Solo Stealth Campaign

[Xealot7]

Fairhaven, Aundair 0756 hours.

"So this is how it ends." You think to yourself. As much as you might wish it otherwise, you must admit, they were quite thorough. Mouth gagged, so no spell might leave your lips. Hands bound with burlap bags over your hands, so your fingers are of no use. Black hood over your head, so your eyes are useless. Feet shackled, no way to run. Two muscular men, one holding each arm, guide you along your path. "It'll all be over in a few minutes." You think to again.

It seems the new administration doesn't take kindly to supporters of their predecessors. The vocal ones especially seem to do bad things for "good morale and discipline". Oh, yes, your treason charge was swift, the "trial", even quicker. Charged, arrested, and found guilty one day, marched off to the executioner the following morning, which is now only moments away. Try as you might, you haven't been able to devise a way out of this predicament as you always have before. Well, the only glimmer of hope you have left, is to deliver a moving speech to rile the common man and cause a revolution, something to give meaning to your death. No. They are too smart for that. They'll never let you speak. The gag will stay, even unto death. You will be an example. Your life is forfeit.

And then you hear the commotion, arms leave your side as the sound of a struggle ends just as briefly as it began. You stand in silence that is nearly unbearable, waiting to hear what happens next. "Do precisely as I say and you will live. Err and it will cost us both our lives." The voice is soft as silk. Your hood is removed as a woman in guard garb stands before you, untying your hands and removing your gag and shackles. "Quick, change into his uniform and disguise yourself as him as best you can." As you get dressed, she puts your prisoner clothes on your former captor and the binds and gags him as you were just moments before. You notice as she does this, the woman is stunningly beautiful, but when she puts her helmet back on, she could easily pass for a man. She places a substance under the guards nose and he regains consciousness. His screams muffled by the gag that was in your mouth just moments before. "Let me know when you are ready. We don't have much time."

[FuryOfMetal]

Bound, gagged and confused, Zin steps out from the prison blocks and shuffls to his impending doom. What he wouldn't give to see the sun for the final time, but these damned shackles to both his arms and his senses are holding Zin back. All avenues of escape seem futile, freedom slipping away from him.

Then the sudden scuffle and comotion around him. This damned blindfold! Standing awkwardly, totally at the mercy of his apparent liberator...or terminator. Hearing her words Zin is confused, but instantly sees the oppurtunity presented to him. The chance to escape this fate and get back on the streets doing what he does best. Once freed from the blindfold and cloth shackles, Zin takes one moment to move his hands and regain blood flow to the area whilst looking up into the sky and the sun. Taking the uniform of the guard he also studies their face and shifts his own appearance to mimic them, also taking any relevant ID papers from his corpse.

I'm ready, we should hurry as I'll be missed soon and this guard will probably draw them near. Lets go.

I think Olive looks good enough. I'm in the process of making you an OOC thread so I can give you setting information before you jump right in.

[Xealot7]

"No, there is no time. We must take this "prisoner" to the town square for execution. If we are not there within the next few minutes the city will go on lock-down and you will be the most wanted person in the kingdom. Let them have their execution, and you will be free." The tall woman looks into you eyes before continuing. "Please don't argue with us on this."

[FuryOfMetal]

That seems like a logical course of action, there is no way he can let them know in his state. Zin begins jogging along side the woman, helping her carry the "prisoner" to the execution reserved for himself just minutes before. Still, I'd like to know the identity of my saviour. That way I can repay you some day. Just who are you?

Here is your OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9691610#post9691610) thread, I'll add the remaining information tonight and tomorrow. It's up to you to choose your current employment and living area, though I assume you'll live in The Tumble. It's situated next to the Divine Way anyway which is good for your future character ideas.

[Xealot7]

"Lets get you somewhere safe before we exchange pleasantries." If you have nothing further, she will lead you to the gallows.

[FuryOfMetal]

Lets go then. Onwards!

[Xealot7]

You progress to the gallows, the "captive" held between you and your liberator. The crowd is hushed and solemn. As you approach they remain quiet until other soldiers start yelling at the people to boo, which they promptly do, most likely out of fear. It is obvious to all there that the people were required to be here and are not happy about "your" execution.

You lead the man up on to the gallows where the executioner takes control, binding him to the chopping block. The town crier then begins listing a laundry list of "crimes against the crown" that you have committed have been sentenced to death over. Good thing you aren't tied to the chopping block. At the of his tirade he speaks to the crowd. "Under normal circumstances, this man would be allowed to address the crowd, but considering he is a traitor and speaks heresy, his right to speech has been revoked. Executioner, carry out justice." One the last word has been spoken, the large hooded man swings his axe down on the man's head and its falls away cleanly, aside from the copious amount of blood spilling from his body. The crowd is silent until prodded to cheer halfheartedly. After a few seconds, everyone begins leaving.

"We should leave now, while there are crowds about."

[FuryOfMetal]

Blending into the crowds, Zin follows his unknown accomplice. Do you have a destination in mind? Or are we just meant to slip into the backround for now.

Now that he is out and free, Zin realises that his mind feels blank. There isn't the familiar thrum of power shooting across his synapses, the fulfilling quality of information copied onto the very pages of his memory. Zin hasn't prepared any spells, but what could he have prepared from?

[Xealot7]

After a few minutes your hero pulls into an alley and hands you a small sack of clothing, and a dagger. She also changes and once you are both ready steps back onto the main street and leads you to a small burough in a seedy a poverty stricken part of town. She knocks twice on a door that blends in almost perfectly with the walls around it. She immediately says, "The Paragons choices are never easy." You here the muffled voice of a man respond, "But the choices must be made or Tyrants shall rule."

Once the last word is spoken, the door slides open and your are hurriedly whisked inside. The door slides behind you and you are in a wooden building that is larger than it appears from the outside. It is a long hallway, that has many doors to either side. "You will be safe here, and may speak freely. My name is Cara, an operative for the the Fold." She continues walking leading you to the room all the way at the end of the hall. "We are a small group, dedicated to fighting the new Tyrants of Aundair. We are hard pressed to find new those with talents to help us, who are dedicated enough to fight the good fight. It was rumored that is why you were to be executed, that is why we intervened. Our leader wants to speak with you. Know this though, if you meet with him, you will either join us, or die. There is no other way. If you have second thoughts about this, you should walk away now."

[FuryOfMetal]

Following his hero into the alley, Zin changes clothes and observes and remembers the codes used. Zin enters the sanctuary and walks down to the end of the corridor. Thank you Cara. How long has the Fold been active for? You seem to be hidden quite well. Those rumors you heard about me, there is some truth to them. I was captured and sentenced to death by this all too hardline regime that's come about. I was openly opposed to them, but I learnt that lesson the hard way. Approaching the door, zin says This organisation could use somebody of my talents. You have my full support, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

[FuryOfMetal]

So, shall we see this leader of yours then?

[Xealot7]

Cara knocks softly on the door, before you hear the muffled sound of a soft spoken word carry through the door. Cara waits a moment before slowly opening the door. She holds a hand out beckoning your through the door. Once inside the door is closed behind you.

The room is very nice, not obstinately so, but nice none the less. You are some what caught by surprise by the number of books in the various bookshelves lining the walls of the room. Towards the back of the small office, you see a a middle aged man sitting at a sturdy oak desk. He stares as you enter the room.

His eyes are piercing. The steely blue orbs seem to penetrate down to your soul. He seems to be in prime physical condition, the only signs of his age are the specks of gray creeping into his short, well kept black hair and goatee, giving him a mature look. His skin is a leathery tan and you can see numerous small, white scars crisscrossing his hands. Even a blind man could sense the confidence exuding from this man. He is defiantly not one to be trifled with.

"Thank you Cara for "escorting" our guest here. Could you please wait outside my friend?" The man's voice is pleasant, but has a definite ring of authority.

Cara gives a small smile to her superior before turning to leave. "Your welcome sir, it was not trouble at all." Cara walks out of the room, shutting the sturdy wooden door behind her. You get the feeling that for someone of her capabilities, it truly was not trouble.

There is a moment of silence before the man speaks. "So, you are the one called Zin. It is a pleasure to meet you. I had hope we would have been able to meet on... more favorable terms, but alas it was not so. As you are certainly aware, had we delayed arranging this meeting anymore... well you get my point." The man stands up before continuing speaking.

"I'm sure Cara only gave you a little information about who we are and what we do. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them now." The man silently waits your response.

[FuryOfMetal]

Zin looks back at Cara as she leaves. Thanky you, Cara. Taking in his surroundings, Zin takes special note to read through some of the more important texts lining these shelves. I'm glad you came when you did. It would have been more pleasant to have met under easier conditions, but as you say time was ticking on.

Zin stands and offers out his hand to the Man I'm Zin, though I'm sure you already know that. Are you able to give me your name or is it too much of a risk? I can understand if it is. After shaking hands Zin sits down

I understand that you are opposed to the new rulership of Aundair, as am I. We share a common enemy. However how did you know of my capture? Do you have a spy planted in the offices of our oh so benevolent ruler? Because if you don't I'd have a hard time worming my way back in, atleast using my previous face. As if to highlight his gift Zin changes his appearance to match the Man infront of him, then back to the face of the treasonous soul meant to be executed today. They know this face, but not my true name or my nature. I find it easier to keep several names and alias' to help me evade the eyes of those I'd rather avoid.

Do you have a plan? I assume I fit into your goals somehow as you specifically choose to save me. Or is this some coincidence, a ripple of fate?

[Xealot7]

"Ah yes, well... for now, you may call me Trimmack. As far as your abilities go yes, we know of them, but that is not why we rescued you. You were rescued because you are loyal. Even knowing full well what would happen for showing your support of our Queen while opposing the new Tyrant, you did it anyway." Trimmack pauses for a moment before continuing. "We value the life of every man and woman, which is why we are so strict. Sometimes killing one man, woman, or as horrible as it may be to say, sometimes even child, will save the lives of countless others. We are not and Assassins Guild. We are not a Den of Thieves. We are neither cutthroats nor mercenaries and we don't do jobs for the money. Funds are not an issue for us. We do things because they are the right thing to do. Now tell me, if I were to give you no orders, no directions, just let you go from here, with our blessing and our assistance, and yes maybe even an operative or two. What would you do?"

[FuryOfMetal]

Good to know you, Trimmack. My loyalty has always laid with our Queen. She was the light of Aundair but she was betrayed and overthrown. Now we are stuck with this Tyrant, but I hope it is only fleeting. If you were to let me go out with your support I'm not quite sure what I'd do first. We share a purpose, I support your cause whole-heartedly. I'd first have to become accustomed to your organisation, regain my resources and contacts, consolidate our knowledge. I guess I'd begin working on a plan to take down our oh so beloved Tyrant, in a general sense to begin with. Do you have access to a spellbook at all? Mine was confiscated from me, naturally. Also my cell was blanketed against magic just in case. I felt so...stifled. There was a constant faint, tinny ringing in my ears all the tiem.

[Xealot7]

Trimmack listens to you intently then begins righting down something on a chit of paper. "Here, take this to Marley, our Quarter Master. Just see that your mission is successful. I wish we could speak longer but I have business elsewhere I must attend to. It was a pleasure meeting with you." Trimmack hands you the chit, as Cara opens the door and beckons you to follow her.

"Congratulations associate. Here, follow me, I'll take you to Marley." You notice the chit authorizes you access to spellbooks and up to 10,000gp in assets.

Cara leads you to a room that has gear strewn everywhere with a rotund, jovial looking man working on a contraption of some sort. He looks up at you as you enter awaiting a response apparently.

[FuryOfMetal]

Thank you for your kindness and hospitality Trimmack. Zin bows his head as he leaves the room, meeting Cara to head to the armory. Glancing down at the chit his eyes widen. This was far more then he'd ever dream of working with before. I guess it's time to go shopping, Cara.

I'll write up my 10k on the bus tomorrow as now I gotta go to sleep. Atleast I already have my desired spellbook I'll repost it for your convenience though it's on my sheet

Spellbook:
Cantrips
All bar evocation and enchantment

1st
Grease
Mage Armor
Obscuring Mist
Unseen Servant
True Strike
Golem Strike
Silent Image
Feather Fall
Reduce Person

2nd
Melf's Acid Arrow
Detect Thoughts
Blur
Invisibility

3rd
Clairaudience/Clairvouyance
Major Image

[FuryOfMetal]

Damnit! Completely forgot to post my shopping list. It's all on my character sheet, I have 450g left over. I'd draw you a picture of how Zin looks in my mind with all this stuff, though I haven't drawn anything in 6 months and I'm terrible now :smallbiggrin:

Wandering around the armory, Zin strokes weapons and carresses fine armors. Settling upon a beautiful chain shirt of thin mithril with adamantine detailing. With his mind clear he began to pick out items to enhance his capabilities. What do you want me to do with the rest of my allowance, Marley? Also I'll need access to the spell library. My mind has been empty for too long.

[Xealot7]

"Sir you are free to keep the remaining funds. Here you go." He hands you a small purse. If you open it you will find 45 platinum pieces inside.

"If you happen to need anything else, I'll try to accommodate you, but you'll most likely need another chit from Trimmack. Oh, and here is a book filled with the spells you requested. Study the ones you need, and return the rest."

Cara looks to you after you have everything sorted. "So what's your plan?"

(For simplicity sake just assume it has all of the spells you want in there.)

[FuryOfMetal]

Thank you, Marley. This should do just fine. Taking a moment to collect all of his gear and throw it all into his haversack for now, Zin turns to Cara. First, I think I'm going to track down the judge that sentenced me to help my get back on form. After that, who knows. I'll be furthering our cause however I can. We'll need to cut off the head so the body goes into spasms.