Although not a stablehand by any measure, Tobias readily offers his hand to assist with returning the horses.
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Tobias takes a genuine interest in the Children of Westcrown. With a warm smile, he walks around the area, getting to know the Children better. He takes particular interest in anyone who seem genuinely interested in the healing arts, or at least understanding of the mortal body.
Tobias rubs his hands together, pulling out his healer's kit and laying things out his alchemical supplies.
Tobias attempts to jump to one side of the wagon With what energy he has left, he carefully steps away from the horses and attempts a wild swing with his sap at the driver.
Hoping to assist with the escape, Tobias moves slightly to the side and weaves his hand through the air, placing a slumber hex on the hellknight standing on the wagon's top.
Tobias gasps for air as the wave of dark energy rips through his body. Feebly, Tobias grasps at his belt, quickly ripping one of his potions free. Tobias uncorks the potions and throws it back, quaffing it greedily. As the medicine seeps into his system, he feels refreshed; he stands upright, his tremors abated, and squints the nearby foes.
Tobias hastily rushes to join his friends. (p17)
Tobias, weary of the man with the giant crossbow, mumbles under his breath and points at the armoured man.
While the disguise is a sound plan, hopefully it'll be effective at drawing them in and throwing them off balance, I'd be keen to remind people that an ambush may just plain be better. Bandits are a problem in the area, and the Hellknights would be quick to shoot now and ask questions later. Beyond that, even if they don't think we're bandits...well...they may just say we were bandits after they've killed us. Between the bridge and the foliage, perhaps a simple ambush would be better?
While I cant say Im pleased with the tactics, I can't argue that they are anything but sound, given our situation and resources. If this is what the group wishes, I will go along with it as best I can.
"You are naive fools if you believe that no one will die during this rescue. If you insist on using only non-lethal force, then it will be our people to die rather than theirs. I agree that we should do all that is reasonable to minimize death, but don't lose sight that first we need to minimize the death of our people then worry over the death toll on the other side." With a slight twitch, Tobias grits his teeth as regards Salm, You'd call us naive for wishing to preserve life? Who're we to decide who deserves to die and live? I will not kill someone. I refuse it. Tobias, realizing what he spouted off almost as a reflex, then gathers himself, calming his countenance. Excuse my outburst, Salm, but you must understand, Im not denying you the use of your blade, merely asking we respect life, regardless of affiliation. Also, consider this: We are to be the Saviors of Westcrown, not some rabble of freedom fighters bent on toppling society. If we are to win the hearts of the people, we must prove that tyrannical leadership of force is NOT the only means of living. While I understand we will find ourselves in situations where people will want to slit our throats, and a lethal defense may be necessary, I believe, firmly, we should take every effort to avoid that situation.
I must agree with Hadrian, here. Tobias interjects with a somewhat glum look. If we must attack an office of Westcrown directly, I'd rather do it with as little bloodshed as possible. I may be able to put the driver to sleep, or perhaps we can disable the horses some how? Traps seem best, especially anything nonlethal. I'll help you only under the pretense that we are liberators, not murderers .
I agree; Children of Westcrown sounds like a most appropriate title for...whatever...this is...I've no ill-will toward our beloved Westcrown, but it is a sick city. Tobias trails off. He pauses a moment to collect his thoughts; reaching up to grab his chin, he furrows his brow and continues, talking to himself for all to hear; at this point, I suppose I am committed to...this. I'm not so naive to think that the pacifistic innocence of a child is what will cure this city's malady, but perhaps by adopting a less aggressive name, we can maintain a less offending posture with the local authorities, who through not-so-hushed whispers will inevitably discover, at the very least, the name of this operation. Yes, Children of Westcrown will do quite nicely.
Tobias does what he can to clean of his own clothing. Once satisfied, or at least as satisfied as he was going to get, he diverted his attention onto the group as a whole, Anyone have any wounds that need tending? Turning to the man, Tobias catches himself, Uh...excuse me, I didn't mean to be rude...I'll extend my offer of health to...these children, wherever they might be...
Tobias takes a moment to examine the markings...with a slight hesitation, he looks back momentarily, and then follows the others--hurriedly scampering up the ladder.
Tobias shouts to the others as a reminder, We would do well to leave those alive that we can...
Tobias is content to follow the others in group, agreeing that moving is better than staying.
Frustrated the foul creature down the hall didn't even so much as flinch at the hex, Tobias loads his crossbow and takes a shot.
To hit:
Tobias, unsure of what he is facing, weaves his fingers through the air, mumbling an ancient chant-word, placing a Hex of Slumber on the closest enemy. With the hex placed, Tobias wields his crossbow.
Zumii ponders the question deeply. "Some say that they can, they say it's like a sixth sense .. I however have yet to experience such a feeling. I'm not sure how much truth there is in it to be honest, but I do know that should someone need healing or protecting I will do my best for them. Should that not be enough, then their fate rests in the hands of Pharasma." You are a rare breed, then, Zumii. The clerics here in Westcrown seem to guard their healing. Those that are powerful are concierge clerics to the rich and powerful, and those healers that the commoner can afford can hardly offer more than mundane healing for those not of their clergy. I applaud your indiscriminate healing efforts, though; you offer an empathetic heart, for a cleric of Pharasma."
Tobias places a hand on Salm's shoulder, We're in their home, Salm; Perhaps mercy is in order? I'd rather you knock it aside the head, rather across the neck...but I am not known for my adventures, so if you believe it better to slay this miserable creature instead, then I will defer to your tactic.
Tobias continues to weave a mystical pattern in the air, attempting to aim it at a goblin.
Tobias grumbles something under his breath about how adventuring always seems to end in death...With a quick passing of two outstretched fingers, Tobias attempts to put the nearest goblin asleep for a round. The hex complete, Tobias then reaches underneath his cloak and wields his sap.
Tobias follows close to the group as the chicken carcass is tossed to the foul creature.
Tobias takes out his crossow and loads it, keeping sure to avoid aiming at the foul beastie, delaying hopefully until the group is able to bypass the creature without a battle.
Tobias hurriedly scuffles along with the rest of the group. With a slight twinge of nervousness in his voice he mutters, Yes, I agree with Hadrian, what is important is that we keep moving.
Thank you for the potions, Tobias offers with a smile. The potions clank against each other as he places them in his medicinal pouch.
Tobias looks to the main door, then the trapdoor, then back at the main door. With only a moment's hesitation, he scoops up his cat, cradling it in his arm, and quickly moves to escape with the other. As he descends into the sewers, he tips his head as a "thanks" at Hadrian.
A low guttural grow escapes Tobias' throat; the black cat that had been weaving around his feet seems to mirror the agitation with her own low groan. Janiven! Tobias exlaims in a hushed whisper, what have brought upon us? Tell me there is a quick escape here that doesn't involve the heel of the dottari? Staying here will only incriminate us, regardless of intent or action.
Janizen, hearing her name, swings by the table with a smile... Janizen! Tobias exlaims. I'd ask you hold your tongue on such...such...terrible claims! Tobias continues, almost a little too loudly. His tone drops to a whisper as he continues, Ill be the first to admit I am sickened what I see everyday, but I am granted certain...leniences by the government in return for my healing skills...To oppose house Thrune openly, even to decry them anywhere in this City, would be to throw away everything I've worked for...I've no love for them, but I do not see reason to openly oppose them.
Hadrian looks around the table at Tobias, "Now, sir, you look like a local. Ever seen the Carpenden Players perform?"
At this, whatever contempt that had come across his face at talking to the Cleric washes from his face. A smile bridges the gap from ear to ear and his eyes shine. Oooh, the Carpenden Players?, Tobias exclaims while clapping his hands together in excitement, they are excellent! I find their performance to full of such...energy...I've seen quite a few; they always add some light to an otherwise dim day.
Tobias tries to regard Zumii warmly, but a twinge of contempt that he is unable to hide plays through ever so slightly. "Zumii, a cleric to Pharasma, I understand that for every death she ushers out, she also welcomes new life. From who preserves life to another, greetings... I am Tobias, Doctor of Medicine from the low-to-no income clinic on the other side of the city."
Tobias decides to join the motley crew, ordering a goblet of wine for his free drink.
Spoiler: Several times, Tobias has been told to stop treating a patient because they have become a suspected criminal, or talked poorly of something or other. He's run a foul of more than one Hellknight who has stormed into his office, ripping a patient from his care---luckily, for now anyway, Medical Practice Laws have protected him from punishment for caring for the criminals, but he still thinks its wrong that they should be denied care. He's also noticed that patients who relied on his care have been disappearing in the night, while this isn't atypical for Westcrown, the magnitude of disappearances seems to be increasing recently...
Tobias is pretty much good to go, just need to work out equipment (which I wont be buying much of anyway) and finalize my Hex choice ( a surprisingly difficult decision!).
Tobias Estancia
Mechanically - NG, witch. Probably have a strong opinion on killing people, but understands the necessity of it. Will try to always have some "medicine" from his brew potion abilities on hand for the party, and always willing to provide some healing. For combat, he will focus on control spells/hexes that disable enemies (or bolster allies), instead of directly entering combat. When he does enter combat, he will use weapons that deal non-lethal damage. |