Sorry guys, but I'm going to have to drop out of this game. I feel bad, but the long hiatus took away my motivation, and I'm busy with work. Good luck to everyone!
Search Posts
Ambrose shrugs, frowning. I would've thought my intentions were made clear by my actions, but I understand the need for certainty, the kennelmaster says, placing his hand on the stone. I swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and
Drink up, everyone! Compliments of the archbaron! Ambrose says merrily, buying a round for everyone. He drinks his beer and socializes a bit before returning to his employer.
The tanner and his conspirators were traitors and got what they had coming. We're charged with protecting the welfare of this town against rebels. So long as you are loyal to Longacre, and Cheliax, you have nothing to fear from us, friend.
Ambrose opens the door to the tavern and gestures for the deputy to enter first.
Ambrose smiles with his face, but not his eyes. Yes, I see. Come along then, friend. Why don't you lead the way? I'll buy a pint for you and the Sheriff, once we deliver our message.
Ambrose looks the man over, trying to discern if he is telling the truth.
Ambrose puts a hand up to Mercer, hoping to stave off any violence. He then produces the paper bearing the Archbaron's decree and says matter-of-factly: The sheriff has been relieved of her command. You are bound by law to execute your duties and cooperate with us, or your position will be forfeit as well. So I ask again, please, take us to the former sheriff. I will not ask a third time.
A man opens the door. "Whats the matter?" he asks We are here on the authority of the archbaron for a matter of great importance. Please, friend, take us to the sheriff. We must speak with her immediately.
Agreed--let's get this over with. Ambrose approaches the door and knocks firmly.
"Well. Let's go find us some nails, shall we?" Azrielan retorts, ready to leave as well. A ha ha! Good one! Ambrose laughs heartily and in earnest, clutching his sides. It takes a moment for him to compose himself before he picks up his axe and nets, stowing them for now. Let's hope we won't need these. C'mon girls, heel! the kennelmaster says assertively and the dogs snap too attention, shadowing him. He then looks to his companions. Just please, let me talk to the sheriff first before we shed any blood, ok? I'll lead the way!
"You offer more leniency than is necessary, Ambrose. I'm afraid if your intention is to talk her down from her position and become buddies with someone who failed to execute their basic duties, I will be of no use to you." My dad used to say 'A hammer sees every problem as a nail'. Failing to keep the peace in times of rebellion shouldn't be punishable by death. If we punish every infraction by death, yeah, we'll stop the rebellion, but only because there will be no people left to govern. We need to be reasonable and give her a way out to save face. If she insists on violence, well, you've seen first hand I have no problems with that.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, let's not forget who the real enemy is--all the Iomedaens. Of course good, hard-working folk are going to resist getting their livelihood taken away. Let me go with you and see if I can take the sting away a bit. We're gonna need some deputies to help us when the traitors start stirring up trouble in the streets. We can't be everywhere at once. Let's let the sheriff down easy, then take her to the Last Stand for a drink. If we can keep Rhona on the payroll it might keep the peace.
C'mon friend, have a drink with me, Ambrose says to Tic. I understand you're good at your job and all, but there's more to life than torturing traitors. We need to keep the town safe from rebellion, yes, but we have to live our lives too. Moments like these, we need to savor. To good food and good friends, the kennelmaster says, raising a beverage in Tic's direction.
Very well, I've no desire to associate with traitors. Ambrose says, leaving after Mercer with his dogs in tow.
I'm just going to keep calmly refuting her points until she gets so mad that she attacks me in full view of the mob. THEN we can kill her. :-)
If we were spying, would we openly display his symbol of authority? Ambrose stands up, showing his armband. Citizens of Longacre--the baron tasked us to keep the town safe. These traitors at the tannery were not "attacked" by us. We went to investigate their involvement in the seditious rebellion that these so-called do-gooders are trying to get you involved in. The tanner and his cronies admitted to spreading rebellious propaganda and attacked us, attempting lethal force. We subdued as many people as we could and turned them in, along with the evidence of their treachery, to lawful authorities. Yes, they were executed for their self-confessed crimes. Ambrose turns to Allamar: And your goddess, asking you to taking up arms and promising glory in a war against a lawful government--this violent, vengeful goddess who has no place in our town, what would she encourage you to do? If Iomedae was in charge here and some outsiders tried to overthrow the government by force, what punishment would she recommend? A tap on the wrist, or a punishment befitting treason? Leaving the question hanging in the air, the kennelmaster addresses the dispersing crowd. Make no mistake--these sword-waving zealots mean to water the seeds of their rebellion with your blood. Don't give them the chance.
I would like to type a response to the priestess' words but my internet is out and it would take too long on my phone. I'll post in an hour or two.
Ambrose clears his throat and raises his hand, standing up from his chair. He looks first at the priestess and then around at all of the other audience members. Ahem, 'scuse me. Anybody can talk here, right? Most of you know me, but for those of you that don't--I'm Ambrose, and I'm from right here in Longacre, born and raised my whole life. I manage the kennels if any of you have need of a dog. Anyway, I gotta say, all this talk of 'glory' gets my eyes twitchin'. You see, there's no glory in politics or courtrooms or, hell, even in helping the good folk in this town. We all know what 'glory' means: war. The big man lets the last word hang on the air for a moment before he continues. The good people of this town have fought their fair share of wars and don't need any rabble rousers coming here stirring up trouble causing more bloodshed. The Thrunes ain't perfect--no one is. But we're doing fine here without highfalutin' notions of glory and honor. We don't need your help, we don't need 'saving', and we damn sure don't need any more blood spilled on behalf of some 'higher power'. You took a wrong turn at Andoran, miss. Leave us to our peace here, which people have keep civil since long before you arrived.
Ambrose walks in, stern expression on his face and sash displayed prominently. The dogs follow at his heels. The burly man nods curtly at any who meet his gaze and takes a seat, crossing his arms and waiting to hear the sermon.
Wow, that sounds both extremely difficult and also awesome. Good luck!
Paying me? No! I'd pay him to wear it if he asked, and happily. Me and some others are showing support for the archbaron because we don't take kindly to outsiders coming here and thinking they can break the law and tell us how to live our lives. If you think the same, make sure you show your support with the baron and let these Iomedaen rabble-rousers know what you think of them.
Actually it was something good--we find some rebel conspirators and escorted them to the proper authorities. They were hoarding weapons and terrorist propaganda. If we hadn't found it when we did, they could be attacking our citizens right now. If Allamar's mad then that just proves her involvement. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits sharp. You see anything fishy, just let me know, alright?
Everything alright, GM? Just wanted to see when we're going to move along.
"Not yet. Perhaps later. For now attend the rally and see what they have to say. The Rally is not until tonight so for today go around town and see what you can learn." I'm on it! Ambrose says, bolting up from his chair immediately. Me'n the girls want to stretch our legs, and I know a few souls around town. I'll try to see which way the wind is blowing. Anyone who's up for it can tag along. Ambrose takes Elsie and Rowena around town, stopping at a few watering holes to see what he can learn about Lencia Visserene and tonight's rally.
Ambrose tries to recall what he can about the Iomedaens.
Way I see it, they risked their lives same as we did. They should get a share of the food, too. Besides, if I don't keep 'em well fed, they might get hungry at night and start sniffing around your bed chamber. A ha ha ha! Ambrose wipes some grease on the back of his sleeve and laughs heartily, winking at Tycho good-naturedly. He thinks a bit before responding to the cleric's query. I've been a volunteer constable for a fair few years now. I'm not gonna let some religious zealots come in and start taking what's ours. Cimri knows what me and my girls can do, put me in touch with our...what's that word you said? Ben-ee-fak-tor? Anyhow, here we are. "So I wonder what's next?" Mercer asks the others. Friend, you best take a minute to savor our victory. We might not have many in the times ahead, and even if we do we might not get much savorin'. Who knows where the rest of these scum are hiding.
Ambrose whistles, holding up a finely crafted suit of armor. C'mere girl, he motions to Rowena, fitting the armor onto her. He carefully stows away her previous armor, saving it for Elsie. The big man then holds up a vial of paint, reads the inscription and smiles, tucking it away with his other belongings. Lastly he produces a bone and tosses it to Elsie. Good haul, and some damn fine food, Ambrose says matter-of-factly, eating heartily and feeding his pets directly at the table.
"I think riding around in that crap wagon would send the wrong message about the team." But it would send the right message about terrorists who try to overthrow our government, Ambrose says, unceremoniously piling the unconscious insurgents onto the dung wagon.
Ambrose smiles as his wound closes instantly. Not the first time I've been bit by an unruly pup, and it won't be the last. But thanks, all the same. You coming with me to inquire about a cart? I don't know this Cimri all that well...
Good find, Kayla, Ambrose says, nodding respectfully when she displays one of the flyers. He retrieves and refolds his net as he speaks. We'll need a cart to load up all the evidence, and all these fools who thought they could overthrow the government. Maybe Cimri could get one for us. Folks won't take kindly to our presence here, even though the law's on our side. We should get these traitors out of here to somewhere out of sight so Tic can 'question' them. I can fetch Cimri--anyone else who wants to accompany me is welcome.
Ambrose draws his axe and tries to hit the dog with the flat of his blade.
She's just doin' what she's told. She's a good dog, I won't kill her. Mercer, can you put her to sleep? Elsie, heel! Rowena, fetch! Ambrose points to the prone forms of the insurgents. Elsie obediently returns to Ambrose's side while Rowena starts dragging the unconscious archer out of the flaming building.
Ambrose tries to speak soothing words to the attack dog, attempting to calm it down. All of his years in the kennels can't help him reach the beast.
Ambrose blinks the flash powder from his eyes and points into the warehouse. Get 'em, Rowena. Elsie, protect your sis.
Ambrose recoils from the flash, lashing out with his net as he rubs his eyes.
Rowena, take him down. Elsie, defend Tycho.
Right, Ambrose says, pointing off to the West. You lot hide over yonder, me'n the girls and Tic will give you the diversion you need. When they're in place, Ambrose walks as quietly as he can, trying to open one of the doors to the workshop.
I don't wanna hurt them dogs--it's not their fault their master's a conspirator. But we can't have them getting in our way, either. I can draw 'em off into the workshop, give the rest of you an opening to get Louslik. Anyone who's no good at sneaking can come with me. Well? Ambrose whispers to the others, waiting expectantly.
Mercer continues to watch the dogs with a readied sleep spell in case they wake up as the others (whomever that might be) sneak up on the building.
Seeing the others attempting to remain quiet, Ambrose does the same, holding a hand up to quiet his pets. Rowena is a natural, but Elsie takes more convincing. He's so concerned about hushing his dogs that he trips loudly over a loose piece of wood. [dice=Push to make Elsie "sneak", DC 25] 1d20 + 16 [/dice]
Louslik stays here late most nights--he should be here. Old man Umbre and his wife might show up, too. They're good folk, near as I can tell. Can't see them being part of a rebellion--we should take 'em alive for questioning.
Ambrose speaks quietly to his dogs and they follow, sniffing the air and helping him find the gap as well. He squeezes through the gap with his dogs just behind.
The burly man leans in close to the others and speaks quietly, gesturing to the sleeping dogs. Give 'em a wide berth. If they wake up, leave them to me. He draws a net, ready for action.
Don't worry--if he's harboring spies, we'll sniff them out, Ambrose says, crouching down to scratch the tops of his two dogs' heads. One is compact, muscular, her tail wagging back and forth impatiently. The other stands stoically, shadowing Ambrose's footsteps. If we're gonna get caught, we won't go easily...
Checking in
I reduced my Pack size from 2 dogs to three--I think that will help given the number of characters in this game. GM, two questions:
Also, I'm considering buying some dogs as well. Are you ok with that? If not, I can stick to just the two in my hunting pack. I don't want to overwhelm the game, but I think I'm organized enough to not bog things down.
Well, we have a witch. I think we would benefit greatly from a bard or skald, actually. An evangelist cleric would be good, too.
Mbauers here for a submission for the Enforcers. Ambrose has worked in the kennels since he was a boy, and he is rarely seen without at least one of his faithful pets at his heels. He's a jovial sort but is fiercely protective of his home and his beloved animals. When he is roused to anger he can be frightful to behold, and he will not show mercy to outsiders who try to come to Cheliax and tell him and his friends/countrymen how they should live. I have more with his background but I'd like to tailor it to this specific game once I know a little more about who will be organizing us and with whom I'm working. Please let me know if you need anything else.
|