A day later Silas and Hecktor are having fried breakfast. Irritable odurs of fried eggs, bacon, shellfish and various other yummy things waft around the waterside cafe.
"By the gods that feels better, I can finally think without a marching band pounding the beat in my skull!"
He eats some more breakfast before pulling a nondescript bag out of his rucksack, saying, "I er meant to give this back to Lucanor. Its that bag of holding. Everything is in there. I know Michael wanted some of the bits but since we're here I think we should sell everything else, while we're not under the thumb of that Haarg."
Hecktor finishes his breakfast.
"If there is no problem at all with Michael i don't see why we shouldn't. It's better to sell it here than in Falcon's Hollow and it indirectly ending up with that Haarg."
A week or so later, Silas flush with cash, (and several other goodies safely stored in the bag of holding) travels back up river to Falcon's Hollow. Hopping off the boat he makes a bee line to the Sheriff's office. As ever Baleson is in, limping slightly from the wound, and rises painfully when Silas knocks.
Silas favors him with a huge smile and says, "Ahh Sheriff Baleson, just the man I wanted to see! Don't worry nothing's the matter. It's the future I wanted to talk about. As you know better than anyone, this town has been through some hard times. You and I have the scars to prove it... I know you've been thinking of retiring for some time, and I suspect the reason you haven't is concern about what happens after - to you and the town."
"It seems events may have provided a solution. There's an election coming up and I think Mayor Deldrin Baelson has a certain ring to it! Oh come now, don't give me that look, you'd be perfect. How do I know? You're honest to a fault and you care about the little people. Besides you don't actually want power, but if duty calls you'll step forward. You know who else put themselves forward? You know who does want power? Kreed... Quite, we can't let that happen. I'll do everything I can to help, believe it or not I've been preparing for this moment for some time. We'll do this right - fair and square, no funny business. Kreed will fight dirty, and that'll be his undoing."
After visiting Baleson, Silas takes a deep breath and heads over to Shavros Vade's tower.
It's been a while, I hope he's cooled down a little. I think I know how lion tamer's feel - putting my head into the lion's mouth...
"Thank you for seeing me. I know you're a busy man, so I won't keep long. Anyway first, for what it's worth I'd like to apologize for the misunderstand a while back. I'm not expecting to be friends, but I'm hoping we'll be able to do business. Apropos of that I'd like to offer you first refusal on something you might find interesting."
Silas shows him the bead of force in a small jewelry box, explaining "Yes I know what this is, and moreover I'm pretty sure I know how it's made, although this is slightly beyond my current ability. Anyway if you're interested it's for sale, and either way I'd be interested in learning more about item creation - should you be willing."
Silas pauses, and if given the chance he talks about one final topic before departing. "There is one other reason I came, the coming election. In case you didn't know Deldrin Baeleson is standing for Mayor. I believe he would be a good candidate, under his guidance the town stands a good chance of stabilizing and you know he's honest. That would be beneficial for everyone. Something to think about."
Hecktor had purchased and spent training two animals in Almas.
One was a beautiful female falcon, which he named Alice.
The other was a young tracking dog he named Ropher.
The two were trained for scouting, tracking and watchguard. The falcon could even be sent to hunt for small game like rabbits.
"Silas, i think these two could work well for us. They're smart and still young."
----------------------------------
At the preparations for the election:
Hecktor walks into the shop where Laurel & Percival, letting out a small *cough* to signal his entrance. Seemingly he had interrupted "a moment".
They weren't mad, but greeted him.
"Good to see you both in good health, it's been quite some time.
No doubt you've heard about the election coming up. Gared's running for sheriff and Baelson for mayor. For the sake of the Hollow, you'll back them up won't you? They got the heart in the right place."
After some smalltalk, Hecktor takes his leave.
Deldrin thinks on Silas' speech for a moment and says wearily Your right of course....if I don't run against the bastard, no one else will. And then what'll happen? He will become even more powerful. No one wants that. he stops and sighs and then says He's got the money though, and the influence and....he's got the town whipped up against the fey, you know for the Carnival. Carnival of Tears he is calling it. Saying that you and yours might've stopped it sooner had ya let the plague kill all the fey. Not in person mind you, he never speaks ill of the Heroes of the Vale in person, but....he is doing it, never you doubt it. Times gonna come when he wants you gone. But nevermind that, I'll run against Kreed. We are gonna give em hell.
Vade seems intrigued by Silas' request. Indeed Master Hawkwinter, you know something of the magickal arts. I figured you for a dandy and a fool, but you have some manners and you recognize my worth...so yes you may use my laboratory. I will give you a key, but you must never proceed into any other of my experimental rooms. Give me your word. Good then, also there is a matter of a fee. I will require certain reagents for my experiments. For each week you use my laboratory, I will require a shard of Black Onyx.
About Baleson, Vade says As a citizen of this town I do have a...civic responsibility yes. I will think on it. But you are right, an honest man in power would be truly something different in this locale.
Laurel and Percival hear the news of the election with undisguised joy. Laurel promises to spread the word through her contacts among the womenfolk and herbalists in the Vale. Percy says that he will "Discuss the matter at length with his patients"
Gilmork decides to go and approach Jasin Greatoak, the low market organizer. In his mind he is in charge of the market of the normal supplies, things that are in demand every day.
"Jasin Greatoak? Might I have a minute of your time? I have something important to discuss."
"So I'd reckon you know Sheriff Baleson is resigning his post, he has put his heart and soul into providing security for the Hollow, so much so that he himself got injured while defending it and protecting the other citizens. Though he knows he must make way for a younger generation, he still holds the well-being of the Hollow dear to his heart, that's why he is running for Mayor. In my opinion of what I've seen from him, he's an honest man and a better choice for a stable Falcon's Hollow than any other candidate wouldn't you agree?"
Gilmork pauses for a moment to let this sink in.
"As he's stepping down for a younger generation to take his place as Sheriff he is advocating Gared, one of the heroes of the Vale to take his place. Gared has defended the Hollow on more than one occasion, in what better hands than his could the new security of the town be? I ask you, in what better hands could the town be than with two people who are honest hard-working men, who have a heart of gold and deeply care for the Hollow and would be willing to lay their life down on the line for it if need be? Please think about it."
Silas promises not to enter any rooms without Vade's express permission.
As Silas leaves Vade's tower he thinks, That went much better than expected. Still I can't rest on my laurels, the competition will be busy. I'd better find out what they're up to...
Silas heads over to the low market to mingle and listen to any rumours floating around relating to the election.
While Silas is hanging around the lower market, he sees a certain halfling come out of an inn.
He sets his face and scoots over talk to Vamros Harg. He does his best to look genuinely pleased to talk to the pipsqueak saying, "Ah Magistrate Harg! I was hoping I might bump into you. Please walk with me for a bit. Now I'm sure its not escaped your notice that Baleson is running for Mayor. He wants to reassure you that should he be elected that he will work with you in good faith to ensure the stability and sustainable growth of the town. Baleson is a good reliable man. I have every reason to believe that under his guidance there will be rather fewer, irregularities... I encourage you to have the conviction to vote with your conscience! Good day to you sir."
I encourage you to have the conviction to vote with your conscience!
Jasin Greatoak hears Gilmork out, nodding and saying Yeah, Gared is a good local boy, trustworthy. Not like some of these fly by night newcomers. he catches himself and says Present company excluded of course. the fat man chuckles and his triple chin quivers. I'll take your words into consideration
Silas word to Vamros Harg cause him to narrow his eyes slightly What's your game Hawkwinter? You trying to get me killed? or worse? Next you'll want me to actually start administering my own court rulings. However, Silas you think you see the halfling begin to think of what life might be like if Baleson gained more power.
The party has taken 3 actions, the opposition 4
Hecktor would go visit Gared's appearances and "convince" any obstructing ruffians/saboteurs in private of being honost and the side Gared and Baleson represent is for the better.
So Bloodeye is sticking his snout into things is he? Two can play at that game. Just as well I bought some more things from Almas...
That evening making sure he's not matched, Silas makes his way to an alley near one of the more disreputable bars were Lumberjacks and Bloodeye's goons hang out. Earlier he spent a while carefully applying makeup to transform himself into 'Thomas' an itinerant tinker. He chants the cryptic runes on the scroll which flares briefly and crumbles into dust.
Gone is any semblance of Silas, and present is the shorter, uglier and smellier Tinker who rounds the corner and strides into the bar with nary a care.
I hope nobody saw that. Well let's find a goon... Rats its dark in this hovel, no clue who is who. Best assume the barman and that lumber jack propping up the bar are on the take.
Thomas sidles up to the bar and orders a bottle of throat burn. He starts grumbling quietly at first but with gathering force so in the end everyone at the bar can hear,"No good busybodies. Don't want their likes round here, stirring up trouble. There'll be hell to pay when da boss man finds out, you ken me? What's that you say brov? Who is coming? Only the thrice damned Eagle Knights! I overheard some loose talk on the barge up here this morning, some cock and bull story about girl slaves. Couldn't have chosen a worse time too, a brotha just wants a quiet life and what does he get? Goodie two shoes poking their noses were they ain't welcome, with their pet magistrate in tow."
Thomas hawks and spits, and arms gesticulating he cries, "I ain't making no scene bruv. Jus some things get me riled up. Yeah I ken you brov, Hic. I er Hic should go sleep it off. I'm going, Hic. I'm going..."
With that Thomas totters out into the gloom and takes a convoluted route back to the duck, loosing a wig and a ramshackle coat on the way.
Well Hecktor how do you know which ones are Bloodeyes men and which ones aren't?
[dice=Perception to spot "unclean types"]1d20[/dice]
Gilmork will make a short visit to any of the people that were hurt by the thugs of Bloodeye and offer them healing free of charge.
"This is especially the sort of scare tactics that Baleson and Gared wouldn't stand for. Please don't be afraid to let yourself be heard, speak up against this menace in your town. Vote for Baleson and Gared and against the people who terrorise you."
Gilmork hopes he can keep up the spirits of the people that were hurt and convince them to not be deterred in voting for Baleson/Gared.
After that he visits Lady Cirthana with a message that would be pretty obivous by now.
"Lady Cirthana." Gilmork bows deeply before her. "I'd like to tell you something, but I've no doubt you've already heard about it. Sheriff Baleson is running for Mayor and wants to leave Falcon's Hollow in the good hands of Gared after his election. You know what Gared and Baleson have done for this town in their moments of hardship, but it seems the town needs them and us again in these troubling times. Kreed and Teedum also run for these offices and don't care about how they win votes. They use scare tactics, intimidation and even physical harm, we can't let that happen to innocent folk. I come here to ask you for your support, not only for the election of Baleson and Gared, but also for healing aid for anyone that is beaten up by Bloodeye's goons or Kreed's men. Will you help us?"
@ Hecktor its a little more involved than a perception roll. Most of the town is populated by "unclean" types.
Silas's anti Bloodeye rumor takes hold in the coming days and he lays back, expecting trouble from Almas.
Cirthana agrees to heal the wounded, but she was already doing that so...
The party has taken 4 actions, the opposition has taken 4 actions.
Hecktor will use his knowledge of his previous profession to aid the hollow. Taking care of animals like horses for merchants and farmers, so they are in fit condition for when it's needed. Helping farms with specific details to maximize harvest and sowing.
Lucanor has been quite busy even before the election started in full swing. For one thing, he attempted to smuggle Ralla and Hollin to another city with a temple of Iomedae where they'd have a better life, one where Ralla wouldn't have to sell herself.
He has also watered and cleared a tent for trees that were once men, put up a sign asking folks not to cut them down or burn them with a warning: Cursed Trees, do not Touch. And has wandered the woods looking for a certain fae queen... trying to call in part of a favor and see if she could do something for them, or at least make sure they aren't in pain.
"Your majesty?" he'll call out should he find signs of fae activity. "I'd like to talk to the queen. I've a request for help that may help keep the peace."
Should he be unable to find her he may have to settle for asking a high level cleric to come into town and cast remove curse. It maybe well empty his coffers but if he can get them revived, they can go back to their families. And , as a perk, he can hopefully count on their vote for their friends.
.........
However those two events go, he'll return to find the others hard at work. "What'd I miss?"
Should anyone tell him of thugs altering votes, he'll get a grim look, nod, and get to work to find them.
Lucanor, your entreaties to the forest meet only silence. The fey have been exceptionally quiet since the events of the Carnival. Rumors have it that Syntira has been battling the minions of the Cold Rider and forcing them out of the Vale.
Why don't you and Hecktor come up with a more detailed plan for how your gonna stop Bloodeye? Otherwise, Let me know and I;ll draw something up for you guys.
That evening over dinner with a twinkle in his eye, Silas tells Hecktor and Lucanor (Gilmork too if he's in town) that, "We may have a guest later on, assuming he got my note and decided to hear us out."
He inspects the wine he's been savoring, a Varisian red, a good full bodied drink with hints of cinnamon and cloves, and swirls it around in his glass. He nonchalantly carries on saying, "He's taking a risk coming here, although he'll be incognito. Pretty sure some of the patrons here tonight are his people. Perhaps that, ah..." Silas was about to say more, but a boy runs over to him and says, "Ere Mister! I was told to give you a message: fella by the paper mill says ok."
Silas thanks the lad and hands him a copper, who scampers off. Silas drains the remainder of the wine and says to the company, "Shall we? I'm not expecting trouble but I think for this a show of unity may be in order." With that Silas gets up and walks out of the Duck and heads east and south to the old paper mill by the river. As the party get closer somebody whistles and your attention is drawn to what appears to be an old fella in a weatherproof coat.
"Ah so you came Tabrik, I'm much obliged. Your lads haven't had the easiest of times of late. To be fair neither has the town, what with the consortium and the plagues and all... Anyway I think we can help each other out. If Baleson gets elected, he'll make sure you get the proper legal standing as a free company which will afford you and yours a deal of protection from the likes of Harg. Of course Baleson needs to get elected first and I'm hoping you can help us out there. One other thing you should know, Baleson is planning on insisting that for every tree cut down, three saplings are planted. Now these slow growing hardwoods won't amount to much in your and my lifetimes, but our grandchildren and grandchildren's grandchildren will thank us. I also have every reason to believe this will make the Fae back way off. Something to think about. Good evening to you sir."
Hecktor is trying to early recognize the mentioned guest, but only when Silas introduced him does he recognize the man.
"He's right. Having a man whose intentions are for the better of all and not out to rob you of your rightful earnings as mayor benefits each and every one of you. Aren't you angry they steal the money you're entitled to by common standards? With the fae not being a problem, you all have certainty you get back to your families at the end of the day."
Gilmork is indeed with you in town for as long as the election process is running.
"It is even more than that Tabrik. You know who's been riling people up against the fae, who's made some of them hate the people of Falcon's Hollow? That's right, Kreed. Now if Baleson would be elected mayor and Gared as the new sheriff, they could repair the damage done by Kreed and his cronies. It would lead to a safer, richer and more stable Falcon's Hollow."
"I got nothing much to add to what they're saying, save that if this town is ever going to bloom into a true part of the republic, it'll require men like the Freejacks who aren't afraid to speak up. Whether you agree with Baelson or not on all matters, at least he would be willing to listen. Kreed has a tendency to shut folks down it seems to me. Not a man you want as mayor when votes are supposed to matter," He says.
Tabrik Splint is swayed by Silas' words. Your right, Baleson was a company man when he worked the Yards, but at least he knows what its like to swing an axe and work for a damn living.
Going to post an election event recap here to keep track of party actions.
VP=Vote Points
1) Silas goes to Sharvaros Vade. Gains 4 VP
2) Hecktor goes to Laurel/Percy. Gain 4 VP
3) Gilmork goes to Jasin Greatoak. Gain 4 VP
4) Silas goes to Harg. Gain 2VP
5) Silas uses his "Eagle Knight Gambit" costing the opposition a whopping 9 vote points, as Bloodeye lays low.
6) The PC's influence the Free Jacks to vote Baleson/Gared 6VP
PC's have taken 6 actions.
The opposition moves....and has also taken 6 actions.
The party has 4 more actions. Choices include
1) Stumping (basically walking around and talking to people)
2) A debate
3) An election rally (Baleson gives the speech)
4) pretty much anything you guys can think of, I can fit into the system.
Next morning, Silas heads out early to mingle among the market crowds. He comes back looking worried, "Payden is buying votes and maybe more than that. Both Bricky the grocer and Jak Crummy have made some extravagant purchaces of late in the high market. I have a bad feeling in particular about Mr Crummy. Another strange thing, Tabrik was seen arguing with Harg about something. The fact they'd even speak to each other is a turn up for the books. Something is afoot. Oh and sentiment seems to be shifting our way although we still have a way to go. I think today's rally should help a lot. The little folk need to know Baleson is there for him. I've pulled in a lot of favours and have organised a big party for this afternoon. This should be fun. We even invited the gavel for a debate but I doubt he'll turn up."
Gilmork heads out to the unofficial Craft's Guild Headquarters. After a short enquiry into where he could find their leader he comes across Deveera Gadsel, busy working on crafting a fine and delicate bow for one of the hunting parties.
"My word, that looks like a mighty fine bow there miss Gadsel, if I didn't have myself a good bow I'd ask you to craft me one as well. Come to think of it, if you ever make your masterpiece I would sure like to be the first to get the chance to buy it."
Gilmork squats down and looks at the workmanship a little closer and looks up at Deveera with sparkling eyes.
"I can really appreciate craftsmanship this fine. But I let myself be sidetracked, I came here for another reason. As you might well know, sheriff Baleson and Gared one of the Heroes of the Vale, are running for mayor and sheriff respectively. You know better than myself how this town has been run the last years, but I've seen the men who hold power here and what they've done to this place in the short time I've been here. Baleson and Gared have proven already that they were willing to put their lives on the line for the other inhabitants of Falcon's Hollow, what have Kreed and Teedum done? Nothing, only harassing, intimidating and causing strife with the good fae. Baleson and Gared can change this, bring more stability, safety and perhaps trade to falcon's Hollow. Isn't that something to strive for?"
Gilmork waits patiently for her answer, bows as she's done and asks her one more thing.
"My offer about your greatest work still stands, I will match your price coin for coin. A good day to you milady."
Gilmork takes his leave, still with a twinkling in his eyes.
The woodworker says, Nice words, but we at the Crafts Guild struggle against the economic power of the Lumber Consortium. Do you understand that without their lumber our livelihood dries up. I mean, sure the Freejacks are out there, but they don't have the cutyards and equipment to provide us with the Darkwood we need at a reasonable cost. Why just last week I had to buy Darkwood for 7 golden Eagles per foot! Seven! Who ever heard, in my Da's day it was 3 silver Eagles. Kreed may be a bastard, but he keeps this town running, Darkwood is what this town was founded on and its the only thing we do well. My Guild supports whoever will keep those costs down.
Going to post an election event recap here to keep track of party actions.
VP=Vote Points
1) Silas goes to Sharvaros Vade. Gains 4 VP
2) Hecktor goes to Laurel/Percy. Gain 4 VP
3) Gilmork goes to Jasin Greatoak. Gain 4 VP
4) Silas goes to Harg. Gain 2VP
5) Silas uses his "Eagle Knight Gambit" costing the opposition a whopping 9 vote points, as Bloodeye lays low.
6) The PC's influence the Free Jacks to vote Baleson/Gared 6VP
7) Gilmork attempts to influence Deveera Gadsel only partially succeeding. Gain 3VP
Once per day of game time, each candidate may make a
roll to increase his vote score by making public appearances.
The character must encounter at least 50 character
levels worth of potential supporters that day in order
to earn a roll. This could be five 10th-level characters,
fifty 1st-level characters, or any other combination of
characters whose levels add up to 50 or more.
The candidate may meet potential supporters at a rally,
a series of meetings, or just walking down the street
pressing the flesh. (Any or all of these activities can be the
beginning of a detailed adventure, of course.) Depending
on whom the candidate meets and under what circumstances,
decide how friendly the audience is and what
skill the character uses most to win support.
The character may use Bluff, Diplomacy, or Perform (oratory),
to influence his potential supporters. They may be
classified as Hostile, Unfriendly, Indifferent, Friendly, and
Helpful. Once the relevant skill and attitude have been
determined, the character makes a skill check on the table
below. This table is intended for PC candidates. You may
use it for NPC candidates as well, or you may simply roll
1d4–1 for each candidate on each day spent campaigning.
The result is added to the NPC’s vote score.
Attitude DC Result
Hostile 35 +1d4+2 vote score, –2 vote score of an
opponent of the character’s choice
Unfriendly 30 +1d4+2 vote score, –1 vote score of an
opponent of the character’s choice
Indifferent 25 +1d4+2 vote score
Friendly 20 +1d4 vote score
Helpful 15 +1 vote score
So you get bigger bonuses and a tougher check for stumping tougher crowds.
Lucanor snoops around Bloodeye, mostly while invisible, but he knows the man's workplace, and that's a start. He needs to make sure the man isn't up to yet more. If he can gather obvious evidence, paper work or more so much the better. Bloodeye is canny, but his muscle might not be so much.
Unseen (and hopefully unheard), he'll eavesdrop and look about
Should he find Bloodeye in a serious conversation, he may back up long enough to either discern lies, or detect thoughts...
He'll also keep his eyes open for prominent citizens, to see who might be under Bloodeye's influence as a client, especially if they are trying to keep this a secret.
Lucanor keeps his eyes open for traps in any backrooms
And if he feels he's really found where Bloodeye keeps valuable and illegal records , he might try to unlock it after checking it for security as well
Been awhile since I popped open a lock but if needs be...
.........
Under pressure from his friends to talk to the high priestess, Lucanor realizes he's been putting it off. While he had never thought of the Lady in 'that way', he has begun to wonder if she might be sweet on HIM. That could be...complicated. How does a man even ask? Answer... I don't. Focus on making sure she's behind us on the vote.
Finding her in the temple, he asks, "Lady Cirthana? You have a moment? I take it you've heard about the election. This place may yet become a real town, with a real mayor. I'm hoping to sway you against voting for Kreed if you were so inclined, but frankly, I kind of figured you'd be against him anyway. The former sheriff's throwing his hat in, and he's been a straight shooter from the get go. I figure maybe he can help this town become the sort of place our goddess can thrive."
Despite his best judgement, he can't also help but try to read her reaction not to his speech, but his presence. To see if she double checks her hair, or if her breathing picks up, or other signs of attraction.
Not that he plans to make a comment one way or another regarding THAT.
Lucanor visits the Rouge Lady and skulks around one night. He witnesses prostitution(of course) and many lumberjacks getting drunk. While sneaking around he discovers that Kabran Bloodeye is putting something known as "Shiver" a very addictive substance into the kegs of rotgut he serves the local lumberjacks. His men also sell the illict material out of various places in the town. Lucanor also discovers that the prostitutes at the Rouge Lady are horribly mistreated. Kabran's thoughts are filled with the prospect of having to murder an Eagle Knight if one shows up in town. He has a spot picked out to dispose of the body and he has three men watching the roads for such a person to arrive before the election. You find out that he plans on interrupting the event planned for Sheriff Baleson and Gared.
Lady Cirthana smiles and agrees that her next sermon may rail against "Corruption of those in power" and "The virtues of the simple man" a little bit. It is also pretty evident that Cirthana Gensar fancies Lucanor.
Going to post an election event recap here to keep track of party actions.
VP=Vote Points
1) Silas goes to Sharvaros Vade. Gains 4 VP
2) Hecktor goes to Laurel/Percy. Gain 4 VP
3) Gilmork goes to Jasin Greatoak. Gain 4 VP
4) Silas goes to Harg. Gain 2VP
5) Silas uses his "Eagle Knight Gambit" costing the opposition a whopping 9 vote points, as Bloodeye lays low.
6) The PC's influence the Free Jacks to vote Baleson/Gared 6VP
7) Gilmork attempts to influence Deveera Gadsel only partially succeeding. Gain 3VP
8) Lucanor speaks with Cirthana. 4VP
It takes every bit of willpower Lucanor has not to give into violence when he sees how the women here are treated. He's glad as hell he got Ralla out of here. When he sees that 'shiver' is being placed into the rotgut, Luc tries to take some as evidence, preferably in a mug as well. After all, he knows an alchemist and an herbalist, and they can confirm this as evidence if need be.
Reading Kabran's mind is like sipping sewage water. He'll try to find the others and fill them in on all the foul half orc has been up to especially his plan to disrupt the gathering.
.............
"Thank you right kindly," Lucanor says to Cirthana with a nod, noting his throat has dried abruptly, and not because of the sermons that will be used. Oh either I'm very arrogant, or she's fond, and not in a spiritual fellow kind of way. He ponders if he should go ask the others advice, and if it would be worth the laughter he's going to experience.
Upon hearing the revelations about bloodeye lacing the rotgut with shiver, Silas tells Lucanor, "Oh my thats horrible, its also their Achilles heel! If we could find some evidence that the powers that be are turning a blind eye that would change everything. Gents I think we should gatecrash Payden's stumping. This will be dangerous, we'd better fetch one of the deputies to watch in case this goes south."
Silas sets out to find Payden with the party and one of the deputies in tow. Its not hard to find Payden, he's in the low market proalyzing about how tough he'll be on crime.
Silas waits for the perfect moment to launch his verbal ambush.
Payden says, "Yes Ma'am you can be sure I'll be tough on crime."
Silas butts in saying, "Oh I'm glad to hear that! Tell me Payden do you believe the law applies to everyone? Oh you do that's good. In Almas they have this quaint notion that narcotics are illegal and that intent to supply was a serious offence. Is that true here too? Oh it is! What if it turned out that someone in town was adulterating his beer with Shiver? That would be a crime wouldn't it? I see, you wouldn't know anything about that! Are you sure? Have you ever wondered why people can't get enough Rot Gut at the Rouge Lady? Perhaps you should investigate, and show everyone you are genuinely tough on crime, not merely complicit!"
Payden vows to end the criminal activity at the Rouge Lady. Some of the crowd snort in derision, some believe him and cheer him on.
Going to post an election event recap here to keep track of party actions.
VP=Vote Points
1) Silas goes to Sharvaros Vade. Gains 4 VP
2) Hecktor goes to Laurel/Percy. Gain 4 VP
3) Gilmork goes to Jasin Greatoak. Gain 4 VP
4) Silas goes to Harg. Gain 2VP
5) Silas uses his "Eagle Knight Gambit" costing the opposition a whopping 9 vote points, as Bloodeye lays low.
6) The PC's influence the Free Jacks to vote Baleson/Gared 6VP
7) Gilmork attempts to influence Deveera Gadsel only partially succeeding. Gain 3VP
8) Lucanor speaks with Cirthana. 4VP
9) Silas heckles Payden in the Low Market, Payden loses 2VP.
10) The event?
Silas looks at Hecktor quizzically, "Are you sure you want me to dress you up as an Eagle Knight? I think I can make you look like one, at least from a distance, but you'd be riding into an ambush - and we don't know how many of them there'd be. Still they may not be expecting the rest of us, and perhaps we can arrange for the Sheriff to ride by..."
"I'm okay with it, it's a decent gamble that can pay off."
"Will this plan hurt Payday? Or just Bloodeye?" Lucanor asks, "What I'm saying is... will this really help the election or just get one of us killed for a crimelord?? Either way I'll help, but figure best to know. Oh, and I can tag along invisible like, maybe on the same horse if it can hold two if Hecktor is riding."
"Both wouldn't it? They'd prefer to avoid any outside influences. Unless i'm missing details here."