New OOTS products from CafePress
New OOTS t-shirts, ornaments, mugs, bags, and more
Page 7 of 27 FirstFirst 1234567891011121314151617 ... LastLast
Results 181 to 210 of 791
  1. - Top - End - #181
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    R9T11: Aldo wakes with a start. He looked about for a second, and deciding since he was not facing Pharasma nor in a dark interrogation chamber, things were clearly not as bad as they could be. After confirming that they still appeared to be on the mission, he decided to cover his fear with flippancy. "Sorry, took a little nap there. What did I miss?"

    End Round 9, Begin Round 10 ...

    R10T25:
    Erasmus comes around from the back of the wagon, taking out his bolas, and getting ready to attack should the armigers renege on the current truce.

    R10T18: Meijen delays, but is alert for any shenanigans.

    R10T17: A1 goes over by A5 and the unconscious Shanwen.

    R10T14: Tia, what do you do? Do you answer Aldo? Do something else?

    Arael on deck, Folco in the hole, Meijen/ Gabby delaying ...
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  2. - Top - End - #182
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

    Join Date
    Oct 2011

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    "Arael is free. The enemies have all fled or surrendered." Tia jumps down from the wagon, and starts away from the battlefield to reclaim her dagger.

    Spoiler
    Show
    As far as Tia is concerned, the fight is over. She will take whatever actions needed to drop to the ground and reclaim her dagger while we wait for either Soldier A to turn on us, or him to drag his commander away
    Kitten: *bats around a mini a few times*
    DM: "Ok, it looks like Fluffy...err, 'The Tarrasque'...Full Attacks the Cleric"
    Cleric: "Full attack my a**, that was just two claw attacks!"
    Kitten: *starts gnawing on the mini*
    Cleric: "...nevermind."

  3. - Top - End - #183
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    R10T14: "Arael is free. The enemies have all fled or surrendered." Tia jumps down from the wagon, and starts away from the battlefield to reclaim her dagger.

    R10T13.5: Arael climbs onto the bench of the wagon and fits a key to a chest in the bench.

    R10T12: Folco, what do you do?

    Aldo on deck, Erasmus in the hole, Gabby delaying ...
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  4. - Top - End - #184
    Dwarf in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2014

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    "Then Lets get the hell out of here, before our good fortune runs out." Folco huffs... That didn't go as well as he wanted it to... bastard got through his extract! He hops down from the wagon to the bench, next to Arael, watching over him.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Move to the bench next to Areal. Ready an action to attack anything that swings at me or Arael.
    Parry: (1d20+8)[22] Riposte: (1d20+8)[10] Damage: (1d6+5)[6]

  5. - Top - End - #185
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    R10T12: "Then Lets get the hell out of here, before our good fortune runs out." Folco huffs... That didn't go as well as he wanted it to... bastard got through his extract! He hops down from the wagon to the bench, next to Arael, watching over him.

    R10T11: Aldo, what do you do?

    Erasmus on deck, Tia in the hole, Meijen/ Gabby delaying ...
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  6. - Top - End - #186
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    digiman619's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    SCP-1912-J
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Aldo smirked, though it lacked his usual finesse. "Sounds like a plan. I could use a drink to toast our imminent success."He then began to work his way down the carriage.
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Acrobatics my way to the ground, doing my best to be safe.
    (1d20+9)[28]
    Quote Originally Posted by digiman619 View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Cosi View Post
    In general, this is favorable to the casters.
    3.5 in a nutshell, ladies and gents.
    Avatar by Coronalwave

  7. - Top - End - #187
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    R10T11: Aldo smirked, though it lacked his usual finesse. "Sounds like a plan. I could use a drink to toast our imminent success." He then did a hang-jump down from the carriage.

    End Round 10, Begin Round 11 ...

    R11T25: Erasmus says, "Everyone to the horses. Folco, you can't sit there. Gabby - none of us in fact - are good at teaming horses, so she can really only deal with one horse at a time. The one she's riding." He then sets off to the horses.

    R11T24: Meijen likewise heads towards Gabby and the horses.

    R11T14: Tia, what do you do?

    Arael on deck, Folco in the hole, Gabby delaying ...
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2020-01-08 at 05:58 PM.
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  8. - Top - End - #188
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

    Join Date
    Oct 2011

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Tia will go claim her dagger and then head back to the horses herself.
    Kitten: *bats around a mini a few times*
    DM: "Ok, it looks like Fluffy...err, 'The Tarrasque'...Full Attacks the Cleric"
    Cleric: "Full attack my a**, that was just two claw attacks!"
    Kitten: *starts gnawing on the mini*
    Cleric: "...nevermind."

  9. - Top - End - #189
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    R11T14: Tia claims her dagger and begins to head back towards the horses.

    R11T13.5: Arael unlocks the bench locker and opens it. Inside is a sack.

    R11T12: Folco, note the verbal prompt from Erasmus (above). What do you do?

    Aldo on deck, Erasmus in the hole, Gabby delaying ...
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2020-01-08 at 06:09 PM.
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  10. - Top - End - #190
    Dwarf in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2014

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    "We should move now, sir." He says to Arael. He'd only moved to the bench to provide assistance to the hostage in case the enemy sought to betray their surrender. He moves down from the bench and starts heading towards the horses...

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Move me as close to our horses as I can get with a single move. I'll ready an action to place the bad guys back into Threat if they start moving towards the hostages.

  11. - Top - End - #191
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Folco does find himself hesitating just a smidge. After all, Arael does look like he was badly wounded.

    Arael picks up on what might be concern and says, "I summoned a holy symbol in the wagon when you started the rescue. Couldn't cast manacled, but I could channel. I will be fine. I'll drive the wagon most of the way before getting out with my possessions - in this bench locker - and I will come in the 'long way' to the cathedral. Gotta ditch the wagon, so I will head back by a different route. Thank you, I am your servant."

    Folco heads back, and if there is any question what is to happen with Arael, Folco can pass along that message.


    The trip back to the city is uneventful. With the Hellknights well on their way back to the Citadel and likely shamed, it will be at least an hour before news of the ambush reaches the attention of the Order of the Rack—plenty of time for the PCs and their allies to return to Westcrown.

    It is another two hours before a bruised (as you found him) Arael - wearing a large hat to conceal his features - gets to the rebel hideout. There is much cheering for the successful operation, and all can know - PCs and rank-and-file both - that they had a part to play. That's when the PCs found out what Janiven had directed for her main diversionary force.
    Spoiler: Janiven's First Strike
    Show
    Once the PCs were in position, ready to ambush the wagon, Janiven lead the group of other rebels out of the tree cover a few hundred yards west of the PCs’ actual ambush point, down the road ahead of the Hellknights. This secondary group had taken the time to prepare the road with caltrops; they moved into a position at the far side of the caltrops and waved weapons in a threatening manner. As they did so, the Hellknights immediately stopped; mocking laughter and shouts of delighted challenge revealed their arrogance as the four mounted Hellknights galloped forward, leaving only six of their fellows to guard the carriage. As the riders hit the caltrops, two things happened at once: the horses shrieked in pain and staggered, breaking their charge and bucking their unskilled riders from their saddles, and the secondary group of rebels broke for the trees and fled back to Westcrown. The four armigers several hundred feet down the road were unable to return to aid in the battle before the fight was resolved .... or at least when their panicked brethren rushed past them.

    Once reunited at the rebel hideout, the rebels formally introduce Arael to the PCs, trade stories with the PCs about the ambushes (see above spoiler), and listen to Arael’s tale of being captured. Fortunately, despite being beaten by his Hellknight captors after they secured custody of him from the Westcrown city watch, his will remained strong and he did not reveal the location of the hideout or the identities of anyone else in the group. He is very relieved, however, that he won’t be imprisoned in Citadel Rivad, and once again thanks the PCs for their help in rescuing him.

    Before he does, however, he will channel energy to heal everyone that was wounded. The first blast was enough to fully heal Meijen. His second blast is enough to fully heal Erasmus and Folco. Two castings of cure moderate wounds on Tia, even with her strange heritage, is enough to fully heal her. He is getting tired, so a casting from CLW on himself heals the minimum. Still, it is enough for him to be happy that he will be fine come the next day. Before long, his ordeal takes its toll and he excuses himself to rest.

    It isn't long before the rest of the PCs - nearly all whom suffered severe wounds during the battle (but have since healed) - are tired and themselves turn in.
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2020-01-09 at 10:39 PM.
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  12. - Top - End - #192
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    BlackDragon

    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Lansdale, PA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Happy that Arael was rescued safely from the Hell knight trainees, Kavina cannot help but anticipate the coming tide of oppression and violence that will surely come as a result. Although she wasn’t able to help the group in this battle, she has a feeling that her skill set will be valuable before long.
    She sings a lullaby to the weary freedom fighters before retiring herself.
    Spoiler
    Show

    perform :sing
    (1d20+9)[25]
    she will try to sneak out during the next day and return home to clean up and retrieve some of her belongings: armor, cloak, shuriken , money, change of clothes.
    Last edited by Blackhawk101; 2020-01-10 at 09:17 PM.

  13. - Top - End - #193
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    PART FIVE: LYING LOW


    5 ARODUS 4709 AR (1st Night of Full Moon) ... and the days beyond ...

    Both Arael and Janiven suggest that all of the [Children of Westcrown] spend the next several days lying low. The Order of the Rack will doubtless be incensed at the ambush, but there’s little they can do now but file petitions with the city and otherwise get entangled by bureaucracy—if there’s one thing about Cheliax’s government that can be depended upon, it’s bureaucracy. The government points out that no actual rebellious activity has occurred in the city, and indeed, with the Order of the Rack spending so much effort chasing phantom rebels, actual banditry is on the rise. The actions of the tiefling brigand group known as the “Bastards of Erebus” are only the most recent of these groups of thugs to make themselves known—perhaps if the Order of the Rack were more diligent at handling these highwaymen and thieves, the roads themselves would be safer. The implication that the Hellknights were ambushed and humiliated by brigands quickly gains traction in Westcrown’s rumor mills, and before long the Order of the Rack is forced (publicly, at least) to turn their attentions to this greater problem of growing banditry.

    Yet while the Hellknights are publicly no longer hunting them, the [Children of Westcrown would do well to lie low for a while to let things simmer down. During this time, though, both Janiven and Arael remain in contact with the PCs, as do several other members of the group. They are all quite impressed with the characters’ heroics, after all, and want to ensure they remain a part of their group.

    Convos will continue to occur for now. If anyone wants to return home and resituate themselves, now is the time. Otherwise, you can choose to remain at the rebel hideout.

    What do each of you do?
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  14. - Top - End - #194
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

    Join Date
    Oct 2011

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    At present, Tia doesn't have much to do. She will still take some time during the downtime to search out more reading. She may or may not have wanted to see if there is a sequel to Humans of the Stars, despite how it had betrayed her.
    Kitten: *bats around a mini a few times*
    DM: "Ok, it looks like Fluffy...err, 'The Tarrasque'...Full Attacks the Cleric"
    Cleric: "Full attack my a**, that was just two claw attacks!"
    Kitten: *starts gnawing on the mini*
    Cleric: "...nevermind."

  15. - Top - End - #195
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    digiman619's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    SCP-1912-J
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Aldo did his best to resume his normal life. As much as he hated his current gig, doing anything too changing would give away his new activities. When asked where he was yesterday, he says that he got invited to a party that went way out of hand, which is close enough to the truth to escape too much concern. He also doesn't refrain from his habit of visiting his folks for dinner once a week; cutting them out of his life wouldn't prevent anyone who was going to use them as leverage from doing so, and it'd be cruel regardless. He didn't bring up his part in the Order of the Rack's latest blunder, though, as that knowledge might be dangerous. He does make a habit of checking in with the [Children of Westcrown] daily, though at erratic times as to not get to predictable.
    Quote Originally Posted by digiman619 View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Cosi View Post
    In general, this is favorable to the casters.
    3.5 in a nutshell, ladies and gents.
    Avatar by Coronalwave

  16. - Top - End - #196
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Tia is invited to accompany Gabby to help the latter conduct business. [Dealt with in "Gabby's Day Out" on Discord.]

    Aldo, as with Gabby (who took Tia), is there someone you trust to go with you during downtime, just for protection? or, are you sure you want to move about at this time alone? "Going with" can be somebody accomplished (other PC or PC-like companion), or one of the many NPCs, one of whom you take under your wing (and might be less .... noticeable).

    Folco, what will you be doing?
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  17. - Top - End - #197
    Dwarf in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2014

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Folco heads out into town, listening for news regarding the ambush (Are people actively talking about it?). Trying to keep a low profile, he leaves his sword at home, replacing it with a dagger either borrowed from someone at the hideout or bought in town. He quietly visits his usual haunts... Is there too much heat for him to safely ply his trade at his usual alchemy shop? If not, he'll try to put in some freelance orders and make a bit of money.
    Last edited by ClockworkCorvid; 2020-01-20 at 12:08 AM.

  18. - Top - End - #198
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    digiman619's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    SCP-1912-J
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Aldo will check if Meijen is available, though Fiosa would also be amenable.
    Quote Originally Posted by digiman619 View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Cosi View Post
    In general, this is favorable to the casters.
    3.5 in a nutshell, ladies and gents.
    Avatar by Coronalwave

  19. - Top - End - #199
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    ALCON ... Since there was no big push one way or the other, and Aldo was all over the map himself with alternates, in the end "Children of Westcrown" is the name officially christening Arael's group of rebels. The following things don't necessarily happen "the next day" so much as over the next several days.

    Arael can't stress enough to each of the PCs (individually, and as a group) how important it is to go about town with at least someone else for company. So, that may affect some of the others, below ...


    Gabriella and Tia ...

    See "Gabby's Day Out" on Discord.

    Note that Folco, Erasmus, Gabby, and Tia will have left the hideout together. Folco will give Gabby the address where he the four of them will catch up later in the evening, and maybe enjoy a repast in town rather than hideout rations!


    Folco (and Erasmus) ...

    Meanwhile, it will take Folco (with Erasmus as someone to accompany him, about four hours of asking around to get any information. There is no news of the Children of Westcrown, as the only real word is that Arael's prison transfer was interrupted by a raid and that he was freed by an unknown party of masked persons. [Remember, this was the first "public" act of the rebels.] Folco does learn, however, that because the raid happened outside Westcrown's jurisdiction, and because the Order of the Rack had tenuous, circumstantial custody of Arael to begin with, Westcrown denies that Arael - or any of his associates - are wanted at this time for any criminal activities. In fact, the whole thing has been a PR nightmare for the Order of the Rack, and they have since chilled the frak out regarding their overly zealous search for any (ersatz) rebels. Though they still possess a presence in town at this time, the majority of them have been recalled to Citadel Rivad. He gets this information primarily by stopping in at his "usual haunts."

    Folco - having kept his sword at the hideout - purchases a serviceable dagger.

    Folco had given the address of the apothecary's shop to Gabriella for her to meet up with him later, and having informed her that he would be busy for several hours himself.

    Folco, what will you tell the apothecary about where you've been and what you've been doing? Use the Interactive channel for that RP, please. Likewise if he chats with Erasmus.



    Aldo (and Meijen and Fiosa) ...

    Meijen is, indeed, available. Likewise, Fiosa is not only amenable, but a different-sex pair of halflings propbably draws less attention. Of course, the strange elf can make things odd.

    Unfortunately, he was quickly and easily replaced by another eager halfling actor, and so Aldo Coldvale finds that he is no longer an employed actor.

    It just so happens, that Aldo's father Elding is having his 50th birthday party, and it is to be a particularly large affair, with many cousins and the like coming in from around. To this end, Lidda (Aldo's mother) asks Aldo to pick up the largest turkey at the butcher's shop .... it has already been pre-paid, Aldo just has to bring it. Of course, that tall, strapping elf friend of his that has come around is perfect for helping him carry home the prize bird! And Fiosa has already offered to help in the kitchen, as there is not much chance of her plying her skill at domestic work .... elsewhere (i.e., the hideout)!

    Feel free to use the Interactive channel for any chatter you may want with Meijen as the two of you go to the butcher shop. [Otherwise, I am waiting for another player to complete something before moving things forward plot-wise...]
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2020-03-20 at 06:01 PM.
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  20. - Top - End - #200
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    BlackDragon

    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Lansdale, PA
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Gabby will find a secluded alley on the way to her apartment and pull Tia into it with her.
    “ I want to try to avoid unwanted attention for my mother if people are tailing us. Can you follow my lead and we will take some alleys?”

    Assuming Tia is agreeable, Gabby will use stealth to avoid detection, sticking to alleys and dark shadows until well away from the Lying Lute.
    She greets and reassures her mother that she is well. She tells her mother that she has found a fledgling acting troupe and she has agreed to join their group in developing a new production. She tells her that she will be staying with them while the show is in production, so she will be home infrequently and not to worry.
    She will clean up and gather some belongings: peasant outfit, leather armor, shuriken in bandoliers and wrap them in her cloak to create a bundle. She will leave the apartment as Kavina in entertainer garb with her bundle.
    ”This is my usual appearance when I am not playing a role. Call me Kavina. What do you think?!” she asks Tia after they leave the apartment.
    “Let’s go and get something to eat with the others. I am am STARVING!”
    Last edited by Blackhawk101; 2020-03-22 at 07:15 AM.

  21. - Top - End - #201
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Adjustment to the above (Gabby/Kavina + Tia) ...

    Kavina/Gabby will clean up and gather some belongings: peasant outfit, leather armor, shuriken in bandoliers and wrap them in her cloak to create a bundle. ”This is my usual appearance when I am not playing a role. Call me Kavina. What do you think?!” she asks Tia.

    She tries to leave the apartment as Kavina in entertainer garb with her bundle. Kavina - what her mother calls Gabriella - tries to extricate herself, but her mother is no less effective at getting what she wants than Tia's friend "Gabby."

    Realizing that some battles aren't worth fighting, Kavina accepts that her mother deserves more than a drop in. She is remarkably good at telling stories, stories which Tia find as enchanting as the middle-aged woman telling them. This isn't a bad deal, as her mother is a damn good cook, and whatever she makes will be a lot cheaper (free) and tastier than anything she would get on her own.

    Kavina's mom - Silena - has everything she needs for side dishes, but she is a little light on meat. Luckily, the landlord is Hyram Couple, whose butcher shop is below them. Silena doesn't hand Kavina any money, saying that she "worked out an agreement" previously with Hyram. Tia is sent down with Kavina.

    That is when it hits Kavina. Kavina doesn't think in terms of exactitudes like addresses, but rather with the more instinctive knowledge of this place or that. Her mother's apartment faces the side street, and the butcher's shop faces the main thoroughfare, and being a main thoroughfare it didn't really hit her ... the address Folco gave her is the same buidling as her mother's!

    Add a Pinch of Aldo, and a tall Cup of Meijen ...

    Meanwhile, as cosmic luck would have it, they come into the shop of the "Midnight Butcher" - the odd name that the butcher Hyram Coupe has given himself, for he is the only butcher shop that has late hours, despite the curfew. Of course, that has a whole lot of rumormongering that casts Mr. Coupe into a negative light, but everyone within a two-to three block radius .... that which is considered a "safe" run when it is nightime .... is happy that Mr. Coupe has quick-fry cutlets and other types of things available for purchase to deal with the night-munchies or when party supplies get low. And since anyone with a bad idea of what "Midnight Butcher" might mean lives outside of that radius, people talking don't bother all Hyram any.

    Well, Kavina and Tia walk into the shop of the Midnight Butcher as there is a row going on.

    And who should they see, but Aldo and Meijen and a hirsute, heavily built man in a heated dispute with some incredibly handsome, well-dressed man. The man is Thesing Umbero Ulvauno, a local actor and opera singer of some repute who has let his growing reputation feed his ego to a ridiculous level. He’s a very melodramatic man with a habit of cursing out anyone he sees as an underling, exaggerating how important he is and implying that not immediately acceding to his wishes is a personal affront intended to threaten his career. As it turns out, the extra large turkey that Aldo's mother reserved is exactly the sort he needs for his impromptu performance this evening of The Elopement of the Dowager Princess, which features a scene wherein “the princess and her handsome lover—played by me, of course—flee the city while carrying the king's prize turkey and pursued by the king’s horsemen.”

    Aldo and K/G of course have heard of him, both having even seen him in performance. Even Tia, who has a weakness for a good story, hasn't seen him but has heard of him in passing. Only Meijen seems to be clueless as to who this man might be.

    When Ulvauno sees that there is some sense of familiarity among Aldo, Meijen, Tia, and the other dark-haired lady that Aldo and Meijen do not recognize, he believes that Aldo has reserved the turkey strictly to vex him, perhaps to aid a rival actor, and is only satisfied with excessive apologies from the PCs and Hyram .... and, of course, capitulation since there are plenty of other meats in the store, and Aldo's parents are likely to only carve up the turkey anyway.

    What do you do?
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  22. - Top - End - #202
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    digiman619's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    SCP-1912-J
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Aldo takes a deep breath. "I think we've been going over all this wrong; we should be trying to work together, not arguing like this. Now, let's look at it objectively. I want this turkey, which has already been paid for, for a party for Elding Coldvale, my father. You need it as a prop for your impromptu performance. These two goals aren't mutually exclusive per se, and as my uncle Silva said 'Problems are just Opportunity's understudy'.

    You're playing the princess' lover, correct? And a man of that import clearly has a manservant. Cast me as it and I'll be glad to lend it to your play. I mean, obviously it's far too minor for a speaking role or even a credit, but the experience could be invaluable to my fledgling career."
    Quote Originally Posted by digiman619 View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Cosi View Post
    In general, this is favorable to the casters.
    3.5 in a nutshell, ladies and gents.
    Avatar by Coronalwave

  23. - Top - End - #203
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    The above is what Aldo had formed in his mind rationally, and had hoped to say. All he managed was this ...

    Aldo takes a deep breath. "I think we've been going over all this wrong; we should be trying to work together--"

    ... before he was interrupted by ...

    "Do not presume to act as my equal, slip!" Ulvauno shouts at the peremptory halfling's desire to speak as a fellow citizen. [Godsdammit, he is even beautiful of face and magnificent of voice when shouting indignantly.] He turns to Hyram, "You know well of my reputation, I am sure, butcher. If you do not sell me the turkey than you can expect the worst type of censure to your business!"

    Coming out from the back of the butcher shop comes a figure of diabolic .... oh, wait, you know him .... Folco comes from the back room to investigate a brick-a-brack he heard, worried that Hyram might be getting robbed or something.
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  24. - Top - End - #204
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    digiman619's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    SCP-1912-J
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Aldo nods, and then turns to the butcher, calm and collected. "Sell it to him. I'll just take two smaller ones." He then turned to Ulvauno and bowed slightly. "I am sorry to have wasted your time, as my objections were clearly pointless." He then steps aside and waits for the actor to finish his business.

    Internally, Aldo was fuming. He hated this with a burning passion. The injustice of having to surrender what his family had rightfully paid for made him want to cry. And deep down, he hated himself for wishing he was the one with this power. And the knowledge that it'd be all too easy to just stab the fool and be done it didn't help either. He wanted to do something, anything, to just get his turkey and be done, but the consequences would far outweigh the benefit. So instead, he did nothing, and let the bastard get what he wanted.

    But none of that was apparent on his face or his demeanor. Because unlike the pretty boy tenor with a patron, Aldo was an actor, and that meant knowing how to play your role, even if only to an unappreciative audience of one.
    Quote Originally Posted by digiman619 View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Cosi View Post
    In general, this is favorable to the casters.
    3.5 in a nutshell, ladies and gents.
    Avatar by Coronalwave

  25. - Top - End - #205
    Dwarf in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2014

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Folco cautiously slips into the storefront. "Excuse me... is there an issue here? I heard shouting. " He dosnt regard Aldo with any familiarity, acting as just another customer... an annoyed one. Which is true. Can't bloody well lay low when you're starting arguments.

  26. - Top - End - #206
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    "Hey, I'm sorry, Master Coldvale," says Hyram, "but the business was conducted and agreed 'tween me and your mother. You might be fine with this pompous beef stick, but I don't take to threats from castrati."

    "WHAAA-AAAAHT?!?" Ulvauno screeches out with a scooping note from a high-C. Seething that the prize was almost his, but nobody seems to accord him any of his deserved flattery even then, "You are all in this together. All of you! I know .... no doubt you work for a rival actor! I SHALL HAVE MY VENGEANCE!!"

    At that he storms out. Does anyone try to stop him .... physically? Simply trying to bar his way or saying anything will do nothing. Do you let the entitled celebrity leave, or go to blows? If you let him go, you can simply say as much. To be sure, a crowd of onlookers outside are already looking into Hyram's shop, so there are witnesses.
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2020-03-23 at 03:26 PM.
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  27. - Top - End - #207
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    digiman619's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    SCP-1912-J
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    "Please, Mr. Ulvauno, we can talk about this!" Aldo said, trying to salvage the situation. "We can enlarge another turkey, it's only going to be used as a prop!"
    Quote Originally Posted by digiman619 View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Cosi View Post
    In general, this is favorable to the casters.
    3.5 in a nutshell, ladies and gents.
    Avatar by Coronalwave

  28. - Top - End - #208
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    He doesn't respond to Aldo. Anyone else, or let him go?
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  29. - Top - End - #209
    Dwarf in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2014

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Folco arches a fiery eyebrow at Aldo, a little worried and wholly perplexed, "Uh... Friend of yours?" and more quietly, discretely... "Is this a problem? Should I follow him?

  30. - Top - End - #210
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    St. Louis
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Of course, with Folco still behind the counter, having come from the back (which makes his looking-like-a-customer look suspect), Folco is the last person to have a chance to get to Ulvauno anyway.

    Tia? Kavina? Let him go?
    28JAN2024: Completed reading TPK Games' The Deductionist (2013, Everhart). This source is authorized for playtest.
    21JAN2024: Completed reading Paizo's Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Taldor, the First Empire (2017, Moreland, Frasier, et. al.).
    Spoiler: Player Status
    Show
    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •