Gameplay thread. Please dot in. We will begin soon.
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Too soon? lol
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With the fall of night, the heat of the Flamerule day has given way to a pleasant breeze. In the gardens of Astriq Saj's manor, magical lights and sweet music dance among the trees and secluded paths for the enjoyment of her guests. Tables of scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and extravagant desserts are laid out on tables; freshly replaced by staff as quickly as they are consumed. Affluent guests, scandalously attired in the latest fashions celebrate raucously.
Two groups stand out from the other guests. One is dressed all in black and stands apart, observing the crowd rather than participating. The second is gathered around a handsome man and a particularly thin human woman who are talking animatedly.
You enjoy the music, dancing, or food as you see fit and suites your role.
Summer is short in the northern Moonsea and the wealthy of Mulmaster are making the most of the unseasonably warm weather. Where normally furs and leathers cover, skin and seldom brought out silks decorate the night. Drink, food, and companionship are in ample supply. All of the guests are nobles, Blades, their families or hangers-on. As such, they are all human, the only exception being you or a few halflings that are part of the cook staff. You can easily speak with any number of guests and gain information.
None of the nobility are sympathetic to the plight of Phlan, but most are interested in mingling with them. Over the course of the evening, it becomes clear that only Zor Gos has any interest in helping them (See the background information in the Campaign Tab).
Louis sighed as he spotted another blonde air-head laughing at what he could only imagine was some windbag bragging about how rich he was.
Idiots.
He hated them all. Their pompous inflated egos and their lazy behinds, fattened by the hard work of honest folk.
He had seen firsthand the hardships of the people, oppressed by the so called 'elite'. It's one of the two reasons that got him playing real music. Honest to the bone country music.
He was deeply hating being here right now, when suddenly another sight caught his eye. A pair of legs that seemed to stretch up forever, disappearing into a masterpiece of a silk dress. The woman was breathtaking and her fiery red hair had Louis let out a slow and quiet whistle of admiration and approval.
As he was busy staring at the other reason that got him playing his deep and haunting blues tunes, he got a slap on the back of his head.
It pulled Louis from his daydreams of anarchy, punk and rebellion and riding off into the sunset with that beautiful woman.
The gruff voice from the masterchef behind him reminded him pointedly that he wasn't hired for 'gawking at the guests' and that he better get his 'Stinkin' good-for-nothing Halfling feet' moving with the tray of wineglasses.
Louis flipped the cook off behind his back with both his middle fingers and took the tray full of drinks over his head to walk the floor. He was keeping his ears open for gossip and interesting tid-bits he might use in his songs. He was also keeping his vigilant eyes open for momentarily forgotten purses and casually inspected pockets whenever he thought he could get away with it. A bit of sleight of hand to have some shiny disappear into his waiters-apron.
If nothing else, he might help relieve these rich folks from their monetary troubles and headaches.
Knight Aleyd Burral, accompanied by two of the Phlan contingent, has come hoping to sway the leaders of Mulmaster to aid Phlan as they memorialize the Lord Protector, but the hero of the Phlan refugees is no silvertongued politician. She is well out of her depth among the rich and noble.
The stern-looking woman, blonde hair framed in grey, turns at Yarroth's approach. She moves awkwardly, like she is unused to an evening without armor. "I am pleased you could join us. This is my aide, Guard Sergeant Hurn," she says gesturing to a dwarven man in the uniform of the Black Fist. Pointing towards a red-haired elven woman in a black robe, "And this is Aya Glenmiir, my advisor."
The two nod in Yarroth's direction. Guard Sergeant Hurn says, "I remember you. You helped with the Keep in Sokol. Thank you for that."
"Now that you are here," the Knight continues, "I implore you to do what you can to convince these people to aid us. Our people suffer in exile and who knows what remains of those we were forced to leave behind. We must rally the might of Mulmaster."
Uncomfortable in this rich society, Yarroth again tugs on his tabard, trying to straighten and smooth any imaginary blemish out of the cloth. As a member of the Phalan Road Wardens, he is here to tell his tale of the repair and cleansing of the old Lighthouse on Sokol Island.
I know we need these people's help to retake the city, but do they think our story will sway anyone?, the young man thinks as he listens to the swirl of conservation around him.
As Knight Aleyd Burral approaches, with Guard Sergeant Hurn and another woman, Yarroth lets slip a slight smile. It is good to see more people from Phlan at this party. Perhaps they can turn a few of the nobles heads, and wallets, to help them reclaim their home.
He nods as Knight Burral speaks to him, but winces as she asks him to speak with the various noble gathered here at the party.
"I will try, m'lady, but I fear I am no silver tongued diplomat either. Just a plain warden...but I will do what I can!"
Persuasion:
Looking to try and interject himself into any of the conversations proves to be disastrous for Yarroth, as he always seems to be saying the wrong thing.
Deciding silence may, in his case, truly be golden, he stays out of the way and on the edge of the party.
Ragnar, like the group dressed all in black, stands apart from the crowd and watches. Security is typically boring work, but it keeps him off the streets and at times, in his cups. Standing a good few heads taller than most of the guests makes it a bit easier to watch for any threats, though he doubts there will be any. The group in black draws his attention most of all, as they had clearly made themselves stand out from the rest. He stands, arms crossed, watching with a thinly veiled disdain for all the extravagance. He has known hunger, cold, and even a bit of fear, and he had a feeling these spoiled, soft, wastrels never had, and perhaps never will. None of this stopped him from doing his job though, he kept his eyes and ears open, and as always, his weapons close.
Ember is a short slight woman, her features are human but her skin is the colour of charcoal, her eyes burn like red hot coals, and her hair is red with orange and yellow highlights. She wears a black cloak, with golden trim.
Though she's only hired on as extra security, Ember moves about the guests, trying to make small talk and promote her adoptive fathers small Guild. She finds herself having to answer questions about her heritage over and over and quickly grows tired of talking. Heading over to stand next to Ragnar.
Sir Adrian works the room like a pro, and when he sees Ember he approaches.
I feel so much more secure with you here and Ragnar working the door, my lady. It is a pleasure to lay eyes on you again.
He bows at the waist.
Clyde fidgets in his armor feeling extremely uncomfortable with the predicament he's found himself in. He was never one for fancy parties, even in his small, back country town. He found himself almost wishing to be back in the cursed cave with monsters that was his last job. At least monsters don't smile at you before trying to bite your head off.
Clyde looks inward toward the main room, eying the food being brought out. His stomach growls loudly.
Just one more hour before I can rotate off the door and grab some food. Security doesn't suit me.
Every so often a guest walks by bragging too loudly, or gossiping without care for who's ears are listening.
While the night is still young, you hear tidbits of information from the various guests.
1) An elderly, gluttonous man explains between mouthfuls of cake, "Mulmasterites have motto, ' Take what you can, when you can, because who knows if you’ll see tomorrow.' The city could fall apart any minute, and I for one will finish my cake before it does!"
2) A pale woman with an ample chest points out the thin woman across the party. "She's one of those Yellow Breath sheep. All about exercising, breathing, smelling things and what not. Life must be grabbed onto wrung dry. Appetite comes from the eating!"
3) A plain looking man shakes his head, "Have you heard about Evna Smeethe? The poor girl recently died of suffocation on dry land. How odd?"
4) A small nervous man, whose clothing hangs from his frame asks, "I am not surprised Zora Culkin had to cozy up to that upstart Saj in order to afford this after the disaster at Elmwood. Did you hear of that sad tale? All of her lands were lost when the village was mysteriously vaporized." (Events of DDEX2-2 Embers of Elmwood)
5) An aristocratic woman, her hair braided atop her head and dripping with jewels points toward the people dressed in black. "Their kind do not belong. The Banites of Phlan, common soldiers. Their Lord Protector was nothing more that Zhent puppet who was a jumped-up tyrant that couldn't hold onto his own throne. Now their new champion is little more than a beggar." (Events of DDEX1-10 Tyranny in Phlan)
6) A young man, having misplaced his shirt, jabbers excitedly, "Have you seen all the colors? They are amazing! I have to taste them!" He then runs off, chasing some dancing lights down a garden path.
7) A young girl stands off to the side trembling. "The lights, they move without torch or lantern. They must be magic. Magic is evil! Don't let a wizard see you, they'll steal your soul."
8) A man with high leather boots and a rapier at his side smiles at you. "If we are lucky, someone will cause a fuss and we'll see at least one duel tonight. Noble blood leads to spilled blood."
9) A giggling cluster of young women point toward a handsome man standing among some of the more regal looking nobles. One of them gushes, "That's Zor Garwyl Gos. I'm surprised he's here. Did you hear the story about his brother Andrik? Apparently he went mad and set a bunch of fires. The Hawks hushed it up, of course, but the right people hear things." (Events of DDEX2-5 Flames of Kythorn)
10) One man tells a story about Rassendyll, a long-dead High Blade. It seems that a group of adventurers have found his long-lost sword.
In the center of attention Thylius Caramitru and one of his students, Riasa Yegorovna, daughter of Blade Pankin Yegorovna, are speaking to a crowd about the latest fad: the philosophy of the Yellow Breath.
A handsome man addresses a circle of nobles that hang on his every word. "It is true. The techniques I have brought back from the Monastery are nothing short of amazing. Of course only the most disciplined of noble minds can master the techniques. It's not for the common people. Just look at Riasa and see how far she has come." The thin woman smiles with a bright, almost frantic light
shining in her eyes, "It's true. I have almost mastered the technique. Soon I will be able to subsist without ever eating!"
The man shakes the hands of several those gathered around him. "If you'll excuse me gentleman, I have another appointment. It was so good to see you all. I will leave Riasa to tell you the rest of the story." Waving to the crowd, the man walks towards the manor house.
All gold in AL games are tallied at the end of the game and evenly split between all PCs.
Clyde raises an eyebrow and watches the man run down the garden path.
Gotta keep an eye on that one... He's obviously on something.
As Riasa speaks, Clyde notices her quaking voice and how tightly her skin wraps around her bones. Clyde waves to Adrian and Ember as they converse.
"That woman is starving to death. Does she seriously think she can survive with no sustenance? That Yellow Burp order thing is killing her. Why would they be telling her that?"
Shoo stays at the table, drinking from his ale mug.
-Damn, all these city people, they're utterly crazy...
When he sees Ember and the others, he waves at them, even if they have company.
-Hey! Here, I have seats for you, if you want!
Louis deftly spun around, away from a table, and felt a reassuring jingle of coin in his inside pocket. It sounded like gold, and that made Louis smile. However he immediately froze in his place when he found himself making eye contact with one of the largest goliath security guards he could imagine.
Dressed in black, his watchful gaze had fallen upon Louis and for a split second Louis calculated his chances to make a run for it.
But the Goliath kept on scanning the crowd, and had seemingly just missed Louis' handy finger work.
Breathing a sigh of relief Louis decided that he'd tested his luck enough tonight. He placed the tray, now half full with drinks, on a table somewhere and walked over to the side near a hedge. He snatched one drink off of it and took it with him.
Louis didn't feel like going back into the kitchen yet to get the next scolding and crappy assignment so he took his apron off for the time being and stuffed it behind a tree. They wouldn't miss him for a while, he figured.
Underneath he was wearing his normal attire, A pair of brown slacks, a white shirt and a red vest. He took from his breastpocket a package of tobacco and stuffed his pipe. He lit the pipe and savoured the first few tokes, while he also took a drink from the stuff he was serving to the people.
He was lounging and relaxing a bit, taking in the surreal scenery and shaking his head at the absurdities before him when he heard a young girl nearby. He looked over a found the poor thing trembling.
"The lights, they move without torch or lantern. They must be magic. Magic is evil! Don't let a wizard see you, they'll steal your soul."
Louis sauntered closer to the girl. He didn't want to scare her off so he took it easy.
"Hey." He said casually. "Im Louis. We're about the same hight." He looked at her like he was really sizing her up. No. I'm taller. He said decidedly as he tried standing on his toes and strain to make himself taller, hoping to make her laugh a bit.
He gave her a disarming smile, and he meant it.
"Who's going to steal my soul? I wish they didn't. I have need of it." He looked at the girl and gave her a concerned look. "You shouldn't have your soul stolen either. It's bad luck, you know?" What's your name?
Sir Adrian does not pick up on much of anything, but he does see Clyde give him a wave. He reciprocates with a smile.
Ragnar watches as the man runs off. Guess he's having a good time.
As Ember comes up to him, he motions to the starving woman.
"That one has a look of madness about her. All this food about and she chooses to starve? Fool. That man she follows is going to lead her to an early grave." He shrugs, an effort which is met with the jingle of the chain on his manacles, and leans back against a wall."Oh well, not our problem unless she decides to make it so." He then shoots Ember a grin. "Anyway, having a good time rubbing elbows with these a+*#!@$s?"
You cannot be speaking of me, friend Ragnar.
Clyde chuckles a bit at Adrian's comment. "I doubt any of these blowhards have been knee deep in a giant earth colon. You're one of us country boys at heart." Clyde winks and lightly elbows Adrian in a joking manner.
"But on a serious note, do you think we should tail that guy? He's up to something and I don't like it."
If you think he is to no good, then I trust your judgment, friend. Let's tail him.
Ember gives a little awkward half bow half curtsey to Adrian.
" Thank you Sir Adrian. It's nice to see you too. "
Ember smiles back at Ragnar,
" Yeah, this philosophy of the yellow breath sounds like garbage. She does not look well... I have heard of magical items that can provide nourishment and allow a person to live without food and water. They're very rare though. "
Ember smiles warmly at Clyde, about to ask if he'd like to go sit with Shoo and have a drink together when he suggests tailing Thylius.
" Should we all go? Maybe some of us should try to talk some sense into the poor woman. "
- She is Riasa Yegorovna, daughter of Blade Pankin Yegorovna. Her father owns several trading vessels in addition to his position in the government.
- For the last month she has been receiving lessons from Thylius Caramitru on a philosophy called the Yellow Breath which he brought back after studying at the Monastery of the Yellow Rose. It is a meditative technique that allows the practitioner to hold their breath for extremely long periods. Those that master it are able to give up eating and survive on the smell of food alone.
- The Yellow Breath also teaches certain stretching and martial techniques that open up the lungs and diaphragm. She leans toward some of the gathered females and says that not only has she never been thinner, but her singing voice has improved. Everyone should try it!
- She received her lessons at the Tower of the Blades. As a child of one of the city's rulers, her movements are somewhat limited.
- She knows that Thylius was planning on opening a school to teach more of the right people (noble families). She does not know if the land has been purchased or if the school has been opened yet.
- None of the other nobles know anything about what Riasa and Thylius have just told them, but they believe that the Yellow Breath is all the rage and many are interested in trying it.
- The Caramitru family is involved in the tax collecting bureaucracy of the city. While noble and wealthy, they are not especially well-placed. Their home is somewhere near Southroad Keep, but she cannot give a specific address.
- All of the nobles in the crowd are unsympathetic to the refugees of the Phlan, but are interested in entertaining stories.
- She assures anyone that mentions rumors of starving or suffocation practitioners of Yellow Breath are scandalous lies meant to undermine the good the philosophy could do.
Not too long after your pursuit ends, a messenger greets you and asks you to attend a meeting with his master, Zor Gos.
While you're talking to her, a nobleman approaches you and asks you to follow him. He takes you to another well dressed nobleman, with a dark, well groomed beard, and introduces the man as Zor Gos.
He's one of the few noblemen here who actually give a rat's ass about someone other than himself. If you can get on his good side, he could prove to be a good ally to our cause. His name is Zor Garwyl Gos.
Zor Garwyl Gos strikes a regal figure, dressed well but not ostentatiously. Behind a well-kept dark hair and beard, his piercing eyes seem to take your measure in the brief moment as he reaches out his hand toward you. "It is good to meet you, friends," he says to all of you.
"I have a problem, that you might be able to assist me with. If you complete this task for me, I will be quite grateful and could intercede with my father on your behalf. However, if you are interested in this opportunity, you will be on your own. I cannot involve the Watch or the Hawks. It is a sensitive investigation, but should not force you run afoul of the law, though you will have to keep this between us. As they say, a fly cannot enter a closed mouth. What do you say?"
At Adrian's question, Ragnar lets out a booming laugh.
"You may be an a%~@%&~, but you are one of the better ones." He then claps Adrian's shoulder.
In meeting with Zor Gos, he waits clearly impatiently as Zor Gos went on.
"Get to the point, what's the job and whats the pay."
Clyde places a hand on Ragnar, "He gets right to the nitty gritty, huh? Also he's not... one to gossip. I am curious as well what this job is. I don't want to agree to anything shady."
Yarroth follows the knight as she takes him over to Zor Garwyl Gos.
"Who is he? Will he be able to assist us in the retaking of Phlan? "
Shoo is not the happiest man on earth having to decide on this blindly, but having his companions from last adventure by his side, he says:
-Mmmhh... I'm intrigued. I guess if everyone is in, then I'm in as well.
Why would we need the help of your father? What exactly are you offering? We will need to hear some more, my good sir.
To Adrian. Ah, my good sir, he says with sincerity, My family owns one of the more prominent businesses here in Mulmaster, and my father holds a lot of sway. From one nobleman to another, a promise of favor and influence is more valuable than mere gold.
To Ragnar, he says, I'm willing to pay you 250 gold. Now, I could pay a lot less for mercenaries, but I'm paying more for quality; I have good reason to believe you lot are worth it. When he says "you lot," he's clearly referring to the non-nobles in the group. One does not include the betters of society in the word "lot."
Sir Adrian nods knowingly.
Of course, good sir. My skills and sword of Torm are at your disposal.
This news of possible help buoys Yarroth's spirits as nothing has in the months he has been here.
Finally a chance for the people of Phlan to regain their home! I must do everything I can to impress this Zor Gos, the youth road warden thinks as the group move towards another group of people, one of which must be Zor.
Louis raised his eyebrows when he gets taken to Zor Gos. He figured he was in for a scolding, having thrown off his apron. But much to his surprise, the nobles had a different motive.
When Zor Gos spoke Louis figured there had been some kind of mistake and he shouldn't be here. He eyed the gathered people. A motley crew indeed.
Most had been working the party, just like him. Maybe they had figured he was with them? Who knows. Noone seemed the wiser so Louis just stayed silent for now. This could get interesting.
When the sum of 250 gold was mentioned, Louis had a hard time keeping a straight face but caught himself in time. 250 gold! He would walk on all the wrong sides of the law for that.
These folk seemed to know each other too. He was the odd one out, but he decided to grab his chance.
"Two-hundered and fifty per person, normally I don't wake up for that kind of change but you seem like a good honest chap. Ill make an exception." He said jovially.
And about those favours from your old man, I have but a single request. Louis smiled widely. I'd humbly request the master-chef from tonights party to personally cook us a grand meal. It would mean so much to me.
And it would hurt that fat cook's pride so perfectly nice to have to cook me a meal. Louis thought to himself and savoured the anticipation of the mans sour face. He stepped in to shake Zor Gos's hand and seal the deal before anyone noticed he wasn't supposed to be here.
"A moment of your time, Sir Gos?" Clyde asks while turning away from the group for a moment.
Clyde whispers to Zor Gos, "You do a fine job hiding it, but I'm more perceptive than most. Something's eating at you. Don't worry, I'm not asking for more coin. I just believe I may be able to help you better if I knew what this was really about. I've seen that face of worry in the mirror many times. If there's anything that should require a delicate touch, I think it's best we know."
Clyde begins to turn back around and reaches to pat Zor Gos on the shoulder, but then thinks better of it. Now facing the group, Clyde stands quietly.
The nobleman smiles at Clyde and says, I appreciate your kind words. In fact, kindness is the reason I've invited some of you here. The halfling here was seen skirting his job to make a young girl smile. That's the kind of character I like to see in a man. Or a halfling, in this case. And all of you were either seen as inquisitive, competent, or came with good recommendation.
His smile starts to fade again. You see, my problem is that my sister is missing. And I need someone to find her. Liticia is headstrong and often tries to get into scandals to embarrass the family, but I still love her and I am concerned for her safety.
The issue here is twofold - for one, I want her found and returned safely. I fear she has gotten herself into something she cannot handle. Normally, when she does something like this, she returns in a few days. We are usually worried, but usually there's no worse for wear except when she does something that can endanger the family name.
But this time, it's been four tendays and I haven't heard a word. I'm worried. I do not believe she's been kidnapped, as there's been no word of a ransom or any such thing, so whatever little thing she's wrapped herself into likely was a lot worse than she thought it was.
The second issue is that we cannot handle another scandal. My brother was recently involved in a large scandal, and if the family gets hit again we will lose standing with the nobles. This cannot happen. For that reason, I cannot involve the City Watch or the Hawks. Both organizations are likely to leak this to our rivals. It needs to be kept secret.
As for Liticia, she has long black hair and bears a strong resemblance to myself - so she should be easy to identify.
What do you say? Can you help me? Can you bring my sister back to me?
Clyde's face lights up and he jumps back a bit. Unable to contain his excitement, he pipes up, "A rescue mission!? Count me in. This is what I trained for. Hold on..."
Clyde touches his right pointer finger to each of the fingers on his other hand as he counts off a checklist in his head. "We need to know... Last known location, any odd behavior before disappearance, any new friends she may have made... Hmmm" He struggles to recall any other questions he should ask.
Ragnar crosses his massive arms, the familiar jingle of his manacles meets this action.
"Who's to say she hasn't gone and found her own life to live? Went and ran off with some boy and doesn't want to be found." He grins as he continues speculation. "Maybe some peasant lad that would bring shame to the family name. Aside from not telling you lot, what makes you think that she, to quote you, 'has gotten herself into something she can't handle?'"
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Clyde shakes his head and gestures to Ragnar. "Ragnar. Very handy with an axe, not so much with words. Though he seems to be great at talking himself out of a coin purse."
Turning to Ragnar, "If that happens to be the case, then we'll at least return with news that she is safe, right?" Clyde crunches his eyebrows, giving Ragnar a look as if to say 'come on, man'.
Ember nods along with Clyde and his questions. " oh, your sister... don't worry, we'll track her down. What about enemies? "
Shoo finishes his long sip and, before throwing a piece of cheese into his mouth, declares his feelings.
-Aw, a young maiden lost? This seems like something I can't reject. Tell us more about it, sir, in a more safe place if you prefer.
Indeed, we will rescue the damsdel. It is, afterall, my forte.
"Anything I can do to assist, I shall. Can you tell us where this abduction too place, or perhaps the last place to remember seeing her?"