Outside the Rat-Infested Bakery:
"It is fine, good lady, curiosity shouldn't be suppressed." Akos smiles and with a moments throughts silvery scales of his armor pull back revealing his robes and clearing his face. He bends down, picks up the boy and walks toward the gathered citizens.
"I'll just be a moment, Tuck."
Studying the group, he shifts the boy to his left and strikes the staff hard on the cobblestones. He starts the sing-song tale of trained orator. But even he was surprised how well it turned out, like the story itself wanted to be told.
"Listen, good people of Bluffside, and remember The tale of the Old City Killer and its captors. Yes, ITS, because it was no man, but a monster. Killing for 'his art' if you can believe such a tale. In yesterdays fog the group of adventurers led by brave Elite warrior Sir Custodio Vecchi and including such persons as paladin of Purifier, Sir Breva, a foreign lord of great stature, Sir Tymbeck Valencia, great pair of trackers and myself tracked the killer to almost catch him in the act. Confronting the monster, the group spread out to not allow it to slip away in the fog. In the calls in the murk, the monster was all but invisible, but his ego was his downfall. It congratulated itself on its last killing, but it let slip enough details that I recognized the place. Thus, the group fought, mighty swings of warriors failing to catch the elusive killer. Until such time the only one who was not affected by the fog, namely great nose of legendary Mutt who can smell what you ate three days ago located it. With Tuck holding it in place the worthies of three places on Kulan and further away converged and finally subdued it.
While all that back and forth was happening, I was running like mad through the fog and after many encounters you and I would find comical if I was not racing Death itself I found its last victim. I recognized the peril, the boy was not only cut, but poisoned too. He was doomed. But the knowledge is power. And Titania herself blessed the boy, I found the berries I needed on the very building he was dying in. With death's shadow already cast over him, the boy was brought back to life, but the poison was just delayed and the Death stalked him still.
Thus, the killer was brought to Regulars outpost and brave Captain of the outpost risked his and their outposts guard lives in containing the killer until morning. In the dead of the night, the heroes raced death to the only place that could cure the affliction in the short time remaining. The alchemist Spindle had just the right potion to save the boys life. And you can see the boy in the morning, right at this moment there.
Thus ended the story of the Old City Killer and the blessed stable boy. Remember the nose of Mutt, great tracking of Tuck, mighty swings of Sir Valencia, righteous anger of Sir Breva and great leadership of Sir Vecchi. Remember also the blessings of Titania whose summer palace opened its gates to save the boy in the stable with my hands as the conduit and blessings of The Great Teacher that gave us a way to remember those that came before us.
Remember, the killer wasn't killed, he will be tried. Thus the cart of civilization goes on on the wheels of justice. Go now, good people, with the blessing of the Summer Queen, talk to the stable boy. Make business with the alchemist and remember."
He gives the boy to his mother and says quietly to her as the group disperses.
"I am a priest, a loremaster from Cloister of Brigias and representative of the Fey Court here in the city. Please, call me Loremaster Akos or just Akos if you can. The Mister part seems...too distant to my life. Adrian, keep the wonder alive, the world is beautiful place and needs to be explored. But don't be stupid about it. You don't experience anything if you're maimed or dead. Listen to your mom. She knows things you are only now discovering."
OOC: phew, it became longer than I anticipated
Performance (Oratory):
1D20+3 = [20]+3 = 23
Diplomacy: 1D20+24 = [3]+24 = 27
The initial crowd of onlookers aren't sure what to expect when Ákos strikes his staff on the ground, but once he starts speaking, the bulk of the citizens stop what their doing and listen to the Loremaster's tale. There is some recognition of the names of Ákos companions, especially Big Tim's since he's quite noticeable walking through the streets of Old City.
A murmur of shock goes through them once he reveals that the Old City Killer is a monster but then sighs of relief when Ákos mentions the Regulars taking charge of the 'villain'. When he mentions Tuck and Mutt, many eyes go to the two packmates inspecting the underside of the bakery. A couple of curious youngsters watch the kobold urban ranger intently as Ákos continues his tale.
There are a few tears when Ákos mentions the boy but then gasps of joy once he gets to the part where he mentions Spindle. More people gather around the Loremaster and even a passing patrol of Bluffside Regulars stops to hear the end of the tale. Soon there are more than 50 people gathered around Ákos listening in rapt attention.
Once Akos finishes his oratory, the crowd claps and cheers and good wishes and coins are donated to Ákos for him or his cloister. A local seller of fine meats and cheese offers him a bundle of food to share with the other Heroes of Old City.
The boy, Adrian, nods in assent to Ákos advice and his mother thanks him and introduces herself. "Loremaster Ákos, thank you for taking the time to tell us that ale. It was quite wondrous. I am Miss Elvire of the Rabinger Family. We are a small family of merchants. While we don't deal in gear for adventuring, we do make fine plates and other household goods. I'm sure my husband would be willing to offer you a good deal, if you ever need a house furnished."
"What is Sir Tuck doing?" Adrian asks Ákos, noting the kobold's interest in the bakery.
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OOC:
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Akos earns 19 silver coins for his performance. It was a great performance and the story will spread throughout Old City.
Gained silver coins for Akos Perform (Oratory) check: 3D10 = [4, 10, 4] = 18
+1=19
One little nitpick, however... you put Custodio in your story (who wasn't with the PCs fighting in the fog) and excluded the Sectarian Guard, Viccenzo. (Scott DeWar's PC; I've been running him as an NPC since SD's Real Life is very busy right now.) Mentioning Custodio will give him an increase in reputation like the other characters but if it comes that he wasn't with them, it could make Custodio infamous not famous. Heh.
Also, I'm giving you a 500 XP ad hoc bonus for Ákos tale! (You can split it with JustinCase's PC, if you wish.)
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”What is it, boy?” Tuck says to Mutt softly when the dog seems to have found something.
Mutt continues to growl at something under the crawlspace and Tuck can hear something hissing back at the big dog. Glancing into the opening, Tuck immediately sees half-a-dozen red eyes staring back at him. Rats, definitely rats! And they are really big rats!
The biggest one is almost as big as Mutt. It hisses at Tuck with anger in its eyes. These are not the same rats as before and Mutt continues to growl at them, but is hesitant to do anything else. The big dog could get under the bakery but he doesn't seem to want to challenge the rats.
When the crowd claps and cheers for the Loremaster's story, Tuck notes that the biggest rat's attention shifts to the noise, not with fright, but with curiosity. It seems to converse with the other rats and then the entire mischief of rats dashes to the other end of the crawlspace and disappears down a large hole in the ground.
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OOC:
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You can try to roll a Knowledge check to determine the nature of the rats. While Tuck can tell the rats are not normal animals, he isn't sure if what he's seeing are wererats or something else. Ákos might know if Tuck describes them to the Loremaster. The DC is 5 higher than normal since Tuck didn't see them clearly, so DC 15 for easy, DC 20 for basic, DC 25 to 35 for really tough knowledge. One of these PCs would need at least a 20 to figure out anything useful about the 'not rats'.
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JustinCase said:
The kobold listens a bit to Akos’ story while pondering where the baker could be. He checks the sign on the door, including the other side, then tries to remember if either Walther or Albina have family in the same street.
If he cannot think of anything, Tuck waits until Akos has finished his grand tale before taking one of the listeners aside to ask for the bakers whereabouts.
Tuck remembers that the last time he helped the couple, they took refuge with a friend that live nearly two blocks away. An old sailor who lives alone except for her trained falcon. He remembers that her name is Helisabeth. That's probably where they have gone or the old sailor might know where they are staying.
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Red Arch Guard Post:
Breva lacking the art for words of Akos, merely calls the blessing of The Purifier on the woman and promises her that her son will have justice and that this killer will bring no more tears to the good families of the city. "Now please, step back all and let us take this fiend to the lawful punishment he deserves."
"Thank you, Sir Breva. Thank you," she says. "I will say a prayer of thanks to the Purifier tonight and every night this week before going to sleep."
A few in the crowd step back but not all stop their questions...
Tim half-way bows, and says, "Yes, we're certain. The killer is a shape-changing creature, which is why he has been so difficult to catch. When we tried to turn him over to the New City Regulars, he changed into the form of an old woman, screaming that we were madmen, and hurting "her," in an attempt to turn the guardsmen against us. That little charade ended when I clocked the deceitful cur with Rizvan here, knocking him cold." Tim raises Rizvan slightly, to show that it is the name of his shield. "This creature is far more deadly than his frail form would suggest; he is cunning, wise, and horribly cruel. Therefore, clear the way for us, do not provide him with an opportunity to escape into the crowd and blend in."
The gathered citizens listen to Big Tim's story with some... hesitation. There enough nods of acceptance among the shaking of heads to put most of them at ease. The crowd parts for Breva, Big Tim, and Vinccenzo. There are a couple of naysayers, but they throw their hands up and walk away, not satisfied with the explanation.
"Do not worry," the Sectarian Guard adds.
"We are taking him to Lord Commander Oakfirst. He will face justice for his crimes."
You enter the Red Arch guard post to find that most of the guards are deep in conversation about Mani. The guard named Mariana remains outside to watch the door and the citizens disperse. She closes the door behind you and all the guard's heads turn toward you. The guard captain who spoke outside is definitely in charge of the others. There is no sign of the guard sergeant from last night.
"Thank the gods you're back!" Wymond says. He is one of the guard from the previous night. "That damn thing downstairs has been driving us crazy all night. It won't stop talking and keeps trying to trick us."
"Easy, Wymond, it is secure," another one of the guards says. This one is also from the previous night but you never got his name. He speaks to the guard captain you don't know. "Captain Adalind, tell him."
"As long as what you've told me is the truth, then I don't think we have to worry," she replies.
"Aye, tis secure and has been all night," Odhran says. "I swear it."
"Where is Sergeant Lichefield?" Vinccenzo asks.
"I sent that drunken bastard home," the captain says. "I am Captain Adalind." She offers her hand in friendship. "I am sorry I wasn't here last night to greet you and that you had to deal with Sampson. The first night I take off in two months to be with my family and he drinks half the night away. If it hadn't been for Odhran and the others, it could have gone very badly after you left."
"He didn't seem drunk last night, just belligerent," Vinccenzo ponders.
"That's how he gets when he's drunk out of his mind," she says shaking her head. "If he wasn't the first son and heir of of the Lichefield Family, I'd have replaced him years ago. I've tried to get him reassigned to another post a dozen times but the paperwork keeps getting, lost."
"Aye, the sergeant has friends in high places," Odhran says.
"Who is watching the doppelganger?"
"Théodore, my third in command. He was stationed on the wall last night, so I doubt you met him." Captain Adalind looks at Odhran and he shakes his head. "That's what I thought." She runs her fingers through her black hair. "The other with him is Jaquan. He says he met you last night, but he didn't get to introduce himself before you headed off on another task."
"Aye, you mentioned somethin' about saving one of the killer's victims, right?"
"We did. The boy is okay."
"That's good to hear," Captain Adalind says. She sighs. "Let's get that thing out of here." She leads Vinccenzo and Odhran downstairs to take charge of Mani. The passage down is too small for Tim. He can hear the doppelganger whine and complain from the top of the stairs, however.
"Well, well, look at you! All prettied up!"
"Shut up!"
The doppelganger seems less ragged than the night before when Breva and Tim sees him. Vinccenzo notes the look on Tim's face and hands over the shapechanger to the large man's steady grip.
Tellerian Hawke said:
Despite the fact that Mani is bound in ropes and chains, Tim nevertheless tightens his grip on the creature.
"Ow! Not so tight!" Mani complains.
"By the gods, it never shuts up!" Wymond moans.
"I'll paint your face some day, young one," Mani hisses. The doppelganger laughs, which sounds like a donkey braying.
"Do you need any help?" Captain Adalind asks. "I can send Odhran or one of the others with you."
"I think we can manage, but if you're offering, Odhran or Mariana could come with us. We know them more than you and the others." He pauses.
"No offense."
"None taken," she replies. "I can spare Mariana, as her shift is almost over." She looks at Odhran quizzically. "You okay to go with them?"
He sighs then nods his head. "Aye, I'll help take the bastard to the Lord Commander."
Mani giggles like a quacking duck being strangled but grows silent when Tim's grip tightens even more.
You lead the doppelganger out of the guard post and Mariana looks relieved to see the creature leave. Then the guard captain orders her to go with you to see the Lord Commander and she becomes tense once more. "After that, go home and get some rest. You've earned it."
Mariana nods and follows the three heroes and Odhran down the steps and out into the streets of Old City. Mani doesn't hide his form as you traverse the district. He hisses low at any onlookers that get close enough to see his visage. Most of the citizens stay away and any children on the street are taken inside. A small group of old men shout curses at the shapechanger and one of them throws a piece of rotted fruit that barely misses the doppelganger's head and deflects off Tim's shield.
"None of that!" Vinccenzo orders.
The old men grumble but back away.
Halfway through the district, the streets become quiet and semi-deserted. News has spread of the Old City Killer being taken to The Palace and the bulk of the people have chosen to only watch from shuttered windows or half-open doorways. A patrol of eight Bluffside guards appears at the end of the next street and marches down it towards you. They are dressed in the uniforms of the Bluffside Elite, carry shields, and have their weapons drawn. Once close enough, their sergeant steps forward and introduces himself. He wields a vicous looking saber in his left hand.
"I am Edmund Arrentyne of Bluffside Elite. News has reached The Palace that you have caught the Old City Killer. I have been ordered by The Five to personally escort the prisoner to the district's barracks. You are free to come with us, but it might be better for you to leave this matter to us. I understand you have other responsibilities to attend to."
Mani hisses at the man.
"Captain Adalind didn't mention anything about you coming to meet us," Vinccenzo notes. He looks at the Regulars.
"Odhran, Mariana, did she say anything to you?"
"No," Mariana says. "And it wouldn't be something she'd leave out."
"She did not know," the sergeant says. "Frankly, this is above the pay grade of
Regulars. You two should go back to your post and leave this to your betters."
"They are with us and Mani is our prisoner until Lord Commander Oakfirst says otherwise," the Sectarian Guard insists.
The sergeant looks at Vinccenzo with disdain and then sighs and shakes his head. "It seems these louts need to be taught a lesson. We're not being paid enough to play this charade any longer." He looks at Mani in Tim's grip. "Don't kill the creature. Phelix wants it for experimentation, after he finds out what it knows."
"Loyalists?" Vinccenzo steps back looking at Tim.
"Please, those fools can barely swing a sword," the 'false' sergeant laughs. "My real name is Castañon de Durgos! We are the Rising Swords and you are doomed!"
"Castañon, what about the other two and the dog?" One of the Swords asks his leader.
"We will find and deal with them later. Now kill these fools and anyone who helps them!" He shouts loud enough for anyone in the buildings to hear.
Mani laughs manically and bobs his head up and down.
"Yes, paint each other to death!"
OOC: Roll initiative!
