HELL'S REBELS ala Fabian (Inactive)

Game Master Fabian Benavente

Aboleth's lung is a multi creature spell that currently gives Caleb about 8 hours per casting. We may not need scrolls of water breathing, though it's need to be cast again every 2 hours. Alternatively four castings at the start would give us a whole day underwater.
The catch, as Caleb is discovering right now, is it switches air breathing for water breathing, rather than granting both.

As a +1, possibly Vicious? It's mean enough that it makes sense Brassy might have given it to us, and when you need to attack with it it works well - the only catch is you will need to keep healing up. Extra bonus: it's pure weapon damage that stacks with normal damage, so energy resistance does nothing.

Eirik’s been rockin’ a shock weapon for some time now, and Fabian didn’t feel inclined to worry about sea water’s conductivity during our previous adventure ;^) Lightning’s always been my favorite go-to elemental damage type, although evil outsider bane is a pretty good pick as well.

The conspiracy theory part of my brain is starting to lean to the conclusion that the Paracount is a puppet of some other force, meant to take the brunt of people’s hate so someone else can then ride in to save the day, and that he’s trying to rebel by arming us to better take him out… except he’ll be ready to dodge aside so we end up dealing with his leash-holders instead, hopefully killing each other, and leaving him free to drive his own agendas once again ;^)

pre action 1
Vespula matched Tillia's passion for the few seconds it took for the effect to lapse. "That." she said breathlessly. "That too."

Action 1
Vespula cocked her head as if she listened intently to a quiet voice. She then rolled her eyes, swivelled to face back towards the docks, leaned forward, took a deep breath and yelled at full volume "I AM TELLING THEM!". She then swivelled back and snapped back into her normal sultry demeanour. "So. Caleb worked out how to breathe water, but now he can't breathe air. He doesn't know how long it'll last, and he's back at the docks." she held up a hand "No hurry, he's not in any danger, but SOMEONE has conniptions whenever I have a little fun."

Perhaps thirty seconds passed, then she once again yelled back "I TOLD THEM!" "I SAID... I... TOLD... THEM!."
She sighed "Look, it was great to meet you all, and I hope we can talk longer later, but I need to go get him to calm down. Best luck making plans. Hope it works out. You probably wont need Hetamon for water breathing if Caleb can work out how he did this trick." she swivelled suddenly again, and faced the docks "COMING!".

With a final "what can you do" shrug to Tillia she wandered off.

keeps quietly listening to plans and musings :)

Action 1

Vandomir had no interest in knowing the new person that claimed to be of Caleb's acquaintance, that was until Tillia walked up to her and kissed her in a very brazen fashion. At that point his only interest in Vespula was to kick her slight ass around the block a few times. Jealous was not a sensation Vandomir was used to, nor was it one he was interested in having the others, especially Tillia, recognize. Vandomir pulled out a whetstone, and set to intently sharpening some of his arrowpoints, all the while wondering what the hell he had just witnessed.

Action 2

Knowledge(geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 +4 vs humans, +2 vs Evil outsiders

"If we mean to go to the Dismal Nitch by boat, we have a problem. Ships to not normally ply those waters. On the other hand," he rubbed his chin, "we do know a ship captain who owes us a couple favors."

Action 1

Her chest expanded in pride, “It does take some time but you learn to control it after a while. It’s always a rush when your blood starts to wake and your body becomes infused with arcane energy.”

With a whistful sigh Tillia replied, "It sounds almost like when I master a new spell, arousing, certainly intoxicating. I kind of wish I knew what it was like now just to compare the two." Her expression turned resigned then and said, "We'll have to finish this discussion some other time it seems" She offered her hand to the Lady and said, "I look forward to working with you." Her good bye said Tillia waited a moment for a reply and then headed back inside."[/b]

Vespula matched Tillia's passion for the few seconds it took for the effect to lapse. "That." she said breathlessly. "That too."

The mage blushed deeply at the words and the after effects of the spell as she realized they'd all been watching the exchange. She leaned in and whispered into Vespula's ear briefly before going to sit with Vandomir.

Aava explained that the Drowned Eye had long been regarded by the elves as a cursed place. Acisazi’s founders placed protective wards around the pit to contain its unnatural curse, and for generations, the citizens of the village avoided the area. In fact, Aava noted wryly, the notorious site’s reputation had helped protect the village from intruders by scaring them away. Now, though, the Drowned Eye had become a doom on the village—one the current populace cannot combat. “

"A curse huh? It sounds like we need to figure out a way to restore whatever wards held it at bay. Abjuration magic isn't my specialty, but I can try and come up with a means of congaing it once again. I'll have to examine the area around it first." Judging by her posture Tillia's curiosity was definitely peaked, she liked a good challenge when it came to magic and this sounded like one she could really enjoy. "Do you, or anyone from your village, know exactly how the effects were contained originally?"

Knowledge (arcana) on how to handle containing the curse or protecting the village: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26

Action 2
Nothing at this time.

Noravia has no knowledge skills and I'm sure that the others will fill us in afterwards considering Caleb isn't there anyways. This just makes sense to me to do.

As Vespula started leaving, Noravia called out, "Hey Ves, hold up. I'll come with you in case Caleb needs healing from his little stunt." That and Noravia was curious as to where Vespula was going to go. Did she change back into a wasp and then burrow into Caleb? Plus, there were a few questions that the inquisitor wanted answered.

"You can let Caleb and I know what you all decide when we get back. Keep in mind that we know a Captain if we're going somewhere too far to swim to."

When they got to the docks, Noravia waited to see what was going to happen between Ves and Caleb.

Once Caleb was breathing air again and not water, Noravia asked, "Are you ok? You get hurt at all during your swim?"

tag Caleb

Since Caleb was physically good, the two of them started walking back to join the others. "So...Ves...how long have you been holding on to that secret? She definitely took us all by surprise. Some more so than others. It sounded like the two of you share a thought connection. Does that mean she knows everything you do and vice versa?"

tag Caleb

Noravia stopped and looked Caleb in the eyes. It was hard for her, even with all her training in lying, to mask the hurt in her own eyes. "So why do you think that I'd hurt you? I'd never hurt you or the others." Then she decided to shake the tree to see what falls out. "It's not just that, I may not be overly smart, but her choice of words were odd - I just didn't want to make anything of it in front of the others. Why did she specifically mention your heart?"

tag Caleb

Yes, I'm bringing the awkward :) Feel free to brush it off but Noravia doesn't want any misunderstandings and an even angrier Caleb could be a bad thing as Vespula alluded to :)

I just realized that I left the knowledge check in both the narrative and the OOC portion of the turn. My bad. :(

In any case, I would like to recap later but need some more direction as to what you want to do and what preparations you will make.

I'm assuming you'll pull a favor from Sargaeta. Anything else before I dump you near Acisazi?

Have you solved the issues of water breathing?

Tillia
Vespula's eyes opened wide. "Really? We should talk. Later."

Noravia
Vespula wandered back down to the docks, apparently in no great hurry to return. As she and Noravia walked she casually asked "So - you used to be Asmodean, right? Why did you switch?"

The Docks
Caleb perched, foot tapping in impatience, on a large stone - the only strange thing being he was under the docks, where the devil-fish had died. When he saw Noravia his impatient looked switched to relief. He stood up, grabbed the docks, took a deep breath and breached the surface. He tried to talk, but the sound was garbled by the water that rushed through his lungs.

Vespula sighed and gestured "Whatever it is he did, he can't talk any better up here than you can talk down there. Either we need to let him do the same thing to us, we need to get him cured, or we need to get him something to write with."
Awkward is fine :)
Assuming one of the three methods above will be used.
OOC Aboleth's Lung is NOT dismissable - it requires a dispel, or to wait it out.

Turn 260 - Captain Sargaeta

Read the OOC.

Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?

Game on!

At a pointed gesture from Caleb Ves warped into giant wasp form. She then flew over to Caleb and wormed her way into his shoulder.

Once Caleb was breathing air again and not water, Noravia asked, "Are you ok? You get hurt at all during your swim?"

"I'm fine." Caleb assured Noravia "Just annoyed. I guess this is what I was looking for, though. Be careful what you wish for."

Assuming it wears off...

Since Caleb was physically good, the two of them started walking back to join the others. "So...Ves...how long have you been holding on to that secret? She definitely took us all by surprise. Some more so than others. It sounded like the two of you share a thought connection. Does that mean she knows everything you do and vice versa?"

Caleb paused for a moment. "Not exactly. It's more like... we share feelings. I can feel what she feels. I can feel what all of them feel, really. All of them working together to keep my Prisoner caged up. I don't know if that's something they do, or me I mean, I've been able to feel my Prisoner since Thrune had me implanted." He looked thoughtful "Although I suppose possibly I've never heard her because she's never used our link to talk."

"I promise you, I had no idea Vespula could take human form. Came as a bit of a surprise - well, a relief, really. I was stuck in the water wishing for a way to tell you I was in trouble when she popped out and pulled that trick."

Noravia stopped and looked Caleb in the eyes. It was hard for her, even with all her training in lying, to mask the hurt in her own eyes. "So why do you think that I'd hurt you? I'd never hurt you or the others." Then she decided to shake the tree to see what falls out. "It's not just that, I may not be overly smart, but her choice of words were odd - I just didn't want to make anything of it in front of the others. Why did she specifically mention your heart?"

Caleb looked worried "What exactly did she say? I only got the gist of it - I'm more used to communicating with words than she can."

She continued her sweep. "Ah - Noravia." there seemed a strange tone in the young woman's voice "Caleb's new friend. He talks about you a lot. My sisters think you're going to break his heart - but I know you're not that stupid. Are you?"

When filled in Caleb looked uncomfortable. "Look, she's an agent of divine vengeance that was born a few months ago. She's not great with people." he winced as if being yelled at "The wording is just..." he trailed off.

Fabian: I think it's a literal translation of the Aboleth power, as much curse as gift. Frankly it's probably better as "(D)" duration and "Willing creatures only". As written it's a situational save or die as well as a utility spell. On the other hand it should be strictly worse than waterbreathing given it is a level lower: is half the duration and an inability to switch between air/water without dismissal enough? I think it might be, but up to you.

Action 1:

"So - you used to be Asmodean, right? Why did you switch?"

Noravia looked at Ves in surprise. She was the only one who had asked her that since joining the Silver Ravens. "It started when I was supposed to cut off my friend's hand as their punishment because they had wronged a powerful family. It was a teachable moment, or so I was told. When I couldn't, my mentor killed her in front of me. So I decided to tow the line and threw myself into my training in order to survive. However, they wanted me to infiltrate the Rose of Kintargo and things backfired for them when they flooded me with Milanite doctrine. What I learned gave me hope and I realized that Asmodeus only cared about power whereas Milani cared about the people. I hated them for how they had tried to control me by taking away my power for the sake of their own. I found purpose with Milani."

tag Ves?

You, though... you've left a big vein through my hatred." He takes a deep breath, and picks his words carefully "Seen through a Calistrian eye, our relationship goes in a certain direction. That direction is... not possible... in this case. By Calistrian doctrine that sort of rejection is met with acrimony, hatred, and vengeance." the last three words have a faint elven accent to them.

"I'd like to think that they're worried you'd turn my vengeance against THRUNE against you, or that I'd lose the strength to fight off my Prisoner... But I'm just not sure it's that complicated. She might just be threatening to come after you herself."

"Then do you view me through this Calistrian eye? Our relationship is impossible? And what relationship do we have? Do you want me to stay away? Do I have to worry about Ves in addition to everything else going on? Just be straight with me. You aren't alone anymore so you don't have to struggle alone nor do you have to isolate yourself. You are allowed to have your vengeance and still be with people."

tag Caleb

Yes the inquisition has begun. Sorry for all the questions :)

I will take the scrolls available. That leaves Noravia with 600gp which I'll spend on something (don't know what yet). As for her weapon, if possible I would like it to be a Bane weapon against outsiders but I have no idea why he'd give her that. That way her once a day bane could be used against another type, right? Otherwise I'd go with Frost considering Eirik already has shock.

Action 1:

Ves wrote:

"So - you used to be Asmodean, right? Why did you switch?"

Noravia looked at Ves in surprise. She was the only one who had asked her that since joining the Silver Ravens. "It started when I was supposed to cut off my friend's hand as their punishment because they had wronged a powerful family. It was a teachable moment, or so I was told. When I couldn't, my mentor killed her in front of me. So I decided to tow the line and threw myself into my training in order to survive. However, they wanted me to infiltrate the Rose of Kintargo and things backfired for them when they flooded me with Milanite doctrine. What I learned gave me hope and I realized that Asmodeus only cared about power whereas Milani cared about the people. I hated them for how they had tried to control me by taking away my power for the sake of their own. I found purpose with Milani."

Vespuls looks impressed "That took a lot of conviction - and a lot of courage. Slavery" she looks disgusted "is an abomination. People have to be free to follow their heart. I'm glad you found your way out of such a dark place."

Caleb stopped dead. "Be straight. All right." he muttered. His face turned vulnerable as he made a decision.

He looked Noravia dead in the eye, put a hand on her shoulder, took a deep breath and spoke. "I'm a eunuch, Noravia. You're my best friend. I'm falling in love with you - but we can never be lovers."

He stood still, but the hand on her shoulder trembled.

Well, I have no idea what happens next - but it seems important.

Since you didn’t object, I’ll be going with those acrobat’s slippers and adding them to Eirik’s inventory. Saves a bit of gold, too ;^) Other than that and those consumables, I don’t think there’s much for Eirik to do to prepare… curses aren’t really up his alley, and information about the aboleth (except what Rexus told us) is a bit on the sketchy side… hard to make any definite plans until we go and see what’s going on. At leas the underwater combat will be a bit easier now that Eirik’s got all types of attacks available, so he can go for piercing for no penalties. And the cloak Vandomir offered to lend him certainly helps get him into range.

Cassius greeted them warmly, “My revolutionaries. How are you doing? Well, I know how you are doing. I guess the question is what are you going to do next for Kintargo?”

”We are to rid the seas of an ancient menace,” Eirik replied, shrugging his shoulders to try to settle the unfamiliar weight of the enchanted cloak more comfortably on his shoulders. He was grateful to the noble for deciding to lend him the item for their next adventure – the frustration of the constant struggle against the weight of water trying to reach ever-elusive foes was fresh in the monk’s mind. ”We were wondering if you might provide us transportation.”

”We are to rid the seas of an ancient menace,” Eirik replied, shrugging his shoulders to try to settle the unfamiliar weight of the enchanted cloak more comfortably on his shoulders. He was grateful to the noble for deciding to lend him the item for their next adventure – the frustration of the constant struggle against the weight of water trying to reach ever-elusive foes was fresh in the monk’s mind. ”We were wondering if you might provide us transportation.”

Cassius smiled and asked them to partake in his meal, "You've come to ask me a favor. One of transportation? You insult me. Are you treating me for a run-of-the-mill captain?"

tag?

---------------
I'm Ok with slippers.

Ok with Noravia's purchase.

Caleb, what would "D" duration get us? Does that make it dismissable?

Caleb, what would "D" duration get us? Does that make it dismissable?

I found that answer and yes I agree. Let's make it "(D)" duration and "Willing creatures only".

Game on!

Caleb stopped dead. "Be straight. All right." he muttered. His face turned vulnerable as he made a decision.

He looked Noravia dead in the eye, put a hand on her shoulder, took a deep breath and spoke. "I'm a eunuch, Noravia. You're my best friend. I'm falling in love with you - but we can never be lovers."

He stood still, but the hand on her shoulder trembled.

Well, I have no idea what happens next - but it seems important.

Noravia wrapped her arms around Caleb and held him tight. "No one should have had to experience a fraction of what you've had to endure. But it's made you into the man that you are and I really, really like him. I've never been in love so I'm not really sure what I'm feeling but I do know that I've never felt like this about anyone before. Not to downplay the other stuff but it's just mechanics and it can't be the sole basis of a relationship. We can consider it a challenge rather than an obstacle. But if it's easier on you for us to just stay really good friends, I'll abide by your decision. I just want you to be happy."

She then broke off the hug so that she could see his eyes to get an idea of what he was thinking.

Can one speak underwater with Aboleth's lung or just breathe? Just wondering how to split up the water breathing scrolls vs other spells. Tillia and Noravia will need to be able to speak underwater as well as breathe.

Can one speak underwater with Aboleth's lung or just breathe? Just wondering how to split up the water breathing scrolls vs other spells. Tillia and Noravia will need to be able to speak underwater as well as breathe.

If you can breathe then you can speak in my games. I need to keep the conversation going and you guys engaged so forget RAW. :)

Cassius smiled and asked them to partake in his meal, "You've come to ask me a favor. One of transportation? You insult me. Are you treating me for a run-of-the-mill captain?"

'So we are playing this game now,' Eirik thought, nodding slightly. Either the man wanted to be persuaded because of his ego, or he wanted a reason to give to his crew and they were to provide it. 'Well, two can play it,'

"No captain of a fishing fleet or a white-water skipper would brave the accursed waters we seek," Eirik said, shaking his head sadly, as if they had already asked many and been disappointed. "Eternal mists, rumors of lingering spirits seeking to drag any trespasser to a watery grave. Rumors more true than you, a well-learned officer, might suspect, as it happens. Something stirs under the waves, something long kept away from the world, and it hungers to return. We seek to drive it back before it can extend its reach from the deeps to the shores. So no, not a favor one would ask of just anyone."

"Help us, and you help the city, and can take your share of the credit," the monk went on. "Besides, your men are no doubt sick at sitting on their hands. Perhaps a training exercise is called for. A few days on the open seas, to forget the Paracount's edicts and hone their talents doing what they do best. I believe it would be useful to us, too, if you were to linger in the general area for a day or few." After all, who knew how long their mission took? A mobile base of operations could be useful, as well as a few dozen experienced men of the Chelish navy.

NOT using diplomacy, since Eirik sucks at it, but he's bound to be a damn good at making speeches due to his profession. And I doubt the captain REALLY needs to be convinced.

Action 1

Vespula's eyes opened wide. "Really? We should talk. Later."

Tillia's blush, if anything, turned an almost impossible shade of crimson as she hurried away and sat down with Vandomir. Despite his closeness, she kept finding her eyes drawn towards Vespula, likely just a result of the magic she'd been affected by, at least she hoped so.

Action 2
Tillia nodded in greetings to the captain and replied, "Quit well thank you Captain." She glanced to the two halflings and nodded in greeting as she asked them, "How are you two enjoying your status as crew instead of slaves? I assume the captain's treating you alright?"

Focus returning to the captain, Tillia heared his aggravation at the task that they were asking of him and said, "Please Captain, don't be so presumptuous, Eirik's right, the area we need to go to is the Dismal Niche where an aboleth is tormenting potential allies. They've agreed to help us if we can take care of the aboleth and the curse affecting their village. It's both a mission of mercy and a righteous cause that will help the plight of Kintargo." She smiled winningly at him and asked, "What say you captain? Are you willing to help us face down an aboleth and save a village for the good of Kintargo?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27

Sargaeta smiled, his ego showing through, "Ok so now this is more like it. You need a competent and brave captain."

He winked at Tillia and Eirik, "Notice I didn't say fearless. Fearless captain is dead. So the Dismal Nitch. I've heard of it, of course. Who hasn't?"

He scratched his chin stubble, "It's about day to to day and half travel, depending on the wind, of course."

He nodded, "Yes, I'll take you there. But I need details like who's going, when are we leaving, do I need to wait for you, if so then how long."

He concluded, "And most importantly, does the harbor master need to know where I am going and with whom?"

tag?

Since you didn’t object, I’ll be going with those acrobat’s slippers and adding them to Eirik’s inventory. Saves a bit of gold, too ;^)

Have you considered feather step slippers?

Turn 261 - The Scourge of Belial

Read the OOC.

Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?

Game on!

Action 1:

Unfamiliar with the ways of ships and sea travel, Noravia asks, "Are you required to tell the harbor master exactly where you're going and with whom? Of course we would rather our travel plans not be made public to those governing Kintargo, but you know that already. Your expertise in these matters is why we came to you."

Does anyone else want to chip in 150gp so that Noravia can get another CLW wand? She only has 600gp left and needs 750. There's only 15 charges left on the one she has.

Hmm… come to think of it, ”buying” consumables with Fabian’s personal magic item fund allocation seems unfair… after all, Eirik just bought a bundle of potions and scrolls I expect to get used in the aboleth scenario after which he’s again under the par with wealth, and could use the same money again… I think we should limit the buying of non-permanent magic items to party pool funds only.

Action 1

Unfamiliar with the ways of ships and sea travel, Noravia asks, "Are you required to tell the harbor master exactly where you're going and with whom? Of course we would rather our travel plans not be made public to those governing Kintargo, but you know that already. Your expertise in these matters is why we came to you."

”Can you not just tell you area leaving to conduct exercises in the near vicinity and expect to be back in a week or so, weather allowing?” Eirik suggested. ”Even though the Paracount seems to have been warming up to us of late, I doubt you’d be thanked for advertising you are in the habit of exchanging favors with us. For that’d beg the question what we had done for you to earn your help.” ’And I doubt you’d welcome those questions,’ he thought.

Action 2

Eirik set foot on the warship’s deck in the gloom of early morning. He was clad in the simple and functional clothes a sailor might wear, carrying his meager possessions in a bundle. A bundle that now included a pair of supple grey slippers that he had found that morning.

Giftwrapped, along with a box of chocolates.

Set on the small table less than ten inches from the bed he had been sleeping in, with him noticing not a thing.

There was no question who had give him the gift – the letter that had come with the gifts had made their origin very clear, even though it contained nothing but the imprint of a pursed lips pressed on the piece of expensive paper, the lipstick a very particular hue of cherry red that he had grown to know and dread in the last several weeks.

For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what had possessed Asami Bertrand to pursue him with such a relentless passion. True, at first it might well have been a little joke she had been playing, but surely if there was nothing more to it, she’d have grown tired of it by now? It wasn’t like Eirik had been encouraging her… had he? He certainly hadn’t intended to. The thought of wondering what she might do next had been giving him the jitters all morning. When he came back, would be find her under his blankets one evening, wearing nothing but what she had been born with?

if he's got it, it's yours. Last thing we need is to run out of healing on the mission.

...of what he was feeling[/ooc]

"I... I'd like to try. I realise the timing isn't any better than the situation. I don't know how long I have, but I'd like to spend it with you - however you want."

Action 2

Spoiler:

Fabian: Ignore the following if it is getting in the way but...
Mechanics: Caleb would like to use his contacts in the choral community to organise an impromptu night out with Noravia
profession: smuggler: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
perform: sing - though to know the people to call in: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Fabian: What's this likely to get, given it means getting people to brave Brassy, and is at short notice? Any chance of enough opera aficionados to put on a small impromptu (abbreviated) scene - the equivalent of Romeo & Juliet?

Action 1

Noravia wrote:

Unfamiliar with the ways of ships and sea travel, Noravia asks, "Are you required to tell the harbor master exactly where you're going and with whom? Of course we would rather our travel plans not be made public to those governing Kintargo, but you know that already. Your expertise in these matters is why we came to you."

”Can you not just tell you area leaving to conduct exercises in the near vicinity and expect to be back in a week or so, weather allowing?” Eirik suggested. ”Even though the Paracount seems to have been warming up to us of late, I doubt you’d be thanked for advertising you are in the habit of exchanging favors with us. For that’d beg the question what we had done for you to earn your help.” ’And I doubt you’d welcome those questions,’ he thought.

The captain nodded, "I understand. No one needs to know you're leaving town. This is fine and consider it part of my service."

He quickly added, "However, I must insist that we leave befor dawn. The daytime harbormaster is not so easy to make look away."

CONSUMABLES
If you don't want to spend your personal stash for buying stuff for the whole group then we should start keeping some funds just for this reason. I'll take that into consideration for next level.

For now, feel free to have a common pot of 2,500 gp so you'll have to let me know what you acquire and with whose funds.

CONSUMABLES

If you don't want to spend your personal stash for buying stuff for the whole group then we should start keeping some funds just for this reason. I'll take that into consideration for next level.

It's not that I don't *like* it, but... let's see. Eirik just bought 1375Gp worth of potions and scrolls, because that was what it took to get his personal wealth level close to par. Well. Let's say we use them up during this adventure as planned. Oh look, for the next adventure, Eirik has another 1375Gp to spend to get even with the others. Easy solution, let's get more scrolls. There, fixed. And again next time. And the next.

So... not so fair. We buy permanent items for ourselves, the personal wealth level is a good indication. We buy stuff for common use, or consumables, the party pool and actual cash we get from loot and rewards is better for those.

"I... I'd like to try. I realise the timing isn't any better than the situation. I don't know how long I have, but I'd like to spend it with you - however you want."

A radiant smile lit up Noravia's face and she hugged him again. "None of us know how much time we have left. Rowan taught me that. I'm glad you see the benefit of spending it together."

She took his hand and pulled him towards the exit. "As much as I would love to continue this now, the others may actually notice that we've been gone for awhile. We'll have to explore what all this means later."

I think we should keep a portion of loot as common for consumables as we move forward. That way it keeps personal wealth level a little more even. Although personally I'm fine with spending my own wealth on the group - I just didn't have enough on my own for the wand after purchasing the scrolls.

Does that mean that Noravia can get the CLW wand?

I think we should keep a portion of loot as common for consumables as we move forward. That way it keeps personal wealth level a little more even. Although personally I'm fine with spending my own wealth on the group - I just didn't have enough on my own for the wand after purchasing the scrolls.

Does that mean that Noravia can get the CLW wand?

The problem has been that personal items for some people just outpaced the WBL so I had 'confiscated' all the 'cash' and then just told those that were below the WBL to buy stuff.

But you are all nice and decided to buy stuff for the group. And so you screwed up my calculations. :)

Did I mention that Eirik messed up my calcs by not accepting Brassy's gift! :)

Seriously, I'll fix it next time. I'll just be more stingy with loot so that you can have some cash to spend on consumables.

Yes, Noravia can have the CLW wand. What's up with your morningstar? +1 frost?

If she can't have a Bane against outsiders then she'll go with +1 frost.

I'm going to hold off a little bit longer on this recap.

Tillia and vandomir haven't posted and Caleb has something else to post.

Questions?

Game on!

Working on it!

bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 Guessing that's not going to keep a secret from an Inquisitor
Caleb's excitement as he dragged Noravia out was palpable. "You have to try the lobster at this place. I know, I know, lobster is for people too poor to afford real food. Little better than eating bugs. But here's a secret - cook it right and it's amazing."

Assuming he's called out.
It was obvious Caleb was up to something, but exactly what he kept to himself. "Trust me. It'll be worth it."

"Here we are!" He said as they arrived at a hole dug into the ground, a short, rough wooden door showing nothing. "The Rusty Collar. Well kept secret of the Gourmand."

Caleb knocked on the door, and a rough looking halfling with more scars than teeth opened it, and looked suspiciously up at Caleb. He was greeted cheerfully by the Cage "Evening George!" Carefully he handed over a sack that fairly bulged with coin. "As agreed, with a little extra for your wife - hopefully enough to pay the bail."

The Rusty Collar didn't have a sign - or a licence. An old cellar adjoining the sewer had been converted into a tavern by the simple route of adding a few 'liberated' casks. You brought your own glass to the Rusty Iron, and you made sure it was a cheap one you didn't mind losing. The Rusty Iron's claim to fame was the fighting pit where dogs, cocks, summons and supposedly people would bleed and sometimes die for the entertainment of the crowd underneath the only lantern in the whole place.

When Noravia walked in, the first thing to hit her was the height. The ceiling topped out at five feet, and was not something to risk contact with. The second thing was the stares. Going on sixty pairs of suspicious, beady, bloodshot or mad eyes peered intently and suspiciously at Noravia. The third thing was that this was a slip bar, and the only three people here who'd have trouble with the ceiling height were her, Caleb, and Gordo - the halfling equivalent of a living mountain.

Traditionally Gordo would be the fourth thing to hit someone, but at the moment he was on break, with a beer in one hand, a haunch of roast dog in the other, and a painted up miss on each knee.

A particularly disreputable pair of halflings looked up from the blood-stained, sunken fighting pit.

"We're on?" asked Caleb. He was answered by a mute nod, and an extra hard stare at Noravia.

George came out with four more men. They cleared off a cask by the fighting pit, dragged over two crates for seats, and put a rough wooden platter with an enormous lobster on it down on the cask. George produced two wine glasses - each with a different coat of arms - and a dusty bottle of something. As a final touch a rough ceramic bowl of melted butter was placed next to the lobster.

Caleb sat, turned excitedly to Noravia and gestured for her to do the same. assuming she does Once she was seated he gestured to the man in the pit. Silence fell. Avid, hungry silence.

The disreputable halfling cracked his neck, stood back, looked out at the crowd, then up at Noravia and bowed.

"Ladies and gentlemen" he began in a stentorian, affected accent - to wild laughter from the crowd "By special request of our young Cage, in honour of his new friend here." At this point Oooos arose from the crowd "I present to you The Huntress of Heroes!"

The crowd cheered, going mad as George brought out a keg as large as himself and broached it for the crowd.

The orchestra was only Jill on her flute, Caser on his drum and Ragged Mike on violin, but they played with skill and gusto. Caleb pointed out each performer in turn, a talking playbill. "Ragged Mike - he's as deft a hand with his fiddle's bow as the one he uses to hold up carriages!"

The role of the demon lord Aolar was played by a halfling named Maf, with excellent makeup or tiefling blood. Desna and Sarenrae were both played by some of the ladies in Caleb's team - Not the first girls to have come to Kintargo for the Opera House, but ended up settling down as working girls. The disreputable looking old man played an impressive array of characters via some minor illusions, and Vespula - or one of her sisters - turned up long enough to play Callistria, the crowd Oohing as she switched between human and wasp form in a cloud of alchemist's smoke and eerie flute wailing.
"It's a trick dear" confided one old inebriated woman from the next table "All done with illusion."

The chorus was the crowd itself, and the best that could be said about that was that it was enthusiastic. But that could be said very, very loudly indeed.

Noravia - you want to edit the scene any before the end?

"Opera, Noravia." he smiled "What civilised young sir doesn't take his girl to a proper dinner opera for a first date?"

Nothing to change but I will add her reactions...

sense motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Caleb was obviously hiding something as he pulled Noravia along after him. She put her brakes on and stopped him short, "What are you up to Caleb? You know and I know that we are both very good at bending the truth and hiding things. If this is how we're starting out..." her voice trailed off and there was some doubt in her eyes.

"Trust me. It'll be worth it."

She paused a moment longer studying his face and decided that he was worth it. She let out a sigh, "Fine. But at least tell me if I need to change or bring anything with me."

When they entered The Rusty Collar, the stares were somewhat unnerving. She moves closer to Caleb and holds on to his arm, reminding herself that she had decided to trust him.

Caleb's excitement when he sat down proved to be infectious for the inquisitor and she willingly sat down with him, although she dig move her crate a little closer to him before doing so. When the crowd 'ooo'd at her mention, she could actually feel herself blushing. Thankfully the lighting in The Rusty Collar was poor. She couldn't even remember a time when she had had that kind of reaction and having strangers notice would have been embarrassing.

"It's a trick dear" confided one old inebriated woman from the next table "All done with illusion."

Noravia nodded at the woman but knew better as the human became wasp once more - or was it the wasp returning to its natural form?

"Opera, Noravia." he smiled "What civilised young sir doesn't take his girl to a proper dinner opera for a first date?"

Noravia matched his smile before leaning in and kissing him softly, "Thank you, Caleb, for a wonderful evening."

Action 1
It seemed that things were going well on arranging the trip with the captain. Tillia had little to add so she sat and waited while the others finished the planning with him.

Action 2
The only preparations she had to make were to get her headband from the Livery, an easily enough accomplished task, and make sure her things were ready to go. She'd already picked up the headband and was in the process of packing her things. She made sure her swim wear was ready, and a couple of changes of clothes. As she kept stuffing more and more into her handbag she remembered when Maldak gave it to her. She'd been so delighted and hugged him fiercely. It was before she'd begun to develope into womanhood and his attitude had changed. The difference from before to after that time was always stark and she wondered still if something she'd done had caused it, or if maybe he'd always been that way and hid it. It was far too late now though she wished she could speak to him once more to try and find out. Once she'd finished she went looking for the others to try and decide what orders they wanted to give the rebellion to follow for while they were away.
Tag everyone.

Later that night.
She had little left to do before they left the next morning and Hadn't seen much from Vandomir since earlier. Something had seemed off about him when they'd met Vespula but she hadn't figured out just exactly what it was. It almost seemed like he'd been avoiding her the rest of the day, even when they went to meet with the captain. The thought of Vespula buzzed through her mind again and she couldn't help but wonder who the woman was, there was something interesting about Ves and she found herself wanting a chance to speak with her again, of course that brought about the memory of the feel of the other woman's lips on hers when the spell discharged into Tillia and brought a flush of warmth. Must be remnants of that spell, she thought to herself, I wonder if those I've cast it on had similar experiences afterwards...quite interesting actually. I may have to experiment a bit and find out.
Tag anyone.

long work dinner, just got back so I'll update tomorrow morning...

Noravia will need to get her morningstar from the Livery. I guess that makes more sense to do before Caleb takes her out.

Also she also isn't one for making plans for the rebellion while they're gone. I guess having the teams finish prepping the Lucky Bones to properly use and gather information about the other 2 locations...

Could we please get some rebellion action results? It's been months since last time and lots has happened in the meanwhile ;^)

Maybe our NPCs can also find a way to secure our bases so that they don't necessarily have to physically be there to guard the locations. Didn't we have a scroll of warding or something at one point?

Turn 262 - Opera Night

Read the OOC.

Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?

Game on!

Vandomir: it's been four days since your last post...

Action 1:

Noravia yawned as she made her way on to the ship early the next morning. It had been an enjoyable, but very late, evening with Caleb. The Opera had been interesting to say the least and very memorable. Noravia was pleasantly surprised by how thoughtful Caleb was. Then she'd had to swing by the Livery and pick up her new morningstar for their journey. She wasn't looking forward to spending a significant amount of time under the water again but knew that the elves needed their help.

Action 2:

“So I’m assuming I’m to wait for you. Correct? Tomorrow before nightfall or do you need longer?”

The inquisitor nodded, "Please wait as long as you deem feasible. Tomorrow night may not be long enough, it all depends on how things go."

SILVER RAVENS EVENTS

I will no longer track the stats for the Silver Ravens. Most of the bonus for gaining levels are in the form of gifts, which I already take into account when doing the WBL so that’s not a problem.

The other interesting things are the 'events' so what I will do is provide rumors and also roll for an event so you guys can roleplay.

I'll do this every week but will wait until you guys get back to Kintargo before starting this.

You'll be able to react to this with your PCs or with the NPCs under your control. It also sounds like we will try to send the team of saboteurs to the Menador Gap so we'll see how that goes.

Questions?

Game on!

@Fabian: Sounds good. I can see a more mechanistic group taking great joy in squeezing every ounce of performance out of the mechanics - but our group seems more interested in the roleplaying.

Action 1
It was a very tired and hungover Caleb indeed who snuck to the docked ship in the early hours of the morning.

Action 2
"Yeah. We grind fine, but we grind slow." Admitted Caleb. Should be able to get you a messenger, at least, though."
Did Tillia get the scroll of teleport in the end?
"Meanwhile, I vote we send Eirik off here to scout. Once he can work out how we get there I'm happy to sneak ahead."