Hell's Rebels - In Hell's Bright Shadow (IC)

[PeacefulOak]

In Hell's Bright Shadow

For a city that prides itself on its diversity, creative spirit, and artistry, the yoke of martial law is particularly onerous. With Barzillai Thrune’s inquisitors and dottari (Chelish city guard) thugs growing increasingly aggressive in their enforcement of martial law—and his increasingly ridiculous proclamations—the undercurrent of revolution is building in the city. The Night of Ashes only delayed the inevitability of a full-scale rebellion, and each day is filled with a tense air of unrest.

The atmosphere in Kintargo is tense. Numerous minor protests against Thrune have popped up, only to be quickly dispersed by dottari, Hellknights of the Rack imported from the south to aid in crowd control, or the local militia known as the Chelish Citizens’ Group. It’s been a week since Thrune seized control of the city, and word on the street is that the largest protest yet will be gathering in Aria Park, just south of the Kintargo Opera House where Barzillai Thrune has made his new home.

The day dawns with a light drizzle as dozens of Kintargans gather at the northern end of Aria Park, across the street from the opera house, to protest the paracount and his proclamations. A dozen dottari guards stand guard around the entrance of the opera house, with a dark-haired scowling woman standing on the steps above them, looking out on the gathering crowd.

Please introduce your character with a description and introduction to your reason for being at the protest, as well as giving an indication of roughly where you are in relation to the Opera House.

https://image.ibb.co/jVJSuv/1_Protest.png

[Kallimakus]

Idranel cast her eyes about the crowd. She felt uneasy about the entire thing. Not that long ago she would have stood in gleaming armour against such people with her sisters. She immediately chides herself for the thought. Those days were long gone. She had only come here in the first place because her friend, Erin wanted to go, but was now nowhere to be seen. Looking up the steps at the woman, Idranel did not want to call out, or get attention at all. She remains quiet, walking through the crowd looking for her friend nervously. It takes conscious effort to not to for the comfort of a blade hilt.

Edit: Idranel is near the middle of the map.

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

"Figures that it would be raining..." Inros muttered to himself, scuffing his shoes on the grass at the edge of the park. The half-elf stood under a tree cautiously watching the crowd. With the scarf over his mouth and nose, he may have made a suspicious figure, but he assumed that he wasn't the only one at the protest concerned about being caught in protest. Though his scarf served a dual purpose of decreasing the odds of catching an illness that often spread through large gathering of people like this. He was never one for crowds and this one seemed somewhat volatile. He just hoped that he could find that contact soon and get this over with.

He was overly aware of the weight of his father's old armour and the crossbow hanging across his back. Both of them were ill fitting, but with the tensions rising within the city his father insisted he take them for protection. He never used to worry about travelling around Kintargo, but now he had prepared himself for a fight. He has whipped up a couple of things at the lab at the academy that would help him out here. A smirk came to his face as he thought of the little defiance he had. While he wasn't one for screaming about his problems like a good majority of the crowd, he had the lid to a health potion he created loose enough that minty fumes leaked from it. He was abusing the loophole for all it was worth. The mint ban really only extended to candies and treats as written. And if they wanted to close that loophole by banning the much needed healing potions, they'd have a full out riot on their hands.

With a patient sigh, he leaned again the tree and continued to look for the man with one glove.

Inros would be standing about U12.
Perception: [roll0]

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan wandered in the dark at the edge of Aria Park. He had been up all night awaiting the protest that was told of.
The young man was dressed as he used to before he had been drawn into the world of Cheliax opera. He was not a big man, barely a man at all. More a boy. Of average height with a lithe build, an unruly mob of brown hair and bright green eyes that darted this way and that missing little.

He was not sure why he was here. He never wanted to be part of the opera, but the money, the money was beyond anything he had experienced before. He had lived his whole life picking pockets and the occasional lock until he learned music, his true talent. Then he made money playing Varisian songs and through that was discovered by agents of the opera, not so long ago.

Now Thrune had come and put an end to the Opera and freedom in general. Finigan was not sure why he was here. He knew he wanted to see how this played out and maybe, just maybe to loosen some purse strings in all this distraction.

[Kvard51]

Working the edges of the crowd, Seamus thought about what brought him to this place, this night. His life in Westcrown had not been easy, and to see the same things happening in his adopted city made his stomach turn. Perhaps his form of protest wouldn't mean much to Barzillai Thrune and his lackeys, but it would ceertainly have meaning for those who ate of the spoils. Keeping his eyes open for the richly dressed or those obviously watching the proceedings, then lifting their purses, that was his plan. A silent protest that would fill hungry bellys in the Devil's Nursery.

Why did Thrune have to come here. Kintargo was a city of freedom... There, he looks wealthy. Just a quick snip...

Jostling a laughing noble wastrel, Seamus made a grab for his purse under his cloak. "Be careful who you shove, you blind beggar!
Sorry sir, the fools behind us are pushing to get closer to the action."

Sleight of Hand [roll0] to snatch the purse during the jostling.

[PeacefulOak]

Even with the cobblestones of Argent Avenue and the foliage of Aria Park still wet from the morning's light rain, dozens of Kintargans have gathered along the facade of the opera house to protest the city's new lord-mayor, Paracount Barzillai Thrune. The city's new leader was appointed by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II, in the wake of the previous lord-mayors sudden flight from the city - an event that still had local rumormongers whispering furiously.

In a scant seven days, Paracount Thrune has instituted martial law, a curfew, and seven outlandish and polarizing proclamations. These actions and more have called many of Kintargo's dissatisfied citizens here on this overcast morn. There's been no sign yet of Barzillai Thrune himself, and the opera house's doors remain tightly shut - as they have since the man chose the landmark as his new home - but judging by the growing sound of the protesters, he surely can't ignore the scene on the streets below much longer.

As the morning wears on, more and more citizens press into the area. The guards around the doors to the opera house appear nervous and edgy, but keep their posts under the watchful eye of the scowling woman.

Some of the protesters call for the new lord-mayor to lift his unreasonable restrictions, while others call for an end to foreign rule and demand a proper election to determine Lord-Mayor Bainilus's successor. Many seem largely content to simply yell and agitate, but a growing minority show their unabashed support of Barzillai Thrune by arguing back at the protesters.

The crowd gathering in the market square consists off:
Kintargo partisans (who are demanding local rule)
Economic Conservatives (who are complaining of new taxes and policies)
Advocates for Democracy (who dislike that Thrune was appointed in place of an election)
Anarchists (who seem to be escalating the situation)
Chelish loyalists (who are supporting Thrune)



During the first hour of the protest, what are you doing?

Listen For Rumors (roll Diplomacy or Perception)
Pilfer (roll Sleight of Hand)
Rabble Rouse (roll Diplomacy or Perform)
Search for a Contact (roll Perception)
Silence Undesirable Elements (choose a faction to silence, roll Bluff or Intimidate)
Watch the Crowd (roll Perception or Sense Motive)


Inros Sen has taken the Search for a Contact activity.
Seamus Black has taken the Pilfer activity

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

As Inros watched, he saw the crowd grow and as it did, his discomfort also grew. Patience was a strong suit of his, but he was getting nervous with tensions growing in the gathered people. It was bad enough with the disagreements between the people of Kintargo and Thrune's rule, but now the crowd was starting to turn against itself. He could see divisions start to form, with three separate groups protesting Thrune for various reasons, a group that supported Thrune and a group that just wanted to turn the protest into a riot. "Gods, who's organizing this thing?" the half-elf muttered to himself shuffling slightly as to separate himself from any particular faction. "At least this this narrows things down..." he continued to himself, figuring that his contact would associate himself with one of the groups directly protesting Thrune. As such, he ignored the groups supporting the Chelish government and the anarchists to focus his attention elsewhere. Well, mostly. If things started to go violent, it would start from them. He gave a nervous shudder and hoped his contact would show up soon.

I forgot to add my protest bonus so th total from my previous roll would be 22 if that matters.

[Kallimakus]

Idranel keeps moving through the crowd, trying to listen in on what exactly others want and maybe even talk to some people present. It doesn't go too well. Eventually her day brightens despite the persistent drizzle when she spots her friend slipping into the Democratic crowd. Idranel pushes her way forwards and waves a greeting with a slightly nervous smile on her face. Erin waves back and beckons her closer. "Looks like I made it in time" she sighs in relief. "So what do you think?" Erin asks, motioning to a few other protesters in the group, receiving a few nods from the group before they turn their attention back to the building.
"I'm glad to see a single friendly face. This feels familiar. A bad feeling..." Idranel starts.
"You always see trouble Nel!" Erin laughs, trying to put her friend at ease, "But I see your point.
In fact, that was the reason I wanted you along. In case it goes poorly."
"...Figures." Idranel replies eventually, leaning closer. "The agitators are here, as are the loyalists. Might get ugly." she whispers.
"Just like old days?" Erin asks,a faint smile on her face.
"I don't know how you can joke about that" Idranel replies, focusing her thoughts again, trying not to think about the mentioned old days. She wasn't smiling at all anymore.
"...Sorry. Still a touchy subject" Erin replies. Idranel merely nods. "Let's hope that things stay calm."

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

When Finigan planned on coming his intent was to cut some purses, but not that he was here, he became more enthralled with what was happening and more what was going to happen. He was pretty certain the protest would be put down and rather harshly.
He moved towards the crowd sliding amongst them. What did he want? He wanted this rule by iron fist gone. Democracy? It seemed unlikely.
Then a heavy purse caught his eye and his reflexes took over.

Sleight of hand [roll0]

[PeacefulOak]

You do not spot your contact, who is supposed to be wearing a single black glove. However, you do catch sight of several things. First, the curtain behind an upper window of the opera house is parted slightly, and a shadowy figure can be seen there, presumably watching the crowd. Second, you spot a pickpocket attempting to lift a purse from a merchant's stand. Third, you begin to note an undercurrent of direction or intent in the protest, as though there was an organizing force among the people.

How do you react to the attempt at robbery?

For the protest, you gain a +4 bonus to initiative.

The purse comes free in your hand. Glancing within, you find [roll0] gp worth of coins.

The purse comes free in your hand. Glancing within, you find [roll1] gp worth of coins.

As you already guessed, you did not succeed your check.

The crowd continues to grow, people jostling each other as each yells out in the interest of their own agenda. The message of the protest is unclear, and still the woman stands scowling over the heads of the guards. You now recognize this to be Nox, a bodyguard of Barzillai Thrune.


As before, what action do you take during the second hour of the protest?

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros wasn't having much luck finding his contact. True, the half-elf hardly moved from his spot by the tree, but with all the people shaking fists in the air, it wouldn't make much of a difference. However, he did spot a couple other things of note.

First off, he noticed a figure lurking behind a gap in the curtains in a window up in the opera house. "Well, at least we aren't being completely ignored..." he muttered to himself. Though he wondered if attention from the likes of Thune would be a good thing or not.

The second thing he saw was a young pickpocket casing out a purse hanging from a nearby merchant's stand. Inros quickly thought about the situation. It was to bad he was still working out the formula for the bramble bombs, one of those would've stuck the thief where they stood. And even if the crowd wasn't a powderkeg, using his weapons didn't seems like an appropriate response to the situation. He wasn't quite sure what to do here, but fortunately the merchant himself probably would. "Um, excuse me," he said to the merchant, walking as casually as he could towards the merchant's stand, "but what would you do if you noticed someone eyeing your merchandise rather intently?" He gestured toward the the pickpocket.

Yay for social awkwardness. Rolling diplomacy for lols as I know on a failure I will provide the perfect distraction for the pickpocket.
Diplomacy: [roll0]

The last thing he noticed was that despite the chaos of the protest, there was something rallying and organizing the crowd. While it wasn't obvious who it could be, maybe whoever it was was his contact or had ties to them. Even if it wasn't, whoever it was might be important to know if they were to take charge against Thrune.

I'll be taking a Watching the Crowd this time around.
Perception: [roll1]

[PeacefulOak]

The merchant shouts out "Get out of here, you!" and darts out from behind his cart, but the thief takes off at a sprint... but empty-handed, the purse saved. "Thank you, friend!" says the merchant to Inros, and hands him [roll0]gp.

[Kallimakus]

Idranel spends the next hour talking with Erin and some of her friends, but keeps an eye and ear on the crowd.

[roll0] Perception (including the +2 bonus)

[Kvard51]

The mood of the protest was a heady, dangerous brew. The different factions seemed to play off of each other, creating an atmosphere ripe for violence. Particularly, the anarchists and the Thrune supporters seemed to keep the pot stirred. Seamus wished he could say that was why he was targeting them, but he really just couldn't tolerate anyone supporting Thrune. So he took their money.

Continuing to work the edge of the crowd on the southwest side of the plaza, he quickly identified another fool shilling for Barzillai Thrune and tripped into him, reaching for his purse.

Sleight of Hand check to take a purse from a Thrunite -
[roll0]

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Having a few extra coins in his purse, Finigan seemed more able to focus on what was going on. On a whim he moved towards the Kintargo partisans. That seemed the best place to be for him.

[PeacefulOak]

You each spend the hour watching the crowd. Several things catch your interest. First is the magnificent performance of one man, who you recognize as Finigan, an up and coming performer of the Opera. The crowd responds to his song and performance, and he seems to be becoming a leader of the throng. You also spot a familiar pickpocket approaching a well dressed merchant, eying her coin purse.

How do you react to the attempt at robbery?

The purse comes free in your hand. Glancing within, you find [roll0] gp worth of coins.

Your performance inspires and uplifts the loyalists, and many join in and follow your lead. Still, the anarchists and the Chelish supporters are trying to shout you down, and starting arguments with your group.

You gain a +1 bonus to all Charisma checks for the next 24 hours, and the crowd parts around you for the duration of the protest, meaning no difficult terrain for you moving through crowds.

The protest is now a mighty gathering of disparate members, jostling shoulder to shoulder as they scream their objections at the Opera House. The tension is rising, like a powder keg awaiting a spark.


As before, what action do you take during the third hour of the protest?

[Kallimakus]

Idranel would try to intercept this person, then say something along the lines of "There are honest ways to earn a living you know?"

As another hour goes by, Idranel travels through the crowd. She is glad to see a local talent perform, pretty instinctively siding with the group he seems associated with, the Kintargo partisans. Their demands for local rule ran close to her wishes not to see a tyrant imposed upon them. Natural allies. She weighs approaching the man, but he seems popular enough already, and Idranel doesn't feel like pushing her way to him. Instead, she sets course for the Chelish loyalists jeering at the partisans. To them, she has a simple message. They should really consider not picking fights. Otherwise they might pick fights they won't win.

[roll0] intimidate

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros had blinked in surprise when the merchant had given him a few gold pieces as a reward and called the half-elf friend. How expensive was that purse if the merchant was willing to give him 4 gold simply because he prevented it from being stolen? And it was certainly rather premature of them to call him friend. Still he didn't question the gift and with quick "No problem", he turned back to the protest for more important matters.

The Kintargo partisans had seemed to have found themselves a leader. He was rather unfamiliar with the theatre crowd, much preferring books, but the word from crowd was that the leader was a young man by the name of Finigan who was an up-and-comer in the opera scene. At least, until Thrune took it over as his home. Inros hadn't considered until now that there was quite a few people out of work thank to Thrune. Regardless, at least there seemed to be someone who took charge. Too bad Finigan wasn't wearing a single black glove, or else this would be much simpler.

Eventually he saw a familiar pickpocket trying to snatch a woman's coinpurse. However, it seemed he wasn't the only one to notice them. A woman in an odd set of heavy armour had intercepted them and warned them off (Idrandel). Curious, Inros waited for the pickpocket to scurry off again and approached her. "I saw them making eyes for a purse on a merchant's stand earlier," he said, referring to the pickpocket. "I got some gold for warning the merchant about them," he continued, oblivious to the fact that he didn't need to say that. "I've never seen armour like yours before. Do you have a story about that?"

As the crowd got more dense and rowdy, Inros tightened the scarf around his face. Firstly to make sure that it was secure to block out what sort of illness could be transferred through a ton of people like this. Secondly, to cover his sensitive elven-inherited ears from the increasing volume the crowd. While the pointed tips still stuck out above the fabric would still show his heritage, it made the crowd a bit more bearable. Another downside of the crowd was that it made it even more difficult to find his contact. It would be best to find him before this turned into a riot.

Search for Contact: [roll0]

[PeacefulOak]

Inros and Idranel

The miscreant makes to run off again... but this time runs straight into the Dottari guards and is collared and hauled away. The merchant turns to Idranel and offers profuse thanks, pressing a handful of coins into Idranel's hands before turning back to the protest, shouting something about taxes.

Idranel, you receive [roll0]gp.

[Kvard51]

As the rhetoric ramped up, the protest took on an ominous feel. More and more, Seamus found his way blocked by one group or anotherchanting and screaming. Sometimes at Thrune, sometimes at each other, and sometimes at anyone they came across. He had never seen a mixture more likely to erupt into violence, even in his worst moments in the Westcrown Ghetto.

It was the Anarchists who angered him the most. Even though he didn't easily follow the rules, there was something inside, at a basic level, that told him society could not survive without them. These Anarchists seemed perfectly willing to tear down this city he had come to love, and not even for a good reason. His old Da' was right when he said, "Son, some folk just like to watch the world burn around them. Stay out of their way,
when you can."

And so it was, that when Seamus felt himself becoming trapped by the out of control emotions of the protest, it was the Anarchists he turned his ire upon, "You FOOLS! What is it you are even hoping to accomplish? The total destruction of a great and beautiful city? I've actually seen what that looks like, and you won't enjoy it when the very walls crumble around your feet because there is no one left willing to keep even a modicum of order. When the elderly and children are starving in the streets, only to become the very thing that keeps roving bands of feral dogs hale and hearty.
This thing you are out here trying to foment, this rebellion against EVERYTHING good, is doomed to see your end! If you would rebel, rebel against tyranny! If you would fight, fight Thrune!

Intimidate the Anarchists: [roll0]

[Kallimakus]

Inros Sen
Eventually he saw a familiar pickpocket trying to snatch a woman's coinpurse. However, it seemed he wasn't the only one to notice them. A woman in an odd set of heavy armour had intercepted them and warned them off (Idrandel). Curious, Inros waited for the pickpocket to scurry off again and approached her. "I saw them making eyes for a purse on a merchant's stand earlier," he said, referring to the pickpocket. "I got some gold for warning the merchant about them," he continued, oblivious to the fact that he didn't need to say that. "I've never seen armour like yours before. Do you have a story about that?"

In order to avoid egregious case of Clark Kenting (Oh no! That woman in armour is gone, replaced by a woman wearing the same armour and ALSO a helmet. How odd), I'll say that Alivia generally wears only the breastplate and gauntlets of the armour, carrying the rest. Since getting into the armour and especially the helmet is part of the not quite ritual of changing identities. Still, the design is foreign and I assume somewhat unusual.

"I do. One I don't tell others." Alivia snaps, and one can hear anger in her voice, yes, but far more tellingly there is fear, shame and regret enough to bury it out. "I'm sorry. Suffice to say, it is a tale of tragedy, tyranny and heroism. In that order."

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan begins to feel the power he is wielding. At 17 it is scary, more than anything, but he feels it needs to be wielded. He feels that if the anarchists could be swayed they would make valuable if volitile allies.

Finigan begins a tune with his fiddle and then raises his voice. A song that begins with the tearing down tyranny, but then speaks to giving power back to the people, hoping to motivate them to a goal more than just chaos.

Perform(Sing) [roll0] Not using the extra plus 1 for famous in a community of 1000. Didn't earlier either

[PeacefulOak]

Over the next hour, Idranel manages to silence the Chelish Loyalists with her threats and exhortations. Seamus' angry cry silences the Anarchists. Finigan's song catches them in this moment of weakness, and they become swept up in the moment and begin chanting and singing along with Finigan, protesting Thrune and his dramatic proclamations. Inros scans the crowd for his contact, and is frustrated that he cannot see anything. Three minutes after the end of the third hour, Inros catches sight of a single black glove just as the bells of the Cathedral of Asmodeus ring out three silvery peals.

A moment later, the windows and curtains of the upper floor balcony are thrown open and Barzillai Thrune steps out to address the crowd. A chorus of boos and cries for liberty greet him, and it is obvious that the protest is at a fevers edge. Thrune is an imposing man dressed in red, orange, and black clothing with an ornate breastplate, all emblazoned with the pentagram of Asmodeus and the cross of Cheliax. Middle-aged, with short dark hair and a diabolical mace cradled in his hands, the lord-mayor of Kintargo addresses the crowd with a condescending sneer. The crowd swiftly grows quiet as he clears his throat and begins to speak.

"Ah, my adoring little chickadees. I am sorry to say I have not yet adapted to your quaint country ways, being accustomed as I am to the sophistication and learning of Egorian. Nonetheless, know that I have heard your concerns, and that I appreciate your valued feedback, and I know we shall eventually find a mutual understanding in the fullness of time. I take pride in updating Kintargo's quaint, outdated laws to the modern standards the city deserves, and strengthening its ties with the empire in these cruel times, but obviously I have approached my duties too aggressively.

You say you chafe at the presence of nonnatives in positions of power? That authorities not of this city have no place as its leaders? That you will not be yoked by intruders? Your lord-mayor hears you. And so it is with a heavy heart that I issue this proclamation, in response to your demands: All ships captains are hereafter barred from leaving their vessels and setting foot on Kintargo docks or streets, under pain of... let's say... squassation!

The crowd screams and yells at this proclamation, with fists waved angrily and many improvised weapons raised.


How do you react?

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan blinks at the absurdity of the words. The complete lack of any ... respect. The mocking attitude.
Finigan had come to watch, to learn, to pick a few pockets. He had known he was powerless and now he realized he was wrong. He had known they held all the power and he was wrong.

He began to draw his bow across the fiddle fast and harsh. It made a screeching sound. Then he stomped his foot. Screech. Stomp. Screech. Stomp. ...

[Kallimakus]

Over the next hour, Idranel manages to silence the Chelish Loyalists with her threats and exhortations. Seamus' angry cry silences the Anarchists. Finigan's song catches them in this moment of weakness, and they become swept up in the moment and begin chanting and singing along with Finigan, protesting Thrune and his dramatic proclamations. Inros scans the crowd for his contact, and is frustrated that he cannot see anything. Three minutes after the end of the third hour, Inros catches sight of a single black glove just as the bells of the Cathedral of Asmodeus ring out three silvery peals.

A moment later, the windows and curtains of the upper floor balcony are thrown open and Barzillai Thrune steps out to address the crowd. A chorus of boos and cries for liberty greet him, and it is obvious that the protest is at a fevers edge. Thrune is an imposing man dressed in red, orange, and black clothing with an ornate breastplate, all emblazoned with the pentagram of Asmodeus and the cross of Cheliax. Middle-aged, with short dark hair and a diabolical mace cradled in his hands, the lord-mayor of Kintargo addresses the crowd with a condescending sneer. The crowd swiftly grows quiet as he clears his throat and begins to speak.

"Ah, my adoring little chickadees. I am sorry to say I have not yet adapted to your quaint country ways, being accustomed as I am to the sophistication and learning of Egorian. Nonetheless, know that I have heard your concerns, and that I appreciate your valued feedback, and I know we shall eventually find a mutual understanding in the fullness of time. I take pride in updating Kintargo's quaint, outdated laws to the modern standards the city deserves, and strengthening its ties with the empire in these cruel times, but obviously I have approached my duties too aggressively.

You say you chafe at the presence of nonnatives in positions of power? That authorities not of this city have no place as its leaders? That you will not be yoked by intruders? Your lord-mayor hears you. And so it is with a heavy heart that I issue this proclamation, in response to your demands: All ships captains are hereafter barred from leaving their vessels and setting foot on Kintargo docks or streets, under pain of... let's say... squassation!

The crowd screams and yells at this proclamation, with fists waved angrily and many improvised weapons raised.


How do you react?

Idranel's reaction is a drinks surprise at first. Just a few sentences and the man had managed to earn the honest hatred of the crowd. Herself included. While she could see the childish logic in The words, she... Did some mental backpedalling. This man was appointed as a governor. Only an insane ruler would assign a fool like this to rule a city on their behalf. He would cause a revolution, as he was doing right now. Having worked with one tyrant already, she figured The angle of whoever was on charge: Set an inconvenient underling at an inconvenient rebellion waiting to happen and hope that they destroy one another. The fact that this was what she would do under the same conditions was not lost to her, though she blamed the indoctrination for that.

Without really thinking, she has joined the others in shouting. She catches herself, takes off her backpack and extracts her shield. She looks down at the helmet beneath, deciding that she would not wear it today. No. She strapped the shield to her right arm. A small detail that goes against her training. A small rebellion, in her eyes. Left handed though she was, all Maidens were trained to fight in union, regardless of aptitude. She hoped against hope that this wouldn't turn ugly.

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros raised an eyebrow at the armoured woman's words. "Well, we've got tyranny already. The others might not be far behind."

Inros parted with the woman to continue his search. Eventually he spotted the man with the dark glove, but the half-elf's attention was quickly taken by the ringing of bells. And then the 'Lord-Mayor' himself showed himself. Even he could tell Thrune really didn't care about what the protesters thought. The man was just spouting BS. What other cities had such asinine rules? And then the other shoe dropped with the newest law. Ship captains were banned from coming to shore? What would that accomplish besides pissing them off? Inros relied on ships coming in to trade in order to get exotic ingredients for his alchemy. And what sort of punishments was squassation anyways?

Knowledge (Local) [roll0]

Tempers were certainly raging in the crowd and Inros felt his own blood pressure rising. He took a calming breath and pulled a flask out of a pocket and downed the contents. The specially prepared mutagen had the consistency of syrup and tasted of woodchips and whiskey. Not the most flavourful thing, but things were turning violent and if that violence would turn towards him, he needed to be prepared. What visible skin he had took on a green hue and gained a rough texture.

Using Dendrite Mutagen for +2 Dex , -2 Wis and +4 Natural Armour

He then made his way over to the man with the black glove he saw earlier before Thrune's announcement distracted everyone. I was about time he showed up. "Um, I believe I'm supposed to meet up with you concerning the, ahem, 'Argent Corvids' if you pardon my elvish."

[PeacefulOak]

Inros

In the distraction and the surging of the protesters, you have lost sight of your contact. Moving to where you saw him, you see no sign of a single black glove.

[Kvard51]

Thrune's words strike Seamus' ears like a clanging gong. How could anyone be so... smug? Feeling like his anger is going to boil over into violence at any moment, Seamus starts moving toward the theater. I wish I had that little hand crossbow I saw in the shop yesterday. I think I could just get close enough...

As he nears the steps, the sound of a fiddle screeches over the incensed voices of the mob. People seem to be picking up the beat with stomps. The angry Tengu can't help but join in. Screech. Stomp. Screech. Stomp. ...

[PeacefulOak]

The crowd surges and roars in time with Finigan's beat. Above, Barzillai Thrune sips a glass of wine, his fingers waving and tapping to the beat, a small smirk curling his lips. Enraged, someone throws a handful of manure at Barzillai. Though the putrid projectile misses Barzillai's noble personage, the lord-mayor flinches and spills wine across his ornate clothing. With his wardrobe and dignity endangered, the lord-mayor's demeanor shifts from amused to bellicose. He shrieks "Enough of this! Nox, run them off, arrest them, or kill them. I don't care which!" before retreating into the opera house and slamming the windows.

Down below, Nox immediately mobilizes the dottari, who draw their weapons. At the same time, men and women throughout the crowd pull back their cloaks, revealing matching armbands, truncheons, and the sadistic grins of Chellish Citizen's Group members eager to mete out some "justice".

[roll0] Party
[roll1] Enemies

Four thugs have approached you all, one towards each of you. They are swinging truncheons and have clear hostile intent.


Party goes FIRST!

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Seeing the thug approach Finigan he took a few steps back and began to sing a song to inspire courage. "They think they can shut us down by intimidating us. Are they going to intimidate us?!!"

Standard action to star performing Inspire courage. All allies within 30 ft get +1 to hit, on damage and vs charm & fear effects.
Moves back to create some space. Ideally to be just over 30' from the thug.

If possible he will use the performance to inspire the crowds around him to threaten or attack the thug. Perform(sing) [roll0].

[Kallimakus]

As the crowd parts and Idranel notices a man from Chelish citizens group advancing on her, a single though goes through her mind: Why me? It didn't matter. Likely an amateur, she tells herself. She felt anxious, but curbs it down now. Never let them see your fear. "I already told some of your friends" Idranel says, drawing her sword "you shouldn't pick fights" Never be afraid to strike first. A lesson taught to her in a different life, still applicable. She charges at the enemy, sword raised, shield ready to block. Idranel is, in reality, rather anxious about the situation, but doesn't want her enemy to realize that.

Move adjacent, draw sword as part of the move. Attack as standard action
[roll0]
[roll1]

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros barked out a laugh when Thrune jumped from almost being hit by a bunch of manure. He wished he had that type of throwing arm. But then the man ordered his chief guard to attack the protesters. Inros let out a steam of of Orcish curses as a man right beside him showed his true colours as a supporter of Thrune. He was too close for the half-elf to get away with drinking his disguise potion to escape. The crowd was too thick to use his crossbow or bomb without risking hitting someone else in the crowd. The only other weapon he had was a dagger. With no other option he drew the small blade and hoped that he remembered his father's old lessons.

"Well, uh, down with Thrune!" Inros stammered, hoping to goad the thug to come attack him and ignore the less protected members of the crowd.

Move action to draw dagger, standard for Total Defence for +4 AC

[Kvard51]

It takes a moment for Seamus to comprehend that these are actually Thrune's agents in the crowd sent to break up the protest. But with realization comes black anger. Baring his claws, he steps through the crowd to come alongside the nearest of these... traitors, slashing viciously with his claws.

Move to U9, Claw Attack [roll0] for [roll1] Slashing Damage. [roll2] Bleed damage at the beginning of the target's next round, if the attack lands.

[PeacefulOak]

The thugs attempt to bludgeon Finigan and Seamus, but are jostled by the protesters such that they swing wide and fail to connect. The third one swings hard at Idranel, having turned away from Inros to avenge his fallen ally, but Idranel deflects the heavy blow with her shield.

You have each been keeping an eye on the dottari, wary of their involvement. You see a knife flicker through the air, landing a lucky blow that catches Nox right in the throat. With a snarl she pulls the blade out, and you can see the wound begin to close of its own accord. Nox throws the blade to the ground and retreats into the opera house, slamming the door behind her.


Round 2 begin, players turn!

[roll0] to hit for [roll1] subdual damage vs Finigan
[roll2] to hit for [roll3] subdual damage vs Seamus
[roll4] to hit for [roll5] damage vs Idranel

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan continues his performance, steps back and lashes out with his whip to trip the thug attacking him.

Trip [roll0]

[Kallimakus]

Her reading of the situation was sound. She turned to face her new attacker, swinging her sword a little less fiercely. She did not feel bad about killing a man, but after re-evaluating the threat she was under, she could use less lethal means

1d20+1, for nonlethal
1d8+4

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros didn't know if he should feel relief or insulted that the Chelish Loyalist thug ignored him in favour of an armoured figure who had just struck down another thug. He guessed that he really didn't seem like much of a threat. He paused slightly before following the thug. He wasn't a violent person. There was a whole doctors' oath about preventing harm. Yet here he was, about to literally stab someone in the back. However, blood had already been spilled and if he wanted to rebel, he had to start somewhere. He still would have preferred to stay back and used the bombs he had prepared, but the crowd prevented it. "Everyone clear out!" he hollered, though he was pretty sure his words were swallowed up in the shouting and fighting.

He stepped up and slashed at the loyalist.

Move to flank with Idrandel, attack with dagger.
Hit: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Kvard51]

Dodging the weak swing of the Thrune thug, Seamus stands his ground and attacks with everything he has.

1st Claw [roll0] for [roll1] DMG
2nd Claw [roll2] for [roll3] DMG
+ [roll4] Bleed DMG is either hits

Bite [roll5] for [roll6] DMG

[PeacefulOak]

Finnigan's whip tangles the legs of the thug, who crashes to the ground in a heap.

Seamus lashes out in a flurry of claws and beak. One claw lands, dealing a vicious blow that begins to drip crimson blood.

Between Inros' dagger and Idranel's bludgeoning blow with her blade, a second thug falls unconscious.

Two of the Dottari guards enter the fray, both approaching Idranel as the closest and clearest present danger, both heavy maces connecting with fierce blows and bludgeoning the armored woman into unconsciousness.

The thug focused on Finigan stands up and steps towards the bard, intent on causing harm.

[roll0] for [roll1] damage vs Seamus.
[roll2] for [roll3] damage vs Idranel.
[roll4] for [roll5] damage vs Idranel.

Finigan's thug provokes an attack of opportunity for standing, and if still standing uses its standard action to move closer.

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros' stomach clenched as the pair of mace blows struck down the armoured figure. While he was more familiar of the theory of being a doctor, he moved by instinct to give them medical aid. He moved to the injured person, staying out of the reach of the Dottari's weapons. Flipping back the lid of the flask of healing potion, he shakily poured the contents into their mouth. A small part his mind that wasn't panicking smirked at the thought of the splashes he made leaving a minty scent on Thrune's doorstep.

As his patient regained their lucidity, the half-elf tried to help them up. "Get behind me!" he ordered, hoping to prevent more damage coming to them. He suddenly got the sense of what his father used to do for a living, putting his own life on the line to protect those who need help.

Moving to one of the space to the right of Idranel and using my CLW formula which as the GM put it,
would put her at 1 hp.

[Kallimakus]

Idranel regains consciousness. She finds herself lying on the ground, a taste of something minty in her mouth, a man by her side, with a vial. She panics at first, still in pain and bewildered by the development, but forces herself still. All too aware of how easy it is to beat a person when they are down, she waits for the Dottari to move on before scrambling to her feet and running for... running away, she admits to herself. She did not want to die, and today had been the closest brush with that since... well, ever.

Hoping to wait until the Dottari don't beat her to the ground before making her way away. Hoping to not provoke AoO's from anyone.

[Kvard51]

Seeing the woman in armor fall was like a jolt through Seamus' brain.

This isn't just a protest any longer...

The man stooping to help the fallen woman brings Seamus back to the moment.

distract the Dottari to allow them to escape...

Seamus scrambles past the Citizen's Group Thug, ducking and weaving to avoid his blow. As he comes to his feet yelling, "Down with Thrune!", he slashes at the Dottari with his claws.

Acrobatics to avoid the AoO from the thug [roll0]

Attack Roll against Dottari [roll1] for [roll2] DMG + [roll3] Bleed DMG.

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

"Getting up is a bad idea." Finigan lashes out with his whip at the thug rises.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1] non-lethal due to being a whip

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

After striking the thug Finigan backs up 5', continuing to sing and speaks some melodic words that he moves his hands with.

Maintains performance & casts grease. Assuming the positions on the last map he hits Q-7, R-7, Q-6, R-6. If anyone has moved he would try to nail the two Dottari.

[PeacefulOak]

Finigan's brief chant produces a slick of magical lubricant across the cobblestones, causing both the thug and one of the dottari to lose their footing with undignified yelps.

Seamus seizes the opportunity, leaping in to slash into the fallen guard and leaving a bloody wound in the guard's throat.

The remaining dottari that is standing moves towards Inros... and promptly loses his footing as well. Both of the other victims of Finigan's magic attempt to stand and fail miserably, sprawling on the ground.

The thug attempts to strike Finigan and silence the young bard, but is grabbed and battered by the throng.



Start Round Four, Players Go.

[roll0] reflex dottari 1
[roll1] reflex dottari 2
[roll2] reflex thug w/ Seamus

[roll3] to hit Finigan for [roll4] non-lethal
[roll5] to hit Seamus for [roll6]
[roll7] to hit Finigan for [roll8]

[Kvard51]

Seamus smiles as he sees the Dottari fail to rise. Slashing and biting, he does his best to make sure the Thrune loyalist doesn't rise again.

Full attack with Sneak Attack dice, since they are denied dex while prone.

Claw [roll0] for [roll1] + [roll2] Sneak DMG
Claw [roll3] for [roll4] + [roll5] Sneak DMG
Bite [roll6] for [roll7] + [roll8] Sneak DMG

Dotarri [roll9] Bleed at the beginning of his turn

Thug [roll10] Bleed at the beginning of his turn

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

As Inros helped the armoured figure to their feet, he barked out a laugh as their opponents fell on their rears. Though as a dark feathered person tore into a thug and then one of the Dottari, the half-elf's grimaced. Riots really brought the animal out in some people. He turned to assist the injured figure through the crowd tossing a homemade explosive at the unharmed Dottari as he did. "Everyone move!" he yelled as he pushed through the crowd.

Bombing the other Dottari, then moving after Idranel keeping myself between her and any threats.
Hit VS touch: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan smiles when his enemies fall. Wanting to keep the momentum in their favor he keeps his song rolling. He lashes out at the nearest enemy with his whip.

Attack 1d20+4
Danage 1d3+4

[PeacefulOak]

Seamus tears into the fallen thug and the dottari next to it, inflicting mortal blows to both before dancing a few steps back.
Idranel slowly makes her way away from the fray, looking for the edge of the battle. Inros follows shortly after, his grenade tearing through the two fallen dottari and heavily damaging the third, still living one.
Finigan's whip snaps wide of the thug that is threatening him.

The bomb-blasted dottari stands and attempts to approach Seamus, but promptly loses his footing and collapses. The thug facing Finigan makes to attack him again, but several nearby protesters swarm over him and begin pummeling him. One of them turns to Finigan and says "Go, get out of here with those folks over there! There'll be more dottari coming for sure!"


Start Round 5, Player's Turn.

[roll0] Acrobatics to move (dottari)
[roll1] to hit Seamus for [roll2] damage (dottari)
[roll3] to hit Finigan for [roll4] non-lethal (thug)

OMG 3 1's out of 4 rolls? Glad I'm doing this as a DM, not a player. ><

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan looks to where the protester is indicating.

Perception [roll0]
Stops his performance

[Kvard51]

Seeing the Thrune thugs and Dotarri in the ground, Seamus shakes himself out of his bloodlust. He does his best to fade into the crowd, following where the armored woman had gone. Hopefully, no one saw that who can identify me. I have to control myself better than that...

Stealth to disappear into the crowd: [roll0]

Perception to keep Idranel in sight: [roll1]

[Kallimakus]

Idranel has limped away from the opera house, past the fountain and towards the greener area of the park. Not really for any particular reason, but it was the easiest way to put some distance between herself and the fight. She pauses her journey and looks back at the crowd. The man who saved her life was still in there. She couldn't see a way to save him as she was, but if it came down to it, she would try. She breathes with relief as she sees the man emerge from the crowd.

Probably somewhere around M-16 square now

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros followed the armoured figure through the crowd, at a couple times having them lean on him for support. Which was a tad difficult with him being half a foot taller than they were and with their armour, they were rather heavy. "We need to get you looked after," he said to his newfound companion. "We need a safe spot to rest. My place is on the other side of the river so that's too far away. Do you have a place closer by?"

The half-elf kept an eye out for threats and maybe even that contact that he caught a glimpse of before violence broke out.

Perception: [roll0] Seeing as we're still sort of at the protest

[PeacefulOak]

Finding a break in the immediate conflict, you all make your way out of the square in front of the opera house and away down the road. Behind you rise shouts and screams and a brief burst of flame, the last coming just as you turn into a narrow alley out of the main street. Protesters and bystanders alike are running past,
giving you a moment to rest and recouperate in relative peace.

This would be a good opportunity to use any healing magic or the like before continuing, if you have it available.

You each gain 635 Experience Points for your actions durign the protest.

[Kallimakus]

Idranel manages to remain upright, just about, and needs a moment to focus her thoughts before replying. "I live in Oldtown. It's not too far. She motions for others to follow too. "Can you fix me? she asks Inros.

I figured Oldtown is the likeliest district to find a small apartment/house. It is also conveniently nearby. I hope that we weren't meant to stick around right here. I mean, we can, as far as I'm concerned. Idranel lacks personal healing ability, so she needs help.

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Seeing Idranel's wounds and her requests to be fixed, Finigan sings a spell and touches her wounds with a glowing blue hand.

Cure Light Wounds [roll0]

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros gave a sigh of relief as they found themselves a secluded alleyway away from the crowd. That was a terrifying experience, at least he left without be worse for the wear. Though he couldn't speak for his new companion who asked him if he could mend her remaining wounds. The half-elf shook his head. "Sorry, I only had the supplies to create one healing potion. All I have left is one that projects a glamour over myself. And before you ask, it's tuned to my biology so it wouldn't work for anyone else."

Inros then realized the two of them were followed by two young men, a human and a crow person. The human sang a couple of healing words and a blue glow mended the woman's wounds. "Well, now that that's over, I believe introductions are in order." He extended a gloved hand. "Professor Inros Sen of Alabaster Academy."

[Kallimakus]

"Wow." Idranel says, taking a moment to marvel at where all her pain and injuries went. "Thank you, friend. she says, before turning to Inros, grasping his hand, her grip firm, but not going for crushing force. "Friends. I am Idranel." She offers her hand out to the others as well.

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan smiles. "You are most welcome, but I suggest you don't get injured again as most of my magic is spent for the day."

He offers his hand to the others.

"I am Finigan, street performer and", he shrugs, "newly adopted opera singer." He looks unsure about being in the opera.

[Kvard51]

"Seamus is the name. That was almost a bit of a spot, eh? If'n you're looking to get off the streets, I've got a place to go to ground set up over in Red Roof. It's not much, but it'll do until this all dies down."

Sticking out his hand, Seamus cracks his beak in what seems to be a smile.

[Kallimakus]

"A place to lay low sounds better to me. Looked like you guys were fighting Dottari there. I just got beaten by them, so I feel pretty safe."" Idranel says with a smile, an attempt at a joke, "At Red Roof, you said? Been a while since I've visited."

[PeacefulOak]

As you begin to move down the alley, heading away from the diminishing chaos of the protest and towards some form of safe haven, you hear the sounds of a scuffle from an adjoining alley. Inros
in particular hears the sound of steel clashing against steel and a cry of pain. As you approach the alley, you see five Chellish Citizens' Group thugs standing over a figure that is just now falling to the ground,
a heavy bruise on his forehead with a cut beginning lo leak blood. You immediately notice that the falling figure has a single black glove on one hand, the other hand being bare.

One of the thugs stands over the fallen man, the other four turning towards you. "Oy, you lot! Move along if you know what's good for ya!"

What would you like to do?

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros' elven ears picked up the sounds of fighting nearby. He beckoned the others to follow. They soon enough found several Chelish loyalist thugs knocking down man. Inros' eyes flashed in recognition as he spotted the single black glove on his hand. "By the gods, that's convenient," he muttered to himself.

Still feeling the power of the mutagen pulsing through his veins, he brandished his dagger and moved towards the thugs. "We need to help him out!" he called to his newfound companions, though consciously or not, he didn't say why. Either way, it would've been a poor idea to say that the man had ties to the Silver Ravens while out in the open.

Initiative: [roll0]

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

A look of confusion crosses Finigan's face. "Knowing what is good for me has never been my strong point."

[Kallimakus]

Right. Alivia drew her sword, thanking her luck for having had the presence of like to take it with her on her flight. She puts a hand on it's hilt. She still has the shield strapped to her other arm. "So what's up with you lot and beatings? Saw some of your friends a while back. Didn't to well for them, if you catch my meaning."

[roll0] Intimidate. Idranel tries to sound tougher than she feels.
[roll1] Initiative

[Kvard51]

Seeing more of Thrune's thugs beating a citizen was infuriating. Seamus ruffled his plumage, making himself look larger than he really was. "There will me more of the same coming your way if you don't LEAVE NOW!"

Initiative [roll0]

Intimidate [roll1]

[PeacefulOak]

The four thugs that stand closer to you all heft their cudgels, ready to do battle. The fifth, standing over the fallen body, is visibly shaken by Idranel's threat.

Players won Initiative, all may now act.

[Kallimakus]

If they wanted a fight, Idranel was more than willing to give them one. She moved up to one, trying to make sure that the enemies would not go past her at the less armoured people she had joined with. After the beating she took, she was in no mood for holding back.


[roll0] Not charging, basic attack
[roll1] damage

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan sees that everything in the city seems to be going to hell. As the other thugs move to attack he starts his encouraging performance again and moves just behind Idranel , whip in hand.
Start perform Inspire courage +1 to hit and damage.

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inors stepped forward and tossed a bomb past Idranel to hit the cluster of thugs. It was kind of difficult to judge the collateral damage the explosion would do in the confines of the alley, but hopefully it would be enough to discourage them. "Heads up!" he warned.

If there is enough room for a bomb to explode and miss Idranel and the contact, I'll bomb there.
If not, I can toss it at a grid intersection and a 2x2 pace gets hit by splash damage.
Hit: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1], splash damage 5

[Kvard51]

Stepping up beside Idranel, Seamus attacks the nearest thug, beak and claw.

Claw [roll0] for [roll1] DMG + [roll2] Bleed DMG
Claw [roll3] for [roll4] DMG + [roll5] Bleed DMG
Bite [roll6] for [roll7] DMG

(Bleed only on first hit of the round)

[PeacefulOak]

In a curious dichotomy of violence, Idranel and Seamus both cut down their foes: Idranel's with a clean thrust that cuts the heart of her opponent, Seamus with a savage flurry of talons and bites which leave his opponent reeling for a moment before he bleeds out. Inros' bomb sails over the heads of the front line, striking one of the remaining thugs directly and bursting to hit the other two. Screams of pain echo in the alley, a counterpoint to Finigan's rousing song.

The remaining thugs, heavily damaged by the bomb, all look at each other and turn and run. The fallen man with the single black glove groans and rolls onto his side, holding his head in pain.

[Kallimakus]

Idranel allows the remaining thugs to leg it. She doesn't really have expertise in gauging injuries, but the man on the ground was breathing at least. She turns to Inros and asks "So who is this man?"

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros grimaced as he picked his way through the bodies of the fallen thugs. He really wasn't sure what to do with them. Should he patch them up and so that he wouldn't be a murderer? Hide the bodies? Just leave them there to fend for them selves? He looked unsure at the others. Still there was another matter to attend to.

"He's wearing a single black glove," Inros replied to Idranel, as if that would explain everything. Seeing the blank looks from his companions, he continued. "I went to the protest to meet someone who had ties to one of the old rebellion groups, the Silver Ravens. All I had to go on was that they were a man with a black glove." He smiled, though was obscured by his scarf and held out a gloved hand to help the man up. "About damn time you showed up." He gave the man a once over to make sure that he was ok.

Heal Roll: [roll0]

[PeacefulOak]

"Thank you." The man pauses to cough heavily, pulling a vial out from his tunic and drinking the contents. You immediately notice that his posture improves and the bruises on his face fade away. "That's much better. I'm sorry I couldn't connect with you during the protest, I was swept up in the violence towards the end. I did have my eyes on you all,
though... your behavior was worthy of note!" He pauses again, looking around. "The streets aren't safe to talk. I know a safe place, Crissali's Fine Tomes. They have a generous back room policy, and the owner is very discreet. Please, will you all accompany me?" He looks at each of you expectantly.

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan shrugs. He had already thrown himself into the frying pan, why not jump into the fire? "Agreed. Let's go."

[Kallimakus]

"I don't fancy our new ruler much likes his supporters being murdered. So getting someplace safe feels like a good plan. Lead on, I say" Idranel says. "I have positive experience of rebellions, and it looks like my die is cast here.

No going back

[Kvard51]

Happy to not be asked to take the gloved man to his hidey hole, Seamus nods. "I'll follow about a half block back and watch for pursuit. I can find the book store if I lose you." He eyeballs the new man closely while saying this, to judge his response.

Sense Motive against the newcomer [roll0] to get a feel for him.

After the party leaves, Seamus will quickly check the thugs, looking for valuables. If they are wearing an identifying mark, he will definitely take that.

Perception [roll1]

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

The half-elf shrugged. "Fair enough. We all kinda got swept up in this," he said looking at the others. When the man suggested a potential place to lay low, he nodded and followed along. "I've always found places with a bunch of books to be rather safe havens. Though that's usually the academy library, but I'm sure I may have been there at some point or another..." He trailed off trying to remember the shop.

Knowledge Local: [roll0]

[PeacefulOak]

Crissali's Fine Tomes
Inros immediately recognizes the old bookstore as the group approaches, remembering its quality service and abundance of rare tomes. The shopkeeper, a human male of many years, accepts a few coins from your contact and hustles you into a small, well appointed back room. A single round table occupies the center with six soft leather chairs around it. Taking a seat, your contact gestures for you all to be seated before speaking.

"Thank you again for the timely rescue. Truth is, our meeting was no coincidence. I followed you from the protester earlier today, but in the panic that erupted I lost track of your group. You proved yourself to be people of uncommon skilled, and I am a man of uncommon needs.

My name is Rexus Victocora, and until last week's Night of Ashes, I was one of the city's nobles. My parents' estate burned to the ground that night- I escaped simply because I was studying at the Alabaster Academy during the fire. There were other fires that night, as you know- fires that many believe were started by Barzillai Thrune or his agents in an attempt to squash any spirit of rebellion Kintargo might have.

Now more than ever we need that spirit of rebellion to stay strong, but Thrune's actions have driven into hiding those who would stay strong and resist. Those who could once rally the city to a cause, such as Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus and my parents, are missing at best and are more likely dead. I cannot do this on my own, but with the aid of talented citizens such as yourselves, I have hope that we can. Will you aid Kintargo? Will you save the city from the devil?"

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan nods. "My name is Finigan. I am all for throwing off the yoke of Thrune, so long s we do not jump out of the frying pan and into the fire."

[Kallimakus]

"Perhaps going a full circle would put my ghosts to rest. Count me in. Idranel says.

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros' eyes brightened in recognition when he saw the store. "Huh, forgot the name of this place. I bought a couple important textbooks here..." he murmured to himself.

He was a little slow following the others to the back room, his eyes roving over the titles of the books on the shelves. Nothing particularly piqued his interest, so he found a seat next to his contact while the man told them his story. Of course Inros meeting up with him wasn't a coincidence, it was the only reason he showed up at the protest. But perhaps it was fate that he met up with the others. The man introduced himself himself as Rexus, once of the house of Victocora before it burned to the ground. He was at Alabaster when it did so. He then as the group if they could help him stand against the occupation of the city. "You're studying at Alabaster, huh? What are you studying? I teach biological alchemy at the academy, you may have taken a couple of my classes." He then realized that the others were swearing to help, so he followed suit.

"Well, I'm probably too deep into this to back out now. That dictator took away my mint, which quite frankly was the straw the broke the camel's back for me. While I don't know much about rebellion, I've lived in this city at least twice as long as the rest of you. This is not Thrune's city, it's ours."

[Kvard51]

"I'll not see this great city ground to dust under the jackboots of Thrune's thugs.
Count me in!" Seamus' feathers ruffle, particularly along his neck and the top of his head while he speaks.

[PeacefulOak]

Crissali's Fine Tomes
Rexus smiles a relieved smile, sitting forward in his chair. "Excellent! Very excellent. Oh, the Academy? A little bit of magic, but mostly the history of Rebellion in Kintargo. Not that I have time for studies anymore... but it does seem ironic." He pauses, and sighs. "I only just discovered that my mother Porcia was a high-ranking member of the Sacred Order of Archivists, a secret society dedicated to the protection and restoration of history. The day after the Night of Ashes I was contacted by Laria Longroad, a woman who claimed to be one of my mother's contacts. I didn't believe her at first of course, but she gave me this letter, and a coffer of valuables from my mother. See for yourself!"
He holds out a parchment, allowing you to hand it around.

https://image.ibb.co/bE6Frv/Handout_1.png

[Kvard51]

"You are sure this is your mother's writing? Silver Ravens, has anyone here heard of such?". Seamus' distrust is evident in his tone. He seems to have had second thoughts in the time it took Victorcora to tell his tale. "Have we considered if this man might be a Thrune agent sent to trap us?"

[PeacefulOak]

Crissali's Fine Tomes
Rexus slams his fist on the table, his eyes blazing with emotion. "I would rather die than serve Thrune! I will take any test you desire, I am not Thrune." He breathes heavily for a moment, then visibly calms himself. "As evident from how you found me, I am not fit to be the head of a rebellion. This is why I turn to you."

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

"Look birdbrain," he snapped at Seamus. "Rexus' bruises were the real deal. He was there at the protest. Besides..." he trailed off as he took another look at the last words of Porcia. "My mother also knew of the Silver Ravens. She was living here when the civil war happened. She told me stories about them when I was young. Gods, it's been years..." He got a distant look on his face as he thought back to those tales.

Knowledge: Local: [roll0]

He shook his head. "Anyways, we need to discuss what we do from here. I guess we need to pay a visit to this livery. Oh, and what's in the coffer that your mother left you?" he turned back to the ex-noble.

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

"No need for name calling. Lets not fight among ourselves. In that way Thrune wins."

[Kvard51]

Seamus' feathers smooth out and he looks... sheepish? If birds could blush, he would be. He looks Rexus in the eye, saying, "My apologies. The afternoon's events are putting me on edge.
I haven't killed anyone in a long time. Today brought three. I don't take that lightly, although we will soon see many more. If we go the route of rebellion, anyway."

[Kallimakus]

"I was in Korvosa back when it fell under the yoke of tyranny. Having lived through one such occasion, I would spare this city and it's people such suffering. Idranel says. Looking at her, it seems that she went through a lot.

I think that people with knowledge history of geography would recognize her armour as belonging to Gray Maidens.

[PeacefulOak]

Crissali's Fine Tomes
Rexus sits back and relaxes slightly. "It is alright, friend. There is much that is the cause of stress right now. In case it wasn't clear, my home has been burned to the ground! I am deeply thankful that Laria has offered me a place to stay for as long as I need." He lifts a box from his pack, placing it on the table and opening it. The first thing he removes is a gleaming silvery key, which he tucks into a breast pocket. "This... has sentimental value. The rest is for you, with my thanks and for use in exploring the Fair Fortune Livery."

Going through the box, you find a pouch containing 150gp, a Victocora signet ring, a masterwork silver dagger, and a set of leather bracers with delicate arcane sigils scrawled across it.

"Are you ready to attempt this today?"

[Kallimakus]

Crissali's Fine Tomes
Rexus sits back and relaxes slightly. "It is alright, friend. There is much that is the cause of stress right now. In case it wasn't clear, my home has been burned to the ground! I am deeply thankful that Laria has offered me a place to stay for as long as I need." He lifts a box from his pack, placing it on the table and opening it. The first thing he removes is a gleaming silvery key, which he tucks into a breast pocket. "This... has sentimental value. The rest is for you, with my thanks and for use in exploring the Fair Fortune Livery."

Going through the box, you find a pouch containing 150gp, a Victocora signet ring, a masterwork silver dagger, and a set of leather bracers with delicate arcane sigils scrawled across it.

"Are you ready to attempt this today?"

"I had a friend at the protest. It would put me at ease to know that she's alright." Idranel says. "So from what you told us thus far, the place we're looking for is a basement or something? Can you tell us anything else? she asks Rexus. She then eyes her remaining comrades, "Do we need something? Like torches, maybe something like a healing potion? In case one of us gets injured. Thanks to your efforts, I'm back at peak condition, but I don't want to drag anyone into trouble if you're not up for it."

In terms of preparation, Idranel would dress up in her full plate, and try to switch into her alternate identity (repeatedly if there's time). She can't keep up the masquerade to the other PC's, and would really feel like she'd offend them by trying to pretend to be a friend or associate to her masked self. She does behave differently though. She would also try to send a message to Erin saying that she's fine. Last her friend saw of Idranel was probably her getting clubbed down, so she might be worried. Or so Idranel feels anyway. She doesn't really need a return message, and since the current place is sensitive, it wouldn't be very smart either. I'll make some just in case rolls here.
[roll0] Will save (aiming at 11 or more)
[roll1] knowledge local about the Fair Fortune Livery (if applicable)
[roll2] diplomacy to gather information (assuming we decide to do that, and Idranel would do this before switching identities.

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

Inros' eyes lit up slightly when he saw the silver dagger. "I'll take this if no one minds. Each of you have your own better weapons anyways."

At Rexus' question and Idranel's response, Inros frowned. "I need to restock my alchemical regents before I do any more risk taking. Though I also have some classes throughout the week. But I might be able to duck out early to explore this place. It isn't going anywhere." He thought about about Idranel's request for supplies. "I can create various alchemical items, but that requires time and money we don't do have much of. Still, if any of you have any requests, I can see what I can do. I can also make some potions, but again, that takes time on money."

[Kvard51]

"I'll go. Be it tonight or tomorrow. And I'll get us in and out safely. You can count on me." Seamus seems subdued, now. Almost like he's making up for his earlier outburst.

[Kallimakus]

"So we should meet tomorrow for our foray then?" Idranel asks. "Will this place be available? And remember that we might have been seen and might be recognized. I'm sure those thugs are not going to let us go unpunished forever."

Idranel uses the evening to gather information. I motion for a FF>> to next day unless we have something else. I'm somewhat impatient :smallredface:
If we want to take this opportunity to develop our characters, that's fine too though.

[PeacefulOak]

Rexus agrees to meet you all at the Fair Fortune Livery the following day in the afternoon. Each of you make your own way to resolve the evening and the following day's work. Inros, finding the focus and attention to mind your class is challenging after the previous day's intense conflict. Idranel, your friend is missing and you haven't seen her yet. This makes the following day a challenge for you, with each moment of worry struggling to bring your Grey Maiden persona to the fore. Seamus, the blood on your claws and beak are easy to clean, but the feeling of sinking them into Chellish sympathizers lingers. It occurs to you that you may have contacts with whom to sell any extra items you have acquired. Finigan, you spend the day with your family, and eventually find your way to the Livery as the sun slowly descends on the next day.


The Fair Fortune Livery

This aged stable leans slightly to one side, its roof precariously propped up by aged wooden walls. The air reeks of stale urine.
The front door (a large double barn-style door) are closed with a thick chain and lock, but appear to hang loose enough that you could squeeze in. There is room to go around the building on either side if you choose. Rexus hangs back slightly as the party convenes, letting you choose how to enter and address the building.

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan sticks his head into the livery through the loose door. "Hello? Anyone here?"

[PeacefulOak]

The Fair Fortune Livery
It's a tight fit, but Finigan manages to squeeze his head through the gap. The doors lead to a large open space, with stalls lining the wall to the right and left, and a large broken wagon sits at the far end of the room. As Finigan's voice echoes through the empty space, it is answered by loud savage barking as several dogs jump from some of the stalls at the far side of the space, barking and snarling.

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan pulls his head out. "Maybe I am early."

[Kallimakus]

Idranel appears on the scene! She was late after trying to get any news about her friend Erin. It seemed as no-one had seen her since the protest. Deciding to shoulder her worries as best she could, Idranel has fallen back on the less caring side of her personality. As a Maiden, a concern like that was less important than the task at hand. This kind of mental compartmentalization was not precisely good for her, but it was useful in cases like this. She has donned her gear to fullest, battered but cared-for plate with crimson cloth. She has donned her helmet and shield as well, and looks ready for trouble.

"How do we want to deal with this?" she asks the others matter-of-factly. She looks more than willing to put these creatures out of their misery to hasten the mission

I rolled some checks earlier, still no reply.
(1d20+5)[20] knowledge local about the Fair Fortune Livery (if applicable)
(1d20+6)[24] diplomacy to gather information about the same

[gmoyes]

Inros Sen

"Hey, sorry I'm a little slow, had a busy day," the half-elf said as he approached the others. The fact that he lost some sleep the previous night talking with his father and thinking about this rebellion didn't help.

Hearing the barking dogs, Inros frowned. "Wasn't one of Thune's laws about capturing large dogs? Dunno if we could make use of that." He shrugged. "Or we could scare them off by leaving the door open and tossing a couple of my explosives through a window."

A Cure Light wounds and Heightened Awareness prepared for today, as well as Dex Mutagen

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan looks confused. "Why do we want to do something to the dogs? They wanted us to meet them here right? Just wait?"

[PeacefulOak]

Rexus speaks up. "No, I'm not expecting anyone... this place is abandoned. The old hideout is supposed to be somewhere inside."

[Kvard51]

"I like the idea of explosives... I can get the lock open, I think." Seamus moves toward the door, pulling a set of tools out of his belt.

Disable Device [roll0]

[PeacefulOak]

Seamus: The lock clicks open in your hands, leaving the chain hanging loose.

[Kallimakus]

"Let's get on with it" Idranel says, placing herself close to the door, wary for any dogs that might be looking to attack. "Blow them up or scare them off. I don't really care which.

[HappyMerecat]

Finigan

Finigan smiles at the sight of the lock picks and then pushed the door open and heads in. "Whose a good doggy?"

Handle Animal [roll0]

[PeacefulOak]

The Fair Fortune Livery
With the doors pushed open you can more clearly see the expanse of the interior of the stables. Stalls line the walls to the left and right, and the room extends further into shadows.

More pressing to your attention is the massive mastiff that lunges out from one of the further stalls, with two smaller terriers following it. The mastiff’s gaze is focused on Finigan and it is growling deep in its throat, but it isn’t making any aggressive moves yet.