Aurelius strides forward, confident in his divinely favored state, and draws his heavy shield in the process.
Fall He commands the feisty tavern girl.
Armed with shield and sap, he advances into the room, next to her.
If she falls, he says Stay down, its better for you
|
Fellzir advances into the taproom, along with Octanovius and Cimri, hefting her sap at the ready. Bolgart whips a large glass tankard at Aurelius as he orders the young barmaid to the ground...
miss
fail
miss
...the glass tankard flies high of the tiefling's head and shatters against the far wall! The first barmaid collapses like a puppet with its strings cut, yet the other barmaid screams "No!!" and swings her serving tray at Aurelius's head, but she only manages to bash it against the chair behind him!
Kels starts strumming an inspiring tune here for the benefit of his friens, his fingers lightly dancing over the lute strings.
_____________________
Round 2 Status:
Amala 21/21 hp
Aurelius 17/17 hp
Fellzir 13/13 hp
Hallidan 16/16 hp
Octavonius 10/10 hp Mage Armor
.
Cimri ?/? hp
===================
Bolgart Caggan ?/? hp
Barmaid #1 ?/? hp
Barmaid #2 ?/? hp
Riley Kels ?/? hp
____________________
Current Effects:
Caggan: Shaken
Barmaid #1: prone
Kels: Inspire Courage rd.1
_____________________
.
Amala wordlessly moves forward and throws a stone on the shaken bar owner.
"Bad move." Hallidan rips his short sword from its sheath and rushes the barmaid. "We need them alive. Not you."
"That's not the song I requested..." Fellzir whispers through gritted teeth as he lets fly the bolt at Kels.
"Drop the lute or the next one will take an eye."
Octavonius eyes dart around the room as the others fan out. Finding what he's looking for, he calls out to his companions as he moves to stand in front of the front door. "The stairs and the curtain behind the bar. We need bodies there. Don't give them a way out!" he snarls in a rasping voice.
He then begins a new incantation as he eyes the bard and the barkeep. He holds on to the last few words of the spell, ready to unleash it if anyone dares approach him.
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While Octavonius prepares for the worst the others proceed to assault the others with force. Caggan grunts in pain as the stone strikes his arm shielding his face, while Hallidan runs the barmaid through with his sword. She shrieks in pain and nearly collapses next to her companion. Kels yelps in pain as the bolt strikes his leg and he immediately stops his 'playing'. "Okay! I yield!" Cimri strides up to the minstrel raising her sap, "That's right, you yield."
While the barmaids show no sign of resistance the same cannot be said for Bolgart who reaaches under the bar, hefting a warhammer in his beefy arms and emerges from the back of the bar, a look of fury on his face.
_____________________
Round 3 Status:
Amala 21/21 hp
Aurelius 17/17 hp
Fellzir 13/13 hp
Hallidan 16/16 hp
Octavonius 10/10 hp Mage Armor
.
Cimri ?/? hp
===================
Bolgart Caggan -3/? hp
Barmaid #1 ?/? hp Prone, surrendered.
Barmaid #2 -6/? hp, Prone, surrendered
Riley Kels -2/? hp, surrendered
____________________
Current Effects:
Caggan: Shaken
_____________________
.
Amala wordlessly reloads and throws another stone on the shaken bar owner.
"So now it's six against one and you're wounded. Why don't you drop the weapon and tell us what we want to know. I'll make sure your ladyfriend doesn't bleed out on your floor and I'll even heal your wound. If you don't like these terms, we can always switch from saps and slings to swords..." Fellzir lets that last word hang in the air as he gestures around the room.
Seeing no further threat from the pretty barmaid, Hallidan pulls his sword back and turns. Since the job is not simply to kill the man on the spot, Hal draws a dagger with his free hand, flips his grip, and waits to see what the man will do.
His throw, however, goes widely and embarrassingly off the mark.
What a fop, I remember a Sigrid, a Skaldess from Sarkoris in my merc company, she would have well draw her Greataxe and have some fun.
I did admire her, but couldnt be sure she isnt secretly a Succubus! Lets see if the barkeep is of sterner stuff. That bard first didnt get pissed at my rhymes, and now surrenders? Weakling, he lacks fire.
Aurelius thinks as the situation unfolds.
Octavonius keeps his position at the door and continues to hold the spell. It seems he worried for nothing if their enemy would simply cower and kneel after a show of violence.
"Surrender now! Surrender now!" Ohd caws from his shoulder in Infernal, taking advantage of his master's inability to speak while holding on to the final words of the spell.
|
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Amala zings another stone at the enraged bar owner, wounding him again, while the words uttered by the others fall on deaf ears. Caggan's attention is focused upon Amala here but he does take a swing at Hallidan for daring to get in his way...
Cimri takes this moment to dash in and thwaps Bolgart upside the head...
The man's eyes glaze over and he drops his warhammer, falling to the ground with a loud clatter. "Had enough?" Cimri taunts.
_____________________
Round 4 Status:
Amala 21/21 hp
Aurelius 17/17 hp
Fellzir 13/13 hp
Hallidan 16/16 hp
Octavonius 10/10 hp Mage Armor
.
Cimri ?/? hp
===================
Bolgart Caggan -8(-13nl)/? surrendered.
Barmaid #1 ?/? hp Prone, surrendered.
Barmaid #2 -6/? hp, Prone, surrendered.
Riley Kels -2/? hp, surrendered.
____________________
Current Effects: NONE
_____________________
.
Amala is very satisfied and looks at the men.
”We will bind your hands and take you to the prison!! Whoever confesses first will get preferred treatment! So anyone wants to start talking about the reclamation, the angel or anything else you were up to?! Those that don’t say anything now will face some severe consequences … that means torture of course … so you will eventually talk anyway!!!” she asks with a menacing look on her face.
Fellzir will make sure none of them are bleeding out.
"Octavonius, did you detect a magic item?"
”Anyone else?” Hallidan demands, glaring around the room. Seeing no further resistance, he sheaths his sword.
Octavonius nods to Fellzir's question as he moves from the door, offering what meager help he can to bind the now prisoners. "Yes, somewhere on this fool of a barkeep."
If allowed the time, he will sweep another detect magic on Bolgart Caggan and fish out whatever magical things he has on him.
Aurelius moves to bind the barkeep, figuring that having Amala bind him could end the barkeep prematurely.
He does have rope on him.
|
|
Amala draws a fearful nods from both of the female barmaids, "Are we free to go?" one of them speaks up as she helps her wounded companion to her feet. Meanwhile Caggan allows himself to be bound, although he does growl at the loss of his cloak here. Octavonius scans the aura, noting it holds a minor aura of abjuration
Kels blanches at the words but bravely stands his ground. "Look Miss, I...I don't know much. I was just impressed by Sword Knight Allamar’s proclamation. Then at dawn a couple days ago I came across a woman in winged plate armor atop a hill not far outside town. It looked like she was praying, and I mistook her for an angel. I went to my knees as she approached, but she helped me up and told me not to be afraid. She called herself Lencia Visserene. Then she left."
Do you even know what a civil war is Bard? Aurelius asks
Neighbours killing neighbours. You may have fantasies of such things being clean, but in practice this never happens. First the war reduces available resources, then the lack of resources increases the viciousness of competition, which in turn reduces more resources, which in turn lets to a more vicious competition, until the sides either agree, while standing on mountains of dead people, to a peace which tends to restore the status before the war, but in a way that worse for all involved, or until only one side is left. He pauses
Do you know what the Rahadoumi civil war was like? Different groups worshipped different gods, predominantly Nethys, Saerenrae and Norgober. They clashed, turning once verdant Rahadoum into a desert. Because a number of Saerenraean clerics performed a ritual to massive increase sunlight in the area, in order to gain a minor tactical advantadge over Norgobers forces.
Do you know which side caused the most casulties? Dark murderous Norgober, inscrutably mad Nethys, or oh so mercifull Saerenrae? Yes, Saerenrae more then the other 2 combined. Nobody murders as thoroughly as fanatics wholly convinced of their self righteous "justice".
He finishes, almost spitting out.
Fitting that you knee before people on your own volition, assuming them to be outsiders. In our Cheliax, mankind rules over devils, not the other way round. He adds as a post scriptum.
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|
"I...I don't believe you. Your words are honeyed and full of promise. Just surrender and everything will be fine...Just like Mister Caggan? He wanted to just run his business and be left alone, now he will suffer more. NOT because of what he did but because of what YOU did!" The minstrel replies as he stands defiantly in front of you.
“That means that you are defiant as well?!“ she asks with a neutral voice.
She walks up to the musician and slaps him in the face!!
“Kneel and prepare to be ugly for the rest of your life. I know your kind … singing your way into innocent girls’ bed! Let’s see if your blood flowing after I cut your face will loosen your tongue or the other’s tongue!! Last chance for you all to speak.“ and she also looks at the bartender and the barmaids while taking out her dagger and pressing the point into the singer’s cheek to draw a little blood.
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The minstrel gets a fearful look upon his face as the striking tiefling approaches him...then he suddenly darts off the stage rushing behind the bar! Catching the rest of you by surprise though Cimri yells, "He's trying to get out through the kitchen!" and she leaves watching Caggan to Fellzir as she maneuvers her way to try cutting off his escape!
_____________________
Round 1 Status:
Amala 21/21 hp
Aurelius 17/17 hp
Fellzir 13/13 hp
Hallidan 16/16 hp
Octavonius 10/10 hp Mage Armor
.
Cimri ?/? hp
===================
Riley Kels -2/? hp
____________________
Aurelius double moves, running on top of the bar, to cut off the naughty bard. He likely provokes an attack of opportunity from the bard as he does so.
Amala shakes her head and moves towards the bard.
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|
While Cimri dashes out through the kitchen, the rest of you keep an eye on your prisoners, especially the unpredictable Caggan, Amala and Aurelius team up in hot pursuit. Kels has only one thing on his mind...escape...as he weaves around Aurelius...
...or tries to anyway! Stumbling hard on a wet spot on the floor he nearly barrels right into the man! Still the minstrel shows no signs of slowing down here...
_____________________
Round 2 Status:
Amala 21/21 hp
Aurelius 17/17 hp
Fellzir 13/13 hp
Hallidan 16/16 hp
Octavonius 10/10 hp Mage Armor
Cimri ?/? hp
===================
Riley Kels -2/? hp
Current Effects: NONE
_____________________
.
Amala looks at the man with angry eyes!
Not much of a dancer either? Aurelius qups as he stops his escape, although his strike probably misses.
Time to show of my Drumming prowess!
He quips once more, and this time delivers a sizeable hit on the Bards forehead.
Better then your dancing! Yield you fool!
Aurelius ties him up.
Caggan and the bard are definitly going to the jail, unsure about the bar maids.
I would let the barmaids go, especially if Aurelius can diplomatize how merciful we are.
You two barmaids are free to go, as I rule it was these two that were giving you orders. Just dont do more stupid on your own account.
He pauses
Keeping people alive is f+!$ing hard, but so far I am doing it! He whispers to himself, clearly seeking to have that whipser heard by a barmaid.
Hallidan hauls Kels to his feet. "Let's go, whatever-your-name-is," he jeers.
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You manage to haul off the two important prisoners off to the jail, after allowing the barmaids to leave with a stern warning, and escort them to the Jail. You get quite a bit of attention from the tiownsfolk who stand to gawk at your procession but none of you are accosted. Securing your two prisoners away, Caggan in the pillory and Kels in one of the cells, you nod in satisfaction to one another at a job well-done.
You have all gathered back at the Jail, to keep an eye upon your prisoners, and also to relieve your subordinate guards who have reported neither prisoner has caused any issues...so far. As you sit back enjoying a fine morning one of townspeople pays you a visit..Mr. Ingoe, as most Longacre residents know him, runs the Longacre docks north of the town. Most of the local transport of goods, correspondence, and passengers to and from the nearby Whisper River crosses his docks. He nods to you and smiles, "So I hear you are the new Archbaron's agents, and have done a good job impressing our good ruler." He sidles up close to Amala and grins, "I have a proposition for you...I will keep you apprised of the most interesting gossip and cargo coming off the river...for a modest fee of 10 GP a week. What say you?"
Amala knows how important information are.
“I always like gossip but Hallidan and Fellzir are the best judges of character I would say … if they think you’re worth it then I’m willing to test your rumors. They have to be actionable though! And the price is too high!“ she says with a smile and walks to him.
“You surely give us a discount?“
A free sample would be customary in such transactions I believe, did you consider writing such reports and depositing them in a dead drop location? It would do wonders to keep our cooperation secure and far less risky for you, which would mean that you require somewhat less funding to cover your risks right? 5 gold per weak seem appropriate to me. Aurelius says smiling gently, clearly being open to both the idea and negotiations.
Hmmm, first volunteering colaborator, if I am dealing with Nocticulans rather then Iomedeans he would feed us fale information about citizens willing to cooperate with us, have us go after them, and thus erode our support base while worming his way into our trust, at some point, point members of our group against each other!
Why do I know this? BECAUSE IT IS WHAT I WOULD DO! But if we are still dealing with the Big-Boned-Bat-B!!*@es insipid Iomedean cats-paws, well, they suck at spycraft so he is likely a genuine opportunist of presumably ill repute in the town, perhaps I can increase his repute to further his usefulness.
Assuming we have an agreement, I will begin shouting at you very loudly that "trying to bribe us into releasing Caggan because he makes good booze is entirely inappropriate". And that you have 5 seconds to scram before you get arrested for bribery.
This way, you have a good and public cover for your visit here, one that may even endear you with local troublemakers, should any information you provide be actionable, we gladly double, if it was truely important quadruple the fee you receive for that weeks information.
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Mr. Ingoe nods agreeably to Amala's counteroffer barely paying any attention to Aurelius here as his attention is completely focused on the sriking lady, "5 gold Crowns, deal...if you agree to allow me to present my reports to you...personally." He smiles again at Amala suggestively before he turns to leave. "You know where to find me."
You are relaxing in the jail here, awaiting the report from your subordinates who are still checking on yoiur prisoners here when one of Fex's guards rushes into the jail panting in exertion, "Ho! your presence is requested at the North Gate! A hobgoblin who calls himself Zaggar of Vulture Crag demands entry into Longacre, yet he has no writ of passage...he refuses to leave until he talks with those in charge!"
"This old man is fine remaining behind to watch our prisoners," Octavonius offers. "Dealing with an irrate hobgoblin seems more a task for you young, silver-tongued folks."
Fellzir appraises Ingoe's claim.
Two days later
"I'll go. Can Ohd be the lookout?"
He gives Caggan some water on the way past, mindful that it doesn't get spat back upon him.
"Look out! Look out!" Ohd caws, pointing with a wing at nothing in particular.
"Be silent! Devils damn you!" Octavonius hisses before turning his attention to Fellzir. "If you want to take this blasted fiend off my hands and it can be of some use to you, this old cretin will gratefully allow it.
Amala smiles at the exchange and is glad that the group won an informant.
She follows Fellzir and Octavonius.
"Zaggar of Vulture Crag? That even a place?"
That clearly calls for my presence
Aurelius dresses to impress and walks to the front gate.
|
|
Leaving Octanovious behind to keep an eye upon the prisoners, the old mage sending his eyes and ears along instead, the rest of you hurry forth to the north gate, with Fellzir's gesture only earning a vicious glare. As you move along you are ever mindful of the suspicious looks you are receiving from the few townsfolk that pass by you.
Hallidan has not heard of a place called Vultures Crag, but knowing what little he does of the hobgoblin race and their militaristic bent he believes it could be the name of his tribe, or even a regiment, he is not sure.
Once you have arrived at the gate you see the hobgoblin impatiently pacing his way back and forth behind the gate. You can see he is well armored and armed, wearing chain shirt, hoisting a shield and brandishing a longsword, flail and a longbow with matching quiver. His helmet is adorned with several locks of hair with drapes over the side of his face, hiding his wide, thick neck and his long, tattered ears flank a pair of savage orange eyes. He takes note of your presence and bellows in a heavily accented tongue, "YOU! Are you the ones in charge of this place? I request entry into your town to rest and replenish my supplies! What is the delay, there is no state of war between us...yet!" He then pauses impatiently awaiting your response.
Replenish supplies? Since f$&%ing when does f~@%ing Hobgoblin Land have f~!@ing foraging rights in f!%*ing Cheliax proper? Is there anything akin to a f*+%ing legal statement of agreement concerning f!$!ing resupply rights? Bleh, I wasnt paying f~*~ing attention, damn, f*@#ing bugger me.
Aurelius Flavius, formerly with Avantinius's Avengers, the arch baron Fex, blessed be his name, deigned to put me in charge here.
Precisely who would you be and on what basis do you claim resupply and/or basing rights?
A reasonably reputable mercenary company that works for quote "ANYONE BUT F~@$ING ANDORAN", founded by refugees belonging from Andorans pre revolution upper class, they most commonly work for Cheliax, or against anyone fighting Andoran. They are frequently used as an extension of Chelish armed forces, when Cheliax opts to not get directly involved in some type of conflict. They never knowingly act in a way that would be contrary to Cheliax, and never knowiningly act in a way that would support Andoran, apart from that, anyone else can theoretically hire them.
While they lose with a degree of regularity, they are very exakt about fullfilling contracts and treaty obligations.
Amala adds Aurelius.
“May I add to Mr. Flavius question with an assumption? I am sure that you can state what you offer us and the town for the allowance to enter?! Something has to be in it for us. Gold, wares, information, a task you can fulfill?“ she asks with a grin.
”A mercenary? Ok! You surely have seen a lot and done a lot! Why don’t you tell us all you know about what’s happening out there and we’ll let you in for a night and day? But you have the behave and we have to escort you around … not everyone finds a hobgoblin as pleasing as I do!“ she says with a suggestive smile.
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The hobgoblin manages to hide his revulsion at the thought of spending time with a scrawny, ugly human female, but nods shortly. [b}"Very well. I only plan on staying long enough to replenish my supplies and I will be on my way."[/b]
As you escort the hobgoblin to his temporary abode......he relates to you what he had heard..."Recently, the Hellknights of the Order of the Godclaw announced they had recovered an ancient sword from the Menador Mountains. The Hellknights readily identified the relic as Heart’s Edge, After the Hellknights refused the church’s request for the sword’s return, a zealous paladin of Iomedae named Alexeara Cansellarion issued a call to the faithful of the Inheritor to reclaim Heart’s Edge from the Order of the Godclaw. Hundreds of knights and clerics from Andoran, Cheliax, Molthune, and beyond responded to the call and marched on Citadel Dinyar in Isger, where they defeated the Order of the Godclaw and ousted the Hellknights from their citadel." He smirks broadly, "Looks like the Reclamation has come to Cheliax finally! Great for my money pouch anyway!"