DM Talomyr's Council of Thieves (Inactive)

Game Master Talomyr

Arael stops to consider Morghrim's question for a while then finally responds.

"We can't very well have this goblin staying here unguarded, which would be a very real possibility, as there have been a number of nights when there are none of us staying at the shrine. On the other hand, the little beast did surrender...it wouldn't be right to execute him without at least a trial. With that, here is my suggestion."

"Morghrim, you brought him here, so it will be up to you to plead his case. Valeron, I believe you were a lawyer of sorts at one point in your life were you not? You shall be the prosecution. The rest of us shall be the jury and we shall decide this creature's fate tonight. That is unless one of you has a better idea."

Once arriving back at the hideout, Bron makes sure that Patch-eye is properly seen too with a nice rubdown and plenty of food to eat. The strong stallion had done well and Bron was gonna see to it that Patch-eye knew as such. Once that was seen to, the cavalier returned to the main hall, where the others had gathered. Still feeling a little like an outsider, he asks, "So what of all this business with Whitechin? Was this just an attempt to win supporters or was there other motives behind this attack?"

At Arael's suggestion, Bron gives an approving look. Though he was no fan of goblins, the bugger did surrender and he was gonna see to it that the goblin got the fate the community decided for him. However, if the goblin caused trouble for any here, he would personally see to the critter's execution.

Valeron listens as Arael suggests a plan for the goblin's fate.

"By modern Westcrown law, there is precedent here already. The goblin was a known accomplice of Whitechin. If the Dottari had instead acted of us, I'm afraid he wouldn't have even be taken captive despite his surrender."

He pauses, his eyes tilting upward as he accesses memories recently purged.

"In the off chance a live goblin made his way into the courts, well, it would depend on many factors. With a compelling argument, the right judge, maybe he gets sentenced to hard labor in the sewers or the like, unless a benefactor steps up. That's assuming of course you argue the same laws apply to him as say apply to a halfling."

He pauses, a look of concern in his face.

"This is why I changed my career. I cannot in good conscience prosecute this creature nor any other by the laws of Cheliax. If I were to think about what Iomedae might do, she might let the creature flee if it surrendered... of course now this goblin knows where we lair, and that could be trouble if he ends up in the hands of the Dottari or Hellknights."

"This is why I changed my career. I cannot in good conscience prosecute this creature nor any other by the laws of Cheliax. If I were to think about what Iomedae might do, she might let the creature flee if it surrendered... of course now this goblin knows where we lair, and that could be trouble if he ends up in the hands of the Dottari or Hellknights."

Arael looking almost relieved at Valeron's comments says, "It brings a smile to my face that you are more concerned for just law, than what passes for law here in Cheliax. I implore you to continue, but in a manner that the Inheritor would see fit."

I can keep him bound tight enough that he won't get away Arael, and I request a week to spend time and see whether I believe the goblin can be redeemed. As an Inquisitor of Shelyn, it is within my capacity to be judge, jury and executioner, without other influences. I merely require an out of the way location to secure him- i'll keep him in my own chambers if I must.

Assuming I have chambers.

I can keep him bound tight enough that he won't get away Arael, and I request a week to spend time and see whether I believe the goblin can be redeemed. As an Inquisitor of Shelyn, it is within my capacity to be judge, jury and executioner, without other influences. I merely require an out of the way location to secure him- i'll keep him in my own chambers if I must.

Arael looks to the rest of the group, "Is this agreeable to everyone? If so, I see no problem with Morghrim's request."

Kevorin shrugs. "Just remember when the fear leaves him and he starts to think that the danger has passed, he'll likely return to his old ways and try slitting our throats in our sleep."

Kevorin shrugs. "Just remember when the fear leaves him and he starts to think that the danger has passed, he'll likely return to his old ways and try slitting our throats in our sleep."

I will make assurances so that does not happen, starting with the purchase of a pair of manacles. Valeron, I believe you have a knack for negotiating? Could you make the purchase for me at some point? Morghrim hands Valeron 60 gold pieces.

"Certainly." Valeron gazes towards the open windows to the evening sky.

"Looks a bit too late today, but perhaps tomorrow. We should also discuss our next course of action, whether confronting the Bastards themselves, or another of these smaller bandit groups."

We need to contact the Dottari that referred me to the goblin problem in the first place- he will give us the location of the Bastards, and then we strike.

DM where does the dottari I met hang out?

DM where does the dottari I met hang out?

The Crown Sector, at the Dottari HQ if on duty, or one of the local pubs if not.

Iltus, same guy who offered 25g a head for bringing back bandits alive to face justice... question is that "side quest" first, or straight to the Bastards.

Watching the pseudo-trial with an uncommon look of detachment, Wart startles when there is talk of the Bastards.

"This time, let's do as much research and get some information about them BEFORE breaking into their stronghold...that last fight was a little hairy, and I don't know if I could survive another like it so soon."

Pausing for a moment, and looking to Valeron while chewing on his cheek, Wart adds, "With your understanding of what passes for law here, and from my previous experience with you, do you know how I would go about becoming a free person? Do I have to buy my way out, or is this just something that I will have to deal with and operate completely outside of the <*making bunny ears with his hands for the quotes*> "law".

If we're going after the Bastards of Erebus then I think we should discuss some strategies/group battle tactics like Wart suggests. Maybe it was the surprise nature of the encounter with Whitechin, but I got the impression that we were kind of all over the place on that one (not that it really mattered in the long run, especially with the dwarven master of the whirling death-dealing glaive!). I'm up for either going after the Bastards now, or going on another sidequest to build up experience and useful gear.

As far as the next day or two go, Addie would like to spend some time shopping/buying supplies and scribing scrolls. If possible, she might like to check out that new play at the Nightshade Theater in Rego Corna - The Elopement of the Dowager Princess, I believe.

Ok, so Morghrim is the goblin's keeper for now, and Addie would like to go the play Thesing invited her and her "servant" to. There is also the matter of Whitechin's head to deal with. What sort of plan of attack are you all planning on for the Bastards? etc...

Well the totally non-metagamey side of me calls for watching them. Wart is used to watching new masters to "learn" them, and thinks that learning the Bastards habits, schedule and so on would be a good idea. Basically a stake-out, gathering as much info as possible. Also, Wart spends some time investigating where good positions would be to watch the Temple of Aroden, to look for people doing the same to us. I can make rolls as necessary.

Also, Wart would like to inquire amongst the group, both the irregulars (PCs) and regulars (NPCs) about getting a riding dog...he has been impressed with Bron's performance and is interested in becoming more mobile himself.

Also, Wart would like to inquire amongst the group, both the irregulars (PCs) and regulars (NPCs) about getting a riding dog...he has been impressed with Bron's performance and is interested in becoming more mobile himself.

Yakopulio responds to Wart's request:

"Give me a day or three and I should be able to come up with on for ya."

Addie awakens refreshed the next morning and spends an hour communing with His Lordship to prepare her spells for the day.

After breaking her fast in the shrine's common area, Addie announces her plan to go shopping and invites anyone who wishes to join her. She also mentions that she would like to attend the new production at the Nightshade Theater in Rego Corna that evening or the next.

On her shopping trip, Addie purchases a courtier's outfit in whatever fashion happens to be the current style in the courts of the nobles (30 gp), as well as appropriate jewelry to go along with the outfit (50 gp). Also, depending on the amount of her share from the sale of the goods recovered from Whitechin's goblins, Addie will purchase up to 50 gp worth of scroll scribing supplies.

BTW, I will be leaving for a week-long vacation tomorrow (July 10). The place where we're staying supposedly has internet access, but we'll find out for sure tomorrow. So you don't hear from me in a day or two, please feel free to run Addie. Thanks!

Before she heads out, Addie uses her Harrowed feat for the day. Suit drawn: 1d6 ⇒ 4 (Attribute: Intelligence); card drawn: 1d9 ⇒ 4 (The Inquisitor: Represents immutable reality, that which cannot be fooled or swayed in any way. To attempt to go against this unchangeable object, person, or idea is to court disaster.) +2 bonus to one Intelligence-based roll today.

Addie frowns as she places the ancient card back into the deck, unsure as to what hidden meaning it may possess.

As routine, Valeron raises just before dawn so that he can pray in the Shrine of Aroden as morning's first light strikes through the ancient building's tall, slender windows.

He performs another brief service for all members of the resistance, doing his best to espouse deeds of valor and courage - traits needed to truly transform Westcrown.

This morning he tries to make the tale more entertaining, to draw in a bigger crowd.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Once the sermon concludes, he offers longsword training in the morning sunlight, before finally getting breakfast.

Valeron's good on scrolls, for the moment. Did we decide on the Bastards or the other lesser bandits?

I think we decided that we need more information on the Bastards.

You eventually find Iltus Mhartis in Rego Corna the Crown Sector, and deliver Whitechin's head. The High Warden of the Dottari seems genuinly pleased that you have taken care of this particular threat and gladly gives you the 500 gp promised in exchange for the goblin's head.

If you ask him about the where abouts of the Bastards of Erebus, he only is able to respond with:

"Every bit of information we have about them has them moving about in Northern Rego Cader. It seems everytime we think we have it figured out where they are, they uproot and move to a different location. Every raid we've done only yields another bag of those damned wooden coins they like to leave behind."

Yes, this is the area where you just fought Whitechin and his brood.

Listening to the dottari's words, Bron thinks for a moment Is there some connection between these Bastards and this Whitechin?

Once the group has left, Bron will ask those in the group, "Who are these Bastards of Cerebus and what's so important about them?"

"They're a group of tieflings. Self-styled vigilantes claiming to be out for the same goals we are, but really in it for themselves. Are they all tieflings, though? Does anybody know that, cause if they aren't perhaps a little infiltration would net us some more information before we try to eliminate them."

What do we want to do with all this goblin equipment? Wart mentioned having an idea, presumably something about freeing and arming some halflings to join the cause - does that mean we want to hold off on selling the stuff? Also, what are the market value costs of dogslicers and horsechoppers? The website is updated to include the equipment and this recent reward. Bron, do you have access to the financial spreadsheet? i can't remember if I got you access or not.

Finances.

P.S. Did they ever figure out what that last potion was from earlier that Wart initially failed to identify? It's still on the sheet as an unknown, as is this most recent potion he failed to identify.

How perceptive about the halflings...that is TOTALLY what I was thinking. However, they are group equipment...so if everyone wants to sell, I won't object. I was just thinking that they may be few purchases or goblinoid equipment. Also, still working on the potion, I will get'r'done I promise.

"They are working for a different "level" of hell than what Asmo...the patron of this town is on...so...they could be trying to do some sort of counter-insurgency or something. Personally, I don't want to trade one demon for another...devils for that matter either."

Thinking for a moment, Wart looks up and makes sure no one is "too close" to them to overhear their conversation, continuing on once he is satisfied.

Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"If Black Addie wants to go to that play, and Valeron is going with her, then Kevorin, Bron, and Morghrim can go gather some information from the residents of Rego Cader, *without* engaging the target, and I will go see what I can dig up from the halfling community."

"Do this sound like a good plan?"

Seeing as Wart had proposed an plan of action and asked the group what they thought, I was waiting on other party member responces before moving on. I will contine to do so for a short while longer before taking the silence as confirmation.

Oh, sorry. For sure, that sounds like a good idea all round.

Kev Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Diplomacy to gather information: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Intimidations if needed: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Sounds good.

Sorry! Sporadic posting during vacation. Since Addie is a resident of Rego Cader, do you all want her to help with the gathering of information? Otherwise, she is ready for a night out at the opera if her bodyguard 'Master Valenar' is up for it.

Also, what are the market value costs of dogslicers and horsechoppers?

Horsechoppers and dogslicers are of little value other than scrap-metal, since that's what they are typically made from. Let's call the re-sale value 5 sp each for the dogslicers and 1 gp each for the horsechoppers.

I could see Black Addie's presence helping, but she also seems to have cut a more "memorable" figure than Wart. She is the Witch of Rego Cader...Wart is just another halfling. That was why I was thinking of you going...besides...we need to know more about this opera business.

Assuming this to be the course of action, Wart hits the halfiling quarter in/near Rego Cader and tries to ask some subtle questions about the Bastards. What is the general perception of them, where they might be located, things along these lines. I will present more than a general interest, but more along the lines of a halfling who is mad at the general order of the city, not necessarily as Wart, member of the W.M.D. The perception roll is for the fact that Wart is trying to pick out anyone in the crowd who may be paying undue attention to him, and the disguise is to make sure he looks like Random Halfling #2.

Diplomacy (Gather Information) Roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Perception roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Disguise Roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Sorry! Sporadic posting during vacation. Since Addie is a resident of Rego Cader, do you all want her to help with the gathering of information? Otherwise, she is ready for a night out at the opera if her bodyguard 'Master Valenar' is up for it.

Valeron will go, in case Valenar doesn't want to :)

Black Addie wrote:

Sorry! Sporadic posting during vacation. Since Addie is a resident of Rego Cader, do you all want her to help with the gathering of information? Otherwise, she is ready for a night out at the opera if her bodyguard 'Master Valenar' is up for it.

Valeron will go, in case Valenar doesn't want to :)

Hey, at least it wasn't me this time :)

Kevorin, Morghrim, and Bron:

You travel back up to Rego Cader to see what can be found of the Bastards of Erebus from the locals. Unfortunately you find very few who know much of anything about these Tieflings, or at few that are willing to divulge what they may or may not know.

After a couple of hours of not getting much, you run across a particularly ready for you to leave merchant.

“Look you three, I’ve done told you everything I know. They hang out around these parts and when they do come through the locals know to not look to close like at them. Bad things happen to people that look to close.”

Valeron and Addie:

You attend the showing of The Elopment of the Dowager Princess, and unfortunately for Thesing Umbero Ulvaud, the showing does not go quite as planned. The show as whole went fine, except for one of the horses you sold Thesing kicked another one of the actors in the head.

After the performance Thesing seeks you out.

“There you are!” Thesing scolds. “What manner of beasts did you sell me? These ill tempered horses have ruined every damned performance we’ve had!” Calming himself, ever so slightly he turns specifically to Addie, “Of course you could….ease my frustrations.”
Thesing is intentionally ignoring Valeron….I’ll give you that one on a Sense Motive DC 0.

Wart:

Your interactions with the Halfling populace of Rego Cader yields little information, other than the Bastards prefer to defile temples for their lairs, of course the lack of information gathered could in part be due to the obvious attempt to disguise yourself, that didn’t go so well.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Kevorin sees nothing, and hears the dismissal. He thanks the man and turns to leave the shop.

Valeron will go, in case Valenar doesn't want to :)

Addie decided to refer to Valeron as 'Master Valenar' to give the former lawyer an alias when they were talking to Umburto - trying to be all spy-like here!

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Perception Roll

Morghrim spots the coin, the man's individual drops of sweat, and the secret passageway escape tunnel built into the shop ;)

Hold, Kev.

Morghrim casually moves over and picks up the wooden coin under the papers, twirling it in his fingers. He takes a measured pause, and then softly says in reply to the merchant-

Even worse things happen to collaborators and liars... But you wouldn't be either of those would you... I bet you're dying to share what you know for the benefit of the people of Westcrown...

Hold, Kev.

Morghrim casually moves over and picks up the wooden coin under the papers, twirling it in his fingers. He takes a measured pause, and then softly says in reply to the merchant-

Even worse things happen to collaborators and liars... But you wouldn't be either of those would you... I bet you're dying to share what you know for the benefit of the people of Westcrown...

"I-I can't t-tell you anything...i-if I do they'll kill my family."

Morghrim Maestros wrote:

Hold, Kev.

Morghrim casually moves over and picks up the wooden coin under the papers, twirling it in his fingers. He takes a measured pause, and then softly says in reply to the merchant-

Even worse things happen to collaborators and liars... But you wouldn't be either of those would you... I bet you're dying to share what you know for the benefit of the people of Westcrown...

"I-I can't t-tell you anything...i-if I do they'll kill my family."

Not if we kill them first.

Morghrim unsheathes Shelyn's Kiss, slowly waving the blade in front of the merchant.

My ole' Glaive here just loves taking the heads of evil Tieflings. Just point the way for us- do something Good. Something that ye can be proud to tell your family about when this is all over. Them Bastard's will be dead before they ever know you squealed, you have our oath on that.

Morghrim places 10 gold pieces on the flat of his blade, extending the blade so that it rests just in front of the merchant's eyes.

Call it justice, call it a good deed, call it a business transaction or call it your last day in Westcrown... But trust in one thing- I am a lot scarier than the Bastards of Erebus could ever hope to be... What'll it be my man?

Diplomacy and Intimidate checks in case they are necessary.

1d20 - 3 ⇒ (20) - 3 = 17 Diplomacy
1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15 Intimidate

Kev have we missed a loot divvying? I think the 100 gold each is the first we've had since Valeron sold the stuff from the bridge fight, is that correct? How much did we gain each from the Shadowbeast's bodies and the Dottari? Sorry for not noting it down at the time.

I believe the loot distribution from the shadowbeast bodies was already taken care of, but I shall go back through the posts to confirm. I need some people to make a diplomacy roll for selling the recent loot (other than the goblin weapons) so Talomyr can tell me what percentage we get for it, so I can calculate the most recent payday. I'm assuming that the 600 gp in trade goods would net us 600gp.

Kev will attempt an aid another with the intimidate roll.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Or perhaps he should just take the lead...;)

The naturally intimidating cavalier, having stayed quiet thus far, letting the shopkeeper sweat, suddenly steps in, placing his hand on Morghrim's glaive and gently pushing it away. Then turning to the frightened shopkeeper, Bron says, "Listen, I understand you are scared for your family. But would you live in fear, while those above you walk all over hard-working men like yourselves, or wouldn't you rather help those willing to stand up and protect those things you consider of utmost value?" Then gently placing his hand on the man's shoulder, Bron says, "We are here to stop these bastards, who would see themselves overthrow the government, just to take its place. The question is, will you help us?"

Diplomacy:1d20 ⇒ 10

A bit of a stretch, but let's see how it goes.

I would have liked to have seen the results of my actions, RP and dice rolls before you stepped in... Quite frankly Morghrim wouldn't LET you push his Glaive away until he got an answer, but i'm not big on party conflict, IC or OOC... So i'll just let it slide.

The Iomedan keeps his head bowed and hands clasped as he allows Addie and to ease the actor's tensions. He hopes his calm demeanor rubs off on the addled man.

I'll aid Addie on Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Sorry about that, but Bron isn't one for letting someone push around a hardworking man who seems to just be doing what he can to protect himself and his family. He is part of the order of the Shield after all. Anyway, you can looks at my Diplomacy as an aid check on your previous roll since we are both trying to find out the same thing.

Responding to the combind threats and diplomacy from Morghrim, Kevorin, and Bron, the shopkeep breaks down.

"If'en I tells you where they be holed up, will you let me and my family be?"

He waits for responce Which I will assume is an affimitive one.

"They've taken up shop near an old temple of Abadar in the north, that's all I know....honest!"

Ohhh but I am a dunce! I should have used an extract of disguise self!

Wart returns to the HQ, not understanding why the other halflings refused to talk to him. That is, until Jani and Arael start laughing at his half-glued on mustache. Wart grumbles as he realizes that his costume had the exact opposite effect.

He goes into the back room, and works on some more formulae, and tries to identify that potion again, the one from Whitechin.

Craft (Alchemy) Check: (take twenty): 20+10= 30

If the group allows for one more day, Wart will set aside some coin to pay for the new dog, and go shopping for riding gear, and look for a scroll of Identify.

I am going camping and will not have the internetz until Monday. Please feel free to DMPC me if the need arises.

The unidentified potion is a potion of invisibility.

Happy 1,000th post everyone.