.
First some background:
The Edgewatch is a crucial part of Absalom’s plan for hosting the Radiant Festival in the still-perilous Precipice Quarter, but as with every aspect of the fair, the city has had to cut corners in order to fund the festival committee’s overly ambitious plans. In order to fill out the Edgewatch’s ranks, the Grand Council has adopted an unusual solution: for the duration of the festival, Edgewatch guards will operate as the police version of privateers.
Each guard theoretically receives a modest stipend, but in practice only the top brass see any real compensation; the rank-and-file watch members’ wages are automatically garnished by the city to pay for food, training, uniforms, and lodging in the station’s barracks (regardless of whether the officers actually choose to stay there). The guards’ only actual means of earning liquid cash is by requisitioning possessions and money from any criminals they catch breaking major laws—no trial required.
All findings are to be meticulously catalogued so as to prevent abuse of power, and any confiscated goods with identifiable owners must be returned. Absalom’s Grand Council insists that once the festival is over it will revise the budget and convert the Edgewatch to a normal pay structure. In the meantime, the public tolerates the guards’ summary justice, preferring it to the anarchy of an under-policed city.
The Edgewatch operates from a newly constructed precinct headquarters near the center of the Precipice Quarter under the command of an infamous veteran of justice, Lieutenant Grospek Lavarsus. The station is a cramped and crowded affair, with a desk-packed main workroom and a few private offices and interrogation cells. Most of the younger guards live in an attached barracks, while guards with their own lodgings and families sleep elsewhere. A small cafeteria and a heavily guarded armory and evidence locker round out the installation. Agents can purchase gear from the Edgewatch’s quartermaster, including all the common adventuring gear, weapons, and armor.
We'll jump in after you all have a chance to do an introduction of your characters.
You see a halfling with short brown hair very well kept, clean well kept clothes, a nice book on in a clasp on his waist and barefooted. You also see a tiny owl perched on his shoulder. You see a small dagger on his waist and a small bag on his waist.
My name is Roscoe Talbot and this is my friend Athene, nice to meet you all. Athene is an owl that looks at you, give a slight bow and says, Pleased to make your acquaintance.
You will see a red headed female with pale with almost a grey hue at time skin standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing what looks to be the guard clothes with the sleeves and legs cut off.
You the other new people? The names rocky
A human looking male, dressed in decent enough clothing for the budget of a guard, nods to Roscoe and Rocky. On his hip he wears a rapier and an odd dagger. On his back sits a bow and a backpack, with a few tools, such as a crowbar, in easy reach. His light colored hair is nearly white, though he has the look of a younger person and a bit of a playful attitude.
"So, this is the new crew eh? Pleasure to meet you. The name's Mason. I do a bit of this and a bit of that around here. How bout yourselves?"
I came to this unit to prove to myself and others that I am not just some noble. I can accomplish things myself, isn't that right Athene. The owl nods her head yes.
"Uh, that's great. It's good to have goals I guess."
Mason looks around for a moment, then leans in closer to Roscoe.
"Just be careful out there though. You might be trying to prove something, but folks that are up to no good, they are too. Their goals are to poke you full of holes."
The investigator steps back and walks off to one side, watching the others as they mill about
Roscoe will nod his head with the comments from Mason. I will definitely be careful.
Rocky, that method of modifying the guard uniform is...different.
I don't like to get constricted. I need a little freedom to do my thing.
A tiny form steps out of the shadows and joins the conversation. He wears a rapier and dagger on his belt and looks like a pixie, but with pronounced batlike features. a set of wings flutters occasionally on his back. Names Ialtag, nice to meet ya. nice to get out of the harbor district for a bit and see some other parts of the city for a change.
Yo small one. Pretty sneaky I barely noticed ya come up
Nice to meet you. I think we have a rather fine group for the Edgewatch. I can't wait to work with all of you. He gives everyone a slight nod. Now Athene don't be rude. The owl looks at you all and says, Yes I can't wait to get to know all of you.
After you've had a moment to muster together, you're approached by a male Dwarf who you all know as Seargent Ollo, who greets you, " 'Ello rooks. Da Lieutenant be waitin' fer ya so step lively now. He ain't a man to keep fer long." and he ushers you past some of the elder members of the force who give you sympathetic looks.
You enter the Lieutenants office and Seargent Ollo closes the door after excusing himself. Behind the desk you see a large human man with curly, graying blond hair. He has a broad belly, a gilded nightstick slung in his belt, and an unlit cigar clamped in his teeth. You surmise this is Lieutenant Larvarsus, the commanding officer of the precinct.
The lieutenant rises from behind his desk, glaring out from beneath brooding brows as he silently studies his new agents. After a long moment, he shakes his head, muttering “unbelievable.” as he pulls his well-chewed cigar from his mouth and gestures disdainfully. “This year’s Radiant Festival is the most ambitious peacetime undertaking the city’s seen. The Edgewatch is responsible for the safety of thousands. I told the council I needed the best of the best. And instead they send me you—a bunch of rookies so green you’ve practically got gills. Did you pin those badges on yourself, or did Sergeant Ollo have to do it for you?” He sighs and sits. “Abadar only knows what sin I committed to deserve you. But we work with what we’re given. You do what you’re told, learn from the veterans, and maybe you’ll come out of this proper guards. But if I catch you shirking work or tarnishing the reputation of this precinct, I’ll bounce you out of here so hard you’ll land in Absalom Harbor. Clear?”
He doesn’t wait for an answer, instead snatching up a scrap of paper from his desk and holding it out. “Here’s your first assignment. A bunch of dung-heeled wannabe adventurers are smashing up the Tipsy Tengu. Clean it up—book ’em or fine ’em, just don’t kill anyone.” He shuffles through some more papers on his desk before looking up pointedly. “Well? You want me to hold your hand on the way there? Get going. Dismissed.”
"Alrighty."
YES SIR!
Rocky will look to the group give a nod and start a brisk walk out of the room. Once out of the building rocky will turn to the new group
OK team let's get their quick and wrap it up quick. LT doesn't expect alot from us so let's prove him wrong. We can talk strengths on the way
"Well, not that it'll help much here, but I've done a bit of undercover work and have been making connections here and there for months now. I do sometimes get a bit carried away in an investigation... but bar brawl doesn't seem likely for that to happen either. I am surprised that whoever reported this didn't get someone sent right away. The longer you let something like this go, it's only going to get worse."
Roscoe is going to make sure he has his paper and quill so he can write the hooligans a ticket if needed.
Definitely good to have someone that has done undercover work. I do agree Rocky that I want to make a good impression wit the LT. I come from a noble family so when it comes to dealing with nobles or the higher class I can help out. Also Athene here is good at keeping an eye in the sky if it is needed.
I used to run the streets as a thief and runner so I got connections that I work from time to time. My main skill set is taking down thugs
"I agree making a good impression is never a bad thing, but you have to admit, this does feel a bit small time. Does it really take four of us to break up a bunch of drunks or is this just overkill to show some extra presence in the area for the festival? Or does the LT think so low of us that he didn't feel we could handle ourselves with just a couple? Hm... things to ponder on."
Mason grows a bit quiet and quickens his pace heading towards the Tipsy Tengu.
The interior of the Tipsy Tengu is a raucous mess of tipped-over chairs and spilled drinks. A motley group of drunken adventurers is the clear cause of the chaos, including a dwarven bruiser wearing a horned helmet, a sloppy elf in robes, an armored human worshipper of Cayden Cailean, and a leather-clad halfling.
“Ah, there you are!” A well-dressed half-elven man with an ornate cane and bold blue eyes leaps to his feet from where he was seated next to the door. “The city’s finest, come to deliver us from churls and belligerents!” He lowers his voice conspiratorially and adds, “Honestly, I’d never allow their sort into my hotel, but poor Belberry thought they’d add flavor, and they certainly have.” He sticks out his hand to shake. “Hendrid Pratchett, proprietor of the Dreaming Palace. This is my associate, Ralso.” He nods to a hard-looking halforc woman. “We thought we’d come down and enjoy a quiet night of dinner and drinks before the opening-day festivities tomorrow. So much for rest and relaxation, though, eh?” A cup suddenly smashes the man in the face as one of the adventurers howls with laughter. He clutches his bleeding nose and steps aside. “Right then. I’ll let you be about it.”
Don't Worry sir, we are here now and will take care of this rowdy group.
Roscoe will then look over to the proprietor and nod. Then walk over to the group of rowdy adventurers, You guys are done here and are going to be coming with us.
Rocky will move over to the side of Roscoe and show a unified force
Mason will move in and somewhat interpose himself between the adventurers and the rest of the party.
”Hey now. We can see you’re having a bit of a party here, but you think perhaps you’re taking things just a bit too far? You lot look like adventurers, let’s calm down here and have a chat, eh?”
seeing a potential for confrontation, Ialtag begins moving as unobtrusively into a better position in case a fight breaks out
One of the adventurers, a human man bearing the Holy Symbol of Cayden Cailean drunkenly roars, with a nasty glare at the hafling behind the bar.
The Dwarf will step up to Roscoe and say, "Oh so its a case of little-man syndrome then? Look at the wee one who thinks he's so big and tough because of his badge. I bet you got picked on in school, didn't you?"
The halfling in the leathers joins in with the Dwarf. "I don't think they're so tough Bolar. They probably became guards because they couldn't hack it in a real fight."
The elf looks up from sobbing into her mug and angrily exclaims, "Can't I mourn the passing of my dear friend in peace! What kind of guards are you to pick on me so? Can't you see my heart is broken? Insensitive dolts! I demand to see your supervisor! "
"Now now. You wouldn't want your business getting smashed up by hooligans, now would ya? I doubt it. We're here to see if you want to be reasonable and calm down."
Turning towards the elf. "No one is picking on you, and I am sorry for your loss, but your friends are getting out of hand. Nothing to be ashamed of having some drinks over a loss, but lashing out isn't the way to handle it."
Roscoe looking at the dwarf and the halfling, Now gentlemen, we are not here to pick a fight. All we want to do is have you guys calm down so everyone can have their drinks and enjoy the night.
For Identification purposes.Green (Crying elf woman)
Red (Halfling in leathers)
Orange (Male Dwarf called Bolar, successful Diplomacy check)
Yellow (Male Human Cayden worshiper)
The elf seems unmoved by Ken's attempt to smooth things over.
"Nuh uh, no way. Your buddy here just walked over like the boss of everyone and started handing out orders. He didn't introduce himself, didn't ask anything about us or even explain why you're here. He just started bossing us around like a jerk! I'm not going anywhere or doing anything until I can make a formal complaint to your supervisor! Get them down here!" she demands, somewhat drunkenly.The Dwarf smiles, not quite a friendly grin and responds, "Oh I see now wee man. Gonna back pedal from on top your high horse when confronting someone with a bit of back bone, eh? Wise choice, wise choice."
The halfling chuckles at the exchange between the Dwarf and Rosco. "Told ya. He doesn't want to see what real scrappers can do."
The human loudly demands another round. The barkers pretends to not hear him, so he gets up and moves over to the bar digging in his coin purse. "Fine I'll just help myself, but no tip for you!"
I am sorry, you are right it was quite rude of me to not introduce myself. My name is Roscoe Talbot and this is my friend Athene. As Roscoe gestures towards the owl. We have come here because there was reports of a bit of a ruckus here and just wanted to come chat. Now I am deeply sorry for your loss of a dear friend. We just don't want anyone to get out of hand.
Mason will turn to the halfling.
"And what exactly are you hoping to accomplish by prodding us?"
Auditory Concentrate Investigator Linguistic Mental
You ask a question that charms or needles someone in just the right way. Ask a question of a non-allied creature that you can see and have been conversing with. Attempt a Diplomacy check against the creature's Will DC. The creature is then temporarily immune for 1 hour.
Critical Success: The target must directly answer your question. It doesn't have to answer truthfully, but you gain a +4 circumstance bonus to your Perception DC if the creature attempts to Lie to you.
Success: As critical success, but the circumstance bonus is +2.
Failure: The target can refuse to answer you as normal.
Critical Failure: The target can refuse to answer you as normal, and its attitude toward you decreases by one step due to your aggravating attention.
"I was hoping for this!" The halfing says as he brings out a dagger from hiding and throws it at Ken.
Yellow says, "Finally! I was getting bored." and draws a rapier, secures his shield to his arm and moves back across the room.
***Round 1***
BOLD MAY ACT!!Yellow
Roscoe
Rocky
Ken
Ialtag
Orange
Red
Green
”Unfortunate. But it seems it is you who are backing up from a fight you started.”
Then Mason gestures at the halfling and casts Daze.
I'm your huckleberry!
Rocky will activate the rain of embers stance forming his hands into talons with her hands will be covered in flames. Rocky will then move up to the halfling and flurry of blows
Roscoe will look at Athene and say, Go wait outside and watch if anyone leaves.
Athene will fly outside
Roscoe will take a step back.
Roscoe will cast Electric Arc between Yellow and Red.
Yellow snickers at Ken's attempt to demoralize him.
Rocky steps up to Red and in a burst of flame, the halfling crumples. A bit charred around the edges but no worse for wear.
***Round 1***
BOLD MAY ACT!!Yellow
Roscoe (May change target of spell or redo actions)
Rocky
Ken
Ialtag
Orange
Red (Unconscious)
Green
Roscoe will instead cast Ray of Frost at Yellow.
Roscoe looking at the Dwarf and Elf, [b]Surrender yourselves, do not make the same mistake as your 2 friends here.[/dice]
Yellow takes the Ray of Frost. He shivers and shakes his head but remains upright.
***Round 1***
BOLD MAY ACT!!Yellow (-6 hp)
Roscoe
Rocky
Ken
Ialtag
Orange
Red (Unconscious)
Green
Ialtag steps up into oranges square drawing his rapier hey! pick on someone your own size!
Orange drops with a big hit from the little man.
"I though you said we could surrender! He didn't even do anything!" she shrieks at the sign of the Dwarf dropping. "You're all just thugs with badges!"
She casts a spell. A thin sheen magically appears on the floor underneath Rocky, Roscoe, and Ken.
Yellow grabs his Holy symbol and casts a spell while pointing at Red, then another and touches Orange.
***Round 2***
BOLD MAY ACT!!Roscoe (Reflex save needed)
Rocky (Reflex save needed)
Ken (Reflex save needed)
Ialtag
Orange (Unconscious)
Red (Unconscious)
Green
Yellow (-6 hp)
Ken will draw out his rapier, step forward towards the halfling, then attempt to knock the small one out.
Roscoe will cast Electric Arc at Yellow and Green.
You had the chance to stop being jerks or to surrender. you chose the path of you are currently on. don't worry we won't do any lasting harm. Ialtag draws his dagger and attacks with his rapier
Mason steps out of the magically effected area and looks at the chaos, blowing a whistle.
”Stop stop stop. Everyone stop. This ends now. If you surrender, drop your weapons and get down on the ground.”
Rocky will hen stand up move to the caster and attempt to grapple them
Roscoe uses his magical taser.
Ialtag darts from one target to another but fails to connect with his attack.
Ken calls for a cessation of hostilities.
Rocky slips and falls on the slick floor. Picking herself up she moves over to Green and grapples the elf.
Orange comes to and seeing the change of the battle field he stands, draws his weapon, and swings at Ialtag.
he bellows.
Ialtag falls unconscious.
Red regains his feet, draws a Dagger, and hops up on one of the tables.
Green shouts "I can't breathe! You're choking me!"
Green draws a Dagger and stabs at Rocky twice.
Yellow, holding his Holy Symbol, casts another spell.
"I was just grabbing my stuff to leave when you shot me with lightning and sicked your familiar on me!"
Then he takes a stride over to Roscoe and attacks.
***Round 3***
BOLD MAY ACT!!Roscoe
Rocky
Ken
Ialtag (Unconscious)
Orange (-15 hp?)
Red (-12 hp?)
Green (-5 hp?)
Yellow (-11 hp?)