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”Ah yes, let’s see how these fit.”
Holding them out Jasper sees the embroidered ceremonial red robes and golden mask of a Vision of Razmiran in her hands.
Quality equivalent to a Royal outfit with jewelry.
Brother Butterfly knows exactly what the clothing means. But he's really not CERTAIN what this clothing means in-so-far as ramifications.
When the acolyte leaves, Brother wants to get a better understanding on Seleen's game and he verbalizes it.
these clothes, and what they mean are very important. I understand why I should wear them, but I also understand why I should pause before I *DO* wear them.
Isn't claiming-so quickly- The Fifteenth Step a big F-U-C-K Y-O-U to Vision Falluk?
I have been gone for a long while. Sent- or exiled or whatever you want to call it politically - but I have been AWAY for a long time.
I need to know the landscape before fitting into these robes again.
”I do find it strange that Seleen has returned to Xer at just the same time. She has risen quickly through the ranks of the priesthood since Jasper left. I would think he might recall her ambitions better.”
Cats nods knowingly as if he understands everything that the man said or what he was implying. He doesn't exactly, or any parts of it, but as long as he was being fed and could sleep he'd be fine for a while.
"Yeah, well thanks. I appreciate your cat," Cats says as the man leaves.
Fearless is even more confused than before and he grabs Vision Falluk at the elbow. "Hold up. You can ask us about some plan and then hold out on us. Key us in." Fearless' curious nature takes hold as he takes the small bait. Though a small inkling in the back of his mind thinks this is another trick of Brother Butterfly's targeting him.
"Vision Falluk will be stepping down soon." Seleen says. "He needs a successor, and I think you could assume his role, though I suspect you have plans that do not lead you to the life of a temple evangelist."
****
Falluk looks to Fearless and shrugs. "I can't tell you what I don't know. Maybe he didn't tell you for a reason."
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"Alright, alright." Fearless holds his hands up. "We were just testing you to make sure of what you knew." Fearless waves the man in closer so as not to be overheard. "Jasper told us everything. He feels his life is in danger and not sure by who. He wanted someone to follow him around town while he is here. Very close by so he is never alone. Cock-block him by the likes never seen before in any tavern. Never let him be alone, even when he sleeps." Fearless smiles smacking Falluk on the side of his arm, not expecting to be taking seriously by any means.
He sits in the corner of the room. "So Vision, must be interesting be a Vision. All these people following your every word. Tell me more?"
The Mariner is uncertain whether this head goat was a master of deception or a master baiter. But for the moment, the man seemed more of a threat to himself than the Watchmen, These guys have been drinking their own yellow wine for a looong time now.
Cats listens in, but has no real feeling for what if Fearless is saying is true or false. He doesn't follow well, nor is he certain if Fearless or Brother or the dude is lying, he doesn't know and doesn't care too much. He was content to sit and let things get on while things got on.
"Ayep, what Catless says is right."
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Does BB get the feeling that there's a "game of Thrones" power play going on?
Brother absorbs what Seleen said, and doesn't react at all with his facial expressions.
He instead stares at the capped bottle of wine.
I am one who tarries over wine. I love that sparkle in the cup and how it goes down smoothly.
He breaks focus on the closed up wine, and grabs the robes and mask. He looks up at Seleen.
The dinner is happening in a short bit- isn't it?
Well, the fun was good while it lasted. You reinvigorated me.
He then pauses. the dramatic pause. He actually hopes she starts to respond or reply. So he can hold his finger up in a commanding and silencing gesture. He holds the silence for an uncomfortable moment.
Then declaring.
It's showtime.
And he puts on the robe and mask. Opening the door to the room, and walking out. Taking the lead. He doesn't know where he's going or headed, but he fully expects someone to be outside the door that he can order around to "escort them to The Visions Dining Hall".
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Falluk studies Fearless as a tale is spun about Brother Butterfly. Shooting glances at Cats and the Mariner his brow furrows.
”Are you suggesting he has a protector shadowing him? No... I think not. Or if so they are doing an awful job of it or have been compromised. This is a dangerous game to play, and I think you don’t know all the rules. I suppose I must tend to this myself.”
Opening the door, he finds an acolyte waiting outside with a platter of requested food. Gesturing the man proceed inside Falluk turns and starts at another figure standing with the guards - a stocky woman in a silver breastplate, her features concealed beneath a hood embroidered with a sternly glaring face. Through the eye holes stare large blue eyes, focused past Falluk at the Watchmen. It’s hard to notice that they lack a dark pupil.
”Ah...” Falluk starts, but catches himself immediately. ”Inquisitor Glower. I was just going to send for you.”
Taking the woman by the arm, he leads her away.
”Your food, sirs.” The acolyte sets down the platter.
***
The fine silk robes fall over Brother Butterfly’s large frame easily, and would be the most comfortable of garments were it not for an uncomfortable itch between his shoulder blades that seems to penetrate deeper than his skin. Settling the masks upon their faces, he and Seleen depart for their dinner with Vision Falluk.
As Vision Jasper makes to leave Seleen places a tender hand on his chest.
”Tell me Jasper, have you been to the Exalted Wood?”
Regarding earlier questions: Serious Game of Thrones intrigue here. Falluk is just past the prime of his life, but nowhere near retirement age.
Exalted Woods Info:
Every year, hundreds of doubters are sent to the heart of the Exalted Wood to be indoctrinated into Razmir's faith. Those who return come back changed; they seem to lose their niggling doubts and return with a new-found faith, and many return with unexplained burns and scars. Some never return at all. Whispers of the foul rituals that may take place in the depths of the Exalted Woods spread rumors of magic that can bend people's minds or warp their souls.
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Tender hand. Yeah right. That's the actress in her.
”Tell me Jasper, have you been to the Exalted Wood?”
Vision Jasper tilts his head. Taking on a posture and tone of teacher to student.
The Exalted Wood is for doubters. What if I asked you that same question? Wouldn't it seem like an insult for a Vision to be amongst the doubters?He does his best to gauge her own experience with The Exalted Woods by her body language and reply.
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Fearless takes his food and slumps into the corner of the room as he begins eating. He looks down at his plate as the door shuts. With a half-full mouth he sputters out some food and holds his plate out. "HEY! Where the f~~& is my lobster!"
Cats helps Fearless with the food eating, worried the lil' halfling might explode if he has to eat this all by himself.
"This is all pretty weird, ain't it Catless?"
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"Yea, why are we locked away in some cell? We came to pick up supplies and that's it. Now Shapeshifter is off getting laid, promoted and his feet scrubbed while we sit in here." Fearless kicks a large rat, that will surely grow into a ysoki given a few hundred years of radiation therapy, away from his food. He sets the tray down and licks his fingers clean one at a time. "Let's get out of here and head back to the ship? Yea?"
The Mariner nods and says to the acolyte, "Bring us to the rotund Vision we came with, or fetch him here."
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perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Brother scans the route,eyes darting left and right trying to get his bearings. Too bad the mind isn't registering the sensory input. His brain is paranoid about this hostile environment he's somehow found himself in. He knows that he's being watched. The people that delivered his clothes have already reported back every word he told Selene.
Remember Jasper- everyone knows everything around here. or at least they jump to every possible conclusion around here.During the walk, he casually mentions to Selene.
My internal clock must be off. I am feeling like I'm in the Twilight (Zone) hours.
Maybe someone will take that for some code, and I can put them off their political game.
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Stepping from Seleen’s apartment, Vision Jasper finds himself among a retinue of guards and acolytes. As befitting an important member of Razmiran’s clergy, Visions travel large.
Though he wears the mask and robes of the highest order, Jasper quickly gets the impression that this entourage takes its direction only from Seleen. They walk perhaps a little too near him for comfort, with eyes narrowed and focused on him. Sweat starts to bead on his shaved head beneath the mask under the heat from the setting sun and anxious feelings growing in his belly. He can’t trust these people, and the thought occurs to him that this may be how Fearless sees the world all the time.
***
Fearless grumbles about the accommodations at the Razmiran Inn. Obviously Brother Butterfly has left them for a life of leisure and is in all likelihood gorging himself on plates of lobster.
***
Vision Jasper attempts conversation with Seleen, but she remains silent. The entourage makes their way from the rectory back to the temple, crossing a street busy with citizens of Razmiran. Most make signs of reverence, some bow low, a few grovel and ask for blessings. One man touches the hem of his robe and earns a kick from one of the guards as his just reward. Butterfly glances about, looking for escape routes, but sees nothing suitable to a man unfamiliar with speed, stealth, or basic exercise.
Jasper is brought to a wing of the temple containing a small yet opulent dining hall. Banners and gilded reliefs hang upon two walls, the third holds a view through tall windows of a private garden. Vision Falluk stands at the head of the table, accompanied by a stocky woman in a silver breastplate, her features concealed beneath a hood embroidered with a sternly glaring face.
***
The Mariner bangs on the door and a window opens. An acolyte outside does not acquiesce to his demands. ”Eat your fill.” He says. ”I’m sure you will see your master soon enough.”
***
”Welcome, Vision Jasper.” Falluk raises a hand in a holy blessing, his voice strong and resonating in the hall. ”Sit, eat.” He sits, and gestures to the two other chairs at the table and the spread of delicious plates of baked tenderloin stuffed with apricots, grilled Encarthan bluefish, fresh fruit, and a spiced casserole.
”Permit me to introduce Glower, an Inquisitor of the Exalted Temple. We were just discussing your companions...”
Glower speaks before Falluk can say more. Her voice is soft and raspy, but intense. ”Vision Falluk tells me that you may perform a miracle of mental purification to cleanse them of madness, but such afflictions are easy to fake, and cure.” She steps closer, her eyes catching the light through the garden windows - large blue pupils without a dark iris. ”Resurrections, however, are much more impressive.”
***
Cats half-listens as Fearless complains and the Mariner demands, thinking the whole situation is just... odd. Just like the oddly faint flavor of almonds left in his mouth from the bread that came with their food.
This whole thing is giving him a dizzying headache...
Fort
Cats makes some sounds that, well, sound a bit like a cat coughing up a hairball. He's not sure whether he's going to hairball something up, but he might. Something in the food might not have been right.
Fearless' stomach churns, leaning over he lets one rip and keeps on eating, oblivious to the poison in the food. "Think this might be a bit spoiled. Though a bit better than back at Briarstone."
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Oh, I didn't realize that while I have been gone - Vision Falluk has added the job title of Town Crier or Yard Barker to his impressive resume.
I can assure you that I have said very little about my intentions with the loonies. Anything told to you is just conjecture.
Let us sit and eat and enjoy a fine meal and friendly conversation!
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Fearless doesn't feel great, but whatever got to Cats makes him feel awful as something twists his guts and makes his heart race.
***
Glower stares at Vision Jasper, her eyes narrowing. "Conjecture or not. Your companions will serve no purpose now other than Razmir's will."
Falluk looks between Glower and Jasper, his expression stern. "What is this about? Why are you testing Vision Jasper like this? I am high Vision here. I speak for Razmir!"
"Do you now?" Seleen asks, taking a gold symbol from her robes and holding it forth for the guards to see. "Behold the crest of the Living God. By his authority I declare Jasper and Falluk to be heretics. Arrest them. If they resist, kill them."
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Oh, so no food. It is a pity. In reality, I was mostly looking forward to the wine. At least I got a good bath and shave before this turn about and slander.
Brother holds out his arms to be taken prisoner. Not offering any resistance.
Honorable Glower, Inquisitor of the Exalted Temple. The lunatics really are crazies. The Captain of the ship is also an exceptional captain of the Encartan. Let them go about their way or join the flock of devoted rabble. It would be Razmir's Will for those of feeble minds to get nourishment of Razmir's teachings and become devotees when their mind heals.
Fearless burps and looks over at Cats as he begins to hunch over in pain. He looks down and drops his plate. "Yo...you alright? Cats? Cats?"
Cats holds his stomach, making a hurty face.
"Catless, my tummy hurts. Hurts a lot," Cats looks for a place to poop and/or vomit. "That was bad food, Catless. Bad food."
Fearless leans in, unsure on how he can help. "What can I do?" He looks around, slides his sleeve all the way up to his elbow. He begins to lay Cat's down onto his back. "Lay down here I have an idea. Do you trust me?" He draws his dagger, gleaming in the room's light. He looks for the assurance in Cat's eyes as well as his affirmation.
Cats nods, coming to a realization that this is much more than food poisoning, but real poisoning. That realization might look a lot like trust to Fearless.
Fearless sticks his dagger into the ground hard. ”That’s in case those guards come back” Fearless tilts Cats chin up opening his mouth and peering in. ”We have to get that food out of your system” Fearless goes wrist deep down Cats’ throat causing the man to squirm, gag and vomit everywhere.
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In his brain,
Oh Desna. You are my heart's desire. I know you've led me here to this point. I submit to your wisdom that you have a plan for this spiritual warrior. I look forward to our next prayers together.
In a calm voice, using a bit of humor and sarcasm to make a (bogus) point that he's the one in ultimate control and not Lady Seleen. This show is more for Glower than anyone else.
While I am peacefully submitting to this insane allegation, I do reserve the right to be dragged away from here kicking and screaming.
And he smiles his patented smile. Should either hand be even quasi free- he curls his mustache for effect.
The Mariner explodes a fountain of stomach juices and blood, somewhat reminiscent of the wave of blood at the Briarstone asylum. ”Poison!”, he eyes the guard through the shutter, ”You're gonna pay berk! Nobody poisons the Captain's well!!”. Pukes more blood.
Brother Butterfly and Vision Falluk surrender to the guards without a fight.
”This is a grave mistake.” Falluk warns as manacles are fit around his wrists. ”What evidence have you?”
”Jasper has given you both away. His lies alone would have sufficed, but he also bears the holy mark of another god. He is claimed, but not by Razmir.”
”What?” Falluk retorts and shoots narrowed eyes at Brother Butterfly. ”Impossible! I do not believe it! I demand you show the mark to me!”
Glower stalks up to Brother Butterfly and grabs his robe, tearing it to reveal Desna’s Butterfly.
Falluk gasps. ”You... traitor!” He lunges at Brother Butterfly, manacled hands reaching for his thick neck.
***
Fearless gags Cats with a punch down his throat. Cats sputters and hurls leftovers across the floor.
Following Fearless’ example, the Mariner spews out bread and wine, but after a moment feels better. The second round of real food, of which the Mariner avoided, seems to be the true culprit. Most likely the salmon mousse.
Fearless darts between the two, Cat's spittle and vomit dripping from his knuckles as he knocks the plate from Mariner's hands. "Stop eating it. Someone is trying to kill us. We need to get out of here and get back to the ship. NOW!"
Fearless grabs his dagger, helping Cats to his feet. "Come on get up. We need to go."
Getting to the door he begins working the lock.
Fort save
Cats gags on littlefinger, coughing and drooling.
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Brother Butterfly looks unconcerned. His mind is racing in a bunch of directions. She had the Crest of The Living God before today. She didn't have time to have seen my Desna Pledge and put this ambush into place.
I don't think this is your check mate move Seleen. You, of course, set all this up by getting an admitted alcoholic drunk to the point of passing out and then placing this "Wizard's Mark" on my body while I was sleeping off the drink.
Inquisitor Glower, you are being manipulated by an obvious power play.
See through this illusion to the real goals and motivations of people around here. The master con-artists always make you look in one direction while stealing your wallet from another.
Again Seleen, this magic mark you put on me is not your final chess move. What is your end game?
and circumstance bonus to be gained for religious rolls or knowledge of Razmir?
Brother looks at Seleen trying to burrow into her mind.
The Mariner pummels Cat's back to help the feline get the yak out.
He considers for a moment that he might need to carry Cats, keeps one free hand for the moment and draws his broadsword with the other. "Ready to step back Fearless, the goons are probably waiting to club us".
China Girl: You look like trouble.
Doc: Trouble? I'm a poet, with flowers of all things.
China Girl: And a gun... it's a big gun.
Doc: It's a big town.
{replace with Seleen/Brother}
Restrained by guards, Falluk stretches at the end of his chains, his fingers inches from Brother Butterfly as the rotund man pontificates.
”Shut up, you idiot! You’re... not... helping things!”
”Pathetic.” Seleen says.
Glower reaches for a short sword at her side. ”Hold him!”
****
As Cats begins to recover, Fearless moves to the door. His short stature, and the Mariner’s angry mug shoved in the window, conceals his work on the lock.
Outside, the acolyte smiles at the Mariner. ”Something wrong with your food?” He chuckles and smiles at the guards.
The lock clicks, and the door opens.
”What?” The acolyte asks the surprised guard. He turns back. ”Oh...”
INITIATIVE
INITIATIVE - surprise round!
Mariner (105/105)
INITIATIVE - Round 1
Fearless (46/46)
Acolyte
Guards
Cats (52/52)
Mariner (105/105)
As the door swings open Fearless sees that he catches the guard by surprise. A trio of his mind missiles burst free from his body, pelting the young lad.
HP 46/46
AC 20
Spells: 1st 4/5 | 2nd 4/4
Inspiration 7/7
Tactician 1/1 (Rounds 0/3)
Challenge 1/1
Phrenic Pool 2/3
Wand of Magic Missile (3rd) 14 charges remaining
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”Yes”, the grizzled Mariner answers as he double hands the broadsword through the acolyte's stomach, ”it's missing skewers”.
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Brother B, having always been calm and docile to the guards, quickly breaks form and slides forward into the fingers of the Golden Masked leader of Razmiran. Should the man actually want to choke BB, then BB was giving him an advantage. If he had some other angle, then BB might just survive another sunset.
Brother Butterfly trusts fate and takes a step, coming within touching distance of Falluk.
INITIATIVE
Glower lunges with her sword as Falluk lays a hand upon Brother Butterfly. Amid a cacophony of shouting and alarm the world is sucked away as both fall forward into a flash of white light...
...Falluk and Brother Butterfly suddenly find themselves in a hallway.
”That was close.” Falluk groans. Looking down he notices blood on his robe. ”Ohh, too close.” Holding his wound he begins to lead Brother Butterfly forward. ”We must hurry. Your friends are in grave da...”
A scream comes from ahead, followed by flashes of light! A prone acolyte slides into view, groaning in pain.
Peering around a corner Falluk and Brother Butterfly find the Mariner crossing blades with two guards. Fearless stands just behind him, supporting a green-looking Cats.
The acolyte scrambles to his feet and begins to limp away as the guards attack!
INITIATIVE
Acolyte
Guards
Cats (52/52)
Mariner (105/105)
Fearless (46/46)
Brother Butterfly
Falluk
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I will heal you soon. I have a wand for that. But stop that Acolyte from running away.
and he pulls out the wand of cure moderate wounds. Tapping it on the wall to make sound to hide what he really wants to do- pray to Desna for help.
Tap,tap tap
Oh Desna, grant everyone your blessing for fervor. he is only half way through the prayer and he raises his voice to normal levels.
tap, tap , tap
passion, ardor, intensity, zeal!
Increase its speed by 30 feet.
Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
Round 1
”That was poison, huh? They poisoned me?” Cats wipes away the poison bile from his lips, trying to recover himself for combat. ”What the cat were they thinking? It’s catting time.”
Cats rises and draws his elven curveblade while moving to where he might 5’ step and flank next turn, intending to help with the guards next round.
to hit;
dice]1d10+6[/dice] slashing damage.
to hit;
slashing damage.
AC: 19 + smite
HP: 52/52
LoH: 0/4 used
[ dice]1d20+10 damage.
[ dice]1d20+8[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+8[/dice] damage.
Catrenrae’s Gift: 1/2 used.
Mini Smite: 0/1 used: Once per day as a swift action, you can add your Charisma bonus to your attack rolls and deal 1 additional point of damage for each class level you have against evil creatures for 1 round. You must have a good alignment to take this trait.
+6 Bab +4 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS -2 DA -2 Rapid= +8/+8 to hit
+2 Str +1 magic +4 DA+1 PBS = +8 damage
Fearless sends out another trio of missiles. One each arcs out into each of the guards and acolyte alike, seeking them out like homing rockets. "Get that one!"
Fearless turns and gawks as he suddenly sees Brother Butterfly. "Shapeshifter, bought time you showed back up."
HP 46/46
AC 20
Spells: 1st 3/5 | 2nd 4/4
Inspiration 7/7
Tactician 1/1 (Rounds 0/3)
Challenge 1/1
Phrenic Pool 1/3
Wand of Magic Missile (3rd) 14 charges remaining
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I would have been gone longer, but I had a TERRIFIC afternoon ruined by backstabbers and aspiring elitists that have NO business trying to climb to the top rung.
It's like Count Lowls all over again.
And Brother Smiles. That bright white smile of his.
He is glad to be back. That slide down the rabbit hole was,and is, problematic.
Oh, a better example would be Kast pretending he's upper, middle class when we A-L-L know that he's low, middle class.
BB is happy with that analogy. Fitting.
Thoroughly confused to see Brother standing friendly with the chief goat, the Mariner keeps up against the guards while shouting out for instructions, "Shaddup! Who do I kill?!"