"I trust Tillia's magical aptitude. If she says it's safe to use the items then I won't look a gift horse in the mouth. So that seems like two for and two against the gifts. The question becomes, will there be any resentment from anyone if some of us choose to use the items while others do not? I don't think the gifts are worth driving a wedge amidst us."
Action 1:
Noravia still had her doubts about whether or not to use the gifts. She had a feeling that keeping them would cause too much distress to Caleb and Eirik. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get someone to find out what these items could be sold for. Until then, we can leave them hidden here so that they're not anywhere near our other places."
Action 2:
The inquisitor agreed with Hetamon's suggestion. "Weekly meetings would be wise."
When the conversation moved towards Lady Docur she asked, "Did she say why she wanted to meet with us?"
"Maybe for our first meeting, it should be somewhere neutral? Doesn't Octavio's sister run a tavern? Maybe we could share a meal there."
"Maybe we could only carry them when we're actually on the job?" Caleb asked "And keep them in some sort of scry-proof place otherwise? Is there any way to stop the spell?"
"I'm happy to include Lady Docur. It's all too easy for us to get caught up in the moment, and lose sight of the big picture. It's a good idea, Hetamon."
Noravia still had her doubts about whether or not to use the gifts. She had a feeling that keeping them would cause too much distress to Caleb and Eirik. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to get someone to find out what these items could be sold for. Until then, we can leave them hidden here so that they're not anywhere near our other places."
Eirik nodded his appreciation to Noravia's compromise. He did recognize the temptation of using the items offered - he was mentally salivating at the thought of how the item enchanted to increase the speed and reflexes of its wearer could aid him in battle - but couldn't put aside hsi worries.
Action 1
Tillia rolled her eyes and said, "These aren't the first items we've gotten that could be used in this manner. Anything we take from loyalists of Thrune could, in theory, serve as the target of such a spell. Granted these may be a bit easier to track but I think their use is worth the risk."
Action 2
Tillia listened intently to Hetamon's request and suggestion and found herself nodding in agreement. She was kind of upset they hadn't thought of this before and said, "It's a great idea Hetamon, I wish we'd thought of it sooner. I'm glad you suggested it to us." She Heard Noravia suggest a neutral location and sighed, "I almost wish I hadn't destroyed the tower now, it would've been perfect for this."
PCs on 'items'
Caleb: keep them stored until needed for a mission;
Eirik: sell them and use money for charity;
Tillia: use them;
Noravia: leave them hidden and find out what they're worth; and
Vandomir: ???
Ah, I think we may have a disagreement here...
Action 1
Tillia rolled her eyes and said, "These aren't the first items we've gotten that could be used in this manner. Anything we take from loyalists of Thrune could, in theory, serve as the target of such a spell. Granted these may be a bit easier to track but I think their use is worth the risk."
Rexus looked from one face to another while admiring the fine craftsmanship of the items from Brassy, "So, what are we going to do with the gifts? Where do you want to keep them? At least for tonight until you all come to an agreement."
tag?
Action 2
Tillia listened intently to Hetamon's request and suggestion and found herself nodding in agreement. She was kind of upset they hadn't thought of this before and said, "It's a great idea Hetamon, I wish we'd thought of it sooner. I'm glad you suggested it to us." She Heard Noravia suggest a neutral location and sighed, "I almost wish I hadn't destroyed the tower now, it would've been perfect for this."
Hetamon was pleased, "That's fine. I think having this first meeting at the Tooth and Nail is good. perhaps we should think about changing the location every week to make sure we're not watched."
Octavio nodded, "We'll set this up for tomorrow morning. I'll make the arrangements with my cousin Setrona while Hetamon contacts Lady Docur. Will there be anything else for the rest of the day?"
tag?
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So one more day for this turn but I need some decisions made with regards to the items. At least where you want to keep them today/tonight until further discussion. I'll recap tomorrow and move forward to the first Silver Council meeting.
Questions?
Game on!
Action 1:
Noravia closes the silver boxes. "They should be kept here at the Livery. If possible, hidden under lead. That should keep them safe from detection."
Action 1
Tillia sighed then and said, "Look, just because we secure these it doesn't mean that Brassy's people can't use something else to locate us. Any of the armor we took could be used that way, now that he knows what I look like for sure he could simply try to scry me and find us. There are far easier, and cheaper, ways of tracking us than using these for it. There are no active spells on them to harm us or track us and it would be far easier to use these as a distraction, thinking he'll try and track these items when he really just inserts moles into our rebellion." She takes the headband off reluctantly and says, "If you really want to leave them here for now then so be it, but I want it said that I think it's a waste of perfectly useful items that we could turn against Brassy."
Action 2:
Noravia looked at the others before answering for herself. "I'm not sure what the others plan to do but for myself, I will go back to serving Milani in whatever capacity she directs. To be honest, I haven't really given it much thought." It's hard to give the future thought when you're not sure you'll live past the day.
Action 2
She asked, “So what are your plans after Barzillai is gone.”
’Finally, someone who thinks long-term!’ Eirik exulted silently at the simple and long-awaited question.
”We will need something to take his place as the ruler of the city… either a charismatic leader the citizens will welcome, or perhaps a council or triumvirate of some sort… either way, that someone or those someones will need to have the ability to deal with her Infernal Majestrix so that she will accept the replacement of her relative at the head of the city. I for one don’t look forward to trying to fight for the city’s independence from Cheliax immediately after we manage to dethrone the Thrunes,” Eirik answered promptly, eager for the chance to exchange notes with someone else who had apparently given the threats of the future at least some thought. "With time, something more permanent can be sorted out, perhaps put to a public vote when the immediate crises have been sorted."
Caleb smiled grimly "Calistria granted me the chance to strike against THRUNE before I died. I doubt I'll outlive the rebellion by more than a week. Gods willing, I'll die at the end getting a chance to kill as many THRUNE as possible."
"Given Eirik here is hoping to find someone else to kiss the queen's shoe, I suspect I'll publicly take the blame for Brassy's death, then head off to Egorian to kill as many loyalists as I can before I die. If I can get my death toll up high enough, he might be able to convince THRUNE the Ravens were acting to rein me in."
Caleb pushed the scroll back across the table - though only halfway, more of a gesture than an outright refusal. "Money isn't our problem. Magic isn't out problem. Our problem is that we're fighting blind. THRUNE employs as many spies as it does soldiers, and its nobles are taught to deceive by Hell itself. Your resources" he emphasised the word strangely "Are perfect for that. Set a thief to catch a thief, and all that."
"Given Eirik here is hoping to find someone else to kiss the queen's shoe, I suspect I'll publicly take the blame for Brassy's death, then head off to Egorian to kill as many loyalists as I can before I die. If I can get my death toll up high enough, he might be able to convince THRUNE the Ravens were acting to rein me in."
Eirik frowned, but didn't speak out. That was one dire outlook on life the young man had, he thought. To not even want to live once his dream was realized? Eirik had caught some signs that the mystic had had a very rough life, but had it truly been so bad he was looking forward to end it all?
Caleb pushed the scroll back across the table - though only halfway, more of a gesture than an outright refusal. "Money isn't our problem. Magic isn't out problem. Our problem is that we're fighting blind. THRUNE employs as many spies as it does soldiers, and its nobles are taught to deceive by Hell itself. Your resources" he emphasised the word strangely "Are perfect for that. Set a thief to catch a thief, and all that."
The monk nodded, agreeing with Caleb. Indeed, information was a currency they could use aplenty, to best manage their time and manpower.
The monk nodded, agreeing with Caleb. Indeed, information was a currency they could use aplenty, to best manage their time and manpower.Caleb pushed the scroll back across the table - though only halfway, more of a gesture than an outright refusal. "Money isn't our problem. Magic isn't out problem. Our problem is that we're fighting blind. THRUNE employs as many spies as it does soldiers, and its nobles are taught to deceive by Hell itself. Your resources" he emphasised the word strangely "Are perfect for that. Set a thief to catch a thief, and all that."
Lady Docur was pleased with she had heard, "Well, I'm glad to know that this will not end in a rebellion, leaving a power vacuum for someone other than the Thrune's to exploit. We shall have to work on your eideas for a transition but first we must oust Barzillai and the Thrunes from power."
She nodded to Caleb, "As the leader of a “society of gifted individuals who would, without my guidance, be outcasts at best, I do trade in information. I know of your relationship to the Sacred Wasp and how you strive to fulfill her tenets."
tag?
She then added, "Well, let me tell you a little of what's been going on outside of Kintargo. The Glorious Reclamation continues its march through the rest of Cheliax, despite suffering a few setbacks here and there. The Iomedaeans lost control of Kantaria, where Thrune agents recently won a decisive victory over them. Larger cities, such as Senara, are falling to the Glorious Reclamation, forcing House Thrune to mobilize their armies to defend the Chelish heartland and southern coast."
She paused to let that sink in, "This incidentally leaves less and less direct support for our Lord Mayor Barzillai Thrune and his rule over Kintargo. It seems that the inquisitor is increasingly on his own in ruling our Silver City, which could be a boon or a bane for our interests."
tag?
-----------
I'll recap later today but continue with the meeting since there are other topics to discuss. Feel free to bring up your discussion topics.
She paused to let that sink in, "This incidentally leaves less and less direct support for our Lord Mayor Barzillai Thrune and his rule over Kintargo. It seems that the inquisitor is increasingly on his own in ruling our Silver City, which could be a boon or a bane for our interests."
Eirik nodded at the news, thoughtful as he consider the implications. "If the House Thrune is so busy with civil unrest, it's less likely they area able to muster forces here when the Paracount falls. Although it also means the Infernal Majestrix is likely to see our situation here as yet another pocket of the Reclamation. Whether that will make her more likely to try to crush us quickly or to negotiate a favorable settlement if Kintargo doesn't join the uprising remains to be seen."
The inquisitor she is referring to is Barzillai.
I didn't and don't want the PC to get sidetracked with the Glorious Reclamation so I have downplayed the news somewhat. However, it's time to incorporate that knowledge into your decisions.
I'll post a timeline regarding the Glorious Reclamation in the next turn recap but basically it's a bunch of Iomedaens that are revolting against Thrune.
Action 2
Tillia dug into the breakfast with gusto after she set a small platter of torn up bread and water aside for Salina. How the mage managed to eat so much food and retain her figure was anyone's guess. She let the others do the talking for now, particularly since Eirik was saying more or less what she would have while she ate. Caleb's contribution was very disturbing and she gave him a sad look with as much sympathy as she could muster. The man truly had a death wish it seemed.
Action 3
Having finished her food Tillia laughed at the lady's comment about sensibilities and said, "I agree, Brassy is an affront to everyone's sensibilities." She smiled at the woman and said, "I'm glad you came to speak with us and are willing to offer your services. I believe you'll be a great help to us in overthrowing Old Brassy."
When Lady Docur went to leave Tillia rose and gave her a smile as Salina flitted over to land on her shoulder and said, "Why don't I walk you out Mi'lady." She walked with Lady Docur and, once they were outside, asked, "Would you be interested in hiring a wizard to instruct your students? Obviously now may not be the best time for such a thing, particularly since Brassy knows my face now, but I think I might be able to offer a new set of skills your girls could use. Wizardry requires a great deal of discipline and has many uses."
Anyone else before I recap?
Vandomir, haven't heard from you in a few days...
Vandomir will use, or not use, the magic items following whatever Tillia suggests, which o guess means use them. He's just not smart on the subject, so he trusts her judgement.
This format makes it tough to search for old things. What was the name of that elf ally the sea elves were looking for? Please just insert it in the following...
Action
Vandomir knew he wasn't the smartest of the bunch, or the great strategist, but it did occur to him. This woman was an elf, perhaps she would know. "Excuse me Mistress Docur, but would you happen to know anything regarding the whereabouts of one XXXXX? You see, we have some friends who are desperately seeking him, and we have promised to aid them. He is an elf, and while we know not much more, I was wondering if perhaps you had any knowledge of him."
When Lady Docur went to leave Tillia rose and gave her a smile as Salina flitted over to land on her shoulder and said, "Why don't I walk you out Mi'lady." She walked with Lady Docur and, once they were outside, asked, "Would you be interested in hiring a wizard to instruct your students? Obviously now may not be the best time for such a thing, particularly since Brassy knows my face now, but I think I might be able to offer a new set of skills your girls could use. Wizardry requires a great deal of discipline and has many uses."
Tillia: I foresee this meeting lasting through at least a couple of more topics (2+ turns) so I won't incorporate this bit into the turn just yet.
Please remind me later to do so when the conversation dies down.
Questions?
Game on!
Action 1:
Thrune's appearance at their recent encounter made more sense now that Lady Docur had shared what she knew. "Thrune looked aged and haggard at the park when he gave us his gifts. If he has less direct support and if we're a constant thorn in his side, it's encouraging to think we may be causing him some sleepless nights."
"Thank you very much, Lady Docur, for your generous gift. These scrolls will prove very helpful to the rebellion." Noravia thought about the mention of both Shensen and Jilia. "I'm sure that they won't be found unless they want to be found since many allies as well as enemies have been looking for them. However with your gifted individuals out and about in the city, anything they may hear would be most helpful if you could pass it along."
Action 2:
Noravia studied the map as their advisors shared their knowledge. "To me, Acisaz makes the most sense. We already have allies in the aquatic elves and they've told us already about the threat to their home. We know of an immediate need that we can meet and gain regional support in the process."
Caleb looked distinctly cheered, and his mood improved the more he heard about the Glorious Reclamation. "This deserves a drink - or something harder!" He exclaimed happily.
"Noravia is right" Caleb once again backed up Noravia. "Plus, you know, we were going to do that anyway. At least now it looks like a smart move, instead of just a good one."
He looked thoughtful "I guess the question is, given the new information, does anyone think Menador or Vyre are important enough to let the elves twist?"
Lictor Octavio stated that he had long suspected that Kintargo’s previous lord-mayor never left the city and that she’d been captured and imprisoned— and perhaps even executed—by Barzillai Thrune. “I don’t have any further information about this but I just feel that. In my gut, you know.”
"Any proof of this would be a wonderful tool for us, and if she's still alive, improsoned by the Paracount just in case she would come in handy later... that would be better yet," Eirik mused, weighting in his mind whether a well-like ruler would be more useful for their cause as a martyr or a living asset.
He looked thoughtful "I guess the question is, given the new information, does anyone think Menador or Vyre are important enough to let the elves twist?"
"It takes a small force to hold a narrow pass, but it does take a force, as well as all the support organization to keep the men fed, clothed and armed while they go camping in the mountains for months at a time. And we are somewhat sort of a standing military, unless we count your Knights," Eirik said, nodding to Octacia. "Unless you were suggesting we collapse a mountain to block the passes?" he asked, for a moment seriously considering what kind of material and expertice would be needed to efect that.
"I second the motion to go to the elves, since we already have contacts with them, thanks to our latest little adventure," the monk went on. "We should send some feelers towards Vyre as well, though - people to gauge the mood and perhaps to get in touch with the ruling elements to see whether they would be amenable to an alliance of some sort, details pending."
Octavio considered Eirik's suggestion, "Collapsing the Menador Pass would surely accomplish our short term objective. Will we later need to open tha pass up to allow for trade? It only leads right smack to the middle of Cheliax."
Hetamon added, "All of those three paths are viable and should at least be considered. Starting with the acquatic elves just seems to make most sense right now. I have spoken to Aava and they seem to be in serious trouble."
Action 2
Tillia considered all that was being said, strategy and tactics weren't really her thing but diplomacy and magic were. She thought over the suggestion of the city of Vyre and asked, "How would we go about convincing them? Would we need to go speak with them in person, or would there be some other method? If it comes to us going there I'd suggest that not all of us should. In that case, if we can't send our supporters to handle it then I would volunteer for the assignment. I'd just ask for someone more knowledgeable about how such things work to go with me."
"Actually - that's a good point. If we can perhaps send supporters - maybe that new saboteur team we recruited - to close the pass. Perhaps some of our more social members to scout out Vyre - like Lady Docur. Perhaps we can line this up to knock down like dominos." He shrugged "That's a lot of perhaps. Long shots pay off big, though."
"Actually - that's a good point. If we can perhaps send supporters - maybe that new saboteur team we recruited - to close the pass. Perhaps some of our more social members to scout out Vyre - like Lady Docur. Perhaps we can line this up to knock down like dominos." He shrugged "That's a lot of perhaps. Long shots pay off big, though."
OOC: I'll recap later today but if you guys want to send the 'B team' to the Menador Pass then that would be fine with me.
However, we'll have to put the game with the main PCs on hold because I don't have time to run both paths simultaneously.
But we can do it. It would be a break from the main PCs if you guys want...
Just let me know.
What? No one told you? :)
Unfortunately I can't fix it because I can't edit my posts. :(
I'd be okay with a break, or with running one and then the other. Feels a bit like - and I can't believe I'm saying this in a PbP - we're rushing through a very nice game!
Also understand if "you send them offscreen and they return a few weeks later, unable to find a way to close the path" is the answer.
I'd be okay with a break, or with running one and then the other. Feels a bit like - and I can't believe I'm saying this in a PbP - we're rushing through a very nice game!
Also understand if "you send them offscreen and they return a few weeks later, unable to find a way to close the path" is the answer.
If we stay 'on track', this AP consists of four parts (aquatic elves, Vyre, Menador Pass, and ???); there's other stuff in between but those are the main parts.
If you all want, we can do the aquatic elves and Vyre with the 'A-team' and do the Menador Pass with the 'B-team or a mix of A-team and B-team. However, what I am saying is that we will only play one part at a time. So after the aquatic elves, we could start Vyre in January and play it through and then start back in January and play through the Menador Pass.
You're going to want the A-team for the ??? part. :)
Thoughts?
Recapping now...
Feels a bit like - and I can't believe I'm saying this in a PbP - we're rushing through a very nice game!
Oh, and I'll take this a compliment. Thank you.
Have no worries though, Once this is over, I'll find something else to GM and I'll need some 'decent' players. I can't do this by myself. :)
Game on!
Action 1
Octavio considered Eirik's suggestion, "Collapsing the Menador Pass would surely accomplish our short term objective. Will we later need to open tha pass up to allow for trade? It only leads right smack to the middle of Cheliax."
”Certainly, but my suggestion to collapse the pass was most academic – I do not know if it is even possible. But I do know only two ways to close a pass against an enemy army; block it with another army or make it impassable by other means. Since we do not have an army or the support infrastructure to maintain it – no less when the Paracount could hit them from the rear while troops from the heartlands came from the front – that seems to leave only the other option. I know we do have some people with talents in that direction, so having someone go and scout out the area with demolition works in mind does sound prudent,” Eirik answered, eyes gleaming.
Tillia considered all that was being said, strategy and tactics weren't really her thing but diplomacy and magic were. She thought over the suggestion of the city of Vyre and asked, "How would we go about convincing them? Would we need to go speak with them in person, or would there be some other method? If it comes to us going there I'd suggest that not all of us should. In that case, if we can't send our supporters to handle it then I would volunteer for the assignment. I'd just ask for someone more knowledgeable about how such things work to go with me."
”From what I understand, such deals are not made in one session,” Eirik shrugged his shoulders. ”First we send envoys to gauge the mood in the city, listen to rumors. Then we make a few cautious inquiries, dance around the concept but let it be known in political language that we’d be amenable to an agreement of sorts if they would find it to their liking. It’d take some amount of back and forth to establish common ground before emissaries of our importance,” he said with a sad little smile, ”would be sent to finalize the deal. Thus, I’d suggest we send a few eyes and ears there to see if the ground is fertile for the idea of an alliance with us to take root.”
Action 2
Laria scoffed, “So what are you going to do with Brassy’s gifts? Right now, Forvian and his team are staying at the Livery to guard them. Will you take the gifts with you to Acizaci?”
”I stand by my decision – you can take the risk of using the items if you wish, but I will have “mine” sold,” Eirik answered immediately. ”I believe there is a small soup kitchen in the harbor area that is in dire need of funding. The gold and silver from the most convenient “gift” can be put to best use there, feeding the hungry.”
Re: team B… I think we can put much more focus on that tale if we take a break from team A’s adventures. Trying to produce quality posts for both storylines simultaneously could be a challenge.
Agreed, which is why we would either play one or the other but not both simultaneously.
Game on!
Action 1
The prevailing sentiment seemed to be helping the aquatic elves and Tillia nodded in agreement, "They need our help first and foremost, and as we've experienced the difficulties of fighting in the water I think having aquatic allies would be of incredible importance. The ideas for sending saboteurs to the pass and a group to scout out Yreka and make some initial contacts makes sense as well." She smiled and said, "I believe we have a plan."
Action 2
Tillia considered the issue of the items and finally said, "I strongly believe it's safe to use them and I intend to do so with mine. I'll look into steps that can be taken to protect us from being tracked magically as well."
Action 3
Tillia was delighted by Lady Doctor's acceptance of her offer and said, "I look forward to the discussion then." She considered what the woman has said and realization dawned on her. In curiosity she asked, "Your ,agriculture is natural? Are you a sorceress then? I believe one of our newest recruits follows that magical path but I haven't had the chance to speak with her yet."
I agree, doing group b separate is important. I would think it might be best to do either the elves and then a group b mission, or vice versa, and alternate between them. That way we don't lose the feel of the A-team characters.
I agree, doing group b separate is important. I would think it might be best to do either the elves and then a group b mission, or vice versa, and alternate between them. That way we don't lose the feel of the A-team characters.
That's another idea. We could run A-team and B-team exploits concurrently but not at the same if that makes sense.
We would play for at least a couple of weeks (real time) and then stop at a 'cliffhanger' (you know like... Is Noravia really dead? :P) and retake the story of the other group and keep switching like that. That could be really good if we could pull it off.
Thoughts?
EDIT: the headband's bonus is to your main stat so INT in your case.
I know it goes to int but it has a skill that it grants bonus ranks to rather than giving extra ranks you can distribute. That's what I need to know. As a general rule if it isn't specified it's a random knowledge skill. On the other hand I could just choose a skill myself if you prefer.
I know it goes to int but it has a skill that it grants bonus ranks to rather than giving extra ranks you can distribute. That's what I need to know. As a general rule if it isn't specified it's a random knowledge skill. On the other hand I could just choose a skill myself if you prefer.
Ah yes, well Brassy wants you to know and fear Hell so let's make the skill: knowledge planes.