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Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that you guys lost the GM! To any prospective GMs, I'd like to say that this is a great group of players and it would be a great game to pick up. I got to play with them for a while before real life tackled my free time and I was unable to keep up the posting frequency. Good luck finding a GM. I hope this game gets to continue, you guys were awesome.
Hey folks. I really hate to do this because I consider a PbP a solemn commitment, but in the wake of new restrictions of when I can access the internet at my job (which takes up the vast majority of each day), I am no longer able to post consistently enough to keep up with you all in this game. It really hurts to withdraw from a game, especially one as awesome and active as this, but I cannot guarantee that I can post frequently anymore and until the situation changes (which it is unlikely to do anytime soon), I am going to have to withdraw from this PbP. GM, I leave it to you to have Marcellus bow out of the campaign - if he would prove useful to your ongoing story, I'd be honored if you continued to include him as an NPC in some capacity. My deepest apologies, everyone. I hope you all continue to have an excellent adventure without me.
"I still keep in touch with some friends from the Navy in town. They're not comfortable working out in the open like us, but they're still loyal to the crown. We'll have their support and they'll keep their ears open for trouble."
Marcellus grunts, uncomfortable with all the attention being focused on him. He's the type of man to speak his mind, and he sees the world as a treacherous place, out to get anyone who doesn't grab it by the horns and wrestle it into submission - but he also knows he's not the cleverest or wisest of men. He's a soldier, and he does what soldiers do best. "Feh. I'm no wordsmith, you all see that clearly enough. I see the fires of lawlessness smoldering here, and I'm just telling it how I see it." He glowers back toward where Caggan is being kept. "Maybe I'm just too used to seeing things like a soldier. Seems to me that if we kick the hornet's nest a little bit, the troublemakers will reveal themselves so they can be knocked back into line." He directs his words to the charismatic Anarxos as he continues. "But we'll try it your way. There'll always be a chance for my approach - the direct one - if things don't work out." It seems obvious you're not going to elicit an apology from the man, but Marcellus does seem like he realizes his mistakes.
"My loyalty is to Thrune and the Archbaron. We both swore the Compact. I will not apologize for my actions in the heat of battle, but I recognize that I am currently ill-equipped for bringing miscreants in alive," the veteran replies. "You have my word that I will be ready for such situations in the future. I think I must see if I can procure a weapon more suited to nonlethal tactics." Marcellus is going to go purchase a whip during the downtime as well. In addition, what manner of healing potions can be procured from somewhere other than the Church of Iomedae? Even a potion of infernal healing would be preferable to him.
Marcellus, leaning against a wall as Anarxos interrogates the innkeeper, grunts suspiciously. "Despite knowing of the new laws? Even though you had been warned? Don't think we don't see through you, Caggan. We know there's rebellious talk of late, rabble rousers and traitors trying to rile the common folk into disrespecting the lawful government. Slophouses like yours are festering with such unhealthy talk. Your 'establishment' best not turn into a hotbed for revels and criminals - shutting you down is just for the public's safety." He glares at the man. "If and when the tavern is reopened, you will operate it according to the Archbaron's decrees, or it will quickly find itself operated by someone else who will."
Marcellus knows Mr. Ingoe, but knows little of his reputation. He shrugs when the man proposes a meeting. "We'll hear you out. Please, come in," he says, inviting the man into the
Not to roll things back too far, but Marcellus would approach Melani shortly after the interrogation of Kels and request Asmodeus's blessing to help him heal from the injuries he's still recovering from. A single infernal healing would patch him up completely. As far as downtime, he's amenable to helping Ahreni build a network of loyal citizens among the rabble.
Sleep at the Ash House, work at the Sheriff's Office, I think. I also second leaving Caggan in the pillory. One day seems very light - after all, he didn't just break the law, he attacked lawful agents of the Archbaron! "One day for breaking the decrees, and ten days for assaulting agents of House Thrune!" or something to that effect.
Alignment is a description of my actions, not what decides them. I never think "Marcellus is Lawful Evil, so he will do X." I think "Marcellus would do X, so he is probably Lawful Evil." As far as releasing Kels, I was just skipping forward a bit to when Marcellus gets involved, especially since I am leaving tonight for the convention. :) I think you're doing a good job. I see evilness as an example of how far you will go for your goals. If you'll cross a certain line, even if you do it with hesitation, you probably qualify as evil. Evilness doesn't need to define your actions all the time - but when you're pressed, if your morals evaporate, you could be evil.
Got one up! So, related to Marcellus's conduct of late, I wanted to at least start an out-of-character dialog about his disagreement with the others' methods to make sure there were no out-of-character feelings getting hurt. Marcellus is a deeply flawed character and has severe issues - I am enjoying being a bit of a "problem child," for the group, but I want to ensure no players are actually upset about it. We're all on the same team, even if my character is a total jerk. If his attitude is a problem for the group, then I absolutely plan on adjusting it. Thoughts?
It was never my fault that the poison of liquor ensnared me, thinks Marcellus, as he stands vigil over the defeated form of Bolgart Caggan in his cell. This man is an enabler, he thinks. Offering me drink after drink when he knows I was most vulnerable. After being betrayed by the goddess I once thought to serve. He replays in his mind the satisfying moment of impact as his flail smashed into the head of the scapegoat for his failings. I should have killed him, he thinks. If we release him he will only go back to his unlawful ways and keep disobeying the law. He grimaces. He will suffer in the stocks, though, he thinks with satisfaction. When the others inform Marcellus that Kels has been released, he is furious. "You let him go? And you believed him, that he met this so-called 'angel knight?' That man is a predator. He preys on the gullible and the innocent and corrupts them with his lies!" Marcellus clenches his fists. "You don't know him like I do. He is filth," he snaps, venom in his tone. What he does not say is the reason why he is so certain Kels is a menace. He knows the man has designs on his wife. Why else would he spend so long conversing with her after Iomedean services? It's not her fault, Marcellus thinks. She is being seduced. There is nothing I can do about my age, this filth is just a younger man and is plying her with sweet words and the same lies Iomedeans always spread.
Thanks for your patience, folks. I will try to get up a post today, but I am leaving town for a convention until Monday. After today feel free to bot Marcellus if needed until I return! Apologies for the delays the last day or two. :) I am moving into a new apartment soon and I am very busy.
Marcellus will ensure Caggan is locked in a cell for the moment, but we plan to pillory him when we're done with Kels. I'll get a more robust post up soon - I am struggling with a personal issue at the moment and don't have much time.
Marcellus plants a firm hand on Caggan's shoulder, gripping it tightly. He looks over at the bard in the corner, glaring at him as Anarxos approaches him. "Don't even think about it, Kels," he barks. "You're going to answer the man's questions if you know what's good for you." He shoves Caggan to the ground in a sitting position, standing guard over him as he kicks the warhammer out of reach.
Level Up: HP: +13 (total of 29)
Hit die rolls:
Crap, I need proficiency don't I? Hmm... I've always hated that whips need extra-special training. I might pick up Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Whip) now, and Weapon Focus next level.
"What is this 'nonlethal damage' you speak of?" asks Marcellus innocently, hiding a crushed peasant's corpse behind his back.
"Hah! I should have known you would only want to make things worse for yourself, Caggan," spits Marcellus, drawing his flail as he forcefully shoves his way through the crowd. "You are under arrest for crimes against the Empire. Come quietly or be put down," he challenges.
"You misunderstand me. Pillorying is plenty of an 'example' for that kind of dissent. Violence is, of course, only to be used if the rabble escalalates a lawful arrest." Marcellus says while the group is back at the Ash House. "As for Kels, I know the man. He is scum, rebellious scum, but a coward. He laps up the Inheritor's lies like an eager puppy." He listens to Anarxos's offer to interogate the bard. "...perhaps I should leave him to you. My personal feeings need not interfere with our investigation." At the inn: Marcellus does not add to Melani's comments, knowing he's more useful when it comes to more 'forceful' methods of persuasion, if it comes to that.
"Kels!" Marcellus exclaims. "That layabout is a conman and a liar. Any fictions he has concocted about meeting this fanciful insurgent 'Angel Knight,' whom I'm sure he just idolizes, is an invention of his disorganized mind." "I am sick of subterfuge and deception. We no longer need cower in the shadows. We are the agents of Archbaron Fex, enforcers of the law itself. We will make an example of Caggan," Marcellus clenches his mailed fist, "and we will wring the truth out of the scurrilous Riley Kels."
Marcellus's reaction to Razelago is one of revulsion, rather than shock. What a foul and repulsive creature, he thinks. Razelago had seemed a shrewd and calculating businessman before. Now revealed, he seemed more creature than man, unworthy of feelings of respect and dignity. Devils are power, a little voice in his head told him. Devils' magic pulls the strings in Cheliax. Side with them and you side with power itself. Marcellus doesn't immediately speak - Vicenzo's questions were also on his mind.
Marcellus steps forward. My loyalty shall never be in question, he thinks, determined. "I swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax." As the fires scorch his palms, he is brought back, all at once, to that night so many years ago on the deck of the Stygian Lash as pitch-soaked Andoren arrows burned hot streaks through the air and ignited the crimson sails of the Chelish warship in a brilliant conflagration. The deck was already aflame, the stench of charred wood and burning flesh assaulted his nostrils. As a cannonball crashed into the burning mast, Marcellus ducked - but behind him he heard a scream. A crewman of his lay there, pinned to the deck by a flaming splinter the length of a man's forearm. Marcellus grabbed the searing wood, ignoring the pain as he yanked it out to free the man.
But that was many years gone. His face now showed little more than a grimace as the skin on his palms blackened and charred. He held the stone for several long seconds, embracing the pain. This is sacrifice. This is power, he thought. A tiny, thin smile curled his mouth as he returned to take his place among the others.
That WAS a hell of a post! Wow! Welcome to our newest member! I look forward to playing with you. I'm the irascible old bastard (in character) with an axe to grind and the willpower to flat-out ignore injuries by sheer hatred.
"I relish the opportunity to serve the empire, my lord," Marcellus responds with genuine satisfaction. He does not say more, knowing it is not his place to query and prod for specifics, but his mind races. The risks I took trusting Cimri's hunch paid off. Turns out Razelago wasn't full of it after all. ...Wait a minute. Where IS that shady bastard? He glances around the room, wondering if he had missed another person standing in the chamber. I suppose I wouldn't know him if I saw him, he thought.
Marcellus glares fearsomely at the retreating deputies as they scamper. "When I'm Sheriff, I won't show such mercy," he says after they're gone. "But for now, we are not the law. Not yet." He grins. "Soon."
"Ambitious yet risky," he comments. "I agree. We should meet with the Archbaron first before committing to anything."
"Stay close," barks Marcellus, frustrated that he has twice now been flanked by these thugs. He unleashes a mighty blow at Ashen, then steps backwards towards the group.
The blow to Marcellus's chin, for all appearances, only makes the man angrier. His wide-eyed stare fixates on the deputy who struck him, and he whips the heavy spiked flail directly at Ertha's head.
He steps back toward the others, preventing the deputies from surrounding him.
This is not an issue Marcellus is particularly troubling himself with. ;) He's the type of guy who thinks "eye for an eye" is being soft. Vicenzo, I just gotta say I love how you're roleplaying the Witch class. So creepy and satisfying.
Marcellus laughs cruelly. "So now you show your true colors. Working with the rebels, are you? Stand down or die. Last warning." Marcellus steps foward and draws his wicked, lethal flail with the practiced confidence of a seasoned warrior. "Or you can just go ahead and make my day," he says, his face splitting into a sadistic grin.
"Agreed. We've determined what Staelish was keeping here. Let's return to Razelago... and soon, the Archbaron." Marcellus grins wickedly as he leaves the office.
Marcellus grins at Vicenzo, pleased to hear the man's support. He knew it wasn't official yet, but in his mind his imminent appointment as Sheriff was a sure thing. "Why don't we have a look around, shall we? I'm sure Razelago would be pleased if we turned up any evidence that the... former Sheriff wasn't as loyal as she claimed." Marcellus begins lookong through drawers and any other storage spaces in the office.
Marcellus grins. "If the Sheriff wants to show her true colors and initiate violence, I will relish it. But we're not here to force her to resign. We're just messengers. I'll ask the Archbaron when we meet what he wants done with her - for now, we're just the bearers of the good news." Marcellus heads towards the office. "Let's take the direct approach." He marches right up to the door and knocks heavily three times with his mailed fist, decree in hand.
While several of the townsfolk with her, about a dozen, immediately get upset and start complaining about the injustice of a curfew and being treated like prisoneers, the woman keeps her head. She calmly approaches you. "I have a couple questions about the decree. Will those who break the curfew to see to a medical emergency... "Good morning, Doctor," Marcellus says. Doctor Rohalendi is one of the few people in Longacre Marcellus actually respects. The severe woman's exterior hides a genuine passion for her life's work, and her nonmagical medical treatments were one of the few things that, while unable to halt the chronic pain of his wounds, alleviated them at times when the divine magic of Iomedae had been unable to help. "While I wish I had the Archbaron's ear on the details of enforcement of these new edicts, I am confident he will act with good judgment and discretion. These decrees are intended to root out seditious agents and protect the town from the spreading of rebellious talk and ideas. I would advise our fellow countrymen to strive to not 'push the envelope,' however. Our lord and protector is wise, but even the Archbaron cannot read our thoughts. The appearance of rebelliousness in one's actions might bring a swift retribution, even if one's intentions were pure."
Once the gates are closed, Marcellus takes the opportunity to hammer in the decree right in the middle of the prominently closed gate. "This place ought to do nicely," Marcellus said. The normally irascible veteran seemed to be enjoying himself as he took the proclamation and began hammering the parchment into a visible location on the porch supports.
I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but Marcellus is designed to be the ancestor of one of my Dungeons and Dragons characters - a Lawful Evil antipaladin/blackguard and mortal herald of the god of tyranny. He comes from a powerful noble house - House Vossler - that has historically been bound to the divine forces of evil. I imagine that Marcellus is the start of that rise to power - the man who built the noble house's prestige and earned its nobility.
Marcellus looms over the woman, stepping very close to her. "And it might be wise to speak favorably about this town's rightful lord and protector. Seditious comments like those won't be tolerated for long."
"I won't lie, I would find the post of Longacre Sheriff truly satisfying," remarks Marcellus. "I hope you'll put in a good word for me with the Archbaron. You seem to have his ear on these matters." "I'll take the direct approach with these decrees. If the people of this town wish to protest, they can do so to my face." ---
"Good morning, Bo," Marcellus said, obviously familiar with the man. "I'm here on official business on behalf of Archbaron Darellus Fex. He has asked us to post these new decrees around the town - effective immediately." He holds out a copy of the decree for Bo to read. "And we're going to need to close this gate. The Archbaron cares too deeply about his people's safety to allow dangerous outsiders to have free access into the town."
"Darling! I've barely seen you in two days. Welcome home." Isabella Vossler greeted her husband warmly when he returned home. She moved close to him, reaching around to help unfasten his armor. "I saw you through the crowd at the church," she said cautiously, aware of her husband's moods. "I'm glad you were able to put aside your disagreements with the Sword Knight to go and listen. She really does mean the best for this town." Marcellus was accustomed to his wife's blindness to the Inheritor's church's hypocrisy. "She wants the best for herself and her fellow priests," he said. "What she wants is for the people to rise up and be stepped on by the boot of Thrune. They'll all be martyrs for her god, and she'll be happy." His wife sighed. She knew her husband wouldn't be convinced. "I've made supper. Let's leave talk of the church for another time." Conversation during the meal was lacking. Marcellus wrestled with the urge to confront his wife about her association with Kels, but fought it down. Proof first, he thought. I'll show her that scoundrel for who he really is. ---
Marcellus grins. "It will be a pleasure to relieve that strumpet of her undeserved position as Sheriff, and this decree will bring a much-needed measure of order to this town."
Marcellus stiffened as all eyes turned to him and personal questions began to fly. He was not one for the limelight, and did not appreciate being the center of attention. He grunted and cleared his throat before responding. "The Sword Knight and I have history. I was weak after my time in the navy and I fell for the false promises of that failed church. We parted ways not on friendly terms." He ground his teeth in frustration. "Even now my wife still attends those blasted services and parrots the Inheritor's lies. I was rather displeased to see her in attendance at the sermon."
Marcellus is waiting at the Ash House when the others return. Something is needling him, making him feel uncomfortable about returning to his home. He needs proof - he needs to catch Kels in his misdeeds red-handed. If he returns home now, he knows he'd let something slip, and his wife would know he suspects something. Spending some time with his new companions should clear his head, he reasons.
Just checking in, since Marcellus isn't really involved in the current scene. I'm still keeping up with the thread, so everybody knows I'm still here. :)
Started my new job today! Kept me damn busy, but I think I'm gonna love it there.
In truth, Marcellus heard little of the Sword-Knight's speech. He was fixated on another damning sight - his wife, chatting happily with that conniving braggart Kels. He had warned her to stay away from the man. That layabout had one thing on his mind, and Marcellus was sure he wanted to do with his wife what he'd done to so many other ladies in town, if rumors were to be believed. He was on a mission, though, and fought the urge to go over and knock the man senseless where he stood. Eventually he realized the priestess's sermon had begun, and all eyes had turned to her. He tried to parse her words, but all he heard was his blood rushing in his ears. He saw red. When Anarxos gave his counter-speech, he could see Kels frowning in disagreement. He's a rebel sympathizer! Marcellus was certain. Of course that bastard would march right off to support the hypocrite goddess and her deceitful followers. He barely registered that his wife's expression mirrored her companion's. --- Marcellus arrived late to the Ash House, just in time to join the others in their discussion with Razelago. He said nothing, not ready for conversation with these others just yet. He stowed his share of the coins in his pack without even opening the bag, made an unenthusiastic goodbye, and marched off, wandering outside the town, to the clearing where he often worked on his training. What the hell am I going to do about my wife? he thought in his daze.
I feel bad for missing such a big chunk of the action, but my new job starts on Monday and I've had to be away from the forums while I get everything ready. Marcellus isn't much for public speaking or sleight of hand anyway. :P
Marcellus seems to be looking over at a crowd of people deep in conversation nearby, unfocused on the Sheriff's questioning. His companions can see the man's jaw clench in anger as he stares at them from afar, watching them suspiciously.
I have also been very busy, but with good things! My new job starts soon and I've been going through paperwork and getting new clothes for work attire, so I've been wrapped up in that but things are great. I'll be able to post more frequently now.
Hmph. Tempting me with more excellent PbPs. I will have to think long and hard whether to commit to another game, but I know firsthand you are an excellent GM to play for. |
