You are all redidents of the city of Kintaro
A large city close to the northern border of Cheliax. The city of Kintargo straddles the northeastern shore of the Yolubilis River and a large island named Argo that sits in the river’s mouth. While the Yolubilis provides for Kintargo’s economy by floating ships and turning waterwheels, the city sits downriver from various clay deposits, farms, mines, salt springs, and smelters. Sediments in the water give it a characteristic silvery shine when the sun strikes it at dawn and dusk. This, combined with the prodigious run of silver salmon that use the river every year to spawn and the use of silverflecked stone in many of the public buildings’ facades, has given the settlement its most common nickname— the Silver City. Kintargo’s independent spirit is founded in its selfsustaining economy. The Yolubilis River provides ample eels and freshwater trout in addition to the silver salmon run, while the cold, deep waters of Nisroch Bay teem with cod, shellfish, and tuna. In the foothills of the Menador Mountains, quarries yield granite and the city’s iconic silver-flecked stone, while actual silver mines produce the bulk of the precious metal exported from the city.
Until recently, Kintargo was ruled by Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus, an outspoken voice against House Thrune who was a master of walking the edge between Chelish loyalty and blatant rebellion. But two weeks ago the Lord-Mayor mysteriously vanished and just today a new Lord-Mayor has arrived to take her place. Barzillai Thrune is the lord-mayor now and folks are not happy about it. The fact that his appointment is official, handed down from Queen Abrogail II herself, does little to silence the mutters of discontent over his sudden claim over the city.
"I am Kintargo’s lord-mayor, yet Kintargo is not my city. Nor is it Cheliax’s city. Kintargo belongs to no one person, but to all who live here and make it the greatest city in Cheliax. We call it the Silver City not only for the gleaming waters of the Yolubilis, but for its purity. Kintargo is unique in the nation of Cheliax in this way. We are not the nation’s largest city, nor its strongest. We may not have Westcrown’s history, Ostenso’s naval superiority, Corentyn’s trade dominance, or Egorian’s power, but nor do we have Westcrown’s decay, Ostenso’s violence, Corentyn’s slaves, or Egorian’s damnations. Kintargo is our own, and as Cayden Cailean is my witness, I intend to do all that I can to ensure our silver shall never tarnish under Thrune’s rotten touch!"
—Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus, giving a speech two days before she vanished
Yesterday soldiers went around town posting flyers and announcing a gathering in the courtyard today at high sun (around 2 pm). The announcement goes on to say the new high lord will be giving a speech and announcing some new laws will will take effect immediately and it is highly recommended that all attend.
The announcement is due to begin within the hour and already a large crowd has begun to gather and most of the people here are not happy add some torches and pitchforks and you would have an angry mob.
The Goldman family has been in Kintaro for generations... Before the Death of Aroden many a priest and Paladin bore the Golman surname bringing honor and glory to the name. As such many people may not know who Mordecai is but most have at least heard his family name. Since the rise of House Thrune the family seems to have scattered to the four winds. Many a Goldman serves the new Masters of Cheliax and many seem to be trying to resist the winds of change giving homage not to Asmodeus but to Aroden's successor Iomedae.
Mordecai belongs to another school of thought. A school of thought that has been dying for a long time. Proudly wearing the surcoat of one of his ancestors, displaying the symbol of Aroden, Mordecai fully displays to the good people of Kintaro the fact that he chooses to honor the memory of the "Last Azlantean". Some of the oldest people see this as paying homage to an older time from before Aroden's death. Most of the youngest see it as a bit of a joke. Still the name is a good one and was found on both sides of the succession wars. What's more is Mordecai has shown that he is capable in many different things and had been rising through the ranks of the young nobles seeking to make a name for themselves. With Jilia Ninilus sudden disappearance and strangely timely replacement things are about to change... and Mordecai is as curious as anyone to see how his world is about to unfold.
Mordecai generally dresses in Gold and White a color scheme most of his relatives have replaced with Gold, Red, and black. He has shown himself to be talented in many ways both martial and civic. He carries himself as a soldier and while having no official title thinks of himself as a Noble in the city. Those who know him would know that he's not afraid of a little honest work and has a kind heart... especially to the elderly of the city who will often tell him stories of his Grandfathers daring's and do's.
As the time for the announcement comes closer Mordecai has placed himself on the outskirts of the crowd amongst a handful of town gaurds that he's friendly with. He quietly discusses the polotics of the day with them and tries to give a little encouragement to the men knowing that these changes will effect them more than most.
Three days. Three days since Fin convinced her that Kintaro would be the smartest post for a new Bellflower Tiller.
Freya supposed she couldn't blame him. No one saw Lord-Mayor Bainilus' disappearance and an actual Thrune ruling the city coming. This is exactly what everyone back in Almas warned her would happened. If she went back to Cheliax, she'd get tangled up with the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune.
Still this was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. Her organization may be focused on Halflings but if Kintaro could survive overthrowing a Thrune, it could breathe new life into the Halfling abolition movement. It could also lead to a backlash orchestrated by Hell to oppress people even further.
These doubts and hopes wrestled in Freya's mind as she joined the crowd of protesters. She had illusions about what Barzillai Thrune could do to this crowd but it was just too important to miss.
Turp came late to the gathering crowd, careful not to draw much attention to himself. He couldn't say he was surprised by this turn of events. Only disappointed. After four years of wandering Cheliax, fighting for oppressed tieflings, he thought he had finally found a city where his people could at least be tolerated. Kitargo was even home to the Cloven Hoof Society, a support group for the city's tieflings. Though they were still far from a favorable race, he knew that their relatively cozy life in Kitargo was thanks in no small part to Lord-Mayor Bainilus' and her rebellious nature against House Thrune.
But with a Thrune as the new lord-mayor? He felt a sorrow for his people like he hadn't felt since he was forced to fight other tieflings for sport. And he hadn't even seen the man yet. But he'd read the poster, and wasn't too keen on the ideas of these mysterious "new laws".
The crowd's anger gave him some small comfort. Nobody was happy about this. But how much could that possibly mean in the end?
Anger. The whole town seemed to be seething with it. But none of it compared to the fury emanating from a dark alley on the road to the town square. Some of the more sensitive folk even avoided it. A Thrune was in town.
Tobias watched the masses go by and eventually, when he had his emotions under control, he joined them, headed towards the town square where Barzillai Thrune was going to give a speech. He had just arrived in town after hearing about the change in mayors. And this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. He didn't plan on making a move so soon. He thought about attempting a shot from the crowd and disappearing with them but if he missed, security would be tighter after that. No, he was just going to take a look at his enemy and gauge the man and his retinue. But Tobias was an opportunist as well. If a moment presented itself, he'd take it. He had a long list. Might as well get started today.
Zindra Malru made her way to the courtyard to attend the speech and announcement that the new Lord-Mayor was giving today. While she would rather stay at her grandmothers house a while longer to mourn her loss, it had been strongly recommended that she attend by the powers that be.
Seeing the crowd, she was momentary taken aback. This town was very upset at the turn of events.
Maybe it is a good thing for me to be here today. If anything happens, i might be able to be helpful. Zindra thought to herself.
I wonder how many in this group knew grandmother...Vowing to herself to not cry, she finds a spot off to the side to stand, watch and listen.
Barzillai Thrune throws wide the windows and their curtains to come out onto the balcony. Thrune is an imposing man dressed in red, orange, and black clothing and an ornate breastplate, all emblazoned with the pentagram of Asmodeus and the cross of Cheliax. Middle-aged, with short, dark hair and a diabolical mace at his hip.
There is a silence as the new lord-mayor of kintaro comes out onto the balcony and looks down to the crowd with a condescending sneer hold a goblet in his hand. He clears his troath and gives the following short speech.
"Ah, my adoring little chickadees. I am sorry to say I have not yet adapted to your quaint, country ways, being accustomed as I am to the sophistication and learning of Egorian. Nonetheless, know I have heard your concerns, and that I appreciate your feedback, and I know we
shall eventually find a mutual understanding in the fullness of time. I take pride in updating Kintargo’s quaint, outdated laws to the modern standards the city deserves, and strengthening its ties with the empire in these cruel times, without further ado here are the new proclamations." He begins listing the new laws.
Proclamation the First: All slayers of city pests (hereby defined as doves, mice, and ravens) who present said pests to the dottari shall be rewarded with a bounty of 1 copper piece.
Proclamation the Second: All places of public business must display in a position of prominence within the first room accessible from the building’s primary entrance a portrait of Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II. Said portrait must measure no less than 11 by 17 inches. affordable portraits available for sale to the public at a customer-friendly price of 10 gp each at the local administration office. If the guards learn a business is ignoring this proclamation, they issue a writ giving the business owner 1 week to correct the error—each week that the error goes uncorrected, the owner is fined 20 gp. Failure to pay more than 4 weeks in a row results in the business being seized by the government.
Proclamation the Third: Anyone who captures, alive and unharmed, a feral dog of a weight exceeding 50 pounds is to be rewarded with a payment of 2 silver pieces upon transfer of the dog to the dottari. Such noble guardian creatures should find homes worthy of their kind!
Proclamation the Fourth: The right to wear fine embroidered clothing in public is hereafter proscribed to anyone other than agents of House Thrune or the Holy Church of Asmodeus. Exceptions can be awarded or purchased at the city’s discretion.
Anyone caught wearing fine embroidered clothing must turn over the clothing to the government and pay a fine equal to 10% the clothing’s market value; failure to do so results in the clothing being impounded and the dissident being imprisoned in a guard tower for a few days before being released.
Proclamation the Fifth: Grain is life! Should grain be spilled in public, it must be gathered, cleaned, and repackaged within the hour. Any person who allows grain to go ungathered after a spillage shall be fined 1 copper piece per grain. Failure to pay results in a few days of incarceration in a guard tower.
Proclamation the Sixth: The imbibing of night tea brings a dangerous imbalance to the slumbering mind. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise, the taking of tea is proscribed. Anyone caught drinking tea after curfew is fined 10 gp; failure to pay the fine results in days of incarceration in a guard tower.
Proclamation the Seventh: The odor and flavor of mint is an abomination to the refined palate. Be not the cretin! Mint use in candies, drinks, and all manner of confections is hereby proscribed. Being caught with mint candies, confections, or drinks incurs a 20 gp fine; failure to pay the fine results in a few days of incarceration in a guard tower. Mint consumed or used in other forms is not illegal.
Proclamation the Eighth: All non-native ships’ captains must remain on board their ships and are barred from setting foot on land within Kintargo’s city limits—their crew and agents are free to come and go, but their actions are directly the responsibility of their captains, and any crew caught breaking Kintargan law shall have its punishment visited upon the crew members as well as their captain. Any captain caught setting foot in Kintargo is to be punished by...let say...squassation! (squassation is a form of torture in which the victim’s hands are tied together and raised above the head; the victim is then hung from the hands while a weight is suspended from the feet, causing intense pain to the arms and legs.)
Thrune’s eighth proclamation is the first to specifically issue a form of torture as punishment rather than just imprisonment or a fine and the crowd is outraged and there quite a few angry shouts.
Shaking her head at such proclamations, Zindra is just as outraged as those around her are.
No tea at night? In my own home? she mutters.
Bah, these are just outlandish laws! Her voice rose a tad that time.
Like so many others here Mordecai's first thoughts are as to how the new proclamations will effect him personally...
Proclamation the Fourth: The right to wear fine embroidered clothing in public is hereafter proscribed to anyone other than agents of House Thrune or the Holy Church of Asmodeus. Exceptions can be awarded or purchased at the city’s discretion.
I wonder how much they are going to want to charge me to wear my Grandfathers Tabard?
Then he hears the occasional shouts from the crowd and realizes what some of the other implications of these rules will be.
Leaning over towards one of the Guards who he has known for years Don't worry Myles I'm sure Thrune and his lackeys will buy enough fineries to keep your parents tailor shop in business. Besides allot of high lords and ladies are going to suddenly be in the market for whole new wardrobes of "less costly" clothes.
Proclamation the Eighth: All non-native ships’ captains must remain on board their ships and are barred from setting foot on land within Kintargo’s city limits—their crew and agents are free to come and go, but their actions are directly the responsibility of their captains, and any crew caught breaking Kintargan law shall have its punishment visited upon the crew members as well as their captain. Any captain caught setting foot in Kintargo is to be punished by...let say...squassation!
Well that's just going to put a real damper into the import and export of any goods for this city. I think our new Lord-Mayor just made allot of enemies inside of the "Court of Coins." I wonder if he realizes that?
The economic implications of the proclamations were lost on Tobias. The only thing that mattered was there effects on his ability change govenorship yet again. It was good thing disguise was not his preferred method because clothes would now be hard to acquire. They seemed to be stocking up large dogs which meant he'd likely have to face them. So some tanglefoot bags or treats to bribe. Depended on the training. He hated having to kill dogs he wasn't aware the owner had. Offering to by pictures could get him some solid info. Beyond those, the rest seemed just weird. More ways to tax the people, and tax them heavily. 10gp was a lot even to a general store owner.
But that was how Thrune worked. First came the weird rules that would harm few people, but they would get progressively worse as time moved forward. He was sure of that. But that might take weeks he could take his time. Tobias begins to leave the crowd before things got rowdy. He didn't want to be caught in the mess if they started to riot. Or did he? He momentarily thought about saying some things to get them riled up but with out a plan to take advantage of it, there would be no point. Instead he makes his way to the most likely exit for the new mayor in case things did become strained. Maybe he could he could intercept him. A quick in and out.
"Torture, Thrune? I should have guessed it." Freya looked down on the crowd from the second-story balcony of the inn she was staying in. "Wait did he ban birth control? F#+& him, I'm not getting pregnant just because he's an ass."
It doesn't take long before someone throws a rotten tomato at the new lord-mayor. The throw falls short but splashes on the balcony next to him.
With his wardrobe and dignity endangered, the lord-mayor’s demeanor shifts from amused to enraged.
"Enough this gathering is over! Nox, run them off, arrest them or kill them I don't care which!" that said the lord mayor returns into his office.
Down below a female warrior accompanied by a group of dottari guards move into the crowd bludgeoning anyone who gets close. The crowd tries to move away from them but they are to tightly packed.
A few decide to fight back and attack, someone in the audience manages a lucky throw with a dagger on the woman. The knife sticking into her throat. With a snarl she yanks it out and throws it on the ground and the wound seems to instantly heal.
Turp scoffed at the new laws. There was nothing pertaining to him specifically (though the fact that they were interested in collecting large dogs had him worried), but that didn't make them any less ludicrous, or make the situation any less shady.
He laughed when the tomato was thrown, but his laugh left him as soon as the woman and her guards made their way towards the crowd. He rested one hand on the hilt of his scimitar, just in case things got too out of hand.
I don't want to bring too much attention to myself, lest I be seen as a representative of my race, he thought, but I have to be ready.
Mordecai looked off to his left at two teenagers looking excited... both holding produce.
Get out of here you idiots... People are about to die.
Standing just outside the crowd he could tell that those furthest out weren't even aware of the ensuing melee in the center of the mass of people. Already aware of just how much he was going to hate the rule of this new Thrune, Mordecai runs upto the last row of civilians and bodily grabs the closest person an elderly man. Trying to be semigentle and forceful at the same time he pulls the man out of the crowd and gently pushes him on his way.
PEOPLE! THE LORD-MAYOR HAS ORDERED US OUT OF THE TOWN SQUARE. LETS GET MOVING BEFORE WOMEN AND CHILDREN GET HURT HERE!!!
hoping he's loud enough to be heard by at least some of the onlookers.
Mordecai could tell that his actions would be like pouring a single bucket of water onto a raging house fire... But he felt like doing too little would be better than doing nothing.
Tobias is happy to have stuck around long enough to witness that little trick. The female was hit in a vital spot and seemed to heal instantly from it. Powerful magic or she wasn't what she appeared. And that throw? That was more than luck. Tobias makes for the most likely escape route looking for anyone with suspicious or with something to hide. If someone was trying to kill the new mayor's guards, he wanted to know who.
Tobias notices at least five members of the crowd wearing similar cloaks who appear to be moving with purpose. One just slipped past the guards to sneak into the basement window of the Opera houses serving as the Lord mayors office while the other 4 are moving into a nearby alley vacating the area. You did find it odd how it escalated so quickly. Perhaps someone was there in order to trigger this riot after-all.
The crowd is quickly dispersing leaving the area. A few folks are unconscious in the crowd and at least one is probably dead.
The woman, most likely Nox suddenly takes of and runs into the opera house leaving the rest of the guards to their work.
"No!" Freya cries at the death in the crowd. "I have to do something." She was more grateful then that she ran at speeds quickly than most of her race than she ever was before. She ran down to the crowd below to see if there was anything she could to prevent anymore deaths.
Most of the guards are standing by on the edges simply guiding the crowd out but the four that were with the woman Nox seem to be taking great pleasure in attacking the crowd at random.
Zindra grinned as the tomato splashed on the balcony next to the new Lord-Mayor. Sevrves him right, Zindra thought to herself.
Then she saw his face contort in anger and she knew there would be trouble.
Still, she could not fully comprehend him actually ordering his guards to dispense of the crowd; by any means.
He did not just okay his guard to kill people, did he? she asked aloud to noone in particular.
Zindra watches as people are knocked around, by the guards and others running from them. When she sees a woman fall and not get up, Zindra rushes towards her while keeping an eye on the guards. She does what she can and moves to the next injured person. She can be heard asking her goddess for assistance.
Zindra gets there as fast as she can but the woman is already dead.
The four men stop and look to Zindra and Bjorn.
"Ere we go lads looks like we managed to draw out some of them dissidents we were warned about. Lets bring' em in barely alive like Nox said."
Bjorn and Zindra and anyone else getting involve can roll initiative.
Relieved that the crowd is finally starting to get out of the square Mordecai sees the injured people in the square as well as what looks like people squaring off against the four guards who so readily chopped down the unarmed populous of his home.
There's been enough blood shed to day! I have to at least try and keep anyone else from getting hurt... Guard or Civilian.
"They're not alive at all, you d&#@#eads!" Freya screams as she readies her spells.
Sirs, I am not a dissident. I am a healer. I rushed out to help when I saw this lady fall and not get back up. I had to see if I could help her and anyone else that needed to be healed. We do not want anymore bloodshed. Implores Zindra.
She shakes her head sadly when she sees her words had no effect. Then we fight.
Turp draws his scimitar, ready to join the so-called dissidents and avenge the dead innocents. Such violence towards the people is not welcome in Kintargo!
I have mentioned them a few times but you may not know what Dottari are. Your characters however would likely know this.
The guards and wardens of the city of Westcrown are known as dottari. They all wear the "Aroden's Eye" which is the city's mark. The "Aroden's Eye" is stenciled in black over a red field on a shield or tabard. Dottari officers wear the mark reversed (red on black field) on their left arms. The officers' rank is indicated from the exact position of the mark. Lesser officers have the mark on the shoulder, higher officers on the forearm, the "duxotar" or warden-major in command of the guards who answer only to the mayor, has the mark on a ring. Dottari always travel in squads of seven - six soldiers and one lieutenant.
These Dottari are guards who came with the new lord-mayor and they serve as elite guards who are more loyal than the official city guard who retain their position but are considered lower rank than the new "Dottari elites" the exact number of these guards that came with the new lord mayor is unknown.
Freya is up first then the Dottari guardsmen.
Tobias manages to sneak into the Opera house unnoticed as well. The window leads into a basement that is dark and dusty and for the moment there doesn't seem to be anyone around.
Tobias quickly shifts into a nearby shadow and waits for a moment to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. When things become clearer he makes his way through the basement and towards the stairs. Instinct told him whoever he saw had the same idea he did and was making their way to the governor. If not, well that didn't really matter. If they were breaking in now that meant this was likely his best chance before coming up with his own plan. As he slinks through the shadows he keeps an eye out for guards and the other assassin.
Freya stays back and moves her arms in a pattern strange even to wizards. Her hands glow white as a missile of ice bursts forth to attack a guard.
Turp rushes past the fleeing crowd. No time to cast a spell, he swings his scimitar at the nearest guard.
Freya misses her mark and the guards go on the offensive. Two of them charge Bjorn while the other two go after Freya swinging spiked clubs.
Turp rushes one guard attacking Freya and stabs him.
Tobias moves forward quickly and hears the sound of battle up ahead. He comes up to a large display room were the mysterious cloaked figure is doing battle with the woman called Nox.
They are both landings hits but the woman Nox is healing all her wounds almost instantly so the eventual winner is clear.
Tch...Even poison has no effect..." says the cloaked figure
"Poison? Ha! Your going to have to do a lot better than that." replies Nox
Everyone else can post in any order
Tobias attempts to time his movements with the clash of steal and sneak by.
Mordecai has never opposed the guards before. Then again he has never seen guards wading into unarmed civilians attacking people at random. These guards that came with Thrune are a different Breed.
You lads take a little too much joy in the harming of the innocent and defenseless. I would rather you put down your weapons so we could all treat the injured... but I can't let you continue in your sport.
Mordecai draws his short sword and light mace while moving to attack one of the guards that is engaged with Bjorn.
Zindra draws her scimitar and attacks the closest guard to her.
"You bastards! Hitting an adorable girl like me. You should be ashamed of yourselves!"
Missing Turpilius Lucretius
Turp makes some arcane gestures with his free hand, and once again swings his weapon, now magically charged, at the guard.
Freya stomps the ground and sends the thug flying to the ground.
Enemy round:
"Just a healer my arse!" snarls a guard as Freya stabs him in the ribs
He turns around and swings his club at her
The other takes another swing at Bjorn
The other turns and swing at Turp who stabbed him.
The other picks himself off the ground.
"I'm gonna get you for that you little witch!" he says
Your go again.
Mordecai continues to press his attack on the guards trying to step around them to get a flank. Flank bonuses not included:
I am a healer but that does not mean I can not defend myself! Zindra yells out as the guards club slams into her side. She draws her sword up to attack him but instead steps back. Looking over at the Halfling , she reaches out and touches her. Let Sarenrae bless you.
against fear effects, plus temporary hit points equal to 1d8 + caster
level
Actions so far:
Freya (initiative 26)
1st round ice missile (miss)
2nd round Thunderstomp (trip success on Goon 4)
Dottari (initiative 19)
1st round 2 attack Freya, 2 attack Bjorn
2nd round attack zindra, attack Bjorn, attack turp, gets up
Bjorn (initiative 13)
1st round uses inspiring Prowess
2nd round attacks guy that attacked him (2 hits 12 damage on Goon 1))
Turpilus (initiative 9)
1st round attacked with scimitar (hit 8 damage on Goon 3)
2nd round Cast shocking grasp on weapon and swings but misses twice ( goon 3 target)
Zindra (initiative 6)
1st round attacks with scimitar (5 damage goon 2)
2nd round Cast aid on Freya
Mordecai (initiative 5)
1st round attacks with short sword hit (7 damage goon 1)
2nd round attacks twice but misses (2 miss on Goon 1)
Start round 3:
Goon 1 fighting Bjorn and Mordecai (17 damage badly bloodied, barely standing)
Goon 2 Turned to fight Zindra is next to goon 1 and Bjorn (5 damage not badly hurt)
Goon 3 (8 damage fighting turp next to Goon 4 who was prone)
Goon 4 (0 damage unhurt, standing next to Goon 3 and Turp)
Freya is up then goons and then everyone else. Go ahead an post actions early.
Goons have ac 17
Tobias tried to sneak past but there is no cover between him and the stairs he would surely be spotted. He hears the woman Nox gloat as her opponent slumps to the ground from a likely fatal blow.
"Too easy...The inquisitor was right we will quickly find all the Silver Ravens and purge them. Looks like they are still fighting in the square...." she grins "I better go release the hellhound."
She leaves heading for the stairs. you notice that her opponent is actually still alive but is bleeding to death.