er, so......
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The Tempest gritted his teeth and flexed his muscles instinctively. He almost leapt down from the roof. Sizing up the distance, he knew the fall wouldn't hurt him much. And with the right positioning, he could probably tumble in, knock the shoe-maker out of the way, and catch most of the Shoanti in a blast of flames. But what would that do? They'd be replaceable; these men were hired muscle of some sort, and others would be back to take their place. No, he needed to watch, bear witness, and follow them back to their leader to stop the problem at its source. No matter how many owners got roughed up this evening, he'd restrain himself. Shaking his head -- confident and refocused on the task at hand -- Tempest made a mental note that Andrezi should visit the shoe-maker the next day, and that he should buy an incredibly overpriced pair of shoes.
From his rooftop perch, Tempest half smiles, half frowns as the Shoanti take his bait. Resisting the urge to swing down and fight them here and now, he watches as they begin to leave, and begins to follow along above them, ready to drop down in their midst at a moment's notice, but unwilling to betray his position for now. 'That's right, show me where you're going, and who you work for...'' he thinks...
Andrezi spends the rest of the day installing the new security measures, cataloging the other goods he received from Exzren, and performing his regular shop maintenance and sales duties. As sunset approaches, he closes Opus a bit earlier than usual, and bars the shop windows and doors. Taking out a small leather purse, he pulls the seven silver he 'owes' from a box behind the counter and fills the bag. In a messy, shaking hand -meant to convey nervousness and powerlessness- he wrote simply 'please forgive my lateness' on a scrap of parchment and hung it from the strings of the bag. Hopefully they'd see the bag, take it, and move on so Tempest could follow them home. If they stuck around to cause more trouble, or tried to get in the shop, well, all bets were off. Just before sunset, Andrezi exited out front door of Opus, locking it behind him, and left the bag with its note and contents hanging from the door handle. Cautiously looking around, he snuck off, finding a comfortable perch to change into Tempest and keep an eye out for his visitors.
"Very good, sir. Though I'm not sure the nastier ones are something I'd like to see triggered- on anyone. I'm not one for violence. Preferably, I'd have something to hold any would-be wrong-doers until the proper authorities can be rallied. " Andrezi presents his best innocent face to Ezren, then allows himself to visibly relax, brushing off the feigned-discomfort following the discussion of violence, and begins moving back towards around the counter, to evaluate his supplies. "Still, I think we can do business. Let's just take a look at my supplies...Diamond dust and Opals, I believe you said? And maybe a Star Sapphire eventually? Let's see what we can do..."
"Very interesting, sir. You've piqued my interest for sure. What else have you to show me?" Andrezi asks, genuinely interested in what Ezren has to show.
'Ah, some variation on a classic 'Alarm'.Quite clever, actually.'
"Oh my, that does sound useful. Very well: 'Shezra'. 'Thezra'"
Andrezi accepts the rods, but doesn't move once Ezren finishes his instruction. Caution was paramount, especially with unknown magics. "Surprises can be...bad for business you understand. Might I ask before hand what I can expect to see, sir? Please understand I mean no offense."
"Well, it's no secret about the security, I suppose," Andrezi says, offering a genuine smile back. By now, his curiosity had began to vie with this caution for attention. "I'd love to see what you've to bargain with. I've always been intrigued by interesting magics," he continues. "Shall I close the shop so we can go elsewhere, or do you happen to carry your goods on your person?"
Diamond dust, for a spell perhaps? And negotiating? What's he getting at, exactly? He doesn't exactly appear the type to be lacking in funds... Maybe there's an 'unfortunate' reason he's not at one of the other, 'finer' shops in the city... With a smile, Andrezi clasps Ezren's hand for a moment, and meets his eye. In a practiced, invisible ritual, Andrezi felt out for the mans' energy, starting from his still-grasped hand and quickly moving up his arm and through each of his chakras in turn and memorizing the unique signature.
"Well met, Ezren, well met- and I think I should be able to help you very nicely. Now, what exactly would you be negotiating with?"
"Salutations, my good sir, the best to you," Andrezi says to his visitor, as he waves his hands around, gesturing to the shop, before offering his hand to the visitor in welcome: "And welcome, to 'Opus'. Might there be something in particular you are looking for today?" Andrezi kept a cheerful, polite tone, and was careful neither to offend nor to imply that he didn't generally see such nicely dressed customers entering the shop. 'Perhaps word of my house-calls has begun to spread? Excellent!'
Andrezi enters Opus after unlocking the front door, and then re-locks the bars behind him. Without bothering to light any lamps, he navigates through the pitch-black room perfectly, and makes his way to the basement. After making his way down the dark, stone steps, he reaches out and grabs a sconce from the wall, twisting it until it creaks to a stop at a right angle. A slot in the wall opens, and Andrezi slips through it, just before it slams shut behind him. He had intended to spend the rest of the evening studying, and didn't plan on the eventual interference of a street gang to impede him. ************ The next morning, Andrezi woke early and fed himself a simple breakfast. Reasonably refreshed after a night of intense study of his tome, he prepared for his menial day, while considering his options for the evening. 'If they're coming back, I suppose I've got two options. I could pay them, and follow where the money, and they, go. Or Tempest could intervene first.' After considering the pros and cons of both, he came to a decsion. 'It might be more satisfying to beat them, but the thugs I've been intercepting lately have been less apt to talk than they used to be. Maybe their bosses are getting frustrated with me... Regardless, if I want to learn anything, Andrezi had better pay up, and let Tempest follow the trail.' With that settled, he unlocked the doors and windows, and opened Opus for the day.
Oh, the full version of Akashic Mysteries came out. I'm reading now; I'll let you know of any changes needed to Andrezi.
"Tomorrow at sunset? Thank you, young man. I look forward to their arrival." Andrezi throws the boy a generous smile and a fancy bow, then makes his way up to his door and begins unlocking the bars. 'Tomorrow at sunset. Well someone will meet them, that's for sure...'
"Why, yes, my friend, I am. And what can I do for you tonight? Bit late to be out shopping, isn't it?" Andrezi turns to face the boy, and responds politely and with an innocuous smile, even as he looks him up and down; though he's suspicious and on edge he tries his best to hide it.
Tempest looks on, curious, and thankful that the boy is unharmed.
He watches as the Shoanti pull out of view.
Making sure he's still out of sight, he returns to his causal clothes, packing Tempest's cloak back in its hiding spot and gathering his quickly gathering his composure. Something about wearing the clothes always made him feel more free, liberated. Now, back in his regular outfit, he felt familiar, but limited. Still, there were things only this identity could accomplish. Moving around the corner, he makes his way to his door, watching for the waif only out of the corner of his eye.
Andrezi considers his options as he watches the men pound on his door from afar. He could attack them now; it was fairly obvious to him that they were up to no good, but that might cause some suspicion if his attack looked too preemptive, or even unmotivated. No, it was better to wait for them to 'wrong' Opus. Something the public was aware of that could justify Tempest's involvement and ensure that no investigator managed to draw a connection between the jeweler and his alter ego. 'I'll give them a minute or so, I guess. Maybe then I can follow them back where they've come from.' Tempest thinks.
Hey Reckless, how's the family stuff coming? Things getting any better?
Wow. That's REALLY good. :) Very nice!
"Hrm, I wonder if they're looking to break in and rob me, or maybe just rough me up a bit?" As Andrezi considers his options, he decides it's not worth being caught in his street clothes if indeed something bad happens. He stashes his case behind some trash bins down a nearby alley and, after making sure he's alone, begins donning Tempest's Cloak.
Having changed, he quickly returns to the corner and peers back out at the Shoanti, doing his best to stay hidden.
Andrezi silently steps back, hiding around the corner without taking his eyes off the armed men in front of his building. Coincidence? Seems unlikely, but who are they? Hired men? Andrezi checks over his shoulder to make sure he's alone, unsure where the 'missing' member of the group may be, and considers donning Tempest's dark cloak.
That's not actually a bad idea. How big were you thinking it is? A map of the Shadow might help too, in general. I've been wondering how long the walk is back to my Safehouse/Opus. Not that I mind being out of the spotlight for a bit, just curious.
For the sake of my sanity, I'm giving Andrezi's Shop a name: 'Opus'.
Andrezi offers a handshake to Harry as he leaves, and ducks out, after a final bow towards Katla. After leaving, he starts off in the direction of his shop.
"Your offer is very kind, but I think I must take my leave. Please enjoy your time here sir, without the distraction of my company. My best to you both." Andrezi smiles as he declines the offer to stay. "I think I will keep an eye on you though, Harry. Or Tempest will anyway. Let's see just exactly how rough your crowd is..." Andrezi thinks, as he makes his way back to his shop, planning to return quickly and stealthily as Tempest, and follow the man back towards his home.
That's not such a bad conclusion to make, especially since Andrezi also buys and sells antiques/oddities and other general loot from passing through adventurers. If the Fox ended up staking out Andrezi's shop, I wouldn't be surprised, and it sort of sounds completely justified.
Sounds fair to me!
Feel free. It probably is suspicious that he works out of the Shadow, and that he's walking around the roughest section of the city. alone, with what is presumably valuable items in the jeweler's case. He also appears quite sincere in his concern for the man, and was incredibly polite and formal to a man clearly well beneath him on the social ladder. A lot of people have problems w/ rolling against other players, and while I'm not sure about Reckless' opinion, I know it's never particularly bothered me, especially in situations like this. edit:
"Oi, and she's sharp too; perhaps I've overplayed my hand,"
"Maybe another time then. Quite rude of me, Master Egrelt, imposing on your time here. Please, accept my apologies, and a heartfelt wish that your family situation improves. Good day." "I should really work on being more aloof..."
Andrezi looks on with interest as Katla cures the man, taking note of the spell she chose.
Walking back into the shop after one final glance into the street, Andrezi invites himself to join.
Andrezi graciously stepped out of the door just before the man came in. Having noted his ragged appearance and injuries, he instinctively scanned the surroundings, looking for anything out of place, or threatening. Then, he turned back to watch the exchange in the shrine. "A healer, eh? That could be helpful once in a while. I wonder how talented she is exactly?" As the man told his story, Andrezi silently cursed the circumstances, but made sure to pay attention, in the hope that he might pick up some information that could prove useful about the 'rough crowd'.
Andrezi smiles after his bow and turns towards the door, starting to leave. To Katla's salutation he replies over his shoulder through a smirk,
"A respectable, and noble cause, Katla. This place is very, peaceful. I've some business to attend to," he says, holding up his briefcase, "but I should like to come by again later, I think."
"And I wish you the best. The people here are better off with some reminding, as you say. Take care, Katla, it was lovely meeting you." After one final glance around the room, Andrezi offers an honorable bow, hoping it's close enough to what Katla did when he entered not to offend his host.
"Please, it's Andrezi. The 'Sir' is unnecessary." he replies. "And I'm serious, your work is as good as any I've seen. I must ask: what brings you to Underbridge? You could work anywhere in the city, I would think."
Works for me- I figured meeting in person, even briefly, will give us a decent foundation for not FREAKING OUT later if we end up finding out each other's secret. Also, Andrezi is genuinely pleased that there's a pretty thing in the Shadow, even if it's likely to be a target at some point. (though I pity the poor thief who tries to steal from the Fox!)
Andrezi took in the surroundings as he crossed the threshold into the shrine. "This is...quite beautiful," he thought, impressed by the simple, yet striking brushwork.
He smiles politely and walks over to investigate some of the calligraphy closer.
Upon returning to the shop, Andrezi slipped a key from an interior pocket and unlocked the reinforced front doors. He moved around to the windows and the rear doors, repeating the process, sliding the bars up and out of the way to preserve appearances. He wanted any customers to feel as comfortable as was possible in the Shadow, at least while visiting his store. As the day wore on, he couldn't seem to get the shrine from the morning out of his mind. Towards the end of the day, the shop conveniently found itself empty of customers, and Andrezi decided to move up his schedule for visiting. "Why wait," he asked himself, when the criminals won't? If the place was a target, it would be better to familiarize himself sooner rather than later after all. He packed a reasonably-sized briefcase with a few notable pieces of jewelry, giving him an excuse to be traveling were anyone to question him. In the false bottom of the case, he carried Tempest's cloak and hood, just in case.
I like it. Andrezi would probably want to visit the shrine later in the day anyway. I'll get a post in later this morning.
Andrezi slowed his pace as he rounded the last corner and the Shadow came fully into view. He'd had a relatively successful early morning call on a potential client in the Marble District, his first from that part of the city, and that meant talk of his work must be spreading. That the nobility would consider his work at all was a victory for Underbridge, albeit a small one; most of his higher-class patrons still refused to visit in person, opting to send messengers and butlers instead. The day-to-day patrons were instead more 'exotic' clientele: antique collectors, treasure hunters, and the odd adventurer. As he passed into the Shadow, he paused at one of the newer buildings and peered in through a surprisingly clean window at what appeared to be small shrine-- to Shelyn maybe? . A smallish red-haired woman adjusted something on the opposite wall from his window and he left quickly, hoping to be out of sight before she caught him staring. It was a noble cause, trying to establish a shrine to Beauty in this dark place, if a dangerous one. Andrezi could appreciate the effort though. He'd have to keep an eye on it; a place like that would be a prime target for some of the seedier residents of Underbridge looking to make off with some pretty trinket. "I should make a point of visiting eventually-- get an idea of what they have in there..." he thought.
Probably the first and biggest, at least until I've had some more time to think about it, is the relationship between the two heroes at the beginning. Do we know each other? Is there a growing respect? A healthy fear? Or maybe we showed up at the same crime scene once, and became friendly. Or maybe we want to play the whole thing out from scratch. Thoughts?
dot
OK, so Andrezi is all updated, and the new content I wanted was added.
Defense 23 & DR 2 isn't bad at all.
I went through and added descriptions for my veilshaping powers, at least the ones I picked for the day. Should give a little more explanation about what Andrezi can do. These are sort of the generic, 'be prepared for whatever' veils. Twice a day, he can change up to two of them to any other veil, so he's got a reasonable amount of utility as well. (NOTE: once he unshapes a veil to shape another, he loses the bind abilities until he has a chance to prepare veils again, so this is more of an 'I don't really need dragon breath right now, but I do need that bonus to Diplomacy' kind of thing.) I've got one more piece I want to write, and maybe then fill out some details, but otherwise, I'm looking pretty close to done.
That's funny Xihe, I almost always build the crunch first, then fit the story to the abilities. Andrezi has ended up having skill points up the wazoo and has become a seriously tough dude with 20 Con and the bonus HP from Toughness/Mythic Toughness and Essence of the Immortal. As an Veilweaver, he's a little behind a real caster in terms of damage or control potential on a per-standard-action basis, but he can go all day with the powers he does have, and he's really flexible. I think the Vigilante social and hiding bonuses have great synergy with way the Vizier approaches Akasha. -Crunch-wise I just need to write out the offense and write-out the utility abilities of my current slate of Veils.
If Reckless, or anyone else really, have questions about Veilweaving or Akashic magic, feel free to ask away. It's obviously third party stuff, but Dreamscarred tends to be pretty well respected, at least from what I've seen, and it's all on d20pfsrd (and this alias bio as well).
Sounds good. I might fiddle in the meantime, but consider him done.
Guess I'll post here too. Hisst is all done.
haha, fair enough. I threw up a reasonably short backstory/personality/motivation but it should be enough to get started I suppose.
So what kind of hook should we start with? Is there a place I should be at or something? From the PH, I can see most Adraka live in a certain desert, what would bring a typical Adraka out adventuring- would he go seeking it, or is 'circumstance' more likely? Answers like that should help with creating the story for Hisst. |