Thieves' World [d20] Jubal's Hawkmasks

[MummyKitty]

Sanctuary is a seaport, and its name goes back to a time when it provided the only armed haven along an important caravan route. But the long war ended, the caravans abandoned that route for a shorter one, and Sanctuary declined in status—but not in population, because for every honest person who left to pursue a normal life elsewhere, a rogue drifted in to pursue his normal life.

Now, Sanctuary is still appropriately named, but as a haven for the lawless. Most of them, and the worst of them, are concentrated in that section of town known as the Maze, a labyrinth of streets and nameless alleys and no churches….

“Blood Brothers” by Joe Haldeman​

Like many unfortunate men who are down on their luck, or are fleeing some dark past, or with simply no where else to go, you have found yourself in Sanctuary. Or, maybe you were cursed to be born there. You’ve been luckier than most, however, and have even made something of a name for yourself among the city’s population, enough so that your average thug will leave you unmolested, and common people may cross to the other side of the street as you approach. Either because you’ve been careful not to attract too much attention, or you are luckier than you have a right to be, you haven’t yet caught the notice of the city’s different factions—from the many criminal gangs (prime among them Jubal’s organization) to Prince Kadakithis’s guard and watch. You have not pledged your loyalty to any of these rival groups…yet.

Whatever your situation, tonight you have seen fit to relax at The Golden Lion, an inn at the edge of the bazaar frequented by sell swords and the rougher type of traveler. Despite the rough nature of its clientele, the Golden Lion is comparatively upscale and clean. The food is substantial if of only passable quality and features mutton and vegetables. Such accommodations are welcome to the tired traveler, and caravan masters often reward their drivers after a long trek with room and board at the Golden Lion.

This evening, the Golden Lion is not crowded as no caravans have recently arrived in Sanctuary. Judging from the message board where notices are posted seeking caravan guards, bodyguards and other “men of skill”, it will be some days before another arrives or departs. The relative quiet suits you just fine.

In addition to the typical long wooden bar, well-worn by countless patrons, there are four sturdy tables with stools in the tavern’s main room. The main chamber (about 20’ x 20’) is lit by a large fireplace and a couple of lanterns, in the night it is gloomy with plenty of shadows, which is just the way most patrons like it. In a nook off the main room is a more private table which has a curtain that can be drawn for privacy. A large tip is expected of those who would use this table. The floor of the main chamber is covered by a finely woven rug, intricately crafted of wool with many mysterious symbols on it.

One table is occupied by a group of five men; judging from their dusty apparel, they are caravan guards or drivers. They engage in quiet conversation, occasionally broken by laughter, but they are cautious to not disturb others. Behind the bar, a large woman pours drinks and brings out orders from the kitchen, where the innkeeper does the cooking in a small room behind the bar. In addition to the kitchen door, which swings open and shut as the innkeeper brings out food, there is a stairway going down and another door that is usually kept closed. Another stairway leads to the upper floor where the inn has several rooms for rent.

For your first post, set up your character in The Golden Lion. You have all at least heard of each other by now, though your degree of friendship is up to you. Give some brief background on your character, in particular anything that you would want people to know that you have done recently. If you just want to be a man of mystery, that’s fine too. At the least, describe where your character would be sitting in the tavern, and how he would appear to others. After everyone's initial set-up post, the adventure will begin!

Some Campaign Notes:
[sblock]
Timeline. This game is set in the classic era, also known as the Rankene era. The Rankene Empire is in control of Sanctuary, and the city is governed by Prince Kadikithis, also known as “Kittycat”. He enforces his laws through his soldiery, led by the highly skilled and loyal Hell Hounds.

Since the timeline in the Thieves’ World stories is somewhat fluid, don’t assume that any events in the stories have occurred yet unless you hear it has in the forum. We’re basically around the beginning of the story timeline from the original series, with a few exceptions. You’ll find out what those exceptions are as the adventure progresses.

One thing you do know—Tempus has not yet arrived at Sanctuary (not that your characters have ever heard of him), and Jubal is the top crime lord in the city. His Hawkmasks can generally act on his commands, enforcing his illicit dealings with impunity.

Glossary:

Bazaar: A large open air market where one can buy anything from food to weapons to livestock to other services. There are permanent buildings lining the wall which surrounds the bazaar (the Golden Lion is one of these), these are used by successful merchants, and a few by S’Danzo fortune tellers. Before dawn each day, sellers arrive and set up their booths and tents, do their business during the day, and retreat to their homes at night. During the day the city guard patrols the area, but with the crowds, pickpockets are a problem and the guard can’t see everything. At night, though the place empties out, some businesses stay open, and other illicit sellers take advantage of booths that are empty to sell their less savory wares. From the bazaar, one can go north through the Common Gate to the Street of Red Lanterns, south to the Caravan ground or the Shambles, and east from there to the Maze.

The Maze: The most infamous neighborhood in Sanctuary, the Maze is run-down and shoddy. The streets and buildings are constantly changing, but not due to any magical effect, the area simply rebuilds over buildings that crumble with age or are destroyed by natural (or unnatural) disasters. Its streets are dark, narrow and cold and the area is desperately poor. The city guards never enter the Maze unless they absolutely have to, and then do so in force only during the day. Desperation of its inhabitants makes them willing to do almost anything for money, either loathsome jobs or even murder. Outsiders are quickly marked, robbed and roughed up as a warning to not enter again.

Prince Kadakithis: The Rankan governor of Sanctuary. He honestly wants to clean up the city, but does not understand the realities of survival there, so he has tried to pass many unpopular laws. Dispite his misguided legal efforts, his law enforcement has resulted in lower crime in the nicer areas of the city, but areas like the Maze are still as lawless as ever. In addition to his standing city guard, he also has a handful of regular Rankan Legionnaires at his disposal, as well as his elite guard who lead all of his forces, the fiercely loyal Hell Hounds.

Hawkmasks: Hawkmasks work for Sanctuary’s crime lord, Jubal. They are mercenaries and all wear blue leather hawkmasks. Hawkmasks are known as excellent fighters though they rarely have to prove it. Opposing the Hawkmasks means opposing Jubal himself. Kill one, and ten more will come to avenge him. People generally avoid them whenever possible, except for the city guard, who often taunt them and try to provoke them to fight. Both sides have generally avoided any open confrontation so far.

NOTE: I believe there is some variability in the descriptions of the Hawkmasks. I'm inclined to think of them as something like wrestler's masks, but not quite as ornate. They might have symbols on them, with some winglike designs, but would be dyed dark blue. Here's a picture of one that I found that might work, only envision it as dark blue and the highlights of slightly lighter blue (but still dark enough to allow Hawkmasks to hide in shadows, etc. The Hawkmasks also typically wear clothes and even armor, of course ):

For more reference on Thieves' World, check out this site:

http://www.thievesworld.info/[/sblock]

 

[D20Dazza]

A heavily cloaked man sits alone at the bar nursing a glass of fermented goats milk, a scimitar hangs heavy at his side, the tight leather hilt is heavily worn, he is obviously a man who knows how to use the weapon. He swats at a fly, his cloak sleeve rolling down to reveal dark, swarthy skin. Those that have lived in Sanctuary for a time would know him as Kahlahd the Hawk, rumours abound about him having sorcerous powers but no one has been willing to confront him on the issue - he has a habit of eviscerating anyone who asks too many questions - a habit that means he is generally left to his own devices.

 

[Rath Lorien]

Carlo

The door to the Golden Lion swings open with a thump, pushed with slightly more force than is strictly necessary. As the occupants of the tavern look up, Carlo steps over the threshold, with slightly more swagger than is strictly necessary. The room quiets as everyone pauses in their various conversations, slightly longer than is strictly necessary. And then, a moment before anyone notices that anything unusual has occurred, heads turn back to drinks and conversations resume.

Carlo does not seem to notice if his entrance causes a stir. His entrance, and any reaction it generates, is as natural to him as death.

Some watch him as he crosses the room, his right hand hooked casually on his belt near the hilt of his rapier. The sudden increase in testosterone level assures that some will take time to assess any possible threat. Carlo carefully and unconsciously ignores the watchers as inconsequential. Through experience he has learned that the dangerous ones don't watch.

Carlo wears his Caronnese heritage like a badge. He is tall and slender with dark hair and dark eyes. His clothes are fine, if a bit worn, though few in the Golden Lion would appreciate the workmanship, expertly made to fit perfectly in form and function. A white linen shirt, unbuttoned slightly lower than is strictly necessary, reveals a gold-colored chain around his neck from which proudly hangs a pendent showing the arc of Ils. A black leather jacket with loose red sleeves and black leather pants ward off the chill night air and accentuate his rakish good looks. No one presents like this in Sanctuary unless they can take care of themselves. His demeanor ensures that any who rise to the challenge are worthy of the trouble.

All of the regulars in the Golden Lion have seen Carlo around. He arrived in Sanctuary, penniless, about two years ago. Many rumors persist, but no one really knows what happened to bring him so far from his home. Carlo is not considered by any stretch to be the best swordsman in town, but the fact that he is still around is silent testament to his tenacity and skill. Until his name got around he was challenged by many. Those that survived have the scars to prove it. Not everyone looses to Carlo in a duel, but no one brags. Carlo takes dueling seriously and those who test themselves by his blade cannot help but be changed somehow by the experience.

He exudes confidence in every move as he moves through the main room of the Golden Lion, never stepping a foot on the rug with the strange symbols. The woman has his drink ready by the time he reaches the bar. He turns his head and favors the heavily-cloaked man at the bar with a side-long look. Carlo speaks in Sanctan with a strong Ilsigi accent and the unmaskable flavor of a noble background, “Someone must have left the door open. Look what the wind blew in.”

 

[D20Dazza]

Kahlahd slowly turns his head and looks the stranger up and down, taking in his fine clothes and carefully manicured appearance "And look what the cat dragged in" the desert nomad drawls in Sanctan "and a fine mess it has left" he turns back to his drink, taking a long hard pull of the sour fermented milk.

 

[Rath Lorien]

Carlo

"At your service", Carlo grins wolfishly and makes a partial bow. ”But Kahlahd, I hope you merely pretend we are unknown to one another. If not you I, than certainly, I you.”

 

[D20Dazza]

"I know you Carlo, or at least of you, your reputation proceeds you" Kahlahd says out the side of his mouth as he signals to the bar tender for another drink "What brings you to the Golden Lion?" he asks of the foppish man "Seems a little too low market for one of your tastes."

 

[Borson]

Serin

A dark clothed man with shoulder length hair and dark eyes sits at one of the tables, situated in a way that he can see the bar and the entrance to the Golden Lion at the same time with a slight movement of his eyes and head. His chair is tipped back and his boots are up on another chair, hands behind his head holding it with his fingers crossed, he is obviously in a relaxed mood. He has a large mug on the table in front of him, and a shabooze sitting next to it, waiting patiently for another mug to be delivered full of the good stuff from behind the bar. He eyes Carlo as he enters the Golden Lion, but not for long.. he looks around the room to watch the reactions of the other patrons as Carlo struts his stuff to try and gather the local "feeling" towards this man.. Do they like him? Do they hate him? Do they even know of him? Being fairly new to Sanctuary himself, Serin is still putting pieces of the puzzle together to learn who is who in this joint. Being far from his home of Mrsevaden has its drawbacks of course, but it seems there are those that find his looks and mannerisms to be very pleasing, especially to those ladies looking for the "new intrigueing young man of the week". Serin chuckles at Kahlahd's remark to Carlo, loud enough to be heard, but not loud enough to be intrusive.

 

[Rath Lorien]

"It is true." Carlo lifts his drink, seriousness replacing joviality. "The Golden Lion is not known for its ale or its women. So I must be here on business."

"...that or the witty banter."

"and you?"

 

[Munin]

Franky Four-Fingers

The sounds of a woman's laughter, followed by the slamming of a door, filter down from the second floor. Moments later, a couple appears at the bottom of the stairs, the man lazily draping his arm across her shoulders as she laughs again at some joke.

The woman, a red-haired firebrand that works nights here at the Golden Lion, is wearing a white dress with a revealing slit. The man sports a clean linen tunic tucked into black trousers. An unbuttoned leather vest matches supple boots, and silver rings bearing the symbols of various gods adorn his fingers.

He stops at the base of the stairs and glances quickly about the main room of the inn. Kahlahd the Hawk, Carlo, and Serin all here on the same night eh? What are the odds of that? The woman giggles as he whispers into her ear and presses a few coins into the palm of her hand. Wrapping herself in a grey woolen cloak, she heads for the door in long, confident strides.

Franky takes the closest seat at the bar. As the bartender sets the usual in front of him, he pulls a leather thong from his vest and empties its contents, a set of dice, into his palm. "Anyone care for a game of dice to pass a quiet night?", he says with a wry smile to no one in particular. This should be interesting.

 

[Rath Lorien]

Carlo

Carlo nods a greeting as Franky steps up. Then he leans his back against the bar and raises his tankard respectfully, appreciating the view as the red-head walks away. "You always did have good taste with the ladies, Franky"

Glancing at the dice, "I prefer games of skill over games of chance. But if you care to dice for the drinks it may save me the trouble of digging out my purse. Kahlahd, you in?"