Corruption above, and so corruption below. They say that misery loves company, and in the dismal city of Inkwater, it seems to have brought along a whole gaggle of pals. The legal crimes of the noble go hand in hand with the not-so-legal ones of the poor, and today Karisa Xarai is the one walking the middle line. Peacock's instructions were simple, an unusual break of character from his ordinary confounding prolixity. This was her test. She's been with the group for several months now, but until now she's been nothing more than a junior member. Those of the Upper Roost are each unique, each claiming their own mask, their own identity, but those below them are not distinct. They are merely the Birds of Paradise, all sharing the same name, the same mask. They are certainly members of the Birds of a Feather, certainly all skilled in their own right, but not part of the inner circle. All that is going to change tonight.
What makes Karisa most valuable, Peacock has said, are her connections. He has not yet shown any signs that he knows of her other... talents, but the fact remains that her noble status is what he values most in her. Tonight, she is being tested on the usefulness of this status. Every criminal gang wants a noble in their pocket. Karisa is certainly useful, but she has very little actual power. Her parents are the ones who hold the Xarais' true power, and their neglect certainly shows just how much power Karisa has over them. A weekly allowance is largely all they are useful for. One Madame Doalty, however... well, that's a start.
Mariam Doalty, the widow of the late Jonah Doalty, is certainly an influential face in Inkwater society. Her fortune is certainly nothing to scoff at, but her real power comes from the ears she can bend, and the words that her own pick up. Doalty can gossip and be gossiped to like nobody else, and her following among the smaller families is great. There is, however, one little piece of gossip that she would most certainly not like getting out: Madame Doalty has a nasty tar habit. Now, it's certainly no secret that many nobles indulge in less-than-legal substances. But only from the right places. And the right places are expensive. Madame Doalty has been subsisting off of her husband's fortune since his death, but even such a fortune comes under stress with such expensive habits. The tar-dens of the streets, however, where the lamplight grows dim and the rats run free... those are cheap. Not as high quality, but cheap. Cheap, and oh so shameful.
With the work of Pigeon, a member of the Upper Roost, a number of thaumetypes detailing Madame Doalty's unsavory habits have been procured, and are now on Karisa's person as she walks up the steps leading into Lemuel "Laughing Lem" Krogstad's mansion. It's a ball, another in a seemingly endless procession of parties and socials and balls and whatever other synonyms for the exact same activity the nobility can come up with. Karisa's mission is to locate Madame Doalty, isolate her, and discreetly present to her your evidence and your demands, so that she is squarely in the Birds of a Feather's pocket, for whatever they may need her for in the future.
You may describe your character, and ask any questions you'd like to. Feel free to influence the narrative and create story elements how you would like, as long as it is reasonable.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
The elegant march of steps were the first sign of Karisa's arrival to Lemuel Krogstad's ball. "Lady Karisa Xarai, daughter of Ander and Kethra Xarai." Announced the servant whose job was to inform the arrival of every guest for the ball.
"Thank you darling." Said the redhead with a cheeky smile and a flirty wink of her amber eyes, leaving the announcer bushing while she stepped down the stair flaunting her beauty without even trying, it was just natural for her. Everyone was looking at her, men in awed and women with jealousy, while she kept smiling proud of the looks that she was receiving.
The femme didn't waste any time and walked to Lemuel's small chatting group, in which Mariam Doalty was a part of. "Lemuel. Thank you for inviting me to your ball, you shure know how to make one. Forgive me of not being acquaintance with everyone. Could you present me to your friends?" Asked with confidence, but with a slight touch of innocence to lower everybody's caution of being too formal with her and get them to charmed by her "friendly personality".
(OOC: should I make an ability check? If so which one. And also, How are we going to do this kind of checks?)
(No need to make ability checks unless you're expressly facing some sort of challenge or I request one. Or you really feel like you need to make one, I guess. For making checks, I'd prefer you use the dice roller built into the forum.)
Karisa progresses swiftly to Krogstad and Doalty's circle, in which she recognizes several faces. Of the nine people there, she recognizes five, those being Lemuel Krogstad himself, Mariam Doalty, Marble Elk, Poddle Rootfoot, and Doctor Emmanuel Firebrand. There are also four others, gathered near Madame Doalty, whom Karisa does not recognize, but assumes to be part of Doalty's posse. (More info on them can be found below.)
Lemuel Krogstad, the host of the party, unnervingly jovial dwarven spice merchant. Seriously, though, this guy doesn't stop laughing, it might be a condition. Not exceptionally wealthy, but very well-liked. His father was a good friend of the king's as well, which certainly helps his public image.
Mariam Doalty, your target, human professional socialite. Widow of an important textiles merchant. Quite influential, if not in the spotlight, looked up to by many less important nobles. Probably knows something personal about you.
Marble Elk, goliath magic item merchant. His items mostly consist of weapons and armor for the army or personal convenience items for the rich. Not particularly liked, but tolerated due to his exceptional wealth and connection to the decently large goliath population of Inkwater. Those aren't his original teeth.
Poddle Rootfoot, halfling banker. Not much can be said about Poddle, other than they are exceptionally wealthy and act like they have a ten foot pole shoved up their ass, which should be impossible because they are hardly three feet tall. Not really liked by anyone except for Madame Doalty, for some incomprehensible reason, but they're rich, so they're invited.
Doctor Emmanuel Firebrand, human owner of the Great Sanatorium. Paralyzed below the waist due to an accident in his youth, and thus uses a wheelchair of Marble Elk's design. Largely regarded as eccentric and shunned by some circles, but a dear friend of Mr. Krogstad.
Four unidentified socialites.
Poddle frowns as Karisa arrives, greeting Krogstad by his first name, and opens their mouth before being cut off by Krogstad's hearty laughter."AH-HAH-HAH! You're a—HAH!—a bold one, aren't you? HAH-HAH! Now, pardon me if I get this wrong, I am quite the—HAH!—quite bad with names, you know how it is! OH-HOH! That's it, you're Ander's kid, aren't you! HAH! I knew it, had it right at the tip of my tongue, and damn if I didn't spit it right out! AH-HAH-HAH! Certainly, certainly, I'll introduce you, hee-hee..."He proceeds to reintroduce the five you already know, though he passes right over the four you don't recognize as if they're not really there. The introduction is rather prolonged, due to the spontaneous bouts of laughter he breaks into, as if he were responding to some silent joke in his head.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Karisa salutes everyone as she is reintroduced with a smile and then looks back at the four that Krogstad didn't introduce. "Hello, I didn't get to be introduced to you. As you probably heard now my name is Karisa Xarai, it is a pleasure to meet you."
(Insight check to see if Karisa can she can determine their role in Doalty's posse: 20)
The human with the bright blue steps forward, and extends his hand to shake. "Hi. I'm Terrance Kholn. Nice to meet you."
"Cherry Boldwood," pipes the halfling in the high bun.
"Darna Tsitsi," says the human with the flowers in her hat.
The elf with the short dreadlocks hesitates for a short bit, then gives a curt nod."Ravin Telvor."
Karina doesn't have to guess to tell that these four are some of Madame Doalty's followers, the group of gossip-flies and opportunists who surround her at any given time. If Karisa wants to get her alone, she'll have to get her away from these four.
Karina smiles politely to everyone and shakes Terrance's hand. "Glad to meet all of you."
After some small talk, smiles and laughs like every noble that exists, the young tiefling gets closer to Doalty and speaks un a lower voice so only she could hear her. "Madame, may I speak with you in private? There's something that i would like to discuss." Said with a look of concern, nervousness and a pinch of embarrassment while glancing at everyone else to sell her act.
Madame Doalty raises an eyebrow at Karisa, and titters softly. "Why, the party's just started. I can't leave these esteemed gentlepeople now, we have so much to discuss." It's unspoken, but Karisa can't help but hear 'much less with the likes of you,'silently pinned onto the end of that sentence.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"It's important. Not only to me, but also to you. Something that if we don't talk about could tarnish your reputation." Answered seriusly. She wanted to make a pun about tar using the word "tarnish" so much to mess with Doalty, but she contained herself.
(Not until your character is aware of the outcome of the check. After all, your character doesn’t know what they roll until the consequences of their failures/successes. You may use a spell, but keep in mind that most have noticeable components. Additionally, also keep in mind that you’re in the presence of those whose whole lives are spent socializing, plotting, and influencing.)
Madame Doalty's amused smile quickly fades into nothing less than a derisive sneer. "Quite frankly, girl,"she hisses, "I do not think you have anything to say to me that would be of any sort of import to me. Much less could anything an infant like you has to say tarnish my reputation." Then, louder, so that the others can hear. "Oh, dear, what a magnificent little joke! Well, it really was a delight meeting you, but if I'm not mistaken the first dance is about to begin! These old bones are too frail to dance to such a fiery tune, but I strongly, strongly suggest you go join the other young folk on the floor."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(OOC: I'm so sorry, I had a very busy couple of days and so I couldn't post before)
Karisa didn't like the way Doalty treated her, who did she think she was talking to? She is Karisa Xarai and she would never take a no for an answer. "Thank you for the kind offer. I know someone that can help you so you can enjoy energetic dances. You just have to do as I told and follow me." Said the young woman while moving away to guide her.
"On second thought, you may be right. Perhaps there is some energy in these old bones yet." Madame Doalty looks back at the rest of her retinue and gestures dismissively. "Feel free to entertain yourselves, if you like. I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(Hahaha, I was running out of options that would take her to a secluded area discreetly)
After walking for some time, they enter a bedroom where Karisa locked the door behind them with a confident smile. "You forced me to do this you know. I wanted to talk about a little something that I got my hands on." Said with a taunting tone while puting on a small table some of the papers that detailed Doalty's tar habits.
"These are just copies, so don't get any fun ideas. I'll keep this brief, I know that you hear all the gossip around Inkwater and all the Carnish empire, so I want you to keep your eyes and ears open to any gossip, and if I come to visit you'll tell me all the gossip that I want."Statedthe woman with a checky smile.
(This happens after they enter the bedroom, but before Karisa explains herself. Sorry, man, the save passed, and the sleight of hand and stealth checks exceeded your passive perception. Either way, though, it might be good to consider spell lengths in the future: command only lasts a single round, and it definitely takes more than six seconds to go all that way.)
Before Karisa had the chance to lay out her case, the glazed look that had shone in Madame Doalty's eyes as she had followed Karisa instantly slipped away, replaced instead by one of malicious cunning. As Karisa reached for the doorknob, she was stopped by the telltale click of a hammer. Looking up, Karisa finds herself locking eyes with the barrel of an elegantly crafted flintlock pistol, aimed straight at her head. Following the pistol to the hand that holds it, Karisa first sees a white silk glove, then the sleeve of a magenta dress shirt, followed by that of a dark brown coat. Finally, the path of her sight brings Karisa face to face with the dreadlocked elf who introduced themself as Ravin Telvor, a look of stone-cold determination on their otherwise comely face.
"My dearest Miss Xarai, don't you think I would understand the telltale signs of magical trickery? Do you not think that I have not steeled my mind against such fiendish tricks? Did you not imagine that I might have some form of protection? If you've come here to kill me, you're doing a very poor job of it. And yet, I can't help but imagine that they would have sent someone a little more, how shall I put it, skilled, to eliminate me. No, I suspect that your plans for me are of an altogether different strain. Well, now, out with it! I only hire the best, but Ravin here has been known to suffer from unfortunate muscle tics in the right hand, particularly the index finger, which seem to quite curiously correspond with my ever-thinning patience. And we wouldn't dear Ravin to suffer, would we?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(It's ok, I already knew that Command lasted 1 round so I tried to push as far as I thought was realistically posible. And I couldn't come up with another way to isolate Doalty.)
Karisa did not expect Ravin to appear and even less to have a gun. She wasn't happy with how things developed, but she had to remain calm so she sighed to keep her mind at ease.
"To be fair you did fall for my magic, so your mind isn't as steeled as you belive it is. Specially considering that you have an issue with cheap tar. You do know what it does to your mind, right?" Said with her hands up and a confidence that someone with a gun aimed at their head should not possess. "Now, I know what you are thinking. "Why don't I just order my awfully looking protector to kill you?" Simple, if I die your secret with all the evidence will go public, I have my way to make that happen even if I am gone." Added while first looking with disgust at Ravin, to then look at Madame Doalty with a threatening smile.
Karisa then lowered her hands, putting her left one on her hip and the right one to make gestures as she kept talking now with a serious face and tone. "Now this is what will happen. We will return to our lifes as like nothing happened, and you will keep your eyes and ears open to all the gossip around Inkwater and the Carnish empire since I know how much you like to get your nose on everyone's life. And when I come to visit you will give me whatever I want, whether that's money or to get the information that you would've gather since my last visit."She made a small pause to let Madame Doalty digest what was said. "Is that understood?" Added with a serius face and an even more threatening tone.
Corruption above, and so corruption below. They say that misery loves company, and in the dismal city of Inkwater, it seems to have brought along a whole gaggle of pals. The legal crimes of the noble go hand in hand with the not-so-legal ones of the poor, and today Karisa Xarai is the one walking the middle line. Peacock's instructions were simple, an unusual break of character from his ordinary confounding prolixity. This was her test. She's been with the group for several months now, but until now she's been nothing more than a junior member. Those of the Upper Roost are each unique, each claiming their own mask, their own identity, but those below them are not distinct. They are merely the Birds of Paradise, all sharing the same name, the same mask. They are certainly members of the Birds of a Feather, certainly all skilled in their own right, but not part of the inner circle. All that is going to change tonight.
What makes Karisa most valuable, Peacock has said, are her connections. He has not yet shown any signs that he knows of her other... talents, but the fact remains that her noble status is what he values most in her. Tonight, she is being tested on the usefulness of this status. Every criminal gang wants a noble in their pocket. Karisa is certainly useful, but she has very little actual power. Her parents are the ones who hold the Xarais' true power, and their neglect certainly shows just how much power Karisa has over them. A weekly allowance is largely all they are useful for. One Madame Doalty, however... well, that's a start.
Mariam Doalty, the widow of the late Jonah Doalty, is certainly an influential face in Inkwater society. Her fortune is certainly nothing to scoff at, but her real power comes from the ears she can bend, and the words that her own pick up. Doalty can gossip and be gossiped to like nobody else, and her following among the smaller families is great. There is, however, one little piece of gossip that she would most certainly not like getting out: Madame Doalty has a nasty tar habit. Now, it's certainly no secret that many nobles indulge in less-than-legal substances. But only from the right places. And the right places are expensive. Madame Doalty has been subsisting off of her husband's fortune since his death, but even such a fortune comes under stress with such expensive habits. The tar-dens of the streets, however, where the lamplight grows dim and the rats run free... those are cheap. Not as high quality, but cheap. Cheap, and oh so shameful.
With the work of Pigeon, a member of the Upper Roost, a number of thaumetypes detailing Madame Doalty's unsavory habits have been procured, and are now on Karisa's person as she walks up the steps leading into Lemuel "Laughing Lem" Krogstad's mansion. It's a ball, another in a seemingly endless procession of parties and socials and balls and whatever other synonyms for the exact same activity the nobility can come up with. Karisa's mission is to locate Madame Doalty, isolate her, and discreetly present to her your evidence and your demands, so that she is squarely in the Birds of a Feather's pocket, for whatever they may need her for in the future.
You may describe your character, and ask any questions you'd like to. Feel free to influence the narrative and create story elements how you would like, as long as it is reasonable.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
The elegant march of steps were the first sign of Karisa's arrival to Lemuel Krogstad's ball. "Lady Karisa Xarai, daughter of Ander and Kethra Xarai." Announced the servant whose job was to inform the arrival of every guest for the ball.
"Thank you darling." Said the redhead with a cheeky smile and a flirty wink of her amber eyes, leaving the announcer bushing while she stepped down the stair flaunting her beauty without even trying, it was just natural for her. Everyone was looking at her, men in awed and women with jealousy, while she kept smiling proud of the looks that she was receiving.
The femme didn't waste any time and walked to Lemuel's small chatting group, in which Mariam Doalty was a part of. "Lemuel. Thank you for inviting me to your ball, you shure know how to make one. Forgive me of not being acquaintance with everyone. Could you present me to your friends?" Asked with confidence, but with a slight touch of innocence to lower everybody's caution of being too formal with her and get them to charmed by her "friendly personality".
(OOC: should I make an ability check? If so which one. And also, How are we going to do this kind of checks?)
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
(No need to make ability checks unless you're expressly facing some sort of challenge or I request one. Or you really feel like you need to make one, I guess. For making checks, I'd prefer you use the dice roller built into the forum.)
Karisa progresses swiftly to Krogstad and Doalty's circle, in which she recognizes several faces. Of the nine people there, she recognizes five, those being Lemuel Krogstad himself, Mariam Doalty, Marble Elk, Poddle Rootfoot, and Doctor Emmanuel Firebrand. There are also four others, gathered near Madame Doalty, whom Karisa does not recognize, but assumes to be part of Doalty's posse. (More info on them can be found below.)
Lemuel Krogstad, the host of the party, unnervingly jovial dwarven spice merchant. Seriously, though, this guy doesn't stop laughing, it might be a condition. Not exceptionally wealthy, but very well-liked. His father was a good friend of the king's as well, which certainly helps his public image.
Mariam Doalty, your target, human professional socialite. Widow of an important textiles merchant. Quite influential, if not in the spotlight, looked up to by many less important nobles. Probably knows something personal about you.
Marble Elk, goliath magic item merchant. His items mostly consist of weapons and armor for the army or personal convenience items for the rich. Not particularly liked, but tolerated due to his exceptional wealth and connection to the decently large goliath population of Inkwater. Those aren't his original teeth.
Poddle Rootfoot, halfling banker. Not much can be said about Poddle, other than they are exceptionally wealthy and act like they have a ten foot pole shoved up their ass, which should be impossible because they are hardly three feet tall. Not really liked by anyone except for Madame Doalty, for some incomprehensible reason, but they're rich, so they're invited.
Doctor Emmanuel Firebrand, human owner of the Great Sanatorium. Paralyzed below the waist due to an accident in his youth, and thus uses a wheelchair of Marble Elk's design. Largely regarded as eccentric and shunned by some circles, but a dear friend of Mr. Krogstad.
Four unidentified socialites.
Poddle frowns as Karisa arrives, greeting Krogstad by his first name, and opens their mouth before being cut off by Krogstad's hearty laughter. "AH-HAH-HAH! You're a—HAH!—a bold one, aren't you? HAH-HAH! Now, pardon me if I get this wrong, I am quite the—HAH!—quite bad with names, you know how it is! OH-HOH! That's it, you're Ander's kid, aren't you! HAH! I knew it, had it right at the tip of my tongue, and damn if I didn't spit it right out! AH-HAH-HAH! Certainly, certainly, I'll introduce you, hee-hee..." He proceeds to reintroduce the five you already know, though he passes right over the four you don't recognize as if they're not really there. The introduction is rather prolonged, due to the spontaneous bouts of laughter he breaks into, as if he were responding to some silent joke in his head.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Karisa salutes everyone as she is reintroduced with a smile and then looks back at the four that Krogstad didn't introduce. "Hello, I didn't get to be introduced to you. As you probably heard now my name is Karisa Xarai, it is a pleasure to meet you."
(Insight check to see if Karisa can she can determine their role in Doalty's posse: 20)
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
The human with the bright blue steps forward, and extends his hand to shake. "Hi. I'm Terrance Kholn. Nice to meet you."
"Cherry Boldwood," pipes the halfling in the high bun.
"Darna Tsitsi," says the human with the flowers in her hat.
The elf with the short dreadlocks hesitates for a short bit, then gives a curt nod. "Ravin Telvor."
Karina doesn't have to guess to tell that these four are some of Madame Doalty's followers, the group of gossip-flies and opportunists who surround her at any given time. If Karisa wants to get her alone, she'll have to get her away from these four.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Karina smiles politely to everyone and shakes Terrance's hand. "Glad to meet all of you."
After some small talk, smiles and laughs like every noble that exists, the young tiefling gets closer to Doalty and speaks un a lower voice so only she could hear her. "Madame, may I speak with you in private? There's something that i would like to discuss." Said with a look of concern, nervousness and a pinch of embarrassment while glancing at everyone else to sell her act.
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Madame Doalty raises an eyebrow at Karisa, and titters softly. "Why, the party's just started. I can't leave these esteemed gentlepeople now, we have so much to discuss." It's unspoken, but Karisa can't help but hear 'much less with the likes of you,' silently pinned onto the end of that sentence.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"It's important. Not only to me, but also to you. Something that if we don't talk about could tarnish your reputation." Answered seriusly. She wanted to make a pun about tar using the word "tarnish" so much to mess with Doalty, but she contained herself.
(Persuation check: 18)
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
(OOC: ****, I already know that it didn't work. Can I still use a spell to try to make her follow me? It wont change the outcome of the roll.)
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
(Not until your character is aware of the outcome of the check. After all, your character doesn’t know what they roll until the consequences of their failures/successes. You may use a spell, but keep in mind that most have noticeable components. Additionally, also keep in mind that you’re in the presence of those whose whole lives are spent socializing, plotting, and influencing.)
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(OOC: ok, thanks for clarifying my question.)
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Madame Doalty's amused smile quickly fades into nothing less than a derisive sneer. "Quite frankly, girl," she hisses, "I do not think you have anything to say to me that would be of any sort of import to me. Much less could anything an infant like you has to say tarnish my reputation." Then, louder, so that the others can hear. "Oh, dear, what a magnificent little joke! Well, it really was a delight meeting you, but if I'm not mistaken the first dance is about to begin! These old bones are too frail to dance to such a fiery tune, but I strongly, strongly suggest you go join the other young folk on the floor."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
bump
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(OOC: I'm so sorry, I had a very busy couple of days and so I couldn't post before)
Karisa didn't like the way Doalty treated her, who did she think she was talking to? She is Karisa Xarai and she would never take a no for an answer. "Thank you for the kind offer. I know someone that can help you so you can enjoy energetic dances. You just have to do as I told and follow me." Said the young woman while moving away to guide her.
(Using the command spell: Wis save 13)
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
(What is the command word you're using? Follow?)
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(Yes)
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
(DM screen sounds)
Doalty blinks once, twice. Then...
"On second thought, you may be right. Perhaps there is some energy in these old bones yet." Madame Doalty looks back at the rest of her retinue and gestures dismissively. "Feel free to entertain yourselves, if you like. I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(Hahaha, I was running out of options that would take her to a secluded area discreetly)
After walking for some time, they enter a bedroom where Karisa locked the door behind them with a confident smile. "You forced me to do this you know. I wanted to talk about a little something that I got my hands on." Said with a taunting tone while puting on a small table some of the papers that detailed Doalty's tar habits.
"These are just copies, so don't get any fun ideas. I'll keep this brief, I know that you hear all the gossip around Inkwater and all the Carnish empire, so I want you to keep your eyes and ears open to any gossip, and if I come to visit you'll tell me all the gossip that I want." Stated the woman with a checky smile.
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh
(More DM screen sounds)
(This happens after they enter the bedroom, but before Karisa explains herself. Sorry, man, the save passed, and the sleight of hand and stealth checks exceeded your passive perception. Either way, though, it might be good to consider spell lengths in the future: command only lasts a single round, and it definitely takes more than six seconds to go all that way.)
Before Karisa had the chance to lay out her case, the glazed look that had shone in Madame Doalty's eyes as she had followed Karisa instantly slipped away, replaced instead by one of malicious cunning. As Karisa reached for the doorknob, she was stopped by the telltale click of a hammer. Looking up, Karisa finds herself locking eyes with the barrel of an elegantly crafted flintlock pistol, aimed straight at her head. Following the pistol to the hand that holds it, Karisa first sees a white silk glove, then the sleeve of a magenta dress shirt, followed by that of a dark brown coat. Finally, the path of her sight brings Karisa face to face with the dreadlocked elf who introduced themself as Ravin Telvor, a look of stone-cold determination on their otherwise comely face.
"My dearest Miss Xarai, don't you think I would understand the telltale signs of magical trickery? Do you not think that I have not steeled my mind against such fiendish tricks? Did you not imagine that I might have some form of protection? If you've come here to kill me, you're doing a very poor job of it. And yet, I can't help but imagine that they would have sent someone a little more, how shall I put it, skilled, to eliminate me. No, I suspect that your plans for me are of an altogether different strain. Well, now, out with it! I only hire the best, but Ravin here has been known to suffer from unfortunate muscle tics in the right hand, particularly the index finger, which seem to quite curiously correspond with my ever-thinning patience. And we wouldn't dear Ravin to suffer, would we?"
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
(It's ok, I already knew that Command lasted 1 round so I tried to push as far as I thought was realistically posible. And I couldn't come up with another way to isolate Doalty.)
Karisa did not expect Ravin to appear and even less to have a gun. She wasn't happy with how things developed, but she had to remain calm so she sighed to keep her mind at ease.
"To be fair you did fall for my magic, so your mind isn't as steeled as you belive it is. Specially considering that you have an issue with cheap tar. You do know what it does to your mind, right?" Said with her hands up and a confidence that someone with a gun aimed at their head should not possess. "Now, I know what you are thinking. "Why don't I just order my awfully looking protector to kill you?" Simple, if I die your secret with all the evidence will go public, I have my way to make that happen even if I am gone." Added while first looking with disgust at Ravin, to then look at Madame Doalty with a threatening smile.
Karisa then lowered her hands, putting her left one on her hip and the right one to make gestures as she kept talking now with a serious face and tone. "Now this is what will happen. We will return to our lifes as like nothing happened, and you will keep your eyes and ears open to all the gossip around Inkwater and the Carnish empire since I know how much you like to get your nose on everyone's life. And when I come to visit you will give me whatever I want, whether that's money or to get the information that you would've gather since my last visit." She made a small pause to let Madame Doalty digest what was said. "Is that understood?" Added with a serius face and an even more threatening tone.
Half orc monk Khaddim- Lost Mine of Phandelver (modern setting), Variant human ranger Frekor- The Darness Below, Half elf bard Callon, Aasimar life domain cleric/blood hunter Idris- Hunt for the 7, Tiefling warlock Charis- Ghosts of Saltmarsh, Goliath fighter Garrett- Ghosts of Saltmarsh