Xynen's Hell's Rebels (Inactive)

Game Master Xynen

"Good. Anyone able to do disguises? I need to have two tusks and to hide the scar, my face is easily recognized." He scratches at the scarred part of his face where his tusk should be, thinking about it.

"You know, I wonder if there's anyone at the Devil's Nursery who might have the skills or connecitons we need. I'm gonna pen a letter and see if they're up to it."

Before he goes to do that, he also mentions.

"If its not too much to ask, could I use that sword? I've been learning to fight with weapons again, and something that can cut through demons sounds like an asset."

GM, I'm hoping I'm not making you develop an entirely new system as Kalem is still focused on the Devil's Nursery. Hoping some of my work there can pay off, but if only storywise I'm satisfied as well.

"I have dabbled a bit with disguise, mostly just for some theater work I did at one point, but the knowledge should carry over. I wasn't great at it mind you, but not too horrible. Some simple disguises are a good idea, though we should be careful to keep it simple and not overreach."

"Kalem, that's a great idea. See if your people can help. As for the sword, I can't use it, so have at as far as I'm concerned." he grins.

As the Raven's return home and continue discussing their plans for helping Octavio, Setrona offers her assistance too.

"You boys ever need somewhere to stay in Old Kintargo, stop by the Tooth and Nail. I'll put out a message to Benjen that you need his help, but I'm going to suggest he meet you here. Traveling all the way to the other side of the city as a wanted escapee puts him at undue risk."

As you reach the bridge, she bids you all a fond farewell and gives each of you a hug and a warm smile. "Thank you, boys, for helping me check on my cousin. I know you'll be able to win him over, and together you'll be unstoppable!" She smiles on last time before disappearing into the streets to avoid the patrols.

Between Myradil and Femi, a trip to the records house is a simple affair. Myradil knows how to request the right information without sounding too suspicious, given his previous affairs, and the two manage to find a significant enough portion of transfer orders throughout the years to see that the papers have been uniform for quite some time.

Unfortunately, Femi, on his own is unable to uncover anything about the names or prisoner numbers of the Hellknights they need to rescue.

Back at the Coffee House for the day notice Rexus wandering around the cafe laconically. Even Esther, a kind elderly lady who frequents the place and often flirts with the young men of the Silver Ravens finds it difficult to get much out of him. Though he seems to linger a little closer when he hears talk of forgeries and linguistics.

Kalem's Silver Raven token is sent back almost sooner than he might have expected, with a short response.

I know of someone who can help. I'll come by tomorrow to let you know tomorrow, on the chance this is intercepted, I'd rather not write it down. -Zhea

When Zhea finally does arrive early the next morning, she does so holding a piece of paper in her hand, and she looks at each of you wryly. "Another proclomation."

She places the paper down on your table so each of you can read it.

POSSESSION OF POETRY OR PROSE WRITTEN
BY THE FOLLOWING AUTHORS IS HEREBY
FORBIDDEN AND PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF 100 GOLD PIECES OR IMPRISONMENT: BOSWYTH THE BARD, CHARLETTA D’VANEP, GHENRAIL OF VYRE, AND THE ANONYMOUS MISCREANT WHO CALLS HIM- OR HERSELF THE “POISON PEN OF KINTARGO.” ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING THE WRITINGS OF
THESE MISCREANTS MUST BE TURNED
OVER TO THE DOTTARI FOR DESTRUCTION BY SUNDOWN.

"I Should stop by the Tooth and Nail soon regardless. It has been too long since I raised cups with my friends there, given the stresses that the city currently faces."

Elias turns to Myradil, "After some consideration, I think my magics can be of use in this. I can offer spells of Guidance, and the Luck of my lady to assist you in your efforts. Such should augment your efforts some small amount."

Since I have an infinite number of lvl0 spells, this should basically round out to a +1 competance bonus on the roll, and the ability to roll twice and take the highest. Xynen, let me know if, due to the length of the forging process, I would need to expend multiple charges of Bit o Luck in order to grant the effects.

Femi likes nearly all that he hears, until the proclamation.

"Elias that's wonderful, between you and Myradil, we can't lose. We just need the names and we're in business - maybe tomorrow. Let's have breakfast at the Tooth and Nail tomorrow - I want to lunch and dine with the bureaucrats again and find those names."

"About this proclamation. I don't want to spread us too thin, but it would be wonderful if we could paper the town with their works. Make the dottari spend resources finding them all and ripping them down. I don't know how we'd manage it, and the risks may be too high, but boy it would be fun." he grins at the thought of the dottari wandering around the town scraping poetry off walls everywhere.

"It would be a delightful waste of their time. And anything that keeps them from punishing the innocent is a good thing. I just don't know how we'd do it."

Myradil gets to work on the transfer papers with Femi's assistance.

"Femi, when we get the names, help me make sure we get them exactly right. I've known a few jailers that hated to give up prisoners and would refuse to give up their prisoners if even a single dot was out of place. I'd hate to lose somebody due to a misplaced umlaut."

Brask ponders. "Wait... why couldn't we just ambush a transfer team and take their orders? I mean we'd have to take care of them anyways, since they'd otherwise be showing up while we're trying to get the prisoners in the first place."

"Of course, that would require them to be transferring the prisoners we want... but that can't be hard to arrange, right?"

"I think Zhea may know someone. She's offering to bring him in some time today (which I assume is the tomorrow)".

Upon hearing Femi's idea, Kalem has an additional thought, though he doesn't like it.

"The Devil Nursery is always strapped for cash....we could hire the literate ones to reproduce the works for us, allowing some funds to go their benefit. But if they were caught...."

Kalem shakes his head.

"No, nevermind. I'd rather not take that risk."

"I'm- I'm right here Kalem." Says Zhea, one hand still on the proclamation, looking a little hurt. "And I agree, I'd also rather not take that risk. Let our people make pick themselves up by doing work that looks honest to both sides. Then no one can complain."

"Anyway, no, I'm not bringing your contact here, I just don't like putting things in writing when they can be discovered. I'm sure the Ravens you send are mostly trust worthy, but, I'm not comfortable with it yet. Hard to trust a magical item..."

She shrugs but keeps going. "Ruba Fenquay. She's an elderly Varisian woman living in Old Kintargo. She's got a shop out there that basically handles every type of paper work I can imagine. On more than one occasion she's forged documents preventing our homes from being condemned, so I know she's good for it. She also a copyist, so this could kill two birds with one stone."

Zhea provides directions for the group and settles down as she orders a coffee from Laria. She takes a seat and winks at Kalem. "This is the first time I've been able to purchase something outside of the Nursery without wondering if it will empty my purse. It's nice."

Rexus, whose been listening in the whole time places a hand on Femi's shoulder. "I might be able to find some of these inflammatory works. If you go meet with this Ruba, ask her about your idea, if she's amenable to it, I'll start delivering pieces to her for copy on occasion."

"Ruba huh? Great! Myradil, why don't we obtain one from her, and do one in house. Then we'll pick the best of the two and use it. But we still need to get the names." he says with some frustration.

When Rexus offers to help, Femi grabs it quickly, "Wonderful idea Rexus. See if there's some interest, and maybe we'll finance the operation." he looks to the others, "Shouldn't be too expensive, and might keep the dottari off our backs a little. Plus it's a way for less skilled folks to help out."

"Not everyone can be heroic." he says simply.

"I think I've done all I can today, I'm turning in. Tomorrow I'll hunt down those names, I promise not to let you all down!"

The next day, he again spends his lunch and dinner times seeking information about the prisoners for their list.

Gather Information: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 Lunch/afternoon Hours: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Gather Information: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 Dinner/evening Hours: 1d4 ⇒ 3
(Who are the Torrent prisoners? We’ll need a list of their names so we know who to transfer.)

Gah! got our usually bar contact and Zhea mixed up. I should not post at 2 in the morning...

Sorry Zhea...spaced out there for a second. Perhaps the stress of it all is finally showing."

Kalem leans back in his chair, and covers his face with one hand, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. He'd gotten enough rest sure, but running a rebellion with the secrecy and risks takes a toll on you.

"Okay," Kalem announces, bringing himself forward, ready to continue. "If we have a couple days for Femi to gather info, I'd like to help out at the Nursery."

Assuming the next couple days is free time, Kalem would like to visit the Devil's Nursery, find out about problems, see progress, and serve as an actual person of connection to something better than hopelessness.

For clarification, Zhea arrives early in the morning, so we're at the start of a new day. I assume Femi is not resting for an entire 24 hours, but let me know if I'm wrong, after all, you Ravens have been busy lately.

Rexus nods at Femi respectfully and clasps him on the shoulder. "Glad I can still be of some use!" He says, and you can tell there's truth to the statement. Without hesitation, he heads out after grabbing a couple of other Ravens sitting around in the Coffeehouse.

A few of the regulars begin piling in as the breakfast rush sets in and Zhea, unused to crowds that don't consist mostly of her own kind grabs Kalem's hand and pulls him from the building. "I don't know how much time you have, but it looks like your free today! Let's head to the Nursery and see what we can get done."

The next few hours for Kalem are unremarkable, but uplifting. While there's still a lot of struggling in the Devil's Nursery, the general attitude of the people living there has started to improve considerable. Even just the way the tiefling's carry themselves is more confident and less defeated than before.

____________________________________________________________
Kalem learns that those individuals who have been employed outside of the Red Roof district are experiencing a lot of racism by the older Kintargans, but their employers have been treating them better and paying them a decent wage.

The last month or so has certainly been an improvement and he's heralded as a local hero by those that recognize him. As the evening draws near, a young street urchin runs up to Kalem, and tugs on his shirt.

"Some n' told me to give this to ya Sir!" The young boys says as he hands Kalem a bouquet or roses. Attached is a small note that reads.

My Dear Ravens
You are not alone in your fears for the nest we share, but for now, my flock and I must remain quiet and hidden. The time will soon come when we must meet, but until then, keep building your contacts and resources. Do not rush into opposition against our common enemy. The time to retake Kintargo will come, but to strike too soon will be to lose the war before it even begins. Recruit. Prepare. Remain strong in your patience. We shall speak soon. —The Rose of Kintarg

____________________________________________________________________

Femi, unfortunately has little luck that afternoon. The only name he consistently hears is Benjen's, which is the only name he doesn't need for the transfer paperwork. However near the end of his outing he hears one bureaucrat in particular bragging about how he's glad Barzillai has been able to keep "the rest of those Torrent Knights from escaping too."

Following his lead, Femi is able to piece together the information he needs over the next couple hours. There are, in fact, three more Hellknights in custody: Hortense Lierre, Ilsani Aberveen, and Kasston Auruda, and the mage is even able to cobble together the prison numbers for each one.

Femi makes careful notes when he's not actually pursuing leads and is glad when he gathers the names at last. At least we won't waste another day hunting for this information! he compliments himself on a job well done - if a little slow.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

His outgoing personality makes him blind to that which others might find easily. He makes his way back to the coffee shop and heads quickly downstairs in his excitement.

He shares what he found with the group, and suggests, "Myradil, you should start on your papers while we take a copy of this information to Ruba Fenquay. Who wants to come with me tomorrow when I seek her out? When we're done, we should also check out the Tooth and Nail as a possible future second hideout."

Kalem brings out the message and the bouquet for the others to read and examine.

"It looks like we have more allies than we thought."

Myradil nods "Take care out there, things haven't been as rough as I imagined and the easiness is giving me a bad feeling."

Kalem brings out the message and the bouquet for the others to read and examine.

"It looks like we have more allies than we thought."

Femi smiles warmly, "It's working. There are many throughout the city who would see us succeed - and in fact are working toward the same ends in their own way. That's how we know this is a movement, not just a couple of guys in a basement plotting the overthrow of a government."

"We're in the right folks. We're in the right." he says triumphantly.

"Femi, I will join you to seek out this Ruba Fenquay. Have you ventured to the Tooth and Nail before? It is a wonderful public house, with a grand selection of dwarven ales. I think you will enjoy it." Elias says absently while he scans over the note from the Rose of Kintargo.

"Poison Pen of Kintargo, Rose of Kintargo, I wonder if they are at all related..."

While the rest of the Raven's stay across the river at the Long Road Coffee House, Femi and Elias make their way to the other side of the city, and even cross in front of the Holding House, the very building you intend to eventually rescue the armigers from.

Eventually, you make it to your destination, the one made on your map from Zhea the previous morning. A sign hanging proudly over the door reads Ruba Fenquay: Notarius, Copyist, Reader, Translator

Opening the door reveals a front room full of paperwork and books laid open on various surfaces. Mostly legal documents, lain side by side with various notes or information scribbled in the margins.

An old woman sits in one chair with a magnifying glass in one hand and a pen in the other, her silver hair tied back in a tight bun. At the sound of the bell over her door she turns and looks at Femi and Elias with a raised eyebrow.

"What kind I do for a couple of young men like yourselves?" She questions as she turns back to her work. "Need a copy of the latest proclamation? Maybe you've come upon something you can't read? I could figure that out for you too. What'll it be?"

Femi looks around the small shop, impressed by what he sees. He makes sure they're alone, before producing the magical silver raven he carries and setting it on the table - not as an offering, but just so she can see it and what it symbolizes. He covers it with his body, so it cannot be seen from the street through any windows that may be visible.

He leans in and says quietly, "We can read just fine, but it is a copy of sorts that we require. To be blunt, and save your precious time, we are members of the Silver Ravens, and we need your assistance in saving the lives of a few men who, without it, will assuredly die - and painfully I suspect."

"What we are asking for is not, strictly speaking, legal. And if you produce the document we seek - we will claim it to be our own creation if you wish, to avoid any entanglements befalling yourself."

"You come highly recommended by the people you have served in the past, as someone who is discreet and skilled. We may have a further opportunity for you as well, if you're so inclined, when this deal is finalized. But I do not wish to encroach upon your time if we've come to the wrong person."

He collects his silver raven and tucks it back in his pouch. He smiles warmly at her, and awaits her response.

As Femi speaks, the old woman begins smacking the wooden dentures in her mouth.

"Not strictly legal, eh?" She laughs as she turns back around to the mage. "It's surprising how you folk all seem to find me. Might as well just put Forgery on my sign and be done with it, for all the secrecy I've gotten."

She stands up straight and walks over to her counter where she keeps a small cash bin. She taps it twice and smiles at the two Ravens.

"I'll help you, but for a price. One thousand gold coins, it'll be worth it." She smiles again and holds out one hand.

He smiles at her joke, but the wind goes from his lungs when she quotes a price.

"A thousand gold? Well that's quite a bit steeper then we had anticipated, and I'm not sure we'll have the funds to pay such a high price. I'll need to confer with my associates you understand, but if you could come down, at least a little, from your lofty perch, perhaps we could meet at say 700gp?"

"I'm hopeful I can get my associates to agree to such terms, and confident that we have that in reserve." he says hopefully.

sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
How serious is she about that price?

"A thousand gold, madam? Even seven hundred is a price far too rich for the work. Usually such a bill comes from the dangers of discovery, but you know we are in no position to turn on you. One might almost find such a prohibitive price... suspicious."

"Or perhaps there's a favor we could perform." Kalem suggests, hoping to use effort to put the scales on a more reasonable balance.

The shrewd woman glares at the Ravens as they negotiate and shakes her head.

"Suspicious? No, elf, it's opportunistic. The types who need forgery come in all shapes and sizes, and even from various positions of wealth. My services are costly, and also provide me with the funds necessary to bride any officials that may come knocking at my door if they ever catch wind." She smacks her dentures some more and taps her hands on the table.

"700 is still quite low. Are you sure you gentlemen couldn't do more. 850 perhaps?"

Elias nods firmly, "I am certain. Despite the optimism of my compatriot, we can't justify even seven hundred. The work we do is incredibly dangerous, and money we give you is money we can't spend ensuring we will not be captured or killed. As we already have a potential source for such documents as you might have provided, and were simply seeking alternate sourcing, I cannot justify such an outlay of funds. Good day to you madam, you have our words that what we have spoken of here today will not be spoken of again."

With that, Elias turns on his heel and begins to walk right out the door, before pausing, as if in thought, "...however. Your work. Undermining this corrupt, established government. It is not also without import. I might see clear to offering some smaller amount, along with the backing and protection of the Ravens in your future endeavors if you are interested, in exchange for the work. Say, three hundred and fifty gold?"

Elias nods firmly, "I am certain. Despite the optimism of my compatriot, we can't justify even seven hundred. The work we do is incredibly dangerous, and money we give you is money we can't spend ensuring we will not be captured or killed. As we already have a potential source for such documents as you might have provided, and were simply seeking alternate sourcing, I cannot justify such an outlay of funds. Good day to you madam, you have our words that what we have spoken of here today will not be spoken of again."

Femi shrugs, unhappy that his suggestion is summarily punted so quickly. Ahh yes, but you are always the generous one aren't you? He moves quickly to follow Elias...

With that, Elias turns on his heel and begins to walk right out the door, before pausing, as if in thought, "...however. Your work. Undermining this corrupt, established government. It is not also without import. I might see clear to offering some smaller amount, along with the backing and protection of the Ravens in your future endeavors if you are interested, in exchange for the work. Say, three hundred and fifty gold?"

He nearly bumps into the man as he turns, and has to step out of the way to avoid toppling to the floor. He bumps the doorway and rights himself, trying to look less foolish than he feels. He stands quietly behind Elias, balanced precariously on one foot, hanging onto the door frame for support as he waits for the man to properly negotiate.

The old woman cackles as Elias negotiates, her wooden dentures showing through a broad grin.

"I've heard the Ravens had balls. Didn't expect to see them myself!" She says, still laughing.

"Alright, 350 it is. What do you need boys?"

Ruba whistles appreciatively when she learns the details of the assignment, but begins drawing up the necessary papers and appropriate language. She leaves gaps for the prisoner numbers until she hears what they are, and fills in the names where she knows to be appropriate.

It doesn't take more than a half hour for her to finally finish, and when she hands you her forged document, it certainly looks similar to other transfer orders you've seen.

"You boys need any more work, feel free to come back. Won't even over charge you next time!" She says with a crooked smile as she leads you from the building.

Femi hesitates to make sure Elias is done negotiating, and when it's clear he's well and done, he fishes out some coins and pays the fee. (taking it out of group funds)

He looks at the end result and whistles as Ruba did a short while previously. "This is truly impressive, it's no wonder you have a reputation as you do. Thank you!"

He returns to the group with the others, jubilant that the pieces are coming together. On the walk back he praises Elias, "Wow, that was spectacularly well done. Remind me to ask you along next time I head to market. Silver and gold are the same with eyes closed - to me, but not you!!"

"Do we need anything else or is it time? Myradil, have you finished your copy? We should compare and take the best one." he asks, ready to go save the order just as quickly as possible.

"There's no knowing what tortures they're suffering, so we should go quickly, and by day I should think. After all, we're going as a legitimate force, transferring the prisoners. Easy." He says the last word with less conviction.

Returning back across town to the Wasp's Nest, Femi finds that Myradil has, in fact, finished his draft of the transfer papers. In fact, at first glance, the two documents look almost the exact same, excepting for hand writing of course.

Linguistics check to see if you can discern which is superior.

Traveling back and forth to opposite ends of town has taken up most of the day, but it's not quite sundown yet, so you have a couple hours to operate. Let me know if you all want to head out now.

Inspired Linguistics vs Forgeries: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 11 + (6) = 29

Myradil will set his ego aside and examine the 2 sets of documents.

Brask walks up, sipping a mug of coffee as the ravens return to the coffee house.

"How did it go?" he asks. "Been bored off my ass."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Myradil shows Brask both sets of documents "Now, put the coffee down first, and come take a look, this could be useful if you've got a pair of Dotarri and are trying to decide which to punch in the face first... See the extra marks on the right side of the emblem here? That represents..."

"Good job on lowering the price Elias. I don't think our budget could have taken a 1000 gp hit."

Kalem looks down at the papers being compared, not really being able to tell the two apart. Why couldn't finances be solved with a clever combat maneuver like most problems?

"Uhh... This one looks just like that one. Is this tail curve thingy always been on 'q'?" Brask, while not a tower of intellect, does his best to help proofread the work.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Using his professional eye and setting aside any bias he may have about his own work, Myradil studies both forgeries, picking apart everthing that might fall under scrutiny by another clerk.

In the end he discovers that, though nearly identical, Ruba's copy seems slightly more current, the legitimacy of her notary seal lends itself to the documents validity.

Elias shrugs at Kalem, somewhat embarrassed at the praise. "If I had not been able to lower the price, we simply would not have paid it. At the least not without having seen Myradil's excellent efforts first. Now we have two sets of paperwork, in case this needs to be done again. Assuming our actions do not cause them to alter procedure."

Elias stops to ponder for a moment, a faraway look in his eyes, "It speaks volumes that such skilled bureaucrats as Myradil and Ruba have taken to working against the city's master rather than for them. When you all have taken the city from it's current masters, and run it yourselves, I may see if I can convince her not to take a position in the government. Her capabilities would seem to be a useful counter to an overreaching government."

Myradil notes "She's good, at least as good as I am, and she's got a real notary seal, or at least a more convincing forgery than I was able to put together."

"Excellent." Femi is very pleased they have a backup just in case...

"So, shall we go now? We've a few hours of daylight yet. We could instead go first thing in the morning. Either way, they might be a little sleepy. Now the boredom of a long day begins to set in, and first thing we catch them before they're fully awake."

"Now feels better to me, so that's my vote, but I'd be easily swayed if someone needs to prepare." He looks to the others as his pulse races with the excitement of what they're about to do.

"Don't we need... Uhm... Dottari uniforms?" Brask asks. "I dont think theyd just hand them over to anyone, paperwork or no."

-Posted with Wayfinder

"I didn't think of that. And even with uniforms I'd feel better if we went fully disguised anyway, in case we run into anyone we've had a "disagreement" with already."

Sorry for the absence. Got hit with the flu. Seems Femi wants to head right to the holding house, and Brask and Kalem want disguises.
I'll give you some time to figure out how you're getting these disguises, otherwise I'll move us along with Femi's plan to head out right away.

Elias looks doubtful, "I can disguise myself well enough with magic, but unless the rest of you have similar skills, actual disguises might do more harm that good. You can look like hired muscle easily enough with no changes, but there is a certain... talent needed to pull off looking and acting LIKE a known quantity, such as the Dottari. If you like, I can be Dottari, and you will be my strongarms, to handle the prisoner."

"Do we know if the Dottari are the only agents of Thrune? Surely prisoners are released to other agents." he looks perplexed.

"I don't know though. It's something we should check huh? That would be too obvious a hole in our story now wouldn't it!" he agrees.

He'll poke around that afternoon, and see what he can learn, if he doesn't already know.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

...or

Gather Information: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Myradil nods "Thrune has many agents, whoever we are we should know in advance though."

"I just... stick out, you know?" Brask reminds the group, scratching the scarred portion of his face and missing tusk. "I'm sure after the last 'event' I went to they'd be on the lookout for someone fitting my description."

Femi knows that the dottari are just city guards for the most part, and each city has it's own dottari. Prisoner transfers are usually done by common soldiers or hired mercenaries depending on the situation. A group of armed men without uniform would not look too out of place, given the appropriate paper work. And half-orcs are typically found within such groups.

Their fears set aside. The Ravens get themselves ready and head, for the second time today, back to Old Kintargo toward the same neighbourhood they purchased their forgery in. As they travel across the city the light starts to get dim and the hustle and bustle of the city is noticeably diminished as it gets nearer to curfew.

The Holding House is a stone, one-story, bunkerlike building. One of the earliest constructions of Old Kintargo, it’s also one of the city’s strongest. The Holding House was the city’s original jail, but until recently the structure sat abandoned. Barzillai Thrune decided to reopen the Holding House as an interim prison for suspects who might not yet warrant full imprisonment. The Holding House’s walls feature no windows and are made of reinforced masonry. The building’s gently sloped roof has slate shingles over a reinforced wood frame.

Stepping into the main office the group is greeted by a couple of guards playing dice. Only one of them looks up as they enter.

"State your business, unless you plan to stay the night."

Kalem remains silent, knowing that his tongue is more of a rusty bronze rather than silver lies that needed right now. He tries to carry himself as the silent muscle, doing anything for a bit of coin, even if it means working for the Dottari.

Myradil looks to Eliastraza, deferring to his 'superior' to explain their purpose.

Brask will fold his arms, flex his muscles and remain silent, waiting for the more social characters with the talk to back it up.

Well here it is, my Hell's Rebels Discussion thread!

At the moment there are three of you, I still have one unanswered PM that may turn into a player, but there's no reason not to move ahead and get those of you who have accepted into your PC's and prepped for the adventure ahead. Once you three are prepared I will open a recruitment thread to fill out our roster.

I am a fairly relaxed GM. I prefer a good story over rigid mechanics and I encourage my players to get creative with their solutions. I'm open to interesting/fun/unusual suggestions. Don't ever be afraid to suggest something.

I have little experience with PbP GMing, though I've jumped into those waters recently, but I have a lot of experience as a table GM and all the improvisational skills that come with it. Test me, please! A little side tracking never hurt anyone and often provides fun stories to look back on.

Character Creation Guidelines:
~ 20 Pt Buy

~ Max HP 1st Level, Average +1 every subsequent level

~ Background Skills

~ 2 Traits - 1 must be from the Hell's Rebels Player's Guide, though you may re-flavor the text with my approval. A single drawback may be taken with approval from me first.
Important: Traits and Drawbacks are more than just a power boost, they represent a facet of your PC's personality. I expect all traits to be a part of who your PC is as a person, not just more numbers for your character sheet.

~ Alignment: Any non-evil.

~ Races: Core races are all available. The Player's Guide also suggests a number of other races, of these I will also accept Tieflings and Tengu (though you would really need to sell me on the Tengu).

~ Classes/Source Books: As this is (for the next few days anyway) the most recent AP, I see no reason to limit the selection all that much. Anything Paizo up to and including Occult Classes will be considered though I reserve the right to veto anything that looks like it may cause trouble. In that event you will be given an opportunity to convince me otherwise.

~ Starting Wealth: 150gp

When making your PC, please focus on personality, background, fluff, etc., before your crunch. I don't much care what your are in relation to Pathfinder as long as I know who you are in relation to Kintargo and the fight for it's freedom.

So, check in, say hi, and then take some time to craft who you are for this AP. If you'd like to collaborate, include each other in your histories, bounce ideas off each other, or role play to get a feel for your PC, this is the place for it. The timeline I'm looking at right now is to give you a week (if you need it) to finalize your character sheets. Once you're all done I will make an open recruitment thread for the remaining spots on the roster (currently 2). From there I will take your input (through PM's) and we will hopefully start, officially, no later than March 5th.

I am excited to dive back into PbP. It's a pleasure to make all of your acquaintances and I hope we make a memorable journey with one another.
I will be working on a PC asap.

"Greetings all! I am Femi and I am at your humble service. Long has the yoke of oppression held your people back from their potential! Let us break that yoke and free the people - now - the time is right!!"

Euphemia 'Femi' Ferka is bald, carefully shaved on a regular basis so as to show off his very fine tattoo. The tattoo is of a stylized pseudodragon whose tail is coiled around his neck, stylistically ‘clinging’ to the back of his head, and just peering out over the top (barely visible from the front over the top of the head) as the tiny dragon looks out onto the world. The tattoo is lightly colored in greens and blues and is very beautiful, if you’re into that sort of thing.

From there, the gaunt man is dressed in several layers of homespun cotton, also brightly dyed, and a light silk scarf - a gift from one of his lady friends back home as a remembrance. He has several scarves, but only sports one at a time.

He wears heavy well worn boots. He has a large sling bag over his shoulder and chest with a variety of clanking objects within. A light crossbow hangs at his waist along with a dagger that sees more use in dinner than in combat.

- - -

Femi is very outgoing and friendly, though not as charismatic as some. In his off time, he's usually found reading a book on history, or a book on spells - both hold equal interest to him just now.

- - -

I look forward to gaming with you all. GM Xynen, I do have a drawback, which I'm sincerely hoping to play. I think I'm otherwise ready for your approval - though I do need to research and apply the background skills. From what little I've read, I love 'em. :D

My character is ready for you review DM Xynen - I think. Please let me know if I can help in any way or if there’s anything I need to change/edit/explain. I changed up my skills and tweaked my background a little as well from the last time you examined it, but nothing major.

One rules question. Femi casts Magic Missile (link) with the Toppling Spell (link) feat. It’s one of the cornerstones of his combat abilities - at least for the early levels.

My question is, do I get a free trip with each target, or only the first target. I know I don’t get a trip attack with each missile (so if two missiles hit one target, I only get one trip roll), but it can be ruled either way after that. I think, and the boards seem to agree, that I get a trip attack with each target. So if I have two missiles, I can hit one target twice (one trip check) or two targets once (two trip checks).

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I’ve tried this combo in two campaigns, both of which folded on me so I have yet to see it ‘in the field’. I had DMs rule both ways, and neither matters much to me - I just need a ruling.

Femi looks good to me, looks like he'll be a fun character to have around, I like the background skills you've chosen, I'll make sure to include opportunities for you to put that expertise to use. I'm okay with your drawback as well, it's very situational so it's not disruptive and I trust that you will incorporate it if/when you fail a diplomacy check.

I'm going to rule that you get 1 trip attempt per target, it seems pretty supported by text and it makes sense mechanically.

Thanks GM Xynen. I look forward to the campaign. :D

Do you want me to handle treasure? You've seen my forms, happy to 'be the guy' if those forms are helpful to you.

I'm still working on the actual stats for the fellow, but here's the motives, personality, and history I've got so far.

_______________________

The Asmodeans should have known better. One can expect the worshippers of Abadar to forget the passions that drive people from time to time, but the Asmodeans, they know the darkest places of the hearts of mortals intimately.

They had to know that the followers of Calistria would make them suffer for their arrogance.

Eliastraza has felt, from the moment his faith became a crime, a rising tide of fury in his blood. His goddess goads him in her aspect of vengeance, and it will not be denied.

_____________________

Elias, as his friends know him is an intense, dour man, more at home with his beloved harp thank he is debating his incredibly personal religious beliefs with others. This is probably why he is one of the few Calistria worshippers he knows of who escaped the initial purges.

Now he spends his evenings practicing his music, and keeping an ear out for likely souls who might favor a change of management in the Silver City. He dresses well, rents a sizable loft from a grandmotherly widow in Jarvis End, and doesn't seem to drink anything but water or, oddly, dwarven stout.

Most of the people who perform with him at the Opera House, and other smaller venues, know him as a skilled Bard. Rumors of a duel in the harbor indicate he may also be a fair swordsman.

I should point out, my intention is for Elias to channel negative energy, and spontaneously inflict. Calistria needs to Sting as much as she needs to Sooth, after all.

I like the concept so far Elias, I'm unexpectedly out of the house today I'll have some cmoments when I finally make it back in.

Femi if you don't mind running the item sheet I definitely wouldn't mind you keeping track. It certainly makes things easier.

Ok, I've got a couple PM's sent out to our to PC's currently under construction.

I'd also like to add that there is a discrepancy with the player's guide. The guide makes it seem as though the Silver Raven's just recently disappeared, but that's a mistake recognized by the developers. Your characters would, for the most part only have an inkling of the who the ravens were.

Friends and Allies

Despite his generally reserved nature, Elias does maintain a number of friendships in the city. Some of these began as professional, such as his friendly rivalry with Maximillian Stauf, one of the truly talented harpists who played at the Opera House with Elias before it's recent sequestering. Elias fears that Max is going to do something rather foolish, and soon, as he spends many of his evenings getting drunk in pubs around town and grumbling, loudly, about how the city is going to hell in a handbasket. Elias agrees with the sentiment, but getting thrown into prison as an agitator is no way to fix things.

Other relationships might seem less expected, to an outsider, like that with Georfin Stonebrow. In a city that constantly changes moods and fashions, the longer lived races occasionally feel like islands in a storm. It was about this feeling that Elias bonded with Mister Stonebrow. Georfin is one of the barkeeps at the Tooth and Nail, and just knowing that his friend and favorite pub remain unchanging through the years provides Elias with no small sense of solace. The pair have a quiet habit of becoming roaringly drunk over cards once a month in a Tooth and Nail backroom, but who knows if the new curfew will forstall this month's appointment?

Some are even tied to Elias through the dangerous bonds of religion. Worship of Calistria has been outlawed in Kintargo for a long time, but the goddess has ever been one to flout the rules. Emberly Shalay has always embodied that devil-may-care attitude. She has, as her mother did before her, quietly gathered a worship group and still holds regular meetings. Elias loves her for this, but also fears what will become of her should she be found out. The girl may be an adult for a human, but Elias still sees her as the little kid hiding behind mother's dress. The elf refuses to meet with the group regularly, but does stop by on occasion to lead a quiet service.

Okay, Amatus should have their alias set up soon so we're almost ready to recruit our last couple party mwmbers.

The last request I have at the moment is for each of you to tell me the 2 officer positions you feel your PC will most likely assume in the rebellion. Information on the officer positions is in the players guide.

I was thinking Demagogue, for Elias, but Partisan or Sentinel would also be fine if someone else is really interested specifically in being the Demagogue.

I think Spymaster (Int) might be fun, or Recruiter (level) if someone else prefers that spot. I'm easy. :)

I'm interested in playing a strategist, I'll try to have my pc posted tomorrow.

GM Xynen, I've shared the treasure sheet with you. Let me know if you have any trouble.

The link for the header is https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18jJoSo6YzEgR1yYyyzMrBL_kpT5j4PJayt1 g6wK-ND8/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you Femi, I'll take a look at it in a little while.

I'm still having some issues with my Internet connection but I've gotten a reliable alternative so I'll have the recruitment post up sometime tomorrow, probably afternoon EST. Amatus has seem to run afoul of the Paizo issues but I've received their crunch on a seperate website so I know what we've got to avoid over lap.

You three are encouraged to roleplay in the recruitment thread. It's a good way to get a feel for how prospective party members will fit into the group dynamic and it let's you find a little bit of your PC voice before we get to the meat of everything. With luck we'll have our new party members within the week and we can get started shortly after.

I'll have the link posted here once it's all set up.

Recruitment thread.

Thought I posted this before I left but it seems I failed to hit submit. I'd like you all to give me any input you have as we get submissions, let me know who you find interesting or what you think of proposed concepts.

GM Xynen, I have a rules question.

If I want to 'sneak' a casting of a spell so no one notices, what do you want me to do? I presume a Bluff check against Perception or Sense Motive, but I don't seem to be able to find a rule.

Let me know as I might be doing that from time to time. :)

That one is a bit tricky, especially because there was a recent ruling by a developer that all spell casting creates some form of obvious manifestation.

I'm going to think on it a bit more and see how I feel about that and I'll let you know. Something to consider is that if I do allow a Bluff check for sneaky spell casting, it will most certainly be used against you at some point as well! :)

Of course. Fair's fair. :)

And if you rule that spell casting cannot be hidden at all, I'm fine with that too. I didn't know about the developer ruling.

Ok, here's what I'm thinking Femi.

Casting a spell stealthily means managing to hide the magical manifestation made by casting, learning to mumble your casting or keep your motions tight is mechanical but actually controlling the magical manifestation to be subtle or imperceptible is more of a technical ability.

So I'm thinking maybe a spell craft check, DC is 10+CL(caster level)+SL (spell level).

So cantrips should be generally simple to mask, and more powerful spells take more effort, similarly as you grow in magical power you need to learn to maintain your own strength.

I like this because it won't always be easy, so it doesn't marginalize feats made to make casting simpler or faster. Let me know what you think.

Mykhail and Elias I'd like to see you guys drop by the recruitment thread, maybe spice up the roleplay a bit, i was hoping for a little more interaction. We still have a number of days left of recruitment but feel free to provide any opinions you have on the current applicants.

Spellcraft is totally fine, thanks! I doubt it's something I'll do a lot, but good to know there's a way in a jam. ;)

Yeah, role play is thin with this group. Just need to get them into a groove I think.

Sorry for not posting before now. Weekend was a heck of a weekend. No one enjoys a 4 year old with food poisoning. Projectile EVERYTHING.

Bummer! food poisoning, at any age, is a drag. But I can imagine how hard it must be on a new kid. :( Good luck!!

Finally made a small introduction with Mykhail. I do apologize for not having my profile totally up to snuff yet, been dealing with school work which is never fun, especially with three writing emphasis courses all demanding papers of 5+ pages. I will be more consistent with posts and the like soon.

Ok, I like Brask Ulbreaker, for one.

Appreciate the input Elias but please keep it to PM's. Though not linked in recruitment it wouldn't be hard to find this thread and I'd rather the applicants work on what they'd enjoy playing most than what might curry our favor.

Ahhh, makes sense. Didn't think of that.

Or did I?!? Maybe this is a test for other people reading the thread what weren't supposed to be???

Right.

Okay, official deadline for submissions is tomorrow at 6 P.M. EST. I doubt we will have too many more submissions before then. Femi has already sent me his opinions about the group of applicants, Elias and Mykhail I'd like you to do the same as soon as you can. Once I have everyone's thoughts I'll take it from there.

Thanks Xynen, good luck in your decision!

Okay, we are now a party of 5! Please welcome Brask and Kalem into the fold! I look forward to seeing what sort of rebellion you all create!

I should also add that I have a newfound respect for all of my GM's here on the forums. Choosing between even just a handful of PC's was not simple and I have been in much larger recruitments.

The first gameplay thread is up, and I have PM'd each of you with a link to the Roll20 campaign I'll be hosting our maps on. If you have any issues please let me know.

*Disclaimer* I am not a new user to Roll20 but I am a new GM for it, so feel free to provide any tips or critiques as we play through this Adventure Path.

Elias! Femi! You sneaky little....

I approve of the sneakyness! Well played, sirs. Well played!

Welcome you two, to the show that never ends. Well, for a couple years anyway. :D Congratulations!

GM Xynen, let me know if you have any questions about Roll20. It's pretty good, but there are some rough spots. Happy to help.

Oh, and I cannot yet move Femi on my own yet. You'll need to assign our characters to us to manipulate. While doing that, you should probably check 'show nameplate' so we can do radius spells like Magic circle protection from evil and the like. Also on the Advanced tab, make sure you have 'see' and 'edit' checked for Name, Aura 1, and Aura 2. Makes it visible to the players (as opposed to just the DM).

It's cool to be starting at the beginning of the AP!
I've got to get my baby set up, so I'll make my first post later tonight!

*grin* hey guys! Welcome to team These Guys!

We should potentially workshop a better name.

It'll probably happen in game.

Brask the change in campaign trait is fine with me, if you feel it suits you better, go for it.

Nice rolls everyone! I will have an update as soon as I can, should hopefully be up within the next couple hours.

I'm so happy, finally Kalem can contribute T.T

I'm just glad I rolled above a 3 -_-

For some reason, I cannot access the map

UPDATE: Nevermind, I got around the link.

You will likely need to go to roll20 main page and log in again. It happens occasionaly.

ok, Is that too much for what you wanted as a preparation for the fight? I figure the Oratory wasn't really something that was combat-prep related, so it'd be ok. Let me know if you want me to strike that bit.

No your post is good Elias, it's just a few seconds time wise so nothing terrible. You will however have to forfeit your ability to move through the crowd easily if you use disguise self.

I was waiting till the next post to mention but the whole protest area will count as difficult terrain. I'll let you decide.

I hope there's no problem with Brask having Taldan origins. It's not like he was an eagle knight or lion blade, but I liked the imagery of Lion-themed equipment.

The players guide lists Taldans and Varisians as the most common humans after Chelish ones, I don't see why we can't apply the same logic to transplants of other races. Being Taldan is fine by me.

I'll go ahead and do it. I think keeping my identity a secret is more valuable, for the moment, than the ability to move freely. If that changes during our inevitable escape from the bloodbath about to happen, I'll dismiss the Disguise Self and hope for the best :)

1,2,6,1... The dice thing here really does hate me. Are we sure it even ROLLS a d20? :P

Complaints in good nature, of course!