Kulan: Knightfall's Crisis in Bluffside Game [IC]
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
"Agreed. If Mr. Aceron can tell us something about Waldo's plans or these damnable thieves & assassins, then banishment could be the best choice for his punishment," Custodio says. "Of course, it will depend on the level of his guilt." The Vanquisher cleric pauses. "There is also the issue of his family. While the Acerons aren't a major merchant or noble family, they do have some influence in Old City. If he is banished, Lord Aceron might object. I don't know very much about their family, so I'm not sure how angry Lord Aceron might become if Nathaniel is ostracized."
"I wouldn't worry about that too much," Carter suggests. "It's more important to get to the truth and stop the renegade's plans." The halfling butler goes over to check on Lavia who is still sleeping. She seems completely exhausted and has barely stirred.
"Is she okay?" Custodio askings the man.
"She is fine. Just tired and a bit overwhelmed. The attack on Oakfirst's old manor really scared her. She's not a warrior, and she was in shock for a while. She's been unable to rest since it happened." He talks in hushed tones. "It's good to see her more serene now." He motions for one of the Lanterns to take her out of the room. "Find a place for her to continue to remain at rest."
The Lantern nods and picks up the halfling woman in a bundle of blankets and carries her out of the room and down the hall.
Sylemis nods in assent.Neurotic said:
"We will go ahead to sseek the well," Sylemis says before he and Gerey leave. "If you come after uss, finding it could be easier."Neurotic said:
Florrie returns to the room and whispers something to Falen. He nods in thanks.
"I can set the Lanterns on this Aceron person," Florrie offers. "We will take him into custody and bring him here. We can do it quickly and quietly."
"And the last time we split up -- while I was with Breva and Tim -- the Loyalists and their allies tried to ambush us," Custodio adds. "Plus, they came after Mani while you were divided."
Florrie nods. "We'll keep them here, for now."Neurotic said:
"I'd say go with Gerey and Sylemis before they leave," Carter suggests. "Take them to the edge of the thicket and then decide from there."Neurotic said:
"While I trust Vinny," Custodio says. "I don't know how much I trust the leaders of the wizard guild. They did send some of their people into the enclave, after all. Maybe they went in to try to kill Waldo and his followers or maybe they're trying to negotiate a peace. I hope they aren't working with the renegade, but there isn't any way to know for sure without asking them."Neurotic said:
"I vote for the Black Cat," Custodio replies. "Tim?"Neurotic said:
The large fighter nods in agreement.
OOC: T.H. just messaged me through Facebook that he chooses the Black Cat.
"I agree," Vinny says.
"As I said, escort Gerey and Sylemis to the edge of the thicket and then if you feel you must divide and conquer, so be it. But be very careful. The Loyalists seem to be everywhere," Carter says.
"And there is The Dusk," Falen says. "Let's start with the Black Cat and then go to check this magical well out afterwards." Falen seems intrigued by the well.
Custodio looks at Akos. "If you want to go with Gerey and Sylemis to look for the well while we confront Mr. Aceron, I'm not going to try to stop you. But if we split up, then we better be sure on a plan."
You all head out of the room towards the back of the manor. Gerey is there wiith Sylemis and two Dark Lanterns. Gerey has put on some fine leather armor and is carrying a slim shortblade while the dragori druid simply wears his normal clothes. He holds his staff with both hands and he's added a pouch for his spell components. He is in good spirits.
Gerey leads them into the kitchen and then down some sort steps into a large pantry. The Lanterns move a short table away from the northern wall as the Warden of Stormgrove Manor pulls a single stone out of the wall and then reaches in to twist something. The wall shifts back and then slides to the east.
"So, is the way into your secret passages?" Custodio asks.
"No, this is just a quick escape tunnel. The way into the Lantern Depths is hidden elsewhere in the manor. As I said, it is not for non-Lanterns. It is much too dangerous without dozens of Lanterns guiding the way. This will get out of Stormgrove without anyone watching being able to see us leave."
Gerey leads the ways with one of the Lanterns who lights the way with a dancing lights spell. The other Lantern takes up the rear alongside Custodio. She carries a lit torch and pauses just inside the entrance to the passageway to watch as Florrie closes the secret door behind you. The passageway down is 20 feet of steps before coming to a tight corridor that runs under the grounds of the manor. Tim finds the tight corridor to be a pain. He is forced to stoop and struggle through the passageway with only a few places where he can stand and stretch. This goes on for several minutes until the group ascends a spiral staircase into a small house.
The house is obviously a Dark Lantern safehouse. The group finds itself escorted out of a back door, which leads into a narrow alleyway next to an orphanage known as Daybreak House. Gerey lets Tuck and the other Exemplars lead the way out of the alleyway past a tall tower. Eventually you reach the Green Gateway, which stands open but is guards by several Bluffside Elites. Custodio and Vinny go ahead to have the guards let you through quickly and quietly.
Morning has ended and many are now heading back to work after having a midday meal. On the other side of the gate, you find that the South Ward is bustle of activity. Merchants are hawking their wares on the streets and several eateries are doing brisk business. However, the mood is still subdued. The citizens are keeping to the main streets unless they have to go to a specific shop or their home. The people of Old City are on edge. When a food cart tips over, several young waifs jump at the noise and take shelter in a nearby shop until they are sure it is safe to come out. Others move to help the food vendor while the Elites at the gate move into investigate what happened. It turns out be nothing... just an old wheel giving out.
Gerey and Sylemis turn west towards Spindle's Apothecary, which sits near the eastern edge of the Jade Thicket. The two Lanterns go with them down the side street alongside the tangled trees and shrubs of the old thicket. Creeping vines stretch up the stones of the inner wall next to the thicket, but they are cut away near the top. The four of them quickly disappear into the greenery.
Tuck knows the way the Black Cat Tavern. You are soon at a medium-sized building with three floors. The double doors leading into the tavern stand open and the common room is quiet large, full of patrons, and several minstrels playing. The Exemplars are hardly noticed until Big Tim enters the tavern. A few eyes stray towards him, but the tavern doesn't grow silent. Some seem to know who you are and a few glasses are raised in salute. Everyone is enjoying a bounty of food and drink and the staff works hard to keep everyone happy.
A very tall and very attractive rakasta woman is making the rounds among the patrons. She is impeccable dressed and her fur is pitch black except for several white splotches on her face and neck. She wears a pristine white eyepatch embroidered with gold thread over her left eye. Silver earrings pierce her tall catlike ear and are connected by a silver chain. Her fingers are adorned with rings of various sorts and when she smiles, you can see that several of her sharp teeth are capped in adamantine.
Maiya Raviron, the owner of the Black Cat Tavern.
She manages to weave her way through the crowd to you, gracefully. She stands nearly as tall at Big Tim with her eyes being just under the big man's chin. She lets out a quick whistle and the staff clear a large table near the front of the tavern. She leads you to the table and chairs are found for everyone. She even brings out a large chair for Tim.
"You are such a pretty puppy," she coos to Mutt. She rubs his cheeks and pats the big dog on the head, unworried by the dog's size.
She waits until you are all seated. She sits on the edge of tall stool next to the table and whistles again. The minstrels switch to more serene song and the noise in the tavern hushes. A young half-elf with a songbird voice begins singing a breathtaking ballad and all eyes shift to her.
"Young Nathaniel Aceron is over there at the end of the bar," Maiya says in a low wispy voice so you can hear her clearly but no one else can. "He's a bit waterlogged, but I've been feeding him some free food to keep him from floating away."
At the end of the bar is Mr. Aceron. He is dressed in the clothes of a well-to-do aristocrat with too much coin and very little sense of style. He is obviously drunk but he isn't so besotted that he can't turn to watch the waifish half-elven woman sing. He is transfixed by her and forgets his drink and food while she sings. He does have the bearings of a warrior and there is a sword on his hip. If he's wearing any armor, it is under his clothes.
"I hope you will be diplomatic with him," Maiya insists firmly. "No fighting in my tavern. No exceptions." Her long tail twists around her body as she glances at each of you. "Now, what would you like. We have a wide variety of dishes and spirits," she says a bit louder.
Scotley
Hero
Cats and dogs getting along so well. When will this city stop shocking me with new wonders. Breva ponders. He is momentarily detracted by the young half-elf, but it quickly brings himself back to business. "We are not here to pick a fight. We really just need a little information. If there is violence it will not be our doing. I must say the fellow looks rather more expensively dressed than I would have expected. Has he said aught of his troubles to anyone?"
JustinCase
the magical equivalent to the number zero
Tuck nods at Maiya gratefully as he orders a simple weak ale and just a bit of chicken for him and Mutt.
"He's fierce," the kobold warns her of his dog companion, "But he knows how to behave indoors."
Mutt is loving the affection he receives from the tavernkeeper, and he keeps pushing his nose under her hand to keep her from stopping. His tail wags dangerously close to a few drinks on a nearby table, and as the patrons there seem too preoccupied with the singing half-elf, Tuck moves Mutt away from that table with his whole body.
"Good to finally meet you, Maiyra," he greets, welcoming the opportunity to make a new contact.
"He's fierce," the kobold warns her of his dog companion, "But he knows how to behave indoors."
Mutt is loving the affection he receives from the tavernkeeper, and he keeps pushing his nose under her hand to keep her from stopping. His tail wags dangerously close to a few drinks on a nearby table, and as the patrons there seem too preoccupied with the singing half-elf, Tuck moves Mutt away from that table with his whole body.
"Good to finally meet you, Maiyra," he greets, welcoming the opportunity to make a new contact.
ScottDeWar_jr
second birthdate : 15 Dec 2011
"Huh? oh, no fights. Right" Vinny is paying attention to the minstrel vocalist until the mention of food and drink.
"Uh, red wine and some stew and a chunk of bread, please"
"Uh, red wine and some stew and a chunk of bread, please"
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Maiya looks towards the young nobleman. "Melchior, that's my barman, told me that Mr. Aceron had been headed out of the district to the countryside where his family has a substantial estate in the pastoral lands north of the city. He told Mel something about not feeling safe in his family's manor home here in Old City. When he arrived here, he was wearing his uniform a heavy rucksack and carrying another large bag filled with clothes. I doubt he was planning to come back to Old City."
The rakasta woman motions for one her servers to come over to the table. She then crouches down next to Breva and makes it look like she is whispering in his ear, but she speaks just loud enough for all of you to hear. "He changed out of his uniform and has been trying to blend in with the crowd each night. The first night he was here he didn't leave his room, but I guess boredom got the best of him. He's been drinking to excess each night since."
"How long has he been here?" Custodio asks.
"He's been here since the first night you started looking for him and Mr. Suggitt. I believe it was the same night you caught that doppelganger. Nathaniel tried to get through the South Gate, but word had gotten out that he was considered to be idle from his position in the Gardens, and he was told to report to the barracks for disciplinary action. He came here instead."
"And no one from the Regulars came for him?"
"I don't think they know he's here. And now the city is in crisis, and they don't seem to have time for a lowly guard that has left his post. He's not the only Regular who has chosen to neglect his duties or simply desert instead of facing the renegade's Loyalists or these damn assassins that have invaded the city."
"The Dusk," Falen notes.
"Yes, but lets not spread that name around too much," Maiya insists as she stands up straight and pats Breva on the shoulder. "While we know that's what they are called, the general populace doesn't know all the details off these assassins' origins. They are infamous in the southern lands and the last thing we need is more panic."
Falen nods.
"I can set aside one of the private rooms upstairs for you and pretend to lure him up there with the promise of some discreet services he's been asking for over and over. I keep telling him that the Black Cat is not that sort of place, but he thinks his coin should be able to buy him anything he desires." She shakes her head is disgust. "What people get up to on their own time is their own business, but I cannot stand places like the Black Boudoir in the Theater Ward."
She muses for a moment. "No, I'll simply say you want to buy him a drink. I don't think he would recognize his own mother in his current state. That will get him to your table instead, but if you find him unwilling to talk, try to get him out of my tavern."
"Ooh, I think he's just a big fluffy puppy," she coos at the dog again. "Aren't you? Yes, yes you are just lovely and adorable, just like your friend here." Maiya plops down her chin on the top of Tuck's head. It sounds like she's purring. She keeps petting the big dog while talking to Breva and Tuck. Then she pulls hand away quickly, makes a purring sound, then gives the big dog a big hug. She is soon laughing as Mutt knocks her down and begins licking her face. "Ooh, you're so adorable."
Mutt knocks over the drinks at the nearby table but no one complains. Everyone is looking at Maiya playfully tussling with
Mutt and is causes considerable mirth and entertainment. Mutt barks happily.
"Now, now," Maiya pouts. "No barking, please."
Mutt whines but relents. Soon Maiya is sitting next to Tuck and rubbing Mutt's chin again. The dog is happier than Tuck has seen him in months. He has taken a shine to the rakasta tavernkeeper.
The male server quickly replaces the spilled drink. He brings a basket of sweetmeats and a jug of bitter beer and enough flagons for each member of the Exemplars.
"It's good to meet you, Mr. Tuck. Gerey has told quite a bit about your exploits." She turns to each of the Exemplars. "All of your exploits. I must say I'm very impressed."
The half-elven singer begins to sing a lively tune and all eyes go back to her.
"Right away, sir," the sever replies. He heads off to the kitchen to fill Vinny's order, as well as the rest of table's requests. While he is away, Maiya heads towards Mr. Aceron and is soon whispering in his ear. Mutt moves to follow her until the rakasta gentle insists he 'stay'. Maiya points to the your table and the young nobleman glances in your direction and raises a toast. He looks toasted.
"Hmm, I don't know how much he's going to be able to tell us," Custodio ponders. "He looks like he can't stand u..."
Before the Vanquisher cleric can finish his sentence, Nathaniel Aceron manages, somehow, to find his way from the bar to the table. A chair quickly appears for him from one of the staff. He lands on the chair with a thump and smiles at each of you.
"Th...anks for th...e dr...ink," he is barely able to get the words out. He looks on the table. He takes the mug from in front of Falen and pours himself a mug of beer.
When Vinny's order comes, the young noble takes a piece of bread off the Sectarian's plate and stuffs it into his mouth. He glugs down the bread with his beer and near sputters it out onto the table. "Yuck, th...at's terrible w- wine."
"That's because it's beer," Falen says with more than a hint of annoyance. He looks at Custodio and shakes his head. "This guy? Really?"
"You never know," Custodio replies as he watches Mr. Aceron wolf down most of the sweetmeats. "He might know something about, well, you-know-who."
The sever seems to sense that more food will be required, so he brings bread for everyone and several bottles of red wine for the table.
"On the house."
Maiya goes back to taking care of her customers, but she keeps one eye on your table. Mutt whines at the loss of attention from a new friend. He moves to the young nobleman and sniffs the man. The big dog reels back from the smell of alcohol and heads back to Tuck. The sever brings a large shank of meat for the dog and puts it down in a large bowl.
"Maiya says not to worry about payment, for now," the sever says with a bow. "You are honored guests for the next few hours. As honored guests, it is customary to be generous with your fellow patrons. The more generous you are, the smaller your bill will be... overall." He heads off to server other customers.
"Th...at sexy rakasta lady sssays you want to ask me some- <hic> thing," Nathaniel says. He is packing away the food and then he looks at Big Tim. He pauses his destruction of a turkey leg to shake his head and then blink his eyes. Then he takes another swig of beer. "Do I know you?" He asks Tim while point the turkey leg at the big half-ogre knight. "You seem... <burp> familiar."
JustinCase
the magical equivalent to the number zero
"Enough wine will make everyone look familiar," Tuck says smoothly as he raises his own weak ale in greeting. The kobold smiles but quickly looks away; the reptilian features can make a smile unnerving to some people.
Thanking the staff for thinking of Mutt, the urban ranger looks at Akos expectantly. Tuck may be good with words, but nobody else but the Loremaster can so artfully speak and sway people, and he is not about to stand in Akos' way.
Thanking the staff for thinking of Mutt, the urban ranger looks at Akos expectantly. Tuck may be good with words, but nobody else but the Loremaster can so artfully speak and sway people, and he is not about to stand in Akos' way.
Neurotic
I plan on living forever. Or die trying.
"As we should, master Aceron. As we should." Akos opens up by smiling and leaning in toward the man in a friendly, conspirative manner
"Each of us is known in his own area, you might have seen me at the docks, preaching...heard about foreign knights of great stature..." he motions toward Breva and Tim "...or problem solver for the citizens and his great, fierce companion." shows Tuck and
, yes, yes, I know, I' terrible)"The question we have is very important and may expedite your leaving and make it much safer. I suggest you tell us what you know about the events at Bluffside Garden and whatever you know about renegade and his activities and in return, we will escort you where you want to go within the city."
|
Tellerian Hawke
Defender of Oerth
Tim watches with interest; he can sense that Akos is up to something, but he doesn't know what; he rules out spell use, because he sees no movement of the fingers, nor does he notice even a whispered incantation. But knowing that Akos' intentions are always for the benefit of the party, Tim says nothing, and gives no outward sign that he is even watching. He pretends to be getting bored and allows his eyes to narrow slightly, as he stares into his half-empty mug of beer.
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Nathaniel lets out a little laugh and raises his mug to the kobold. A bit of bread spittles into his mug and he shrugs and drinks the beer down. He refills his mug with some of the wine and then downs it in one gulf. "Ah, that's better."
He smiles and nods. "That is very true... still," he says uncertainly. Then he notes Akos looking at him.
"I'm sure you're famous enough," the young besotted guard replies. He glances back towards Tim. "You, you I'm sure I've met before. When and where..." he ponders. "Ah! It will come to me," he raises his empty mug to Tim. He goes to drink it and the laughs once he's realized his mistake. "Oops! One should never toast a man with an empty glass. He refills it, stands, and manages to bow to Tim with some grace. "I salute you, foreign knight." He turns to Breva." You too.""As we should, master Aceron. As we should." Akos opens up by smiling and leaning in toward the man in a friendly, conspirative manner
"Each of us is known in his own area, you might have seen me at the docks, preaching...heard about foreign knights of great stature..." he motions toward Breva and Tim "...or problem solver for the citizens and his great, fierce companion." shows Tuck andMuckMutt (
Then he plops back down into his chair and scoops up another mouthful of food. He looks at Tuck and gives the kobold the once over. "Hmm, a problem solver. If only you could solve my problem... no. Ha! Never mind. Not something to discuss with new friends!"
He refills his mug again and looks loving at the wine swirling in it. "Thank you again, for this."
Mr. Aceron listens to Akos' suggestion, but he shrugs off Akos' easily. He blinks and looks at Akos more carefully. If he's aware that the Loremaster has tried to supernaturally influence him, he doesn't show it. Could he not be as drunk as he seems?Neurotic said:"The question we have is very important and may expedite your leaving and make it much safer. I suggest you tell us what you know about the events at Bluffside Garden and whatever you know about renegade and his activities and in return, we will escort you where you want to go within the city."
OOC: concentration while Aceron approaches, readying suggestion for the moment of speaking, I assume the spell cannot be detected as such since the effect is never intrusive? And Akos casts it as supernatural - no visible casting
If this sounds reasonable to him, it may add -1 or -2 circumstance penalty
Also, round for everyone!
He shakes his head. "I'm not supposed to talk about my work in the Gardens with just anyone. I do have my position in the Regulars to consider. I'm not sure why your asking about the renegade. I've never met the man or have any knowledge of where he is hiding. If I had, I would be honor bound to tell my superiors, wouldn't I?"
He raises one eyebrow and smiles slyly at Akos. "Now, if you could provide me with an incentive to risk the wrath of my commanders, I might be able to tell you something about others among the Regulars who might be in his employ. It could be very dangerous for me to do otherwise. If you can get me out of Old City, I would be very grateful and can name those who are guilty of much more than I."
"You should have turned in these traitors," Custodio says angrily. The Vanquisher cleric looks like he wants to throttle the young man. "It is your duty."
"Duty doesn't pay for my vices," Nathaniel replies with an oily grin. "And my father has cut my allowance back to the bare minimum. I have a certain standing to live up to even if he can't see it. That old codger!"
"How did you every make it into the Regulars?" Custodio asks rhetorically. He shakes his head in disgust.
"Please, this is Old City, not New City or the Military District." Nathaniel laughs and shakes his head. "The nobles here in Old City insist on military service for their heirs and The Five are more than happy to have their palms greased to let in runts and scapegraces into the guard in order to appease the oldest families. And they're paying for it now, aren't they?"
Mr. Aceron keeps one eye on Tim, but he doesn't seem aware that the half-ogre knight is listening to him keenly. Instead, he turns in his chair to watch the singer as she begins to sing a haunting love ballad that enraptures the entire audience. There is soon a tear on Nathaniel's cheek.
"Isn't she amazing," he sighs. "So young and yet so talented."
He cradles his mug of wine in his hands on his lap, but he keeps one eye on Falen sitting next to him.
Falen whispers to Custodio. "He's not that drunk, it seems."
The Elite guard looks towards Akos and tilts his head and shifts his eyes in a way to say to the Loremaster. 'Try again.'
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