Westcrown. A city of extremes and contradictions. Once capital of the Empire of Cheliax and home to a mortal made god, now a crumbling metropolis, riddled with corruption and despair, and a forgotten city in a nation in league with devils. Bustling and loud by the bright light of day, yet night brings only fear and silence, as dark shadows stalk the city unchallenged. Folks on Westcrown proper’s dirty, garbage-strewn streets gaze across the waters of the Southrun and see the unblemished white stone towers and walls of the Regicona, the walled collection of canal-filled islands that is home to the noble families of the city.
All of you have suffered personal hardship as a result of the government of Westcrown, be it through suspicious or negligent circumstances leading to loss of family, state sanctioned ill treatment at the hands of nobles, or as a slave to the ruling class. And though you have met each other seemingly by chance, through it all runs a subtle common thread – the whispers of the shadowy Council of Thieves. Rumoured to be the true power in Westcrown, many lay the city’s problems at the door of both this hidden group and Westcrown’s uncaring leaders.
Someone, it seems, has taken notice. Known to certain people as a result of the rescue of Linoven of House Salisfer (or in the case of Berrin, as a capable friend of Attris), you have been individually contacted by a woman named Janiven. In the interest of Westcrown and its people, she has appealed to each of you in person to meet her at a place called Vizio’s Tavern at 4 o’clock today, well before the dusk curfew. A passionate, capable, and beautiful woman, Janiven would not reveal much, but has managed to dangle the right carrot before all of you to ensure your attendance.
I will be spending the day trying to gather information about Janiven. I will be talking to other people I have 'journeyed' with previously and other characters I may have mingled with over my time as 'Bark'.
I will then arrive approx 1 hour early to the tavern. I will place myself in a corner and try to remain inconspicuous until Janiven arrives. I will be keeping my eye out for strange interactions
Who is this Janiven? and what could she want? She certainly has me intrigued.
Attris will spend the morning at his home partaking in his daily ritual of sharpening his claws and tusks and meditating on the meaning of victory.
You will not have died in vain. Ginzazel will pay father. I swear it.
Attris will also continue his search for a fight promoter who can arrange for him to re-enter the pit fighting circuit . Attris arrives at the tavern stipulated by Janiven an hour early and scouts the room for any familiar faces
He then moves to the bar and orders a bloody ale (Half beer half oxen blood).
Benni arrives several hours early and attempts to ingratiate himself with the staff and patrons - sharing stories and keeping an ear out for rumours and interesting news. At one stage he helps a serving girl carry some dishes into the kitchen to scope out alternative exits. By the time 4 o'clock rolls around, Benni is well established as the centre of every bodies attention and has made a handful of new best friends.
When you arrive at Vizio’s, it appears to be permanently closed – at least, the windows are boarded up, and no one enters or leaves. There are the occasional sounds of a hammer on wood from inside the tavern, however.
You are not currently aware of the others’ involvement.
This post also demonstrates how I'll communicate info to just one person. This button is for Bark, and it would allow you others to be surprised by stuff if you don't read it. If you just can't help yourself, I'd expect you to roleplay your character well enough (i.e. as if they don't know the info) that I can't tell you read it :)
Your searching for a patron for pit fighting doesn’t bear immediate fruit, but you do learn of a shifty-sounding fellow named Garisi who seems like he might have the balls to give you a go.
When you arrive at the tavern, you find that it is not open for business – the windows are boarded. However, the front door does not appear to be locked.
"Sure, master bard, that would be most welcome. Here, grab this hammer, and we can share the nails."
She sets to work with you, occasionally chatting about inconsequential matters, obviously enjoying the company as she works.
Attris will open the door and enter the bar.
Attris: I'll just wait to hear back from Benni before I describe what you see.
Bark: You see Attris walking into Vizio's.
After an hour or so, the door opens, revealing your toothy, green-tinged friend - Savage Attris. Janivan jumps as the door squeaks open, then smiles and offers him a drink.
Janiven starts as you enter [ooc](Sense Motive check if you're interested in why)[/ooc{, then smiles politely. "Well met, warrior. Care for a drink?" She stands up, dusting her hands.
what is going on here? the place is closed.But whats that hammering? This better not be some sort of trap? I'll have a sneak around. I'll get to the bottom of this!
After skulking around vizio's for a bit trying to get a glimpse of what could be going I notice Attris walk to Vizio's.
what is that animal doing here?
Maybe he knows Janiven?
If only he wasn't so full of himself i could probably get along with him....Bah...
Bark walks cautiously to the door keeping a look out either direction and peers in to Vizio's by opening the door as silently as possible.
Attris enters the tavern with his nose in the air, sniffing out the room like an animal. His eyes staring sternly at Janiven.
I do
He sits at the bar next to the Halfling, looking him up and down.
Make it a Bloody Ale!
Janiven moves to the bar. "Sorry Attris, but all I have is black ale - this place isn't really open for business yet," she smiles. She pours you a pint of dark ale, and hands it to you. "Feel free to make yourself... comfortable," she says, with a glance around at the sparse, utilitarian-looking furniture. "We'll get down to business when everyone arrives."
Berrin would have gone to Vizio's tavern on time however would have hugged the dark alleyways and discerning who else Janiva might have called to this place.
And if anything suspicious was surrounding the tavern. Shadowy figures etc.
Stealth
Perception
Upon seeing Attris enter the tavern, Berrin will follow suit and enter.
"What is Attris doing here?"
Attris reaches for the tankard and clumsily takes a large mouthful.
The majority of the black ale dribbles down his chin and on to the bar as he turns to face Benni.
"A drinking problem, Attris? Not to worry, you're amongst friends here. I trust you've all being staying out of trouble since we last met?"
"I'll make the introductions, shall I? Janiven, this is Attris and Berrin. Please forgive them if their manners are a little ... rustic. They have hearts of gold and are very good at what they do. Has anyone seen Bark?"
Looks like I've arrived just in time.
Bark firmly pushes the door closed
Speak of the Devil they say....
Good to see you all again...
Bark walks cautiously to the bar scoping out the area.
You must be Janiven? Bark says with a rhetorical look.
How about you tell us the meaning of this 'gathering'?
or am i the only one not in the know? Looking at Benni, Berrin and Attris for confirmation?
Janiven smiles at Benni's whimsical introduction, then her head whips around at Bark's sudden appearance. She seems slightly disappointed when she recognises Bark at the door, but greets him and offers an ale.
"As to our purpose tonight, well, the first order of business is to share a meal. Fortunately the kitchen is in better repair than the common room here - if you could all take a seat at the long table over there, I'll bring out the food." With a worried glance at the front door, she walks briskly into a room behind the bar.
"Let me help you with that!" Benni cries, dashing in after her.
Benni: Janiven happily accepts your enthusiastic assistance. Behind the bar is a spacious kitchen, which appears to have been recently renovated in a utilitarian kind of way. You assist her with serving up four roasted ducks, a spicy vegetable casserole, and two large loaves of round, crusty bread. Janiven's cooking style appears to be simple but effective; indeed, the aroma that wafts through the kitchen and out into the bar is mouthwatering. There seems to be nothing suspicious about any of Janiven's actions, but you do notice her gnawing her lip and glancing back out to the common room.
Berrin keeps to himself but goes along with what everyone is doing.
"She looks worried and is waiting for someone else"
Sense motive
"Hmmmm..... that's a strange response considering she invited me....was she hoping for someone else?"
Bark moves to the table hesitantly.He's clearly not feeling at ease even with the familiar faces.
Once food is served you notice Bark actually has very astute table manners and etiquette, which you all find surprising given his appearance and rough nature. the disturbing part is watching him try to consume a duck leg. Bark is clearly trying not to make it obvious he is struggling to not have food slip from his mouth due to its inability to flex with the chew.
"Janiven. This duck is delicious"
"So what has everyone been up to since we rescued the young lass?"
Bark is trying to strike up conversation to draw attention away from the food consumption.
Bark glances over to Attris, who is clearly making a much larger mess than Bark and can see the stress fall from his face.
who is this other guy and why has no one introduced me? Is he with Janiven?
Barks curiosity gets the better of him.
Bark stands up and extends his hand in a brisk movement towards Berrin to shake his hand
My name is Bark. I don't believe we have met?
It is clear that Bark is trying to be formal and polite with Berrin who he has not previously met.
Berrin looks at the strange little creature and eyes him curiosly
"I am Berrin Earthbreaker, son of Horkarth Earthbreaker"
Even noticing Bark's gesture for a hand shake Berrin continues to eat a duck leg with a stern but also seemingly scarred look upon his face.
After some time passes and not even considering Bark's reaction.
Berrin looks around the room
"Who else is this woman waiting for ?"
Janiven looks up from her bread at Berrin's rather blunt question. " "This woman" would rather save discussion of our business until after our meal. Don't worry," she says, looking at the cracks of sunlight penetrating the boarded windows, "there will be plenty of time to make your way home before darkness falls and those damn shadowbeasts begin to stalk our city's streets. Can I get anyone more to drink?"
Bark lowers his hand and sits back down to his meal seaming unfazed by this response. You gather by bark appearance he would be used to many mixed reactions dealings.
"well met Berrin"
Bark is constantly looking out the sides of his slitted eyes. Obviously wary of his surrounding with the host looking nervous.
""I wouldn't mind another ale?" Bark politely states with hesitation
"Is there others you are expecting?" Bark questions with sincere Curiousness as he looks Janiven directly in her eyes as to maintain her glance.
Berrin eyes Janiven sternly but doesnt apologise for his last statement said to her.
"What are these shadow beasts you speak of?"
Berrin says in a calm manner.
"They will taste my blade"
Berrin grips his mug of ale tightly so much so that his knuckle's begin to turn white.
"They might be tied with the Thieves?"
"I understand you haven't been in Westcrown long, young warrior, but surely you know the shadowbeasts are the reason for the nightly curfew at dusk?" Janiven arches an eyebrow at Berrin. "Did you disbelieve the tales? I assure you, the shadowbeasts are real. Personally, I'm sure these nightly horrors are a plot by the diabolical House Thrune to keep the populace of Westcrown downtrodden and malleable." Her gaze drops to her food. "Let us eat, and then we will speak."
Bark will continue eating his meal until it is finished without conversation unless something interesting comes up. Others may even notice his paced has picked up as he is keen to get the 'discussions' underway.
Janiven could definitely be on to something. There is plenty of hidden agendas in Westcrown.
Berrin is sitting uncomfortably in his chair and is eager to get these discussions underway
"Are we encapable of talking whilst eating, is that it ?
Patients Young Berrin Earthbreaker, son of Horkarth Earthbreaker. I feel Janiven has good reason to keep us in suspense. Bark states with much confidence. His uncomfortable disposition has been overcome with intrigue into Janivens last words.
I too wish for this conversation to continue, but let's not insult our host and rush the evening. Bark has as much as a smile on his face as he can muster to ensure he doesn't offend the young warrior.
Attris manages to devour two ducks by himself. He doesn't touch the vegetables or bread.
Well they are a motley bunch. I'm not sure that they will mix well in my city. Berrin has a short temper which could be a problem and it is nice to not be the ugly one for once.
Attris runs a curious eye over Bark
I detest Tieflings. Maybe he knows Ginzazel?
Young Berrin, please do not hurry our host. If your so eager to go wondering around my city at night it might be your last meal. Enjoy it.
Attris looks to Berrin and somewhere in the mix of tusks, saliva and teeth a smile forms.
Berrin digests the smugness of both Bark and Attris and decides to let it pass with a empty stare into his bare plate of duck bones.
"I am prepared to take any fate Gorum places before me. For nothing can be worse than what the Council of thieves did to my tribe."
In a low tone and still staring at his plate Berrin manages to say something.
"It is good to see you again Attris"
And you too son of Horkath. If we are to travel together every kobold and goblin from here to f$&&ing Kaer Maga will s#!& his pants
Attris pushes his empty plate forward. It appears as though he also ate the bones.
But as you can see i prefer cooked duck to the taste of goblin flesh
Attris laughs
Benni eats and drinks sparingly, having witnessed enough gluttony and debauchery as a servant in noble banquet halls to last a lifetime. He does, however, slip a few slices of bread and some potatoes into his bag for later.
"I'm SO glad we can all get along. You know I am really tired of seeing us in the lower classes fight amongst ourselves. It's what has allowed them to keep us in our place for so long"
Benni stands up on his chair and raises his voice, speaking with more volume and authority than his small stature suggests.
"For as long as we chose to define ourselves by our differences, we will always be subjugated. Those in power remain there because we LET them. We are so busy with our daily struggles to survive and our petty squabble and gossip that we allow them to abuse us. We allow them to keep us scared and cowed but NO MORE! I say it's time to stop being afraid, to stop being victims while they across the river wallow in corrupt luxury and illegitimate authority. The time has come for action. Coordinated, decisive action. Who's with me?"
Perform (oratory)
Bark enticed and excited by what the halfling has just said stands with "Yhar!
Bark has been filled with emotion and a feeling of acceptance that ha has craved for so long. Could this band of wild creatures bring Bark out of his self consumed life of despair? Could this group truly accept bark for what he now is?
After spilling his ale slightly across the table whilst trusting his mug in the air Bark looks meaningfully at Benni Such bold inspiring words from such a little man.You speak wise words halfling. Wise beyond your years.
Never have i heard such words that tantalise my will to take back our city! I, Bark am with you! Bark extends his hand to Benni to clutch his hand as to confirm his intent.
Bark looks over to Attris and Berrin and with a bold confident voice booms
What of you two? Are you with us?
whilst thrusting his ale in the air again, there is now little left in his mug.
Berrin looks up at Benni and Bark and is wondering why they have so much entusiasm about something.But goes along with the two little creatures and hoists his mug of mead high not saying anything and nods his head.
After some thought about the whole situation berrin thinks to himself and requires justice on the wretches that destroyed his tribe.
"Any creatures that stand in my way will be cleaved in two"
"However there is the matter of why we are here?, Janiven?"
Bringing down an entire ruling class does not concern me. The only thing this Orc needs to worry about is getting back in the pit and ripping all my opponents in to smaller pieces of opponents
They do have a point though. I'm almost certain that the Shadow Thieves are mixed up with the Federation of Blood. What I need is proof, not a peasant uprising
Attris looks to Janiven
I think it best that we begin Janiven before the young masters here whip themselves in to a frenzy.
Janiven takes a deep breath, her gaze on her nearly empty plate, and then looks each of you in the eye. She stands up, walks the to door, checks that it is locked, then turns back to you all, traces of worry still upon her face.
“Again, thank you for agreeing to meet with me here. I have chosen each of you for a singular reason—everyone here, myself included, has suffered, whether we realize it or not. I have lived in Westcrown my whole life, and although I love this city, I must admit, as must you, that despite our peace and prosperity, we continue to suffer. Fear should not be an expected part of life, and yet each night brings fear to our doorsteps.
Janiven’s eyes light up with an inner fire as she continues. ”Yes, Westcrown has been safe from war and famine for nearly seventy years, and yes, our businesses have prospered—but this safety and prosperity has been bought in the coinage of fear and prayers to Hell. Other lands live free from tyranny. Other cities do not fear the night. Other governments do not cede the streets to monsters of the infernal shadows. Westcrown was once such a place, and she wants to be such a place again. Westcrown is not only her buildings and canals and docks and history—she is also her people. Westcrown is our friends and neighbors, our mothers and fathers, our siblings and cousins, our sons and daughters!”
She turns to the young halfling actor. ”Benni, your words hearten me. But while I admire your passion for this city and her people, for an enterprise like this, much care must be taken. Rather than use force and aggression to create change, I believe we must lead through example, and win the hearts of the sons and daughters of Westcrown. With but a small group of supporters and dedicated brothers and sisters, we can earn the trust and admiration of those people. A Westcrown free of these shadowy beasts that stalk our streets is one step closer to a Westcrown free of the devil that is the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune!”
You are all aware that Janiven’s words constitute treason in Cheliax – you all know, or have at least heard the stories of, people that have been dragged away for imprisonment or a swift execution for expressing less direct sentiments. The air feels thick with tension, and despite Janiven’s obvious passion and belief in her ideals, she must know that by making such statements, her fate rests on a knife’s edge – and in your hands. She waits hopefully to hear your responses.
Well this will probably be the death of all of us but at least I'll eat my fill of shadow beasts and demon worshiping fanatics before I join my father in the afterlife
Attris leans forward, his hulking frame grimly lit by the candle light.
If by the spilling of blood we can restore honor to this city then so be it. I may not be as mighty as my father was but I have some skill in 'encouraging' the flow of the ol'crimson. I will fight and die to see my fathers honor and the honor of the city he called home restored
Attris stands abruptly from his chair and eyes each person present individually. He then holds out his palm and drives his two inch long claws in to his own flesh. Blood drips from his clenched fist on to the table.
May the blood I shed this night bind me to this oath!
Benni clears his throat and once again stands on his chair to speak, eyes blazing with the same fervour you saw moments earlier.
"Well spoken, Janiven. Brothers, this is a worthy cause indeed and I urge you to join me in committing yourselves to it. We will clean the streets of this diabolical filth and unshackled the gentle folk of Westcrown. Our inevitable triumph will be celebrated for centuries. Men will envy our bravery. Women will name children after us. This is our chance at immortality!"
Benni looks around expectantly.
Bark still filled with the passion Benni had instilled only moments before charges his ale once again in the air emptying the remaining ale that was left. "Yhar! I am am with you Benni"
"We will win back this city and free our town folk of the evil burdens that shackle them"
Bark looks to Janiven and says as to reinforce her words "We can not fight this alone and we MUST get the towns folk to band with us. It will not be easy but one good deed at a time will bring them round"
Bark extends his arm around Benni standing so proudly on his chair as to show the kinship he now has for him. Bark is feeling highly motivated unlike he has for a long time.
what a purposeful charge! I could not be happier than to be uncovering the evils that fill this town.