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Hi everyone, I wanted to apologize for my scarce posting of these past few weeks, an explanation is long overdue I think. Family life and work take a lot of time, and most of the time when I do find the time to sit at my computer, I'm just lacking the courage or motivation to read the posts and put the energy into posting something decent. In other words, I'm failing at living up to this amazing campaign's expectations. While I'd really like things to pick up, I don't see them improving any time soon unfortunately. Hence, I'd like to bow out and leave my spot to someone who will really take part into this campaign fully. Would that be okay with you?
-Posted with Wayfinder
Anarxos looks bemused by the whole scene unfolding. He beams a smile at Ahreni. "Impressive. We may yet learn something of use in this hell hole. I'll help you with the report, and testify to give it more credence." "Yes, I think finding Miss Lintoni is paramount to our current predicament. Lead the way, I'm coming along. She has a lot to answer for."
"Grave news indeed, and if that information's correct then you're right Ahreni, we can't have him in town now. Maybe it's better if he joins the Duke as planned." Anarxos turns back to Zaggar, and offers him a couple gold sails for his information. "We thank you for that information, but our business together will have to be limited to that exchange I'm afraid. We wish you safe journeys." The historian will then report the latest news to Razelago, then meet with his swordmaster for another lesson at the Ash House.
During the whole chat with the hobgoblin, Anarxos remains silent, listening intently to the monstrous creature's story, trying to assess its veracity. Strangely enough, his eyes linger on Zaggar's salient muscles, though the historian quickly comes to his senses.
When the fate of Citadel Dinyar is revealed, though, Anarxos doesn't seem to be quite himself. He pales, yet it is anger that seem to stir within him. Aricas, what befell you? What madness took you? How could you fail us such? I'll show them all, we're better than that. Are you even still alive? "We thank you for these news, for these are grave indeed. This Glorious Reclamation is like weed we'll need to remove, but we'll need help in that endeavor. You know what? There could be room here for you. What are your qualifications?" the historian asks right off the bat.
Anarxos steps forward, a stern look on his face. Clearly he's not about to accept being told by anyone, especially not Kels. His voice is firm but up to his usual standard. "As my companion is stating, Mr. Caggan here is accused of attempt of murder using poison. We have that poison as outstanding proof of our allegation, of course. Now, the full matter is under investigation, and the best you can do to help Caggan's cause is to let it run its course, so that the truth may be unearthed on that case. We are looking for one of his barmaid, an accomplice of Caggan's. Until we find her, Mr. Caggan will be taken for further inquiry and supervision. Now return to your homes and be at peace, justice is being rendered. If anyone wants to give us his testimony because they have seen something, I will take their statements shortly. Remember, we have nothing closer to our interest that restoring order and peace in Longacre."
Anarxos examines carefully the advantages and drawbacks of each plan, then glances at Ahreni. "I don't like the lie, but in this case it's what we can do best, as telling the townfolk the truth may only make matters worse if we don't have hard and over-convincing evidence. It's a sound plan, Ahreni, and I endorse it."
Anarxos shares his knowledge with his companions. "I've heard the curse would pass on with one of these creatures' bite or gore, though nothing is ever certain in this matter. Alas, there's no way of knowing whether you've been afflicted or not before the next full moon. I would advise, for that night in particular, that we bind you and watch over you for the whole night, just in case something happens."
Anarxos pants as the fight ends, at the same time exhilarated by it, and smitten by the toll it took on his mind. No time to rest though, there's a starting fire to prevent from spreading - Anarxos uses a blanket to snuff out the lingering flames before they spread or cause any real damage. It is only then that his mind resumes working like a well-oiled clockwork mechanism. "I agree with Melani, there's no proof of what it is. However, he did attack us and we did defend ourselves, and we shouldn't hide from it. Instead, perhaps a public statement would be preferable. In any case, Caggan's death needs to go public, especially with everyone seeing us arresting him." Pondering the case at hand for a minute, the nobleman cannot help but wonder. "This turn of events is ripe with opportunity though. As long as we can prove his true bestial nature, of course. Surely someone knew about that? Or maybe he kept a diary? Perhaps we could conduct a search in his quarters, look for clues in his room."
Anarxos's mouth is agape as he beholds the innkeeper change in front of his eyes. He quickly recovers his wits, though, and warns his companions. "A wereboar! Don't get bitten, or you might turn into one! Use silver weapons if you can." The nobleman then downs a bubbly purple extract, and a transluscent shield consequently appears beside him, protecting his flank. He then closes the distance between him and Caggan, drawing his enameled rapier.
Anarxos is content with leaving Pava run the show... for now. He watches from the back, raising an eyebrow as he beholds Caggan taking the fall for someone else. My, my. The innkeeper is growing a spine here. Perhaps that girl is dear to him, so we'd better check if we can grab her later. We could exploit that soft spot he has...
Anarxos ponders things over and over again, stroking his goatee nervously. "Do you have proof of this, Pava? If you don't and that we don't obtain a confession from her, we may end up going to trial with her word against ours. With the current situation in town, it might tempt more people to side against us on the long run. However, if this becomes public knowledge and that we appear lenient, we may lose face, which could be far worse. Hence my question, Pava."
GM:
The nobleman studies the lone swordsman for a second, and chooses to forgo his usual derogatory and disdainful look. Instead, he opts for a diplomatic nod. "I believe you are the famed Astavor Losteri? Honored to meet you, I'm Anarxos of House Voralius from Westcrown. May we speak in private? I have come to request a favor, which may well end up in a guaranteed improvement in your well-being and social status. If you please?" he announces, as one of his hands rests on the sash proving his alligeance to the Archbaron.
"It so happens that I was once trained in the noble arts of fencing. Yet my masters saw fit to sharpen my mind more than my swordmanship, and I had to set aside my fencing studies for a while. In the times to come, I will need to be ready to match my intellect with my skill with a rapier, since I know there are times when a sharp wit can't prevail over a keen blade. With your guidance and mentorship, I could hone my skills far beyond what I used to master. Through me, you will have a hand in the changes to come. I humbly ask of you, please accept me as your student. You will not regret it." "Of course, you will be handsomely paid for this work, and should you choose to align yourself with Archbaron Fex, I could see your fortunes much improved. What say you?"
Anarxos frowns, thinking the situation over. "I'm sure Ahreni could help us in that endeavor to acquire a healing wand. I'll trust her abilities in the matter, though she will need a good cover and story. Moreover, I come with information. Razelago was content with the information we provided on House Bacusis's elder scion, and he would like us to push the matter further once the dust around the old man's body has settled. We should keep our eyes on these plotting rebels."
Anarxos strokes his beard as he ponders the situation, then proposes the following. "I will endeavor to find who this recipient was, but I already have a list of potential candidates - this Angel Knight, for instance. What's more, we have uncovered a clique of potential rebels, which we placed under surveillance lest they should sow more seeds of rebellion in Longacre." The historian stops, then asks. "I have two requests to make, Razelago. First, could you see these tomes sent safely to Egorian, to the Ministry of Historical Accuracy, along with this explanatory note? I would appreciate it, and lack the means of doing it in a safe manner myself. Since I can't leave town, I was wondering whether you could help or not. My second request is whether you know a blademaster or master fencer willing to take students here in Longacre? I find my swordmanship rusty at best, and with the troubles brewing, I would not like to be deemed unworthy of my education."
Regarding Melani's Diplomacy roll: As a rules point, we'd better try to improve his attitude via Diplomacy first, then ask for a service, especially since we haven't met him so far. I know Diplomacy rules are rarely enforced correctly in PbPs, but since our GM appears to do so (which I do appreciate), we could do it this way. EDIT: Or maybe roll with it for now and try to influence him further later. He could be an interesting ally to have on our side.
"That would be notary Wenbrade Brakenbol, of course. Let's pay him a visit." suggests Anarxos. Before going, he winks at Vincenzo. "Who knows?! "
-Posted with Wayfinder
Anarxos spent most of the day studying the books with great interest. It even looked as if he had shut himself in his own mind castle, at the same time prisoner and jailor of his very own passion. When his companions return, however, he deigns raising his nose from the scribblings of the book he's currently reading and hear how their visit to the Hospice went. "You're absolutely right, Vicenzo, we have to enforce that payment, but it doesn't mean we have to do it recklessly. For one thing, she is working for little to no profit, so the heavy taxes can't be related to that. We could have her relocate, but that wouldn't change her current predicament much, I expect. How about discussing her status? She could be seen as a nonprofit organization that benefits the community, and thus receive a compensation - or significant lowering of her taxes - in return. That would be a lawful solution that would spare us raising the anger of the Iomedaeans further - and thus spare the town more trouble. Which leads us to our next move regardless - who is the tax officer? We could pay him a visit."
GM, since I'm swamped with work and still haven't recovered by Internet connection, could we consider that Anarxos is reading the books he found, then will attempt to report to the Archbaron as indicated in an earlier post (see the spoiler)?
Apologies for the lack of posting for the past two days, I've moved into a new apartment and my ISP still hasn't restored my connexion. I'll do my best to post from my phone in the meantime, but if I need to be botted, please do so. Sorry about the inconvenience! -Posted with Wayfinder
Sorry for yesterday, I haven't been able to post, mostly because I'm moving next week and so much remains to be done as far as boxes are concerned. Moving day is Thursday 15th, so expect me to have limited time and connectivity for a few days then. Sorry about that! Secondly, welcome Pava! I'm very glad you chose to join our band of merry (wo)men of mischief. Thirdly, my last post in the Gameplay thread referred to how we should handle loot. So far we haven't decided anything about that, and I'm sure we even haven't kept track of the items looted until now. I vaguely remember a weapon being taken in the tavern, as well as the Sheriff's stash, but I haven't paid too much attention to it either. So to make things clear OOC, here's what I propose (feel free to voice your disagreement or agreement of course!): #1 Pool the items we loot. #2 See if anyone wants anything. Give them the appropriate item(s). #3 Sell the rest. Use part of that money to buy consumables for the whole group (curative items, scrolls/potions/wands that can help with our survival and well-being as a whole, etc.) #4 Split the rest of the money among ourselves according to the value of the items people chose to keep at step #2. For example, if someone claims a +1 full plate (2,500 gp, off the top of my head), then he'll forgo the next 2,500 gp from the split to compensate. The last step is the most controversial I think, since there can be many variants to this. Thoughts? Any input is welcome.
Anarxos bows respectfully to Pava, introducing himself formally. "I am Anarxos of House Voralius, Historian and Interrogator at the service of the Ministry of Historical Accuracy. Our current predicament is however the same, since we both appear to work for Archbaron Fex. Loyalty must be our first concern here, as we won't be able to perform our duties without that key element. The question is - can we count on you? What are your credentials, apart from the obvious branding scar we share?" Anarxos addresses the newcomer. Frowning at the mention of valuables Ahreni speaks of, the nobleman shakes his head. "You bring up an important point, my dear. So far we have all handled our gold on a personal basis, and I think that was wise. We should continue doing that. As far as our spoils of war are concerned, we haven't made a decision so far. Since you're asking for my opinion, allow me to suggest this: First, let's pool all the weapons, armors and various items we've plundered so far, both mundane and magical. Secondly, let's see if any of these items can be of use to any among us, and sell the rest. Thirdly, we could acquire consumables useful to our very survival with a part of the money coming from the sale, then split the rest according to the value of the items we've each chose to keep from our spoils. Does it sound fair?" He quickly concludes with: "I'm not well-versed in the appraising of wares, so I don't believe I should be in charge of this. Perhaps this would be a charge you'd relish, Ahreni?"
Anarxos cannot help but brood on the way back, rehashing thoughts about the recent events again and again. So the Bacusis were Arodenites. That would easily explain why they chose exile when House Fex rose to prominence. I think the Archbaron would like to hear what we've done. I'll report on the morrow. It is only when he sees the camel in fron of the jailhouse that he's forcefully brought back to reality. Addressing a quizzical frown at the beast, he cannot help but wonder. "How thoughtful of the Archbaron to send reinforcements. Come inside, please, Ma'am, and we'll discuss this matter further."
GM:
Let's face it, he was a loose cannon. This might have been necessary sooner or later. Thanks old man, I guess. It is only then that he sees Ahreni's wings. His usual composure drops, soon replaces by a fascinated look. "Well then. This is unexpected, Ahreni. How you you manage to hide these the rest of the time? I'm impressed, for I was fooled by your disguise."
Anarxos's mind races like lightning, considering every possible action, assessing every possible outcome. Like a mental strategy game he's playing against himself, he places himself in a state of inner turmoil he hasn't been pushed into for years. Yet it is quite obvious that the nobleman relishes this. Yet he comes out empty-handed. We can't win against the powers of good in a fair fight, that is plain and clear. If only we had poison! I know of a recipe that would be a perfect fit for this holier-than-thou. Mental note: brew some. If we survive this. Finding no other viable alternative, Anarxos strikes again, hoping to be quicker this time. Yet once more, his clumsy attempt is an easy parry for the expert knight.
Seeing Marcellus fall, shivers run down Anarxos's spine. His face decomposes itself, becoming pale and ghastly. He stops for a split second, as if frozen in time. Is Marcellus dead? That fiendish... He does mean business. But it's too late to run, to late to renounce. Regaining his senses, Anarxos steps over Marcellus's body to stab the paladin, providing a much-needed tactical advantage to Ahreni. How3ever the nobleman proves once more that he's no match for a well-trained Arodenite, as his blade is easily parried.
Seeing that his threats are empty against such a formidable will, Anarxos sighs and draws his rapier as he closes in on the elderly paladin. "Very well, let's resort to alternative methods. I'm not done with you yet." Anarxos strikes with his fine blade, but he's far too slow to hope to match the paladin in swordmanship.
To be completely honest, I didn't remember that (and you're absolutely right, immunity to fear also means immune to the shaken condition). Anarxos has next to no experience with paladins, so he might ignore that too (until now). Hence I won't change my action, it's what my character would do. Thanks for the offer, though! It's much appreciated.
Seeing the knight surrounded and almost done for physically, Anarxos opts to remain at about fifteen feet of the Arodenite and break him on the inside, to shatter his will. "My, my. Who's delusional now? An old man clinging to some alledged moral high ground and a dead god? Allow me to spare you niceties in return, then. Your god is dead and gone. He has withered over a hundred years ago, and your kind is about to become extinct. You have failed, old man. You're nothing, and your actions are meaningless. There is no hope, only oblivion."
Anarxos approaches the armored old man more cautiously than his furious companion, circling around him and drinking a bubbly purple extract in the process. He frowns as he beholds the symbol engraved on the man's armor. An Arodenite, I should have known. Don't they ever know when to stop? Their god is dead, they have already lost, for crying out loud. Why clinging to that obsolete faith?
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