Can You Hear The People Sing? (Hell's Rebels)

Game Master Paladin of Baha-who?

Opening the gameplay thread

Kintargo is a buzz with activity. The Silver City of Cheliax's northern coast has seen several tragedies strike within the last week or so. 10 days ago, the Lord Mayor Jilia Bainilus disappeared, rumored to have abandoned her office to take a voyage to far Arcadia. In her place, Her Infernal Magestrix Abrogail Thrune placed her cousin Paracount Barzillai Thune in the role of Lord Mayor and gave him control of the entire Archduchy of Ravounel, in which Kintargo lies.

Three days later, in a night now called the Night of Ashes, numerous citizens who were rumored to be highly connected in "subversive" groups such as the Bellflower Network and the Sacred Order of Archivists were found dead, the apparent victims of random muggings or street violence, while arson claimed numerous buildings, including three that, during the investigation of the burnings, turned out to be hidden temples of the forbidden faiths of Sarenrae, Milani, and Cayden Cailean. Leora, check your PMs if you haven't already regarding this.

The citizens of Kintargo rose in shock, not only from the deaths and fires but by the sudden imposition of martial law, which Barzillai Thrune has justified by saying the unrest was the result of dissident elements in the city, which must be found and eliminated.

Thrune followed this by making seven proclamations of laws that were to be put into effect, in addition to the dictates of martial law, including a curfew.

Proclamation the First: All slayers of city pests (hereby ascribed as doves, mice, and ravens) who present said pests to the dottari shall be rewarded with a bounty of one copper piece.

Proclamation the Second: All places of public business must display in a position of prominence within the first room accessible from the building’s primary entrance a portrait of Her Infernal Magestrix Queen Abrogail II. Said portrait must measure no less than 17 by 11 inches.

Proclamation the Third: All those who capture, alive and unharmed, feral dogs of a weight exceeding 50 pounds are to be rewarded with a payment of two silver pieces upon transfer of the dogs to the dottari. Such noble guardian creatures should find homes worthy of their kind!

Proclamation the Fourth: The right to wear fine embroidered clothing in public is hereafter proscribed to anyone other than agents of House Thrune or the Holy Church of Asmodeus. Exceptions can be awarded or purchased at the city’s discretion.

Proclamation the Fifth: Grain is life! Should grain be spilled in public, all must be gathered, cleaned, and repackaged within the hour. Any person who allows grain to go ungathered after a spillage shall be fined one copper piece per grain.

Proclamation the Sixth: The imbibing of night tea brings a dangerous imbalance to the slumbering mind. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise, the taking of tea is proscribed.

Proclamation the Seventh: The odor and flavor of mint is an abomination to the refined palate. Be not the cretin! Mint use in candies, drinks, and all manner of confections is hereby proscribed.

Though some of these were reasonably well received, especially those that involved disbursement of money to the populace, many of them caused some to scratch their heads, and others to seethe quietly. It quickly became clear that these rules were enforced at the pleasure of Thrune and his Dottari, who were quick to give the Thrune loyalist Sarini, Delronge and Tanessen families authorization to wear embroidered clothing, but have yet to grant this to the Aulamaxa family (to Jessibel's frustration).

Rumors have been flying since then, and no one knows for sure what will happen. But one thing is sure -- the Silver City will not peacefully submit to Thrune domination. There are plans spreading among the disaffected citizens of the city to gather at the Opera House, which Thrune has, bizarrely, chosen as his residence, at dawn tomorrow morning, there to protest until the Paracount can ignore them no longer.

Date: Starday, Abadius 23 AR. Time: Evening.

Jessibel Lily Aulamaxa sat at the antique oak writing desk in the corner of her well-appointed bedroom in the mansion of her grandmother, the Archbaroness Eldonna Aulamaxa, quill in hand, inkwell poised nearby, and the journal with its red leather cover emblazoned with her name open and ready to receive her words of wisdom. Things in Kintargo had suddenly and unexpectedly spun all out of whack; Jessi needed to put them back in some semblance of order. She confidently put quill to paper.

My Needs and Priorities:
1. I need to take more interest in the family businesses; perhaps then Mother will see my worth and reinstate my allowance.
1. Mother suspended my allowance!!! Not fair!!! And Lord-Mayor Thrune (the Goon!) has seized and shut down the opera house, so I can’t earn any money performing there! Unfairer!!! And the Goon has instituted martial law, so I can’t even earn coin by spending a night singing and dancing at taverns like the Three-Legged Devil. Unfairest of all! In hindsight, spending most of my savings on that hellishly stylish, form-fitting suit of studded leather armor and matching backpack two weeks ago may have been a tad ill-advised. That was Sabrina’s dumb idea and thus all her fault! And where is she during my time of need? Avoiding me and giving me the cold shoulder! Witch!!!

And to top it off, I’m pretty sure that Mother has been reading this journal, so I can no longer safely record my secrets from her prying eyes. Mother—if you’re reading this, you’re as big of a tyrant as—and no better than—our new Lord-Mayor! And because of you I have to cover over half of what I write, wasting a lot of ink that I can no longer afford!

This wasn’t working.

Jessi issued a growling sigh of frustration as she lay down the quill and pushed the book away from her, making certain to keep the noise well short of a shriek. “What are you shrieking about now?” had become her mother’s new favorite line since her daughter’s poor reception to the terrible news that her allowance was suspended until the family businesses could find their niche in Lord Barzillai Thrune’s newly-ordered Kintargo.

The young lady had heard that there’d be a protest rally on the morrow at Aria Park and she meant to attend, even though she currently felt like a walking contradiction. The thought of a protest against the Lord-Mayor filled her with dread but at the same time hope; she personally wanted to scream and act out against some of the Proclamations Barzillai Thrune had mandated, yet as a member of a noble family she was expected to show restraint and decorum; she wanted to make a memorable impression at the rally yet not be recognized as a member of the Aulamaxa family; she wanted everything and the future under Barzillai Thrune’s rule seemed to offer her absolutely nothing.

Too many thoughts and ideas were gallivanting through her young, unstructured brain. It was maddening! The idea that burned fiercest in the creative corner of her mind also—at times—seemed most likely to catch her and perhaps her family in its backdraft. Still…Jessibel knew that if she wanted to execute this performance, she’d need to make some serious preparations this night.

She recruited her two most trusted servants to help. Clare was a pretty enough thing with good grooming habits, especially in regard to her long auburn hair. Nicolas had been with the family for Jessi’s entire lifetime and had even become something of a father figure after her dad passed unexpectedly several years back. He’d do anything for the youngest Aulamaxa scion, even if it landed him in a bit of hot water. Oh, he’d try diligently to talk Jessibel out of her more outlandish and irresponsible schemes, yet the teenager usually took and then promptly discarded his advice. Again the older servant warned against going through with her latest scheme, and again Jessi thanked him for his advisory input and informed the fellow that she needed his physical and mental contributions more at the moment.

Jessibel put her complete faith in Clare’s ability to cut her hair in the precise fashion of the portrait she’d supplied the nervous girl with. Meanwhile, Nicolas would be dutifully pillaging a few unused items from the attic and cellar and begin building the unusual prop lady Jessibel had requested. Within the hour, both servants had received pleased kisses on their foreheads for their efforts. But there was still more to do. Jessi sang a catchy old song as she and her helpers busied themselves through the evening.

That night, after all the other preparations were finished and the servants dismissed, Jessi cooed a magical spellsong, putting the finishing touches on her new look as she sat before her vanity mirror. She smiled and the large mirror reflected back a smile that appeared not only beautiful but regal as well.

Yes, tomorrow would be a big day for Jessibel Lily Aulamaxa.

Kiri had been having a rough time of late, she had little money left and no means to make any reliably, no one would hire one of her kind. Even worse her father was gone, he'd been taken while trying to steal food a seven days ago so they would have something to eat and he never came back that night. She'd been alone for seven days now and her food was running out. It was dark now and she was restless, she wasn't meant to be awake in the day and asleep at night and sometimes she just couldn't sleep, tonight was turning into one of those nights. Unable to sleep she had slipped out and wandered around the Red Roof District in secret, keeping to the shadows and avoiding the infrequent patrols of city watch and hell knights. The authorities gave this area a rather wide berth at night as they had to patrol in large numbers or risk not coming back again, things had gotten even worse the last few days. Kiri was, of course, perfectly safe, no one would see her as she knew this route well, and those who would weren't likely to mess with her. She was known and her reputation kept others from bothering her.

She'd been about to return home when a rather large patrol came through and cut her off from her route home, as she listened in it appeared that they were aware of a possible protest and wanting to make sure the rabble didn't show up from here. There were others as well trying to keep people from slipping out of the district for the protest and Kiri realized that she was officially not going home tonight. With little choice left to her she made her way into another district to find a place to rest. She slipped through the streets of temple hill carefully and made her way towards the Songbird Hall, she'd always heard the Shelynites were pushovers and would take in anyone in need. Kiri had little use for the gods but her life in the city had taught her to take what she could and to use the gullible. She managed to arrive there with little trouble, it just took a bit, and looked for a way in.

Kiri has all of her meager possessions on her and is dressed in head to toe black, she has her armor on, and is otherwise taking her time to sneak through the city. Not bothering with rolls on this unless you really want me too, and I hope I'm not taking too many liberties with the guard/hellknights, if so I apologize and won't do it again.

Davina Eradon listens quietly at the slightly open door to her parents study. They are discussing their concerns about her interest in secret societies. Even though she assures them her interest is only in researching for her writing they are afraid it will draw attention of the Hellknights and the Lord Mayor. It’s not their fault Davina’s paternal grandparents were members of the Silver Ravens. The has nothing to do with them now, and they don’t want the family history looked at too closely. They are good citizens.

She quietly sighs and slips away from the door. She’s disappointed but not surprised. No point in mentioning she will be going out before dawn tomorrow. Her mother might come down “ill” in an attempt to keep her from leaving. She has a possible contact to meet who can give information about the Silver Ravens.

She would love to write her daughter Kelyana at school to tell her what is going on in Kintargo. She won’t. She doesn’t want to draw attention in case things go badly.

She heads for bed without saying goodnight.

Leora Scileana has just sat in the safe house, lying on the bed and thinking for the past week. The first day, she wondered why she hadn't wanted to go to the Thrashing Badger the evening before. She'd never said no to a night of drinking and dicing with her friends before. But this time, she had, wanting to to visit the Bleakbridge Market and then the Red Roof slums across the river where she'd grown up. The first was a good idea at the time, and she'd picked up some interesting herbs and hops to experiment with next time she brewed some beer, though there was no reason she couldn't have gone to the Badger and then shopped the next morning. The second was a terrible idea. Visiting the slums was dangerous by day and at night, she'd be lucky if she got away only being mugged. But Leora never made it to the slums. Just as she made it across the Bleakbridge, she saw the strange orange glow in the night sky. Acrid smoke wafted across the Yolubilis River. The Thrashing Badger was on fire. Leora barely remembers what happened next through her haze of tears, the sting of the smoke, and the shouting of the people who'd come to the river's edge to watch the fire. Somehow, she'd wound up in Baroness Belcara Jarvis's small but cozy safe house, knowing that the Thrashing Badger had burned to the ground along with everyone else inside. Dear old Mr. Priore, who'd raised her. So many of her friends. All of them were gone.

The second day, Baroness Jarvis arrived with a stockpile of food, Leora's alchemical supplies, and a bottle of beer. After the Baroness had left, Leora finally admitted to herself that her absence from the Thrashing Badger that night wasn't just luck. It was destiny, or fate, or whatever name she cared to give it. It was a sign from Cayden Cailean. She was meant to survive. Now that why had been answered, the question became how? What is she supposed to do? This thought occupied Leora for the rest of the week. She hadn't seen the Baroness since then.

And today, on the seventh day, Baroness Jarvis returns, bringing the answer. Leora will attend the protest in Aria Park. Rumor had it that the former mayor might even show up, and Leora's heart jumps, learning of another ally and would-be friend. The Baroness had also brought Leora a backpack, bedroll, a suit of armor, a shield, and a rapier. She'd never worn armor before, but she had practiced a little with a rapier. A sort of disguise, the Baroness explains. And they might come in handy if the protest gets out of hand. Leora thanks Jarvis, and the Baroness takes her leave.

With this good news lifting her spirits, Leora gets to work. First, she pours a mug of beer and raises a toast, though no one else is in the room. "For guiding me to the Baroness, a true friend! Tomorrow, grant me the courage to stand up when evil rears it ugly head. I accept the challenge of righting what is wrong in Kintargo. Guide me to friends who will walk that road with me." After taking a swig, Leora continues her prayers and prepares for tomorrow's protest before turning in for the night.

"Thrune's rule is tyranny, and you all know it. I will not stand idly by and simply tend to the wounds of those suffering by his hand. We have a chance here to make a real difference for our brothers and sisters in the persecuted faiths. I, for one, will go; who will join me?"

Lydia exhales deeply, her speech having run its course. She could not reasonably expect a grand march of Shelynites showing up to protest; their faith was within an inch of being banned already and if anyone was too afraid to join her Lydia would understand. Lydia would march, even if she had to do so alone; and she would stand up for those who had been cut down by Thrune.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Domitius was restless. The tall half-orc paced back and forth in his sparsely-appointed quarters, seemingly undecided on some course of action.

I don't want to get in trouble.

Well you don't want to live like this anymore, either. Are you going to put up with that silly girl's crap for the rest of your life? Those songs that Shensen sang so well, you just walking away from how that made you feel?

Domitius peered out of the entrance way to his room. The family had had quite a bit of wine with dinner that night, and had all retired early to their various rooms. Strapping his sword to his belt, he quietly sets off, outside the house and off the grounds to the park...

Lucius walked around the slums with no fear. While Cheliax might jave slighly more dangerous slums at least the air was clean. Lucius went over and sat down next to some beggars he had met earlier today. None of them had much and that shared lack of wealth bound them together at least for tonight. Pulling his weapon off his back and setting it next to him. He pulled out his tools and began the long process of cleaning and oiling his musket as he thought about the recent events of the week not sure what to think about them. Some of these proclamations make no sense, but what else could I expect from a noble? That doesn't matter right now. The only thing that matters is this up coming protest. Who knows who will be there. Looking down at his musket Lucius found himself suddenly wondering what his old master was doing. Shaking his head to banish the thought Lucius focused on the cleaning and maintenance of his musket. Tomorrow would bring the answer to some of his questions and if he was lucky a meeting with the woman whom he had heard about.

"Domitius. Wait." came a whisper as he started out of the grounds.

"You're heading out to the protest, aren't you?" asked the young lady, appearing out of the garden shed.

Domitius began to curse his luck as he recognized Sabrina Sarini, the youngest daughter of the family who was his primary charge. There were sure to be some hard, pointed questions -- accompanied by hard, pointed metal objects -- regarding his attempt to leave the grounds late at night. He began wondering whether he could risk attacking her and leaving her unconscious, or whether he would have to kill her, something he really had no desire to do.

"Take me with you," murmured the red-haired teen, stunning Domitius. "I made sure Mother and Father had plenty to drink at dinner, and I dressed for it, see?" She opens her cloak, and reveals that she is wearing what a devotee of copper dreadful novels would think of as the perfect outfit for sneaking around in -- all black leather with silver buckles and rivets, a black and red underbust corset, and a short, tight, black skirt over equally black leggings. It was dreadfully impractical, which made it typical of Sabrina's outfits.

"Father is always talking lately about how great Thrune is, how Barzillai will clean up this town and make it a proper Chelish city without all the hellspawn and freethinkers running around. Pfah! His proclamations are idiotic -- there's nothing wrong with mint -- I love mint! Spilled grain is ruined if dirt gets into it, and night tea? I need night tea! Father would never forgive me if I got pregnant. No, I'm going to this protest too. And if you don't, I can always tell them I saw you sneaking out..."

Domitius has seen behavior like this often since he was placed as Sabrina's bodyguard. She thought about everything in terms of how it impacted her personally. But, it seems like he would be able to get to the protest without anyone finding out, and without violence, as long as he brought her along.

Damn, you slow clod! Domitius curses to himself for getting caught. He does his best to stand quietly and impassively. If he’d learned anything in his time with the Sarinis, it was that it was always best to let Miss Sabrina do her talking, it was something she excelled at. He hoped his stony demeanor masked his brief flirtation with getting rid of her, and banked on the girl’s self-absorption to save him there.

That is definitely... well, it’s an outfit. Were there no feather-dancer costumes available, or did she just like the buckles on this better? His amusement over her need for night tea (too true, a few of the house staff had a little wager over how long before Miss Sabrina “missed a cup” one night, with a second pool if the father was known; Domitius had a good hunch that young dolt from Delronge would pay off for him someday soon) was rapidly set aside when she made her threat. That’s Miss Sabrina, never met a hand she couldn’t overplay.

Domitius straightens himself up, and resigns himself to this turn of events. At least you’ll still be going; you’ll just be on the job tonight. ”Okay, Miss Sabrina, then it seems we’re going. But when we get there, if I don’t like the look of things, or if the mood there starts turning ugly, we’re leaving. And none of your ‘Ooops, I got separated from you in the crowd’ business, like you did at Autumn Festival to spend time with Master Jerevahn.” Domitius locks eyes on her, letting her know he’d known all along how that had played out. ”Things are different these days. If this goes badly, you’ll be disowned, and I’ll be fed to the dogs.” And you’ll still think you’re getting the worse of it, I bet…

Domitius lets Sabrina lead the way, keeping an eye out for trouble.

"As if they'd disown me," Sabrina smirks, but follows along quietly. "Were you planning on staying up all night, or did you arrange somewhere to snooze until dawn, Dommy?" she whispers a little later, using the nickname she loved (and he despised) for him.

If there's further RP between Domitius and Sabrina, or anything else anyone wants to do before the protest, please put it in a spoiler.

Date: Sunday, Abadius 24, 4716 AR. Time: Dawn.

Even with the cobblestones of Argent Avenue and the foliage of Aria Park still sheathed in a thin layer of ice from the morning's light, cold rain, dozens of Kintargans have gathered along the facade of the opera house to protest the city’s new lord-mayor's proclamations and martial law. There’s been no sign yet of Barzillai Thrune himself, and the opera house’s doors remain tightly closed—as they have since the man chose the landmark as his new home—but judging by the growing sound of the protesters, he surely can’t ignore the scene on the streets below much longer.

As time passes, more and more protesters arrive. Thrune seems to have taken the matter at least somewhat seriously -- there are a dozen dottari guards stationed before the Opera house's entrance, led by a scowling woman in chainmail with a glaive. They appear nervous and edgy, but their weapons remain at their sides and they are merely watching the crowd at present.

Some of the protesters are calling for the lifting of the onerous restrictions Thrune has put into place since beginning his rule. Others are more radical, demanding an end to foreign rule and an election to determine Mayor Bainilus's successor. A growing minority try to shout down the other protestors, yelling and agitating to show support for Barzillai Thrune.

Please describe your entry into the square and any initial RP you wish to do. If you can find reasons to take a position near other PCs, that would be useful. Map is up but not completely ready. (I've yet to put in the crowds, for one thing, and I'm not sure the best way to represent them -- just shapes perhaps? There'd be too many to represent them all with icons.)

After spending the night at the Shelynite temple Kirri awoke to see Lydia and a few others heading out to the protest. She'd heard of the woman's attempts to get other members of her church to go and had already decided to follow them when they did. Before the clergy left Kirri made sure that she was prepared, her cloak arranged so that her head was well covered and her wings didn't show, and she slipped into the back of the group without saying a word.

Disguise Check to hide her race: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Stealth Check to slip into the group of clerics unobserved: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

As she reached the grounds of the park Kirri found the place already crowded with people. She could feel the energy of the group and quickly surmised this could get ugly. She was used to ugly though and knew enough about fleeing to do so should it become necessary. She began to look carefully for any threats to herself, a lone Strix in a city of humans always needed to be careful, and caught a glimpse of movement as in the opera house window, That's interesting, they've already drawn attention from the place, I wonder if that's him watching. With little she could do about it for now Kirri began searching for her contact as she approached the appointed meeting spot in the park.

Perception to spot contact: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Sabrina and Domitius will enter the map from the trail alongside the pond at the bottom-right corner. Dom will scan the crowd, looking for any faces he recognizes, specifically anyone who might have it in for Sabrina. (I’ll at least start with a Perception check, holler if you want any others.)

Kn(local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 = 17
This is the one you asked for above
Perception: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20
Assuming the one I asked for would be a separate roll, this is that one.

Dom scans the crowd, addressing Sabrina as he does. ”I really wasn’t kidding, Miss Sabrina. If this goes south, we leave immediately. Nox looks like she’s just itching to get into it with these people.”

A slight figure hidden within the hood and folds of a voluminous black cloak enters the gathering from the east, making a beeline for the gushing fountain opposite the iconic Kintargo Opera House. Occasionally, a flash of bright red can be seen within the swath of black. Once at the fountain, this being sings a catchy little ditty repeatedly while circling and running her hands along the entire lip of the low barrier wall that encircles the pool; those who hear the voice would likely label it as melodic and girlish. After taking a seat on the fountain wall facing the opera house, the figure’s head turns this way and that, as if measuring the crowd or perhaps looking for someone. Then the figure pulls a hand mirror from within the confines of the cloak and holds it up near the face hidden within the hood, singing again while gently gesticulating the fingers of a second small, pale hand.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 15

That must be Nox, Jessibel thought as she used some prestidigitation spellsongs to melt away what ice rimed the fountain’s low, narrow retaining wall—her stage for the spectacle she had planned. Barzillai Thrune’s personal bodyguard was indeed imposing but not very pleasing to the eye.

Oh Hell—speaking of bodyguards, there’s Domitius and Sabrina! Damn it! That little ***** will try to steal my thunder or ruin my performance! Jessi recognized Sabrina’s awesomely stylish ‘stealth outfit’ even before she saw her rival’s mane of perfectly-coifed red hair; she knew that the other girl (and her half-orc bodyguard) would likely recognize her own black cloak, what Jessibel wore when the two young noblewomen snuck out for a night of fun in Kintargo’s seedier nightspots.

The two noble teenagers were friends—at least when they weren’t competing for the best roles in the same opera or play—but each girl was constantly trying to outshine or one-up the other. Still, they were opposite sides of the same coin: They’d been closer than ever about two weeks back when they’d ordered nearly matching sets of masterwork studded leather armor in anticipation of becoming Kintargo’s latest, greatest adventuring duo (at least until they could find suitable minions to fill out a full-fledged adventuring party). This lark had come close on the heels of shared fencing lessons from one of the Green’s finest weapon masters—Tyrlien Bryce. This handsome instructor had coined the catchphrase the black- and red-haired girls now used about themselves: “Where there’s Smoke (Jessibel), there’s Fire (Sabrina).”

Smoke was now seriously considering throwing some icewater from the fountain to douse Fire…and she had a large wooden salad bowl on hand, tucked under her cloak, that would serve perfectly for the task. And Sabrina deserved such treatment: Three times since Barzillai Thrune had arrived and claimed the mantle of Lord-Mayor had Jessibel called on Sabrina at the Sarini mansion, and each time she'd been turned away in ever-frostier tones by the butler.

The last time, Jessi had intended to ask Sabs if she’d like to return to the armorsmithing shop near Bleakbridge to collect their amazing new color-coordinated armor. The authentic Tanessen-crafted studded leather and matching topnotch backpack had cost most of Jessi’s available coin, but the Aulamaxa scion wasn’t worried: Her monthly allowance and monies earned performing at the opera and a couple of small local theaters (not to mention an occasional gig at the Three-Legged Devil as an “appetizer” performer—a front room dancer whose job it was to whet the appetites of patrons enough to get them to part with additional coin for a close encounter with back room “entrée” ladies-of-the-evening) would soon restore enough funds for the good life to continue unabated. And then came Barzillai Thrune and martial law and the suspension of her allowance…and in a flash Jessi’s main sources of income were gone and she was all but destitute. Sabrina mustn’t find out! the girl thought in a sudden panic.

Jessi placed the salad bowl—which would serve as a collection bowl during her performance—on the ledge near where she was seated, keeping the other major prop beneath her cloak hidden from sight. It was nearly time for her crowning acheivement—one that she hoped her audience would never forget. And may all the gods foul or fair help Sabrina Sarini if she dared mess up this moment….

Domitius notes a figure over by the fountain, and gestures with a nod of his head to Miss Sabrina. "Your friend, Lady Aulamaxa. Her stealthy armor stands out almost as much as yours," he says with as dry a tone as he can muster on this cold morning.

Leora wakes up late the morning of the protest. She hurriedly straps on her new set of armor, dons a plain brown cloak, and dashes out the door. She returns a moment later to pick up the rapier she'd left behind.

By the time Leora gets to the square, a decent crowd has already gathered. I know Jilia will be here. She's the only one who can stop this! Leora is so consumed with looking for the ex-mayor, she doesn't notice the cold rain soaking her long hair, and doesn't pay attention to the other faces in the crowd. For the moment, she pushes through the protesters without hearing their rallying shouts

perception: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10

Waking up in the middle of the slums Lucius quickly got himself up and headed down to the riverfront to wash himself up. If Strea really was there Lucius didnt want to smell too terrible. Walking around the outskirts of the protest Lucius waited for a likely group to follow into the rally hiding behind and seeing a group of five friends who seemed to be excited about the coming protest Lucius found the exact people he wasaid loozing for. He took a quick look around noticing Nox right away and even as a newcomer he had heard of this woman's reputation. The fact that she might have some devil blood in her didn't scare Lucius, but her being a bodyguard for the new Thune ruler earned her nothing but disdain for helping a man who kept the people oppressed. Seeing the group he was following head off into the trees Lucius decided to stay away from them as their idle chatter was beginning to annoy him. He began looking around at some of the more nobles looking folks in the crowd hoping to pick out either Strea, or a mark for some money. Walking a good distance from the noble with her half-orc bodyguard Lucius walked past the fountain. Taking a seat behind the fountain Lucius began to intently watch everyone in the protest watching and waiting for a chance.

k. Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The morning of the protest Davina rises well before dawn. She doesn't want to miss meeting her contact. Dressing quickly she grabs her alchemical supplies, something to snack on later, straps on her rapier and slips out the back door of the family home. She heads for the Opera House.

Joining the throngs of people headed toward Aria Park. Once she enters the park, she notices Lydia and her small group of Shelynite's. She starts heading toward the faces she recognizes from the temple trying to avoid the knots of grumbling people. It's beginning to feel like this whole place could explode at any moment just by someone bumping the wrong person. While she is walking across the park, she looks for the man with a glove on his right hand and none on his left.
That's when she notices the figure dressed in a black cloak circling the fountain.

That might be trouble, I'll keep an eye on the fountain during the protest.

Perception to See My Contact: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

GM Requested Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Arriving at the group of Shelynite's she nods to them in greeting. She turns and greets an acquaintance from the temple. Good Morning Lydia. It's a nice day for a stroll in the park. Davina rubs her hands together to warm them. I'll just stay near this group until I see my contact. If things get ugly, no will attack a group of priests. I hope.

She glances at the front of the Opera House. So that's what Nox looks like. Looks human enough to me, but other heritages can be hidden. I should know.

As Kiri continued to watch the crowd she recognized a familiar face, it was Leora from the free meal place. While it wasn't in her nature to seek out companionship from most people Leora hadn't ever treated her poorly and was friendly enough to her that the young strix woman decided it would be only polite to go say hello. She slipped through the crowd unobtrusively until she got right behind the woman, after all, they may be on good terms but that doesn't mean she shouldn't keep in practice after all. She snuck up right behind the young woman and managed to be completely unobserved by anyone, she was just that good. She reached out and tapped Leora on the shoulder as she said, "Hi Leora."

Stealth to sneak up on Leora: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Since it's raining I assumed low-light conditions as would be the standard, if not then reduce my check by 2.

I'll move ahead and we'll assume Lydia has entered as described by Davina, with a group of followers from the Shelyn temple.

Sabrina brightens when Domitius points out Jessibel, and saunters over to her friend. "Jessie, darling, so good to see you! I know it's only been a week but it feels so much longer! Father has been an absolute beast lately -- keeps going on about how the other families, including yours, don't give the Thrune family the obedience and loyalty they are due, and won't let me out of the house to see you or the Vashnarstill twins or even lovely Marquel. But what are you doing here? Is that your matching armor under that cloak? Ah, you're going to perform, I see! How splendid. The open air is the perfect place for a singer with the, ah, projection you're able to do."

(Jessibel, of course, knows this to be a backhanded compliment and reference to their singing instructor who maintained that Jessibel was consistently too loud, which was ridiculous of course.)

The light level is normal. It's a very light rain, more of a drizzle, actually.

The crowds are growing, filling parts of the square with tight masses of citizenry. Shouts and chants are getting louder as time goes by, but Nox and the dottari stand impassively. Listening to the protest begin, you can tell there are five main groups: Kintargo partisans, who are demanding local rule; economic conservatives, who mainly object to the effect the proclamations are having on business; democrats, who are demanding an election to replace the previous Lord Mayor; anarchists, who mainly seem to want to stir trouble; and Chelish loyalists, who support Thrune and want to shout down the others.

The map is updated. I've put icons for all of you, as well as Sabrina, on the map.

The Protest:
During the protest, you can all take actions, in time segments divided up into an hour. We'll treat these like combat rounds, based on initiative.

Initiative order:
Jessibel
Kiri
Lydia
Domitius
Lucius
Davina
Leora

You can wait to post in order, or post whenever and I'll resolve conflicting actions based on this order. (This will be how I run combat as well.) Each hour, you can take one action:

Please post one action at a time, along with as much description as you'd like about how you go about the action.

The approach of the Shelynites could not exactly be called a march; being made up of the younger and more excitable priests it is more of a vibrating cluster. With Lydia at the helm they approach the already gathered crowd, their slightly elevated status as priests not gaining them any immediate favors in terms of notice for the already heated mass of protesters.

Upon noticing a familiar older lady Lydia brightens considerably, waving at her to join the clerical procession. "Ah, Miss Eradon! I thought you might be here. Come to take part in the festivities, I assume?" Lydia giggles, her youth and immaturity showing. "I hope to see some ground made today; I'm sure you have seen the burn victims resting at our temple. On their behalf, we desire a thorough, third-party investigation in the events of the Night of Ashes. If the House of Thrune is as devoted to the law as they claim then they will listen to reason."

ACTION: Performing for Coins

”Father has been an absolute beast lately -- keeps going on about how the other families, including yours, don't give the Thrune family the obedience and loyalty they are due….” Those words of Sabrina’s echo in Jessibel’s ears; this display would be an eye-opener for her friend.

“Good morning, Sabrina…Domitius,” comes Jessi’s strained voice from beneath the cowl of her cloak. She gives a brief bow to the half-orc slave before turning toward Sabrina, still keeping her face hidden. “You’re mistaken, Sabrina—I’m not wearing my new armor. In fact, the reason I was at your home a couple of nights ago—before being turned away—was to see if you wanted to go to Bleakbridge Market to pick up our armor together. You are correct, however, in believing that I’m about to perform.”

Jessi unslings a waterskin (which Sabrina and Domitius both know instead holds wine) and places it next to her collection bowl. Turning her back on Sabrina and her bodyguard, the young lady removes her cloak, tossing it atop the fountain wall with her left hand and revealing the strange prop in her right. Sabrina notices Jessi's new short haircut immediately and comments positively on it, but Jessibel ignores her friend’s questions about the prop until she’s hooked the device up to the unusual chest harness she wears. Then the bard hops up onto the fountain wall.

”Proclamation the Second!” a confident female voice calls out from the direction of the gurgling fountain. ”…and your lovely queen beckoned.”

Standing on the raised lip of the fountain’s pool is a female figure. Low-cut black leather boots cover her feet, bright red woolen tights her legs. The upper half of her outfit is fashioned of black velour—a short but poofed-out pleated skirt and a long-sleeved blouse with a ruffled collar. Her pale face is pretty, featuring a faint blue tattoo above and below her right eye; full, pouty lips; short glossy black hair; and a metallic tiara. The young woman’s most unusual accessory, however, is the gilded portrait frame that hangs before her face, courtesy of a variety of thin poles, wires, and straps attached to a chest harness.

Perhaps until recently some citizens of Kintargo didn’t recognize this face, but now it is ubiquitous: The performer presents the living embodiment of Proclamation the Second, her visage bearing a striking likeness to Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II! The young woman curtsies gracefully before breaking into song….

”The elegant Majestrix you dare not despise
Inside a gold frame of appropriate size!”

The entertainer pauses a moment to flash an impish grin and call out to the members of the dottari standing guard before the opera house doors: ”Twelve by eighteen inches—measured it myself!” Then she resumes her song.

”A lady of court has never looked finer
You’d best not deface me with warts and a shiner!”

Again the performer pauses and half-closes her left eye, this time casting a minor spell that creates dozens of dark discolorations on her pretty face and a dark bruise beneath her squinting eye. After making her best hag face at the crowd, she again sings a minor spell and the blemishes vanish.

”I stand here today your illustrious queen
The fairest young monarch you ever have seen
Blame me not for the laws of my cousin
The bee in his bonnet has long stopped a-buzzin’!”

Alas, those hoping for a scathing criticism of Lord-Mayor Thrune and his hated Proclamations are soon disappointed: In latter stanzas, the young performer actually applauds the edicts that get problem animals off the streets and only gently questions Barzillai’s mental state for issuing some of his most recent laws. Then she sings some local standards and time-tested crowd favorites, occasionally queen-waving or blowing kisses to the throng, making cross-eyed faces or sticking out her tongue at children, and even winking salaciously at some of her male admirers.

"Kiri! Oh! I'm glad to see you here. " Leora smiles, startled by her sudden appearance, and at seeing Kiri at the protest. Leora suddenly has an idea, and it erases all thoughts of finding Jilia for the moment.

"I've got just the drink to keep the chill off today. "She pulls out her wooden flask and adds a pinch of something pleasantly tart but sweet - cinnamon, perhaps - and shakes it. "Want to try some? "She offers the flask to Kiri before repeating the process and taking a gulp herself. Although the drink isn't actually hot, the sharp spice of the drink is invigorating.

casting guidance and attempting to disguise it as an alchemy spell on Kiri and on herself(Leora has to hit DC 10) See link for details on DC to identify spell with spellcraft (DC 15) and recognize it as divine (DC 25).

craft: alchemy (guidance on Kiri): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
craft: alchemy ( guidance on Leora): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"Did you hear about the Thrashing Badger? It burned to the ground last week. " Leora speaks more loudly than is strictly necessary, hoping to attract some others to join the conversation and share some of their own gossip.

Diplomacy to listen for rumors +1 from bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17

GM, I hope this is OK to cast spells during the 1 hour turns. If it isn't, please ignore the second paragraph of my post and Leora will make a diplomacy check to gather rumors without casting guidance.

Casting spells is fine, especially minor things like guidance.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Yes Lydia. I'm here to see the protest. It takes quite a bit to get this many people together and riled up. I haven't seen a crowd this big since the last operatic performance by Shensen. As far as seeing reason, I'm sure the Lord Mayor knows exactly who is responsible for the Night of Ashes She glances quickly and knowingly toward the front of the Opera House.

Davina's attention is drawn to the performance going on at the fountain. Isn't that the Aulamaxa girl? It's been a while since I've seen her. The last time was for those dancing classes that Kelyana took two years ago. I wonder where the other girl...what was her name? Sadie, Sandria, Oh yeah Sabrina is? They were never far apart.

Davina looks around for her contact. The crush of people is so big now she's not sure how she'll be able to locate them.

To Locate the Contact: Perception: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 = 13
Inspiration: Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Total with Inspiration 18

"You're not... you are! Oh, Jessie, you magnificent b@*&*, that's delightfully scandalous!" laughs Sabrina in approval.

Jessibel's performance is met with applause and whistles, as well as some boos from the crown loyalists in the crowd. Coppers and silver coins are tossed into the collection bowl. You can keep performing if you want, or do something else. You can also try to put your performance specifically to influencing the crowd, i.e. the Rabble Rouse action, but this will get you less coin.

Domitius wants desperately to look for Shensen, but that got made much more difficult when Sabrina inserted herself into his plans. He scans the crowd, looking for anyone who might harbor ill will toward the Sarinis. No one seems to immediately stand out as an enemy, but Domitius is sure he's seen a few of these people around the city, say this much for House Thrune, they sure found a way to make Kintargo sit up and take notice. He only half pays attention to Lady Aulamaxa's performance. He concedes to himself that yes, Miss Jessibel's voice could drown out an angry wyvern, but she's certainly making it work for her today. At one point when Miss Sabrina's back is turned, he gives Miss Jessibel just the slightest nod and half a smile, hoping she catches it.

Action: Watch the Crowd
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 <- just a check to catch Jessibel's eye without Sabrina seeing. Dom would've made a joke to himself about "Jessibel something something decibel" if I thought folks on Golarion knew the term. :) I'll look for Shensen next time, assuming there's an opportunity for a next time...

Kiri's head cocked to the side oddly and then turned towards the offered mug as she gave it a suspicious look. Though she wasn't sure what was done to it she knew that Leora had always been respectful so she took a cautious sip of the offered drink. "Interesting flavor, not bad." Her head turned to watch Leora put another pinch of the substance in then drink the liquid, her posture relaxing somewhat as nothing bad happened. Kiri realized as Leora spoke in a louder voice that the woman was up to something and wanted no part of that, she slid off into the crowd and used the distraction to once again slip from sight.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

She found herself suitably obscured and made her way through the crowd as she began to look for her contact carefully. She tried her best to avoid drawing any attention and did a rather fine job of it if she did say so herself.

Perception to find my contact (using meeting a contact and guidance): 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 11

Davina notices a sneakthief relieving a merchant of some funds. She thinks about it, and decides it's not worth letting the merchant know his purse has gone missing. The thief is long gone, and in her experience telling people bad news is never well received.

She checks to make sure her purse is securely tucked away just in case the thief heads in her direction.

Davina: Sorry that I didn't make that clear. The thief is in the process of starting a theft, but you could stop him by calling attention to him. Do you want to change your action?

Lucius stand behind the fountain quickly looking from side to side trying to find Strea. He hops up onto the fountain to get a better look for a while, but then immediatly jumps down when someone starts impersonating the queen. Lucius didn't care for House Thrune, but others were making their loyalties all too clear and he didn't want to be associated with such a person. He'd narrowly already avoided being hung as a spy and being hung as a traitor didn't seem like a fun alternative. Trying to look through the crowd from eye level Lucius silently cursed his ill fortune of not being taller. The sheer amount of people seems to impede his progress as without a higher vantage point his field of vision is cut down by the large crowds.

Perception looking for Idol: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"I certainly agree with your suspicions, Miss Eradon; thus the independent investigation." She watches Jessibel's performance, chuckling at the less-than-kind use of prestidigitation on Abigail Thrune's face.

"An amusing bit of satire, don't you think? Perhaps I should take my opportunity to speak before the loyalists see fit to respond." She bows politely to Davina, finding herself a high place to stand. Her robes draw at least a few eyes, enough to give Lydia excuse to speak.

"Sons and daughters of Kintargo! I stand before you today as a representative for those unable to stand for themselves. At the temple of Shelyn we have taken in and nurtured the victims of the Night of Ashes-innocent men and women who will live the rest of their lives with burned faces and memories of terrifying flames. I come here today because I believe that we can do more than heal their wounds; if we wish to heal their troubled hearts, we must know the truth behind the fires that took their parents, their spouses, their siblings, their children. We must bring whoever is responsible for these deaths to justice if we are to ever move on from that night as a people."

Rabble Rouse: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Kind of odd to me that the trait that you take if you want to protest the government doesn't actually help with checks to protest the government, but oh well.

It does help if you want to silence opposition, though.

Many of those listening cheer and shout their agreement with Lydia, although others, mostly in black and red garments, taunt her and boo, and one calls out, "Traitor!" (Whappity-whappity!)

The mood of the crowd seems inclined to listen to you further. Lydia, you get a +1 circumstance bonus to charisma-based checks for 24 hours. Multiple instances of this bonus stack.

Though the dottari and Nox seem annoyed at the way Jessibel and Lydia are speaking out against Thrune, they do not make any movement. The sun moves on in its course, and the day warms, chasing away winter's chill for a while.

You can post any responses to the results of your previous checks, and the actions you want to take in the second hour.

Yes, I'll change my action.

Davina notices the merchant about to loose his purse. She knows there are lots of thieves in the crowd today, but she won't stand by and watch someone lose their coins if she can stop it.

Stop! Thief! Watch your valuables!
Acrobatics to Slip Through the Crowd: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
With that roll I might actually knock into people.

She can't make it through the throng quickly enough to get to the duo, and continues to call out Thief! Watch Your Purses! Hoping to draw attention to what is going on. She continues to try making her way through the crowd trying to get those around her to see reason.

We came for a peaceful protest. We wanted a chance for our issues to be heard by the Lord-Mayor.

Are we going to turn this into to a chance for the thieves among us to cause bad blood? Are we as citizens of the great city of Kintargo going to let that happen? The thief and the merchant are the same in their desire for Martial Law to be eliminated. We should be calm and organized. We should bring our concerns to the Lord-Mayor with composure.

Intimidate to Silence Undesirable Elements: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

”Mister… hey! You, in the blue cloak…!”

Domitius does his best to get the man’s attention. Bending down as he walks, he scoops up the dropped coins, and hands them to the young man. ”You should get yourself to a leatherworker; I think that coin purse of yours has just about had it.” After returning the man’s money, he returns to Sabrina’s side.

Domitius goes back to scanning the crowd, not so much for potential threats, but for her. He said she was gonna be here; if I see that halfling again I’m gonna smack him one...

Dom will shift to trying to spot Shensen this time around.

Search For A Contact (Shensen): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9

We'll, um, we'll say it's the crowds being too thick. Yeah, let's go with that...

Jessibel catches the dour glares she's getting from the dottari and especially the intimidating Nox...and decides it's best to tone down the anti-Thrune satire. Yet when some loyalists boo her, Jessibel fixes them with her best glacial glare and can't resist demanding, "You dare to boo your Queen??!! Treason!" To Nox and the dottari she calls, "Off with their heads!"

At the cry that there's a thief working the crowd, Jessi bends down and scoops up the meager coins from her wooden bowl, relocating them to her belt pouch. Catching Domitius's nod, she works a curtsy into her dance when she's facing the half-orc.

As much as she wants to stay angry at Sabrina, after the girl's unabashed joy at her portrayal of the Queen and Proclamation the Second, she takes a deep swig from her waterskin before moving along the fountain wall, making room for her friend to hop up and sing and dance with her.

Second Hour's Action: Jessibel's just going to try to earn coin for the rest of the protest, not saying or doing anything remotely politically volatile...unless Sabrina eggs her on to do something stupid.

She'll use prestidigitation every hour to pale her skin, paint on Abrogail's tattoo, color her portrait frame gold, and craft a crappy likeness of the Queen's crown. She also uses the same spell from time to time to warm her clothes, cloak, and hands.

eora considers the patron's comments and decides, for the moment at least, to continue being politically neutral. After chatting with the man for a few more minutes, she begins roaming the crowd to search for Jilia.

perception: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19

sorry for the short post, it's been a long day. Was supposed to meet with a customer for 3 hours today and it turned into 6, and I have to get up in 4 hours to take a flight. My schedule should be freer from now on.

"Traitor? To whom, exactly?" Lydia addresses her accuser directly with a biting smile. "I think you will find that I have accused no one here, today. That is why I desire an investigation, to find the truth. And yet, you seem to have someone specific in mind. Tell me, who is it that you would so brashly accuse of such a treacherous and wholly unlawful act as arson?"

The idea that Thrune was responsible for the Night of Ashes was not new, of course, but the loyalists had opened up such a wonderful opportunity for embarrassment. It would be rude of Lydia to pass on it.

Bluff to silence undesirable elements: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Davina calls out to the man being robbed, and the thief, caught in the act, runs away as quickly as he can. One of the Dottari peels off from the others to chase him, but returns to Nox, shaking his head -- the thief had too much of a head start for the guard to catch up.

"Blessings of Abadar upon you for saving my purse, miss," the wealthy target says, mistaking Davina for a woman younger than she actually is (as many do). "Please accept a bit of what you saved from the thief as thanks," he adds as he offers her 4 gold sails.

Davina, you can choose to use inspiration to add to that check if you'd like, before the results are revealed. Do you want to do that?

Domitius catches the youth's attention, and he is able to keep more than a handful of coins falling to the ground. "My thanks, boy," the man says. Domitius bristles slightly at the term, but it is a common thing for slaves to be called, and his collar is clearly visible. "Here, for your diligence and honesty," the young noble says as he flips Domitius a single gold sail.

Domitius looks for the famous half-elf singer, but he sadly is not able to see her anywhere.

Jessibel, when you retrieve the coins, you estimate you have earned about the equivalent of 5 gp in coppers and silvers. Go ahead and make another set of performance rolls for this hour. Sabrina is able to give you an Aid another bonus on your singing roll by singing harmony.

Sabrina joins her voice with Jessibel's as they sing another round. She whispers in between stanzas, "Father would absolutely die if he could see me right now."

Leora notices something strange in the crowd. Although most of the movement and shouting seems random, there is an unusual subcurrent in the movements, as if someone were exerting some degree of organized control.

Lydia's verbal riposte stuns the person who called her out, and those around him move away, staring at him as he becomes the focus of attention. Tongue-tied, he stammers a bit and then backs away into the press of the crowd. Those nearby seem impressed by the half-elf's rhetorical prowess.

Yes I'll add inspiration to the roll

Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Second use of inspiration today

Kiri was startled a moment when Davina yelled thief but quickly realized it wasn't directed at her this time. She knew that her contact had to be here somewhere, she just wasn't sure where. She kept an eye out for opportunities to make a bit of money and found a potential victim and used the distraction to try and snag something of value. She squeezed through the crowd and waited until the crowd caused the man to bump into her, deftly sliding her hand into his belt pouch in an effort to swipe some coins. Once she had accomplished her goal she did her best to slip back into the crod and make a clean get away.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Lucius hears the outcry of someone being a thief and quickly bows his head in prayer hoping that the fellow would get away. Looking at the number of people trying to rally together Lucius was unsure of how to continue. Strea might be anywhere here and looking didn't seem to be the answer. If there were less people here it would be easier to find her, or at least if more people separated from the crowds. Slipping into the crowd nearest to him, but away from the woman calling out thieves Lucius began to travel around looking for those who were being the most vocal in their support of House Thrune. Sliding up next to them as they reached a high point in their rhetoric Lucius allowed his hands to slip into several pockets as he walked past them taking as much gold and jewelry as he could. Hoping that with the discovery of their missing gold and jewels that they would leave to talk with the Dottari or at least shut up with their support for Thrune. Even if it wouldn't help him find Strea Lucius consoled himself with the thought that at least he could donate the funds to some of the downtrodden in the slums.

Using Lucius's admiration for Strea to roll two sleight of hand checks and take the better result.

Sleight of hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Sleight of hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Davina calls for calm and patience, and many heed her call. The anarchists and troublemakers quiet down, some of them slinking off in disgust. That use of inspiration made the difference.

Kiri is about to slip her hand into a old man's purse, but at the last moment he reaches down and puts his hand into it, brushing hers. She jerks it back and quickly hides behind a tall half-orc (Domitius), and her mark looks around angrily to see who was trying to steal from him, but doesn't see her.

Domitius is peering around for Shenshen when a slight figure in a cloak dodges around him, just as a man exclaims, "Hey, who's trying to pickpocket me?" and looks around wildly.

Lucius's skullduggery is more successful. He manages to easily dip his hand into the purse of a wealthy merchant, extracts several gold sails, and vanishes into the crowd with her none the wiser. Lucius's pilfering gains him 5 gp.

The protest moves into its third hour, the shouting, chanting and singing even more insistent than before. Surely there's no way Thrune can go on ignoring this?

Please make your actions for the next hour. Jessibel, please make rolls for the second hour, and the third if you continue to perform. As noted above, Sabrina gives you a +2 on your sing check for the second hour, and also gives you a +2 on your dance check for the third.

Jessibel briefly considered hopping off her makeshift stage for a moment to whisper a word of warning into the ear of the pretty...No--beautiful--young blonde woman who'd spoken out so plainly about the Night of Ashes. The noble bard could at least hide behind the flimsy veil of 'satire' should Nox or the dottari succeed in apprehending her; this other woman would likely have no such luxury. But when she heard the blonde's retort to accusations of being a traitor, the rush of admiration for the girl washed away the tiny swirl of jealousy she'd been harboring due to the girl's exotic looks. Waiting until the woman looked in her direction, Jessi added a little something to her dance: She went into a squatting shimmy, both winking and flashing the blonde a thumbs-up (universal sign language for "You go, girl!") as she sprung to full height and continued her dance.

HOUR THREE ACTION: Perform for Money

With Sabrina performing harmony and, in the third hour, dancing in counterpoint to Jessibel, the crowd applauds and is even more impressed by the performance than before. Even some of the dottari are moved to applaud before a stern glance from Nox silences them.

Pinches, shields and sails plink into the collection bowl, and even a crown from a particularly wealthy-looking merchant.

Jessibel can't help feeling cheered at the thought of the money she is earning. During one break, Sabrina whispers to her, "We're splitting the take from when I'm performing too, right?"