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"They do, fair lady, but not for riding. When we have need of travel, we mostly do it by walking." Lucifer smiles and shrugs. "Horses are for pulling heavy weights, when they are used at all. And nearby Gundarak is famed for its horse thieves. There are few of the animals still here, and not enough to seat our party. Perhaps we might find one or two..." He shrugs again and looks at the birds. "Mayhap we'd be better suited to simply put forth by our own two feet."
The next morning, Lucifer is up early, sitting in the dining room of the inn. He's much as when the party found him: leaning back in his seat, his feet propped on another chair, the birdcage beside him with the birds giving the occasional call. He looks less relaxed, however, and more thoughtful. Holding a mug in both hands, his gaze ending far beyond the walls of the building, he seems the very image of the phrase 'lost in thought.' The arrival of the others quickly snaps him out of it, however, and he smiles and nods to his new companions. "Good morning, indeed. Any morning that follows a night of revelry is a good one, I find... even if we don't think so ourselves in the moment." He winks at Elaris and sips from his mug. "As far as provisions, I think I know where we could purchase them. And doing so would be very much for the best. The road to Skald itself is safe enough, but to stray off the path invites danger. Wild beasts are the least of our worries, should we lose our trail, and those who would hunt the forests often find themselves the prey."
Lucifer had remained quiet during much of the conversation with the woman. He seems distracted, both by the troubles during the fight with the shapeshifter, as well as something else... But the handsome man quickly shakes things off as Bannock speaks to him, and he turns to the cleric with a smile and a nod. "Indeed. My kin are hospitable if you are familiar, but as strangers you may well must pay for lodging. The Wolfsbane should serve you well. In many ways." He chuckles and shakes his head. "As far as further business, I know the way to Skald, yes. A fine path we trod there, skirting the edges of myth and truth. And, of course, there's a little of each in the other, I find." He cocks his head and frowns. "But yes, I'd thought the Woodsman a figure of legend. Some claim knowledge of him, but none say they've met him... We may be quite fortunate to have been trapped here, to witness such an event."
"No, lady!" Lucifer smiles down at the woman. "We are simply brave souls who have found ourselves in something of an unfortunate situation. We came here to aid the wardens of this prison, and now find ourselves shut within after slaying a foul monster." He cocks his hat and winks. "Barring circumstances, we'd have walked on our way, happy to lend a hand in keeping the world a safer place." After a moment he hangs his head and speaks more softly. "I thought it was a clever pun, actually."
Lucifer watches the alley scene with simmering anger, but he isn't sure if he can do anything to stop it. He could fire his crossbow, but there's no guarantee that alone would stop the man... but if any of his allies attack, he might do the same.
"Agreed. I know my people live in fear and suspicion, but to leave those who would help you locked in a prison cell?" Lucifer shakes his head and looks at Marco. "And yes, we should have a word with him."
"...Friend, it seems you haven't unlocked the gates. If you've simply made a mistake, we'll all understand, I'm sure..." Lucifer's statement is made in jest, dryly. He glances to the others and frowns. "Otherwise, might you explain why we remain entrapped?"
"Friend, would you kindly unlock the gates, that we might leave?" Lucifer kneels by the opening. "I can assure you that the threat is dealt with, and we'd appreciate an exit."
Lucifer only nods as he examines the pieces. "A devilish beast, and a dangerous one. It's well that you felled it so quickly."
"I...." Lucifer swallows and stares at the trio who so easily--in mind, spirit, and body--felled this beast. He seems at a loss for words, and he casts his gaze about for several seconds, before nodding and sweeping into a deep bow. "I am indebted to you, gentlemen. Both for your prowess in battle, and for standing firm when even I found myself unable to draw arms and strike this foul beast. Truly, you are champions of the people and the blade... so to speak," he finishes with a smile, nodding to Khalid. "I know I had already offered my greetings and aide, but now I must say, I would be honored to ally myself with you. This last display notwithstanding, I promise I might serve as a fine sword at your side, and I can offer some knowledge of beasts such as this and the land you've come to walk."
Lucifer also takes pause as he sees the beast--less due to its form, but more to the sudden carnage and the fear some of his new companions show. We need every hand in this fight. Can we hope to succeed if they flee? "Behind me, at least!" he calls, stepping back with his weapons raised defensively. He seems suddenly uncertain, and the tips of the blades waver in the air.
Hey all, posting this in all my games to let people know I'll be away for a few days. My family is headed to camp later today, and I won't have Internet or my computer while I'm there. I should be back and posting Friday afternoon/evening (Eastern Time), but please push the game as needed, botting my character if you need to do so. Thanks!
"Thank you," Lucifer says to the constable. He does hang behind a moment, though, and whispers to the nearest of his new companions. "'Hairy mountain man' may mean a lycanthrope, a werewolf. I'll explain more later, but pass that on, and prepare yourselves." With that, the man draws his own weapons in a fluid motion--the longer blade and a dagger, which was fitted alongside its companion in the scabbard. He turns his head to the side and nods. "I was just thinking the same, but silver costs more, doesn't it."
Lucifer nods in unison with the others, and nods a second time at the comments. "The ladies and mage speak well. If you can tell aught of what we face...?"
Lucifer wordlessly snaps back to his table when the man bursts in with his news. From beneath the seat he deftly draws and buckles on a sword belt, upon which rest a pair of thin blades, one long and straight, the other shorter with a wicked curve. He also swirls about a long coat, which he slips into as he moves back for the door, reaching the outside nearly in step with the others. "Show us the way," he says. His voice is no longer friendly and carefree, but hard-edged and professional.
Also seated at the table is a human man, lean and handsome. He wears a black leather vest over a flowing scarlet shirt, with charcoal trousers beneath that tuck into tall black boots. A wide-brimmed hat rests atop his head, and the blond hair pulled back at the nape of his neck accompanies a thin beard along his jawline. He isn't wearing armor or weapons, but he still gives the sense of capability, if also the look of a minstrel. Oddly, a chunk of bread sits on one his shoulders as he rests one elbow on the table, his chin leaving his hand as he turns to look at the new arrivals. Even as Marco stands, the man in scarlet joins him, and he steps forward into a sweeping flourish of a bow, his hat deftly snatching the bread as it falls from his shoulder. "Fair lady, allow me to answer your question, as a local and a gentleman. You have come to the town of Harmonia, in the land of Kartakass. It is a beautiful land I call home, although I admit many of our people are... mistrustful, shall we say, of strangers." He blinks and cocks his head to the side, and then grins and looks between the new women and the others. "Ah! I should mention. If any of you can sing, even a little, please share your voice. It could go a long way to earning trust."
Luc cocks his head at Nadima's comment, but he laughs at Netzer's suspicion. "Try to relax, friend. True, the people here can be mistrustful of strangers, but steeping yourself in fear and suspicion is no way to live your life--certainly no way to make new companions. I'm sure these people will come around if you act with good intent."
"Grave tidings indeed, then. A missing friend and running away from other troubles..." The man shakes his head and cocks it to the side as one of the birds chirps. "I was just about to ask that, actually. What trouble did you have in this Blackchapel? And what brought your friend here, Nezter? I imagine they weren't a local, given I don't recognize you myself."
Luc gladly accepts the lady's invitation, tossing his friends a wink and a grin, and he takes a seat at the table with the newcomers. "This Blackchapel, it must be a very dour land. My home was beautiful once, and still is in many ways, but dark times have arisen of late. Though I suppose that's true of many places." He takes a piece of bread and breaks off a small chunk, and places it on his shoulder. Without any comment, he continues to eat and drink with the others. "What brings you to Kartakass, though? It's not too often we have strangers in the region. I expect some important task drew you from your home." The man smiles and sips his drink. Now that he's close and talking, it's easy to see something strange in his eyes. They're clear and bright, true, but behind the smile there's something pained about them, something disturbing--and disturbed.
"A harmonious meeting and glad tidings to you, Khalid de la Poer. I'm a native of this fine settlement, yes, although I've been away of late. I take it you and your friends are travelers? Tell me, where is it you come from?" Luc sits up in his chair, no longer lounging at an angle--he's quite earnestly interested.
Luc laughs at Marco's question and shakes his head. "Not so much, I'm afraid. They mostly serve to keep me company and--" He cuts off, a queer look coming over his face for a moment, and then he smiles and shakes his head again. "No, no mean to offend, I'm sure. An honest question. And no one need know of that." The odd smile fades after a moment, and the man returns his gaze to the new arrivals. "I'm sorry. As I said, company on the long nights in the dark. Does that answer your question?"
When the new arrivals enter the tavern, Lucifer's gaze drifts over to take them in. They don't look to be locals, at least not as far as he recognizes. Salvas's comment confirms that suspicion, but he gives his old friend a slight smile and a raised eyebrow. "Come now. All that talk of heroism, and you're offput by some travelers off the road? For all you know these folk are heroes themselves." He taps the table, and his smile turns to a slight grimace. Not that I've had much warmer reception. When the dark-haired girl comes over, Luc smiles and swings his feet off the chair, gesturing for her to sit if she pleases. "But of course, miss. The chattering speckled one there is Eofen, and the gentleman in scarlet is Callan. Pretty they are, though it's a shame I don't have a pretty raven to match your hair." He turns from the birdcage to give the woman a smile, but no matter his mirth, his eyes always hold something strange, a hidden oddity at the edges. "Though you didn't ask, this gentleman in scarlet is called Luc. Might I inquire as to your own name? And your companions'?"
It was from an Unearthed Arcana document, dealing with Gothic character options, I believe. Felt fitting for this game.
Thanks! Also, hello, all. DP and I discussed this as we were making the switch in locales and moving to a new adventure, and we agreed that I could make a new character. I'd been struggling with how to play Derrick as a character for quite some time, and I didn't love him mechanically either. I like the prospects of my new character quite a lot, and I'm hoping you'll find him interesting as well.
Within the Bard's Retreat: Lounging in one of the chairs is a thin man in a flowing scarlet shirt and a black leather vest, a wide-brimmed leather hat atop his head. His booted feet are cocked out to the side atop another chair, and he leans on one elbow on the table. A faint smile lingers on his face, and his sight drifts from his friends to the birdcage set on the table beside him. Two birds currently perch inside, a cardinal and a thrush, and they chirp and whistle now and again.
"Indeed," Luc replies to Brutus. He raises his flagon and clunks it against his friend's drink. "May they ever stand strong against the tyranny and shadows of the land. The darkness may be all about, friends, but even a single candle held high dispels it for a time." He takes a sip of his ale and raises his eyebrows. "What wonder more when many candles are raised as one?"
Seeing a man knocked to the ground, Lucifer quickly pounces on him, giving him a swift kick for good measure as he goes for the dagger on his belt.
Here and ready, boss.
Lucifer can't help but smile as the plan falls apart behind him. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Quickly snapping his cuffs off, he dashes behind any cover he can find--or in lieu of that, simply into some shadowy spot away from the fire--and shrinks down, hoping to retain some element of surprise at least for himself.
"My thanks, gentlemen. I'll offer no resistance, I assure you. Far too much discomfort for that." Lucifer gives a grimace and rolls his eyes toward his abdomen. Hopefully the others act quickly, or we'll see just how good my acting can be...
In the wagon, Lucifer claps his hands--as best he can--and grins. "Splendid. Very well, I'll lure him over, you'll take care of him, and we'll all be able to reclaim our dearly departed belongings." That evening, the second of the journey, Lucifer waits until the guards have taken their meal, and four of them bed down and let the other two up. Then he waits some more, half-dozing and asking the others to nudge him if he isn't awake when the time comes. That time is the first change of the guards, and he painfully waits about twenty minutes for the last guards to fall asleep before springing his trap. "Hello, you," he says, shaking his chain and nodding at the guard watching the group. "Listen, could you come over here and move me for a moment? Take me out of camp, watch me the whole time if you like, but..." Lucifer's face screws up in apparent discomfort and he winces, gesturing at his stomach with his chin. "Something I've eaten seems to have taken a disliking for me, and trouble's brewing. Sure I could just sit here and sh*t myself, but that wouldn't do me any favors with this lot, and then you'd have to smell it all night and all day until we get where we're going. So how about you help me for a moment? I'm sure these folks aren't going anywhere."
So before I post something in Gameplay to kick off our plan, I want to make sure we're in agreement with what that plan is, so we can all react appropriately when it inevitably goes horribly off the rails ;) 1. Someone lures the guard over. (I've offered to do that, I think I have the highest Bluff modifier of the whole party)
Sound right?
"Well that's all well and good, my... large friend." Lucifer grins and clears his throat. "But that doesn't deal with our very first obstacle: the guard watching us. If we simply undo our manacles and rise to attack, I've a feeling he'll have time to call out, and that leads to more trouble. Personally I don't care whether we kill the guards, if they're to be put to death either way, but the more that try to stop us, the more likely we're wounded or otherwise troubled in the escape." Lucifer leans back on the wall and muses for a moment. "If we can get the guard to come over close, someone could distract while others get free and incapacitate him one way or another. A good blow to the head, a spell of some kind, perhaps? If you grab the dagger off his belt and give it to me, I know my way around one of those." He shrugs. "I'll work the distraction, though, if you need."
In the courtyard, Lucifer shrugs. "Well, we might as well make things democratic in support of our captors, hm? And as far as sacrificing men, I'm guessing we're going to be deniable. The men won't know about our escaping, so the wardens can deny they know either. It'll just be a regular old breakout." The next day, Lucifer smiles at the guards. "What, no going-away present?" When the guard, predictably, punches him in the gut, Lucifer moves with the hit, exaggerating his loss of breath. He remains fairly compliant for the rest of the journey into the wagon, where he looks around and winces as it begins to bump away. "Certainly no sense of fashion or luxury, is there?" During the first day, Lucifer mostly whistles and hums to pass the time. That night he moves with the others and passes the night calmly, but alert. He discovers the secret catch without much trouble or surprise, having figured it might be something like that--he even chuckles at the discovery, remembering an affair where his gang used a similar ruse--but takes care not to activate it just yet. The next day, he waits until the wagon is well on its way, then clears his throat. "Well," he starts, speaking softly enough that anyone outside the chamber won't hear, "What do we think? Who here feels comfortable taking a guard by surprise unarmed? I'd bet I could get 'em to come over, lure them in, but I'm not sure I'd be good for finishing them myself without something sharp and pointy."
Lucifer hums an old folk song as the group sets out on the track, and when they reach the far corner, he breaks off and smiles. "I for one am quite excited about this opportunity. I say we escape on the move, it's more fun and leaves them in more confusion."
Woohoo! Thank you to chuffster for the selection, and looking forward to gaming with everyone here. This game seems like a lot of fun and I hope to have a great time for a long time with all of you. As far as maps go, I'm personally a big fan of theater of the mind type stuff, but sometimes it is helpful to have a grid to keep track of where people are. I've seen everything from roll20 to Google spreadsheets, so whatever could work for you is good by me. Lucifer in the prison... he's probably known quite well for his charming demeanor, which is admittedly laced with sardonic wit that can get on the nerves of those around him. He cuts a striking figure with his fiery red hair and a short goatee, even in the no-doubt drab uniforms used by the prison. If he's been allowed it he goes about in his mithral mask, but I'm guessing that a supermax prison wouldn't accommodate something like that. If there have been any fights in the prison, Lucifer's probably managed to avoid most of them, whether weaseling his way out of trouble or simply staring them down, his trademark "crazy fire eyes" doing their trick. If he did get in a fight, it was probably over as soon as he got his hands on something small and sharp.
Loup Blanc finally resurfacing here, with my submission completed. Stats are in the profile along with fluff, which I'll also repost below. If anybody wants to take a look, feel free, and let me know if anything needs changing or expanding! Background:
From a paid informant in a tavern of ill repute.
Lucifer Graves? Yeah, I’ve heard of him. We’ve all heard of him. The highwayman that fancies himself a lord among bandits, even calls himself the Flame Prince. You can learn about him in any tavern up and down Avistan, from Varisia all the way down to Qadira. Folks in Absalom have heard of him, but I dunno as they ever met the bastard. There’s plenty what have, though, if you look in the right places round here. Where he come from, well, I don’t rightly—ten gold, eh? Well. Rumor says he’s Varisian, was born and raised there in the Sczarni clans. Started out young as a crooked one, thieving and conning for the gypsy criminals. Course sooner or later his nature started showing itself, what with the fire in his blood. And that ain’t just fancy language about him having a temper or nothin’, not that he doesn’t have quick passions about all sorts of things. He’s got actual fire in the blood, they say. Er, maybe not actual fire, you know, but, he’s got family of that element, you know? Anyway, eventually something happened pushed him out from there. Maybe he got tired of being told what to do, or working small-time with the caravans. Some point along the way he moved up from sneak-thief to alley knife, so he had the skills to keep himself alive in most manner of criminal work other than picking locks, it seems. Whatever it was pushed him, he left the Sczarni at some point, and didn’t leave no bridges unburned when he did, neither—stole a wagon and brought some other young folk with him, left ‘em high and dry as he went. And that’s about how it started, so the story goes. I’m sure you know the rest… but with a fee like that, how could I refuse to explain? He stayed in Varisia for a time, and that’s where he got started doin’ what he does now. He’s a highwayman, and in the old style, too. Fancies himself a gentleman bandit in some ways, I guess, claims he don’t kill when he don’t need to, doesn’t like unnecessary violence. But you tell that to the folks what don’t give in right away, or who start hiring guards after he robs them before. Usually he leaves somebody alive to spread the word, but only one. And sometimes there ain’t no message but a smoldering wreckage on the side of the road. He’s a flamboyant one, that’s for sure. Leaves his marks, leaves his story. He’s a devil in a fight and easy to recognize, but only once he makes himself known. Be glad he ain’t round here. …All that? That’s mine? In that case, yeah. I heard tell an old nobleman from before the Revolt got hit up north near the Isger border. Said the robbers’ leader was a man with red hair in a mask and fancy clothes. That’s your man. But you didn’t hear it from me. Capture: From the debrief report on Operation Penumbra.
Following the gathering of information on the target, a simple and straightforward plan was devised. We set about spreading word that a particularly wealthy and unguarded Andoren emissary was bound for Nirmathas, and then prepared a wagon train to look the part. Of course, the wagon was filled with our own men and women. Although capture of the target was the goal, the other bandits were not of interest, and preparations were made to put down the entire group if necessary. Mission parameters were clear and accepted. In an uninhabited span of land our lead wagon saw a broken-down cart at the top of a rise, with two apparent peasants nearby. The peasants waved our caravan down, and were heard calling for assistance with their trouble. By this time our outriders had already discovered and detained several outlying bandits in the surrounding foothills, and with our prior information on the target’s tactics we were certain of our having found him. After brief discussion, the decision was made to approach to within easy crossbow range before engaging the target in combat. The battle with the target began with an upper hand on our side: he was struck by one quarrel, and his companion on the roadside was felled in the first volley. However, it soon became apparent that we had either underestimated the target’s following or simply not acquired enough information, as nearly three dozen bandits rose from hiding at the target’s cry. He himself struck off his hat—apparently enchanted, as with it went his disguise—and quickly moved to engage our forces in close combat, throwing a single starknife as he approached. The target proved as capable in a fight as we’d expected, if not more so. Although most of his followers were poorly trained brigands, the target himself was a fiercely skilled swordsman, and he fought to the last against us, having drawn a rapier shortly after his disguise was lifted. Even when all of his companions had been put down, the target fought, and personally brought down more than ten of our finest agents before being surrounded, beaten down, and manacled. As the target was being brought back to our facility, he confessed to knowing the operation was a trap. When asked why he engaged our caravan anyway, he grinned and said, “Would’ve made a great story if I won, wouldn’t it?” Target proceeded to draw a punching dagger and killed two more men before he was knocked unconscious and further chained for the remainder of the trip.
Lucifer continues to just stand at the bottom of the cliff, helping the others as needed.
Lucifer looks at the cliff face and his allies, then pulls the rope out of his pack. "Here, use this." He tosses it up to the others for them to tie off. "I suggest we tie this around the blind one to avoid making him climb. We may also want to lift the wounded woman."
Lucifer stands near the organics, at the ready to defend them from any threats.
Lucifer stands by, confused by the dwarf's commentary and hesitant to get involved. I'm not a people person... wasn't programmed to be.
Took a while, but finally leveled Lucifer up. Picked up natural armor to keep him alive.
Alright, thanks for the HP bump, LM! I'll try and finish out leveling up and get back in on the action--sorry about the absence, I've been busy.
Lucifer quickly brings his shovel back around for another swing.
Lucifer brings up his shovel and swings it at the nearest of the creatures, or holds until they come too close if none are within reach.
Seeing the creatures swooping down, Lucifer raises his shovel and yells to the organics. "Get down!"
Lucifer takes up position to the rear of the group, his shovel in hand, ready to act. |
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