Bluff = 22, trying to convince the fortune teller that Missine's old woman facade lost a boy to the recent murders, and wants every detail possible. For, you know... closure?
If, on a desert night, a traveler, outside the town of Balic, leaning from the steep slope, without fear of wind or vertigo, looks down in the gathering shadow (in a network of lines that interlace) on the carpet of sand illuminated by the moon around an empty grave, what story down there awaits its end?
Lusi considers her options as the others move out to investigate their own options. Rolen vanishes into a crowd at the bar, and Tsubasa jumps up on a pedestal with a statue and does... something. Lusi notes the others watching the crowd, but she can't hear anything beyond the sounds of a marketplace, as well as a few jeers.
The orc seems to be the most likely target for her. If he was fidgeting under her stare, it was entirely possible he could be cowed further. And given how the rest of this nation worked, that meant confrontation. As Tsubasa fields the desperate pleas of the crowd, Lusi sidles up to the half-orc, making no effort to conceal herself as she approaches from his side. She leans on the wall next to him, her right hand resting easily on the hilf of her sword as she speaks firmly.
"You must be looking for a chaparone, else you're looking for trouble. I wonder which you will be more likely to find."
Seeing the youth's skin pale in response, she smiles a bit more wolfishly. "And if you do have a boss, you must have pissed them off or they must be desperate to put you plain sight like this."
Tsubasa hands out copper steadily until all commers had gotten theirs. He was certain the anyone who had information to sell would not do so for 2 coppers but hopefully his compaions saw something. He makes his way through the throng to the priestess. He performs a flourishing bow. "Priestess. It is an honor to speak with you." He listens politely and carefuly to all she has to say. "You do this boy Eddo a great service. I will seek his killers and get to the bottom of this Vigilant problem."
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Bharhas, Level 3 Human, Warlord | Sorcerer Human Power Selection Option: Bonus At-Will power Languages: Common, Elven Theme: Gladiator
CURRENT STATUS: Phase of the Sun: *At the start of your turn, each enemy adjacent to you takes fire and radiant damage equal to your Strength modifier. *You also gain resist 5 cold.
VITALS AC: 18 Fort: 18 Ref: 15 Will: 17 HP: 40/40
Surges: 6/6 Surge Value: 10
Initiative: +1 Speed: 6
CURRENT ABILITY SCORES STR 18, CON 10, DEX 11, INT 10, WIS 8, CHA 17
* Streetwise - You remember hearing all about the Vigilant Clergy amongst the men and women you've passed on the streets. The Vigilant Clergy is the militant arm of the Church of Ohuron, the god of protection and guardians. Ohuron teaches his faithful to be wary for the slightest hints of danger, and the Vigilant Clergy have taken that message to heart. They believe that society is always under threat, and that corruption and plots jeopardize the law and social stability at every turn. For that matter, the Clergy has established itself as its own police force, taking to the streets to punish wrongdoers and enforce the law. Unfortunately, the Clergy has become too good at keeping people in line. Motives and evidence are matters of little importance when the Clergy is on the trail of suspected evildoers. More than a few people over the years have lost their lives to these witch-hunts. Many believe the Clergy is no longer concerned with doing what is right; they merely continue to act in a way they desire, so that they can maintain their power.
The fortune teller looks up at Face, batting her eyes in a slightly annoyed way when she realizes the "mother" is not about to offer her the coin she so desperately wants. Sighing softly, she listens as Face lies about being kin to the murdered young man. The falsehood is spoken without any trouble; if the fortune teller is suspicious, she lets down her guard at the mention of an old woman having lost someone. Even if sympathy doesn't come easily to the fortune teller, she musters up what she can in front of the sorrowful mother she believes she is addressing. You notice there is a whine to her voice, as if words do not come easily to her.
"I wish I could help you, marm, but truth be told, I know little of what transpired. I do not trust the words of urchins or priests, nor the mumblings of drunks or craftsmen. Mine is the true trade, and the spirits have whispered in my ear. I have heard tell of a boy taken by the Vigilant Clergy, sent to his grave for being distasteful. I have heard slander paint him as a Xavian, but the spirits, they whisper otherwise. They tell me this boy had made dangerous friends, they tell me he was caught in a net that threatened his livelihood. A bad man? No - a misguided one. That poor, poor boy.
If he is yours, miss, then I am sorry for your loss. I knew not of who led him astray, but the spirits - they suggest it is a man of coin. Coin, yes. That did the trick, bought a boy's aid in matters unsavory. The boy was no boon to society, but so few people are. A merchant, yes, it was a merchant who did the boy in. He set him on the path to self-destruction. This the spirits have told me - look for a merchant who uses people to further his hidden empire. Look for a man who cuts the throats of friend and foe alike. It was his hand that set the boy on the path to death, his hand that did not stop the Clergy when they hounded the lad. He has grown fat from feeding on others' woe."
Meanwhile, Lusi decides to go nose-to-nose with the thuggish half-orc against the wall. The young man sneers, but when Lusi doesn't back down, the fire seems to go out of his eyes. Swallowing a sudden lump in his throat, he drums his fingers on his elbows, arms folded nonchalantly. Any attempt to remain cool and composed doesn't seem to cut it, though. He doesn't even have the courage to tell Lusi to take a hike, so afraid is he that it will earn him a busted nose, if not worse.
When asked about the incident involving the Clergy, the orc stammers a bit, confused as to why someone should care what he knows. Perhaps he thinks it is a trick, for his eyes narrow a bit. One harsh look, however, is enough to tell him to stay in line. Obviously unhappy with the situation, the half-orc's face wears a look of mixed resignation and disdain, but he says his piece, all the same.
"Ugh. What is your problem? Why do you care so much about the lynchings? Anyone who gets a noose tossed around his neck was too stupid to see it coming. Any smart man woulda taken off at the first hint of trouble. Dunno why you should care... ma'am.
Anyhoo, I dunno nothing about any boy. Truth be told, younguns go missing all the time. Some end up dead, some end up worse. Don't ask me about a boy victim, because I can't help you. If you really want me to tell what I know, then fine. I heard some old daft relic got done in by the Watcher's favorite little mob. I have no idea what her name was, or what she looked like, but a friend told me she saw them carting away the body to be dumped in the water. Said the old hag had looked frozen in terror, as if her whole body just erupted in shock when the Clergy came to deal with her.
I heard she was Xavian. I dunno if Xavians look any different than us Hyrals. I mean, we're a pretty plain lookin bunch, and this old hag was among us for who knows how long. I don't think even the Clergy knows why it looks to punish people. They just do, and that woman was an apple easily plucked from the tree."
"I don't like X, they should remove it." "I like X, they should keep it." "They should replace X with Y." "Anybody that likes X is dumb. Y is better." "Why don't they include both X and Y." "Yeah, everybody can be happy then!" "But I don't like X, they should remove it." "X really needs to be replaced with Y." "But they can include both X and Y." "But I don't like X, they need to remove it." "Remove X, I don't like it."
Until you've had an in-law tell you your choice of game was stupid, and just Warcraft on paper, and dumbed down for dumber players who can't handle a real RPG, you haven't lived.
Lady and gentlemen.... I present to you the Edition War without Contrition, the War of the Web, the Mighty Match-up!
We're using standard edition war rules. No posts of substance. Do not read the other person's posts with comprehension. Make frequent comparison to video games, MMOs, and CCGs. Use the words "fallacy" and "straw man", incorrectly and often. Passive aggressiveness gets you extra points and asking misleading and inflammatory questions is mandatory. If you're getting tired, just declare victory and leave the thread. Wait for the buzzer... and....
One, two, three, four, I declare Edition War Five, six, seven eight, I use the web to
D&D should not return to the days of blindfolding the DM and players. No tips on encounter power? No mention of expected party roles? No true meaning of level due to different level charts or tiered classes? Please, let's not sacrifice clear, helpful rules guidelines in favour of catering to the delicate sensibilities of the few who have problems with the ascetics of anything other than what they are familiar with.
Just a quick note on the MMORPG as an insult comparison...
MMORPGs, raking in money by the dumptruck full. Many options, tons of fans across many audiences, massive resources allocated to development.
TTRPGs, dying product. Squeaking out an existence that relys on low cost. Fans fit primarily into a few small demographics. R&D budgets small, often rushed to market and patched after deployment.
You're not really making much of an argument when you compare something to a MMORPG and assume people think that means bad. Lets face it, they make the money, have the audience and the budget. We here on this board are fans of TTRPGs but lets not try to pretend none of us play MMORPGs.
Something like Tactical Shift is more magical than martial healing.
Telling someone to move over a few feet is magical now? :|
I weep for this generation.
Given the laziness and morbid obsesity amongst D&Ders, being able to convince someone to get on their feet, do some heavy exercise, and use their words to make them be healthier must seem magical.
With Tsubasa talking to the priestess and all seems well, Erias approaches the fishmonger. Unsure how to begin talking to the off-kilter fellow, he does not come off very well. "You catch these yourself, do you?"
Rolen couldn't believe his luck at what he has overheard. From that one conversation the customer has just provided the name of a murderer, murderer's relative, victim, and a clue of the next target. Still from what he has heard of the Vigilant, he knew that this silver lining is attached to a very dangerous cloud, and he and his companions will have to tread carefully.
Drinking slowly as to keep his sense, (more like force himself to drink it and not think about the mug's filth) Rolen remained in his seat, listening into other conversations as well as keep an eye on the man encase he has to follow him to his work or home to question later. MechanicsShow
Without a word, Kithr approaches the street performer, a pleasant smile on his face. At first, the dwarf has no reason to suspect Kithr is anything other than another piece of foot traffic who might be willing to toss a coin or two his way. When he gets the chance, however, Kithr slips close and whispers something into the dwarf's ear. It's fortunate for the performer that he isn't juggling at the moment, for as his eyes go wide, it is clear his concentration would not have endured.
A whispered conversation engages between the two, and the dwarf looks at Kithr with renewed interest. Kithr, for his part, doesn't bat an eye as he lets the dwarf believe he is a member of the man's guild. The halfling knows a few names and descriptions, and that's all it takes to win the man's trust. By the time he's done, he has what he needs to know, and his attention is turned to his next mark.
The fishmonger knits his brow in confusion as the paladin approaches and hails him. Forcing a smile on his face, the fishmonger replies that he does indeed, but it's clear there is something about Erias that seems strange to the man, and it is not (just) his heritage. Were Erias to hazard a guess, he might think it had something to do with his origins lying outside Fishport's dingy streets.
Erias doesn't get much, but as an Insight check, it doesn't really count as a failure.
Rolen remains seated and keeps to himself, doing nothing to draw attention to himself. Keeping his ears open, he catches more snippets, most of which do nothing to peak his interest. One bit, however, does seem worth focusing on, and as the ranger strains his ears, he can pick up an exchange between a portly human man and a blond-haired halfling. The halfling is speaking, not even touching the ale in front of him as his friend downs one after another.
"I do not understand why anyone would go after a child. What good is there in making yourselves known as slayers of young men and women? A Xavian agent, a threat to the city? Please. He was misguided, lured into the clutches of a cunning elder. That they would not hesitate to pursue someone so young makes me think they are indeed a dangerous entity. I mentioned to Parsata the other day - sooner or later, those priests will turn on us all. They will see themselves as the rightful masters of this city, and when that happens, no Sadrani will be able to save you. My family is afraid of these priests - there is no mercy in their doctrine, no hope for redemption. It is most disturbing, especially those knights of theirs. That one paladin, the one they call the Hammer of Ohuron - he is an instrument of punishment. I have heard he personally pursued the young boy despite strict orders to remain at the cathedral. His lust for judgment is bizarre, and far too unsettling. He does not even possess any significance within the church heirarchy, yet they value him as a tool."
It occurs to Rolen that the man is very eloquent. There is something about his manner of speech that suggests he is educated. Unfortunately for Rolen, he can only spy the back of the halfling's head, nothing more.
"I don't like X, they should remove it." "I like X, they should keep it." "They should replace X with Y." "Anybody that likes X is dumb. Y is better." "Why don't they include both X and Y." "Yeah, everybody can be happy then!" "But I don't like X, they should remove it." "X really needs to be replaced with Y." "But they can include both X and Y." "But I don't like X, they need to remove it." "Remove X, I don't like it."
Until you've had an in-law tell you your choice of game was stupid, and just Warcraft on paper, and dumbed down for dumber players who can't handle a real RPG, you haven't lived.
Lady and gentlemen.... I present to you the Edition War without Contrition, the War of the Web, the Mighty Match-up!
We're using standard edition war rules. No posts of substance. Do not read the other person's posts with comprehension. Make frequent comparison to video games, MMOs, and CCGs. Use the words "fallacy" and "straw man", incorrectly and often. Passive aggressiveness gets you extra points and asking misleading and inflammatory questions is mandatory. If you're getting tired, just declare victory and leave the thread. Wait for the buzzer... and....
One, two, three, four, I declare Edition War Five, six, seven eight, I use the web to
D&D should not return to the days of blindfolding the DM and players. No tips on encounter power? No mention of expected party roles? No true meaning of level due to different level charts or tiered classes? Please, let's not sacrifice clear, helpful rules guidelines in favour of catering to the delicate sensibilities of the few who have problems with the ascetics of anything other than what they are familiar with.
Just a quick note on the MMORPG as an insult comparison...
MMORPGs, raking in money by the dumptruck full. Many options, tons of fans across many audiences, massive resources allocated to development.
TTRPGs, dying product. Squeaking out an existence that relys on low cost. Fans fit primarily into a few small demographics. R&D budgets small, often rushed to market and patched after deployment.
You're not really making much of an argument when you compare something to a MMORPG and assume people think that means bad. Lets face it, they make the money, have the audience and the budget. We here on this board are fans of TTRPGs but lets not try to pretend none of us play MMORPGs.
Something like Tactical Shift is more magical than martial healing.
Telling someone to move over a few feet is magical now? :|
I weep for this generation.
Given the laziness and morbid obsesity amongst D&Ders, being able to convince someone to get on their feet, do some heavy exercise, and use their words to make them be healthier must seem magical.
Perhaps it is time to let these people know we are a force of good in Espir, that all will answer to us for their crimes...........No, not yet. Let word spread from yesterday. We still have a mission tonight and that will be much more difficult with a target on our backs.
Tsubasa notices Erias having some difficulty with the fishmonger. "Pardon me priestess but I have some buisness to attend to. I do not take my oaths lightly, I will see justice brought to those who harmed the boy. Continue to spread your words, they are needed at times like this."
The psionic warrior strides over to his devout companion. He approaches as if he does not know Erias, looking only to the fishmonger. "Good man, that crowd cleaned me of pennies but I have some silver to spend yet" he muses, examining the fish. "You are here often I would imagine. I would also imagine you overhear a great many things." Tsubasa reaches into his purse and pulls out two gold pieces, letting the vendor clearly see them before concealing them in his palm. "Might I get a story along with my fish? I do enjoy a good tale of the sea." He points at a large tuna with one hand, reaching over to the fishmonger with the one holding the gold.
Bharhas, Level 3 Human, Warlord | Sorcerer Human Power Selection Option: Bonus At-Will power Languages: Common, Elven Theme: Gladiator
CURRENT STATUS: Phase of the Sun: *At the start of your turn, each enemy adjacent to you takes fire and radiant damage equal to your Strength modifier. *You also gain resist 5 cold.
VITALS AC: 18 Fort: 18 Ref: 15 Will: 17 HP: 40/40
Surges: 6/6 Surge Value: 10
Initiative: +1 Speed: 6
CURRENT ABILITY SCORES STR 18, CON 10, DEX 11, INT 10, WIS 8, CHA 17
Giving the half-orc one more stern look that Lusi hopes is interpreted as 'Be somewhere else', she makes her way back into the crowd around the square trying to see where the others were trying to collect their information.
The Fortune Teller catches her eye, she'd seen them before and had been somewhat baffled by the those previous tellers. Many were the obvious scam artists, but there were more than a few with the talent to dip their fingers into the pool of fate, the realm of her mother's goddess. Those serving Scientia weren't always aware they were doing so, and Lusi figured she'd try her very unpracticed eye on this Teller, to see if she were pulling specific cards or creating the information on the fly. Just maybe, the woman could reach into the beyond and tell her something useful.
Lusi approaches the woman, and offers several silver. "It's been years, and much of a continent, since I last had my fate glimpsed. Tell me ma'am, what does this city intend for me?"
I had intended to use perception here, but I actually think it should probably be insight... the bonus is the same either way. Lusi is trying to see the if the Fortune Teller is pulling specific cards / rigging the dice, or if the fortune she gives appears to be genuine.
Erias goes into (or rather close to) the pub, and buys a drink. The barkeep gives him a quizzical gaze, but fills a mug nonetheless. The knight smiles, "Yes, I do imbibe, though usually not this early." He sips the brew, ignoring the things floating in it. "I'm troubled, you see, by the actions of my peers in the divine service. The Lightbearer does not condone violence except in drastic need. The Vigilant Clergy will face a reckoning should they continue on their path."
