Hell's Masked Rebels

Game Master McBugman

Sorry about the recent lack of posting, dodgy Internet at the resort then flying back from Mexico.

Adun follows the group to the temple of Shelyn, not particularly fussed about which deity provided the healing so long as no-one was going to get reported to the church of Asmodeus. "I'm happy to contribute what I can," he says. "I have a little coin saved."

No worries, Whatever combination of potions and scrolls you want from here you can get. Do what you wish with today and tomorrow, I can pick up at tomorrow midnight when you are all caught up."

Brianna spends the 75 gold from the sale on three scrolls, and uses one each on Conrad, Adun, and Darius. The remaining gold she gives to Darius, who appears to have a keener eye for coin.
CLW Conrad: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW Adun: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW Darius: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Hot DICE! If anyone else buys a scroll, roll your dice and Brianna can cast it

Agnes is still a bit under the weather, but not much. I'm willing to take my chances with long time care, as I still have Laika to back me up.

Nicely done! Carl is now at full strength again.

Carl stands as Brianna reads the scroll and his wounds instantly close. "Many thanks, Ms. Reed! You are truly gifted. Why, I feel almost as good as new!"

Adun stands patiently as Brianna conjures the magic of the scroll, easing his pain and improving his gait. "Thanks Brianna, feeling much better."

Brianna politely thanks the priests of Songbird Hall, sincerely promising to repay their kindness. When everyone is finished in the temple, she convenes the group outside.

"Tomorrow at noon then? Everyone knows where to meet?" Brianna bids everyone farewell, and heads back to the War Cage.

Brianna will try and take Adun with her to be fitted properly for a mask. Otherwise she will make a simple one as best she can without him, and bring it to the Livery

Adun tests out his healed leg, happy with how little it hurts and how much more easily it moves, then follows Brianna. "So, what kind of mask were you thinking?"

Carl warmly shakes Brianna's hand with both of his, and waves to her and Adun as they leave. "Yes indeed, I shall see you then!"

When he sees Darius alone for a moment, Carl approaches and says quietly to him, "The bell tolls..." He says this expectantly, hopefully, like he is reciting a famous poem or something like that.

Reynard, not needing any wounds healed, will hang around with the others, then head home once they start drifting apart.

The way I was in combat most of the time I don't know how I never took any shots, but I didn't. Good AC, I guess.

"We're not needed until night. It might be best to not loiter together in the city all afternoon. The dottari will definitely be out in force tomorrow."

Darius then added, "I'll be off as well. I trust Brianna will get Adun a suitable mask, but if anyone needs anything from me, let me know. Of course, I can also be found at the Motalis bookstore in the Redroof Market."

Carl shakes Reynard's hand as well. "I am glad to make your acquaintance again, good master Freeman. Lucky for all of us that you were there today."

"I doubt luck had anything to do with it, my friend. Something, or Someone, is watching out for us."

Agnes arranges an overnight stay in the temple, hoping the extra care will heal her wounds faster.

When Adun is about to leave, she shakes his hand gratefully. "Thanks for sticking with me Adun. If you hadn't taken that blow for me, it could have ended real bad. I'll see you again tomorrow. Please take care."

With her friend leaving, Agnes hangs around a bit awkwardly. She doesnt know the others. And she wasnt that much of a social butterfly to just start up a conversation about the weather (so to speak).

Adun feels slightly embarrassed by Agnes' emotional thanks as she shakes his hand. "It was nothing compared to the kindness you've shown me these last few days," he replies. "Look after yourself," he adds before squatting down next to Laika. "You look after her too," he says to the wolf.

Laika tilts his head for a moment before enthousiastically trying to lick Adun's face.

The overcast day draws on with rumors of the protest on most Kintargan's hushed lips. As it comes to a close and night falls on the city you all finish your preparations and approach the alley behind the Long Roads Coffeehouse.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Reynard walks past Long Roads coffeehouse, seeing nothing unusual. He looks around for the others.

Having made her home north of the Yolubilis River, The Blue Thorn appears just after curfew. She's been on patrol in The Villegre tonight, and apparently not alone. The Thorn approached the Long Roads Coffeehouse confidently, accompanied by another.

The Blue Thorn steps boldly out of a nearby alleyway in front of the coffeehouse. A tall elf in blues, greys and whites, a brown whip is wrapped across her torso and another green whip with a dagger hangs at her side. She carries a well-made wooden shield decorated with white rose.

Is this the night of the protest? I thought we'd be waiting for spells to come back before we went to the Livery

Did Darius ignore Carl, or did his player just miss the scene I was trying to initiate? I'm not sure how to address it going forward. :)

I missed it! Sorry. That said, I (the player) am not sure what you're going for either. There's the trait about the bell tolling being irregular, but not sure what to do with that.

No worries! Assuming Darius responds with confusion, Carl will elaborate.

Carl looks disappointed, and peers about to make sure no one can overhear him before explaining. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Motalis, but during the riot I saw you perform a magic spell very similar to one that I learned from my secret society. I may have mentioned before? The Shadow Parliament?" He pauses to give Darius another chance to reveal his secret allegiance (and of course Darius doesn't), and then he sighs. "I hoped that perhaps you were more of a stickler for the rules than I am, and were just being careful. But does this mean that you have mastered the arcane arts on your own, without a ceremonial ritual to empower you? I should like very much to hear more, good sir, and to shake your hand. Perhaps one day we could study each other's grimoires, compare our casting techniques and understanding of magical theory?"

Spells are all replenished. I failed to convey it is a day after the protests as well.

Darius was quite confused by Carl's attempted implications. Whatever he was a part of definitely kept secrets well.

"Despite our different origins it does appear our magic is similar.

"We can certainly share any magic we come by. It will be a large help. For now, my book is quite limited."

Goblins keep eating the servers when I try to edit my profile. A nights care should have given me back 2 HP, Putting Agnes on 8 HP total.

With darkness setting in, Agnes prepares for the nights activities. She spikes Laika's fur with some grease mixed with charcoal so his coat looks completely different.

She dresses up in matching blacks and grays herself and puts on her wolf mask. She takes care to strap her lance to the side of the saddle.

Keeping to the back alleys, The Pack approaches the Long Roads coffeehouse.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Seeing the Blue Thorn out so bold, The Pack feels uncomfortable. It doesnt sit right, being out in the open like that. The Pack waves from an alley, trying to get the Blue Thorn's attention.

It's a long walk from Redroof to the coffeehouse, particularly taking a circuitous route to avoid being tailed and keeping to the shadows to avoid being seen. Not yet used to his featureless white mask or his long grey hooded cloak, Adun is reassured by the weight of the gauntlets on his hands.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

He spots who he assumes to be Blue Thorn standing confidently in the street. Emboldened Adun steps out to meet her. "This isn't as uncomfortable as I feared," he says quietly, looking around for signs of the other members of their little group.

Darius prepared his disguise before heading out. He'd never worked North of the Yolubilis as the Fiend before.

He kept his cloak up and stuck to the dark alleys, relying on his darkvision to keep him away from human eyes.

When he gets to the alley, he sees a group congregating. While he does not recognize the group, he assumes these are his allies. In the interest of caution, he tries to stay back a little, perhaps overhear some conversation to verify.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Joined by The Pale Knight, and seeing The Pack is nearby, The Blue Thorn grouped the four of them up into an alley. It took all her willpower to not immidiately gush over her canine friend. Even as they hid, the rest of their group should be able to spot them grouped up.

"What do you think?" Blue Thorn whispered to Agnes, tugging on the cowl Adun was modeling for her. "I think he looks good in white."

Carl carefully makes his way to the coffeehouse. Fortunately, his allies have already seen his alternate identity, and he has seen enough of the others that he feels fairly confident he is in the right place. "Greetings again my friends," he says hesitantly with a slightly deeper voice from the shadowy depths of his cowl.

Agnes let Laika quickly lick the Rose's hand, before reigning him back in. They were here for serious buisness, and she needed the wolf focused.

"I'm happy to see you all, altough I am truthfully nervous about the whole affair. But you've done good work. He looks dashing."

Carl approaches Laika hesitantly, his gloved hand extended palm up so the wolf can recognize his scent from before. "Your animal friend is quite an exquisite specimen," he says admiringly. "Truly, everyone has such fine disguises, I am impressed. Why, one would hardly recognize us!"

"I'm still not sure about being disguised," Adun mutters apprehensively. "I feel like we're sticking out somewhat here."

The Fiend comes out from behind the alley debris he was hiding behind upon recognizing the Shadow and the halfling with a wolf.

"Under the cover of night, I doubt we'll draw too much attention, but other times, that's exactly what we want. Sticking out; giving the citizens a symbol is the way to raise their spirits for the rebellion we're trying to start."

A man in a dark hooded cloak appears in the alley and approaches you all. ”Everyone has made it. Good, I was afraid some would reconsider, thinking the risk too high.” The voice is unmistakably Rexus’, and after looking you all over he continues, ”We should go unseen if we stick to the alley’s and small streets. Follow me.”

The cloaked Rexus then slinks off into the night, wasting no time. Weaving through seldom used passages and darting across the larger thoroughfares. Only once does he stop and press himself against a wall, holding his hand up to signal back to you. Moments later three Dottari amble by, murmuring about the riot and bragging about the shots they got in on the protesters. Continuing on, you all make your way deep into the Redroof neighborhood near the river.

Rexus scurries up to a row of crates forty feet from an aged stable that leans slightly to one side, its roof precariously propped up by aged wooden walls. He stops here to catch his breath and waits for you. ”This is it, the Fair Fortune Livery.”

Blue Thorn takes careful note of Rexus' back-alley path from the Villagree to Red Roof, paying special attention to how he crosses the Youbilis without drawing the attention of the guards. Since almost all her new friends lived south of the river, The Thorn might be making use of these directions in the future. When they reach the Livery, The Blue Thorn takes the whip-dagger from her waist.

"Allright, I believe the Pale Knight is our best bet to lead a breach, along with The Pack," the Thorn whispers, jumping right into handing out orders. "Fiend, Nightmare Beast. You two are the most quiet, and I believe The Beast can see in the dark. Can you two circle the perimeter, and come back here? I'd prefer a door that doesn't face the street."

The Pack carefully follows along, making sure to stick to the shadows. She is impressed how a motley crew as their party manages to remain unseen.

"Woah woah slow down Blue Thorn, woudlnt it be best to check if there is an unseen way in first? Leading a breach, well, that may need to happen if it needs to happen. But I prefer a bit of subtlety first."

"Of course..did I say that backwards? We want to check the building first, before we go in."

The Fiend nods at Blue Thorn. "Certainly not a bad idea. I'll do a quick pass around the building and look for any other entrances."

Heading around the building, he searches for a suitable opening by which to enter the building more discreetly.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The Beast nods from the group's rear. "Can do." Then he circles the building, doing his best to stay quite. While h does, he looks for other doors.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Hmm. Better at sneaking than seeing, I suppose.

Adun could see his family's business - what should have been his business - just a few doors further up the road. The name had already been stripped from the broad frontage, replaced by the unholy star of Asmodeus. They'll pay for what they did to me, he thinks, his hands tightening in his gauntlets.

He keeps watch while Beast and Fiend look for a way into the livery.

"I think you did Rose... But not to worry. I'm nervous too."

Agnes nudges Laika a bit forward so that the wolf can rub up to the Rose.

Fiend Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
The Fiend and Nightmare Beast silently leave the group.

The two then return to the group.

A map is up for visualization.

The Fiend returns to report his findings.

"There are two possible methods of entry. There's an eroded wall in the alley on the right" he said gesturing to the right side of the building as the group faces it, "and another door, seemingly unimpeded in the back. I'd vote for the back path as it should have the least visibility from the street."

”Agreed.” the beast says, nodding.

"Good host, do you have any idea what we will find inside?" Carl asks Rexus quietly.

"Great work you two!" Blue Thorn is bossy, but not shy with praise.

"OK, let's pair up. Fiend and Nightmare Beast are the sneak team. For now, you're going in first. Pale Knight and I are muscle team, we'll come in behind you. Pack and Shadow are support team, you two will pull up the rear. If a fight breaks out, I will drop back next to the Silver Shadow while the Pack rides around."

"Sound good to everyone?" Blue Thorn may be pushy, but she is open to suggestions.

Rexus shrugs to the Silver Shadow, "Just the rumor of the Silver Raven hideout below. Blue Thorn, what team am I with? Or were you wanting me to keep watch out here?"

"You're the most important team...the lookout," Thorn is hesitant to bring the man along, but that doesn't mean he can't be helpful.

"If dotari come, or something worse, we need to know if our escape route is compromised. Let us make sure the floor is clear, and we'll signal you to join us. Do you have a way to signal us if you need to?"

"Dammit. I should have brought the wolf whistle. Great silent alarm."

"Let's get on with it then," Adun says, impatient to get off the street but glad that Blue Thorn has already come up with a plan.

Looks good to me.

Oh, can we assign Rexus and Laria to be recruiters too?

I believe you can not, but if I see something otherwise I'll mention it.

What's the rebellion's current focus? Secrecy, Loyalty, or Security?

Phase 1—Upkeep Phase:
Roll to determine supporter attrition. You lose additional supporters if your Notoriety score is 100 or your rebellion treasury is below its minimum.

All spoilers are public for Rebellions rolls, just an organization thing. Let me know if something looks off! Rebellion sheet has been updated for these results.

I believe Loyalty is our current focus, right? It sounded like recruiting folks was our primary concern.

The Player's Guide says "certain important NPC allies can serve as officers as well. Your GM has information on these NPCs." There are six of us serving as officers, though, so it's not like we're missing out on any expected benefits, right?

As far as the treasury goes, we could say half of our loot is deposited and the other half is divided equally among us? Does that seem fair?

You can't change focus once you pick one.

It does sound like the group wants a Loyalty or Security based rebellion. Depends on how much we want to "take the fight to Thrune" so to speak.

I think Secrecy should be our focus, in keeping with our secret identity theme

updated the loot sheet (link) with values for weapons and armor. Brianna plans to appraise and sell those things we dont want. I'm sure someone else can handle the appraisal/sale of the other items of value. Can dole out some cash and fund the Rebellion once we have values

Proposed Kept Items: whip +1, dardevil boots, mwk silver morningstar, silver raven figures, mwk leather, composite shortbow

I propose adding 50 gp for the first week Rebellion week. i propose adding either fixed amounts, or no more than 1/6 of the share, instead of 50%

I prefer the idea of a Secrecy rebellion, but it didn't seem the direction we were heading.

The Fiend might be able to make decent use of the boots if nobody else was particularly inclined. But selling them for gold is also welcome

I like Secrecy. As the Thorn says, it fits with the All-Vigilante theme.

That's 3 for Secrecy, any passionate objections?

No, Secrecy's fine with me.

I'm happy with Secrecy.

I'd quite like the daredevil boots, they'd help me move around in combat a lot. Otherwise there's not much loot from the pile I'd want.

As for loot division, we should probably put into the treasury enough that we've got a bit of breathing room above the minimum required. We don't want too much money sitting around hampering our purchasing power.

Secrecy does fit our vigilante team the best.

I like being recruiter. No one expects the cute halfling ;)

Cool cool, change has been made. The old outcomes aren't changed by this detail so the prior rebellion phases stand. I'll put together a flavorful post on that happened this week in rebellion as everyone sorts out their downtime and the loot.

The Fiend could make use of those boots, if nobody else wants them.

Things seem to have slowed down somewhat over the last couple of weeks. Is everyone still here? Is everything OK GM?

I'm still here. I guess I was waiting for the GM to let us know if I rejoin the party without incident.

Ditto, I'm around!

Still here.

I’m here!

I'm also here

I am so so sorry for the past few months everyone! I have had some big changes to my responsibilities at work this Fall and my routine and free time are completely shot. It kills me because I really love this game and where it is going, but I don't feel confident in my near future and being able to post regularly enough.

I have a couple thoughts. We can
1) continue at a very dramatically slow pace
2) put this on pause and see what changes in the next month or so
3) call it
4) see if a GM would be interested in picking up the reigns

I don't personally have a preference nor would I be offended if you all wanted to shop for a new GM. I really just want to do right by all of you and ultimately express that the recent lack of attention is not through any malice or ill-will, but crummy life circumstances.

We've already progressed quite a bit and I think we've got a good party going.
Putting it on hold, and see how life goes after the added stress of the holidays have passed appeals to me. Attendance drops with the holidays anyway.
Slow posting just demoralizes. If we put it on pause untill the new year, we all have something to look forward to.

I think 2) or 4) are the best options. 3) I’d prefer to avoid but it’s probably still superior to 1), honestly.

I'm in agreement with Reynard and Agnes. 2 and 4 are the best options, but I'm happy to wait until the new year and see if circumstances are better come January.

Hope things pick up for you GM. For what it's worth, this is a great game and I'm having an awesome time.

I’m willing to wait however long it takes. I’m enjoying the game, despite the slow pace. :)

Perhaps the unpopular opinion, but option 2 seems just a slow wait until option 3 comes up. Option 1 does not sound as appealing to me as to some others. I must cast my vote for 3 or 4.

That said, I do not plan to quit if the group decides on option 1 or 2.

I feel more similarly to Brianna. I'm loving this game, but the long wait really breaks my immersion, and by extension my enjoyment, of the game. So 3 and 4 are how I'm leaning.

I won't quit if people want to keep playing, though.

Merry Christmas to all.

I'll be at the in-laws until Dec 30th with only my phone, so apologies if my posting is spotty. Normal service will resume ASAP.

Merry christmas!

Any movement on a restart at all?

We’d need to recruit a new GM. Our old one hasn’t been on the site in two months.

I know Brianna and I were fine calling it. I don't think there's the history here to justify pulling in a GM to salvage this run. I like Darius and his backstory, but I hardly had the time to become invested.

It sucks when games fall apart, but it's just part of the PBP life.

I really liked the game, but I wonder if a GM would be up for taking over this weird idea of an all vigilante game.

It's not that strange a concept, and all of us were pretty diverse. I dunno, I mean, we could ask? I'd love to keep playing it if someone is interested in taking it over.

I don't think there's any harm in asking. There's a lot of prep work already done, we've all got good backstories tied into the campaign, and we're not enormously advanced.

I don't think it'd be too hard for new GM to step in.

If someone wants to adopt us, I'm all for continuing :)