I'll have you guys rest and go to Trolanport in the morning.
Too late for me to recap so it'll have to wait until tomorrow.
Feel free to RP the night and morning if you wish.
Questions?
Game on!
Bronwyn looked thoughtfully at Squeak. "Don't you have foodstuffs along that could be used? Or don't you travel with the ingredients to make cakes? Any powdery ingredient should be useful against possible invisible foes."
"That's actually a pretty good idea. We should all carry some small bags of flour that we can throw around if necessary. Even if we don't hit them, flour on the ground will make it easy to see their footsteps if they move through it." The changeling got to work, cutting up an older undershirt and fashioning small baggies into which Squeak portioned out flour. She tied them loosely so they would easily split open when thrown. When she was done, there were three baggies for each of them.
Despite her frustration over not finding Lucan and Grilsha yet, and her aches and pains from the day's ride, Vi was feeing surprisingly good as she got ready for the night. It was a relief to be free of the dagger-induced grumpiness, and she didn't feel the need to draw blood in order to ensure a good night sleep. And tired as she was, sleep didn't take long to find her.
Vi woke feeling pretty good - until she tried to roll over. "Owwww.... I hurt all over," she complained, as she pushed herself up. There was dirt in her hair and eyes, and the creek they'd gotten water at was much too far away. Flopping herself back down, she rolled over twice until her arm hit Bronwyn. "Make me clean, pretty please."
I've got an opening for a high level PC (9th level) in a Hell's Rebels game...
The game has been going on for a little over two years, is in AP Book 4, and has some 'decent' players. :)
Vi? Lucina? any time and interest?
I've got an opening for a high level PC (9th level) in a Hell's Rebels game...
The game has been going on for a little over two years, is in AP Book 4, and has some 'decent' players. :)
Vi? Lucina? any time and interest?
The spot was quickly filled with another sucker player so no further applications will be accepted at this time. :)
recapping for this game...
Game on!
"Make me clean, pretty please."
Bronwyn groaned as Vi's arm hit a spot made sensitive from hours upon hours on a horse. "Tell you what, you massage my back and I'll make you clean."
As they came into Trolanport, Bronwyn's spirits lifted. The city was so beautiful and cheery. Even though she was exhausted and sore, she couldn't help but smile.
"We'll need to find a place to stable the horses. Hopefully there will be somewhere affiliated with House Vidalis. After that we'll need to figure out where to start looking for Lucan. Did they come here to gain access to the water or are they meeting someone?"
Lucina did not look as happy as Bronwyn to be arriving in a city. "Hmph...Yes, we should begin our search as soon as possible." Lowering her voice to speak only to the party, she added, "Be careful once we start asking around. The denizens of this city will be amicable, no doubt...but their ears are always twitching and their memories are long. The kind of information that we seek and all that which already know...Well, it's a desirable product here."
Vi bargained, "Clean first, then massage." Bronwyn made a face, but obliged, and Vi smiled as the dirt and grime disappeared from her eyes and ears. She then made good on her end of the bargain, rolling on top of Bronwyn and digging into her sore muscles.
Vi nodded at Lucina's words, ready to believe them. She'd met, and been, her share of gnomes - hells, she'd married one, and had a son. She felt a pang of sorrow, thinking about Cludnast, and wondered how he was doing. He'd be six..no...seven by now. Had he grown out of his baby-blond hair, and inherited his father's green locks?
Shaking her head violently, Vi pushed the reverie aside. Now was not the time for nostalgia. Though, it was too bad she'd never visited Zidnog's relatives here - it would have come in handy to have contacts, and be familiar with the city.
"I think most of the animal places are here, on this side of the city, before it gets too canal-y. We should definitely ditch Coal here and the others. Then....hmmm...if I were a crazy and powerful evil guy, where would I go? Probably didn't come here just to get to the sea - he could have easily done that from Sharn. Ohhh....I miss Sharn. Arleth's comfy bed. Buppy's chocolate. Tiatha's...everything."
Vi's skin started to move strangely, as she thought about home. A ripple of grey, starting at her head, rolled down her body towards her feet. Realizing what had happened, she shook herself again, regaining control of her body. "Ugh. I'm exhausted. I want a good meal and a good sleep. Let's find a place for lunch. A good place. Then we ask around."
"I think most of the animal places are here, on this side of the city, before it gets too canal-y. We should definitely ditch Coal here and the others. Then....hmmm...if I were a crazy and powerful evil guy, where would I go? Probably didn't come here just to get to the sea - he could have easily done that from Sharn. Ohhh....I miss Sharn. Arleth's comfy bed. Buppy's chocolate. Tiatha's...everything."
"Thoughtful. That is a valid point. Unless a ship wasn't due to leave Sharn for the port the subject wanted and there was no time to delay his crime until sea transport could be facilitated," Palisade suggested. "A Vadalis stable would be the logical first stop for us, since we do not need companion horses three to six on the streets of the city. Addendum. Perhaps servants of such a Vadalis stable could be used to ask for rumours about people arriving on horses dead on their feet? This one believes such rumor would travel fast inside the bounds of the business of transportation, either as customers to avoid in fear of their mounts' health or as marks desperate enough to pay premium for replacement horses."
Squeak turned to Palisade "I find myself troubled that they left Jerome alive. I have been thinking on this. It would have been safer to kill him, and taken less resources. This suggests that they still have some form of moral code. That, in turn, suggests they may be acting morally in fleeing to Trolanport."
"We will stand out" Squeak pointed out "But so will they. Additionally they cannot know how far behind them we are. For all they know we were directly behind them."
Squeak tried to think of what a pair of humans might do, and looked to his own companions for inspiration. "We have all but ridden ourselves into exhaustion. They must have done the same. They will be wanting a place to sleep - defensible in case we turn up. They will want fresh food. They will probably seek transport."
so off to some stables and asking around to see if they saw two humans on weary horses...
Anything else in particular you're asking about?
"I think it's time for a new Face," Vi said, as they looked upon the town. "Something to blend in. If you're with a local, we'll be greeted with less suspicion."
She pulled out her notebook, and started flipping through pages. She could, of course, have chosen the Face she wore for a year when she was with Zidnog. It would have required little effort. However, there was too much baggage there, and she was already feeling nostalgic. Instead, she looked at sketches and notes she'd made of gnomes she'd seen in Sharn. Too old, too pretty....hmmm, this one!
Closing her eyes, Vi concentrated. Her bones shortened, thickened, became denser as her body shrunk in height. Her ears lengthened and became pointed. She changed her skin tone, making it a darker tan, and grew and straightened her hair. Mostly black, but with a splash of purple at the front, for fun. When she opened her eyes, the view had changed - she was barely looking over the top of Coal's ears.
Activating her Sleeves, she then changed the look of her clothes. It wouldn't stand up to touch, but hopefully not too many people would be groping her. She'd need to buy new clothes soon, as what she was wearing was suddenly much too big for her. Oh well, at least she could look the part with sturdy denim pants and a rough cotton shirt, along with a worn leather coat. She looked like an outrider or guide, which was exactly the part she was going to play.
Turning to the others, she said, "I'll be Piedra, a guide from Sharn. We've just had a lovely leisurely ride from Sharn, and we're here to take in the sights of the canals, some fine dining, and do some shopping. Bronwyn, just be yourself, you and your bodyguards. Lucina...try to look happy to be here?"
Looking back to town, she said, "Asking around at the stables is a good idea. We can even mention that we were passed by a couple riding at breakneck speed, and we hope they made it okay. Come across as concerned citizens rather than outright asking for information. It's more how things are done among the gnomes."
"Ugh. I'm exhausted. I want a good meal and a good sleep. Let's find a place for lunch. A good place. Then we ask around."
Bronwyn played at being hurt and pouted. "When have I willingly taken you to a place that wasn't good? To eat, that is."
"We have all but ridden ourselves into exhaustion. They must have done the same. They will be wanting a place to sleep - defensible in case we turn up. They will want fresh food. They will probably seek transport."
Bronwyn looked puzzled. "Squeak, they were often traveling with a carriage or a wagon so they wouldn't have experienced the same exhaustion as us. But what concerns me is how they got to Trolanport. Jerome never mentioned being short any horses so what did they ride into Trolanport? Did they use more shadow horses?"
"I'll be Piedra, a guide from Sharn. We've just had a lovely leisurely ride from Sharn, and we're here to take in the sights of the canals, some fine dining, and do some shopping. Bronwyn, just be yourself, you and your bodyguards.
Bronwyn clapped her hands together excitedly and a huge smile lit up her eyes. "Those are a few of my favorite things! I can totally take one for the team and make the sacrifice of doing a little shopping to make sure our cover is believable."
"A moral code? Maybe..." Lucina considered for a moment. "It could mean any number of things, though. Perhaps it was his sister's insistence. Perhaps the sword hasn't fully taken hold. Perhaps he just had some other strategic reason." She shook her head, "I don't think we have enough information yet."
"But I'm not happy to be here..." Lucina said miserably. She let out a deep sigh. "But I guess I''ll try." Her face contorted into what presumably was an attempt at a smile. However, the display of teeth appeared more like a snarl than a grin.
"While we are looking around I would like to try to get the ingredients to create an infusion that augments sight to allow seeing the invisible; or hire a wizard to create such an infusion."
Squeak felt more exhausted from a few hours in the city than the entire trip. 'Who makes a city so full of water?' he wondered. The bridges were rickety - only made to take a single cart at a time usually, and he doubted half the boats had the structural integrity to survive him stepping in. Every few minutes they risked collapse. All the time there was a good chance their targets would choose counter-ambush, and could come at them from any one of a hundred different directions.
"The trail is lost." Squeak announced, when they were alone "We are now down to hoping to run into them randomly. This is unlikely. I see four options open to us; split up and try to cover ground in order to maximise chances of a random encounter, try to provoke an attack and hope he doesn't run, make contact with the local intelligence community and hope that he has made undriendly contact with them, or follow up the cryptic clue on the paper you bear, Bronwyn"
It's Ok to check back on old turns, especially if I suggest it. :)
The reason for doing is because PBPs are so slow that a clue given a 'recently' in game time could actually have been months in real time.
And yes, 'krell' was the clue. I'll recap later today assuming you are asking around about 'krell'.
Any way/where of asking?
Questions?
Game on!
"Krell?" Lucina thought. "Perhaps I can go to a library and do some research, while the rest of you ask around." Lucina suspected that the chances of her finding anything were long shot, she felt out of her element asking around town. People never seemed to warm to the abrasive druid and she realized they party might have an easier job without her around. "If you need me, you can look for me there. If not, we can meet up in the evening back at the inn."
Action 1:
Bronwyn waved goodbye to Star as they were taken away by the young girl. "Yes, these magebred horses are from Sharn. We're unsure at the moment how long we'll need to stable. Can we start with two days and extend it if needed?"
Action 2:
"We are now down to hoping to run into them randomly. This is unlikely. I see four options open to us; split up and try to cover ground in order to maximise chances of a random encounter, try to provoke an attack and hope he doesn't run, make contact with the local intelligence community and hope that he has made undriendly contact with them, or follow up the cryptic clue on the paper you bear, Bronwyn"
Bronwyn was irritated at their lack of success while asking around after Lucan. With a hint of a whine in her voice she turned to Vi, "I thought you said we would be eating and shopping. That at least would have been more enjoyable than the last fruitless hours."
When Squeak listed off their options, Bronwyn brightened. "Right! I have this!" She dramatically pulled out the charred paper from her things. "Krell. That's what we should be focusing on because I highly doubt we'll just stumble upon him or Grilsha."
"I agree,"Vi/Piedra said, "I'm starving. Let's grab some lunch, and then figure out the Krell thing. Lucina, if you prefer the library, that's okay by me. Do you want to eat first?"
Action 2:
Bronwyn's eyes radiated elation as the waiter said the words 'high society function'. The prospect of a gala made the wizard literally vibrate with excitement.
[ooc]Having just suffered through a fight against opponents using invisibility, I think we should get a number of potions of see invisisbility or something. I like that one 'cos there is no save, but it does only last half an hour. Possibly a scroll might be more viable.
They also proved to be much faster than us.
Sounds like we need to dress ourselves up a but for this fancy dress thing.
@Fabian:
1. what do Warforged normally wear to such things (or do they just never normally go except as servants)
2. Is http://archivesofnethys.com/SpellDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Semblance%20of%20Fle sh likely to be something we could pay to get applied? How rude is it to do so?
@Fabian: I got a bit lost. How are we one Vampire knowledge checks? If we're still at a loss we could also look for intelligence gathering / sage hire.
ANSWERS
2 potions of see invisibility are available
Bronwyn's check is not good enough to get more info. Someone else set up another situation and another roll if you want more info.
All the clues point to 'vampire' but you are not sure because all the info has been second hand (or almost) because you haven't actually seen Lucan (at least not up close).
The party is in an embassy and will most likely involve representatives from different nations. Unfortunately, there's no recognized warforged nation so no warforged diplomats.
However, get creative. I even gave you a potential in.
Semblance flesh is certainly an option.
More questions?
Game on!
The word 'Gala' and Bronwyn's clear excitement at hearing it was all it took for Lucina to forget that she was supposed to be happy to be there. She let out an audible groan and her face sunk into her hands. As if this stuck up restaurant isn't bad enough. Lucan seeking a diplomat also complicated things, she realized. Scouring her brain, she tried to remember what she knew about the Aundarians, why they might send a diplomat to Trolanport and how they could be of any interest to their mark.
She started inspecting the forged virtually ignoring the others, “And how old are you two gentlemen? May I ask if you are special in any way or just rank and file soldiers?”
"This one emerged from the flames of the Creation Forge 3217 days ago, to be greeted by the Creator-Goddess herself," Palisade answered promptly. "Original classification: heavy assault. Current status: Deacon in the church of the Creator-Goddess Melindri d'Cannith."
Action 1
As the woman fawned over the warforged, Piedra looked around and picked up two more thunderstones. They were good to have around when mages were involved.
Action 2
As the waiter left with their orders, Piedra excitedly whispered, "This is great! Maybe we can find them there. Bronwyn, as a dragonmarked heir, person, thingy, do you think you could get invited if you go to the Brelish embassy? Or wherever your 'marked people folk are from? Maybe Lucina and I could get hired on as staff here and help with catering, and I bet the 'forged could get hired as security! Nothing like something titilating at a party."
As Lucina let out another groan, Piedra finally had enough. "Look," she said, her voice sharp, but still keeping her volume low, "you haven't had one pleasant thing to say the whole time we've known you. What exactly is it that you want? What would make you happy? Because frankly, I'm at the end of my rope with all this moaning!"
"Well, maybe if things stopped being unpleasant... I told you I don't like cities!" Lucina grumbled obstinately. Despite her defiant tone, she squirmed in her seat. She was not used to being so directly called out on her rude behavior by people who were not her mother. Breaking eye contact, her suddenly became intently focused on her fork. "So...um...how do we go about getting them to give us jobs." Lucina asked, still intensely focused on her plate with a voice that seemed to lack much of her usual wry confidence.
Action 2:
Bronwyn leaned in and excitedly tugged Squeak's arm. "You're a master baker! And he specifically wants someone good with cakes, that's definitely you. Piedra, you can help him. Get up there and offer your services."
The wizard's brow furrowed. "I on the other hand, have to figure out how to attend as a guest. My dress would be absolutely perfect for an event like this."
Lucky for you this is a high class restaurant. :)
BTW, you get more info from the waiter and find out it's a Masquerade Ball. Where did I hear that before? But I promise this one won't end in a blood bath. I hope. :)
I would think there's a couple of ways to get an invite:
- talk your way into getting one (or three) from someone who has invites;
- steal that invite (s);
- buy that invite (s);
- other? (beat up people with invites?).
As always, set me up and make the associated rolls.
There's a table not too far from your table where people are discussing what to wear to the 'high society event'.
Don't forget that Vi can impersonate different people.
Let's have fun with this.
I want to see Lucina in a fancy dress. :)
BTW, if it wasn't clear enough, the best way for the warforged to get in is for Master Baker Squeak and his assistant Palisade to get hired to make the cake and deliver it to the party...
If that's what strikes your fancy then of course. :)
At Bronwyn's words, Squeak brightened - literally, his eyeglow ramped up until almost torch-like. 'This. This is my Purpose. I see it now.'. Crouched on the floor, he stood, and retrieved his pack. He turned, and walked, slowly and methodically towards the commotion.
The intricately carved adamantium of his carapace gleamed in the candle light as he reached the chef. "This is Fate. I am a baker, to a Dragonmarked, in need of a masterwork to prove myself. I will make you a cake. I will start now. We will go into the kitchen so your guests can eat. You will tell me what you need, and I will make it. You will assist - and judge my skill. If you honestly judge it a Masterwork - it is yours, and I ask only that my companions and I can see it eaten. If you honestly judge it a failure, I will destroy it, and I will pay for your time - up to a value of " he pauses "one thousand and seventy six gold. If you judge dishonestly, though, I will call upon the Gods to smite you."
I think that's a good plan, especially the part about Vi writing it. :)
Seriously, you still need to get Lucina in a dress. :)
BTW, given that attendees will wear masks, it would be easy to impersonate just about anyone that was close enough. Lucina won;t be able to impersonate a gnome but could probably pull off a human, half-elf, etc.
Good rolls, Squeak. I can taste that cake from here. :)
Game on!
That's what I was thinking. It would be easier for you to bluff your way into the kitchen as it were than the dining room.
But it's up to you guys. I'll set the bluff DCs accordingly.
Questions?
Game on!
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"This is Fate. I am a baker, to a Dragonmarked, in need of a masterwork to prove myself. I will make you a cake. I will start now. We will go into the kitchen so your guests can eat. You will tell me what you need, and I will make it. You will assist - and judge my skill. If you honestly judge it a Masterwork - it is yours, and I ask only that my companions and I can see it eaten. If you honestly judge it a failure, I will destroy it, and I will pay for your time - up to a value of " he pauses "one thousand and seventy six gold. If you judge dishonestly, though, I will call upon the Gods to smite you."
Caught in the wake of unit Squeak's enthusiasm, Palisade felt it should provide some input. "Suggestion. To honor the Aundarian embassy, this one suggests we pick a famous Aundarian feature to represent in cake form. This one has never seen it first-hand, but it has heard the Crying Fields is..." the 'forged's voice trailed away at what even it recognized as abhorrent looks as it suggested the haunted location of dozens of bloody battles as a model for a cake. "Remorsefully. Perhaps not the most tactful of suggestions. Hesitant. Perhaps you might consider a model of one of the Floating Towers of Arcanix? This one recalls the reasonably accurate likeness of the main tower from siege tactic training concerning the assault of unassailable targets."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Loved that pic. :)
It will be hard to separate Lucina from grumpy cat from now on.
There's no need for dates for the party, you just need an physical invitation to get in.