You're not sure what the spell is but you can see a magical barrier that is stopping his words before they leave the room.
Though time wise it would be best to run through all of this at once, I am going to piece it out to give you the ability to react to delicate information.
The gnome seems surprised when you ask for a zone of truth spell but nods anyway. Note: I don't think the caster knows if people pass the will save. It only seems to say that those who are affected by the spell will know what is going on.
per the receptionist memory: " You want to remove the memory of the receptionist because she recognized you. I'm confused, I think you need to back up to before that"
Sydney: "I will, but first I need to ask you about a teifling named Lugen. What do you know of him?"
Gnome: "Lugen? The teifling with a broken horn??" You nod as you realize that description is correct. "He's a hell knight now. Not quite sure of his rank, they like to keep that unknown. I know he was a slave for a while, most teiflings her were. I think he might have served House Narikopolus? That's what I recall though it doesn't make sense as he is known as a melee fighter. Hmm, not quite sure about that. Why the interest?"
Sydney: "We'll get to that? But can I trust you? where does your allegiance lie?"
Gnome: "Yes, you can trust me. My allegience is to myself. Officially, it is to Sarini but nobody in Sarini really cares about the house. I employ myself. I work as an inkeeper and bartender and I give information to those who need it."
Sydney: "Back to Lugen " You describe the asylum scene and how you were freed. You tell him Lugens instructions, to find Adrien and with his help kill the devil, return your memories, and destroy the contract in the process.
Gnome: " No memory, so that's why you've been a little off. I am Stur, and its a good thing you have come to me. I'm guessing you haven't learned what contracts are?"
Male Elvish Dhampir, 53/53HP, +4 Init, +3 BAB, +3 CMB, +17 CMD, F +3, R +10, W +4 (+6 vs mind effects), AC 21, Touch 15, FF 17, 4d6 Sneak Attack, Prestidigitation 3/3, Mage Armor 2/2, Poison Use, Death Attack Rogue(Sniper) 5, Assassin 1
"So long as you don't impede me, this should go quick." Adrien goes to leave the inn, motioning for Molos to follow. "I need to make a quick stop.". Adrien will head home to gather any items he may need and put the lockbox back.
If you didn't see the discussion thread, Ariana is dropping out. I'll try to bring another player to fill the party. For now we can proceed as we have been
Spur: "Well that sets us back a little. I'll paraphrase for now but contracts with devils are considered the life blood of a house. They are sacred and powerful, and very, very rarely are they ever put in serious danger. That Lugen seems to so flippantly mention the contract makes me think this might be a joke more than anything.' He pales. " No, I know it's not a funny joke. But I don't even know the last time someone even made an attempt at destroying a contract, forget destroying one. Some speculate that that is how Thrune gained power but no one I consider reputable has ever made the statement."
Male Elvish Dhampir, 53/53HP, +4 Init, +3 BAB, +3 CMB, +17 CMD, F +3, R +10, W +4 (+6 vs mind effects), AC 21, Touch 15, FF 17, 4d6 Sneak Attack, Prestidigitation 3/3, Mage Armor 2/2, Poison Use, Death Attack Rogue(Sniper) 5, Assassin 1
"IF they refuse to talk. Tell me, have you ever had a blade to your throat? Do you really think we'll have trouble? A tiefling and dhampir interrogating a street gang. My instincts tell me they'll take one look at my knife, and spill what they know. Even fools know a death by steel is easier than watching your thoughts being plundered from your head." Adrien stops walking at a point when he can talk lowly to Molos without diverting attention. "But I don't think it matters either way. Something tells me that two wanted men taking information from the locals by force could be bad if there are survivors....I don't think that's a risk we need. No survivors."
No we don't tieflings are by nature clannish at least here as a matter of survival. I was in such a gang once and with the proper bribe they will either know the information or where to find it. Preserving them preserves a source of future information and perhaps allies, the bribe would be to have a decent meal and that is quite cheap. If my method fails go right ahead with your knife, but let me try my method first. If you kill them after getting answers we won't be able to get more information out of them if we forgot to ask a question. That would not be good.
Male Elvish Dhampir, 53/53HP, +4 Init, +3 BAB, +3 CMB, +17 CMD, F +3, R +10, W +4 (+6 vs mind effects), AC 21, Touch 15, FF 17, 4d6 Sneak Attack, Prestidigitation 3/3, Mage Armor 2/2, Poison Use, Death Attack Rogue(Sniper) 5, Assassin 1
Adrien sighs in frustration. The tiefling had a point, but this was getting ridiculous. Wait, wasn't it already? No memory, a mystery 'savior' that so far appeared to be playing everybody against each other. No answers, no leads, and worst of all Demons. They are at the bottom of this food chain, and Molos wants to keep everybody we talk to alive? Perhaps he is being rash, bloodthirsty and vindictive, but gods damn it all if now wasn't the time to be. Perhaps a breather is in order. Calistria seemed to be on his side before, perhaps she could shine her luck on him one more time.
"So you have no clue what's going on, don't have any memories of recent, are fully aware that we're caught in the middle of Demon play, and feel that we can buy information for a meal? Forgive me for doubting your history, but we hold no cards. We are in the middle of the lowest ditch of a battlefield, in plain view. They are playing us, and may very well be aware of our motives....if you really feel keeping them alive will help, I will follow. But the second we are turned against, I will slaughter every last person who put us in that position, in the foulest ways. We have already been betrayed once, we can't afford to let it happen again."
They don't know the value of the information itself, play it aloof after offering meal and then walk away. They will immediatly assume that the information is not valuable and then realize that they missed out on a free meal. They will then come begging, or at least accept the offer. As what they eat is suitable only for vermin, when it comes down to it they will think with their stomachs not their brains.
Adrien and molos you can continue Until you need a ruling which i think won't come until after you reach Adriens house. Yiu cam say you reach the house at any time
Stur: "It most certainly will, especially from a House as powerful as Charthagnion. You have more you want to say?"
I'll continue along your PM conversation route
Sydney: Sydney is pretty much gone, her habits, her personality, he history and so forth.
Stur laughs: Gone? You have no memories and yet you immediately started hiding behind your disguises and protecting your identity. I fail to see how she has disappeared.
Hp 27/27 AC 17 / 17 / 10 (+3 Perc; +4 Init; Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4)
DM:
Well i am running on logics for the time being. and it does seems logical there my escape would attract attention and therefore my need to conceal myself. And if i want to know more about who is pulling the strings, hiding in the shadows does seems safer. If i can't rely on anything then i must make sure all those who are involved in this have the hardest time to catch me. Because if they do i am not sure i can get a third chance.
Stur:"But the logic you are describing is your own logic, not that of another. Maybe it is the fact that you had so many means at the ready, but if you ten people woke up in your situation, how many would go to the lengths to disguise their identity as much as you are doing." Stur puts up a hand, "No, sorry, I am not trying to argue; I'm just considering things. This is a fascinating topic. Are you sure Leroung is not behind it? I'm sure they would want to understand how much of the person remains when the memories are gone."
Hp 27/27 AC 17 / 17 / 10 (+3 Perc; +4 Init; Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4)
DM:
It could very well be stur, after all i suppose some very powerful magic was involved in this. And even if i was the first successful prototype of this ritual, you can bet they have tried again. The possibilities of this "asset" are endless. Imagine you would have the perfect spy network, the perfect assassin. In a very small amount of time one could accumulate vast amount of knowledge. Anyway my plan is to gather information about this plot, to follow the leads i have and to survive through this. If i was captured while in full control of myself then i imagine now that i am just a shadow of who i was, they could do it again.
Hp 27/27 AC 17 / 17 / 10 (+3 Perc; +4 Init; Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4)
DM:
i have there are two other leads besides him, one is the party tomorrow evening, the other i will explore to find if it does lead somewhere. Now i don't know who is sydney really what she did who she knew, what she was like, who she worked with etc but don't you think that in order to prevent "them" from using that identity she needs to die?
Stur: "It depends on who is 'them'. Why do you think this happened? I know I'm not as smart as you, so let's consider your theories and forecast what would happen if you killed off Sydney."
Molos: the inside and furnishings of the house are simple and practical. The house is sparse enough that it would seem the owner rarely spends time in the house.
Hp 27/27 AC 17 / 17 / 10 (+3 Perc; +4 Init; Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4)
DM:
them are for the ones who are controling the memory transfer process and also the house who have the Sydney's memory. If sydney dies i won't be able to use her assets. Not that it would do me much good since i don't know what they are or if i can trust any of it. I would most likely just make awful blunders. On the plus Side it means that it would be harder for "them" to use (or deny them access to , thereby lessening their gain of the Sydney's identity) those assets. Forcing "them" to convince those "personal" assets of Sydney that she is still alive. Hopefully sending ripple effect that i might be able to catch and determine what they are after. That is if you are not in this conspiracy nor selling me out in the future now. Are you?
The others all leave the room and I kick back, thinking. Mage and assassin are scouting. Not sure what other mage is going to get up to, but she should leave me alone as well. Time for some research of my own. First, need to find out the date. Shouldn't be too hard. Might get a calendar. Nice big one. Make notes. That'd be handy. Also: check out House Henderthane. I'm affiliated with them somehow, so might be able get something from them. At least I've got someplace to start.
I exit the private room and give a nod to the dwarf.
"Well that was fun. And nothing got set on fire! Aren't you so happy?" I ask him cheerily, "Quick question, is there anybody around that makes particularly good calendars? Big fancy ones, y'know?"
I should be back from my vacation tomorrow night or saturday morning, and will be able to post much more regularly. Thanks for bearing with me guys
I'm going to run your intro to a point and control your reactions. Most of the lead up is planned so you won't miss any interaction opportunities. Let me know when you have a character sheet ready.
"3,2,1". A hand covers your mouth. You snap open your eyes. The room is dimly lit. A tiefling you don't recognize is peering down at you. He uses his free hand to put a finger to his lips. The tiefling flicks hs head behind him indicating a door. You nod and the teifling unstraps you from the bed you are lying on.
"We can talk in here." The tiefling ducks into a side room. He shuts the door behind you. "We really don't have much time so I need to be brief. I'm Lugen, a member of the Hell Knigts. You are a member too. I'm here to get you out of here." Lugen hurries over to a chest and flings it open. He starts handing you gear. "No, please just listen and get yourself equipped." Lugen takes a breath. "House Leroung double crossed us. Some of our guys interfered with their research and they overreacted. They struck a deal with the devils, and you were the goods. Or rather, your memories were. They've taken your memories and given them to a devil."
You quickly realize it is true. You try to disprove him, to think of anything from the past, but all you can remember is from long ago. You can remember being little and now you are big but everything in between is gone. Lugen waves to you and raises his finger to his lips. Slow footsteps sound on the other side of the door and down the hall from where you came. "Your memory is tied to a devil associated with the Leroung, probably the one guarding their contract. To get it back you have to kill the devil." The footsteps come back down the hall, at a faster pace this time. "When I say so you need to follow me. And when you kill that devil, do the Hell Knights a favor and destroy Leroung contract." Several pairs of feet hurry past the door outside. "To think we would accept such a slight from lowly Leroung." Lugen flings opens the door and bursts through, motioning you to follow and hurrying down the hall away from the room you had been in before. He comes to a split in the hallway and glances down the right passage. It is empty. Lugen pulls one of two scrolls from his belt and hands it you to. "That will explain what I can't right now. Meet up with Vince; he'll be able to help you." A noise down the right corridor distracts you. You turn to see two humans coming at you.
They try to flank around you but a quick punch to the side of the first man's head gives them pause. When you realize the two are stalling you, you fake another punch and then tear off down a hall. You realize that the teifling has disappeared. You lean against the outside wall and try to orient yourself in the city. Nothing of the city comes to your mind though so you focus on a near by temple that dominates the skyline. You can't think of a better option so you head to the temple. As you draw near you notice an Inn in the shadow of the temple. The noise and smells draw you to the inn, and your stomach rumbles its discontent.
You enter the inn, grab a drink and a meal and think on your situation. You are a man of action not thinking, but this situation actually bears some thinking. You pull out the scroll the teifling gave you and read through it.
Lugen Tsarkin,
You are cordially invited to the Leroung Ball. It is to take place on the Fireday, the 4th day of Pharast, in the year 4712 A.R. Performing will be Master Morgrim Igmar, of House Sarini.
As you go to pay the bar keep for the meal you notice a second scroll in your pack.
[Your name],
You are cordially invited to the Leroung Ball, to take place on the Fireday, the 4th day of Pharast, in the year 4712 A.R. Performing will be Master Morgrim Igmar, of House Sarini.
In the morning as you are eating breakfast you notice three individuals talking in a language you don't know. You do understand when the human says the name "Vince." The tiefling and Elf leave but the human sticks around to talk to the bar keeper, thankfully in common.
Stur: "I am not a part of this conspiracy. And since that's out of the way, you seem to think this is a way to control you. Did you happen upon something you shouldn't have found out? Did you upset the wrong people? I think that throwing away Sydney means a lot of catch up work. You can still use your assets, you just have to find them. If you kill Sydney you would need to grow your assets. It seems like quite a lot of work."
Hp 27/27 AC 17 / 17 / 10 (+3 Perc; +4 Init; Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4)
DM:
not yet but i could have some sort of magical compulsion implanted in me. And i believe it is much more about denying access to those assets by the "other" sydney then using them. But that can always be done if needed in the future you are spot on that one. So what do you know about sydney or about any magical experiments like i have described?
Stur: "I know you because we work together frequently, at least in information dealing. I hear the talk of the common people and inform those like you who can turn manipulate that feeling to your will. You also work as a courtesan to fuel your information gathering. I don't see as much of the behind the scenes work that you do, or really what your end goals are, but I certainly see the pieces of information you use. You use magic as a very effective tool but I don't know that you have experiments you are working on. It makes sense I wouldn't know that, you would want to keep the advantage to yourself."
Male Elvish Dhampir, 53/53HP, +4 Init, +3 BAB, +3 CMB, +17 CMD, F +3, R +10, W +4 (+6 vs mind effects), AC 21, Touch 15, FF 17, 4d6 Sneak Attack, Prestidigitation 3/3, Mage Armor 2/2, Poison Use, Death Attack Rogue(Sniper) 5, Assassin 1
Adrien follows Molos into the door, locking it behind them out of habit. He'll excuse himself to a back room where he can be alone for a minute. "Blasted half-breed...." he says under his breath. Rummaging through the things in the room he pack away all his things except his daggers, rapier, a tanglefoot bag, and some gold. Starting to leave, a thought forms in his head. He dons his arrows and bow, and grabs a few coins, leaving the rest tucked in a safe. (About 50GP for now, until he needs more.) Cloak donned, he exits the room, looking to Molos. "Let's Leave."
His last thoughts leave him uneasy. Molos is dangerous. End this.
Adrien follows Molos into the door, locking it behind them out of habit. He'll excuse himself to a back room where he can be alone for a minute. "Blasted half-breed...." he says under his breath. Rummaging through the things in the room he pack away all his things except his daggers, rapier, a tanglefoot bag, and some gold. Starting to leave, a thought forms in his head. He dons his arrows and bow, and grabs a few coins, leaving the rest tucked in a safe. (About 50GP for now, until he needs more.) Cloak donned, he exits the room, looking to Molos. "Let's Leave."
His last thoughts leave him uneasy. Molos is dangerous. End this.
Can youi clean up the middle sentences? I can't follow what you're bringing/storing
Hp 27/27 AC 17 / 17 / 10 (+3 Perc; +4 Init; Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4)
DM:
I don't, therefore it should be interesting. I think i am going to have to go. Any word of course of action or advice or people i should see about my current problem?
Stur: You mean other then to find Adrien and figure out how to find Charthagnion's contract? Stur shakes his head. It's too bad your target isn't Jeggare, they have a lot of enemies right now.
Hp 27/27 AC 17 / 17 / 10 (+3 Perc; +4 Init; Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +4)
DM:
Well who knows i might use jeggare to draw Charthagnion out. But for now i need to cover my basics and find out more information she replies with an amused smile
"Well that was fun. And nothing got set on fire! Aren't you so happy? Quick question, is there anybody around that makes particularly good calendars? Big fancy ones, y'know?"
Mallichati and Vince:
Regrif (the bartender): "Was there a chance of fire? I would be happy when there isn't even a chance of chance." Regrif nods to a customer that just walked in and starts making putting together a breakfast for him . "You want a fancy calendar? Then you should definitely check out Carew's Gentlemen Clothier and Emporium. That is the place for fancy."
"Was there a chance of fire? I would be happy when there isn't even a chance of chance," Regrif nods to a customer that just walked in and starts putting together a breakfast for him.
"Well there's always a chance of fire when you got some tempermental mages hanging around. Sad but true," I reply.
"You want a fancy calendar? Then you should definitely check out Carew's Gentlemen Clothier and Emporium. That is the place for fancy," Regrif tries, and fails, to hide a smile. I'm suddenly rather dubious about how genuine his desire to help me is. Probably has something to do with his stressing 'fancy'. Ah well. Still worth checking out at least.
"Thank you ever so much," I reply, my voice positively dripping with sincerity. I guess I have a strong sense of sarcasm. Cool. I'm sure that won't ever get me in trouble. Hah.
Thanks. Also, with Ariana dropping out, assume that Lugen told you to look for Mallichatti Cervagio, who can hopefully give you some inside information on the Hell Knights.
If you did not see it in the discussion thread, you get as bonus for your hell knight affiliation. You gain a +2 bonus to sense motive or intimidate. You also have a chain shirt that is striped black and red to match the hell knight uniform.
