Game Thread Chapter 2 - The Trail of a Girl - Page 2 - RPG Crossing
RPG Crossing Home Forums Create An Account! Site Rules & Help

RPG Crossing
Go Back   RPG Crossing > Games > Pathfinder: 1e > The Lawless City > Group A
twitter facebook mastodon bluesky

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #16  
Old Apr 3rd, 2023, 09:35 PM
Touketsu's Avatar
Touketsu Touketsu is offline
Mysterious Ice Ninja
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 18th, 2024
RPXP: 12899
Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu
Posts: 5,900
Damien Buranta
right-aligned image


Six symbols... just like his vision.

"I chose the crown too. I assumed it was just... symbolic." But there was no denying Damien felt different. More... together? His silver tongue felt just a bit slicker than before. "But my card was the Marriage, the card of permanent change. it represents union in a number of forms. It also depicts a child whose fate hangs in the balance, destined to grow into something beautiful and noble, or an abomination." He looked down at the note in his hand that had replaced the card, closing his eyes. "... she said I would decide which. And that I wouldn't know it until after I decided."

Opening them again, Damien turned to Tarbin curiously.

"And what did she have for you?"
Stats
 
__________________
I have taken the Oath!

Last edited by Touketsu; Apr 3rd, 2023 at 09:35 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old Apr 3rd, 2023, 10:33 PM
Noquarter19's Avatar
Noquarter19 Noquarter19 is online now
It's clobberin' time
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 18th, 2024
RPXP: 18045
Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19
Posts: 4,327
Vyeggar Vugmuk
right-aligned image
Credit to @TSRodriguez14

It was a confused, groggy, and very hungover Vyeggar Vugmuk who awoke that Harvest morning. The 104th day of the year was cool and cloudy, but Vyeggar felt like he had been burned alive. He emerged from sleep with a start and immediately began to look around in shock. This was not, in fact, his bunk. In fact, he wasn’t entirely sure where he was. It was only when a soft yet just as groggy voice piped up from the other side of the bed. ”Aaaaaaaaah ****, I’m never drinking again.”

Honeypot. He had spent the night. It hadn’t been his intention, but… well, there were much worse places to wake up. He looked down and saw the healing scars and welts upon her back, and that brought the anger back all over. He remembered now, remembered coming down the night before with a kifed bottle of rye whiskey and a hope for some quiet company. Not sex, he had assured her at least once. She was simply a sweet lady who had been kind to him, and he felt comfortable being with her, but he also wouldn’t beg if she wasn’t up for entertaining.

He had been pleased she’d let him in. It was nice to be around someone who didn’t think he was a monster. He remembered calling her beautiful, and recalled she’d said he was a beast… and then things got blurry after that. He had been taken in by her curvaceous form, but when he’d seen the scars, it had angered him greatly. He remembered ranting a bit, and her yelling at him to shut up, and then she’d done something else to shut him up and he forgot all about being angry.

Afterward, before he’d drifted off, he recalled how she’d weaved her hand in between his, how her leg had draped over his own. And then he’d fallen asleep, and the dreams had begun.

And now it was morning, and she was hurrying to dress. She saw him looking again at her back and rolled her eyes. ”Yeah, Tilly saved my life, but she also put me to work downstairs, where I got these. I’m grateful, but also, she obviously didn’t care. Just wanted a kobold who was good in a scrap. But Sandramine… she cares. Granted, she’s downright evil when she wants to be, but despite it all, she actually cares. Which is why you have to go.”

He watched her bits disappear underneath her hastily thrown-on underclothes and gave her a closed-mouth smile. ”I appreciate the offer, and while last night was a… well, it was certainly a nice surprise. But I already told you, I don’t want you to get in trouble, and certainly not on my account. And if things, you know, get worse-“ – and here, he could not quite keep the low growl from intruding in – ”you know I won’t be far away.” He gave her an affectionate kiss on the top of her head and then a playful swat on the ass. ”Sorry. Couldn’t resist. Alright, off with you, before things really go south. And don’t worry about the bottles, I’ll have this place clean as a clam. What do you mean that doesn’t make sense? Makes more sense than a whistle, whistles are filthy. Alright! Alright, I’m going!”

Less than two minutes later, the half-orc tiptoed quietly from Honeypot’s room, his scuffed leather boots in hand so he didn’t make any noise. He really hoped she wouldn’t be in trouble, but they were both consenting adults, if not quite sober enough. And who knows, maybe he’d have a little more coin for another late night “visit.” The day was young, after all.

As he fumbled to keep hold of the handful of bottles, he caught sight of something surprising inside one of them. A card, a familiar card, one which he recalled from the second half of his dream that night. He had to call it a dream, because anything else was too unsettling to think of. Equal parts nightmare and prophecy, the strange vision of that sweltering, skull-lined room had asserted itself as one of the most horrific scenes he thought his mind had ever conjured. Not even the suffering he’d withstood from the Sophists had filled him with such fright. And it wasn’t a typical dream, either. Normally by this point the finer details had begun to erode like waves lapping at the shoreline, but he could still remember the woman’s glowing, yellow eyes, and the way her skin sizzled and popped. He remembered the cards, though they did not imprint on his memory as much as the scene itself. He shook his head, trying to forget what he’d seen and heard, as well as to try and clear his thoughts in preparation for the day’s tasks. He was up late, and he’d never get a shower in time. Looks like I’ll be sticking to out back operations today, he thought morosely. Oh well. There would be other opportunities to earn some meaningful coin – and at that, he had to laugh. No amount of coin he could earn would be enough to make up for the loss of the chest – and when he looked at it that way, it just made more sense to enjoy his money in the present, rather than attempt to save it. More booze, more women, more trouble – everything he ever wanted out of life.

The card, however, was still there. That was unsettling. He kept looking at it, contained as it was within the empty bottle. It was mocking him with its existence. It should not have been there, yet no matter how often he blinked his eyes it remained. He looked around. ”Is this some kind of joke?” he grumbled into the ether. No one responded. ”F*ck it,” he growled, and he smashed the bottle against the wall.

The glass container shattered, and the card see-sawed to the floor. He bent down and plucked it up from amidst the shattered bits of amber brown glass. The note was damp, and as he turned it over he saw it wasn’t a card at all, but a note – a… barely legible note, full of misspellings and written in… what? Lipstick? He squinted hard, trying to decipher what was written.

Urin if ur reedin this i owe u 8 silver peesess love honee. Honee?” He folded the note and tucked it away into his pocket. ”Well at least she has other qualities. Who needs spelling, anyway?” He slipped his boots on and kicked the broken pieces of bottle under a nearby table. Out of sight, out of mind.

With a sigh, Vyegger went down to the kitchen where he knew there was a bin for empty bottles. The remains of the shattered bottle he tossed in the trash, then looked around for a muffin or something to stuff down his gullet, or maybe some fried eggs and toast. His stomach felt like he’d been eating old shoe leather and washing it down with cat p*ss. ”Urgghhh,” he burbled.

He stumbled through the hall after finding a few morsels and caught sight of Sandramine. ”Hey, uh, morning, Sandramine. Uh, hey, you think it’s all right if I sorta play it low key today, maybe just menial tasksdo something simple like push a broom or maybe touch up some trim? Nothing up above ground level, least not yet. I, uh, need a couple hours to get my sea legs under me.” He burped. ”I think that stew last night might have had some shellfish in it or something, I haven’t felt right all night.”

 

__________________
normal image without text wrap
A watched game never updates...

Posting status: Around.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old Apr 4th, 2023, 03:44 AM
Alatere's Avatar
Alatere Alatere is offline
Crazy Kobold
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Sep 28th, 2023
RPXP: 9775
Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere
Posts: 12,354
Tarbin Haldar
right-aligned image


"I chose the shield though I must admit while it was not out of greed I attempted to take all six items that were offered" Tarbin replied with a thoughtful look. "I was only allowed the first though..." he added with a slight shake of his head. "The card I was given was a desert with a sphinx. She told me that I must play the role of a healer and heal the harm that has already been done..." the large man revealed. "I too saw the card in the waking world though it turned out to be a note from my father..." Tarbin added.

The large man then hesitated for a moment before looking down directly at Liana. "She also asked me to find the one that found her and to tell her that she forgives her. She also said that she would have something to tell me..." Tarbin added as he reached up and rubbed at the back of his head. "She also told me that the spirit of my brother brother was restless and not at peace..." the large man added quietly as he stared at the ground and subconsciously clenched his fists.

"If that was truly was the realm of Jeje I cannot say that I am overly fond of them..." Tarbin added as a final statement leaving the thought hanging.





Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old Apr 4th, 2023, 08:48 PM
CatCanCook's Avatar
CatCanCook CatCanCook is offline
Community Supporter
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 16th, 2024
RPXP: 8048
CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook
Posts: 8,974
Piecing together clues
right-aligned image
Liana Xirkul frowned at Tarbin's statement," She also asked me to find the one that found her and to tell her that she forgives her."

"You know, I haven't found Chika. I don't know where she is. I'm looking for her, and I found her father... but she found me ... and that in dreams not in waking life. I have done no wrong, insult or injury to her, so no forgiveness needs be sent my way. No, the 'one that found her' is some other person not known to me. "

"Jeje is a goddess of self-realization, strength and community. As the girl covered in seaweed, she stands at the transition before worlds, between sea and land, and between life and death. It is by that unique vantage point that she can inspire and send visions to those in need. She is liberated, she is free from convention and expectation. Yet as elephant, she embodies strength, the tribe or herd working and moving together. So she is both outside and individualist, but at the heart of a body of people: therefore, she is again paradoxically standing at the boundary of the one, and the many. She is the Sleeping Goddess -- unconscious and dreaming, but also psionically aware and mystically awake and able to perceive more than others can. She is of the Heavenly Masters among the most paradoxical. The Waxworks is not her realm. She is a goddess of chaos, and that is of anarchy and liberty, freedom from constraint and limit, while the Waxworks is a place of bondage. It is opposed to her nature. She is also a benevolent goddess; she is and does good. The Waxworks is the opposite, a place of evil. So ... you would be wrong in thinking of that place as her realm. Rather, the dream state that enables insights and realizations in the form of metaphor and symbol, perhaps that is more her realm."

 


Last edited by CatCanCook; Apr 4th, 2023 at 08:50 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old Apr 5th, 2023, 08:05 AM
Lentil Sponge's Avatar
Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge is offline
Cleaner of the Royal Butt
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 15th, 2024
RPXP: 4160
Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge
Posts: 2,142
Location Map Season Day Time Weather
The Dead Mermaid Casino J9 Harvest 104 of 120 10:47am Cloudy

The Common Area
left-aligned image
Ariadne was unsure whether to beam or to look guilty as she was congratulated on dumping Sliggitz. "I just feel swindled by the whole affair. I hate to admit that Sandraminae was right about him all along." Her fingernails chewed into her hands a little. "Now I'm stuck knowing more about the gangs of the east side than I ever wanted to. Still, I doubt that it'll mean much for my safety." She used one of her own fingers to artificially open her own eye wider than usual. "Tilly 'just so happened' to be in the area. He knows that his friends are going to have to stay away. She might not like me much, but she doesn't want her precious merchandise damaged." Her gaze settled on Tarbin afterwards. "I appreciate the offer, but I want to repay you... wh-when I can... unless you need my sister to do some maths, or want to hear gossip that isn't from Urin, there's not much I can do."

Damien decided to walk over to the elf who was staring so intently at him. It was a face he was familiar with but had not spotted in a while. It was the elf who had first welcomed him into the casino... no... wait, no, not quite. Her sister, the one who played the fiddle. He vaguely recalled the name Trista. Her cheeks only got redder and redder as he walked over, and when he confronted her, she gulped.

"N... yeah, I wrote that..." she mumbled. "... my father, was... err... murdered... by a vishkanya with six toes... yes, that'll do." The explanation seemed to get quieter and quieter as she went on. "So, errr... lemme see 'em... check it isn't you..." There was a little flash of her tongue licking her lips as she began staring at Damien's feet.

Suddenly, there was a sloshing sound by her side from the nearest bathtub. Damien instantly recognised the sister who had actually greeted him, Sharian. She was mostly soaked and entirely naked, what little suds of what little soap there was doing nothing to hide her as she suddenly wheeled around and batted Trista on the head.

"Not again! By the Heavenly Masters, Trista, quit doing that!" she hissed, before turning towards Damien. Completely open, completely casual. "Sorry about her. She has no clue about boundaries."

The sisters balked, offended. "You're one to talk! How many times have you tried to buy a night with Sandraminae?!"

The argument devolved in physical attacks from there. There was hair-pulling and biting, only the sort of viciousness that sisters are capable of. No one seemed to be bothered, other than a nearby man in the bath half-groaning half-sighing "Girls, come on..."

Ariadne's eyes were rolling by the time the fighting had escalated into slaps, which took about three seconds. She threw off her cloak, revealing the skimpy dress that she had worn the night before. It still stank of gunpowder. She gave a warm smile to Tarbin. "I would certainly appreciate your company, Mister Haldar. I just hope that the Three Sisters sent you a more restful night than I had." Damien added to the offer, and she nodded to him as well. "You can join, too."
Sandraminae
left-aligned image
Sandraminae kept giggling even at Kara's weak excuse. The giggles only died when she said Kasturr's name. She still smiled, but it was just slightly on edge. A performance, and not for Kara's benefit. "There's a lot I can't say out loud about him," she said. "I'll reiterate Tilly's instructions to you - kill him on sight, don't talk to him, don't let him talk to you." The instruction was given with all of the enthusiasm of a sleeping cat. "Some people in this casino think that killing him would be an utter disaster, bringing every guard in this city down on this place and a whole heaping load of other people, but they are wrong. Definitely, the best idea is just to kill him."

Her eyes shifted from side to side as she looked to see who else could be listening, before she continued. "In terms of how dangerous he actually is, if you actually did find him, it depends. If he's alone, he has a million silly toys to throw at you but the squirt's a coward. He'll run before he fights, and before he runs he'll surround himself with hired thugs, guards, snipers, whoever will fight for him." She scratched her hair behind her ear. "No one in this city likes him... well, the heads of the city guard love him because he's such a squealer, but otherwise he's not popular. But he is rich, and a lot of people can't afford to not take his money. That's the danger. Anyway, I had best go, and just remind you to definitely kill him."

She made another check, then her smile fixed back into that genuine spot. "Anyway, be downstairs the moment you're ready. The most dangerous person of all is Tilly if she thinks you're being lazy." Then she walked away.



Honeypot had initially seemed all too keen to kick out this rough half-orc, her push-and-pull firmly in push. But it didn't take many of his words to pull her in the other way, and her grim professional sneer became more playful, at least until there was the slight snap against her rump. "Oi, you big clumsy bastard! That hurt! ... do it again, same place. Oof, yeah! Alright, enough fun, get out! What the hell does that mean? Clams are filthy. At least when Mama used to cook them. Depends on the whistle. Hey, I said get out! Out! I'll see you later! Out!"

That left Vyeggar on his lonesome, with only enough bottles he could clasp as friends. At least, until Kara made her equally re-energised way past him. Even if she tried to hide it, there'd be only one reason to be sleeping upstairs, unless Tilly had very suddenly developed a new approach to employee-employer relations.

right-aligned image
The two members of the Bucket Brigade made their way downstairs to an interesting scene. Tilly, Sandraminae, and Edward Fletcher all looming over the same table. "You know, if you split this into two, that's an extra Diamonds and Dirt table, plus room to bring that ring forward a little."

"See, this is why I keep you around," Tilly grunted proudly. There was a pause as Kara found time to get in a word in edgewise, about what else she could do to contribute. "Yeah, do your weapon-summony-thing and cut this in half. Neatly! I'll go get some wood for table legs." She was already storming off. All the recourse that Sandraminae had was to shrug at Kara.

"You heard the boss. Bugger me, Vugmuk, what were you doing last night? You look worse than you did after literally fighting Big Fox." She was about to respond to his request, but then she noticed the commotion in the staff room. "I'd better deal with that. Talk to the rest of the Bucket Brigade, see if they don't need help with something."

Immediately, she was running off, while Edward Fletcher gave Kara a little wave. "Greetings, child! I hope you are recovered enough from the last time I did surgery on you to help do some heavy lifting," he said, laughing a little. Then, lowly, the laughter stopped, and he leaned in towards Kara. "So... I overheard some stuff last night. Did you actually see Lungri the Dog Killer? What the hell was he doing in the city? After the last time he messed with Tilly, I'd have thought he'd be smart enough to stay on that ship he got on."



As Sandraminae walked into the common area, she strode over the two bodies of the fighting sisters, still on the floor, acting as if they were part of the furniture. Everyone stopped, a rowdy classroom caught by the teacher. "Ariadne. Office. Now." It was a very emotionless summons.

Ariadne glanced to both Tarbin and Damien. "I... they want to talk too..."

"... fine, not my office. Though I will want a word in private before you go on shift. Basement."

She walked away before Ariadne could even respond. There were little murmurings, coos and gossip spreading. Ariadne's brow furrowed. "Let's go," she said, gesturing for Tarbin and Damien to come with her. She seemed cold as she followed the elf. "This is typical for her. If she wants something, she can't just say it. She'll want you off balance. This is going to be the 'I told you so' of all 'I told you so's." But, still, she obediently followed her into the dark basement.

The Room Next to Tilly's Office
left-aligned image
Grim's words sank deep into Rozitto, and as they sunk, her smile got less and less friendly. "That suggests that you do know who did it." The smile then started to die too, and she looked back to her husband. Larzon didn't seemed to register at first, but then he looked to either side, and then nodded. It seemed to confirm something for Rozitto, who looked back to Grim. "You should probably tell Tilly what you know. That old man is no harmless drunk." She rocked back a little, folding her arms and looking up to the ceiling. Deciding something. Weighing options. The balance of speaking and being silent.

She made a choice. "You know he killed his own daughter, right?"

There was a little, low groan from Larzon. An expelling of air. It was enough to make Rozitto change her mind. "Ok, not literally he killed her, but he might as well of." She then turned her attention back on Grim, letting him in on a secret he shouldn't know and she shouldn't share. "You didn't hear this from me, because Tilly's trying to distance herself from the whole thing. There's this thing that some followers of Jeje do where they use some kinda magic stuff to essentially try to get as close to killing themselves as they can, and in doing so tap into some... mutual subconscious of the entire blah-blah-blah, I never paid attention. The only time I've been in a church was for my wedding. Tilly was bridesmaid. The only time I've seen her wear a dress..."

Larzon let out a more urgent huff. It was as if, in the entire story, that detail could actually get the Maztablaztas in trouble. "Mmm, mmm. Anyway, his daughter had some mild magic properties. Divination and the like. But instead of sending her to the University like someone-who-isn't-crazy, he used his own daughter as a guinea pig, and tricked Tilly into giving him about half the stuff he needed. Though, to be honest, I think the thing she hated was that he used that power to come in here and cheat. But yeah, it came to light, and the entire Meditation Gardens community ousted the old creep. As for his daughter... well, she ran away, somehow, but unless her father got her back or someone else found her... yeah, that's one probably-dead woman somewhere, and one stinky old man who bothers everyone and cheats at casino games."

Rozitto's eyes gave the gnome a once-over, regarding all of him suspiciously. Gauging the reaction, seeking anything out of line. Finally, though, she said "My husband's the jealous type, so I'll leave you be for your sake. But before you decide to help a patron out... ask us first. We know who's bad news around here."

They were the final words, and so Grim was left on his own to dress. He went downstairs and found Fletcher and Kara fixing up one of the tables. Fletcher was perfectly happy to teach him Orcstones, but it wasn't long before Tilly herself was at the entrance of the casino.

"Alright! Whoever isn't awake and ready, too ****ing late! The day starts now!" she bellowed, before throwing the doors open.


Location Map Season Day Time Weather
The Dead Mermaid Casino J9 Harvest 104 of 120 Early afternoon Cloudy

Throughout the First Shift
left-aligned image
The morning fell away and became day. Behind a veil of grey clouds, the sun travelled further west at a slow pace. Quicker than the last day though. It would keep getting quicker until the end of the Harvest season, when the Rainy season would truly begin, and the city would have only its granaries and its traders to feed on.

There were heightened emotions in the Casino, positive and negative. Some within the building felt betrayed by their friends. Others felt closer than ever. Some were afraid, or sad, or happy, or enraged. Liana did her best to engender the community of workers about. Her requests for consent to bless them were certainly odd, at first, and some rejected her out of sheer strange. But a lot, without really knowing why, agreed. Then the tattoos came, and then the money flowed in after. The dice were luckier. The wrestlers were stronger. The performances were better. Even the sex felt better. Not everyone received the benefits of the blessing, and not everyone knew what to make of the bizarrely sexual nature of the tattoos, but even those who had refused couldn't but help but laugh. Not at, but with.

It was just one of those things at the Dead Mermaid's Casino that made it bearable to live in. The two elf sisters who kept fighting over women and feet. Urin's inability to keep a secret. That guy who was supposedly three halflings in a coat. And now there was that halfing lady with the filthy tattoos. Despite it seeming ridiculous, it achieved the aim that Liana had set out. It had made those binds of family a little stronger.

Liana herself sought out the man who had made the claim to be able to provide weapons from the Grand Temple of Sophi. He was surprisingly elusive, but she eventually found him backstage of the burlesque. A lizardfolk with lute in hand, his off-yellow skin almost making him appear crocodillian. He was stucking playing the same melody over and over, each time changing his mind and play the same melody in a different tempo, or a different key. At least until Liana approached him, distracting him from his funk.

"And while you may be a heathen, suneh, Sophi gladly smiles up to those she sacrificed herself to protect, whether they realise it or not." There was a moment, before his snout was split from end to end in a cheeky grin. "No, I can't keep that up. My name is Etrikan, suneh, how can I help you?" She described what she needed and he winced a little. "I can see what I can do, but what gets donated is what the living have no need for, and the magical and powerful are kept for the... ummm..." His eyes narrowed a little. "Well, most of Sophi's flock attend to their required sacrifice by giving away a portion of their earnings to charity. Some folk give flesh to the church."

Etrikan then ticked his head back and forth, seeming more optimistic by the moment. "The old stuff, it's easy to sneak out. No one will pay any mind. As for the good ****... that'll take time, and some difficulty. But she owes me much and, if you're going to be saving lives around here... well, I owe you much." His eyes then, for a second, briefly alighted. "It wasn't you who was asking around about the Imperial Winery, was it? If it was, you've managed to humiliate Honeypot. Old girlfriend of hers, used to work here, they had been going through a rocky time of it. The last straw was the girlfriend stole some money from Honeypot, and when confronted, she kept saying it was for a romantic dinner for two at the most exclusive place in all of Julianople. And when asked to prove it..." The lizardfolk shrugged. "No ticket!" There was a slightly cruel laugh and a pat on Liana's shoulder. "Do you want to tell her, or should I? She'll feel guilty, but nothing she won't get over. It wasn't a great relationship anyway."



right-aligned image
Grim had his own encounter. There was a moment when he was alone, at work, none of his friends around. That's when he backed up a little too far and bumped into a soft figure. A very feminine form, though not one he was familiar with. He had bumped into a few over the last couple of days, and this one was recognisable only by sight. No one had proportions quite like Sandraminae.

"I'm still royally pissed off at you," she growled, her voice low enough to put out all the candles in the casino. She left that unspoken rage settle for a moment, before she added... "But you helped save Ariadne's life. I've not forgotten that. Now turn around and face me." Her voice suggested that this was not a choice, but as he looked, he found her face becoming less and less angry, and more and more concerned. "She told me what happened. Including after. I take it that you really need to get into the University, if you're willing to let Tilly kill you." She found a wall to post herself on as her face curled a little. "Do me a favour and don't get one of my staff killed for it."

She then sucked in through her teeth, the most worried she had over the course of this conversation. "Your sister... what are we talking? She'll be coming here, and whether it's the Void Prism she's after or something else, she'll be at the Casino before long. I'm upping your pay so you guys can arm yourself against gangsters and the like, though will that be enough for her?"



The next person to receive a visit from Sandraminae was Tarbin. Just as he was starting to get hungry, and wondering when his lunch would begin, she tapped him on the shoulders.

"Do you remember my conditions for meeting Big Fox's dad? Don't mention the casino, don't mention me, pretend you're from out of town?" she asked in rapid-fire succession, battering out questions to him. She then dramatically revealed, "You've got your meeting. Day 106, middle of the day, at the Longinus Estate itself. You have thirty minutes to come up with a convincing lie as to who you all are and why you want to speak to him. Make it good and tell me if you'll need clothes. Otherwise, I can't help you and the meeting's off." With that, she stalked away.


Location Map Season Day Time Weather
The Dead Mermaid Casino J9 Harvest 104 of 120 4:01pm Cloudy

Throughout the First ShiftIt could not be said that you did not put in your hours. Five hours is a long shift without so much as a five minute break to chew tobacco or the like.

But, one by one, you were each rounded up by the Maztablaztas, with some other workers dotted around. As always, Rozitto did the talking. "Ok! Boys, girls, others, you've got three hours, then you're on again for the night. It'll be a toughie." She gave a look up. "Don't bother us too much - we have a long shift too."
Out Of CharacterSo I do want to take a moment to elaborate and remind you guys of what leads you have, and how you may pursue them, but also you only have three in-game hours to do it all so here's what you can do (that I've thought of, but surprise me)
  • You have some Red Sunshine, a kobold drug that the guard at your ambush was addicted to. She gave armour to the people who actually attacked you. Presumably, if you trade drugs for information, you may be closer to finding the Chest again. Time this will consume - a minimum of 20 minutes. If you choose to do this, it is recommended all of you do.
  • Kasturr is trying to get you guys to steal a painting for him, amongst other ridiculous requests. Could you go and scout out where the painting is? Time this will consume - a minimum of 30 minutes.
  • Speaking of Kasturr, no one likes him. Anyone around willing to squeal about him? He somehow got to Celia and made her pass the note from him to Liana and Kara, maybe there's a way to communicate or find him? [/I] a minimum of 1 hour as per Diplomacy Gather Information for getting rumours
  • If anyone knows what happened to Kawasumi Chika, it'd be someone at the Meditation Gardens of Heaven, where the most dedicated followers of the Heavenly Masters worship. Time this will consume - a minimum of 1 hour.
  • The Bigs have been known to converge at Madame Tabor's Massage Parlour. If you went there in person, what could they tell you? Time this will consume - a minimum of 1 hour 40 minutes.
  • Just who the hell is Lungri the Dog Killer anyway? Where does he operate, and did Sandraminae seriously refer to him as "Tilly's boyfriend?" Time this will consume - a minimum of 1 hour as per Diplomacy Gather Information for getting rumours
  • Harrowing is popular in the Dock Districts. Are there any experts living nearby who could help out? Time this will consume - a minimum of 1 hour as per Diplomacy Gather Information for getting rumours, plus 30 minutes travel time.
  • Tomorrow, Tilly wants you guys to go deliver some buckets of goo somewhere in the docks, then go beat someone up. Who? Why wait for Tilly to tell you tomorrow when you can ask her now. Time this will consume - 15 minutes.
  • Is there any rumours or information you could get from your fellow workers? Time this will consume - none, as you can do it while you work, though you will have limited resources so results may vary.
  • You guys gonna have to eat some food Time this will consume - depends.
  • Make friends! The Casino needs fleshing out, feel free to send me ideas for NPCs and such... Time this will consume - depends.
  • About a million things I've not thought of. Time this will consume - ?!?!?!?!?!

Last edited by Lentil Sponge; Apr 7th, 2023 at 09:38 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old Apr 5th, 2023, 10:39 AM
CatCanCook's Avatar
CatCanCook CatCanCook is offline
Community Supporter
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 16th, 2024
RPXP: 8048
CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook
Posts: 8,974
Buzzing with Jobs to be done
right-aligned image
Liana Xirkul felt that coming near to death only made her realize just how much she wanted to do with her her life. And she fundamentally regarded the Mermaid now as something rather different that her involuntarily allies. It was a place filled with entertainment workers, and the people who were considered the dregs and offscouring of society. Pleasure seekers and pleasure fulfillers. They were indeed Erotes' kind of people, and if they would receive it, they were -- or could be -- Family: though not yet quite in the to-her sacred sense of the Silken Sheet Society or the Cirque de la Fumee.

So, she was a buzz of industry, with a daunting backlog of missions and jobs-to-be-done.

First, when she overheard Ariadne say, "Now I'm stuck knowing more about the gangs of the east side than I ever wanted to .... want to hear gossip that isn't from Urin...." she responded to that with an earnestly dangerous smile, "Dear Ariadne, you know I surely would like to hear about the Bigs; Big Fox, Dog, Coyote, Corgi, Poodle - whatever the breed. They ... hurt people ... and I'd just as soon find ways to stop that."

Between elements of her shift, she had a few words for Urin and the barkeeping staff. She wanted to know about the Imperial Winery and its gold ticket parties. Were there any stories to tell about it? The show the old expired invite. "Just something I found. Curious about it."

Liana was also She bought 1 rank in knowledge (local), which given her Enhance Focus plus Aid Another, 1 rank is actually pretty useful in unlocking checks.starting to develop a strong network of informers, motivated and empowered by her burgeoning new divine blessings. She reflected too, on what her new sources could reveal. At last, she found that Etrikan knew about it, and connected it to a missing ticket relating to Honeypot's long lost date. "Well, I might as well chat with Honeypot.". It was nothing urgent -- she could put that part off for some hours or days if needed.

Etrikan, too, was a useful source of information about the possible acquisition of old weapons. Liana had a clear sense of priorities. Best would be magic crossbow, after that a small sized masterwork light crossbow (unless the repaired crossbow from Kasturr was already that?), next priority after that would be any magical concealable finesse weapon (a dagger, say, is the most common), last any small-sized masterwork concealable finesse weapon. She wants to know what's possible, what (if anything) is free, vs. what size donation would she have to wrangle?

But when it was convenient, and private so as to not humiliate Honeypot, she would share the golden ticket, and the story -- and ask wondering how the ticket could have fallen into her possession. Someone seemingly had placed it on her while she was sleeping. Someone too had placed tokens -- cards of various sorts -- into the possession of her companions. Liana, with her formidable powers of persuasion and deduction, tried to gently extract from Honeypot any clues. She wanted to find out who is the agent who distributed the tokens? This might be a dead end; they could have been distributed supernaturally. But if there was an actual living person acting as the agent of the Jeje-Waxworks visions, Liana would find them eventually. She observed Honeypot's reaction carefully at the return of the missing ticket.




Liana OOC: Lentil indicated that this was a freebee.found that it was possible to pass on the broken crossbow, via Vyeggar doing menial tasks, for it to be put into the repair queue.




Liana keeps general tabs on her allies. With Tarbin, she plans a mission on Day 106, middle of the day, at the Longinus Estate. They have the same business, more or less, vs the Dogs.

As for a reason to speak with Big Fox's father: She is with an outfit that does performances and acrobatics. She's interested in devices for catapulting through the air, special effects, flashes of smoke, things to entertain a crowd. All classic Cirque de la Fumee stuff. She would be pre-scouting to find out what kinds of deals or equipment might be possible. Passing it on to her overseers in the Circus.

The best lies aren't lies. All of this can be true.

 


Last edited by CatCanCook; Apr 6th, 2023 at 01:21 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old Apr 8th, 2023, 10:15 AM
CatCanCook's Avatar
CatCanCook CatCanCook is offline
Community Supporter
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 16th, 2024
RPXP: 8048
CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook
Posts: 8,974
Liana upon the burlesque stage Upon the burlesque stage, Liana performed an uproarious comedy sketch about A Knight in the Mermaid. Liana was born and raised for this work, and it suits her religious faith as well, so she put her full heart and into it.

With a nod to the primary band, they began a perky tune -- a halfling song of innocence and springtime; and she danced in, introducing a satiric tale of a mighty knight -- a devout paladin in fact, and his 'tragic' fall into sin. It was tale of whimsy and gradual seduction, Liana singing at parts and telling the story of the Mermaid who drew the Knight off his pedestal of virtue and deeper into a realm of sensuality and seduction. At moments, runes of Erotes glowed upon Liana, enhancing her music, comedy, wit and whimsey, and the building enticement.

Gradually clothes came off as her tale portrayed the complete seduction of the Knight. Liana acted out pantomimes of behavior as if Knight and Mermaid were making love in the water. To dance about as if weightless underwater, while actually simply moving about a wooden stage, took all of her athleticism and concentration. The act required some prodigious acrobatic skill -- it was a risk, stuffing Cirque de la Fumee style stunts into the routine, but Liana was up to it.!

At last, she finished to uproarious laughter.

Tips were overflowing, and many patrons -- inspired by the spirit of Erotes, sought out their favorite partners or diversions thereafter. It was a splendid night.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old Apr 9th, 2023, 08:17 AM
Lentil Sponge's Avatar
Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge is offline
Cleaner of the Royal Butt
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 15th, 2024
RPXP: 4160
Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge
Posts: 2,142
Location Map Season Day Time Weather
The Dead Mermaid Casino J9 Harvest 104 of 120 11am to 4pm Cloudy

Shift Number 1 First Shift
Kara is playing: Gurna Nmesh earns 169gp Liana is playing: Burlesque, earns 200gp Vyegger is playing: Menial Tasks, earns 59gp
Grim is playing: TBC Damien is playing: TBC Tarbin is playing: Gurna Nmesh, earns 180gp

During Your First Shift
left-aligned image
Kara and Tarbin both made their way to the wrestling rings, as they so often did. What they found there was the usual mob scene - the traditional halfling martial art completely abandoned, often devolving into chaotic and messy brawls. Two of the rings were dominated by the current ring leaders of the riotous group - two sturdy, if slightly wobbly, dwarves. "Oo's tough enough a cant to tay-ke us on, pal?!" one bellowed. The referees were about to step in and take control, but then they saw Tarbin and Kara approaching, and decided not to do anything. Clearly, they knew something about the house that the dwarves didn't.

"Your chance to redeem yourself after your last showing," one referee whispered to Tarbin as he approached the ring. Then they looked to Kara, and just nodded. "You just do what you do."

"The fook is this, pal?! A fookin' farmer and a woman?!" The dwarves both seemed almost insulted by their choice of opponents. With the courage and swagger than only alcohol can bring, one walked forward, towards Kara, chest puffing out. "Look, lassy, I'll 'ave a tussle with yoo, but I think yoo'd be better of doin' a different kind a tussling. How's about the loser fooks me? He immediately tried to trip her up... and was toppled himself within a few seconds. "THAT DID'NA FOOKING COUNT, LEMME HAVE ANOTHER GO! He was shouting, already up and paying another fee to lose yet again. And then his friends came to defend his honour from Kara's easy victories, and they were easily beaten as well.

Tarbin's opponent had less words, and only slightly more to be proud of. He successfully got Tarbin to the ground and was celebrating just in time for Tarbin's foot to expertly extend out, bringing the dwarf to the floor as well, before he applied a choke hold. A long night last night had left Tarbin drained of strength, but he didn't need it. He just focused on the real principles of wrestling - using the opponent's own misplaced force against them in chokehold after submission after ankle lock after pin.

It was, overall, a very good day to be running the wrestling. The house always won.



left-aligned image
Vyeggar had a much more simple, steady time of it. As the fog of his hangover began to lift, he found himself able to apply himself more and more to his job. Though not entirely - he was still dazed, in pain, and confused. The mist remained but it got better as time went on.

At one point, he was scraping a bucket of water along the floor with his mop bucket, still too hungover to be bothered with actually lifting the bucket, when he noticed he was being watched. When he looked up to see who it was, he found Ariadne looking at him with wide eyes. She wasn't in the skimpy uniform any more, but something that actually seemed practical for a cleaner. Shirt-smock and apron. As easy as it got. Though he noticed just the slight hint of a red loincloth beneath it.

"I... errr... guess I'm working with you for now. Until the night, when my normal duties resume," she sighed. Then she looked around, checking to make sure no one was around, before lifting up her hair. On the side of her neck there was one of Liana's mystical tattoos. It was of a flower that very obviously wasn't. "This isn't the halfling's idea, is it?"



right-aligned image
Etrikan took careful note of what Liana asked for, nodding slowly. "Hmmm... well, what the criminal underworld would call 'bribes' the Church oftens calls donations, so the magic and silver weapons you ask for are certainly possible." He took a moment to stroke his long chin, gullet to jaw, as he thought devious thoughts. "If I can get it to you tomorrow, suneh, I will, but do not count on it. The more I take, the more is noticed. Make sure you definitely know what I am retrieving, if there's nothing that your friends wish of me, and I'll do what I can. And, of course, as long as you are protecting us, my offer stands. All you need do is ask, suneh."

Before he could talk more, the backstage of the burlesque became a rush. "Whoever's on next, get on next!"

Etrikan looked to Liana and, mischeviously, winked. "Feel free to warm them up for me, suneh. I hope Sophi herself watches and blesses your performance."

Liana went on to do more than warm the crowd up. The Knight and the Mermaid was a story known amongst those well-travelled or those who were particularly familiar with the arts. But it was obscure enough to be exotic to most, and those who were familiar had not seen an authentic Cirque styling. The wickedly-witted amongst the audience noticed the parallels between the Knight's feeble excuses for chivalry stripping away and Liana's clothes were stripped away, and the Mermaid's enticing words becoming stronger and more animal as Liana's movements became stronger and more animal, all mixed with humour dulling the danger. The simple and the horny amongst the audience saw a near-naked halfling simulating sex acts and then putting herself in mortal danger.

The effect was all the same. Coins pouring about her, whoops and hollers, requests for her to sit on the lap of bolder patrons, other patrons scurrying away to find whatever bedroom and body was available for hire, right now.

When she arrived back stage, Etrikan looked quite feeble. "You may call him Erotes, and I may call her Sophi. Whatever the name, someone out there likes you, suneh. How am I meant to follow that up?"



Late in the shift, Liana was told that, if she wanted to talk to Honeypot, that she had best do it soon - the people who hired her services only used her, and they were most of the only ones who did. So now was the best time. Liana happened to walk up the stairs to see a halfling couple, man and woman to either side of Honeypot, putting kisses on each cheek.

"Alright, you big softies, that's enough! I'll see you same time next week!" she said, playfully smacking the woman on the rump and giving the man a quick yet blatant grope on the groin. The two walked away just in time to miss Honeypot's expression change sourly. "They're always trying to get away with an extra fifteen minutes or what. Cheap-skates. Now, what can I do you for?"

It took a moment for Honeypot to even recognise what the ticket was, for a time. But then she wandered off and began to headbutt the wall softly. "Nnnnnnnyeeeeeeeeeergh." She then looked back to Liana. "Sorry. I think I owe someone an apology. Someone who I am no longer in contact with, but still." The mood didn't so much improve, but she did seem to recognise the importance of what Liana was telling her, and it went from misery to severity. "Mmmm... Harrow cards? Well, I don't know anyone who actively does harrowing here, but there is an old associate of Tilly's who does a lot of it. Used to work here, just kind of does her own thing now by the docks. Master Moonflight, her name is. Yeah, her. She's a dwarf who disguises herself as an elf... no, seriously. She's the person with the most connection here and has the most connection to harrowing. She has a whole load of magic quackery and the like."

Her eyes narrowed as she looked up to Liana again. "Weird that you say you got a harrow card. I didn't notice Vyeggar getting one. What about your other friends, know if they got anything?"
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old Apr 9th, 2023, 12:32 PM
Dylan Scott Dylan Scott is offline
Great Wyrm
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 18th, 2024
RPXP: 6905
Dylan Scott Dylan Scott Dylan Scott Dylan Scott Dylan Scott Dylan Scott Dylan Scott Dylan Scott Dylan Scott Dylan Scott Dylan Scott
Posts: 1,296
Grim
right-aligned image

"That suggests that you do know who did it."

"You should probably tell Tilly what you know. That old man is no harmless drunk."

"before you decide to help a patron out... ask us first. We know who's bad news around here."


Despite Rozitto's friendly manner and laughable attempt to act like they were co-conspirators in some big secret, Grim kept his tongue in check as she asked her questions and gave her advice. His silence a clear indication that he had no intention of telling her or Tilly anything more than he already had. After his last conversation with the Orc it was no surprise and he was still reeling from the nightmare he had just had, trying to make sense of things. Rozitto was certainly very loose lipped and free with her words this morning but that didn't mean that he was now part of the team and should open up in return. He had tried that earlier and it had blown up in his face. He needed to remember what was actually going on in the Casino, he was here to find the chest he had been responsible for losing and if possible retrieve the Void Prism from Tilly in time to make his arranged deal with the University, both to keep his word to Ariadne and to gain the access he needed himself, the errands for Tilly and Sandraminae and the Shifts at the Casino were all useless distractions to keep them under her thumb. He was still convinced Tilly knew exactly where her chest was.

He needed to convince the others to focus on that task sooner rather than later, especially now that he knew his conniving sister was involved somehow, she had no use for the Eye but she would claim it just to spite him, he needed to gain access to the university and find the information he needed but for that he would need funds and he couldn't get those while indebted to that damned Mutated Whore of an Orc. As he got dressed and found the card he smiled, it seemed that perhaps there was a better way to find what he needed but for now there was apparently work to do


Trying to Listen intently as Fletcher explained the rules to Orcstones, Grim found his attention drifting, he had no interest in the game which was replacing his Conch Shell table. he would find something else to turn his talents too that evening, he could always try his hand at the Burlesque but the usually gregarious and outgoing Gnome wasn't feeling particularly sociable this morning and showing off his magical talents seemed like a bad idea, Tilly already seemed to know a lot more about what everyone was doing than seemed normal, revealing the limits and scope of his powers wasn't a smart choice.

For some reason he felt himself gravitating towards the Rodent Roulette table and after a brief lesson from the gamesman at the table about to finish his shift he soon picked up the rules, he wasn't particularly skilled with animal handling but he been practically raised onboard a merchant vessel and had dealt with rats and mice numerous times, as a sorcerer he had developed numerous little tricks over the years to deal with and manipulate rodents and he was able to use them to good effect during his time at the table, while others tried to manipulate the pot itself or entice the mice with clumsily thrown breadcrumbs, Grim used his small magics to entice the mice into his chosen hole with a subtle scent of food, or a feeling of warmth in the direction he wanted them to go, a bad smell or small sound from his opponents declared holes to divert them away or a small shift of wind redirecting the thrown breadcrumbs to where they would benefit him more than the others.

He kept his influence minimal and subtle and throughout his shift working the tables he was able to influence the game enough to win a nice paycheck for himself at the end of the day, assuming Tilly didn't have anything to say about it as she had the last two nights. While taking a break mid day he had the pleasure, however brief, of the feel of Sandraminae pressing against him as he backed up to lean against the wall to rest and enjoy his mug of coffee. He hadn't even noticed her approach and as her icy words cut through the noise of the casino for a moment he wished he hadn't. She was clearly still angry with him, having had to use whatever bargaining chip she had to save his life but as he turned to look up at the beautiful woman he could see concern in her eyes and the more she spoke to him the more he could hear it in her voice

Of all the people at the Casino, at this moment in time she was the only person he was willing to listen too so he gave her his attention as she asked her questions and expressed her concerns. Nalia was not a subject he liked to discuss but after what she had done, he owed her the truth, at least as he knew it. When it came to his demonic sister there was very little he was sure of

"I didn't ask you to step in for me Lady Sandraminae, but i do appreciate it and will do everything i can to repay that debt to you. If i need to step in between Tilly and one of the others under your charge then i will but perhaps it would have been better if you had let Tilly kill me. it would have been a mercy if my sister comes to town"

"As for what we are talking about. When she arrives, just tell Tilly to give her what she wants and be done with it, hell those two would likely be thick as thieves but believe me you do not want anything to do with Nalia Grimzinta."

"If she does come she wont be alone, i truthfully don't know the extent of her influence, its clearly greater than i thought if she can deal with the University the way she is from so far away but as she gets closer she will have plans in motion for her arrival. Keep your eyes and ears open for mercenary activity in the city, she is no match for Tilly physically, especially with her taking those alchemical enhancements but she will use a proxy to do it for her so if someone shows up capable to giving our grumpy boss a run for her money then there is an excellent chance they work for Nalia"


Actions & Movement
 


Stat Block
 

Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old Apr 10th, 2023, 08:43 AM
Lentil Sponge's Avatar
Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge is offline
Cleaner of the Royal Butt
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 15th, 2024
RPXP: 4160
Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge
Posts: 2,142
Location Map Season Day Time Weather
The Dead Mermaid Casino J9 Harvest 104 of 120 11am to 4pm Cloudy

Shift Number 1 First Shift
Kara is playing: Gurna Nmesh, earns 169gp Liana is playing: Burlesque, earns 200gp Vyegger is playing: Menial Tasks, earns 59gp
Grim is playing: Rodent Roulette, earns 160gp Damien is playing: TBC Tarbin is playing: Gurna Nmesh, earns 180gp

Grim
right-aligned image
Grim's first comment made Sandraminae's lip twitch a little closer to a smile. "It's as I said - there's more to your survival than the Chest. Maybe not enough to fake a robbery, as you so dramatically declared last night, but..." The concern, and the darkness, came back on her face. "Well. A lot of stuff that I hope I'm wrong about."

The worry only got worse as Grim elaborated. Sandraminae didn't interrupt, just quietly waiting to process all of the information. Then, finally, "She sounds like a joy to have grown up with." A hand went to the back of Sandraminae's head as she scratched a worried itch. "Believe me, if Nalia doesn't pick the fight, Tilly would if I suggested that she just give your sister whatever she asks for - she doesn't play with other big kids very well. I doubt Nalia would walk in and bow at her knees, so Tilly will take a pretty instant disliking to her. I certainly will be looking out for mercenaries carefully. Got some ears to the ground. I appreciate the warning. If you find out when she's coming and need to buy something to protect the Casino from her, just tell me."

She looked up. A bedroom door swinging open, some sort of cue for her. She flicked her blonde locks, allowing them to tumble to her shoulders. But she didn't leave straight away. She just regarded Grim carefully. "Tilly's strong, real strong, but she thinks she's invincible. And she's smart... very smart. But not a genius. I don't think you're getting the Void Prism back, but I know what will possibly get you into the University." She began to step away, locking eyes with the gnome and drifting through the crowd as if it wasn't there. "Convincing Tilly it was her idea, and that you're doing her the favour."

Then she turned away.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old Apr 11th, 2023, 04:10 PM
Alatere's Avatar
Alatere Alatere is offline
Crazy Kobold
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Sep 28th, 2023
RPXP: 9775
Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere Alatere
Posts: 12,354
Tarbin Haldar
right-aligned image


”I suppose it is better knowing sooner rather than later…” Tarbin replied with a slight shrug of his large shoulders to Ariadne’s statement about Sliggitz. ”Besides you have plenty of time to find someone better…” Tarbin declared in what he hoped was an encouraging way.

”I suppose that is good in a way…” Tarbin replied with a frown at the news that Tilly was making her presence known in order to scare away the gangs. ”It is only right that you get some small amount of safety out of the situation…” Tarbin added. ”But if you ever do not feel safe just let me know I would happily sleep on your floor for a few nights…” Tarbin then offered earnestly ”Besides I imagine that it is less crowded than the common room floor…” the large man then added with a slight smile.

Tarbin then glanced over at the ruckus that had broken out to the side of the room having seemingly missed what had brought about the altercation. The rest of the room’s occupants barely reacted as though such a situation was normal so Tarbin ended up glancing between his companions. ”Do you think I should break that up?” Tarbin then questioned with a look of confusion and slight apprehension.

Tarbin then glanced over as Sandraminae walked in and subconsciously his posture straightened somewhat. He listened to the summons and nodded when Ariadne said that they wanted to come along.

”Compared to last night you need not fear what Sandraminae has to say…” Tarbin reassured as he placed a hand on the young woman’s shoulder. ”I have never been in the basement…” Tarbin then commented with a slightly raised eyebrow as the elf headed off. With a shrug Tarbin them followed after Ariadne as they headed for the basement.






Tarbin nodded along as Liana explained the background and dogma of Jeje. Tarbin was in no mood to get in a religious debate with the fiery little zealot so he did not make any comments but as far as he was concerned if the religion required you to willingly put yourself or others in to a death like state it was not a good religion to follow.




The Casino was once again growing busy and Tarbin had opted to return to the ring rather than patrol the casino floors like he had done so last time. The visions from the night before had left the large man feeling both frustrated and somewhat helpless and the opportunity to take out his frustrations in the ring was just to appealing.

The sight of the drunkern dwarves was actually welcome one as they would hopefully be a challenge and Tarbin would feel a lot better about giving them the come uppance that they seemed to deserve then he would have about throwing some helpless halflings about. The only thing he was a bit disappointed by was how drunk the dwarves were.

”Guess they don’t know much about farmers…” Tarbin commented as he overheard the dwarf expecting him to be a pushover because he was a farmer. ”Or women!” Tarbin then declared rather deadpan as Kara hurled one of the dwarves to the ground.

Tarbin then took his time with his own bout relishing the opportunity to outmanoeuvre and outperform his opponent repeatedly forcing the dwarf in to locks and holds and generally make him look like he didn’t know what he was doing.

Once it was all over Tarbin brushed himself down with a smile on his face. ”Now that brings back memories…” Tarbin commented with a faraway look. ”Reminds me of when me and my brothers used to wrestle with the pigs as kids…” the large man added with obvious amusement.

”But I must say miss Kara it was a pleasure watchin’ you work, seems this game was just made for you” Tarbin complimented after both matches were over.




When Sandraminae confronted him later in the day Tarbin spun round at the tap on the shoulder and then nodded at the rapid fire questions. ”I rightly do and I don’t reckon that any of that will be a problem.” Tarbin agreed. ”I will let miss Liana know, she’s the one with the mouth so will need to know the plan…. Thirty minutes you say…” Tarbin declared with a nod before doing exactly that and rushing deeper in to the casino in search of the halfling firebrand.

”Miss Liana I need your assistance with something …” Tarbin declared as soon as he found the halfling woman. Giving the young halfling only a moment to respond the large man then grabbed Liana by the hand and began dragging her off.

”Our meetings been arranged, Miss Sandraminae has given us thirty minutes likely twenty now to come up with a story for why we’ll be visiting the estate…” Tarbin said quietly as he dragged the halfling along.








ooc-I might have more to add later but wanted to get a post in before I fell too far behind.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old Apr 14th, 2023, 07:43 PM
CatCanCook's Avatar
CatCanCook CatCanCook is offline
Community Supporter
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 16th, 2024
RPXP: 8048
CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook CatCanCook
Posts: 8,974
The Power of Erotes; carrying forward along the path
right-aligned image
Liana was flushed with exertion and pride after her performance.

When she arrived back stage, Etrikan looked quite feeble. "You may call him Erotes, and I may call her Sophi. Whatever the name, someone out there likes you, suneh. How am I meant to follow that up?"

Her eyes flared with a negative trait she haszealotry. "Well, of course you receive less favor. The Heavenly Masters is the truest expression of faith!" It just snaps out of her, an unthinking response.

Then she stammered ... realizing she has been both rude and undiplomatic. "Sorry. I .... uh ... sorry. The gods bless you in your performance. "

She offers;" I can bless you as you perform. Just stand off to the side, and focus on helping you bring out the best you can be." If Etrikan, she can using her talents to Aid and Enhance him, giving him likely a topnotch performance.




Liana was just getting used to the new spellcasting gifts that she had received from Erotes (and fueled by her own native faith and zealous intensity.)

Her casting tradition was divine, and it was a holy symbol of the Most Hung that she wore as a ring upon her right hand that served as her focus. Without that, she would find it quite difficult to cast magic. (I should get a backup holy symbol, perhaps as a pendant, she thought.)

Because her magic drew from the power of Erotes, which she 1+ spell point, not free usesexpended a significant force, her body would be filled with ecstasy. This would be a challenge to her fortitude to Ecstatic [Painful] Magic (drawback) Your magic debilitates you the more you rely on it. Whenever you spend one or more spell points, you must succeed at a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 the ability’s caster level) or be sickened for 1 round. If you fail this save while already sickened, you are instead nauseated for 1 round. If you fail this save while nauseated, increase the duration of the nauseated condition by 1 round.avoid being distracted, especially during critical situations like combat.

She could not cast Emotional Casting (drawback) Your magic requires heightened emotional states of mind to use. When subject to a non-harmless effect that invokes an emotion (such as fear effects, demoralization, spells with the emotion descriptor, or (charms) such as Fear or Hostility) you are unable to use magic. You may use the metamagic feat Logical Spell to overcome this drawback.unless her heart was into it; zeal and passion (whether love, or hate, or lust, or whatever form) drove her magic, But if foreign magic overcame her will and affected her emotions, it could severely shut down her ability to use magic. Maybe not her pre-cast spells, but anything new that she tried to do spontaneously on the spot. In her arcane studies she'd heard rumors of monsters that had auras of supernatural terror. She might do poorly against such things.

Her magic at this time was limited to just enhancing gear, herself, and her allies. It required Prepared Caster (drawback) [Enhancement sphere]. You must prepare your magic before you can use it. After resting to regain spell points, you must assign each of your spell points to a sphere you possess. You cannot spend more spell points in a given sphere in a day than you have assigned to that sphere. Class features and feats that use spell points (such as the Counterspell feat) are considered a single unified ‘sphere’ for this purpose.preparation through prayer in the morning. She would likely never be a versatile or multi-faceted spellcaster; her new magic was useful but it was limited in its potential to grow or diversify.

Consciousness Linked (drawback) Your effects are linked to you even after you spend a spell point to have them continue without concentration. If you fall asleep or unconscious, or are dazed, stunned, confused, reduced to animal intelligence, or otherwise unable to take coherent mental actions, all of your magical effects immediately end.Her consciousness fueled her magic. So if she lost consciousness in one way or another -- any magical aid she was providing to herself or others would get snuffed out.

Last, her magic had visible signs. While this was great... for evangelistic purposes ... she hoped that with further concentration she would learn to be able to make those magical marks of Erotes a subtle thing that could be suppressed. That would be important during covert actions.

So, Liana was beginning to learn about and realize the limitations of her new gifts.

At least though, her magic was easy to sustain -- she could devote half of her mind toward sustaining an effect. But if she had a temporary effect on her allies (which was most of the time that she used her powers), it would only last about twelve seconds. And the range of an effect she was concentrating on was short.

So her allies could learn that if someone bore one of her marks of Erotes, she was probably in line of sight nearby and actively playing attention.




"Miss Liana I need your assistance with something …" Tarbin declared as soon as he found the halfling woman. Giving the young halfling only a moment to respond the large man then grabbed Liana by the hand and began dragging her off.

"Easy now, sir. I don't need to be grappled ... and don't forget your strength." Liana protested the abrupt manhandling. Tarbin was easy as if you judge by say carrying capacityphysically strong as five or six Lianas.

"Our meetings been arranged, Miss Sandraminae has given us thirty minutes likely twenty now to come up with a story for why we’ll be visiting the estate… "Tarbin said quietly as he dragged the halfling along.

She focused her concentration on enhancing her skill as an escape artist, and a symbol of Erotes pulsed briefly on her forehead. She slipped deftly out of his grasp. "Enough, enough. I get it, I'm coming." Ham-fisted blockhead, she thought.

They came to Sandraminae -- in a private nook.

She got to the point. "So we need a reason to speak to Big Fox's father. I also want to see where Big Coyote comes and goes from, as I do want to link her to Big Dog's whereabouts."

"I can go as a representative of the Cirque de la Fumee. I am, after all, a talent scout for the organization. We do naturally purchase smoking powders, flash powders, things like that. For special effects, to amuse and delight the crowds. I don't know about the alchemy of such things, that's never been my area. But I know generally about the practice. So I can inquire and converse about such things, as well as perhaps the acrobatic uses of catapults, and spring-driven devices ... such as we know he sold to Kasturr. (I'd admire the fellow for his style and bravado -- were he not also a scumbag.) In any case, the Cirque would love any clever innovations as to flying performers through the air."

"These are all classic Cirque de la Fumee tactics, techniques and tradecraft: the people well know us for such dazzling acts. What I learn about the opportunities, I will indeed pass on to my handlers and superiors in the Cirque. This is an entirely legitimate interest, they may well choose to purchase from the estate."

"So best lies aren't lies. The best persuasion is genuine common interest," she smiled.

 


Last edited by CatCanCook; Apr 14th, 2023 at 07:46 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old Apr 15th, 2023, 11:18 AM
Touketsu's Avatar
Touketsu Touketsu is offline
Mysterious Ice Ninja
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 18th, 2024
RPXP: 12899
Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu Touketsu
Posts: 5,900
Damien Buranta
right-aligned image


Trista’s half-baked explanation wasn't remotely convincing, but between the story and the general strangeness of the request, Damien was thrown off enough that he didn't react one way or the other, simply staring at the elf as she stared at his feet. They weren't bad if feet were your thing; hardly his best feature, but he hadn't even gotten round to the point of mentally processing judgement or feeling flattered before the encounter was joined by a very wet, very naked Sharian.

Damien briefly appraised the girl, admittedly impressed at what she had to offer, though at the moment he was more focused on the evolving conflict between the sisters, continuing to say nothing as the two began to attack each other viciously. Not the most stable couple of elves... but they were members of the staff, and therefore worth getting to know better if they were willing to calm down long enough for a conversation. For the moment, Damien turned his attention back to Ariadne as she spoke to him and Tarbin, smirking at the large man as Ariadne spoke of repayment.

"Tarbin's a gentleman; helping a girl in need is it's own reward, eh Haldar?" His smirk softened, and he looked at Ariadne. "But truthfully, the most important thing you can do to make last night matter is learn from it. Seems like you already have. Be patient, trust in your sister, and identify what value you can bring so you can hone it... for you, not for the next Sliggitz to take advantage of." Damien side-eyed Tarbin again. He wasn't normally so encouraging, but it was pretty clear Tarbin was soft on her, and Damien was nothing if not respectful when the situation called for it. Maybe the farmer had purely noble intentions, maybe he didn't. Either way, Damien wasn't going to sour the mood with unsolicited, unfiltered honesty.

By this point, the sisters' fight had drawn quite a lot of attention, and Tarbin questioned whether or not he should intervene. Before they could discuss it further however, Damien looked up and nodded in greeting as Sandraminae finally made her appearance, beckoning he, Ariadne, and Tarbin to follow her out.

"Good talk ladies. We'll have to pick this up later." Damien quipped at the brawling duo before returning to his belongings, sliding into his shoes before heading off to meet with their superior.



After meeting with Sandraminae, Damien beckoned Tarbin aside.

"Returning to the subject of information, there’s still the matter of the guard who likes Red Sunshine. We should gather the others and do this soon… today… now, if possible. If she has anything to tell us about the ambush, I want to know it before we get too wrapped up in the rest of the messes starting to pile up around here."

Assuming everyone was in agreement to go, Damien took the opportunity to go find Tilly on his own while the others prepared to depart. If they had some dirty work ahead, there was no sense waiting until the last minute to get the full details on that either. Checking that she was in her office, he softly knocked on the doorframe, stepping inside.

"Ma’am… if you have a couple minutes, I’m ready to hear the details about this job." Lugging buckets of putrid goo down to the docks and kicking someone’s teeth in didn’t sound terribly appealing, but orders were orders until Damien actually had a decent reason not to obey them. Certainly the location was convenient enough… as if happened, Damien had Gather Info on Harrowingplans down by the docks anyway.



As the day wore on and next shift got closer, Damien‘s mind was still buzzing. There were so many secrets waiting to be unraveled, and with thoughts of the ambush fresh in his mind, Damien decided the next one would be the matter of that little cretin, Kasturr. As quickly as he could, the vishkanya tracked down Celia, fixing the girl with a winning smile.

"Word has it a certain scarred up, annoying little kobold passed a message through you very recently. A smart woman like yourself; I don’t think it would surprise you to hear any information on how to trace that message right back to said kobold would be worth a serious favor. So Celia… got anything you’d like to share?"



With a bit of time before he needed to get to work, Damien could feel his stomach rumbling. His mouth and ears had worked up quite an appetite. Passing through the kitchen, he was able to secure himself a plate of… some kind of meat… and assorted fruit, carrying the modest feast over to the bar and settling in with a glass of wine. Giving Urin a friendly nod, he swallowed a mouthful of what tasted like chicken and smiled at the dwarf.

"Feeling alright today Urin? I heard you got pretty deep into a bottle last night. They say getting drunk is borrowing happiness from tomorrow… any truth to it?" He smirked. If there was any truth to the rumors of dwarves constitution, a bit of liquor was hardly enough to put a dent in the woman, but it was amusing to tease a little anyway. "By the by, I was thinking of switching it up tonight and giving the games a break. Need a hand running drinks tonight?"
Rolls & ActionsSorry for the delay! Okay, I’m summary:

1. Damien finds Trista hella-suspicious. Anything he can pick up about her?

Sense Motive: 7


2. If the party is in agreement, at some point during the 3 hours, most of all of us should go do this literal drug deal and see what information comes of it.

3. Damien hits up Tilly to hear more about the job. When the group DOES go out to do said dirty work, he’ll take the opportunity then to see what he can learn about Harrowing from the locals.

Diplomacy - Gather Information: 22


4. Screw Kasturr. Damien uses some of his free time to search for rumors about that little bastard.

Diplomacy - Gather Information: 26


5. Damien will hang out with Urin for a bit and get some food before starting his shift. He’ll help with: Mixing Drinks and Waiting.

Perform: 21 (success)

Oh, and if possible amongst all that, he’s going to grab a buckler just to have some extra protection to take with him without compromising the suit. Aesthetic IS paramount after all.
Stats
 
__________________
I have taken the Oath!
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old Apr 15th, 2023, 01:07 PM
Noquarter19's Avatar
Noquarter19 Noquarter19 is online now
It's clobberin' time
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 18th, 2024
RPXP: 18045
Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19 Noquarter19
Posts: 4,327
Vyeggar Vugmuk
right-aligned image
Credit to @TSRodriguez14

"That's not saying much, Sandramine, seeing's how I wasn't even injured by those stupid goblin twits. Honestly they were dumber than a bag of doorknobs, I don’t even know how that sniper could tell which way the barrel faced." Bringing up the sniper made him recall the near death of Liana, and he could feel the bats of rage beginning to flutter around in his hungover brain. He changed the subject. "This is just a victory hangover. Yeah. Yeah, we'll go with that. Hooray us, the Bucket Brigade. Who wouldn't want to be us...?" He shuffled away from the casino's second in command and, after doing something work-like helping Kara with a table that he immediately regretted due to all the racket, he shuffled off to a backroom where he could find some peace and quiet, but especially quiet.

The backroom was a mess of old tables, empty whiskey barrels, trash, and maybe a body or two. "Clean all this sh*t up, Vugmuk," the boss had growled at him, so that's what he was doing. He was about an hour or so into the job when he heard a familiar mouse squeaking. He turned to see Ariadne, looking like a commoner instead of some kind of barely-clad flesh doll. She was squeaking something about working with him and her new tattoo she got, but all he heard was a ringing in his cauliflower ear that seemed to be increasing in pitch. "Uh-huh, fascinating, great. Uh, listen, I just remembered that I'm not getting paid to chat, so if it's cool with you, I'm just going to go ahead and not talk." translation: if I'd rolled a 15Were he in a less-surly mood he might have used this time to pry some information from the young woman. After all, she probably knew a great deal more about the comings and goings of the seedier players in the city. In the end, the shift came to a close right around the time his hangover sweated away. "Good enough," he grumbled, looking around at the marginally cleaner room. He muttered a goodbye to Ariadne and strolled off to find the others.

"Hey what's all this about you giving out free tattoos?" he grumbled to Liana when he finally tracked her and the others down. "I was going to see about getting something cool tatted up on my knuckles, that way it'd be funnier when I hit people, but if all you can do is flowers then I'll pass. Maybe Tilly knows someone who can do me up right. I was going to go do that little errand she had with the buckets and the punching, figured that's sort of, you know, in my wheelhouse, as they say." Initially naware that he had just interrupted the group in mid-conversation about the dreams, he finally registered the curious look on his companions faces.

"What dreams? What the hell are you people even talking about? You guys are... Dreams?! Are you for real? I don’t know what the hell you’re on about." He growled and clenched his fists, but he couldn't hide the trapped look in his eyes.

 

__________________
normal image without text wrap
A watched game never updates...

Posting status: Around.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old Apr 15th, 2023, 10:34 PM
Lentil Sponge's Avatar
Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge is offline
Cleaner of the Royal Butt
 
Tools
User Statistics
Last Visit: Mar 15th, 2024
RPXP: 4160
Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge Lentil Sponge
Posts: 2,142
SENSITIVITY WARNING FOR THIS POST: There are implicit descriptions of sexual acts and abuse in this post. I've put the relevant passages behind a spoilerbutton, if you may find such themes disturbing or triggering PM me and I can do a sort-of sensitivity summary so you can continue play without reading any content you don't want to.



Location Map Season Day Time Weather
The Dead Mermaid Casino J9 Harvest 104 of 120 Before 4pm Cloudy

Shift Number1First Shift
Kara is playing Gurna Nmesh, earns 169gpLiana is playing Burlesque, earns 200gpVyeggar is playing Menial Tasks, earns 59gp
Grim is playing Rodent Roulette, earns 160gpDamien is playing Menial Tasks, earns 59gpTarbin is playing Gurna Nmesh, earns 180gp

During the Shift
left-aligned image
When Liana and Tarbin both explained their plan to Sandraminae, she listened carefully, not interrupting with any comments or suggestions. It was only after they were done that she responded, smiling wickedly. "You mean, you guess that Kasturr's a scumbag, because if he had contacted you then you'd never be out of Tilly's sight again." She shrugged. "Unbelievably, your guess is absolutely right. I've had the displeasure of meeting with the kobold and... well, you've seen how skimpy this uniform is, right?" She punctuated this point by spinning a little on the spot, surely a sight that a pious man such as Tarbin would be embarrassed by and a sight that would please a follower of Erotes. "This thing didn't show enough flesh for his liking. Though he claimed it was so I couldn't hide a knife on me. The joke was on him, I am well-versed in holding uncomfortable things in my bumcheeks."

"I like your plan. You've got your meeting." She handed them The Longinus Estate is in E4 on the main map. Liana and Tarbin know which building.a slip of paper, which had an address on it. Along with this was six signed pieces of paper, with a name that was, notably, not Sandraminae's. Atop them it declared "Granted by Authority of Crown Prince Undiara, whose noble reign has been bestowed upon him by Emperor Undana and Empress Mathilta of House Undiax, long may their reign be, I beseech the holder of this receipt to enter that most ancient and hallowed of imperial seats, the Citadel of Julianople. This receipt is good for one day and must be destroyed by the guard receiving it."

"This is the only help from me you'll get, unless you need some outfits or something," Sandraminae said severely. "You're the ones who'll have to convince him that you can arrive on Day 108. He's very quick to decide if he likes you or not, and it's hard to change his mind, so make sure you get him on side."


right-aligned image
Damien happened to approach Tilly's office when the door was wide open. She actually looked normal, for once. If anything, she looked a little comical, holding up a pair of spectacles over her singular eye as she read through a clenched fist full of paper. However, when he actually stepped in, it felt like all of the skulls on the walls, the desk and the bedpost were staring at him. Tilly joined them.

"You don't mess around... just how I like it," she grunted, throwing the papers to the side and ssetting the spectacles neatly onto the nearest skull. "This job requires some pictures. Hang on." She opened up a drawer on her heavy desk, almost hard enough to snap the whole thing apart. The paper she pulled out was a very clumsy looking You instantly recognise where this is. It is G9 on the main mapmap of an area not far from the lighthouse. "Lucky for you, your two jobs are for neighbours. Deliver goo to the smaller house, beat up the guy living in the bigger house. And it's tomorrow morning - I want the beating to be very visible, make sure everyone knows who did it."

"The goo delivery is for a complete nutcase. Master Moonflight. Don't be fooled by the name, she's a dwarf who pretends to be an elf guy because it makes her seem more mysterious and mystical. If anything, I'm hoping this is the last time I have to send this goo to her." Tilly sat back, pondering something. "... it's a pain in the arse to make. Anyway, drop the goo off, and don't talk to her much. She'll spend hours and hours talking once you get her talking, and most of it will be nonsense."

The next three pictures, however, were very detailed drawings. When Damien looked, they had Sandraminae's signature at the bottom. The first was of a halfling, though one with almost gnomish features - a large nose, a large smile, and a large beard. Immediately, Tilly began jabbing the picture with her finger on the man with rage. "This arsehole... this ****ing arsehole! Buxton O'Hare! The little **** has been using charm spells to get discounts from sex workers all over the city, and I only get warned about him after he's already gotten into the heads of two of my best sellers!" To punctuate, he gestured to the other two pictures - two beautiful women, one tiefling, one human. "Thumper and Judy. Guys went crazy for them two. I actually had a noticeable dip in profits when they left. And now this ****ing arsehole..." Her thumb smushed into the halfling's face, almost tearing it.

 


Tilly sat back, taking a moment to stare at the ceiling. When she had regained her composure, she sat forward again. "Don't hurt Judy and Thumper, though they'll try to hurt you. He'll have other women... they don't work for me, kill them if you have to, I'd prefer it if not. Otherwise Tabor will be visiting and I don't want her giving me a sore earhole. But this ****ing guy... don't kill him." There was a heavy emphasis on that. "I want him to walk around town in pain. I want you guys to be as creative and as cruel as you like in making sure this guy scares people. Think of him as a blank canvas - paint a picture of what happens if you mess with me."

There was almost a perverse glee in her orders, which died down slowly. "Anyway, that's tomorrow's job. Now, get out and pass on the message and the pictures to the rest of your Bucket Brigade." She grabbed her spectacles again, spinning them idly in her hand. She regarded them with some thought... and then... "Grim never explained why he was so keen to get into the University, did he?"


right-aligned image
To the outside observer, it is an odd exchange. Not unusual to the Dead Mermaid's Casino, though more for the people doing it. Kara had already gained a reputation for being quite aloof, above the chaos and the sordid affairs. Celia, while definitely willing to engage in sex work, definitely had a more spiritual and caring streak to her. And here was Kara exchanging some sort of cloth bundle or pouch with her. Drugs? A coin purse? Celia looked down at what she had been given, her eyes sparkling a little. Then, suddenly, she snickered, and, taking Kara's arm with a soft grasp, pulled her into a darker corner further from the crowd.

Maybe a minute or two later Celia emerged from the shadows, leaving Kara behind. She had a little blush on her face, and was not ready for Damien to approach her. She almost yelped but stopped herself. The question was a little bit more severe, though she ended up putting on a smile as if nothing was wrong. "He told me he'd know when you guys were ready for more correspondence. Even when he met me, he was surrounded by city guards. Whoever he was, he had money to throw around. He could probably pay anyone here to spill any beans he wanted spilling." She put a finger to her chin, pretending to think about something. "Unrelated note, completely unrelated, did you know that I like to drink at The Best Tavern? You know, if anyone wanted to find me and pass me any sort of secret messages, they'd know to do it at The Best Tavern. A group of us go drinking there from time to time."


Etrikan seemed a little unsure of Liana's outburst. Was it supposed to be defended against, or laughed off. Eventually, he shrugged. "At least you apologised, suneh. Faith and love for our God can make us all dogmatic. I humbly accept your blessing." He went on to have one of the better performances of his life. If only he didn't attribute it to Sophi rewarding him for his tolerance and patience, Liana might have had a convert. He makes sure to find the others in the Bucket Brigade and make sure that they get their orders in too, explaining that they'll have their weapons first thing in the morrow.


Location Map Season Day Time Weather
The Dead Mermaid Casino J9 Harvest 104 of 120 4:01pm Cloudy

The End of the ShiftRozitto was about to let you all go, but before she did, she slid across some coinpurses for each of you... and also a large scone about the size of a plate. Rozitto winked to all of you. "By the way, that's thanks from me and Larzon. You helped us almost catch the old man yesterday, and one of you saved my pumpkin's life. Larzon would've said thank you in person, but he's shy. Such a sweetheart."


Location Map Season Day Time Weather
South Bridge, Western Checkpoint J7 Harvest 104 of 120 4:34pm Cloudy

The Trial of a Chest
left-aligned image
The city of Julianople was in a moment of flux, just as the whole year was in a moment of flux. Between seasons. Between times. The morning hours had already brought sailors, and the lunch hours had brought out the hungry. Soon the professionals would spring out of their workplaces to return home, and the sailors who were departing today would make their journeys to the docks and scatter. But that was later. Right now, it was the lull period. The dull period. Where the streets were empty but for those who had things to do early. Where the city was, for once, quiet.

Quieter.

There were still the daytime drunks, and the beggars pestering for money, and the idles with nothing to do but waste their time and yours. As you all got closer and closer to the bridge, the crowds got heavier and heavier. At the bridge itself was more guards than was really needed to stop every cart and every person with a bag who wanted to cross. It brought back chills across all of your backs. It was not long ago that you were here being beaten senseless, possibly by some of the very guards standing here as they innocently, cluelessly, helped the fake guards amongst their midst.

And you were planning to confront one of them, with the Red Sunshine still in Grim's possession, waiting to be traded for the names of the people who did the beating. The people who stole the Chest of Majab Ig Grun and landed you in debt. If fate was smiling on you, the people who still had it.

"Halt in the name of Crown Prince Undiara," one guard would say, a hobgoblin with a shield taller than him, while another would walk up and either rip open a bag and look inside or peer into a cart that some equally bored merchant had wheeled up, before waving it through. This pair was doing the bulk of the work, while three humans sat playing cards outside a thin yet tall building, the outpost itself, and barely paying attention. A cage swung from the top of the small tower, an example to troublemakers that was thankfully unused. You could hear people inside the guardhouse, though there can't have been many. The humans playing cards were having a low conversation, trying not to be heard by whoever was actually in the guardhouse itself.

"Wish I could just sack off work and get eaten out."

"Not so loud, moron! Cap'n will hear you, and then the only guard post you'll ever see again is from inside that cage."

"Besides, whenever it happens, I just feel sorry for her. What the Captain does to her, ****ing shameful." One of the humans stopped playing as she looked up from her hand of cards. Her eyes settled on you. "Holy ****!"

Immediately, the hobgoblin appeared in front of you all. "Halt in the name of Crown Prince Undiara," he groaned, while another hobgoblin was moving towards Vyeggar. He gave the ugly orc a once-over and seemed to sense a fighter. He nodded to the first hobgoblin who sighed. "Ever crossed a bridge before? Bags out, pockets open, let's see what you got."

The human who noticed you had made it over by now, her eyes firmly on Kara. Then, slowly, she looked around to the rest of you, in turn. This was enough to catch the others' attention, and soon there were five guards all abandoning their post just to look at you. "You're not Kara Kurdst, are you? The chick who saved Crominus?"

"That's her?" another said curiously, before looking to her fellow guards. Not loud enough to ignore, she blithely asked "Halfing, vishkanya, gnome... they seem like Tilly's goons, the ones that got robbed."

"Can't be! Tilly would've killed them! Asides, what would Kara Kurdst be doing with them?"

Last edited by Lentil Sponge; Apr 16th, 2023 at 01:48 AM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:16 AM.
Skin by Birched, making use of original art by paiute.(© 2009-2012)


RPG Crossing, Copyright ©2003 - 2024, RPG Crossing Inc; powered by vBulletin, Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. Template-Modifications by TMB