The Rexus Victocora's page

Hey guys, I'm going to be traveling to NYC from Wednesday to Saturday, and while I still intend on continuing normal posting rates (once daily, likely in the evening), there may be times when I'm unable to.

Any suggestions on the less-tourist-trap spots I should hit while there? This is my first time going.

Pádraig Henry finds Rexus standing in the room where the party had fought the skum leader, casting spells as Morvena watches. A lantern floats behind him as he runs around the cave. "This one is called Dancing Lantern. When magic flows through your blood, a spellbook becomes but a simple tool to aid in honing it. You can cast it - and any other spell appropriate to your skill level - several times a day if you study it the way I do. Give it a try."

Rexus turns back to see Pádraig walk in. He turns and smiles at the halfling. "Ah, no more about the Silver Ravens' history, I'm afraid. But I have been speaking with Hetamon, and he's suggested we, as an organized group, begin holding a weekly meeting to discuss future tactics and concerns. A Silver Council, if you will."

"Octavio suggests it may not be best to hold it at the Lucky Bones, but rather alternate the meeting between a different venue each week. Keep Thrune's agents from learning about it."

Rexus snaps his finger to dismiss the lantern. "But for today, what have you decided as far as Thrune's invitation goes?"

Rexus Victocora is predictably devastated when Issil delivers the news, his expression changing from an intrigued smile to a distant stare. He takes the rings and tomes with the photos on them, and tears run down his cheeks as he compares the signet on the rings to his own.

"Indeed... These belong to my parents. And that's them." He flips through the tome, and his mood only gets worse. "They're... really gone."

Then he turns away. "Please, excuse me. I need some time alone."

The handsome nobleman heads to the farthest corner of the storage room, and, facing the wall, flips through the tome, sobbing as he reads the contents.

Rexus listens to your report, his face growing with worry when told of the dottari intrusion, potential spy, and talking rat. "I think it might be best to keep the documents far from where we sleep from now on. Perhaps in the back corner of the basement? What interest would a rat have in some old documents anyway?" He bends over to look into the box.

When told of the magic page, he pulls out the bound document, running his finger along the page. "I know the spell to comprehend languages, but I'm afraid that won't reveal what we're looking at here."

He sighs heavily. "Let's be extra vigilant, and comb the Nest from wall to wall daily. If the rat's always near the documents, and the documents have some kind of secret, magical page..." He rubs his goatee. "I'm not sure what it means, but it sure makes this place unsettling!"

Rexus is beside himself with excitement. "Why yes, the exact cipher for the name Jackdaw appears several more times in these pages. I don't know if she's alive, but surely there must be more to learn about her!"

He heads back to his study lounger and continues tirelessly translating.

GM post incoming after this.

Rexus clears his throat awkwardly and tries to hide his smile. "Heh.. She is... Something, that's for sure. Helpful? It seems so. Um, let us be on."

Rexus calmly hands over the three copper as well, knowing that now may be the worst time to drop any sort of contentious jab, as tempting as it might be.

Rexus stretches his arms and legs out, then looks down over his clothes. His embroidered cloak features a layer of dust and mud stains and smells just as bad as where he'd slept. He unfastens his cloak, folding it inside out so that none of the precious gems or metalwork can be seen. Without the cloak, Rexus' appearance changes substantially, from that of a gaudy, wealthy nobleman to something more of a squire-for-hire - or a simple commoner. "That should keep the guards away. Especially with these documents and raven figurines in tow, we can't be too careful."

Rexus nods solemnly at Pádraig's steadfast response, placing a hand delicately on the halfling's shoulder. "Despite my heritage, I have two thoughts. One: That I have no doubts Kintargo will rise to its former glory once again, and two: that Kintargo is... Different. Its peoples are kind and its former mayor was both forgiving and righteous. Even without Thrune, we have our own set of problems, but Kintargo stands out from Cheliax as much as a dwarf would in Kyonin. Why, even the vast Menador Mountains themselves offer a physical divide between Kintargo and the rest of Cheliax. A coincidence?" He removes his hand from Pádraig's shoulder. "I will leave that analysis up to you. But nothing comes close to Thrune's rule. As someone whose family was scandalized for his own philosophical disparities, I know a thing or two about rising up from the ashes." He smiles, and retreats back to his blanket.

Standing from his corner of the basement, Rexus yawns and quietly walks over to where Padraig stands. "I forgot to offer my thanks for accompanying me here, especially in clearing out the vermin. I'd have been hard pressed attempting this on my own," he grins, offering a handshake. His lips fold into each other as a more serious look falls on his face. "I wish it had not come to this at all. Diving into a derelict hideout in search of something - anything - that may aid us in our fight against Thrune... The riot and its countless innocent victims... All of this sneaking around," he laughs softly, "I'm reminded of my youth. And just like back then, I'm determined to do what I must to fight for what I know is right." His words are spoken with conviction. "What about you, Mr. Henry? To what end do you strive to free Kintargo from its tyranny?"

Rexus blows the dust off one of the documents and begins flipping through it. "...Silver.. Ravens.. Aroden.. Kintargo.. Hmm..." He squints as he struggles to decipher the complex writing, then shuts the book. "It seems this is what mother wanted us to find. This is everything we could have ever wanted to know about the Silver Ravens, and I think I can figure out exactly what it says - with enough time." He begins packing up the books. "I need to decode these, but it's going to take some time. This place could be a potential hideout, but.. well.." He sniffs around and makes a disgusted face "It's in quite the sorry state. Why don't we take our findings to Laria Longroad at her Coffeehouse after we rest? She's the one who had my mother's things. I'm sure she'll have some insight."

Rexus nods along as Victor explains what the runes say. "Yes, I share your skill in language, Victor. That's exactly what these runes say. As to why someone would attempt to summon devils in what was once a Silver Ravens' hideout... I haven't a clue," he notes emphatically.

Rexus gasps as Geoffrey takes a hard swing from the blue devil. "Geoffrey, are you okay? I normally am a little shy of my magical prowess, but I must do what is needed in this scenario. Fiends, let's see how tough you are when you cannot see!"

He holds his palms out, and a dust made up of thousands of colours shoots from his hands, coating the lemures and filling the fetid water with a brilliant shower of rainbow glitter.

"As you wish, my lady," Rexus nods, first tapping the back of Geoffrey's head and imbuing him with focus destined to land a hit. Rexus then moves around the side of the pool. "I possess more powerful magic too, you know. Just say the word and I'll unleash a blinding rainbow of colorful dust at these devilish creatures, sure to knock them out."

Touch of Destiny on Geoffrey

Rexus looks ahead in concern at the rest of the party's missed attacks or ineffective slashes. "Alright, my lady, let's see if that dagger of yours fairs any better against this... devil mush, shall we?" He moves over to give Issil a similar invigorating tap with his finger, though he seems to purposely graze slowly against her arm rather than tap it, a coy grin on his face.

Touch of Destiny on Issil!

Rexus scrambles ahead down the stairs as the party rushes towards the turd pool. "Victor, allow me to assist your aim." His finger begins to glow brightly, and he reaches out to tap Victor on the shoulder. "Us Victocoras always were destined for greatness," he smiles.

Touch of Destiny on Victor, granting him a +1 insight bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws for 1 round.

Rexus whispers ahead. "Victor, what is it? What do you see? Please do not say more filth and vomit. I think I've seen enough to last a lifetime, and then some." He pantomimes a gag reflex.

"That's the way!" Rexus cheers, watching Geoffrey and Padraig take down two more grimples. "Let me try this again. I dare say I'm lucky to have avoided the nasty spew."

He conjures another ball of acid and throws it at the pink-tailed grimple.

Acid splash: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 1 = 191d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"I do so enjoy that tune of yours, Padraig," Rexus smiles, moving into the room. "However, this stench has got to go. How about a little splash to quell your smell, fiend?"

Acid splash, ranged touch vs Yellow, IC: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 1 = 121d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Despite his confidence, Rexus merely burns a ragged blanket with his magical acid.

"Ah!" Rexus claps his hands together once, smiling at Issil. "Excellent shot, my lady, and with a little magical boost to go with it. A little guidance to find your mark, I see," he jokes, the descends after Geoffrey, holding his nose as the stench infiltrates his senses. "Ugh, it is almost as if I can taste it..."

"Hmm, rats." Rexus peers down the trapdoor, scratching his chin. "And a propped open trapdoor in what looks like a once-secret room. There's more to this Livery than meets the eye. Shall we descend, or perhaps attempt to scare off the rodents first?"

Rexus clears his throat and stands up again from his cover, noticing the sideways glare from Geoffrey. "Oh, no no, it wasn't me. You would have heard me using such spells, honestly. I almost wish it was, though," he says, anxious about the strange activity. "I know not how long this place has been abandoned, but it seems it no longer is."

Rexus steps past Victor, but only just. He looks into the "secret" room from an angle, stares for a moment, then quickly darts back behind Victor, terrified. "B-B... Blood? The walls... They're bleeding!"

Looking further down the hallway, you notice obvious tracks in the dust leading into the secret room - strange little tracks that look like clawed baby footprints crisscrossing the floor and desks.

Rexus Victocora grips his sword cane tightly and ducks behind Padraig, foolishly seeking cover behind the halfling. "Oh my, is this place haunted? Restless spirits of the Silver Ravens, perhaps?"

"That's the way to do it, Geoffrey. Let's see if a bit more magical acid can tame this angry mutt!" Rexus lobs another swath of acid at the larger dog.

Acid Splash, IC: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 12
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

"Be careful, Geoffrey," Rexus holds out a palm and conjures a blob of acid, tossing it at the mastiff. "Let me see if I can assist here."

Ranged touch attack, into melee: 1d20 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 1 + 1 - 4 = 16
Acid splash: 1d3 ⇒ 2

"Ever since the woman I've known these last years as my closest friend, Senshen, disappeared, I've been afraid to show myself. It wouldn't take long for those bastards to grab me up too."

As you're heading out the front door of Crisalli's, Rexus turns to Roger. "Ah, Shensen, the beloved diva of the opera house. I know her just as well as anyone else in Kintargo does. She was... Beautiful." He sighs, turning the corner south past Songbird Hall. "I do hope she's found, Roger. Er, Victor. Which do you prefer?"

On your way to the Livery, Rexus pulls a strange, glowing red vial from his coat and drinks it down as he walks. "I have a ... Condition of sorts. Nothing so worrisome, but let's just say without a constant supply of alchemist's goods, I quickly find myself irritable and sick. I'd like to think the company of two pretty ladies would help my ailments," he says with a wink at Morvena. "If only."

Despite Rexus' embroidered longcoat, you manage to avoid the gaze of the guards this time, and arrive at the Fair Fortune Livery in 1d2 ⇒ 1 hour.

"Here we are," Rexus says, stopping in front of the derelict stables. After looking both ways along the road for any signs of Dottari, he walks up to the door. "This place has been abandoned for years. No telling what lies behind that door, but let's try it anyway, shall we? Mother surely would not send me to my doom," he jokes.

The front doors appear locked with a chain, but the chain looks loose enough that a small enough creature could simply slip through, or a medium-sized creature could squeeze in (Escape Artist DC 15). Alternatively, the chain lock can be picked (DC 20) or broken (DC 18). The livery's back doors are not locked, but are tenaciously jammed. (Break DC 22)

"Any hope for their being anything for disguises in there? Or somewhere nearby? I spent quite a bit of time playing with actor's costumes and helping with makeup as a kid."

"Disguises? I'm afraid there aren't any in here, unless you are so skilled that can fashion one out of a blanket," Rexus jokes.

"Signore Victocora, can you tell us anything about these enchanted bracers?"

Rexus runs his hand along the length of the bracer. "Ah, of course. I remember these. Those must be my father's bracers of armor, magical bracers proven to protect the wearer. Trusty things, if not a little crude."

They are bracers of armor +1

GM post to follow...!

Padraig sense no lies in Rexus' words.

Rexus nods in understanding. "I would not trust just anyone either, and it is smart of you to err on the side of caution. One may also question why I chose to reveal so much to you so quickly, but your singing at Aria Park - your tributes to the Silver Ravens - no one would dare say such things unless they were truly committed to the cause."

From his pocket, Rexus produces a folded note, and hands it to Padraig.

"Read this. It was given to me, along with a coffer of valuables, by Laria Longroad, a woman claiming to be one of my mother's contacts."

This Handout can be found on Slide 5.

"Thank you again for that timely rescue. Truth is, our meeting was no coincidence. I followed you from the protest earlier today, but in the panic that erupted I lost track of your group. You proved yourselves to be people of uncommon skill, and I am a man of uncommon needs."

"As I've told you, my name is Rexus Victocora, and until last week's Night of Ashes, I was one of this city's nobles. My parents’ estate burned to the ground that night - I escaped simply because I was studying at the Alabaster Academy during the fire. There were other fires that night, as you know - fires that many believe were started by Barzillai Thrune or his agents in an attempt to squash any spirit of rebellion Kintargo might have."

"Now more than ever we need that spirit of rebellion to stay strong, but Thrune’s actions have driven into hiding those who would stay strong and resist. Those who could once rally the city to a cause, such as Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus and my parents, are missing at best, and are more likely dead. I cannot do this on my own, but with the aid of talented citizens such as yourselves, I have hope that we can."

He pauses to let it sink in, then, with his palms open, he pleads. "Will you aid Kintargo? Will you save the city from the devil?"

Rexus sucks down every last drop of the curative potion, and breathes a heavy sigh of relief. He hops down off Geoffrey's shoulder gracefully.

"Ah, much better. Thank you, my lady," he bows. "It isn't every day that a beautiful woman feeds you a lifesaving drink," he flirts. "And of course, you too. That disguise you pulled off was marvelous," he says to Roger. "Let's get going. Crisalli's Fine Tomes is just down this road. Under our cover of darkness, we should be able to slip through unnoticed." He starts to march along, then grimaces in pain upon realizing three of his ribs are still broken. "Eh... Heh. Yes, I suppose that'll leave a mark. I can manage. Come on."