[PF] Hell's Rebels Table 1

Game Master Alyksandrei

Viviana gives Alassa a dirty look at this point, glancing up from where she kneels at the victim's side. Despite Viviana's own misgivings against people who beat pedestrians in alleys, Alassa seemed to almost relish the bloodshed and the chaos.

In that instant, Viviana saw what she could become if left unchecked. She swore (on herself, because obviously she's a god) that she would never let herself fall that far. Justice was justice, but Alassa's version seemed like something else entirely.

She says, however, nothing.

Gilen finally stops pummelling thug 3 long enough to check and see if there's any gold on his corpse.

You collectively find a total of 5d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 4, 2, 5) = 18 gold worth of untraceable valuables and small items in salable condition. The thugs' clothes/uniforms, weapons, armor, and other traceable items are in usable condition if you'd care to keep them, but they are traceable - great disguises, at least until you get caught...

The thugs' victim is now conscious and less groggy than he was before. You get him up and head away from the scene of the fight (slaughter?). Once a safe distance away, the man you rescued is willing to speak.

“Thank you again for that timely rescue. Truth is, our meeting was no coincidence. I followed you from the protest earlier today, but in the panic that erupted I lost track of your group. You proved yourselves to be people of uncommon skill, and I
am a man of uncommon needs.

“Now more than ever we need that spirit of rebellion to stay strong, but Thrune’s actions have driven into hiding those who would stay strong and resist. Those who could once rally the city to a cause, such as Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus and my parents, are missing at best, and are more likely dead. I cannot do this on my own, but with the aid of talented citizens such as yourselves, I have hope that we can. Will you aid Kintargo? Will you save the city from the devil?”

Alassa Vaenar says, "I could not agree more mister Rexus Victocora. The Thrune and his agents has gone too far with their brutal actions upon the people of Kintargo. We must make a stand lest we all become no better than slaves under the boot of oppression. I will do all that I can to save this city from the Devil's machinations. The rebellion begins here and today my friend."

Matsudaira nods to Rexus.

You have my support.

Viviana narrows her eyes. She looks around at her companions. Hold on here. This is going a little fast. We're all just going to believe this guy and go with him...where, exactly? Doing WHAT, exactly? Why are you all just taking this at face value?

She puts a hand on her sword hilt, glancing at Rexus.

And why, exactly, were you following US? We don't know even know each other.

Malph speaks up from behind the more passionate protesters.

"I trust that you didn't lose all of your coin in that fire. I think I have talents and street smarts that you brutes could use. However, I don't work for cheap. Especially not when the guards would disapprove of my work."

Gilen just shrugs. If taking out the regime means freeing up a ship to take him home and he gets to kill people in the meanwhile, he doesn't care where the orders come from. Not to mention that he still has no idea what anyone is talking about.

She puts a hand on her sword hilt, glancing at Rexus.

And why, exactly, were you following US? We don't know even know each other.

As I said, you proved yourselves to be people of exceptional skill. That oration of yours, riling up the crowd and then dispersing them - Not something most people could do. I think you could get a proper rebellion against Thrune to succeed.

Matsudaira is a little too trusting, but Viviana's words make him a little cautious.

can I roll a sense motive on him please

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Aiassa nods to the Rexus and says, "I spoke with purpose to those who gathered outside the Opera House. I wished them to stand up to the corruption this city has fallen under. Still I also recognized that fighting in a direct manor would be a Slaughter thus I planted the seed and then told them to disperse so that those willing to fight could join me later and strike from the shadows. Speaking of which, one thing we will need if a rebellion is to flourish is a place of gathering that can be used as a base of operations. I have a small residence in the city but it is far the sort to use as a hideout."

Viviana still looks mistrusting, but she doesn't say anything else, just trying to watch the man's face for signs of deception or nervousness.

So, Sense Motive for me tooooo...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Rexus seems to be telling the truth, at least as he sees it. He does seem to be wary of revealing too much before you agree to help, but he does seem convinced of his own rhetoric.

To Malph, he says, I have only a little left, but if you agree to help free this fair city, I will give you what valuables I have, save perhaps for an item or two of sentimental value. And, of course, I will work with you in this rebellion, including the procurement of more funding, a portion of which you would certainly be entitled to negotiate for with our supporters.

So...Will you help him, or at least tell him you will consider it if he gives you more information?

Viviana sees the sincerity behind the man's words, and though she is still wary as always of trickery, she gets to her feet and nods slowly. I'm willing to listen if you're willing to give us more information. And maybe even help. I have no love for Thrune and I would see justice dealt to the cruel dictators of this city, but I will not run recklessly into the middle of a volatile situation.

Viviana tries not to look at Alassa as she says these last words, but her gaze flickers over to the sorceress for the briefest fraction of a moment.

Matsudaira says nothing, content to follow Viviana's lead.

Alassa Vaenar says, "Indeed good sir. I am sure there are certainly many in this city who share our sentiment for the Thrune. We need to unite them for to defeat those who control this city, we will need strength in numbers and those willing to make a stand for a righteous cause. I am willing to work slow to undermine the control of the Asmodians or strike quickly if time becomes of an essence."

"Okay then, Rexus." He extends his hand. "I will agree to work with you. However, since there are no specifics, I will also be non-specific. I will say this though. If your funds do not appear worth the risk to me, I will be, let's say, less risky."

Malph gives a small shrug. "However, I don't demand to be comfortable." He waits for the shake.

Rexus briefly but firmly grasps Malph's hand. Good to know you're willing to help. He looks around the deserted street. Perhaps we should find some place a bit more secure to discuss the little information I have to give you. I know of a little bookstore near here that should be safe.

Unless anyone objects or suggests a different place, I will assume you all adjourn to a back room at the bookstore.

Once everyone is settled, Rexus begins to speak. After the Night of Ashes, I learned that my mother was a member of the Sacred Order of Archivists from a contact of hers.

He then proceeds to explain a few more things:

Laria Longroad, a contact of Rexus's mother, spoke to Porcia [Rexus's mother] 7 days ago, just after Lord-Mayor Bainilus vanished. At the time, Laria had thought Porcia was overreacting, but when the Victocora estate burned down that night and Porcia went missing, Laria knew her friend had spoken the truth. She sought Rexus out and delivered the message and coffer, along with her condolences and an offer to stay at her establishment, the Long Roads Coffeehouse, as long as he needed a place to sleep.

Offered Reward: 150 gp, a Victocora signet ring worth 75 gp, a masterwork silver dagger (an old family heirloom), and a set of bracers of armor +1

"Whoa oh ho! What is this bit about an offered reward? Do you just want us to find your mother's things?... But why do you need heroes to crawl around some stables?"

Malph squinted at Rexus.

"Was she not a little more specific about her research?"

I for one am curious as to what may be found in this location.

Alassa says, "I have heard of the Silver Ravens, they fought the civil war against the Asmodians but lost the conflict. Still if we can get our hands on some of their old holdings, we can have something to built from. We could use the popularity of the Silver Ravens to gather support for a new rebellion in the city."

Well, this is welcome news, Viviana says, grudgingly and subtly admitting that this meeting was not a waste of time. She folds her arms across her chest. If my companions are willing to check out this lead and try to learn more about these Silver Ravens, then I suppose I'm willing too.

Viviana ponders this new development, and is truly excited for their ramifications. It looks like everything is lining up for her to free Kintargo from its masters, though she is still wary about Rexus' motivations. Either he is somewhat naive, to just gather a group of random well-armed civilians and go traipsing after a mysterious note his mother left him without even questioning it, or he has other motives that are more hidden.

Either way, Viviana stays vigilant.

In response to Malph's questions, I have no idea what she was looking for - all I really know is in that note. As for why I need someone else to investigate the stables, well - as you can see, I'm not really much use when it comes to combat, and the stables are reputed to be haunted. It's not safe for one such as myself, but you should be able to handle it with no problems.

With the items on the table in front of you, Rexus says, So...will you help?

Proceding on the assumption that you all agree; please RP your actual response, even (especially) if you don't plan to agree in the end. Apologies for the sparse RP from me; it's something I'm trying to work on as both player and GM. I love your extended RP and really wish I could reciprocate properly. I will continue to try, but I've never GMed a published adventure before, much less a full AP. So much to learn!

Time of day: depending on how long you talk with Rexus, somewhere between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. In case you were wondering.
Before anyone needs to ask, he's paying you up front. He'll only take the items with him if you decline his offer.

I know the stables from my childhood. I used to take things there sometimes for my parents. I even remember rumours of them being haunted.

Content to follow Rexus, at least for now, Matsudaira waits for them others to be ready to go.

Viviana nods solemnly, her eyes intense on Rexus, waiting for him to lead the way.

"This does sound like a substantial lead Rexus. It is worthy of investigation in case indeed it holds further clues to the past operations of the Silver Ravens. I fear no rumors of ghosts or superstition and will gladly investigate the stables location to see what secrets lie there. If you do not mind, I would like to take those bracers of armor. I as a channeler of Arcane magic an not the sort to wear bulky armor for it interferes with my abilities. Your aid is appreciated Rexus and hopefully with our efforts we can put good use of the discoveries of your dear mother Porcia."

"Pieces of magic are valuable indeed. If you want those bracers, you should take the most risky role and lead the way into the stables. If there are truly ghosts, they'll ignore any 'bulky' armor anyway."

Are the reward items sitting on the table in front of us?

Yes, they are. And he's paying up front, remember.

Rexus motions you to take the bracers. Please, help yourselves. I fear you may need them at the stables.

Does anyone want to go shopping or anything? More roleplay is good, or we can fast forward to setting off for the stables. I'm good either way.

Alassa takes the bracers and says to Malph, "I have no problem taking risk for the cause friend. If our group needs a leader then the Maiden of Thunder is willing to take up the burden."

She takes the bracers and puts them over her arms to make use of their properties.

Viviana raises her eyebrows, still crossing her arms. She looks at Alassa. You might be getting ahead of yourself. All we're doing is going to some haunted stables. I'm not sure we need a leader for that.

Malph eyes the dagger that I'm assuming is a little oversized for him. He pushes it towards one of the melee fighters that seems most interested.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"It may not look like much, but it will help more than you'd expect against ghosts. I like daggers myself, but this is a little big for me." Feel free to subconsciously claim it.

He picks up the ring, and faces the signet at Rexus.

"Where will this signet get me? I have no idea what this symbol is. If you cannot convince me that the signet itself is more valuable than the ring, then I will only work for a solid chunk of the gold."

Not much good in a fight? Gilen says, his eyebrow raising inquisitively. So it wasn't you that flattened four of those brigands before we arrived, eh?

Sorry for the delay. I checked almost every day for a week or so and didn't see anything. I forgot for a couple days and it exploded, lol

So Malph is taking the signet and maybe the dagger? Alassa is taking the bracers? Coins I figure can be split?

If you are accepting items then please gather them up and let's get moving.

Viviana isn't moving to take anything. She's just waiting for everyone else.

@Gilen - No worries. I was RL busy for almost a week, then had a chance to post, sparking this explosion of posts.

Rexus explains to Malph that the signet is his family's symbol and should be able to get you into the circles of minor nobility.

To Gilen: I got lucky. And the others would have finished me if you hadn't interfered.

Once the items and gold have been divided up, Rexus stands up. Are we ready to go, then?

Matsudaira slips his 30GP into his backpack and waits on the others.

Lead the way. Viviana gestures towards the door.

At Viviana's urging Matsudaira turn toward the door and sets out toward the stables.

Catching no one else’s eye, Malph instead slips the dagger under his cloak. ”I guess I can figure out how to use this,” he mutters.

He holds up the ring again. A little louder he says, ”If we’re really interested in organizing a rebellion, this should be quite valuable indeed. I certainly would like to make noble friends.” With a wide grin, he slips the ring onto his small thumb. ”I can keep it safe for now, but if anyone else needs it to sneak into new circles, I can perhaps loan it.”

Is everyone really okay with that? I feel a little bad taking both. (Though it is keeping with the character, I suppose.) Let me know if you want one of the items.

GM, should I take a penalty if I use the medium(?) dagger as a small short sword, or can I assume it’s delicate/finely crafted enough for Malph to use?

@Malph - I'll have to look up the rules, but I'd definitely rule you have some kind of penalty for using a poorly-sized weapon. If this were 5e, it would be simple: you'd have Disadvantage and take the lesser of 2 d20 rolls. As that's not a thing, I'll look up the PF rules in a bit.

Edit after Rules Lookup: It counts as a one-handed weapon for you, and you take a -2 penalty for using a weapon sized for someone one size-category different from you.

I personally don't mind. I am a monk and not looking to amass a vast hoard of loot worthy of a dragon. I cannot use armour without a penalty and my unarmed strikes do the same amount of damage as a monk weapon does for flurry. The gold will go towards a neck piece or something if and when I get the chance. I cannot speak for other though.

She looks to Rexus and says, "Your aid to us is most appreciated Rexus. You are a true citizen of Kintargo and once we get ourselves established we would welcome future assistance from you in the future. Even if you wish not to wield a blade, your charisma and connections could be a good asset to our cause. For now though lay low and avoid the attention of the Dotari. We do not know if you are still being hunted by the authorities of this city. Be well my friend."

Alassa Vaenar then says to the others, "Let us head to the Stables without delay. We do not know when the Dotari will invoke another crackdown on the city so time is of an essence"

She heads toward the stables with the rest of the party when they depart and observes the location from the outside for any dangers that might be present.

Gilen doesn't press the noble any further, though getting "lucky" in a fight rarely means incapacitating four fighters in a group that out numbers you eight to one. Especially not concerning someone so...squishy. There is something odd about this noble. But, who cares? Haunted sounds good to him.

None of the items peek Gilen's fancy beyond the gold, so he makes no effort to stop the others. Magical bracers sound interesting but, well, he hadn't chiseled his forearms so he could cover them with metal. Really, it's a shame so much of him is covered already.

On the way to the stables, Malph awkwardly swings around his new dagger. "A little unwieldy, but the silver will be good for spooks," he concludes. Then he spends his time comparing the dagger to the signet ring. "I wonder if dagger will also get me some noble friends," he wonders. Eventually, he tucks the dagger out of the way.

If you wanted to do any shopping or fetching of gear, now is the time. This post assumes you do not need to get anything before heading into the stables. I'm happy to retcon some shopping if you want.

At your recommendation, Rexus goes his own way when you leave the shop. You head for the Fair Fortune Livery, and arrive with no incidents.

The aged stable leans slightly to one side, its roof precariously propped up by aged wooden walls. The doors are secured with a loose chain and padlock.

It is currently early afternoon.

I don't need anything. Totally fine with skipping forward.

This haunted stable...does not look intimidating, Viviana says as she eyes the building. Let's just draw our weapons, get in formation, and barge in. We've wasted enough time as it is.

Viviana draws her sword.

I have no money to go shopping with so I'll skip that.

This lock looks fairly secure. Perhaps one of you has some experience with picking locks? I could knock it down, but that would not allow us to close and lock the door on our exit, and may be a little too obvious a sign to those looking to track us.

"Why do you look at me when you say that?" Malph winks and tries to sneakily insert his thief's tools into the lock. He doesn't want to show all of his tricks to the party just yet.

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

"Oops," Malph drops his thieves tools and they scatter around in front of everyone. When he flails to catch the falling lock picks a sunrod falls out of his pack and ignites when it hits the ground.

"Here, hold this." A disgruntled Malph thrusts the now glowing rod to Matsudaira. "We'll probably need it inside anyway."

After finally collecting his tools, Malph gives another attempt at the door. Now that everyone has seen his secrets, Malph takes his time.

Disable Device (take a 10): 10 + 6 = 16
or take a 20, if possible

Matsudaira holds the sunrod, trying to cloak as much as its light as possible. He stands stoically waiting as Malph fiddles with the lock.

Had to resist the urge to hold it aloft and scream "By the Power of Greyskull or something similar. Perhaps perform some sort of fire twirling. It has been a long morning at work.

*edit to remove silly RP actions.

Alassa looks to Malph and says, "You look to have skills with those picks friend. Using them to open that lock is the most silent way to do without attracting attention."

She looks to the others and says, "We should leave as little evidence of our passing as possible. If this is indeed a place we can use, we should not draw attention to it."