Well, thanks everyone for sticking with this game as long as you did. It's been beset by challenges from the beginning, but I did have fun playing along while it lasted.
And for the record, Ferrucio's not evil.
Not yet, anyway. ; )
Search Posts
Sorry, nobody comes to mind. I will ask the players in the Carrion Crown PbP I'm running if they know anyone, but I don't have the time to take on another campaign unfortunately.
I prefer 'pragmatic', thank you. And I had nothing to do with the party paladin's demise. No, really.
Thanks Bishop. Let's see what happens.
Possibly Evil?!? Harrumph. ; )
We were waiting for Illithia to post...but I suspect something has claimed our GM. Unless one of us wants to adjudicate the goblins' actions in Flykiller's absence I'm not sure there's anything more we can do.
Ferrucio narrows his eyes at the goblins tearing down the tunnel toward them. He manoeuvres himself to one side and retrieves a small piece of wool from a pouch at his waist as he mutters a few arcane syllables, then holds the wool ready in his hand.
###
Ferrucio's mouth quirks in a smile as Dario bellows for him. I'm sorry to say I haven't memorised that dweomer today...do you think some soap and a scrubbing board would help? ### Later, Ferrucio hefts his pack onto his shoulder. Ready when you are, he says.
You're probably right--but what precautions should we take against being ambushed ourselves?
We could also set an ambush, Ferrucio suggests. If we know the kinds of people who have been kidnapped we could set one of us up as a likely target and go from there--if the direct approach doesn't work.
Ferrucio retrieves the note from Bishop and hands it to Dracius. I found this in my room this morning. It seems Bluehood knows where we are--and the fact that she--or her agents--went to my room instead of Dario's, even though he performed the drop and I remained hidden, further suggests that she knew I was there observing. The note came with the coins Dario is holding. I thought it best to ensure they were not ensorcelled in some way before deciding what to do with them. As for the nature of magic, Dario's aptitude is inborn, and yours is granted by Shelyn. Mine is due to study, which means that I sometimes encounter difficulties in binding certain dweomers to my mind--mostly those for discerning information, or for creating false realities. The dweomer for the detection of arcane energies is one such, simple though it is. With further study I might master it, but I will always struggle to cast it effectively. In any case, it seems the coins are mundane, so we may safely disburse them as we see fit. Dracius, would you deliver another half-share to the Children? Then, we can talk later on what to do about Bluehood--although the fact that she or her agents were here but did not take the remaining shadowstones in our possession suggests either imperfect knowledge or benevolence. I would not like to assume which. First, we should discuss how we intend to approach the goblins in the sewers. Anyone have any ideas?
Ferrucio watches Dario cast the spell with genuine interest. If it sounded like I was implying that such a task was beneath me, I apologise--I cannot cast that dweomer, as I've never been able to master it. But then, I spent most of my tutelage busy with...other things. Perhaps when things are somewhat less fraught you could show me again? If nothing else, we may be able to work together to teach Tarvi how to cast the spells I could not teach her alone. And speaking of teaching, 'Professor', Ferrucio says with a wry grin, have you given any thought to providing the Children with some context to this struggle? Your knowledge of the history of Cheliax could prove invaluable in strengthening their spirit and resolve. And I think Amaya would probably quite simply enjoy hearing the stories. ###
Well, there are a few questions I can think of that I'd like to ask, such as 'what do you use the shadowstones for?' and 'what relationship do you have with Pharasma?'. Ferrucio gathers the coins up again and puts them in the bag, pulling the drawstrings tight. Come to think of it, I'd also like to ask 'what the heck is going on at Walcourt?' and 'are the shadowbeasts in Westcrown at someone's specific invitation?'. That does assume she has some special insight, but it would not surprise me if she did. He tosses the bag of coins to Dario. Casting dweomers that discern enchantments has never been my specialty. Before we begin dividing this up, it may be worth checking to see if any of it is ensorcelled. Do you think you could do it?
Ferrucio enters the room several minutes later, bringing with him a black velvet pouch and a piece of parchment. He hands the parchment to Dario without a word, and waits until the half-elf finishes reading it.
Ferrucio waits until Bishop has read the note as well, and then tips the pouch out on the table between them. Twenty platinum pieces scatter onto the surface. I found that in my room this morning. I am guessing, Ferrucio says, that Bluehood has found us, even if we couldn't find her. Presumably she--or one of her agents--followed me back here after her nosoi entranced me the other night. He looks chagrined both at the memory of having his mind violated, and being the one who may have given away the location of the Children's lair. I don't believe Bluehood is malicious--judging by this handwriting she may not even be a member of one of the sentient civilised races--but we should be prepared to move in case her designs become opposed to our own, and she chooses to sell us out to the dottari or the Hellknights. We also need to decide whether to give her the four remaining shadowstones in our possession.
Curious--and a little apprehensive--Ferrucio goes to pick up the pouch, but stops. He quickly refers to his spellbook. Fifteen minutes later he has taken the time to memorise open/close and casts it on the pouch, peering inside to see if he can work out what's in it.
Dracius mutters, "Maybe the goblins can keep 'til the afternoon." and heads off to his cell. Not a bad idea, Ferrucio replies. Maybe they'll be sleepy around then, from eating. Ferrucio follows his companions' examples and heads straight to bed.
Ferrucio comes to the front for a moment and peers down the tunnel. He grimaces in distaste. Whatever that stuff is, I suggest marking it on your map so we know it's there next time. Ferrucio then returns to his spot in the line.
Ferrucio casts light on one of his daggers and hands it to Sclavo. Here, he says. Best to be on the lookout for anything dangerous.
###
Sorry for the delay, it's been a busy week. I may not be able to post tomorrow and Thursdays as I'm in all-day workshops. Ferrucio votes for going home by the sewers, or staying at the inn (he is happy to front up the 14gp). He only thinks staying at the inn is a good idea, though, if all the Children are there. He doesn't want to leave anyone unprotected back at the hideout.
That split sounds fine to me.
Ferrucio, blissfully unaware of the basis for the silent exchange between Bishop and Janiven, leans back in his chair while watching Illithia make her way across the taproom. Whether it's the bandits or the goblins, I agree that we shouldn't waste time. As to which is more pressing, well, as far as we know the bandits are only stealing goods and possessions, whereas the goblins are said to be responsible for the disappearance of the people of Westcrown. Perhaps, then, the goblins should be our first target--it's much easier to recover items intact than the lives of individuals. As for my pragmatism and dark paths, Dracius, I thank you for taking me seriously enough to consider my influence so seriously. There is a brief pause where Ferrucio chews his lip before standing, drink in hand. He raises it in a toast. To the bonds of companionship. He downs the remainder of his drink, nods toward the washroom as if to take Illithia into account as well, and then sits down. ###
Ouch. Well, I'm glad Ferrucio got the chance to clarify his position before Illithia turned on him for good. ; )
Ferrucio frowns. Perhaps I was not careful enough in choosing my words. If I gave you the impression that I am advocating the wholesale slaughter of the Bastards, I gave the wrong impression, and I apologise. I am more referring to what Dario brings up--the fact that if we go in against the Bastards pulling our punches, or seeking to save every last soul, we will already be on the back foot. They are organised, they have patrols, they have spellcasters that may rival my own mastery of the arcane[1], they have a priest of the high prince of Hell, and who knows what other abominations they may have trained or co-opted to their cause. If they have had the time and dedication to connect their main hideout in the temple to four other shops, I don't think we can expect an easy fight if and when we confront them in their own domain. What I'm seeking is an agreement between us about how we approach the Bastards. As far as I'm aware, Illithia is the only one of us who is capable of seeing into the soul of another creature to discern its intentions, but if we have to wait for her say-so every time we are fighting, we may quickly find ourselves overwhelmed. We need to agree how to approach this situation before we get into it. So let me ask then--are we agreed or not that if we are individually in mortal danger, we strike back with lethal force? If we survive, and if there are wounded Bastards in need of assistance, I say we give it freely. We are not the Hellknights, as Arael points out. But what I want to avoid is a situation where we are overwhelmed and killed by a foe who does not share our compunctions about lethal violence. As I said, the goblins and the bandits outside the town are a separate matter and we may have this conversation again concerning them--but as far as the Bastards go, do we really want to go in there with one arm tied behind our backs? I would hope that in the first instance we may each act according to our own conscience. But in the main, Illithia, you are our most potent weapon against the danger and depredations we may face in the Bastards' lair. If you yourself are not fully committed, it puts the rest of us in danger too. I understand it is not an easy decision to make--I have seen what you go through when violence becomes inevitable. But that is why I want to have this conversation now, not when we are facing a half-dozen tieflings who are trying to rip our throats out. [1]
Yep, Ferrucio would like the spellbook, and if nobody else has a claim, he'd also take the silver dagger--always handy to have a silver weapon...
Hey folks, just wanted to add a few details to the massive speech of Ferrucio's I just posted, because when you're around a table it's easier to do some give-and-take to make things clear. My intention is for Ferrucio to provoke some thought about two things: (1) what the group's intentions are for the Bastards, in terms of how we fight them, and how (or whether) that translates to other combat actions; and (2) the fact that just fighting bad guys but not investing in social change is not likely to create lasting change for the city. There is a bit of metagaming going on in that last one, in that I am working on the assumption that the adventure path probably has things in it like "by defeating the Bastards, the PCs provide space for <insert social programme> or <insert progressive opinion here> to flourish" or some such. I'd just prefer that the players originated some of that stuff, so that we're not just wading from combat to combat. And I would have taken more time to craft Ferrucio's speech, but heck, it already took me two hours. I really should get some work done today...
###
Ferrucio licks his lips before speaking, trying to choose his words carefully. Illithia, I know you prefer to avoid violence--I wish I could see what you see, to believe there is good in everyone. But... He chews his lip. Look, let me put it this way. Let's say you have a close friend--someone you respect and admire, who has always been there for you over the years, and who you trust with your life. One day, you discover that friend is using pesh. Over the following months, this friend becomes increasingly paranoid, increasingly violent, and increasingly emotionally unstable as the addiction takes them. They lose all sense of perspective to the drug--until eventually one day, you find yourself facing each other, your friend's weapon at your throat as they threaten your life. At what point in that sad sequence of events do you intervene in your friend's downward spiral? When do you stand firm, say 'enough is enough', and demand that they change? This friend of yours is destroying everything they once loved with their addiction. At some point, a direct intervention becomes necessary. At some point, you have to take your friend, slap them in the face, and tell them that you have had enough--that you will no longer allow them to harm themselves and others. I believe the same is true with Westcrown. Ferrucio gets up, and begins to pace. The withdrawal of House Thrune nearly seventy years ago crippled this once-great city. It used to be known as the City of Nine Stars--did you know that? Now it's known as the City of Twilight, and its people are too frightened to go out after curfew, afraid some shadow-creature will take them in the night. He stops momentarily in his pacing and shivers, as he remembers their own encounter with the shadow creatures, but there is a fire in his eyes that none of you have seen before. He resumes his soliloquy, his voice forceful as he makes his key point. A city that is so far steeped in misery and decay needs more than just a pat on the back and a reassurance that things will be all right. It needs decisive action--something that can't be ignored. It needs a slap in the face. Ferrucio stops his manic oratory for a moment, surveying his audience. He drops the pitch of his voice, making everyone strain to hear his words. I don't believe we can afford to take the noble path on this one. Neither in terms of being able to achieve our goal of bringing change to Westcrown, nor in terms of our own lives. Bishop's narrow escape from Pharasma's embrace has made that clear to me, at least. While we can deal with these bandits and the goblins separately, I don't see how we can offer any quarter to the Bastards. As an organisation, they are a blight on the city, dead flesh that must be excised for the good of the body. There are no opportunities in this city for tieflings, and we are too limited in our resources to take them in. Leaving too many of them alive would only promote resentment--and from that resentment will stem anger, hatred, and more dissent and chaos. Which is not to say we can't change the social fabric of this city as well--but to do so we will need to do more than take down the Bastards, or these goblins, or the bandits preying on merchants outside the city. I am reminded of an adage from my days at the Academy--'A summoned imp serves only minutes. A bound imp serves a lifetime.' If we are to create real change, we need to consider what happens to the survivors of our war as well as the victors. We need to support the revitalisation of the Rego Cader. We need to find allies who don't see tieflings--who could be a great source of labour and skills for this city--as second-class citizens. We need to find a means to engage the city's citizens rather than alienate them. And we need to do all of that without bringing the Order of the Rack or House Thrune down on our heads. Ferrucio pauses. None of this is going to resolve itself immediately. But we do need to decide how we intend to deal with the Bastards. Are we going to give them an opportunity to repent, or have they lost that right? I don't speak of individuals--anyone can turn over a new leaf given sufficient incentive. I speak of the organisation as a whole. Because if we really intend to offer them a chance to change, then we are obligated to inform them that we are coming--and in doing so we will lose any element of surprise we might retain. We can talk about how we deal with the survivors if and when we have some. But if we believe in our vision for Westcrown, then we owe it to the city to do whatever it takes to survive--and that may very well mean killing every last Bastard we find in that temple. Sometimes, it's kill or be killed. I know which I'd prefer. Ferrucio sits down again, seemingly exhausted.
On the way back, Ferrucio will make Perception checks to ensure they are not being followed.
After accepting Dracius's healing, Ferrucio too returns to the common room, albeit lamenting the bloodstain on his trousers. Ferrucio blushes in turn as he notices Tarvi's attention, although he tries to cover his reaction. When Dario throws the spellbook across to him, Ferrucio catches it and opens it, perusing its contents and absentmindedly heading to an armchair to read through it in detail--before he thinks better of it, and beckons to Tarvi. Why don't you come and take a look at this with me? he says, heading instead to a couch in another corner of the room. If you're going to carry on studying magic, you'll need to learn how to read spells written in all sorts of styles.
###
Ferrucio relates what he knows. The Bastards are based in an abandoned temple in the Rego Cader. They have guards, and a watch, based in the belltower. I'm not sure how often they rotate the watch or the guards; I wasn't there long enough to observe that. If we go back during the day, we'll be attacking in broad daylight. If we go back at night, we will be at a disadvantage against the tieflings' darkvision, but their own sight will be reduced as well. I did manage to discover, however, that they have additional entrances beyond the front door: there are four other entrances around the rear of the temple, through a carpenter, a tailor, a shoemaker, and a woodcarver. All the shops are abandoned, by the look of them, and one was boarded up--if we were able to get in quietly we might be able to avoid any guards. As I was shadowing the thugs that attacked us on the way back, I heard one of them mention two names: Palaveen, and Sheila. Does anyone know who these might be? It sounded like Palaveen was some sort of devotee of Asmodeus, from the conversation. Sense Motive DC 30:
Ferrucio's assertions make sense--but he is glossing over things more than usual. Perhaps he has something to hide? ###
Ferrucio suggests that the best course of action might be to revisit the scroll seller, and see what additional information they can get about the banditry going on outside town. If they leave the city, though, he will insist that the remaining Children set up a proper set of watches and have people on guard all the time. It's unlikely that they were followed back to the hideout, but just in case, it's best to be prepared.
Ferrucio takes the gems into his hand, then closes his fist and mutters a few arcane syllables. When he opens his hand, striations of ice criss-cross the gems' surface. He places them on the floor, next to Illithia's booted feet. Care to do the honours, miss? Ferrucio asks. Give them a good stomp--and if it doesn't work, bring them with you. Ferrucio hooks a leg over the windowsill and makes his way carefully down the rope.
No acid...but maybe I could make them cold enough to shatter? Ferrucio holds up his hand, coated in ice crystals.
If that doesn't work, we can always bring them with us, and destroy them back at the church.
Ferrucio presses his lips together--not at Bishop's actions so much as his words. Stupid isn't the word I'd use--especially when I'm within earshot. It's not entirely clear whether Ferrucio's deadpan delivery is because he is tired or because he is genuinely irritated. Besides, wizards run the gamut, just like tieflings, or half-orcs. He glances at Dracius. Some are noble, others are...self-absorbed. Sense Motive DC 25:
This conversation is starting to make Ferrucio uncomfortable. Ferrucio fiddles ineffectually with the rope. Are you lot coming, or not?
Ferrucio takes a glance at the gems as Bishop picks them up.
Hang on Bishop...can I look at one of those? Ferrucio wipes his hands on his already-ruined trousers and then turns the gemstone over in his fingers, leaning against a wall for support as he does so. There are tiny little-- Ferrucio's voice trails off as his face goes even more pale. He hands the gemstone wordlessly back to Bishop. Be careful with those, he says, pushing himself upright to stand unsteadily. This one, at least, contains a fragment of a creature's soul. You have three options: sell them at the market as baubles, sell them to a spellcaster who is willing to use them to power another construct like that doll, or shatter them, and free the souls inside. He moves to the window, his face still troubled. As for me, I intend to get out of here. He suits action to words by taking Dracius' rope and tying it on. There. Dario, are you feeling better? Who wants to go first?
### Ferrucio yelps in pain as he makes his way to the corner, and then, clutching his leg with one hand, makes a wary attack against the doll, hoping that his help will give Illithia the opening she needs to finish it off.
Unfortunately his swing goes wide, coming dangerously close to Dario as the other man lunges at the doll. Ferrucio looks at the blood on his hand, his cheeks becoming pale as a bloodstain spreads on his usually perfectly-creased trousers.
With an unobstructed view of the creature, Ferrucio has a better opportunity to study it, to see if he can work out what it is. Actions: close door (move action?), 5ft. step to I7 (no action). Knowledge check (no action).
But then, judging by Bishop's earlier reaction to the doll's scream, it doesn't look like he has a choice. He draws his purloined mace, and then steps into the fray. Actions: draw Shanwen's mace (move), move to F7 (move), drawing an AoO along the way, but now flanking with Illithia. AC is 16 (mage armor is still active from the fight with the tieflings in the alley). ### Dracius, you can draw a weapon as a free action as part of movement if you have a BAB of +1 or higher.
Just as well it's not djezet; that stuff is expensive and would have any bunch of PCs worth their salt right in there looking to capture it regardless of the danger levels. ; )
Is this really wise? Ferrucio whispers as they near the stairs. Surely this whatever-it-is can wait. It's been here who knows how long... He checks and rechecks the tension on his crossbow. Is this really even something the Children of Westcrown should be investigating, or do we have Dario's damnable curiosity to blame for this predicament? It's clear that he's talking to cover his own nerves. When Illithia pushes the door open, Ferrucio stays well back, and peers down to the floor below to make sure none of the suspicious maybe-sentient-maybe-not liquid is following them.
Dracius did not detect any divine presence or religious significance of the blobs. They did, however, radiate a very unstable and constantly changing magical aura of moderate strength, which did not belong to any of the eight classic schools. It was more like a radiation of raw magical energy. I'd say it's djezet, but that's red, not silver. Otherwise, this has me stumped!
Ferrucio steps back from the trapdoor and removes the kerchief from his mouth. He folds the kerchief neatly as he talks. Which is it, up or down? If we're going up, can I suggest that we close this door first? Not that I'm entirely sure that will help; I think that liquid stuff might be alive somehow--whatever it is. And there is magic down there of some description. He replaces the kerchief in his pocket and hefts his crossbow in his right hand. With his left, he makes an arcane gesture and his hand becomes wreathed in frost crystals. Best to be prepared, he says.
Silvery stuff? Ferrucio moves forward and peers down into the cellar. After a brief look, he recoils and retrieves a kerchief from his breast pocket, which he places over his nose and mouth. Then he takes another look. Hmmf. His voice is muffled by the kerchief. Mooks mike qmicksilmer
Earlier, back at the alley
All right. You can go. Ferrucio pauses. You really should consider what the pretty lady said, you know. She's right--about 'meaningless banditry'? That road either gets you killed quickly, or rich and paranoid. It's not the sort of life I'd wish on my worst enemy. He backs off a few paces to let the tiefling get up, and rubs his face with his hand. Go on. Get out of here--before I change my mind. Ferrucio sits on a crate, his crossbow still at the ready. Must be getting soft, he mutters to himself. After the tiefling leaves, Ferrucio spends a minute or so in quiet contemplation, then makes his way back to where he and his companions had entered the area, only a short time earlier. ###
### Ferrucio arrives at the same dilapidated house as the others, just as Dario mentions hill goats. What, is your mother down there? Ferrucio remarks with a sly grin. Then he hears the strange singing. It sends a shiver down his spine. What is making that noise? he asks the others.
"There, will you let me go now?" You've been very helpful so far, so your chances are good, Ferrucio says. I have two more questions. First, tell me about any magic-users amongst the Bastards. What sort of spells do they favour? And second, what...unusual threats are there other than the mummy you mentioned?
Ferrucio listens to Dario and Dracius, marvelling at their naïveté in thinking the tiefling could be redeemed. But then, that's what worship of the fickle gods got you--an assumption that everyone was able to change their mind, turn over a new leaf, and other assorted misbegotten beliefs in the power of forgiveness. Momentarily distracted by his dark mood, Ferrucio is almost surprised when the group begins trooping away, leaving the tiefling tied up, if only loosely. Ferrucio waits until the others are well out of sight before he emerges from his hiding place, weapon in hand. If the tiefling has not freed himself by then...Ferrucio holds a dagger to the tiefling's throat. If the tiefling has freed himself...Ferrucio hefts his crossbow and covers the tiefling. I can see you're wondering who I am, he says quietly, forcing as much menace into his voice as he can. Consider me the man who ties up loose ends. If the tiefling has freed himself, Ferrucio motions with his crossbow for the tiefling to lie down on the ground. I'm like a conscience, Ferrucio continues, only I don't bother with tiresome things like right or wrong, I just do what needs to be done--which often includes killing people who get in our way. The others you met--they're good people. I am not. You have thirty seconds to tell me everything you know about the entrances, exits, alarms and patrols used by the Bastards of Erebus. Don't leave anything out. If you make it good, then perhaps I'll let you go. If you don't, well... He pauses. Tick tock.
Ferrucio remains in cover, for now.
As Ferrucio rounds a corner, having spotted the tell-tale shape of Illithia's boot-print in a patch of mud on the cobbles, he hears the voices of his companions. He decides to stay out of sight for the moment to assess the situation.
Ferrucio, satisfied that the tieflings are dead, and surprised (but not terribly alarmed) by the blood thirst of the summoned eagle, immediately bends down to retrieve his crossbow bolt from the tiefling's eye, and then heads down the alley to retrieve the bolt he fired earlier.
Having assured himself that he's left nothing behind, Ferrucio turns his attention to the task of finding the others. He trots down to the corner the others vanished around, and looks carefully to see if there are any signs of their passage.
Ferrucio hurries to catch up, listening carefully for a familiar voice.
|