"Okay, we have this transport available today, but we have a multitude of targets. One is a (suspected) pureblood who is planning a meeting with a cult member in a backalley tavern in the bad side of town. Another is a prominent cult leader who has a base hidden under an unreliable brothel. The final target is a temple in the jungle where the cultists, posing as explorers, are going to meet, and they are likely to come armed. If you can take out a single target per day, we should be able to defeat this serpent cult quite efficiently, but if you tarry, they will grow stronger - and who says they are not going to come under the service of an awakened anathema?"
"So you are not wanting us to find the missing people as such, you want us to assainate some people that you are claiming are part of a cult. I am not much for the business of city people but wouldn't there be an army of people you could use to get this done?"
"Why make a call for an inexperienced group of... " looks to every one else with a wave of his hand " ... us? "
Bel looking worried nods her head in agreement with Socarin. "Yeah.. uh... I don't do assassination. It's one thing to ask us to help you bring in some people for trial, and another to ask us to have a hitlist."
"You're right. I have better supplies at my disposal for taking out such people. But there is one thing that is absolutely urgent - the jungle exploration. The "explorers" are leaving tomorrow and there is no time to waste gathering heroes and the militia or the army to take them out. I have you all here, and I promise - once you find out what is going on and take suitable action - you can go and look for missing people. I give you my royal word."
Darion spent most of the night in the bar, sipping wine. (10 GP). He very much enjoyed Bel's performance, going so far as to cry, "Bravo!" and applaud loudly once she finished her second run. As the tavern emptied, Darion retired upstairs, paying 6 GP for a large room, tossing an extra piece to the owner. As soon as he was in his room alone, he took a deep breath, and began meditating over his Ring of Spell Storing that he had on him. He muttered an incantation, made a variety of gestures, and targetted the ring. Nothing visibly occured, but Darion was aware that his ring now held a 1st Level Magic Missile spell. Exhausted from the process, he fell face-first onto his bed until morning came.
Darion ate a light breakfast, eager to begin his adventure. He spotted Bel and Socarin leaving the tavern, and took that as his cue to leave.
He gathered with the group before the Baron, and listened to what he had to say.
"Well, let us waste no time. Sigmund," the baron pauses to motion towards a well-built, tough looking man, "will oversee your trip to intercept these cultists. Capture or kill them if you must, but do not let them summon the power of the Yuan Ti. If needed, Sigmund will intervene, but I would rather you finish it without having to call him in. Once you're done, Gunther will take you back and then you can investigate about the disappearances." As the baron finishes, he speaks something to Sigmund in a foreign language and Sigmund turns to the group. "Okay, briefing. Yes?" He has a very thick accent, and sometimes enunciates e a bit more then he should, and pronounces his w as a v. "I will get you people tough horse, and change horse for shoes in Korromar, yes? We then move for temple on side road, and carry big rope, big weapon, but light pack. Okay? We go now." Sigmund turns towards the door and dissapears down the hallway towards the stables.
(I know a ton of languages, is the one the baron spoke to Sigmund anything I recognize? If it's not one I know, Investigation 19 to try and deduce what the language being spoken was from the general flow of the language and what sorts of sounds it makes)
"A few questions before we depart, if your lordship wouldn't mind." Gary speaks, "Surely a cult with associations to the Yuan Ti would not be overly popular. Attempting to assassinate their leaders may paint them as martyrs and drive even more people to their cause. It may be best to expose them instead, get them into the public's eye to make it more difficult for them to operate. You could put up wanted posters of the leaders, and have them lawfully executed once captured and put on trial, should they have been deemed to be doing illegal activities. We have the law on our side, it makes no sense to me to skirt around it when we could bring its full force to bear on these cultists instead, excepting exigent circumstances."
"In any event, the journey to intercept the so-called explorers in the jungle seems that it may take a long time. May I request a stipend in advance to cover any travel expenses and equipment necessary to carry out our directive? Surely one as illustrious as your lordship sees the value of having those under you prepared for what comes ahead, rather than expecting them to pay their own way out of personal funds which may be tight for various reasons." [Persuasion 9]
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Bel lights up as Gary makes this suggestion and speaks up again.
"I agree with Gary's idea. I'm not going to assassinate anyone no matter the money you give. I would think a better option would be to bring them into the light as Gary suggests. It's a win-win for all of us."
Bel gives an approving smile at Gary and mouths 'Good Job'.
"Also a stipend ahead of time would be useful. The more prepared we can be the better off the mission is as a whole." [Persuasion 19]
(Bel has a much better Persuasion than Gary does, so if we're working together to tackle this it would be best if Bel got the roll rather than using Gary's.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Darion glanced at Bel before speaking up. "I must say that I, too, agree with the idea of bringing forth these ne'er-do-wells. You are the baron of this land after all, aren't you?" He smiled at the man, somewhat coldy, even. "And of course, a stipend for expenses would be most desireable. I personally do not require anything of the sort, but I would prefer that something of equal value be included in my share of the reward. Money is acceptable."
"FINE. If you won't do it, then I'll get Sigmund to hire some other lackeys like you lot. Now go do what you want, you are DISMISSED. And by no reason should you step into this city - or I'll get you for sure. By disobeying my orders, you are now to pack up and leave this city by next dawn. This is my word, and my word is LAW around here, and no one - not even the president, can make me change."
"I... but..." Gary glances towards Bel walking away. "I apologize for offending you, my lord, it was certainly not my intent. I can see that you have a particular way in mind of handling this, and it is not mine to question as to why. I will be gone ere dawn, as you command. I wish you and whomever works with you luck in dealing with this cult."
Gary follows Bel out of town, thinking to himself all the while.
That was an unusual outburst, I certainly was not expecting it. I believe the baron isn't letting on all there is to know about this cult, and by us asking questions it puts his plans in danger. It would be dangerous I think if I investigated it more here, he may have me arrested and hung for questioning him, or send assassins after me, as apparently that is modus operandi for him. The most likely scenario is that this association with the Yuan Ti is a fabrication to make this cult seem bad, but that has not been proven or disproven yet so I should still tread carefully in any dealings with them. Plus, there are the disappearances, which may or may not be tied to the cult. It could also be a cover-up by the baron and his men, as well; a means of removing those who question things too closely from discovering the truth. In any event, staying here seems to no longer be a good idea, although I dearly would like to learn more. Perhaps we can come up with a plan out of earshot of the baron's men to figure out what to do next, as if the baron is indeed corrupt then in the name of Progress I must expose him.
Gary waits with Bel to see who else might be coming along. Once they are out of town, Gary says "Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that to happen. I thought we were being reasonable, was it something I said? My head priest always said I'm far too blunt. Will you be heading off then? If anything, I think it makes more sense to trek to another town or city together before splitting off, strength in numbers and all that."
"But this was going to be the adventure that allowed me to go back home."
Socarin jogs after Gary and Bel. Once out of the city he says, "I never did like city people they are always in a hurry and angry. With such cumfy beds I am surprised they are always so angry."
A smile beams across Sacorins face as he hears Gary suggest they should stick together. "So are we still going to find the missing people? Now that we don't have to assassinate all those people we could help the families of the missing."
Darion was similarly taken aback. "I'll take my leave, then," he said shortly, before exiting the room. He accompanied the group outside of town.
"I say, he was quite a nasty fellow, wasn't he? I don't like the feeling he left in my stomach," Darion declared as he rendevous with the rest of the party. He listened to Socarin, Bel, and Gary all voice their input before speaking up. "We have until the next dawn. If we could gather information on the missing via their families, we can regroup at a designated location tomorrow. If we want, we can split into groups. I'd be more than happy to accompany our fine bard here," he said, gesturing at Bel. "But that is of little consequence. The main issue would be that the Baron declares absolute authority over this town, and ignores the collective ruler. That is treason in of itself, if I recall correctly. So something foul must be afoot." Darion's right hand drummed the hilt of his rapier absentmindedly. "If I may be quite honest, I do enjoy your company. Even if I may have gotten off on the wrong foot with some of you."
"Though it may seems smarter to just leave, I don't think i could live with myself knowing we just left the people who were kidnapped to... whatever fate the cult in town may have for them, should there actually be a cult that is."
After letting the others speak, Bel with a determined looks says, "Seems like you two agree with me." Gesturing at Socarin and Darion, faltering a bit at the latter.
Then looking at Gary, "If you wish to leave that's your decision, but i think we can help people here. This town doesn't really feel right, and who knows what will happen if we leave."
Gary makes sure that the group is out of earshot of anyone else, and then mutters in a low voice "I didn't wish to presume any course of action upon any of you, that is all. I feel that there is something amiss about this baron, and I intend to find out what it is. That said, attempting to gather information in town is a dangerous move with us already on his bad side; who knows what he'll do if he finds us snooping around after being asked to leave. I think finding the missing people would be a good way to gather information outside of the town without raising suspicion with the baron. He seems disinterested in having them located, due to indicating they were less important than sending out assassins to this cult, so I believe there may be something worth finding there. Whatever our course of action, we should plan our moves carefully, lest we end up between a rock and a hard place with the baron and cult both trying to do us harm."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mjoll's Insight 9
Mjoll is not concerned by the Baron's tone and manner, but she does now consider him frightfully rude. How dare he refer to her as a Lackey.
My lord, if that is truly what you wish then obviously we will comply. But I fear that you are making a terrible mistake. If my colleagues with their rough manners have caused insult, pray accept my apologies on their behalf. We will leave, but you may have no blocked us from providing any assistance with this or any further matters, as to exile or bar entry to folk is definitely in your remit, as it would disable those folk from returning after a successful venture.
Mjoll departs using the proper etiquette for addressing Landed Baron.
Once outside, she talks with the others
I must say he was rather easy to unsettle. I most definitely agree that we need to tread carefully here
Mjoll to her surprise had a very enjoyable evening with her companions. Still it was only appropriate that she retired to her bed early.
Awakening early and breaking her fast. She joins her companions and headed to meet the Baron.
A very good morning to you my Lord
"Okay, we have this transport available today, but we have a multitude of targets. One is a (suspected) pureblood who is planning a meeting with a cult member in a backalley tavern in the bad side of town. Another is a prominent cult leader who has a base hidden under an unreliable brothel. The final target is a temple in the jungle where the cultists, posing as explorers, are going to meet, and they are likely to come armed. If you can take out a single target per day, we should be able to defeat this serpent cult quite efficiently, but if you tarry, they will grow stronger - and who says they are not going to come under the service of an awakened anathema?"
Just an average metalhead who plays DnD in his spare time.
PbP Character: Roberta Thalan, Void Beyond the Stars Otherside
PbP Character: Primus Eidolon, Eotha 2
PbP Character: Usmor Illiqai, Tomb of Corrosion
PbP Character: "Templar" Danver, You're the Villains
Homebrew stuff
(bel's performance only)
The crowd goes wild and they hurl money and other trinkets towards Bel. She gains 59 gp.
Just an average metalhead who plays DnD in his spare time.
PbP Character: Roberta Thalan, Void Beyond the Stars Otherside
PbP Character: Primus Eidolon, Eotha 2
PbP Character: Usmor Illiqai, Tomb of Corrosion
PbP Character: "Templar" Danver, You're the Villains
Homebrew stuff
Socarin looks around at the rest of the group.
"So you are not wanting us to find the missing people as such, you want us to assainate some people that you are claiming are part of a cult. I am not much for the business of city people but wouldn't there be an army of people you could use to get this done?"
"Why make a call for an inexperienced group of... " looks to every one else with a wave of his hand " ... us? "
Bel looking worried nods her head in agreement with Socarin. "Yeah.. uh... I don't do assassination. It's one thing to ask us to help you bring in some people for trial, and another to ask us to have a hitlist."
"Go then, there are other worlds than these." -Stephen King, The Gunslinger
PbP Character // Void Beyond the Stars: Otherside- Yvertal, Aasimar Ranger "The winds take me where they must."
PbP Character // Primordial Depths- Bel Vardicas, Elf Bard "I hope my music can help others smile"
PbP Character // Eoatha- Salthes, Yuan-Ti Pureblood Wizard "I will sssoon learn all the ssecrets of magic!"
"You're right. I have better supplies at my disposal for taking out such people. But there is one thing that is absolutely urgent - the jungle exploration. The "explorers" are leaving tomorrow and there is no time to waste gathering heroes and the militia or the army to take them out. I have you all here, and I promise - once you find out what is going on and take suitable action - you can go and look for missing people. I give you my royal word."
Just an average metalhead who plays DnD in his spare time.
PbP Character: Roberta Thalan, Void Beyond the Stars Otherside
PbP Character: Primus Eidolon, Eotha 2
PbP Character: Usmor Illiqai, Tomb of Corrosion
PbP Character: "Templar" Danver, You're the Villains
Homebrew stuff
Darion spent most of the night in the bar, sipping wine. (10 GP). He very much enjoyed Bel's performance, going so far as to cry, "Bravo!" and applaud loudly once she finished her second run. As the tavern emptied, Darion retired upstairs, paying 6 GP for a large room, tossing an extra piece to the owner. As soon as he was in his room alone, he took a deep breath, and began meditating over his Ring of Spell Storing that he had on him. He muttered an incantation, made a variety of gestures, and targetted the ring. Nothing visibly occured, but Darion was aware that his ring now held a 1st Level Magic Missile spell. Exhausted from the process, he fell face-first onto his bed until morning came.
Darion ate a light breakfast, eager to begin his adventure. He spotted Bel and Socarin leaving the tavern, and took that as his cue to leave.
He gathered with the group before the Baron, and listened to what he had to say.
"Well, let us waste no time. Sigmund," the baron pauses to motion towards a well-built, tough looking man, "will oversee your trip to intercept these cultists. Capture or kill them if you must, but do not let them summon the power of the Yuan Ti. If needed, Sigmund will intervene, but I would rather you finish it without having to call him in. Once you're done, Gunther will take you back and then you can investigate about the disappearances." As the baron finishes, he speaks something to Sigmund in a foreign language and Sigmund turns to the group. "Okay, briefing. Yes?" He has a very thick accent, and sometimes enunciates e a bit more then he should, and pronounces his w as a v. "I will get you people tough horse, and change horse for shoes in Korromar, yes? We then move for temple on side road, and carry big rope, big weapon, but light pack. Okay? We go now." Sigmund turns towards the door and dissapears down the hallway towards the stables.
Just an average metalhead who plays DnD in his spare time.
PbP Character: Roberta Thalan, Void Beyond the Stars Otherside
PbP Character: Primus Eidolon, Eotha 2
PbP Character: Usmor Illiqai, Tomb of Corrosion
PbP Character: "Templar" Danver, You're the Villains
Homebrew stuff
(I know a ton of languages, is the one the baron spoke to Sigmund anything I recognize? If it's not one I know, Investigation 19 to try and deduce what the language being spoken was from the general flow of the language and what sorts of sounds it makes)
"A few questions before we depart, if your lordship wouldn't mind." Gary speaks, "Surely a cult with associations to the Yuan Ti would not be overly popular. Attempting to assassinate their leaders may paint them as martyrs and drive even more people to their cause. It may be best to expose them instead, get them into the public's eye to make it more difficult for them to operate. You could put up wanted posters of the leaders, and have them lawfully executed once captured and put on trial, should they have been deemed to be doing illegal activities. We have the law on our side, it makes no sense to me to skirt around it when we could bring its full force to bear on these cultists instead, excepting exigent circumstances."
"In any event, the journey to intercept the so-called explorers in the jungle seems that it may take a long time. May I request a stipend in advance to cover any travel expenses and equipment necessary to carry out our directive? Surely one as illustrious as your lordship sees the value of having those under you prepared for what comes ahead, rather than expecting them to pay their own way out of personal funds which may be tight for various reasons." [Persuasion 9]
Bel lights up as Gary makes this suggestion and speaks up again.
"I agree with Gary's idea. I'm not going to assassinate anyone no matter the money you give. I would think a better option would be to bring them into the light as Gary suggests. It's a win-win for all of us."
Bel gives an approving smile at Gary and mouths 'Good Job'.
"Also a stipend ahead of time would be useful. The more prepared we can be the better off the mission is as a whole." [Persuasion 19]
"Go then, there are other worlds than these." -Stephen King, The Gunslinger
PbP Character // Void Beyond the Stars: Otherside- Yvertal, Aasimar Ranger "The winds take me where they must."
PbP Character // Primordial Depths- Bel Vardicas, Elf Bard "I hope my music can help others smile"
PbP Character // Eoatha- Salthes, Yuan-Ti Pureblood Wizard "I will sssoon learn all the ssecrets of magic!"
(Bel has a much better Persuasion than Gary does, so if we're working together to tackle this it would be best if Bel got the roll rather than using Gary's.)
Darion glanced at Bel before speaking up. "I must say that I, too, agree with the idea of bringing forth these ne'er-do-wells. You are the baron of this land after all, aren't you?" He smiled at the man, somewhat coldy, even. "And of course, a stipend for expenses would be most desireable. I personally do not require anything of the sort, but I would prefer that something of equal value be included in my share of the reward. Money is acceptable."
[Persuasion: 30 ]
"FINE. If you won't do it, then I'll get Sigmund to hire some other lackeys like you lot. Now go do what you want, you are DISMISSED. And by no reason should you step into this city - or I'll get you for sure. By disobeying my orders, you are now to pack up and leave this city by next dawn. This is my word, and my word is LAW around here, and no one - not even the president, can make me change."
Just an average metalhead who plays DnD in his spare time.
PbP Character: Roberta Thalan, Void Beyond the Stars Otherside
PbP Character: Primus Eidolon, Eotha 2
PbP Character: Usmor Illiqai, Tomb of Corrosion
PbP Character: "Templar" Danver, You're the Villains
Homebrew stuff
Bel, taken aback by the sudden hostile tone of the baron, seems to get worked up a bit then takes a deep breath,
"I'm sorry, but this wasn't what I was expecting. I don't want to cause any trouble so I guess I'll just leave then. Sorry to disappoint."
She takes a respectful bow then begins walking out of town. Once outside of town a bit, she waits for any of the others that also reject his offer.
"Go then, there are other worlds than these." -Stephen King, The Gunslinger
PbP Character // Void Beyond the Stars: Otherside- Yvertal, Aasimar Ranger "The winds take me where they must."
PbP Character // Primordial Depths- Bel Vardicas, Elf Bard "I hope my music can help others smile"
PbP Character // Eoatha- Salthes, Yuan-Ti Pureblood Wizard "I will sssoon learn all the ssecrets of magic!"
"I... but..." Gary glances towards Bel walking away. "I apologize for offending you, my lord, it was certainly not my intent. I can see that you have a particular way in mind of handling this, and it is not mine to question as to why. I will be gone ere dawn, as you command. I wish you and whomever works with you luck in dealing with this cult."
Gary follows Bel out of town, thinking to himself all the while.
That was an unusual outburst, I certainly was not expecting it. I believe the baron isn't letting on all there is to know about this cult, and by us asking questions it puts his plans in danger. It would be dangerous I think if I investigated it more here, he may have me arrested and hung for questioning him, or send assassins after me, as apparently that is modus operandi for him. The most likely scenario is that this association with the Yuan Ti is a fabrication to make this cult seem bad, but that has not been proven or disproven yet so I should still tread carefully in any dealings with them. Plus, there are the disappearances, which may or may not be tied to the cult. It could also be a cover-up by the baron and his men, as well; a means of removing those who question things too closely from discovering the truth. In any event, staying here seems to no longer be a good idea, although I dearly would like to learn more. Perhaps we can come up with a plan out of earshot of the baron's men to figure out what to do next, as if the baron is indeed corrupt then in the name of Progress I must expose him.
Gary waits with Bel to see who else might be coming along. Once they are out of town, Gary says "Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that to happen. I thought we were being reasonable, was it something I said? My head priest always said I'm far too blunt. Will you be heading off then? If anything, I think it makes more sense to trek to another town or city together before splitting off, strength in numbers and all that."
"But this was going to be the adventure that allowed me to go back home."
Socarin jogs after Gary and Bel. Once out of the city he says, "I never did like city people they are always in a hurry and angry. With such cumfy beds I am surprised they are always so angry."
A smile beams across Sacorins face as he hears Gary suggest they should stick together. "So are we still going to find the missing people? Now that we don't have to assassinate all those people we could help the families of the missing."
Darion was similarly taken aback. "I'll take my leave, then," he said shortly, before exiting the room. He accompanied the group outside of town.
"I say, he was quite a nasty fellow, wasn't he? I don't like the feeling he left in my stomach," Darion declared as he rendevous with the rest of the party. He listened to Socarin, Bel, and Gary all voice their input before speaking up. "We have until the next dawn. If we could gather information on the missing via their families, we can regroup at a designated location tomorrow. If we want, we can split into groups. I'd be more than happy to accompany our fine bard here," he said, gesturing at Bel. "But that is of little consequence. The main issue would be that the Baron declares absolute authority over this town, and ignores the collective ruler. That is treason in of itself, if I recall correctly. So something foul must be afoot." Darion's right hand drummed the hilt of his rapier absentmindedly. "If I may be quite honest, I do enjoy your company. Even if I may have gotten off on the wrong foot with some of you."
"Though it may seems smarter to just leave, I don't think i could live with myself knowing we just left the people who were kidnapped to... whatever fate the cult in town may have for them, should there actually be a cult that is."
After letting the others speak, Bel with a determined looks says, "Seems like you two agree with me." Gesturing at Socarin and Darion, faltering a bit at the latter.
Then looking at Gary, "If you wish to leave that's your decision, but i think we can help people here. This town doesn't really feel right, and who knows what will happen if we leave."
"Go then, there are other worlds than these." -Stephen King, The Gunslinger
PbP Character // Void Beyond the Stars: Otherside- Yvertal, Aasimar Ranger "The winds take me where they must."
PbP Character // Primordial Depths- Bel Vardicas, Elf Bard "I hope my music can help others smile"
PbP Character // Eoatha- Salthes, Yuan-Ti Pureblood Wizard "I will sssoon learn all the ssecrets of magic!"
Gary makes sure that the group is out of earshot of anyone else, and then mutters in a low voice "I didn't wish to presume any course of action upon any of you, that is all. I feel that there is something amiss about this baron, and I intend to find out what it is. That said, attempting to gather information in town is a dangerous move with us already on his bad side; who knows what he'll do if he finds us snooping around after being asked to leave. I think finding the missing people would be a good way to gather information outside of the town without raising suspicion with the baron. He seems disinterested in having them located, due to indicating they were less important than sending out assassins to this cult, so I believe there may be something worth finding there. Whatever our course of action, we should plan our moves carefully, lest we end up between a rock and a hard place with the baron and cult both trying to do us harm."
Mjoll's Insight 9
Mjoll is not concerned by the Baron's tone and manner, but she does now consider him frightfully rude. How dare he refer to her as a Lackey.
My lord, if that is truly what you wish then obviously we will comply. But I fear that you are making a terrible mistake. If my colleagues with their rough manners have caused insult, pray accept my apologies on their behalf. We will leave, but you may have no blocked us from providing any assistance with this or any further matters, as to exile or bar entry to folk is definitely in your remit, as it would disable those folk from returning after a successful venture.
Mjoll departs using the proper etiquette for addressing Landed Baron.
Once outside, she talks with the others
I must say he was rather easy to unsettle. I most definitely agree that we need to tread carefully here