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Arael's Rescue DM GM:
Will vs. Mask Murderous Command DC 18 . Will vs. Blackspire Cause Fear DC 16 . Will vs. Sa Hideous Laughter DC 14 . Will vs. Malqazar Bane DC 16 . Will vs. Jing Next of Kin DC 15 . Fiarra attack vs. HK is a miss. Jing
The foe Mask targets turns his head towards the man standing next to him. Fukushu's strike misses the mark, despite that, the man leaps off of the wagon and begins to flee back across the bridge. Sia targets the other Knight at the back of the wagon , he falls down hysterically laughing, right onto the wagon. Malqazar's foe shakes his head, apparently resisting his powers. Jing is not quite close enough to target Malqazar's foe, he is able to reach the man dead center on top of the wagon . The leader stands and bellows out, "Ambush!" At precisely that moment, the horses ahead strike the caltrops and all hit the ground, unable to charge back to the wagon.
Alright, better than my last stretch but not as good as I want it to be. Good news is that I'll be filing the final Divorce paperwork tomorrow. Then a meeting with the Judge and that'll be behind me!
Arael's Rescue An hour goes by, quite slowly. The stream underneath the bridge isn’t particularly cold, but it quickly reaches a depth of 4 feet. The water flows fast requiring you to stand on what little banks there are. The bridge is quite sturdy and made of mortared stone and is a single arc span across the stream. Then you hear it in the distance. The sound of horses and wagon wheels. The column moves slowly and quietly towards the ambush point underneath and near the bridge. Just after they cross your pulses begin to race as you wait for a signal. Then it happens, firecrackers! The leader calls out, "Men, drive these bandits from the road!" One of the soldiers on the wagon leaps off onto one of the mounts. The four horsemen and the extra footman ride hard towards where Janiven and the few other rebels on horseback are positioned. She turns and begins to ride away, you presume, into a further trap around the bend that cannot be seen. The leader speaks once more, "Turn this wagon around. We cannot afford to move forward into the unknown!" As the wagon begins to turn, this would seem the right time to strike!
Before Arael's Rescue Janiven sighs, "I agree with Blackspire but I can see Mask's point of view. Do your best to not slay them but if death comes to them, well, joining the Order came with risks..." With that, she and the rest of the Rebels ride off leaving your group to set up the ambush.
OK, update here tomorrow night, my thanks for your patience. Should be an interesting ambush scene!
THIS :-) Sorry folks, just as I was catching up, I got sick on Sunday. I'll need to post OT the next 3 nights to try and catch up once more. Just can't catch a break these days it seems.
Arael's Rescue Janiven and the Rebels provide you all with horses and exit the city in groups of two or three to ensure that the sentries do not see a large ensemble allowing for ease of recognition of the group assuming the ambush is successful.
A mile outside of the city the group gathers and heads towards the "ambush point". Janiven and the rebels also have caltrops which Janiven claims she will "put to good use". The group crosses the bridge where the ambush point is, Janiven speaks, "We will position ourselves at the far end of the road. Under the bridge and in the bushes here by the bridge should be sufficient cover for you all. Once the Hellknights cross the bridge, we will ride out of tree cover and challenge them a few hundred yards west of the bridge. If they do not charge, we will fire a few arrows in their direction to encourage them to do so. Behind the tree line, we will drop caltrops, I hate to injure the horses but..." Ermolos places a hand on her shoulder, "We must do what we must do". She nods, "Once their mounted forces chase us down, your ambush should begin..."
Great RP folks! Updating now, sorry for the delay there, RL woes continue for me and the boards being down last night was not exactly helpful.
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - The Teatro alla Wescala - Janiven is clearly emboldened by the amount of volunteers that have stepped forward to rescue Arael. She takes a deep breath, "As much as I would have liked to introduce the newcomers to those well established, as well as meet those of you that Arael recruited whilst I was busy myself, the time to act is now! I know the road to Citadel Rivad, if we hurry e can set up a proper ambush for the Hellknight caravan. Citadel Rivad lies northwest of the city of Westcrown a fortress and training ground for the Order of the Rack, the oldest and most zealous of the Hellknight orders. The road to the citadel is an offshoot from the main road that winds off to the southwest—the land along the route to the citadel is mostly open plain, with a few scattered groves of trees and one stone bridge crossing a stream. With rare exceptions, the only people who use the road are Hellknights or those providing services for them. Because of the low traffic and the proximity to the Hellknights, banditry is unheard of on this minor road, and while the forces of Citadel Rivad aren’t careless about the possibility of being attacked in this area, they certainly don’t expect it. This all makes the road the best point to attempt a rescue of the imprisoned half-elf. Still, the Hellknights are nothing if not thorough, their numbers will be great. I propose a two pronged attack. I, Morosino, Ermolos, and a few others who have access to horses will lead a feint ambush against the Hellknight caravan. Given the absence of bandit attacks on that road, the Hellknights are sure to interpret any attack as an attempt to rescue their prisoner, and the likely response to sighting a group of what appear to be bandits stepping into the road ahead will be to split their forces, sending their mounted troops forward to handle the supposed highwaymen while the
Then, your force can spring a second assault against the caravan, with lesser numbers allowing you to more easily free Arael and also reduce the amount of potential casualties that will need to be inflicted to accomplish the mission. If anyone has another suggestion, I am certainly willing to entertain one".
I'll allow it.
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - The Teatro alla Wescala - Janiven smiles at the suggestions by the newcomers, "Indeed, not only will an attempted rescue on the way to the Citadel be for the best Sia but it will eliminate observers and any chance that the Dottari or other locals interfere in our rescue attempts. Even more importantly, by rescuing him beyond Westcrown’s walls, we aren’t technically breaking city laws". Ermolos speaks up, "That is all well and good, and I do agree that slaying Hellknights would be more trouble than it's worth, but how will we actually accomplish this?" Janiven sighs, "We'll need volunteers, I will certainly go, who else is with me?" Young Morosino adds, "Well, I would like to go but I don't think I've the strength with a bow or blade to stop a Hellknight much less without killing one fully armed and armored as they will be". He looks around the room at the rest of the gathering.
The PC's have just entered a "safehouse" for an emerging group of rebels in Westcrown. The group is SO new that when the PCs arrived the group was debating a name for the group! The leader of the group is a man named Arael. He and his second in command, Janiven, have begun to gather like minded individuals to their cause. That exact cause has yet to be revealed but generally it is to promote freedom for the citizens of the city, though not to do so by necessarily overthrowing the Thrune. The safe house is an old shrine of Aroden. This shrine to Aroden, like many others throughout Westcrown, isn’t technically abandoned—it belongs to the church of Iomedae now, but no one has tended it for years. Westcrown’s government has no interest in maintaining the building, and like so many other ancient structures (especially those this close to the ruined portions of the city) it is simply ignored. Arael decided to use this old shrine as a safe house for his latest project for precisely these reasons. The combination of it being a sacred place to his religion and being a building the city government ignores makes it a perfect place to serve as a headquarters. Furthermore, long-standing laws that forbid secular groups from looting, rebuilding, or otherwise harming houses of worship work well to prevent too much Hellknight interest in the building. Yet just to be safe, Arael is careful to hide all indications that the shrine is now inhabited. Its facade is as old and filthy as it ever was, and he’s covered all interior doors and windows with dark curtains to block light sources from within. Very few of Westcrown’s citizens know that Arael has cleaned up the interior of the shrine—and most of those are now among his growing group of followers. The NEW PCs, are all present in this safe house and have been recruited by either Arael or Janiven over the course of the past few months. This approach I think allows each of the new PC's to tie their background to the group as they deem fit. The "rebels" are not a close knit group, at least not yet. Whether you are on the run, or want to join a cause, or want to expand your own influence within the city, etc. each of these are good reasons for joining a group that has begun to pick up steam "underground". Feel free to finalize your background with this in mind, I may or may not, use these backgrounds as part of Gameplay, I shall see where the AP takes us. The current complication that this nascent rebellion has to deal with is the fact that its leader was just arrested by the Hellknights! In fact, my last I/C post uncovered this information. For the next series of posts we will: 1. Introduce the new PCs to the current PCs,
If you have questions feel free to ask, if not, adjust backgrounds accordingly and go ahead and get introductory posts in.
Alright, I am bringing more than 3 on board. I am bringing 5 (was 4 got a PM from someone who was done but lost track at Christmas time so I a letting him in too). Due to the largesse of the group, I'll not wait for everyone to post when I update. Drops are fairly common on these boards, the original group was 8 down to the 4 now left. You'll need the extra bodies for the crazy scene that will ensue in the near future anyhow.
RECRUITMENT OPEN FOR COUNCIL OF SONG - All Bard Council of Thieves AP - CLOSED I see 4 submissions: 1. Tiger Claw – Fiarra - Female Buccaneer Bard 2 2. Tanner Nielsen - Tsura Vhiski - Skald (Ancestral Warrior) 2 3. Dodekatheon - Fukushu of Minata - Bard (Moso) 2 4. Doomed Hero – Mask - Mesmerist (2?) I will take ALL 4 submissions. The game is about to get into a combat heavy scenario, I figure extra Bards might be necessary to survive that encounter. Dot into the OOC Thread. Once you are all dotted in, I will explain how you all know each other. You are all about to meet the current group for the first time as they just entered the HQ of the group with which you are affiliated. The Link: Council of Song - DM Guild Master's All Bards Council of Thieves AP
By early next week I'll bring in the new PCs, they'll just be members of the Rebel crowd to ease introduction. I may even bring 3 on board.
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - The Teatro alla Wescala - The Rebel that suggested the Scions of Aroden blushes at Sia's comment. Janiven nods in agreement with Blackspire, "Indeed my perceptive friend. While there are some things we need to discuss now that you are all here it is true that rescuing Arael trumps all other things in importance right now..." Before she can finish another female bursts into the room, "I've found him! But it may be too late, the Hellknights have finally secured control over Arael, the bureaucratic complications of what jurisdiction the prisoner fell into were resolved in the Order of the Rack’s favor. The Hellknights are preparing to move him from the city jail to Citadel Rivad, the order’s stronghold outside the city walls. Once he’s there, he’s as good as lost and so are we". She is nearly in tears.
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - The Teatro alla Wescala - Vara and Malqazar give greetings as well though both seem perturbed by the fact the group was so easily spotted. Ermolos grins, "Follow me". He leads you from the back room you snuck into through a short hallway and into the main hall of the ruined shrine. Despite the damage and the age, the shrine itself still has some of its former glory shining through. The murals on the ceiling depict the God shepherding humanity through some of its darkest days. It is incomplete though and besides all the shouting form the people already present is distracting! A man, “The Knights of Westcrown.” A woman, “No, the Scions of Aroden.” Others interject, "It should be something gentler and more subtle in its attempt to win the hearts of the citizens and less antagonistic of the Thrune." A man, "Right like, Guardians of Cheliax.” Another woman, "Or Children of Westcrown.” Ermolos speaks, "Janiven's here." A man retorts, "That's a terrible name... by Iomedae it is Janiven!" Those gathered all look towards your group and some move towards Janiven including young Morosino who you dashed through the sewers with the other day. Besides Morosino and Ermolos, there are 10 other men and women here. Almost all appear to be commoners or at least that is how they dress. Janiven motions to your group, "As you can see, I have been recruiting..." One of the women asks, "Is it true what Morosino said, has Arael been captured?!" Janiven nods affirmatively, "It is true and we need to get him back".
I think we may have lost Vara, I've seen no posts by the Player anywhere since October 26. Do we just proceed with 4 for now?
Sorry for the delays, RL been kicking my ass lately. A good week for vacation and some heavy duty posting.
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - The Teatro alla Wescala - As thr grop slips in through the backdoor of the shrine, a voice in the darkness calls out, "Janiven, I hope this lot fights better than they sneak! Dwarven armies make less noise"... Janiven freezes, "Did anyone from the outside see us?!" A torch light blazes from the darkness of the small room, "No just me but caution is on order especially after what took place yesterday. Greetings friends, I am Ermolos. Who are you all?" The torch is being held by a muscular human male, he has dark hair and a chiseled handsome face.
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - The Teatro alla Wescala - --- Jing's sister is fine but restless, after reminding her about curiosity and cats, he once more ventures out to make coin to support her. --- Ian and Janiven hand you all some lines and you begin to practice. This is a different play than the one you all tried out for. In Absolom, in the year 4680, a brilliant poet and swordsman named Cyrano de Bergerac finds himself deeply in love with his beautiful, intellectual cousin Roxane. Despite Cyrano’s brilliance and charisma, a shockingly large nose afflicts his appearance, and he considers himself too ugly even to risk telling Roxane his feelings. One night, Cyrano goes to the playhouse at the Hotel de Bourgogne to make trouble: he has forbidden the actor Montfleury to take the stage for one month, but Montfleury plans to perform in the night’s production of La Clorise, with Roxane in the audience. Also in the audience is a young, handsome nobleman named Christian, who confides in his friend Ligniere that he loves Roxane. Despite there not being enough of you for all of the bit parts, you are able to walk through easily enough and are there for an hour plus. Certainly long enough to show that indeed this was rehearsal! Ian bids you all adieu as you step outside of the Teatro, Janiven smiles, "Let's go. Stay close". - You walk across Westcrown to the Rego Sacero district. Also known as the “Priest Sector” it contains more shrines and ecclesiastical real estate than the five other major Chelish cities combined. For centuries, priests and nobles alike kept all land east of the Arodennama (on and beneath the Rise) vacant for Aroden’s personal gardens. That land became a flashpoint of land grabs and assassination among many nobles, officials, and priesthoods after the Last Azlanti’s death. By 4614, various faiths and houses had bought up much of the land. As you enter the district Janivern speaks once more in a low whisper and begins to become more wary of who is around the group and what they are paying attention to, "When Arael first came to Westcrown several years ago, he was distraught at the condition of the city’s abandoned shrines to Aroden. Nowhere else, he thought, had the corruption and fall of the once proud empire of Cheliax more blatantly exposed its shame than here. The ascendancy of Asmodeus-worship has discouraged many people from public worship of other gods, leading to some temples closing as their followers stopped attending, prayed at home, or changed to other churches. This shrine to Aroden, like many others throughout Westcrown, isn’t technically abandoned—it belongs to the church of Iomedae now, but no one has tended it for years. Westcrown’s government has no interest in maintaining the building, and like so many other ancient structures it is simply ignored. Arael decided to use this old shrine as a safe house for his latest project for precisely these reasons. The combination of it being a sacred place to his religion and being a building the city government ignores makes it a perfect place to serve as a headquarters. Furthermore, long-standing laws that forbid secular groups from looting, rebuilding, or otherwise harming houses of worship work well to prevent too much Hellknight interest in the building. Yet just to be safe, Arael is careful to hide all indications that the shrine is now inhabited". She's not kidding, as you approach and move past the shrine, its facade is as old and filthy as it ever was, no light sources can be seen from within. "We've got to proceed with caution".
Prologue - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Any who head to the Serpent do find a few Hellnights on patrol near the Inn, thus the Theater it is! --- As you all arrive you find Ian Branagh proprietor of the Teatro up on stage practicing lines with Janiven. She smiles at you all, Morosino is not present, [b]"My friends, I am glad you could make it for impromptu practice today!" She states with a sly wink.
Early next week I'll push this along harder. Just want to gain a consensus from all PCs that they WILL be returning for a meeting and not just assume they will :-)
I like Ray of Enfeeblement, feel free to take a look at 3 pp spells, just drop me a PM or a spoiled post here on the Discussion thread for approval.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - Janiven grins, "The theater, you've all reason to gather there no?"
Alright Troupe, everyone has moved from an extra to a member of the cast, advance to second level! :-)
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - Janiven eyes the crowd ans whispers a response, "We've to discuss this on the 'morrow. I'll need to speak with the rest of those of like mind to decide how to proceed. We're not alone but here we've no safe place to speak of further details. I shall handle all costs this night for shelter, food, and drink. After you head to your homes in the morning, come back here for noon and we can decide what will be what. Are we agreed?"
OK, this night is over, good job folks! I will give a few days to RP your reactions and engage Janiven in conversation, then I'll update and move on to the next day. We're going to roll with 5 for now and see how that goes moving forward. If at some point you all believe we need another PC or two I will recruit.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - The lead Hellknight fixes Jing with a stare lifting his visor to speak but Gleek interrupts, "It wasn't none of these masters I swears. They was with a Devil Spawn and the Dark Skinned human. I don;t sees them here anywhere!" The Hellknights search the Inn and do not find the two members of your Troupe described by Gleek, Keamba and Lettu as both parted ways withthe rest of you. The Hellknights with a final glare at the Innkeep exit the room. Everyone, not just your group, breathe a sigh of relief. Janiven breathes deeply, "My friends. I will cover the cost of room, food, and drink this night. I am sure after that, we can all use a drink!"
Fair....I mean that's generally why I do most things, that and for profit. If I could monetize DMing I totally would...
I...uh....I....WHY WHY, WHY YOU DO THIS!?!?! For fun. Why do you do it? ;-)
Welcome back. I had the walking deadness last week. Worst cold ever. Glad you all missed me. New developments IC ;-)
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - Janiven sighs, 'You're right I..." At that moment, the door slams open and four Hellknights enter the Inn. The InnKeeper looks up from behind his pace at the desk, "Sirs. How can I help you, we've some vacancies". The Hellnight raises a hand, his face unreadable under his helm, "We are here seeking subversives". The InnKeeper becomes flushed, "I assure you we don't have the sort of..." "Save it! We'll know them when we see them, won't we, Goblin?" A fifth HellKnight drags Gleek into the inn by his collar. "Look, do you see any here who have escaped the sewers with you?!" The place fall to a hush as the Goblin looks about the room. Janiven sits perfectly still though the color drains right out of Morosino's face.
OK, back from the dead.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - The Inn is quite full this night! As most Inns are when there are those who wish to be out and do business. This clearly is one such Inn. A mix or merchants savory and less so fill the tables and bars at this place. None take any special interest in any of you though a few of the men do leer at Sia and Vara. Luckily, Jing is able to drag the last empty table before the fire place for everyone to sit moving to accommodate Vara who is already by the fire. Janiven orders an ale for herself and Morosino, "We may well have to risk the night. I would like to return to the meeting place to find out the condition of my ah friend... would you all dare that for our alliance?" Even Morosino appears uncomfortable with the suggestion.
Been feeling terrible all week but finally got a post up.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - Gleek begins to climb the building in the alley as the rest of you and your allies head east. The sun sets as you all rush to the front door of the Shaggy Serpent Inn. You stand in the light emanating from the everburning torches set at the front door. The sounds of pursuit close in once more but it seems for now anyway, you are safe. Keamba and Lettu confer and turn to the rest of you, "This is where we part ways my friends. This endeavor is too much risk for not enough reward". They take their leave into the dark of the night as Janiven bids them good luck.
Blackspire: The Shaggy Serpent is west, if Vara is correct, you will all need to double back around to get away.
Well, so far the group has played all the rights notes ;-) Let's see if that continues, east or west...
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector -
Janiven nods in agreement, "If you all think this is for the best then I agree, in addition, Jing makes a good point..." Gleek flies up the ladder and all follow. The exit from the sewer is within an alleyway in the city proper still in the Treasure Sector. The alley has exits on both sides, east and west, so it is not a "dead end". The last ray's of sunlight begin to fade in the west as everyone exits. Morosino gulps audibly, "Are we safer in the streets at night?" Knowledge Local DC 15:
No, when night falls the Shadow Beasts begin to prowl and being seen out is the breaking of the curfew by default and results in fines of 5 GP per person. Knowledge Local DC 20:
You believe you know this particular street from which you have emerged. Nearby is a local Tavern/Inn, the Shaggy Serpent, if you can get there by Nightfal and with a group this size, you'll get a discount on bedrolls to bed down for the night! Perception DC 14:
You hear the sounds of the Hellknights boots nearby marching! Perception DC 19:
The boots come from the west! Gleek looks anxious, "I's show you way out, I's go now?"
And we are moving forward once more!
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - Gleek's eyes light up, "Yarp. I show you the way!" The Goblin, coins in hand from Blackspire races out of the room and around the corner, through a door and to a ladder which leads up. As he begins to climb, you hear the sounds of metal scraping. "Get down there now! Hurry, they may be trying to escape through the sewers beneath the city!" Based on the voice it is clear the speaker is a human, it is also clear that these are probably Hellknights...
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - "Gleek cannot say, super secret!" Blackspire does not hear the sounds of anyone in heavy armor marching through the sewers, yet anyway... Janiven chimes in, "We should go and we should bring this Gleek with us, he will betray us if pressed and I'll not kill an unarmed prisoner, not even one as foul as a Goblin". Gleek smells his pits, "Gleek not foul, him wipe fish on armpit just yesterday! Smell delicious!" Those of you who are close now do notice that odor, the smells down here have been so bad it's hard to smell one distinct funk from another.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - "I not saying Gleek and him now dead minions would not have kill you for breaking into super secret meeting but..." He pauses. "No we would have kill you for that", he pauses again. "Hmmmm, what am Gleek saying?" He pauses again. "Longshank not named Broadminded, him named ah um ah Vissindio". Knowledge Nobility DC 17: If the last name of this Vissindio is Drovenge then this Goblin is claiming to be in league with a powerful Noble of Westcrown indeed!
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - Gleek pauses until the Troupe ceases speaking, "Gleek in super secret hideout planning grand plots! Then you Longshanks break in and now Gleek have to get new Minions!" He sighs as if the deaths of his fellows is an inconvenience. "What you all do down here?" He pauses again considering Sia's question, "Gleek no eat Longshanks, dog maybe but no Longshanks. Gleek help Longshanks in past but those Longshanks not kill Gleek Minions..." His hands remain up in the air over his head the entire time.
Westcrown - Rego Aerum - Treasure Sector - Malq sighs and ushers Morosino, Janiven, Keamba and Lettu into the 'room' closing the door, "I am going to regret this..."
Morosino asks, "Shouldn't we just keep moving?!" Janiven pauses to consider the development.
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