Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
As they leave, Kishta realizes that she never actually met any of the children. Probably just as well. She was nothing to them, and it didn't make her commitment to finding them homes any less.
Accustomed to acting as muscle, she sets herself up on the opposite flank from Raina, and keeps her eye out for trouble, while running through what she might say to any officials they might deal with. Milani teaches speaking Truth to Power, but the elder has asked me to maintain respect. I will do the best I can.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta listens to Raina recount the details of Lamm's defeat while she picks at her food -- her appetite hasn't returned since all the excitement of the morning, but she knows she needs to eat.
With a start, she realizes that she's never shared a meal with a Shoanti before. She carefully puts down her utensils, then tries to surreptitiously observe Tusilak. How does he hold his fork? After how many bites does he take a sip? What is he doing with his knife? Then she starts eating again, trying to use the etiquette of a true Shoanti.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta thinks about the journey this brooch has taken, from resting on the Queen's bosom, to passing through more and more miserable hands. She wonders how many of its owners have been killed for it's shine. Then she laughs.
"I'd be happy to present it to her myself, and tell her about the misery that has been allowed to fester in her city. This is what happens when you allow people such as him to operate in the city. Now that she is the ruler, she should be reminded of that. If she slaps me in chains for that...then this city has bigger problems than I thought."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta squints at the hunched figure. "Greetings, Minus. I am Kishta Feathersmoke. I've never met one such as yourself before, but today seems to be a day when many things happen for the first time."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Raina Thornton wrote:
"You've certainly changed," she says evenly, although a hint of a wry smile tugs at the corners of her lips. "I s'pose we all have. And at least you seem a bit more legit than Sev..." Raina turns to Kishta and holds out her hand to the young Shoanti woman. "No harm, no foul, eh? No holding a grudge for the s@~+ that happened back then. It was all his fault, anyway."
Kishta meets Raina's gaze and nods at her words. Part of her wanted to explain, to justify her actions. Every time the Shepherd beat someone to death, it was because I didn't keep them in line -- I was just trying to keep you alive. But there was no justification. And forgiveness was more than she'd ever expected. Kishta takes Raina's hand and shakes it. "Thank you," she says, then pours them both another drink. "To ghosts that stay dead," she toasts.
She listens as the others discuss how to go about finding Mara.
"Didn't Brask say he had contacts who might be able to point us in the right direction? Or could the kids describe the man who took her away? I guess we could look through the old Shepherd's records, but it wouldn't surprise me if he just scribbled them on random scraps of paper. Worth a try, though."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta thanked Brask for the bottle. When her head had cleared two swallows later, she put it back down. She nodded at Rhade's words, in grim recognition. "Yeah. He did go through kids quick. But never any shortage of replacements. You'd think I'd remember someone of your...hue...but there's a lot I don't remember about those early years."
Kishta listened as Russ described his sister, and her fate. "It is vile enough to take the girl. But to buy her, and sell her, to profit off of her misery. That's a system of corruption, that's the rotten heart of Korvosa. It's where I part ways from your patroness, Rhade. Corrupt individuals can be redeemed, and good on them if they are. But corrupt systems can only be burned down to the roots. Count me in Russ. I'll help you find your Blessed Mara."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
"He's dead? You're sure? You've seen the body? You didn't just find his heavy brass ring or were told that he died or find a body in his clothes? He's faked his death before, he could still be out there." Kishta had started pacing, and her mind was racing just as fast as her feet.
Shepherd Lamm and the King, both dead in the same day. It's enough to make you believe crazy theories, like demonic possession or some sort of magical link between the two. Leaf and Thorn!
"I'm just as glad I wasn't there. I'm not sure I could have faced the old Shepherd." Even in death, even in her thoughts. Kishta dared not use his name.
Then her mind caught up with everything going on. "Wait," she said to the red priestess, "You knew him too? And you...elder...?" As Kishta realized that she was in the room with a true Shoanti shaman, the events of the morning finally overwhelmed her.
She practically ran to the bar, and grabbed the first mug she saw, not caring if it were hers. "Bloody Buds," she cursed, before draining it.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta allowed herself to exhale, and remove her hand from her hilt. "Shelyn's lark, you always were a chatterbox, no matter how many times I cuffed you for it." Kishta turned away before she could see if Raina had placed her yet -- she didn't dare see what sort of recognition might be in her eyes. "I had hair, once," she offered. "Brown, raggedly short when you knew me. Does that help? Or maybe you remember this?"
Kishta raised her left hand as if to strike her with its back, then lowered it to her side. She circled the table towards the woman, then met her gaze and continued in a calm voice.
"I'm afraid I'm not rich, Raina, and I don't know of homes for so many. I have friends who might take in a few, as they did me." Kishta smiles. "We're not as...restrained...as the Sarenites when it comes to liberating the oppressed, though."
Kishta took another look at the children, then at the others in the tavern, who if Raina were to be believed, were heroes of the first order.
"So you...rescued them. What did you do, raid the old Shepherd's lair?" Kishta meant it as a joke, but it slowly dawned on her that it might be no less than the truth.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
"A round of drinks? Absolutely. Make mine cider -- pear if you've got it."
There was a swirl of activity as Kishta and the others came in, and as those already inside greeted them. She took note of her rescuer, Raseri and the taciturn young woman named Raina. Raina. The name tugged at her mind. Then Kishta stiffened at the mention of 'children in stock'.
They're down here eating sandwiches, just like they care about them. But Gaedren could be charming at first, too -- just to lure them in. And if that's the same Raina, then she'd be old enough to be procure for him. I hate Korvosa.
Kishta turned with feigned nonchalance and walked over towards the woman without quite looking at her. She put a table between them, hopefully enough to hide her hand as it slid to her sword hilt.
"Children, you say? And what if I were to say I wanted one of each, Raina?" Kishta couldn't quite keep the edge out of her voice.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta watched with relief as the crowd disbursed. Not that I can take any credit for it -- this young...red woman was much more eloquent than I. She hurried over to the tavern door to talk to those who remained. The red priestess, the dwarven proprieter, a man with a polearm, and a gnome.
"You are all right? I saw the crowd after you and I was worried. Rather like Otter and the Army Ants out there, wouldn't you say?" Kishta could tell she hadn't yet calmed down, because she was babbling. Like they even know that tale. Get a hold of yourself.
"I'm Kishta," she said holding out her hand. "And you're Rhade?" she asked the priestess. Then the fullness of her appearance sunk in. "You're a...a fiend? Pardon, there's probably a more polite word, but I don't know what it would be. I don't..." She left the words hanging as awkwardly in the air as her hand.
"And Talliree, you said? And Russ?" She then turns to the dwarf. "And are you the proprietor here? By the Rose, I would happily buy a round for all of you. And for the ones who helped lead me past the mob as well." Kishta inclines her head towards the Ulfen woman and her companion who had rescued her.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
There is nothing quite as strange as getting what you wish for, and having it all turn out wrong. The King is dead -- at long last the bloodsucking tyrant was dead, and mobs had taken to the streets, just as Kishta's fellows had predicted. But it was in sorrow and rage, not in jubilance. She had run in fear and confusion, and without the Ulfen woman's assistance she would have been lost. But now that Kishta had time to think, she could not allow the mob to continue their attack, not on this young couple trapped at the door to the inn.
"We help them," Kishta answers her rescuer. "How can we not?" Kishta moves alone towards the rear of the crowd, her hands conspicuously away from her weapon hilt.
"Friends!" she calls out. "Friends! The King is dead. Whether he died in his sleep, or at a traitor's hand none can say. But no one here killed her. This is Korvosa, city of multitudes, and we are Korvosans all, no matter how we appear. I am Shoanti, but I am Korvosan first. All Hail Korvosa!"
If you want answers, seek them at the Palace. If you want to mourn, then hold your wives, your husbands, your children close and raise a glass to the King. If you want blood..."Careful, Kishta, careful. These are not Milanites, they are not ready for true revolution.
"If you want blood, then first find the truth. Make the guilty pay, but don't wash the streets with the blood of innocents, of the weak. That blood would stain your hands forever."
Move action to the back of the crowd. Standard action Diplomacy check.
OK, I think I've got Kishta successfully rolled back to level one. Everything should be good on her profile.
Here are a few notes on how I think she would fit into the situation and the existing party.
In this storyline, Kishta took her own advice here:
Spoiler:
Kishta listens to the curses for Gaedren Lamm, and watches many of the assembled gather together in their fellowship of hatred. So many twisted by that waste of a man.
"Bah!" she says. "I'll shed no tears for the man, whatever you do for him. But by talking about him in public, you've all but guaranteed he'll elude you. He has ears everywhere -- maybe even one of you."
Kishta wrings her hands, a habit she'd long since given up, then catches herself and stops.
"I might remember you. Brute of a fighter, even as a child? Give it up. He's gone, don't let a search for revenge twist you. Congratulations, you survived. Now get on with your life. Make it a good one."
Sometimes she helps out in her adoptive parents' shop, and the rest of the time she rotates between a few taverns in the area, working as either a bouncer or telling stories for coin.
Raina:
Not sure of your age, but you may know Kishta from your time with Gaedren; Kishta was beaten out about seven years ago. Kishta was one of Gaedren's unofficial enforcers. She'd seen what happened when Gaedren got too angry, so she tried to keep the other little Lamms in line for their own good -- she'd punish them so that Gaedren wouldn't have to get involved. At some point she refused to beat one of the kids when Gaedren told her to, and he beat her within an inch of her life (many broken bones) and threw her in an alley to die. By the time she'd recovered enough to do anything, Lamm had moved everyone someplace different.
I don't know what the other kids thought of Kishta. She was never cruel for cruelty's sake, but she would have hit them when she needed to, so some would probably have been afraid of her, though some of the older ones might have understood what she was trying to do. Kishta herself assumes that all of the other kids would hate her now, whatever their relationship at the time.
Tusilak:
Kishta knows that she has Shoanti heritage, but has no memory of her real parents, or knowledge of anything Shoanti. (She speaks the language, but doesn't know it -- someone else would have to speak Shoanti to her first.) She is obsessed with learning more about the Shoanti, to the point that she has begun shaving her head and is sporting a new 'Shoanti' tattoo (which you would instantly recognize as a poorly made copy by a non-Shoanti). The approval of an actual Shoanti shaman would mean everything to her, so she would likely hang on your every word and deed, while trying to pretend that she didn't care.
Hanging in there. Truth to tell, the last few months have been lousy, but things are starting to look up.
DM-Salsa wrote:
Yeah, and I apparently didn't think about how many people might recognize me. Hopefully I've learned my lesson and I can pace myself better.
Hey, these things happen. You get points for handling it exactly right and ending it at a great place to wrap the story -- every other PbP I've been in that died (which is, to be clear, most of them) just died in the middle of the action with no warning.
Raina Thornton wrote:
To everyone applying with bards: bards are awesome, but our cleric actually inspires courage and the like, so keep that in mind with songs that might not stack with him :)
Good to know. Kishta's an Arcane Duelist, so she can also handle herself in the fight.
Raina Thornton wrote:
(Case in point: we're all currently trying to figure out what to do with all the orphans we saved from Lamm.)
The church of Milani is small, but they could take a few, just as they took in me. Come the revolution -- and make no mistake, the revolution is coming, though it take years -- they will be more prepared for the blood in the streets.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
It's D&D, but within D&D there are different playstyles. I tend to set my RP vs wargaming meter at 65/35, but if that's not how the group falls out, I can recalibrate.
RP-wise, Kishta is firmly in Mercy's court, due to their shared background. Had Mercy been a different kind of character, and argued for torture and horrible death, then Kishta might have gone there. As far as she is concerned, the *important* issue is the well-being of the children. Which is why she so strongly backed Waydon when the children had not yet been rescued
I'll also say -- I've been enjoying everyone's contribution thus far.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
And people wonder why we do not trust the Guard, when one of their own is so willing to perform a summary execution.
"Be careful what you do in your son's name, Waydon. When I tell the tale, I will tell it in full. Have you even asked him what he wants?"
"I care nothing for this man's life. But his fate should be in the hands of those he has oppressed. He has wronged all of us, but only a few have had him hold their lives in his hands. Those are the ones who should now hold his life in theirs."
"Mercy. Me. This woman. And the children upstairs. I would accept their collective justice. All arguments on the table, then one decision. And should the choice be death, then Waydon, I acknowledge the right of your son to be the executioner."
"The oppressed have had our power taken away once by Gaedren Lamm. Shall their power be stripped again by those claiming to act on their behalf in the name of justice or vengeance? I say no."
"And once that matter has been decided, can we discuss what shall be done with the children? Mercy, if Lamm is to be held by the church of Sarenrae, they cannot go there -- he must never be allowed near them. Milani can take some, but we are a small congregation, we have not the resources to care for them all."
She turns to Arianna and the Magi. "I know that you are here because of great wrongs done to people you care about. I wish their voices could be heard as well. Alas, the dead cannot speak -- I would give the decision to them as well, if only they could."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
I took too long writing this...pretend it was right before Mercy's post. :)
Kishta looks around at her companions. They've all suffered at Gaedren's hands, they've all fought to put an end to his evil ways. They deserve to be heard.
"I suppose...there are other systems of justice. The noblest and most incorruptible of those is the Shoanti."
That's what the stories say, at least.
Or one of the churches. Milani's way would be to give the children knives, bring them down and let them pass judgement. I'm sure Sarenrae or Iomedae have their ways, have their people. I don't know - I can make suggestions, but in the end I trust Mercy with this."
Yeah, we definitely have an interesting party makeup, with 2 Magi & an Arcane Duelist (the Bard version of a Magus). I'm building Kishta to be a melee skirmisher and buffer with face skills. She should be a passable rogue substitute in another level or two, though her Disable Device will never be very good.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta stands up. Her wounds are mostly healed, but her legs are still shaky. She walks over to stand next to Mercy.
"Save your lies and honeyed words for those who haven't lived under your 'gentle tutelage'. You provide a leaking roof for those without a home. You provide rotting food for the hungry. And all you ask in return is that they steal for you. That they kill for you. That they provide you with entertainment. And should they refuse...well, I could show you my scars. But you already know, dear shepherd. You already know."
Then she turns to her oldest friend and says, "Thank you, Mercy. I'm not sure I could have stayed my hand. I have no faith in justice, not in Korvosa, not with that wastrel on the throne. But I've killed enough for that old man."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
I agree, I think you're doing a great job -- I wouldn't call it lackluster at all. Especially with this many players, just keeping the action sequences clear is really tough, and you're doing it well.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta struggles to pull herself up into a sitting position against the wall, starting up another round of coughing.Once it subsides, she wipes the spittle from her mouth with the back of her hand.
"Still here, Merce. He calls us lambs, and thinks we're his to slaughter, but he's wrong. He can strike us down, for a time, but we will always come back, stronger than before."
I might be too weak for it to count as Bardic Performance, but at least I can still orate. :)
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Thank you. That should put me exactly at 0 hp.
Blood pours from my side into the garden. There's no pain, not like when Gaedren destroyed and discarded me, but there is a torrent of blood, falling onto the bed of parched flowers. The torrent slows to a rivulet, then to a trickle and then stops completely.
Kishta opens her eyes to the sight of a dwarf bending over her, his hands glowing with holy light. "Gustag?" she asks. "Thank you."
She turns her gaze on Gaedren Lamm, who is beset by her companions.
"Clean our blood? This blood cannot be washed away. It heralds the end, the end of your evil reign."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Still overwhelmed by facing Lamm after all these years, Kishta can't make her feet move to take her out of the way of the half-orc's brutal attack. Her vision turns red as she spins and falls to her knees.
Better than last time when he broke both my legs with an iron bar.
"Only blood can water the rose," Kishta says, as she loses consciousness.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta hurries into the room ahead, and the sight of Lamm hits her like a hammerblow. She felt her knees weaken and her face turn pale as she stared at him, and every instinct told her to cower and do anything she must to keep him from getting angry.
He's just a man. she told herself, over and over. Just a man. And an old one at that. You need not fear him.
After staring at Lamm for far too long, she tried to answer him.
"C-c-civilization is overrated," Kishta stammered. "But I don't think it counts as 'justice' when it's administered by a hired th-thug."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta's back complains as she proceeds crouching beneath the low ceiling. She looks around carefully, for she is sure that Gaedrin has left cunning traps behind to guard his den.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
I thought we'd tied Hookshanks up. How did he get free?
"Thank you, Theanna. If --" Kishta lowers her voice so the children won't hear. "If we fall, take them to the church of Milani -- Father Serago will find homes for them."
Kishta moves with the rest of the party to the opening. "Let's go get us a Shepherd."
As we start moving, Kishta wants to be in the second or third rank.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta looked around the discrepit room where the children slept, and shuddered. I've never been here before, but my childhood was spent in a room just like this.
"I'd also be willing to stay and keep the children safe, but I trust Theanna to guard them, if she's willing."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta greets the twins immediately, her voice calm.
"Hil. Sig. This is a rescue, and an evacuation. We came here for friends and family, but we're not leaving any of you behind. My name is Kishta, and once upon a time I was one of old Shepherd Gaedren, too. But I escaped, and I'll make sure the rest of you do too."
Kishta puts her hand on Waydon's shoulder.
"This man is Titus' father, and he's frantic to see his son. Please take him down to him right away. Then you and Kester start waking the kids and getting them ready -- we'll be leaving as quickly as possible."
Gaedren's got them used to obeying orders without question. If I can make this all seem ordinary, we should be able to get them out of here without drama. But if it ever starts going wrong...
Diplomacy check:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Sorry...I just assumed I was primary since I was the bard. (But took so long to write it that I was ninja'd.) It wasn't exactly a *bad* roll.
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Welcome back. Hope you had a good time at the wedding.
"That's better Hooks. You just might live through this after all. Now, what are the names of the older kids who are in charge of keeping the younger ones in line?"
Kishta looks over the dwarf and smiles. "Always glad of another hammer, Gustag."
"Are we all ready? Then let's go. And everyone stay calm -- the last thing we want to do is spook the children. Everyone gets found, and everyone gets rescued, but we have to stay in control."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
"No Hooks, not dead, and not feeling patient either. We're here to get these children someplace safe, and to settle some old scores. Hey Merce!" Kishta looks over her shoulder at the paladin. "Did we have any scores to settle with Yargin, or Hooks here? I could start by collecting their teeth."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Does Kishta recognize any of the people we defeated?
Kishta advances on the man who used to have the wand. The best way to get the children out of here quickly is going to be keeping everyone calm, and getting the leaders among them to give the orders.
"So the kids are back there, huh? Who do they listen to? Who are the enforcers? Any traps or alarms we should know about?" Kishta stretches up to her full height and smiles at him wickedly. "And where's old Gaedren sleeping these days? We'll want to pay him a visit."
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Kishta had always been a loner before, her battles being either one-on-one 'duels' (if you could justify beat-downs with such a name) or her facing off against many. The brutal efficiency of her compatriots combat skills was breathtaking.
I think the best thing I can do for them is get out of the way, she thought as she swung around to the far side of the desk. Although maybe I can ensure our opponents get in each other's way.
Kishta makes a simple gesture with her left hand, hoping to influence the wand-wielder.
Kishta casts Unwitting Ally on the man in the doorway with the wand. If he fails a DC13 Will save, he will count as our ally for Flanking purposes. (Which will help Dreqar, or anyone else in his space.) It only lasts for a round, but until the logjam at the door eases up, assume that's my action every round.
actions:
Move Action: move next to Arianna
Standard Action: Cast Unwitting Ally
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
Hmmm, I think I got lapped. If it's all right I'll go ahead and take my move action from last turn to advance to the door, but wait for my next turn for any other actions (especially since the door was still closed at that point).
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
The dog appearing to have fled from the fire, Kishta charges into the room. With her left hand she draws power into her blade, and with her right she hacks viciously at his side.
Actions:
Move action: advance to half-orc
Swift Action: Arcane Strike (+1 damage)
Standard Action: Attack half-orc
Female Human (Shoanti) Bard (Arcane Duelist) 1 - hp 8/8
My apologies again. Work exploded yesterday. I'm making a long post here so no one ends up having to wait on me.
Kishta whispers to Dreqar. "Stay here for now. If either of them stirs, kill them before they can get help." Then she retreats to the rest of the group.
[b]"Anyone with a ranged weapon want to cover the front door while I quickly check the building?"
Kishta waits for the volunteer to get into place, then goes by all the doors she can see, starting with the ones on the west wall that open onto the pier. The idea is to move existing debris in front of the doors, not to do anything fancy. If she can tell that the pier is empty and that there is nothing at hand to use, she won't even bother going that way, since she wants to be as quiet as possible. Then she'll do the same at the other opening on the west wall. If all those openings are really windows, she ignores them for now.
Then she'll check that intriguing opening on the north wall with the same intent -- block it with debris if it's a door.
Once all that is done, if the guards are still asleep, she'll coordinate with Dreqar to attack the guards. He can take the half-orc, Kishta will take the dog. "Take him alive if you can -- a hostage or informant would be nice." Have the rest of the group start moving for the front door a few moments after we start in the room after the guards -- wouldn't want any of them left out of the fight, if it comes to that.
