Bjarturius does not seem over joyous with the current turn of events but he nonetheless packs his gear, helping Veleda with hers, his intent on following Valka clear by his actions.
Agneta is still visibly shaken by the incident. Valka’s last announcement has left her in shock.
Luco takes the death of his former boss with a sense of accepted fatality. He mentions starting right away taking steps for Paesentius’ funeral arrangements along with those of his nephew. He also briefly states he will tend to Goro (the wounded tall man) if no-one else will. He finishes by informing Cassia he will keep in touch and give word tomorrow.
We will continue via email for the asides. About the various concerns (via emails) about group cohesion and the potential closure of this particular campaign thread, I admit my Aerdian campaign is probably one of my most austere campaign settings to date, a difficult one to navigate in. I will let immediate developments unfold before making any permanent decisions. Player input or comment via email is of course always welcomed. Your GM.
As Cassia struggles in her mind to equate this situation to some form of social or political protocol she may have seen, heard of or read about, she realizes quickly Aratus did hear what he was waiting for:
"As you wish."
Once again that cold, false-hearted smile.
"No circus, but a touch of necessary theater. Carpe Noctem Vulpae Nigrae."
He leaves.
I never mistook Cassia for the shy type ;-)
Aratus drinks in the confrontation, Valka’s long analysis and Cassia’s addendum, taking his time to let it seep in and leaving a long silence before speaking, his lips curving once more in the semblance of a smile.
“Not unhelpful indeed. And right on all counts, Valka Spartaca Tisiphone.”
Another long pause. One could even intuit it implies a measure of respect for the warrior maiden, much like a silence following a prayer to give it weight.
“As for the other rules: there is only one, to start anyway. Strictly contain your activities to the Laxium and only the Laxium. That’s it.”
Aratus sips his wine once.
“The details now. The families of those that must, by right, position and age, seek revenge on you. I can dispose of them or you can: you decide. The Inn is yours, as long as you follow the rules. Legalities will be taken care of. I hope I don’t have to mention not involving the authorities here. The Vulpi have one important patron that needs tending to right away. Do so quickly or you will lose what little support you have.”
He gets up, leaving the coin on the bar.
“For now I speak only to you,” He looks at Cassia,
“and you.” Looking at Valka.
“Nobody else addresses me. Control your men, or they will control you. ”
Aratus heads to the door.
“The Vulpi were the weakest link in the chain. I see this as a portent, an opportunity of better times to come.”
A full smile now, cold and false-hearted.
“A lot more potential here. Salve, Vulpae Nigrae.”
He pauses at the door, awaiting something.
Agneta remains silent and gives Gallus a discreet shake of her head, the kind you give when you wish to avoid an escalation in events.
Aratus stares at Cassia very intently, making sure the intensity in his eyes echo his slowly spoken words:
“Aerdia does not reward those who cannot plan ahead, nor those who confuse social rank, or unique ability. This conversation will be a short one if I cannot find a potential Vulpus Dominus, or in this instance Vulpa Domina, to address myself to. If I wish to order a drink again I’ll speak to Agneta. Right now I am speaking to you, Cassia Nigra, and to you, Valka Spartaca.”
Aratus briefly turns to Valka, acknowledging her for the first time.
Agneta remains silent and looks visibly discomfited, her previous attempts at concealing it failing miserably now. Whoever this man is, it is clear Agneta is subservient to his unspoken authority.
Gallus recalls the fight. The first man that escaped might have been the 'hooked nosed' man. Gallus isn't 100% sure however.
Aratus' lips curl into a very slim smile when Cassia intervenes in serving him wine (and indeed as guest he would be served first. As a man too, unless in the presence of a high ranking patrician lady)
"My name is Aratus. I can indeed assist here. You probably do not know who I am and that is as it should be. And that is how it will stay if you plan to thrive here in Loutharnium. It is actually the most important rule you need to remember. Derogation to that rule will be dealt with harshly."
A pause. Some intensity in the voice now.
"Very harshly."
The voice reverts to its neutral tone.
"What are your plans concerning Loutharnium and the Vulpi?"
Placidius and his strike team were carrying the strict minimum required to accomplish their murderous task while staying light and stealthy.
Gallus only finds weapons, armor and 2 sets of tools (Gallus assumes to be thieves' tools to open locks and the such). A cheap small necklace icon to Hextor is found on one of the corpses. A silver ring on another.
Cassia and Agneta return to the Vulpes only to find an extra man amongst the mourners. He is new and seems out of place, not participating in the wailing nor the ritual gongs.
He steps clear of the sextet of mourners, his face still a mystery in the darkness of night (there are no street lamps on Harlot's Lane):
"Agneta of the Vulpus, we need to talk."
The voice is suave and lightly accented, Cassia failing to identify the accent.
Agneta is taken quite aback by the voice, but her discomfiture doesn't last:
"Aratus."
Aratus adds, his tone neutral: "Inside would be best."
Agneta: "yes."
Agneta shows him in. The light of the Vulpes' Inn reveals Aratus to be a man in his prime, maybe his mid-twenties, of slender built but rather tall. His dark hair make stark contrast to his light blue eyes and pale skin tone. He wears only a simple tunic and sandals, covered by a light hooded city cloak. A single small pouch adorns his belt. No weapons, not even a pugio.
Once inside Aratus' eyes quickly appraise the situation and actors present. He walks to the bar and says, his tone still very neutral (if he is addressing anyone in particular or the general assembly is hard to tell):
"The fate of the Vulpus is most uncertain. Liusides Nesor waits. What happens next must be settled right here, right now."
NB: that name doesn't ring a bell with any of the PCs
Aratus looks at Agneta now:
"I'll take Wine."
Agneta instinctively reverts to her barmaid role, hurries behind the bar and serves him a cup. Aratus slaps a coin on the counter in front of her, his hand staying on the coin while he grabs the cup with his other and takes a sip.
IMPORTANT CHANGE IN EVENTS:
Gallus intervenes in haste to prevent Luco from carrying out his dread executions, stepping between the Almorian and his prisoners just after he spits on both.
The hired blade doesn't argue and backs off, saying what he said in Velondi to both men.
Valka utters her exclamation just as Cassia left the Inn.
Gallus is left unable to follow Cassia, though it is clear he meant to go after her (following up on emails sent)
"More than happy to kill those two, Señora Cassia Nigra."
Luco's face is a mask but his eyes are like fire.
(Unless someone stops him fast) Luco spits on both prisoners and executes them by slitting their throats.
"Vete al carajo coño" he simply adds while his victims expire from massive blood loss.
There are no curfews at night but militia patrols will be more inclined to ask questions
Cassia reaches Agneta's domus and returns with her.
The handsome Almorian's eyes are dark and hard to read as he answers Valka:
"You are fierce, muñeca, I give you that, but Luco is not your dog. You will get your answers in due time. A man and his cousin just died here, and I failed to protect them. I will mourn their death, pray for their souls."
Luco tends to his former employer's corpse and murmurs a silent prayer in his native Velondi.
Outside, the mourners are continuing their chants but it is clear by the lack of unison and rhythm they have been unnerved by the turn of events. When spied upon through the window cracks with his dwarven eyes, Gravus doubts from their reactions and demeanor they knew what Placidius' true intent was.
When Valka investigates the next-door domus, she finds it vacated. The casket maker and his family are nowhere to be seen. Masonry tools are found near the hole (tools used to loosen the wall bricks). The 3 survivors on Placidius' side have indeed fled the scene.
Soon after the bodies are gathered and the hole blocked by heavy objects.
Valka sees a hole in the back storage room wall connecting the Vulpes Inn to the adjoining Domus (the casket maker's). The hole is not some rash endeavor, the brick's mortar has been carefully limed off to release the stone bricks without making too much noise, that minimal noise been covered by the ruckus caused by the mourners outside and their ritual gong-banging on the Inn's wall.
Gallus approaches Bjarturius only to find the big Priest of Kord doing remarkably well. That slice to his leg must have been a superficial cut indeed: there is no deep laceration nor bleeding.
Bjarturius hands the rope to Gallus:
"Pleaze finich dis I vill tend to de vounded and dose dat Korud can save."
He proceeds to go down the stairs to check on the fallen 'allies' (Paesentius and his men), to see if anyone can indeed be saved.
The tall bald one, Goro, Bjarturius is able to stabilize.
Paesentius and the young man are in the hands of the Gods now.
Valka easily catches up to one of the stragglers (G2), already badly wounded by a fierce blow from Bjarturius' great club, and stabs him in the back, bringing him down.
The last 2 men (T3 & G6) make good their escape through the storage room's opened door.
(Unless Gallus takes a shot at one?)
NB: we can exit combat if there is no pursuit
Luco, the hired Almorian, is standing over Paesentius' slain body, shaking his head in frustrated anger.
Bjarturius begins to secure to two sleeping men (G3 & G8)with a rope.
Some answers to rules, other questions and GM notes:
- You can remove a shield during a move action if you have a +1 base attack bonus (and dropping the shield is free)
- 2 acrobatic rolls were required for Valka: one to clear the balcony railing, the other for the drop to avoid getting hurt (and falling prone).
- NB: self inflicted wounds (like damage from a fall) may incur critical injuries as per my house rules. Be warned those that think they will only take damage (the eventual broken ankle and weeks of ensuing bed-rest should tame that systematic urge to use 'death from above' tactics thinking the worst that will happen is a d6 HPs). Also be warned those that think (wrongly) that 'Cure' powers will automatically get rid of critical injuries. All a 'Cure' power is sure to do is make the target recover HPs.
- All attacks from higher ground received a +1 bonus.
And now back to the festivities:
Gallus aims, focuses, and lets his arrow fly true. The shaft finds its mark and skewers Placidius through the gut, emerging from the other side. The critically injured man wheezes a hollow scream of intense agony.
Valka spins past the 2 remaining men, easily blocking their rushed attacks with her scutum before dropping it. The Spartaca plants her newly freed hand on the railing and kicks her outer leg up to clear the balcony edge, dropping down on Placidius. Her muscular legs absorb the fall as her gladius descends hard on the former Vulpus lieutenant's head, splitting his skull open. So ends Placidius' bid for leadership of the Vulpus.
"KORUD!"
Upstairs Bjarturius repays in spades the thief that sliced at his leg. The great club is swung with such force the rogue is flung upwards and sent crashing on the nearby wall before sliding to the floor lifeless. The last man up panicks, looks for a possible escape south but reconsiders when he sees Gravus's bloodshot eyes. He takes a chance to run to the stairs pass by the Priest of Kord. A mistake. Bjarturius bashes him on the back. Bones snap, the man falls.
Downstairs the last of Placidius' men are in full retreat. One (T1) disappears in the small storage room (A2). The rest seem to be going in that direction as well.
Round 6 (just before Cassia & Gravus)
Next: Cassia, Gravus, Gallus, Valks and Bjarturius
Cassia's sling shot finds its mark and impacts on Placidius back. The bullet is angled off by the leather armor. The enemy leader grunts in pain.
Gravus is soon to follow, leaving Placidius no time to rest: he is able to roll sideways and avoid the worst of the brunt created by the explosion of the fiery vial. Nonetheless, burn marks rake the side of his leather armor and leg.
Next: Valka, Gallus, Bjarturius to end Round 5
Upon utterance of the word 'voyage', Two of Placidius' armed thugs (G3 & G8) turn their heads in unison towards Cassia, as if answering some otherworldly call, and fall to the floor in deep slumber.
Placidius makes a quick appraisal of the situation above as he walks over the younger man's body (ending move in x11y7). He slits the throat of the fallen youth while addressing men at ground level:
"Let's get out of here!"
The shadow of a man, highlighted by the Inn's lit hearth, can be seen retreating north (ending move in x9y5).
Next: Gravus, Valka, Gallus, Bjarturius to end Round 5
Gravus tosses his vial with deadly accuracy: the volatile concoction explodes on the man's face, pulverizing it. The headless corpse collapses to the floor while the force of the blast sends his 3 nearby comrades crashing on the balcony railing and floor, each badly burned and with various broken bones.
A bloody melee ensues: Valka steps in and finishes two of the gravely battered goons. Bjarturius steps out of his room, ignoring an onrushing man's blade to crash his great club on a new arrival, breaking his skull clean with a single devastating blow. Blood everywhere. For a second it seems morale will break but one of Placidius' hired blades (T2) skillfully steps in and is able to INJURE Bjarturius with a precise gladius slash to the thigh. Encouraged by seeing the muscular Priest groan in pain, the remaining men join the fray, forcing their way past the defending duo. Bjarturius makes one pay for his zeal, breaking his shoulder with another massive bash of his club. Dead bodies are beginning to pile up.
Meanwhile Gallus has reached the balcony railing, taking out his bow.
Round 5 (Just before Cassia).
Next: Cassia
Funny, as a GM I always tell my players NPCs should follow a single golden rule: "never get involved with PCs if you want to live to a ripe old age" ;)
A gladius armed man reaches Valka and swings his blade at her. Valka blocks it easily with her scutum.
Placidius spots Valka on the balcony. He gives a sharp look to the men still on the ground floor: "Kill her!"
Two men comply and rush up the stairs.
Placidius goes to one knee, whispers something to the fallen Paesentius, and plants his sword in the rotund's man chest, burying the gladius to the hilt.
ROUND 4 (Just before Valka)
Next: Gravus, Valka, Gallus, Bjarturius to end Round 4
GRAVUS: I made you act and move (see email for details)
ROUND 4 (Just before Cassia)
7 armed men, all wearing light armor (leather except G2 who wears a chain shirt) have rushed up the stairs to engage the Heroes as they exit their respective rooms. Most wield bucklers, and either gladii or morning stars (all the ones coded 'G' have bucklers, the ones coded 'T' don't).
Below, Valka (and Cassia partially) can see Placidius (who was described in details to the Heroes) with 5 more men. They have taken down everyone except the Almorian (named Luco).
NEXT: Cassia (others: please wait since many enemies act before Valka, etc.)
NB: In this new round enemies G9 and G6 have just acted
Gravus? Gallus? Your moves
Initiative so far:
Gravus (16), Valka (9+), Gallus (9-), Bjarturius (5)
Still waiting for Cassia.
Night has now fallen on this second day of Pelius.
VULPES NIGRA MAP
Sometime after Komplet but well before Mette, Cassia is upstairs in Viusenius's old room (B8) keeping watch there (in case her theory about the climb turns out to be true). She wonders if the mourners will stop at Mette as they should according to the Nerullian chanting ritual they are calling upon. Gallus is with her, checking the windows.
Valka and Gravus are in the corner room (B5), Gravus using his dwarven eyes to keep tabs on the mourner's actions.
Bjarturius and his sister (and the baby) are in the northeastern room (B2).
Paesentius and his 3 men are downstairs. Paesentius told Goro to guard the cellar entrance.
A single scream from the ground floor startles the Heroes into action.
NB: none of the PCs have eyes on the balcony nor the floor below at this moment. All doors upstairs are assumed to be open at this time.
Roll Initiative everyone.
Paesentius only recognizes one of the women. She is often hired at funeral processions as a professional mourner. Paesentius explains if that is the case (they were hired to do this) he doubts he will be able to convince them to simply leave or pray with a priest of Kord but he is willing to try, if only to get a feel for why they were hired. He may also try to out-pay them or used veiled threats, but as Cassia and Gallus know all too well, the common superstitious belief is that someone hired for a religious service can occur the wrath of the Gods if the task is stopped.
Understood about all the steps taken in precaution. Advise if there are any others. I will await to see what concrete steps are taken ('whispering', attempt to pay them off, etc.) but I wont wait too long so we can move the story along (this saga is turning out to be a bit too slow-paced in my humble GM opinion because of the many possibilities each events engenders. I invite Players to be a bit more decisive in their actions.)
Cassia: very astute observations about the Nerull `response`
Paesentius considers the idea of throwing a bit of coin at the problem to unhire some of those thugs. A very Aerdian response indeed ...
He thinks it could work and would contribute 50-50 to the initiative (on top of providing the people to get this done).
As dusk falls over this second day of Pelius, a group of 3 older women garbed head to toe in black appear on Harlot`s lane, stopping in front of the Vulpes Inn. They are accompanied by 3 men carrying hand held gongs.
The women begin to dramatically wail and chant to Nerull; the men place the gongs on the walls of the Vulpes and pound rythmically in unison. The chant is one of cleansing and exorcism of evil spirits, one common in the lithurgy of Nerull.
This of course draws a small crowd of curious spectators.
Cassia: positive thinking like that will get you nowhere (on a more serious note in my campaign things like that can happen. Most people won`t go down with the ship if at all possible)
News reaches Paesentius and the Heroes later that day of the following:
- Placidius is rallying muscle to his cause. Though unable to secure Micon and his supporters (that Agneta veered towards neutrality), he has been able to recruit almost a score of thugs and hired blades so far, but that number has quickly dwindled to a dozen after news of the curse and sightings of the scythe-wielding reaper.
- A Priest of Nerull, one Sallustus, right hand to Maxentius Acerbo himself (High Priest in Loutharnium), has gone to investigate the matter of the curse and the sighting of the reaper just after sexta. He has not made his findings and conclusions public yet. It is said he is seeking to speak to the one who voiced the curse (Cassia). For reasons unknown he has not gone to the Vulpes, even though everyone on the streets says Cassia can be found there.
- Agneta has worked in the shadows to sabotage Placidius’s attempts at learning more about the Heroes, especially Cassia (whose true Patrician identity was known by Viusenius and his lieutenants).
Unless the Players post (or email) to the contrary, I will let events unfold, as I imagine the plan was to generate a reaction from Placidius.
- 2nd Day of the Kalends of Pelius (sunrise)
A new day dawns on Loutharnium.
Paesentius brings news from the streets (obtained by his spies since he does not leave the Vulpes obviously): the entire Laxium is buzzing with talk about the sighting of the scythe wielder.
The Temple of Nerull is said to be sending a Priest to investigate the event, inspect the grounds and speak to witnesses.
Meanwhile Agneta is able to pass along a message through one of Paesentius’s spies to Gallus and Cassia.
The news there: Micon and his supporters have been convinced to stay neutral in this conflict. Also Placidius is investigating Cassia, Valka and even Bjarturius: who they are, where do they come from, who knows about them, etc.
Gallus: Agneta and her family are staying right where they are. She explains the best course of action is for her to appear neutral in all this and help from the sidelines.
The sight of the black shaped scythe wielder causes tremendous ruckus in the Laxium. The Cypriani domus was becoming a site of hushed interest after Cassia’s 'curse' and this latest display is witnessed by many, most of whom are watching from afar. Screams resound and Invectives are shouted to Nerull and Wee Jas, both in fearful horror and devout prayer.
Gallus sees the hooked nosed man again: he does not seem to have focused on them as the culprits. The disguises have worked it seems.
Cassia and Gallus return in haste to the Vulpes where Valka, Gravus, Bjarturius, Paesentius, etc are waiting for their return.
When Gallus dons the mask, he realizes concentrating does not alter the results: the mask molds onto the face and assumes a change of appearance the Dwarf had carefully crafted in the creation.
Take it away Gravus
Nicely done Cassia :)
Cassia begins to draw a quick audience: a few slaves, an artisan and his aprentice, an older matron with her grandchild. A woman screams when Cassia cuts her hand and leaves her bloody print on the door. A few more have joined the ranks of the spectators. Gallus is eyeing suspiciously a man with a hooked nose in his mid-twenties: local prole or one of Placidius`s men?
When the thunder sounds, the old matron drops her basket and the woman screams again, louder this time. It is followed by hushed chatter and a few prayers to the Gods (to avoid the wrath called upon).
The man with the hooked nose hasn`t moved, but the way he is looking at them, if Gallus was a betting man, he would bet on him being one of Placidius`s goons.
Cassia and Gallus make haste and leave the Laxium unchallenged.
Placidius`s domus is located not far, just west of the Laxium`s small forum. Cassia had previously noticed it looked vacant. Both Gallus and her get the feeling there are eyes on the place. Or maybe it is the streets talking: Agenta did inform the duo the streets were alive with rumours of the Vulpus war, and with those come the inevitable curiosity. If there are hired thugs to go with those eyes, they are hidden.
Cassia does judge that the close proximity to the forum would make a daylight attack difficult. Still, one never knows ...
Agneta's eyes don't seem to miss much, trying to understand Cassia's reactions.
"The First Bond of Society is Marriage."
She simply says.
Cassia is surprised to hear Agneta quote Micianus, a famous orator, philosopher and senator from the old Republic.
"The problem is proper candidates. Placidius does have a son almost in age, 15 summers old. Of course I would not wish the Cypriani on anyone!"
NB: Cassia's investigation had revealed Placidius's full name is Secundus Cyprianus Placidius.
"They are of foul, cruel and brutal temper. But it would be the proper marriage to maybe solve this situation."
More thinking.
"Another Vulpus still alive is Micon."
Agneta giggles.
"But you would have to overlook the greasy hair and newly carved nose, courtesy of your amazon friend."
And finally, her voice demure suddenly:
"Of course there is me too. I am Vulpa. As a wife I am not ideal but ..."
Her voice trails off. She struggles to finish, her eyes timidly dart to Gallus a few times:
"I am not unpleasing to look at I've been told."
Gallus's deeds, added to his well chosen and delivered words have struck a chord with his newly found audience. The brother nods in acknowledgement and appreciation. The mother fawns over Gallus, trying to smooth any creases in his tunic her hug might have caused.
Even Agneta needs a moment to recover her wits:
"Signs from the Gods cannot be ignored. They have shown their favor here today."
Cassia looks around: the household is typical of a craftsman's family. They do not look destitute. A loom in one corner, and way too many rolls of yarn for standard household work: could Laurentinus be a weaver? Her attention is brought back to Agneta who now addresses her.
"Being Second is tempting, 'traditional methods' too, and with the Gods speaking here today ..."
She stops suddenly, her sentence unfinished. After a pause:
"Honest? Tempting but too many women. Paesentius would never be respected. He needs a man at his side. Someone local would help."
Agneta thinks. An amusing thought:
"I don't imagine either you or the amazon would consider a marriage of alliance?"
More thinking, she coyly eyes Gallus:
"Or a strong handsome man blessed by the Gods could help the cause, especially if he was attached to someone local."
The man takes his place at his mother's side and stands defiantly in front of Gallus, as one son's should. The portrait is oddly comical: the man is a good foot shorter than Gallus and slight of frame. Hardly a challenging sight.
"Thank you for your help." The man says to Gallus. "How much do you charge for your services?"
Agneta's response to Cassia's later remark:
"You have a point there. My situation is ...." (a pause)
"... special. I didn't have the choice to get a husband and family."
For some reason she looks at her brother.
"But it doesn't mean I can't be proper."
Another pause. She looks up from her cup at Cassia.
"Maybe the same thing happened to you."
Her keen eyes show her mind, and wit, have refocused on matters at hand:
"So is Paesentius making the offer, or you? And what advantages come with being the second?"
Agneta serves herself some water.
"I also have a great respect for Paesentius. He knows."
She takes a sip of water and says in a low tone, the cup hiding her face:
"My fortunes are decided by my sex. I am not like you, and I know my place."
Meanwhile, during the introductions Cassia briefly made, Gallus had convinced Matidia to apply his medical knowledge to her condition.
"Hiiii!"
A sharp yell of surprise from her mother silences Agneta. Eyes turn to Matidia. The matriarch is on her feet, having bolted up from her chair. Though still hunched, she seems invigorated, her stance less laborious.
Agneta: "Mater?" (Suel for 'mother')
Rushed footsteps. A male voice: "Mater?" A thin man with a stunning resemblance to Agneta and Matidia enters the atrium.
Matidia embraces Gallus warmly: "Sweet Istus! My back hasn't felt this good in years! Not without expensive numbing herbal brews! You truly are a wonder worker!"
Agneta gives Cassia an impish grin at the introduction:
"It is for Laurentinus, my brother and Dominus here, to judge if your entrance in his home is proper or not."
To Gallus:
"Can I offer you water?"
Proper manners, Cassia notices, and cool under pressure.
"I would be in the debt of anyone who could help our family and her matriarch."
Matidia walks laboriously (because of her bad back) inside (the conversation was in the Vestibulum so far) and sits on a nearby chair of the Atrium, content to stay silent and play her role as matriarch to her clan, silently observing and listening to everything being said.
Agneta hushes the house dog who was making muted growls at the unknown guests: "Sedere!". The house dog, a mutt of mix breed -collie and the Gods know what-, sits obediently.
Agneta fetches an amphora of water, serving water cups (if accepted) to Gallus, to whom she gives a coy smile (and did her hand brush Gallus's by mistake?), then to Cassia.
Agneta: "Salute Paesentius for me. Tell him he has few allies left in the Laxium after siding with outsiders and the killers of Viusenius."
Her eyes dart from Cassia to Gallus and back when she speaks.
Cassia weaves her argument well (good use of mundane events to convince her btw).
Agneta did take her sharp wits from somewhere: though obviously superstitious, the mother is smart and takes Cassia's hint right away.
Agneta soon appears, Cassia and Gallus realize they live together here, along with Agneta's older brother and his family (he officially owns the domus).
CASSIA/GALLUS: let's role-play this part since Agneta does know who Cassia is and I want to know the Verbatim of Cassia's (or Gallus's) approach.
The duo of gypsy/street peddlers run into the usual amount of bias directed at such vagabond class, from interested novelty/curiosity to outright prejudice/racism. A patrol of militia (composed of a human, 2 half-orcs and a full blooded orc) also inquire about the duo and question their rights to peddle their "filthy trade" (they do ask for names: what are the ones given?). Cassia maneuvers through the encounter with verbal ease and skill. Gallus surprises Cassia by showing himself to be charismatic in a straightforward soldier's way (something that Valka seemed to have missed on her first encounter with the man).
Traveling from the River Port district to the Laxium (FYI: going from one point of the city to the next is at worst a 20-30mns endeavor on foot), the duo makes its way to Matidia's domus, peddling their false trade as they go.
Along the way: the hustle and bustle of a typical work day in Loutharnium. On top of the vendors, craftsmen and slaves going about their daily business, the duo crosses a downtrodden proselytizer of Pelor preaching for a renewal of the faith to the God of Light on this first day of the month in honor to his name (you may have noticed the months are named after the Gods of the Empire). He is largely ignored.
Arriving at Matidia's, they take advantage of the distraction caused by magistrates of the censor's office who are going about ensuring local artisans pay their taxes (the 1st day of Pelius is also an administrative bi-yearly census day, and one of the census's main function is to properly account for all to levy taxes). Their arrival in the Laxium is causing an adequate amount of stir, grumbles and complains that allows Cassia and Gallus to present themselves at Matidia's door without making a scene.
Along the way they did pass in front of Placidius's domus. All was quiet there, as if vacant.
Matidia is a woman in her forties who suffers from back deformity. At first thinking the visit was from the censor's office, she is relieved and listens to promise of wonder cures with a mix of interest and suspicion.
Flashback: Gallus had stumbled at the broken narrow ledge and had to step in the filth (knee deep). Fortunately he didn't fall flat in the sewer waters.
Cassia and Gallus press on the right fork and climb up the first ladder. They emerge on a River Port street full of fisheries. The stench of fish makes Cassia forget Gallus's stink. A few noticed their emergence from the sewers but either ignore it or pretend they haven't seen anything.
Cassia and Gallus press onward, following the simple tunnel system that makes up the Loutharnium sewers. A fork in the tunnel offers 2 options of passage. On the one to the left (the more northern one Cassia and Gallus believe), a man's shadowy shape can be seen in the dim light about 20 paces in, kneeling over some sort of large inert bundle (a bag? a small person? Hard to say in the darkness). Occupied, he does not seem to have noticed the duo.
The vanguard (Valka, Gravus and Bjarturius) negotiates the broken narrow ledge successfully. Valka's rush forces the old prole to make haste. He climbs the ladder and has disappeared in the Laxium streets by the time Valka reaches the top at street level. A few passersby are startled by Valka's appearance and stay clear of the grating. When Valka closes it over her head, she is certain Cassia and Gallus were able to pass unseen.
Gallus: need that roll for the broken narrow ledge
The vanguard returns to the Vulpes while Cassia and Gallus press onward following the sewer tunnel. They quickly realize they have entered the river port district. The question now is where to resurface. The first grating they are under opens under a street affluent to the river port forum, bristling with people.
Cassia and Gallus: do you use the first river port grating leading to street level or do you press on in the sewers?
With preparations completed, the Heroes set off to execute the plan. Valka, Bjarturius (who agreed to come and leave Veleda at the Inn for the short time required) and Gravus lead the way to flush out any potential lookouts while Cassia and Gallus follow about 30 paces (90’) behind (Cassia using her strange theatrical power of projecting her voice into people’s ears to maintain discreet communications).
The sewers of Loutharnium are, Paesentius explains, a handful of simple underground tunnels with few junctions draining into the Flamia river (i.e. not labyrinthine). From the inn’s secret passage there is a narrow walkway (as seen on map) designed to avoid treading through the filth. Water marks higher up on the walls (about 2 feet high) indicate that during times of heavy rains the sewers must overfill and the walkway drops below water line. The sewers are rat infested and there is a foul stench that permeates the stale air. Gratings above at semi-regular intervals (every 20 paces or so) provide lighting (normal light directly under, dim otherwise). Steel ladders bolted to the masonry give access to those gratings.
At one point in the tunnel, poor masonry or some accident has damaged the walkway, leaving only a broken narrow strip just under a foot wide for a short distance.
Everyone: Roll either an acrobatics check DC10 or a Climb check DC15 to bypass this area without going in the filthy waters (acrobatics meaning you would use the narrow strip, climb that you are using the masonry walls, and its many handholds, to cross).
Beyond this area the vanguard (Valka, Bjarturius and Gravus) sees an older prole (maybe in his 50s) keeping an eye on the tunnel at the foot of a ladder leading to one of those gratings (the grating is currently opened). Upon spotting the vanguard, the older man rushes back up in haste (the distance is about 25 paces -75 feet-).
CASSIA: the whip can be stowed in your belt pouch
GALLUS: did you mean take only the pugio?
reminder: wearing armor is akin to carrying a weapon under the Pax Aerdia: not allowed without reasons
CASSIA: if you plan to go please specify what you will be taking along
Paesentius: "In the sewers following the water flow gets you to the river port district: Anguis Flumen territory. Placidius won't have pull there. The Anguis will stay neutral. If he's having the sewers watched before that there aren't many places one can do so discretely. The plan to flush out lookouts should work. I can tell you how to reach Agenta or Matidia, and the domus of Placidius for your death curse."
The rotund man makes a gesture to ward off Nerull's influence, the hand motion of 'WeeJa clude forem' ('closing Weejas' portal', the entrance to the world of the Dead).
"Stay clear of the Laxium to lie low and don't trust Old Loutharnium. The River Port is a good place, or the Disticum if you really must."
Paesentius proceeds to give details to Cassia about the aforementioned locations.
Paesentius's face lights up, enjoying Gallus's energy, but practicality clearly tempers his response: "If only it were that simple. First thing Placidius did was put his family somewhere safe and leave his domus. I did the same thing."
Paesentius continues, considering options in Gallus's plan: "I have a few ideas where he could have sent them but going after them is a long shot. If you have ways to find them this could help us out. Viusenius's wife might know. The ungrateful b!tch is helping him out in his bid for power, more out of vengeance then love of the man."
He shrugs his heavy set shoulders: "bah, can't blame her for that. I would expect my wife to do the same."
Paesentius's smile broadens: "A death curse on Placidius could work, especially if some ill was to fall on him or those that stand by him."
About the Agneta plan: "Was Gallus seen in the Laxium already? Did he inquire, even indirectly, about the Vulpus, the Inn or what's going on? If yes don't bring him unless he is disguised."
"The sewers are the best way to go in and out unseen but Placidius could have them watched."
"Simple bribery at large won't work unless you can come up with big sums. If you have coins best focus your efforts on a single influential person, like Agneta."
Paesentius answering Cassia: "How long until Placidius comes? Istus only knows. It could be moments or days. But I doubt he will let a moon pass before acting. How many will be with him? He has the advantage of revenge: those you killed have families who will by right want your blood. He will also probably use what coin he has left to get killers. But he might try to be subtle about it: find some angle he can use to do this without a bloodbath. Placidius is one ruthless bastard: very little is below him. I don't think he will burn the Inn down."
Addressing the Agneta issue: "Money can help but won't be enough. Agneta will go with the side that is most likely to win: you have to convince her ours is the right one and that there are advantages to joining before. To get to her use her sick mother Matidia: Agneta is always searching for wonder-workers that could cure her back. If you approach her that way it won't arouse too many suspicions from Placidius if he is having Agneta watched."
Gallus: - There is an adjoining domus-villa on the North-West side of the Inn belonging to a Cask-Maker.
- Something to 'cushion the fall' would need to be placed under a window (i.e. nothing is already there that could serve that purpose)
All: I will assume efforts are being made to secure the Inn as indicated in your posts
Paesentius is taken aback and impressed by Cassia's last words and display of prestidigitation. He quickly recovers, his head nodding lightly in reflex, smiling broadly.
"Stabbing will do. Ideally limiting damages to the man himself."
To Valka:
"In the culina you will find a door leading to a cellar where we have our meets. From there a secret access to the sewers: an easy way to discretely enter or leave the Inn."
VULPES NIGRA INN
VULPES NIGRA BASEMENT
Considering Valka's last words:
"Agneta could be maybe convinced to help if she could be reached discretely. She has wisely decided not to take sides but she is ambitious and smart."
Paesentius considers for a moment. His eyes travel from Cassia to Valka. They consider the frame of Gallus, the many pouches of odd items carried by Gravus and finally land on the hulking muscular frame of Bjarturius. He sighs very lightly, a decision made: "Parvulae for now."
('Parvulus/ae' meaning 'very young' in Suel. There is also an underlying connotation of 'too young', as in not ready yet. Cassia remembers the term being applied to junior partners in some guilds.)
He smiles for the first time, raising his cup again:
"Cassia Nigra Alecto et Valka Spartica Tisiphone: Nigrae Vulpae Parvulae!"
This time his raised voice carries a tint of cheer in it.
The Almorian yells out proudly, raising his own cup: "Ole!"
(Gravus recognizes the Velondi traditional cheer)
Paesentius finishes his cup and looks to both ladies:
"Now to the bloody business at hand."
A pause to make sure everyone's attention is focused.
"Having seen you here with me, normally Placidius would wait this out, binding his time. A few reasons beyond the obvious he cannot do that. So the easiest thing is to wait him out, let him make his move. His claim is that I was weak not fighting you both, a hard claim to make if he looks like he fears taking you on. On the other hand the more time everyone waits the more time we lose money. Plus letting the other side get the initiative is always risky business. So the first thing to decide is whether we wait him out or make the first move. For that I need to know what my new witch parvulae can do. Can you bewitch him or some of his men? Plague him with curses?"
Upon their arrival at the Vulpes Inn, the Heroes notice a few street youths dart off in haste. Lookouts? Possibly. The atmosphere in harlot's lane and adjoining streets is tense: local plebeians and slaves sporting worried faces, street traffic avoiding the lane whenever possible.
The Inn itself is indeed closed and boarded up. Paesentius soon appears, turning the street corner, accompanied by a trio of men. Valka and Cassia recognize the tall bald man Goro. Paesentius's smile is absent, there is a formal air about him.
"You've shown. Dammarus bless this day, the 1st Day of the Kalends of Pelius. Let us go inside. Goro?"
Goro, who was carrying a crow bar, used it to pry open the boarded up entrance.
Another of Paesentius's men, a tanned raven haired handsome Almorian man in his prime, opens his cloak to reveal gladius and pugio. Thus armed, he carefully enters first to scout out the Inn for potential trouble. All is safe: the Inn is abandoned.
Everyone enters (mules included) and the last of Paesentius's men, a short stocky youth in his late teens, stands at the entrance to watch the lane.
Once inside Paesentius takes lead cups from behind the bar, pours wine from a skin he was carrying and offers a cup to everyone in the room (save Goro and Gravus). He raises his, the gesture official: "Praise be Dammarus that he grant us victory and that the Vulpus thrive under the new leadership of Moretius Paesentius!"
He drinks. So do his men.
- 1st Day of the Kalends of Pelius (early afternoon)
Bjarturius, worried about Veleda's safety, decides to take her along: he will protect her and stay at her side throughout all this. Her task will be to take care of baby Veronus, tend to the wounded if any and learn what Gravus has to teach, Bjarturius thus accepting Valka's offer to have his sister learn a worthy trade. Veleda is enthused at the idea of becoming a skilled herbalist and apothecary (Gravus finds her to be an eager student, though easily distracted and somewhat lacking overall discipline).
Leaving Turia's with the mules packed, weaponry bundled up and canvased (mules transporting goods in the city is a very common sight), the Heroes set off to the Vulpes Nigra tavern and inn in the Laxium district.
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