Megan's Council of Thieves 1

[Gorvio Marnok]

One final thing before returning to the safe house. Gorvio takes his new friend, Sebastion (the horse), to his uncle's stables. Gorvio places him in an end stall, out of sight from the normal customers. After grooming the horse, Gorvio speaks to his uncle. He explains "Uncle, I won this horse in a game of cards last night. This horse belongs to me and is not be sold to anyone." After making sure his uncle understand this, Gorvio travels quickly to the safe house.

Bluff Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

[Megan Robertson]

The ride back to Westcrown is surprisingly uneventful, apart from a torrential downpour that begins just as you sight the city walls and continues as you make your way through the streets and to the Shrine of Aroden. Even the beggars have taken shelter, the streets seem deserted.

Gorvio, you pass the stables on the route to the safe house, so it's a simple matter to pop in. Your uncle is sheltering from the rain in the tack room, making busy with harness repairs as it's too wet even to muck out or exercise horses. He grins at your tale, and promises to look after your new horse.

"You sure the former owner doesn't dispute the win?" he asks with a chuckle.

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

* looks around *

W-where did Gorvio go? Were almost back to the meeting place... I think.

[Megan Robertson]

OK, it's raining hard and you are in the street outside the safe house, which is all dark.

What now?

[Sir Winston]

Sir Winston will enter the safe house, waiting for the others to follow. As his style he will first admonish the group for taking the horses, stating that if we become thieves we are no better than those we strive to dispose...yadda...yadda...yadda.

Then in the spirit of leadership, he congratulates each of them both individually and as a group for their teamwork and positive actions, and asks if any need healing.

[Prof. Faradir Rokannon]

Professor Rokannon looks up at the offer.
"What? Oh, no thank you. I believe I am undamaged."
He peers at the manacles of the former prisoner.
"Now. How shall we remove these shackles? Acid? Heat metal? Hmmm..."

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

Sir Winston wrote:

Sir Winston will enter the safe house, waiting for the others to follow. As his style he will first admonish the group for taking the horses, stating that if we become thieves we are no better than those we strive to dispose...yadda...yadda...yadda.

Then in the spirit of leadership, he congratulates each of them both individually and as a group for their teamwork and positive actions, and asks if any need healing.

Wait a minute... We stole them..? I thought... Ohh, I am a bit banged up if you don't mind! He says, raising his hand and waving his arm back in forth, as if Sir Winston couldn't see him.

[Megan Robertson]

As you settle down, getting harangued by Sir Winston, lighting the fire and finding some food and drink, the door opens and Gorvio slips in.

Arael looks pretty battered although he is conscious.

"Thank you all very much for rescuing me," he says. "But if I may be so bold, what motivated you to attack the Hellknights to do so?"

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

Megan Robertson wrote:

As you settle down, getting harangued by Sir Winston, lighting the fire and finding some food and drink, the door opens and Gorvio slips in.

Arael looks pretty battered although he is conscious.

"Thank you all very much for rescuing me," he says. "But if I may be so bold, what motivated you to attack the Hellknights to do so?"

No Problem!...Ummm... Ranindolf looks at the others. Why did we save him again?

[Prof. Faradir Rokannon]

Professor Rokannon looks over at Arael, puffing on his pipe.
"We have decided to take action; against various and sundry problems facing the city that aren't being addressed by the powers that be. But come; tell us how you came to be imprisoned?"
He settles back to listen.

[Megan Robertson]

"Well," says Arael, "Fundementally, I want to see Westcrown become a better place to live. The House of Thrune just isn't meeting its obligations to the citizens - and didn't take kindly to being told about their failures. Hence, the beginnings of an organisation of people to start doing good regardless, 'people's heroes' if you like, to show them a better way. I don't really care if the House of Thrune steps up to do its duty or steps aside... but things have to change around here."

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

Megan Robertson wrote:

"Well," says Arael, "Fundementally, I want to see Westcrown become a better place to live. The House of Thrune just isn't meeting its obligations to the citizens - and didn't take kindly to being told about their failures. Hence, the beginnings of an organisation of people to start doing good regardless, 'people's heroes' if you like, to show them a better way. I don't really care if the House of Thrune steps up to do its duty or steps aside... but things have to change around here."

...Uhh...What he said!

[Prof. Faradir Rokannon]

Professor Rokannon nods sagaciously.
"Ah a comrade in spirit. But there must have been something specific that caused the authorities to react with shackles and imprisonment. Can you share it with us?" He arches his eyebrow quizzically.

[Megan Robertson]

"I'm not certain," says Arael, "But it may have been my preaching, or that I'd stated several times in public that the Order of the Rack seemed not to care about dealing with bandits, in particular the Bastards of Erebus, a violent gang of tieflings who have recently been raising hell in Westcrown. If they cannot be bothered to deal with them, what use are they?"

[Sir Winston]

"Violent...Raising Hell...Who are these Miscreants". "Sir Winston will deal with them.". "The people should not suffer, because the Order moves like a grandmother with gout".

Megan...Check the ooc thread for a possible addition to our fine group of soldiers.

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

Sir Winston wrote:

"Violent...Raising Hell...Who are these Miscreants". "Sir Winston will deal with them.".

Yeah, me too... Wait a minute... Did you just say there is another Sir Winston? Are you two like...twins or something?

[Sister Milena Teg]

After watching for several days what summed up as her best lead in the last month, Milena's wet tired face shows a timid smile as she notices some activity. At last, a lead that leads somewhere!

Her athletic stature separates her quickly from the regular crowd. She wears her hair long and this day, as is often the case, tied in her back. She wears clothes that fit her cover: a lady from outside the town, with little means, but a certain proudness to her, showing purpose. She chose a long gown of dark green, simple, elegant, but a little worn. A light green scarf of delicate material lies on her shoulders. All this brings vibrancy to her green eyes, the jewels at the centre of a pretty enough chiseled face with a very light bronze tan.

She watches the abandoned church for a few more minutes, after the party's entrance, to make sure nothing else was going on.

Mother Karax will be pleased. Let's see if Arael's there...

Her face changing, leaving any sign of cunning behind, bringing forth innocence and virtue, Milena crosses the street and bangs on the door of the church.

At least, I'll get out of the rain! "Anybody here? Please let me in! I need to speak with Arael. I've been looking for him everywhere for the last month."

Hi everyone! It's great to be on board. I hope I make it worth your while.

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

...Are you two like...twins or something?...

Sister Milena Teg wrote:

...bangs on the door of the church.

At least, I'll get out of the rain! "Anybody here? Please let me in! I need to speak with Arael. I've been looking for him everywhere for the last month."

Hey, I think that's for you!...

Ranindolf walks over to the door about to open it, but then hesitates...

...

...

Hey, wait... You don't suppose its the hell knights, pretending to be a poor girl who wanted to speak with Arael for like a month or something... do you?!

Ranin goes to draw his hammer, but doesn't. He seems to be stuck on weather to open the door or to ready himself for a fight.

[Sister Milena Teg]

Milena does her best to listen while not putting her head to the door. Don't want to look too suspicious... Anybody? Please?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

[Megan Robertson]

There's definitely someone in there, Milena. Sounds like they are trying to decide what to do...

[Sister Milena Teg]

"Look, it was my mother's dying wish that I come here. She moved to the country a while ago and always regretted it! She said to me: 'Seek Arael and help him. He's a good man. Redeem your mother's name, redeem Westcrown!' So at least let me know where I can find him!"

[Sir Winston]

Sir Winston steps to the door, "Be ready" he whispers to his comrades. Then he steps to the door, and opens is slightly his foot keeping it from opening further. He takes a moment to detect evil on whoever is standing outside, as well as looking around for any trap.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4Perception

Assuming nothing jumps out at him, he opens the door a little further. "For the honor of Shelyn, come in and be quite, before you rouse half or Westcrown". "What was your mothers name who so willingly sent you here"?

After the reply, Sir Winston will look to Arael for acknowledgement.

[Sister Milena Teg]

Milena moves inside in all haste. She's wet all over, and her gown has seen a lot of mud recently. She looks at Sir Winston and blurts out: "Oh thank the gods someone is in there! My mother's name is Alicia, but she never heard of Arael, or at least that's what she told me. She always kept current on the affairs of Westpoint. I remember several people staying late at night, discussing with her at length about the affairs of the city. she must have heard of his project, perhaps even have sent money? All I know, is that it is my duty to seek him and redeem my mother's name by helping him!"

Bluff (please be nice!): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

[Prof. Faradir Rokannon]

Professor Rokannon looks at the new woman with curiosity. He puffs on his pipe sedately.
"And you came here to an abandoned church because...?"

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

Sense Motive 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1 Ohh, Gullible Ranindolf!

Whew! It's not a Hell knight!... It's just a pretty girl! Its very nice of you to help on your mothers behalf! Here, dry yourself off... Ranin looks down to the warhammer in his hands. Well, this ain't gonna help. Prof., can you use some of that presentation magical spell stuff like you used before? Ranindolf asks, obviously he totaly buys her story, without question...

[Prof. Faradir Rokannon]

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"Terribly sorry. Here let me help with that."
Professor Rokannon uses a Prestidigitation cantrip to dry the young lady; a orange/red ring rolls down over her from head to toe, evaporating the dampness as it goes.

[Sister Milena Teg]

Prof. Faradir Rokannon wrote:

Professor Rokannon looks at the new woman with curiosity. He puffs on his pipe sedately.

"And you came here to an abandoned church because...?"

"Tell me about it. For a month, I could find nothing, but that's simply because I was in the wrong parts of town. Actually, it's thanks to some hellknights, who beat me up when they figured I was trying to locate a priest. They threw me in jail for a few days... When I came out, I started anew, somewhere else, but this time, I got better luck! I've met this lady, Ritae, who sells some facinis a few blocks from here. She told me of Arael, who it seems used to be a good customer of hers. She talked to me about him, and I'm sure he's a good man now! Anyways, she told me how he was fond of this old place, as it reminded him of other days. So, with no other lead, I decided to watch this place for a few days. Thank the gods I found you! Now, do you know where I can find him?"

This part of her story is true.

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

Sister Milena Teg wrote:

Now, do you know where I can find him?"

Ranin points a thumb behind him. "That guy, in the cuffs..."

[Megan Robertson]

Haven't you let him out yet?

[Prof. Faradir Rokannon]

I can get him out of the cuffs eventually, using acid splash, but it's gonna take a looong time. Couple hours I think someone calced.

[Sister Milena Teg]

Milena tenses for a moment. What if she had stumbled upon agents of the hellknights who just captured the priest! Joy is immediately replaced by alarm, but she tries to constrain herself, moving her stance in the slightest to address potential "issues". Fear is the mind-killer. Remember your training!

Looking intently at Ranindolf, she carefully asks: "You have him in cuffs? Is he under arrest?"

[Gorvio Marnok]

Gorvio returns from the depths of the safe house, where he was trying
to locate something that could be used to free Arael.

Perception (search): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

If Gorvio is able to find a crowbar, lockpick, or anything that will help to free Arael, he brings it with him.

Gorvio has heard the conversation that has taken place up until now between the new commer and his companions. Upon returning to the conversation, Gorvio narrows his eyes to what he now sees. An attractive woman in a green gown appears out of nowhere with a story of woe at the exact moment they return with a prisoner that they just saved from execution. Regardless of what she is saying, Gorvio is immediately suspicious of such a "coincidental" vistor, and assumes that there must be an ulterior motive for her presence. Gorvio conceals his suspicion for now.

Gorvio turns to the woman, bows, and says "I don't believe that I caught your name. If you would be so kind as to grace us with it." Gorvio puts on most charming smile as he does.

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

Sister Milena Teg wrote:

Looking intently at Ranindolf, she carefully asks: "You have him in cuffs? Is he under arrest?"

Before thinking Ranin says, "yes, he was. Oh Gorvio's back! This is Alicia, she is here on her mothers behalf to speak to Areal...Wait a minute..." It is obvious that he realized that he said something wrong or something he shouldn't have... but he has yet to realize what exactly it was...

[Megan Robertson]

Arael looks a shade... embarrassed. "I was taken by the Hellknights. These folks rescued me, we've only just got back."

Gorvio, you have found a crowbar.

[Sister Milena Teg]

Looking at Arael, smiling, Melina absent-mindedly answers Gorvio's question: "I'm Melina Teg." She moves to the priest and takes both his hands in hers: "Father, finally! I can't believe my luck. After so many days, I had almost lost hope. I don't know what my purpose is yet, but my mother's last wish has brought our paths together."

She turns and face the whole group, then says, with a warm smile: "I'm here to help!"

[Gorvio Marnok]

Gorvio walks over to Ranindolf and hands him the crowbar. "Here, slip this into the cuffs and use it as leverage to break the metal. You're a big guy, so it should work." Gorvio never takes his eyes off the movements of Melina, but speaks toward Arael, "Why don't we turn our attention back to the Bastards of Erebus? Can you tell me more about who they are and where they hide within the city?"

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

I'm on it like honey on bears!

Strength check with crowbar
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

[Sister Milena Teg]

The Bastards of Erebus..?

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

[Megan Robertson]

Casting a wary eye over Ranindolf's advances with the crowbar, Arael settles back.

"Just before I was captured, I discovered the location of a secret hideout used by the Bastards of Erebus. They are a violent gang of tiefling bandits who have recently been raising hell in Westcrown. As a trademark, they always leave behind a wooden token showing a devil's head in profile. I don't know if they actually have any demonic affiliations, though, or if they are just plain nasty. Their crimes tend to be of a violent nature."

Ranindolf, you are successful with the crowbar.

Milena

Spoiler:

you have heard the name mentioned as a bunch of particularly vicious bandits who generally operate on the outskirts of Westcrown. Indeed, just before you came here, you heard a rumour that they'd had the audacity to attack a Hellknight prisoner escort...

[Sir Winston]

"Enough idle chatter". "Now that your bonds are removed, let's get to the business of deciding what we need to do about these ruffians". "What details can you give us"? "Is there an obvious way to infiltrate their den of sin"? "How many are they, and what are their strengths and weaknesses"? "Any obvious resources we should be aware of"? "Can you sketch out a map so that we can properly plan? "When should we plan our attack? , as through with his praying and healing, Sir Winston becomes a whirlwind of activity.

To whomever need is, and stopping if he's through before he runs out of channels (Sorry been so long since the battle I've forgotten who's hurt, and don't have time at the moment to go back and look :-)

1d6 ⇒ 6 Lay on Hands
1d6 ⇒ 1 Lay on Hands
1d6 ⇒ 4 Lay on Hands
1d6 ⇒ 6 Lay on Hands

[Sister Milena Teg]

Happy to see attention shifted to the priest, Milena remains silent and studies the people present to better understand their motives.

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

Sir Winston wrote:

"Enough idle chatter". "Now that your bonds are removed, let's get to the business of deciding what we need to do about these ruffians". "What details can you give us"? "Is there an obvious way to infiltrate their den of sin"? "How many are they, and what are their strengths and weaknesses"? "Any obvious resources we should be aware of"? "Can you sketch out a map so that we can properly plan? "When should we plan our attack? , as through with his praying and healing, Sir Winston becomes a whirlwind of activity.

To whomever need is, and stopping if he's through before he runs out of channels (Sorry been so long since the battle I've forgotten who's hurt, and don't have time at the moment to go back and look :-)

I think Ranin was the only one hurt, and your first usage tops him off!

I would like to know more about these Bastards of Eberus as well. Maybe they have something to do with the Counsel of Thieves? Ranin says, looking to Gorvio as he mentions the counsel.

[Gorvio Marnok]

"Whoa, Sir Winston, hold your horses. Let's find out what Arael knows before we get to head long into planning how to take them down. Please continue Arael." Gorvio looks at Ranin and shares a look of understanding, before returning his gaze to Milena.

Knowledge (local) on the Bastards of Eberus 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

[Ranindolf Shieldheart]

Gorvio Marnok wrote:

Knowledge (local) on the Bastards of Eberus 1d20+8

It's the bastards of Erebus, Ranin mispronounced their name... :)

[Sir Winston]

Gorvio Marnok wrote:

"Whoa, Sir Winston, hold your horses. Let's find out what Arael knows before we get to head long into planning how to take them down. Please continue Arael." Gorvio looks at Ranin and shares a look of understanding, before returning his gaze to Milena.

Knowledge (local) on the Bastards of Eberus 1d20+8

"OK". "I'll 'hold my horses' for now, but we must move forward". "And, by the way", he appraises Gorvio with an arched eyebrow, "when I do hold my horses...at least they will be my horses". He then scurries off to the corner and sits down with a pouting huff.

[Gorvio Marnok]

Gorvio mutters to himself "Never gonna let me live that down." He then comments to Arael, "You were saying..."

Mad props on the great snipe and pun Sir Winston.

[Megan Robertson]

"Not much more to say. It might be better to lay low for a while. Let those Hellknights get distracted about other things..." says Arael thoughtfully.

[Sister Milena Teg]

"Speaking of the Bastards, I've heard bad rumours about them. Vicious bunch. Funnily enough though, on my way here, they were said to have attacked a prisoner's escort! They meant you I guess..."

Milena watches the father. I need to know if his heart is true. "Father Arael, my mother spoke highly of you, and wished for me to help you in your cause. I look at the people gathered here, that risked everything to free you. Surely, there is purpose in your words, your actions! Let us serve as your arm!" As she talks, she studies the man for subtle signs of deceit.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

[Prof. Faradir Rokannon]

Professor Rokannon sits back in his chair, puffing on his pipe and thinking.
As the smoke rises, he barely moves a forefinger and mutters a word of power, and the smoke spreads out and forms a perfect miniature of the city. Prestidigitation.
"Yes, perhaps we should 'Lay low' as the street vernacular would have it. If we had someone skilled in mingling with the crowd, they could go out and pick up rumors, the daily broadsheets, anything we could use to calculate our next move."

[Sister Milena Teg]

Turning to face the professor, Milena lightens up at the idea, then turns agains expectantly to the priest: "I am not associated with you in any way yet. I could easily do this. I believe I'm not so bad with people!"