"Anyone care for drinks? A round at the bar here, then we can go to The Giddy Philly."
"That sounds an excellent suggestion," Waifrin agrees with a sad look after the elderly actor.
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Marius misses the words that Delour whispers to him but the reaction she receives inside surprises him..as does the attention he garners.Thankfully his hearing is approaching something close to normal by the time the waiter arrives.
"Ah..well..you know what they say M'lady..Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder" he says without thinking..then winces at his own bad pun
"My apologies..tonight has been an eye opening experience.At least I know now I should stick to what I'm good at."
"And what are you good at?"
Marius, that will earn you a giggle, a "You naughty man, " and an absinthe flavored kiss.
For everyone else, a drink at the bar in the Limehouse Theater, then it's off to the Giddy Philly. (Millech begs off going to the Philly. He'll see you in the morning. Anyone else peeling away before the Philly gets the 10 AM rehearsal reminder.)
A quick summary,
Robahl Nonon -- In a pretty good mood. He keeps Waifrin and Wilem close by. Apparently the strength of his bond with Wilem is such that it can survive Wilem leaving the company.
Thesing (Judge Haanderthaan) - Scowling and aloof. He's not at all pleased with the new cast additions, a fact which Waifrin can hear plainly when Thesing complains to Nonon about it.
Calseinica, she's so happy and thrilled to be doing this, and isn't everyone so nice, especially Delour who helped her get this gig.
Drovalid, a part time actor and barber, who tells you his name is Toz Honnuk.
Other bit actors and a few crew members -- nice enough people.
At the Giddy Philly Thesing separates from the rest of the group and holds court at another table amidst a throng of mostly female admirers.
Robahl turns out to be a lot of fun and generous when he's not directing. He has a vast number of amusing theatrical anecdotes.
Calseinica and Delour exchange compliments. They both welcome Waifrin aboard when Nonon suggests she'll be joining the cast as Dentriss, "Think what a splash it will make. The three most beautiful women in Westcrown on a single stage!" (The accuracy of that statement is subject to debate. The Visbaronetess, while still attractive is a little past her prime and over her fighting weight. Calseinica is also attractive enough, but fades a little next to Waifrin.)
The party goes strong until the sundown warning. It's stay here in a room upstairs, go home, or risk violating curfew.
Sense Motive DC 17 :
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Sense Motive
Marius senses a slight tension in Delours voice but then beside his cousin even pretty women like Calseinica are outshone and he is more than aware that older women are jealous of those in the flower of youth.
He does his best to keep her entertained although it is clear that he is somewhat out of his depth in this company
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Sense Motive:
To an experienced and world-wise street dweller, Delour can be read like a book. Waifrin smiles and agrees with her, making it clear she looks up to the other two women (Delour especially) on whom she must rely for help in learning to act, and discretely makes plain her lack of interest in the male members of the caste, especially Marius.
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Zarabeta seems at a loss throughout the gathering, as Millech was the only one she had any interest in speaking with. She nurses a drink far longer than is the norm, being unfamiliar with strong drink, and not wishing to dull her wits.
Instead of relaxing, she instead 'works the crowd,' seeking to gather information about the play and any special effects being considered to liven things up, so that she can more adequately prepare spells and planes for the next rehearsal.
Zarabeta
Illusions, visual, audio, or olfactory, are good as they can be used for many purposes, like enhancing stuff Communication spells, also a plus. Fog is good for effect.
Historically many different monsters have been used. One amusing tale concerns the use of troglodytes and the rich patrons in the first few rows....
Zara, a couple of the crew are more than happy to just talk with you too.
"Ah, yes," Raven remarks with a nod, "business. Akorian?"
Fully intending to gather his belongings from wherever Millech has left them for safekeeping and catch some much-needed rest, the elf will then be ready to join the rest of the group for some... honest work.
"Ah, yes," Raven remarks with a nod, "business. Akorian?"
"I believe I have no pressing appointments tomorrow that would keep me from joining your morning activities," the nobleman replies, "And, frankly, I could use the exercise. We need to set aside this acting stint long enough to hone our skills anyway. And we need to stay in fighting shape if we're going to keep carrying out our little vendetta against all the problems plaguing Westcrown."
The Visbaronetess is disappointed but seems to take Marius' exit with equanimity, "Tomorrow then?"
***
A little over an hour later the sunlight playing on the bottom of the high clouds is fading from red to purple and the party is looking at Whitechin's tenement a few blocks away.
"It's been awhile since our last encounter with them. And I doubt they have the mental fortitude and focus necessary to maintain vigilance for that long. Our primary concern should be looking out for any further traps."
He gives Raven a meaningful stare.
"We don't want anyone getting in over their head either. So, let's make sure we stay together and support one another. Just like when we took down the Bastards of Erebus."
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The fighter nods.."aye I'll take point in the fights..Akorian and Raven you watch my back and flanks and the ladies can back us up where needed..we can use the dog and ponyless show to harass and distract them so that we can exploit their weaknesses.
"Zara..another lemure or something similar wouldn't go amiss I doubt they would have anything capable of damaging creatures from beyond."
"It's been awhile since our last encounter with them. And I doubt they have the mental fortitude and focus necessary to maintain vigilance for that long. Our primary concern should be looking out for any further traps."
He gives Raven a meaningful stare.
"Ah, yes, traps," Raven nods. "I will be sure to look out for them. The little beasts are bound to have a few lying around. Only this time I suggest we stick together, since last time I almost ended up as elven stew." His tone bears no ill will, in fact he sounds amused.
"Alright then, it seems like there will be fun for the whole 'family', so to speak," he adds after the rest of the companions have spoken. "A good chance to try out this new blade of mine."
If Akorian brings up the coordination of spells, Zarabeta will say with a wry grin, "I'll be preparing an assortment of summoning spells. I have developed my talents enough that my dog-and-pony show should have more than a single dog, and no pony."
"Great minds think alike," he returns, "I had something very similar in mind. We should be able to put some honest fear into them."
"Also, I know another prayer that can bring forth the cries of Milani's revolution in such a concentrated blast as to wound and stun those who stand together. So, if the goblins approach us as a group, I should be able to severely thin their ranks a bit and buy us an advantage."
"Lastly, for you my dear," he tells Zarabeta, "I can't help but remember how close to death you came against those tieflings. You're full of surprises and noble sacrifices for the success of our group. So, I've prepared another boon from my goddess. Any wounds you suffer...be they from blade, club, or spear...much of the damage will pass to me rather than you. Milani willing, I can then mend such damage a lot more easily for us both after we survive such an encounter."
2nd - bull's strength, shield other (D), sound burst (DC 15), summon monster II
1st - bless, divine favor, obscuring mist, protection from evil (D), shield of faith
0 - guidance, light, stabilize, virtue
Zarabeta seems taken aback at Akorians offer, but recovers her poise. "That would be most appreciated, as I do seem to have a gift for getting myself bloodied in these excusions. I will endeavor to not require you to suffer on my behalf."
"I think you'll find followers of Milani are indeed...longsuffering, my dear. If it helps us be more effective, I'm willing to bear that burden and suffer the scars. It's a path I chose a long time ago when I shunned the faith of Asmodeus and applied myself to learning the true history of Cheliax in the days of Aroden."
Any chance we could have Uqabi do the initial, non-confrontational scouting for us? A raven ought to have an easier time extricating itself from trouble than our resident elven rogue.
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"I've been practising ... I think I can hammer a bunch of them if they are good enough to cluster together, but only if they are close. Marius, if I can take position right behind you, I can reach past and at least wound any large groups. Otherwise, I can effect their confidence as I did last time, and pick off leaders," Waifrin readies her buckler and dagger.
All right. Uqabi finds the goblins on the roof. And doesn't get stuck full of pointy flying weapons.
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Uqabi returns in what he hopes is an unassuming 'just a bird flying here, not a spy!' manner and croaks in Zarabeta's ear (in Qadiran).
Zarabeta hands him some raisins and warns the others, "Uqabi has seen goblins concealed atop the roof, watching for intruders."
"Is there some way we can strike from above? I can conjure an air elemental, but it will be too small, and last two brief a time, to convey us to the roof..."
"Is there some way we can strike from above? I can conjure an air elemental, but it will be too small, and last two brief a time, to convey us to the roof..."
Akorian gives Zarabeta's question serious thought and then finally deadpans...
"Well, we could always ask Raven to climb up and strand himself there. He'll presumably keep them occupied with his elven wit while the rest of us climb through windows again and storm the place floor by floor until we can rescue him."
"No?"
"Then perhaps we should give these goblins what they seek? We show ourselves...but not all of us. Just someone who can draw their attention and get them to send out a group to try and nab them. That person then leads goblins to the rest of us and we ambush them for a change. Maybe Uqabi could roost up high somewhere and warn whoever's serving as bait when the goblins are closing in. That'll be the signal for the rest of us to get ready as well."
"Then, after we cut down the goblins, we take their little hideout by storm knowing we've reduced the number of defenders by however many they send out."
Akorian gives Zarabeta's question serious thought and then finally deadpans...
"Well, we could always ask Raven to climb up and strand himself there. He'll presumably keep them occupied with his elven wit while the rest of us climb through windows again and storm the place floor by floor until we can rescue him."
"No?"
"You know, for some reason I expected you followers of Milani to be the grim self-sacrificing sort," the elf retorts with a smile. "I am ever so glad to see you dispelling that myth."
"Use one of us as bait to lure them out to kidnap / burgle them?" Zarabeta says, "That's probably the best idea. I should be the bait, as Uqabi can silently warn me as the goblins close in, without alerting them by making noise, and I can cry out when we are in position to spring a counter attack."
"Perhaps I should follow along?" Raven offers. "You will still be playing the role of the bait, worry not," he says, turning to Zarabeta, "but trailing you from a distance and preferably out of sight might be a good idea. After all, there is always the chance something goes wrong and I can only assume having a bit of back-up could prove rather useful, yes?"
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"Your discrete accompaniment would be most appreciated, master Raven."
"Best to do this before my courage flies away." Zarabeta says, pausing to cast a protective spell upon herself.
She waves and Uqabi flies into the sky, to seek out an appropriate vantage point, and she chooses an alleyway near their current location. "When they come forth, I will attempt to flee back into this direction, to lure them into the alleyway, if possible."
She removes her backpack, and loosens the strap, so that she will appear to be dragging it in her arms, as if it carried something of weight, instead of being practically empty.
With prestidigitation, she causes dust from the street to fly up and cling to the hem of her robe, giving her a more disheveled look, appropriate to a woman of lower station, who has had neither time, nor opportunity to launder her garments.
Once everyone seems ready, Zarabeta begins to move out into the open, making a show of lifting her backpack, stepping a few paces, and then dropping it again, as if she cannot carry it more than a couple of steps at a time. She looks around nervously, like a suspicious bird, and even gives little pants of effort and wipes her brow of (imaginary) sweat, as if these labors have all-but exhausted her.
If anything, her performance is overwrought and obvious, like a killdeer faking a limp to draw a fox away from her nest. Those who have so recently experienced the sting of 'dying' on stage likely are heartened to see that, if she had stepped out there, Zarabeta would have made an even bigger fool of herself...
Atop a nearby building, Uqabi cringes, placing a wing over it's face, momentarily, as if to spare itself from embarassment, before returning to splitting its attention between the goblin-infested tenement, and making sure that no shadow thing has crept onto the roof it is currently using as a 'crow's nest.'
"You know, for some reason I expected you followers of Milani to be the grim self-sacrificing sort," the elf retorts with a smile. "I am ever so glad to see you dispelling that myth."
Akorian grins and replies, "Just trying to give you an opportunity to widen your budding acting skills, my friend. You were so convincing with the goblins last time, I thought maybe you'd enjoy an encore performance. And, clearly, they were your most captive audience to date..."
"Use one of us as bait to lure them out to kidnap / burgle them?" Zarabeta says, "That's probably the best idea. I should be the bait, as Uqabi can silently warn me as the goblins close in, without alerting them by making noise, and I can cry out when we are in position to spring a counter attack."
"I'm a bit more worried about your safety than Raven's should the goblins choose to attack. I guess it's true, though, that Uqabi can warn and guide you more effectively than anyone else."
"Perhaps I should follow along?" Raven offers. "You will still be playing the role of the bait, worry not," he says, turning to Zarabeta, "but trailing you from a distance and preferably out of sight might be a good idea. After all, there is always the chance something goes wrong and I can only assume having a bit of back-up could prove rather useful, yes?"
"I like that idea. It won't do for you to get in over your head. And with Raven there, at least you'll have some quick backup in the event you fall into their ambush instead."
"Your discrete accompaniment would be most appreciated, master Raven....Best to do this before my courage flies away." Zarabeta says, pausing to cast a protective spell upon herself.
"I wish I could add to that," Akorian offers, "The protective ward I spoke of earlier last for several hours, but we have to remain in close proximity for it to work...about 30 feet or so. If you could stay within that range, and the goblins attacked before you could lead them here, at least Milani's protection would help you keep fighting until we could reach your side. It would also have the added benefit of letting me and the rest of us know when...and if...you got hurt."
If Zarabeta thinks she can carry off her ruse and stay within range of Akorian, he prays over her, asking his goddess to spare the girl's pain by letting him share that burden with her.
She waves and Uqabi flies into the sky, to seek out an appropriate vantage point, and she chooses an alleyway near their current location. "When they come forth, I will attempt to flee back into this direction, to lure them into the alleyway, if possible."
"Marius? You're the fighting man among us. Arrange us however you think would be best to successfully ambush the little goblins. I can ready my crossbow, morningstar, or another spell."
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"Before we start give me one of those light stones you can make... then you and Waif can secret yourselves in the shadows that line this alley....I'll wait over there.." he points to a handy doorway close to the alley ways entrance....then I can close on them from the rear while you have them silhouetted against the light..it should work..if the gods are with us for a change."
He slips the light stone into his pouch and moves to his chosen position
As Zarabeta starts moving away from the rest of them, Raven allows her to do so until she has put a bit of distance between herself and the group. Then he starts following her, trying not to get too close, but have her in his line of sight nevertheless, as he uses the surrounding buildings and alleys for cover. The whole time the elf keeps his hand on his rapier's hilt, ready to draw his blade should the need present itself.
Looking at the tenement, it's clear Whitechin has taken advantage of the interval since your last visit to reinforce the place. A second layer of boards covers the windows and spikes protrude out of the new layer.
Uqabi conveys an image of two talons of goblins on the roof.