Hell's Rebels AP - Down with Thrune!

Game Master GM Red

Pádraig Henry considers the early stages of the plan as it's taking shape.

"Yeah, I almost forgot about Nox. That's a problem, for sure." He nods at Geoffrey's reminder.

"We go in disguise, early enough to scope the area and view the preparations. I'll cast message on all of us, to improve our communications."

"But if it's settled, that we've decided to go, then what's our objective, our goal? What do we hope to gain by this gambit?"

"In disguise, we might have a chance to learn something from the Thrune himself or from the other 'honored guests' the Lord-Mayor invites to the luncheon. But that's risky, if anyone sees through our disguises."

"Doesn't sound like any of us are willing to go before the Lord-Mayor and reveal ourselves as the Silver Ravens."

"And if it all goes to hell, we need a plan to get out of there in a hurry. A distraction significant enough to call away some of the Lord-Mayor's security forces would help. Some of our allies could handle that, I think." The halfling looks at the faerie dragon with a smile.

"An impromptu performance?" Issil shrugs. "A simple dance and song to cheer up the crowd will go a long way."

Frustrated by the nonchalant shrugs from Victor and Issil, Pádraig Henry throws up his small hands and arms in defeat.

"All right," he sighs. "Perhaps the Lord-Mayor is sincere and only wants to reward us for our good deeds."

"Let me know how it goes." The bard walks away before he loses his temper.

To distract himself from his worries and concerns, he looks for Rexus.

"Learned anything new from your studies?"

Pádraig Henry finds Rexus standing in the room where the party had fought the skum leader, casting spells as Morvena watches. A lantern floats behind him as he runs around the cave. "This one is called Dancing Lantern. When magic flows through your blood, a spellbook becomes but a simple tool to aid in honing it. You can cast it - and any other spell appropriate to your skill level - several times a day if you study it the way I do. Give it a try."

Rexus turns back to see Pádraig walk in. He turns and smiles at the halfling. "Ah, no more about the Silver Ravens' history, I'm afraid. But I have been speaking with Hetamon, and he's suggested we, as an organized group, begin holding a weekly meeting to discuss future tactics and concerns. A Silver Council, if you will."

"Octavio suggests it may not be best to hold it at the Lucky Bones, but rather alternate the meeting between a different venue each week. Keep Thrune's agents from learning about it."

Rexus snaps his finger to dismiss the lantern. "But for today, what have you decided as far as Thrune's invitation goes?"

"Some of us are worried it's a trap, Rexus," Pádraig Henry says, watching Morvena learning her new skills.

"I don't want to risk attending the Lord-Mayor's luncheon, unless there's something that's worth that risk."

"The Silver Ravens are a small but growing resistance movement. They're brave and loyal. We shouldn't take advantage of their bravery or needlessly exploit their loyalty to achieve an aim that we can't clearly articulate."

"A Silver Council sounds like a good idea, and meeting away from here, never at the same location, is a wise precaution. Is there time to hold one this morning, before the luncheon?"

"Oh don't get all crabby Padraig. I know its hot out but geez." He slides the Halfling a glass of cool water with a crooked smile before taking a seat.

"Your council idea sounds good. We can talk about this with management. Before that happens though we should see what we can't find out about what Thrune plans for this meeting and check the locale out the morning of the event so we can't caught we our pants around our ankles."

Geoffrey looks up as Padraig interrupts the training Morvena was receiving. While usually he enjoyed spending time with his charge watching spell-casting taking place was, to be honest, quite boring.

"I agree with you Padriag. I fail to see the benefit in walking into this...situation. Still," he glances back to Morvena, "whatever Morv advises I will follow along."

"Pants, huh?" Issil laughs. "Sure.. Make a council, then find out Thrune's actual plan. Is he trying to scan for us, or maybe he'll try to doghouse someone and see who comes to their aid."

Eager to take a break from her studies for a change, Morvena considers the options and their ramifications.

"Yes, the council is a fine idea no matter what," she nods. "As for this meeting with Thrune...I think there are two things we must consider. The first is that it almost certainly is some manner of trap. At the very least we are likely to be arrested for vigilantism in relation to the death of Wex," she points out. "I am sure that the current laws of the city forbid such measures being taken by anyone that is not the dottari or an agent appointed by Thrune himself. That being said..."

Morvena pauses, trying to consider how to phrase her second point - for she could see and understand the viewpoints of Geoffrey and Padraig but also those of Issil and Victor.

"...I believe we must also consider that the people of Kintargo are beginning to look to us to champion the cause of the common man. Putting in some manner of appearance at this event would, most likely, greatly bolster morale of those that support us for it would show that we are not afraid and not inclined to back down from a challenge so easily."

She looks around at her companions, including Rexus. "The question then becomes this: would this bolstering of morale be worth the risk of attending? I...I am almost inclined to say that it does, though doing so does not mean I advise throwing caution to the wind."

"Well, I'm not opposed to attending, provided we've taken the time to don the most effective disguises possible. But the decision to reveal ourselves ought to be taken only if we're confident we can escape. We won't know that until we've seen the location and the Lord-Mayor's security."

"It would be wise for one or more of us to remain anonymous. If any of us is captured," Pádraig Henry gestures toward the rogue, "I think Victor, with all of his talents, stands the best chance of getting us out."

He nods in agreement with Morvena's suggestions. "Perhaps a halfling would be less inspiring to the common people of Kintargo than humans would be. I can remain close, providing a bit of 'spontaneous' entertainment for the public gathering, while remaining otherwise anonymous."

The bard points to the faerie dragon. "Invisible, Vendalfek could help recon the area and provide airborne surveillance, alerting us to any Thrune reinforcements or nearby nasty surprises outside our line of sight."

He looks to the rest of the Silver Ravens. "I'm reluctant to jeopardize any of our other followers directly. Indirectly, however, they might be able to instigate a distraction among the other folks that could help any escape attempt. I could lend my own skills to that effort, if it's necessary."

"Most are still here for a quick Silver Council meeting, though Octavio and his armigers had gone home for the night, and said they will not be in attendance at Thrune's meeting for obvious reasons," Rexus shakes his head. "Their Order is still prohibited in Kintargo. It's too risky."

Rexus leads you back to the main room of The Lucky Bones, where the tengu family and Hetamon await. Laria Longroad bounces back down the ladder smelling of fresh baked goods, and begins passing muffins around the table for the first impromptu meeting. "Given the short schedule, we don't have a lot of time to gather the others or find another location for our Council. We'll have to do it here. So! Let's look at what we do know," Hetamon drops the newspaper Laria had brought on the table. "The meeting will be at Aria Park just outside the Kintargo Opera House. The park was where the protest was several weeks ago, when all of this began. I believe you might've been in attendance at that time. It's likely Thrune won't get too close to the crowd. He isn't foolish to think Kintargans all approve of his.. ways."

"This is a strategic play on his part. If word gets out that it was the Silver Ravens that brought Wex to justice - and no doubt the rumors of such are already spreading - then it will force Thrune to recognize us for our service to the city. It could bolster support, as Morvena had mentioned." Hetamon taps on the newspaper.

... And then he nearly falls off his chair as Vendalfek materializes on his shoulder. "Hehe. I heard what you said, halfling, so I had a look at the Park! Lots of those Thrune guards. Rows of chairs being setup. Some people already took the best seats. Nothing too unusual though!"

Rexus raises his hand and speaks up. "We should be getting ready. The invitation said noon, and it's already ten."

"I'm sure I'll see ya'll around at the party. Maybe, maybe not, but I'll be there keeping an eye out." He then goes about helping anyone that needs help with a disguise.

"My Mom taught me quite a bit about making up a good costume and makeup to go along with it. Hold still Geoffrey!" He works hard to trim the man's unruly eyebrows and even pluck a few nose hairs just to drive in some pain on the man.

"The Carnelian Signet will make her appearance tomorrow" Issil grins, applies another layer of makeup and dusts her mask.

"Mm...while I am not nearly as well-versed in the fine art of disguise as some of you are, I believe I can make do with my skills as a harpist and a bit of magical misdirection," Morvena remarks.

"I have no musical talents whatsoever so I will stick to what I know best Morv," Geoffrey remarks, "Guarding your back."

"As critical as this moment is for the Silver Ravens, we should take our time and use all our skill to prepare ourselves."

(We've rested, right? Take 20 Disguise when prepping possible? Just before we get close, PH casts heroism on himself and message on everybody, including our faerie dragon friend.)

You've definitely rested. Taking 20 might be a stretch... It takes 1d3 x 10 minutes to prepare a Disguise, so taking 20 would mean 3-10 hours.

After spending as much time as possible to craft the perfect disguises for yourselves, you depart The Lucky Bones together with Vendalfek, the tengu family, Rexus, and Hetamon Haace. The streets leading to Aria Park are sparse in their foot traffic, and it's obvious why: the sound of a large crowd assembling ahead becomes evident the closer you get to the Opera House.

The scene outside the Opera House is pretty inviting. Rows of chairs have been setup in the open area just in front of the fountain, and offers a good view of the Opera House's front doors, where a regal red and black carpet has been unfurled. Many of the seats are full, and you even see some familiar faces - the Shellets' parents and Lady Docur are in attendance. Merchants hoping to capitalize on the sudden meeting march along the rows selling bags of popcorn, sausages on a bun, and tea sandwiches. Servants sweep the park grounds and wipe old moss off the fountain. Dottari guards stand at each corner of the park and four more stand at the opera house doors.

"Hehe. Guess we should find our spots before it starts!" An invisible Vendalfek whispers via message.

Go ahead and place yourselves where you'd like to be - there's no map for this part, but I can certainly reuse the one from the protest if you prefer.

Passing by Lady Docur and the Shellets, Pádraig Henry winks, whispering a message intended for them only. "Glad you could make it to the celebration. Don't worry, we're not about to let the Lord-Mayor eliminate the Silver Ravens. We got this."
Heroism, Bluff to Pass Complex Secret Message DC20: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 2 = 35

Disguised as a server, the halfling makes his way to the staff assigned to serve the gathered VIPs. He grabs a tray of mojitos and prosecco and wanders among the guests, providing service with a vacant smile, looking and listening for anything interesting before the ceremony begins.
Heroism, Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 2 = 16

The Carnelian Signet does a quick flourish, fluttering the robes of her dress to and fro as she makes her way to the fountain.

Perform(Dance): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

"What a wonderful day! A horrible man met an untimely demise AND we get to see the Opera House again." She leans toward Lady Docur, trying not to give herself away and get some juicy gossip. "And what do you have to be happy for?"

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Nurla snags a mojito from her favorite halfling waiter "Hey kid, how about two of those right here.. they're free right? Good. Get outta here kid, I've got some schmoozing to do!" She gets as chummy as she can with the nearest well dressed older gentleman.

"Hey hon, nice suit... wanna f#!~?" She purses her lips then drains one of her glasses in a spectacular show of drunken sluttiness.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

As he awaits for the young harpist to make her 'grand' appearance he snags a drink from one of the 'slips' before taking up position near where Morvena indicated she wanted to set up.

"Looks to be a fun party that is about to...WHOAH..." his jaw drops as he sees the stunning noble lady, "I think I am in LOVE...!" he comments to no one in particular as he pulls his gaze away from Issil.

Bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Morvena looks about for a moment to find a suitable place to set up, settling on taking a position near the fountain. But as she settles in, she hesitates.

It has been ages since I have practiced properly. Let us hope I am not too rusty...

Perform: Strings: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Augh!

"Damn! They promised me everything would be in tune," she hisses, thinking quickly. "Now I'll have to fix this myself!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

As she fakes attempting to tune the strings of her harp, she tries to keep her ears open for anything of interest from the nearby crowds, but...

Oh no! Maybe it really *is* out of tune!?

...she's actually too wrapped up in her own bluff to notice anything.

Bluff to Pass Simple Message Back DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Lady Docur winks and nods knowingly at Pádraig, and whispers back. "Meet me later this week. Ask Hetamon."

It's difficult to hear more than just gossip and chatter amongst the packed crowd, though Pádraig certainly picks up that most citizens seem polarized in their views of Thrune and his invitation.

Lady Docur clears her throat to respond to the great Carnelian Signet. "With moves like that, you might have made a good teacher at my school!"

The crowd grumbles and hisses as Nurla rudely shoves her way through, but she manages to find herself a seat next to what could only be a noble, told if not by his well-tailored suit, than from the air of snark radiating from his upturned nose. "Couldn't you have left the, ahem, riff-raff in Old Kintargo where they belong?" He icily remarks, switching seats with his servant, to add some space between himself Nurla. "I'd not want to catch whatever she probably has."

Another post coming up, one minute, please.

Conversations die down as noon nears, and all is silent when the bells above the Cathedral of Asmodeus ring out five times. The ground-floor doors to the opera house open, and a procession of a dozen Hellknights span out across the front stairway. A pair of hulking cerberi accompany them, as does the High Priest of Asmodeus in Kintargo, Corinstian Grivenner.

Finally, Barzillai Thrune walks out as the church bells fade, a smile on his face. The crowd erupts in boos and cheers.

"Thrune's the real murderer!"
"Thrune keeps the streets safe! Get over yourself!"
"Because of Thrune, my cousin - who only stole a loaf of bread - was doghoused!"

The Hellknights all raise and dig their polearms into the ground in unison, silencing the crowd once more.

Thrune walks down the steps, the harsh stare on his face making a lie of his politic smile.

"Well done, well done! Would that more of the citizenry were as keenly observant and helpful as you intrepid citizens! For bringing such an awful murderer to justice, the City of Kintargo would like to offer you gifts. That is, if you are willing to come out? Don't be shy. I've very little time, and these gifts were meant just for you."

And then he looks directly at Morvena and Geoffrey.

Heroism, Perception DC20 re Thrune: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 = 28
"Thrune appears a bit haggard and pale, as if he's aged since the last major public appearance only a few weeks ago," Pádraig Henry whispers to his friends.

"'Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,'" the halfling mutters, quoting another bard from a distant world.
Shakespeare, Henry The Fourth, Part 2, Act 3, scene 1, 26–31

Nurla pushes the tip of her nose up with her finger as the man slides away like a weasel "Don't go blaming me for that smell you rank ass!" She rolls her eyes at the man and instead drags her greedy eyes over his servant "How you doin'..." She slurs with a smile.

----
Perception DC20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

When the man of the hour pops out she slides to the edge of her chair and lets her eyes linger on the man for a long, sultry moment before pursing her lips and hollering at the top of her lungs "SHOW US YER T+!+!" and then proceeds to demonstrate just how to do such a display.

Bluff to Distract: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

"Em, 'Nurla', what's your plan exactly? Care to clue us in?" Pádraig Henry asks in a whisper, uncertain now what's going on insider the 'woman's' addled mind.

Now is not the time to explore your dubious gender identity or the darkest depths of your personal depravity.

"The dancer's life is never dull, eh?" Issil laughs at Lady Ducor's compliment.

She falls quiet once the hellknights show up. As well as the main main.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 12

"No wonder he hasn't been in the public." She whispers in response to Pádraig.

A thin smile crosses her lips as Nurla begins distracting everyone. "Don't offer that for free. They gotta pay for that."

"So, do you think the citizens would emerge to receive their award? What should they do in this situation?" Issil gauges her friends' reactions. "He seems to be staring at someone."

Geoffrey pales briefly as Barzilia stares at both Morvena and himself. That does it...Victor no more disguise tips from you!

He pauses to consider his options here. While fleeing the scene was certainly a viable option here the strategist in him also knew this was a golden opportunity to gain some valuable insight on the man who is in charge of Kintargo.

Padraig's observation is strange and needs to be looked into further. We may never get this close to him again...

He quickly whispers a message to the other Ravens, "I am going to accept our gift. Get Morv out of here." then he leans close to Morvena whispering in her ear. "Don't come after me."

Rising to his feet he slowly approaches the ruler of Kintargo, a calm look on his face. Once he has arrived at the indicated spot where Thrune awaits he announces proudly, "I am here to accept our gift from the honorable rulers of this fine city. While it was an honor to rid this city of that foul criminal, I truly hope that the beneficent rulers will no longer shirk their responsibilities to their citizens of Kintargo!" As he turns to face Barzilia he watches the other man's reaction carefully...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Nurla gives the servant boy Padraig a disapproving scowl "How about another drink kid, that last one tasted watered down! Don't you worry about ole Nurla, she can take care of herself!"

Nurla smiles as she sits back down, letting the handsome mustachio'd man give his speech unassailed by her antics. "Ain't that one handsome.. I wonder what he's doing later... prolly some prize money to go with that gift right?" She says to the servant man, half of one nipple still hanging out of her shirt.

Ya sorry Padraig, Nurla's a bit of a loose cannon and mostly just causing mischief and being a distraction. She's setting the mood and stage for some grand distractions and messages later.

"What!? Geoffrey, don't you dare-" Morvena whispers in an almost panicked tone, but it's too late. Unable to do anything else but watch as Geoffrey approaches the stairs she manages, for the benefit of anyone in earshot, to stammer, "Wh-you? You killed that man??"

While it isn't hard at all to feign shock given the circumstances, putting the appropriate amount of misdirection into her words requires a bit more effort...

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
______________

This is the worst time for your fickleness, dice-bot!

But Thrune smiles at Geoffrey and Morvena, ignoring his remark, and claps his hands once. "No, he did not kill the man, nor did you... Silver Raven." Thrune pauses for effect as murmurs circulate the crowd. "That's right, folks, this proud Silver Raven here - just like the others I am sure he has brought with him today - is the reason that murderer was brought in. Please, applaud their efforts."

As the crowd nervously claps, one of the Hellknights advances with a bag, and starts pulling out items and handing them to Geoffrey: a ring, two belts, a headband, and a cloak.

"Here you are. For you and the others. I have no doubt you have great works still ahead of you. Perhaps you may again be of service to your government. Please take these gifts from the city of Kintargo as Thrune’s thanks to your services rendered, and please continue to work to ensure, as I do, this grand city’s safety and proud legacy."

Geoffrey easily senses the sarcasm dripping from Thrune's voice. Thrune suddenly turns, and starts walking towards the Opera House doors, still talking. "There will be a time, soon, where we might have more to discuss, but for now, the duties of a lord-mayor call. You will, of course, excuse my brevity. Thank you again for your service to this city!"

The doors shut behind Thrune, but the Hellknights and their pets stay put as conversations and gossip fills the air, with many speaking of their excitement with the idea of the Silver Ravens - even if misplaced. The Asmodean Priest is seen whispering to the Hellknights as he glares over at Geoffrey. It wasn't as if the little rebellion group wasn't already known of, but an official acknowledgement from Thrune himself made things a lot more public.

The Silver Ravens gain another 25 supporters, but Notoriety also goes up to 20. The rebellion ranks up to Level 8.

Issil darts in front of Geoffrey. "Sorry I was a little slow, dear. But the Carnelian Signet pledges her loyalty to the Silver Ravens!" This is mostly an excuse to try her new dance.

Perform(Dance): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

"Everyone should join the ravens. It seems so... enrapturing."

Geoffrey exhales in relief as Thrune lets him go, and also feels troubled as to what he saw in the other man's face.

What could be causing his unnatural aging? I need to discuss this with Rexus and the others...

When the Carnelian Signet moves in front of him he barely remembers in time that he was not supposed to know this woman.

"Your loyalty to the Silver Raven, and your service is most appreciated, my lady! Certainly with such a ravishing lady," he gives her a bawdy wink, "our cause cannot fail!"

As Geoffrey leads the Carnelian Signet away from the crowds he mutters in her ear "Nice job Issil. Now lets get out of here and check out these gifts. I wouldn't put it past him to shower us with cursed items. What I saw from Thrune frightened me more than being threatened with doghousing!"

"Let's grab our 'gifts' and get out of here," Pádraig Henry whispers to the team.

Then the halfling tosses back a couple of mojitos and casts aspect of the nightingale on himself.

Finally, the bard breaks into song, hoping to inspire the crowd and leave the citizens of Kintargo a tune they'll remember.
aspect of the nightingale, heroism, Perform (sing): 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 17 + 2 + 2 = 40

♫Have you seen the silver raven
She has wings and she can fly
Far above the darkened waters
Far above the troubled sky

Have you seen the silver raven
She has wings and she can fly
Far above the darkened waters
Far above the troubled sky♫
Gene Clark, Silver Raven

"Y-yes, l-let us depart as s-soon as is p-proper," Morvena whispers to her companions, clearly rattled by the experience they had just had. She starts to rise from her seat at the fountain, but hesitates as both Issil and Padraig carry on with their entertainment, granting inspiration to the crowd...and to her, too.

Let us try this one more time...

Perform: Strings: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

And finally, she manages to remember her lessons and conjures up a rather cheerful tune. It might not have quite the same moving effect as Padraig's voice but at the very least it calms her nerves a bit.

"What a beautiful sight! Rising Ravens and Withered Rulers!" She laughs. "But for now, let us depart."

They better not touch those things! Bring them straight to Newt and sell them off! Thinks Nurla as she tucks her boob back down into her shirt before standing up on her chair and dancing to the fine music and song. Before long though she remembers her real reason for showing up: Land Lord Deregulation!

"You said it Kid!" She hollers at the man singing about Silver Ravens. "And us Land Lords deserve some rights too!" She looks towards the crowd and tries to start building a chant of her own:

"DEREGULATION OF LAND LORDS! NO MORE RED TAPE! NO MORE RED TAPE!" She hollers at the top of her lungs, noticing the Shallets she smirks and waves, but keeps on chanting.

Diplomacy: My Message is better!: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

"Dad, the landlord lady's really acting weird," Angus Shellet cries as his dad covers his eyes. "And what was that thing peeking from her shirt? It was gross!"

The crowd has near dispersed when there's commotion at the front of the opera house as a dottari guard begins striking the air with his polearm. Above him floats a spritely woman no bigger than Vendalfek himself, who tugs at his hair as she flits about. "Quit it or I will have you squashed like the bug you are!" The tiny creature easily dodges the polearm, and the shaggy-haired guard trips over the stairs, the locals laughing at his misfortune.

As the guard gets back to his feet, the tiny woman flies over and perches on Padraig's shoulder, bobbing her head as he sings.

"Hey! She's with him, eh?" The guard starts walking towards Pádraig. "Get him!"

Vendalfek reappears over Geoffrey's head. "Time to get out of here! Want me to carry something to speed you up? I think the ring Thrune gave you weighs about as much as I do, but I can handle it!"

"Well hello there, lady," Pádraig Henry says, astonished at this unexpected arrival. "You seem to have attracted some attention, the sort we'd rather have avoided."

The halfling looks to his friends, whispering. "Let's get out of here. Now!"

"Hang onto my collar and don't let go," he says to the tiny woman. The bard weaves through the crowd, casts vanish and starts running, as fast as his furry feet will carry him.

"Call me Rosebud," the lyrakien azata says, clinging to the halfling as he races away from the opera house.

"I'm here on a mission from God," Rosebud says. "Divine intervention, that's Milani's intention. A clever circumvention, in light of Hell's contravention."

Geoffrey rolls his eyes at the faerie dragon as he struggles to keep up with the suddenly fleet of foot halfling. "Yeaahhh, go ahead and carry what you will but I don't think it will help!"

What got into Padraig? It's like he is in love again...

"Nice tune, by the way, if I may so say. Melancholy lyrics, who was the penner? Decent performance, a nice sweet tenor."

Rosebud leans in close and murmurs in Pádraig Henry's ear.

"Though it's widely known," she adds, "I'm partial to a rich baritone."

Nurla leans back and belly laughs as the guard slips and falls "Look at that one there, two left feet on him!" She points and laughs, then turns and whips her empty glass at the one chasing after Padraig and the Sprite looking thing. "Not sure how yer gonna catch that one kiddo if ya don't fly!" She lets out a roaring BELCH, downs her other drink and throws that at him too before returning to her rousing chant demanding deregulation of the land lord occupation in the city.

Once the party makes their getaway Nurla will hop down from her own perch and weave through the crowd before attempting to lose any would be pursuers. Damn, I was hoping to get in good with some big pockets too!

Taking 10 on bluff to distract, stealth to disappear into the crowd, and perception to notice any tails. 27, 24, 21 respectively. Eventually she'll morph back into Victor when she's distanced and alone.

The Carnelian Signet is already halfway down the street, laughing. "What a day, what a day."

Having had enough for one day Morvena quickly follows, spinning about on her feet and vanishing into the ether before popping up again on the far side of the square. Another twirl and she's gone again, this time appearing not too far behind her friends - but this time she follows them on foot.
______________

Morvena uses some Dimensional Slide shenanigans to get clear of the crowds and to catch up to the others~

Pádraig vanishes through the crowd with his new companion with Geoffrey and Nurla not far behind. Morvena snaps her fingers and reappears at the corner of the street while Issil dances by, under cover of The Carnelian Signet. The dottari guard can't keep up with the Silver Ravens and is lost within the dispersing crowd. You soon find your way back towards the main level of the Lucky Bones.

Not long after, Rexus, Hetamon, and the tengu family rejoin you. "I was a little surprised. I thought Thrune would've laid some trap for sure, but this seemed... almost genuine?" Rexus shrugs. "What could he be up to?"

Vendalfek darts around Rosebud. "Who's the new girl? And more importantly, is she single? Hehe!"

Now at the Lucky Bones, you're able to get a better look at the gifts Thrune presented, all of which glow with magical auras.

Heroism, Spellcraft DC 24, Ring: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 = 23
Heroism, Spellcraft DC 27, Belt: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 = 26
Heroism, Spellcraft DC 27, Belt: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 2 = 22
Heroism, Spellcraft DC 23, Headband: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 2 = 15
Heroism, Spellcraft DC 20, Cloak: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 2 = 18
Heroism, Take 20 Perception for 34 or: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 2 = 19

"Not my best effort, I'm afraid." Pádraig Henry shakes his head. "Anybody else familiar with the enchantments placed on these 'gifts' from the Lord-Mayor? I worry that they all might be cursed."

After some careful study, he determines, "Each of the items appears to have images of ravens sewn on or engraved."

Spellcraft DC 24, Ring: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Spellcraft DC 27, Belt: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Spellcraft DC 27, Belt: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Spellcraft DC 23, Headband: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Spellcraft DC 20, Cloak: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Take 20 Perception 28 or: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Rosebud has little more luck than the bard.

"The second belt appears to be a belt of physical might (Dexterity +2)," the lyrakien says, "I share the misgivings as Pádraig Henry."

Back at the Lucky Bones, Issil removes her mask and then laughs. "What a show. Thrune is getting desperate. There's something bothering him, I wager. Something bigger than the return of the Silver Ravens." She leans back and just breathes, enjoying the heat of her breath.

As everyone observes the gifts, Issil focuses her attention on the small creature orbiting Pádraig. "And who are you, little one? Pádraig's guardian angel? He's willing to throw himself off a cliff for the greater good. Make sure you keep him in check."

Ring: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 1 = 19
Belt 1: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 1 = 14

Headband: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 = 21
Cloak: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 = 26
"Cloak of Resistance. Better than the first level, maybe it's a plus two?" She traces the sigils on the cloak. "I don't know about that other stuff- Morvena, do you have a magic spell for this?"