lostsole31
  
 
 
   
    ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE!  
     A paladin of Iomedae and knight-errant of the Glorious Reclamation comes to the town of Longacre, inspiring the citizens to join the uprising against the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune.  First as amoral mercenaries, then as retainers of the wicked archbaron  of Longacre, the evil adventurers must move quickly to put down the  insurgency and keep the town from falling to the knight's rebellion.   
      DRAMATIS PERSONAE     
     Character
[Player]
  
  Speech
Color  
  AL
  
  Faith  
  Race [Ethnicity]
(Gender ID)
  
  Side #1
  
  Side #2
  
  Campaign Trait  
 
    Briza Dhunnyl
of House Faen Tlabbar
[Moriar]
   
   Indigo
   
 LE 
 Asmodeus 
 Drow Noble (f) 
 Antipaladin 3
[Fearmonger
+ Tyrant] 
 Bard 1
[Dirge Bard +
Sound Striker]/
LA 2 
 Asmodean Acolyte 
 
    Drusina Hadria Severus III
[Ason]
   
   Purple
   
 LE 
 Asmodeus 
 Human (f)
[Chelaxian] 
 Fighter 3 
 Mesmerist 3
[Hypnotic Duelist 
 Chelish Noble 
 
    Garnius
[Asriel]
   
   Fire Brick
Red
   
 LE 
 Dispater 
 Kitsune (m)

{Human
[Chelaxian]} 
 Cleric 3 
 Oracle 3
(Shadow) 
 Thrune Informant 
 
    Hermia
[NPC]
   
   Dark
Orange
   
 LE 
 ??? 
 ??? (f) 
 ??? 
 ??? 
 Scion of the Nine Circles 
 
    Nyctessa
[NPC]
   
   Violet
   
 NE 
 ??? 
 Old Dhampir (f) 
 Necromancer 
 ??? 
 Amoral Mercenary 
 
    Torquena "Tory' Ebreeta
[5ColouredWalker]
   
   Golden Rod
   
 LE 
 Asmodeus 
 Tiefling (f)
[Shackleborn] 
 Daevic 3
(Wrath) 
 Fighter 3
[Mobile Fighter
+ Myrmidon] 
 Hellknight Aspirant 
 
  
lostsole31
  
 

The  Hell’s Vengeance Adventure Path  begins in Longacre, a Chelish town on the edge of the Whisperwood where people go to forget and to be forgotten. The player characters should all be at least tacit supporters of House Thrune’s rule—far better if they harbor ambitions to work for House Thrune or the Chelish government in some way, even if only to increase their own power and prestige. At this point, however, the PCs are little more than amoral mercenaries, common street thugs, conniving con artists, diabolic dabblers, or petty criminals. None of you are residents of Longacre, ne’er-do-wells recently come to town, and should have no qualms against doing bad things to good people. In short, they should be more than willing to be  villains. Each of you have been contacted by a shady local named Cimri Staelish, who is eager to prove herself more than just the town troublemaker.

She says she works for someone named Razelago, and individually contacted each of you to meet outside town for a nighttime raid.

The town of Longacre sits just outside the fringes of the Whisperwood. A few lights shine in the streets and windows, and the occasional snippet of conversation or laughter issues from open doors, but here on the outskirts of town, the night is quiet and dark. Sparse clouds scud across the sky, momentarily obscuring the dim light from the moon overhead. Across a scrubby field, barely distinguishable under the starry sky, a darkened, fort-like compound hunches in the distance.

Cimri points toward the dim structure.   “That’s it—Louslik Tannery. Here’s the job: We break in, sack Ol’ Louslik’s office, take whatever’s shiny, and get out before the sheriff shows up. If we get separated, meet back at the Ash House by dawn.”  

Dull moonlight glints across her dagger as she flicks it in emphasis.   “If you get pinched, remember: you’re mute. Keep your mouth shut, and I’ll handle things. I got assurances that we won’t take any blame if things go south. But get chatty and I’ll let you rot.”   A beat passes and her usual crooked smirk appears.   “If you don’t screw things up, we’ll all be drinking on Razelago’s coin come dawn. Let’s do this.”  
Moriar
  "An interesting start to my topside career,"   Briza says. "  But a start nonetheless.   Now what can we expect of this place and do you have a layout?"  
Ason
Drusina sneers in the direction of the compound before saying resignedly,   "Mere robbery? This feels beneath me, but... nothing wagered, nothing gained. Fine."  Now with increasingly restored determination, she continues,   "It's your job and your orders, Cimri, so we do this your way. Anything we should know about this Louslik before we go in?"  
5ColouredWalker
A scowl mars Torquena's face as she looks at the store, armor not covered by the Tabard she's worn almost her entire time travelling with Briza.
  
"As long as the evidence is there for the... Preemptive fine."  

Beyond reluctant acceptance of the plan, Torquena hasn't had much to contribute beyond potential muscle and a distraction. This doesn't appear to be changing.
Asriel
Garnius seems relaxed, watching the building as he listens to the chatter from the others.
  "I agree with the Elf, though I'd call this underground work. Are we expecting the Sheriff to turn up? Will Louslik be there?"   
His tails swish behind him as he talks.
lostsole31
 
 Originally Posted by Moriar 
 Briza says. "  ...    Now what can we expect of this place and do you have a layout?"   
 

  "Layout? Nah,"   Cimri answers curtly.   "We find a layout as we go. Ain't never been this close, what with the stink of piss and other foulness from this joint. All I know is Jabral Louslik runs the Louslik Tannery. It's a respec'able op, employing dozens of Longacre's citizens what can't sniff nothin' anymore."  

 
 Originally Posted by Ason 
 Drusina ...   "...Anything we should know about this Louslik before we go in?"   
 

  "Listen, I jus' know Jabral like not to be there, so we don't need to know about him. Razelago gave us cart-Blanche to do the operation with as much muscle or suave as we have for this group, so we don't have to go in with a batt'rin' ram."  

 
 Originally Posted by Asriel 
 Garnius ...  "...Are we expecting the Sheriff to turn up? Will Louslik be there?"   His tails swish behind him as he talks. 
 

  "Always 'spect the fuzz'll show, and double down on not actin' a lark. And if Louslik is there after all, or anybody, try not to be seen. If you are seen, don't act like an Egorian egomaniac by murking them."   Here Cimri shows the sap at her side.

A very short woman of slight build (5'1", 115 lbs.), with very pale skin and crow's feet around her eyes, yet still having a whisper of the beauty she had in youth, looks disdainfully at Cimri. She wears white scholarly robes of a people that live far away from these lands, her bearing and strange staff garnering instant attention. Her staff is an elongated spine, topped with a human skull. She looks at the winged woman, apparently having met the winged one previously.   "Hermia, who is this woman that speaks like a fish in a brothel?"  

A tall, lithe woman with raven-black wings (6', 140 lbs.) smiles. This woman's sable hair matches her wings, but her eyes are strange, for they too are pitch black, and even her left eye's sclera is orange rather than white. Despite seeming like a dark angel, she has no other touches that would give away what is likely tiefling heritage, but with the eye and wings she would need none. She wears simple peasant garb, but has longsword and longbow appareled for more troubling times. She is a beautiful woman, but also dirty with the smell of earth and sap about her, and a lack of axes still cannot hide her profession as a woodcutter.  She smiles,   "Nyctessa, Cimri there is a Longacre treasure ... a sharp-tongued hellion with a penchant for drinking and long knives, she's lived here most of her life. Recently, I hear she’s gotten involved with some powerful, if shady, folks willing to spend well to advance her goals. Must be this 'Razelago' she mentioned."  
Asriel
Garnius is a short and slim foxman, a kitsune, (5'8", 120lbs), his fur is a dark auburn red, and his eyes a bright aqua blue. Despite looking inhuman there's something charming about him, the toothy animal grin, his casual relaxed posture, and those piercing blue eyes. He wears a strange necklace - a heavy nail piercing a ring with a crown at it's head - and doesn't carry any weapon heavier than a small mace. Behind him he has five tails, four are bushy and lively but with coal black fur. The fifth is the same auburn as his coat, but hangs limp and looks like it's been injured or amputated.

He nods along as Cimri answers the questions.   "Sounds like we get to make our own plan then. We should play it smart, subtle. At least to start; can always go loud when it goes tits up." 
 He eyes the others, appraisingly, before adding,   "I have a few tricks that'll probably help."  
Moriar
Briza has dark onyx skin, long silver hair and red eyes that always seem to be watching.  The absence of pupils makes it all the more unnerving to others.  Slight of build and wearing weapons at her waist along with custom made studded black leather that fits her well.

While listening to the others, Briza seems comfortable in the darkness and hands twitching on the hills of her weapons.
  
"Let us proceed up to the building quietly try to keep any flashy tricks on hold unless you hear them scream in terror,"   she says with a sly grin.
5ColouredWalker
  "I shall try to be quiet. But such is not my practice."  

Torquena is of average hieght but muscular, and is of dusky pale purple complexion which fades into shadows nicely, a clear and obvious sign of tiefling nature before going into her obvious divergences. A neat hole mars a face of otherwise almost noble beauty, and reveals that her bones are brass which glint in the light, much like her flashing teeth. In fact, her nose hole almost looks like a closed cell door on her face, which is complemented with beautiful red swirls and infernal text on her cheeks.

Of course, while her body is a proper mix when it comes to hiding or being obvious, her armor makes it clear. While of Scale which is somewhat more expensive than most squires could afford, it makes up for it by being clearly apprentice level work from the workshops that produced its blackened steel and red dyed leather. A Shortbow is strapped to her, but no other weapon. But she demonstrated cutting wires from no where when asked, and as the group has approached the building the litheness of her form has been replaced by swelling muscle that seems barely contained by her armor, such is her uncommon magics. Something that extends to her dusky purple and bronze bone tail that alters between swishing lazily and trying to hold still. Previously signs of tattooing visible around her neck shone like a candle, but now that's covered by black scarf, no longer adding to the illumination of the street.

 
 Spoiler: tatoo text: Language: Infernal. 

The text is a mix of tawdy jokes and the strange Chrlexian-Infernal legalese some lawyers use. It's obviously incomplete.
 
Asriel
 
 Originally Posted by Moriar 
 Briza ...   "...try to keep any flashy tricks on hold unless you hear them scream in terror,"   
 

Garnius gives an amused huff.   "I wouldn't call invisibility flashy, the opposite really. I'm no battlemage, my tricks are more subtle. For instance..."  
He pulls his arms around his head, as if pantomiming pulling a cloak over his shoulders. As he does the darkness of the night air seems to move, becoming something almost tangible that settles around him.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Activate Cloak of Darkness
 
lostsole31
Hermia looks at Cimri.   "'Fat reward' is a bit vague. Before we continue, what are we getting out of this?"  

Cimri smiles.   "I may be broke, but me employer ain't. You'll each be paid 50 gold pieces for the job but the real prize is the chance to meet and make a good impression on me boss, Razelago."  

Cimri looks to the group.   "How you wanna go? Stroll and roll, or something else?"  
Asriel
Garnis eyes the others, before answering Cimri.   "I'm used to playing cautious, since I've always worked alone. I'd suggest I scout, see if anyone's in; any guard dogs or late night workers. Then we can come up with a better plan once we know what we have to deal with. There's no time limit unless someone raises the alarm, right?"  
Ason
Drusina nods at the others' suggestions. Stowing her spiked shield and longsword, she says,   "I'll carry these more for show then. Reconnaissance is smart though. The rest of us should trail a little ways behind in case of trouble."  

The human woman stares again the tannery, the squinting of her green eyes exaggerating her already angular features. With her jet black hair tied up in a sensible bun and a simple-but-sturdy doublet resting atop well-tailored plain black trousers, Drusina presents herself as a woman who favors function over form. Her well-maintained but unadorned breastplate and weaponry give a similar impression, as does the clipped rigidity in her voice. Lost in thought over the mission ahead, she flexes and relaxes her thick muscles absentmindedly as she stares ahead at her objective, almost as if one could merely glare a building into offering up its contents.

  "If we're going to do this,"   she finally declares to no one in particular, still staring at the tannery,   "let's do this quietly, carefully, and soon. No sense waiting for daylight."  
lostsole31
There is some more that Cimri reveals. A small night crew works at the tannery. The tannery’s owner, Jabral Louslik, handles the operation’s accounting well into the evening. Additionally, Shaul and Pippa Umbre—the town’s elderly gong farmers—come and go throughout the night, bringing loads of dung to use in softening leather.

There are a few approaches one (or all) could take for approach and recon...
 
 Attempt to scale the 10'-tall wooden palisade around the tannery, or sneak up and try to find a hole in the stockade. 
 Attempt to go right up to the locked gate that is designed to admit delivery carts. 
 Doing a perimeter check to determine external weaknesses.  
 

Cimri looks to Garnius (and anyone else who is not going to hang back to receive a report on recon findings),   "Come back and let us know what you find."  
 Garnius , what will you attempt (or attempt first)?

Drusina sounds like she's staying behind to cover Cimri and wait for a larger plan.

What about  Tory  and  Briza ?
Moriar
  "I will join in the scouting,  " Briza says. "  My eyes are very accustomed to the darkness and will see things that others might miss.

When the others are ready I can mask your approach by making you all very hard to see  . "
5ColouredWalker
Torquena eyeballs the wall around the tannery. 
 "The Palisade looks like it might be climbable fairly fast, but I'm not sure about quietly."
 
 That said, Torquena makes no attempt to move closer, intending on waiting on the scouts alongside  Drusina  and Cimri. 
Asriel
  "I agree. And I can't pick locks, so let's hope there's a gap in the fence somewhere."  
He looks to Briza,   "Shall we take a lap of the building, see what we can find?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Intentions are: check the perimeter, and look for holes in the stockade.
 




...
Moriar
"  Indeed, let us go find the cracks in this place of business,  " Briza says as they slink off in the shadows.

 
 Spoiler: Entrance 


Looking for either cracks/holes in the perimeter so all can slip in or a place best for stealthily going over the wall
 
lostsole31
Nyctessa goes with Garnius, Briza, and Drusina for a broad-perimeter check to begin while Cimri, Tory, and Hermia stay behind.

It turns out that the old woman's pale eyes are nonetheless quite sharp, and (perhaps with helps from the others) notes a portion of the palisade surrounding the tannery has been damaged by repeated impacts from inexpertly steered work carts. This has opened a narrow gap in the palisade near the beamhouse that is out of the way, and could be squeezed through with a bit of effort.

Nyctessa returns with that report  while the others continue a closer look.

Garnius is quiet, but the armored woman are not, and they make enough noise that Garnius has to pull back to Cimri &amp; Co. or risk being discovered.
Moriar
  "It sounds like we have two options,"   Briza says.    "We can squeeze through the palisade or I could start lifting people over the wall one at a time.  Preferences?"  
Asriel
Garnius' confident grin has faltered a little, having to pull his supposedly competent allies back,   "I don't mean to speak out of place or chastise, but perhaps we should try to play to our strengths? I know I can scout well, I imagine you ladies are better suited to tactics and fighting."
  "I think the gap in the fence will suit us best. Either they don't know or don't care about it, so they won't be thinking about it." 
 
5ColouredWalker
  "Through the Palisade. Lifting over is fine, but done perfectly It'd still be a decently loud thud on landing, and imperfectly... I'd land just fine, but loose imps would put bets on which of you would twist your ankle on the landing and scream like a babe. As long as whoever's through the whole first steps lightly just in case they put something there."

  
Torquena nods at  Garnius' assessments of her relevant talents.


   "If it's not lying I'm good with my words when I want to be, and I'm decent at picking out those that are lying. Other than that pretending I'm one of Cimri's more common thugs would work close enough. Briza can attest to this. This works out I may actually believe I'm good at picking out liars again."


  ​Torquena looks at Cimiri and flashes a bronze smile.
lostsole31
  "Through the gap in the palisade it is,"   says Cimiri,   "and everybody be as quiet as you can be. Let's have the clunkers in back, so that if they alert anyone, the rest of us are already in and forward."  

She looks the group over,   "Lessee, we should go in this order: Me, Garnius, Hermia, Briza, Drusina, Nyctessa, and lastly Tory. Sound good?"  
Moriar
  "I will be ready to go when it is my turn  ," Briza says as she puts items into her backpack.

 
 Spoiler: crunchy  


Putting both of her maces, and sling/ammo into backpack.  Then once close to the entrance will quietly stash and hide the backpack.  Should free her up for possible fighting and better sneaking
 
5ColouredWalker
Torquena offers a nod at her place in the group.
Ason
Drusina gives a head nod and quiet grunt of affirmation to Cimri's suggestion and then falls in line, waiting to follow the others in executing this plan.
lostsole31
Cimri is the first to get through the opening in the palisade, but she instantly slinks back out and softly curses,   "Dog."  
Moriar
  "If we wake the dog, I could look to keep it's attention and quiet,"   Briza says. "  Though be ready if the creature sees past my charms."  
lostsole31
Cimiri nods her head quietly and looks at the rest of her crew. Neither Hermia nor Nyctessa have anything to gainsay Briza's idea.
5ColouredWalker
   "Very well."   
Torquena accepts the plan with a whisper.
Asriel
Garnius licks a finger and holds it up to judge the wind.   
"It's nose is the biggest concern. We might sneak by it, but it'd best to put it down now. Any of you confident with a bow? With a small blessing from my Iron Lord it should be childs play to take it out."  
lostsole31
Cimri's face scowls in the dim light,    "It's nose will be the least of our concern we keep yammering at full voice."   

Hermia holds up her bow.    "I'm an archer."   
Ason
   "We're damned if that thing howls,"    Drusina whispers,    "So I'm for killing it... assuming dogs are fair targets?"    She crooks an eyebrow at Cimri with that last line, awaiting confirmation.  

With that, she pulls up her cloak's hood and cinches her outfit's scarf in place to obscure her face below the eyes. Drusina then pulls out her short bow.    "If we can't hit it from here, I say we slip in one-by-one before striking or until it spots us. I like the unfair odds of massed arrows."   
 
 Spoiler: OoC 
I'm assuming it's kosher for her to have a cloak and scarf, given the  explorer's outfit's description .
 
Asriel
Garnius looks from Hermia to Drusina, and shakes his head. 
  "More shots is more noise, it's only worth the risk if neither of you are confident you can make the shot."    
He gestures to Hermia's longbow,    "Would I be wrong to assume you've hunted game? You don't carry a big bow like that if you can't use it."   
lostsole31
   "I am not saying I've poached Archbaron Fex's deer, but I'm not saying I haven't,"    answer Hermia.
Moriar
   " Violence is the choice then, "    Briza says with a grin.

She puts her maces and backpack down to loosen up.

   " So archer...do you want to go through the palisade or over it? "   
 
 Spoiler: lighten the load 


Putting both of her maces, and sling/ammo into backpack. Then once close to the entrance will quietly stash and hide the backpack. Should free her up for possible fighting and better sneaking
 
lostsole31
   "My aasimar wings are vestigial,"    says Hermia.    "Like celestials, they ain't good fornothing. If the dog raises an alarm by barking because I failed, come in quickly to overpower the tanner."   
   "Remember,"    says Cimri,    "we don't kill Louslik, but we can rough him up."   

Hermia nods, fast losing patience with talking, and she softly moves out unless stopped.
Asriel
Garnius moves so he can see her as she takes the shot. When she's in  position and nocks a n arrow, he channels a blessing into a hushed command.
   "Kill."
     
    
 Spoiler: OOC 
Use Inspiring Command.
 
   
....  
lostsole31
Hermia doesn't take the shot as soon as she can, but moves in farther ... and Garnius has to quickly put the command on her before she goes farther.

Hermia moves right up next to the sleeping dog before it begins to stir. She puts an arrow right through its head, and it is killed instantly. She then pulls the dog's body away from in front of the door and drops it in the corner of the office building and the palisade before coming back and still whispering.    "Done."   
5ColouredWalker
Torquena's frown at the events surrounding her present seemed to have deepened slightly at needing to shoot the dog, but as Hermia returns she offers a polite nod.
   
"Good shot. Lets move..."   

Torquena stands ready to bring up the rear. While she tries to step quietly she's not practiced at it. Her head remains on a swivel looking for people while she follows, and her empty hands occasionally curl into fists, fine wires appearing between her fingers when they do so.
lostsole31
Going in, Cimiri - in the lead - must decide where to go next. [See Discord.]
Asriel
Garnius gestures to the building the dog was guarding.
   "I want to check the windows, but this seems a good place to start. And maybe someone could see if they can unlock the gate, in case we need to make a quick escape?" 
  
5ColouredWalker
At the back of the group, Torquena's mouth opens as if to speak, only to hang a moment and shut. Her armour rustles as she starts to roll her shoulders before stopping with a wince.
Ason
Drusina nods in silent approval at Hermia for her great aim, but she shakes her head at the mention of the gate. Without moving or leaving stealth, she then cranes her neck slightly to get a better view into the yard.
Moriar
Briza will quietly move to follow up to the office door.
lostsole31
Briza and Garnius are at the front door of the smaller office building.
Moriar
   "Are you able to open this quietly?   " Briza asks.

Then motions back to the rest and waves at them to catch up.
lostsole31
The party gathers, but gives a little distance as necessary. Through the window, a man is seen working inside, and everyone is trying to move stealthily.
Moriar
   "I'll keep an eye on the man while you work on the door "    Bruza says quietly.     "If he notices, I'll make it dark in there."   
Moriar
"  Focus people,   " Briza whispers harshly.

Then she will quietly open the door and slip into a hiding place.
lostsole31
The door does not open.
5ColouredWalker
Torquena tenses at the door's failed opening, fingers clenching around seemingly nothing, fine threads of violence hanging in the air almost invisibly. Hey eyes dart to the man working to see if he noticed the sound from the failed door opening.

   "Someone got a pick?"   
lostsole31
Reaching for a concealed pouch, Cimri quietly steps forward and looks at Briza and Garnius.    "Move."   
Moriar
Briza quietly moves out of the way and stays out of sight.
Asriel
Garnius raises his hands and steps aside, crouching down to make sure he isn't visible from the window.
lostsole31
Garnius steps out of Cimri's way. She tries to do her job quietly. It takes her 30 seconds to unlock the lock, and then she backs up and takes out a sap.

Now what?
Ason
Drusina stows any items she's currently holding to free up both her hands, which she balls into fists and then relaxes. She then gives a silent nod of affirmation toward the rest of the party and waits for their signal.
Asriel
Garnius whispers to Cimri,    "Is that Louslik in there? We need to know if we're taking him out, or alive."   
lostsole31
Cimri holds up her sap.    "Just knock him out. We don't empty the funds he has squirreled away, just personal stuff from him, cause the funds is people's pay, and take that away and the whole town is up looking for blood with torches and pitchforks."   
5ColouredWalker
Torquena squints at the man for a moment before whispering.
   

"Cimri, step aside, trust me."
     
  Assuming Cimri does so, Torquena will quietly take Cimri's previous place at the door. Should there be no conversations, she will steady herself with a quiet breath step out into the doorway, lashing out with hands closed around invisible threads looking to wrench the man from his chair.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Plan assuming Cimri doesn't try to extend things talking with the risk of whatever stealth rolls involved is:

Free Action: 5ft Step to the left/east into the open doorway breaking stealth.
Standard Action: Grapple at 20ft Range (Thanks Aether wire). First roll will do no damage and pull him into adjacency. If I can chose the space I chose one square to the south of me next to the group of people ready to beat the **** out of him. If not, well he'll be a lot closer to everyone else.
 
 Spoiler: Roll if I should roll it now 

 (1d20+10)[ 16 ] , 6 base CMD, +2 Unarmed Combatant, +2 Aether Wire.
 

Move: Not gotten due to surprise round, or not used due to no applicable actions I want to take.

Not rolling stealth because we haven't the entire time, so I'm assuming they're being done in the background, hopefully map puppy continues to be ineffective and the effective +2-3 for distance hold out long enough for a surprise round!
 
lostsole31
Torquena squints at the man for a moment before whispering,    "Cimri, step aside, trust me."
     
  Assuming Cimri does so, Torquena quietly take Cimri's previous place at the door.

 Surprise Round ... 

She steadies herself with a quiet breath, opens the door, and steps inside.

 S17:  "Yap! Yap! Yap!" barks the dog even before Torquena was fully inside.

 S9:  The man is on his feet, and holding something a rock in his hand.

 Begin Round One ...

R1T31:  Cimri gives a foul curse under her breath. She rushes in, sap in hand, and wallops the dog for  9 NL .

 R1T24:   Drusina , what do you do?
Ason
Drusina races into the building after Torquena, glares intensely at the man, and grabs for him.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
 Move:  enter the building and advance toward the man
 Swift:   Mesmerist Hypnotic Stare  on the man, -2 Will saves and -2 attack rolls ( disorientation stare )
 Standard:  attempt to grapple the man, if he's in range

 
  (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  
 
 
lostsole31
 R1T24:  Drusina races into the building after Torquena,  glares intensely at the man, having to move past chair and around the  chair to stand in the far corner near the man.

 R1T18:   Briza , what do you do?
Moriar
Briza moves in to block exits and utters ar arcane phrase,   "This is all just a bad dream.  Why don't you curl up and sleep this one off."  
 
 Spoiler: just a suggestion  


Moves into the room while drawing her rapier. Will move to block any other door exits.

Then the phrase above is a part of a Suggestion spell Briza casts (DC 17)
 
lostsole31
 R1T18:  Briza moves in to block the window and utters an arcane phrase,   "This is all just a bad dream.  Why don't you curl up and sleep this one off?"  
 R1T17:  The small leaps up and bites Cimri in the boob for  5 !

 R1T12:   Garnius , what do you do?
Asriel
Garnius steps into the room, moving so there's room for others to enter behind him. He points an open palm at the dog, conjuring a barbed chain which bursts from the ground and lashes at the dog.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Movement: 5ft west, 15ft north (or 10ft if that's all there is)
Action: Cast Barbed Chains on the dog. Atk  (1d20+7)[ 25 ]  dmg  (1d6)[ 1 ] . On hit, will save DC 16 or shaken for  (1d4)[ 4 ]  rounds.
 
lostsole31
 R1T12:  Garnius steps into the room, moving so there's room for others to enter  behind him. He points an open palm at the dog, conjuring a barbed chain  which bursts from the ground and lashes at the dog, striking it for  1 + staggered   + shaken !

 R1T9:  Jabral sits in his chair, and says,   "Do you mind keeping it down? I need to take a nap."  

He puts the stone on the desk and puts his head in between his arms on the desk to try to go to sleep.

 R1T8:  Hermia storms into the room and shoots at the dog, the arrow going partway through its lower foreleg for  6  and dropping it.

 R1T6:  Nyctessa keeps watch outside, moving to a point to hide.

 R14:   Torquena , what do you do?

Cimri on deck, Drusina in the hole ...
5ColouredWalker
Torquena blinks as the spell seemingly takes hold, and pauses, holding herself at the ready.

 
 Spoiler: Action 

Ready Action: Grapple  Jabral if he stops trying to go to sleep. 
 
lostsole31
 R1T4:  Torquena blinks as the spell seemingly takes hold, and pauses, holding herself at the ready.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T31:  Cimri bitterly spits a curse at the dog, takes out her kukri and hacks the dog for  18 .

 R2T24:   Drusina , what do you do?

Briza on deck, Garnius in the hole ...
Ason
Drusina looks over at Briza and whispers quizzically,   "How long will he be out? Can we just work while he sleeps?"  

She then steps to the side and intones a few arcane words, her eyes glowing faintly purple as she scans the southwest corner of the room.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
 Move:  five-foot step east
 Standard:  cast  detect magic , looking in the direction of Jabral and his desk

 Free:  perception check to notice anything nonmagical of value in that same area
 
lostsole31
 R2T24:  Drusina looks over at Briza and whispers quizzically,   "How long will he be out? Can we just work while he sleeps?"  

She then steps to the side and intones a few arcane words, her eyes  glowing faintly purple as she scans the southwest corner of the room. She senses magic in the cone of her spell.

 R2T18:   Briza , what do you do?

Garnius on deck, Jabral in the hole ...
Moriar
   "As long as we don't make too much noise he should be out for a few hours,   " Briza whispers back.  "   Keep a look out for any other threats while we search ."  
 
 Spoiler: crunch 


Use her own constant detect magic and start looking for magic and any valuables we came for
 
lostsole31
 R2T18:     "As long as we don't make too much noise he should be out for a few hours,   " Briza whispers back.  "   Keep a look out for any other threats while we search ."  

Looking northwest (incl. Jabral) she senses magic in the area.

 R2T12:   Garnius , what do you do?

Jabral on deck, Hermia in the hole ...
Asriel
Garnius looks over the room, searching for places loot could be stored or hidden. He focuses on the floor, looking for loose boards.

 
 Spoiler: IF 
When he finds something, he'll open it, say what he finds, and pocket it.
 
lostsole31
 R2T12:  Garnius looks over the room, searching for places loot could be stored  or hidden. He focuses on the floor, looking for loose boards.

 R2T9:  Jabral continues to try to sleep despite all the commotion around him.

 R2T8:  Hermia steps outside to keep lookout.

 R2T6:  Nyctessa, already outside, joins her.

 R2T4:   Torquena , your readied action didn't happen. What do you do?

Cimri on deck, Drusina in the hole ...
5ColouredWalker
   "I'll keep watch."

  
 Torquena continues to keep an eye on the man from where she stands, for should he wake up or stop sleeping.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Swift: Line in the Stand.
Full: Ready Action, initiate grapple using Aether Wires should
 
   
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Jabral 'wake up'.   
  
 
  
  
lostsole31
 R2T4:     "I'll keep watch,"     Torquena whispers as she continues to keep an eye on the man from where she stands, for should he wake up or stop sleeping.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T31:  Cimri cuts the throat of the little dog, but Jabral doesn't seem to care.

 End Combat! 

The  party can slowly guide Jabral to the side as they look through the desk  and the room. There are two leather tapestries on the walls that look  expensive that the party loots, and the antique set of tools are likely  nice, though they do bear the initials "J.T."

There is a small  lockbox under Louslik's desk containing the tannery's recent profits. So  as not to disturb the sleeping tanner, Cimri uses her tools to pop the  lock.   The contents are divided into numerous small leather  purses (each branded prominently with the initials “L. T.”), containing  silver pieces in 10, 20, and 50 sp increments. The funds are worth a  total of 800 gp. The box weighs 20 pounds, but could be easily be  transported.

Cimri opposes any suggestions of quietly pocketing  even a small amount of the tannery’s funds, though she confesses that  her employer doesn’t know exactly how much the tanner had on hand. The  rest of the valuables in the tannery are fair game, however. Also, there  is a magic aura coming from Louslik's belt - a vial of something - but  she doesn't want anyone to mess with that for worries of waking up what  was otherwise an easy mark.

Is the party fine with that, or do  you try to appeal to Cimri's greed to take money from the lockbox  instead of being satisfied with the tapestries and antique tools?
Asriel
   "Now he's asleep, surely it'd be child's play for one of you burly folk to choke him out? Then we can go through his pockets, steal his boots, whatever's needed to add insult to injury. Not to mention a little profit for ourselves,"    Garnius whispers with a toothy grin.
Moriar
"   Job well done   , " Briza whispers. "   Let's head out with that finished.   "




 
 Spoiler: if leaving 


If we do leave Briza will pick up her backpack that she stashed just outside the palisade.
 
5ColouredWalker
Torquena's brief look of interest quickly sours.

   "Find better evidence of corruption or sedition, and sure.""   
lostsole31
 
 Originally Posted by Asriel 
    "Now he's asleep, surely it'd be child's play for one of you burly folk to choke him out? Then we can go through his pockets, steal his boots, whatever's needed to add insult to injury. Not to mention a little profit for ourselves,"    Garnius whispers with a toothy grin. 
 

   "Why would we do that?"    hisses Cimri.    "You took him out of the equation, but choking out is never a sure thing and you might kill him, and then we have bigger problems. As far as boots, don't be such a child. No way that would go well with our employer."   

She takes the vial off of Jabral's belt that seemed to pique Briza's interest.    "Let's go."   

 
 Originally Posted by 5ColouredWalker 
 Torquena's brief look of interest quickly sours.    "Find better evidence of corruption or sedition, and sure.""    
 

Cimri looks at Torquena quizzically.    "What do you mean?"   
5ColouredWalker
   "I had hoped to find clear and obvious signs he was communicating or helping the rebellion, bringing it here... I suppose there's always the next one to take a look at."  
 Torquena ends with a sigh, ready to go.  
Ason
   "Is this enough for your employer? The sooner we finish this, the better,"    Drusina then whispers at Cimri and the others, before adding,    "But best not steal wages or harm the man: that will draw unneeded attention later."   
lostsole31
The last one is Garnius, and Cimri stands by him and says,   "Let's go."  
 Garnius , what do you do?
Asriel
Garnius nods,    "As you command."   
lostsole31
Cimri stands there, waiting for Garnius to actually leave, rather than saying something.
Asriel
Garnius checks all the loot is being carried, the antique tools and tapestries, before he leaves. Outside he moves to help whoever is carry the tapestries.

 
 Spoiler: If 
If they are not being carried, he will pocket the tools and ask Cimri to help with the tapestries.
 
lostsole31
As Cimri and Garnius exits, it sounds like someone is outside at the gate, working the squeaky old lock.

Does everyone scram out the hole in the palisade (the same way you came in)?
Moriar
Briza will head out the same way and grab her bag on the way away from here.
5ColouredWalker
Torquena speeds up as she makes for the gap, her hand snatching out to grab her tail as it swings, holding it in front of herself to give less to notice, intent more on escaping than escaping unseen.
Ason
Drusina scurries back toward the palisade hole and makes a hasty retreat through it away from the compound alongside the others.
Asriel
Garnius lags behind a little, intentionally taking the rear as he follows the party back to the hole in the palisade. He moves as quickly as he can while making sure not to drop anything.
lostsole31
Once the tannery heist is concluded, the head to the Ash House to meet up with Cimri and her employer. The Ash House still stands just outside the town to the northwest. The dilapidated structure is a dangerous site most Longacre citizens avoid.

What remains of this manor looks like it could collapse at any moment. Bearing the scars of a decades-old fire, the house is blackened and sags under the weight of its collapsed third floor. Shattered windows pose no barrier to the riot of ivy scaling each gable and invading every cavity. Bent pillars and a cracked granite porch lead to a warped door bearing a rusty doorknocker shaped like a boar’s head.

Cimri prefers to avoid the door altogether, coming and going via a broken window. Cimri is eager to complete her assignment, and she doesn’t let them dawdle, marching them straight upstairs to Razelago’s office.

As the party makes their way into the ground floor, where a parlor once was, pieces of battered furniture lie here amid the choking scent of dust and ashes. Beneath a mantle crowded with empty whiskey bottles, the fireplace shows evidence of recent use. The scorched, broken visages of curious cherubs leer from atop archways leading deeper into the house.

Upstairs you get to Razelago's office. Toppled bookshelves, a table, and some chairs half-covered in ivy suggest this room was once a library. The ashes and pulp of burned, waterlogged books lay heaped amid fallen furniture, creating a large nest of sorts against one wall. A set of folding paper screens divides the room. A lantern flickers on the opposite side, projecting the silhouette of a desk and high-backed chair upon the thin paper.

When the PCs first enter the room, you notice a strange creature dozing in the nest of book pulp. It is an ugly, earless, panther-like beast some 5' in length and weighing in at close to 200 pounds. It lifts its head with suspicion as the PCs enter.

At the same time the light behind the paper screen slowly intensifies, casting the stark silhouette of a bald figure seated at a desk upon the divider. After a moment of slow shuffling, a high-pitched voice, sounding as though it could belong to someone either very young or very old, wheezes from behind the screen:     “Cimri. Is it done?”    

Cimri answers in the affirmative, then produces the lockbox from the tannery and sets it on the table on her side of the screen. She gives Razelago an account—only slightly exaggerated—of the break-in, highlighting the actions of any PCs who impressed her (notably Hermia and Briza). The mysterious man occasionally nods during the retelling, but doesn’t speak again until the story is complete.

    “Excellent. You’ve done well, Cimri, and your associates sound like individuals of rare potential. You’ll all find your payment waiting in the parlor below, along with a gift for each of you. Go, enjoy, celebrate. You deserve a reward for your impressive work. We’ll talk more in the near future.”
    
Cimri thanks Razelago and moves to leave. What do the rest of you do?
Asriel
Garnius eyes the beast cautiously as Cimri speaks, his ears flattening to his head and tails standing tall.

When she leaves he turns his attention to Razelago, and steps forward.   "It's a pleasure to meet you, sire. If this humble servant can be so bold, may I ask some advice to ensure our relationship is productive and profitable?"
  
lostsole31
Cimri turned to leave, but didn't actually yet leave.

    "Speak,"     comes the cryptic reply to Garnius' question.
5ColouredWalker
Torquena winces somewhat at her role in the retelling, and decides to take leave as directed, she will wait at the bottom of the stairs for the rest of the group.
Asriel
  "I am not Chelaxian. So most of my understanding of my place in society is through the lens of the Diabolism I have learnt. I am a humble servant, but I would like to know what you expect of me. Do want me to take initiative, or simply follow orders? A simple servant, or a useful henchman?"  
Garnius' head is bowed, his tails curled back. An almost pantomimed depiction of submission.
lostsole31
 
 Originally Posted by 5ColouredWalker 
 Torquena winces somewhat at her role in the retelling, and decides to take leave as directed, she will wait at the bottom of the stairs for the rest of the group. 
 

Cimri goes downstairs with Torquena. There is a chest sitting there conspicuously. You passed it coming in, but everyone had followed Cimri to conduct business.

 


 
 Originally Posted by Asriel 
   "I am not Chelaxian. So most of my understanding of my place in society is through the lens of the Diabolism I have learnt. I am a humble servant, but I would like to know what you expect of me. Do want me to take initiative, or simply follow orders? A simple servant, or a useful henchman?"  
Garnius' head is bowed, his tails curled back. An almost pantomimed depiction of submission. 
 

     "For now, orders only. In time, your performance will be a metric for the scope of your powers."    
Moriar
Briza listens to the whole story while also watching the panther like creature cautiously.

After listening to the exchange with Garnius, Briza then heads back downstairs quietly in order to investigate this payment and gift.


 
 Spoiler: figure out? 


Will try to identify the creature and what she knows about them
 
5ColouredWalker
Torquena pauses to look at the suddenly obvious chest.

  "I could be wrong, but this might be it. Or were you advised we were being paid some other way earlier."  
Asriel
 
 Originally Posted by lostsole31 
     "For now, orders only. In time, your performance will be a metric for the scope of your powers."     
 


  "Yes sire. I shall endeavour to impress."   Garnius bows his head further, then waits to be dismissed before leaving the room and rejoining the others downstairs.
Ason
Drusina gives a short bow toward the silhouetted figure.   "A pleasure working with you. I look forward to our next meeting."  
She then exits the room and joins the others downstairs. Noticing the chest Torquena pointed out, Drusina then glances around the room, looking for signs that this place is indeed the parlor Razelago mentioned.
lostsole31
  "Who are you?"   asks Hermia suspiciously.

Razelago answers,     “A businessman, with a particular interest in Longacre, and one with the capital to pay for the changes I’d like to see.”    

Nyctessa adds,   "What sort of business are you in?"  
    
“Organization, development, administration, I do a bit of it all. There are many small, aimless towns like Longacre about the nation. I’d see them strive for greater. Now go. Your reward awaits you."    

And that is the dismissal Garnius sought, as the rest of the party heads downstairs.

A plain wooden chest sits on a table in this room. It contains the PCs’ payment for the tannery heist, which they can claim now that they’ve been introduced to Razelago. Inside the chest is 50 gp per PC, plus Cimri’s share of 100 gp, as well as the following weapons with a script of paper with a name next to each to define who it is for ....

Briza: Masterwork Rapier
Cimri: Masterwork Dagger
Drusina: Masterwork Longsword
Garnius: Masterwork Light Mace
Hermia: Masterwork Composite Longbow [STR +4]
Nyctessa: Masterwork Dagger
Torquena:  Masterwork Buckler

There is a bin with a placard chalked saying,     "Please place old versions of the weapons you just received here, except for Torquena."    

What do you each do?
5ColouredWalker
Torquena will take her share, though whistles appreciatively looking at the bow.

  "A odd instruction. And a nice bow. If that is all, I think I'll be returning to my room..."

  After a pause Torquena's continues, words directed towards Cimri.  
"While this wasn't what I hoped for, I'm not inclined to stop helping. Is there a time I should reach out to you regarding the next job, or should I keep an ear out?"
  
lostsole31
Cimri answers as she marvels at the nice knife even as she drops an older dagger in the bin.   "You'll know when I know."  

Hermia drops her old, simple hunting bow and takes the one made for her pull.
Moriar
"  Not a bad introduction to jobs on the surface,"   Briza says appreciatively.  "  Looking forward to more jobs that pay out like this."  

Briza will lay down her old weapon while taking up the new one and trying it out with a few practice swings.

After sheathing the new rapier will grab the money pouch and ask Cimri, "  Do we have free lodgings set aside for each of us?"  
Ason
Drusina retrieves her new masterwork longsword from the chest and tests its balance in her hand to confirm its quality. She notes approvingly,   "I appreciate a leader who rewards quality with quality. This will do nicely."  

With that, she places her old sword in the chest and sheathes her new weapon at her hip.
Kvard51
Nyctessa considers the blade without reaching for it.    "I have no old dagger to replace the new one with,   she says, quietly turning to take her gold.  The small sack disappears into the sleeve of her robe.    Perhaps I should ignore the dagger to avoid any misunderstanding.  
lostsole31
Cimri looks and smirks at the old woman and holds a finger to her own lips.   "Shhh."  

She takes out another of her daggers and drops it in the box, and hands Nyctessa the one made for her.   "You owe me a gold."  
Asriel
Garnius picks up the mace with a curious expression, hefting it to test the balance.
  "Am I the only one wondering how he knew these were our weapons of choice? How much have you told him about us Cimri?"  
Even as he speaks he hangs the mace from his hip, carefully placing his old weapon in the bin.
lostsole31
 
 Originally Posted by Moriar 
 Briza will ask Cimri, "  Do we have free lodgings set aside for each of us?"   
 

Cimiri just laughs at her, shaking her head.

 
 Originally Posted by Asriel 
 Garnius ...   "Am I the only one wondering how he knew these were our weapons of choice? How much have you told him about us Cimri?"   
 

Cimri smirks, "You'll always wonder, now won't you?"

She then makes sure that the tapestries and tools get dropped.   "This fantastic windfall more than covers the pittance we would get for selling these, and we don't have to worry about fencing it safely.  Head home. Get sleep. Do your daily thing or hide out. Turn back into human form so you don't freak people out if you're furry right now. You'll know when I know what's next."  

And with that, she's gone ... yes, even if you ask her a question on the way.

Is everyone done for the night?
5ColouredWalker
Torquena laughs at Cinri's disappearing act.

  "Looks like you're still rooming next to me Briza. Unless you'd rather look for some place on your own."  

With that Torquena heads for her own hired rooms, done for the night.
Asriel
Garnius shakes his head with a laugh as Cimri leaves. But he stretches, shakes, and standing in his place is a boyish red-haired human with a toothy grin.
  "Any of you want a drink? If we're going to work together again, we might as well play friendly."  
Ason
Drusina frowns at the laughter before stating matter-of-factly,   "I'm turning in. It was night when we started, and it's best if we're not  all  seen together. But... well done, team."  

She then gives a respectful head nod toward the party, gathers her things, and departs for her quarters to get some sleep.
Kvard51
Nyctessa frowned, clamping down on the gold she had taken out to repay Cimri.  She didn't like being beholden to anyone.  She gave a small shrug,   "I, too, will find my bed.  Sleep well and wake."  

She pushes through the doors into the night.
Moriar
"  Indeed it seems that way Torquena,"   Briza says.  "  You have done well introducing me to surface dwellers.  It shall be interesting to see what comes next."  

Briza will enjoy the darkness a bit but soon heads off towards bed.
lostsole31
    Sunday, 27 Pharast 4716 AR (Waning Gibbous) 
60/ 40 F. Winds N 20 mph. Dry.   

After everyone wakes up later in the morning than usual (late night), has their morning meal, and does all of their preparations for today, Cimri comes to fetch each of you around noon, telling them Razelago wants to meet with them immediately. Razelago’s office is as it was before, only now a small, black lacquered box sits on the table before the paper screens. Once the PCs are assembled, Razelago explains the situation.

    “With the number of veterans who live in town, it’s not surprising that there’s a church of Iomedae in Longacre. But there might not be one much longer if Tileavia Allamar, its priestess, does what she has in mind.”
    
Razelago’s silhouette clasps shadowy hands.     “There’s growing unrest in the empire, and not just in Pezzack and along the Hellcoast. Many of Iomedae’s faithful have begun speaking more boldly of the monarchy’s vices and the rights of citizens. They seem to believe this is Andoran and that the people have only to reach out to seize power. But they are wrong. This is Cheliax, not Andoran, and we know where true power lies.

“Fifth Sword Knight Allamar is gathering all who will listen for a sermon in front of her church this afternoon—only two short hours from now. I don’t know what she has in mind, but I suspect some revolutionary claptrap that can only sow the seeds of confusion and frustration among Longacre’s citizens. That is contrary to my wishes. So I’d like you to attend the rally. In the box are sashes marked with the insignia of Archbaron Fex. Wear them, remind people that the lord of this town is not without supporters, and see what transpires. Afterward, Cimri will report back to me. In return, you will all receive double what you did last night.”
    
Cimri quickly agrees and takes the box.

Is everyone clear on what seems like a simple task and we can move forward?
Asriel
Garnius (in human form today) nods along as Razelago explains the job.
  "And what if they take offense and start a fight? I don't feel like letting a self-righteous fool beat me up, nor do I want to kill anyone in broad daylight."  
lostsole31
    "I have heard rumors of something called the 'Glorious Reclamation, but I want to hear what Allamar has to say first. You are just a presence. If YOU are attacked, naturally defend yourself, but go there with blood on your mind,"     answers Razelago.
5ColouredWalker
Torquena considers local law on witnesses and self-defence, as well as trying to remember who the Archduke is, while slowly nodding.

  "And these isignia were given to you officially with orders that let you figure out the details, that we may attend to this openly?  
lostsole31
    "Wear those symbols comfortably and with pride. That is all I will say. You may refuse the job if you are uncomfortable."    
5ColouredWalker
Torquena nods with a frown briefly on her face.
  "I've not yet reason to believe them false."  
Moriar
Briza gives a brief nod of her head towards Razelogo in deference.

"  Seems like a simple enough task. You wish us to attend this rally and simply report back what we witness?

If we see an oopportunity to subvert the rally would you like us to do so?  " Briza asks.

"  Either way I will assist in this endeavour."  
lostsole31
Razelago says nothing more.
Ason
Drusina smiles for the first time and states warmly,   "I will indeed wear the sash with pride. Such peasants need reminders of who owns their loyalty, especially if sedition is lurking."  
  "If there is nothing else, sir--or comrades--"   she looks at her companions for confirmation as well,   "Then I believe my team has some rabble we must see to."  
lostsole31
The assumption from the above is that everyone finally leaves Razelago and rendezvous downstairs with the others.

Back in the parlor, Cimri opens the small box and withdraws a broad, crimson sash emblazoned with the symbol of Cheliax and the arms of House Fex—a pair of fighting stags with bloody antlers. There is one sash for each (N)PC and Cimri. Some PCs might want to organize a plan for what they’ll do before they leave, but Cimri suggests they go check out the church square before overthinking a strategy, and they have to get moving, anyway, and the group leaves Ash House.

Still, the PCs have 2 hours before Fifth Sword Knight Allamar is scheduled to appear on the balcony of the Church of Iomedae to address the crowd expected to gather in the square.

Do you want to show up and wait, or do something else in that time?
5ColouredWalker
As the group walks Torquena speaks up, turning the insignia over in her hand.
  "I can probably take a walk through without drawing too much attention if someone wants a closer look. However while I'm only a squire, it might do to show up in my full regalia. While just a squire, one showing up with a noble badge may imply a great deal of official might paying attention to events unfolding. Whether that would rile them up or cool their moods I'm unsure."  

While Torquena walks she tries to estimate roughly how far her room is from the church, in order to retrieve the appropriate items.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Questions:
1: How long would it take for Torquena to get to the tavern, change clothes (or just throw her tabard on), and get to the location? Also, her choker should be in her list of items in her rooms alongside her Courtesan's Outfit. Not sure why I missed that before.
2: Now that Torquena has a insignia in hand, can she see any issues with the heraldry?
3: Does Torquena's knowledge of Chelaxian Law include a knowledge of what's acceptable (Legally and culturally) regarding how far she can go to defend herself?
4: As a Armiger/Trainee, I don't think Torquena would have any enforcement powers at this time, especially given the speil for the campaign. Is that correct? [Or does Tory think so?]
 
lostsole31
While Torquena is doing that ... anyone else?
5ColouredWalker
Looking at the insignia and turning it over Torquena mutters.
   " Seems legitimate.  Anyhow as long as we don't draw blades or spell until anyone else does we'll be fine. Due to how close everything is, I think I could probably manage a walkthrough semi-disguised, then come back in uniform while you lot come up with a plan."
  
Torquena pauses a bit to let the other's process her statement.

  "Any objections?"   
Asriel
Garnius laughs,   "The Church of Iomedae won't ignore you, even if you look completely harmless. You're a Tiefling in Cheliax, even the Inheritor's fools will be suspicious of you. No, Drusina or I are the best placed if we want to scout. I can glamour myself if we want to be sure nothing is linked to us."  
He taps his thumb against his chin and nods.   "Dressing to impress is definitely worth it. Maybe the sashes are enough, but if our clothes draw attention they'll be more likely to notice the insignia we bear. I suppose I could glamour myself something more interesting, but my Lord has no real clergy to dress as."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC thoughts 
Garnius would like to think about  :
 The Glorious Reclamation. What has he heard? What do the common people think? - Can make a gather information in future
The Knight Allamar. How respected are they? What feats have they accomplished?
The Law. Are there likely to be city guards there? What are our rights if we're attacked? What are the chances of the speech being shut down?
The church. Where is it? What area of the city, what's nearby? Points of interest, escape routes, etc - Can make a gather information in future

 
5ColouredWalker
  "It'd be concealment in expectation, not fact, but it's been too long since I've used makeup or played dress up, I'm happy to leave that part in your more capable hands." 
 
 Torquena smile reaches her eyes, nodding as she accepts the change in plan. 
Moriar
"  My presence alone will cause a bit of a stir I'm guessing  " Briza thinks out loud.    "I haven't seen many of my kin up here.  But if we are going to attend this thing during the daylight I could use either a large hat to keep that blasted day star out of my eyes or a nice shady spot with a hood to observe from  ."
Asriel
Garnius looks at Briza curiously.   "What do you mean? You're an unusual looking Elf, and I'm sure that will draw some attention, but you're no stranger than a Tiefling."
"No offense meant,"   he adds to Hermia and Torquena.

Looking back to Briza he continues,   "Do you have Orc eyes? Weak to the sun but strong at night? I'd have assumed you have sorcerous blood if you didn't mention kin."  
Kvard51
  "I, too, will allow you to 'scout' the area.  But I'm assuming these,"   she says, holding up the sash before slipping it over her head,   "will be more than adequate to keep the rabble off of us."  
lostsole31
 
 Originally Posted by Asriel 
 Garnius ...   "No offense meant,"   he adds to Hermia. 
 

  "Uhm. I'm pretty sure I'm an aasimar, not a tiefling, thankyouverymuch,"   says Hermia.   "So, yes ... color me offended."  

 
 Originally Posted by Kvard51 
   "I, too, will allow you to 'scout' the area.  But I'm assuming these,"   she says, holding up the sash before slipping it over her head,   "will be more than adequate to keep the rabble off of us."   
 

  "I'm ... just going to show up when it's time,"   says Hermia.

  "Good tactic,"   says Cimri, clapping Hermia on the back, but being careful to not hit the wing.   "I like this girl. She knows what KISS means."  
5ColouredWalker
  "Well while you keep it simple, I'm going to dress up a little and try not to be fashionably late... Where should we meet up for after you've taken your look     Garnius?"
  

Once a location is decided, Torquena will split off the group to reconvene there, returning to her rooms to grab her Tabard and appear more official.
Ason
Drusina strolls comfortably alongside the others, listening. She then adds, dryly and confidently,   "I'll join you, Torquena, in dressing the part, so we'll meet you there. It would be appropriate for a squire to accompany a noblewoman like myself, after all."  

She then follows Torquena back to the inn in order to change her clothes and equipment.

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Drusina would like to use her knowledge of nobility to recall any relevant information about Fifth Sword Knight Allamar or Archbaron Fex. She's especially concerned about any relationship or impact those figures might have on her family's noble house.

Time permitting, Drusina returns to her room to change into her noble outfit and signet ring, fitting the breastplate over the clothing and the sash over the armor. She carries her longsword at her side and dagger on her belt, but she leaves her shield and bow at the room. She puts a cure wounds potion into a belt pouch but leaves her backpack in the inn.
 
Moriar
 
 Originally Posted by Asriel 
 Garnius looks at Briza curiously.   "What do you mean? You're an unusual looking Elf, and I'm sure that will draw some attention, but you're no stranger than a Tiefling."
"No offense meant,"   he adds to Hermia and Torquena.

Looking back to Briza he continues,   "Do you have Orc eyes? Weak to the sun but strong at night? I'd have assumed you have sorcerous blood if you didn't mention kin."   
 

Briza narrows her eyes and says, "  I will accept your ignorance of my race as most of my kind do not venture the srufrace and those that do have a purpose.

But do not compare my eyes to that of those of the green skin subspecies.  It seems that my education of the surface dwellers may also need to be like at home...with much torture and bloodshed...

"At any rate  ," Briza shakes things off, "  it shall be interesting to see what lies these weaker gods put forth to keep their followers."    A brief smile appears on Brizas face as she contemplates and waits for the occurance.
Asriel
 
 Originally Posted by lostsole31 
   "Uhm. I'm pretty sure I'm an aasimar, not a tiefling, thankyouverymuch,"   says Hermia. 
 

  "Angel, Fallen Angel, it's all the same really. The important thing is you certainly don't look human."  

 
 Originally Posted by 5ColouredWalker 
   "Where should we meet up for after you've taken your look     Garnius?"   
 

 
 "There is a florists nearby, called Trellis. A few streets thataway. Not the best spot, but better than a shady group gathering in a tavern, no?"  

He turns to Briza, and huffs a small laugh,   "That didn't really answer the question. You're from underground? A Dwarf-Elf? Actually don't tell me, I want to figure this out myself." 
 "I'll go checkout the Church and square. If I have time, I'll try and see what the word on the street is. Should we meet back in an hour?"  
5ColouredWalker
  "An hour works. I might get some sight seeing done."

  Should no one disagree Torquena shall go to get change. She doesn't actually go sight seeing on her way back but will spend some time wandering the nearby stores and picking up trinkets.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Not intending to do any shopping mechanically, just spending the time. Justifying it under 'average standard of living' and acquiring the easy to find 1gp or less items. (Or whatever the limits are)
 
lostsole31
The party reconvenes outside of the church.

Longacre’s Church of Iomedae, surrounded by a wrought-iron fence, sits just to the north of one of the town’s squares called, appropriately enough, the church square. The square contains a well, available for use by anyone in town, and a tall wooden post for posting notices and announcements. Shops and businesses surround the plaza, and a wide thoroughfare runs north and south through the square. A conspicuous white-clothed table stands in front of the church, apparently in readiness for the sermon, though the table is currently bare.

A few small groups of elderly locals and laborers from nearby businesses have gathered in the square, mostly around the well or along the fence surrounding the churchyard, muttering about what they’ve heard or imagined about Allamar’s announcement. As the time of the sermon gets closer, more townsfolk drift into the square until the crowd is 100 strong.

 ALCON , do any of you wish to: a) chat around for rumors, or b) eavesdrop for the same? ... before the sermon begins?
Moriar
Briza will go ahead and mingle with the locals for rumors.  And if the opportunity arises will promote Asmodeus and downplay Iomedae.
Ason
Now dressed to impress and sporting her new sash, Drusina chats up the locals for rumors. Should talk of politics emerge, she stresses devotion to order and duty as the greatest duties of a citizen.
lostsole31
Here are the three main rumors that various PCs (and NPCs) collect and then share with the party.... • “I heard one of Sword Knight Allamar’s sons say she was visited by an angel! This could mean great things for the church and the town.”
• “Fex doesn’t like the townsfolk gathering in large groups like this. Allamar’s message must be pretty important if she’s willing to provoke the archbaron.”
• “Something bad went down at Louslik Tannery last night. I bet that’s what has the priestess worked up. We’re in for some hellfire from her for sure!” 
At some point, as long as the PCs aren’t being exceptionally stealthy (which wearing their sashes is taken as a "no"), Sheriff Rhona Staelish—who also happens to be Cimri’s aunt—approaches Cimri and the PCs with a few questions.

Sheriff:   “Cimri! How’s my favorite niece doing?”   

Cimri:   “I was just dandy, Aunt Rhona.”  

Sheriff:   “Some shady folks you’ve been hanging around with lately. Want to introduce me to your friends?”   

Cimri:   “Not particularly.”  
 
 Spoiler: All (EXCEPT Nyctessa) 
It seems like the sheriff is asking her niece leading questions.
 

Sheriff:   “So, you’re here for Sword Knight Allamar’s sermon? I didn’t think you were the religious sort.”   

Cimri:   “Not likely, unless she’s pulled the stick out of her robes and started worshiping Calistria.”  

Sheriff:   “Did you hear about what happened at the tannery last night? You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”   

Cimri:   “No, should I?”  

Sheriff:   “What’s the story with the sashes? Is the archbaron or someone paying you to wear those?”   

Cimri:   “Is it a crime to be patriotic?”  

Sheriff:   “Well, I have to keep an eye on things here. You all stay out of trouble, you hear?”  

Cimri did a phenomenal job of sounding convincing, regardless of whatever the Sheriff might think.

Does anyone (foolishly) say anything or stay (wisely) quiet?
5ColouredWalker
Torquena loudly scoffs at the idea of a angelic visitation being a 'good' thing when the rumour is relayed to her by her party fellows, but otherwise maintains her silence and watch over the crowd.
Ason
Being a proper lady, Drusina politely looks away from Cimri's conversation and stays quiet.
Kvard51
Nyctessa moves a few feet away from the sheriff and Cimri, wanting to stay out of their conversation.  She does, however, watch the sheriff's face closely for any hint of trouble.  She runs through the spells she has available, just in case...
lostsole31
Tileavia Allamar, Fifth Sword Knight of Iomedae, appears on one of the church’s balconies, dressed in the yellow-trimmed white cassock of her faith, and addresses the crowd in a clear, strong voice.

  “Friends and neighbors, I have wondrous tidings to share! We have all known hardships in our lives—needless sorrows, injustice, even cruelty. Indeed, such is the struggle of all who live. But many among us have known more than our share. Many among us have shouldered burdens laid upon them not by the Inheritor, but by those who would curse her name and taunt her faithful.

“But today, I bear a missive from champions of Iomedae’s faith, heralds of the goddess’s will, who know your troubles and would see them end.”
  
ALCON, does anyone attempt to rabble-rouse in some way, or do you listen to see what other information might be coming from her? 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Remember, and I think this was a mistake from another player, there is NO talk about a rebellion anywhere. Any bit about "Glorious Reclamation" that YOU AS PLAYERS picked up from the  Player's Guide  is just that, dramatic irony. The Glorious Reclamation hasn't done anything ... yet, and this here might be it .. that warrants any public knowledge.
 
Asriel
Garnius speaks, as if just talking to the group but loud enough those nearby can overhear. Not loud enough to shout over the priestess.   "The Champions and Heralds of Iomedae came to Longacre? This little town? You would think they have more important things to do, unless the Worldwound has closed without anyone noticing."  
lostsole31
Allamar gestures to her twin sons, Loran and Lacall, who carry a box swaddled in white linen between them and place it on the table in front of the church. The priestess unfurls a rolled parchment and again raises her voice.

  “I received this letter last night:

“‘People of Longacre! The time of your redemption is at hand. When the song of the Inheritor rises, you all must choose: live as complacent vassals of corruption and evil, or embrace honor and claim the glory that is your right. The Glorious Reclamation gives you a choice.’

“Signed, ‘Lencia Visserene, Knight-Inheritor of the Glorious Reclamation.’

“Friends, it is up to us to restore the worship of Iomedae to its proper place in Cheliax and reclaim our nation in the name of the Inheritor. But we have been given a sign—a sign that the ‘Angel Knight’ has come to Longacre to lead us to glory!”
  
Allamar’s sons lift the linen and box lid, revealing an ornate silver helmet sculpted with angelic features and a halo of curls. The faceplate’s eyeless hollows stare sternly into the crowd.
5ColouredWalker
  "Oh? We should give up our Honor and Glory as Chelaxian's on the name of some foreign knight? Because they've sent someone under pseudonym and because some silversmith has too much time on their hands?"

  Those near Torquena may suddenly find her somewhat more noticeable, as she stands a touch taller and a fair bit bigger than a moment ago. Her voice, dripping with venom, bares bass it hasn't had before to all but  Briza as she unsuppresses her size based magics.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Torquena will unsuppress Behemoth Flesh, and join in on the rabble rousing.
 

 
lostsole31
Torquena's sudden gain of about double her mass is effectively terrifying to cause disruption among some of the townsfolk, making them question the goings-on.

Once Allamar finishes her announcement, she ignores the outburst and turns and reenters the temple, leaving the crowd with plenty of questions about the Glorious Reclamation and this “Angel Knight,” Lencia Visserene. Allamar’s sons remain in the churchyard to give the people a good look at the helmet.

Some people immediately drift away following the sermon, but several pockets of curious and upset townspeople remain in the square to get a closer look at the silver helmet in the churchyard and muse on the meaning of the priestess’s message, gathering in larger clusters than before. Although Allamar didn’t overtly call on Longacre’s residents to rebel, her message was undoubtedly provocative and put the remaining townsfolk in a fiery mood.

Torquena's disruption still had a "positive" effect (for your side, not Allamar's), albeit a minor counter oration.

Does anyone else do anything?
Moriar
Briza will move from one group of people to the next.

To each one will say, "  All these Iomadae are the same.  They hide on their balconies extorting the virtues of some stranger that we have never met.

How dumb do they think that we are here in Longacre?  Their "proof" is an empty helmet?  This stranger then insults us through this helmet by saying that we have no honor?


Might be time for these "high and mighty" to move on from this town before their insults do more than make themselves the weak ones."  
 
 Spoiler: Aura fun 


Will use the Aura of cowardice while moving about just to try and instill unease among these pockets of people.
 
5ColouredWalker
   "It might be worth someone mystically inclined taking a closer look at that helm before leaving, incase it's enchanted silverware. I think I'll join Briza in doing a walk around before rejoining everyone."    

Torquena makes rounds around the square alongside Briza. She doesn't join in in the speaking, instead letting herself be a symbol of watchful authority with her sash and tabard wrapped over her enlarged frame. She doesn't actively assist in further undermining the message, instead focusing on listening to how people are reacting and listening in on their talks. 
Asriel
As Torquena walks away, Garnius looks to the others with a nod,    "She has the right idea. I could try and see what's going on with the Helm, but I've never tried to identify something under time pressure before. If it's particularly powerful, I don't like my chances. If any of you are knowledgeable of Dweomer, I could distract the knights while you cast the spell, or if not I can try while you distract them."   
Kvard51
Nyctessa watches the scene unfold with a slight sneer on her face.  Her eyes narrow as Torquena suddenly doubles in size.  She uses the distraction to move closer to the balcony to get a closer look at the helm.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Attempting to do an assessment of the helm to learn anything about it.
 
Ason
Drusina navigates her way into a cluster of peasants before shaking her head to herself and scoffing loudly and haughtily for them to hear,   "Does Allamar not remember the civil wars  before  House Thrune? She calls the decades of stability they've given us 'evil'? She calls vassals breaking faith 'honor'? The making of widows and orphans 'glory'? Hmph! How could any true patriot even  think  such words?!"  

Drusina then follows Briza's example, migrating from group to group with her nationalistic 'just asking questions'.
lostsole31
Following their mother’s directions, Allamar's sons take the helmet inside after 15 minutes, dutifully watching over it until that time.

The PCs do a decent job of sowing unease and discord among the crowd, causing them to not hang around too long and disperse relatively quickly.

When they’re finished at the church square, Cimri encourages the PCs to come with her to report back to Razelago. Once back at the Ash House, does anyone recount the events of the Sermon to Razelago?
Ason
Drusina stands tall and gives her report to Razelago.   "We went to Allamar's sermon. She read out a letter by some Lencia Visserene, who calls herself the 'Knight-Inheritor' of the 'Glorious Reclamation'. The pretender smeared Cheliax's loyal subjects as 'vassals to evil' and called for the rabble 'reclaim' the empire for Iomedae. The priest then waved around a silver helmet, calling it a sign. The others got a better look at it. Allamar also said something about an 'Angel Knight' coming to Longacre. The whole thing stank of sedition to me."
  
 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Drusina wracks her brain, trying to see if she knows anything off the top of her head about the names / titles of Lencia Visserene, Knight-Inheritor, and/or the Angel Knight.
 
lostsole31
Razelago thinks a moment and then speaks,    “That’s a more dramatic move than I’d expect from a country priestess—I’m impressed. Tileavia Allamar might be more interesting than I’d thought. It’s the helmet and this ‘Angel Knight’ I’m curious about, though. I’ve heard rumors of the Glorious Reclamation. An overzealous mob of Iomedaean fanatics calling for a nationwide revolution, as if there was any hope of that. Still, Archbaron Fex might find this information valuable.

“In any case, you’ve done well. You’ll find your payment in the parlor. I shouldn’t have any more work for you today, but I suspect that might change tomorrow. I’ll send word.”   
5ColouredWalker
Torquena nods, a half curse having been bitten off at the word of spreading calls for revolution, before heading down the stairs.
Moriar
Briza adds,   "It is hard to say how much of what was said impacted the crowd.   We made sure to check in with the pockets of people that remained after.  None of them stayed around for long and dispersed fairly quickly."  
lostsole31
Hermia has been ruminating quietly - much as she usually tends to do - but with a darker mien to this face on what has transpired today. She finally asks,   "Can you tell us more about the Glorious Reclamation?"  
    “Very little. They seem to all be followers of Iomedae—priests, mostly, and a handful of knights—who are convinced that optimism and a few outraged peasants can bring down House Thrune. It would be laughable if they weren’t so fanatical and well armed. From what I’ve heard, they’re mostly operating in the mountains along the Isgeri border. In truth, I’m a bit surprised their zealotry has stretched this far.”
    
Does anyone else have any questions, or (if you haven't stated doing it already) do you go downstairs to collect your payment?
Ason
Drusina leans in at the explanation.   "Do the persons and titles Allamar mentioned-- this Angel Knight and Lencia Visserene --mean anything to you then?"  
lostsole31
 
 Originally Posted by Ason 
 Drusina leans in at the explanation.   "Do the persons and titles Allamar mentioned-- this Angel Knight and Lencia Visserene --mean anything to you then?"   
 

Razelago answers,     “This is the first I’ve heard of her. It sounds like you and that priestess know more than me.”    
Moriar
Briza absorbs the information and asks : "  Would you like us to keep tabs on them for now or start looking ways to nip this in the bud?  For these Iomadaens may try to further alter facts or bend truths when we are not around to help guide the populace on the right track."  
lostsole31
    "I want you to go receive your payment, and await for orders ... not create your own."    
Ason
At that, Drusina nods with a grunt of affirmation, pivots on her heels, and walks out the door to retrieve her payment.
Moriar
After a curt nod, Briza will head downstairs.
Kvard51
Smiling thinly at Briza's reprimand, Nyctessa heads downstairs to receive her reward.
Asriel
Garnius bows to his head in thanks, and follows the others downstairs.
lostsole31
Once everyone is done with Razelago, Cimri ushers any stragglers downstairs, leading them back downstairs where, again, they find their payment waiting in the parlor, this time without food or drink. The chest in the parlor contains 10 platinum coins for each character.

Cimri looks to Nyctessa with her hand out.   "You owe me a gold, and we've been paid twice. Time to pay up."  

In addition to that exchange, it is still early in the late afternoon/ early evening, does anyone have any business in town to conduct, or do you wish to lay low to wait for your next set of orders?
5ColouredWalker
Torquena smiles for a moment at the call for payment before she pipes up.  
"Well, I think I have some minor shopping to do. I look forward to seeing you all again."
  
 
 Spoiler: Shopping 

Torquena will try to obtain/assemble a Disguise Kit, purchasing various makeups/etc. Should be 50GP, spent as 5 Platinum.
I would also likewise like to obtain/assemble modified entertainer's kit based around dancing, so scarfs/bells/similar. Not intending Masterwork Quality/+2 Perform, so should be 5sp ish. Whatever amount I'll spend as SP.
 
Moriar
Briza will rest in her for a bit.  Then after leaving behind her maces and backpack in her room will cruise the town.


 
 Spoiler: crunch 


Will hide her equipment best as possible in her room. Even try to create a false floorboard to hide equipment in underneath it.

Then will be quiet and stealthy as she cruises the town listening in on any conversations she comes across.
 
lostsole31
 Torquena , it will take you the better part of a day of shopping to be able to put together a homemade disguise kit, and Longacre definitely doesn't have that for wholesale anywhere. Also, didn't understand the latter half of what you were looking for. But it takes the rest of your night to do that much.
 
Briza , you don't pick up any interesting rumors. That is the end of your night.

Anyone else?
Asriel
  "I still need to get the lay of the land. Figure out the good drinking holes, shops, escape routes, the important stuff you know? Any of you are welcome to join me."
  
 
 Spoiler: Stuff 
Looking for clothes and book shops, and ending at the rougher kind of tavern. Mostly want to find what's available, but will buy some nice clothes (a Courtier’s outfit sans jewellery) if possible.
 
lostsole31
Longacre definitely doesn't have the latest fashions in ... i.e., no courtier's outfit to be found in this town.
Ason
Drusina shakes her head at the mention of shopping and says,   "I'll wait to shop until we know what our next mission is."  

She instead spends the rest of the day fishing for rumors about town.
lostsole31
Rumors abound regarding the day's events, but nothing illuminating.
Kvard51
Nyctessa nods to Cimri, her hand disappearing into the folds of her robe.  She walks near, stretching forth a clenched fist.  Opening her hand, palm up, she reveals the gold piece in front of Cimri with a stance akin to an offering.

  "I had not forgotten..."  
lostsole31
Cimri takes the gold piece proffered.
lostsole31
    Moonday, 28 Pharast 4716 AR (Waning Gibbous) 
50/ 30 F. Winds WNW 20 mph. Wind Chill: 25/ 5 F.   

A blustery, cold day, made much worse by the winds ripping through the forest town. This will cut down on people wanting to spend too much time outside, but running to shelter when possible. 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Unless you tell me otherwise, I will assume everyone's daily setup is the same since nothing special is planned. Does anyone do anything except wait? If nothing is planned, there may be some GM-fill for cross-training.
 
5ColouredWalker
Torquena's morning preparation's in her room are somewhat different, her moving meditations including less whipping and more moving as an Akashic overcoat settles over her form. When she comes down, she's decided to look somewhat official wearing her uniform and tabard while not bothering with her armor, spending some time tending to Puissance before going shopping. When stepping out, her form ripples into the larger and more muscular form granted by her magic, the blustering wind and freezing temperatures worrying her not the slightest.


 
 Spoiler: Actions and differences. 

Preparations differences:
- Winter's Coat  shaped instead of Aether Wire, with two essence inversted. Torquena is fine down to -60F, Has Cold Resistance 20 (5 Base, 10 Essence, 5 from Racial which stacks due to veils stacking with existing), can spend a move action to move with Fly 40ft Perfect while within 5ft of solids or liquids, able to move through spaces and objects with holes (like keyholes), and +7 Insight to AC against AOO while doing so. If I try to fly somewhere I can't reform, I get shunted back taking 1d6 damager per 5ft.

-Behemoth Flesh doesn't technically help against the wind, but wind's low enough to not do anything  mechanically so I'm going to pretend it helps.

-Torquena is going out without her armor equipped, without her choker equipped (Should be with the courtesan's outfit), and without bringing her bow/backpack. Basically going out as a unconcerned civilian.

Actions:
Torquena will finish her previously described shopping, also purchasing a sack to carry things when doing minor shopping without a backpack. She'll also buy some  Entertainer's Clothes  if possible, and take another attempt at a  Entertainer's kit  and some additional makeup/perfumes if possible for more general use. Make up doesn't have it's own listing but based on both the Entertainer's Kit and Common Perfumes I'm guessing 1gp should cover 'general makeup that does nothing because I'll be using perfume if appropriate' A total of 55.6gp spent if she's successful.

Given the previous 'most of a day' for the disguise kit, I expect Torquena to not be able to do much else today, in which case she'll try to engage in gossip to the few people that are moving about. Anyone asking questions about her purchases will be told 'I'm off duty for a while and realized that I'm missing a few things for when not dealing with other soldiers or nobles.'
 
Ason
Drusina dons her commoner garb and sets about her morning routine, but when she opens the inn door and notices the weather outside, she thinks better of exploring the town today. Instead, she tends to her equipment and personal care, performing the sporadic but tedious tasks that are part of all long-term maintenance and fitness.

Afterwards, she searches the inn for a book to read while she waits away the afternoon, or failing that, she simply relaxes by the fire, pondering the last two days' events as she stares into the flames.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
She's wearing her explorer's outfit today instead of her noble's outfit and signet ring. Otherwise, her preparations are the same.
 
Asriel
Garnius feels the chill draft as he wakes. As he goes through his morning prayers, he requests protection from the chill.
"  This small town hasn't the walls of your grand city, and the cold wind is as harsh as any invader. I beseech you my lord, for a taste of the warmth of Dis. " 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 
Prepare and cast Endure Elements, replacing Bless. No other changes from usual.
 
lostsole31
The three changes requested above are done. Drusina is roughing it as an adventurer-looking type, and Torquena now wears this thick, plush winter coat with plenty of fur.

It takes Tory from 0700-1000 to ask around just to find out where to get a sack .... specifically at Gield's General Store (see site  5 ). 
 Spoiler: Gield's General Store 
Sisters  Immona  and  Olla Gield  (female middle-aged humans) grew up among the produce stands and bolts of rough cloth that line the rows of Gield’s General Store. Their days of getting yelled at for playing tag between customers’ legs long past, the middle-aged sisters now run the shop. They maintain a modest selection of goods, and between the two of them the Gields know everyone in town. The sisters often match the goods and skills of locals with the needs of others, making their store one of the most useful gossiping posts in town. Additionally,  Estabeth Gield  (venerable female human), the sisters’ mother and the store’s uncompromising former proprietress, spends her days at the shop visiting with neighbors and infantilizing her daughters from a throne-like rocking chair. The old woman insists that, so long as she lives, local veterans will never pay full price in her store, offering generous discounts to anyone with known or provable military service—though she has to deem that service worthwhile.
 
A sack costs her a single weight.

It then takes her 1015-1300 to find out there is actually no clothing shop, per se. People usually have spouses who sew for the household, and special materials can be ordered through The Jackdaw (site  6 ).  Which is where, incidentally, Tory has her horse stabled, and where she pays an upkeep for her horse (similar to COLA for herself, 10 gp min, but for her horse). Does Tory put in an order for entertainer's clothes and clothing? She also finds that she has to order away for a proper disguise kit as well, as nothing in town has anything like that. Does she put in an order for a disguise kit? (No, she does not know how to properly assemble one of her own, nor the specialized materials needed.) 
 Spoiler: The Jackdaw 
Formally known as Jackdaw Stables, the town’s livery also serves as Longacre’s post office and shipping company. Owner  Dilman “Dilly” Fortmile  (middle-aged male human) runs the stables and a local cargo delivery service with the help of his three strapping children,  Bennie ,  Rianne , and  Telas . In recent years, what began as Rianne’s hobby has resurrected the business that gave the Jackdaw its name: a carrier crow messenger service. From the stable’s loft, Rianne can send and receive brief messages to and from Remesiana, Senara, and nearby Whisperwood lumber camps. Rianne hopes to grow her small side business, but recently she’s been trying to figure out what to do about the messenger crows bearing missives with royal markings that have begun stopping at her roost.
 
A lot of the extra time noted is due to gossiping and finding out the "inside scoop" noted. That is also the maximum she'll learn ... nobody opens up anymore about anything discovered.

Does that end Torquena's shopping day?
5ColouredWalker
Torquena smiles leaving the general store after taking some time to appraise it's other goods for later, walking away with the sack and a

 
 Spoiler: Socialising 
   "Too bad I'm not stationed here! I'll have to see about stopping by once I've proper battle under my belt."   for the Gield sorority of merchants.
 


Torquena debates a while before sending agreeing and sending off the request and leaving a deposit if necessary.

 
 Spoiler: Socialising 

  "I'm doing well, and probably too spoiled from standing near nobles. Perhaps someone else can find use for them if they take too long to arrive... Crows are supposed to be smart, I'll see if I can tell someone about them lazing. Have they been bringing in correspondence or just enjoying your roost too much?"  
Torquena doesn't really expect a answer. After all, noble correspondence might be worth keeping secret.
 


That finishes Torquena's shopping. Should nothing come up, she intends to spend the day carousing like a soldier on leave, gossiping for potentially useful information, and looking to see if there's any rules regarding bards putting on performances, perhaps tracking down a guard on or off duty with a bribe of a drink and her presence.

  "I dance for fun sometimes, and while I'm relatively free I'm considering putting on a show." ​ 
lostsole31
Nobody wants to socialize and drink with the creepy tiefling elf woman.

The night ends quietly.
 

    Toilday, 29 Pharast 4716 AR (Waning Gibbous) 
60/ 40 F. Heavy rain (1-1/2"). Winds WNW 10 mph. Dry.   

The following morning at dawn, Cimri once more contacts the PCs to meet Razelago in his "office," where he has a new job for them. This is a "now" thing and not a "when you finish your morning routine" thing, so off they go for now.

Once at the Ash House, Razelago's creepy voice through the screen addresses the PCs.     “Nothing more than an errand today, but one well suited to your skills. I met with the Archbaron last night.”     Razelago’s silhouette inclines a hand toward a stack of rolled parchments on the table.     “He has issued several new decrees that he’d like posted across town to inform the citizenry.”    

He gives the PCs a minute to investigate the documents, which are all copies of the archbaron's decree (see  Handout #1 ).

    “Post these decrees at the notice post in the church square, the jail, the Last Stand Tavern, and the Castle Gate. And while you’re at the jail, stop by the sheriff’s office. The Archbaron has a second decree for you to deliver.”     Razelago’s shadow tilts toward Cimri, who picks up a folded page from the table.     “One that dismisses Rhona Staelish as the sheriff of Longacre.

“You have until noon today. Perform as reliably as you have in your last two tasks, and I’ll pay what we agreed upon for your first task. If this assignment goes smoothly, the Archbaron would like to meet with you. It sounds as though he might soon have some civil positions to fill.”    
5ColouredWalker
A pout briefly ghosts across Torqueena's lips as sh reads a copy of the first decree, though the end of their instruction.

  "Enough time we could attend to each individually,  though our numbers are enough we could post each in pairs, or perhaps two trios meeting at the Jail or another..."  
Torquena doesn't phrase her idea as a question, but leaves space for instruction should it be warranted.

  "Forgive me if it's beyond my station, but are there plans for the Sherrif's replacement already made but yet undeclared, or is that a mattor the Archbaron still muses over? I imagine such might be usable to defuse tensions at the Jail if the former."  
lostsole31
Razelago answers Torquena,     "Results are required. I will not micromanage how you achieve them. As to your second question, your first statement is absolutely correct."    
Moriar
  "Well done  ," Briza says.   " This decree is rather useful to continuing the well being of this town. Let us go forth and spread the word.   The jail house should be down together in case the current representative does not bow to the law as a Sheriff should."  
5ColouredWalker
Torquena offers a slow deep nod to Razelago, before a shallower nod of acknowledgement to Briza.
  "Sound. Though should others not have questions perhaps it best we trouble ourselves with the details." 
 With that Torquena will begin  a turn, ready to go downstairs unless another speaks up.
Asriel
  "It shall be as you command sure. The people shall know their place ."   Garnius bows his head, and follows Torquena out of the room.

Downstairs he waits for the rest of the party.
lostsole31
  "Why is the archbaron making these decrees?"   asks Cimri.

    “Archbaron Fex takes word of the Glorious Reclamation very seriously. Rather than seeing Longacre become a mire of fetid thinking, he seeks to steel his holdings against it before it takes root.”
    
  "How long will the laws remain in effect?"   asks Hermia.

    “Until the archbaron decrees otherwise.”    

They both follow Garnius downstairs, leading Torquena, Briza, Drusina, and Nyctessa upstairs to either ask any follow-up questions or follow the others.
Moriar
Briza heads downstairs.
5ColouredWalker
With the group downstairs Torquena speaks up.

  "I'll need to pass by the Inn to get armoured if we're truly expecting people to immediately get rowdy, but I find it doubtful and am happy to continue as I am. Does anyone object to splitting up for speed, or is together anyone's preference?"  
Asriel
  "Likewise I'll need to complete my daily rites. Perhaps those with nothing to prepare could start with the quieter places, and we all regroup before visiting the jail or Church square. The gate seems the safest and the highest priority. We want to make sure none try and flee the town when the decree is announced."
"I could see the crowd at the tavern turning violent, but a soft word might be enough to quell the mob. A smaller group might be able to manage them."  
5ColouredWalker
Torquena shakes her head.

  "There's two other gates. It's not a lockdown, merely a limiting of movement. I imagine it'd be more merchants or travellers griping about needing to head to the other gates. The Church would be incredibly foolish to react openly, the only one I consider of concern is the Jail and Sherrif, but that's because we're stripping them of their job without a clear and immediate replacement on hand."

  Torquena shifts, eyes flicking down a second before looking to Garnius.  

"You have a point about tavern patrons potentially getting rowdy. I imagine if we approach the staff first we should be able to limit us, unless we're all going together that puts you and I as attending to the Tavern. Anyone objecting to splitting up?"  
Moriar
  "Splitting up should be fine,"   Briza adds.    "I would like to finish my prayers and as could start at the tavern.   We should not have any less than sn two in a group and all together for at least the jailhouse."  
 
 Spoiler: back in room 


Once all agreed etc would store backpack, doing and ammo, and both maces in a hidden place in her room
 
5ColouredWalker
Torquena nods looking up the stairs.

  "At this rate, it sounds like hit the tavern then split up, meet back up to do the jail. If the others don't need to gather anything they might be able to hit one first while the rest of us get to the Tavern."  
Kvard51
 
 Originally Posted by 5ColouredWalker 
 Torquena nods looking up the stairs.

  "At this rate, it sounds like hit the tavern then split up, meet back up to do the jail. If the others don't need to gather anything they might be able to hit one first while the rest of us get to the Tavern."   
 

Nyctessa makes her way down the stairs, noting that the others have already gathered.  Upon hearing of their charge, she nods along with Torquena,   "If we are to be unprepared for the day, I will be sure to stay near you, Torquena, as we make our appointed rounds."    She grasps her dagger in her hand and slips it into her sleeve.    "I will need to grab my pack so that I can prepare some spells if we get a moment to rest."  
5ColouredWalker
Torquena barks a short laugh, eyes remaining on the stairs as the group await  Drusina.


   "Ok, we're all too relaxed, I doubt Drusina will want to head off alone... Sounds like all to the tavern, and just in case two groups of three before meeting up again. I'm thinking we get ready, make the announcement at the tavern, split up for the Gate and Church, before meeting up again near the jail for the final announcement and relieving the Sherrif of their duties... As for groups."

  Torquena makes a show of thinking for a bit before speaking.

  "I'm theoretically supposed to be accompanying Briza, so if you come with us regardless Nyctissa for more mystical assistance, then Drusina, Garnius and Hermia can travel together. Gives both groups a mix of armour and spell-craft should such be needed despite expectation."

  Should there be no disagreement Torquena will happily repeat her thoughts when Drusina comes down and they start their walk back to the tavern.
Ason
Drusina gives a respectful bow to Razelago and heads downstairs to join the others.

When the plans are explained to her, Drusina nods and says,   "Armor would not only protect us but show the force behind the decrees, and we should don our sashes for this job to make it official. As the  Asmodean Disciplines  state, 'Your power shall be an iron gauntlet sheathed in velvet.' And I have no qualms with that division of labor. To the tavern it is."  
 
 Spoiler: preparations 
Drusina dons her armor, sword, and shield at the tavern. Her preparations will swap out the maneuver Savaging Stell and replace it with Incite Betrayal.
 
5ColouredWalker
Torquena nods.

  "The only foolish precaution is one not had when it is needed. But you are right about the sashes, I wish I had remembered them myself."  
 
 Spoiler: Preperations 

Torquena equips her Shortbow, Scale Mail and Buckler, as well as the Sash.
 
Moriar
  "That actually is a good plan,"   Briza.  "  Let's us equip ourselves and then divide as was suggested with our sashes."  
lostsole31
Okay ... NOW everyone goes back to their rooms, which for you all means NOT the one that was mentioned, but rather the  Arch and Lark  (area  1 ), where Cimri recommended. The only two people that don't stay there are Hermia and Cimri, as they each have their own boarding rooms (as they are long-term residents of Longacre). Still, Cimri and Hermia wait for the rest of you in the common room while you get what you need ... or leave what you don't.

The least popular pub in Longacre—which is to say, the town’s only other pub after the Last Stand—the Arch and Lark caters to local and traveling nobility. As Archbaron Fex never socializes in Longacre and wealthy passers-through are a rarity, the Arch is rarely busy (thus it was easy to get rooms there). Ale-hating owner Fordaneil Cembers (female human) spends most of her time disdainfully selling watered-down wine to pretentious locals and travelers who don’t know any better. Cembers looks down her sharply pointed nose at Bolgart Caggan and his establishment, calling him an “oaf who caters to oafs.” Conversely, she fawns over anyone she thinks could enhance her establishment’s reputation or fulfill her dreams of receiving an endorsement from the archbaron himself.

Does anyone leave/ pick up anything from their rooms?
5ColouredWalker
Torquena returns from her rooms armed and armoured. The armor however is less noticeable as anything other than bulk, with the mail hiding underneath tabard sash and cloak.
Returning to the group Torquena murmers.
  "Luckily I'm fine in both heat and cold."  
 
 Spoiler: Preperations 

Torquena equips her Shortbow, Scale Mail and Buckler, as well as the Sash.
 
Ason
Drusina returns to her room, dons her armor, and stows her sword and shield on her person so that her hands are free for now. She then completes the ensemble with the archbaron's sash before rejoining the others in the common room.
Moriar
Briza will leave behind her backpack (and contents), both light maces, and sling with ammo.

Will make sure to wear the official sash and rejoin the others.