Geoffrey's Finest (Inactive)

Game Master CampinCarl9127

"Clever. I doubt I would have ever thought to throw a party, Ninnec. As for the expenses, pay for them out of the villa's operating budget. Master Dalton has the coin to spare and it may increase his image. Invite the gossip mongers and whatever passes for the cultured in this city. They will want to meet the former owner of Ares, the Honorable. Or at the very least, see inside of his home. When do you think you could have this ready by? I don't like leaving us exposed for longer than necessary."

Toramin drums his blunt, clever fingers against the study's desk. "Ninnec, you are worth the faith I'm showing you. Although you are conflict adverse, you have shown yourself to be skillful and insightful. I value that. So too does my god. Torag values strategy and wisdom as much, if not more so than he does a strong arm and a courageous heart."

Toramin will inform the rest of the party -- but especially Lindale, Rilka, and Dalton -- of the celebration and its true purpose.

"I will draw up a budget and present it to you for approval before doing anything. Getting the word out isn't difficult, but the longer I have the more people will arrive. Tomorrow night at the earliest. We will also need to tell the other slaves so they can begin preparations for the party."

Ninnec gives a shy smile. "If I could get over my cowardice I would have been in a much better place than the streets. I'm glad you find value in me though."

"Tomorrow night then . . . Hearts can change Ninnec. So too can circumstances. Your past need not define you. Think to what you would like to be in the future."

@Rilka

"This party could serve multiple purposes beyond providing cover for our escape hatch. The word about how Ares, the Honorable, matched strength for strength against the legion commander. How the property of the merchant class is not safe. It could also be an excellent opportunity to talk with many of your Halfing kin."

After his talk with Ninnec, Toramin will seek out Gabriel.

"Gabriel, lad, we need to talk, privately."

If he is with Edward at the time, Toramin will say, "Apologies for taking your friend away. I will return him shortly. Would you like to leave the city as soon as possible? I might be able to arrange your transport out of this principality."

Gabe has taken residence in the Small bedroom to the far right of the Manse, level 2, and just above the restroom.

Gabe was alone this time. He had chosen a room with a view of the rising sun and politely asked the other servants not to bother him. They seemed to think that he was some sort of valued slave, from the way the rest of the group treated him, but he wasn't certain if it was that or his politeness that actually kept them away.

Either way the young lad had spent a peaceful night alone, after leaving Edward's side, praying for guidance and strength to the three deities he held in his heart. Toramin's arrival in his room surprised him, but he was already awake, used to rising early, both as a remnant of his old lives and as a new added aspect from his time in the slave pits.

The lean lad had gotten much leaner since that day so many months ago when Gabriel had parted to hunt down the anti-paladin. He hardly filled out his fancy, and somewhat uncomfortable, clothes. They hung loosely off his whip cord form. His hair was a mess too, but not nearly as bad as it had been before the wash from the night before. He smiles when he see's Toramin and stands to greet the dwarf, his tail moving about slowly behind him. "I'm not sure if the other servants will be as respectful of the privacy of this room as they are of the study, though they haven't bothered me yet tonight. Do you wish to go there or will here suffice?"

"In the study. One moment in mind is worth nine in the fire."

The boy looks half-starved. His journey must have been a troubled one. Toramin doesn't pry however. The lad would talk, given time.

When they are alone, the dwarf sits.

"You asked to come with me last night, but I need to secure permission from new allies of mine. I have begun working with the masked healers. They are actually a sect of nature priests and druids dedicated to non-violence and greening the desert. If I have judged them correctly, then I have convinced them that the slave princes -- particularly Targ -- have perpetuated a social system which vitiates their goal of greening the desert. They are helping set up the educational and medicinal infrastructure to uplift leaders from the populace. For Akropash to truly be free: they must come to realize that people cannot be bought or sold. They must see that better lives are possible. They must want these lives for themselves. Revolution is necessary, but revolution must be for the people of Akropash by the people of Akropash. It cannot be based on the whims of outside powers or wandering adventurers. Freedom is not for the vanity of a few.

I do not know. If there is not, then the blood that the slavers spill will be nothing to the death throws of Akropash as it tears itself apart. I need your help in working to prevent such a fate. Perhaps my words today swayed the healers. They could provide valuable leadership as Akropash re-forges itself."

This is why I sat silently when Bjorkus endangered our mission. Torag grant that I made the right choice. Torag, forgive me if I didn't because I doubt I'll forgive myself. Why did that fool have to be such an . . . adventurer.

In the morning:

During Dalton's usual perusal of spellcraft, he found himself working on the intricacies of some juxtaposition magic. He had done studies of conjuration, but he found the summoning of creatures rather distasteful. Putting yourself one place form another though - that was another story. And it would certainly help in this damned desert.

But such work remained beyond him for now. He shut his book and headed out into the main chamber.

"Ninnec." The wizard said the name almost as a reminder to himself. "Last night I met a Morsik. Do you know of him? He seemed rather good with names."

Gabriel tilts his head to the side and listens carefully to the mans words. Toramin had clearly put a lot of thought into this and it astounded the lad just how much the dwarf seemed to have grown for the stuffier friend he once had. He waits patiently for Toramin to finish, then considers carefully the mans words. "There is more, and I would warn them of it the next time you see them. Tell them of Calios and Acera, of their possible connection, of the horrors of Xilres. They may be non-violent, but perhaps they have means to protect against such atrocities or prepare for them? And then there are the other slave princes to consider, who would not let a free nation right beside them prosper to inspire similar revolutions amongst their own lands. This needs to be a place that can defend itself from all manner of threats. The leader needs to be cunning and willing to fight when needed as well as know when it is better to stay his hand."

Gabriel takes a breath and stands, needing to move, needing to get rid of some of the excess energy coursing through his body as his mind moved a mile a minute. "Not only that, Targ and Acera will not give in peacefully. I spoke to the latter Toramin. She know's exactly what she is doing and she cares not for loyalty. Her game is a long one, I fear, for her very words hint that one lifetime is but a pittance to her. For peace to be possible, the tyrant must be toppled, and the witch and her plans uncovered."

Gabriel looks at the door, eyeing it for a long time, and then turns his eyes back to Toramin. "The masked men, this secret order, would do well as advisers to the leader that this place needs. Their knowledge and skills will be invaluable as well in making this place not only profitable but worthy of defense, bringing in revenue through education and 'greenery' as you call it. But they cannot be the one's that lead. A leader needs to be willing to fight for their people. Perhaps you should talk to them? See if any of them can get amongst the slaves and find someone what this place needs, someone from within this damned place who can be taught how to make war and better yet who can be taught when not to. They have a knight from a land with different gods then ours and they have a drow for goodness sake!"

He continues to think, then rambles some more. "There must be some leader of men amongst these slaves noble enough and strong enough, and if not one must be raised to such a state. And it has to be from the slaves, but a man who could earn the respect of even the authority of this land, otherwise there will always be doubt about the leader. Perhaps even someone born into slavery and raised into the whitecloaks? Surely all are not as their leader?"

He stops, realizing he had been rambling and hadn't even let Toramin get a word in edgewise about the original idea, rather running with it and letting his tongue run with him. His tail twitches minutely as embarrassment takes hold. "I am sorry. It has been quite a while since I could speak freely and not earn punishment. This desert has worn away many of my manners."

"Look not to the white-cloaks. They have been too well disciplined. You mistake me if you think I do not believe that Targ must go along with his wizard. At the end of the day, it matters not how strong his is or how unkillable she is. He can be thrown down, if all hands turned against him. She can be driven out or buried. Other people's have had to deal with unkillable evils in the past.

No they are not the proper leaders for the city, but they can help with leadership. That is what this whole project of teaching is about. Finding and uplifting the leaders that Akropash needs. Providing for the needs of the people. Uniting their will into common purpose."

Gabriel's talk of drow distracts Toramin, "I think the drow may have been in these lands first . . ."

Gabriel closes his eyes as he considers that bit of news, but shakes his head slowly. "Unless they want this desert back, that's not really a concern right now. My friend, you have a brilliant mind for these games, but perhaps you reach for just one too many answers. I have only seen two drow in this land, and one was Lindale! Boy is it good to see him but surely there would be more if they were interested. Unless Acera is one in disguise and that would be ridiculous. Why hide it?"

Gabriel chuckles a little at his own joke and he relaxes. "I think you underestimate the people of this place too. The whitecloaks are the authority here, Toramin. That often attracts bullies and in this place in particular I could see that, but how do you think the Masked men have stayed hidden for so long? By themselves? No, authority always knows something, even if it isn't always right or even true. They might have a friend or two wearing the cloak, and several more who are of like mind, even if they don't know it. I'm not suggesting they go right up and start talking to them, but its still a possibility that must be considered."

Gabriel finally takes a seat, though his tail and even his pointe dear continue their erratic movements. "If nothing else... The white-cloaks can't be all evil... and if we don't turn them to the side we need them on, they'll defend their 'leader' and his witch to the last, just as good soldiers would, and more will die fighting them. And you need them. Alive, well, and willing to defend this land and all within. They have the order and discipline needed to form the core, and from them could spring a wealth of defenders, trained by these harsh lands and those harsh people."

Gabriel sighs wistfully as he finally lets his mind wander a little eventually saying, "In my old city there were gangs that knew just as much as the guards, if not more sometimes. Arlene could walk amongst them without care. She was a healer, and gangs didn't just respect her, they -protected- her from the worst of their kind, because she healed them indiscriminately, taking any who needed it in without question. They were, one and all, criminals... but I know of one criminal who turned out to be an amazing warrior and companion, don't you? And they all have a stake in seeing this city prosper too. That is another avenue that must be explored. And perhaps from there you can find a leader too? We don't have time for one to grow up from childhood, you know."

Toramin ponders the young paladin's words. He had so many ideas, if only they fit together better. "The legion pre-existed Targ's rule. From what I have been able to discern it is close to a monastic order: they could very well share a monolithic belief structure. I fear that the disparate power structure of this city is more complicated than you might prefer. Targ, his warriors, the wizard, and the legion. They might be working together, but they are not the same. The healers know what our goal is, if they know of candidates, they will recommend them. Yet, you are right. We need to explore all our options."

Happy to see Lindale, if only you suspected what I suspect, Gabriel.

"And that is the problem. Targ and the witch will always be a danger, but the rest of those elements, nay this entire city, must come together if your plan is too work. Merchants must be shown prosperity through loyal work forces. Guards might protect the law and its people and not their own interests or that of a corrupt tyrant. Even the underground element is important. If they don't support this, you'll find teachers and students alike disappearing, supplies being stolen, and any attempt at bettering this place sabotaged all without any sign of the culprit." Gabe looks straight at Toramin, and then an idea forms in his mind.

"Did you ask the masked men if I could come to speak to them? I have an idea, but I would need their help to make it work. I can't do much about the white-cloaks as I am, nor could I do anything about Targ or Acera right now, or the merchants... but the gangs... Perhaps I can do something about them. I am not Bjorkus. I do not have his wit for the underground. I would need some help from someone who does, as well as one of the healers, but still..." Gabe grins as it occurs to him that he might be of some use. "Perhaps we can bring at least one of these elements into the fold."

"I will bring you with me when I speak to them next, but you should remember your manners and practice discernment. I have considered the 'underground' element and have spoken to the healers about them. So, your idea may find fertile ground. But, Gabriel, I cannot stress this to you enough. The legion is not like city guards that you have encountered before. It could get you killed if you treat them as such. If you find yourself in combat with their leader do not hesitate. Call upon the gods you worship to smite him. He is not like other men. From what I've been told he is resistant to damage, but your blessings could sheer through that. Do not give him a chance at your allies. Meet him with overwhelming force."

Of course the city needs to come together. That's what I've been saying!

"I certainly could stand to have better manners and judgement these days, but I will endeavor to do my best. I know the like of these healers though. I spent most of my youth in a temple of Shelyn after all, and one of my closest friends abhors violence. I will not lie to them about who I am, but I will be respectful of their beliefs." He smiles, hoping his words would reasure the dwarf. And then he laughs as the rest of what his friend had said got through to him. The laugh was genuine, despite the harsh conditions he had faced, and if it was a little raspier then it had once been, the joy and merriment was not lacking at all in the sound.

"And perhaps you forget Toramin, but I am not a native of Andril. I was born in Hielra, a city within Xilres ruled by corrupt lesser nobles with guards in their pockets and the gangs that walked the streets who feared neither. I am used to corruption and danger when dealing with authority... I will be especially cautious around the white-cloaks however, to put your mind at ease. And I will also avoid any fighting, but if it comes to it I will heed your advice against the commander... Of course I am unarmed so even with that power it probably won't be enough, not from what I saw." He grins again, a bit more wryly, and his tail finally settles down behind him.

"I knew you would have thought of it, but I doubt the healers alone know how to tempt the gangs to become more then they are. The more clever of them will see the opportunity that prosperity would bring, but they'll still need a nudge in the right direction, a reason to do 'charity' as they'll see it. I think I can give it to them... or at least tempt them with something only they could earn."

The dwarf returns the tiefling's smile. "I hadn't forgotten your history, but if the guardsmen of Xilres were a quasi-religious brotherhood of fanatics, then I will have learned something new this day. As for a weapon, don't worry, I have extras. I always come prepared. Do not sell yourself short, the wrath of your gods is strong within you. I have seen it. When battle comes take heart and bring the fight to them. His aspect is fearsome, but I have weighed his soul. He is not that much greater than we are."

Toramin presents Gabriel with a greatsword.

Gabriel eyes the large weapon, but takes it slowly. The weight of it was definitely something he'd have to get used too. "Give me... a few hours before introducing me. I need to get used to its weight before I'll be comfortable with it. Geoffrey had strived to train me in as many weapons as he could, but I have been using the longsword as my favored for so long..."

He bows his head to the dwarf, then grins up at the man. "You are right, they weren't that bad. I'll be cautious... but my idea may mean going unarmed into an area as well, so I'll have to be smart too. And as far as strength of the gods..."

He frowns as he looks at the sword, "Do you have another spare? The first and last time I called upon that power I... sort of... melted the blade. I think it turned into lightning or something? I was kind of distracted at the time."

Damn Gabriel is a chatterbox. Your religion check doesn't turn anything up.

I'm loving the character interactions! Tell me what else you guys want to accomplish during the day or if you don't have anything.

Edward gives Toramin and Gabriel their privacy. "Thank you for the offer, but I don't intend on leaving quite yet. I have some scores to settle first."

"I usually have three to four weapons at hand at any given time. But, I doubt sword melting is a common occurrence, otherwise smiths would make a killing of your type of holy warrior."

Toramin is doing measurements for his construction job when he hears the pitter patter of little feet approaching. "Sorry to interrupt. I know I should be out getting estimates for the party, and that's what I was doing, but I've made two separate trips out from the manor so far an hour apart and the same slave child has been lurking in the buildings across the street, watching the manor. I don't believe he's with anybody. I just thought you might want to know."

"That is interesting. Thank you for bring this to my attention. Is it a human child or a halfing? Sometimes they are hard to tell apart."

"Human, possibly half elf. Definitely a child though, not a halfling. Halfling's feet give them away."

Toramin will go find Rilka and ask her to investigate this child. "Maybe it is hungry. Maybe it is a spy. Either way we should find out."

Time to tie up loose ends.

The dwarf goes to talk to to their wizard captive. "So, you probably have realized by now that we don't actually plan to either kill or enslave you. However, you did attack us and your antics have been troublesome. What do you think we should do with you?"

Talev looks at Toramin, crow's feet under his eyes and with a look of disdain. "Yeah, I figured." He looks hard at Toramin. "You guys are real sick, you know that? It's one thing to just kill a man, but this..." He shakes his head. "I just want to go back to my little girl. Give me my spellbook and let me go. I won't bother you. It's not worth it."

Toramin will put Yix on the party invite list.

"How would you get out of the city without being discovered? What assurance would we have that our mercy would not go unpunished? You might say death would have been easier, but I say, for attempted murder being detained and mostly ignored for several days isn't the worst of fates." Toramin blithely replies. You very well couldn't get back to your daughter dead or enslaved.

Talev points at his arm. "I'm not branded, I could just walk out." He shakes his head in frustration. "Why would I come back? You're not worth the trouble and you killed most of my gang anyways."

"May your god bless your endeavors, my friend." Gabriel bows his head to the dwarf before Toramin leaves to continue on with his other business. After a few minutes of thinking about it, he takes the new blade outside and starts practicing with it. At first he simply swings the sword, getting used to the weight and momentum such a blade brought with it. Then, as the minutes passed, he began taking on more and more formal stances. His training with such a weapon was coming back to him... slowly. It had the same wicked edge as his favored weapon, the longsword, but each swing needed a little more thought to it, lest he expose himself.

Each 'stance', or at the very least each form the Sergeants had taught him to get the basics of the weapon down, relied on the length of the blade to force the opponent back a step, but with tight and controlled movements so that you never lost your center. The paladin let himself get lost in these movements, perhaps looking the fool to others, but feeling a little bit better himself. It had been a while since he could take hold a weapon and just practice... not for the enjoyment of others, but for his own benefit.

Toramin conceals a smirk. His gang? I knew he was not the innocent he claimed.

"I'm willing to let you go. But we are keeping your spellbook as ransom for your good behavior. You have attacked us and attempted to get us in trouble with the local authorities. Your word is of uncertain value. When we leave Yenrick we will ship it an information broker named Yix. Are you aware of him?"

"No. I'm not from around here. Fine, describe me this Yix fellow and you have a deal."

@Toramin. ”A party sounds good. We could have also just done some general renovations as a cover for your plans. We could hire some performers, acrobats or fire breaters. Maybe the new guys, Gabe and Ed, I think that was his name, can put on a mock duel. Make it loud with taunts, shield bashing, and armor clanging. Think they’d go for that?

“I’d like to talk to more halflings. One troubling thing with the male I met yesterday was he had no desire to free other races.“

She hands some sheafs of paper to Toramin. There are various charcoal sketches of bull horns, Bjorkus’ head in silhouette, and a half-minotaur with an erect phallus. ”Graffiti can be useful. I’ll just have to be very careful putting this up. Maybe get some help from some local youth. Any design look particularly good? I was thinking of writing a few slogans too. Targ own the masters, or They fear us. keep it simple. Maybe get some slang from Nimmec. Try to coordinate a few groups tonight at the same time in the various quarters of the city. Just a thought.”

The halfling holds up a vial. ”This and some make-up and I can pass as a young half-elf boy.”

~In response to Dalton~

Ninnec nods. "He is well known as the diplomatic face of Akropash. However he's gone in foreign territory so much he's rarely in the city. When you ask what he does specifically the answers are usually as vague as diplomatic ties."

"This graffiti is an excellent idea." Toramin squints at the outline of Bjorkus. "Double the size of the phallus. He would like that."

Drawing a breath, Toramin continues, "What should we do about the child spying on us? I think you should sneakily approach him."

”Double?” she laughs. ”Okay I’ll do this tonight. After the party. I plan on writing at various heights so it doesn’t look like a halfling did it. Quick and easy designs so detection is minimized. Do you think Ninnec might have time to help me get some ‘artists’ for this?“ She stuffs the papers into a pouch.

”It might not be a child. Magical disguise.” She shrugs. ”I’ll look into it. I could try to follow it to wherever he makes a report to. If we knew what he was looking for specifically we could feed him some false information.”

Thanks for dealing with the elf wizard.