[Game Thread] The Haunted Bust Job

[ekidnu]

Planning ... Vey Ankhayat Having scouted the entire manor, Wisp returns to the rendezvous point to discuss their next steps. "you can probably hop the fence easy enough, maybe even give those hounds the slip, but then climb in through a trapped window and BOOM!, your heart explodes." The young thief grins while making friendly tsking noises at the alchemist. “Ya make it sound like that’d be a bad thing. There wouldn’t be no challenge otherwise. Right?” She looks off into the distance, then nods to herself. “Right.” "Remember I'm old. Can't climb like you. Plan accordingly." “Ya ain’t foolin’ no one,” Wisp responds encouragingly to the old man, “I seen ya wit’ yer sword. I can barely lift the thing, but ya wave it ‘round like it’s nothin’ at all. Yer arms got at least twice the strength of mine. And I got a rope. Ya’ll be jus’ fine climbin’ in.” She fails to mention how much more weight Cross has to carry over the fence, never mind issues like balance and dexterity. "Appreciate stealing a key. Rather not climb to the top. Heart might explode before I reach the window..." A playful scowl creases her face. “Whaddyall got against explodin’ hearts? Ain’t no one care for ‘em no more? Rider?” For the daring Iruvian, life is at its fullest and richest when her heart feels like it’s about to burst. Still, the plan with the maid is a good one, even if it means depriving her of a jaunt to the roof of Scurlock manor. Nodding in agreement, Wisp leaves the details of the plan to Rider—she’s good at that sort of thing. “Just lemme know what ya want E.g., Wisp could participate in a Group Finesse Action to steal the keyme ta do.” “What’s that?” Abruptly cocking her head to one side, Wisp seems to be talking to no one in particular, but her crew mates know better by now. “Oh, good point. I’ll tell ‘em ‘bout it now.” Her amber eyes refocus upon her companions as her attention shifts from internal to external. “Yesterday, when I was visitin’ my friend Petra, I met this wealthy couple willin’ ta pay fer art from Scurlock’s place … ‘cept she called him Lord Goodrich instead. Anyway, they’d pay well, and not just fer the bust—might be a way to make some extra coin from this job. What a stroke of luck, right? Oh, and here’s his card.” Wisp proffers a small business card for her teammates to inspect. “Have ya heard of him? I think I’ll ask ta meet Helene’s client, ta find out more ‘bout this bust, and see which of ‘em would pay more.” As the Phantoms make their preparations over the next few days, Wisp does indeed pay Helene a visit—How does she do that with her eyebrows?—and anyone and everyone is welcome to joinrequests a meeting with the client, to ask for I haven’t posted any specific questions or conversation with the client because I don’t want to presume too far ahead, but I’d like to know all that the client is willing to share about the bustmore details about the bust and, out of curiosity (and for her friends who need the money more than herself), about the price.

[Effete]

Back at the Rendezvous Wisp's chipper response to Slug's dour warning was a bit disconcerting. Did she not sense that something was terribly wrong here? Or was this just a case of a runaway imagination? Am I jumping at shadows here? Slug thought sullenly. He considered the possibility of a drug-induced paranoia, and tried to recall what he might have taken recently that would produce such an effect when something Cross said broke the line of thought. "Rather not climb to the top. Heart might explode before I reach the window..." Slug arched an eyebrow at the ugly swordsman. Cross looked like he could bust through a concrete wall just to run a mile. Then again, looks can be deceiving. Cross may be as frail as he claims, and this job might just be a simple B&E afterall. Rider was now relaying the rumors she had heard from the locals, and the crew put together a plan for a stealthy entrance. Slug appreciated the idea that the young lord might take a few of those thugs with him when he leaves. Simply walking past the gate put those brutes on edge, so there's no doubt how they would respond to intruders within the fence. "Sounds good," Slug said quickly, already thinking about getting as far from Six Towers as he could. "I guess we'll just meet up at the lair tomorrow or the next day, right?" After saying their farewells, Slug scurried off to find a carriage and returned to Silkshore. It was late morning on the day the crew had agreed to meet again. Slug meandered through the narrow roads and over the high arching bridges that gave The Ease it's unique character. The district was rather dead at this time of day, with the electric lights turned dim and the streets and waterways nearly devoid of the people that would appear in throngs once the brothels and gambling halls opened up again. Of course, this was perfect for Slug, who had now arrived at his destination. With a quick look around to make sure no one was watching, the alchemist returned his attention to the solid brick wall in front of him. It had originally been an arched stairway leading down to a maintenance port for the gondoliers, but the entrance was bricked in years ago. Slug sipped at a bottle, then prepared himself for what he must do next. Staring at the wall, he triggered the mnemonic exercise he used to categorize and organize his every thought and experience. Mentally, he pictured columns upon columns of tall bookshelves, with alphabetized bronze plates on each. He glided like an apparition, turning down one of the rows: Ge-Gi. He scanned the books until he found the one he sought; a fairly new volume called " The GHOST FIELD." Slug reached up and pulled the book from the shelf.The entire exercise took no more than second. The brick wall Slug had been staring at began to fade; the bricks were still visible, but they were ghostly blue and transparent, revealing the stairway that had long ago been obscured. Moving forward, Slug passed through the ethereal wall and descended the stairs. Presently, he stepped out onto a rectangular landing with a nicely enameled railing overlooking a quay. He placed the book back on the shelf. Rust bubbled on the iron railing and enamel flaked off as Slug's senses returned to the real world. The arched stairway behind him was bricked in again, supporting one end of a heavy iron beam that spanned the length of the ceiling. The other Phantoms had already gathered in the lair. "Morning folks," Slug announced himself cheerfully, raising the bottle in a salute. "Hair of the dog." He smirked as they stared at him blankly. "I'm kidding. It's just water with some effervescing salts added. Clears the cobwebs out of the attic. Anyway, I have some news about our haunted bust. Apparently, the model knew old Scurlock, possibly even lived with him for a time. Rumors that they were lovers." Slug rolled his eyes in thought before continuing. "If it really is haunted, people say not to touch it barehanded, or the ghost could cozy up inside you. She wouldn't drift too far from the bust. Probably couldn't leave the room, let alone the house. They say it would take some pretty powerful magic to bind a spirit like that. Any word on when we meet the client?"

OOC

Stats   Special Abilities: Whenever Slug "pushes himself," in addition to the usual benefits, he can produce the effects of the chosen poison or drug. He is immune to the effects of the substance, which is released through the skin or saliva, or can be exhaled as a vapor. With a long-term project, the poison or drug can be changed.Venomous (An exhaled vapor that causes temporary blindnessEyeblind) Insight Prowess Resolve ○/○○○Hunt ○/○○○Finesse ○/○○○ Attune ●/●○○Study ○/○○○Prowl ○/○○○ Command ●/○○○Survey ○/○○○Skirmish ●/○○○ Consort ●/●○○Tinker ●/○○○Wreck ○/○○○ Sway Stress Trauma ●●○○○○○○○ ○○○○

[Homestarbaby]

While not everyone believes that Cross can't manage to enter the attic of the building, the Shadows do seem to agree that Rider's plan is a good one. An invitation is drafted for a noble's ball, one that doesn't have any direct ties to the Shadows or their allies.

When the invitation is sent, Cross spends that day as a beggar on the roadside to get a feel for the place. The next day sees the maid leaving the house, a good sign that the young lord has taken the bait. She kindly gives coins to any beggars along the way, and Cross manages to stall her with gratitude for her generosity while Rider walks by and slips the woman's keyring out of her handbag.

Once she has left, Rider quickly identifies which of the 3 keys is for the house's front door and works to make a wax molding that a copy can be crafted from. The maid, unaware that she has lost the keys to her lord's home, enters the store and emerges an hour later with a new suit that isn't even adjusted for fittings yet.

---

Meanwhile Wisp reaches out to Helene for a direct meeting with the client, a man named Lord Pence. Helene advises the Phantoms that Lord Pence is considered New Money. He doesn't come from noble lines, but he does own land and a sizeable fortune. It seems he's made quite a bit of profit in the Nightmarket district, having his hands in a great deal of trade in that area.

"Might be best not to mention this deal with any of the Reconciled," Helene also advises. "I know you're in good standing with them, and I can't imagine they'd like the idea of selling a bound spirit to a merchant. I'm assuming its gone feral, but still...best be sensitive among friends with coin!"

Slug accompanies Wisp to a meeting with Lord Pence in a private room within the Silver Stag generally reserved for high roller card games. The man has all the airs of a self-important man, except it seems like an act he's trying to hard to put on.

"Well now, hmm. So you're the specialists come recommended to solve my search for rare goods. Yes, please do sit down. Wine should be coming shortly. You have questions, I imagine. Probably not about the pay, or you wouldn't even bother to come. So tell me, what can I tell you?

OOC Since no one made any rolls, I assume we're proceeding in safe mode. I also went with the assumption that Rider is the one picking the maid's pocket while Cross distracted her, since they were the ones that concocted the idea. That leaves Wisp and Slug to meet with the client, again an assumption based on expressed interest in previous posts. Feel free to correct me if any assumptions are wrong, and I will correct my posts! Again, you are all welcome to proceed without rolls if you would like to ask questions or accomplish simple tasks like copying/returning keys. If you want to try and make an NPC more friendly towards you, or perhaps divulge information that they might not actually want to part with, you would have to roll a check for that. I get the impression that we will be moving on to the Engagement roll for the next story post, unless these interactions take longer than anticipated or someone has something else they want to do in preparation for the heist? If so, please mention it in your next post!

[kanly]

The heart is most easily reached through the stomach. As the group began to say their goodbyes, Rider gathered up what few possessions she had brought with her for their information gathering sortie into six towers. Mostly it was just one last bottle of gut-rot whiskey and a few scraps of food she had brought with her since it had been likely to be a long day. She also took a moment to commit the contents of the Odd Couple's calling card to memory before handing it back to Wisp for safe keeping. "Good work, Wisp. I don't know that we should burn any bridges with Helene or her client, but I'm sure that there's probably plenty of other art in the place that might turn a tidy profit with next to no extra effort. We should definitely keep there folks in mind." Then she headed out, making her way through the streets to a nearby Gondolier landing. As she went, Rider picked up a few odds and ends from various venders she had met/heard about during her previous reconnoitering, some roast potatoes here, a few mushrooms there, a little bowl of "Duskvol Curry" at a third and finally a little pot of jellied eels from a cart just off the dock. She knew that poling the gondolas all over town was hungry work and most of the Gondoliers she knew would be all to happy to trade a little info for a chance to eat on the job.

 

Got a 6 for my consort roll

 

Insight 2	Prowess 1	Resolve 2
○/○○○ Hunt	●/●○○ Finesse	○/○○○ Attune
●/○○○ Study	○/○○○ Prowl	●/○○○ Command
●/○○○ Survey	○/○○○ Skirmish	●/●○○ Consort
○/○○○ Tinker	○/○○○ Wreck	○/○○○ Sway

HARM			Penalty
3	Dun, dun, DUUUN!		Need help
2	-	-	-1d6
1	-	-	Reduced effect

Coin	Stash		Healing		Stress	Trauma
0/4	0/40		0/4		0/9	-

[ekidnu]

In contrast to Rider, who seems to relish her time at the Silver Stag, Wisp is decidedly less enthusiastic about the place. She dresses up as best she can, wearing a clean, lavender blouse, a light fitted jacket, and a soft, flowy skirt, dyed a fashionable indigo, but despite her efforts to blend in, she still feels out of place amongst the stylish well-to-do who frequent the casino. Nor does she have much in common with the more desperate gamblers, hoping for a magical run of luck that would elevate them into the upper class—at least, nothing besides a tendency to mumble prayers to some invisible god.

“I still don’t understan’ the so-called ‘thrill’ of gambling,” she confides to Slug. “I mean, they’re just standin’ there, watchin’ dice roll or cards turn. Where’s the thrill in that?” The chance of loss or profit is as dull a motivator as scouring a history book for some dead person’s birthday. “Give me a rooftop chase any day o’er this.” Indeed, Wisp visits the casino only to meet her crew or their contact.

Originally Posted by Helene

“Might be best not to mention this deal with any of the Reconciled … I can’t imagine they’d like the idea of selling a bound spirit to a merchant.”

Wisp is confused by Helene’s comment, to the point of actually being momentarily speechless. It isn’t until later, when she and Slug are walking to the private room for high rollers, that she questions her crewmate. “I thought we had good standin’ wit’ the Reconciled on account of Helene? Why would they be friends wit’ her if she’s suggestin’ we take jobs they don’t like?” The young thief hadn’t even heard of the Reconciled until after meeting Helene. Then again, she has never had a network of friends and contacts like, say, Rider, and remembering the whens and hows and whys of who is connected to whom has always been a low priority for the more action-oriented thief.

Originally Posted by Lord Pence

“So tell me, what can I tell you?”

“Well, since ya mention the pay, how much is it?” Wisp inquires bluntly. Even if she doesn’t really care much about the exact number, it’s good practice to fix an amount beforehand. “Other than that, it’d be nice ta know what the bust looks like, and how much it weighs, and what sort of precautions we need ta make wit’ a spirit inside, and anythin’ else that might help—the usual stuff ta help us get it fer ya.” Like a professional planning a heist, she rattles off her concerns quickly, waiting for an answer before satisfying her curiosity.

“Oh, and whys ya want this haunted bust in the first place? Seems like a weird thing ta have. Ya got some sort of history wit’ the thing?”

 

I'm good with making the engagement roll in the next GM post.

Vey 'Wisp' Ankhayat Playbook: Lurk Heritage: Growing up under the shadow of a volcano, Vey's family were lava miners for a lord rumored to be a demon.Iruvia Background: Working as a caravan driver allowed Vey to escape the eruption that destroyed her town.Labor Insight Prowess Resolve ○/○○○ Hunt ●/○○○ Finesse ●/○○○ Attune ○/○○○ Study ●/●○○ Prowl ○/○○○ Command ●/○○○ Survey ○/○○○ Skirmish ○/○○○ Consort ●/○○○ Tinker ○/○○○ Wreck ●/○○○ Sway Special Ability: When you roll a desperate action, you get +1d to your roll if you also take -1d to any resistance rolls against consequences from your action.Daredevil Vice: talks to voices in her headFaith, purveyed by the ruins of the Temple to forgotten gods, CoalridgeIlacille Close Friend: The Paper Chase Serendipity consists of a wobbly tower of important city documents, a capricious gust of wind, and a weary clerk’s cry of resignation: “It’s hopeless! I’ll never get them all back!” Oh, and also add a passing thief who can’t resist a challenge—the result is an acrobatic display of papers snatched off of balconies, rescued from canals, and chased down in a deadly dance with speeding carriages. Petra has been smitten with Vey ever since. Petra, a city clerk Rival: As easy as 1 .. 2 .. 3 .. Of course Vey couldn’t refuse the challenge of burgling the shop of a locksmith. But she did have the good sense to keep her score quiet, and to choose a tradesman with more swagger than skill. She became Frake’s enemy only when he arrogantly announced a public challenge just a few days later, claiming that it was impossible to crack his new combination lock. It took only a few seconds of rotating the tumblers to humiliate the seething locksmith. Maybe he shouldn’t have written the combination down in his store, especially since it’s easy enough to memorize ‘123’. Frake, a locksmith Shady accounting HARM Penalty 3 Thank gods none yet! Need help 2 - - -1d6 1 - - Reduced effect Coin Stash   Healing   Stress Trauma 0/4 0/40   0/4   0/9 - EXPERIENCE Playbook Insight Prowess Resolve 0/8 0/6 0/6 0/6 Loadout (italicized items don't count towards load) Spiritbane charm Fine lockpicks Silence potion vial

[Effete]

Slug was wearing his best white shirt, tucked into his best trousers. They were still of commoner cut, but were considerably less wrinkled than his usual attire, and the shirt only had one hole at the elbow; a flaw easily remedied by wearing a coat. The alchemist had considered putting on a bowtie, but opted for a red and black ascot instead. His beard was groomed, and his mustaches were styled into points. Wisp, meanwhile, was dressed in a fashionable blouse and skirt in bright, fresh colors... very much different from the dark tones nobles wore. If anyone looked like two commoners trying their best to impress someone, it was the two Phantoms. "I still don’t understan’ the so-called ‘thrill’ of gambling," Wisp was saying. "I mean, they’re just standin’ there, watchin’ dice roll or cards turn. Where’s the thrill in that? Give me a rooftop chase any day o’er this." It was clear from the young Iruvian's tone that she truly didn't understand the lure. This surprised Slug. He was sure she could at least relate to the thrill of an unknown outcome, even if she herself wouldn't find it in a game of chance. "These tabletops are their rooftops." Slug motioned with his hand, encompassing the gaming tables. "To them, the mystery of a tumbling die or a unknown card is like leaping over a stovepipe only to discover the edge of the building looming below their feet. It's less immediate, and they have more time to think about what they want to do before they fall, but the thrill is the same. It's the thrill that comes from taking risks. Besides, can you really picture that man running?" Slug pointed to an extremely overweight patron in an ill-fitting suit, hopelessly dabbing sweat from his bloated, pink face with a sodden handkerchief. Too preoccupied trying to stifle his own laughter, Slug couldn't see if Wisp found the idea humorous as well. Suddenly, he noticed Helene was standing beside them, eyeing him quizzically, and his mirth shut off like a tap. "Ma'am," Slug offered, somewhat sheepishly under her glare. How does she do that with her eyebrows? he wondered. Helene had come to tell the Phantoms that the client had arrived and was waiting in a private room. She provided a bit of background on the client, then gave a very curious warning. Wisp was just as confused as Slug was, and she voiced this concern as the two walked to the private room. "I thought we had good standin’ wit’ the Reconciled on account of Helene? Why would they be friends wit’ her if she’s suggestin’ we take jobs they don’t like?" That pit of worry started to creep back up in Slug's gut. "I'm... not sure." he began slowly. "The Reconciled aren't an organization, per se, more like a loose-knit collective. It's possible..." He trailed off because he didn't know what he should say, but also because they had arrived at the private room. This conversation would need to wait. Lord Pence (as if he was deserving of the title) was just like any other New Money aristocrat Slug had met, and he met a few in his time in university. They all seemed to think that money bought them prestige. The fact that Old Money rarely rubbed elbows with New Money unless they had something to gain was enough to put the lie to that claim. The sad truth, though, was that Old Money was getting hedged out. The hands that held the reins on political power were changing, and making an enemy of this man might be dangerous. Wisp took the initiative, rattling off questions in quick succession. Slug smirked at the direct, almost uncouth, approach the young woman took. But his face paled when she asked if Pence had any personal connection to the bust. Not only was it bad business to ask such things, but it can be construed as prying into the client's affairs. "*ahem* Uh, I think what my colleague means is if there is any way the bust can be traced back to you? Have you made any inquiries about purchasing it prior to contacting us? You understand our concern, yes? We can get you the bust—that's not a problem—but if you get nabbed, what's keeping you from ratting us out? What surety do we have that this little... enterprise... remains confidential?" When the wine arrived, Slug made it a point to serve himself first. It was a powerplay, for sure—and one that might backfire—but it was a risk he felt he needed to take. This Pence was sharp enough to see through to the implication that the Phantoms, too, held some cards. I just hope I held them close enough to my chest. Slug leaned back casually and took a sip of the exquisite vintage. "But nevermind that for now. We were discussing the payment."

OOC

Stats   Special Abilities: Whenever Slug "pushes himself," in addition to the usual benefits, he can produce the effects of the chosen poison or drug. He is immune to the effects of the substance, which is released through the skin or saliva, or can be exhaled as a vapor. With a long-term project, the poison or drug can be changed.Venomous (An exhaled vapor that causes temporary blindnessEyeblind) Insight Prowess Resolve ○/○○○Hunt ○/○○○Finesse ○/○○○ Attune ●/●○○Study ○/○○○Prowl ○/○○○ Command ●/○○○Survey ○/○○○Skirmish ●/○○○ Consort ●/●○○Tinker ●/○○○Wreck ○/○○○ Sway Stress Trauma ●●○○○○○○○ ○○○○

[kanly]

The heart is most easily reached through the stomach. As she stared uneasily out from the illusion of safety offered by the ramshackle gazebo on the Mistshore Park water front, she did have to admit that she could understand why the Reconciled representative had wanted to meet here. Aside from the near disserted nature of the location and the clear sight lines offered by the harsh illumination from the lightning barrier blazing across the river, there were other aspects not readily noticed by the living. When Rider looked with her other eyes, she saw a memory of loveliness rarely seen in the modern city. A gleaming white boardwalk unmarred by the soot and ash of the electroplasmic generators that power the city, broad swaths of grass that could only grow in a time before the breaking of the sun and the sparkling clean waters of the river Dosk flowing merrily on toward the sea before it became the great void it is today. Here in the center of that idyllic dream stood a glorious building where young lovers could clandestinely meet, children could wait out a sudden squall and elderly folk could while away many hours of the day at games of skill and strategy instead of the abandoned and rotting ruin it had become, slowly moldering its way toward collapse. Yes, she could certainly see why they would want to come here, though that didn't make it any more pleasant for the living. Like a child preparing for a tea party with their stuffed pets, she carefully setout an ancient chipped pot and matching cups which could hold nothing but the memory of sweet jasmine tea and waited for the spirit who would soon arrive.

 

Got a 4 for my consort roll

 

Insight 2	Prowess 1	Resolve 2
○/○○○ Hunt	●/●○○ Finesse	○/○○○ Attune
●/○○○ Study	○/○○○ Prowl	●/○○○ Command
●/○○○ Survey	○/○○○ Skirmish	●/●○○ Consort
○/○○○ Tinker	○/○○○ Wreck	○/○○○ Sway

HARM			Penalty
3	Dun, dun, DUUUN!		Need help
2	-	-	-1d6
1	-	-	Reduced effect

Coin	Stash		Healing		Stress	Trauma
0/4	0/40		0/4		0/9	-

[Solid Snek]

Cross The money the maid hands Cross is just about the only coin he receives all day, even as the wealthy and well-to-do drift by, carefully avoiding looking at the old man. Beggars, it seems, can't catch even the slightest break in this city. When the maid does finally arrive, Cross' gratitude is actually genuine, even if his surprise isn't. When the key has been lifted, copied, and replaced, and the maid is on her way back to the manor with a new suit, Cross slips deeper into the alley he'd called home for the past eight hours and returns to the hideout. "That young lady is a good one. Hope she doesn't receive any trouble for our heist." ~~~ Cross sat quietly next to Rider in the gazeebo, muttering under his breath in Skolvan as Rider set our the chipped tea pot. He could see the idyllic echoes of the past too... but they didn't hold any idea of pleasantness or peace for him. Whether true or not, Cross' image of the city was one of a rotting carcass, with vultures and other carrion creatures fighting over scraps. He had seen the echoes of the rest of the city, and spoken to the dead. There had always been back alleys - like the one he'd begged in earlier - filled with the destitute. There had always been drug peddlers and kidnappers and cops willing to turn a blind eye for some coin. And while Cross had never lived in the city so long ago that grass grew, he was certain it was still rotten... perhaps maybe a little more aesthetically pleasing. The mold of the rain and the soot of the generators just drew out the park's true nature. And so blind old Cross sat in his stubborn pessimism and stewed for a little while until the representative came.

[Homestarbaby]

Rider and Cross do not have long to wait before a ghostly woman appears at the table. Looking down at the tea set, she smiles and gives a polite curtsy.

"Well hello there, miss...Rider isn't it? It is a pleasure to see you."

She assumes to sit at the table and smiles pleasantly. "Now then, what can the Reconciled help you with? I'm not much of a sculptor myself, but I hear you've been asking around the gondoliers about something artistic..."

If Rider asks about the bust or the spirit, the ghost muses thoughtfully before answering. "Well I can't imagine that a spirit wouldn't have turned feral in that sort of state. The inability to leave one's haunt would be maddening, especially with so few individuals for company. But if they are not feral and still have hope of integrating into society...well the Reconciled would be quite disappointed to learn that such a spirit was sold like a toy or slave."

---

Lord Pence winces at the barrage of questions that Wisp fires off at him. "I was...under the impression that you were experienced in this sort of work, as far as acquiring relics and artifacts. Forgive me, but it seems a bit odd that you would come to the client for questions on how to transport such goods. The item isn't cursed to mortals, as far as I am aware. It is simply haunted by a woman's spirit. Jade is fairly dense, so I would imagine the piece to be around 50 pounds of weight."

Slug's quick uptake on the conversation prevents the man's further doubts, fortunately. And when asked about ties to the item, he merely shrugs. "I've never seen a piece like this myself, you understand, so I don't know where you might go around to acquire such a thing. Really any jade bust with a woman trapped inside will work if you happen to know where many of them are. And my only interest is providing for a client that does not live in Doskvol. Imports and Exports are my trade, after all. And it would be poor business for me to turn on a vendor that supplies me with such hard-to-acquire merchandise."

Satisfied with his own answers, he sets a purse on the table and opens it up to reveal a 8 coins, 2 per playerfair bit of money inside before putting it away again. "There is the payment, and proof that I have it. I trust that will still your fears and concerns?"

OOC Just want to note that the client is not actually upset with anyone and no penalties were incurred here. This is just flavor text, and I absolutely love everyone's personalities so far!

[Effete]

As Lord Pence spoke, Slug savored the wine, inhaling the fruity aroma that lifted off the surface when he swirled the glass—analyzing the complex flavors as he washed the vintage over his tongue and through his teeth. Although Slug's usual tastes were more commonly off the lower shelves, his long experience with drink has provided him a certain measure of sophistication. Though limited by it's application, these experiences have allowed Slug to "meld" into various social circles when the occasion permitted. Presently, he affected a mild air of pretentiousness. The wine was certainly more interesting than anything Lord Pence was saying. The man spoke with a hint of condescension, his words trivial to the point of banality. His last remark, however, was quite interesting. "My only interest is providing for a client that does not live in Doskvol. Imports and Exports are my trade, after all. And it would be poor business for me to turn on a vendor that supplies me with such hard-to-acquire merchandise." Slug responded in a tone emulating the faux noble, careful not to allow the derision he felt to seep into his speech. "Our apologies, sir! We did not mean to arrouse suspicions of unprofessionalism, but rather to observe your response to such rudimentary questions. Allow me to inform you, sir, that you passed the test. As I'm sure someone of your position and esteem can appreciate, there's value to be gained through such face-to-face interactions, particularly when one's expectations are subverted. There are also subtle nuances that become lost when operating through a liaison. For example..." Slug paused dramatically as he held his wine up to the light, peering at it thoughtfully before draining the glass. "Ahhh... there's nothing quite like the taste and texture of a vintage made from Skovlan ice grapes, is there? Harvested only during the brief thaw at high altitudes, the berries produce a sweetness and aroma unlike any other. Your selection of such a rare wine is emblematic of your respect for your business partners." Slug lifts the decanter and refills and Wisp's if she's drinkingPence's glass before filling his own nearly to the brim. Then, holding his glass up in a salutary manner, continues, "We appreciate that you recognize the importance of confidentiality and discretion in this line of work. Be assured, we do as well. After all, one can never be too careful." When Slug and Wisp have a moment to speak privately: "What a pompous ass! Did you hear him? He's only buying the bust from us to sell to someone else! He's nothing but a glorified middleman... a very wealthy, well-connected middleman, but... We should cut him out! Find out who his buyer is and sell direct. Whatever this person is paying Pence has got to be more than Pence is giving us, right?"

OOC

Stats   Special Abilities: Whenever Slug "pushes himself," in addition to the usual benefits, he can produce the effects of the chosen poison or drug. He is immune to the effects of the substance, which is released through the skin or saliva, or can be exhaled as a vapor. With a long-term project, the poison or drug can be changed.Venomous (An exhaled vapor that causes temporary blindnessEyeblind) Insight Prowess Resolve ○/○○○Hunt ○/○○○Finesse ○/○○○ Attune ●/●○○Study ○/○○○Prowl ○/○○○ Command ●/○○○Survey ○/○○○Skirmish ●/○○○ Consort ●/●○○Tinker ●/○○○Wreck ○/○○○ Sway Stress Trauma ●●○○○○○○○ ○○○○

[ekidnu]

Greed Wisp Wisp looks over at the dressed-up Slug with a hint of admiration. She shouldn’t be surprised by now … and yet, somehow she still is. Most drunks are disheveled, incoherent creatures, incapable of stringing two thoughts together without taking a long, meandering detour or fatally crashing their train of thought. But Slug—well, okay, he’s also disheveled, but he is a remarkably lucid lush, blessed with an enviable vocabulary and a skill for cogent discourse. She marvels at his ease in speaking like a noble and disarming the good Lord Pence. Indeed, there is little for her to add. “Uh, yeah. What he said.” With the conversation concluded, Wisp kindly hands her nearly full glass to the alchemist—she had taken but a single sip to be polite. Though she has no desire to dull her reflexes with the intoxicant, there is no sense in wasting the good stuff, especially with Slug around. The young thief is surprised again when they later speak in private. There is a righteous animosity in Slug’s words, something she would have expected from Cross—though in a decidedly more dour voice—but not from Slug. Of course, it’s not uncommon to rail against the privileged nobility and entitled rich, but Wisp has never felt a personal vendetta when stealing from them. She steals from them because they have stuff to steal—and they’re usually more interesting to steal from. She certainly isn’t going to begrudge a man for becoming wealthy through legitimate means. Well, maybe legitimate is too strong a word. “Well … lotsa people make a livin’ bein’ a middleman. I mean, the person I buy my candied eel from didn’t catch it herself, ya know? There ain’t really nothin’ wrong wit’ that.” Wisp pauses, thinking over the matter. “The payment looked real good ta me, but if ya need more money, seems it’d be easier ta just sell ta the couple I met in Charterhall the other day instead—they seemed loaded wit’ coin. Or,” a mischievous glint sparkles in an amber eye, “we could sell ta Pence, then steal it back from him and sell ta whoever’s buying it from Pence.” She grins. “That would help fund yer research fer a good, long time, wouldn’t it?”   Vey 'Wisp' Ankhayat Playbook: Lurk Heritage: Growing up under the shadow of a volcano, Vey's family were lava miners for a lord rumored to be a demon.Iruvia Background: Working as a caravan driver allowed Vey to escape the eruption that destroyed her town.Labor Insight Prowess Resolve ○/○○○ Hunt ●/○○○ Finesse ●/○○○ Attune ○/○○○ Study ●/●○○ Prowl ○/○○○ Command ●/○○○ Survey ○/○○○ Skirmish ○/○○○ Consort ●/○○○ Tinker ○/○○○ Wreck ●/○○○ Sway Special Ability: When you roll a desperate action, you get +1d to your roll if you also take -1d to any resistance rolls against consequences from your action.Daredevil Vice: talks to voices in her headFaith, purveyed by the ruins of the Temple to forgotten gods, CoalridgeIlacille Close Friend: The Paper Chase Serendipity consists of a wobbly tower of important city documents, a capricious gust of wind, and a weary clerk’s cry of resignation: “It’s hopeless! I’ll never get them all back!” Oh, and also add a passing thief who can’t resist a challenge—the result is an acrobatic display of papers snatched off of balconies, rescued from canals, and chased down in a deadly dance with speeding carriages. Petra has been smitten with Vey ever since. Petra, a city clerk Rival: As easy as 1 .. 2 .. 3 .. Of course Vey couldn’t refuse the challenge of burgling the shop of a locksmith. But she did have the good sense to keep her score quiet, and to choose a tradesman with more swagger than skill. She became Frake’s enemy only when he arrogantly announced a public challenge just a few days later, claiming that it was impossible to crack his new combination lock. It took only a few seconds of rotating the tumblers to humiliate the seething locksmith. Maybe he shouldn’t have written the combination down in his store, especially since it’s easy enough to memorize ‘123’. Frake, a locksmith Shady accounting HARM Penalty 3 Thank gods none yet! Need help 2 - - -1d6 1 - - Reduced effect Coin Stash   Healing   Stress Trauma 0/4 0/40   0/4   0/9 - EXPERIENCE Playbook Insight Prowess Resolve 0/8 0/6 0/6 0/6 Loadout (italicized items don't count towards load) Spiritbane charm Fine lockpicks Silence potion vial

[Effete]

Slug trades his own empty glass for Wisp's full one with a nonchalant casualness that suggests he's taken other peoples' drinks before. However, he imbibs it in a mechanical way; no more savoring textures and aromas, just gulp and swallow. A lush approaching that point of wild inhibition. There was a note of chastisement in Vey's words as she addresses Slug's remarks. "I think you misunderstood. I don't hate him... I don't even pity him. At best, I'm indifferent. Doesn't mean I can't mock him for thinking he's better than us. I'm just saying if the REAL client is willing to pay more than what Pence is giving us, we can deal direct, right?" Slug twists a mustache as he speaks, his voice taking on a bland, ruminating tone. "Besides, we're middlemen too. Everyone is. All cogs in a wheel, spinning endlessly, turning straw into gold. But I wonder, whose foot is truly on the pedal?" The drink is beginning to set in. Slug may be a lucid lush, but he's still prone to loquacious ramblings.

OOC Just a bit of fun character development while we wait for a story post.

Stats   Special Abilities: Whenever Slug "pushes himself," in addition to the usual benefits, he can produce the effects of the chosen poison or drug. He is immune to the effects of the substance, which is released through the skin or saliva, or can be exhaled as a vapor. With a long-term project, the poison or drug can be changed.Venomous (An exhaled vapor that causes temporary blindnessEyeblind) Insight Prowess Resolve ○/○○○Hunt ○/○○○Finesse ○/○○○ Attune ●/●○○Study ○/○○○Prowl ○/○○○ Command ●/○○○Survey ○/○○○Skirmish ●/○○○ Consort ●/●○○Tinker ●/○○○Wreck ○/○○○ Sway Stress Trauma ●●○○○○○○○ ○○○○

[ekidnu]

- “Right,” Wisp nods agreeably enough, though a confused expression soon spreads across her face. Having arrived relatively recently from Iruvia, she is still unfamiliar with many of the legends and myths intertwined with the history of Akoros. Every child in Doskvol might know the tale of an imp spinning straw into gold, but the reference is as much a mystery to her as the well-known Iruvian fable, of a wish-granting demon trapped in a bottle, would be to them. “Ya know what he's talkin' 'bout? I ain't heard 'bout no straw turnin' inta gold.” Though Slug is the only other person in the room, the young thief clearly isn't speaking to him. “I ain't thought 'bout that. Yeah, maybe it's a symbol fer somethin', like gettin' gold as easy as straw, though straw ain't exactly easy ta get, not wit' the amount of light ya gotta have ta make grass in the first place. Maybe turnin' mushrooms inta gold would make more sense? Or water—that'd be easier ta get.” “Ain't my foot.” Without missing a beat, Wisp suddenly returns her attention to those tangible and alive. As she often did when Slug waxed a bit too poetic for her comprehension, she chooses a literal response, then changes the subject. “Howdya think Rider and Cross are makin' out wit' the Reconciled? Ya think they'll be okay wit' this job?” She fidgets a bit nervously. “I mean, I think they're good folk fer dead folk, but I sure wouldn't want 'em on our bad side.”   Just roleplaying. Vey 'Wisp' Ankhayat Playbook: Lurk Heritage: Growing up under the shadow of a volcano, Vey's family were lava miners for a lord rumored to be a demon.Iruvia Background: Working as a caravan driver allowed Vey to escape the eruption that destroyed her town.Labor Insight Prowess Resolve ○/○○○ Hunt ●/○○○ Finesse ●/○○○ Attune ○/○○○ Study ●/●○○ Prowl ○/○○○ Command ●/○○○ Survey ○/○○○ Skirmish ○/○○○ Consort ●/○○○ Tinker ○/○○○ Wreck ●/○○○ Sway Special Ability: When you roll a desperate action, you get +1d to your roll if you also take -1d to any resistance rolls against consequences from your action.Daredevil Vice: talks to voices in her headFaith, purveyed by the ruins of the Temple to forgotten gods, CoalridgeIlacille Close Friend: The Paper Chase Serendipity consists of a wobbly tower of important city documents, a capricious gust of wind, and a weary clerk’s cry of resignation: “It’s hopeless! I’ll never get them all back!” Oh, and also add a passing thief who can’t resist a challenge—the result is an acrobatic display of papers snatched off of balconies, rescued from canals, and chased down in a deadly dance with speeding carriages. Petra has been smitten with Vey ever since. Petra, a city clerk Rival: As easy as 1 .. 2 .. 3 .. Of course Vey couldn’t refuse the challenge of burgling the shop of a locksmith. But she did have the good sense to keep her score quiet, and to choose a tradesman with more swagger than skill. She became Frake’s enemy only when he arrogantly announced a public challenge just a few days later, claiming that it was impossible to crack his new combination lock. It took only a few seconds of rotating the tumblers to humiliate the seething locksmith. Maybe he shouldn’t have written the combination down in his store, especially since it’s easy enough to memorize ‘123’. Frake, a locksmith Shady accounting HARM Penalty 3 Thank gods none yet! Need help 2 - - -1d6 1 - - Reduced effect Coin Stash   Healing   Stress Trauma 0/4 0/40   0/4   0/9 - EXPERIENCE Playbook Insight Prowess Resolve 0/8 0/6 0/6 0/6 Loadout (italicized items don't count towards load) Spiritbane charm Fine lockpicks Silence potion vial

[Effete]

A passing waitress hardly missed a beat when Slug suddenly thrust his empty glass upon her upright tray, though she did give him a disapproving look. Slug gave her a half smile in return and watched her walk away. "Ya know what he's talkin' 'bout?" Wisp's question brought the buzzed alchemist's head reeling around. "Huh? Who...? Him?" Slug stood like a clothing-store mannequin, awkwardly pointing at a man playing at a dice table. From the sound, he might have been winning. "Nah, I wasn't listening." But Slug was listening now, leaning toward the man, peering at him with a look of concentration. "Bah! He's not saying anything important. Only how if he'll take his winnings and find a ... Hey!" Slug turned around and saw that Vey had continued walking ahead without him. Didn't she want to know what the guy was saying? Slug jogged to catch up just in time for Vey to turn to him. "Howdya think Rider and Cross are makin' out wit' the Reconciled? Ya think they'll be okay wit' this job?" She fidgets a bit nervously. "I mean, I think they're good folk fer dead folk, but I sure wouldn't want 'em on our bad side." "If anybody can convince someone to belief something they don't wanna believe, it's Rider. And I think even dead folk will balk once they get an eyeful of Cross' ruined face. It gives me the willies." Slug suppressed a burp before continuing. "You ever meet any of the Reconciled? I've only seen one, over in Coalridge. Dressed like miner. He called out me by name—my real name!—in this awful raspy voice. I thought it was my father at first, but then he smiled. My father never smiled. Anyway, all he said was "find the Silver Stag,"" Slug gave an imitation that bordered between creepy and comical. "I didn't know what he meant. I was looking at jewelry, paintings, male prostitutes... it was months before I stumbled into this place. That's when I met Rider, and the rest, as they say, is history."

OOC Just a bit of fun character development while we wait for a story post.

Stat Block   Slug Stress ●●○○○○○○○ Indulge in your Vice by rolling lowest attribute; Remove that much Stress. If more Stress is removed than was initially marked, you Overindulge. Choose one of the following: • Attract Trouble. Select or roll an additional Entanglement. • Brag about your exploits. +2 Heat. • Lost. The character vanishes for a few weeks (play a different one) and returns fully healed of any Harm. • Tapped. Your current purveyor cuts you off. Find a new source for your Vice. Ignoring a Vice deals Stress equal to Trauma (which could be 0).Stress Relief Trauma ○○○○ □ You’re not moved by emotional appeals or social bonds.Cold, □ You’re often lost in reverie, reliving past horrors, seeing things.Haunted, □ You’re enthralled by one thing: an activity, a person, an ideology.Obsessed, □ You imagine danger everywhere; you can’t trust others.Paranoid, □ You have little regard for your own safety or best interests.Reckless, □ You lose your edge; you become sentimental, passive, gentle.Soft, □ Your emotional state is volatile. You can instantly rage, or fall into despair, act impulsively, or freeze up.Unstable, □ You seek out opportunities to hurt people, even for no good reason.Vicious   Harm Penalty 3 _________________________________________ Need Help 2 / -1d6 1 / Less Effect Healing Insight Prowess Resolve ○/○○○Hunt ○/○○○Finesse ○/○○○ Attune ●/●○○Study ○/○○○Prowl ○/○○○ Command ●/○○○Survey ○/○○○Skirmish ●/○○○ Consort ●/●○○Tinker ●/○○○Wreck ○/○○○ Sway Special Abilities Whenever Slug "pushes himself," in addition to the usual benefits, he can produce the effects of the chosen poison or drug. He is immune to the effects of the substance, which is released through the skin or saliva, or can be exhaled as a vapor. With a long-term project, the poison or drug can be changed.Venomous (An exhaled vapor that causes temporary blindnessEyeblind) . . . . . . . . . Experience Loadout   Playbook □□□□□□□□ You’re faster, less conspicuous; you blend in with citizens.Light 3 items Insight □□□□□□ You look like a scoundrel, ready for trouble.Normal 5 items Prowess □□□□□□ You’re slower. You look like an operative on a mission.Heavy 6 items Resolve □□□□□□ You’re overburdened and can’t do anything except move very slowly.Encumbered 9 items • Spend 1 Coin to get an additional activity during downtime. • Spend 1 Coin to increase the result level of a downtime activity roll. • Spend Coin to avoid certain crew Entanglements. • Put Coin in your character’s Stash to improve their Lifestyle and circumstances when they retire. • Spend Coin when you advance your crew’s Tier. • Remove 2 Stash for 1 Coin.Coin Stash / Lifestyle ○ ○○○○○○○○○/○ ○ ○○○○○○○○○/○ ○ ○○○○○○○○○/○ ○ ○○○○○○○○○/○ Research (tbd)   • Every time you roll a desperate action, mark xp in that action's attribute. Leech At the end of each session, for each item below, mark 1 xp (playbook or attribute) or 2 xp if that item occurred multiple times. • You addressed a challenge with technical skill or mayhem. • You expressed your beliefs, drives, heritage, or background. • You struggled with issues from your vice or traumas during the session. Shadows At the end of each session, for each item below, mark 1 xp, or 2 xp if that item occurred multiple times. • Execute a successful espionage, sabotage, or theft operation. • Contend with challenges above your current station. • Bolster your crew's reputation or develop a new one. • Express the goals, drives, inner conflict, or essential nature of the crew.   Available Items □ Fine Tinkering Tools □-□ Fine Wrecking Tools □ Blowgun & darts; Syringes □ Bandolier (3 uses) □ Bandolier (3 uses) □ □ □ Gadgets □ A Blade or Two □ Throwing Knives □ A Pistol ; □ A 2nd Pistol □-□ A Large Weapon □ An Unusual Weapon □-□ Armor ; □-□-□ +Heavy □ Burglary Gear □-□ Climbing Gear □ Arcane Implements □ Documents □ Subterfuge Supplies □-□ Demolition Tools □ Tinkering Tools □ Lantern Creation Type Tier/Uses ●A fluid that stops the effect of any other Alchemical.Alcahest Alchemical (Oil) (III/1) ● Permanently fuses two surfaces until dissolved with alcahest or electroplasm.Binding Oil Alchemical (Oil) (III/1) ○ A tar-like resin made from the leaves of the plant. Induces coma-like stupor and visions.Black Lotus Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Woozy," lvl 1 HarmDrug) (I/1) ○ Induces fever, euphoric mania, rampant energy.Bloodneedle Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Woozy," lvl 1 HarmDrug) (I/3) ○ A milder formulation of black lotus. Induces a pleasant intoxication.Dream Smoke Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Woozy," lvl 1 HarmDrug) (I/3) ● Creates neutral buoyancy when poured on an object, causing it to float in the air for one hour.Drift Oil Arcane (Oil) (III/1) ● A fine dust that incapacitates by giving the sensation of drowning.Drown Powder Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Sickened," lvl 1 HarmPoison) (III/2) ● A powder that causes blindness for a moment.Eyeblind Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Sickened," lvl 1 HarmPoison) (III/3) ● Erupts in searing flame upon contact with air.Fire Oil Alchemical (Oil) (III/1) ● A small explosive with a short fuse that detonates into metal shrapnel.Grenade Sparkcraft (Drawback (Conspicuous)bomb) (III/2) ○ A large explosive charge with a long fuse.Large Bomb Sparkcraft (Drawback (Conspicuous)bomb) (V/1) ● A toxic metallic fluid. The user's mind opens further to the ghost field. +1d to Attune when used; suffer lvl 2 Harm ("Zoned-out").Quicksilver Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Woozy," lvl 1 HarmDrug) (IV/1) ○ Boosts strength, pain tolerance, and irrational aggression.Rage Essence Arcane (Drawback (4-clock, "Accosted by Spirit Wardens," 1 tick per use)potion) (III/1) ○ Creates an area of utter silence around the shattered vial.Silence Potion Arcane (Drawback (4-clock, "Accosted by Spirit Wardens," 1 tick per use)potion) (III/1) ○ A distillation of the void. Creates a cloud of unnatural pitch darkness.Shadow Essence Arcane (Drawback (4-clock, "Accosted by Spirit Wardens," 1 tick per use)potion) (III/1) ● Toxic fumes from overly-heated Leviathan blood. Causes incapacitating migraines.Skullfire Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Sickened," lvl 1 HarmPoison) (III/2) ● Creates a cloud of acrid smoke that is difficult to breathe and stings the eyes.Smoke Bomb Sparkcraft (Drawback (Conspicuous)bomb) (II/2) ● A measure of raw electroplasm blended with seawater. User feels empowered and emits mild electrical energy.Spark Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Woozy," lvl 1 HarmDrug) (I/3) ● A powder that causes temporary paralysis.Standstill Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Sickened," lvl 1 HarmPoison) (IV/1) ● A glittering blue powder that induces a pleasant hypnotic trance when snorted.Trance Powder Alchemical (Drawback (Volatile); "Woozy," lvl 1 HarmDrug) (I/3) ○ User's saliva and blood become highly toxic to others for a few minutes.Viper Potion Arcane (Drawback (4-clock, "Accosted by Spirit Wardens," 1 tick per use)potion) (IV/1) Marked creations are included in the Bandolier and follow slightly different rules from normal creation use: • They are all one-time use, simply checking-off one of the bandolier's three slots. • They do not need to be crafted; they replenish automatically during downtime.

[kanly]

The heart is most easily reached through the stomach. Rider is more than a little surprised that Helene hadn't apparently shared any information with the Reconciled about this job if they only learned about it through the Gondoliers. She hoped that she hadn't let out information that she shouldn't have, but no point crying for spilt wine. Putting on her best smile, Rider tells the woman, "That is certainly good to know. I wouldn't want to think that we had accidentally mistreated a friend or, worse yet, member of your organization. I don't suppose that the reconciled would know anything about her or the sculpture itself which holds her spirit. She apparently was at one time quite well know about town and the original owner of Scurlock manor, where she has been for many years. If she could be communicated with, she might have a wealth of information." To which the female spirit answered with comments about the feral state that most ghosts quickly devolve to. "If she has succumbed to such a sad state, is there anything that could be done for her? Or failing that is there any advice that you can offer for transporting the bust? From what I understand skin contact with it could be quite dangerous to the living, though I am by no means a scholar of such things. I do know that powerful magics were required to make such a device, but otherwise my knowledge is sorely lacking."

 

Got a 4 for my consort roll

 

Insight 2	Prowess 1	Resolve 2
○/○○○ Hunt	●/●○○ Finesse	○/○○○ Attune
●/○○○ Study	○/○○○ Prowl	●/○○○ Command
●/○○○ Survey	○/○○○ Skirmish	●/●○○ Consort
○/○○○ Tinker	○/○○○ Wreck	○/○○○ Sway

HARM			Penalty
3	Dun, dun, DUUUN!		Need help
2	-	-	-1d6
1	-	-	Reduced effect

Coin	Stash		Healing		Stress	Trauma
0/4	0/40		0/4		0/9	-