Atapax's CoT Campaign


Play-by-Post

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You all recieve a visit from an attractive young woman in her early twenties named Janiven Her short curly brown hair frames a face that, while smiling, is obviously cautious. She bears a longsword but her hands stay well wide of the hilt as she makes a slight bow. She is dressed simply, certainly no one of any importance politically, but she has an air of confidence and determination that is hard to miss.

Yukimura, Kalvek, Prevara:
Janiven tells you that she has heard of your efforts to help the people of the city and she would like you to join her at Vizio's Tavern for a late dinner (1600) tomorrow. During which you might find others who feel the same.

(OOC: Of course I assume that you agree.)

Nesswen:
Janiven is tells you that she knows you have a score to settle with the government of Cheliax and that she might be able to help you with that. If you want, come to an early dinner at Vizio's Tavern. There you will meet others who have issue with the government.

(OOC: Of course I assume that you agree.)

DC 10 Knowledge Local/Diplomacy:
Janiven not unknown in Westcrown. She’s worked for several guilds and mercantile interests, sometimes as a caravan guard but more often as a city guide and bodyguard for visiting merchants and business partners that the guilds want to keep out of trouble with local thugs or the shadow beasts that patrol the streets at night. Janiven has a reputation of being a bit rash (for example, she recently dragged her charge half-dressed out of a whorehouse when he refused to head back to a safer part of town before sundown) but quite trustworthy—everyone the PCs talk to has nothing but praise for the woman.

Vizio's Tavern is named for the family that once ran the establishment. Vizio’s was a place where merchant guards went to relax, gripe about their employers, and look for more work. Several months ago, however, the Vizio patriarch passed away, and the surviving family moved out of Westcrown to go live with kin in distant Corentyn. The tavern has stood empty since

DC 15 Knowledge Local/Diplomacy:
Vizio's Tavern has new owners reputed to be a half-elf man and a human woman—although they seem to be taking their time getting the tavern off the ground and open for business


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

Prevara bites her lower lip in contemplation for a moment and then readily agrees. Thinking it a good omen that she has already been contacted her thoughts drift to what she will wear that night and who she might meet. After deciding on something boring to avoid drawing any unwanted attention she heads over to the tavern. Not too early, not too late, but exactly on time. Boldly she steps over the threshold and with a deep, nervous breath, pulls down her goggles so they hang at her neck. Leaving the hood of her cloak pulled up she looks around for Janiven.

Dark Archive

**Stares at the woman for a moment, then gathers his things. In broken common, he replies,** Yes, I will be there. **He then whistles for Hakkar, and leaves the tavern, heading to a park. As the specified time approcahes, once mor he gathers his belongings, but doesn't have to whistle for his wolf, for Hakkar was already by his side. Using his scythe as a walking stick, he makes his way towards the meeting place. He arrives a little late, (cities confuse him)but not too late. Looking around expectantly, his eyes meet with those of a hooded figure, but only briefly.** Sorry I am late, big city. *And as if to accentuate that point, he holds his arms out, as if he were talking about a fish he caught. He finds a chai, and sits, slightly removed from the group, but within earshot.**


Female Elven Rogue 2

Nesswen considers the offer for a few minutes and then tells her that she will be there. Asking around town to find out a bit more about the strange girl, she finds that she can be trusted. (Diplomacy 13)
She arrives to the tavern about an hour earlier than the appointed time, finding a cozy table in the room she sits and waits for everyone else to come in. Though not overly cheerful, she does chit chat with some of locals while waiting. Getting a feel for what kind of meal everyone seems to like best from the Inn.

Silver Crusade

A slight smile appears, and she nods. Afterwards, she asks several people about her because she felt a bit uneasy, and is a little paranoid about someone taking advantage over her naivety of the "real" world. She hears nothing but good things, so feels more comfortable about the meeting. (Diplomacy 19 + 7)
She comes to the tavern about 15 minutes before the meeting time with a cup of hot tea held in both hands, wearing a more conservative kimono than her performing outfit that Janiven met her in the day before.(OOC: Carries many tea bags from home[haven't made my equipment list yet]) As she walks in, she looks around for a table. Seeing one half populated, she walks toward it. She places one of her hands on the back of an empty seat, and asks the people sitting at the table, "Excuse me, is it alright for me to sit here?" After them saying it was okay, she sits down, and begins casually talking to them while sipping her tea in relaxation.


Female Elven Rogue 2

Watches the strangely dressed woman with tea cups walk in. When she sits down, I make my way around the table so that I am closer to her. "That's a lovely dress," I remark "Where did you get it?"


The tavern is desserted, boarded up and abandoned. But as each person finds their way there Janiven opens the door for them, invites them inside, and asks them to have a seat. There is a large table which has obviously been prepared for this meeting and slowly begins to fill with each new arrival. Janiven herself keeps busy straightening things up, amking a few minor repairs, and putting the finishing touches on a dinner that smells, while not extravegant, at least very sustaining. She says little, aside from asking each newcommer if they would like anything to drink, and lets the strangers get to know each other a bit without her interfearing. She diverts any questions about the purpose of the meeting or the details of it until after dinner claiming that it is bad luck to talk buisness on an empty stomach.


The last person to walk in, even after the Half-orc, is a figure no less impossing. A mountain of a man with clanking armor, the first thought that would come to nearly everyone's mind is 'Hellknight'. Yet though at first glance he does indeed appear to be one of the dreaded enforcers he lacks certain accoutriments to his armor that would designate him so. Still the sheer bulk, combined with the enormous longsword, combine to make him an intimidating figure regardless. His black hair is cropped short in a military style and his demeanor as he thanks Janiven for the mug of ale she gives him and sits down is gruff and disciplined.

He says little to anyone immediatly, just leans his sword up against the wall close by and takes a seat, surveying everyone else with cold grey eyes.


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

Taking a seat, Prevara declines the offer of a drink with an awkward smile. As the rather loud and imposing figure enters she pulls her hood down a bit, wondering if she was wrong in trusting Janiven so readily. It is indeed an odd group that has gathered, but nothing was ever gained by worrying. Prevara fidgets in her seat as though the idea of sitting for so long bothered her. With a nod to herself, she stands and walks over to the Half-orc, sticks her hand out and says, "I am Prevara. Nice to meet you. I know what you mean about the city. I spent a good week just wandering around getting lost. Where are you from?"


Female Elven Rogue 2

When the Half-Orc walks in I continue my conversation with the woman in the different-styled dress. But I do keep an eye on him, watching him as he finds a spot to sit down. While I have no room to judge a person, something about him creeps me out. At least until the Hellknight-look-a-like walks in. I reflexively adjust my own clothing to ensure me "brand" is well hidden. Now, pinned very uncomfortably between someone that just creeps me out, and someone that resembles a fear... I find myself scooting closer to the Half-Orc.

Disguise
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Dark Archive

Kalvek looks at the hooded woman standing before him, squints a bit, and seeing inside the hood, he stands and takes her hand surprisingly gently, which is small in comparison to his own, and bows slightly. "I am Kalvek of the Bloodspear tribe. We are somewhere outside of this city. I'm sure you under...understand?" He pauses as if asking if the word was correct. "...that I cannot say where, men hate my brothers." Peering once more into her hood, he lowers his voice. "Where are you from, that you hide in a hood inside. You are not dis...disfigured?" He pauses again. "Is it to hide your..." Looks around quickly and whispers, aware that if she is hooded, she is clearly hiding something, and he doesn't want to give her secret away. "...horns?"

Silver Crusade

"Ah, this? It's from a few countries ago," I respond with a couple of laughs. "By the way, are you from around here?" I question as I curiously take swift glances at the others in the room.


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

Prevara laughs as she enthusiastically shakes the Half-orcs hand, turning it slightly to compare the sizes. "You are big. I am not used to that." Leaning in closer, still grasping his hand, "I understand very much. I will not ask again. I am also a visitor, having travelled here and there." Large, blue eyes widen in shock at his observation, "Horns? I have.. horns?! Oh yes, those. I find that most people are not comfortable with them so I try to ease them into the idea." She gives Kalvek a wink from one of her large, blue eyes.


Savidus notices the woman shrink from him and he moves over to give her some more room. His eyes, do not stay on the woman, however she might act. Rather, they fasten on the cloaked woman and the half-orc, watching them with a curious expression.

(OOC: Please do not forget to cheack and use the OOC thread as well.)

Dark Archive

Kalvek smiles warmly at Prevara. "I have never met anyone this nice away from home. You would like it there! or mabe not, lots of orcs." He leans in a bit, smiling. "Kinda smelly." He chuckles a bit, and invites Prevara to sit with him so they can talk.


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

"Smells do not bother me so much as attitudes," she says taking the offered seat. Now she is positively beaming, the excitement difficult to hide from her voice. Higher pitched now and faster paced, "Maybe we can visit each other's homes later... when we are better acquainted. I think you would like it, although you would have to be careful. People are rather short there. I do not think it is very smelly, but who knows... I could have just gotten used to it." Now she leans in even closer to whisper, "Do you think he would like to join us?" Her head jerks in the direction of the armored man in a not too obvious manner.

Dark Archive

Kalvek shrugs. "It is worth a try. He looks like he wouldn't, but he may. Do you want me to invite him over?" He looks over at the human with an equally curious expression, trying to find something other than his armor to talk about.
(Perception roll of 17)


Female Elven Rogue 2
Yukimura wrote:
"Ah, this? It's from a few countries ago," I respond with a couple of laughs. "By the way, are you from around here?" I question as I curiously take swift glances at the others in the room.

"I stayed up in Egorian for a while. But, I..." Pauses to think carefully about her next set of choice words. "I found a different calling and decided to start out here in Westcrown, first. Before taking it back to Egorian. But I haven't been able to make any money, so all I got right now is what you see."

Silver Crusade

"I see, very interesting. Good luck at getting where you need to go in life. I hope whatever your calling is brings you true happiness," she says after taking a small sip of tea.
"So, no money at all? Have you had any previous work or anything?" she asks.


Female Elven Rogue 2
Yukimura wrote:

"I see, very interesting. Good luck at getting where you need to go in life. I hope whatever your calling is brings you true happiness," she says after taking a small sip of tea.

"So, no money at all? Have you had any previous work or anything?" she asks.

Nesswen leans back in the chair and looks up at the ceiling and ponders for a moment. "I was taught how to dance, I'd like to think I'm fairly good at it. But, it's not what I want to do. Yes, I could make some money doing it, but I'd probably end up right back where I was before and that's not where I want to be."

Silver Crusade

"What do you want to do?" she asks staring at her green eyes, "Is there an occupation in particular?"


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

She eyeballs the "Hell Knight," trying to catch his eye. Seems any lack of confidence she might have had previously is gone. Prevara tries to smile invitingly.


Savidus does catch the looks from both the half-orc and the cowled woman. Hard to miss with the glowing eyes and the obvious nods. At first he scowls only for a moment before a sort of forced and uncertain smile comes to his face. Like someone who is trying out something new. He holds up a hand to offer a slight wave but says nothing.

Kalvek:
You spot a holy symbol of Iomedae tucked in a fold of his armor, obviously being kept where it wouldn't be immediately seen.


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

Awww. 'How cute', Prevara thinks to herself. She looks at Kelvak and then waves the "Hell Knight" over.


Savidus is probably thankful that any shifting of seats is interupted by Janiven starting to lay out the food. It is not a feast, but the food is well prepared and filling. Janiven sits down to join everyone else but she still says nothing about what she brought you here for. She seems open to idle conversation but for the most part remians silent as everyone else talks.

Dark Archive

Kalvek takes a bite of his food, and waves Savidus over to the table, pulling out a chair to further extend the invitation.


OOC: Just to clerify. The only chairs available are around the only table that is pulled out. Savidus is already sitting down at the table, next to the charming elf.


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

Prevara does not wait to see if the "Hell Knight" moves and instead focuses on the food set before her. If there was anything wrong with the food you would not be able to tell by watching the odd girl. Screw chit-chat, lets eat!


Female Elven Rogue 2

Nesswen scoots her chair closer to the table as the food is set down. Eating her fill and making little conversation during this time. With her stomach full she leans back in the chair sipping on the drink that was served with the meal, waiting for everyone else to finish up. Anxious to hear what their host has to say.

Silver Crusade

Yuki begins eating the food placed before her slowly with small bites. She doesn't like to rush enjoyable moments like eating.

Dark Archive

Kalvek looks around the room, seeing the elf scoot away from the human in plate, at their host,who was quietly eating, and than to Prevara, as she wolfs down her food, and then down at Hakkar, who is patientl begging for scraps. Raising an eyebrow he said in Orcish, "You know the rules, wait 'till I'm done." Hakkar lays down with his head on the floor, and sighs deeply. Kalvek laughs slightly and eats some more, saving some of his meat for the wolf.


Savidus joins in the near silent meal, though he does pause to say a brief prayer over it. As everyone eats he takes some time to look about the table in an appraising way, but as no one seems inclined towards talk he leaves it at that. Really he wouldn't know what to say, regardless. It does seem, though, that if they've all been asked to be here they must all have something in common. Even if they do appear to be vastly disparate.


The meal passes quickly, all the more quickly for the lack of conversation to interupt the eating. Janiven clears the table as everyone else leans back, satisified if not full, and once again those gathered are left to face each other.

Yuki and Nesswen:
You can tell that Janiven glances towards the front door and window repeatedly and almost nervously as she clears the table.


As the plates are being taken away Savidus looks once more at everyone else then clears his throat slightly. "Perhaps introductions would be a good start. My name is Savidus, former Hellknight Armiger of the Order of the Chain." He takes a deep breath as he leans back, folding his hands in his lap. "I say this not to brag, for it is not a thing I am nessessarily proud of. But I do believe that openess will serve us well. It is obvious our host means to ask us to work togeather, and a squad without secrets is one unafraid to offer his full attention to the enemy."

(OOC: An Armiger would be like a squire or a trainee)


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

Prevara claps enthusiastically, "Well said, well said, Savidus. Welcome and thank you." She looks around the table with a wide grin, looking everyone in the eye as though she were gleaning more about their character. "For those I have not met.. My name is Helwyr Keyt, but you can call me Prevara. Most people do. It seems to make them feel better. I am not really sure why, but I suppose it has something to do with my nature." She shrugs. By now her voice has risen to a rather high pitched sound, her excitement apparently getting the better of her. "I just want to say that I am very excited to be here and I look forward to working with all of you. I am sure we will all be very, very, very good friends." With that she takes a deep breath and leans foward expectantly as though a good story is about to be told.

Dark Archive

Kalvek takes a deep breath, and speaks in broken Common. "I am Kalvek, son of Gronnash, of the Bloodspear tribe. Yes, it is an orc tribe. Don't judge them badly, we are peaceful, we are exiles from our tribe for not embracing war as they did. There was a bad thing in our tribe. Plants died. Childern died. My-" Stops mid sentence, as if he were choking on his words. "My son died. I was told to find the cause of the badness, I followed it here." Trying to regain his composure, he leaned back, pinching the bridge of his nose and reaching to pet Hakkar.


Female Elven Rogue 2

Leaning forward in her chair, Nesswen stands up and gives everyone a quick curtsy. "My name is Nesswen Galaeth. For most of my life I lived in Egorian. I have come to Westcrown seeking a life of my own, adventure, and skills that will help me live out the rest of my days in peace. I am somewhat of a dancer," glancing around the table she continues, "if anyone in this group knows how to play an instrument, I would love to continue to practice." Nesswen curtsy's again and than sits down.

Silver Crusade

Yuki takes a fast look at everyone around the table before standing to give her introduction. "I am Yukimura," she begins seemingly uneasy. "I perform and blacksmith not only for money, but also for fun," she says while switching her stare from Janiven to the door, not looking at anyone or anything else. "I, also, look forward to working with this group," she finishes still without looking at the whole group she'll be working with. Afterwards, she gently sits back down into her seat.


Female Elven Rogue 2

((Nesswen has tried to bluff the party. Her story is true, just not all the truth. Please make the Sense Motive Check before the Knowledge: Local.))

Bluff Roll
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Sense Motive:

While you believe her story to be true, you can feel that there's more to it than she's letting on.

Knowledge: Local DC 10:

The manner in which Nesswen curtsied is how slaves and servants are taught. Seeing how she shrinks away from the Hellknight, you are quite positive she was, or still is, a slave...


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

Bored now. Prevera looks around and around fidgiting and waiting. If she noticed anything amiss there is no sign of it. She looks at Janiven with wides eyes.


Savidus gazes intently at each person as they make their introduction, but says nothing in response. Clearly this is a ragtag group of people and he's fairly certain that each of them has something more than what they've said. Except perhaps for Pavara. She seems to have laid just about everything on the table with the possible exception of long walks on the beach and dancing in the rain.

As Yuki sits he turns to Janiven, their host, expecting far more from here than anyone else. After all, she has yet to define a reason for bringing them here.


Janiven clears the last of the dishes away then walks to the door and, with a lingering look out of the front window, locks it. Turning about she takes a deep breath then launches into a speech that is as obviously genuine as it is unpracticed.

"Again, thank you for agreeing to meet with me here. I have chosen each of you for a singular reason—everyone here, myself included, has suffered, whether we realize it or not. I have lived in Westcrown my whole life, and although I love this city, I must admit, as must you, that despite our peace and prosperity, we continue to suffer. Fear should not be an expected part of life, and yet each night brings fear to our doorsteps. Yes, Westcrown has been safe from war and famine for nearly seventy years, and yes, our businesses has prospered—but this safety and prosperity has been bought in the coinage of fear and prayers to Hell. Other lands live free from tyranny. Other cities do not fear the night. Other governments do not cede the streets to monsters of the infernal shadows. Westcrown was once such a place, and she wants to be such a place again. Westcrown is not only her buildings and canals and docks and history—she is also her people. Westcrown is our friends and neighbors, our mothers and fathers, our siblings and cousins, our sons and daughters! With but a small group of supporters and dedicated brothers and sisters, we can earn the trust and admiration of those people. A Westcrown free of these shadowy beasts that stalk our streets is one step closer to a Westcrown free of the devil that is the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune!”

Janiven’s words are, of course, treason. Everyone in Westcrown knows a friend of a friend of a friend who was taken away by a Hellknight or executed after a swift trial for speaking less than what Janiven has just uttered.

(OOC: Nesswen's Sense Motive DC should be 13 not 19. Somehow the bonus was added twice. Unless I am missing something.)

Silver Crusade

Yuki nods in strong agreement with a serious look on her face, waiting for a plan to be said, general or precise.

(OOC: Actually, I think you're just looking at his roll in a different way. Notice that in the middle of it all there is an arrow, which looks very close to an equal sign. That's to show that the 1d20 turns into a 13 (what he rolled) and the 6 (his bonus) is still a 6. It's just to know where his numbers came from. So he rolled a 13 + the 6 bonus =ing a 19. I hope this makes sense. lol :))


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

A pretty speech, but obviously not enough to keep Prevara's interest. Halfway through she starts eyeing Hakkar, reaching out her hand palm up to see if she can pet him. Pretty puppy. Awww... aren't you a pretty puppy. Yes you are. Yes you are. Puppy, puppy, puppy.


Female Elven Rogue 2

((OOC: Yuki is right. That's how it works. From here on out, anything I put in Italics is what Nesswen is thinking.))

Nesswen gasps at the outrage and she turns to watch the Hellknight, fearing for everyone in the room. While he may be an Ex-Hellknight... you never know if they have some sort of demonic magic that sends blasphemous phrases straight to hell. How else could they catch people for speaking out for less!
While their host seems to trust him, Nesswen still has her doubts. If they are still here, and alive, in the morning...or not ambushed by the third or fourth time they get together, she'll have to apologize to him.
I've worked so hard, and sacrificed so much for what little I have. Praise Calistra, she has given me more than I could ever hope for. All I can do now is bide my time and devise a way to turn an entire House upside down. All their power, given to a rival House. I'd not want to kill the slaves and servants. But the House militia should be up for grabs... perhaps a couple nasty and gruesome unexplainable deaths... Or...
Nesswen smiles for the first time as she's lost in her own thoughts. Her face seems to glow in the dim light, somehow making her quite attractive.
I could kill rival House Militia, leaving clues at the scenes that it was that Bastard's House. And watch as the rival House's attack him both politically and physically. In the end, before he's killed I'd show up and do the deed myself, but I'd ensure he knew it was I who did it all! Oh yes, this sounds perfect! I'll have to consult with Calistra in my prayers tonight. Until I am strong enough to pull this off, I'll earn what experience I can from anywhere. Here sounds like a good idea. Dealing with the Houses and the Government in Westcrown will give me a good idea on how I should approach Egorian.
Leaning back in her chair, having completely missed the last few minutes of the conversation. Nesswen focuses back in on the conversation.

Dark Archive

Hakkar sniffs at Prevara's hand, and licks it briefly before putting his head down. Kalvek smiles and looks to Prevara. He whispered, "He likes you. It doesn't happen often."


Savidus deffinitly notices Nesswen's look, but his attention is focussed on Janiven. "Bold words. But words do not help anyone. They must be backed by deeds. And the words you are speaking would likely require violent ones."

He does not appear concerend that anyone might worry about his trustworthyness. Perhaps he doubts himself why they would.


Janiven looks at the five people. Two playing with the wolf, one looking as though her mind were somewhere else, and shakes her head a bit before looking to Savidus and Yuki. "I do believe that a group of like minded individuals can improve the lives of the people of Westcrown. But what I am speaking of is not revolution... Not armed uprising... But a band of protectors working to win the admiration and support of the citizens by doing good works and providing what aid we can." She glances to the window again, biting her bottom lip before continuing. "The key... Is the fact that Westcrown is ignored by Egorian, the nobility outcasts. As long as we work to win the hearts of Westcrown's citizens and avoid any direct entanglemets with the government, the House of Thrune will continue to ignore what they will iterpret as petty squabbling."


Female Tiefling Fighter/2

Prevara squeels with delight at Hakkar, scratching him behind the ears. "Such a good puppy," she says. Getting what she wanted her attention focuses back on Janiven.

Dark Archive

Kalvek looks to Janiven. "I will join you, but know I am not doing this for you or this city. I am doing this for my son." He stands, and extends a hand for her to shake.

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