perrinmiller
Adventurer
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NOW LIVE! Into the Woods--new character species, eerie monsters, and haunting villains to populate the woodlands of your D&D games.
[LPF] Escort Service
- Thread starter Systole
- Start date
Systole
First Post
Cythera pitches her voice so that the merchant cannot hear, causing the dame to giggle. She swats Cythera on the arm playfully. "These things happen at my parties, dear. There's no excitement without a hint of danger, wouldn't you say?"
A middle-aged nobleman joins the small cluster of people. "Signor Franco! I've been looking for you. How is your business doing?"
"Quite all right ... quite all right, Umberto. Is it true you're getting back into shipping? I must say, I regret that you got out of it. I've been contracting with the Uffitze brothers, and their whole organization is nothing short of incompetent, frankly. They're less than eighty percent on-time. My customers are starting to complain."
"Dreary business conversations? Really!" Emi says, taking mock offense. "And before you've even introduced yourself. Cythera, Benevolent: this gentleman is Umberto Gabbiano, head of house Gabbiano."
"A pleasure," he says, bowing low.
[sblock=ooc]Another Sense Motive check, 14 this time.
[sblock=Success]Gabbiano would like to speak with you privately.
[sblock=Success by 5 or more]Gabbiano is trying very hard to keep this information from Emi.[/sblock][/sblock][/sblock]
.. Emiliana Forenicci ..... Benevolent Seeker ..... Signor Franco ........ Umberto Gabbiano ..
.
A middle-aged nobleman joins the small cluster of people. "Signor Franco! I've been looking for you. How is your business doing?"
"Quite all right ... quite all right, Umberto. Is it true you're getting back into shipping? I must say, I regret that you got out of it. I've been contracting with the Uffitze brothers, and their whole organization is nothing short of incompetent, frankly. They're less than eighty percent on-time. My customers are starting to complain."
"Dreary business conversations? Really!" Emi says, taking mock offense. "And before you've even introduced yourself. Cythera, Benevolent: this gentleman is Umberto Gabbiano, head of house Gabbiano."
"A pleasure," he says, bowing low.
[sblock=ooc]Another Sense Motive check, 14 this time.
[sblock=Success]Gabbiano would like to speak with you privately.
[sblock=Success by 5 or more]Gabbiano is trying very hard to keep this information from Emi.[/sblock][/sblock][/sblock]
.. Emiliana Forenicci ..... Benevolent Seeker ..... Signor Franco ........ Umberto Gabbiano ..
.
perrinmiller
Adventurer
Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple
Cythera smiles in response to Emi, "Well, I am trained in the Dance."
Having caught an indication that this nobleman wants to speak with her privately, she returns his greeting with an arched eyebrow in curiosity. Returning his bow with a brief bow of her own, "Good evening, Lord Gabbianno."
Not realizing that he is hiding his desire for a private conversation from Dame Forenicci, Cythera stands expectantly taking a sip from her chilled wine glass. She gives Ben a nudge to catch his attention so he doesn't wander off on her.
Sense Motive (1d20+6=16)
[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop
Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining
Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________
Cythera e'Kiernan
Cythera smiles in response to Emi, "Well, I am trained in the Dance."
Having caught an indication that this nobleman wants to speak with her privately, she returns his greeting with an arched eyebrow in curiosity. Returning his bow with a brief bow of her own, "Good evening, Lord Gabbianno."
Not realizing that he is hiding his desire for a private conversation from Dame Forenicci, Cythera stands expectantly taking a sip from her chilled wine glass. She gives Ben a nudge to catch his attention so he doesn't wander off on her.
Sense Motive (1d20+6=16)
[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop
Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining
Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________
Systole
First Post
The conversation continues briefly and without any particularly exciting content. Franco and Gabbiano agree to meet to talk business later and depart, and Emi the social butterfly flits off to attend to other guests. After a minute or two, Cythera will notice Lord Gabbiano unobtrusively duck outside, to the veranda.
.. Benevolent Seeker .. Umberto Gabbiano ..
.
.. Benevolent Seeker .. Umberto Gabbiano ..
.
perrinmiller
Adventurer
Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple
With the Lord Gabbianno heading towards the veranda without speaking what's really on his mind, Cythera mentions to Ben out the side of her mouth in a low tone, "Ben, let us adjourn to the veranda, I believe the head of House Gannianno wishes a private word."
With Ben accompanying alongside, the bronze dragon disciple has her hands clasped behind her back as she casually follows after the nobleman. Standing outside among the stars, she looks upwards and remarks, "Pleasant evening isn't it, milord."
She stands looking out at the view, being nonchalant about Umberto's desire to speak privately with them.
[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop
Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining
Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________
Cythera e'Kiernan
With the Lord Gabbianno heading towards the veranda without speaking what's really on his mind, Cythera mentions to Ben out the side of her mouth in a low tone, "Ben, let us adjourn to the veranda, I believe the head of House Gannianno wishes a private word."
With Ben accompanying alongside, the bronze dragon disciple has her hands clasped behind her back as she casually follows after the nobleman. Standing outside among the stars, she looks upwards and remarks, "Pleasant evening isn't it, milord."
She stands looking out at the view, being nonchalant about Umberto's desire to speak privately with them.
[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop
Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining
Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________
Systole
First Post
Lord Gabbiano looks around furtively. “Good evening, my lady and sir. I apologize for the cloak-and-dagger routine, but…”
He rubs the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry. You’re coming into the middle of a great deal of history, and I’m not sure how much time we – or at least I – have to discuss it. I wished to meet you alone because I hope to make you an offer, and I have no doubt you’ll want an explanation and some time to consider it. Unfortunately, Dame Forenicci likes to … accelerate events, shall we say. If she saw us talking privately, she’d be hurrying to whisper in the wrong ears at this very moment.
“Let me start with the explanation before I get to the offer. House Boraga and House Gabbiano have a history, and it is not a friendly or pleasant one. Some time ago, House Gabbiano fell on hard times, largely due to the … appetites of my late brother. We’ve recently begun to recover. Naturally, House Boraga would rather we didn’t.
“Dame Forenicci knows that I need to re-establish contact with the merchants of Venza, so she invited me to tonight’s party. Of course, her help is always a two-edged sword: she’s invited two of the younger Boragas as well. You’ve met Cicci; Abbandando is lurking around here somewhere as well. Both of them are looking to be named the next heir, and a good way to impress the Dame Boraga would be to bring misfortune on House Gabbiano, either by embarrassment or by injury.
“Which brings us to Dame Forenicci’s grand plan for a memorable party. The nobles have come because they know there will be entertainment. The merchants have come because the nobles will be here. I’ve come because because the merchants will be here. The Boragas have come to embarrass me, at the very least. Dame Forenicci has contracted with the Lower Guild for the evening’s security, because the Whitecloaks tend to put a stop to duels, and she’s even managed to get Enza Furros here in the bargain. And the entertainment? That will be some sort of very public and memorable altercation between Houses Gabbiano and Boraga.
“It’s a trap, you understand, but for the good of my house, I had no choice but to walk into it.”
Ben nods. “I am in a similar position, sir. But go on.”
“Truly? Then I wonder which of us she intended to be the main event. But this brings me to my offer: I saw your exchange with Cicci earlier, and it seems there was little love lost between you. Left to her own devices, she’s likely to find some pretext to challenge me to a duel.” He looks down at his waistline. While not as overweight as Signor Franco, Lord Gabbiano is middle-aged and more than a little out of shape. “I fear it will end badly for me. If there were any way to turn the tables, either on Cicci or on Abbandando, who I assure you is no better than his sister … I would be in your debt.”
.. Benevolent Seeker .. Umberto Gabbiano ..
.
He rubs the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry. You’re coming into the middle of a great deal of history, and I’m not sure how much time we – or at least I – have to discuss it. I wished to meet you alone because I hope to make you an offer, and I have no doubt you’ll want an explanation and some time to consider it. Unfortunately, Dame Forenicci likes to … accelerate events, shall we say. If she saw us talking privately, she’d be hurrying to whisper in the wrong ears at this very moment.
“Let me start with the explanation before I get to the offer. House Boraga and House Gabbiano have a history, and it is not a friendly or pleasant one. Some time ago, House Gabbiano fell on hard times, largely due to the … appetites of my late brother. We’ve recently begun to recover. Naturally, House Boraga would rather we didn’t.
“Dame Forenicci knows that I need to re-establish contact with the merchants of Venza, so she invited me to tonight’s party. Of course, her help is always a two-edged sword: she’s invited two of the younger Boragas as well. You’ve met Cicci; Abbandando is lurking around here somewhere as well. Both of them are looking to be named the next heir, and a good way to impress the Dame Boraga would be to bring misfortune on House Gabbiano, either by embarrassment or by injury.
“Which brings us to Dame Forenicci’s grand plan for a memorable party. The nobles have come because they know there will be entertainment. The merchants have come because the nobles will be here. I’ve come because because the merchants will be here. The Boragas have come to embarrass me, at the very least. Dame Forenicci has contracted with the Lower Guild for the evening’s security, because the Whitecloaks tend to put a stop to duels, and she’s even managed to get Enza Furros here in the bargain. And the entertainment? That will be some sort of very public and memorable altercation between Houses Gabbiano and Boraga.
“It’s a trap, you understand, but for the good of my house, I had no choice but to walk into it.”
Ben nods. “I am in a similar position, sir. But go on.”
“Truly? Then I wonder which of us she intended to be the main event. But this brings me to my offer: I saw your exchange with Cicci earlier, and it seems there was little love lost between you. Left to her own devices, she’s likely to find some pretext to challenge me to a duel.” He looks down at his waistline. While not as overweight as Signor Franco, Lord Gabbiano is middle-aged and more than a little out of shape. “I fear it will end badly for me. If there were any way to turn the tables, either on Cicci or on Abbandando, who I assure you is no better than his sister … I would be in your debt.”
.. Benevolent Seeker .. Umberto Gabbiano ..
.
perrinmiller
Adventurer
Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple
Having met Cicci, Cythera has a look of distaste on her face when Umberto talks about her.
"Sir, that little bitch is not a true warrior. I am a battle dancer and not a duelist. A fact even her wee intelligence picked up on, methinks."
"While she may wish to pick a fight with you, I have no doubt she would try to do so for her own sick amusement, she would not be able to do so should she be beaten in another dance beforehand."
"However, I already dissuaded her from taking a try at Ben, it would hardly appear fitting for me to pick a fight with her now."
Taking a glance at her employer, she continues, "How bad do you wish out of this situation? If I were to intervene, Ben would have to approve."
"Since I am not a duelist, I do have a few questions."
"If she were to challenge you, would you be able to defer to your own champion instead? Second, as the one being challenged, do you get to choose the dueling conditions and weapons?"
"I wear this little sticker, but given a choice, I would prefer to Dance with my sword or without weapons at all." At the mention of no weapons, she gives Ben a conspiratorial wink as he has already seen the work with her claws.
"Though if you wish to deal with the brother, I will need to know more about him."
[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop
Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining
Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________
Cythera e'Kiernan
Having met Cicci, Cythera has a look of distaste on her face when Umberto talks about her.
"Sir, that little bitch is not a true warrior. I am a battle dancer and not a duelist. A fact even her wee intelligence picked up on, methinks."
"While she may wish to pick a fight with you, I have no doubt she would try to do so for her own sick amusement, she would not be able to do so should she be beaten in another dance beforehand."
"However, I already dissuaded her from taking a try at Ben, it would hardly appear fitting for me to pick a fight with her now."
Taking a glance at her employer, she continues, "How bad do you wish out of this situation? If I were to intervene, Ben would have to approve."
"Since I am not a duelist, I do have a few questions."
"If she were to challenge you, would you be able to defer to your own champion instead? Second, as the one being challenged, do you get to choose the dueling conditions and weapons?"
"I wear this little sticker, but given a choice, I would prefer to Dance with my sword or without weapons at all." At the mention of no weapons, she gives Ben a conspiratorial wink as he has already seen the work with her claws.
"Though if you wish to deal with the brother, I will need to know more about him."
[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop
Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining
Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________
Systole
First Post
Ben frowns. "With all due respect, Lord Gabbiano, you're asking us to fight your battle when we have a battle of our own." He considers this, and with a glance to Cythera he says, "Although this is war, of a sort, and we of Serroth are mercenaries. And if we -- or I suppose I should say you -- are successful, the attention might help our cause. There is risk, but it might be rewarded."
He turns back to Gabbiano and shrugs. "I'll have to leave the decision to Cythera."
Lord Gabbiano nods. "I understand, but I hope you agree," he says to Cythera. "Regarding Cicci, if she challenges me directly, I would most likely be able to select a champion. The code of conduct with respect to duels is complex and unwritten, but as long as I am not clearly the aggressor, there are any number of ways to defer to a proxy without loss of face. But changes of weapon are frowned upon, usually. Duelists use rapiers.
"Abbandando ... Abbandando paints himself as the perfect gentleman -- a poet, a dancer, a connoisseur of wine, women, and song . He can be charming as long as he's getting what he wants." He shakes his head with a look of disgust. "Underneath, he's vile. If even a third of rumors are true, he's worse than his sister."
Lord Gabbiano looks apologetic. "I realize I'm asking you to makes some rather vicious enemies."
.. Benevolent Seeker .. Umberto Gabbiano ..
.
He turns back to Gabbiano and shrugs. "I'll have to leave the decision to Cythera."
Lord Gabbiano nods. "I understand, but I hope you agree," he says to Cythera. "Regarding Cicci, if she challenges me directly, I would most likely be able to select a champion. The code of conduct with respect to duels is complex and unwritten, but as long as I am not clearly the aggressor, there are any number of ways to defer to a proxy without loss of face. But changes of weapon are frowned upon, usually. Duelists use rapiers.
"Abbandando ... Abbandando paints himself as the perfect gentleman -- a poet, a dancer, a connoisseur of wine, women, and song . He can be charming as long as he's getting what he wants." He shakes his head with a look of disgust. "Underneath, he's vile. If even a third of rumors are true, he's worse than his sister."
Lord Gabbiano looks apologetic. "I realize I'm asking you to makes some rather vicious enemies."
.. Benevolent Seeker .. Umberto Gabbiano ..
.
Last edited:
perrinmiller
Adventurer
Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple
Cythera nods in understanding at Ben's reluctance.
"Enemies in this city are not something I would enjoy collecting. I am a Dancer and care not for fencing and playing games with swordplay."
"Ben, take my rapier, please. We will return it to my other gear. Seeing as my dueling weapon is my sword, if we end up tangling with this woman, I want her to have no mistake which weapon I will use."
"If she wants to dance with me, it will be under my terms."
She unbuckles the rapier from her waist and hands it to Ben to wear until they put it with her other weapons.
With a sly smile, she continues, "Now, I do have another idea. If the siblings are squabbling about being the heir apparent. Then perhaps befriending Abbandando will give me the approval to eliminate his rival."
"But sir, I am not a charity. I was hired to protect Ben from harm. If Cicci were to come after him, I would deal with her. However, I have no such arrangement with you..." The bronze dragon disciple settles in to begin the haggling and bargaining of an agreement.
Diplomacy (1d20+6=25) - To negotiate
[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop
Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining
Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________
Cythera e'Kiernan
Cythera nods in understanding at Ben's reluctance.
"Enemies in this city are not something I would enjoy collecting. I am a Dancer and care not for fencing and playing games with swordplay."
"Ben, take my rapier, please. We will return it to my other gear. Seeing as my dueling weapon is my sword, if we end up tangling with this woman, I want her to have no mistake which weapon I will use."
"If she wants to dance with me, it will be under my terms."
She unbuckles the rapier from her waist and hands it to Ben to wear until they put it with her other weapons.
With a sly smile, she continues, "Now, I do have another idea. If the siblings are squabbling about being the heir apparent. Then perhaps befriending Abbandando will give me the approval to eliminate his rival."
"But sir, I am not a charity. I was hired to protect Ben from harm. If Cicci were to come after him, I would deal with her. However, I have no such arrangement with you..." The bronze dragon disciple settles in to begin the haggling and bargaining of an agreement.
Diplomacy (1d20+6=25) - To negotiate
[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus (no penalty for 1st PA), Overhand Chop
Current Weapon in Hand: Wine goblet
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 4/5 rounds remaining
Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________
Systole
First Post
Lord Gabbiano pales slightly as Cythera puts away her rapier. "By the gods! I'm not ... I'm not asking for an assassination!" He rubs the bridge of his nose. "I realize that things are rough-and-tumble outside the city, but this is polite company." He pauses, and then adds, "Somewhat polite company, at any rate. There are rules. Or at least the apparance of rules. Perhaps you would be better to approach Abbandando. If you are a dancer as you say, you might find a way to deal with him bloodlessly."
He shakes his head. "You must understand: I will not pay for murder. But if you succeed in embarrassing the Boragas, you would have my gratitude. And I would be happy to present you with this rapier." He motions to the jewelled weapon he's wearing inexpertly on his belt. "I had it made recently, but frankly, I do not like wearing it, and I'd prefer to be rid of the thing."
[sblock=GM]The rapier is a clearly a MWK item, and it's been inlaid with precious gems and metals to increase its value. It would be a reasonable payment.[/sblock]
.. Benevolent Seeker .. Umberto Gabbiano ..
.
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