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"If no one knows the chapel is housing them then how are we having this discussion in the first place?" Monday pointedly asks before adding, "Killing nosy people is a great way to keep secrets. And Organizations such this? We're dealing with thugs, not a secret society."
The man raised an amused eyebrow under his mask. And what would you know about keeping secrets, or how thugs worked?
Monday nonchalantly draws her Kukri and points it at the man. "Care. Ful."
I guess that's how. The man thought, turning his eyes away, waiting on Tal's response.
Monday nonchalantly draws her Kukri and points it at the man. "Care. Ful."
Naberius glances bemusedly between Monday and Raveen, and actually reaches out to gently lower Monday's arm. He whispers, "Put that away, please. There is quite enough blood to be shed once we go after the tieflings..."
Remembering back on things he unwittingly saw the previous night, he thinks to himself, was that what I thought it was...?
Shooting a narrowed glance at Naberius and then back to Raveen she reluctantly lowers her blade and puts it away. "Fine. But I'll be paying a visit tonight." she whispers back.
The wizard sighs in resignation, turning his gaze to the ceiling.
Tittering slightly at the wizard's exasperation Monday's grin come back as she rest her head against his shoulder.
Tal stifles a yawn as the deliberations continue on. The boredom was getting to him just sitting here doing nothing. He almost started to drift off daydreaming when Naberius turned to him asking his opinion. Frenkly I think we just go hit the Bastards quickly. The more time we try to scope them out and learn about them the more time they have to get wind of us plotting against them. Trying to turn the hellknights against the Bastards is a waste of energy at this point because of our actions at the bridge. We did everything we could to avoid killing and the Bastards go out of their way to do it and place thier claim as well.
When we get to the temple then Raveen does his thing while Tuesday does his thing. Naberius insures that we get the drop on the sentry so we have surprise on the temple forces. Beyond that there is too much unknown to plan further. We go in hard and quick and pray to whatever gods you choose to get you out alive.
Worst case scenario we hit them hard and kill a few before they mount a resistance. If we need to we then withdraw with you falling back while I keep my shield up between them and us. We regroup outside and either hit them again or lick our wounds and try again.
Trying to turn the hellknights against the Bastards is a waste of energy at this point because of our actions at the bridge.
Like a teacher talking to an inattentive student, Naberius scoldingly adresses the warrior, saying, "The Dottari, Tal, not the Hellknights. The Dottari, and one disgraced Hellknight."
When we get to the temple then Raveen does his thing while Tuesday does his thing. Naberius insures that we get the drop on the sentry so we have surprise on the temple forces.
"I will leave the details of my involvement in the elimination of the sentry up to Raveen, but yes, otherwise we seem to agree on the plan of action."
Beyond that there is too much unknown to plan further.
"Which is precisely why we wanted to gather some more information. Quick scouting before the assault will have to do. Hopefully it will be enough."
We go in hard and quick and pray to whatever gods you choose to get you out alive.
Naberius scoffs at the thought.
No god will save me.
Worst case scenario we hit them hard and kill a few before they mount a resistance. If we need to we then withdraw with you falling back while I keep my shield up between them and us. We regroup outside and either hit them again or lick our wounds and try again.
Frowning at the bodyguard, Naberius says, "The worst case scenario is that we get overwhelmed and die. Please take this seriously. It is not merely your life on the line..."
Shaking his head and rubbing his temple, he sighs, "But it seems we have a plan. We strike at them directly. When will we make our move?"
"When we get to the temple then Raveen does his thing while Tuesday does his thing. Naberius insures that we get the drop on the sentry so we have surprise on the temple forces. Beyond that there is too much unknown to plan further. We go in hard and quick and pray to whatever gods you choose to get you out alive."
The man glanced momentarily at Naberius, but then nodded quietly, rolling up the map.
"Since Plan (B)ash'em seems to have the most following," the man said after Tal finished talking. "I guess that's our road. I will silence the sentry, and the rest can improvise."
May the gods be kind to us.
Edit: Ninja'd.
"Which is precisely why we wanted to gather some more information. Quick scouting before the assault will have to do. Hopefully it will be enough."
"I will handle that. Kindly leave that to me," the man said, throwing the rolled up map into a side-pouch.
"The worst case scenario is that we get overwhelmed and die. Please take this seriously. It is not merely your life on the line..."
"Peace, brother," the masked man returned, beginning to leave. "I will remain on the back lines to scatter their forces--hopefully, with Vasco and I behind their lines, they will not overwhelm you."
And let us all see how illusions measure up to reality."So until tomorrow evening, then--this meeting is," he began, then turned to Janiven. "-adjourned, I guess. I will notify you of the preparations and our findings this evening."
"Peace, brother," the masked man returned, beginning to leave. "I will remain on the back lines to scatter their forces--hopefully, with Vasco and I behind their lines, they will not overwhelm you."
"So until tomorrow evening, then--this meeting is," he began, then turned to Janiven. "-adjourned, I guess. I will notify you of the preparations and our findings this evening."
Naberius takes a deep breath, and glances once more around the room. Focusing his tired gaze on Tal, he mutters, "Forgive me, I did not sleep too well last night..."
"Tomorrow evening it is, then..." he says, and takes his leave as well, his mind simultaneously racing with plans for the assault, and ways to avoid a nightly visit by Monday.
Gently squeezing the wizard's hand Monday whispers into his ear. "I could help with that. Even if you don't want sex I can hold you, it's very comforting."
Walking towards his alcove, Naberius deadpans, "I talk in my sleep."
It is not really clear if he is joking, or very half-heartedly tring to dissuade Monday.
"I'm a good listener." she quips back as she walks with him.
Naberius does not resist Monday following him, but he can barely get his coat off before passing out on his makeshift bed. He did sleep the last night on the floor somewhere, so he is genuinely dead tired.
As he warned, Naberius is a very restless sleeper, spinning and flailing around covered in sweat, and mumbling incoherently in both Common and Infernal. The general narrative seems to be that of being chased by hostile forces, but it is unclear if it is the same assailant throughout the night. In addition, there are disjointed descriptions of terrifying places that are obviously not of this world, and the denizens therein.
No matter how bad his nightmares get, he never has the relief of waking up in the middle of the night.
First thing the following day, Naberius orders his new apprentice to clear out the space appointed to them by Janiven, while he slinks out to purchase the materials required for writing down new spells. He goes about his business as quickly as possible, still nervous to be out in the public after the group's recent activities.
After returning, he chides Tarvi and makes her clean the room again (regardless of how neat it actually is). Meanwhile, he focuses on learning his new spells and scribing the requested one down on a scroll. After he is done, he moves his belongings to the sideroom. For their first 'lesson,' Naberius makes Tarvi cast the one cantrip she knows again and again dozens of times, correcting her on every little error she makes, however insignificant, trying to assess her skills in the process. At the end of the lesson, he goes through the grimoires he made her purchase earlier, pointing out passages that he wants her to study for their next meeting.
-50 gp ~ Assorted grimoires for Tarvi
-60 gp ~ Renting a spellbook to copy four 1st level spells
-25 gp ~ Scribing a scroll of monkey fish
-115 gp ~ The Light of a Thousand Suns
= 250 gp
Smiling faintly at seeing the wizard collapse into his bed Monday removes his boots as well as her's before climbing into bed with him. At first just affectionally placing an arm over his chest and snuggling next to him her grip becomes more firm once his Infernal nightmare comes about. Wrapping both arms and a leg around him she gently nuzzles into his neck before whispering soothing words into his ear. "It's okay... I'm here... You don't have to be afraid." She repeats throughout the night for as long as she has the wizard in her grasp, holding him close and trying to keep him calm so he can have a good night's rest, even at the expense of her own.
In the morning he is quick to be away, with only a brief look of confused wonderment at Monday.
Even with even heavier bags under her eyes she gives Naberius a pleasant smile when he awakens, even managing to give him a quick kiss on the cheek before he frees himself from her.
Groggily lumbering about half-asleep the next morning Monday will shuffle over to the main table for breakfast, if there is none she will hunt down Mera who hopefully has some wine on her.
@GM: Was Raveen able to find the required materials and procure the Darkvision and Continual Flame spells.
Diplomacy to lower price for spells: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Janiven knows a guy and because she knows you, the seller will knock 5% off the cost 'Just this time'.
@DM: Raveen will investigate the area around the chapel in the morning. Are there any traces to underground passages in nearby alleyways or in the abandoned shops/houses?
Are you actually going into the abandoned houses?
I'm assuming Tarvi is around. If she has other duties elsewhere, Naberius will order her around whenever she arrives, with the added scolding for her 'lack of commitment.'
First thing the following day, Naberius orders his new apprentice to clear out the space appointed to them by Janiven, while he slinks out to purchase the materials required for writing down new spells. He goes about his business as quickly as possible, still nervous to be out in the public after the group's recent activities.
After returning, he chides Tarvi and makes her clean the room again (regardless of how neat it actually is).
Tarvi has to work at her parent's store in the morning, but when she returns and is given her task, she sets to it like 'a house afire'. Even when ordered to do so again, there is the slightest look of fear that she somehow disappointed Naberius and sets to the task again more determined than before. The room is ready, Master. She will say with an eager look of expectation.
Tarvi cast the one cantrip she knows again and again dozens of times, correcting her on every little error she makes, however insignificant, trying to assess her skills in the process.
All she knows is a simple light spell which she will cast over and over again hoping to meet Naberius strict criteria.
At the end of the lesson, he goes through the grimoires he made her purchase earlier, pointing out passages that he wants her to study for their next meeting.
The last Naberius will see of Tarvi will be of her in a corner of the temple with a candle studying the passages he pointed out.
@Tal: The next morning, Ermolos will bring you the armor. He will cover half of the 50gp price in exchange for lessons if you are willing.
@Monday: When you leave the room, you see Amaya reciting the fifth 'Sandpoint Stanza' to Tuesday.
Good to see someone had a pleasant evening.
Hey, you got to cuddle. Not taking his attention or interest off the singer he sits contently as Amaya performs what she knows for him.
True, Nabe is quite warm and cuddly when he stops thrashing about.
In the morning Tal kisses Lily goodbye as she leaves to go back home. i will let you know if you are going tonight to finish what we talked about last night.
Tal takes ermolos up on his offer gladly. That is an offer that I can not pass up Ermolos. I would be happy to continue your training. Perhaps we can do some now until Mera has need of me. I am in her employ now and must protect her during the day. In the meantime though we have some time now. Is there a particular weapon or style that you wish to work on today? If not that is not a big deal as the lessons can apply to all 1-handed weapons that can incorporate a shield. If you wish to learn to use a weapon with 2-hands then we will have to find one of those and go about teaching you a bit differently.
If Ermolos has no preference then Tal will continue to work with him using a shield and going through the steps of combat expertise.
You notice the door is locked and just before you pick it, you put your ear to the door and hear two creatures conversing in a language you do not understand.
|
If so:
If it's an intelligence check, it's 4 points down to 18.
Otherwise, after getting a few sentences, Raveen will visit the Shoe-maker and then the Tailor. If they are empty, he will investigate the floor plans for trap-doors like in Janiven's inn.
If he finds something, he will not open it, but memorize where it is.
Mera gives Tal the morning to work with Ermolos, intending to catch up with him early afternoon. While out and about she intends to hit up some familiar circles to find out what she can about this announcement from the Mayor. Starting with the theater crowd she eventually winds her way through the clientele and eventually ends up in the upper echelon of family members. Doing her best to casually dig for secrets, after all secrets are what keep this city thriving.
Well, that and gold I suppose.
@ Raveen: Yes, There is a sentry there as well.
At the Shoe-Maker's you hear what seems to be the sound of something being dragged back and forth across the floor.
At the Tailor's you don't hear anything.
Having the morning free Tal does indeed train Ermolos and any others that are willing to stay for a session. It isn't long as Tal wants to make sure everyone gets to their jobs for the day. As Mera had given him the morning off once Tal was finished with the session and making sure that Lily made it home ok, Tal went to go see Ermolos at the smithy to see how the armor was progressing. Hoping it would be finished for that night Tal then meets Mera at the appointed time and settles in to the routine of keeping his eyes open for any threats or to keep anyone away from Mera if she so indicates.
When Ermolos sees Tal enter the smithy a huge smile spreads across his face. Wait until you see it! He beams. He gives the piece of metal he is working one final CLANG with his hammer, looks around, and scurries to the back. As he is gone, the aged master says to Tal, So you're the one training young Ermolos, Eh? Oh no worries. I'm a friend of Janiven. I tell her all the time if I was but twenty years younger... The man stares wistfully into the distance remembering the glories of adventures past. I knew his Da, ya know. He says as the younger man enters the room with armor that no longer resembles Shanwen's Hellknight armor. Here you go Master Tal. We perfectly understand if you do not want to try it on here, but you will have to let me know if it fits!
Pleasantly surprised that the armor is finished already Tal beams when presented with the armor. This is perfect. No one will know that it once had a different look to it. With this on I imagine I could let Ermolos truly attack me to better hone his skills. Tal listens to the master about trying it on. There is no time like the present to see how it fits. If you would be so kind to help me.
Assuming they help Tal dons the armor and places the helm on his head. Moving around the smithy Tal tries to get adjusted to the extra weight and movement restrictions. The armor is smooth without any pieces catching on each other. It feels different though as I am not used to wearing such fine plate. It will take some getting used to but that has nothing to do with your skill or ability. Indeed I do not think I could have asked for better work. Excellent job both of you.
Keeping the armor on and stowing his old armor for the time being Tal pays them the required amount and tips them as well a few gp extra for the speedy work. After leaving the smithy Tal heads home to drop off his old armor and gear before leaving again to meet with Mera. He leaves the helm on waiting to see how Mera reacts to his masked appearance and if he meets her expectations as a bodyguard should look.
Unbelievably Mera hears a ridiculous rumor that she can hardly believe. After getting confirmation multiple times on the same information she heads back to meet up with Tal.
With the bodyguard in tow, she planned an extravagant and exciting afternoon of singing lessons. She returns to the theater to hear what she can of additional information on the mayor's plans. Not finding any details immediately forthcoming she sets herself into her voice work and practices.
She glances out at Tal to see if he if he is completely bored yet. She thinks, Well, it's not all glory. Perhaps I'll take him through something tomorrow that might catch his interest a little more.
A devious thought crosses her mind and she almost misses a few notes.
Focus Mera, Focus. Tomorrow.
She finishes her exercises for the day and lets Tal escort her back to the group in late afternoon where Tal finds some interest in some armor or some such.
Boys and their toys.
That afternoon Janiven and Arael reconvene all of you at the temple. Arael and Janiven make small talk with each of you until everyone has arrived. Once everyone is there, the door is locked and Arael will ask, Did you all get the supplies you were after? If not Janiven can help. She usually knows a guy. Janiven chuckles, I guess I should stop saying "I Know a guy", it might be misconstrued! Did anyone learn any intelligence or gossip in their travels today? When will you be ready to strike the Bastards?
Having used the day in order to catch up on her sleep Monday is her usual effervescent self as Janiven calls them all to meeting. "Yeah, you haven't even gotten to know me yet." she chimes in.
Once finished with his day job he returns home briefly to wish Lily good night and to let her know that he will indeed be spending the night with the Children and hoping to remove the threat that they discussed earlier. As Mera is with him he keeps his 'good night' brief with Lily.
Tal gathers up his gear and meets at the abandoned shrine in fullplate and tower shield. In the twilight he almost looks like a hellknight knocking on the door. Upon entrance and hearing from Janiven and Areal Tal responds, I am as ready as I can be. I have not heard anything on the streets this day as I was more preoccupied with getting accustomed to my new armor and watching out for Mera.
Naberius shows up in a timely manner, his satchel packed and his wand tucked to his belt for easy withdrawal, along with his scroll case. The wizard seems slightly more relaxed than the last time they were about to embark on a dangerous mission, but he is still tense. He absentmindedly fidgets with his mask as he leans against the wall, waiting.
Nodding as Tal says his piece, Naberius says, "I have been otherwise occupied, as well. Nothing new to report. I am ready to move out as soon as everyone else is..."
As he speaks he looks the bodyguard up and down appraisingly. Finally he nods approvingly and says, "You look quite threatening. Excellent. I have opted for a slightly more offensive selection of spells this evening, so I am not able to strengthen you like I did last time... There might not be enough room for that once we get inside the church, regardless."
The man entered lastly, allowing Janiven to lock the door behind him. Forsaking his cloak, he stood in a black outfit with several dusky pouches at the side, with his mask ready (as always) on his face.
"Did anyone learn any intelligence or gossip in their travels today? When will you be ready to strike the Bastards?"
"Now," he answered. He spread the contents of a pack on the priest's table. "A friend would cast a spell on us to see in darkness--but should we fail to utilize it correctly, we have this."
He drew a familiar-looking hand-mirror, wrapped heavily with a gray-brown Varisian sash. Lowering a part of it, a bright light shone as a cone, only for the man to cover the mirror again.
"I would have one of you hold it--it shall burn away the dark magics of the Tieflings. Actually, I would recommend..." he turned to Monday, and placed the mirror on the table before her. "That you use it."
"Did anyone learn any intelligence or gossip in their travels today?"
Mera settles over near Monday and takes a seat.
"I have been otherwise occupied, as well.
Mera leans over to Monday and whispers, "Was it you he was occupied with?"
She raises her eyebrows and waits for a second, smirking to whatever she responds with. She ponders if it is appropriate to bring up what she learned and shrugs her shoulders.
What the hell.
Mera goes through the process of relaying all gossip she picked up today, speaking specifically though about the murder-play that the mayor was interested in.
"I know that I find that particularly interesting, I'm not sure if that is something that you were looking for Janiven.
He drew a familiar-looking hand-mirror, wrapped heavily with a gray-brown Varisian sash. Lowering a part of it, a bright light shone as a cone, only for the man to cover the mirror again.
"I would have one of you hold it--it shall burn away the dark magics of the Tieflings. Actually, I would recommend..." he turned to Monday, and placed the mirror on the table before her. "That you use it."
Naberius nods approvingly at the selection, having invested some of his meager coins on the bauble.
"Now that we are exchanging gifts," the wizard says, opening his scroll case, and handing the rolled up parchment towards Raveen.
He asks, "Do you have the ability to read this yourself? You seem to know enough of magical theory that I would not be surprised if you did. I thought it would be more expedient if you were to activate the magic therein just before you start climbing, as not to waste its meager duration moving into position..."
Mera goes through the process of relaying all gossip she picked up today, speaking specifically though about the murder-play that the mayor was interested in.
"I know that I find that particularly interesting, I'm not sure if that is something that you were looking for Janiven.
Naberius frowns as he hears the news. He grumbles, "Well, that is a whole another level of barbarism. You would think people of means could afford to sate their bloodlust elsewhere, without sullying the honored tradition of Chelaxian theatre..."
The man did not comment, feeling that the issue is best addressed after the mission.
"Now that we are exchanging gifts," the wizard says, opening his scroll case, and handing the rolled up parchment towards Raveen.
"How very thoughtful of you," the man said, taking the parchment, curiosity in his eyes.
"Do you have the ability to read this yourself? You seem to know enough of magical theory that I would not be surprised if you did."
"That remains to be seen," the man answered, unfurling the parchment. He retreated to a corner, and began murmuring under his breath.
"I think I got it..." he answered after a pause, looking up to Naberius. A sigh sounded from behind the mask, however, as he said, "But this won't be easy to work..."
"That remains to be seen," the man answered, unfurling the parchment. He retreated to a corner, and began murmuring under his breath.
"I think I got it..." he answered after a pause, looking up to Naberius. A sigh sounded from behind the mask, however, as he said, "But this won't be easy to work..."
Naberius watches Raveen intently as he studies the scroll, trying to ascertain his method.
When Raveen returns his gaze, the wizard nods evenly and says, "All the more reason to get some practise..."
He drew a familiar-looking hand-mirror, wrapped heavily with a gray-brown Varisian sash. Lowering a part of it, a bright light shone as a cone, only for the man to cover the mirror again.
"I would have one of you hold it--it shall burn away the dark magics of the Tieflings. Actually, I would recommend..." he turned to Monday, and placed the mirror on the table before her. "That you use it."
"Okaaaayyyyy..." she responds skeptically as she looks over the everburning mirror.
Mera leans over to Monday and whispers, "Was it you he was occupied with?"
letting out a titter and happily grinning she responds, "Yes, actually. I had to rest during the day to catch back up on my sleep. He was so rough."
I know that I find that particularly interesting, I'm not sure if that is something that you were looking for Janiven.
Hmmmm...Not at the moment, but you never know when that information might come in handy .
So if we are ready, I would like to say a prayer to the Inheritor to guide us in our mission Arael will say. He will then say a brief prayer out loud comparing your endeavor to Iomedae's Second Act. When he is finished he will look at each of you and wish you luck individually, unlock the door and walk out. He calls over Vitti, Morosimo, Ermolos, Larko, Rizzardo and Amaya. Three will go with him and three will go with Janiven to prevent tieflings from escaping.
You arrive at the vicinity of the temple without incident. This is where Janiven, Arael and the rebels will split off to block escape routes. They wish you luck and let you know that your safety is paramount and if the mission needs to be aborted, so be it.
Tal double checks his gear one last time and still tries to get used to the extra weight and restrictions in movement. He was glad for the extra protection but at the same time it hindered him. Before they leave Tal asks Janiven and Areal 1 last question. Is there any marking or tell you want left once we are finished with this. I am against it as we as a group are still too new and unknown. Leaving a tell might attract the wrong publicity. I leave it in your hands though as you are in charge of this operation.
Getting his answer Tal stows the ever burning torch and lets the darkness envelop them as he waits for the signal from the rest that they are all ready. He then lets the forward group go first to stealthily approach while he hangs back a bit to keep his new armor from alerting the sentry.
"A calling card does sound really stupid, who are we leaving it for anyway? The vagrants that eventually move into the temple and have to clear out the corpses?" Monday chimes in in her usual absentminded sounding self.
Naberius weighs in, "Quite right. Assuming the temple is still standing after we are done there, we might consider taking it for our own. No reason waste prime real estate, is there?"
Once the party reaches the temple, the conjurer keeps close to Tal. He tries to get into a position where he is not easily seen, but can step in to aid with a spell if Raveen fails to eliminate the sentry. He looks to Mera, to make sure she is ready with her own.
I leave it (the choice) in your hands though as you are in charge of this operation.
I'm sure they are...
The man first nearly got it right--then his sighed, and repeated it very softly and slowly, tracing the scroll several times--until he finally got it.
"Theory is not like practice," the man said with a sigh at the wizard.
"A calling card does sound really stupid, who are we leaving it for anyway? The vagrants that eventually move into the temple and have to clear out the corpses?"
"Quite right. Assuming the temple is still standing after we are done there, we might consider taking it for our own. No reason waste prime real estate, is there?"
"Regarding the base, I have a better place in order--a larger, more secure, more easily accessible base in a more convenient area," the man answered. "Jumping between abandoned temples is getting old--and is very suspicious."
He then took a central stand between the rest, observing each in turn.
Looking to Tal, he said, "I also strongly advise that we leave a mark, actually. Tomorrow morning, people will begin to hear (and I will make sure of that) that fiendish murderous thugs were killed by vigilantes, and may visit the area. Word spreads, and the groundwork is ready for us to expand our operations whenever we feel ready,"
Looking to Mera, he continued, "We as an organization will not benefit if word goes that the Tieflings killed themselves or were murdered by a rival gang. We must make the people believe in us--even if we remain out of reach. They already began talking about the group that humiliated the Hellknights,"
Observing Naberius, he added, "It would also be foolish not to capitalize on our momentum and let anyone else claim that they took out these villains. What if the Dottari or Hellknights claim they cleaned up the lair? They'd get recognition for the deed--and will capitalize on it, undermining our whole effort this night. What if someone else claimed responsibility--a possible rival?
Stopping at Monday, he finished, tapping his mask significantly, "The mark itself is also easy to think of. We can make others, and they cannot be traced, since they were not officially or formally manufactured."
"I myself cannot think of a spell that could trace us--we need word to go around that someone in the city is doing something."
@GM:
try again.
try again.
...
During his exercises with the scroll, he looked up to Naberius, clearly agitated at how slowly this is going .
"By the way...I've heard the Tieflings say something this morning...I don't know what it meant...but here it is."