GM Fez's Hell' Rebels (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Hartshorn

Mmmh... ok then...

After much deliberation you decide to approach the Aulorian Estate from the main entrance. When you are a few hundreds of paces away you notice the well armed guards patrolling the entrance and its surroundings. You need to get your plan into action!

If you wanted to something else before coming here you need to tell me what it is. If you want to forge a document for example you need to roll linguistics and so on. If you want to buy I scroll you need to tell me, and so on. Let me know please

Okay, to hurry things along I'd say Val or Morricone must forge documents before we head there. Talon will work on disguising everyone. Maybe someone could set up the meeting. Before we arrive and pick a day. On the day Talon and Morricone and maybe Rocco can sit on the meeting. Lirotha and Oren wait as backup, or even come along. Val tries to deliver the note as a bird while we meet with the father. Thoughts?

Talon brings out some of the nicer finery from his secret hideout and make up box. Using it to alter his teammates features a bit, change some hair colour and shows them how to change their posture slightly and dresses them like they could be his business partners.

Disguise Check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 +30 for Talon Himself

No need for me to forge documents. I can draft a real contract and leave an anonymous name as the counter party.

"I'll write up a sample contract. They will want to consider it and make various alterations, this is a normal process."

barrister: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Ok. Is that all you want to do for preparation? If so tell me how you want to approach the Estate: how many of you go to the gates and try to get themselves announced? What do the other do in the meanwhile?

"Do we know anyone who could tell us where the boys room is? Maybe a maid going out on a job? that would make my drop off much easier..." notes Valrani.

That plan works for me...We should have the boy's room generally marked on the simple map given to us by the Captain. How exact that location is...and IF it has a window...is another matter entirely.
Lirotha does not have a position in Talon's retinue yet. Nothing official enough like Val as a Barrister...but if Val is out trying to deliver the message, then Lirotha could fake being a scribe enough to hold the document(s) and make notes on it for future versions as agreed by the both parties.

Morricone will get fitting clothes and rent a carriage. And also get the brandy mentioned.

Rocco will go with the team that hopes to meet with the elder Aulorian. He has a pretty decent bluff skill, so he can probably use his words pretty effectively to drag out the meeting as long as possible.
One question on this plan, though: how do we actually get the meeting with Aulorian? Do we have a way that we can convince him to actually come out and meet with a bunch of strangers? Any powerful person worth their salt (heheh!) probably gets dozens of requests for meetings from smaller business-owners. How do we make sure he will actually be willing to meet with us?

The gift of brandy might work for that?

@Valrani: Lirotha is correct, the captain marked the room's position on the map he gave you. It's on the manor's second floor, accessible from a balcony located in the back of the estate, and you can see it on the map linked above

Morricone spares no expenses, investing 30 gold pieces in order to make the rouse seem more authentic. Everyone seems ready to act...

Describe your position and actions please

Oren joins the team to enter the home and support the ones who will pass along the message.

Right from Val's point of view... I wildshape - into an owl maybe. Then fly to the balcony and land. Peck at the door or window for a while to get his attention and then give him the message. Can we have a message spell or something like that in case of emergencies?

Morricone dressed in a new set of clothes, with a different haircut and a three day stubble, slowly rides in a carriage towards the house. The brandy is carried by their halfling "servant" in matching livery.

All of you but Valrani approach the Estate's main entrance. A well dressed (and well equipped) guard moves to intercept you. He doesn't seem particularly concerned but nontheless studies you thoroughly:"Halt there, good people! I'm afraid we were not notified of any visitors coming today, so I need to know about your identities and the reason for your visit..."

You need a social roll, bluff would be appropriate

*******

Meanwhile Valrani, transformed into an owl, flies over the manor house, lands just outside Marquel Alulorian's window and starts pecking at it, hoping to cause the young man with a withered arm she can see writing inside the bedchamber to notice her. As she does so Valrani smells the intense stench of sulfur coming from the well cured lawn below. The source of it is easily identifiable: a huge 3 headed dog that seems to have been skinned alive patrolling the garden while snarling and sniffing the air...

Perception check: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19

@Val roll: stealth with a +10 modifier please. It will take you some pecking before Marquel notices you

stealth: 1d20 + 4 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 10 = 26

As the horrid dog comes closer, Valrani's pecking ups in intensity.

Hurry up and hear me...

I'm guessing this is evening/night, thus the form of the owl, but happy to be a raven or other daytime bird if it is the afternoon.

"Please introduce your master that Paracount Titian Jeggare, from the Westcrown Jeggare is here on business matters. We should have been announced, I have sent a note two months ago.
A shame. The hellknights are getting really sloppy in securing our borders!"
Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

@Val: It's early afternoon, the dog probably heard something but you successfully evaded it... for now at least

The Valrani-Owl manages to avoid being noticed by the dog. Her insistent peking causes the person sitting opposite to the window to turn and look at her, puzzled:"Weird... did the dog scare you? If so, I can't balem you. It gives me chills as well" he says as he opens the window checking the lawn below...

*******

"Paracount Titian Jeggare, you say m'lord? I'll make sure to immediately send word of your coming to Lord Aulorian m'lord. In the meanwhile, why don't you wait inside? We would not dream of letting such an esteemed guest to wait here in the open!" so saying you are invited inside the Estate. The manor is mostly made of white marble and several precious paintings adorn the walls of the waiting chamber you were escorted to. While you wait to be summoned above and meet your host you realize you could use your time to learn something useful from the guards keeping you company...

Rocco, playing the part of the dutiful servant, turns to Paracount Jeggare. With a bow, he asked, "Would my lord care for a refreshment? I would be glad to see if the esteemed guardians of this house would escort me to retrieve it for you."

Valrani-owl flaps up to the window edge. Nodding her head she drops the scroll into the room.

Waiting patiently she twists her head to one side as if listening for a reply.

Lirotha will look at the paintings closely, trying to act like the meek but curious scribe. She also occasionally smiles at one of the better looking guards, acting shy and timid in her flirtation.

Bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

As they walk Talon comments ”This is a mighty fine establishment. Impressive indeed. I am hoping this will be a fruitful business proposition for all parties’l

Not sure what to ask the guards at this time.

The guards gently but firmly stop the Paracount servant from approaching:"I'm sorry m'lord but no one can leave until we receive word from above, which should happen in no time I believe. If you wish for some refreshments just tell us what you want and we'll gladly provide you with it.

As the Valrani-Owl drops the scroll and turns her head 90° degrees to the left looking curiously at the young man with a withered arm. He studies her as well for a moment, then smiles and recovers the scroll:[b]"I hope this means rescue" says as he cracks the letter's seal open and begins to read. As he does so his smile grows wider and wider then he turns to Valrani-Owl:"My lovely Cassius truly is my saviour. I suppose you are some sort of trained bird and you need to wait for an answer my little feathered friend... just wait a minute and I shall give you something to bring back to your master. I can't wait to lay my eyes on his handsome features again and I hope he can send help soon so we shall be reunited". So saying the kintargan noble turns towards his desk and starts to write something down on a clean parchment.

Obviously Marquel has not yet realized the owl is more than it appears to be

Oren figures that perhaps sending a member or two back to gather drinks might make escape easier. ”Yes, I’ll take a drink. Do you have any Elven brandy? I prefer the more delicate vintages...”

Valrani-owl sits on the window ledge, waiting patiently for the parchment, and looking around the room in case there is anything of interest. Or hears anything such as a door opening.

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

And I'm assuming he looks like the description we were given?

Morricone waves a hand nonchalantely and adds.
"Sure, but do not waste my time. I have other appointments today and I am sure those did not loose my letter. You may leave now!"

Rocco nods to his master and turns to the guard, "Yes yes, please if you would retrieve my master a glass of red wine. A Chelish vintage would suffice, though if you have any old Galtan bottles in store, that would be excellent. A full body, if you please, with notes of peat and floral aftertaste. And please, for the sake of the Nine Hells, please not even a hint of berry. My master cannot stand berry in his wines!"

The guard nods at Rocco before departing. Ten minutes later he's back, followed by a human servant bringing a bottle of chelish red. Which she pours for Morricone alone.

"Crimson Tear, 4703 vintage, with my master's compliments" she says before departing. As Morricone sips it he realizes the deeply red substance truly is delicious.

Another ten minutes pass before a page comes to fetch you:"Greatings, Paracount, my master apologizes for the delay and would gladly met you now if it pleases you..." he says as he waits for you to move out of the waiting room. He then leads you through the opulent mansion until you reach a big open area, a garden with many exotic trees and flowers. In the middle of it you can see a middle aged man sitting on a straight backed chair near a long table with empty seats. He smiles and motions for you to sit down, as you do you notice a few servants waiting discretely near the doors in the back of the garden and more than a few guards standing to attention doing the same.

"So, they tell me you are a Paracount out of Westcrown and that you asked for a meeting with me. So here we are, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, my dear Paracount?"

*******

Meanwhile Valrani-Owl waits for Marquel to finish writing his replay.

@Valrani: Are you sure you don't want to reveal yourself?

Valrani can only wildshape once a day, so if she turns back into a human, I don't think she can go back into an owl form. And while his father might be secretly pleased with finding a woman in his sons room, I doubt it would end well for her :-)

Valrani waits patiently, turning her head from side to side in an owl like manner.

Morricone, no Paracount Titian Jeggare sits and replies.
"I do not know how well informed you are with the situation in Westcrown? We had a rebellion of thieves and there have been acts of high treason and terrorism. Old families were destoryed and killed and the balance of power was tipped. As the council of thieves was filled to the brim with upstart, fat and lazy moneylanders and coingrabbers we had to spike a few of them or send them to slavery.
We have restored peace and order with an iron fist and utter dedication to the will of our emperess, may her reign never end.
But even with her blessing and trust, we are still without a few necessary, let´s us call it pacts. We have much to offer, but still we lack food and other necessary goods. Kintargo is the biggest trade hub in the north west. You are the gate to the north and a lot of necessary trade will go to your city.
Westcrown is the gate to the south and the colonies. We have other goods to offer. So trade would be highly beneficial."
Perform Act: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26

So I'm guessing we were still under at least one guard when the servant went to fetch the wine then?

Rocco remains standing a short distance behind his master, as a proper servant should.

"I see. And you come to us Aulorians because of our extensive trade network, am I right? That was very wise of you but... Paracount Jaegare, I won't lie to you... yours is a very tempting offer but as of now things are in turmoil even here in Kintargo and that may pose a threat to our collaboration. Mayor Thrune has just secured his position and although he's strong he's not yet gained complete controlover the city. There are rabblerousers opposing his just rule... they call themselves the Silver Ravens, after a group of thieves and petty criminals that plagued our fair city in centuries past. I'm sure the mayor will soon bring them to heel, but for the moment the situation in Kintargo is less than ideal for him and he's been... temperamental. He's been known to take a dim view of any who try to sneak past his authority. I for one would NEVER dream of doing so. So I suggest you present yourself before him as soon as possible. Once he gives you his blessing I will be more than happy to accomodate Westcrown needs"

******

After a few more minutes of writing Marquel raises and hands Valrani-Owl a piece of parchment. He smiles and speaks to the bird:"Thank you my friend. Fly back to Cassius and bring him to me soon!" aftewr that he takes the letter Val carried to him and prepares to destry it:"I hate to do this but the risk is too great..." he murmurs.

Valrani-owl gives a nod of her head- not so easy for an owl, and then, clutching the scrolls in her claws she flaps out the window.

Rather than risk the ire of the dog below, she tries to gain height, and then sets off toward the harbour. About half way there she changes direction, and after a few more minutes flying starts looking around for some trees to roost in.

A couple of minutes later, Valrani emerges from the trees with the scroll stuffed down her shirt. Taking a quick look around she heads for the coffee house to await the return of the other ravens.

The paracount plays with his glass for a while.
"Your bluntness and honesty is refreshing.
I learned a lot during our times of turmoil. And turmoil offers opportunity. Opportunity,... that can be exploited.
It needs iron will and courage.
And the stronger your position, well the stronger you are able to show your worth and the higher your .. .station after those rabblerousers are no problem anymore!"
Holding up his hand he continues.
"Do not misunderstand me. I do not advocate to abuse authority.
I advice to invest it!"

"Wiser words have never been spoken, Paracount. And, of course, I will invest my family's fortunes... when the time and circumstances are right. I'm quite high already in the Lord Mayor esteem... He even gave me a gift. Would youn like to see it?" the Aulorian patriarch answers Morricone amiably.

*********

Valrani flies out of the Estate and gets back to Laria's bakery and coffehouse.

Titian Jeggare nods and replies.
"Nothing says more about a powerful man than what kind of gifts he offers."

Talon stiffens and thinks to himself "Wait a second... isn't the gift, ON NO!"

"Very true..." Auxis exclaims and motions for the guards and servants to move:"Come, I will show you Barzillai Thrune's gift to me... the mighty... GOREFANGS!"

Sure you want to meet the Cerberi?

*****

Valrani finds Laria inside her shop. She excuses herself and enters her back office, discretely signaling for the druid/lawyer to follow.

Lirothi realizes quickly what the man refers to and immediately steps forward.

"Sir, you have another appointment is 30 minutes or so? Shouldn't we move on? I would hate to keep a Hellknight waiting a minute longer than necessary."

Bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

Valrani takes her coffee and subtly follows Laria into the backroom. "Hi there Larisa... Is something up?" asks the young lawyer.

Titian halts for a moment and replies.
"This would be impolite to do. Sir Auxis, I am trapped between honor and duty. We have to inspect your mighty gift another time. While this is sooo very interesting, you know how hellknights are, and Order of the Rack especially. They will grumble and bicker for weeks if you are once five minutes late. And Paralictors are especially nervegrinding.
We have to postpone this for another day!"
Bowing deeply he adds.
"This was an incredible productive meeting. So we are in agreement that we can preleminary talks, at the condition that the exchange will start as soon as you have destroyed this pesky silver rats?"

Oren took a step to the door at hearing both Lirotha and Morricone trying to wind the meeting down.

Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Despite being convinced of Morricone's fake identity and intentions Auxis Aulorian seems disappointed and a bit angered by the "Paracount"'s answer.

"I see. Very well then. Don't let me get between you and duty. Have a nice day sir. Perhaps I'll contact you again when those nasty birds's feathers will be fully plucked..." he scoffs as he weaves for you to leave the garden.

*******

Laria nods at Valrani:"You tell me. I hear you visited a captain in Her Infernal Majestrix's navy, and now you go to check on the Aulorians, whose attitude is turning increasingly pro Thrune... Is there something you need to tell me Val?" she says but doesn't sound very friendly.

"You have good ears" admits the lawyer.

"We were all but press ganged into meeting with the captain, who is not on the best of terms with the elder Aulorian. However he did want to get a message to the son... who seems to be somewhat caged by his father."

She pauses.

"What do you know of the Aulorian's, and the relationship between father and son? Does his son's disability cause him embarrassment?"

Where do you want to go from here? Val is at Laria's what about the rest of you?

"I see. Next time make sure of letting me know beforehand. Moves like these tend to make me nervous. And with the state of Kintargo a lot of people are rather jumpy... better not to make them distrust you" Laria tells Valrani after taking a long breath.

"The Aulorians you say? Can't say I know much, just that the son is some sort of scholar and old Auxis isn't exactly pleased with it. He would rather have an heir helping him expand the family business..."

Unless anyone is hard-pressed to do something else...we should get back to the missing children once we know the letter has been delivered and a response is in hand.

Agreed with Lirotha on finding the kids after the letter.

Sounds good to me.

Lets make it unanimous!

After leaving the Aulorian Estate you go back to Laria's where you group together and after a little rest you plan your next moves deciding to resume the hunt for the missing twins once your duty to Sargaeta is over.
With that notion in mind early next morning you get back to the [i]Scourge of Belial[/b] where you are once again brought to the captain's cabin.
You deliver Marquel Aulorian and the captain quickly opens the letter and reads it eagerly. Once he's done, he once again focuses his attention on you:"I see you delivered my message. Unfortunately Marquel is still confined to his quarters which are not safe for him. Fortunately he agrees on this and would be more than happy to escape his gilded cage, so he will do what he can to make your rescue attempt successful"

Sargaeta states. As he notices your looks he scoffs and adds:"What are those faces? I'll consider our agreement fulfilled once you bring Marquel to me so I can protect him from Thrune and his despicable minions. Here... take a look at this. It won't be as hard as you fear after all!" so saying the captain hands you Marquel's letter...

Lirotha turns a bit red here.

"That was NOT what was agreed Captain. Tonight? How can we plan such an escape in so short a time? You are insane! That beast of a hound could chew through us in seconds!"