Here is Slayde's submission for Hell's Rebels. The crunch is in the profile. There is also quite a bit of backstory as he has been played in a Hell's Rebels game that died out. I am still working on a submission for Hell's Vengenace, just having a harder time figuring out who that character is.
Hell's Rebels Questions:
1. What drove you against the current rulership of Kintargo?
A missing father figure/mentor. Rutilus has a mentor who goes by the name Patch. Recently he has gone missing and word is there is someone at the protest that may have some information. Furthermore, things have gotten rough for his adopted family. As such, he is looking to make things better for them.
2. What stops you from simply leaving for a better nation like Absalom, Andoran or Varisia?
Rutilus is a street-urchin. As such he is laregely penniless minus the small stipend that was supplied by Patch. He is also deathly loyal to his "family" he has created for himself. There is no way they could leave and he couldn't imagine leaving them unless it was for their own good.
3. A loved one has been captured. You were promised their safe return in exchange for betraying your comrades. What form will your betrayal take?
A double cross. Loyalty is the trait that probably defines Rutilus more than any other. As such he would never betray his comrades. Isstead he would work with the comrades to make it look like he was betraying them before turning the tables on the one who has captured his loved one.
4. You are transporting a cartload of contraband in a public street when a pair of bored guards stop you talking about passage fees, potential fines and a requirement to search your cart. What do you do?
Distract the guards and lead them on a chase through the city while the rest of the crew makes the cart disappear.
5. Someone you fancy has finally agreed on a day out on the town just you and them. However an important meeting in your organization is being held at the same time and you found out after the date was set. What do you do?
I think Rutilus would at first attempt to pull a Mrs. Doubtfire and attend both the meeting and take the young lass on a day out of the town. However, if that is not possible, he would be upfront with the one he fancies and let her know that something important has come up and that I unfortunately need a raincheck.
6. Your lifes nemesis is at your mercy. But his close family nearby bega for his life. Do you spare him? Or ia some other outcome more favorable?
I would spare him, but I would make sure that he is no longer a threat anymore.
7. Without describing their job, name, or appearance tell me who you're character is.
Rutilus is loyal. He is the guy that if he calls you a friend he will always have your back. He will attempt to move heaven and hell to protect those he cares about.
Rutilus hisses as the creature pinches him, not so much at the wound but at the surprise of being pinched. He then swings his blade around at the offending creature.
Probably missed, but if the creature is dead, I will move to flank the creature with Adonara. If its not dead, I will 5 foot step south and study target the one I missed.
Rutilus steps closer to the mass of creatures, trying to draw their focus. He then focuses on the closest of the creatures. When he sees his opening, he strikes quickly.
5 foot step into the middle of the group.
Study target on whichever one is conscious and not hit by the burning hands. And attack
Rutilus was largely silent during their investigation. He just couldn't understand. At least the evil and brutality of Thrune he could understand. There was logic to it. These murders, the tooth fairies, evil for the sake of evil. He just knew they needed to stop them. So they waited while Adonara used herself as bait. When the tooth fairies first appeared he was initially shocked, still not wanting to believe they were real. He then began to focus.
Rutilus narrows his view to a single tooth faerie, examining it for any weaknesses. Then in a flash he lunges out his hiding place drawing his new cold iron blade and his shield in a single fluid motion, striking at the creature. He hopes the shock and surprise of his attack will draw the fairies to himself and protect his less armored allies.
I want to apologize for not being around. Someone has hacked a good number of my accounts and I've been dealing with getting fraud charges over turned this past week. I hope to have everything sorted by the start of next week.
"As much as I would rather not, I feel we must examine the body to see if there is anything else we can learn. We also shouldn't stick around the crime scene just in case someone gets the wrong idea ... or the right one." Rutilus then gestures to Zea to lead the way.
At Adonara's words, Rutilus briefly glances down at his blade in his scabbard. "All these demons and fey, I need to see if I can find a cold iron falcata." He mutters to himself briefly before refocusing at the task at hand.
"Adonara is right. We should move on to the next crime scene. At least now we have an idea of who or what we are looking for."
Rutilus nudges some debris away from an object before crouching down to examine it. "I think I found what ripped out the tooth. Don't know why they would be collecting teeth. Maybe a ritual of some sort? Magic is bit beyond me. Then again... the killer could just be sick in the mind."
Rutilus relaxes his grip on his blade and puts away his shield while releasing a breath he wasn't aware he was holding as the imp vanishes. "Thankfully that's over."
Rutilus takes the lead as they enter the devil's nursery. He takes care not to show any signs of aggression though make sure he can quickly grab his blade if the need arises. When Kira siddles up next to him, Rutilus gives her a slight smile. "No need to worry. Most will avoid you and the ones that won't are looking more at your coin purse then looking to harm you." He then keeps his eyes open and his ears listening for anything that might be out of the ordinary. "Where to go to find anything about these murders..." he wonders to himself.
Well those were horrid rolls I speak Elven as well so I think that leaves Lodoro as the only one who doesn't. Well Baolo doesn't also but at this point I'm not sure he's coming back.
As the imp reveals itself, Rutilus begins to draw his blade. No more than an inch is drawn before he catches Pellius conversing with the creature and stops himself. "What game is Pellius playing at? There is no way we can allow that thing to go and keeping it here is dangerous as well."
With that thought, Rutilus fully sheathes his blade maintaining his grip on the hilt while readying his shield just in case. He then narrows his eyes, focusing on the creature looking for anything that looks to be an attack.
Rutilus nods at Adonara. "I think you are correct. Best to destroy this creature if possible. There is always the chance Crissali may be wrong and destroying the contract will release it from its bindings instead." Rutilus then grips the pommel of his blade as he awaits the decision of the group.
Rutilus ruminates out loud. "The document itself came from the pages the Ravens had. Why would the original Ravens have a contract with an imp? And why bind it to stay in the wasp nest?" As he hears Kira's fear, he responds to her.
"Relax Kira. While I agree we need to take care of this creature we need to fear yet. If Crissali is right, the creature is bound to the Wasp's Nest unless otherwise instructed. None of us would have instructed it to leave, so it should still be there and would not have had the opportunity to tell anyone."
"A Faerie dragon? Whatever is that?" Rutilus thinks to himself unsure of how he can help in the situation. As Adonara begins her song to try and communicate with the creature, Rutilus himself works his back to the door in an attempt to blend in and keep an eye on the surroundings. At Adonara's signal, Rutilus slips through the door to see this supposed "Faerie Dragon."
Upon going outside Rutilus is surprised. "That little thing is adorable. Cassie would love it" he ponders before the dragon speaks. Rutilus then responds in his nicest voice, almost as if speaking to a child. "Vedalfek, I am Rutilus and this lovely lady is Adonara and our jovial friend there is Baolo. I can understand making pranks and having fun as much as the next. However, what you are doing is dangerous. These people are now be watched and this fine establishment could be destroyed by some very bad people." He then pauses as if an idea just popped in his head before continuing. "Now, what if you have your fun and perform pranks at the Opera house. That way you can have your fun with out putting these people in a dangerous spot?"
Assist on Adonara's dipomacy or my own diplomacy if she doesn't do one:1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5
Not one to sing, Rutilus does his best to blend in with the crowd and do what he does best, observe. He Adonara's lead and begins to attempt to tap his foot in time with the beat, but its obvious he can't follow the rhythm.
As Adnoara comes back with information on what people are seeing and hearing, his mind immediately goes to the mundane. "Could someone be spiking people's drinks with some form of drugs? Seeing things and hearing voices. Sounds a lot like the time Sera took ... something."
Rutilus is about to voice his thoughts when Kira comes back in. "Probably not drugs then..." he mutters to himself as he attempt to glace at the rafters without making it too obvious.
Stealth to not be noticed checking the rafters:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 Second Perception to look at the Rafters:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Sorry for not saying sooner, but Dorian just passed by me and work was shut down this past week because of it. We weren't really hit but I ended up spending the time off with family and didn't have a chance to post. Should be back to usual now.
As the talk moves from magic, something he knows nothing about, Rutilus finally speaks up with a scoff. "You think the Dottari would waste their time worrying about impoverished tieflings? They wouldn't help them in best of circumstances. If the church of Asmodeus is involved, I wouldn't be surprised if the Dottari are committing the murders.
That being said, I'm not certain of our next move. On the one side stopping the murders is important. However, if the talk at Crackjaw's gets too much notice, it may end with the same fate as the Thrashing Badger."
Rutilus continues looking for the culprits, his hand still steady on the hilt of his blade. "If sabotage, why? What was their purpose? Were they trying to collapse the whole area?" His eyes then flick to the ceiling thinking of the building above them. "Could it have been for distraction?"
Rutilus was quiet during the whole exchange with Rexus as he is without words and not certain what to say. He never knew his own parents but knows the pain he would feel if he lost any of those he calls family. As the conversation moves on, Rutilus nods to Rexus. "We will find a way to give them the proper burial rights."
Later as a loud crash and a section of the store room collapses, Rutilus quickly jumps to his feet. His hand finding itself quickly on the hilt of his blade. "Is everyone ok?!" he calls out while looking around for any possible threats or the cause.
Skill:1d20 ⇒ 5+9 for perception, +6 for K. Dungeoneering
Finally ... a post from me ... sorry again ... I hope you will all forgive me this brief backtrack
Much, Much Earlier
While the others look to decipher the papers and talk with the mercenaries, Rutilus slips out the back. "I really should check on the others. Cassie has to be worried sick"
At Rutilus's Hovel:
Feel free to retcon/change any of this I just thought a brief little vignette of recruiting the team
As Rutilus enters the door, Cassie runs up to him and throws her arms around him. "Where have you been?!? I thought for sure something happened to you at the riot. Tesario said you were ok but you were gone."
Rutilus returns the hug with a smile. "As you can see I am alright. Like I said, I met some people and we are going to work to make things better here. For all of us." He then looks at Cassie with a sad look knowing he can't stay, before turning to Tesario. "You asked how you can help? Right now you can help by having the guys keep their ear to ground. Listen for rumors, the going ons with the Dottari, anything no matter how big or small that might be of interest. You can leave whatever you find at the spot behind Baolo's."
"Don't worry, you can count on us. Right Cassie?"
With some trepidation, Cassie responds, "uh... of course."
Rutilus then gently pushes Cassie back. "Thank you both... Now I'm sorry... but I can't stay... Be safe, both of you
Now...
Rutilus looks down where the Thrashing Badger used to be. "Sad... While I much preferred Baolo's establishment, the Badger was always worth a change of scenery." As the others talk about swimming, Rutilus begins to unhook his armor. "I'm not the best swimmer, but I'm not too shabby. Think anything is down there?
I want to apologize for my absence. Weekends are always busy and I had to spend half of it at a dealership swapping my Camaro for something a bit more family friendly as my 7 month old starts daycare this week. I promise I will have an actual post tomorrow, but my schedule may be a little hectic these next two weeks as I adjust to the new schedule at home.
I'm assuming its dark right now "I don't want it to feel like we keep pushing off investigation of the music store however it is dark and most of us cannot see well without light. Perhaps the ladies have the right idea. We should relax this night and see what thought we can spark in the minds of others. We can then investigate the fires fresh in the morning."
"I think we should try to recruit some people who can keep their ear to the ground and find us rumors of where we can strike next. I might know some people"
I agree with Kira that informants seem the best way to go right now. I know the players guide calls them street performers, but street urchins/street rats may work as well as no one pays them any attention. As for the 300, I added to the treasury on the rebellion sheet.
Joining everyone at the bookstore, Rutilus joins in with the celebration "I must say I am surprised that worked without a hitch, and without a single casualty... at least yet. I'm sure those guards will be punished most severely for losing the prisoners. I do wonder if anyone will let those that were sleeping out of the barracks. Now Baolo, about that toast..." he finishes with a grin.
I updated the notoriety on the rebellion sheet. I didn't see a spot for upkeep so I didn't make any change there. When you say we gain six followers, is that members or supporters?
Rutilus follows Adonara to the door. He takes a quick glance towards the front where Pellius and Kira are doing a wonderful job keeping the guards occupied. He then slips his tools into the lock, timing his movements to when the guards are the noisiest.
Hearing Adonara mention sleeping guards, Rutilus pulls out his rope and works to tie the door shut. With a nod to the others, Rutilus quietly heads over to the other door and listens to make sure they don't mess up their group's ruse.
If he hear's nothing:
He slowly opens the door a crack/looks through the keyhole making sure no one is there. He then gives a signal letting the others know its clear.
As Adonara starts to climb over the fence, Rutilus cups his hands together to help push her over the fence. climb aid:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 He then turns to Baolo, "Need a lift?" before assisting him over the fence as well. climb aid:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 He then makes his own way over the fence climb:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22. Once they are all on the other side, he whisper, "Should we peek in the bunk house?" Rutilus then gestures to the coil of rope hanging from his back. "If it just guards we can tie the door shut locking them in and preventing them from helping"
Sorry Baolo ... apparently you're too heavy for me to assist
Rutilus hearing the snoring and no other alarm else lets out a breath he was holding. "So far so good." He thinks while whispering to the others, "Obviously a bunkhouse, do you think its the guards or the prisoners?
I actually do have a couple points of disguise with a +3 skill.
Could it be used to help someone else disguise?
Rutilus nods, "The plan has merit. If a few of us sneak in the rear while the rest distract up front we may be able to free the prisoners without their notice. If those who are distracting have get into a bind, this place doesn't look too big that we can't get into a position to assist quickly."
Rutilus has no issue with standing by on the grassy knoll in reserve either.
Sorry had a busy weekend so far but to add to strategy. If you are looking to pull off the whole "we have another prisoner" routine. Rutilus would probably make a good "prisoner." He has decent sleight of hand and disable device skills. He could maybe be put in with the prisoners and unlock all of their shackles and cells everything. Rutilus's social skills however are absolutely horrible. Though studied target does give a +1 so its -1 instead of -2 modifier
Quick synopsis of the Roles:
Demagogue - Adds Con or Cha to loyalty check
Partisan - Adds Str or Wis to security check
Recruiter - Bonus on recruitment equal to character level
Sentinel - +1 bonus to secondary organization checks. Aid all checks for events (Con or Cha for loyalty, Str or Wis for Security, Dex or Int for Secrecy)
Spymaster - Adds Dex or Int to secrecy check
Strategist - Bonus rebellion action with +2 for any checks
So Recruiter and Strategist aren't tied to any one stat. Demagogue, Partisan, and Spymaster are all tied to a specific stat. Sentinels all time bonus isn't tied to a specific stat, but its event bonus will be looking at all 3 stats.
On a pure number point of view, Demagogue is between you and Kira. My assumption is both of you will be pumping your bonuses into Cha.
Here is a Rebellion sheet someone made in google sheets. I believe it does all the calculations as long as you only edit the check boxes and the green fields
Rutilus is surprised at the leniency and generosity of Laria. "If anyone hurt Tesario or Cassie, even unintentionally, I don't think I could employ them. Then again, the blood debt has been paid with its family" As Adonara releases the manacles, Rutilus keeps a close eye on the Tengu, wary of it retaliating for the death of its family.
As the conversation moves on, Rutilus speaks up. "I would like to add my thanks to that of the others. Anything that keeps our families safe while we embark on this is much appreciated. I find though I must agree with Kira on our next course of action. Its possible there are clues there after all this time and if there are they will most likely still be there later. Prisoners on the other hand may be executed at any time. Men owing you their freedom are also more likely to join your cause."
I'm working on re-familiarizing with the rebellion rules as its been awhile since I read them. As far as the foci, Rutilus would definitely push for secrecy as well. For the officer roles, Rutilus's High strength (+4) makes him best suited for Partisan. He does have good dex (+3) and decent con (+2), so he would probably make a decent Sentinel as well. As they don't go off stats he would work well as a strategist or recruiter.
In terms of straight numbers I guess it makes sense to make Rutilus the Partisan. I don't want to push other characters but if we are looking at straight numbers, Kira as Demagogue and Lodoro as Spymaster puts a 4 in each of the stats. Also looking at straight numbers Pellius or Adonara make the best Sentinel. Adonara gives straight +2 across the board while Pellius gives a 3 in Loyalty and Secrecy but a 1 in Security.
Again I don't want to push anybody into anything, I'm just an engineer and love to look at and play with numbers.
After listening for awhile to the discussion on what to do with their prisoner, Rutilus speaks up. "Moving a prisoner can be difficult particularly if they are uncooperative. Adonara has him restrained. If we are worried about noise, we can tie his beak shut with some cloth to keep him from making too much noise. Most of us can stand guard over him while someone lets Laria know what we found. These are her tunnels and Nan was her friend. Perhaps Laria should decide his fate."
Rutilus cleans his blade before sheathing it. Shaking his head as the notes are read. Rutilus agrees with Pellius, "While I have no regret in defending us, it is disappointing to have slain what amounts to refugees. However, their ambush tactics left us no choice." Then to Adonara, "You are correct, I believe she said it was a barracks of some sort. Though if the tengu's notes are to be believed, they have been down here for days. It stands to reason there is no one else down here. Let us make sure and then report back to Laria"
As the tengu falls, Rutilus nods to Adonara. "No thanks necessary," he says as he makes his way to the final foe. As he swings, he twists his blade, striking with the flat, hoping for answers as why they attacked
Move: Move next to the last enemy Standard: Non lethal attack
Rutilus sighs and thinks to himself as the ambush is revealed, "Nope ... definitely not chickens." He then rushes in, drawing his falcata and shield. Rutilus takes up a position next to Adonara, hoping to draw the creatures focus. He then swings his falcata in a downward arc at the creature.
