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  1. - Top - End - #211
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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

    Tia will step outside and watch the actor as he storm away, but she doesn't chase him at all, just watching.
    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."

  2. - Top - End - #212
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    BlackDragon

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

    Kavina follows Tia outside.
    “He’s going to be trouble. Mark my words.”
    After a few moments Kavina goes back into the shop and spies Folco
    “Hey, You’re Folco, right? I’m Kavina! Tia and Gabby said you’re one of the “gang” *air quotes*. Want to join us for dinner?”

    Spoiler
    Show

    Big smile + full charm mode.

    Last edited by Blackhawk101; 2020-03-23 at 08:37 PM.

  3. - Top - End - #213
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

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

    Ulvauno storms out of view.

    Hail, hail, the gang is all here. Now what?
    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
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  4. - Top - End - #214
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    digiman619's Avatar

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

    Aldo dropped his outstretched arm.and stood motionless for a moment. He took a deep breath before turning to the butcher."Thank you for sticking up for me. I'm sorry that we couldn't reach a more amenable solution." He will gesture to Meijin to pick up the bird."Si fuera tan amable, ¿podría entregar esto a mi familia? Se me ocurre que tengo algo que debo hacer antes de poder unirme nuevamente con usted."

    Spoiler: Elven
    Show
    If you would be so kind, could you deliver this to my family? It occurs to me I have something I need to do before I can join back up with you.
    Last edited by digiman619; 2020-03-23 at 09:00 PM.
    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.
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  5. - Top - End - #215
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

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

    "Pido disculpas, pero no sé el flamenco de tu vendaje," Meijen says with some difficulty. If it can be believed, his Elven is worse than his Taldane.
    Spoiler: Elven
    Show
    "I apologize, but I don't know the flamingo to your bandage."
    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
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  6. - Top - End - #216
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    digiman619's Avatar

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

    Aldo buries his face in his hands for a second. "Very well. Could you give me a few minutes? I need a bit." Assuming there's no issue with that, Aldo will excuse himself and head off. He ducks behind the building. He then summons his mind blade and slashes at the side of a building. The impact does little to harm the building, but he doesn't care. He just wants to hurt something, anything at the moment. This continues for a minute or so, until a random piece of debris slips under his boot and knocks the emotional halfling off balance, where he begins to cry.

    This should have been an opportunity. This should have been his big shot, his chance to meet some insiders and network himself out of bit parts in dungey theaters; to get the chance to really let his talent shine. But no. Of all the higher echelon of Chelaxian theater, it had to be a twit like Ulvauno. Someone with more ego than talent who refused to listen to reason. Because who gives a damn about acting talent, lets give the role to the pretty boy.

    His acting career was almost certainly over now. It was hard enough to get a gig without a patron to open the door for you, but now? With a rising star like that holding a grudge? He'd be lucky if he ever got a speaking role again. He figured his only hope was that Ulvauno didn't know that he was an actor and that by the time he found out, this slight would be forgotten. That or try to "apologize" by sleeping with him, but even if he was amenable to men, he gave it better than even odds that Ulvauno'd take what he wanted and keep gigs from him anyway.

    But there was a party tonight. And for that, he needed to act like he had his life together; he didn't want to ruin his father's birthday, and he'd hate to break Fiosa's high opinion of him. So he sat and wept, getting all of it out, so he'd be ready for his next performance.

    Roughly 10 minutes after he left, Aldo returns and directs Meijen back to his parents' home. He held his head high, hoping to convince everyone who saw him that he was doing fine. If he was lucky, he might even convince himself, if only for a few hours.
    Last edited by digiman619; 2020-03-23 at 09:11 PM.
    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 - #217
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

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

    Folco, this strange new hottie calling herself Kavina ... do you accept the invitation to dinner with her and Tia (and Gabby, wherever she is)?
    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
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  8. - Top - End - #218
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    lostsole31's Avatar

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

    Aldo and Meijen (carrying the prize turkey, a feat of strength) go to Aldo's father's celebration. The day goes by with games and enjoyment of much of Aldo's immediate family and aunt and cousins and poor Meijen seeming like a fish out of water. Luckily, there was enough money in the family when late uncle Silva purchased this large flat for his sister's family that it was not a halfling tenement. So while much of the furniture is halfling-sized, at least Meijen isn't banging his head on the ceiling.

    Fiosa does a square job cooking, even having quite a talent for it, but is respectful enough to make sure she does not overstep her bounds in Lidda's kitchen. She finds a ready audience in the kitchen for her devotion to Iomedae, as much of the family - who once worshipped Aroden in generations past - either turned to apostasy, or followed out of some sense of loyalty to the Inheritor.
    Spoiler: Aldo
    Show
    Actually, how does Aldo present to the family regarding his feelings towards Kelinihat, at whatever level that may be?
    As Aldo expected, Lidda would constantly mention Fiosa's abilities to her son, less-than-hinting at what a catch she is. To be fair, it is very likely that Fiosa - for her part - had to endure a similar campaign when working in the kitchen.


    Folco, after giving his regards to Hyram for the day's self-study lesson that was given, the idea of a free meal and some curiosity at the attractive woman - and why she is with Tia in the first place - goes upstairs with them to dine.
    Spoiler: Kavina/ Gabriella
    Show
    Kavina, write up what you intend to tell Folco regarding who you are? I mean, Folco will be curious what happend to Gabriella .... and why Tia apparently abandoned her in the first place. Understand that if you maintain subterfuge, life becomes significantly more problematic. Also, Folco has already proven himself to be very insightful and perspicacious, so even putting up lies instead of giving the truth may end up being a bad way to situate yourself with somebody who up until now, has shown to likely be one of the more common and capable persons in the Children that you may be paired or teamed with in the future.
    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
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  9. - Top - End - #219
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    digiman619's Avatar

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

    Officially, Aldo worshiped Shelyn, as his reputation as both an actor and a lover would imply. And while he does offer prayers to her, he also has devotion to the Empyreal Lord Kelinahat. Now, one could argue that serving two divinities like that could be construed as heretical, but Aldo see it differently for three reasons. Firstly, he didn't receive seeking divine power from either of them, so he was petitioner, not a servant. Secondly, Kelinahat isn't a full god, but an Empyreal Lord, so it's actually a bit of a theological and semantic debate as to if it would count as apostasy at all. However, the final reason is arguably the most relevant; Kelinahat is a divine figure of spies and subterfuge. You don't acknowledge that you worship a being whose domain is all about secrets and espionage; it defeats the point. So Aldo served both, offering prayers to one or the other depending on what he was doing.

    He played the role of harangued son well, truthfully stating that Fiosa was a friend of a friend whom he'd only met a week or two ago. And that he'd brought her with him because he knew she was a fine cook who'd enjoy helping with the cooking, not to present her to his mother. Still, the back and forth was fun, and and it took his mind off his troubles for an evening, which was as best as he could hope for the time being. He decided that the best course of action was to take some time off before looking for another role; give it a few weeks before he stepped foot in a theater. Hopefully by the time he started looking for work again, that twit Ulvauno will take great umbrage to some other trifle and forget about him.
    Last edited by digiman619; 2020-03-25 at 01:13 AM.
    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

  10. - Top - End - #220
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

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

    Aldo and Meijen (and Fiosa) are able to spend the night safely at the Coldvale house.

    Folco thanks his hostess for the meal, saying that he had a lovely time, and is about to go downstairs (he is to meet Aldo, Meijen, and Fiosa in the morning). He then stops and looks to Tia. "Where is Gabriella? You were her safety escort, and it is getting late. It was my understanding that you and Gabby were returning before evening came, not in the morning."
    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
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  11. - Top - End - #221
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    BlackDragon

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

    Kavina rises from her seat smiling and raises a hand to forestall TiaÂ’s response. To Folco she says smiling as she begins to remove her garments:
    “Folco, I am afraid I have not been entirely honest with you.” her blouse falls to the floor.
    ”Gabby is here as are all my other personae, but they are not my true form.” Her skirt is wiggled out of and she now is clothed in just her small clothes.
    “ I appear human and can act human but I am not.” her underwear slides to the floor until she is completely nude.
    Spoiler: image
    Show

    Ha! Made you look.

    The form of the young woman begins to flow and change with speed but weirdly silent. Dark fur spouts from her skin, a long bushy tail with a silver tip unfurls, and vulpine features form as her face elongates and sharp teeth protrude. The whole process takes only a few seconds.
    “I am Kitsune and my name is Kavina. I shall help the children in their fight against the evil oppressive regime of West Crown!”
    Her form changes again until Gabriella stands before him in all her glory.
    “What say you then Folco? Are you satisfied?” she smirks and winks at Tia.
    Spoiler: Kavina Kitsune form
    Show


    Last edited by Blackhawk101; 2020-03-30 at 08:31 AM.

  12. - Top - End - #222
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

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

    Spoiler: Tia & Folco
    Show
    You have heard legends of the kitsune, a race of magical, shapechanging humanoids, but little else. They are lithe and beautiful, and can take a variety of anthropomorphic animals.
    Spoiler: Folco
    Show
    You, on the other hand, have heard far, far more about kitsune. While the race originates on the other side of the world, there is an Avistani version of kitsune - not indigenous to this continent, but having lived here in enclaves long enough to be different from eastern kitsune. They are magical shapechangers who have two true forms: that of a specific humanoid and that of the "true" kitsune, which is a vulpine humanoid. Stories abound of other "types," but that is because sometimes kitsune are confused with another race known as the hengeyokai.

    Folco, for whatever reason .... from scientific to weird fanboyishness .... you know pretty much everything you need to know about the capabilities of the kitsune. Everything you can read on the racial writeup that could possibly be known by outsiders - from the gaming guide or the fluff on pathwiki.

    Also, this kitsune before you is different. She has shown two non-kitsune forms. Given her mannerisms, weapon choices, and skill with shapechange, it is possible she is one of a group of trained assassins, spies, and saboteurs among kitsune known as "formless masters." That's only a theory, and observing if she can change into more forms will bear that out.

    If Folco loses his composure, he doesn't show it. Possibly to Kavina's dismay, when she disrobes, Folco is a cypher. But he does become obviously more fascinated by her ability to change form than her nudity!

    "Avistani kitsune," he says, appreciatively. "Possibly a formless master. Tell me, can you take on other forms?

    "Wait, where are my manners?"
    he says controlled, trying not to sputter in his academic excitement. "I have a confession to make for myself, as well. Most people see the horns, the ruddy cast to my skin, the flickering, flame-like hair, and my brass eyes, and figure that I am a crier-board version of a tiefling. I figure that is the best thing, and I don't say anything against it, though that does make me a second-class citizen in Westcrown. I actually thought that for a few years, because my parents were human. Like a tiefling I have a recessive trait from a planar source, but it wasn't until I was in my 80s that research showed that I was not actually a tiefling. I am an ifrit, which means somewhere in my past there was a liaison, or at least magical influence from, an efreet."
    Spoiler: Kavina
    Show
    Kavina, you have no idea what an ifrit is. As it is, you have a poor understanding of tieflings, other than the common belief that an ancestor got funky with a devil.

    Spoiler: Tia
    Show
    Tia, you have a pretty solid grounding of tieflings and their various types, and a more cosmopolitan understanding of the variety of sources that can have a tiefling manifest in a family line. Up until now, Folco has actually been an enigma to you. Tieflings are so wildly variable in how their physical natures manifest, that it was easy to take Folco at his word previously (or rather, at the assumption he simply allows everyone to draw) that he was a tiefling of indeterminate, or diablolical heritage. Yet, there was something a little too thematic and homogeneous in his form that suggested he might be an ifrit, and now that suspicion has been qualified.

    Unfortunately, your preparations for travels to the Empire of Cheliax made you more knowledgeable about tieflings. Both are native outsiders. About ifrit, you know them as he said - related in ways, not necessarily by actual sexual lineage, but more likely by influence from human slaves that served efreeti - but they all tend to have an affinity in some way to fire or heat, and are usually peripatetic. They are passionate and quick, but impetuous and destructive.

    Folco then looks to Sirena, changing the subject yet again. "Wait, so that means ...."

    And Sirena nods and changes to her kitsune form, a mixture of blacks and silver-gray hairs, like her daughter, before she changes back to Sirena again.

    Folco nods. He looks to Tia. "So, while we're at it. I am pretty good at humanoid cultures, but I know you aren't human, though you look pretty close. What are you, Signorigna Hendros?"
    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
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  13. - Top - End - #223
    Ettin in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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

    Tia immediately starts blushing as she watches Kavina strip. By the time she's looked at Tia, Tia is looking away, trying not to think about it. Snapped back to focus when Folco addresses her, she takes a deep breath to steady herself. "In short order, I am known as a Dhampir. A half-vampire, if you will. The more detailed name is Ajibachana. My father was a breed of vampire known as a Vetala, or so I'm told. I've never met him, and my mother won't tell me much." Tia keeps her focus on Folco as she speaks.
    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."

  14. - Top - End - #224
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    BlackDragon

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

    Kavina pouts as she dresses, mumbling under her breath, “Damn academics.” Even Tia doesn’t seem to appreciate her performance. “Must be losing my touch”, she thinks.
    when finished, she addresses the IfritÂ’s question.
    ”Aye, I can copy any human female adult form. How do you know so much about my people? We are few and forced into secrecy due to persecution from most of society?” she moves forward aggressively until she is right in his face, studying his response.

  15. - Top - End - #225
    Colossus in the Playground
     
    lostsole31's Avatar

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

    DOWNTIME ...

    Fireday, 6 Arodus 4709 AR (Full Moon) ...


    Rufus Pancia, a halfling male that works as a comic, is one of the newest members of the Children of Westcrown. Like the rest of you, he was directly contacted and recruited by Janiven Key.

    That evening, Janiven holds a smaller combat training for the new recruit [Rufus], Erasmus, Match (the name the other Children have been giving Folco), Mathalen, Meijen, and Tia. This isn't general combat training, but rather combat training for those members of the Children who might be more suited to tactical-style combat and tactics than straight swordplay. Arael also joins in as well to keep up his own skill.
    Spoiler: Meijen, Rufus, Tia
    Show
    The focus of this combat training is not normal back-and-forth, but rather "being given permission to fail" in attempting a variety of non-standard, tactical maneuvers. To Tia's surprise? Erasmus is actually Janiven's equal in this regard, and it turns out that while Janiven is a superior combatant in overall background training, your [Tia's] heritage puts you on equal footing in this regard as well.

    The new guy Rufus is actually possessed of general training head-and-shoulders above the average Child of Westcrown, but put in his scenario of being forced to use strange maneuvers, and being smaller than everyone else, means that he has a tough time. That said, every now and then he surprises by nearly disarming Janiven, though it seems to wind him a little to do so.

    Meijen, for his part, shows how fully he has integrated swordplay with his elven curved sword into his deceptive dance. Despite his claims of being a Shelynite paladin, he seems damned, peculiarly talented at being deceptive, with some of the finest feint-work anyone here has ever seen.

    Mathalen doesn't have any real training as any kind of combatant, but Arael thinks she has the makings of a fine brawler. She doesn't use weapons, and is possessed of tremendous discipline, so even though she is little more than a concerned citizen, she might just be a trainable combatant. She still seems terrified of Tia, though.

    The leader of the Children of Westcrown, Arael is not quite on par with Janiven, Tia, and Erasmus, nor even quite Meijen, but he exceeds Rufus (usually) in tactical manevuers.

    Starday, 7 Arodus (last night of the Full Moon) ...

    Janiven recruits another person into the Children of Westcrown. Where Rufus seemed to be surprisingly comfortable financially, this woman is as destitute as Mathalen. It is a middle-aged Varisian woman dressed in tatters. Her name is Dusha.



    Sunday, 8 Arodus ...

    Even in Westcrown, even in Cheliax for that matter, Sunday still finds a lot of the town shut down for (expected) worship services, masses, and meetings. Of course, not everyone is necessarily religious. Others, perhaps, are simply crazy. That is the consensus as the Old Dusha seems to have taken to talking to a rat (and perhaps answering in its stead)!
    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
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

  16. - Top - End - #226
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    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Moonday, 9 Arodus 4709 AR ...

    Dusha is at the cathedral for the evening, and she will witness Erasmus conducting a seance with Meijen, something to with finding Meijen's ancestors.
    Spoiler: Dusha
    Show
    It is up to you if you start an ICI discussion regarding this, or say nothing.



    Toilday, 10 Arodus ...

    Today during her meditations, Tia doesn't know what she touched when she reached out with her spirit, but in reflecting on the nature of shadow, she felt something darker than she ever had before. Enough to shake her.



    Wealday, 11 Arodus ...

    Kavina is performing in the street today, as most days now. She sees a band of toughs going along to different stores to collect protection money. There is a commotion, and when Kavina finishes her set, she goes to investigate, only to find that an upper-middle-aged couple of grocers had their store trashed and they were beaten. Kavina knows that if she tried to openly stop them men, she would likely have only escalated things, possibly leading to the death of the couple. And she was sure that she couldn't take these tough-looking members on her own. In asking around for several hours under different guises, she hears only one thing that may give a clue as to who thy might be: Bastards of Erebus.

    Kavina was powerless to stop what happened. Maybe, just maybe if she gives some thought to it, she might not be powerless to enact revenge. But if only she did have the power to protect ...


    Oathday, 12 Arodus ...

    That night at the hideout, there is a rousing discussion among the nerdier Children regarding ancient mysteries. It began with Match saying something which Meijen than argued, and before long, Dusha, Erasmus, Lem, and Ezren join into the verbal hodgepodge.
    Spoiler: Dusha, Meijen, Match
    Show
    To everyone's surprise, the ratty older woman seems to be incredibly well-steeped in matters of ancient mysteries, even exceeding the gentleman scholar that most of the camp now has given to calling Match (instead of Folco). Erasmus and Meijen seem more or less matched, except when dealing with any magical lore dealing with conjurations, a particular focus of study for him. That specific knowledge is on par with Match's overall grasp, but still is exceeded by Old Dusha.

    Ezren, likewise is about equivalent in his studies to Erasmus. Oh, and he is the oldest of the Children of Westcrown, btw, being somewhere around 50 years old. Lem, an escaped slave from another city, shows surprisingly good grounding in such matters. Ezren's approach is as an aged scholar, whereas Lem seems to have picked up knowledge haphazardly, and more for an interest in the stories supporting the lore, rather than the lore itself.


    Fireday, 13 Arodus (Last quarter moon) ....

    For a variety of reason, "Fireday the 13th" - that is, when Fireday falls on the 13th of any month - is often seen as an unlucky day. A lot of the Children of Westcrown keep a low profile, even in their subsistence jobs, for fear that Besmara's eye will fall unfavorably upon them. On the other hand, many of Desna's adherents (such as the second-in-charge of the Children, Janiven Key) give extra powers to She Who Laughs, but refuse to live their lives in fear of a pirate deity of misfortune.

    That night, Meijen Gim leads the majority of the hideout in a full range of calisthenics, hoping that people will do these on their own time to promote good health. But with most of the camp there, Arael opens up some good grog that he got ahold of from a friendly contact in town. Not enough for the entire camp to lose themselves, but enough for anyone to get a good buzz that wants one.



    Starday, 14 Arodus ...
    Janiven will come to Aldo, and let him know that she has been impressed with how very well contained he is ... a regular cypher, and yet a young actor as well. She has some training on "presenting a different version of truth", especially where her fellow humans are concerned. But through a variety of interactions she has the impression that Aldo - through natural talent or training - can do a lot to teach some of the more personable members of the Children of Westcrown that might one day have sensitive assignments (or even near-future ones) how to deal with counter-intelligence and resist being coaxed to give information.

    Assuming Aldo agrees, he will be in charge of training "Deceptive Psychology" to Janiven, Dusha, Match, Meijen, Meligaster, and Morosino.

    Gabriella is asked to assist him.



    Sunday, 15 Arodus ...

    In addition to everyone's subsistence jobs and training at the hideout (or elsewhere in town for some), some of the Children of Westcrown go about on a patrol, usually only 2 or 3 at a time. It is not a common occurrence, as too much regularity means that a pattern will naturally form, even if it is a case of using the sewers as before. (By now, all Children of Westcrown know the sewer-wall shorthand for following directions to and from the hideout.)

    At the same time, Arael and Janiven are looking at the bigger picture. Arael has significant contacts in town, and Janiven likewise seems good at getting information. They have heard of the "Bastards of Erebus" - Westcrown's only current, extant thieves' guild of any note. They have been a problem, but Arael asks that no members take action against the Bastard at this time. He wants to get more information. Most of the Children of Westcrown aren't ready to handle significant combat, despite the great success the Children had in freeing Arael.

    But the Bastards of Erebus are but one of several groups of bandits in the area, and the only group known to ply their mayhem inside the city walls. Other bandits hound and harass travelers in the Westcrown hinterlands, and Arael and Janiven have information on one such smaller group's hideout. So, today at services at the cathedral (led by Arael, a cleric of Iomedae if you've forgotten), he asks a special favor from the Inheritor to bless those who will be going to deal with The Flame Cobra Brotherhood, hiding out at the Lightwing Burrow.

    Gorvio again requisitioned horses and ponies from his cousin. Leading the mission is Arael. He selects Match, Tia, Amaya, Mathalen, Sclavo, Yakopulio, Rufus, and Meligaster.

    They ride out mid-day and come back in the evening. They had a harrowing time, but otherwise Arael's leadership, Match's understanding of fire, and the halflings and gnome using size to their advantage totally overpowered the Flame Cobra Brotherhood. Arael was able to heal any allied wounds so that they only seemed like scratches (despite some pain inflicted on them). The Brotherhood fought fiercely, and the Children of Westcrown were only able to deliver one captive to justice, but the Westcrown hinterlands should be much safer after today.
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2020-04-07 at 11:13 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.).
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  17. - Top - End - #227
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    Moonday, 16 Arodus 4709 AR ...

    The raucous, week-long festival known as Armasse is held each year beginning on 16 Arodus. The celebration -- once dedicated to the god Aroden -- is still important to the faithful of Iomedae, who use it to train commoners in combat, ordain apprentice clergy, pick squires for knights, and teach military history, hoping to prevent the mistakes of the past from being repeated. Among those not dedicated to the Inheritor the holiday has lost most of its religious significance since Aroden's death, tending now only toward wild partying, a fact that has precluded the diabolist Cheliax from prohibiting Armasse outright.

    Nevertheless, in places where the church of Asmodeus is openly allowed ... as it is here in Westcrown ... it hosts special activities for its parishioners during the same week in an effort to counter the influence of the holiday. (Rumor has it that the city of Corentyn is especially known for its extravagant Armasse festivals.)

    As the rebel hideout is a ruined cathedral of the late god Aroden, and as the leader of the Children of Westcrown is a cleric of the Inheritor, it should come as no surprise that the more "proper" forms of observance of Armasse are met. Arael holds battle training for all of the Children of Westcrown, even having a couple tutors from the town teach all manner of combat training. For the non-PC Children of Westcrown, all week long this will include learning how to handle a variety of weapons (simple weapons, martial weapons for those with talent), armor (increasing in type), and shields.

    One of the things you will learn about Arael during the week is that as a cleric of Iomedae, whose primary focus and training is the general welfare and compassion, but also warfare.

    17-21 Arodus (the last three days are the New Moon) ...

    The combat training continues throughout the week, and branches out to include legends, stories, and theological lessons. Meanwhile, Westcrown is having a restrained celebration. Restrained, of course, because citizens still can't stroll about late at night for fear of the stalkers in the dark.
    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.).
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  18. - Top - End - #228
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    BlackDragon

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

    Chafing under the imposed military indoctrination and being a generally selfish person opposed to physical exertion unless focused on art or pleasure, Kavina will take every opportunity to avoid military training by every means at her disposal.
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    The steps might include impersonating Janiven and leading the children in exercises so she doesn’t have to or just hiding. We can RP if warranted.

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    Sunday, 22 Arodus 4709 AR (Last day of Armasse) ...

    Today is a Sunday like any other as befits services. In the evening at the hideout, however, for anyone who wants to be their to support a major life event for fellow Children of Westcrown, Armasse in the hideout is brought to a close by Arael.

    First, Fiosa is given a "sacrament of holy orders" and is blessed by Arael to be a cleric of Iomedae like himself.

    Then, as a surprise to some who didn't even know his religious leanings, Sclavo - a shy law clerk who recently made a great showing against the Flame Cobra Brotherhood - takes holy orders as well. But in his case, he takes on the stricter vows of a paladin of Iomedae.

    Another party closes out Armasse, with a better brand of brew than the grog that was had earlier!

    Not Arael's own, mind you, because he needs time for what he recently brewed to get to the right age, but there in the hideout Arael has, over the past few weeks, set up brewer's equipment. He has made them "Children" themed in some way. Coming soon in the future is a Mother's Milk lager, a Baby's Bottle porter, and a stout with a higher alcohol content known simply as .... the Pacifier.
    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.).
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    Default Re: Council of Thieves [Bastards of Erebus] (IC)

    Rufus being one of Iomedae's faithful, buzzes with excitement during the week of Armasse. He takes every opportunity to demonstrate techniques for disarming foes.

    During the party, Rufus acts on his childhood training, making sure no one's cup is empty for long as he walks through the gathering.

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    In and out, in and out, Dusha never seems to stay in the hideout for long and when she does it's with an expression like she'd bit a lemon. This temple, sanctified by dead priests of a dead god, it remembers... or, maybe 'echoes' is the right word, yes, it echoes. Armasse echoes in the empty bones of this former former temple, once so full of life and joy and faith, as the dead long to join its wild celebrations. It may now, but Armasse did not always belong to Iomedae's followers and so long as this temple remembered that it would ensure Dusha did too.

    So, before the party to close the week Dusha's attendance is sporadic at best. The party itself, though, she does attend - with a mug of the strongest beer on offer in each hand, drinking enough for two of her. Mostly, she just drifts from conversation to conversation, offering a non-sequitur here or an acerbic comment there, and she gleefully joins in the round of teasing following Sclavo's adoption of his vows.

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    Moonday, 23 Arodus ...

    The site of the ruined cathedral is its own dichotomy to Dusha.

    Where life is thick and noisy, the dead seemed to have been pushed out until night comes and the living things crawl back into their house-shaped holes. But then, it is too dangerous to be out on the streets of Westcrown at night for fear of attack from one of the beasts of shadows that terrorize the city. So it is that while she needs nights of "quiet," so, too, does she need time among the source of her power. And while not as deep with spirits and cloying (and dangerous) as a graveyard, the cathedral does give access to quieter spirits than she might find elsewhere.

    Aroden might be dead, but His spirit is not here. And most of the spiritual ambience that Dusha feels is not as it might be had the cathedral fallen in battle. It was merely abandoned on Aroden's death and since fallen into disrepair. And Dusha senses no spiritual energy from the site of the cathedral. No, any forlorn or forgotten nature is as a result of her own emotions of such a place projected back to her. Because those who died before the cathedral's fall? Well, only remnants of those who lived a relatively ordered and even happy life. If there was anything worse, it would have become undead and then likely have been destroyed long before now.

    So it is that tonight is the night in which Dusha allows a little "noise" into her routine. One of the great mysteries of most spirits really comes to one of faith or belief. Not "belief in" as a deity, but "belief of" as in accepting of existence. So many people ascribe all sorts of ridiculous things to spirits that spirits have no sway over, while entirely disregarding things that spirits might influence. If only people could see spirits, things could be easier. Even Dusha, whose psychic powers are extremely limited and particular, can't see spirits ... not real spirits. Now, she can sense the unquiet dead, but they are a special case, and go beyond "spirits" (intangible echoes of the dead) and into the realm of blasphemous horror. She heard that a few of the sharper members of the Children had been in the sewers and even encountered a few - creatures who have no semblance of mind, not even flesh any more, but through arcane processes too varied in possible to name, attacked these fellow Children with lambent eyes and bones unnaturally held together despite the lack of tendons and ligaments.

    But, back to spirits. That they can't be seen is a blessing. Surely, the dead of history far outnumber the living? And while theology tells us how the soul itself moves on to see the Lady of Graves, yet echoes are left behind. The nature of what does or does not exist then .... is it a matter simply of academic philosophy? Intangibility? But perhaps the spirits can teach the living something. Perhaps in their secrets, the knowledge of not being seen is itself a means of bridging the gap.

    And on that, Dusha meditates ....


    Toilday, 24 Arodus ...

    Last evening, Dusha stayed at the hideout, but not tonight. Too bad, for once again Erasmus and Meijen enter a seance together. In their last seance, Erasmus helped Meijen contact an ancestor that was a fellow warrior like himself. Tonight, the focus is on an ancestor of Meijen's who was a great magician whose spells overcame his enemies' defenses.


    Wealday, 25 Arodus ...

    The nice thing about the cathedral's state of disrepair is that there are some easy walls to climb. So, Tia conducts basic ascension training with any who desire. She is joined by Janiven and Match, a few of the other Children, but most notably by Gabriella, who by this time is known to eschew anything physical. It is also an embarrassing time for her, because even the other Children that are there have either the natural strength or previous training (climbing trees and rocks as kids). And Gabriella? Whuff. She needs special coaching, for sure.


    Oathday, 26 Arodus ...

    By now, Dusha's skill at controlling and maintaining supernatural effects under duress has come to Arael's attention. So, he now depends on Dusha to teach focusing exercises (probably much to Dusha's surprise). So, pretty much nearly everybody is there when she goes over focusing exercises for spells (useful for psionics as well). Even where the focusing exercises aren't useful to those who don't have such powers, the mental training is still helpful.
    Spoiler: Dusha
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    The only two people who came nearly close to her level of focus in general are Arael and Erasmus (evenly matched), but under extreme duress such as combat situations, they fall way behind you.



    Fireday, 27 Arodus ...

    Janiven will find Gabriella in the evening. She has something to discuss with her.
    Spoiler: Kavina
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    Remember that she found you, and knew you to be Kavina, rather than Gabriella. She will admit to you that she and your mother both had the same teacher, and I am not talking about pleasing people through the senses. Your mother chose a more mystical path that drew upon her racial abilities as a shapeshifter, and Janiven knows that you follow this path.

    What you did not know, in addition to what she just told you so far, is that she is also a ninja. Most ninjas focus on skills that lead them to stealthy assassinations. Ninja such as yourself focus on infiltration and deep cover. But given Janiven's difficult city upbringing, she was a natural to be a "goto" (pronounced GOH-TOH, not GOH-TOO), a ninja that employs the arts of stealth and secrecy to acquire desirables.

    Even though your methods diverge, she understands your need to progress. And honestly? Well, Silena asked her to make sure you didn't shirk your training. So, having seen your reticence in working weapons and other physical skills with the group at large, Janiven will continue your training as long as she still has something to teach you.

    So it is you think you are going to be forced to do weapons training, but she totally does a bait-and-switch as she gets you to do the complete opposite. To be very still and enter deep ki relaxation and gathering exercises.




    Starday, 28 Arodus ...

    Not because he is the "best," but because he thinks it is a good idea, Meijen gets Gabriella and Dusha into an arcane study group. The other interested parties that join are Amaya, Ezren, Gorvio, Lem, Morosino, Seoni, and Tarvi. It is more of a study group/ panel discussino by the three more capable members, with neophyte questions sometimes fielded by the other Children as they otherwise sit in and listen in rapt attention.


    Sunday, 29 Arodus ...

    Normal worship services as your PCs enjoy, with Arael giving a non-denominational (albeit Iomedae-flavored) service for those Children of Westcrown that don't want to be out in town. Meanwhile, Match involves himself in his "religion," continuing his alchemical tutelage under Hyram Coupe, the Midnight Butcher.
    Last edited by lostsole31; 2020-04-11 at 03:38 AM.
    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.).
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  23. - Top - End - #233
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    Moonday, 30 Arodus 4709 AR ... ... the last day of Arodus, the summer month so named for the now-dead god Aroden.

    News comes in the evening that a local masked vigilante by the name of "Flycatcher" was seen operating not to far from the cathedral, stopping a robbery two days ago before disappearing when the guard came. Flycatcher is definitely a small humanoid male - a gnome or halfling - who used the coming dusk to good advantage to seem to appear out of nowehere, and then disappear almost in like manner. Magical powers are ascribed to him, for nobody can be that good at hiding! Others worry that he was just drawn to violence, any violence, and with his skill in the darkness the worry is that shadow beasts may have humanoid allies and spies.


    Toilday, 1 Rova 4709 AR ... The beginning of autumn is named after the violent god Rovagug. (Dwarves dispute naming a month after such a destructive and evil deity and instead name the ninth month Torawsh after their creator god, Torag.)

    Westcrown's common folk now fear going out at night, for everyone in the city has heard the strange cries of -- or lost a pet or loved one to -- the creatures of pure darkness that hunt the streets after sundown. However, a masked woman calling herself “Bluehood” offers a reward for any shadow beast killed if the slayers drop its corpse on the garbage stoop outside the tavern across from the old Leroung estate.

    That evening, Janiven leads Aldo and Erasmus, as well as Ermolos, Gorvio, Larko, Rizzardo, Seoni, & Vitti .... actually go out on the town. It seems that Erasmus, who claims to be an exiled noble, has proven it insomuch as he has no marketable skills and has pretty gone to wrack and ruin, effectively begging for coins. The tale is enough for the second-in-command to want to lift his spirits, bringing along Aldo (who is good for general mirth) and several other of the Children who wanted to blow off some steam. Well, the good feelings lasted a little longer than usual, and on the way home a (likely weaker) shadow beast attacks.

    They aren't usually known to t hunt large groups, of course, but something must have been wrong with this shadow beast. Through good tactics (and mainly the skill of Janiven, Aldo, and Erasmus), they slay the shadow beast! Janiven tasks Aldo with leading the rest of the Children back to the hideout while she and Erasmus deliver the body according to the Bluehood rumors, hoping for the best.



    Wealday, 2 Rova ...

    Tia holds ascension training again with Janiven, but Tia notes that Kavina and Match are nowhere to be seen.

    That evening, Janiven says that the Bluehood must know where the Children hide out, as a pouch of 100 gp was set in Janiven's area with nobody spotting anything out of the ordinary. Aldo may enjoy his 10 gp share, as do all the Children that were a part of bringing the shadow beast down (and another 10 gp went into group funds), but the real lucky man is Erasmus, who had owed some 9 silver to minor creditors.

    Oathday, 3 Rova (first night of the Full Moon) ...

    Continuing their working relationship, Erasmus leads Meijen through spell-focusing exercises in the evening.

    Fireday, 4 Rova (2nd night of the Full Moon) ...

    Word has now gotten out that the Children of Westcrown, a local group believed responsible for the rescue of Arael from the Order of the Rack's clutches, and then the defeat of the bandit group known as the Flame Cobra Brotherhood, were also responsible for the death of a recent shadow beast!

    Dusha spends her night elsewhere in town, and is bothered by negative, almost baleful dreams.

    Starday, 5 Rova (last night of the Full Moon) ...

    Erasmus seeks Dusha out tonight (for tonight she is back at the cathedral) for a rousing discussion. This time, the two spiritualists discuss the nature of constructs (what they know about them). Since some golems are known to be animated by an elemental spirit, does this mean that constructs therefore have a spirit? Joining them for that Ted talk are many of the Children who have an interest in such arcane topics (such as Ezren, Seoni, Lem, and others).

    Noticeably missing is Match. In fact, Match hasn't been seen all week long. Neither, for that matter, has Kavina. When asked, Janiven mentions that Kavina and Match are both conducting critical tasks undercover for the Children of Westcrown, in an up-coming hope to topple the Bastards of Erebus.

    Sunday, 6 Rova ...

    As usual, Arael holds a non-denominational (but with Iomedae-flavored bent) service in the remains of the chapel. Interestingly enough, he stresses how the best change is made by those who are a friend to law, or at least willing to see unjust laws changed, rather than unfocused rebellion.
    Spoiler: Kavina
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    This is the day that you get into a row with Bastards seeking protection on a Sunday! Almost out of instinct, you shout at one - spitting mad as you are - and acid forms from your spit. It is not a lot, but enough to burn the man's face. You drop another one through speed, but you get beaten and barely escape with your life.

    You also find your mouth was burned, and you go home to your mother, for you know she has a healing potion in emergency stores that clears away the acid burns you had yourself on tongue, lips, cheeks, gums, and palate.

    No doubt this was a terrifying event to happen to both you and the Bastard you spit on, and it is up to you (in the RP-ICI) to determine how to deal with this strange, spontaneous event.

    Janiven, feeling antsy, spends her Sunday in the nearby forest. Tia conducts shadow meditations. That evening, Rufus "moonlights" at his "other job," looking to build renown.
    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.).
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

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    Rufus donates 100gp to the Children's funds for better bedding and furniture and tips off Janvien about the merchants he's introduced himself to recently.

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    Rufus, How does he give it? To whom? Does he make a big public show of it, or more humbly?
    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.).
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    To Janvien, and quietly in private.

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

    Aldo hopes that his run-in with fame, as it were, has calmed down and will begin looking for proper roles in the theater again, rather than the busking and such he's been forced to do recently.
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    Rufus, Janiven thanks you for this amazing donation. She takes you to see Arael as well, and he gives you a taste of his new brew, Toddler's Tantrum. When Rufus sees where Arael does his brewing, he notices a separate "brewing station." He will admit to you that he is a skilled potion-maker, not just a mundane brewer of humble hops.

    "Rufus, thank you," Arael says. "I tell you what, some of that will be returned to you in mission-critical equipment. When we finally make a move against the Bastards, I will cook up a potion for your use. Something basic, but still useful. The rest will go a long way to making sure the fellow Children have basic gear appropriate for their recent lines of training."


    Aldo, one of the theaters you check in with says that they heard you were making the rounds, and that an admirer left you a present for when you would show up. Aldo is handed a long parcel-wrapping. When he opens it up, it is just a bunch of dead-flowers. At first it seems perfectly natural, since the theater says the box was received over a week ago, but upon inspecting the card: "Just a little something to remind you of your career in Westcrown's theater scene .... dead."
    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.).
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    Moonday, 7 Rova 4709 AR (Market's Door)

    One of the two major holy days for most Abadarans, Market's Door which varies from year to year, marks the arrival of the first shipment of fruit and goods from the fall harvest. The specific day of this holiday is determined by casting divination spells and always announced one month in advance. The priests give their blessing of the market area and the rest of the day is marked with celebration and business.

    Arael asks for volunteers not engaged in critical functions to collect into pairs ("Buddy system!") and to make a showing at the festival in Children of Westcrown regalia (black hood, red sash) to ward off festi-vultures (thieves, pick pockets, and con artists) and to keep the festival safe.

    Noticeably missing from the requested morning muster are Kavina and Match.

    Toilday, 8 Rova ...

    Having followed hints that Kavina's intelligence had given that she thought was a function of Bastards-related activity, turns out has actually been goblins. A crafty white-bearded goblin named Whitechin living in the ruined part of the city, near the north wall, has staked out a small territory for himself and attracted a number of followers. Left unchecked, his minions and their goblin dogs started to raid the city and harass merchants. It was Kavina that found the part of the northern sewers that the goblins used to strike at the city above and retreat undetected.

    Arael leads the strike force, seconded by Kavina, and likewise attended by Dusha, Ezren, Fiosa, Lem, Meijen, and Tarvi. Together, they are able to defeat Whitechin and rout the goblins deeper into the sewer tunnels!

    Aldo and Kavina, this is the first night that your schedules 'sync' (regarding RP-Interactive business) ...
    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.).
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    Wealday, 9 Rova 4709 AR ...

    Having witnessed some of Dusha's skill, Arael and Janiven show the mendicant woman to a place they just found in the past couple of days. It is a library in a sad state of disrepair, but they didn't mention it to anyone because Arael wanted to make sure that Janiven cleared the place of any natural hazards from the ruin (let alone any actual traps) before opening up the space to those that need it.

    Arael names Dusha the Head Librarian of the Old Cathedral Library, if she wants the job. (Dusha, this will require a reply - Discord will do - if you want the position.)

    Oathday, 10 Rova (Signing Day) ...

    Signing Day is a Chelish holiday, dating back to the height of the empire. Observed on the second Oathday of Rova, this is the day on which new laws in the empire took effect. The significance of this day expanded over many years until imperial marriages, significant business arrangements and oaths of fealty were all conducted on this day.


    Originally, the holiday began as a celebration of the mutual-defense pact between Cheliax, Isger, Galt and Andoran when the united nations threw off the shackles of Taldor, declaring themselves independent from the empire. Observances of the holiday vary, but often include firework displays, feats of strength, and public debates to showcase speaking and rhetorical skills.


    As Cheliax degenerated to civil war and diabolism after 4606 AR, blood pacts and infernal contracts also began to be signed on this day. As a result of Cheliax's new affiliation, Andoran and Galt began to distance themselves from Cheliax and the original interpretation of the holiday.

    At the old cathedral, has Lem tell these stories so that the Children understand an example of when those who are put under the yoke can still find the strength to find their freedom.

    Fireday, 11 Rova ...

    Tia learns some grim news. Her favorite book store is closing down! The bookstore, will she admit it or no, has been its own light in the darkness. Even if a lot of what she reads are trashy romance novels with endings that are cliffhangers that make her want to throw the book once done.

    Starday, 12 Rova (Last 1/4-moon) ...

    Match disables a Bastard, and finds out some terrible news, once notes can be compared with Kavina and Janiven and their findings. The whole protection racket in town is not actually the Bastards of Erebus at all It turns out that the Bastards of Erebus are more into break-ins than anything else, but are terrifying enough that two groups have claimed to be Bastards to lend their racketeering some street cred. Janiven hands the evidence (some of it distinct and physical) over to Arael, and Arael goes to meet an old contact of his in the city government to have these two criminal groups shut down. Gossip comes down the pike that a multi-part raid happens, and the ersatz Bastards are, for the most part, apprehended and thier power broken.

    Of course, the problem is that there really is a shadowy criminal organization out there known as the Bastards of Erebus - Arael was investigating them before he was detained - and they are bad enough for wannabes to claim membership for their own crimes.

    Sunday, 13 Rova ...

    After services, Aldo and Meijen will hold mental resistance training. The former is regarded as the overall expert, but Meijen is known to have particular skill in logic exercises used to help a subject possibly deconstruct an illusion they are witnessing. Arael will run Tia and some of the other Children through various calisthenics and stamina exercises.
    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.).
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    bcool999: On hiatus through 01APR2024.

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