DM_Darkmeer |
Rolling for Iolana.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
The shortest route that will get you to the old Leroung estate is through one of the more well traveled areas for the Dottari. The good news is that it's nearly dawn. The bad news, is that there are a pair of Dottari patrols.
Group Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Dottari Patrol 1: 1d20 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 3 = 5
Dottari Patrol 2: 1d20 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 3 = 13
The second patrol sees the party. The Dottari patrol is a group of four, one of whom is a sergeant. They are moderately armed patrolmen armed with morningstars, chain shirts (standard issue), and Shields emblazoned with the Eye of Aroden on them. Each also carries a loaded crossbow.
"What's all this then? Yer out after curfew, err... before curfew ends." The sergeant says.
Talk, or combat? Bluff or Diplomacy can work, although greasing the wheels might be in order.
Iolana Banderosi |
Thanks, Darkmeer!
Iolana does her best to look like a damsel in distress...it's not easy for her.
"Oh, please, officer," she says breathily (which mostly makes her sound asthmatic) "We didn't want to be out after dark. We had to! You see..." she trails off slightly, rather hoping a more accomplished liar will pick up the thread of her tale.
Bluff (Aid Another): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Byron Radanavich |
Byron does his best to look suitably scared and contrite.
"Sorry officer, you see, we had a little too much to drink last night, and lost a bet - we had to drive this cart in the predawn period down the street! Believe me, we wouldn't be out if we didn't absolutely have to... bad stuff happens to those foolish enough to go out at night (who aren't as strong and well-trained as yourselves, that is)!"
Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24, 26 with the assist.
Dario Westone |
Knowledge, Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 Is the Eye of Aroden normal to see on Dottari shields? I would think the Asmodean more.
"Can you help too, Sergeant? Nothing would dare attack is if we whole patrol of Dottari were taking us home."
Bluff, Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Stanley Sydell |
Stanley just tries to look unassuming. He's good at sussing out lies, not delivering them. If negotiations are in order, he'll step in, but until then he's just looking like a simple man in grey.
DM_Darkmeer |
And 30 beats everything you needed.
The Sergeant looks at Colgrim warily. "Ain't yer on Rego Crua duty durin' the day?" Upon hearing the others wailing for assistance, he looks at Colgrim and shakes his head. "I haven't a clue where you got found, or why you know these citizens. I expect a report tomorrow. Haloran route will be the safest, although these folk don't look to be off that route. There's an incendiary Haloran (one of the kinds that can be used by a single person) you can use.
Please note, I have been misreading the book the Light routes use Pyrajes, man size torches. The Halorans are the portable ones. Also, congratulations on a nonviolent end to the encounter.
A short trip later, the party has a proper Haloran, and they are standing outside the Leroung estate. Shortly after this, the group regroups back at the temple of Aroden, just as dawn breaks.
Before Dawn the next day, Byron finds a sack of coins outside his home. Inside the bag is 200 gold, with a note saying "Thank you for your service, please continue. --BH"
As a note, Colgrim has today off. If there is anything further anyone needs, let me know. Intro to the next adventure begins on Sunday. I didn't ask earlier, but where was any additional equipment purchaed from, Dusk Market or Legal Market?
Dario Westone |
Dario made several purchases from the legal market. MW scimitar, MW chain shirt, MW thieves' tools, and MW Backpack, as well as selling his previous versions.
The next morning, Dario and Leeka return to his flat. Despite the few attempts at straightening up from the break-in, it's still a mess. The Professor sighs and steps over a pile of books. "Would you like some tea, Leeka? I'm going to put a pot on."
Over the next several hours, Leeka helps Dario categorize and reshelve his many books. The Professor has an exacting and slightly arcane method of ordering his texts.
Leeka Fullbottle |
"Oh no, master. I'll make the tea for you. I am so sorry I didn't know you wanted tea. It won't happen again." Worry tinges her voice as she scurried about to find and prepare the tea things.
Dario Westone |
"Leeka, Leeka, calm down. I am perfectly capable of making tea. Now, if you want to help, why don't you fix us some sandwiches. Afterwards, let's figure out where you'll sleep. I suppose I can have a small bed brought in. Perhaps we'll partition the dining area, or even better, you can have the loft. I just keep boxes and books there now. Things I had to remove from the University."
Iolana Banderosi |
Iolana will purchase the following: when she can get them legally she will, but especially for the third potion I imagine she might have to go to the dusk market. Just let me know if any are unavailable: 2x potion of CLW, 1 potion of Bless Weapon. Actually that's all I can find that I can use at the moment; should come to 150 gp.
Leeka Fullbottle |
Leeka sounds surprised. "You don't want me to sleep with you, master?" she asks. "Isually when a man purchases a female slave, that's what he has in mind. It was certainly what he had in mind."
"And I do know how to make tea, master, but if you show me how you like it, I can duplicate it for you."
Dario Westone |
"What? No, I don't expect you to sleep with me. I-" He trails off, sighing. "Yes, I suspect that is what Crax intended." He shakes his head. "Leeka, I purchased you to save you from that fate, not indulge in it myself. That is not what I would have from you."
Dario pauses, looking at the Slip. "I am a teacher, Leeka. I study many things, but ultimately, I live to teach. And I need a student. Not these fledgling nobles who, bright as they can be, see only to the end of their family's estates. I need someone who sees more, sees the possibilities we have here in Westcrown."
"You have proven to me you are bright and quite capable. Far more so than any mere maid. You know the types of activities we're involved in, and the dangers involved. I believe you are capable of great things and you can be a tremendous asset to us. If you wish to continue that work, I propose you become my protégé and partner. I can help train you, introduce you to different ideas, forms of thinking, and new techniques for both sparring and sneaking. We can continue our work with Arael and bring about real change for this city. No more hiding from the night. No more fear."
"To others, you will be my housekeeper and assistant. Cook, clean, keep me organized, make purchases for me, and generally be helpful. But in reality, you'll be one of our best assets. I think you already know how powerful it can be not to be seen."
Dario sits back. "What do you say, Leeka? Shall you be my student?"
DM_Darkmeer |
A hot Arodus falls into Rova. The Free Citizens fall into a great routine of smiles upon hearing of their exploits, and they remain the talk of the town for more than a month, rare for any gossip in Westcrown. As the group works towards each of their normal professions, they bump into one another, meeting every so often in places that are known to be safer, sucha s the Bruised Eel and even Tervon's room in the Limehouse Theatre.
On Fireday, 7 of Rova, each of the group is met by a various runner. Tervon, Rizzardo, Morosino, and Fiosa each come to the group, and they invite the party back to the hideout.
Once there, the party meets up with Janiven. Janiven seems extremely excited about the news she is hoping to give the Free Citizens. In a hushed, smiling whisper, she says "We may have found a way to take back the night!"
A few moments after this, Arael comes in, with a grave face, but seemingly in agreement with a stunning woman. "I'm glad you are all here. This, is Ailyn Ghontasavos. She is a Pathfinder." He lets that sink in for a moment before he continues. "She believes that there may be a way to stop the shadowbeasts from tormenting our nights. I think that it's best if she explains herself."
Ailyn begins "I appreciate that you are meeting with me. Westcrown, nay, Cheliax in general is very unfriendly towards Pathfinders. We work to find out history, but, as the House of Thrune has been working to undermine this, things are being lost at a record pace." She stops, realizing that she hasn't fully explained herself.
"What Arael says is true, and I was hoping to find some friendly faces in Cheliax. I have found few. In order to get into Cheliax, I had to pose as a simple mercenary. I'm not here on Pathfinder business, as the Society is trying not to start any sort of conflict with any government. I was hoping to recover some of the treasures lost when the Lodge was forcibly closed some 30-odd years ago by the House of Thrune. No Pathfinders, according to our records, had been in the Lodge since before Aroden's death."
She pauses, looking at the confused faces of the party, and then begins explaining further. "Thrune is trying to rewrite history. They are effectively trying to stamp out the idea that Aroden was the patron of Cheliax at all! The lodge is now called Delvehaven, and, shortly after the lockdown by Thrune, the Shadowbeasts appeared."
In the group, only Colgrim remembers a time before the shadowbeasts. The rest of you were either too young or not even born yet!
Ailyn continues further, obviously excited about the idea of exploring the lost Pathfinder lodge. "Details on Delvehaven are scarce. There were several magical locks and wards placed on the place by Thrune to prevent entry, and they would certainly be lethal. Many of these locks also trigger alarms in certain places, which would likely result in a swarm of both Dottari and Hellknights, along with any magical support they have available to them. Obviously, I don't recommend going into this without the proper keys.
Pausing as she looks to the others to ensure they are following along, she begins anew. "There is an indication that there are keys to these locks in a certain place, in the Mayor's home itself in a place known as "Aberian's Folly." It's likely in the manor's vault. This place is known as the "Asmodean Knot," but no other research could give details other than this in my investigations in Absolom."
Janiven chimes in at this point, obviously bursting with excitement. "Getting rid of the Shadowbeasts, freeing the Nights of Westcrown, would be the best possible way to earn the citizenry's respect, and a way to make the group's actions much easier to do under cover of darkness. Not only that, it would become somewhat easier to gain allies who would otherwise be afraid of both the Dottari and the Hellknights!"
Arael looks to the others, with their excitement, and shakes his head. "The idea behind this is to join a theatre company. The Nightshade Theatre, where not only the casts of the plays have great reputations, but their very lives are on the line each performance, is performing a banned play. It's a known colloiqually as a "murderplay," and the mayor has a reputation for going to all of these, and even asking the surviving cast members to join him at his home afterwards. The play that they are going to perform is known as the Sixfold Trial of Larazod. From what I understand, this play was banned 200 years ago and incited riots by the citizens."
Janiven, rolling her eyes, starts counting off the reasons to do this on her fingers:
"1: If you survive, and impress the Mayor, you'll be treated as actors who have been invited to the home and you won't need to worry about hiding from the guards or, more importantly, sneaking in!
2: If you're invited, and Mayor Arvanxi's obsession with the theatre would give you an advantage in gaining other information from the Lord Mayor if you try, espeically if you are there well into the party because...
3: Mayor Arvanxi's parties are known to run long, sometimes over the course of several days, so you have plenty of time to remain in the home and get the job done!
4: You'll likely, as he has done this in the past, be required to come in full costume for the performance. This means full access to your weapons and armors, no one will bat an eye at it!
5: The mayor AND HIS STAFF celebrate hard. Most of his guards and servants, along with all of the invited guests, will likely be too drunk and distracted to make any serious inquiries into why the 'actors' slipping away for several hours to look around!"
Arael, the level head in this, chimes in. "The disadvantage is that they have to survive the play. It was banned for 200 years for a good reason. The fights and torments the actors endure are real. To date, no cast has survived the production of a full, uncut version of the play. This is the version the director, Robahl Nonon, has promised to give to the Mayor and to his selected nobility of Westcrown.
About the Theatres and murder play information in general: Knowledge History DC 13 or Knowledge Local DC 18:
The Nightshade theater is in the Parego Regicon, the island of Westcrown. If the performance pleases the mayor, he'll certainly be apt to invite the surviving cast and the crew to his home for a gala event afterwards.... something that would give you the cover which you would most definitely need AND it does follow the Lord Mayor's obsession with the Theatre in general.
Most of these plays are done as a matinee, just after Lunchtime. With the threats of Shadowbeasts, the plays were moved earlier, and most of the time the plays end around suppertime. This means that most nobles are able to head back home before darkness becomes an issue.
The majority of plays are performed by professional actors and most are simple, almost formulaic, operas and plays showing the power of Asmodeus. Some of them are orchestrated orgies, mostly performed at the Mantorian theater. The Montrose Theater, where Thesing Umbero Ulvauno is the current up-and-coming, performs light operas with some light swordplay. Then there are the bloodsport pits, which Byron is very familiar with. Finally, there are the rumors (so far) of hunting other sentient beings for sport in the Parego Dospera, especially Rego Crua.
More often, either criminals looking for a pardon, or desperate for attention actors try to out-perform anyone in a murder-play, vying for a rare spot in a very prestigious performance. This is often enough for those actors to perform in 'normal' plays and operas while still drawing the same crowd as a murder play.
If you're curious, the Nightshade Theatre is the most infamous place to perform a play in Cheliax, those of you who enjoy plays with the common folk know the Limehouse theater to be a very rowdy crowd indeed, and there are a handful of other theaters, such as the
About Pathfinders: Knowledge: History or Local DC 10
Pathfinders are outrightly banned within Cheliax.
More About Pathfinders Knowledge: History DC 20
Stanley Sydell |
Knowledge History (theaters) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Knowledge History (Pathfinders) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
I'm assuming the Pathfinder roll is one roll with different degrees of success?
Stanley scowls, and shakes his head, "The whole notion of the Murderplays is an atrocity of cruelty and barbarism. The fact that are even still in use is the sick ability for chaos and murder to continue unabated under the guise of order and discipline. I have tended to way too many people that have shortened their lifespan strictly out of an attempt at fame or notoriety."
He looks to the Pathfinder woman, "From what I know of the lodge here in Westcrown, it has all but been completely eradicated. The cruel masters can't have any opposition to their complete domination over a culture. I guess the presence of the Pathfinders, outright illegal here, offered too much alliance to a cause beyond Asmodeus. We would be hard pressed to find or get much from it. If there are any clues to be found with the Mayor, then I hate to have to say we may be pressed to fall in line with the plan of being a part of it."
Dario Westone |
Knowledge, History (theatres): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Knowledge, History (Pathfinders): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
"You might not be completely out of your league, Colgrim. Often criminals are given parts in these plays, seeking a pardon if they do well. You can hardly do worse than them, I suspect. Though the Nightshade Theatre is known for a rowdy and rambunctious crowd."
"So we're operating under the theory that the closing of the lodge and the arrival of the shadowbeasts are linked and not merely coincidence? What if they have nothing to do with each other?"
Byron Radanavich |
Byron shrugs.
"Blood sports have been used throughout history to keep the population pacified, and not just here in Cheliax. The 'murder-plays' are simply a particularly decadent form of this pastime. If the performers know what they are getting themselves in for (whether it be for money, fame, or a pardon), who are we to judge? Better that such negative impulses be channeled in an ordered fashion, than have it spill out onto the streets..."
When Colgrim notes that he is, shall we say, not particularly gifted at acting, Byron smiles in a self-deprecating fashion.
"Whilst I don't have access to a copy of the play, I *do* have friends who make a living as actors, and have dabbled a little myself - we could probably arrange for that 'crash course' you were after, if you are really serious about it."
Mechanically, I don't think it will make any difference, but it at least gives some IC justification for what we are about to do ;-)
Dario Westone |
Knowledge, Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Dario tries to remember the plot of the Sixfold Trial of Larazod and the kinds of acting which might be of most use.
Singing, dancing, straight acting? Comedy? Maybe parts for a healer or bodyguards?
DM_Darkmeer |
Dario:
It's the trial of a Tiefling and his allies. There's much straight acting and some opera involved. The actors are to be at least polished enough to make the nobles enjoy the show, and the director is known for his methodical, sometimes cruel, regimen for the week leading up to the plays he directs.
The Second Flute would be a good place to start, although there are several other true acting colleges that could help the group.
You know casting for the Sixfold Trial of Larazod begins in three days.
As far as other actors interested, you have heard that at least two major players in the acting field are interested, Thesing Umbero Ulvauno, and one of the best singers in Westcrown, Visbaronetess Delour Aulamaxa Separate checks for info on them. There are rumors of a few criminals as well as a couple of up-and-coming actors and actresses who are trying to join the cast and crew as well.
Iolana Banderosi |
Iolana snorts derisively. She looks positively disgusted. "Chelish pigs. I suppose you have a point about willing actors, Byron, but I can't help but think of all the slaves who must have been killed for these damned bloodsports over the last century..." She looks away, chewing her lip and looking distracted.
Knowledge (Local), only able to hit DC 10: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 Well, of course.
With a sigh, she turns back. "Fine. Let's do it. I don't know anything about these...plays...when I was a child we all just prayed that we wouldn't be selected to be involved. I do have some...skill...in...dancing..." She stares around at the group defiantly, as if daring them to say something. "Byron, if you have any connections that could help us, then I'm sure we'd all appreciate them."
When Iolana has a spare moment, she extends a hand to Ailyn. "Anyone who's a part of a group that's been outlawed by Thrune is all right by me," she says, shaking the other woman's hand firmly.
Byron Radanavich |
Byron looks thoughtful.
"Well, Nuncio is an absolute wizard at costuming and set design, so he could offer a few tips about presentation. Xiomar has been around since before the rise of Thrune, and nows a thing or two about choreography. Christina is a bit of a diva, but if approached properly, I am sure she could give Iolana some tips. Umberto would probably be a better choice for the rest of us, but he is usually extremely busy... that said, I am sure if we explained what we were training for, and offered to promote The Second Flute afterwards, he might agree to help out."
Dario Westone |
"Yes, Byron's friends could certainly help train us in preparation for our auditions. There could be other places we reach out to as well. But we have to be quick about it. Casting is said to start in three days."
"The play is about a tiefling and his allies. There's some acting and opera involved. Remember, this is all about fulfilling the entertainment of the nobles, and less about true acting. The director is known to be methodical and cruel, so be warned. Oh, and remember that actor, Thesing? He almost certainly going to be trying out for a part, and with his popularity, I'd wager he's a shoo in to be in the cast. The singer, Visbaronetess Delour Aulamaxa is likely to be part too. Otherwise, yes, some criminals and neophyte actors will be there."
Knowledge, Local (Thesing): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Knowledge, Local (Aulamaxa): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Knowlege, History on the play too: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Stanley Sydell |
Stanley's brow never raises higher than a disappointed furrow, finally he eases and offers, "Well, having some sort of instruction bordering on formal education will be welcome if we are to pretend at being trained fakes. Any foreknowledge we gain in this brief moment before stepping right into it will need to do if we are to pull this off. Let's just say, I'm not a fan, but it seems there is no better option."
DM_Darkmeer |
Arael asks Colgrim to slow down just a bit, as there is more to say. Also, the theater the play will be taking place at is the Nightshade Theatre.
Ailyn returns Iolana's handshake firmly as well. "Thank you. Not only will you be doing the city of Westcrown a great service, you will help to understand what parts of Chelish history are being glossed over by Thrune."
At this point, Janiven chimes in to Colgrim "Remember, most actors and actresses provide their own costuming. So, in our case, that works to our favor. We can heal, wear proper close-combat weaponry, and fight on properly. The biggest concern is getting in on the play."
Arael then cuts in, speaking to Byron, and the group as a whole [b]"Learning the art of theater takes years. You may be able to learn enough to get into the play, but the cast itself is going to need to work together, even if they know nothing of us. Byron, since
Dario:
Knowledge Thesing, Aulamaxa, and History checks:
Delour Aulamaxa:
She is a veru large woman. both in size and personality. She has been one of the most loved divas of the theatre and opera scene in Westcrwon. She normally demands huge sums of money regarding any role she takes. She loves compliments of her skill and beauty.
She wears very extravagant clothing and jewelry every day, and her performances are often much more toned-down than what she wears on a daily basis!
Thesing:
He is one of the most well known and newest stars in the Wiscrani theater scene. He is brutally handsome, with a with and sense of humor to match. he is known to be impatient by the theater scene, but most of the public sees him as a charming, happy, and friendly actor.
The history check confirms the first play resulted in riots in Egorian. The details you remember are fuzzy, but the fact that the first group of actors and actresses didn't make it along with many nobles seems to indicate that this could be a very dangerous endeavor indeed.
Iolana Banderosi |
"Hrrm." Iolana frowns as the group starts to head out. "I can certainly ask the Everbloom's blessings to keep us on our feet during the play...but I'll have to be able to present my holy symbol to do so. Good thing it looks like an ordinary necklace..."
She looks down at it critically. "Does anyone know a jeweler or some such? I could perhaps hide it in a false symbol of Abadar's, if we could get one made."
Darkmeer, I think you lost the end of that post to Byron! :P
DM_Darkmeer |
You are correct, Iolana. And I am confused, as it was on the document that it was typed on my PC, and it was typed WELL before the stuff to Dario. That's a very odd Cut & paste fail. Colgrim could certainly use that in the play. }:)
completing Arael's thought... "Byron, since you know them, how friendly would they be to our group's purpose?
Tervon smirks at Iolana, "Calistria might be a better choice, given what you intend to do, Iolana." He smiles, bows, and takes his leave at a very brisk pace.
Byron Radanavich |
Byron shrugs.
"We will have to pick our words carefully. After all, we will, initially at least, be promoting a rival playhouse. That said, if we signed an iron-clad contract stating that we would promote The Second Flute afterwards (but not by competing with the existing troupe), we might be able to get them on side..."
Stanley Sydell |
Stanley shrugs, "Given the proclivity for death to be involved in these plays, I feel my particular talents may be of use. I could not imagine Pharasma not at least being represented, considering her wide-reaching sphere of influence."
Dario Westone |
"Yes, Stanley, I think you're right. If I remember correctly, the very first time this play was done, it resulted in riots in Egorian. The cast all died in them." He glances around the group, settling on Leeka beside him. "Still want to join the cast?"