Swords in Sigil

Game Master Patrick Curtin

In anticipation of some sneaky-sneak, the Masque unties his masque and reknots it and then puts it back on, invoking its disguise self purposes to make him look more like one of the Hounds of Lector.

How do I look, Badger? he asks, striking a pose to show off his new duds.

He takes a look at Masque and nods. "Works for me you bringing me in as a new recruit??

Yes, but I want to try something.

The Masque casts summon instrument and begins to play a jaunty tune on the resulting guitar.

Perform: String and Dance: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Which doesn't really matter because they all need to make Will saves vs. DC 17 or become fascinated by me once I am within 90'.

The Crimson Masque prances up to the gate. Hopefully all of the Hounds of Lector will be fascinated by him and then Badger can just let us in, but I guess we'll see what happens.

The Mad Badger walks up opens the gates and enters if all seem fascinated and don't move to stop him.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 191d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 61d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

The sergeant with the dogs-head helm and two of the regular guards stare at the disguised Masque, fascinated. The third regular guard squints suspiciously at the two heading towards them.

"'Ere now, who are yeh? An' who's the orc? An' why you out there?"

The Badger lets Masque do the talking. Until the point that no more talking can be done. He readies himself with his fists ready to do subdual damage if necessary. But for the moment holds off to see if Masque can bluff their way through this.

The Masque attempts to, as part of his bardic performance, to make a suggestion.

Hey guys, you want to have fun?!? Yeah?!? Points at the saving throw-making guard. Pigpile! Yay!!

Saving throws, please.

Will save right? 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 If he does not save he runs and jumps on the pile as well until Masque pulls him off.

Um, as amusing as that turn of events would be, I don't think Badger needs to make a save because he is not fascinated. If he wants to join the pigpile, however, he is free to do so.

:) Badger moves to jump on the pig pile gives a sheepish look and then decides to move on through the gate unless the pigpile thing doesn't work in which case he moves to plan B.

Violence and trys to punch out the last guard.

The Masque attempts to, as part of his bardic performance, to make a suggestion.

Hey guys, you want to have fun?!? Yeah?!? Points at the saving throw-making guard. Pigpile! Yay!!

Saving throws, please.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 221d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 121d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

The sergeant looks doubtful, but the two other guards jump on their mate, hooting gleefully.

The Crimson Masque ends his performance of "Andoran Girl" with a shredding extended coda replete with virtuosic exhibits of tapping

Perform String 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34 (yeah, baby!!)

throws up his arms in triumph, smashes the guitar on the street, flings the pieces to his fascinted fans (in particular, the not pigpiling sergeant) shouts Thank you, Plaguemort!! and turns and strides through the gate.

You guys really need to look up the definition of 'stealth' LOL

The Masque and the Badger stroll through the gate, the shocked stares of several farmers and tradesmen following them as they enter the town.

The town itself is a smelly collection of half-ruined buildings. The folks wandering the street seem to tend towards fiendish and or tieflingish. A pack of gnolls walk by, dressed in leather and chain, large bows on their shoulders.

Actions??

The Crimson Masque ducks into a corner and waves for the Badger to follow him.

He unties his masque of disguise leaving him looking like himself, which is to say, not at all like a Hound of Lector.

What do you think, Badger? Change my features again, or should we slap this bad boy on you? Not too many fellow of orc-descent in this town, I fear.

Badger takes a quick look at the gnolls to see what they wear as far as insignia.

"Not too many orcs, or humans or monkey types either. Seems most are either fiends, gnollish or tieflings. Change to a tiefling and we can hang together. We are trying to be mercs here so no sense in hiding that maybe we can get in touch with both groups and see who is hiring?"

!!!

Link

The Masque knots his masque into a poncho, lights a cheroot and turns to the Badger.

Alright, so here we go.

The Masque steps back into the traffic of Plaguemort and tries to get his bearings in the city.

Perception1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Badger nods in approval at Masque's costume change.

"That is a good look for you my friend. We should probably get to know the coffin maker in town and see if we can't get a percentage of his take for our kills eh? I have a feeling this is going to be some messy business here in Plaguemort."

Badger:

Is Badger disguising himself?

"But seeing how they have not seen you but me I suppose I should disguise myself. Any suggestions on what I should go as? You are always better at that dressing up stuff than me."

Hmm...I'm not sure...oh, I know: We could catch a gnoll, cut off its skin and you could wear that! No, that won't work...

The Masque continues to take his bearings in the middle of the street while pondering the Badger's attire.

Perception roll please both ..

Badger looks intently at his friend.

"Maybe just have me look like a gnoll that just passed? with the harpy brooch and red cloak with a triple headed flail on the back? Not sure what that means any ideas what group they may belong too?"

He shruggs and says its is as good a choice as any gives us an oppertunity to get around and begin to figure out the lay of the land more.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Well, that might work, but what about the fur?

Perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Badger:

He looks towards the shouting.

"Hopefully people won't take too much notice of me. But we need to hurry we are going to have company soon. Lets get off the street too. Make me a fat merchant with a staff."

The Crimson Masque pouts as he whips off his poncho and outfits the Badger with his masque of disguise.

finishing up his disguise he gives Crimson a quick look for his opinion then looks around for a spot to go like an inn or something.

There is a wall that divides the town. It runs to a huge castle/palace complex that sits high on a huge granite hill carved into elaborate fortifications. The wall is within a few hundered yards of their location, and the wide road they are on leads straight to a gate. Next to the gate there seems to be a large inn with a walled courtyard parked with various mounts and wagons. The sign above its door reads Eye of the Dragon

Badger nods towards the inn and the gate that is found there.

"Might get some more answers and perhaps employement there? As well might get a good look at the other part of the city?"

He moves to start heading towards the inn.

Huh, my last post disappeared--or I hit the wrong button.

The Masque follows behind.

Badger allows Masque to open the door since he is playing the msucle and Badger the Merchant as they move to enter the inn. Eye of the Dragon.

As they walk in he glaces around the place to get a lay out and try and see who might be a threat in the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

The place is a large low-ceilinged area. The smell of stale ale, vomit and urine pervade the air.

Behind the bar is an albino elf. The elf's face is scarred severely, and he is missing his left ear. He wipes a few mugs and watches the room

The Masque inhales deeply.

Ah, the smell of a good tavern! Barkeep, two mugs of grog! Where are the wenches?

What is Badger's disguise please?

The albino looks up from his mugs and brings forth a bottle of black tar rum. He grabs a pitcher of what looks to be some sort of citrus juice and mixes two large mugs.

"Wenches are in and out. If yer lookin' fer company they'll be about."

The Badger is outfitted with my masque of disguise to look like a fat merchant.

Gotcha

The barkeep slides over the two grogs.

"That's two silver Hounds per. Four total."

To the Badger:

You've got this one, right, sahib?

The Masque drains his mug.

To the barkeep:

So, barkeep, what's the rumpus?

The barkeep looks the Masque over

"What rumpus do yeh speak of, Ser Prime?"

You know, what's shaking? My friend here is looking for some action.

Badger frowns at the comment about the money and reaches in and hands over the coin he has has to Masque.

"Ah I am new in town and have not had time to change out my currency. Deigo see if this man knows somewhere we can find a money changer and where I can find to sell my wares." he trys to sound like a merchant and snoppy as possible.

the barkeep looks at the proffered gold coin

"A lady works. One moment"

He returns with six silver coins with a dogs head design on them

"If yer looking for tradin' opportunities, this is the burg. The Grand Bourse is right outside the gates of the Arch-Lector's castle"

[The Masque takes one of the silver coins and pockets it, leaving the other five in the hands of the disfigured elf. He smiles, winningly, at the him and winks.]

And what about for tonight, eh? Anything of interest for a couple of sporting out-of-towners like ourselves to do in the streets of Plaguemort after the sun goes down?

Diplomacy 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

The silver and Masque's winning smile do the trick

"Well, wot's yer fancy? Bints? Blood sports?, drugs? I can set you up proper. "

Ooh! Blood sports, please!

Badger gives Crimmy a look and turns to find a table.

When Crimson comes back with him out of hearing of the bar keep he says.

"Make sure to get the low down and see if you can find out some more about the two groups and who can get us work with them."

The barkeep leans close

"Round the corner there's a place wif' the sign, reads Green Leaf Hostel. Go to the back door, knock thrice and pay a Hound. They have fights there every night, an' they're not run by the Lector's Hounds neither."

The Masque drains his tankard and motions for two more drinks. He starts the first one.

That sounds awesome. Like, bare-knuckle stuff, or to the death! stuff?

The barkeep fixes him up

"Mostly bare knuckle. Death is so final. If you are looking for death-level stuff, I'd suggest Pazuzu Heights or the Pack District."

Good to know.

Bats eyelashes.

So, uh, what can you tell me about these Hounds of Lector?

Diplomacy 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Kravok listens in when Crimson mentions the Hounds to see what he can hear learn more about the players in the city.