Caleb looked bitter as Forvian talked. "Can't say I'm surprised. the Jills kept their word every time. We're the ones whose word is worthless. Just hope she didn't tell anyone else, or we'll never be able to make a deal with anyone else."
Caleb looked out into the distance, then looked back "Right. I've said it before - I think we need to start systematically assassinating the collaborators. I figure we leave a symbol on their doors and disappear them a bit later. Eventually they'll start leaving of their own accord when the symbol shows up. We make sure we do enough of them that THRUNE can't defend all their own. THRUNE's power is all built on perceived strength. I figure after a couple of weeks of taking out their people one by one they'll look weak."
Find some reliable merchant who visits Egorian regularly, pay him/her to collect rumor/news about Kintargo & the Thrunes. Eirik wants to figure out which way Abrogail 2nd will jump if we manage to kick some Thrune behind. Might be that the adventure doesn’t spare a thought for that but I can’t keep from worrying. Were I the queen, I would not take it kindly if the populace of my cities started killing duly appointed local rulers. This shouldn’t be too suspicious, since I see merchants collecting rumor as a regular practice, trying to speculate on prices of various commodities or services, or to see what family’s star is on the rise and thus who to bribe.
Would love to use an action to establish a new safe house. We only have the one, and that almost already got compromised.
Would like to keep the crossbow assaults going (only rarely, never committing to the attack, but enough to keep the pressure there), and keep spreading the rumor that the Jills are behind it. The more enemies the Thrunes chase, the fewer people they can keep on our case. Even if there are no Jills anymore.
We have a week of game time tso start those conversations and I'll jump in.
Caleb: I'll add your cloak of elvenkind in the next recap.
Tillia: are you keeping the bracers of armor +1?
Game on!
Action 1
Vandomir was glad for the respite. A day off work, and a day away from the rebellion. He and Star had a day to themselves. "What do you say girl, shall we get you something nice?" Star never answered, but her looks made him think she understood far more than a dog should.
Vandomir had secured several hundred gold from the coffers of the Silver Ravens, and he intended to find some dog sized armor for Star. It shouldn't be too hard, Kintargo had plenty of merchants that catered to such things. It took only a couple stops before he found a merchant that claimed he could provide what was requested, "Not much need for such things these days, ever since the big dogs have been getting picked up by the city, you know. Still, a man's got to make a living." The merchant had opened with a price of 250 gold, but Vandomir had talked him down to 200 and a promise to come back and repair some brickwork on his front steps.
At first, Star seemed none to pleased to be wearing the heavy links of chain, but gradually she grew more accustom to it and stopped rubbing her back against everything in site in an effort to get the annoying thing off.
Action 1
It was time for relaxing a bit, they'd had a rough time of late but things seemed to finally be getting better. She made sure to spend some time with Sasha and help her with her studies, the life of a wizard wasn't always easy, the life of an apprentice less so. She found Sasha upstairs in the coffee house enjoying a cup while she had her spell book open in front of her. Tillia approached and said, "I assume you're being careful not to spill any on the book aren't you Sasha?"
Tillia found Rexus in his room and knocked on the door, "Hey Rexus, can I come in and talk for a bit?"
As they were trying to decide what to do with the things they'd found at the Jill's nest Tillia eyed the bracers and said, "If you don't mind I'd like to take those bracers, I plan to practice improving enchantments on existing items and this would be a superb one to work on, protective items are always worth while and expensive."
As the leaders of the Ravens gathered once again Tillia decided to broach the subject this time. She looked at the gathering and said, "It seems we've become a successful thorn in Thrune's side now, or at least we're starting to. I think it might be a good idea to start looking at a larger base of operations, preferably one where we don't endanger innocents as much if we are found out." She looked at Laria and said, "Your hospitality has been great in letting us work from here, and I expect it may take us a while to find someplace new, but I want to thank you for your generosity."
Rowan spent time tracking down the family crests and the master's mark on the items she had found. She sought out the homes and workplaces and returned the rapier, the ring, and the instruments. In each case, she made sure that her armor was covered when out in public by her cloak and took precautions while walking around. She had no idea whether the people she was about to meet were sympathetic to Thrune or not but she decided beforehand to trust herself into the hands of Milani as always. When she reached each of her destinations she gave the same greeting, "The Silver Ravens have dealt with the community plague that is the Red Jills. In the process, we have found something that needs to be returned into your possession. Milani has guided me to your home to give you back what was taken from you."
As the leaders of the Ravens gathered once again Tillia decided to broach the subject this time. She looked at the gathering and said, "It seems we've become a successful thorn in Thrune's side now, or at least we're starting to. I think it might be a good idea to start looking at a larger base of operations, preferably one where we don't endanger innocents as much if we are found out." She looked at Laria and said, "Your hospitality has been great in letting us work from here, and I expect it may take us a while to find someplace new, but I want to thank you for your generosity."
Rowan listened and agreed with Tillia that they couldn't keep endangering the Coffeehouse. "Did you have a property in mind? It's not like we have a lot of funds to purchase a safe house."
tag everyone
"If we are able to recruit more people and get another team or two together, we may be able to take the fight to Thrune. However, we need more information about where he is most vulnerable. Also, if we can recruit some merchants to our cause then it may help with our cash flow."
tag everyone
It was time for relaxing a bit, they'd had a rough time of late but things seemed to finally be getting better. She made sure to spend some time with Sasha and help her with her studies, the life of a wizard wasn't always easy, the life of an apprentice less so. She found Sasha upstairs in the coffee house enjoying a cup while she had her spell book open in front of her. Tillia approached and said, "I assume you're being careful not to spill any on the book aren't you Sasha?"
Sasha was surprised to see Tillia. She smiled spontaneously. "Actually, I have some questions if you have the time. I've been practicing but it's not that easy. Can you help me with this cantrip? The lights just blink out..."
Sasha's conversation turned serious as she lowered her voice, "Listen, word gets around and I want to help. Yes, I want to be art of this movement. How can I help?"
Tillia found Rexus in his room and knocked on the door, "Hey Rexus, can I come in and talk for a bit?"
Rexus could not hide the shame he felt; he spoke in a muffled voice, "Yes, of course. Come in."
Before Tillia could say anything, the man was apologizing, "I am really sorry but I just don't feel that I'm carrying my weight. With the translation work done and me not being a fighter, I just don't know what to do."
He added, "Are the others mad at me? Will they kick me out?"
You could access the Wasp Nest from the sewers but it was not very practical.
Forvian and his team sort of cleaned up the Livery but it's not set up as base by any means.
I need to know what the Ravens will do so I can recap tomorrow...
Rowan listened and agreed with Tillia that they couldn't keep endangering the Coffeehouse. "Did you have a property in mind? It's not like we have a lot of funds to purchase a safe house."
”The Livery would serve, but should we set up some business as cover, so people won’t wonder why people suddenly go in and out of an abandoned building,” Eirik said. ”An actual livery needs horses and carts, and those cost gold, so perhaps something else? Though we could get away for a time just renovating the site for some mysterious future purpose. I wonder who owns the actual property, though… Would it be too much to hope that the deeds to the property were among the old Silver Raven documents we found there?”
"If we are able to recruit more people and get another team or two together, we may be able to take the fight to Thrune. However, we need more information about where he is most vulnerable. Also, if we can recruit some merchants to our cause then it may help with our cash flow."
Eirik nodded at the priestess’ words. ”Information is key, considering we have had some luck with the recruitment of late, and the Nox’s defeat is still the news on the streets. But speaking about that... I’d like to spend a few coins purchasing the ear of a merchant bound for Egorian. I’d like to know how well the throne thinks of the Paracount – if he is near and dear to queen Abrogail she is more likely to rally to his support if we push the man to a corner. But if he’s the topic of ridicule and is seen to have been exiled here, far from the places of true imperial power…”
"Look, I'm okay with getting a new base - with the rate we're recruiting it's just a matter of time till this goes wrong. Rowan, are you saying we get some more fighters and then start taking people out?"
"If we're sending someone to Egorian, let's see if they can get information on Nox as well."
Tillia's smile brightened as she said, "Of course, I'd be delighted to. Why don't you try to cast it first so that I can watch and see what's happening. Once I see how you cast it I can hopefully see what's going wrong."
Face lighting up Tillia gave the tiefling a one armed hug as she sat beside her and said, "I'm glad to hear it. I think the first thing you can do is work on your magic more, we'll need more mages before this is over and you have the makings of a good one. As for specific work we'll have to see what we need done first. Why don't we go meet with everyone and see what we can find for you to do."
Tillia entered the room and closed the door behind her and gave him a sad look as he spoke. She didn't have it in her to scold him after his plaintive words and expression of fear. She moved to sit beside him, put an arm around his shoulder, and said, "Yes, we're all angry with you I think, your actions could have destroyed the rebellion." She knew her words had to hurt him but she saw no other way to say it. She continued, "But we're not going to kick you out Rexus, you've been vital to the movement, without you it never would have formed, or at least it wouldn't have been by us, in fact we'd all have been hunted down and captured by now, my friend would have died while being doghoused." Her voice caught at the horror of that thought and said through a choked up voice, "If nothing else I owe you for making it possible for us to save Alinza and I owe you everything for that. She's the sister I never knew." She sat there a moment with tears in her eyes and then began to sob for a a few minutes as everything that had happened came down on her at once.
"Look, I'm okay with getting a new base - with the rate we're recruiting it's just a matter of time till this goes wrong. Rowan, are you saying we get some more fighters and then start taking people out?"
Rowan considered Caleb's question before answering. "I didn't necessarily mean that we start assassinating people. Even though that is an option, I think it would be fairly difficult to do. I was thinking more of disrupting Thrune's networks that provide his funds or supplies - we make his life difficult or uncomfortable, how ever that looks. That may mean that recruiting merchants would be more desirable than focusing on fighters."
I intend to roll for the Raven's weekly activities and recap later today.
Game on!
Turn 114 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, pass
, pass
, extra due to Red Jills defeat
, no
+2 vs humans, +2 in Kintargo
Action 1:
Action 2:
Rowan was surprised that another edict had been handed down, especially against an order of the Hellknights. "Maybe this will work in our favor? They may be upset with Thrune for disbanding them and then willing to help us fight against him. It may be worth putting out some feelers to find out."
Action 3:
Rexus added, “I know her. She’s actually the owner of the Tooth and Nail, a tavern in Old Kintargo.”
"What do you know about her, Rexus? Is she to be trusted? Do you know why she'd be reaching out to us now?"
tag Rexus
Action 2
Vandomir listened to Rowan's assessment of the situation. "You know that I have the greatest respect for you Priestess, but I fear you may have this exactly wrong. The Hellknights are virtually synonymous with Abrogail and her line. If I had to guess, I would expect that this is a ploy to get us to do exactly what you suggest. How better to destroy us than to publicly shame some of their own loyal supporters who have been trained to infiltrate and destroy us once we take them in?" Vandomir shook his head, "I have no doubt that soon after this decree, we will hear tales of persecution of the Torrent knights as bait for us to go and rescue them."
Vandomir listened to Rowan's assessment of the situation. "You know that I have the greatest respect for you Priestess, but I fear you may have this exactly wrong. The Hellknights are virtually synonymous with Abrogail and her line. If I had to guess, I would expect that this is a ploy to get us to do exactly what you suggest. How better to destroy us than to publicly shame some of their own loyal supporters who have been trained to infiltrate and destroy us once we take them in?" Vandomir shook his head, "I have no doubt that soon after this decree, we will hear tales of persecution of the Torrent knights as bait for us to go and rescue them."
”And even if it is no ploy, the enemy of our enemy might hate us just as much as the Thrunes do,” Eirik sighed. ”I too would urge caution. I'm not as convinced as Vandomir this whole thing has been arranged to catch us, but there is no guarantee the knights would embrace someone who for all intends and purposes incites rebellion in the Empire. But it will be interesting to see how this will unfold.”
"What do you know about her, Rexus? Is she to be trusted? Do you know why she'd be reaching out to us now?"
"Still, this Hellknight thing is an opportunity. If we can help put a wedge between the Hellknights and THRUNE, we could really shake things up." Caleb's enthusiasm dies down "but it could well be a trap. We need to be cautious. On the other hand, it'd be good to at least hear the story. Certainly not impossible there's political infighting going on."
"Tooth and Nail? Look, this new 'braver' strategy is working for us. We've never been bigger. I say we risk it. But this time, we go in smart. Archers ready to move. Disguises. Most of all, a plan and a leader - or at least someone who can negotiate like a leader. If it's a trap we run. On the other hand, they might be choosing the place, but we can choose the time."
Action 1
On the appointed day Tillia slipped out and headed to the rendezvous and decided to take Sasha with her. She looked at the tiefling woman and began to esplain their task, "The others don't know this yet but one of the Jills may be joining us. She's a young thief who was watching Rexus with a knife to his throat and scared senseless. She didn't seem happy about what she was doing and agreed to possibly join us one day. I told her someone would meet her at a specific place and time and today is when that is to occur." Tillia paused and then said, "What I want you to do is be the initial point of contact. Salina and I will be nearby in case trouble breaks out, though I don't expect it to. When you've met her and we're sure the girl isn't betraying us, Salina will bring you both to me and we'll speak with her together and decide whether to bring her in or not." She watched Sasha for her reaction and asked, "Are you all right with this? If not you don't have to come with me, I'll do it myself, I just think she might find the face of a tiefling a bit more comfortable."
Action 2
Tillia wasn't sure what this order was, they weren't familiar to her though she said, "I don't know about this order and what they do, but I know not all of the hellknights are evil. Some saved my life about a year ago and freed me from the wizard who trained me in magic. If they've been disbanded I would like to know more before we make a decision about them. Why they were disbanded, etc., I just don't see Abrogail disbanding a whole order to try and infiltrate us, I doubt she's even aware of our resistance. I mean, the Lord Governor wouldn't tell her, if he did he'd admit his failure and weakness and she'd deal with him herself before replacing him with someone more competent."
Action 3
Tillia contemplated this revelation and said, "I agree, Rexus vouches for her and his word on people has been good so far. I just wonder what she wants."
Action 2:
Rowan hadn't considered the possibility of a trap set for them. She found it hard to believe they had even registered on Thrune's radar but maybe that was being naive. "The trap makes sense. I didn't really want to have anything to do with any Hellknights anyways. I was just thinking that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Maybe we can have the tengus gather some info about it but put it on the back burner unless something forces our hand."
Actions 2 and 3 are separate but they occur during the same conversation.
So unless I hear otherwise, here's what I will do:
CLW wand as the gift and you WILL go to the Tooth and Nail.
I intend to recap in a few hours...
Questions?
Game on!
Current positions and titles:
Demagogue (CON/CHA) aka “Crest”: Caleb
Partisan (STR/WIS) aka “Chest”: Empty!
Recruiter aka “Claw”: Vandomir
Sentinel (CON/CHA or STR/WIS or DEX/INT) aka “Eye”: Rowan
Spymaster (DEX/INT) aka “Wing”: Tillia
Strategist aka “Nape”: Eirik
We currently have two "Talons" without cool names, the priestesses and the saboteurs.
Action 3
Vandomir had been listening to the discussion regarding Setrona's missive, and had been considering his words. Finally, he offered, "the Tooth and Nail? Isn't that the seedy place in Old Kintargo with low quality alcohol, and high quality roast beef sandwiches?"
Turn 115 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Action 1
Vandomir slid his hand in his pocket as he approached the Hellknights. He slipped his signet on, and pulled his hand back out with three silver shields. "As a member of House Jarvis, I must say I am pleased to see that the hard work that goes into building these things, and the usefulness they provide for the citizenry is finally being properly reflected in the toll amounts. Keep up the good work Hellknights, your efforts are appreciated." He flashed his signet as he handed over more than enough coin to pay for the passage of the small group.
Action 2
+2 vs humans, +2 in Kintargo
Vandomir listened to Setrona's speech, as a grin slowly evidenced itself across his face. "You know, I am normally not much of an 'I told you so' sort of person, but I will make an exception in this case." He paused a moment, gloating internally. "Two dozen? So not a huge Order? What do you all think now? Still think this is something other than a trap? Look, I will stand by you, if the decision is to help, I hope you know that. Besides, a trap is easiest to avoid, when you know it is a trap. But I caution against this course of action."
Having heard his companions' opinions, Vandomir spoke again, "since, it is clear we are doing this, I know a bit about the location. Founded by a group of seafaring mystics a few hundred years ago, the shrine is devoted to the memory of sailors who lost their lives at sea. Senex herself was an oracle of the waves who devoted much of her later life to the recovery of the bodies of drowned sailors, to return them and their belongings to their families rather than leaving them at the bottom of Nisroch Bay or to the deeper stretches of the Yolubilis. Since the Chelish Civil War, Saint Senex has drifted into obscurity. Her shrine has been tended by an ever-dwindling staff of seers and guardians. I hope that helps."
Caleb's face twisted up, but he kept his opinions to himself until the group was out of hearing range. "FIVE silver! That's a day's wage for a labourer! He's cut the city in half! Bad enough that labourers and nobs live in entirely different areas, now they might as well be in too different cities." his voice became even more venomous "Except I suppose nobs'll be trawling the poor quarter when they want blood or bedsport."
A thought strucks him "These new laws are bad enough if we could fake one, we'd probably have half the city believing it."
"Just a moment, ma'am. We need to confer - this is an unanticipated offer." Caleb used his magic to allow the members of the group to communicate in a whisper - one of the first tricks he'd learned, back when he was first in the cage. He'd been lucky to be able to do one person at a time back then, when his prisoner was still so new. Now he could do five.
"I dunno, this story seems to ring true. Then again, for all I've a knack with the con I've no skill at seeing through them. How about the rest of you? Tillia, did you get anywhere with your mind reading?"
"I'm inclined to say risk it. We need skilled fighters. Hellknights are skilled. I can totally believe there is some political fighting going on here."
"Setrona: Do you have any idea WHY the Order has been targeted? I thought THRUNE and the Hellknights were in bed with one another."
Caleb's face twisted up, but he kept his opinions to himself until the group was out of hearing range. "FIVE silver! That's a day's wage for a labourer! He's cut the city in half! Bad enough that labourers and nobs live in entirely different areas, now they might as well be in too different cities." his voice became even more venomous "Except I suppose nobs'll be trawling the poor quarter when they want blood or bedsport."
Vandomir heard the tone of Caleb's voice, and chose to not take offense, "why Caleb, I have no doubt that the raise in prices is intended to foment some sort of class warfare, or perhaps there is a reason we have not yet determined. This would not be the first time, or possibly the last, that the Thrune of Kintargo has taken actions which we deem to be inappropriate. However, for you to go about slandering those who we will need to be successful, namely the nobles, will not advance our cause either."
Action 1:
Rowan kept quiet and her head down as Vandomir interacted with the Hellknights. She was both disgusted and saddened that the people of Kintargo continued to be oppressed in every way imaginable. Once they were clear of the toll, she said, "This goes to show that we need to continue to fight for the citizens. Even though people often stick to their own neighborhoods, these tolls are going to make sure that the people have no choice but to stay in their deemed areas."
Action 2:
Action 2:
Eirik: I feel like I'm frustrating you lately with the game pace. For this past turn, I sent out an email yesterday outlining what the plans 'seemed to be' and I then waited over 6 hours until the turn recap came out.
We really can't wait to have every move scrutinized and discussed before moving forward. The game would die very quickly because of lost momentum.
If it's any consolation, I won't send you headlong into a trap. Remember that I always err on the side of the players. I'm really here for the story and not to kill you guys off. :)
Anyway, I hope the game is still fun, even if it seems that some turns are rushed by me.
Anyone else having any issues?
Game on!
OK, kidding time over.
You guys are becoming well known. How else do you think you get supporters and gifts? You do know you have been 'recruiting' for the past few weeks now, right? The recruiter has to say something...
Most people would not be able to pick you out in the street but you are known to 'some' people.
Maybe Setrona is a supporter or knows a supporter or wants to become a supporter. My imagination is limitless. :)
Questions?
Game on!
Action 1
When they reached the toll point Tillia was shocked at the idiocy of it all. Despite the outrage she kept her mouth shut when it was paid by Vandomir so that she wouldn't draw undue attention to herself. "I agree, it's a terrible thing to do, but a rather brilliant idea on the bastards part. Not only does it increase revenue but it also helps control the movement of people who are most disaffected even more."
Action 2
The story of the woman was interesting and backed up the thoughts she had on the now renegade Hellknights. As they discussed the proposal she said, "I think it would be an excellent idea, Rexus vouches for her and she vouches for her uncle. Also, it's a small order and open that, if we take precautions, we can deal with should it turn out to be a trap for us. I say we do it, the possibilities of the morale coup alone are great, the knowledge and skills of these individuals as trainers is even greater."
Vandomir heard the tone of Caleb's voice, and chose to not take offense, "why Caleb, I have no doubt that the raise in prices is intended to foment some sort of class warfare, or perhaps there is a reason we have not yet determined. This would not be the first time, or possibly the last, that the Thrune of Kintargo has taken actions which we deem to be inappropriate. However, for you to go about slandering those who we will need to be successful, namely the nobles, will not advance our cause either."
Caleb started to argue, then sighed "Alright Vandomir, fair enough, you're proof there are decent nobles. I suppose there are more like you, and you'd be the one to know them. The ones I'd met before you though... I'm not slandering them, I'm describing them."
Action 2:
when Eirik appeared to be staying outside to keep an eye on things, Rowan decided to stay with him. "Four eyes are better than two, I guess." She figured that she wasn't very eloquent anyways and since she hadn't thought it to be a trap, maybe she wasn't the wisest person to be discussing tactics.
Vandomir smiled as Caleb realized he had erred, "the fallacy of your logic can also be seen by simply realizing that commoners fight amongst themselves also, and that not all customers of the whores are highborn. Besides, where else would you expect noblemen to go whoring? Only commoner women sell themselves for such sport."
I am leaning more towards Rowan's understanding of the secrecy/notoriety issue. You have been getting gifts and you can't keep a tight lip on so many supporters. You have 'priestesses' as one of your teams.
So, in summary, most people would not be able to pick the Ravens out in the street but you are known to 'some' people.
OOC: I would rather that Rowan and Eirik be inside so they can participate in the conversation but it's up to you guys.
IC:
Setrona continued with her plea, "if you do seek Octavio out, you have to careful though. The people of the Shrine of Saint Senex’s won't be friendly, especially if my cousin has made clear his desire to remain unfound."
She continued, "I hope you avoid bloodshed and engineer a diplomatic method of determining whether Lictor Octavio can be found within."
She then added, "I can go with you. On your trip. If you allow me but I understand if you don't want me to. In any case, it would not do to attract too much attention to the Shrine of Saint Senex, and I suggest you use stealth in your approach, preferably traveling to the shrine after dark."
tag? anywhere above
LATER
"I also heard that Barzillai has taken to doghousing his victims. I understand that some of the hellknights of the Order of the Torrent are scheduled for public... humiliation, execution, whatever." He looks at them, "Do you know what I'm talking about? What this doghousing is?"
She sighed, "The doghousing is scheduled to start tomorrow and I intend to go see to make sure Octavio is not the current victim."
tag?
OOC: I intend to recap tomorrow so try and come up with a course of action.
"Yes, we are familiar with doghousing. We know what it is."