu tema (see post #1008 above).
As for actions, I count 4 (your max) as follows: gather information on Calistrians, recruit supporters, recruit team (street performers who will be upgraded to advisors), and recruit team (sneaks aka dancers).
BTW, 'gather information' could also be accomplished by PCs (don't need teams for this) so other PCs can also do this.
Vandomir Jarvis |
Action 2
"You don't screw with Calistria you say?" Vandomir waited a moment before continuing, "I thought that was exactly the sort of thing you did with Calistria. Am I right?"
Vandomir pulled out his plumb bob and checked the verticality of the statue one last time before declaring the job complete. "You know, not being able to use my normal crews for this job was unfortunate. That statue was heavy!"
Action 3
Vandomir could not help but ask, "Do any of those scrolls work on lice? I'm asking for a friend."
Having heard Caleb's suggestions, Vandomir chimed in, "If we're talking about helping the Calistrians, I have no objection to that if the 'Crest' is ok with it" he gestured to Rowan, "but honestly the fourth, sixth, and seventh proclamations are the ones that bother me the most. A gentleman should be able to take tea whenever he wishes, and I like mint in mine. As for clothing, obviously it is smarter for me to dress down a bit for now, but in my day job, I should like to be able to dress as befits my station."
Fabian Benavente |
Turn 051 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
loyalty check for supporter attrition: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9, fail
supporters lost: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4) + 3 = 8, 8 lost, 8 left
gather information on Calistrian: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25, yes
recruit supporters DC=13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8, fail
notoriety increase: 1d6 ⇒ 1
recruit street performers, secrecy DC=10: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25, yes
recruit sneaks, secrecy DC=15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21, yes
event chance 24%: 1d100 ⇒ 88, no
I won't reduce the rebellion's ranks but it will take longer to gain another 'level'
Caleb Cage |
Caleb took Vandomir aside and spokequietly
"Uh, I didn't want to say anything in front of the others. You do know the Night Tea proclamation is banning Night Tea, the contraceptive, right? It's an attack on the prostitutes that make up most of Callistria's Clergy, and an attempt to stop casual..." he edited his words for the noble "congress."
OOC: No idea if this is actually true.
also - just checking we're not confusing euphemisms here. Bluntly, Caleb is trying to recruit prostitutes, probably street prostitutes, not actual dancers.
---
Caleb was despondent, sitting cross legged at the foot of the statue and holding the holy symbol. "They're really gone. I knew they were in hiding, and when THRUNE took power he tried to destroy them... but they're really gone, or too scared to come out. It's just me, now. I'm the only Callistrian left. What am I supposed to do? Start up a church all by myself?!" he turned to look up at the statue "WHAT DO YOU WANT?!"
The fierceness was gone from the gaunt man's eyes. He bent over, puts his arms on the ground, and sobbed.
---
As he positively bounced from one foot to the other, Caleb strode into the club - straight past the Tiefling bouncer. The parlour should have been full of patrons at 9:30pm, but the new curfew had left it empty.
"Ladies!" announced the raucous young man, dodging the bouncer's attempts to grab at him.
"Uh-uh!" he remonstrated with the bouncer - one of Rough John's new kids. "I'm a friend of the establishment!"
Just lost half a page. Saving and continuing. Anyone want to be there?
Caleb Cage |
Four women poked their heads out of the adjoining rooms, tieflings all.
"Caleb Cage! I thought you was dead!" exclaimed Fat Jenny, and waved away the bouncer "You got my special delivery?"
"Alas and alack, I do not!" Caleb bowed low, miming doffing a cap "That Cad in the Opera House has played havoc with my schedules! And I do love a special delivery. No, I've come to offer you a new job!" The hyperactive young man noticed a new face "Hello! Who is this?"
Fat Jenny introduced her"That is Sasha. She's new. Her parents lived waaay up in the city away from Redroof. They protested when the Paracount arrived, and vanished. Sasha here lost the house and fled a step ahead of slavery."
"Ms Jenny! Do I detect a hint of scorn in your dulcet tones? Do you disapprove of you Ms Sasha?"
One of the other girls snorted "She thinks she's too good for us."
Sasha scowled and shot back "I was educated! I was going to be a WIZARD! Not just some... tiefling 'dancer'"
Caleb held his hand to his head as if about to faint "Oh my dear, you have it all wrong! Upside down! You see..." he started to sing the start of an aria, as if about to burst into song.
Then stopped, stepped into Sasha's personal space and spoke, deadpan.
"You serve the Sacred Sting now. Oh, you might not have sworn an oath, but you work for her. You're one of Callistria's girls, right now. Your new profession is the Oldest. You've heard that before, as a joke, right? It's not a joke. There are a few things that keep civilisation ticking over." he takes a step closer as he holds a hand with three fingers up in her face "Sex. Trickery." his voice goes quiet as he says the last one lovingly "Revenge."
"Forget Abadar. Before there was Justice, there was Revenge. Forget Irori. People learned to think so they could get what they wanted without working. Forget Erastil. People got married to screw, not have kids. People invented currency so they could pay for someone like you."
"Callistria took animals, and made them Elves. Then she did the same for all the races. ALL of them have these drives. And one of those drives, Callistria has given to YOU to look after."
"THRUNE will tell you that you are some second - no third - class citizen, little more than a slave. THRUNE doesn't want people to be able to say 'no'. Callistria wants you to be able to, and choose not to. Callistria wants you to be free. Callistria thinks you're at the top of the hierarchy, not the bottom."
He took a step back, and seems to shrink as he does so, resuming his previous jester act.
"So! Welcome to the church, sister Sasha!"
Sasha looked back, white faced, her inhuman eyes wide "Are you some sort of priest?"
Caleb laughed "Priest? No no no... I'm not a priest, Ms Sasha." he smiled strangely "I'm a miracle!"
"New job?" asked one of the other girls into the silence, and Caleb snapped around "Oh yes. Doesn't pay so well in gold, I'll admit, but it pays in the best currency. Satisfaction." he smiled cynically "For doing the right thing! For making a difference!" his smile turned to a sneer "For REVENGE on the Thrice Cursed house of THRUNE!"
Tillia |
Wrap up with Rexus.
Tillia blushed deeply in embarrassment as she realized what a fool she'd made of herself. She called out after him as he disappeared into his room, "I'm sorry Rexus, I...I didn't know." Her voice ended very small and she fled to her own room for a bit to collect herself after that debacle.
Back at the Wasp Nest
Tillia's expression fell as she said, "Mo, I'm afraid I haven't heard anything about her yet."
Just wanted to add those two real quick, now onto the rest.
Action 1
Failure to find Calistrians
Tillia felt badly for Caleb, they'd turned up nothing on any surviving Calistrians and he obviously wasn't taking it well. She could tell he was upset and followed him downstairs where she saw him bawling in sorrow. She walked to him and sat on the ground next to him as she laid a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Caleb. We can keep looking, maybe they'll turn up soon." She otherwise sat with him until he calmed down.
Caleb goes Clubbin[/ooc]
When Caleb was headed to the club Tillia said, [b]"Would you mind if I went with you Caleb? I need to get out of here for a bit and I grew up in those kind of areas. Besides, none of us should be traveling alone."
Fabian Benavente |
Good stuff.
I keep getting the picture of the Assassin's Creed game when the protagonist is surrounded by the prostitutes that allow him to blend in and get away.
Next time, it would be good if we could have these types of posts before I post results. For one, I will give you bonuses on the check and it also makes for better story-telling.
Game on!
Vandomir Jarvis |
Fabian, can we get a clarification on this night tea stuff? Honestly, I was unaware of the drug. Also, if drunk every day it makes them sterile, so a prohibition against not drinking it at night seems useless, they can just drink it at high noon every day, right? Anyways, I can roll with it either way.
Caleb Cage |
we got the dancers though, right? Sorry, it all just moved sort of fast - though that is probably just because I am at a conference at the moment.
Fabian Benavente |
Fabian, can we get a clarification on this night tea stuff? Honestly, I was unaware of the drug. Also, if drunk every day it makes them sterile, so a prohibition against not drinking it at night seems useless, they can just drink it at high noon every day, right? Anyways, I can roll with it either way.
Proclamation the Sixth: The imbibing of night tea brings a dangerous imbalance to the slumbering mind. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise, the taking of tea is proscribed.
To me, it reads like a prohibition of drinking any sort of tea at night but people could take it the other way as well. Maybe Vandomir is not aware that there is something called 'night tea' that renders female sterile.
Game on!
Caleb Cage |
So, given people didn't see it before, how about this:
'Night Tea' tends to only be known by women. While not secret per se, it is socially embarrassing for a man to know about it.
The proclamation bans both types of night tea, without having to come out and explain what the stuff is.
Most men think it is just banning drinking tea at night, and aren't sure why some women seem up in arms.
Alternatively, just make it a coincidence.
Caleb Cage |
Action 1
Failure to find Calistrians
Tillia felt badly for Caleb, they'd turned up nothing on any surviving Calistrians and he obviously wasn't taking it well. She could tell he was upset and followed him downstairs where she saw him bawling in sorrow. She walked to him and sat on the ground next to him as she laid a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Caleb. We can keep looking, maybe they'll turn up soon." She otherwise sat with him until he calmed down.
Caleb stiffened and shot upright when Tillia laid a hand on him. For a moment he seems angry, then sighs and loosens up. Roughly he scrubs a hand across his eyes.
"I don't think they will. I think it's just me, now." he looks sad "Looks like THRUNE took my family again."Caleb goes Clubbin
When Caleb was headed to the club Tillia said, "Would you mind if I went with you Caleb? I need to get out of here for a bit and I grew up in those kind of areas. Besides, none of us should be traveling alone."
Caleb gave the young wizard a strange look. "Really? The way you act, your friend, I never would've picked you as Redroof material. I would've thought you were a Villegre girl."
Would you like to edit what I've put in to work out where Tillia might fit in, or would you rather add something of your own.
Caleb Cage |
Action 2
"Thanks Laria." Caleb looked troubled "I'd like to stop these executions. I know its stupid - it might actually give people the courage to stand up. And I know we should probably try to guide the politics at the pub... But it doesn't sit right letting them kill people."
Ah yes, the actual actions requests. Sorry.
Tillia |
You won't need to re-write anything, I see how to work myself in with out undoing anything you've already written.
Failure to find Calistrians
Tillia found she had no response to this so instead simply sat there with Caleb until he was ready to go back upstairs.
Caleb Goes Clubbin
Before leaving
Tillia laughed at Caleb's surprise and said, "I was born in a tenement on Rust Alley near the Devil's Nursery and spent the first ten years of my life there. Then I spent the rest of my time until a year ago in the tower of..." Tillia shuddered at the thought but continued with no small dread in her voice, "Maldak the tiefling in the Devil's Nursery. From then on I didn't get out at all until I escaped him and Hell Knights cut off his head for trying to harm me in public. They didn't like a tiefling owning me very much and didn't believe him as he had no papers to prove it." The last she said with almost vindictive glee at the tiefling's death.
At the Club
Tillia found the streets vaguely familiar as they made their way to the club, it wasn't the area she was born in, but it wasn't too far from it either. She made sure to keep her hood up, and avoided contact with everyone they passed. She'd forgotten how uncomfortable it could be. When they reached the place and Caleb forced his way inside Tillia was highly amused, she wouldn't have thought him that capable. Still she followed him in and said, "I'm with him," to the bouncer.
Inside she simply observed Caleb's antics though an instant pang of sympathy for Ms. Sasha. Of course Caleb had no sympathy for the young woman's plight and was trying to convince her to continue. Finally Tillia couldn't help herself, she stepped forward and said, "May I cut in Caleb, I think I have a proposition this woman might find an added incentive." With that Tillia stepped in and somehow slid between Caleb and Sasha taking over the lead in the strange dance as she asked, "So you were to be a wizard? A wonderful trade, a most useful ability, what happened?"
Caleb, would you care to respond for her since you created Sasha?
And you're right Fabian, we should have.
Vandomir Jarvis |
Action 1
Ok, so I am completely unsure how to handle the discussion of night tea. My options are: 1) act like I’m the idiot, 2) act like Caleb is the idiot. Honestly, I would have preferred option 1, as it could have been a case of the noble being totally out of touch. However, given how “night tea” works, and given that most others interpreted it my way, I fear that #2 is what has actually happened. Ok, I’m going to explain to Caleb why I think he’s the idiot.
Vandomir listened to Caleb’s explanation with growing concern. ”Caleb, first of all, it concerns me that you know so much about the harlot’s profession. I have never had opportunity, or need, to pay for social accompaniment of any sort, although I do understand that many of the lower classes, such as yourself, do find that paying for it is easier, and of course, there are those who choose to sell it. From a strictly mercantile perspective, I can absolutely approve of this, and I am sure Abadar and Calistria smile every time a trick is turned, although that is probably rather often.” He pauses a moment to consider his next words, ”I am not an herbalist, not by any means, and I would not care to debate one on the subject, but I do believe that ‘night tea’ need only be consumed on a regular basis to disrupt the, shall we call it, natural order of things? Thus, banning its consumption only during the hours between dusk and dawn would not seem to have the effect you believe is intended.” He pulls a plug of tobacco from his pocket and bites off a piece, and chews several times before continuing, ”Of course, several of the recent injunctions do seem like utter nonsense, so I cannot entirely dismiss the idea that you might be correct in your assertions.”
When discussing matters with the group.
”My friends, I can tell you that I have successfully managed to reintegrate myself into the business of the family. As such, I can offer several possible ways of aiding our efforts through my connections.” He begins to tick them off on his fingers as he recounts them, ”first, should it be necessary, I could endeavor to launder illicitly gained proceeds through the business, if there was a need to use those proceeds in a public fashion. Second, should there be a need to hide bodies, I can think of no better way in the short term than chaining them to masonry blocks and deep sixing them, or bricking them up inside architectural works for the long term. We have had a number of contracts come in recently, you know how it is, riots break things, and we’re the fix it people!”
Rowan Drovenge |
"Thanks Laria." Caleb looked troubled "I'd like to stop these executions. I know its stupid - it might actually give people the courage to stand up. And I know we should probably try to guide the politics at the pub... But it doesn't sit right letting them kill people."
Seemed to the warpriest that decisions were going to get harder and harder as they continued on this path. "The public excruciations may be dangerous for us to attend in the wake of freeing the prisoners. They may expect us to show up. Maybe we could send the tengus or Forvian to scope out the arena before we go ourselves. In the meantime we can go and check out the tavern. Thoughts?"
tag everyone
Fabian Benavente |
Fabian, you had said you would mention something about Milani and her followers in the turn recap but there wasn't anything. Is that because of the bad rolls? Just curious as it could affect Rowan's post.
I've got something coming up this turn for Milani followers.
You pose a good question but a little late (48 hours after turn recap). I can't wait for you guys to discuss this now because it would take at least another day.
These questions are great 'right after' the turn recap goes out...
So I'll go with the initial action of investigating the 'doghousing' but won;t commit the team to anything.
Eirik Clausen |
Damn we are going fast. Work is hectic as always before long holidays, so I haven’t had time to do more than think of what to post before a round already goes past and makes the post outdated before it’s even out ;^) Well, I’m off for 4 weeks winter holidays after next week, and will have allllll the time in the world to post!
Starting with action 4… I assume there are plenty of people around? After all, it’s said that nothing will bring a crowd like a public hanging... It’s always comforting that someone else is screwed even worse than you are.
Action 4
Eirik frowned in deep distaste as he beheld the spectacle. As far as inventing cruel and unusual punishments went, it seemed the Paracount had found his true calling. A lot of thought had gone into figuring out just how to make the poor wretch’s suffering as prolonged as possible – the public humiliation was just the icing on the cake as it were. And public the event was, as they had had to employ their shoulders to get close enough to the front of the crowd to see anything. But now that they were in place, Eirik had begun questioning if seeing made things better. It wasn’t as if there had been any doubt of the Thrunes’ cruelty before...
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Wisdom: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Eirik forced himself to look at the poor bastard suffering the punishment and felt something click. It wasn’t like he had seen the man ever before, but… something about him still seemed familiar. It took the monk a few minutes to make the mental connection. ’Tillia’s friend… the way she described him…’ He gave the arcanist a quick glance, searching her face for signs of recognition, praying she hadn’t noticed, for there was little to gain and a lot to lose if she made her anguish too plain or worse, tried to do something rash.
”Tillia…” he began, hesitating, not knowing what to say.
Caleb Cage |
Action 1
"It doesn't make any sense. Banning regular tea at night does nothing. Banning Night Tea harms Callistria's girls. It causes more population - either as workers, fighters, or slaves. This is THRUNE. If there are two ways to hear something, and one is cruel, cunning and evil, and the other is just stupid... It's not the stupid."
Caleb considers "Although... I suppose it would be possible to accuse someone of the crime with no real evidence. Selective enforcement allows them to simply arrest anyone. So maybe... I'll look into it."
Action 2
Sasha looked from Caleb - now distracted - to Tillia, and decided who she'd rather talk with. "What they said." she elaborated further, her voice switching to one with a more educated accent "My parents had a shop in the Newt Market. They were both humans. Mother thought something there must have twisted me Tiefling while she was pregnant - they were always really guilty about it. They saved up and got me some training, and taught me what they could. They had finally gotten enough money together for a proper place in a real school. Then the Paracount came and they went off to protest. They never came home."
She looks scared "I stayed at home for a week, then one of those Thrune lackeys came by saying my parents had been fined. Demanded money on the spot, and when I didn't have it he took the shop. Tried to take me as well - and made damn sure he knew what I'd be... Anyway. I ran. Used some magic to escape. But there's only one place a Tiefling doesn't stand out, and that's redroof."
She looks around bitterly "There wasn't much demand for an apprentice shopkeeper who can speak four languages, conjure cantrips and is wanted by the authorities. I was lucky to get work here."
"You WAS lucky, Sasha." interjects one of the other girls.
Action 4
"It's not right." muttered Caleb, head down in a new green coat, with his grey cloak hidden underneath.
Like me he thought. He remembered all the time he spent in a cage.
Misc
How much to get the elven cloak turned into a coat? Can it be done without ruining it? Sounds like it might be a dash distinctive.
Could the whip, symbol and statue be used to (in theory) lure a Callistrian ally from another city - perhaps an elf?
Eirik Clausen |
A question, something I have been wondering but keep forgetting... the Alabaster Academy. Is it open to the public at all? Or could the right to study in its library be purchased? Eirik would be very interested in finding out if any of the Archivists are still around, in hiding. A society founded to preserve historical documents should have inserted its feelers into local academic circles... even though history wasn't the main selling point of this University.
Fabian Benavente |
A question, something I have been wondering but keep forgetting... the Alabaster Academy. Is it open to the public at all? Or could the right to study in its library be purchased? Eirik would be very interested in finding out if any of the Archivists are still around, in hiding. A society founded to preserve historical documents should have inserted its feelers into local academic circles... even though history wasn't the main selling point of this University.
Things you can find out about the The Alabaster Academy:
Students once came from throughout Cheliax and beyond to attend classes at Alabaster Academy, but in 4599 ar, one of the academy's most beloved professors was exposed as the Temple Hill Slasher, Kintargo's most notorious killer. The academy might have recovered from this scandal had not the Chelish Civil War wreaked such havoc. Today, Alabaster Academy's enrollment is less than a third of its capacity, but the school and its professors stubbornly soldier on. The academy focuses on teaching botany, medicine, zoology, and other natural sciences, and produces some of Avistan's most promising apothecaries, healers, and researchers.And yes, the library is open for study after a small fee is paid.
Game on!
Tillia |
Action 1
Nothing
Action 2
Tillia smiled at Ms. Sasha as she dropped the tiefling woman into a dip and then raised her up again and pulled her close as she danced them over to a bench and dropped them both into it. Sitting next to the young woman breathlessly Tillia said, "I'm sorry to hear all of that, Thrune took the first and only friend I had ever had at the time during the riot at the Opera House. With that I lost everything, my parents when I was a young girl an d purchased, my master when the Hell Knights beheaded him for his abuse of me in a public street, and the my best and only friend. I understand what it's like to lose it all because of Thrune and so I want to make a proposition to you." She paused and glanced briefly at the snickering tiefling dancers, a brief glare sent their direction before returning her attention to Sasha, "You see the master I mentioned was a wizard, he bought me to be his housekeeper, then his apprentice, and then his unwilling lover. I finished my apprenticeship and became a wizard in my own right and would like to extend an offer to make you my apprentice. I can't teach you about necromancy or transmutation, I can't cast those at all, they grate against my sense to even attempt to read the spells, but I can teach you the path of Sin Magic. I have studied and become a Lust Mage in the ancient Thassilonian tradition." She paused and then looked seriously into Sasha's eyes, "Would such an apprenticeship be of interest to you?"
Action 3
It had been a couple of days since her rather disastrous interlude with Rexus and Tillia was over her embarrassment. Despite that she hadn't seen or spoken to the man since then and found herself awkwardly sitting next to him at breakfast that morning when the message came. "That's an interesting developement," Tillia said as she munched on her breakfast, "this could be an incredible advance to our cause when he comes forward. What do we know of him?"
As breakfast finished
Tillia caught up to Rexus as he left the table and reached out to grab his arm gently before speaking, "Could we speak in private Rexus?"
Assuming he agrees
Tillia went with Rexus to the room where they traditionally studied in and walked to the other side of the room nervously before speaking, "Look, I wanted to apologize about what happened a couple of nights ago. I had no idea you were spoken for and if I had I would never have done what I did." Her voice became small as she continued nervously, "I hope we can be still friends despite this, and I definitely want to continue my language lessons with you, if you're willing that is..."
Action 4
Tillia Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Salina Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Tillia gasped at the sight of the poor wretch in the dog house, she could tell it was a woman but beyond that the grime and tattered clothing made it impossible to see more. Salina, however, saw much more and landed on Tillia's shoulder where she proceeded to whisper into the woman's ear in draconic, Draconic: "It's Alinza! They've put Alinza in there!" Tillia gasped in fear as she realized it was true. She turned to the others and barely kept her voice down through her panic, "That's my friend Alinza, they've just declared war on the Church of Shelyn! How stupid can he be, everyone knows better than to attack Shelyn's faithful like this." It didn't take long before she said, "We need to get her out of there and we need to do so as soon as possible. She's a priestess of Shelyn and I think will be more than willing to help us after this, it might even bring the whole church in as quiet supporters."
I hope this next part isn't going to far since I don't have Knowledge (religion) but seeing as Tillia had been living at their temple for a year and become a part of their faith I'll add it and we can ignore it if you say so. If you need more information about this then let me know and I can point you in the right direction for it as this surprised me when I learned about it too.
After a moments thought, and despite her fear for her friend, her friends saw a vicious grin appear on Tillia's face, "Thrune is an absolute fool, I almost didn't think of it and I doubt he had a clue, he's just brought the wrath of any clergy of Zon-Kuthon down on him as well. His clergy are bound by his law to protect the clergy of Shelyn, though I don't know why exactly, and this has just opened up the possibility that any of them around will strike willingly at him now as well."
Fabian Benavente |
I hope this next part isn't going to far since I don't have Knowledge (religion) but seeing as Tillia had been living at their temple for a year and become a part of their faith I'll add it and we can ignore it if you say so. If you need more information about this then let me know and I can point you in the right direction for it as this surprised me when I learned about it too.
Yes, please point me to the information; it's always good to have additional background to make sure the NPCs react more or less in the expected way.
Although not to burst your bubble, there are plenty of ways for this issue to be a non-event A simple mistake and compensated by presenting the head of the guard (s) that made the mistake to Zon-Kuthon comes to mind right way.
I promise you will get your chance at Thrune but this will be a slow-cooked meal and not fast food. :)
Game on!
Tillia |
Oh I know that it won't be that easy, Tillia does too, she just realizes that this is a potentially huge deal when it comes to finding potential allies. As for the back up info I'll need to do some digging and see where I found it. I believe it all comes from Inner Sea Gods, my copy of with is not in the house just now so I can't look right away but the following is the gist of it as I remember it until I can dig it all up.
I know the back ground of it is that ZK and Shelyn are siblings, he was always kind of jealous of her and their father, a wolf god, extracted a vow from ZK that he would protect his sister and never harm her. He agreed and has been bound by that vow ever since, even after he became evil and lost his old portfolio to Shelyn. His followers, priests in particular, are seen as misbehaving children by Shelynites and while you'd expect them to see Shelynites as perfect victims the opposite is true as ZK's promise binds them to protect the clergy of Shelyn as well.
As far as other possible consequences there is the simple fact that no deity wants to offend Shelyn as they all love her in one way or another. Granted he can always "claim" that he didn't know she was a Shelynite and get off the hook, but I doubt the Asmodeus will be pleased with him just now, assuming he deigns to even notice such a "misunderstanding".
I grant I may be mistaken about some of this, but I'll see what I can do on digging it up.
*EDIT Found links to the info. It does match with what I read from the mentioned book.
Looks like I may have been off slightly, but not so much that Tillia wouldn't believe what she said was true.
Vandomir Jarvis |
Action 1
I’ll let the topic drop.
Action 2
I’m not in that scene.
Action 3
Vandomir read the note out loud, for the benefit of any who had never learned to read, or who were not very proficient with it. ”Well, The Rose is alive at least, surely that is good news Rowan.”
Tag Rowan
Action 4
Vandomir wasn’t sure he remembered the prisoner, but Tillia was pretty adamant, and if that person was already a friend of Tillia’s and an enemy of Thrune, then he figure that she was absolutely right that a rescue was in order, and a public rescue would be even better for the cause.
He turned to his compatriots, ”Tillia’s word is good enough for me, let’s make this a public rescue, to put a black eye on Thrune, and gild our legend a bit in the process.” He scanned their faces, and not seeing any real dissention, he continued, ”unlike at the Salt Works, I think a plan is in order. I suggest we wait until the next ‘feeding’ session, that way we’re not having to worry about getting our quarry out of the cage in the midst of the rescue. I would suggest that we make a maximum effort to blow through the security on one side of the platform. If we do it during a feeding time, the dog will already be distracted, and probably it’s handler. If we smoke the other guard, say the one on the right quickly, then everyone can rush in, form a protective cordon around the prisoner, and we make a fighting escape as rapidly as possible.”
Tag anyone?
Vandomir added, ”two things to consider. One, a bit of a disguise might be called for. Two, one of us needs to make some loud pronouncements naming the Silver Ravens during this venture. Let the watchers know who is responsible. If I may add a third subject, we should decide what level of violence we are prepared to commit in this. Are we unwilling to leave any survivors? If the answer is no, then perhaps a more violent plan could be planned, whereby we smoke all of the guards from both sides in a pincer movement?”
Rowan Drovenge |
Action 1: nothing
Action 2: nothing
Action 3:
Vandomir read the note out loud, for the benefit of any who had never learned to read, or who were not very proficient with it. ”Well, The Rose is alive at least, surely that is good news Rowan.”
Rowan couldn’t stop smiling. The roses were beautiful to say the least but what she was most excited about was that there were allies who knew of them. It also was encouraging that the Rose of Kintargo wrote exactly what she had been thinking, they needed to recruit and prepare and not rush into anything.
”Milani has smiled on us this day. Not only is the Rose still alive and willing to help us when the time is right, there are others!” Rowan guiltily glanced over at Caleb, remembering his heartache the previous day, and her smile faded somewhat. ”This gives me hope that there are other allies in Kintargo, even those who follow other deities, who are also keeping themselves secret. We just need to find them and give them a reason to come out of hiding.”Action 4:
Rowan was on edge as they approached the site where everything had started not long ago. She had been looking for one thing and had found something completely different. Regardless, she never thought she'd return to Aria Park so soon. She didn’t know what to expect or how much security there would be. Would they be expecting the Silver Ravens to show up?
perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
She was so wrapped up in her own musings that she didn't pay much attention to the poor soul exposed to such public humiliation until the near panic in Tillia's voice snapped her back to the present. When Vandomir voiced his plan, Rowan nodded. "That's Tillia's friend and we don't leave without her. We must do whatever is necessary."