Shortly after the others had gone inside, a man with close cropped blonde hair exited the Tooth and Nail. He saw the warpriest outside and he held the door while motioning her and Eirik inside. Believing that he would take up their post, Rowan joined the others inside.
Eirik met Rowan’s eyes in passing and blinked slowly, to let her know he had noticed, but stayed where he was, leaning against a side of a building a couple blocks away from the tavern, munching on a sandwich purchased from a street vendor. The Ravens were getting lax with their security as their numbers crew, and he at least was determined to do something to fix things.
As the priestess vanished inside Eirik’s eyes met with a team member called to assist in the surveillance across the street. The woman didn’t make the agreed-upon gesture so Eirik allowed his eyes to wander past her. He’d have to move soon – one could linger only so long before someone took notice, before some shopkeeper decided he was checking out his shop for a target for a robbery at a later time. But that was all right; they had already decided the best places one could hide in to watch the various entrances to the tavern discreetly, and had found good places to keep watch on those places. There were several to choose, and someone else would take his own place once he moved to another.
The wait gave him a good opportunity to plan for future actions, though. Like the increased bridge toll. Why, for what else purpose would that been put into place but to fund the construction of a lavish country estate for the Paracount? It should be easy enough to find a few facts to anchor the rumor, and something that hit so hard on so many people’s purses would be asking to be taken the worst possible way. True, it was hardly possible not to use the bridge for most of the people, so silver would flow into the Paracount’s coffers, but this would serve the rebellion’s information campaign well as ammunition.
By the way, what happened to all our actions last “week”? Did we get the new safe house? Did we already own it? How about the information gathering rolls suggested?
Last week's actions were: recruiting (done), find out rumors by sending merchant to Egorian (will take a few days to hear back), and look for safehouse.
No safehouse was found but I have something planned for this adventure but you'll have to patient.
One vote to wait and go see the 'doghousing event' the next morning. This is what you will do unless I hear otherwise.
I intend to recap in 2-3 hours.
Questions?
Game on!
"So" Caleb said over the link "Are we really going to let them doghouse these guys? This is starting to sound like truth." He pauses "Like V was saying about nobles. When you only see the bad ones, it's easy to assume they're all like that. Maybe there is such a thing as a Hellknight that doesn't like THRUNE."
Tillia nodded, "I agree, we ned to check on both. I think stopping the doghousing should be first."
Turn 116 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Maybe I wasn't clear.
Forvian is volunteering to rescue the doghousing victims and NOT to find and meet with the self-exiled lictor of the Order of the Torrent Hellknights. The latter 'mission' is for PCs only.
Regarding the timing of the rescue, don't forget that the excrutiations are not a quick death sentence. The victims are publicly humiliated and maybe eventually executed over a few days (some are not even executed but actually put back in 'jail').
More questions?
Game on!
Last week's actions were: recruiting (done), find out rumors by sending merchant to Egorian (will take a few days to hear back), and look for safehouse.No safehouse was found but I have something planned for this adventure but you'll have to patient.
Game on!
Eirik frowned at the display of violence. It wasn’t any easier on the eyes on the second occasion. Though he was heartened at the reaction of the crowd. Not too eager to see this one worried to pieces, were they? He eyed the numerous guards posted around the site – clearly the Paracount had heeded the lesson from last time. Attacking the guards just now would be risky in the least. But there would no doubt be opportunities later on.
”A man of conviction,” Eirik murmured as the armiger answered the questions which might have saved his own skin with silent dignity. Not a man to go down quickly, he thought. No, perhaps someone who would bear the pain and humiliation as a mantle of the righteousness of his own cause. Someone who would endure just to spite his tormentors, refusing to give them the satisfaction of showing fear. ”He will be a long time in succumbing, I think.”
Action 1
Tillia considered Fovian's offer and spoke to her companions, "Whether we attempt a rescue or not it would be wise to have Fovian's team along, we may need some back up in the rescue or we may need to delay the rescue until later in which case the Talons of Night would already be in place."
Action 2
The whole scene was horrible, the guards were many, it's like they expected major trouble this time. She felt Setrona tug on her sleeve and suggest they leave and couldn't help but agree. They couldn't do anything right now with this much in the way of opposition and not all of the people they were here for had been put on display yet. "I think she's right, trying now would be to dangerous and we don't know how long it will be until all of them are here. It might be best to let the others handle this."
Yes, the deed to the livery was found among all the documents. However, I would imagine that you have to transfer the deed to someone's name via a bureaucratic procedure of some sort. This procedure was not yet done.
Questions?
Game on!
Yes, the deed to the livery was found among all the documents. However, I would imagine that you have to transfer the deed to someone's name via a bureaucratic procedure of some sort. This procedure was not yet done.
Questions?
Game on!
Action 1
Vandomir heard Tillia and Eirik, and he considered asking Caleb's thoughts on the matter, but he decided, "this is a recruitment issue, as the Claw, I'll handle it."
Action 2
As the group left the unsavory activity behind, Vandomir took Forvian aside, "Forvian, I expect that the rest of us have an alternate function that we need to perform tonight. That means rescuing the Hellknights will be the responsibility of the Talon of the Night. I will leave it to you to plan and carry out the mission details, but your instructions are as follows. Risk is inherent in the mission. You are authorized to take such risks as are necessary and prudent to rescue as many Hellknights of the Torrent as possible. Be sure and leave a calling card that makes it quite clear that the Silver Ravens did this. Once rescued, you shall ensure they are kept safe, and provide them food and medical attention. Once the rescue has been carried out, let us know, and we will hopefully have good news for the rescued warriors. Should there be others that need rescuing, bring them along at your discretion, but get the Hellknights of the Torrent first. Good luck my friend."
Vandomir told the rest of the Ravens leadership, "I gave Forvian orders to rescue the Hellknights of the Torrent. Shall we focus on saving their leader?"
3 out of 5 players means I wait one more day.
Vandomir wants to go after the lictor and leave the rescue to Forvian's group.
I will do this unless I hear otherwise.
Questions?
Game on!
Action 1:
Rowan listened to Forvian state his case over breakfast. "It would be a good test of what you've learned to rescue those taken. However, no member of the Silver Ravens is expendable. The Talons of the Night is as important as any one of us. Maybe you wait to attempt a rescue until we can offer you back-up, just in case. In the meantime, we should go and see how the doghousing spectacle has changed since our rescue of Tillia's friend."
Action 2:
Rowan agreed with the others. The guards would be expecting an attempted rescue ever since they had been successful the first time. "It would not be wise to get involved and I don't have the stomach to watch. If I stay, I know I'll feel extremely conflicted."
Caleb nodded "Hard to accept other people doing things like this, but you're right."
"I will escort you." Caleb offers, a sick look on his face "I've no desire to have these thugs push me to cheer something like this."
Vandomir told the rest of the Ravens leadership, "I gave Forvian orders to rescue the Hellknights of the Torrent. Shall we focus on saving their leader?"
”Agreed,” Eirik said. ”Forvian’s people are capable and dedicated, it’s good to give them a chance to prove themselves.”
** At some point before we leave **
Eirik sought out Caleb as they were preparing themselves for the journey and indicated he needed a moment of the mystic’s time. ”It’s about that toll payment,” he said. ”While we are out of the city, could you ask your ladies to start spreading a rumor? I think it would be useful if people were to start speculating to what use the government will put all the silver it will collect. I was thinking that the obvious reason is that the Thrunes have decided they need a new luxurious country estate for the Paracount, somewhere to escape the sweltering heat of a summer, to enjoy fresh country air and cooling breezes. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone hasn’t already begun thinking on these lines, but it’d be best to get the story out there before the government has a chance to tell its version of the story, about how they need more money to protect the good people from the terrorist acts of the recidivistic elements within the city.”
”It shouldn’t matter that we cannot point out a building site anywhere – it’s easy enough to claim the place has been selected and architects have been hired to draw the plans, and it will be hard for the government to prove a negative. Particularly as so many people will be hurt by this new tax and will be looking for someone to blame for it.”
”What do you think?” Eirik asked, wanting a second opinion – he knew well his own faults, being far better at planning behind the scenes than producing results on the field.
TAG: Caleb
"I can ask them to spread the rumour. Not sure how much it's going to work. It's pretty well known THRUNE uses our tax money for their own ends." he shrugs "On the other hand, I don't see him being able to disprove it, and every little bit helps."
Turn 117 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
PS: I reuploaded Turn 115. I think I deleted it and then had to upload again but then I can't go back and edit the gameplay post. :(
I know Eirik had access to one when he mapped out the exit from the Wasp Nest.
You have quite a bit of supporters, I'm sure something could be found...
Action 3:
It was good that Laria mentioned the potential roadblocks if they were to move through the city of Kintargo. "Can we not use the water feeding the Wasp's Nest to escape Kintargo unseen? I believe that the tengus came into Kintargo that way so we should be able to get out that way. We just need to acquire a boat that is large enough for six of us but not too big as to garner attention."
Action 1
He looked about, “Anything else we should be aware of?”
”Perhaps a distraction somewhere close by before you strike,” Eirik suggested. ”A firebombing of a guard post or government building would be ideal, is a suitable target could be found close by enough to guarantee the people pulled to investigate would come from those guarding the prisoners. And if such an attack could be carried out without setting half the city on fire.”
”Or you could organize a small protest against the bridge toll, something loud but nonthreatening,” the monk suggested instead, finding it more than slightly alarming he could now speak of arson without first experiencing bangs of remorse.
Action 2
Risks of trusting a military order at least nominally loyal to the crown set aside, if they could indeed secure the support of the Order of the Torrent, one constant worry might be set aside finally, Eirik thought. That of legitimacy. It was well and good to work to overthrow an unjust ruler, but what came after? Any rebellion that put itself into power through the force of arms had to accept armed rebellion as a valid way someone else could use to over throw them in turn. The organization of the Silver Ravens might have its roots in Kintargo’s history, but it would eventually come into light that the current leadership had little to nothing to do with the original order, save the name.
But if an order of Hellknight would swear allegiance to them, or at least to their cause... particularly an order well known for helping people in need... that would put things into whole new kind of light.
Action 1
Tillia considered Fovian's question and finally said, "I'll have Salina notify my friend Alinza, she can be available to help with those you rescue as well as possibly bring a few of the clergy to help." With that she gave the little bird instructions as she wrote out the message and then sent the little bird off to deliver it.
Action 2
Action 3
"That's an interesting idea Rowan, I think it is definitely worth considering. A boat could be valuable in both getting out and getting the lictor back in. I like it." Her enthusiasm was for the idea was obvious, even Salina was excited by it as the little bird flew around the room at the thought of getting out for awhile.
Action 2
It's meant for the PCs to discuss the evolution of the Ravens and the perspective of joining forces with the hellknights.
Action 2
The consequences of this step were something she'd have to keep in mind. Unlike most Tillia had never had anything but good interactions with hellknights. They'd saved her from her master when he became obsessive over her, and they followed their code, even though it could be harsh. This could give the movement some legitimacy but it could also cause the common people to fear joining them due to the stigma associated with the hellknights as pawns of the crown. Still, this order was different, and she thought overall they would be a benefit to the cause as opposed to a hindrance. She could only hope she turned out to be right.
'swamped', I see what you did there. :)
Kidding aside, I need an action plan...
No more information on the Sanctuary other than what is already known.
I'll narrow down the options for you:
a) get and use a boat;
b) try to bluff your way past the hellknights; or
c) other.
I'll roll between a) and b) unless I hear otherwise.
I intend to recap tomorrow (or late tonight if we have a decision).
Questions?
Game on!
"The usual. Make sure you have somewhere to take them that is secure, but wouldn't reveal too much. There's always a chance they'll have something set up to find them, or that this is a trap. Let's give it a week or so to cool down before we risk showing them anything." Caleb's advice was paranoid, more than pragmatic.
'If we can make it look like he's screwing over the established order' Caleb reasoned 'THRUNE might be prepared to overlook his loss.'
Caleb sighed. "Look, whatever it is I've got... I'm pretty sure it'll help me swim. But... It's gotten harder for me to leave Kintargo. If we're gone for too long I'll start to weaken." he held up a hand "I've got a while, don't think it'll be a problem. And for Callistria's sake keep it to yourself. But I trust you, and you might need to know."
"As for getting out - look, I think a bigger problem might be getting back in. Boat could be perfect for that. Might want to have a backup plan for getting back inside if it goes bad though. Something like... disguises as people who go in and out every day... like farmers."
Turn 118 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Caleb trudged on the path, his shoes filled with boggy water from a misstep. His nose was cold, his feet were wet, and his head hurt. As he slogged on he told himself the headache was just an incipient dose of flu.
"Let's hope we don't have to come back along here in a hurry" he muttered irritably, stopping for a moment
"Good evening! It's a beautiful night, isn't it? Sadly, I'm afraid that we're not just here for a constitutional. This is the Saint Senex, isn't it?" Caleb did his best to ease the tension and build camaraderie with the couple. Going to need them onside before we hit them with why we're here.
Action 1:
Rowan kept to the path. She didn't like her odds if she had to venture into the bog. She had no idea how deep the waters ran and she had a feeling there would be a lot of spongy vegetation under the surface of the water in which to get ensnared. As they approached, the warpriest really hoped that Setrona's ring would be sufficient to gain access. Rowan really didn't like the idea of having to fight in such terrain.
Action 2:
Rowan waited for Caleb and Tillia to verbally engage the guardians of the shrine. The couple may be dressed in tattered cloth but the warpriest knew not to take anything for granted.
[dice=knowledge,religion]1d20+7
OOC: 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.
Action 1
"Let's hope we don't have to come back along here in a hurry" he muttered irritably, stopping for a moment.
Eirik nodded thoughtfully as he eyed the mire either side of the narrow path. Not impassable, but treading through that would slow any approach to a crawl, while trying to move a large body of men along the path itself made one ripe for an ambush, with no chance to dodge or avoid if one wanted to maintain a semblance of mobility.
Come to think of it, Eirik had heard that fishermen on some far-off shallow lakes used long wooden stilts tied to their legs to wade through the water. But would even that work here, considering all the vegetation ready to trip anyone making the attempt.
"At least we know the Thrunes won't be bringing any cavalry over, if they already know they should look here for their runaway general" the monk murmured.
Action 2
"Good evening! It's a beautiful night, isn't it? Sadly, I'm afraid that we're not just here for a constitutional. This is the Saint Senex, isn't it?"
Not wishing to complicate the matter by adding his own voice to the conversation, Eirik stood a few paces pack, trying to appear nonthreatening while observing the surroundings.
I fully intend to get something posted after work today, been a rough weekend with the freaking time change involved. Should be getting whatever it is posted by around 3 pm or so local time. Sorry for the delay.
"Good evening! It's a beautiful night, isn't it? Sadly, I'm afraid that we're not just here for a constitutional. This is the Saint Senex, isn't it?"Not wishing to complicate the matter by adding his own voice to the conversation, Eirik stood a few paces pack, trying to appear nonthreatening while observing the surroundings.
The older man scratched his abundant beard, "It is late but our service to Saint Senex has no hours. Are you looking for recent drowned soul or is your kin still in the grasp of the sea?"
"Neither, I'm afraid. I'm here on behalf of someone else. It's her kin we're looking for."
Action 1
The boat ride was rather uneventful until the explosion occurred, Tillia thought ti was a good thing, the timing couldn't have been better if they tried. Salina, annoyed at not being allowed to fly around yet, perched as patiently as she could stand until they got out of the city. Once in the swamps she took to swooping around with wild abandon catching any bugs she could and gulping them down. The swamp itself was unpleasant and Tillia found herself wondering if all of the world outside of the city was like this. In fact, she realized this was the first time she'd ever left the city. When they came close to the shrine she sent the little bird a thought and called her back, Salina perched on her shoulder and glared at her a moment but otherwise followed directions.
Action 2
This situation was unfamiliar to her, she'd never been outside of the city let alone to a shrine in a swamp. It left her off balance enough that she was relieved when Caleb took the initiative and began the discussion.
Action 1
Vandomir had kept Star calm during the boat ride, and the dog's nose was in a constant state of sniffing the sea air. "No wonder," he thought, "she has grown up in the gutters of Kintargo, and the salty and fresh scent of this sea air is brand new to her. For that matter, it is a little unsettling to me. I am so accustomed to being inside Kintargo and ashore, that being outside and afloat has unsettled me a bit." Still, both he and the dog, managed the night time passage without giving in to their queasiness.
Action 2
Vandomir took the cue from Caleb, "indeed, we have an acquaintance. That acquaintance has a family member who might very well be considered in danger of becoming a drowned soul. For that matter, the family member has an extended family of brothers, who are also drowning right now, metaphorically, if not in actuality. Our acquaintance has asked that we assist that family member, and we are here to do so, possibly at hazard to our own lives. Still, a promise is a promise, and where drowning is concerned, is it not best to save the drowned man before their breath expires in the first place?"
Vandomir took the cue from Caleb, "indeed, we have an acquaintance. That acquaintance has a family member who might very well be considered in danger of becoming a drowned soul. For that matter, the family member has an extended family of brothers, who are also drowning right now, metaphorically, if not in actuality. Our acquaintance has asked that we assist that family member, and we are here to do so, possibly at hazard to our own lives. Still, a promise is a promise, and where drowning is concerned, is it not best to save the drowned man before their breath expires in the first place?"
the brother looked quizzically at Vandomir, "You speak in riddles and far too complicated for an older man like myself to follow."
He looked at his sister who also shrugged, "Please state your request plainly or kindly be on your way."
"Very well, I shall explain my riddles, with riddles that you can understand, if you be the ones we seek." Vandomir took a deep breath before continuing, "our acquaintance is a lady, who fears for her eighth cousin and his flooded knights. Their goals and those of Saint Senex were much the same, saving souls from drowning, albeit drowning in chains rather than in the sea."