Bastards of Erebus PbP - We All Want To Change The World
---
13th of Rova, 4709 AR
We set our scene on the southern coast of Cheliax, in the City of Twilight, Westcrown. The sun rises over the city, its light reflecting off omnipresent canals and rivers located throughout. From a distance, the city looks as though it is shining, as it has for hundreds of years. But the shining exterior belies a city whose heart is now dark.
The past century has been difficult for Westcrown. Losing its status as the home of a God and the capital of a nation in the span of just a few short years was devastating, but the adoption of devil worship by the Chelish nobles poured salt into the city's wounds. Today, the city has a difficult time maintaining a cultural identity, though it remains an economic powerhouse on the world stage.
Of course, this only makes the rampant organized crime (and the rumours that the criminals control many of the nobles and maybe even the Lord Mayor) that much worse. Add to these frustrations the dark prowlers that haunt the streets at night ravaging citizens foolish enough to ignore the curfew and the Hellknights of the Order of the Nail who are always seemingly abusing their power on Westscrown citizens (and the local constabulatory, the dottari, can do nothing about it), the city's spirits are low, and it seems as though the long-term outlook for the city is grim.
Let us begin our tale of adventure!
---
Dramatis Personae
Dave Young 992 – Benicio Del Espada
Davi the Eccentric – Zareth Edemont
Kobold Cleaver – Tenzekila Brushketel
seekerofshadowlight – Mossi Durren
taig – Camris Findlespur
thrikreed – Grachius Alazario
Warforged Gardener – Rakless
For Benicio
The 12th of Rova, 4709AR, Sundown
The smell of humanoid sweat and the moisture emanating from the nearby sea permeate this tavern, creating an unmistakable aroma that seems abhorrent to newcomers. Yet even with the smell and the ale-soaked walls and tables, the Rusty Anchor Tavern makes good business from regulars. As Benicio enjoys a very stout ale alone at his table, he, along with many others, notice something unusual at this tavern:
A woman enters through the main doors. A striking woman. A woman wearing rough local clothing and a blade at her hip, but these do nothing to reduce her beauty.
And even more surprisingly, she moves towards Benicio's table, and asks curtly: "May I sit here, sir?"
The other patrons seem incredibly envious, but return to their drinks quickly.
For Zareth
12th of Rova, 4709 AR, Early Evening
The Cliffside Inn has one of the nicer selections when it comes to restaurants in Westcrown, but its atmosphere is none other than exquisite. A harp-player arpeggiates in the background, providing a pleasant sound to accompany the posh interior welcoming the nobles looking for a decent evening meal.
As Zareth is finishing his dinner of roast pheasant and sipping at his glass of wine, he sees a woman standing near his table. The beauty of her blonde hair is accentuated by her bright red dress, and while she does seem slightly uncomfortable in it, her beauty is not lessened.
She smiles at Zareth and asks quietly: "Good sir, I was hoping to speak with you about something of some import. Would you walk with me?"
She gestures towards the door, with a hopeful smile.
For Tenze
13th of Rova, 4709AR, Dawn
The first light of the sun appears in Tenze's room window, lighting another day in the city. The sounds of the city awakening are clear as the people of Wescrown head towards their places of work for the day.
As Tenze looks around the room though, something stands out. There appears to be a note that was slid under the door at some point during the night.
It seems to be simply written: 'I have heard your mumblings that all is not right in the city of Westcrown. I feel it's time something should be done. Meet me in the corner booth of The Sacred Goose at sunrise.'
For Mossi
12th of Rova, 4709AR, Noon
As the sun reaches its apex of the day, so too does the training of Mossi Durren. The public park on the southern tip of the central island is the perfect place for Mossi to train her skills, but at the end of her routine, she sees an unexpected guest watching from a distance: a blonde human woman, who carries herself like a warrior.
She approaches Mossi and asks: "I am impressed. It is rare to see such artistry and deadliness at the same time. Where did you learn such styles?"
For Camris
12th of Rova, 4709AR, Noon
As Camris is returning to the stable from a good long ride on his favourite mount, he sees something out of place in the stables: a human woman. She stands there face-to-face with Camris as he is still mounted, smiling. "Greetings, Camris. I have heard much about you. I have heard you are someone to trust when there is justice to be sought. Is this true?"
GM:
For Grachius
13th of Rova, 4709AR, Late Morning
Grachius is enjoying a late breakfast as the dogs in the Dead Bear Tavern all around him snore due to a lazy morning. They awake with a start when the door suddenly bursts open to reveal a young boy who runs into the room with a piece of parchment in his hand.
Of course, the sudden movement draws the barking of the dogs as they get up. The half-orc bartender yells at the dogs and they calm down, and turns to the boy. "What'cha doin', boy? You lookin' to get your face ett off?"
The boy turns pale as he replies: "Sorry, sir! I 'us just deliverin' this here note to that there singer!" He gestures towards Grachius.
The half-orc waves the boy away and he appraoches Grachius. "Are you Grachius?", he asks, sheepishly.
For Rakless
12th of Rova, 4709AR, Dawn
Rakless awakes in his roost as the sun rises, as is the usual, and the wafting smell of the sea air helps raise him to alertness. Out of the ordinary, this morning, however, is a woman standing outside The Sacred Goose, on the ground looking up, watching his movements.
She points towards the entrance to the inn, with a questioning expression on her face, and then enters the building.
13th of Rova, 4709AR, Late MorningThe half-orc waves the boy away and he appraoches Grachius. "Are you Grachius?", he asks, sheepishly.
Yes, yes I am. Did Aerilius change his mind about that part?
"My dear lady, any time there is a need for justice, you can call upon the blade of Camris Findlespur. Might I ask who you are and the reason you seek me out?"
GM
He preened his feathers, picking out bits of straw with his beak, fluffing and then smoothing the black feathers until he was ready to meet the day. Then, he slipped his scabbard onto his belt, checked the blade of his bastard sword carefully for imperfections, and made his way downstairs.
The Tengu's head bobbed with each step, a little trick he sometimes used to improve his balance on an uneven surface. Wearing a blade as heavy as his required a little caution on the stairs, which he was only too happy to maintain. A lighter sword would have been more convenient, but Rakless loved the heft of a bastard sword. When his older brother taught him the fine art of swordplay, it was always his favorite because he felt like a master swordsman, spinning the magnificent blade in one hand and dancing around his brother. He never landed a single blow with the blade--he was skilled enough to wield it but lacked the upper body strength of Torkress or Nothley, his older brothers--not until he learned the sacred arts and realized a greater power than muscle.
Rakless gave the woman a courtly bow and cawwed. "Good morning, my lady. May I recommend the oatmeal? Very fat mealworms in there and if you ask nicely, they'll leave them in." He clucked his tongue. "Very tasty."
For Benicio
"Well, then, Ben. Let us cut straight to brass tacks, shall we?" She smiles as she takes a long sip from her drink.
"I've heard rumour tell of your... beliefs. Particularly that you feel there should be something done about the problems in the city of Westcrown. Now, of course, it's impolite to speak politics on our first meeting, but I hope you'll spare me this one indecency." She winks.
Lowering her voice to a whisper, "Were the rumours correct?"
For Tenze
"Hello, my gnomish friend," she says with mirth in her voice.
"Shall we convene to break our fast and discuss some business?"
For Zareth
She smiles, knowingly. "And yet, I hear you are different. That their ways are not quite yours."
"What can you tell me about yourself?"
For Grachius
The note reads: I know who you are. Please meet me in the alley behind the Dead Bear as soon as you receive this. We have much to discuss.
For Camris
"My name is Janiven, and I am here to request your aid in fighting the corruption that wracks our once-great city."
For Mossi
"Indeed, it is a tragedy that these skills are necessary to survive." She gestures to her own blade. "I too have been trained to survive."
"In fact, survival is at the crux of what I wish to speak to you about. Would you be willing to walk with me and enjoy this beautiful day?"
For Rakless
She quiets her voice: "Have you seen anything... strange... going on in our fair city?"
EDIT: I forgot how to link the roll, but it sucked. 8.
I think I got it!
GM
EDIT: I forgot how to link the roll, but it sucked. 8.
GM:
EDIT: I forgot how to link the roll, but it sucked. 8.
GM:** spoiler omitted **
The boy looks even more sheepish, which seemed impossible moments before, but simply hands you a note and runs off.The note reads: I know who you are. Please meet me in the alley behind the Dead Bear as soon as you receive this. We have much to discuss.
After reading the note through twice more, I'll begin examining the note. I'll note the paper's thickness (weight), its natural coloration, and check it for watermarks. Anything stand out?
After that I'll carefully study the penmanship, noting anything that might determine the writer's identity, nationality, or even sex... or some other clue as to what waits for him in the alley. Anything stand out?
After carefully folding the note I'll stand up stretching, neaten my appearance (while tucking the note into my undergarments), toss enough coins on the table to pay my tab, and then boldy stride toward the front door.
Once outside, I immediately check my rapier and daggers and then circle around the inn coming at the alley from the far side. As soon as I can I'll try to slip into the shadows so I can get a good look at the situation and the players before I have to commit to it.
For Tenze
** spoiler omitted **
DM:
"Perhaps some other time, my friend. I have already broken my fast this morning. In reality, I am here to speak to you about your eyes. I hear the Tengu see more than the rest of us. I was hoping to speak to someone of your talents."She quiets her voice: "Have you seen anything... strange... going on in our fair city?"
Rakless turned his head, watching her with one and the rest of the inn with his other. "Now that you mention it," the Tengu said softly, "I have noticed that the criminal fraternities in this city are a bit more...organized...than in other Chellish cities. In fact, I was just remarking to my friend Tenze the other day, if we weren't roosting in this inn, I have no doubt someone might steal the hay we sleep on in the middle of the night."
Benicio
"I am pleased you say this. Suppose I were to tell you that there are many who share our opinions. Would you be interested in meeting them?"
She smiles, almost seductively, as she asks.
Mossi
She smiles. [b]"Suppose I were to tell you that I can offer you a chance to prove yourself, while at the same time helping this city return to its past glory?"
She winks at Mossi, coyly. "Would you listen to my offer?"
Zareth
"If I have learned anything in my life, it is that untempered steel is as useful as a club. To achieve true mastery, one must temper one's power with experience, as well as study and practice. This is why I come to you today."
"There is no small amount of desperation in me when I ask you to help me. You must feel the dark times about in our city as well as I. Would you be able to help a damsel in distress?"
She grins coyly at those last few words.
Grachius
From your studies of the note (which is written on plain parchment available at any shop), you learn that it was written by a woman (or a man with particularly dainty handwriting), and the style seems reminiscent of Chelish writing, though, of course, an expert might be more accurate at pinpointing the actual region of Cheliax.
As you approach the alley, you only see one figure waiting. A lithe figure, cloaked in shadows. As you approach, you realize that it is in fact, a woman. A beautiful woman, at that. She keeps a longsword at her hip, but otherwise seems to be open to meeting you, as indicated by the smile on your face.
"I am glad you came. I was the most bold with you, and worried you would not appear."
Tenze
Her expression becomes more serious, [b]"... but we should get to the heart of the matter. If you truly do wish to help our city, I ask that you listen to what I have to say. But what we discuss must remain between us. Do I have your word?"
Rakless
"I have been looking for like-minded individuals and those who have potential for greatness to recruit to our cause of returning this city to its greatness. In you, I have found both of these qualities, but first, I ask you: what can you tell me of this Tenze that you speak of?"
Camris
A hopeful expression rolls over her face as she says, "What do you say?"
GM:
As you approach the alley, you only see one figure waiting. A lithe figure, cloaked in shadows. As you approach, you realize that it is in fact, a woman. A beautiful woman, at that. She keeps a longsword at her hip, but otherwise seems to be open to meeting you, as indicated by the smile on your face."I am glad you came. I was the most bold with you, and worried you would not appear."
Wondering if perhaps I was unaware of a language commonly spoken in Cheliax besides Common and Infernal...
I switch from the role of skulking rogue to courting courtesan between shaky heartbeats… Standing up tall, I stride boldly up to her. Smiling as I approach, I give her a wink and throw an arm around her waist.
Raising an eyebrow, I say in smooth seductive common “Yes, my lovely lady, you were most”, I use the infernal word for “bold”, and continue in common, “Perhaps a reward is in order, eh?” and then begin nuzzling her neck, my warm breath rolling across her skin. Carefully I use my other hand to keep track of her sword arm’s elbow.
What’s my sense motive telling me about her? How about her reactions to the situation? Did she seem to recognize the infernal word I used or did she frown at its use? Most of all do I think she’s seen through my disguise or knows about my alternate identities?
GM:
"I *am* interested in restoring honor to my adopted city. Very well, Lady Janiven, I will meet with your compatriots."
GM
[Rakless plucks mealworms out of his oatmeal, lays them side by side and counts them] "It's okay. I can keep myself busy until then." [one of the worms tries to inch away] "Oh, no you don't..."
Perhaps I can introduce Tenze to my new friend. I bet Lady Janiven would like her.
Rakless:
Her expression stiffens. "I am looking for a group of competent folk to help return this city to its once-great stature. Thus, I have come to ask for your help, as a competent... er, bird." She laughs at herself at that.
"Sorry, I'm not exactly good at this. Please, if you're interested in helping Westcrown and its citizens, come meet me and other like-minded folk tomorrow night for an early dinner a few hours before evening. We will be at Vizio's Tavern, found in Central Wescrown."
She picks up a mealworm and swallows it before your eyes. "I promise, we'll have a specially made meal for you." She winks.
With that, she gets up and leaves the bar.
Benicio:
She finishes her drink and stands up. "I hope you will come," she says with a slight smile on her lips.
With that, she leaves the establishment.
Grachius:
As Grachius attempts to nuzzle the woman, she pushes you away and an angry look flares across her face, but it quickly softens. "Please, I'm sorry to have contacted you in such a way, but I needed to talk to you and I do not have much time."
"I have heard through my contacts that you have connections to the Pathfinder Society, which is why I contacted you. I know you Pathfinders are not popular here in Cheliax, which is why I didn't want to jeopardize you by speaking of it out loud." She looks you right in the eyes.
"Though, to be honest, I didn't expect such a bold reaction, even from a singer like yourself."
"My contact told me that you would be a reliable contact to speak with about... Well, I am trying to return this city to its former glory, but for that I need able bodies. And this is where you come in. I was hoping you would help us re-organize and even play a role as an unofficial emissary from the Pathfinders. We need everyone we can get."
"Now, I know this is a lot to take in all at once, but if you're willing to hear us out, meet me this evening a few hours before sundown at Vizio's Tavern in the centre of town."
"Now, you will unhand me, yes?" while she is trying to keep an angry expression on her face as she says this you realize that there are some playful undertones.
Note: She did not seem to understand your word spoken in Infernal.
Tenze:
"Now, I should leave you before people start noticing us. I do hope to see you tonight."
Zareth:
"For now, I must go, as there is much to be done, but I do thank you for the walk, and I hope that you decide to come tomorrow."
She smiles, almost seductively. "I would be disappointed if I couldn't see you again."
Camris:
"We will be meeting tomorrow evening at Vizio's Tavern just in the centre of Westcrown to discuss further details. I hope you will join us."
She makes to leave and says, "As for now, however, I should get going. There is still much to organize."
"I hope to see you tomorrow, friend!"
Mossi:
"I do hope to see you there, and perhaps you can show me a thing or two in combat." She winks as she walks away.
Vizio's Tavern
As you approach the tavern, you realize that this is a quiet side-street a little bit off the beaten path in central Westcrown, traffic doesn't seem to be common in this area, and you quickly realize that this is most likely due to the fact that most of the shops and businesses in the area are boarded up and closed.
In fact, Vizio's Tavern is itself clearly out of business, but there do seem to be signs of activity within. Smoke emerges from the chimney and the sounds of movement within are clear to those standing outside.
The building is a common two-story building built in the Wiscrani style. The old tavern's sign looks a bit battered as though it hasn't been maintained in some time, but otherwise, the building looks to be in good condition.
Mossi was dressed in well worn traveler clothing, her Kukri's at her back and two daggers in her boots hidden from view, whip coiled at her side. She had come to listen not to work, but when is wise never to go unarmed. Mossi wasn't a tall woman, she was small, compact. No one would ever call her lovely not because she was plain but the fact she was lean, serious looking and her steel gray eye's always seemed intense and watchful. She was once told she was like a viper, tense and ready to strike, cold in her actions. She always liked that
She once was used to fine things, clothing , good food the best. Now she thinks looking down at her worn clothing I am low on money, and could use a bit of work and that is how she finds herself on a empty street full of old shops and ghosts of the city's glory days.What kind of trouble will such a place hold? she thinks to herself as she cross the street and heads into the building
The small, hooded gnome seems to have a slightly wide, plump face, though her torso is very small. Her cloak is dark blue, and she has a rapier at her waist. She walks towards the tavern with a limping gait.
Smoke from the chimney? That place has been closed for a while, thought Benicio, as he approached the shabby, neglected building. The whole neighborhood, really...
He checked his gear one more time, as though he hadn't a dozen times already. Yes, his new chain shirt that had yet to protect him from a blow was still there, along with the heavy shield strapped to his back, over his pack. His bastard sword, morningstar, dagger and longbow with a quiver of shiny-tipped arrows likewise remained on his person; new, sharp, cleaned, polished, and untested. He smoothed back his shock of thick, close-cropped black hair, and cleared his throat.
He'd brought everything, not knowing what to expect, and peered into the entrance, but saw nothing. You wanted to make a difference, he reminded himself. This is the place.
He walked inside, his light-brown eyes adjusting to the light. He saw one of the small folk; cloaked, perhaps a halfling. A woman stood nearby, though not the one he sought. She eyed him with a steely wariness that was a little unsettling. He looked about the room, not seeing the "lady" who had found him and beckoned him here. Was it some sort of trick, or a joke? There was only one way to find out.
He approached the little person, and in his gruff, deep voice, introduced himself.
"Hello," he said, extending his broad, tanned hand to the hooded halfling. "I'm Benicio Del Espada. I'm looking for a certain lady. Perhaps you've seen her?"
Zareth approaches the tavern wearing a fine robe, a finely-trimmed goatee on his chin. He is holding a staff and a satchel, and a small black snake can be seen wrapped around his arm. He looks around at the surroundings with disdain. "How... impoverished. Well, we have a meeting with a beautiful woman and we shouldn't keep her waiting." With that, he walks into the inn.
As Grachius attempts to nuzzle the woman, she pushes you away and an angry look flares across her face, but it quickly softens. "Please, I'm sorry to have contacted you in such a way, but I needed to talk to you and I do not have much time."
I, of course, let her push away… though as I do so I grasp one of her hands, take a step back, and bowing low put her hands to my lips… Then look up into her eyes smiling, raise a seductive eyebrow, say “Perhaps another time…” and wink.
"I have heard through my contacts that you have connections to the Pathfinder Society, which is why I contacted you. I know you Pathfinders are not popular here in Cheliax, which is why I didn't want to jeopardize you by speaking of it out loud." She looks you right in the eyes.
I make a point of never taking my eyes from hers, though I believe I’ve bowed long enough.
"Though, to be honest, I didn't expect such a bold reaction, even from a singer like yourself."
My smile deepens, my eyebrows wiggle suggestively, and as she finishes this line I say, “Fate favors the bold.” As I finish, I lick my lips suggestively.
"My contact told me that you would be a reliable contact to speak with about... Well, I am trying to return this city to its former glory, but for that I need able bodies. And this is where you come in. I was hoping you would help us re-organize and even play a role as an unofficial emissary from the Pathfinders. We need everyone we can get.""Now, I know this is a lot to take in all at once, but if you're willing to hear us out, meet me this evening a few hours before sundown at Vizio's Tavern in the center of town."
"Now, you will unhand me, yes?" while she is trying to keep an angry expression on her face as she says this you realize that there are some playful undertones.
Bowing only slightly, I bring her hand (the one I still have not released) and bring it to my lips again. As I brush my lips along the back of hand, I watch her for a further reaction.
“Perhaps, in the near future…” and I let the sentence drift off into the night.
“Now, I insist you on seeing you safely home, Lady?” and smile as I turn the last word into a question in and of itself.
Did I hear any accent to her spoken common? Even if I cannot identify it now, I’ll try to squirrel it away for later identification or even duplication.
By the way, what is her cha?
The Tengu entered the tavern and squawked his approval at the sight of the little gnome. Rakless was dressed in the refined garb of an artisan beneath his armor, which only served to highlight the perfectly balanced mix of grace and awkwardness that was his signature.
To the other patrons of the tavern, he must have appeared a comical sight: an enormous black bird with feathered arms instead of wings, his right hand resting on the hilt of a sword that looked too big for him, his left gripping a shield that had something--a scroll, perhaps--pinned to the inside.
He scraped the top of his beak with he shield a few times, as if sharpening it, then quickly removed the shield and hung over his shoulder, embarrassed by the nervous tic. Rakless made his way over to Tenze. "I wonder how the mealworms are here. I hope they're lively." He clucked his tongue. "Did the mysterious lady invite you, too?" He covered his beak. "Oh, sorry. Don't answer. It's more mysterious that way."
After I am done with the lady... I will do the following if I have the time.
6-14 hours before... Get what sleep I can.
5 to 6 hours before... I will switch to the garb of a filthy trash-picking beggar (concealed dagger) and check out Vizio’s Tavern and the surrounding area. I’m looking for escape routes… If I run out the back and out this alley, make a left and then a right I’ll be in the middle of a bustling market. If I jump out that window there and run down this alley I’ll be on a crowded street. I’ll try to nail down such a path for each cardinal direction.
About 4 hours before... I will return to my inn room, clean up, and then take as long as possible to re-apply my disguise as Grachius… Including a black cloak.
About an hour before... I will arrive early at the tavern, find a place within easy reach of one of my picked escape routes, but able to keep an eye on the entire room. I will then try very hard to blend in and become unnoticed while not completely hiding.
I will arrive an hour before the aforementioned time. I am a blonde haired male human wearing a Courtier's outfit (though without any jewelry accents), studded leather armor, a rapier, and a dagger. I have a black cloak on my arm (or sitting beside me once I have sat in a corner).
The Tengu entered the tavern and squawked his approval at the sight of the little gnome. Rakless was dressed in the refined garb of an artisan beneath his armor, which only served to highlight the perfectly balanced mix of grace and awkwardness that was his signature.
To the other patrons of the tavern, he must have appeared a comical sight: an enormous black bird with feathered arms instead of wings, his right hand resting on the hilt of a sword that looked too big for him, his left gripping a shield that had something--a scroll, perhaps--pinned to the inside.
He scraped the top of his beak with he shield a few times, as if sharpening it, then quickly removed the shield and hung over his shoulder, embarrassed by the nervous tic. Rakless made his way over to Tenze. "I wonder how the mealworms are here. I hope they're lively." He clucked his tongue. "Did the mysterious lady invite you, too?" He covered his beak. "Oh, sorry. Don't answer. It's more mysterious that way."
She laughs. Her laugh is high-pitched and tinny, and she speaks with a slight Brevian accent. "Rakless! I didn't know you'd be here, too! I'm sure that the mealworms will be quite lively in a place such as this, but make sure the lady knows you want them in your food. Some strange people happen to dislike mealworms for some reason." She does not seem completely sarcastic. She lowers her voice. "Have you seen some of these other people? That woman looked like her eyes could melt steel, and that man looks like a musician! What sort of job is this woman planning?"
GM
What most would mistake as a sandy-haired, rosy-cheeked child makes his entrance into the tavern. His eyes, at first appearing impossibly sad, light up when he sees his friend, Tenze.
"How delightful! I didn't know you would be involved in this venture. I would have thought Lady Janiver would mention she approached a dear friend of mine. No matter--it is great to see you, Tenze."
He continues to chatter away at his gnome friend, and is singularly impressed with the tengu. At times, during his idle conversation, he looks around to appraise the others in the tavern.