Cleric of Pharasma

Councillor Braccio's page

33 posts. Alias of FangDragon.


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Sounding disgusted Braccio barked, "Good faith is pushing it! Ok they'll follow the letter of the law but it doesn't stop Melvaunt or The Zhents from being snakes!"


Ishra wrote:
"Have you tried scrying the place? What can you tell us of it?"

Braccio took a sip of water before replying, "Well scrying doesn't work near the castle, there's all sorts of warding spells bound into the stonework. But I was granted a brief vision of the auction. There is to be a large marquee tent within which Valint and Balk's security will be handling everything. Only the wealthy are permitted within and Valint and Balk aren't exactly picky about who or where the gold came from.

All of you where in it, most of you where looking at the central table where there was an orb like object under a red velvet cover. Azarra however had eyes only for the slave pen. That's all I saw but I said the outcome is uncertain if you go but terrible if you don't."

Anyone have any more questions? If not I can move us forwards.


Braccio shifted nervously in his seat, "Erm well Quentin you know what divinations are like, they're not always as precise as you or I would like. Is it real? I don't know. Will there be a good outcome if they go? Uncertain. Is there a bad outcome if they don't try? Yes the vision was adamant about that in no uncertain terms, it's the same fiery death from above followed by invasion from human troops we've been worried about for months. Again the vision was inclusive about whose army but like I've said before I suspect the Zhents."


Braccio nodded, "No sense delaying, I think we should summon the others and thrash this out now. Better brace yourselves for a long night, I know Earhard won't be pleased nor Eberhard..."

Braccio went next door briefly and spoke to one of his aids and mused, "Well I've thrown the dice, let's see where it lands."

I'll update later, but you have a chance to plot the retrieval of the orb or plan arguments you might want to present to the council in order to persuade them to put up the 100,000+ gold (you don't actually have to do that, it seems Braccio and von Urslignen will present the idea, but council would listen to your advice).


Shaking his head at the thought, Braccio added, "I wish there was a peaceful way out of this, we tried sending messengers to discuss terms but they sent their flayed bodies back. More than once I might add to our and their eternal shame. Like cornered rats I fear they'll fight to the bitter end."


Everyone, you have been summoned to the Temple of Tymora where Bishop Braccio and von Urslingen are holding conference.

Von Urslingen had just asked Braccio what was wrong with Talia and he replied, "I think she took an arrow meant for one of us. Only a small amount of the poison it seems entered her system but even so it's done tremendous damage. It's of a magical nature as much a curse as a toxin, I believe I can break its hold but thats going to involve spells I wouldn't normally pray for. Right now her life is in The Lady's Hands, if she survives till the morning then we stand a good chance..."


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Zane:
Braccio smiled, "A job well done! Did you find out why this mad man was dumping this waste into the river? No matter if not. Anyway events have been developing a pace here. Some good, some decidedly not, some just plain weird. The Podol Plaza has been reclaimed along with much of the eastern part of town. We're hoping to retake the Stojanow Gates and from there Vallejavo castle, there's a contract in the wings there if you're interested..."

Braccio pours himself some tea which had been steeping in a ceramic pot and offered you some before continuing, "Rather more disturbing has been a plague of Zhentish assassins. So far we've been able to deal with them but they only have to get lucky once. Cardona is convinced that the Zhents can be reasoned with. 'All they want is gold' or so he claims. He's agitating to send a trade delegation which rather sounds like inviting a rattlesnake into your home. But without a proper army we where always going to have to come to some sort of accommodation with them. Better trade than war, I suppose, although it does leave a bad taste I can tell you.

You might be heartened to hear that Cardona has seen fit to fire that toad Morven. The wretch was las two weeks ago seen scurrying away with his tail between his legs on a sloop headed to Mulmaster. Honestly I don't know what's come over with Cardona, all of a sudden he's taking things seriously. He's even been helpful, actually I'm not sure that's the right world. Let's just say he's been actively engaged rather than daydreaming in council meetings.

Another strange thing happened a week ago, there was a targeted theft from Mantor's library. Apparently only one tome was taken, a recent acquisition: Volo's The Weave and Nodes of Power.

One final thing, Delenn Moonbean has been asking to see you upon your return. I understand she has taken lodgings at The Cracked Crown."

Azarra I'm going to get you a map of the gate soon (tm).


Zane:
The acolyte leads you to a rather plane looking atrium and knocks on the oak paralleled door. A moment later a rather tired looking Braccio opens and smiles upon seeing you, "Ah Zane! Just the man I wanted to talk to..."

You are ushered inside what must be Braccio's private church study. He has an excellent selection of books, the walls are covered with surprisingly tasteful religious iconography. His desk is practical oak and likely older than many elves. The leather chairs are comfortable if nearly as old as the table. There's a neat stack of unread correspondence in on corner of the table and another stack of read correspondence and a third what appears to be replies next to a quill pen and blotter.

Braccio invites you to take a seat and smiles, "Well we've had an interesting few days... More on that later, first I'd like to congratulate you on your success. Stopping the pollution that was poisoning the river is the best news we've had in years! How did you manage to do it? Something about Sorcerer's Isle blocks divination..."


"Excellent! Lady's luck be with you!" replied Braccio. The sentiment was echoed by all the councillors and the meeting broke up shortly afterwards.

@Ishta yes you can do part exchange, at least for common things like a +2 cloak.


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Braccio added, "We are of course relieved that you accept, but you might be wondering why are we only now offering this mission after a decade? What's different this time? Well as you probably know I consult with Tymora on issues of policy where the outcome is not obvious. For the first time the portents are favourable rather than mixed, based on this and your previous work we think you can do it although this is obviously an extremely dangerous mission. So much so that we will offer you a scroll of Raise Dead along with the portable hole and the glass canoes."


Braccio adds, "I guess it should be obvious this mission is deemed to be very dangerous, but the auguries suggest that if anyone can do it, it's you. The city will provide you with toughened glass canoes and paddles. While a bit fragile these are resistant to the corrosive nature of the water and are best stored in the provided portable hole."

Kn:History DC 18:
While the pollution is associated with the war, it actually started five years after the fall of Phlan to the inhuman forces.

Kn: Arcarna DC 20 or Kn: Local DC 18:
The contamination while not magical itself, is definitely derived or related to some magical process. Despite much interest from the sages of the realms, nobody had been able to determine just what that process is.

Kn: History DC 15 or Kn: Local DC 15:
The pollution has resisted all attempts to purify it. It's somehow truly bound to the soul of the water. The only choice seems to be to track down the source and deal with that.


Braccio's eyes rolled, "You're not going to let up about that are you?"


A hush falls over the delegation as they reach the bottom and enter the sepulchral darkness of the cavern below. Braccio offers a quiet prayer for Tymora and is answered by an intense blue-white light throwing everything into sharp relief. The councillors inspected the now rather sad looking remains with quiet horror as the full scale of what lurked below sunk in.

In a strangled voice Braccio whispered, "Oh this is horrible, so many..."


Bishop Braccio gives Kardas a sideways glance before saying evenly, "I think it's time we see the evidence below."


After what felt to Ishta like hours, although it was probably twenty five minutes or so, a delegation arrived. The first of which was Bishop Braccio who took in the private bordello with a roll of his eyes which then settled on Morven's derrière before narrowing in scorn, "For goodness sake Morven! Get some clothes on..." Turning to one of the watch members, Braccio snapped, "Sergeant! Hand Underpreist Morven his underclothes if you would be so kind."

Turning to Ishta and Ser Armithia he nods before saying grimly, "So I hear you dealt with an infestation down below... I'll need to take a look but it'll have to wait because this place is about to become a circus, everyone is coming here."


Bishop Braccio nodded and said, "That's not a bad idea Kardas. I'd be happy to pen you a scroll if you can obtain the inks and vellum..."

Just RP. The scroll costs the normal amount but it is available.


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"Proper mystery 'meat' that." remarked Braccio, "I don't know what it was but the chopped up bits had peculiar musculature."


Looking rather uncomfortable, Braccio made a sign of Tymora before telling you, "I don't know if you've ever attempted a divination, the answers are often as clear as mud. To my surprise this once it was crystal clear. If von Urslinghen and I go out today we'll be hard pressed against the undead and then somebody hidden in the shadows would murder us with some more of those Orcish arrows. I did check what would happen if you went, the assassin isn't interested in you. No this matter is something the council is going to have to deal with, and we are not without resources... In the mean time the source of the undead needs to be dealt with or the watch will get overwhelmed and civilized Phlan invaded."


The as the sun rises, the Watchers of Dawn make their way to the Temple of Tymora. Inside you find a trio of Councillors talking in hushed tones, hearing the door open they stop and glance in your direction.

"Ah you're here good. We've got a bit of a problem..."


Uncowed by the judge's tone, Braccio replied mildly, "It is, you'll want to see this."

Von Urslingen handed him a scroll case which Braccio passed to the clerk who took it to the bench where Tully was sitting.


Braccio listened to Ishta's suggestion before warning, "Guardian creatures are usually bound to a specific area. You would have to lure this demon down to where the angel is, assuming it would follow... But anyway yes, lets head over to the court room."


Azarra describes the picture and Braccio seems intrigued, "I wonder whose's in there? I can pray for guidance if you'd like..."

When Azarra describes the demon, Braccio's eyebrows go up, "A Suspiridaemon! By the lady that's a nasty foe, you'll need silver or blessed weapons and something to blow away the foul vapors they can summon. You might want to consider some blessed arrows so you can engage it from range as they can fly."

Zane wrote:
"Are the undead in Kuto's Well just overflow from the Graveyard?"

Braccio seems surprised by this idea, and replies uncertainly, "Well as you know there are extensive sewer tunnels and supposedly older deeper delvings beneath Phlan. Still, it's a reasonable step from Kuto's Well to the Graveyard which is outside the town perimeter, so that would be quite some tunnel. Mind you if such a tunnel exists it would explain a few things!"


Looking a little worried Braccio murmured, "Eberhard will be eighty five next month, he's still in reasonable health but he won't be with us forever..."

When Zarine shoes the other books they found and describes the murdered lawyer, Braccio seems even more worried, "I don't like the sound of any of that. Delenn was introduced to the council by Cardona, I wonder what his game is? In any event it seems she's been poorly treated. Despite what she was told I doubt the Zhents will kill her brother, they'll keep him for ransom."


Braccio examined the scroll for a moment, "Tully's not going to be best pleased if we drag him to the law court at this hour but I think perhaps it's worth it. In any event he detested the way the law had been abused in this case."

He then clapped once and an acolyte you hadn't noticed suddenly appeared, Braccio whispered something in the man's ear and then the acolyte ran off.

Turning back to you, Braccio said "Lets give Tully half an hour, that's enough time to finish our conversation and wander over to the court."


Azarra yes, you imagine it will take a little while before your contact replies.

It is a deceptively calm evening in Phlan where the town seems half deserted. The day had been long and hot so this was something of a surprise, the heat of the day had faded and there was a welcome breeze. The watchers of dawn make their way to the Temple of Tymora and are ushered in to find the service underway.

Inside was a large congregation and Braccio wearing his ceremonial robes was delivering a sermon, "The joy of the doubt and the danger is one that everyone here knows, those of the watch in particular. Every time you go out on patrol you are taking a chance it's true but Fortune favors the bold! A brave heart and willingness to take risks beat out a carefully wrought plan nine times out of ten and look how far our stout hearts have takes us! Civilized Phlan is twice the size it was last year." The congregation cheer and when they quieten down Braccio continues, "Our progress is a sign of the ladies favor. They say a copper to the Lady returns tenfold in gold, well my friends what you of the watch are donating here every day with your hard work and your courage will be repaid a thousand fold the day we are finally able to call all of Phlan home!" This sentiment seems to please the crowd greatly leading to cheering and excitement.

Later after the traditional blessing the service wound down and you where left alone in the temple with Braccio and von Urslingen. Braccio smiled when he saw you and said, "I'm glad you where able to come. The auguries suggested you met with success in the Library, which is good because the City has been having a bit of a Torrid time while you where away. You see something is making the dead restless, so much so that I was called out of retirement to help."


When asked about a map Braccio smiles to himself, "I had a feeling you might need one. I fetched one from the archives last night, here take a look." He pulls out a large chart, the draftsmanship is outstanding although the vellum is yellowed with age. "We're here." he points to an area near the eastern end of town, "Over here is the the Temple of Bane. As you can see the tunnels all seem to avoid it. Pretty sure this isn't accurate! My best guess is there's a hidden entrance somewhere down this spur here, which you can now from the courtyard in front of the Kovel mansion."

I don't think free form sewer exploration will work well in PbP format, so what I propose to do instead is to have a couple of vignettes to give you the 'flavor' so to speak as you follow Braccio's suggestion. Better Keep your eyes peeled! I'm ready to start when you are.


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Glad you're enjoying it!
"Never fear Azarra, such things are indeed best done with a good nights sleep..." Replied Braccio. He then listened to Ishta's question and he answered promptly, "How did Eberhart put it... 'Yes Braccio they've done well, but I don't want to upset the more established companies by showing so much favor so soon.'" Braccio shrugged, "It's true there are a number of other adventuring of good repute in the employ of Phlan. For example Dove company, The Hundred blades, The Deepingdale Lions and so on. Thing is they're busy. You've shown good judgment and you're available so why not? Well I suppose if you're an ambitious sort like Cardona you have plans within plans."

Ishta wrote:
"There is some info I need, some info that might be related to Cardona's grandfather. Some info that might be out of the record - since I've already consulted the records. Would you or any other Councillor help me unearth it? It is of capital importance to me, and it is the reason I am here. Deal?"

Braccio strokes his chin as he thinks, "Mmmm. Fair warning Cadorna may appear to be a fop but he's not someone I'd cross lightly... That whole family are rotten to the core." A little reluctantly he answers Ishta's question, "I wouldn't be surprised if there were family records in the Cadorna Textile house. Before you get too excited that's deep in enemy territory, although if Lady Luck's willing and the offensive goes well who knows? The other place you might check is Mantor’s Library. Again that's held by the enemy but we might be in a position to contest it soon."

Sense Motive DC 18:
You think that is all Braccio knows. He does seem genuinely concerned you could be making an enemy here... Metagame knowledge both of those places are missions you could take, but at level 4 you'd get curb stomped there.

Feel free to make your goodbyes if you're ready to go shopping. I haven't gotten round to updating the loot log but the city is going to award you 1600 gold for capturing most of the guild.


Braccio replies, "Their compound is a little to the west of the Kovel mansion, by the river. The door to the temple is magically locked. We know it extends some distance underground, I would not be surprised to learn if there was a sewer entrance. As for a net, I don't officially but if word was to get out that something was happening I'm sure the watch would come running."

The temple is located at C on this map.


Later when afternoon had turned to evening you find yourselves standing outside the Parsonage. For Phaln this was a relatively modest homely building, behind the docks near the Temple of Tymora. You knocked on the door and where surprised to be answered by Braccio himself wearing an apron and a Chef's hat. Jovially he bade you "Come in one and all! I put several racks of lamb with prunes, apricots and spices in clay pots this morning over a low fire. The lamb should be very tender now." From within you can smell something delicious.

Over dinner (which was very good), Braccio mostly stuck to small talk about various families who where returning or planning to return to Phlan, and talk of historical events. Once the last of you finishes, Braccio turns to business, "Firstly I'd like to thank you for your work dismantling the Second Story Gang. With a little of the ladies luck I believe we can rehabilitate most of the ones you captured. Naturally I'll do what I can to support von Urslingen in his attempts to repeal that awful bill. Fortunately I believe enough time has been bought for us to attend to other, fairly urgent matters..."

He meets your eyes and pauses before explaining, "I'm aware that you found the symbol of Bane. It's good that you did because we think they're up to something. All divination relating to them or their compound have started failing in the last day. This has happened before and it's usually a prelude to them doing something awful, last time it was two dozen lesser demons sent to attack the town. Unofficially the council, well everyone bar Eberhart and Cardona, would like you to investigate and if possible stop whatever they're doing. We won't be able to offer an official reward, but from what I understand they've amassed a bit of an arsenal over the years from various ill-fated adventurers. I have a feeling you'll be rather more lucky, in fact we're counting on that. Anyway I'll leave the details up to you, but I'd recommend approaching via the sewers. They won't be expecting that because those aren't terribly safe, although it's nothing you can't handle. Oh and one other thing, there should be records including maps of the sewers in the town's archives. So tell me will you do this service for Phlan?"


Braccio's face reddens and grumbles, "Impudent pup! Those Black Watch are near as bad as the thieves we want rid of. Sure this will be a bloody business, but there's no reason for them to enjoy it quite so much and to chase those poor wretches around like that was disgraceful."

Kn:Local DC 14:
Apparently once the majority of the undesirables had been routed, the last few where disarmed and chased around for fun. They eventually died of blood loss from dozens of small cuts.


Earlier before the Councillors left:
Ser Armithia the good Friar is currently beavering away on Ishta's behalf. Speaking of which Ishta I think I misunderstood you. I assumed you where paying in advance for future work rather than paying in arrears :)

Bishop Braccio frowns slightly at being addressed as a 'Friar' but his voice contains no anger when he replies, "We don't know where the horn is exactly, but somewhere in the keep seems most likely."

Re purchases Phlan has pretty much everything under 100gp available in the markets, no need to RP such purchases unless you want to. Note some purchases (drugs mostly) will get you in trouble with the watch. It has more expensive stuff too and as land gets reclaimed more and more exotic stuff will become available as the population grows and ancient forgotten caches are uncovered.


Braccio glanced at Von Urslingen who seems to nod imperceptibly. Braccio then stands up and says, "I vote aye."

At once the crowd start shouting in excitement.


Bishop Braccio stands up to address the crowd. Unlike the stern head masterly voice of Councillor Eberhard, his voice is rich and pleasant. Addressing the crowd he says, "Thank you Councillor Eberhard, and thank you all for attending. Thanks to the grace of Tymora and the wise council of Friar Jenkins we have learned Martinez set a series of passwords that will allow passage without arousing these undead. Divinations reveal the records of which are lost somewhere on the island. Supposedly there is a golden horn that if sounded by one of true heart, will break the spell and release the unfortunate souls so they may depart onto the afterlife. We need somebody to find that horn and sound it. I'm afraid that all we know, so er good luck! The city of Phlan is counting on you."