The Blood Knives (Inactive)

Game Master Monkeygod

Rupert you B#%^#%d answer your PM!

LOL!

S*~%! Sorry! Thought I had answered :/

S@$&! Sorry! Thought I had answered :/

Hahaha! No problem! ;)

Anyway, I've been less active since spring break; I had to drop the fast-moving game I was in. The pressure will be off after finals in a little over a month, and I'd guess it would take a couple weeks at least for this to pick up again, so I should be okay.

I'm probably going to rebuild, at least a teeny bit. Looking back on it, the backstory I had written was...frankly, quite stupid. I have no problems with the way I've been playing the character, but I need to do some reconsideration concerning certain things.

Anyway, I've been less active since spring break; I had to drop the fast-moving game I was in. The pressure will be off after finals in a little over a month, and I'd guess it would take a couple weeks at least for this to pick up again, so I should be okay.

I'm probably going to rebuild, at least a teeny bit. Looking back on it, the backstory I had written was...frankly, quite stupid. I have no problems with the way I've been playing the character, but I need to do some reconsideration concerning certain things.

I was thinking of doing the same thing. I would like to get together and discuss roles and work toward those?

That's completely fine Rupert. I have no issues with anybody rebuilding, or making a brand new PC for that matter.

You three will have a guaranteed slot, I'll get the recruitment thread up either later tonight or tomorrow.

I am standing pat! Been building towards Assassin all along.

Rupert Saint wrote:

Anyway, I've been less active since spring break; I had to drop the fast-moving game I was in. The pressure will be off after finals in a little over a month, and I'd guess it would take a couple weeks at least for this to pick up again, so I should be okay.

I'm probably going to rebuild, at least a teeny bit. Looking back on it, the backstory I had written was...frankly, quite stupid. I have no problems with the way I've been playing the character, but I need to do some reconsideration concerning certain things.

I was thinking of doing the same thing. I would like to get together and discuss roles and work toward those?

Sounds good to me. Plan on staying with Kedrick or going with a new character?

There seem to be many different possible angles with the scope of crime the Blood Knives are interested in, but in practice it seems to come down to infiltration/assassination for the most part. If we want to focus on those aspects, I suspect that the only likely roles are skill-monkey thief types and various types of killing-machines. So far, the GM seems to be comfortable with running multiple separate scenarios, so perhaps it's less of a problem than I'm envisioning. GM, your thoughts?

Let's take this to the discussion thread, please

Dotting for the location.

Hello all. As Martil, dotting for location

.

As you all sit around and talk, drinks are brought to you, food is provided and a good time is had by all.

"That is where you come in. You are our chosen agents to go forth into the world and not only uphold the tenants and values of the Blood Knives, but also to conquer other gangs like us. Or put them down. We seek nothing less than to be the sole criminal organization in all Golarion, if not the very planes." He pauses to let that sink in and to allow you to respond.

Natalia pushes away from Martil and smiles and whispers to Ragar, "Feels just like our first day! I'm brimming with excitement to see where we are going first!"

Kedrick listens respectfully while anticipating his next assignment. I can't wait to see these rookies in action!

She ponders the statement for a long moment, sole criminal organization...interesting.... perhaps a bit far fetched, but definitely interesting. If you can't dream it, it'll never happen.

She looks each leader in the eye, then Martil nods and chooses her words carefully, "I thank you for the privileged of membership but what exactly are the 'tenants and values of the Blood Knives.'" She holds her hands above the table, fingers in a steeple position, the blood knife sitting near her palms.

The man in the middle, whom you guess is the leader, answers you. "We have five inviolate tenets. The first is The Law of the Tripartite. We three head the Knives, and you will honor and respect us. You also represent us, so do not make us regret our decision. The second is The Law of Guardianship. There exist many who would prey upon the weak and defenseless, foul and vile villains that take advantage of the innocent. Those who can not protect themselves our under our protection. Do not let the monsters of the night run rampant over them. The third is The Law of Death. This one is simple. Do not slay any other Blood Knife, regardless of cause or desire. That judgement is for we to decide. Should it come to pass, we shall choose the correct instrument to carry out our wishes. The fourth is the Law of Honorable Action. Do not deceive your fellow Knives, unless it must be. Ours is a house built on truth. Do not destroy that trust, or we will destroy you. The final law is The Law of Judgement. Those others who prey upon the weak must be dealt with. Find them, judge them and punish them, if that is the best course of action."

Rabat watches closely as the three newcomers are read the Five Laws to read their reaction. He leans in close to Lady Natalia.

I am interested to see how they will divide us, if at all.

"So the organized crime family is actually the protectors of the weak and the defenseless? Her face scrunches as she tries to comprehend what appears to be an unusual contradiction. Certainly not a concept her drow heritage would grasp easily at first brush. She continues making sure she understand the second tenet and it's relationship to the fifth tenet. "So we pass judgment and execute that judgment against those who would prey on those needing our protection?

Whirrun initially tenses up as the darkness closes in, but then settles back when it's apparently this happens often. As the light returns and the three introduce themselves, Whirrun folds his hands and rests his chin on them while listening intently Finally, a group that actually wants to accomplish something. As the leader finishes his speech, Whirrun nods "You have a strong sense of honor and a stronger sense of ambition. This is exactly the kind of group I've been looking for" he stands up and cracks his knuckles "I'm ready to get started"

He smiles, a predatory grin "Yes, to a degree. I assume you know what a protection racket is, correct? Just because we protect them from other more violent, vile gangs, does not mean we do not exploit them. The weak and defenseless are ours, to do with as we please, but we will not lash out against them in a murderous, uncontrolled rampage, nor will we allow them to be preyed upon by rapists or child slavers."

A wicked smile crosses her face as her cold heart warms at the thought of the protection racket. "I can certainly live within the five tenets that govern the Blood Knives."

Shula passes her new knife between her hands in a series of flips and twists, discovering the balance of the blade and it's utility. Though it is for the most part a symbol and decorative, any blade that can draw blood is of interest to her. While she seems to pay at best only passing attention to the three, she listens carefully as they speak, her eyes gauging the reactions of the other members of the organization.

"Honor the bosses, protect the weak, no killing or lying to each other, punish those that prey on the weak," she says under her breath. "Sounds like they mistook us for paladins. Well, they knew what I was when they invited me here."

She tucks the knife into her sleeve, looking at the leader directly. She studies his tattoos, wondering at their significance.

The shadowed man laughs, which sounds like a spider laughing "No child, we did not mistake you for those noble meddlers. Think about the rules we have in place. They do not really restrict you, and guarantee that not only you, but the rest of the Blood Knives not only survives, but flourishes."

"Is there anything else that is required from us?"

Shula snickered softly and stretched, catlike. "Any rule restricts. That's what they're for. To tell us what to do and what not to do? But you needn't fear for your precious innocents and weaklings on my account. I don't mind leaving them alone or even pretending to care about them, if it please you. As long as there are plenty of bad people to play with, and the world is just full of those, isn't it?"

Natalia whispers in Shula's ear from behind her "Plenty of bad people in this room as well..." She smiles with glee at the Tiefling.

Shula raised an eyebrow at the witch and leaned back to murmur flirtatiously. "He did specifically say not to kill another blood knife, so I assume torture is allowed?"

perception to hear the whispers: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

"Tease."

Kedrick responds to the leader in the middle. So what do you all have planned for us boss?

Whirrun nods "I like those rules. It's good to have some order in such an organization" he leans back in his chair and folds his arms, watching the three to learn what he can about them

Indeed...what is the newest mission, missions, that we can undertake as Blood Knives?

Missions? So the send us out in smaller teams? Wonder what the composition will be. She spares a sideways glance at Natalia, then casually looks at each Blood Knife. I would think a that the new recruits are separate somewhat, and paired off with more experienced members, less risk.

The woman speaks, and her voice is the most melodious you have ever heard. "You know that each year, the church of Abadar makes a big show of the procession of a chest from the center of the city to their massive temple vault. It is always highly guarded as it contains a vast sum of wealth."

He who is the leader takes up the conversation "Well this year, its even bigger. Apparently, over the last nine months there have been attempted break-ins and attacks on banks and churches all around Avistan. The Abadarians have therefore spent the last three months gathering, collecting, and amassing the taxes from over a dozen major cities, and almost a hundred villages."

The bartender continues "Thus, the wealth being paraded to the vault is massive. We're talking well into the millions easily. Its going to be guarded by some of the finest protectors this side of the Inner Sea, including a quartet of Blood Knives. A group that's been 'identified' as being trustworthy, and capable. Unfortunately for the other guards, a new foursome of Knives, just recruited, is planning on attacking the procession, and making off with the chest"

This post is assuming Whirrun is one of the ones on this mission

Whirrun folds his hands and rests his chin on them again while listening. As the bartender finishes he speaks up "I have a few questions, just details mostly" he raises his fingers "One, how many other guards? Two, what people of importance or note will be present? Three, where do we plan on taking the chest immediately after taking it? Four, do we have a map of the route of opportunity we can attack in? And finally" he looks around at the other knives with a bit of curiosity "What four?"

The leader replies, to the last "The four Knives who are guards will be the Kedrick, Rupert, Ragnar and Lady Natalia. Through some manipulation, both mundane and magickal, we've let it be known they are 'good, solid mercenaries who can be trusted to get the job done'. Of course, it just so happens that the job they are actually doing is much different from the job the Abadarians think they are doing."

The woman finishes "The other four will be you, Martil, Shula, and one other, whom we will reveal to you later"

"So all we have to do is steal the big box of money from the Abadarians during the middle of their parade?" Shula asks, thinking through the possibilities. "You say that we are to attack the procession, but if you just want the money, it would probably be easier when the whole city isn't watching. I assume this is intended to advertise our presence, and I would ask what is the message is that you wish to convey, and to who?"

An interesting question, Shula, but maybe a more direct problem is, who besides the Blood Knives are guarding the procession? Will we have to deal with other guards once we make our move, or are the Blood Knives the only ones?

Martil's wicked lips curve into a smile, Millions ripe for the taking. Nice. "So in essence we have four old foxes watching the hen house on this one, while four younger foxes dash in and strike." There is long pause, "When is this procession and what do we know about the 'other' guards" Her long slender fingers air quote the the word 'Other'. "Any suggestions of a plan?" She begins to form the framework of plan.

"When do we find out who this mysterious fourth member of the team is? Her eyes move to Natalia , then Rupert, Ragar and Kedrick trying to see if this is news to them to.

After a moment of reflection, "I doubt that we are the only ones who have considered making this attack. Other guilds, and perhaps a few independents yahoos, may be planning a similar surprise."

"It's a procession. Half the city will be out with a fortune dangled in front of them. 'It's going to be guarded by some of the finest protectors this side of the Inner Sea, including a quartet of Blood Knives,'" Shula reminds Ragar. "Stealing the chest in the middle of the procession with a million weak and innocent witnesses who we are obliged to protect seems like a fairly desperate plan, if the only goal is to get the money."

She looks at the drow, thoughtfully. "If we could infiltrate another group that had a similar plan, we could let them grab the chest and take the heat, and simply relieve them of their ill-gotten gains once they're in the clear."

Do not get ahead of yourself, Shula. It would be wise to discern the numbers we are talking about, which was the reason for my detailed question.

"I'm considering possibilities. Since we don't know anything, it's all building castles in the air, now, but I can't see how it harms us any to discuss options."

Whirrun listens to them going back and forth, then addresses the leaders "Is there anything else we need to know about the job or specifically how to do it? If not than I think a map and some time to plan will be all we need"

Martil listens intently waiting on the elders to answer some of the questions put forth. Patience, no need to rush. Work out a viable strategy, factor in the unknown and plan several escape routes.

The shadowed one laughs again, that same haunting laugh and those red eyes look to Shula "Well child, unless you know a way for all eight of you to swim a league off shore, fight your way past the four warships that guard the vessel the chest is going to be stored on till the procession is to begin, defeat all the guards on the ship, and then find a way to transport the chest, that probably weighs several hundred pounds, back to the city, our idea is better"

He pauses, letting that sink in "Enlighten us, please"

Whirrun nods, knowing now is not the time to give them lip "We're all ears"

As a heads up, that last comment at the end is directed at Shula

Yes, I was saying "we're all ears" to let them know that as a group (including her) were ready to listen to them