Hell's Rebels - Sing a Song of Silver!

Game Master HedwickTheWorldly

Defense
AC 17; Touch 15; Flat-Footed 12; (+2 armor, +4 dex, +1 dodge)
+3 more vs AoOs from moving through a threatened square

HP 10 (d8+2)

Fort +2 (0 base+2 con)
Ref +6 (2 base+4 dex)
Will +0 (0 base+0 wis)

Offense
Speed 30 ft

Space 5ft; Reach 5ft

Melee
Sap +4 (d6 nonlethal), crit x2, B
Dagger +4 (d4), melee, crit 19-20/x2, P or S

Ranged
Shortbow +4 (d6), range 60ft, crit x3, P
Dagger +4 (d4), range 10ft, crit 19-20/x2, P or S

Special Attacks
Sneak Attack +1d6

Skills
10/level +2 background
Acrobatics +11 (1 rank+3 trained+4 dex+3 skill focus)
Disable Device +8 (1 rank+3 trained+4 dex)
Escape Artist +8 (1 rank+3 trained+4 dex)
Perception +4 (1 rank+3 trained)
Sense Motive +4 (1 rank+3 trained)
Stealth +10 (1 rank+3 trained+4 dex+2 racial)
Climb +4 (1 rank+3 trained)
Bluff +2 (1 rank+3 trained-2 cha)
Use Magic Device +2 (1 rank+3 trained-2 cha)
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +6 (1 rank+3 trained+2 int)
Knowledge (Geography) +6 (1 rank+3 trained+2 int)
Sleight of Hand +10 (1 rank+3 trained+4 dex+2 racial)
+1 Perception/Disable Device vs traps
+4 survival to survive in an urban environment

Statistics
Str 10 0
Dex 18 +4
Con 14 +2
Int 14 +2
Wis 10 0
Cha 7 -2
(0 unspent)

Base Atk +0; CMB +4; CMD 14

Feats
1 Dodge
FS Skill Focus (Acrobatics)
B Weapon Finesse

Traits
Reactionary
Natural-Born Leader (14 cha for rebellion)

Racial Modifiers
Focused Study (1st, 8th, 16th)
Heart of the Slums (+2 Stealth/Sleight of Hand, +4 on Survival checks in urban and underground settings. In addition, roll twice when saving against disease, taking the better roll.)

Languages: Common, Infernal, Halfling

Class abilities:
(1/6 bonus rogue talent)
Sneak Attack +1d6
Finesse Training
Trapfinding +1

Combat Gear: smokestick, caltrops, arrows (20), dagger (4), wrist sheath (dagger), spring-loaded wrist sheath (dagger)
Other Gear: shortbow, sap, leather armor, backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, chalk (10), flint and steel, grappling hook, iron pot, mess kit, mirror, pitons (10), rope, soap, thieves' tools, torches (10), trail rations (5 days), waterskin, whip, hammer, drill, 1/2 lb of honey, pickpocket's outfit, 12 gp

-Four people in their lives. These could be friends, parents, lovers, enemies, rivals - let your imagination go wild.
1. Drus Longus - Mira's father and a 'freelancer.' He specializes in breaking and entry, stealing, and quietly dispatching of people who someone doesn't like. He thinks she's an abject failure, she thinks he's an irredeemable bastard--needless to say, they don't talk much. She used to give anything she had on him to the local authorities in hopes that they'd finally find him--with Thrune being the new boss, she's not sure she still wants to. That would probably be good, he knows what she's up to and makes sure to leave her fake leads to surreptitiously drop off. Prides himself on being better than her at literally everything.
2. Eliza Carmine - A cleric of Calistria. Whenever Mira had a bad night (or just felt particularly lonely), she'd made a habit of going to the House of Satin Veils and spending time complaining to her (the gold needed to with buy her time was, of course, stolen from others). Despite having spent a lot of nights hanging out with her, Mira's not sure if they're actually friends or not. Mira just trusts her because she's paid to be discreet. Mira hasn't seen her since the House was closed, and she's starting to get worried about if Eliza is okay or not.
3. Angello Felix - Owner of The Gentle Sting, a bar inside the House of Satin Veils. Mira maintains that is ale is better-tasting than anyone else's in town, and it was her favorite dive for any time she wanted to just get drunk and forget the world. It is now serving as a moneychanging counter for the House of Golden Veils. She's heard that he's working in another tavern somewhere in Kintargo, but she hasn't found which one yet.
4. Leroy Dupin - An aspiring member of the Order of the Chain, he is yet to receive a Commander's commission. Nonetheless, he is a heavily armored warrior who Mira has found herself having to escape from on more than one occasion. His quick wits are usually enough to see through all but her best-laid plans and his tracking skills are good, but thus far her preference for staying atop buildings and running away by rooftop has kept him from ever getting much more than a glimpse of her due to his love of Hellknight plate.

-Three of their most prominent memories - specific moments that changed them, impacted them, or stick with them to this day.
1. While her father was plying his trade, he tried teaching her what she knew. This included taking her on some easier marks in order to walk her through the ropes properly. During one such mission, she fell off of a roof and landed hard in an alleyway. Knocked straight to -1, she stabilized and woke up in pain. After waiting until it was nearly dawn, she slowly snuck her way back to their current hideout. When she asked her father why he didn't come back for her, he was very short: "If you can't keep up, you're no good to me. Next time you fall, just die."

She didn't fall again.
2. After the last falling out with her father (wherein she told him to stuff his head in a drainpipe and left for good), she tried to find somewhere to be alone. She wound up on the roof of some building in Villegre, where she just sat and looked up at the sky, losing herself in the stars until dawn. Their beauty stuck with her, and it's become a habit to the point that she's become an amateur astrologist.
3. Watching Shensen perform from the rafters of the Kintargo Opera House. She'd heard good things, but the first time Mira heard her sing and watched her move on stage she knew she wanted to be someone just like her--confident, strong, and adored by everyone. While she's not as much of a fanatic as some people, she's frequented the place ever since.

Two goals - these are specific, action-oriented goals with a purpose. "I want to become the King of Ustalav" is not a goal. "I want to become the King of Ustalav so I have the power to save my crappy fishing village from the terrible undead that seem to run rampant in this damn country" is a goal.
1. She wants to either see Thrune overthrown or have him reinstate the House of Satin Veils, and she doesn't much care which one it is so long as she can spend her nights talking with Eliza until the sun comes up again. This regime change has given her a lot of stress.
2. She wants to punch her old man in the face. Hopefully three or four times.

-One thing that gets your character out of bed in the morning. This is different from a long-term goal. This is a purpose, or a motivator, or a short-term ambition, and it can change as time goes on. "I wake up every morning determined to be better than I was yesterday" is an ambition/purpose. "I get out of bed so I can prove my dad wrong" is a purpose. Tell me what makes you tick.
When I got this far and you said "I get out of bed so I can prove my dad wrong" I busted out laughing.
Deep down, she thinks she's worthless. Her father made sure every single day that she knew how much better than her he was, and continually belittled everything she did. While she's broken away from him and is determined to be her own person, her frequent paranoia is thrown off by a need for validation from others, particularly when she feels unsure.

Mira gets out of bed to prove that she's worth anything at all, to prove that she matters, is important, and shines.

I later learned those who saved me and nursed me back to health belonged to the Rose of Kintargo. They did not just heal my physical wounds, but helped to repair the mental as well. They gave me no names and did their best to not reveal their faces while I was under their care. One in particular -who I named in my head Red, for the single red lock of hair I glimpsed behind her hood- was instrumental in my recovery and sat with me through many tear and nightmare filled nights. I do not blame them for their caution, knowing who my family once was and it was one night that I overheard their whispers that I realized even these kind people may not have saved me if not given a sign. A single crimson rose had grown from the cracks in the cobblestone where my blood had pooled. And so, my caretakers did their best for me. They set me up with a small apartment and a bit of gold. They dyed my hair that had grown long for the first time in my life, which combined with my new scars and altered voice concealed my identity better than I had hoped.

I had set myself a goal, to one day earn their trust, learn their names, become their friend, and perhaps even become one of their number. It seems that was not meant to be. House Thrune came to Kintargo and everything changed. I have heard rumblings that the entirety of the Rose has been captured and possibly even executed. I refuse to let such rumours lie. I will find out the truth behind these rumours, and do whatever I must to save the Rose, like they once did for me.

2. He was once a very handsome man with a melodic voice. After being tortured and almost murdered at the hands of his family his handsome features have been somewhat marred, though the Rose did their best to heal his wounds. His nose is a little crooked and thin scars crisscross his face, changing his handsomeness from boyish to rugged. He keeps his hair long (in contrast to the shorter more controlled styles of his younger days) and wears high collars to cover the rope scar about his neck. The Rose dyed his hair a dirty blonde from his natural darker hair, but nothing could be done about his startlingly grey eyes.

3. Ever since the day of his near death Sebastian has not been able to raise his voice above a whisper and he tenses at the sound of laughter.

4. He feels in debt to the Rose of Kintargo for saving his life and wishes to do whatever he can to save them from the wrath of House Thrune.

5. He is intrigued by the Goddess Milani who the Rose believed saved his life, but does not yet knowingly count himself among her followers.

The Mother, Teresa Sarini: Teresa was the opposite of her husband in her treatment of Sebastian. She was married into the family politcally and shared none of their cruelty or worship of Thrune and so her son's non-Sarini nature pleased her greatly. She commited suicide when Sebastian was young, but he has always wondered over the truth of her death. Unknown to Sebastian he is not the son of Vitale and Teresa, but Teresa and her true love.

The Brother, Renato Sarini: Renato is everything that Sebastian is not. He is cruel, merciless, darkly humoured and strong. Despite that for much of his childhood he looked up to his older brother, but as he grew into adulthood his love quickly became hate. Sebastian cannot bring himself to hate his brother despite the fact that Ranato participated in his attempted murder.

The Saviour, Red: The bulk of Sebastian's healing under the Rose of Kintargo was accomplished by a woman that he referred to as Red (due to the single crimson lock of hair he had seen fall from beneath her hood). He feels a great debt to her for having saved his life, but also cannot help but have fallen for her in the process.

2. The day he awoke and heard the voice of the Rose of Kintargo member he would later refer to as Red. She had been singing him a lullaby as his broken body slept in fitful pain.

3. The day his mother died. Earlier that day she had given him a small glass rose that he knew she treasured, he nearly broke it as he clutched it tightly in hand and sobbed out the pain of his mother's death, yet he managed to save it even from being broken even during his torture and holds it still.

2. To find out why the Goddess Milani would spare him and to learn more of her church and her ways in the hopes of getting closer to the Rose of Kintargo and Red.

Narl LongTooth
Male half-orc slayer (bounty hunter) 1 ( Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 53, 118)
LN Medium humanoid (human, orc)
Init +1; Senses low-light vision; Perception +8
—————
Defense
—————
AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +1 Dex)
hp 12 (1d10+2)
Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +1
—————
Offense
—————
Speed 30 ft.
Melee handaxe +4 (1d6+3/×3) or
sap +4 (1d6+3 nonlethal)
Ranged lasso +2 () or
shortbow +2 (1d6/×3)
Special Attacks studied target +1 (1st, move action)
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Statistics
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Str 17, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 10
Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD 15
Feats Intimidating Prowess
Traits honey-tongued, urban sleuth (Professor Mangvhune; Knowledge [Local, Planes])
Skills Bluff +4 (+5 when dealing with agents of the law), Climb +5, Diplomacy +0 (+1 when dealing with
agents of the law), Intimidate +9, Knowledge (geography) +5, Knowledge (local) +6, Perception +8,
Profession (barrister) +5, Sense Motive +6, Survival +5; Racial Modifiers +2 Intimidate, +3 Perception, +1
Sense Motive
Languages Abyssal, Common, Orc
SQ orc blood, track +1
Other Gear lamellar (leather) armor UC, buckler, handaxe, lasso APG, sap, shortbow, backpack, bedroll, belt
pouch, flint and steel, hemp rope (50 ft.), manacles, mess kit UE, pot, trail rations (5), waterskin, 26 gp
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Special Abilities
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Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in dim light, distinguishing color and detail.
Orc Blood Half-orcs count as both humans and orcs for any effect related to race.
Studied Target +1 (move action, 1 at a time) (Ex) Study foe as a Move action, gain +1 to att/dam &
some skills vs. them.
Track +1 Add the listed bonus to survival checks made to track.

Narl had travelled for 3 days on horse back to get to Kintargo, he was tired and he just needed a drink and a place to lay. Upon arriving in the city, it seemed odd that some of the streets were barren, making his way slowly to the inn he stayed at usually Narl stabled his horse.

Finding out about the protest that was taking place, Narl figured it might be a good place to find his prey.
Checking to make sure that he had everything, he made a quick stop at one of the garrisons to get a rit saying he could continue to track his bounty here. Once he had that, after making the guard piddle them selves a little he headed off to the protest.

Female Human (Chelaxian) sorcerer 1, CG medium humanoid (human),
Init +2; Senses Perception +0,

Languages Common, Draconic, Infernal

AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10, Hp7, Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +2

Ranged light crossbow +2 (1d8/19-20)

Abilities Str 10, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 11, Cha 17, Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 12

Special Actions Beguiling Voice (Dazed for 1 round, Max HD 1, 6/day),

Known Sorcerer Spells (CL 1st):
1st (4/day) - ear-piercing scream (DC 14) , shield (DC )
0th (at will) - acid splash , dancing lights , detect magic , ghost sound (DC 13)

Special Qualities Bloodline Arcana, Bonus Feat, Cantrips, Maestro Bloodline, Skilled,

Feats Eschew Materials, Skill Focus (Perform (Sing)), Spell Focus (Enchantment)

Skills
Bluff +7,
Knowledge (Arcana) +6,
Perform (Act) +7,
Perform (Sing) +10,
Perform (Untrained) +3,
Spellcraft +6,
Use Magic Device +7,

Possessions outfit (entertainer's); Light Crossbow ;

Beguiling Voice (Ex) You can use the sound of your voice to lull a target creature into taking no action. This ability acts as the daze spell, except it is language-dependent, has a duration of 1 round, and affects a living creature whose Hit Dice do not exceed 1. You can use this ability 6 times per day.

Bloodline Arcana Whenever you cast a spell with a verbal component and no somatic or material component, you treat your caster level as if it were one higher.
Cantrips You learn a number of cantrips, or 0-level spells. These spells are cast like any other spells, but they do not consume any slots and may be used again.

Eschew Materials

Maestro Bloodline The spiritual power of art and song runs strongly through your family line. This may be the result of ancient pacts made with azata patrons, or even an inheritance from a lillend or trumpet archon ancestor. It could also be the lingering taint of a less savory heritage, such as from a harpy or a forefather driven to madness by the disquieting gibbering of a shoggoth. However it came to be, your family's artistic bent shows itself strongly in your magic.

Rich Parents You were born into a rich family, perhaps even the nobility. Your starting cash increases to 900 gp

Star Struck (Shensen (Charisma)) Growing up in Kintargo, it's hard not to become obsessed with one of the city's celebrities. There are so many to choose from, and they're all so glamorous, rich, and successful! Wouldn't it be amazing to, perhaps some day, meet one of them? Or even better, to be a Kintargan celebrity yourself? Your interest in one of Kintargo's celebrities could be completely benign, with the NPC acting as a muse, inspiration, or role model for you that you used to guide many life choices leading you to this day. Or perhaps your interest is more akin to an obsession, in which you hope to some day live a life like that you imagine your idol lives, or perhaps even to some day meet and become friends (or perhaps more than friends) with your idol. Keep in mind, though, that sometimes a celebrity's public persona and real personality are two very different things, and if some day you were to meet your idol, you might be surprised at the truth! That said, the fact that, by all accounts, your idol has been missing since House Thrune instituted martial law has you worried; you hope he or she is all right! The fact that all five of the local legends listed below have been rumored to have ties to the Silver Ravens further concerns you, considering how that group seems to have been particularly targeted by Barzillai Thrune's agents over the past week. The fate of all five of these Kintargan icons will be revealed at some point during the Hell's Rebels Adventure Path, but keep in mind that some of those fates might not be pleasant discoveries for you! You gain a +1 trait bonus on Knowledge (local) checks. Pick one of the following celebrities with which to be obsessed. Each celebrity is associated with a particular ability score. Once per day, you can draw on your inspiration from your icon when you are about to attempt a skill check modified by that ability score. When you do so, roll the check twice and take the better of the two results as your actual result. Jackdaw (sex and race unknown; Intelligence): A notorious folk hero or heroine (no one seems to know if Jackdaw is a man or woman) who helped defend Kintargo during the Chelish Civil War, and whom many believe still lives on today in the city's shadows. Jilia Bainilus (female human; Wisdom): Kintargo's previous lord-mayor was well known for her cutting insights into the political world. Few have fought harder to maintain Kintargo's independence. Octavio Sabinus (male human; Strength): The Lictor of the Hellknight Order of the Torrent might seem an odd choice for admiration, but Octavio's physical stature certainly lent him all the support he needed to command a room. Shensen (female half-elf; Charisma): Shensen's performances as an outspoken force against the diabolism of House Thrune have won her nearly as many admirers as have her memorable performances on stage in the Kintargo Opera House. Strea Vestori (female tiefling; Dexterity): Strea is often regarded as the face of the slums known as the Devil's Nursery. As Kintargo's most outspoken and public tiefling citizen and leader of the Cloven Hoof Society, she has nearly as many admirers as she has political enemies in Cheliax.

Korva is a stunningly good looking girl and she knows it. A classic Chelaxian beauty with long black hair, pale skin and flashing black eyes. She favors dresses that display her lovely figure and gold hairpins in her long, silky mane.

Her family is wealthy but middle class and make their gold from being merchants. Korva is the youngest of three children, and the only daughter. Which has made her the spoiled baby of the family. She is completely unused to not getting her way.

Her magic woke within her when she first saw a performance at the Kintargo opera house. To her “The magic sings within me.” Her father was less happy about it, now all those stories about Great-grandmother Chamile and her scandalous adventures will come up again.

A born and bred Kintargan Korva worships Shelyn and finds the followers of Asmodeous ‘Dreary.’

Korva’s ambition to become a performer at the Opera is coming into conflict with her family’s plans to marry her off now she’s the right age. She is not blind to the constant stream of ‘Nice young men.’ Her family are parading passed her and knows that unless she soon makes her own career not even being her father’s pet will prevent a dreary marriage to some wealthy, boring merchant’s son.

Four people in her life:

Danius Crispin, her father. Danius spoiled his daughter all her life, believing in his fond way that she would naturally see the path he had mapped out for her and follow his plans. Her sudden desire to become a performer he sees as typical childish implusiveness. While generally a kind man Danius expects things to go in certain ways and grows grumpy at unexpected obstacles to his expectations..

Pavo Crispin. Her eldest brother, unlike his father Pavo has spent time on the family ships, and in other countries. Seeing the world and experiencing other cultures. While happy with the life of a merchant, and taking over the family business Pavo realises that his beloved little sister will never happily be a traditional wife or mother. He can see that things are going to blow up between Korva and Danius very soon and is worried.

Aspexia Ratarion. Korva’s tutor in singing. A former bard and performer herself Aspexia makes her living tutoring the spoiled brats of the noble and the middle class families in the arts. To her great surprise Korva does actually possess a genuine talent for singing. Despite this Aspexia often feels a great desire to strangle her.

Marcellano Baradin. The eldest son of a minor noble family, but one of considerable wealth, Marcellano has decided that Korva will make an ideal wife. At least once she gives up that performing nonsense. He would find it a considerable blow to his self-esteem to learn that Korva barely knows he exists. Maybe if he spent more time talking to her face than her cleavage?

Three prominent memories:

The day her magic awoke inside her is Korvas most powerful memory. She was entranced by the power and passion of the music she was listening to and could feel it resonating inside her until her until something answered.

The death of her mother still saddens Korva. Drulia while a kind and doting parent was far less inclined to let Korva get away with being selfish and unkind. Korva unknowingly still misses her mother’s guidance and example.

The first time she saw real pleasure on Aspexia’s face at Korvas singing. Getting genuine admiration for a talent she had worked hard to achieve was a novel experience for Korva. One she wishes strongly to feel again.

Two Goals:

Korva is totally devoted to making a career as a performer. At the moment it is still a young girl’s obsession, but as she grows up and moves passed the selfish desire to be admired it will become a real joy in bringing pleasure to others and influencing crowds.

The increasing restrictions brought about by martial law, while hardly affecting Korva at present are something that unconsciously bothers her. To restrict what people can say or perform makes Korva angry. She just can’t say why right now, but she will become increasingly opposed to any form of repression. Maybe for selfish reasons at first, but soon, as she grows up she will become a genuine rebel.

One thing that get her out of bed:

A desire to learn all she can of singing. To become better until everyone has to recognise her talent. Korva is young and has had a sheltered life so far. She has just begun to see that life as an adult will be far from her childish dreams.

While usually very cautious, deliberate, and practicing what he preached when enacting their heists, recently Rutilus made a mistake that nearly cost him everything. There was word of a large food cart that could feed his group for months en route through town. The owner was supposedly very wealthy, but stingy and arrogant so it would be unguarded. However, when they made their move it turned out it was trap and they were captured to a man. Rutilus's captor, who claimed his name was Patch (whether true or not can't be said), couldn't believe that a boy could lead a bunch of other children and evade capture for years. Patch saw Rutilus's potential and made him a deal. He would allow all Rutilus's "men" free provided Rutilus trained with Patch and came to work with him and his organization. Patch wouldn't say who this organization was, but said they were working to make Kintargo a better place for everyone. Rutilus was uncertain, however, what choice did he have? Damn himself or damn everyone he cared about, so Rutilus agreed. True to his word, "Patch" let everyone go and began to train Rutilus

That was weeks ago, and during that time Rutilus never met anyone else in this organization besides "Patch." This didn't bother Rutilus, all that mattered was that his family was safe, or so he thought. Recently, Kintargo new mayor Barzillai Thrune has declared martial law making things hard on his family. To make matters worse, about a week ago "Patch" vanished. Rutilus searched and found no trace of him. All Rutilus could find were vague rumors that the Silver Ravens were destroyed around the same time Patch went missing. Could Patch have been a member? Was that the organization Rutilus was training to join? Rutilus began searching for anything he could find on the Silver Ravens and everything came up empty until today. A friend of a friend of a friend claims to know something and says he will meet at the Aria Park protest. He left no name but says he will be wearing a black glove on his right hand and no glove on his left. Maybe its finally time to get some answers.

To outsiders, Rutilus gives a look as someone who is stern and unforgiving. However, the truth is that he is constantly on the lookout against threats to him and those he cares about and takes this task seriously. To those who count Rutilus as friend, he is friendly, jovial, caring, and loyal to a fault. Rutilus understands the need for work and the need to play, he just keeps those two acts seperate. When its time to get to business, Rutilus allows nothing to destract him. When business is done Rutilus has no issues sharing a pint with those he holds dear.

2. He is at home in the shadows wearing non-discript clothing allowing him to blend into the periphery. His clothing is always properly fitted allowing him easy movement.

3. He is a natural born leader and although he will take charge when necessary, he prefers leading from the shadows and letting others take the limelight and the credit.

4. He is equally skilled with the sword and the bow. However, if given the choice he prefers to use a sword and shield.

5. He is in Kintargo as that is where he was born and he assumes that that is where he will die.

2. "Patch" - "Patch," if that is his real name, captured Rutilus and all of his family in an ambush. However, seeing the potential in Rutilus, Patch let Rutilus's family go and began training him to serve in his secret organization. They got along well and Rutilus began to admire and Respect Patch, seeing him as father figure.

3. The Devil Nuns - While not a singular person, Rutilus saw them as indistinguishable. These were the nuns that raised him in the Asmodeus orphanage. These were also the nuns that disciplined him harshly when he questioned Asmodeus's teachings.

4. Hotri - A tiefling male street urchin who Rutilus sees as his brother. Nearly as skilled as Rutilus, there has been a sibling rivalry between the two of them as long as they have known each other. This rivalry pushes each one to be their best.

2. The day he escaped the Orphanage - Raised in an Asmodeus orphanage, Rutilus rejected their teachings and couldn't understand how anyone would willfully choose to follow them. This led to him constantly being "disciplined" (more like tortured) by the nuns. One day he found his opening and escaped from the orphanage never looking back. As this was his first and only experience with organized religion, Rutilus follows no god.

3. The day he met Cassie - a few months after escaping the orphanage, Rutilus found he excelled on the streets. He then met a girl a few years younger than himself shivering and cowering in an alleyway. He still can't explain it to this day, but he found himself drawn to her and compelled to take her under his wing. He found what he considers to be his little sister and the first member of his family.

2. Do what he can in Kintargo to help his family, even if that means going up against the governemnt.

Who he is: Jacomo is an angry, broken widower bent on vengeance against the Church of Asmodeus.

Personality: Methodical, precise, pragmatic, and driven, though recent events have filled him with an anger that he struggles to contain. He has become fixated on his hatred for the Church of Asmodeus and the government that supports it, for when he loses focus on these his feeelings of shame, regret, and loss threaten to overwhelm him; so long as he’s blaming others he can avoid considering his own responsibility in the loss of his family. He tends to judge others by their actions but himself by his intentions, and adopts a bit of a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude. If lawful evil alignment is allowed, he believes that his actions are justified so long as directed against Asmodeans, blind to the fact that he is slowly becoming the thing that he hates.

Appearance: Pale skinned and possessed of a slim, lanky frame. When not performing he dresses in simple travelers’ clothing; his professional outfit is chequered harlequin’s garb with a bright maroon cloak, his face painted white with black eyelids and upper lip, accented with red circles which describe the arc of a ball in motion. When not performing his air is one of melancholy, though his demeanor becomes one of grim determination when pursuing a task at hand.

Reason for being in Kintargo: Native born and bred.

Friend: Decundus Canaglia, aka “Canny Decks,” a childhood friend of dubious character and employ. While Jacomo only dabbled in the criminal lifestyle, Decundus made it his life’s pursuit. Despite their clashing philosophies the two have remained fast friends, and it was to Decundus that Jacomo turned for help in honing his knife fighting skills.

Enemy: Mercius Malvagio, Asmodean church official. The man who promised Jacomo that he would be considered for entrance into the church’s ranks in exchange for his infant son; though Mercius is unaware of it, Jacomo now plans to kill him.

Acquaintance: Relia Vraji, an ancient Varisian soothsayer and wise woman. Introduced many years ago by Axius, she became interested in young Jacomo after reading his harrow, and has kept tabs on him ever since. While he is respectful of her due to his mentor’s obvious faith in her abilities, Jacomo remains dubious she possesses any real powers of prophecy.

Moment that impacted him: Being informed that he hadn’t been accepted into the church’s ranks, and his wife’s subsequent suicide.

Moment that sticks with him: The first time he danced with his wife Ballaria.

Exposition: Born one of four siblings to devout but impoverished parents in Kintargo, Jacomo spent his early childhood begging on the streets and watching as one by one his brother and sisters fell ill and perished. As he grew older he and his comrade Decundus became involved in petty crime on the city docks, but a close brush with the law and a stern scolding from his parents scared young Jacomo straight; shortly thereafter both his parents succumbed to sickness as well. He fended for himself as a beggar until one day he witnessed a performance of the Red Mummers, a small troupe of street performers who engaged in marvelous feats of acrobatics; when they began juggling knives between them Jacomo was transfixed. The precision and control displayed amazed him, and he knew then and there that he wanted to have that kind of discipline and skill. He approached the group and begged for an apprenticeship which the group’s leader, Axius Guida, granted.

Complication: Like most apprenticeships Jacomo’s involved several hard years assisting the Red Mummers with menial tasks before he began to be trained in earnest. It was during this time that he first met the Varisian fortune teller Relia Vraji; Axius brought him to her for a harrow reading, and in his cards she saw “a metamorphosis into both butterfly and wasp - but the risk of being drawn like a moth into the flame.” Axius took this as a very promising fortune and began Jacomo’s proper training immediately afterwards. After Jacomo’s first performance, in which he excelled, the Mummers went to celebrate at a bar frequented by artists and performers. It was there that he first met his wife, Ballaria Sarta. She danced with the acrobats and jongleurs with a grace that put them all to shame, save for Jacomo; he knew then and there that he wanted her as his wife. Their courtship was brief, his sincerity and wit quickly winning Ballaria over, and they were soon married.

Climax: Jacomo enjoyed married life, and though poor they scraped by with him working with the Red Mummers and her as a seamstress. After a time Ballaria became with child, and Jacomo knew then and there that if he was to provide a secure future for his family he would need help. He had always maintained his faith in Asmodeus, tithing to the church even as a beggar, and it was to that exemplary institution he turned. Inquiries led to a referral to Mercius Malvagio, a ranking official within the church. Mercius informed him that in exchange for a fee he would make sure Jacomo received consideration for recruitment into a new force the church was assembling to be made up of men and women skilled at stealth and combat; it would be dangerous, but the position would pay a sum of over a thousand gold a year. Pleased by this development, Jacomo sought out Canny Decks and began re-training the knife skills he’d once used in his disreputable youth, blending the discipline and precision of his performance art into that of his knifework to great effect. Ballaria gave birth to a healthy baby boy, and that same night Mercius came to their home and informed them that the time had come for him to submit a candidate for the discussed position.

”Those who demonstrate the proper talents and qualities will be chosen,” he told them, then produced a contract for Jacomo - he would be Mercius’s candidate for the price of one thousand gold. Jacomo despaired that the sum was beyond their ability to pay, but promised that once he secured the position he would repay Mercius out of his wages. While sympathetic to their plight, Mercius required payment up front; if they could not afford to pay in coin, perhaps something else of value might be exchanged? ”I see you have a new child, born this very night; hardly enough time to grow attached. I will take him instead.”

Ballaria balked at the offer, but Jacomo was not so hasty to dismiss it; a high price, to be sure, but he was confident his skills at blade and shadow would earn him a place in service to Asmodeus. They would then have the wealth and security to raise any number of children, rather than risk raising their current son in their impoverished state; surely the church was better equipped to see to their son’s future than they. Reluctant and teary-eyed, Ballaria agreed, and Mercius praised their wisdom as they amended and signed the agreement. Gathering up the child and making his leave, the priest gave instructions on where and when Jacomo should appear for his interview.

Reversal. Jacomo was put through a series of tests at which he excelled, and he also brought along all his tax records detailing his lifelong tithing to the church, including the contract with Mercius for his son, to show his dedication to the faith. He left feeling supremely confident in his performance, and remained so when he was summoned to Mercius’s presence a few days later, right until the man informed him of his failure. His mind reeled at the shock. ”Your talents are top notch,” Mercius stated, ”it’s your qualities which exempted you: low birth, employment under a known dissenter, questionable profession - I mean,” here the priest gave a chuckle, ”you are quite literally a clown.” Mercius smiled sympathetically. ”Still, you garnered some praise and attention, and it’s rare anyone is selected their first time around. Work on your qualities, Jacomo, and in a few years’ time you may have a real chance at selection.”

Jacomo stared blankly at Mercius, and he knew then and there that the priest had known that he wouldn’t be chosen. ”Where is my son?” Mercius’s brow furrowed in annoyance. ”He’s not your child anymore, so quite frankly it’s none of your business; however the fact is I don’t know where the child is, but with a new lord-mayor taking office I assume sacrifices were needed to ensure a successful transition of power. Now if you’ll excuse yourself, I have a rather busy day. These gentlemen will show you out.” With a wave of his hand, two church guards appeared and escorted the dumbfounded man out to the street.

Catastrophe. Jacomo returned home seething with resentment, and he raged against Mercius, the church, and the lord-mayor. ”They refused me! The liars! Malvagio all but promised that I’d receive the commission when he knew all along I had not a chance! Liars and betrayers!” Ballaria simply stared at him as he raged, silent tears running down her face. ”And our child!” Jacomo’s voice changed to a harsh whisper, his eyes unable to meet those of his wife. ”Our child, sent as sacrifice for the new lord-mayor...” He collapsed into a chair, unable to process it all. Ballaria stared at him for a while longer, then left for their bedchamber without a word. Finally the onset of evening roused Jacomo from his catatonia, and when he looked after his wife he found her hanging from the bedchamber rafter.

The flood of anguish, shame, anger, and self-loathing at the sight was too much for Jacomo to bear, and something inside him broke. He realized that the rules and laws he’d followed his whole life were rigged against him, indeed that the intent of the whole system was to defeat him, to keep him poor and helpless. The rage inside of him turned cold, and he knew then and there that he would do everything within his power to see the Church of Asmodeus and all it supported brought to ruin.

Jacomo failed to get the job, and learned that Malvagio had known all along that he’d had little chance of employment. Upon the news that their plans had failed and that their son had likely been used as sacrifice for the new lord-mayor, Ballaria hung herself in despair. His life ruined, Jacomo has vowed to do everything within his power to see the Church of Asmodeus and all it supported brought to ruin.

I picture his outfit being similar to Dottore in construction, but with a red hooded cloak rather than the hat/mask, and a black and white harlequin checker pattern.

Music: I Started a Joke/Bee Gees, Still I'm Sad/The Yardbirds, Cirkus/King Crimson, Death of a Clown/The Kinks.