Hell's Rebels Adventure Path (Inactive)

Game Master TreasureFox

"I'll listen along and follow Kethaera's lead, then," says Rexandi with a nod.

"I'll come along too if that's agreeable."

"That should work. We will have to create some disguises though, just to be on the safe side though."

"Ah... not my greatest strength. Um, should I stay behind then, or just try to look like 'some other tiefling'? asks Rexandi.

Laria says "We don't have time to make any disguises for this errand, so you might have to go without them, at least for now."

Just had a thought about disguises: I think it would be nice if we actually had equipment like "Human bodyguard disguise", and "Elven merchant disguise", etc, etc. These could be craft-able, scavenged, or bought.

"Okay, so no rocking the boat," says Rexandi. "Got it - any time we're ready to go!"

Bazzle shrugs, "Props." He interjects he looks at the others like he offered a full thought. "Kethaera you have been in several productions. A good prop makes sells the look. A pencil behind the ear and a sketch pad you're an artist. A basket of flowers and you are a street merchant. Its not a full disguise but it answers all the question. Whose that . . . Some artist needs to get a real job. Whose that . . . a flower girl trying to get rid of her wears before the wilt."

So I'm planning on starting the new day very soon. Is your plan to go see the Tengu at the War Cage and ask him for info about the Talons?

I don't have any better ideas...

what do they sell at the war cage?

what do they sell at the war cage?

Weapons and Armor

Sorry I've been moving. Moving in Japan is expeeeeeensive. Plus, it's finals time. We're off to the War Cage.

Oathday, the 6th of Sarenith, year 4715AR

Lukewarm raindrops dash upon the cobblestone streets as the grey skies rumble with activity. The urban druids have squabbled about the particular time, but they all expect a lightning storm to occur sometime today or tonight. In any case, the townsfolk are dressing up in their hooded cloaks whenever possible, and particularly fearful guardsmen are lamenting wearing heavy metal armor.

Laria has already sent everyone off with a hearty and rather heavy breakfast. She wishes everyone good luck talking to the owner of the War Cage, and hopes that it will lead to more information on the Talons.

Just off from the Yolubilis Harbor, the War Cage is a small arena-like shop with an open courtyard for sparing and weapon testing. Upon the front entrance hangs a sign that says "The War Cage, haunted by quality!" The shop owner is a Tengu man who goes by the name of Chuko. Upon noticing you enter, he happily chirps "Good morning! Terrible weather we're having, don't you agree?"

"Quite!" says Rexandi cheerfully. "I like a little rain but this is getting tiresome!"

She takes a look around the open courtyard. "I'd imagine the mud is making sparring a less-desirable activity today!"

"Too true, too true." He says solemnly. "There's a group of locals who come out every fireday to practice with wooden swords and whatnot. Very pleasant group. I do hope that by tomorrow things brighten up a little bit. Every fancy a sword, my lady?"

Bazzle nods in agreement and begins to look at the various wares.

"Oh, I have no sword-skills whatsoever!" says Rexandi. "For my personal defense I just have this heirloom... a bodice-knife." She pulls forth a short, shining knife of mithral. "But if matters come to that I fear I would be in dire straits! My experience with warriors is usually in patching them up after the fact."

Not sure I should join the group on the info venture, as it's conducted in the open and I am known as a Thrune and a cousin of Barzillai. Instead of that, I think I'll head to court and mingle with the nobles, gather some information on what my dear cousin is up to and all that.

Wishing the others well in their venture and not wanting to get caught as a rebel just yet, Pylos decided to spend a day in court, lounging with the other lazy nobles and gripe about the useless commoners.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 Random gossipmongering and info gathering

Pylos knows that there is no official court being held today, but there are certainly other avenues to mingle with the various nobles in Kintargo. After entering the Greens through his birthright, Pylos wanders the flower gardens of Lantana park in search of a likely place to visit. During this walk in the rain, Pylos encounters a gazebo sheltering a lone girl reading a book. It is Maria Aulorian, the girl Pylos danced with last court.

The Tengu's eyes gleam at the sight of Rexandi's knife. "Mithral, my my, you don't get to see that everyday. Pardon my curiosity, miss, but how did you come to own such a fine piece?"

Speaking of fine pieces, the Tengu does not skip quality wares. Many fine weapons and armor are found here, but the most striking is a display cabinet with a suit of full plate made of a blue dragon's hide, with an acompaning spiked shield, and a lucerne hammer made from what looks to be a dragon's tooth.

"An heirloom," Rexandi repeats. "Good for getting out of troublesome situations and troublesome bodices." She replaces the bodice-knife in its sheath. "You must get a lot of business from rowdy types! What's the preferred armament of the local citizenry?"

Tarnagius accompanies Pylos.

Aid Another Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

"Ah yes!" says the Tengu, "well, bodice knives are certainly a good option! Most of the locals will have a knife or dagger of some sort for protection. Blades are typically the most accepted in town, and are the highest in demand. The longer the blade, the more prestige it carries. The only exception is the mace, which can be a sign of devotion to the Dark Prince. Oh, and if it's pretty to look at, then just about any weapon is fine. So for example, this here lucerne hammer, the one with glowing arcane runes and the lightning discharge, that could definitely impress the locals."

Pylos and Tarnagius recon that they could either travel to the Court of Coin to mingle with nobles, or they could travel to the Cathedral to mingle with Barzillai and his entourage. Alternatively, they could visit a specific noble's house.

Spellcraft for the breastplate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Kethaera asked the tengu shopkeeper about the Talons, wondering if he knew anything about them and if he did could he help them in dealing with the Talons.

Kethaera also asked about the breastplate armor and the dragon shield thinking that Tarnagius could use them.

That is it Tarnagius thinks he can use them. I'm not sure what armors Pylos can use. light right?

Pylos, are you ready to make your public penance as a Thrune?

Kethaera isn't 100% sure, but she doesn't think there's any magic coming from any of the armors or shields.

I'll keep that diplomacy check, but how about you guys actually talk to him about it?

Bazzle continues to look around, trying to get a sense of the Tengu and give Kethaera time to work her magic. Clearly deferring to a superior in the movement.

Sorry this took so long. Sleeping a lot more lately.

Spotting the lovely young lady he danced with during the court function several days ago, Pylos gave a smile as he walked towards her.

K.Nobility: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 To remember anything about her family

"My sincerest greetings, dear Maria," he said softly, not wishing to break the peaceful air of the gazebo. "I hope I'm not intruding, but I spotted you during my walk and just had to come say hello."

"So," says Rexandi in a continuation of the conversation, "If I were approached by some street toughs, and they had knives, the one with the rapier is probably the one in charge?"

She thinks for a moment, and then says, "Um... not to be insensitive, but I heard there's a local street gang, the um... Talons, I think? Do you know anything about them? Any advice on how a young tiefling woman can avoid danger?"

Aid Another: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Tarnagius assumes his usual position as Pylos' immediate support, leaning in to whisper any useful information he has into his ear.

Pylos knows that the Aulorians are a very wealthy local noble family with no holdings outside of Kintargo, apart from their mines. Their wealth grew from silver and salt mines just beyond Kintargo. They have always had a keen interest in arcane magic, and it is expected that each member of the family learn the art. The head of the family is Lord Auxis Aulorian the second, who unlike his father, is directly involved in supporting Thrune. Before Auxis took control, the family was more of an ally to Kintargo itself, and worked well with the previous Lord-Mayor, Jilia Bainilus. The family is now only composed of four members. Auxis, his wife, their daughter Maria, and their son Marquel. Marquel has been absent from all noble activities as of late, but this is likely due to the fact that he is a very sickly young man.

Tarnagius knows that Maria's grandfather, Auxis senior, died around a week before Barzillai took control of Kintargo. He died from natural causes in his bed at the age of 74.

Maria looks up from her book and slides her raven black hair over her ears. Her soft brown eyes look weary compared to last time, like she hadn't slept. Her following words are measured and reserved. "Good day, Pylos, Tarnagius. That's very kind of you." She pauses for a moment to gauge if Pylos means that he's just saying hello and then moving on, or if he wants to start a conversation.

--------

The Tengu fidgets with a quill, circling it around his claws. "Well, from what I hear, the River Talons care only about coin. They stalk around the northern part of Redroof and are an impulsive lot. If I were you, I would likely travel in a group that carried an obvious weapon or two. Oh, and I would make sure not to carry a brimming bag of gold. Thing is about street thugs, the leader is always the wealthiest and most competent. Though that's not always saying much." He laughs a little at his own joke.

Rexandi chuckles at the proprietor's joke and says, "Maybe I should get something that I can wear openly, even if I don't know how to use it, just to dissuade any attempts? Or do they take that as a challenge?"

The Tengu shakes his head "Not a challenge, no. Miss, they'd take one look at you and say 'No way am I messing with her!'. They'll scamper off before you know it!"

He then presents to you the Sword Cane, the Short Sword, and the Bastard Sword (side note, should that sword be sent to Pylos?). "Here are the blades that I have on me at the moment, but if you would like a long sword or a rapier, I can certainly order it for you."

Nodding his head genially, and listening closely to Tarnagius' words, Pylos decided that they should investigate the elder's passing at a later date. Meanwhile, he had this lovely young lady in front of him, and let it not be said that Pylos was rude to those who did not deserve it! "I merely wished to say that I greatly enjoyed our dance the other night, and mayhaps we might meet again to see if our steps are still in tune?"

The bastard should always have the bastard, every bastard knows that.

Tarnagius bows slightly and steps away, out of immediate earshot, and stands stiff at attention, his hands on his belt and sizes up the people present.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Not sleeping well. Reserved greeting. Used first names though.

Pylos notices that Maria relaxes ever so slightly once Tarnagius steps back. She's still hesitant, but she says "Yes, I'd like that."

Tarnagius senses all the mixed signals. It would seem that this girl is confused about something.

At the Tengu's weapon shop

"Um, that really large sword looks like too much for me to even lift! Maybe the short sword? I could wear it on a baldric low on the hips and keep it out of the way, just to dissuade the street gangs. Or the sword cane? Easier to put it to one side when I go indoors to do things. Ummm... I can't really decide between the two! I like the sword cane as a fashion accessory but maybe it says too much about 'upper class' and, er, obviously I'm not that? I'm not sure," says Rexandi, keeping up the dialog with the shopkeeper. "I guess if I'm in the rough parts of town with this gang you mentioned, perhaps I shouldn't look like I'm a rich person in the wrong neighborhood? Or do they mostly keep to themselves and not bother people crossing through their turf?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Kethaera tried to see if the tengu knew anything else about the River Talons.

"Anything else you can tell us about the Talons?"

She also looked at the buckler, wondering if she should purchase it.

"The Talons are a real thorn in the side, from what I hear." Replies the Tengu shopkeeper. "They prey on lone wanderers or those who look easily intimidated. They're bullies and cowards, the lot of em, who can't be bothered to work hard and honestly for their coin." He takes a brief pause to regain his composure. "A lone nobleman would be an irresistible target for them. However, if that nobleman carried a fine sword and looked competent, or even feigned competence, it would surely go a long way to dissuade the bandits."

"They sound like folk in need of direction their behavior sound aimless, I wonder if they have a leader? So many are lost in these days of chaos." He looks up talking like a true tragedy is taking place.

Vague probing question whose their leader as well as a sentiment about leadership basically Bazzle hopes the bird says something useful about the talons or about how he feels about the state of the city.

Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Ow! :(

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Kethaera thought about any local history involving the Talons, while also seeing if the tengu shopkeeper was hiding anything involving his knowledge of the Talons.

While the shopkeeper's loss of composure seems very real, Kethaera still gets the impression that he knows more about the Talons than he lets you believe. The "from what I hear" part sounds very false.

"In need of direction? The only direction they need is either jail or a real job. Instead they abandon their homes and families to skulk in sewers and pocket the hard earned cash of real citizens. Oh! It really makes my blood boil!"

Rexandi nods. "All right, I'll take the short sword," she says, shelling over the gold coins. "Can't be too careful in these turbulent times." With a glance over at Kethaera she says, "You'd think the dottari would clean up this kind of criminal activity, but I guess they're too busy." She smiles at the shopkeeper (without really thinking about whether tengu are predisposed to even understand the gesture of smiling, since they don't have lips) and says as she tries to figure out how to buckle on the sword, "Sounds like you take this gang's antics personally!"

What day is it today? And how long do I have until my little shindig with the Church?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Thankful that Tarnagius took a few steps back, Pylos gently grasped her hand and bowed low, brushing his lips against her knuckles. "Then, say, in two days time? I'm sure there is some place left in Kintargo that will play music for us," he said with a smile before standing back up. "Well, unfortunately my companion and I must be going, but I am looking forward to our meeting. Until then, my dear."

With one last smile towards the young lady, Pylos led the surly Tarnagius down the walk way a bit until they were suitably alone. "We need to get someone to look into her family. Too many things don't add up with them, and the current head is probably in Barzillai's pocket," he said quietly.

It is Oathday, the 6th of Sarenith, and day 5 of the rebellion week. Your church attendance is in the evening of the 9th.

Maria grins slightly and delicately draws her hand back. She replies "yes, I do hope so. Please let me know where you would like to go. You could write to me, if you wish. Good day to you, Pylos." She then lifts her book back up, revealing what looks like a textbook from the Alabaster Academy.

"Lovely!" The tengu shopkeeper quickly reacts, eager to distract himself from his anger. After selling the sword, he says quickly "just looking out for the people, right? It's only natural for a business owner to be frustrated with thieves and brigands. Ah, good day to you and your friends."

"Quite right," says Rexandi to the shopowner. "We the good citizens and peaceful people shouldn't have to live under the shadow of fear from violence and crime!"

Tarnagius inclines his head slightly at Maria, but says nothing until he and Pylos are alone again.

Agreed. I don't know about the official story with the recent death in the family. The timing is just too good, and "in bed at home" is just about the easiest cover imaginable. If only Jules were still about. We can ask Laria to check into the slave situation; if that was a textbook we can also ask Rexandi to acquaint herself to this little bird.

He scratches his beard. We could also see about trying to commune with the grandfather himself. It happened sometimes in Egorian, on the rare occasion the truth was more important than the story.

What would you like to do now? This question applies to both groups.

I feel like we did a pretty good tag-team on the shopkeeper, maybe time to meet back up and decide on how we want to approach the Talons.

Kethaera wasn't quite convinced.

"So you must have had some dealings or do you know someone who is a member of the Talons?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21