Hell's Rebels AP - Down with Thrune!

Game Master GM Red

"Come on man. Certainly we can enjoy the daytime in a different fashion." Issil walks up to drag Victor out of the tent.

"I am sure that can be managed," Morvena remarks, by now largely used to playing along with Victor's strange whims. She turns to Anca, genuinely curious. "Is The Final Throw a permanent fixture here in Vyre or are you visitors to the city as well?"

Could it be that Victor is a furry? Pádraig Henry wonders. I've heard of such people, but I always thought they were merely a myth.

Anca helps Issil pull Victor back, but she doesn't seem upset. "No, no, guests must not pet the animals. Think of the liability if we allowed such a thing," she shakes her head. "Oh, yeah. We're here permanently, have been for years. Our very own Queen of Blades owns the place, though since she took on that role, she hasn't had the time to really be around much." Victor doesn't think that Anca is being dishonest here.

You head back outside the big circus tent afterwards, and to your next destination...

I *think* you guys want me to move us along to the Seven Apples, but holler if not.

"Ah, I understand," Morvena nods as the group heads back outside. "In that case, when is the next show? Later tonight, you said? Perhaps we will see you then, if our business in the city allows us the time for leisure."

Once back outside, Morvena squints a little from the glare of the sun and then looks to her companions. "Well, shall we head on to the Seven Apples now?"

Please say yes...the circus was a pleasant distraction for a few moments but we do not have the time to go poking our heads into every building and business in Vyre!

"Later tonight, yes," Anca calls back as you exit the tent.

____

Having got a little peek into what's likely one of the best tourist attractions in Vyre, you realize it's time to get down to business, and make for the Seven Apples on Captain Sargaeta's advice. The Seven Apples is easily found, located only steps away from where you had departed The Scourge of Belial, and indicated by a signpost drawn with seven bright red apples in a circle above a comfortable-looking bed.

Inside is a clean, well-furnished reception area. A brown leather sofa sits in front of a coffee table covered in neatly stacked magazines. A dark fabric carpet stitched with little apple decorations leads to the front desk. A hallway to the left of the area leads further in.

Behind the front desk stands a elderly halfling. "Welcome to the Seven Apples, it's so good of you to stop by! You look like adventurers, perhaps in need of a break? Can I get you a room or two?" She smiles.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

"Why yes, a couple of rooms would be excellent," Pádraig Henry flashes a toothy halfling smile at the halfling woman behind the desk. "Would you be the owner of this fine establishment? We'd be happy to sing and dance for our room and board, if you've no other performers booked for this evening."

"Thank you for the welcome," Morvena bows, noting that the elderly halfling does not look like someone to be trifled with, despite her friendly manner. "As my friend here says, we could do with rooms and a good meal or two...and would be more than happy to sing for our supper, as they say."
______________

I really dig Molly's portrait; she looks like a badass!

"Oo, dancing." Issil grins.

"Of course, we have plenty of rooms available. Do you prefer a set of bunks, or separate beds? One key, or two? Prefer painted walls, or wallpaper? And will you need turn down service? Continental breakfast?" She continues for sometime, listing off the many options, and two other human workers shuffle around in the back organizing paperwork.

"Indeed I am. Name's Molly Mayapple, and this is the Seven Apples, quite possibly the most lucrative hostel in all of Vyre. I dare say all of Cheliax, but let's not get carried away," she winks. "Happly and Letticia are my loyal employees." She flips her thumb at the two other workers.

When asked about free rooms in exchange for a performance, Molly looks pleased. "No one's ever asked me this before... How about I give you a discount depending on... How talented you are?" Molly leans her elbows on the counter, her head resting atop her hands.

___
Yep, definitely the most badass elderly halfling I've ever seen.

"Separate beds. One key. Painted walls. What's a turn down service? Ooo, free breakfast." Issil just slips in her answers as Molly rattles off questions.

"Well then. Let's talk about Smoke in the Water. You stride your hips from side to side, and your arms wave above your head like it's smoke."

Perform(Dance): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Even disguised, Issil's still got it.
"Well, that's the private performance. Wait til you see Pádraig here!"

"Speaking of 'private', Miss Mayapple, is there a place where we might speak with you in private? We have something we need to discuss with you."

Once Molly gets them somewhere away from prying eyes and ears, Pádraig Henry retrieves the set of deeds for the warehouses and waterfront buildings in Vyre.

The bard hands them over to her. "I believe these rightfully belong to you."

He explains, "We found them in a former lair of the Gray Spiders. Seems they'd intended to use them to blackmail you. A Hellknight raid cut their plan short."

The halfling smiles.

Victor's mouth waters as breakfast gets included in their rooms. This watering quickly dries up as Padraig just hands over the deeds without the least bit of FUN that could be had with them. Gah, this guy!

Needless to say, Victor keeps up his 'slow' routine, doing little speaking and mostly smiling and taking long looks at things that look fun. "Can we have pancakes for breakfast? With choco chips?" He looks to the woman with a grin from ear to ear at the idea...

Geoffrey for the most part is quiet as he continually scans the crowd for any that may have taken an undue interest in the group. Even when they arrive at the Lucky Apple he does not let his guard down, but is content to watch the halfling woman closely.

When Padraig gets straight to the point, Morvena chuckles slightly. "And, ah, I believe that it should now be obvious that we are more than simple entertainers, to have been able to recover these in the course of our own business."

"Though we are artistically talented as well, for the most part," she adds.

Almost as if on cue, Victor bursts out his best whistle ever.

Perform: Wind (No not that sorta wind you fart joking sonova b+~%~!): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Patience

Molly watches as Issil backs up to a more open area of the lobby and puts on her Smoke in the Water routine. Her face lights up as the performance is actually quite good. "Wow, wow! Perhaps a little unusual, but that made it all the more intriguing. You're very talented, and your friend's whistling complimented your movements so nicely."
Just imagining Issil doing this ridiculous dance and Vic whistling to it, lol.

"Sure, we can speak in private," she nods, allowing you into the backroom. "I don't mind if Happly and Letticia hear, whatever it is. So, what do you have?"

Pádraig takes out the deeds and slides them across the table, and Molly unfolds them and reads them, her eyes widening. She's silent for some time, reading each word again and again. Finally, she sets the paper down. "Oh my... It's not possible..." Tears begin to bead in the corners of her eyes. "E-Excuse me for a moment. I just need some air."

The halfling stands up and rushes out of the hostel.

Another post comin' at ya, one sec...

Molly returns ten minutes later with a bag in her hands. Her eyes still a little red, she sits back down, sighing in relief. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It was so hard after those deeds went missing. I.. I lived on the streets for nearly a decade, forced to build myself back up from nothing. The Seven Apples here is the result of forty years of hard work. And only now the deeds have surfaced. How did you come upon them?"

Molly then drops the bag on the table. "These are my savings. Take them. It's the least I can do, and with the deeds returned, I will be able to make back this much in a season."

Inside the bag are 800 platinum pieces, yet the bag doesn't feel nearly as heavy as it might with that much coin in it.

"And of course, you may stay here as long as you'd like, free of charge."

Victor's 'tune' changes as the woman is truly touched and forks over a pile of phat cash for the documents Maybe I should apologize to our Halfling friend.. that seemed to work out just right.

"Wow, that's a lot of silvers!" Blurts out Victor as he bites on one of the coins. "Hard silvers too." He winces.

"So how come those papers make you make more money then now?" He tries biting another 'silver' and again finds it harder than he remembers.

"It was our pleasure Miss Mayapple." Geoffrey smiles, "As for the deeds we recovered them after they were stolen, and that the Gray Spiders intended to use the deeds to blackmail you. Returning them to you was the right thing to do." He pauses, "However our reason for coming here is not purely altruistic. We need your help...that is, the Silver Ravens need your help."

"This...is very generous, Miss Mayapple," Morvena breathes, hefting the bag and peeking inside. "You are certain that you wish to gift this to us?"

Huh...this bag feels oddly lightweight. I wonder...

Spellcraft (DC 24): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

She continues to study the bag for a few moments and then smiles knowingly. "Ah, this is a Handy Haversack. Quite, ah...handy to have, you might say."

When Geoffrey also gets directly to the point about who they actually are, Morvena can only shake her head and smile. "We are terrible at this, are we not? But yes...have you heard of the Silver Ravens before, Miss Mayapple?"

When Molly returns and presents her bag of platinum, Pádraig Henry's jaw drops, and he's momentarily speechless. "You are more than generous, ma'am. We appreciate your support."

He stares intently at the woman. I appreciate a woman of experience, and a successful one, despite hardships and challenges.

"You'd be a welcome member of the Silver Ravens, if you cared to join the cause of liberty from tyranny."

"I'd be pleased to hear your tale, Miss Mayapple. Why on earth would the Gray Spiders have targeted you for blackmail? What would they have hoped to do with you? Do they or others trouble you still?"

Let's try to recruit her!

"Hot damn. That's a lot. But like our friends said, the Grey Spiders had a whole bunch of false deeds lying around. We think they were based on your real deals. The Spiders won't be bothering anyone else anymore."

She nudges Geoff. "Like our friend said, we're looking for help and support. Kintargo's a mess with that Thrune guy in charge. The Silver Ravens came back to oppose him and he knows it. It's the perfect time to look for help."

"I know how it feels to rebuild your life from nothing. My first home was a fancy manor. My second home was the streets. My third home..." she smiles and chuckles. "My third home is with the Ravens. They take good care of me. Maybe they can take good care of you, too."

"Mmm...while I do agree it would be a pleasure to have Miss Mayapple's support, if she wishes to give it, perhaps we should give her a bit of time to absorb all of this information and think it over?" Morvena suggests, unsure of how well the halfling would be able to handle so many rapid-fire questions and suggestions.

She certainly *looks* formidable for her age but sudden shocks can shake even the strongest of constitutions.

Molly looks puzzled at Victor's question, but she answers nonetheless. "More property means more businesses, friend, and that means more income. Giving my savings to you at this point is least I can do in return, honestly."

"I'll tell you my story," she sits back in her chair. "And then we'll get to the matter of the Silver Ravens."

"I'm not... exactly as you see, nor are my agents, here," she rolls up her sleeves to reveal.. fur? How odd. "We're lycanthropes. Wererats, to be exact. I was born here in Vyre, and made something of a name for myself as an adventurer in my youth. I rescued the twin daughters of Vyre's own King of Delights from a gang of thugs who had holed up in one of those abandoned temples on Heretic's Row," she says, but it comes across without sounding overly braggy.

"In return, I was rewarded with a handful of deeds to several prime buildings in the Vise district of Vyre. Not long after, those deeds - along with all of my wealth - was stolen from my home, likely by the same gang that kidnapped the King's daughters. Which sounds like it was the Gray Spiders."

"Everything that happened after that, from the one husband who found out what I really am and tried to claim a bounty on me, to the death of the old King of Desires and replacement with a new, halfling-hating racist..." She sighs scornfully. "Well, it doesn't end there. My third husband - please, don't look at me like that - I lived with him in the sewers for twelve years. I loved him. And then he and his family were slaughtered by a band of Thrune agents."

There's a pregnant pause as Molly replays her hardships. "They were trying times." She leans forward on the table, and smiles brightly. "But one day, I realized I had had enough. Life was not eternal, and unless I did something about my situation, I would die miserable. I'm glad you can understand," she looks at Issil.

___
One more post is in the oven, one moment...

"It's good that you just came out and mentioned it," Molly replies to Geoffrey. "I would have otherwise not known about your affiliation. What I do know, however, is what's been largely going in in Kintargo and the rest of Cheliax. I'm of the opinion that Vyre here should also secure an ally against House Thrune, just to be safe. Kintargo is an excellent option, but as long as Barzillai remains in power there, our primary point of contact on the mainland remains in flux."

"Given this, supporting the Silver Ravens is a no brainer. Consider it done," the halfling winks.

At this point, Molly gets up and rushes out as a customer enters. After he's taken care of, she returns, her eyes wide as if she's got some great new idea. "Say... how would you feel about attending a banquet?"

Victor nods at the response "Oh, those deeds aren't for this place. That makes more sense."

He claps wildly as she accepts the invitation to join or at least ally with the Silver Ravens "Welcome to the club!" Its clear Victor is playing a part in his own head, at least to his regular allies. Maybe there's a point to it, maybe not. You never can quite tell...

"Will there be food at the banquet? We can't go if it is tonight, we're going to the circus tonight. See the big kitty again!" His eyes glass over as he smiles, takes a deep breath, and keeps on smiling.

Bluff: Yes Victor is a bit slow, or at least he's pretending to be.: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

Issil smiles and leans back. "I never got into marriage. I've seen too many lives go by the wayside in loveless arrangements. For that, I wound up on the street." She pauses. "You got your love and your freedom though. You're way ahead of me in that regard!" Issil reaches for a fist bump.

"Welcome to the Silver Ravens. We'll do everything we can to overthrow Thrune." She smiles. "So what's this about a banquet? I can dress up pretty quickly for it. Will there be any nobles there?"

K Nobility (maybe I won't roll terribly): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 Nope!

Geoffrey's jaw drops when he finishes listening to Molly's story. A wererat? She looks nothing like what I pictured one to be...I suppose you learn something new every day...

"You do us great honor in joing our ranks," Geoffrey smiles, "We look forward to working with you!" When she mentions a banquet Geoffrey pauses, "A banquet? In whose honor?"

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"I do not know what I was expecting to hear from you, Miss Mayapple, but your story is more fantastical and...tragic...than I could have imagined," Morvena remarks, her expression pensive. "And I am very sorry for the times of sorrow that you endured. I am not so sure that I could have weathered such things as you have..."

Her eyes flicker for a moment to Pava, ever-present on her shoulder or somewhere close by, even if she wasn't always in a chatty mood.

"...but I am glad that you were able to find some light or meaning in the darkness," Morvena finishes. "We are happy to have your aid in making Kintargo a better place."

"As for a banquet...why yes, I believe that is something we can manage," she adds with a wry smile.

Kn. Nobility (Vyre): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Pádraig Henry puts his head together with the rest of the team, trying to recall what he knows about formal banquets and proper protocol and decorum.

"I appreciate your sensitivity, Miss.. Sorry, I don't think I got your name," Molly asks Morvena.

"Ah, the big kitty. Do you like animals?" Molly looks sidelong at Victor. "Yes, there will be food. Lots of it." She smiles.

Afterwards, she straightens up her back and her face turns serious. "I'm thrilled to be part of your organization. Let's talk about how we might get Vyre to align more formally with Kintargo. As I mentioned, there's a banquet held every month by the Queen of Delights. I'm on relatively good terms with her - a nice change after the last few were such disppointments," she mutters. "But these monthly banquets allow those the Queen favors to share a meal, air grievances, and jockey for her favor."

"The next banquet is only a day away, and it shouldn't be difficult to arrange for you to accompany me as guests. There’s no better way to approach a leader of Vyre about setting up an alliance," Molly holds her index finger up. "Especially since the city’s other four leaders are... not the type of folks you’ll want to make friends with, by and large."

You all think on what you might know of banquet decorum, and Morvena recalls reading about such formal banquets before. Discussing religion is likely something to avoid, and being on your best behavior around the nobles is a given. A fancy outfit is required, with obvious armor a faux pas, and a gift appropriate for the queen would go a long way.

On hearing about the stringent requirements for the banquet Geoffrey groans inwardly as he realizes he will not be able to wear his armor at the event.

Hopefully I'll be able to at least carry a sword...and I suspect Morvena will be footing the bill for my fancy digs...

"What kind of gift would be appropriate for the so-called Queen of Delights?" Geoffrey snorts, "Sounds like she has everything she would desire already!"

"If she includes the arts among her 'delights,' perhaps our gift could be a special performance?" Pádraig Henry suggests, "Some song and dance, fit for a queen."

Let's see, I know a few. Killer Queen, Dancing Queen, Queen Bee... There are so many to choose from...

"Molly, do you know a good tailor? I'll need to improve my wardrobe."

For an instant, Morvena hesitates before giving her name.

Would it be wise to bandy about my surname here? I am sure there are at least some here who are passing familiar with the nobility of Kintargo. Might they see my association with the Silver Ravens a bane or a boon?

It will come out eventually. Perhaps best if it is on my terms instead of those of another.

"Morvena Sarini," she replies with a smile. "I do not suppose you happen to have any particular insights as to a fitting gift for the Queen of Delights, do you? Art is rarely a bad choice, provided you have an idea of individual taste."

Issil leans back. "Man, I haven't been at one of these fancy affairs since... Ferdinand's wedding. So much posturing. So many lies." She frowns. "Ugh."

"My armor is probably too loud. Someone with a name like that will certainly hear it. What kind of gift will the Queen of Delights want? Song and dance we can do. Jewelry and gifts can be done. Does she want other types of favors?"

No armor huh? What about mithril chain shirt. I've always been under the impression that it is pretty hideable, along with the 0 ACP.

Victor nods along at the question of animals and especially with the anticipation of lots of food. "Hrm gifts? Does she like kitties too?" He does frown when he gets the idea of everyone talking about new clothes... crap.

Victor could certainly use some fancy duds.. his.. pretty worn, musty, and sliced up.

If you want to wear armor, you can try to hide it.

"The Queen of Delights is particularly fond of spiders, onyx, jewelry, and fine mead. The important thing is to spend enough that its important enough for her, but not so much that it seems like a bribe. You might also ask around town to see if anyone else may know more about her," Molly smiles, "Miss Sarini. Of the noble House Sarini? You should not have much difficulty fitting in at a banquet, in that case. "

"For your clothes, a suppose an outfit worth a hundred gold pieces or so ought to do it," Molly shows off her own dress when asked about a tailor. "Of course! My distant cousin Thimbledorf will get you sewn right up."

You might ask around town the Queen of Delights with a DC 20 Diplomacy check to Gather Information

"Anybody want to come with Rosebud and me to Thimbledorf's?"

On the way to the tailor's, the bard asks around, discreetly, about the Queen of Delights.
Diplomacy to Gather Information: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

An off-the-clock strumpet tells the halfling, "The Queen is particularly interested in more... salacious works of art."

The lady's 'business manager' adds, "She also likes lacy gloves."

Diplomacy to Gather Information: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Rosebud rolls her eyes. "PH, of all the people to ask... "

She flies away, looking for more suitable folks to question.

She encounters a mated pair of faerie dragons. They confirm for Rosebud what the ladies of the night told Pádraig Henry.

"I'll go with you Padraig," Geoffrey nods in reply. His own discreet inquiries produce...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

...apparently it's a...noble lady thing...

"We may as well all visit; it would be quicker than running all over the city," Morvena points out, ready to accompany the others. She too, attempts to learn what she can in passing about the Queen's tastes...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

...and comes away with information that is much the same as what the others have learned.

"Hmm. That is actually not all that surprising," she shrugs. "Nobility and other individuals of status often have...particular tastes, largely because they have the coin to freely indulge in the first place."

"Once you're all ready to go, come and see me tomorrow and we'll go over to the banquet together," Molly stands up to see you out of the hostel.

Thimbledorf's shop is easily located not far from the Seven Apples, and the dwarf offers to stitch any rips in your clothing or decorate them with additional golden threading or even sew in fancier lengths of silk and velvet. His shop opens to a wider showroom featuring all manner of outfits, from wooly traveler's cloaks to brightly-colored noble's suits and showy dresses.

He's got a pretty good selection, so most anything on the Clothing and Outfits Table can be found after a few minutes of browsing his store. He can also modify your own clothes such that they're fit for a banquet for about a hundred gold.

Diplomacy to Gather Info: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Victor follows the others along, listening to much the same things.

Once they reach the tailor's he wanders the shop freely and makes sure to touch and feel most everything for sale until he comes across a particularly striking green and white striped ensemble. "Ooo I'll take it!" Noble's Outfit 75g and 100g worth of fancy jewelry to make Issil jealous.

As he's being fitted and makes sure the tailor can conceal his mithril chain shirt beneath the bulky layers of clothing. "Oh no, Mom said never to go anywhere without my undershirt!"

Bluff: Yes indeed he is a few pounds short of a full feed bag.: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Morv: If you want Victor would be happy to impersonate one of your family members... do you have a brother you aren't very fond of? lol

Geoffrey rolls his eyes at Victor's antics before he shrugs resignedly, "Just something not TOO outlandish please."

Geoffrey will also purchase a Noble's outfit (75gp) here but he will just buy one ring and an earring (100gp) to round off the ensemble.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

"This Lady of Delights is sounding better and better. She's got good taste."

Issil looks through all of the gowns and dresses for sale. "Hey, this is good for dancers, right? I want the Silver Dancer's Garb. Gimme." She picks the lacy red one, of course. "Nice gloves."

She grins. "I'm gonna look great out there."

Issil definitely has enough jewelry to make it work (about 1400 gp worth) but her dress is Courtier's outfit is only worth 30 gp. I may as well buy the silver dancer's garb for 200 gp.

"Greetings, Thimbledorf." Pádraig Henry bows when he enters the tailor's shop. "We're friends of your cousin Molly. She suggested we acquire a decent wardrobe from your fine establishment."

The bard looks around, with an eye for detail sharpened by countless operatic and theatrical peformances.

"I'd like a green velvet tunic, fur trim, and a decorative gold chain. A loose-fitting white shirt. A tropical wool cape. A broad-brimmed hat with a raven-feather plume--silver, if you can make it happen. And soft but durable leather boots, to just below the knee, thank you."

The halfling hands him a small pouch, heavy with coin. "And, of course, I'll pay for whatever my lady friend wishes."

"We'll need suitable accessories as well, if you have them, signet rings and such. Something exquisite in platinum or silver, keeping to a raven motif."

(75gp x 2 for noble's outfits and 100gp x 2 for necessary jewelry = 350gp spent on PH and Rosebud)

"Mm...it has been ages since I have had a chance to shop more for leisure than business," Morvena smiles as she looks around at Thimbledorf's offerings. "In light of that, I think a palette change is in order. Specifically, something green - and with accessories that compliment, of course..."
______________

Morv will also spend 75gp on a Noble's Outfit + maybe 100gp total on jewelry and a nice brooch. Also Morv doesn't have any brothers (that she knows of, anyway) but Victor could be an annoying cousin or something I suppose!

"You there, Thimbledorf! Pay attention!" Rosebud flies up the halfing like a demanding bumble bee.

"Write this down: Floor length vintage gown, blood-red with rose brocade, flared sleeves, lacing on both the front and back of the dress, so I can adjust it to fit my figure."

"Oh, and a petticoat skirt and the finest undergarments you can produce. And rose-colored slippers with arch supports. I'm not much of a walker."

The lyakien azata hovers and holds up her arms, ready to be measured.

"And my jewelry shall be gold to complement my hair and freckles." She blows a strand of strawberry blond hair out of her eyes. "Signet ring? I'm partial to Milani's roses. No ravens for me, thank you. Those birds are just a nuisance to anyone who actually flies for a living."

Thimbledorf, the dwarven tailor, rushes around his shop between shelves of fabric as Rosebud calls out instructions. "Flared sleeves, eh! This could take some time, but we'll get straight ta work on all of yer stuff!" He picks up a sheet of velvety blood-red fabric and cuts off a tiny square for Rosebud's gown. "You lot sound like yer headed for somethin' real fancy. I don't envy ye. Formal things'r much too stuffy!" He chuckles, pulling on his shaggy orange goatee. "But if ya gotta go to one of em 'n need a suit or dress made fast, Thimble's yer man." He raps his chest.

It takes several hours, but your formalwear is ready to wear just as the sun has set, and Thimbledorf looks mightily pleased having made a larger sale for the day.

What are your thoughts, team? Shall I fast-forward us to before the banquet?