[PF] Hell's Rebels Table 1

Game Master Alyksandrei

Shamelessly stolen from NOTY's version of this campaign. I'm new at this. Post your answers here and/or in the Discussion thread. I prefer to keep the Gameplay thread strictly in-character (IC), but I know it can be difficult.

Feel free to introduce yourselves a bit more.

Something for you all to consider before we start the campaign proper:

- Is your character a native of Kintargo? If not, how did they come to be here?
- Does your character know any of the other player characters? If so, how?
- How would you describe your character?
- How would your character describe themselves? (Remember these two things can be very different).

Malph wandered onto the scene, bumping into a rather wealthy looking woman immediately. With the pass of his hands as he "caught" her, he found no exposed valuables. He flashed his most charming smile at her after separating. "Terribly sorry! I'm far too distracted today."

This much was true. His ultimate goal was to profit off the distant crowd gathering for the upcoming protest. The streets were relatively empty on this block, so Malph didn't want to make a serious attempt at finding a purse. However, it would have been difficult for him to completely pass up this chance.

Since we haven't really started the game, I'm going to assume no rolls, gaining, or losing anything for now.

Bowing apologetically, Malph continued on towards the crowd. The woman, finding nothing missing, let him go. "The guards nearby don't look too concerned about me," Malph thought to himself. For the most part they were concentrating on the crowd. "As long as they don't look down during the protest, I should be fine."

Alassa fumed within herself at the barbaric and wicked acts of Paracount Barzillai Thrune upon her new home city of Kintargo. It was bad enough that the Night of Ashes caused so much suffering. Now the ridiculous laws put forth seek to further breed anguish to the citzens of the city. Having heard distant word of the Glorious Reclamation and its opposition to the tyranny and diabloism of House Thrune and the Asmodian Church she felt the time was right to take a stand. Kintargo needs to be freed from this oppression or more will fall under the yoke of slavery.

Hearing about a protest in the city to the Thrune, she decided that it was good a place as any to find fellow rebels as well as size up the opposition that they faced. Still she was also willing to spit in the face of oppression so before going, gathers some grain into a belt pouch and purchases herself one of those portraits of Majestrix Queen Abrogail II, wrapping it in a cloth bag to hide it from sight. She also purchases herself a hooded cloak and a white porclin face-mask and puts on a pair of leather gloves to hide her identity. If she can mock the laws of the Thrune in front of the inquisitor himself it would be a chance to further provoke rebellion among the population.

Viviana wandered among the gathering crowd, her face fixed into her characteristic grimace. All of these people are so dirty, she thought, sniffing. And they smell wonderful too. Why did I even come here?

Because I had to, that's why, she continued, berating herself. Because Kintargo needs to be freed, even if I don't want it to. She had been struggling with herself on this point for weeks now. Did these people even deserve her help? She had lived among them for so long...she knew them. They were horrible people, as all sentient beings were. Why did she even give them the time of day?

She saw a gnome bump into a rather wealthy-looking woman, obviously attempting to pick-pocket her. She scowled and started towards the gnome, but he was lost in the crowd and she was left feeling even less affection towards the gathering throng.

I hope this rally accomplishes something...

Even with the cobblestones of Argent Avenue and the foliage of Aria Park still wet from the morning’s light rain, dozens of Kintargans have gathered along the facade of the opera house to protest the city’s new lord-mayor, Paracount Barzillai Thrune. The city’s new leader was appointed by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II, in the wake of

the previous lord-mayor’s sudden flight from the city — an event that still has local rumormongers whispering furiously. In a scant seven days, Paracount Thrune has instituted martial law, a curfew, and seven outlandish and polarizing proclamations. These actions and more have
called many of Kintargo’s dissatisfied citizens here on this overcast morn. There’s been no sign yet of Barzillai Thrune himself, and the opera house’s doors remain tightly closed—as they have since the man chose the landmark as his new home—but judging by the growing sound of the protesters, he surely can’t ignore the scene on the streets
below much longer.

What are you all up to? Why are you here, at this protest? Some of you have already answered, but not all of you...

With her hood up and the porcelain mask upon her face Alassa goes around riling up the crowd into a frenzy through inspirational words and rabble rouse the crowd.

"People of Kintargo, this city that we have built on the ideals free-thinking, artistry and tolerance has spent too long under the heel of House Thrune and the dammed souls who lick the heels of the Devil God. While laws are important for society they must be just laws! Barzillai Thrune is a despot who rules only because of his infernal pacts and diabloistic ideals. His so-called laws are not laws at all but a pitiful set of foolish delusions of a madman and one whose soul is already dammed to the lowest pits of hell! If we wish our freedom and not become slaves, we must oppose this tyranny! Freedom for Kintargo!"

Diplomacy Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

She does her best to rile the crowd and moves through it in-sighting groups along the way and further inspiring those there to see the wrongs that this regime has done.

Matsudaira is at the protest demonstrating his dissatisfaction with the regime. He is not seeking any conflict, just to peacefully show his discontent. He is milling about in the crowd hoping that no one does anyting stupid to incite violence.

@Alassa Nice roll!
Alassa succeeds at inciting those who can hear her to ever louder and more forceful demonstrations of protest. The crowd around her follows her example of how to express their displeasure with the current Lord Mayor. Are you recommending any particular action, or just shouting about taking back the citizens' freedom?

Matsudaira stumbles a bit as a small figure trips over him, knocking him over. What do you do about that?

Matsudaira picks himself up and reaches down to help the small figure up also.

Are you injured, friend?

Oh she is going to escalate the situation.

Seeing those with the markings of the Chelish loyalists she approaches close to them and calls them out saying at them,

"Look here among us! There are treacherous diabloists in our midst. These are not true citizens of Kintargo. Those who lick the boots of the Thrune and sell their souls to devils for brief mortal rewards are not deserving of what they gain. Tell us you foolish diabloists, what reward do you think the Devil God will give you in the afterlife for your so called "Loyal" service? There is no paradise for those that bend heel to the dammed! The Loyal and the Sinful all burn the same in the fires of the Nine Hells."

Intimidate check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Basically doing a Silence Undesirable Elements on the Chelish Loyalists and turn the crowd against them.

"Oh no, I'm fine." Malph says dusting himself off. The crowd's sudden movement caused him to bump into the monk a little harder than he had planned. No attempt at Matsudaira's purse could be made. "Unfortunately" Malph thought to himself.

This day was not being too successful so far, and now there was a human looking straight down at him. "Don't worry about me. This is what I get for sneaking to the front."

With that Malph disappears forward into the crowd. "Now that they're getting excited, they should be less concerned for their valuables."

When out of Matsudaira's view, Malph attempts to pickpocket one of the more distracted and well-dressed protesters.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Viviana listens intently to Alassa's speechcrafting from a safe distance, carefully scanning the crowd to see their reaction. She could learn to like this strange woman. She seems to have a strong sense of justice.

Can I move to where I have a solid wall or something at my back so I don't get hit from behind when this goes south?

I can see that this woman is going to incite a riot. I had best get a wall to my back so that I can at least protect myself.

Matsudaira moves through the crowd toward the nearest building.

@Matsudaira You can move up against a bench, the fountain in the center, the river, or a shrub/tree thingy. None of which is particularly solid.

More later. Still posting from phone. Alassa, I definitely have something in mind for you.

Seeing a lack of buildings Matsudaira moves to the shrub.

I will stand with my back to this shrub. At least then I can see if anything or anyone comes toward me.

@Alassa: Just don't read too far ahead in the book. That's my job :)

The Chelish loyalists seem to shrink back a bit, clearly unnerved by the woman's words. Their own shouts die down and eventually cease.

Several of Alassa's crowd are starting to look rather belligerent. A few are even hefting rocks and other small projectiles, as though deciding whether or not to throw them at the now-silent loyalists.

@Allivar: What are you up to at this protest? Staying on the edges watching the crowd? Wading into the center and trying to gain supporters? Trying to contrive opportunities to "lift" small items from others?

I would like to speak to Alassa. I don't want to whisper in her ear, but neither do I want to shout across the square.

Matsudaira moves toward the masked, hooded woman.

Miss, do you not see that these people are a tinderbox and you are holding a lighted match. Should this become a riot, how many folk will meet their end today? I feel the same discontent as you, why else would I be here, however do you feel that giving the Lord-Mayor a reason to quash this demonstration with violence is worth the lives of these people?

Alassa "Yes, back away you boot lickers with your tails between your legs! Let the true citizens of this land have their voices soar and be heard!"

She then gets interrupted by the Monk and turns to look at him as he interrupts her.

"Sir, why do you think we are out here today? We are here to protest the injustice that this foul reagme has put upon us. It was bad enough that the Night of Ashes destroyed much in this city that was good, proper and beautiful through horrid acts of butchery and looting. Now the Despot steals the very center of culture of our people, the Opera House you see before us a place respected not only by the citizens of this city but the lady of love Shelyn as well. Even you must understand these Laws that these Seven Laws are among the most pathetic and insane ever invented. If we stand by and let the Thrune walk all over us with these so called laws and regulations what freedom will we have to look forward to? These laws are only the start and I am certain more insane edicts are to come from that despot of a devil-bound villain. The protest must continue, we must make the regime know we of Kintargo will not bow to this tyranny."

By all means protest, but must you whip them into a frenzy only to be cut down? I cannot allow you to so casually incite a riot that will end in such carnage. People Will Die Today.

Can I try to intimidate her to get her to tone it down a little? Is that an ok thing to do to a party-mate?

Intimidate Alassa: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Well, seeing as how you're not yet a party, I'll let Alassa decide if she minds a little social PvP. I generally don't like the idea of combat PvP, but inter-party conflict isn't always a bad thing.

She is a little taken aback by his forwardness but adjusts her posture, "I fear that a riot will happen no matter what my words considering the rage bellowing here. Still it would be a shame to not hear the next proclamation from the serpent's mouth. I would like to see the despot personally for I got a little demonstration for him to show him just how much I disapprove of his unjust laws."

She smirks under her mask and pats the wooden frame of the cloth wrapped portrait of the queen.

She looks back to the others of the crowd and says, "Hold your actions of violence for now citizens of Kintargo. Let the despot show his face first we may hear his venomous words and then toss our displeasure of them back in his face."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Gilen Reidford watches with interest from the perimeter of the gathering. Maybe he would get to kill someone today. He'd come here with a hope that, somehow, dealing with whoever was in charge of this infernal place might alleviate the incredible difficulty he was having of finding a ship. None of them seemed to be going anywhere, much less somewhere as far or potentially dangerous as Halgrim. Of course, the promise of a fight would do fine for now. After all, he'd come to Cheliax to kill people and steal things, hadn't he?

He smiles as the strange woman wearing a mask riles the populace. He loosens the fastenings on his shield and taps his hand on the head of his axe in anticipation. He didn't know exactly what was going on in this city, but he did know that this Thrune fellow was an issue. The talkative serving wench at his inn lat night had been more than clear on that particular note. Well, if there was any problem Gilen liked to fix, it was one that bled.

Just to clarify, we are doing this in present tense, correct? I'm pretty used to past tense, so I apologize if I slip up here and there.

No worries. Most RPGing I've done is either in present or, occasionally, future tense. But as any writer should know, most narration is done in what I call "narrative present", which has past-tense inflections. As long as you're trying to keep it consistent, it's not a big deal. Unless you want to make it one.

Upon noticing this barbarian close by Matsudaira loses hope.

Perhaps all these people are interested in is bloodshed and mayhem. The troubles of this city will not be resolved by violence. A peaceful show of the people's will is what is required.

Matsudaira moves away from Alassa and the group of belligerent rioters. He places himself between the rioters and the other protesters.

If I place myself here I may be able to preserve the life of those behind me

Matsudaira assumes a non-threatening pose, stands facing the group of loyalists, and speaks in a clear voice to those behind him.

Do not be drawn into violent action. Violence only brings suffering. Stay calm. The shear weight of our numbers shows the unpopularity of Thrune's regime. We can bring change. It does not need to come at sword point.

Viviana suddenly feels torn. She understands the rage of these people, but that man at the head of the crowd makes a fair point. A riot now, a show of force, would only cause unwanted deaths.

A part of her wants to attack the Chellax loyalists. A part of her just wants to rush in and cut them to pieces, if only to provide some release to the tension she feels in her chest, but she takes a deep breath and starts walking towards the man standing in the gap.

She stops beside him and glances at him, giving him a resolute nod. I am with you. We can't let these people be hurt. She looks behind her at the crowd of angry men and women. Listen to this man. He speaks mindfully. He speaks of justice, but justice that will not get every one of you killed. I understand that you are victims. I will protect you if it comes to bloodshed. She grips the hilt of her sheathed longsword firmly and turns once more in the direction of the Chellax loyalists. But ONLY if it comes to that. We will stand our ground against this pathetic regime. And bring it down with either words or swords. It is their choice. Let it be THEIR choice.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

The rolls are at +9 because of the bonus in the Hell's Rebels Player's Guide for the reason I'm at the protest, which is to catch up with current events. Also, the Diplomacy is aimed at the protesters, the Intimidate at the loyalists.

Malph, generally apathetic about the tension in the crowd does little to help the matter. Making eye contact with his mark, he holds up both hands as he backs away. This serves two purposes. First, he hopes to demonstrate that he not succeeded in taking anything. Second, Malph wants to make sure the man sees the daggers that were hidden under his cloak.

With his most charming smile, he disappears into the crowd, watching to see if the man follows.

At 3 minutes after the third hour, the bells of the Cathedral of Asmodeus ring out three peals. A moment later, Barzillai Thrune throws wide the windows and their curtains to address the crowd below. Thrune is an imposing man dressed in red, orange, and black clothing and an ornate breastplate, all emblazoned with the pentagram of Asmodeus and the cross of Cheliax. Middle-aged, with short, dark hair and a diabolical mace cradled in his hands, the lord-mayor of Kintargo addresses the crowd with a condescending sneer. The gathering swiftly grows quiet as he clears his throat and gives a short speech.

“Ah, my adoring little chickadees. I am sorry to say I have not yet adapted to your quaint, country ways, being accustomed as I am to the sophistication and learning of Egorian. Nonetheless, know I have heard your concerns, and that I appreciate your valued feedback, and I know we shall eventually find a mutual understanding in the fullness of time. I take pride in updating Kintargo’s quaint, outdated laws to the modern standards the city deserves, and strengthening its ties with the empire in these cruel times, but obviously I have approached my duties too aggressively.

“You say you chafe at the presence of nonnatives in positions of power? That authorities not of this city have no place as its leaders? That you will not be yoked by intruders? Your lord-mayor hears you. And so it is with a heavy heart that I issue this proclamation, in response to your demands: all ships’ captains are hereafter barred from leaving their vessels and setting foot on Kintargo docks or streets, under pain of... let’s say... squassation!”

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 For Squasation

Alassa then fumes at this bastard once again putting more of his insane laws on the people although that is not completely unexpected. Although she does not know what Squasation is, it is probably something that will further bring suffering to the people of the city. She whips out the portrait of the queen from the sack holding it up with one hand in the direction of Barzillai.

"Barzillai Thrune! This is what I have to say in response to your your insane laws upon the city of Kintargo!"

With her other hand she channels a bolt of lighting (Electrical Ray) through the painting from behind. With crackle of thunder a bolt of electrical energy rips through the painting, the heat causing the paper to explode into fire. She then drops the painting into the ground and lets it burn. She does aim the bolt so it does not hit anyone though and it dissipates in the air after 30 feet.

She then pulls out the pouch of grain and sprinkles its contents into the air and yells, "If grain is your life then you eat it off the ground!"

She then yells to the crowd, "I am the Maiden of Thunder, the voice of the people who suffer in this city. DOWN WITH THE THRUNE! Freedom for Kintargo!"

Diplomacy Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 to win support.

Or if this is more intimidation to egg them on then it is a 21

Waiting for the others' reactions before I let the crowd react. But both versions of your roll are more than good enough for something to happen.

Viviana looks somewhat shaken by the passion in Alassa's words and coursing through her fingertips. She glances at the man standing in the gap with her, almost as if for reassurance, and then seems to correct herself.

Her eyes grow hard as agates and she looks up at Barzillai Thrune with unconcealed contempt. He's doing this deliberately to spite us, she mutters to the man next to her, knuckles growing white as she grips the hilt of her sword. Despicable. But she makes no movement to progress or regress from her position.

Inside, Viviana's mind is racing. She doesn't know how to handle the situation in front of her. Part of her feels like it should have been her at the forefront of the crowd, screaming passionately for justice in the name of Iomedae (or rather, herself--surely a god in the flesh would get both Thrune's and the crowd's attentions). The other part of her wants to wait; to plan.

She decides in an instant to wait for the response of the man next to her before she makes her move one way or the other. It is clear where the woman in the mask stands. If the man who seems to care for the victims in the crowd stands behind that same passion, she will gladly draw her sword and kill anyone that needs to be killed.

In the briefest contemplation, she wonders why she, Iomedae in the flesh, would make her move based on the position of the mortal standing next to her, but it FEELS right for some reason. She takes it for her instinct as an oracle and a god that what she does is for the best.

And so, she hesitates.

Squassation? Was that a...joke? Well, either way, restrictions on shipping weren't going to do him any favors.

Gilen was in the middle of determining whether or not his axe could successfully make the journey into that smug man's ugly mug when the odd woman in the mask spoke up. She shoots lighting through some painting, though he can't tell what was on it at his angle. She keeps yelling and dumps some grain onto the ground, which seems like an unfortunate waste. Even still, her words are getting to the crowd. He can feel the tension surging. I'll have to thank her later, he thought, lifting his axe from its loop and shifting his shield from his back.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Malph glances at his small wrists and imagines being hung my them. He turns to a man beside him. "I hope you're not a captain."

The bolt of lightning from the front of the crowd suddenly catches his attention. He finally starts to notice the restlessness of the crowd. Some activity is good for sneaking, but too much is unhealthy for his small frame.

Malph tries to make it out of the crowd so he can watch from a short distance. There's a good chance he can find some dropped items or bodies when this is all over.

Is he taunting us? Something about this seems suspect. Thrune seems to be as eager for a fight as this masked woman, but why? Why would he want a riot through the streets

People, stay calm. Do not be drawn into violent action by the Lord Mayor either.

Can I do a perception check on the crowd please? I get the feeling that there may be Thrune spies within the crowd. Alassa is fine, her identity is concealed, but the rest of the crowd aren't. Going to take 10 on that check. Rolling also in case taking 10 isn't allowed in this instance.

Perception = 10 + 6 = 16

Perception Roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Give me a sense motive check as well, please. I'd have let you take 10, but your roll was better, so I'll use that instead.

Can I take 10 on that then please? Don't want to tempt the dice gods

Sense Motive = 10 + 6 = 16

Matsudaira talks quietly to Viviana, not wanting to be heard by the undesirables around.

We have made our point I think. There is no reason to play into Thrune's hands. Hopefully I can convince these people to disperse and we can de-escalate this situation before anyone gets hurt. There will be other times and other protests. This struggle will not be won in a single day.

Good people. We have made our displeasure known. I see no reason for anyone to be hurt here today. Put down your rocks, mud and improvised missiles and go back about your business.

Viviana's brow creases at Matsudaira's words--there must be plants in the crowd. It's all a set-up. Every part of her wants to fight, wants to draw her sword and charge the loyalists because of how angry she feels. But she knows that her companion is right. If all they were doing was playing into Thrune's hands, they needed to stop this now before it got even worse.

The protest is over! she yells over the bustle of the crowd. Everyone go home. We don't have to listen to the cretin Thrune's words any longer. And he has nothing more to say to us.

Alassa gives a glance to Viviana, nods and then looks back to the crowd and intones, "Yes citizens! The Thrune has nothing else to say but his forces are too strong here on his doorstep do defeat! The fight for freedom will continue but not here where he hides cowardly behind his band of cronies but in the shadows where we shall strike unseen and with purpose! For I will continue the fight for freedom! For those with the strength to fight, join me and we shall not stop until this city is a place of freedom once again!"

With that she attempts to duck away into the crowd for cover knowing that eventually the Dotari and other traitors will make their more to apprehend her.

Stealth to get away: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Gilen sighs and, with a roll of his eyes, slips his axe back into its loop and fastens his shield. How could these people have repelled a raid with stones as pathetic as these? Who rallies a group this size, boils their blood for battle, and tells them to go home?

As much as he wants a fight, those people clearly have the crowd's ears for some reason. He doubts he could coerce a riot with all three of these silver-tongues advocating peace. Though, by the look of this, "Thrune," there would be violence soon enough, riot or no.

As the cloaked woman darts into the crowd, Gilen saunters over to where the warrior woman and the monk are standing.

"Well, that was certainly productive and not a waste of anyone's time."

Matsudaira turns to face Gilen.

At the monastery where I trained I learned many things. One of the most important is about when to fight. You must always fight from the superior position. If you are not in the superior position then change the relationship. There are very few in this crowd who know anything of combat and we were facing a number of trained fighters, not all of them were in that group if loyalists either. We will fight, but we will fight when we have the supeeior position.

The crowd begins to disperse at the edges, while those nearer the center seem confused. These vocal folks in their midst seem conflicted - they want to announce their intent to fight, but don't want to fight right now? Strange.

As more people begin to drift away in confusion, the crowd thins. When there are only a few people left (including you, although the most vocal and passionate of you [Alassa] is nowhere to be seen), one of the remaining people throws a dagger at Thrune's assistant, Nox. It pierces her throat, but, with a snarl, she pulls it out and throws it back, pinning the assailant's cloak to the ground. She then disappears into the opera house as the guards converge on the assailant. The remaining bystanders hurry away.

What do you do?

Alassa looks back to see what happened. She had hoped to say her peace and then continue the fight, win support and continue the fight from the shadows but events have forced her hand. She watches from the crowd looking for a chance to make a move to aid those she can to escape the counter-attack from the the Dotari and the Loyalists. If she was going to be a leader of these people she would have to prove that she is willing to fight and save whatever lives she can.

@Alassa - the crowd is nonexistent at this point. There were maybe 15 people left plus the party and guards when the dagger was thrown, and now there's maybe 5, all headed away. How far did you move, and how much can you see?

"Depends on your objective, I suppose. Either way--" he cuts himself short as a dagger imbeds itself in the throat of a woman standing beside Thrune. Gilen's jaw nearly scrapes the moist stone as she pulls the blade from her throat and returns it with impressive accuracy. He's still staring in disbelief as the woman dissapears into the opera house. Did that...just happen?

Matsudaira approaches the figure pinned in place by their cloak.

What do you all say to us having a conversation with this person? I am not very personable, perhaps one of you would have better luck.

She moved with the crowd to escape but turned back to look when I heard the commotion. If the civilians are safe she will emerge to get the renaming PC's to follow her.

Seeing the remaining PC's remain she calls out signaling them to follow, "If you are looking to help the city, follow me out of here! It is not safe to remain with so many guards about."

Should we bring this one with us too? They may have information that we can use.

@Matsudaira - the pinned assailant is currently surrounded by dottari, so unless you want to start something, you can't really get to him.

@Alassa - the civilians are definitely safe. The last of them are leaving now, ignored by the dottari.

You all are the only ones left (besides the guards) not departing as fast as possible without running; Alassa's suggestion that it's not safe to remain has merit. The few guards not involved in apprehending the assailant are eyeing you and look like they're about to advance on you.