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Pharast 9th, AR 4715
As you arrive back at the family estate, you nearly walk right past the figure leaning against the wall in your fathers darkened hall, peering through the window.
”Evening, Declan.” your brother says.
Padraig, almost painfully thin, as always, stretches himself out to his full height, his back cracking. He adjusts his belt to a more comfortable position—a rapier on his right hip, a pistol (looking new, near gleaming in the moonlight coming through the window) on his right.
”Out after curfew, is it? A night of debauchery for my dear baby brother?” he says softly.
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He chuckles quietly.
"Oh, but you have grown fiesty in my absence, Declan. I meant nothing by it--an innocent remark. The curfew is not meant for us, and a Tanessen will see no trouble from the Dottari in this city, I'd wager.
"I'll not tarry--I come on official business with father. That conducted, I thought I might wait and say hello. But clearly, you have had a busy night. The weight of your concerns hangs heavily on you, I can see. You need your rest, and I'll not keep you from it.".
He motions toward the stairs and gives a slight bow.
"Please, don't let me detain you."
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Declan didn't like hearing what Jeeves told him telepathically about what he was able to glean from his brother's comments. He realized that he should definitely be wary of his Dottari brother. Even so he couldn't help returning his own backhanded compliments. With the proper blow to his ego, he hoped to play into his brother's arrogance to see if he might brag about how close they were to closing in on the rebels, or even brag about any they've already detained.
I should hope not! After all what's the point of having a brother in the Dottari if not to be allowed some minor indulgences," Declan said with a smirk.
"What is it that the Dottari has you busy with these days? I am sure our Lord Mayor was displeased to see those peasants throwing a fit outside of the Opera House last week. So I assume that you and your jackbooted friends have been tasked with rooting out this rabble before it becomes some sort of insurrection?"
Jeeves added, "The Dottari are a fine and determined organization."
"They would have to be to count my brother amongst their ranks. I do hope that you are up to the task, Padraig. The last thing we need is something like that dreadful business that went on in Galt. I believe that father prefers his head remain on his shoulders."
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As the group goes their seperate ways this evening, Huck mosey's on back to his little hole in the wall.
If there are any patrons being deviants and enjoying a drink inside the Tooth and Nail, Huck will spend some time mingling with the people there. Otherwise, he's callin it a night.[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 + 13
“I hear the dottari guard towers are so full of prisoners now they’re keeping those they arrest in warehouses. My cousin even said they’re putting prisoners to work in places like Sallix Salt Works.”
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Declan didn't like...
"Well, they've asked me to act as a liason to the noble houses. I don't know if you've noticed, little brother, but there's some unrest in the city. And the Lord Mayor doesn't think that unrest ends at the gates of the Greens.
He chuckles at your mention of Galt. "Things won't get that bad, I'd wager. People in this city might get rowdy, but they'll see reason. No point in fighting Thrune. It's silly to even try."
He shrugs. "Still, things are...touchy. Father said he's never seen this city so turbulent. But with the Militia empowered, and the Dottari recruiting, we have the strength to put down anything the more rambunctious elements stir up.
"Speaking of which, have you considered doing your patriotic duty, and joining up? I'm sure we could find a role that would fit your talents."
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Patriotism? Surely you jest. If you actually aim to entice me, you should know me better than to appeal to some kind of jingoistic impulse. I suspect that you aren't exactly in this for some sense of duty yourself. After all, liaison to the noble houses sounds like quite the opportunity for you to make a name for yourself. What kind of role do you have in mind?
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"Why, Declan, you wound me, to ascribe such low motivations to my service. In truth, I've gotten little more than obsequious fawning over the Paracount--whether or not its genuine or not, I could not say.
"As to your role, that's above my pay grade--I am but a little cog, and can turn no more than my appointed gears. But if I don't miss my mark, I suspect they'd set you on a similar course, perhaps at the college, or in the theaters in Jarvis End."
Starting the next day I think we should look for the dentist that is local to the devil's nursery area. See if anything pops up with the tool marks we found on the tooth. We shouldn't give away that the tooth was from the murder victim
to help if possible
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It takes some time, but after hour you locate the only dentist that operates in the Devil's Nursery.
A stooped, older man, he inspects the tooth thoughtfully for a moment with a before putting on a loupe.
"Not the strangest request, I've ever recieved, but curious. Still, I've no patients of the moment, so let's take a look."
"Hmm. Obviously pulled out with pliers of some sort. Interesting shape left on the enamel--two lines on either side, likely indicating two nibs along the plier surface."
He pulls a very fine pick from his tool cart and probes the groove.
"Ah, surprisingly deep, these grooves. Cracking along the enamel not too severe--less than I would expect with a hard tooth extraction. I'd say it was pulled out at a good angle, in a single sharp wrench, by someone who knew what they were doing.
"Tooth appears to be in fairly good shape, but wear indicative of adulthood, possibly middle aged. No cavities. Striations on the cementum indicative of tooth extraction, as well.
"Tooth is a maxilary first molar, from an adult. From a human, or something quite close--tiefling, aasimar, or perhaps a half-orc."
He removes the loupe and hands the tooth back to you.
"If you're unhappy with the job your dentist did, it looks quite professional from here, sir. But, if you're looking for a new doctor, I am accepting new patients." He smiles hopefully at you.
When Lily gets back to the cafe she pulls Laria aside.
I know we need a bigger place of operations but do you know of any places we could start looking into. Not that we are not appreciative of your hospitality just we don't want to keep a lot of people here. More people coming in and out might look suspicious in the long run. Have any ideas?
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"You tired of my hospitality already?", she says with a laugh.
"Well, if you're worried about bringing danger down on my head, don't. I ran the Bellflower network for this city out of this coffee house for years. Nothing Thrune can throw at me that will scare me.
"Now, if it's a strategic consideration, I'll see my way to forgiving you--Lars, get Lily a plate of supper, dear!. Anyway, if you're looking for someplace else to operate out of, I'm afraid I don't know. Like I said, I'd shoot for Old Kintargo, Jarvis End, or maybe Villegre, since they're likely to be the heart of your support. You could try to buy an old theater in Jarvis End, or maybe an old warehouse in Old Kintargo, but I don't expect you've got a ton of money to work with right now. If I'm wrong, the Church of Abadar generally handles that sort of business, as they've got the records of who owns what. Course, you could go direct to the owner if you don't want to trouble the authorities.
"My advice? If you're set on doing this now, and not waiting a bit, I'd take a walk around Old Kintargo, maybe ask around see if anyone's looking to sell a warehouse, tavern, something like that. Big enough to hold a good number of folks, and something that has a good public identity so no one will think twice to see traffic going in and out.
"If I were you, I'd wait a spell, though. This place is adequate for your needs at present, and when you need another place, you may have the resources to get the right place. Or, who knows, you get the right supporter, you might not have to buy the place at all--maybe they give it to you."
It takes some time, but after hour you locate the only dentist that operates in the Devil's Nursery.
A stooped, older man, he inspects the tooth thoughtfully for a moment with a before putting on a loupe.
"Not the strangest request, I've ever recieved, but curious. Still, I've no patients of the moment, so let's take a look."
"Hmm. Obviously pulled out with pliers of some sort. Interesting shape left on the enamel--two lines on either side, likely indicating two nibs along the plier surface."
He pulls a very fine pick from his tool cart and probes the groove.
"Ah, surprisingly deep, these grooves. Cracking along the enamel not too severe--less than I would expect with a hard tooth extraction. I'd say it was pulled out at a good angle, in a single sharp wrench, by someone who knew what they were doing.
"Tooth appears to be in fairly good shape, but wear indicative of adulthood, possibly middle aged. No cavities. Striations on the cementum indicative of tooth extraction, as well.
"Tooth is a maxilary first molar, from an adult. From a human, or something quite close--tiefling, aasimar, or perhaps a half-orc."
He removes the loupe and hands the tooth back to you.
"If you're unhappy with the job your dentist did, it looks quite professional from here, sir. But, if you're looking for a new doctor, I am accepting new patients." He smiles hopefully at you.
thank you sir, would you happen to know where a person might learn your trade? I've got a cousin that is interested in it and I've got no idea where to point him. What kind of tools would you think he would need? Where would he go to find them? Thanks for your time... as he hands over a gold piece.
After spending part of the evening sulking over the rude words and her own shortcomings when dealing with the alley thugs. Leila wakes the next morning looking refreshed and back to her usual cheerful self. After eating a light breakfast, she heads to her home to tend to her plants.
Level 1
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Declan spent hours asking around town for possible dentists using the pretense of being unhappy with his current dentist’s willingness to work on “lesser creatures.” Meanwhile Jeeves tagged along to watch for reactions looking for anyone who responded positively to Declan’s pretense of racism. He suspected the culprit they are looking for must have rather callous feelings towards tieflings to be willing to commit these murders.
As the group starts going their seperate ways this day, Huck throws on his duster and his stetson. Bessy comfortably secure in her holster. Making his way through the Tooth and Nail, stopping for his mornin feast.
"Hey Gunther, I'll take the usual... and make sure it's cooked this time ya?"
Looking around the place at the normal fill of ruffians and drunkards either still here from the night before, or getting a leg up on the day's drunken folly. "Hey Gunther, any suggestions on where one would go if they wanted their teeth done fixed up? Mayhaps someone with a knack for pullin said teeth?"
"Oh, and by the way, some kids from the Academy may be droppin in to look for me. If they do, ya mind tellin em I'll be back on the evenin?"
Getting up, tossing a gold on the counter. "Always a pleasure Gunther, don't go a killin anyone today ya?"
I wonder how them students are holdin up, been a bit since I've spoken to Merrick and friends. Huck moseys on over to the Academy to check in on Merrick, keeping an eye on the streets as he does.
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Declan spent 1d4 hours asking around town for possible dentists using the pretense of being unhappy with his current dentist’s willingness to work on “lesser creatures.” Meanwhile Jeeves tagged along to watch for reactions looking for anyone who responded positively to Declan’s pretense of racism. He suspected the culprit they are looking for must have rather callous feelings towards tieflings to be willing to commit these murders.
[dice=bluff to aid]1d20+11
[dice=Jeeves’ sense motive to gather info with aid]1d20+15
You find any number of dentists to call upon. Unfortunately, nearly all of them heartily agree with your stated feelings towards tieflings. Jeeves detects that most of these men genuinely have these feelings
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As the group starts going their seperate ways this day, Huck throws on his duster and his stetson. Bessy comfortably secure in her holster. Making his way through the Tooth and Nail, stopping for his mornin feast.
"Hey Gunther, I'll take the usual... and make sure it's cooked this time ya?"
Looking around the place at the normal fill of ruffians and drunkards either still here from the night before, or getting a leg up on the day's drunken folly. "Hey Gunther, any suggestions on where one would go if they wanted their teeth done fixed up? Mayhaps someone with a knack for pullin said teeth?"
[Dice=Diplomacy]1d20 + 13
"Oh, and by the way, some kids from the Academy may be droppin in to look for me. If they do, ya mind tellin em I'll be back on the evenin?"
Getting up, tossing a gold on the counter. "Always a pleasure Gunther, don't go a killin anyone today ya?"
I wonder how them students are holdin up, been a bit since I've spoken to Merrick and friends. Huck moseys on over to the Academy to check in on Merrick, keeping an eye on the streets as he does.
[dice=Perception to see anykind of Dottari or militia movements]1d20 + 4
"Yes, sir," Gunther says.
You are able to locate Merrick in Villegre, at a coffee house near the university. He smiles warmly upon seeing you.
"Ah, Huck!" He stands and shakes your hand. "It's been too long. I trust you remember Miss Triana Bastriles?" A pretty, but wan young woman with long, black hair pulled tight into a pony tail nods politely at you.
"What brings you to Villegre?"
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You find any number of dentists to call upon. Unfortunately, nearly all of them heartily agree with your stated feelings towards tieflings. Jeeves detects that most of these men genuinely have these feelings
After shopping around a bit, Declan returned to visit for a quick check up with each of the dentists that Jeeves detected genuinely held feelings of disdain for tieflings. Using the pretense of making small talk, he brought up the recent tiefling slayings with the intent of eliciting a confession as they believe they have a sympathetic ear to brag to about their deeds.
"It is so good to finally have a dentist I can trust and who hasn't sullied themselvesI heard that someone has been killing off those horned freaks down in the nursery," with a chuckle Declan adds, "I hear whoever did it even took trophies that I think you might appreciate. I hear they ripped the damn teeth right of the old bastard's mouth. No more impish grin for that one!"
Again Jeeves watched closely for the reactions of the suspects to their surreptitious interrogation. They hoped that even if no one came right out and claimed credit for the slayings, they might show a smug smirk when Declan appears to praise their handiwork.
Shaking Merrick's hand, before tipping his hat to Miss Triana. "Well partner, It's been a few days since that ruckus in front of the opera house. Things been a stirrin in the city, murders of Tieflins, Dottari doing what they do, I got ta thinkin to check up and make sure you an the others were ok."
Taking a pull of his flask before offering it to Merrick and Triana. "I reckon you've seen it too, in one fashion or another. Well, I'm fixin to do somethin about it. The way I see it, if nothin gets done, things will only get worse. And frankly, I just don't think I can bare it."
Pulling from his flask again before continuing. "Sure, now it's the Tieflings gettin dead, who knows who those snoutlickers aim for next. The students over at the Academy, anyone who doesn't follow that damned demon, or those that are not so well off." Huck's eyes flare up golden for a brief moment as he calms himself again. "Look, this city was once something to behold. Now... now it's but a prison disguised as a city. Last we spoke, you didn't know what you wanted to do. Now I'm offerin ya the chance to take a stand. What do ya think, you up for gettin in on the ground floor of a better Kintargo?"
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You find any number of dentists to call upon. Unfortunately, nearly all of them heartily agree with your stated feelings towards tieflings. Jeeves detects that most of these men genuinely have these feelings
After shopping around a bit, Declan returned to visit for a quick check up with each of the dentists that Jeeves detected genuinely held feelings of disdain for tieflings. Using the pretense of making small talk, he brought up the recent tiefling slayings with the intent of eliciting a confession as they believe they have a sympathetic ear to brag to about their deeds.
"It is so good to finally have a dentist I can trust and who hasn't sullied themselvesI heard that someone has been killing off those horned freaks down in the nursery," with a chuckle Declan adds, "I hear whoever did it even took trophies that I think you might appreciate. I hear they ripped the damn teeth right of the old bastard's mouth. No more impish grin for that one!"
[dice=Declan's bluff to aid]1d20+11
Again Jeeves watched closely for the reactions of the suspects to their surreptitious interrogation. They hoped that even if no one came right out and claimed credit for the slayings, they might show a smug smirk when Declan appears to praise their handiwork.
[dice=Jeeves' sense motive to gather info with aid]1d20+15
While none of the dentists actively stood up for tieflings, some did seem uncomfortable about the racism--but not so much they'd turn away a paying customer.
Your faux enthusiasm disturbs even some of the more racist dentists, but again not so much as to kick out a potential customer. However, none of them betray any sign that they either recognize the crimes, or find them interesting in any way.
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Shaking Merrick's hand, before tipping his hat to Miss Triana. "Well partner, It's been a few days since that ruckus in front of the opera house. Things been a stirrin in the city, murders of Tieflins, Dottari doing what they do, I got ta thinkin to check up and make sure you an the others were ok."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 + 13
Taking a pull of his flask before offering it to Merrick and Triana. "I reckon you've seen it too, in one fashion or another. Well, I'm fixin to do somethin about it. The way I see it, if nothin gets done, things will only get worse. And frankly, I just don't think I can bare it."
Pulling from his flask again before continuing. "Sure, now it's the Tieflings gettin dead, who knows who those snoutlickers aim for next. The students over at the Academy, anyone who doesn't follow that damned demon, or those that are not so well off." Huck's eyes flare up golden for a brief moment as he calms himself again. "Look, this city was once something to behold. Now... now it's but a prison disguised as a city. Last we spoke, you didn't know what you wanted to do. Now I'm offerin ya the chance to take a stand. What do ya think, you up for gettin in on the ground floor of a better Kintargo?"
Merrick casts a nervous look over his shoulder, while Bastriles merely raises her eyebrows.
Merrick leans forward. "What do you have in mind?"
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Pharast 10th, AR 4715
The day passes uneventfully. You receive no news about any further murders in the Devil's Nursery.
REBELLION , WEEK TWO
Upkeep Phase
Step Zero: Your noteriety increases by 1, as a result of your open combat with the Dottari in the Devil's Nursery. It doesn't increase any further because you didn't kill any of the militiamen. It then reduces by 1 due to Rexus' special ability.
Step One: Supporter Attrition. DC 10 Loyalty check, on a success you lose 1d6 supporters, on a failure you lose 2d4+3. A natural 20 means you gain 1d6 supporters instead.
Step Two: Noteriety Maximum. Skip this
Step Three: Treasury Minimum. Skip this.
Step Four: Increase rank. Will depend on the results of Step one.
Activity Phase
You will (most likely) get 3 actions this phase.
Event Phase
After the activity phase I will roll for an event. As we didn't get an event last week, our chance for an event is probably going to be 44%, barring any changes due to the Activity Phase.
Pulling from his flask as he leans in towards Merrick. "You see, me and some friends of mine, we may be fittin to cause a bit of a ruckus here in Kintargo. The kind of party that those sittin pretty in their cozy seats of power may not take to kindly to." Looking over towards Triana, and back at Merrick...
Giving them a brief rundown of things that have happened thus far, including the bit about the Silver Ravens..."I'm not askin ya to take up arms and jump into the fight, however... if you aim to misbehave and offer up whatever services you may be good at. I reckon the two of you and yer friends may find yourselves enjoying a better Kintargo in the future." Offering his hand to Merrick, "So partner, what do ya say? Ya game?"
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Merrick takes your hand and shakes it.
"Well, that sounds good to me. Whatever you need, I'm in."
Bastriles gives you a gnomic look. After a long pause, she smiles.
"Well, I'm all for doing my part, get a little change around here. What a humble student at Lady Docur's School for Girls can do for you, I couldn't possibly say. But if something comes up you think I can help you with, well, I'd be happy to."
Huck kicks open the container marked "Shindig Fund" and tosses in 8gp, along with the 7gp sitting in the party loot. Looking over at the rest of the group, clearing his throat. "Ahem, yall best be fittin to pony up some coin yerselves. This is a group affair afterall."
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Pharast 11th, AR 4715
The following day, an exhausted Tiefling woman rushes into the Longroads Coffeehouse. Laria leads her over to you, pouring her a coffee fortified with a splash of Oldlaw Whiskey. She pats her sympathetically on the shoulder before returning to serving the other customers.
"You can call me Arathi, my lords," she says shyly. "Zea told me to run here as fast as I could without drawing the guards attention.
"There's been another body found in the Nursery. This time Zea and some others drug it away before the Dottari could take it and burn it. She said you might want to examine it?"
”Arathi is it? Hm, another dead one... but you want us to look at it? Speaking for myself, I’m hardly a doctor. Not saying I don’t want to go, just... not sure how helpful I’ll be.”
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Arathi leads you back to the Devil's Nursery.
There, in an abandoned warehouse, there's a bruised and bloodied body stretched out on a blanket. Arathi stands respectfully at a distance as you inspect it.
If you succeed at both the Heal and Perception checks, you gain a +5 bonus to the Knowledge (Nature) check.
Depending on the result of your check you may get to learn additional things.
Hearing the news of another murder, Rath stops what he's doing and listens to the information. Grabbing his equipment he follows along to see what help her can lend to these people
"Well.... yes. That mortal is definitely dead. Pretty disgusting... uh... no offense there Arathi. Dead things never were my interest... but let me try taking a look."
Pokes gingerly at the body.
Leila then moves the arms around and a small smile plays across her lips, but she quickly turns more serious and suppresses the urge the make the corpse wave at her friends.... barely.
"So... well then. Yes. It is dead. And all these little bite marks... gross. Maybe Lily should look?"
Level 1
Let me take a look
Looks like all the teeth are gone which is not a surprise but there are all these bite marks all over. Anyone know what could cause this?
After taking in everything that the other observed, Rath racks his brain trying to think if he's heard or seen anything like this before....
As far as the question I get, any common areas they like to hang out? Like abandoned buildings or marahy areas.
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Taken as a whole, you suspect you know the culprit--or more likely, culprits: Tooth Faeries, vile creatures of the First World, known for stealing and hording the teeth of their victims.
Tooth faeries often create nests--lined with the teeth of their victims. They congregate toward abandoned or infrequently trafficked locations, when possible--abandoned buildings, sewers, caves, ruins, and the like.
let's go talk to Zea again. Maybe we can see how close together the killings were to see if we can find where this creature is
"Oh Rath, you silly goose." Leila smiles and pats Rathgur's arm. We've already been to the previous site. So... Hey, Arathi, where was this one found?"
Looking at Leila in confusion, Rath smiles and shakes his head...
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"A few blocks over from the last. They found the body in an alley again, with a bit of canvas pulled over the body. Didn't do a very good job of covering it though. They found it first thing in the morning again. Zea's been talking to what's left of the Cloven Hoof Society and they've been getting the word out, letting everyone know if they find a body to report it to her. So as soon as they did they ran and got her, and she sent me to you."
"Righto. So then, shall we go look for a hidey-hole for these little buggers? If we can get rid of these pests, we could maybe the poor folks here will be able to rest a bit easier."
Arathi, could you take us to where this body was found? That way we can look around for some more clues or a likely hiding spot for this creature.
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Pharast 11th, AR 4715
Arathi agrees to show you to the location where the body was found.
The alley lies between a clothing factory and an abandoned warehouse. A quick search of the area, inclding the abandoned building, turns up nothing of interest. Working outward from that point, you begin scouring the area, looking for any clues.
Can I get Perception checks from everyone participating in the search, and a party diplomacy check (one primary and up to two aid another attempts).