WAT & EUPHEMI
Chomspky begins to growl at something, off to the right, as Euphemi illumintes the gloom and spots a horse moving through the deeper woods.
'This place is creepy, even with the light I can't- There's the horse!!!' Gorvio shouts and with loud whinny the rare steed gives flight.
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If the horse is within 30 feet - or if I can move to within 30 feet of the horse - I'll try to Daze it.
Beat this DC Init Check to get close enoguh to cast the spell!
I set Chompsky to chase the horse.
At the same time, I attempt to lassoo the fleeing mare.
The lasso hits off the horses rump as it flees, easily resisting Euphemi's enchantment. Chomspky however has better mastery of the situation and herd the horse towards a clearing, the humans catching up panting.
'Indeed. Thesing frequents a bar known as the Widow's Chair in Rego Scripa while putting on a show. He can be found their all evening tonight as it is not a show night,' Arael informs Ignatio as he returns, kitted up and ready for his task.
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"Indeed? Well then Arael, talentless Apprentices of mine, let us go pay us a trip to the Widows Chair!" I smile, staring at myself briefly in a mirror. I am dressed head to toe in the finest clothing money can buy, wearing more jewels than before. "I feel like giving our pompous mark a little... Show!" I laugh softly as I slide the rapier through my belt and turn for the door. "Come Apprentices!"
The Children and Arael share looks, before rolling their eyes. Sclavo and Mathelen then follow Ignatio. Trying to play their parts, and glaring hard at the bard if he corrects them or acts up to much.
You arrive at the Widow's chair soon enough, there are a few tables outside where well-dressed men drink wine, and the doors stand open. The sign over the door simply display's a fallen chair and a hanging woman's feet in red and black stockings.
Inside more men debate and discuss in rich tone and pomposity, while pretty barmaids in imperial reds and blacks weave throughout them. They are subject to no fewer pinches or slaps than they would be in the grubby depths of Rego Crua.
The lasso hits off the horses rump as it flees, easily resisting Euphemi's enchantment. Chomspky however has better mastery of the situation and herd the horse towards a clearing, the humans catching up panting.
I circle around the horse again, faint rune crawling up my wrist as I prepare to try to daze the creature again. "Easy girl," I whisper, "We'll get you home safe and sound."
The horse shakes its head at Euphemi's attempt, backing away and whinnying shrilly its eyes wide and nostrils flaring, the creature is breath fast and hard.
Seeing my magic fail, I step forward, uttering more cooing noises, waiting to see if Wat is successful while preparing to try to Daze it again.
The horse seems somewhat calmed by Wat's soothing tones, enough to allow Euphemi's magic to blank its mind for a few moments. When these blinks of an eye have passed the horse is much more docile and relaxed, though it still eyes Chompsky warily.
Gorvio makes hushing noises and ties a rope to its muzzle.
'Now lets get our of here, yeah?'
"Agreed," I add, relaxing as the horse is calmed. I look around with a concerned eye, turn to Gorvio and ask warily "Do you know the way back?"
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I walk to a table and take a seat, motioning for the two Children to join me. "Okay. In here I am going to treat you like my Master treated me. Do not take offense. I mean nothing by it, it is just the done thing!" I whisper, leaning forward slightly so as not to be over heard. "Thesing is a proud man, so we need to either flatter him in to listening to us or find some other way to get him in our pockets." I gesture for a Waitress to order drinks but before she comes I turn to the man and woman again and smile. "First sign of trouble and you run. I'll distract them."
When the Waitress comes to our table a slow, suggestive smile slides across my face."Greetings Miss. I was wondering, would you fetch myself and my two worthless Apprentices here a jug of chilled wine?" I smile, sliding a gold piece across the table towards her. "Also... I was looking for an old acquaintance of mine, well more a friend of the familys' really, name of Thesing?" I smile, adding a second gold piece.
As the barmaid heads off to acquire the Jug of wine, I spend a few minutes gazing around the room, seeking out anything of interest, out of place people, guards and the like.
WAT & EUPHEMI
IGNATIO
The Children nod, but more at ease by your explanation. The barmaid is instantly swayed to liking Ignatio, and fetches quite a nice jug of wine. Smiling back at the bard's table as she works with a somewhat dreamy smile.
She returns quickly and conspiratorially tells Ignatio that the boisterous blond man, pontificating to a group of three young noble sycophants in the corner is none other than the actor Thesing himself. She glowers at the man however, with quite a bitter expression.
Wat
and Chompsky
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I frown softly and scan my eyes covertly over the table. "What is it that bothers you so dear?" I flash the woman a small, comforting smile and stand, straightening my clothes covertly as I do. "Perhaps he would be agreeable to some company, yes?" I lay a hand gently on the barmaids shoulder and slip another gold piece into her hand before leaning in and whispering softly. "Do you know an inn by the name of the Maidens Leap, by the Merchants quarter? I'll be there later tonight, if you are free. Maybe we could have a drink and talk." I smile and push her gently back towards the kitchens before turning back to the Children.
"Well dear apprentices, time to watch your Master work!" I smile and wink, downing a cup of wine before standing again. "Remember... First sign of trouble and you run. Let the others know it went sour. Maybe suggest they get Gorvio and his Uncle out of town!" I nod softly before turning, a broad smile sliding onto my lips. "Showtime!" I whisper as I step lithely through the crowd, approaching the table un-surely at first.
"Do my eyes deceive me...? Can it be? Thesing? Thesing is that you you sly old dog? Why I haven't seen you since... Well since we were both a lot younger and more naive I dare say!" I laugh uproariously and pat the man softly on the back. "By the Gods... Thesing!"
WAT & EUPHEMI
As you walk down the trail in the middle of the forest, just ahead of Gorvio who is leading the horse, Chompsky's ears perk up, but he hasn't time to utter a growl before three incredibly scruffy looking men step out from behind the trees to your left. They are all dressed in ragged leathers, but the crossbows they level at you seem functional enough. The leader, who is a middle aged balding man with a matted beard shouts out 'Don't make any stupid movements. Take off and pile up your valuables, and leave the horse where it is. Then you can continue on your merry way.' He smiles and his teeth are either brown or gone.
'You have to the count of ten. One...'
IGNATIO
'I...' The broad-shouldered man turns to face Ignatio, a confused expression coming across his handsome face. It is quickly smothered and he shares Ignatio's smile.
'Ah! It has been some time, why don't you introduce yourself to my friends here, old friend?'
After Ignatio does so, Thesing offers him some wine, and asks 'And what brings you back around after so many years, dear Ignatio?
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I smile, taking my seat, lounging back and studying Thesing for a second. "Well that is an interesting story, as it involves you my friend!" I smile, taking a sip of wine and chewing on my lip softly.
"I have spent the last two years looking for something more, something exciting, daring. My Grandmother, after all, being the star that she is, has already made for me a name in this city. This bores me. I have a need..." I frown for a second, idly stroking my chin.
"Well maybe you do not need to hear about that need, it is childish and indeed ridiculous!" I laugh deprecatingly and smile. "I fear I have not the grasp of words that you do old friend, I never did, so I will speak plainly and keep my dreams to myself. I am hear because, during my times preparing to implement that dream, I became fast friends with a young man by the name of Gorvio, a man who I am lead to believe you hold a connection with." I smile softly, sitting forward.
"Thesing, brother of my soul, young Gorvio is the nephew of a man beholden to you in the excess of one extremely rare breed of horse!" I smile broadly as I see the flicker of recognition. "Ah... I see it there, that flicker of recognition in your eyes, followed by anger, understandable. But old friend that anger is needless!" I laugh softly and stand. "For don't you see...? Would I stick my neck out for a filthy peasant, if it were not assured that there would be no need for an old friend to raise a blade against me? By the gods Thesing we have your horse!" I laugh loudly and pat the man softly on the back. "It is, as we speak, being groomed and taken care of, before it is to be presented to you. But of course you must be reimbursed for your troubles. I am authorized to offer you the horse at 75% the price!" I lean in conspiratorially and whisper, "These idiot peasants are too oblivious to know what a good deal that is!" I laugh softly and clap the man on the shoulder, straightening again.
"So old friend, in return for the horse, and my dear Gorvios' Uncles freedom I offer you a saving of 15%. A grand chunk of gold, if I do say so myself. Are we in accord?" I offer him my hand, smiling.
'Well Ignatio! You truly flatter me with this deal. Have another drink old fellow, we'll have that eager wench bring us another.' He claps and summons the maid, she brings over a jug of wine and as she is leaving Thesing slaps her on the rump, evoking a look of embrassment and disgust from her and a round of laughter from his sychophantic friends.
'How soon can this horse be procured, it will be of great aid to me in my current billing. You should come see the show old boy. I'm fantastic despite some of my colleagues amatuer status!'
"What is it that ye want, lads?" I ask, spreading my hands and trying to appear non-threatening. "Be ye fugitives? Itchin' t' fight with th' city and th' nobles? Well I can't say as I'd want t' stop ye there, I've no love for th' upper classes myself. Can't be easy, livin' on th' land out here, I've done my fair share of hiding in th' forest. What say you put down th' crossbows an' we'll have a chat about th' real enemy here? Might be as I could find ye a way back into th' city."
W & E
The two younger men look worriedly at their leader, totally unsure of how to proceed, the older man however is not so swayed by your words.
'I like the way your talkin' pal, and can see that you aren't no noble types. But me and boys got to eat you see. You can keep your stuff, but we're taking that horse. One way or another, I'd much rather that we all go our seperate ways in peace.'
"Lads, ye needn't follow his example, return with me and I'll try find ye a place to lay low. But ye'll not take yon horse."
Chompsky bounds forward and bites at the chief bandit, attempting to trip him. I follow up and swipe at the man, using the flat of the blade as a club.
Trip
Wat and chompsky race forward, and while the man fends off the large hound, he is unable to respond to Wat's axe and it nearly flattened as the flat catches him on the temple. The resounding blow leaves him looking shocked and dazed.
I step forward, and curse the leader, willing him to fumble his attacks and make his steps clumsy.
The leader drops his longbow, and draws his shortsword clumsily, he then tries to swing it wildly at Wat. He misses, seemingly guided away at the last second by glimmer of light that surreptiously falls in his eye, and the strain knocks him unconcious. His two companions seeing this drop their crossbows and run away as fast as they can back into the woods.
I let the lads flee, pick up the dropped crossbows and shortsword, and head back onto the trail to return to the city with Gorvio and the horse.
I kneel by the body of the unconscious bandit and shake my head sadly.
"He may have tried to mug us, but I know better than most that circumstance can make a monster out of the kindest of men. I think we should take him back with us, and either hand him over to the authorities, or let him go. If we leave him in this forest, he'll surely die by sunrise."
"His business with th' authorities is his business alone; I'll not hand him over. But where could we let him go? Can your magics fix him t' wake up in an hour or two, when we are far gone, and he may find his own way home?"
"In an hour or two it'll be dark, and he'll be dead. If you loosely tie him up and blindfold him, I can wake him up with my magic, and we'll be gone by the time he wakes up. At this point, he's alone, so I doubt we're in any danger. In any case, I don't think he'll come after us again: We've proven to him that we can beat them in combat even if they get the jump on us."
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My eyes tighten disapprovingly at Thesings treatment of the young woman and I frown softly, before my face returns to neutrality. I nod my head softly to the girl as she leaves and smile, turning to Thesing. I relax back in my chair, idly dangling my leg over one of the arm rests.
"I am sure I can have it for you by the midday on the morrow, gods willing the lack wits I hired to care for it are finished!" I laugh softly, sharing a condescending grin with Thesing. "Indeed I must. Tomorrow night. I shall make it my triumphant return to the Right Circles!" I nod softly and smile, emptying the goblet of wine before standing.
"But for now... I have a couple of idiot Apprentices to instruct and not a lot of daylight left in which to do it!" I smile and clasp Thesing by the forearm. "Dear friend. Till tomorrow!" I nod once to the sycophants sitting at the table before turning on my heels and striding to the Childrens table, my body rolling in a deadly grace that was not there before.
Softly, so as not to be overheard I whisper. "Success. And easier than expected. Get ready. We are leaving!" Then, for the whole Inn to hear I declare, loudly and obnoxiously, "Come lack witted Apprentices!"
I storm from the Inn and keep the charade up for a couple of streets before slowing and turning to appraise the two Children. "I have a message to be delivered to my compatriots, and need you to carry a package for me, can you do that? I have somewhere I need to be and do not wish to waste time." I smile, taking out a piece of paper and a quill pen and ink, sitting down on a bench to write.
Dear friends,
My old acquaintance is feeling most agreeable to the terms we set. He is positively glowing at the prospect of receiving his long awaited item for a mere seventy five percent the price.
It is his hope, and mine, that this item will be well dressed and presented to his abode, at midday on the morrow. I shall, of course, be in attendance, but may have to rendezvous with you there.
I shall spend tonight elsewhere. Till the morrow I bid you all good health and hope your endeavor was successful!
Faithfully
Ignatio
I let the note dry before folding it and handing it to one of the Children. "Just setting the terms down in writing for them."
I stand and begin to slide out of the outfit I was wearing, revealing the simpler adventurers garb I usually wear underneath. I take one of the backpacks and fold the garb in to it gently, emptying the pockets first and transferring it to my coat. I pull my harp from the other backpack, before dropping the jewelery I was wearing in to it, adding the shoes and pulling on my boots.
I tighten my Rapier back in place and pull a small purse, containing 10 gold pieces, from my pocket before handing it to the other Child. "You were both most helpful today. Enjoy yourselves on me. And keep the costumes somewhere. You may be needed again soon." I smile and pat them both on the shoulder before turning and heading the opposite direction down the street, towards the docks.
I don't wanna get caught in the streets again, so my vote is to head straight back to the hideout.
Aye, will head back to the temple.
The night passes safely and in the morning you all receive and read Ignatio's letter. The day is spent around the Children's safehouse for the most part, and Janiven seems particularly interested in knowing more about Wat's story.
That evening you go to Gorvio's uncles and Thesing arrives, makes some disparraging statements about peasants and pays for the horse. Gorvio's uncle is incrdibly grateful that you saved his livelyhood and gives you a magic cloak that his grandfather had owned, that is now gathering dust. It is a greying once-white cloak with a clasp in the shape of a crying woman.
That night with the party rejoined and together at the safehouse, Arael presents a new challenge to you.
'We have begun to make some small changes in people's lifes, word has gotten out that strange cowled warriors fought shadowbeasts and are aiding local people. A pair of young men even started a rumor that these cowled strangers are fighting banditry in the forest. Its time to make a bigger move in the interest of the Children. Its time to spread rumors of our name, but in conjunction we need a big gesture.'
'Many bandits have become active over the last few months, but none more effective and high profile than band of tielfings called the Bastards of Erebus. I propose that we set up an ambush in a local shopkeepers place, and capture some members to fidn their hideout? What say you all? Defeating them in costume would skyrocket our cult success.'
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I am sitting before the fire, idly sipping from a goblet of wine, staring deep into the flames, lost in thought about the night before. My eyes are slightly unfocused as I drift lazily in and out of the conversation. Thesing has earned my hate and I am currently lost in the plotting of his down fall. When Arael begins to speak I turn to look at him, slipping out of my own head and into the conversation once again.
I listen intently to everything the man says before speaking up. "An interesting plan. By tearing down this Bandit group we become the defenders of the common people and shake the peoples faith in the City Guards. Without the Guards the Nobles are weak..." I smile, looking down and frowning. I nod softly jumping to my feet, looking around.
"Yes it is perfect, don't you see? If WE become so popular the people listen to us, we have already won!" I laugh softly and nod vigorously, grabbing Wat by the shoulder.
"Wat think about it... Wat Lollard, defender of the innocent, destroyer of Nobility!"
I move to Euphemi and smile. "All those that thought they were better than you suddenly brought to their knees?"
I laugh moving to Arael. "Notoriety for your cause and some day the ability to work in the open?"
I leap up on to a table and look around the room, picking out the few Children present. "A name for all of you, feared by the rich and cherished by the poor. Crusaders of good. Defenders of innocence. Big dumb heroes, all of us!" I laugh softly taking a seat cross legged on the table.
"And all for what...? A few beaten down thugs? Any normal man should do that for free, had he any common decency but we... We are smarter than that. We charge not in gold, but receive adoration by the arm load. Our currency is not jewels, but fame! We will become legends..." I drift off at the end, smiling lethargically, lost in daydreams of fame and legends.
"So easy...."
"If we can show th' common folk that they have th' true power, that's reward enough fir me. Free this hell-bound city from th' corrupted nobles an' th' decaying traditions that oppress th' simple folk, and put it t' work for their good! Buy aye, first we need t' get th' population on our side... I've no love t' be a legend or t' forge a great reputation, but if it must be done t' show th' people th' path to freedom, I'd do it in a heartbeat and never think twice!"
'Glad you all made it safe, the sun is falling, so you can all stay here in the sanctuary tonight. Me and the others will make sure your safe.' She smiles, lingering notably on Wat.
'I'll get some food for you all, and the dog and cat. But first, let me introduce you to the man in charge of this little operation,' she turns to face the half-elf.
'This is Areal.'
The half-elf moves forward and profers his hand, shaking all of yours, with a formal bow of the head to Euphemi.
'Gentlemen and Lady, I am indeed Areal, a humble servant of the Inheritor. My church is interested in having Westcrown find the light again, and no longer be known as the City of Twilight. For this reason I have decided to try and improve the lot of the people, and if we can try and influence change for the best. Janiven sought you out to offer you membership, and I'd like to reiterate that offer.'
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Raising an eyebrow at Ignatio's impassioned speech, I shake my head and turn my attention to the magical cloak and try to decipher its abilities.
After concluding my examination of the cloak, and letting the muttering after Ignatio's speech die down, I stand up to address the party after Wat has finished his piece: "I couldn't agree more Wat: Fame should not be our goal," I say, shooting a hard glance at Ignatio, "but a means to an end. People always need a hero to get behind if they are to gain the courage to rise up against their oppressors, and I honestly think that we could do it."
Turning to Arael, I assume a business-like manner: "As for now, it seems we have a choice: Take down the Bastards of Erebus, or go after Whitechin the Goblin. What information can you give on Whitechin and his entourage? What threat are each posing to the common and downtrodden of Westcrown?"
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Standing I shake myself off softly and frown. "No. Forget the Goblin. We need to make a statement. Bastards of Erebus it is. What shop do you have in mind Arael? Do you intend to use the Children to figure that out or do you wish us to look in to where would be the best place? Either is fine with me." I move to stand before the man.