Silver, Salt and Blood

Game Master Nikolaus de'Shade

Seven days have passed since the original appointment of Paracount Barzillai Thrune as Lord-Mayor of Kintargo, and in those seven days he has split opinions and skulls with the same arbitrary violence. Some people, the Sarini’s included, see his presence as a return of the lawful Thrune government after a too long period of laxness and depravity. Most however see his arrival as that of a tyrant, out to line his own pocket and crush the famously free spirit of Kintargo.

His first few actions seem to support the later view more than the former. The first things to happen were the Seven Proclamations the following day of the implementing of martial law. These laws were read aloud by the very same criers that announced Thrune’s arrival, and as the day wore on, they marched along the streets, always with a patrol of Dottari, repeating the Seven to all those would hear to ensure no one would be uninformed.

The first proclamation saw raised eyebrows from some, nods of approval for others - vermin were always a problem, and although doves, mice, and ravens weren’t usually seen as such, the poor of the city quickly began hunting said pests in droves before presenting them to the Dottari.

The second proclamation caused quite a few grumblings amongst more than one of the city’s businesses - although reasonably priced at a mere ten gold crowns apiece, many businesses rankled at showing Her Infernal Majestrix’s face in their shops. Those who ignored the proclamation were quickly fined, and in the case of more than one shop, saw their property seized and them hauled off to one of the quickly-filling prisons within the myriad of guard towers in the city.

It is a well-known fact that Barzillai loves dogs, particularly the larger breeds, and as a result the third proclamation came to little surprise. It is also a well known fact that Barzillai has invented a form of excruciation using said dogs aptly named ‘Dog Housing’. Although no such punishments have been met out during Barzillai’s first week of office, many whisper of things to come, especially if the Dottari keep collecting said dogs from the populace.

The fourth proclamation came as a severe annoyance to the city’s noble population, and to a lesser extent its performing one. Although many of the nobles easily purchased the right to keep wearing their expensive and extravagant clothing, many of the city’s performers had to make due with illusions or faux-jewelry to avoid being fined and having their clothing stripped from their very persons.

Unsurprisingly enough, the fifth proclamation merely caused a few eyebrows to raise in curiosity. Those who discussed it in coffee shops and parlors speculated it was to prevent a famine in case of a riot or uprising - as food shortages are common during such periods. Those in less well-to-do places such as the myriad of taverns around the city assumed it was just a way to kick the little guy even further - their logic being that the person who spilt the grain had already wasted his grain, yet now must spend the time to pick it up, clean it, or be fined and possibly imprisoned?

The sixth proclamation came about with a few small protests, as tea is a much beloved drink amongst the city - almost as much as coffee and alcohol. Being unable to consume such a drink at night simply made no sense!

The seventh proclamation was little more than a curiously discussed topic amongst most citizens, as it had nearly no effect on them. That being said, there are quite a few confectionary shops within the city, and those who offered mint candies and treats quickly either threw them away lest they get fined or - in most cases - offered out said candies free of charge to get rid of them before they got in trouble. Such was the case at the Sweet Tooth neighboring the Tooth and Nail, as its proprietor, a young, frail woman with an eyepatch named Luculla Gens, was a regular amongst the Tooth and Nail. Although her delicious candied blueberry tarts are the most well-loved in the tavern, her final batch of mint treats disappeared quickly amongst the drunk (and hungry) patrons.

Overall, for a city that prides itself on its diversity, creative spirit and artistry, the yoke of martial law and increasing rules and regulations particularly onerous. With Thrune’s inquisitors, the Dottari, and the growing Thrune-supporting militia known as the Chelish Citizens’ Group growing increasingly aggressive in their enforcement of martial law - and Barzillai’s increasingly ridiculous proclamations - the undercurrent of revolution builds within the city, and the atmosphere in Kintargo is tense. Numerous minor protests against Thrune have popped up, demanding a variety of changes, only to be quickly dispersed by the dottari, Hellknights of the Rack imported from the south, or the Chelish Citizens’ Group.
It’s been only a week since Thrune seized control of the city, and word on the street is that the largest protest yet will be gathering in Aria Park, just south of the Kintargo Opera House where Thrune has made his new home.

H E L L ' S R E B E L S
Book I: In Hell's Bright Shadow

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.

A dozen Dottari stand guard in front of the Opera House, warily watching the growing crowd but making no moves to disperse them - in the middle of them stands a gruff, scowling woman armed with an exquisite glaive, heavy black-and-red chain armor and sporting four throwing axes - Nox, Barzillai’s personal bodyguard and your intended. As of yet, she and her entourage of guards stand vigilant, their black-and-red leather and mail armor glistening with the morning’s rain, but none move against the growing crowd.

Some of the protesters call for their new lord-mayor to lift his unreasonable restrictions, while others call for an end to foreign rule and demand a proper election to determine Lord-Mayor Bainilus’s successor. Many seem content merely to yell and agitate, but a growing minority show their unabashed support of Barzillai Thrune by arguing back at the protesters.
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Welcome to Hell’s Rebels! Here at the start of the protest, you get a Protest Action you may take for each hour of the protest.
Amongst the various groups at the protest, the following five ‘factions’ are the most prominent: Kintargo Partisans (who despise Cheliax’s tightening grip on their city and demand local rule); economic conservatives (who feel the squeeze as Thrune enacts new taxes and business policies); advocates of democracy (whose bitterest complaint is Thrune’s appointment instead of legal election); anarchists (who hope the protest turns into a good riot); and Chelish loyalists (who support Thrune’s actions to curb the city’s independent streak).

There are a number of Protest Actions you each may take during the protest. Each one represents an hour of the protest and are affected by the “Reason for Protesting” minitrait you each took. The following actions are available:

Listen for Rumours: Anyone wandering the crowd can listen for rumors and learn more about what’s going on in Kintargo’s new political landscape. The character must succeed at a Diplomacy check to gather information or a Perception check to overhear something of note.

Pilfer: Criminal-minded characters can use the large gathering to line their pockets, lifting purses or goods from the street vendors by succeeding at Sleight of Hand checks. A successful check earns a character 1d6 gp in coins and other small objects. If the character fails, roll a single Perception check at a +4 bonus to see whether anyone notices the attempt—if someone does, the pilferer can attempt a Bluff check to play off the failed attempt at an innocent jostle.

Rabble Rouse: Persuasive characters may want to better organize the protest by attempting a Diplomacy or Perform check.

Search for a Contact: Characters who are searching for someone wearing a black glove on only one hand may attempt a Perception check.

Silence Undesirable Elements: With several distinct factions among the protesters, the message delivered is a jumbled mess. Characters can try to silence or outshout elements of the crowd they disagree with. To silence a group, a PC must succeed at a Bluff or Intimidate check.

Watch the Crowd: Characters can simply choose to watch the crowd for anything unusual. A character who does so can attempt a Perception or Sense Motive check.

Eudoxia gripped her cloak tightly as she moved through the crowd, conscious of the subtle embroidery on the bodice of her dress. Wearing it had seemed such an excellent idea when she had dressed this morning, the proclamation did only mention fine embroidered clothing after all, and the embroidery really was barely noticeable, and it did set off her figure just so. Now, however, now she had actually reached the protest the decision did seem rather rash and foolish. As her aunt had pointed out multiple times the night before, it was virtually guaranteed that she could get one of the exemptions if she applied for one, it was probably even only due to a lack of foresight that nobles weren't automatically exempt from the prohibition from the start, but it was the principle of the matter. No-one should be able to tell people what they can or cannot wear, except on the invitation to a party, and those are more like guidelines than strict, unbreakable rules anyway.

Pushing those thoughts out of her head, what's done is done and there was no way of changing her dress now, she focused on what she had come here to do (other than defying her aunt of course), finding out what the common people really thought about the new regime.

Listen for Rumours (Diplomacy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Using the +2 bonus to diplomacy from 'Staying up on Current Events'

She moves from group to group in the crowd, listening in and occasionally joining in on conversations that catch her interest but thoughts of a Dottari guard noticing her dress and hauling her in front of the crowd, or perhaps someone recognising her and telling her aunt where she was today continued to niggle at the back of her mind and prevented her from mingling quite as effortlessly as she otherwise might have.

1d10 ⇒ 3

Eudoxia spends some time weaving through the crowd, staying on the periphery of conversations and trying her best not to catch the eye of anyone who looks even vaguely officious. Luckily for her the dottari, although they seem to have established a couple of outposts in the park itself, are mostly grouped between the crowds and the opera house so her clothing attracts no undue attention.

"I hear the guard towers are so full of prisoners that they're keeping prisoners in warehouses now." One burly man was saying as she slipped past.

"Yeah," another responds. "My cousin says they're even putting people to work in places like the Salix Salt Works. Horrible place that!"

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Second Hour - choose your action :)

Filing that piece of information away for future reference, Eudoxia turned her attention to the various competing groups making up the protest. Those who were here solely to cause trouble and in the hopes of a fight were mostly fairly easy to identify and weren't really helping anybody.

Eudoxia began to seek out those individuals, with a quiet word here and a witty rejoinder there, hoping to lessen the influence they had over the crowd and help prevent things from escalating too far. The last thing anybody wants is a riot after all.

Silence Anarchists (bluff): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Eudoxia continues her way through the crowd, picking her targets carefully and doing her best to minimise or sideline a number of high profile rabble rousers. Her wit (and a couple of scathing put-downs) do they job and within the space of an hour she feels confident that the anarchists, at least, will no longer be a problem.

The anarchists have been dispersed. Choose your hour 3 action. :)

Pleased with her success so far, Eudoxia spends the next hour just people watching, amazed at how many different sorts of people came out to protest today.

Watch the Crowd (Perception): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Eudoxia withdraws to a more secluded spot near a statue in the park and takes the time to simply watch the ebb and flow of people.

Ever since the anarchists departed the crowd, although still agitated, seems less likely to break out into imminent violence than they were before. Much of the remaining disturbance, as far as Eudoxia can tell, seems to be concentrated at the front of the crowd near the opera house. She can see a group, better dressed than the majority of the crowd, who seem to be chanting counter slogans and loud protestations of loyalty to House Thrune. She recognises a few as merchants with links to the Sarini and the Tanessen, as well as some of her own peer group who seem to have come out for the excitement.

Their overt loyalty to Thrune does not impress the rest of the crowd and a number of people nearby are shooting them foul glares. Otherwise however the protest seems remarkably well mannered.

Hour 4 action?

Wrote a longer post but the internet ate it, so here's the new version
Eudoxia spends the next hour mingling with the younger Thrune supporters. Although she doesn't agree with all their political views, most of them are alright sorts and it would seem strange for her not to talk with them.

Listen for Rumours (Diplomacy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 More of a general socialisation than specifically listening for rumours but that was the nearest fit

A quick note of Eudoxia's current political views. She is a fairly firm believer in the merits of aristocracy and was raised to believe duty and privilege are two sides of the same coin. Nobles have a duty to protect and provide for the common people and are best suited to do so, thanks to a combination of their breeding and education. In return for their service they are rewarded with privileges. If they no longer perform their duties then their privileges should be removed (she was taught the Even Tongued Conquest was a perfect example of this). I expect many of the more idealistic of her cohort to have similar viewpoints. Human supremacist positions and discrimination against Tieflings or Halflings make her deeply uncomfortable however, due to her heritage and the influence of her nursemaid. She is also sympathetic towards slaves and the poor, but has only a weak understanding of the issues they face. It is likely her views may become more radical as her social circle widens however.

Eudoxia mingles, receiving polite greetings from her various acquaintances and the hour passes without much incident. Even distracted as she is however Eudoxia can tell that the crowd is getting more and more agitated - the number of missile sailing towards her current location increases and some even become more solid...

At precisely three minutes after the fourth hour, the protest’s clamor is interrupted by the clangorous ringing of the Devils Bells as they ring once, twice, and then a third time. Much of the crowd quiets as their chants and yelling was interrupted by the ominous portent and a few seconds after the third clang dies down, a window on the third story of the Opera House bursts opens and its curtains are drawn wide - showing none other than Barzillai Thrune in the flesh.

Dressed in a resplendent outfit of black, red, and gold beneath an ornate breastplate bristling with sharp, blade-like edges, all of which is emblazoned with the pentacle of Asmodeus and the cross of Cheliax, Thrune paints himself as an imposing figure. A stocky, middle-aged man with receding black hair, Barzillai fingers a diabolically spiraled mace that flickers with fire from the Pit that hangs from his hip. Opposite of that rests a golden, cross-shaped dagger within its ornate sheath. The Lord-Mayor holds a crystal wineglass filled with blood-red wine in his other gloved hand as he looks down upon the crowd with a condescending sneer.

The gathered citizens of Kintargo quickly grow quiet as Barzillai clears his throat and opens his arms wide, the blood-red wine in his glass swirling at his movement. ”Ah, my adoring little chickadees! I am sorry to say that I have not yet adapted to your.. quaint, country ways, being accustomed as I am to the sophistication and learning of Egorian. Nevertheless,“ he pauses for a moment, ”know that I have heard your concerns and that I appreciate your.. valued feedback. 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 standard this proud city deserves and in strengthening its ties with the empire in these cruel times, but obviously I have approached my duties too aggressively.”

He pauses another moment for dramatic effect before continuing his speech. ”You say that you chafe at the presence of non-natives 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 non-native ships’ captains are hereafter barred from leaving their vessels and setting foot on Kintargo’s docks or streets, under pain of.,” he pauses yet again and puts on a false face of appearing to look as if he’s thinking. ”Let’s say…” His face opens up in a broad, evil grin, ”Squassation!”

The reaction is immediate and intense. The crowd bursts into anger. One man, barely a boy in fact, runs to the edge of the crowd and hurls something up at the Opera house. His aim is magnificent as it flies up, hits the underside of Thrune's balcony and splatters him from head to toe in something indescribable and apparently very unpleasant. Thrune practically falls backwards through the window and his voice echoes from the open window above. ”Enough of this! Nox, run them off, arrest them, or kill them! I don’t care which!” before the windows slam shut.

”Dottari! At attention!” Nox quickly moves to obey her master, mobilizing the dottari who quickly draw their heavy black-iron maces and raise their shields towards the crowd. Seeing such a display of hostility from the guards and reacting to Barzillai’s orders, the crowd bursts out into a full riot as people begin flinging rotten food, stones, and anything else at hand at the guards and the opera house.

As Nox mobilizes the dottari, she herself remains at ease, a wicked grin appearing upon her ugly, misshapen face. ”Chelish Citizens’ Group! Now’s the time for you to show your Lord-Mayor where your true loyalties lie!” At this, numerous men and women amongst the crowd pull back their cloaks or rip off false tear-away clothing to reveal matching armbands emblazoned with the Chelish Cross, black-and-red studded leather armor and iron truncheons; each one carries a set of manacles on their hips along with a sadistic grin on their faces. Two appear on the fringes of your group and begin trying to usher you all away from the protest.

"The Lord Mayor thanks you for your loyalty, My Lords, My Ladies. Please absent yourselves now so that you are not hurt. Your loyalty will be remembered."

Most of your companions, clearly not the aggressive sorts do as he says are meekly leave the park to the north, towards Bleakbridge - breaking into gossip as they go.

The crowds are thick enough that you can try and slip into the riot if you want. It'll need a stealth check with a +5 circumstance bonus.

Assuming that doing not joining the riot doesn't break anything...

Eudoxia allows herself to be shepherded away from the riot with the others. She has no desire to get hurt, arrested, or dirty, for no reason and the only purpose getting involved would serve is increasing the chance of one of said eventualities occurring. She felt somewhat guilty at leaving the protester's to their fates, but there was nothing only one person could do.

As she walked away she thought again over Nox's order to the Chelish Citizen's Group. They were already armed and concealed in the crowd... Nox knew, or at least suspected, a riot was going happen, maybe even wanted one in order to be able to crush it. The move, if it was deliberate, was smart; it allowed for a show of force, of the cost of resistance, whilst simultaneously providing an excuse for further crackdowns, in the name of public safety of course. Smart, but not an action any true noble would consider.

Eudoxia suddenly felt disgusted by those around her, of their unabashed support of the Lord Mayor and the casual jokes made about the rebellious peons getting taught a lesson. Unable to stand it any longer , Eudoxia attempts to slip away from the group.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 22 if the +5 bonus still applies after leaving the area of the protest

If Eudoxia manages to slip away from the group she will wander the streets for a while, deep in thought.

It is a simple matter for Eudoxia to slip away - her compatriots are too caught up in the reflected excitement of the riot to notice.

As she sneaks away she hears a muffled cry from around the corner. Peering carefully past the corner she sees a young man, running to fat, on the street. Standing above him are two men in the red uniform of the Chelish Citizens group. One of them has a raised club and appears ready to strike. Four other thugs lies sprawled across the street - however this man is he's clearly given a good account of himself, hence the ire of the two men left standing.

You can get a surprise round if you act quickly.

Eudoxia doesn't hesitate upon coming across the scene. She might not have been able to make a difference at the protest, but she could help this unfortunate man here. She had the element of surprise, but she had to move fast, before the first thug strikes.

My action depends on whether I can retrieve a dagger from my spring loaded wrist sheath (a shift action), and throw it in the surprise round or not. If I can then...

Eudoxia bends her wrist and lets the dagger hidden under her sleeve drop into her hand. She takes just a second to line up the shot, aiming at the shoulder of the thug with the raised club, before stepping around the corner and sending the dagger flying through the air.

ranged attack with dagger: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (6) = 11 1d8 hidden strike as the CCG thugs are not yet aware of my presence.

"Tch, tch. Six against one. Now that's hardly sporting, is it?" she remarks as the thugs' attention is drawn her way.

If I can't retrieve the dagger and throw it in the same round, Eudoxia will try to stay concealed around the corner and spend a move action to draw two daggers, ready to act next round

The dagger drops perferctly into Eudoxia's hand and she flings it in the smooth motion she'd practised so many times. Just like the practise the dagger flew straight as a die and stuck in the first man's throat, crumpling him to the ground.

The second thug, hearing his partner fall whirls round. "You b**ch! You'll pay for that!" as he comes charging down the street towards her, swinging his club. Unfortunately for him he strikes the wall rather than Eudoixa.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Behind him another thug stirs, and stands up blearily.

You're up. It's you then thugs.

Oops Eudoxia thought, I didn't mean to actually kill him . Still with the other thug right on top of her there was no time to feel guilt. Drawing her hidden spring blade and the silver dagger belted at her hip, she felt a surge of adrenaline. She'd sparred with her weapons master and other students countless times, and even been in a barroom brawl once after sneaking out in disguise, but this was the first time she'd had to fight someone actively trying to kill her.

Releasing the catch on the spring blade she made a quick slash at her opponent.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Ducking past the thug Eudoxia slashes at his side and opens a gash through his armour which begins to bleed heavily. The thug yells and spins round, whirling his club as he does so. The club whistles over Xia's head, leaving him open to another attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

The second thug stoops to pick up her truncheon and comes lumbering towards the fight, although she's clearly still somewhat blurry.

Seizing the opening Eudoxia follows up by stabbing at the thug's partially exposed side with the spring blade, while slashing upwards with the silver dagger.
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
attack (second hand): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Again Xia strikes true and the thug falls, breathing shallowly, the pool of blood spreading from his side does not look good though.

The last thug, seeing her companion felled lays down her club and backs away down the street, before turning and making a headlong sprint in the other direction.

"Phew, that was exhilarating!" Eudoxia remarks to herself as she brushes a loose strand of hair out of her face and idly twirls the spring blade in her hand. It takes her a second before she remembers the overweight gentleman she had entered the fight to defend. Sheathing her blades with a final flourish she hurried over to his side.

"Sir? Are you alright?" she asks, placing a hand on his shoulder

The man jerks when Xia puts her had on his shoulder but relaxes a moment later when he realises you are not a member of the Chelish Citizens Group. "Yes, thank you very much for your timely intervention!" He struggles to his feet, pulling a small bottle from his pocket and drinking it down. He immediately looks better. Xia notices he is wearing one black glove, a rather off affectation.

"Madam, would you be willing to speak with me at greater length? I have something I wish to ask you about, but it would best be done with greater privacy."

If you agree he will lead you to Crissali's Fine Tomes, if you have a place you'd prefer to go he agrees. :)

"Of course. Shouldn't we, um, do something about these people first though?"

Eudoxia goes to check on the thug she stabbed but the wound is clearly far beyond anything she knows how to deal with.

heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"I suppose it was in self defence." she rationalises as she retrieves her dagger from the first thug's throat, wiping it off on his clothes. "And they didn't seem like very nice people."

She shook her head and then looked around. "Actually it might be best if no-one sees us here. Crissali's Fine Tomes you said?"

The man nods and leads Eudoxia away from the scene quickly, Roll Knw Nobility DC15 to work out who you just rescued and through the streets to Crissali's Fine Tomes. The man leads you into the back room with a nod to the shopkeeper and then collapses into a well upholstered chair looking absolutely exhausted. "Thank you again for the timely rescue. Truth is, our meeting was no coincidence. I followed your progress during the protest earlier but lost you when the Dottari removed you. I'm technically dead after all so I can't just walk up to people in the street. Oh, where are my manners. Rexus Victocora, last remaining member of House Victocora. And you of course are Lady Eudoxia Sarini, scion of the Thrune-supporting House Sarini. Now I will probably lose my head if I have misjudged you, but you've saved my life already so here goes..." Rexus takes a deep breath before speaking again in a rush.

"Thrune has gone too far. Our city is being destroyed and all those who could have resisted him have been driven into hiding. I want to fight back but I need allies, allies no-one would think to look for. Will you aid me in this quest? To end Thrune and restore freedom to Kintargo?" He finishes with a huge gulp of air and looks at you apprehensively - he has after-all just proposed high treason.

If you make the Knw Nobility check then you recognise him before he introduces himself - feel free to roleplay appropraitely.

Knw Nobility: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Eudoxia mentally kicked herself for not recognising the heir of House Victocora sooner. True, he had changed dramatically since she had seen him last, that being before the scandal of course, but that should serve as no excuse. The failure to recognise Rexus didn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, but it still rankled with her that he had known who she was before she knew who he was. She smiled wryly, if she hadn't just saved his life he'd be at an advantage over her. Now to think of something to say as she processed what he'd just revealed to her.

"Last remaining member of House Victocora? Let me start by offering my deepest condolences for your loss. I know Sarini and Victocora often found themselves on opposite sides in the Court of Coin, but let me assure you that your parents will be sorely missed. They were good people." Eudoxia said as she gently laid a hand on Rexus's forearm.

"Now, moving on to more practical matters. I don't disagree that Thrune has gone too far, attacking his own people, dictating what people can or cannot wear, maybe even assassinating nobles, if what happened to your parents was no accident. I can see why you see the need to strike back. What action do you propose? This is a dangerous game you play, and unless I'm much mistaken we have precious few pieces available to us. So what is the opening move?"

Eudoxia looks deep into Rexus's eyes on the final question, her grip on his arm tightening as countless thoughts whirled around her head. There were dangers ahead, but opportunities as well. House Sarini hadn't always been Thrune's Fools, and had once had even more influence over Ravounel than they did now. Others in the family might not agree, but now might be a wise time to reconsider allegiances. Helping Rexus in his goal could be good for Kintargo and good for Sarini, not to mention the most delicious fun. Like sneaking into the Delronge Estate, or a good game of Stones, all rolled together.

"Thank you Lady Sarini. As to our opening move I do have an idea. I recently learned that my parents were part of a... sect I suppose you would call it. The Sacred Order of Archivists. My mother in particular was very knowledgeable about the history of Kintargo and after she died I was sent a small coffer which included this."

He hands you a small, elaborately carved box. Inside the first item is a letter See link above. Beneath it lies a stack of coins and a gleaming silver dagger which looks superbly lethal even lying quiescent in the box. After Eudoxia reads the letter Rexus nods. "You see the position now? I am hoping that you will accompany me to the Fair Fortune Livery and see what we can find - the Silver Ravens were a potent symbol in their day and I believe we need that again. The dagger is yours if you need any inducement, I'm not one for combat." He gestures self-deprecatingly as he waits for Xia's answer.

Eudoxia picked up the silver dagger masterwork? and looked over it appreciatively. The course of action suggested sounded eminently sensible; low risk, a potentially large reward, and not directly opposing government forces. Not to mention a chance to learn more about a period of recent history that even her lessons had been incredibly scarce on.

"That sound like a sensible place to start. Information and potential resources will be useful and symbols can be very powerful. You or I could be captured, or cut down, like so many before us, but a symbol, well that's much harder to kill. I'll accompany you to the Livery and help you to find what you seek, but first I suggest we take the time to prepare. I'm hardly dressed for delving in dirty basements, filled with vermin and goodness knows what else and I'm sure that you could do with a chance to rest and recuperate after all the fun you've had today. Shall we meet again tomorrow afternoon and then head to the Livery?"

Masterwork mithril! :)

Rexus nods at Xia's suggestion, looking relieved. "A most sensible suggestion. I will meet you here at say, three bells? If I'm not around then speak to Cresaali and ask for Mr Black." He shakes your hand politely, shows you to the door and then returns to his arm chair. As you close the door you hear him let out a long, relieved sigh.

Any particular preparations? Let me know when you're ready and we can cut to the next scene. :)

Eudoxia takes the following preparations before meeting Rexus again:

* Checks out the outside of the Fair Fortune Livery and subtly asks around for any rumours concerning the building and why it has been abandoned for so long. Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

* Purchase a Silver shortsword or Wakizashi ( already costed into my starting gear but it makes more sense IC to buy now than own already)

* Start the application process for a permit to wear fine embroidered clothing. No sense in looking for trouble and she doesn't need an act of petty rebellion now.

* Change into leather armour (under a loose blouse) and bring my swords(in a bag if openly carrying weapons in the street would attract attention)

Purchasing the sword is not difficult, it simply takes time (and a little throwing of the Sarini name around). Although silver is a major product of Kintargo its use in destroying devils makes actually buying silver weapons a slightly dubious thing to do in law-abiding Cheliax.

Likewise completing the permit for fine embroidered clothing is simply a matter of time consuming Chelaxian bureaucracy. Aunt Sarini seals it without comment and a servant delivers it to the temple of Asmodeus along with a 'donation' to ensure it is dealt with promptly.

1d4 ⇒ 3 Xia's diplomacy, which occupies more time than either of the other activities. During her various subtle enquiries she learns a lot of useless information about Kintargo, although one man claims to have been hearing strange noises from the Fair Fortune Livery and is in favour of Thrune having the whole place demolished. He waxes on about the building for some time and Xia learns that it used to belong to the Juliac family. Since the death of the families last member, no-one has claimed ownership of the property and it has fallen into disrepair.

The next morning, clad in a loose fitting blouse, and carrying a small bag containing weapons that would cause her serious trouble if the Dottari searched it, Xia returns to Cressali's Fine Tomes. Rexus is waiting in the back room. "Good morning. You are looking very well." He greets her, clearly pre-occupied and nervous. "Shall we go?"

Assuming you agree.
The walk to the Livery is uneventful and it is much as Xia saw it the previous day. The first thing of note is the smell - the place reeks of stale urine as an old, crumbling roof sags over precarious wooden walls. There is a front and back door, but both are chained with rusty lengths of metal links and large padlocks.

"Yes, shall we." Eudoxia agrees. As they walk to the Livery Xia asks Rexus about how he has been coping with the loss of his home and his family, both mentally and physically, and whether there is anything she can do to help make his circumstances more comfortable. The rest of the way she engages in mundane chatter, hoping to ease Rexus' nerves somewhat.

Upon reaching the Livery, Eudoxia is struck first by the foul smell and presses a perfumed handkerchief to her nose. Grimacing at Rexus she takes a second to compose herself, glancing to both sides to check the coast was clear, before pulling a set of concealable thieves tools from under her blouse and moving to unlock the padlock on the back door.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 = 30

The lock yields swiftly under Xia's ministrations. Unlooping the chain Xia leads the way in, followed closely by Rexus.

Inside the stables are dim, a few rays of light coming in from the door behind and the larger one at the far end. Much of the floorplan is taken up by a large central area with horseboxes on either side, but from the dilapidated offices on Xia's right come a pair of mangy hounds. They approach warily but it is obvious that they are both hungry. The leader is quite large, but covered in what look like small teeth marks. The dog behind is much smaller and seems thoroughly cowardly.

Eudoxia doesn't particularly want to hurt the dogs but is very much aware that they may have no choice.

"Give them a clear path to leave if they want" she says quietly to Rexus, stepping away from the door slowly while drawing two daggers (The mithral and the cold iron). "I don't suppose you have a secret gift with animals, or a nice juicy steak hidden away do you?" she asks, half joking.

"Or maybe some loud noises and bright lights to startle them?"

She eyes the dogs warily as she talks, standing in a ready stance.

[ooc] Readying an action to attack the first dog to approach with hostile intent

Readied Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

EDIT: I'm assuming Xia put her bag down when unlocking the door and hasn't picked it up yet. Her knives were on her person but her swords are out of reach in the bag for the moment.

"Errm... no. Sorry." Rexus says, gingerly edging around Xia and away from the door. He moves carefully but it seems to be the final straw for the larger hound. It barks thunderously in the confined space and bounds towards Xia, heedless of the gash she opens in its side, it attempts to tear her hand off.

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Trip: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

It latches onto Xia's off-hand and leaves a nasty set of bite marks but in attempting to tug Xia down it accidentally releases her hand instead.

You're up. I usually do group initiative, so you and Rexus act - then the dogs etc.

"Gah! Bad dog!" Xia cries as it bites down, almost dropping the dagger she held in her off hand.

She lashes out again with the two daggers but her off hand attack is so and weak.
1st Dagger: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
2nd Dagger: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"Have at you!" Rexus cries, stepping up beside Xia and making a clumsy slash at the dog.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Between his sword cane and Xia's, rather more professionally wielded, daggers the mastiff drops to the ground - bleeding heavily.

The mutt behind whimpers and runs, fleeing towards the far end of the stable and squeezing out of the door.

Combat over.

"Poor Thing" Eudoxia says as the dog drops. "I wonder where all those tiny bites came from, rats or another dog maybe?"

Xia roughly bandages her injured hand with a clean handkerchief and belts on the two swords she had in her bag before embarking on a through search of the stables, especially the office area.

Taking 20 on the search if I can for a total of 26 (16 if I can only take 10).

Xia's search of the stables turns up a few things. Although there is nothing of value in the old offices she notices a key at the back of a broken draw and sees a metallic object hanging from the rafters fifteen feet above her head. It looks like an old ring of some sort.

Searching the rest of the stable turns up the two doors Xia already knew about and a locked gate, which leads into a narrow room with a large drain in the centre. As Xia looks at it the dried blood on the floor begins to writhe, forming itself into crude letters.

KEEP AWAY STRANGERS!

From somewhere to the right there comes a jangling sound, as though someone behind the wall is shaking a large collection of metal objects in a can.

Roll Arcana if you have it.
Rexus Knw Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Xia will pick up the key and will attempt to climb up to the rafters to retrieve the ring.

Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Knw Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

As the manifestations appear she moves closer to Rexus and nervously fingers the hilt of her sword.

"I suppose we now know why this place has been empty so long. I bet your average person would be running out of here in terror just about now" she says with a heavy dose of false bravado.

Using the table to push off Xia is easily able to get a foothold on a crumbling brick and retrieve the object, which turns out to be an old signet ring. Roll Knw Nob to determine the family.

"Indeed." Rexus nods. "It could be some sort of magical haunt.." This matches Xia's conclusions. "Perhaps if we just wait it will just die down..."

Almost as he speaks the jangling sound dies down and silence reins across the stable.

Knw Nobility: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"Well whatever it is standing around here isn't going to do any good. Shall we push on?" Xia asks as she moves towards the locked gate. She will first try the key in the lock and if that doesn't work she will try picking the lock.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

If she manages to open the gate Xia will step through into the narrow room, looking around cautiously for anything out of place as she does so.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Xia recognises the crest as being the Juliac family, the now extinct family who formerly owned the Fair Fortune Livery.

The key opens the lock easily and Xia steps onto the killing floor. Feeling a breeze from her right she looks at the wall and sees a door hanging off its hinges and revealing what looks like an old workshop. The entire room, including a truly impressive array of skinning and flensing tools are covered in a thick layer of dust. In the far corner a trap door sits ajar, propped open by a block of wood.

Eudoxia will enter the old workshop and open the trapdoor, looking to see what is down there. Before going down the trapdoor herself she will throw one of the heavier tools, or a small item of furniture like a stool down through the trapdoor, hoping to reveal any creatures that might be hiding down below. She'll also tie the rope in her bag to the gate and lower the rope down the shaft in case there either isn't a ladder or it is no longer safe to use.

If throwing something down through the trapdoor doesn't elict a response Xia will climb down, asking Rexus to cover her at the top and not follow until she says it is safe to do so.

Noting that Xia has darkvision and Rexus probably doesn't. This is something Xia didn't really think about, not needing a light source herself so Rexus may need to provide his own light source if he comes down with her.

Xia makes it down the hole without issue, finding herself in a dark room which absolutely reeks. Looking around she locates the source of the smells easily, three mouldering rat corpses. Around the room are nests of chewed crates and barrel tops, liberally smeared with rat feces. A doorway opposite the trapdoor is the only other method of exit from this chamber.

Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Eugh! It stinks something dreadful down here. All safe so far though." Eudoxia calls up to Rexus. "Just some dead rats. Do you think that minor haunting from earlier could have killed them?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Xia performs a cursory search of the room, with her perfumed handkerchief pressed to nose the entire time before quickly moving on to the next room in the hopes that it doesn't smell quite as bad as this one.

The way onwards is barred by a rusty grate and padlock. It gives way under Xia's key but only after several seconds of twisting and wrestling with the lock.

This room is larger than the previous one, the first thing that catches Xia's eye is the depression in the floor some thirty feet away which seems to be stuffed with musty blankets and old cushions. It is from said depression that a handful of small, possum-like shapes scurry out and approach Xia with clearly malevolent intent.

Xia Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Rexus Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Grimple Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Three of the gremlins rear up on their hind legs and proceed to vomit in Xia's direction!
Vomit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Vomit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Vomit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Xia's manage to sidestep the worst of it, but is still hit by one gout of foul smelling liquid as the other two run up to assault her!

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Damage: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (3) - 4 = -1 Min 1
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 Damage: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3

One manages to bite her leg at the top of her boot and inflicts a mild nip.

1 damage and DC11 fort save or be Nauseated

Fort Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

I'm guessing it would be knowledge nature (which Xia doesn't have) to identify what these creatures are? I'm going to throw a roll out there anyway in case the DC of the check is 10 or less (such as a common monster with a low CR) and so can be made untrained or another knowledge is appropriate.

Knw Nature?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Why does everything in this blasted building have to stink so bad?" Xia complains as she shakes her foot at the thing clinging to her boot.

"You never read about this sort of thing happening to heroes in the stories" she adds, drawing her two wakizashi's and swiping at creature that had just nipped her with the sword in her dominant, left hand (the one holding the mwk cold iron wakizashi)

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
confirm crit?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
critical damage?: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Xia's swipe separates the head from the body in one smooth motion. From behind her there is a hissing noise and a small ball of acid flies past her towards the vomiting creatures, splattering one of the creautres in acid. It jabbers, seemingly in anger and tries to charge past Xia to get to Rexus Gives Xia an AAO.

Range Touch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

The other creatures continue their assault and Xia is subjected to a rain of pebbles and another nip at her feet. Finding another weak spot in the leather of her bot Xia suffers the indignity of another bite - she also starts to feel an uncontrollable itch inside her boot.

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Damage: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3 Min 1 damage...
Pebble: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Damage: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3
Pebble: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Damage: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3

Xia moves swiftly and gracefully, her blades flashing as she first intercepts the creature trying to get past her before turning her attention to the creature at her feet. Completely focused on the art of motion, she pays no heed to the itch in her boot, or the stench of her shirt.

AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
main hand attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
offhand attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Xia's flashing swords cut right through one gremlin on the swing and another on the backswing. The sight of one of their companions, impaled on Xia's blades copletely breaks the nerve of the remaining grimples and they dash for the walls - leaping into tunnels concealed in the shadows. From the panicked scrabbling noises Xia and Rexus hear, they have no intention of coming back.

Combat over!

Eudoxia sheaths on her swords but keeps the other drawn, alert to any further trouble.

"It looks like there was quite the complex down here" she says to Rexus. "I wonder what else we'll run into. It seems that each room so far has been even more disgusting than the last. First thing I'm doing after we leave here is getting a bath."

Xia looks down at her stained blouse and across at Rexus. "*sigh* Well I suppose this blouse is ruined." she complains, moving in closer to Rexus. "And the smell is just dreadful, don't you think? Very distracting" Xia is hoping that Rexus knows how to cast Prestidigitation and will offer to remove the vomit stain but doesn't want to outright ask.

"While we're here I suppose we'd better make sure there's nothing interesting in that pile of rubbish" Xia adds reluctantly, scratching at her ankle and poking at the blankets with her sword.

"Oh, err. I can help with that." Rexus offers awkwardly, before muttering some arcane words and making a vague waving gesture towards Xia's chest - gradually the vomit disappears and the smell disperses somewhat, although the irritating itching feeling remains.

Under the blankets Xia finds a small horde of coins 32gp in assorted coinage and a slightly gnawed, but remarkably dirt free cloak, which Rexus recognises as being enchanted to help the wearer resist magics and poisons Cloak of Resistance +1.

Rexus Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

There is little else of interest in the room apart from a wide, shallow staircase which leads further down into darkness.

"Thank you, Rexus." Eudoxia says with a smile. "You are such a gentleman".

She pushes the pile of coins towards Rexus, stating that he needs the money more than she does, and tries on the cloak with a flourish.

"How do I look?" Xia asks coyly, "Pre-gnawed is all the rage in Egorian at this moment, I hear." she adds with a chuckle.

Xia will think she's being generous in giving Rexus the money, and won't really notice that it could come of as patronising, or insincere based on the fact that she immediately claimed the more expensive item straight after.

After dealing with the money and the cloak, Xia continues down the staircase.