The Debs

[RogetThesaurii]

The Continuing adventures of Geneva diBussi and her well-to-do friends...

[RogetThesaurii]

In the wake of the demise of the devil and the destruction of the Red Hand, Strom and Rob considered the matter completed. They were as surprised as everyone else when they exited to a returning summer. The wintry winds had broken and Strom assured all that the popping of the ice meant it was unsafe for crossing. It was a long day of making wide trips trudging along the shoreline, in broken and rotted ice, to get the crates of weapons and Zheng drugs, along with the treasures they'd looted, down to the wagon.

For their part, the two horses of the team seemed no worse for their chilly evening. Rob and Strom estimated that, despite taking until well after mid-day to get everything loaded, they would have the ladies back in Cordoba not too late in the night. "The Fish will be popping, and Hotspurz is gonna want these weapons back. Pronto. The Rush, that's for Captain Weavetapper and he's as likely to still be at the Barnacle as elsewhere." Rob nodded at Strom's reasoning and helped get the last of the crates secured before hoisting first Inez, then Fifi aboard. He let Geneva climb up onto the seat beside Strom, then followed behind the wagon on foot until they'd reached the main road back down to Cordoba. He then hopped aboard and clapped for Strom to pick up speed. The sun was beginning to fall as they, too, began their descent.

It was far past moonrise, and probably past mid-night, when Strom pulled in at the Bronze Barnacle to help Rob offload the Rush and the Debs. Both men waited to ensure the ladies needed naught else before making their goodbyes and heading for the Flying Fish and Thabo's other base of operations. The dragonborn would be happy indeed to see the returned weapons. Rumors were swirling of the Manyfold in Cordoba. The ongoing war was heated and these weapons would help make amends for some of their depredations.

OoC

Welcome back to Cordoba. Feel free to do any 'between adventures' RP here now that you are returned to town. I will put together the next installment in this campaign shortly. And don't forget to level up! Rob and Strom get no new HPs but they will get their new 6th level powers. The ladies should be 7th I believe? And Rob and Strom will both be spending some of their coin on gear. I'll find a good weapon for Rob. If you want extra dice, he will look into enchanting his blade some more. Ditto Strom. Or, borrow a blade from Thabo he doesn't use. He has several that have come through his possession during play, I believe.

Edited March 18 by RogetThesaurii (see edit history)

[RogetThesaurii]

"Hisssss! Ratsssandtailsss!" Fifi hissed and scratched at the wriggling furry menaces. They were everywhere, and her claws could only eviscerate so many in so little time. As the light flooded the room the vermin scattered. Fifi's bloody maw showed her fervor. Her sharp, sharp claws had torn a path through the little destructive beasts.

Blinking in the new light, Fifi came clawing forward, only to realize she was tangled in her own sheets and fighting to escape her own bed as sunlight streamed into the room. Of late, her nights had been late, and her mornings non-existent, more an ending than a beginning of her day. The events at that hellish mansion were behind her, but their effects lingered. Everywhere she went, she could swear she could feel evil now. Exposure to this Cat entity had steeped her in the Divine. It wasn't always what she thought it would be, but it was often something she never would have noted before; it was interesting. A new perspective.

Inez rolled out from under Yakob and smacked his fine, tight bottom. The lad was a new recruit to her faith and he was an eager and vibrant youth. His ardor needed tempering, and she was happy to help with his... devotions. Of late, since the mansion, her connection to the Cony was more intense than it had ever been. Her fervor for her flock had grown deeper.

Perhaps it was the assault on her temple, but more and more often, she suspected, it was the banishment of the fiend, in it's unholiest of places, that dragged her under the shadow of fear. Huddled at the Cony's side she felt secure. Here, with young Yakob, she had felt fleetingly safe. But now, now it was time to return to the streets of Cordoba, and to walk in the knowledge of the shadows that lurked there. Grunting in satisfaction, Yakob nuzzled against her neck and settled in for a sleep, but Inez, once the lad had nodded off, left her bed. She was restless. The Cony called to her, and she fled into the streets.

Geneva clicked the facet on her callstone and clicked off from Thabo. He was away, again. Heading into the bay, to hunt what had happened to his Zheng allies and a whole ship and her entire crew. He had only just returned from flitting about the world with a Firefleet caravan. Apparently he was now half-owner of a liquor shop in Vestre Fel, as well. But it had barely kept him still. A few days and he found himself back at the hunt. He was distracted, and that she found annoying.

She had snapped at him as he disconnected from her. She regretted it now, knowing he was heading out to check on the silent Zheng out post far out in the Bay. He was practically asea at that range, more than a half-day's sail, and to a tiny and isolated rock that was nearly covered in a ramshackle old sea fort anyway. His friends were with him, but they were as likely to get him in deeper trouble than to keep him out of it. Especially that Ana. The tiefling woman was a daredevil. Always seeking... more. Geneva kept her eye on the woman, sensing that, if Geneva were not in the picture, or were not attentive, perhaps Ana would be the one draped on Thabo's arm.

No matter. It wasn't just Thabo that was upsetting her. Lingering fears, a general jumpiness, had left Geneva's nerves somewhat frayed. She leapt half out of her skin when Karen, Thabo's bodyguard, had dropped a dish accidentally whilst she was cuddling on the couch with Thabo. He had laughed, and snuggled her closer, while Karen had apologized and cleaned the glass, but Geneva was surprised she'd jumped at all. It wasn't like her. And that wasn't the only incident where she'd been startled.

Sighing loudly, she decided a day on the street would do her some good. It was high time this new maid of hers started to make herself useful, anyway. Geneva's lack of a hand-maid was normal for her, but here in Cordoba, as Inez kept reminding her, a lady's maid was a necessity. Mathhilda Barleycorn was a sweet hin girl, the younger sister of Thom, who worked with Thabo and Lord Specter. The girl had been at the house in the Garden District that fateful day when she'd met Thabo.
 

Plantpocalypse would be a milestone date for Geneva forever, and she was not alone. Memorials like the one for the City Watch and for the lost Defenders of Arvoreen, like young Thom himself, were still fresh memories. Some funerals were even now finally being conducted. A whole different vibe had washed over the city from that point, and she felt wound up in it now. The run-in at the mansion had been but the latest event to shape her. Geneva needed a relaxing day, and some shopping was in order. Mathhilda could help. "Mattie! We're going out!"

"So, we would provide security services for these nobles." "And important people types." "And Important people types. We'd look all posh in uniforms, all the chest-glitter and medals an' big snarls and no smiles. But, like, when they want other things..." "Like their powders? An' their prostitutes? And their secrets kept? That's when we send a 'Negotiator'. Like Cap'n Weavetapper! He'd be good, Or Davil. Heck, Lady Bastard, you'd be as good as they, or better mayhaps..." Strom had run off at the mouth in the presentation, but Rob had let him. He was not the speaker of the two, and Strom had naturally stepped into the space. He hoped he hadn't babbled too much.

Jennifer Lorraina, the Bastard of Prophets, sat back on her chair at her table in the center of Frewn's taproom. She barely suppressed her grin. These two fools were on to something! It was perfect for the next step in Snake Eyes' plans to move Upslope. High end security teams. It was a perfect opening for a group like the Zheng. She made a mental note to send Bumble's people out to get as many military uniforms as they could find in the markets. Gaudy, foreign, outdated. it didn't matter. As long as it looked clean, and official. "Gents, I think this might be something I can work with; something that I'll certainly bring to the big man. For the moment, from what I hear, you two have an Imperial Passport. Why don't you go ahead and head over to Lady diBussi's and collect her. Dempsey said she'd called for transport, so it seems she'll be out today. Light duty. I'll let you know what the Thumb says." The two old soldiers grinned at each other, stood, and made their goodbyes as they headed Upslope into the Wine District for the day, riding atop the driver's bench with Dempsey for Strom, and quietly clinging to the back step for Rob.

Geneva had called Penny to join her for lunch and Inez had called to invite Geneva to brunch. Fifi arrived at Geneva's, veiled and eye-rolling from a sleepless night, at least the fifth in as many days since the Mansion Massacre, as Inez kept calling it. By the time Fifi had been corralled and caffeinated and Dempsey, Strom and Rob had made room in the coach for four plus packages, their group was off to collect Inez.

Inez DiCarlotta was not of noble birth, but she might as well have been. For all the luxury of her family's status, she needed no title to stand among them as equals. After all, her father owned more sail than any man on earth, so far as men could measure, anyway. The Lord of Sails boasted hundreds of ships, two massive shipyards all his own, financing and materials backing for a half-dozen more, and contracts with most mercantile concerns that touched on water in three continents and the throughout Colonies. All of them. If the Lord of Sails needed it, he could assemble a fleet of nearly a fifth of all ships at sea.

Inez' home was unique in that it was in the Lord's District, though her family had no formal title. It was a point of pride for the DiCarlotta's, that no sovereign owned their allegiance, save their native Cordoba, well-known to be favorable to most nations and trade. Gold was the religion and binding of the city. Dempsey was familiar, both with the route and the gate guards he would encounter along the way.

A frowning Fifi stuck her head out the window as the carriage approached, and the guards waved Dempsey through without actually stopping him. They eyed Rob and Strom darkly, as always, but otherwise the trip was undisturbed. It was a drive of more than twenty more minutes, as Dempsey wove his way slowly into the poshest district of the city, when they finally reached the far corner. Inez' home was tucked against the mighty cliff upon which the Ducal Quarter sat, seventy feet above in a small vale of the encircling mountains that cradled the city's highest point. At the end of Sovereign Street they reached an oval gate of pure ivory, posts and slats. Teakwood beams stained ebony-black ran like a dark fence to block the only entry into the narrowed point, hiding the property beyond a few feet with deep foliage and tall, well-tended trees.

Dempsey paused at the gate and the oval shimmered a light blue. He clucked and led his team through, ignoring the obviously magical activity. He had been startled only the first two times he'd come here, by the invisible guards. They made no sound and their camouflage worked exceedingly well with the stark black, white and dark green that dominated the view of an approaching driver. As he passed through, he ducked to avoid the low tree limbs beyond, and let his team go. They knew the way.

The horses turned the corner of the path and began winding right through a near-screen of blooming flowers. Mathhilda had pushed her head out one side of the carriage, and Fifi had done the other, watching the view unfold. Even Fifi was impressed with her bestie's place. It was Mathhilda's first time, and everyone waited for her gasp. Even Rob and Strom had given up their grins at the wonder they knew would be instilled in the little hin girl.

No one was disappointed. TideBlossom was a manor set in a garden encircled by a park. It was a home meant for living in peace and abounding natural beauty. The house itself, while fine, was simply dwarfed by the garden and park themselves. The garden featured the Rose Wall, a five foot wide encirclement of rose bushes, in a variety of colors, separating the garden from the park. A natural break in the 'wall' allowed the passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Before the manor, a large fountain rose. It depicted a ship at sea, the cresting wave was an actual wave of seawater, with a seven foot replica of a ship riding the wave. Magics allowed for extreme artworks and architectural finery. The DiCarlottas had plenty of both.

Mathhilda almost forgot to breathe when it all began unfolding before her. The beauty of the deep-forest feel from the encircling park, the solitude and grandeur revealed in the manor, amidst a garden of floral majesty unseen before in her lifetime. Mattie was enthralled. As they all had been that first time. It was truly a marvel.

Inez waited for her friends at the front of the house. Dressed in her signature pinks she was smiling and hugged each as they exited the coach. She welcomed her friends into the house and directed everyone to the patio, where they had usually enjoyed meals with Inez. The spectacular views of the garden made it ideal. Once the ladies were settled, Dempsey, Rob and Strom excused themselves to take a stroll and a smoke in the garden. Mattie made herself available to serve tea and Inez, Fifi, Penny and Geneva settled in to chat. It had been too long since they'd relaxed like this.

 

OoC

Welcome back to the city. And congrats on the leveling. If you recall, there were a couple quests you received before setting out to fix Colli's issue. One was from Penny. She has a patron who wants her to steal something for him from a rival, who happens to have a casino ship that is parked in the bay right now. On that casino ship is Penny's target. Penny is a brilliant wizard and young scholar, 'on a scholarship', so to speak, from a mysterious patron. She has her tuition paid for her at a prestigious arcane school.
Rob and Strom are setting up a business, sort of a 'golden ticket' ('Imperial Passport') from Thabo for their work. They will use Zheng, generally professional soldiers, to provide security for high-end celeb types like Fifi and Inez, etc. They plan to use Fifi and Inez for 'testimonials' and to start hiring other Zheng to act in the same stead. It gives the Zheng access to another level of society, semi-legit, but easily manipulated to their strengths.
The Cat has been sending Fifi visions regarding fighting rats. Always scrambling to jump them, then a light comes on and they scatter into the shadows again and again. And Fifi can taste blood each time she wakes up, like she's been killing rats.
Inez has been having a similar re-connection with her god. He's been closer recently, and she's feeling it. Its been both blessing and curse. Deeper affection and connection, but also more confusing and revelatory and new responsibilities.
Geneva and Thabo are spending a lot of time apart right now. He'd just be back from his Firefleet foray, and then he was all out in the bay and flitting around the world to dungeons and locales to discover Hait stuff, so for the next several weeks they will be on/off in seeing each other. It's stressful to Geneva, and she still has a little lingering PTSD, as does everyone, from the foray against the fiends. It was a Horned devil, a malebranche with worshippers. Its taint was deep and abiding and its been only a half a week.
Feel free to RP over a leisurely brunch in a veranda in the middle of a posh flower garden. Servants are minimally intrusive and universally halflings. Mathhilda Barleycorn is present, Thom Barleycorn's little sister and Geneva's new handmaid. She's learning the craft but also learning, like Thom, to move in this society. She is learning Backhand currently. (0-level 1/2ling young Female). She was one of the little festival princesses Thom was escorting on Plantpocalypse when Bumble and Talon and Quiet saved him. They were present, as was Geneva, at the house in the Garden District where the PCs rested and regrouped.

Edited March 23 by RogetThesaurii (see edit history)

[The Elder Snail]

It burned her biscuits that Thabo was off again and away from her. Her critical mind knew that he was on an urgent quest to discover more of the entity behind the horrors of Festival Day, but that did nothing to appease her desires. She didn't want Thabo in her life just in order to NOT spend time with him, she enjoyed what it felt like to be together. And she knew he felt the same. He always returned with a gift for her, not as an appeasement, but because he thought of her while they were apart. He spoke with purpose and conviction about his hopes for their partnership. She felt it too, the drive to achieve the goal they had discussed. She wanted a betrothal, but they both wanted it as her family required. He needed a title first, as the wealth he was amassing would not alone grant the approval of House DiBussi. Especially in the manner of how that wealth was acquired. Now she knew that the vast proportion of his wealth was from his travels with his companions, but significant stacks of coin flowed from his "organized labor" associations. Through the joining of their minds through magic, Geneva was given glimpses of his deepest thoughts and hopes. He was earnest to use his power to benefit the less fortunate. She saw the overlay of his childhood in the brothels of Crescent when he spoke of how halflings, tieflings, and others were treated here in the City of Thieves. She was startled at the ferocity of his feelings on the matter, to be honest, but his conviction was a boon to her trust of him. She knew the why of what he did and it matched how she felt about those who weren't blessed to be born to wealth. The farmhands and workers of her family's ranches had given Geneva the gift of a grounded worldview. Thabo grasped the power that he did, not for power itself, but to use that power. To see it turned with favor towards those that made it all possible in the first place, to temper its thirst for more at the expense of the lesser. She also glimpsed his tightly bound contempt for his Zheng affiliations. Loyalty was paramount to Thabo and Snake Eyes asking him to join was all he needed, despite his dislike of some of the Zheng's known specialties. That Snake Eyes had assembled mostly former soldiers was a good thing, and her lover's pride in soldiering was enough to want him to have an influence in their use. She knew he dreamed of his own mercenary force, used justly and wisely, with soldiers growing old from victories defending the downtrodden, rather than dead in fields as fodder for greedy lords. Strom as an old man, bouncing a laughing child on his knee, was a concept Geneva could get behind. Especially if that child could be her and Thabos. "Uncle Strom" had a nice ring to it, she thought to herself as she sipped tea and enjoyed the company of her dear friends. These contracts were a troubling bit of business, but not thankfully too horrendous in nature. With a bit of wool gathering between her girls, they could weave a wise knit for the issues. Other than the Ducal commander, Geneva felt all the signees were worthy of being given their contracts to do with as they see fit. Well, except Coli. She still had puppies on her mind, and she wasn't about to rip that contract up, just to see Coli robbed of his mother. Nor any of the others falling to ruin. She said as much to the girls, adding that she thought the Commander's contract might be discussed a bit more. She thought the Duke should know of a potential catastrophic compromise in the City's defense. But that wasn't something they could come waving at Court. Maybe Fifi's noble connections could yield an avenue. Thabo's partner Anna was supposedly in the employ of the HellGuard, but Geneva didn't want to give her any extra attention. She knew Thabo didn't desire her, however that was no reason to shine light on any woman other than herself. But first and foremost, Penny's problem needed addressed. Geneva had felt terrible that they couldn't immediately help when she first came asking, but Coli's predicament was wisely judged the priority.

 

Show this

Geneva wants to shop for puppies and visit the Barber for sword enchantments. Backing Strom and Rob's business startup by pressuring Thabo to back it ASAP. Operation Uncle Strom will succeed!

 

 

Edited March 24 by RogetThesaurii (see edit history)

[Drakestendor]

 

Fifi’s dreams had her unsettled.  Something was brewing and the Cat was maybe trying to tell her something.  She also had to deal with Colli’s fetching soul.  Breaking the contract, while keeping his mother well, was a risk.  She could probably do it, but probably wouldn’t cut it.  It weighed heavily on her mind.  She hated this.  She needed to weed Colli out of her.  It was one thing to fetch up her life, but now it was affecting her “sisters.”  She was done with him, again… She was still finding herself in all of this.  Her curse of inevitable failure had made her strong, but bursting at the seams of madness

 

Fifi had been holed up in a nice hotel in the Wine District under a fake name, but her baes knew where she was.  She needed to figure this shit out, with no Colli fetching up her logic.  She had spent a few days drinking herself to sleep, bathing, and then “carousing” at night.  She had been looking for rats, but deep down she doubted her dreams were that literal… but it was a start to finding a tangible thread to bat around in her mind.  

 

She spent a few days, after her bender, digging through the tombs at the Great Library… pausing briefly to rock a quite sexy nerd’s world in the Magical Contracts section.  She totally needed that.  Romance caused way too much emotional bondage and feelings and stuff… She was done with it! This banishment of romance would hopefully help her swallow her decision to downgrade Colli to just a friend with benefits.  Her friends would have to help her enforce this rule, but they would support her in this… she knew it.

 

But she also had to deal with his soul and his sick mother… Hurumph.

 

She was floating on post-coital endorphins as she took her research and found a private study room. She prayed to the Cat for a blessing and then set to the task of breaking the fetching contract, but also keeping Colli’s mother in good health…

 

Nothing major…

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 27 by Drakestendor (see edit history)

[RogetThesaurii]

Fifi was many things. Bon vivant, 'noble' 'lady', 'heiress presumptive' to her father, victim and participant in the occult's chaotic tides, and now, divine servant to something... more. It was bane and boon in ways she was still learning. One aspect, though, that she did like, was the feeling of lassitude and relaxation that just settled into a girl's shoulders at a job well done. That, and when someone fawned over her. The poor nerd she'd left besotted and 'made a man' was gushing at her even as she settled her gown back in place. The stockings had been rolled up and simply stowed for later. That was always nice, too, when boys were reduced to compliments and adoration.

Waiting for the nearby stalls and aisles of books to be empty, Fifi rolled out the contract for Colli and his poor mother. This fool. Fifi took her nail and ever-so-carefully began to chip at the signature, sometimes pausing, for reasons she didn't really understand, to lick at her nail, cleaning off the ink and swallowing it before returning to her task. What was this? Fifi found that once started, she couldn't stop.

The taste of the ink was foul. It filled her mouth with the same flavor as when some one she kissed had been smoking recently. The ashen flavor felt like grit on her teeth. And yet she kept ingesting it! Each Letter she erased, she felt a small cramp in her abdomen grow, again and again. Collossimmo was a long name... and evey letter was worse than the one before, and even at the end, there was still more. Three words, The Pauper Poet, followed his idiot name. Thank the gods he hadn't hyphenated it!

Moving along determinedly, Fifi focused on the good she was accomplishing. Colli's mother stayed healthy, her foolish friend became un-Damned, and the wrong folks in the multiverse lost a little in the war for souls. A good day's work. With the final 't' in 'poet' etched and scratched carefully free, Fifi felt a small trmeble in her gut begin to rev up. She as going to be sick, and she knew it. but, something else was there as well. A wispy red essence drifted off the now-empty signature area, while the rest of the contract retained a rosy glow for a moment.

Standing, to avoid retching across the table and its bookish contents she'd unshelved, Fifi stumbled a bare two feet before she lost her cookies. It wasn't what she thought it would be. A wad of sticky material, the same shade as the ink, horked out of her mouth to splatter on the floor at her feet. it writhed and trembled and then broke apart and fell to pieces that faded away to nothingness in moments. Fifi immediately felt better, felt that sweet lassitude. Whatever she'd done, it seemed successful. It felt successful.

She had spent some time coming up with less icky ways to remove a name on an infernal contract, and took an hour later that evening in the Shade Market to gather some tools and things she felt she might need. The bender that evening had been one of celebration and release. Arriving at Geneva's the next morning in shades, unslept, again, she was very down for a brunch with Inez, TideBlossom was, well, TideBlossom.

Sitting with her friends at the table, the little hin girl Mathhilda pouring a lovely melon-ginger tea, and carefully spiking it with a tiny pour from Fifi's rum ration, her Mendozan contessa-ness took note of the interesting conversation unfolding. Geneva wanted to help Penny, and Inez wanted to help pretty much everyone. Penny settled in to explain her situation more in-depth.

"As you guys know, I am on a scholarship for my studies. I'm almost ready to try for my Journeywoman rank in Heraldry and Sigils, and I know I've aced my examinations on Cosmic Architecture, Finance, and Celestial Symphonics. Master Nexbaum has agreed to take me on as an apprentice this fall, too. I'll be a full wizardress in just three more years!"

Penny fidgeted with her napkin and a tea saucer. She folded the napkin neatly, then unfolded it and re-folded it. "My scholarship depends on my patron's gratuity for me. He pays for my flat here, my pocket money is a stipend he has set aside, and he funds my not-inconsiderable tuition at school. It is understandable that he be granted certain requests." Her glance at fiery Fifi had her backpedaling the conversation before things derailed.

"Nothing salacious! Nothing like that, Fi. I wouldn't have taken the money if it was that. No, he asked that I pursue certain subjects, and enumerate my studies to him, and to others in his circles. He asked that I attend a few events, to hear a speaker or learn of some subject. All very innocent. He's had me research subjects for him, as well, and prepare treatises on them. I think much of it has to do with his business, and so, as that is what funds my education, I think these requests have been fair and appropriate to my skills. But this... this latest task. I must ask your help!"

Penny watched as Mathhilda, perched on a flower pot nearby and raptly paying attention, gasped as Penny's startling eyes caught hers a moment. "I say, Mattie, did Inez tell you about the greenhouse? She's got the most amazing hothouse, out at the edge of the garden there. If you just follow that path there, it will take you to it. Everything is from the Colonies, tropical ones, mostly. Can you fetch us all a collection of various colored hibiscus? Do you know the flower?" When Mattie shook her head, Penny explained what they were like, and even drew her a small picture on a napkin with a charcoal Penny produced from a pocket of her robes. All watched the girl race off down the path.

"Some things a child shouldn't yet hear." Penny seemed suddenly serious. "My patron is Fasuul Dawid, of Ancient Pidduppi. He is a dao of massive strength and great riches. He deals in gems among mortals, but his true business is a purveyor of delights to other genies the cosmos over. He bids me to take from a rival, by hook or by crook, a magical piece he must have.

The rival is a business rival, someone of some arcane power I would imagine. He would not reveal much, save that the casino ship Shining Star is where the piece is located. Its expensive to get inside, but I do already have two tickets for entry. We'd just need to find a way to get two more? We get aboard, locate the piece and get off before we're detected."

Penny knew there would be a few questions, and she fielded them before continuing. "The piece in question is an hourglass, with grains of pure gold instead of sand, bound in exquisite crystal, not mere glass. The frame is of mithril and gold, too, with a motif of dancing genies etched all over. The dancing is... quite erotic. I've seen rubbings of them." Inez' arched eyebrow registered to Penny what she'd said, erotic rubbings, and self-corrected her friend's lascivious suggestion. "Charcoal rubbings! Inez!" Penny threw a bit of toast crust she'd abandoned at her hostess, laughing.

"Is this the kind of thing you get into, with those... fellas?" penny's hand waved towards the garden in the direction Rob, Strom and Dempsey had wandered. Penny waited to see what her friends would say.

OoC
Penny has made her request and pauses near the end to take initial questions, then explains what the item is. She knows its magic, but not what it does, though she suspects it has something to do with time. She knows what it looks like. Even without using Detect Magic she could spot a fake version.

Fifi successfully removed Colli's name from the contract. Well done! And the items she shopped for are available, just add them from the trip to the Shade Market

Edited March 29 by RogetThesaurii (see edit history)

[Drakestendor]

Fifi lounged and nibbled her snacks while she pounded her rum punch.
 

“So, a Djinni-owned casino heist? Didn’t expect that… What kind of intel do we have?”

[RogetThesaurii]

"Only what I've already told you, Fi. I don't know any more than that. I wonder, do you or Inez think you could finagle an extra ticket or two?" Penny sipped her punch and waited to see what the elder girls would say. She had given them all that she knew of the situation. If they could not help her, Penny wasn't sure who would.

In the Garden...

"So you'll need clients with coin, who can afford a true soldier. Private armies of one, so to speak. I can see the appeal, lad. it's a good idea." Dempsey sucked at his pipe, keeping a low coal churning away as he tucked a bit more leaf down on the ashes and ember. He philosophized a bit with the pipe as prop.

"Myself, I found it was a good investment in me to have a family. Rounded me out, you might say. Strom, lad, you ever think of settling down?" The Fretanian chuckled softly as he whacked at a flower blossom with his hand ax. It slashed free and Rob stooped to pick it up. Adding it to a sack filled with a myriad of other blooms. The quieter Mendozan had a determined look on his face. "Looking for a good orange, still. And the proper greenery, not just some foliage." Strom groaned at Rob's tone but diligently continued to scan for orange blossoms and 'the right greenery'.

The trio had made their way on a circuitous winding track that touched on both corners of the garden here before a side path near the south-western corner shot deep into the center of the garden. In turn, this led back to the main fountain and a short way, on three different paths, back to the patio and the girls. All three knew the route now.

The men jumped when they heard the childish shriek of what could only be Mathhilda. It had come from behind them and to the east. All three turned to reverse course, but Dempsey suddenly stopped them. "We'd be better served to head for the fountain and find her from there! C'm'on!" Without waiting to see who followed he took off at a run, clutching his pipe.

 

"Let's go!" Rob yelled at Strom, and dashed after the carriage driver, trusting Dempsey's logic. Strom lurched a step and then paused. He suddenly whipped free his blade and stared at it, then the flowery wall between him and the scream, and then is word again. "She'll understand." He whipped the blade back and slashed a wide arc through the flowers, stepping forward into the next lane within moments. He continued with his strikes.

Fifi, Geneva, Penny and Inez were laughing at a joke Inez told them when the shriek split the midday air. All four froze and listened again. Inez was on her feet as soon as the last notes had died away. A commotion not too distant could be seen as the hedge maze rippled in a line. Through the walls of greenery. Something was heading towards that shriek!

The whole table scrambled into action. Everyone knew best what path they'd take and the race towards the cry was a near-collision at several points with several members of every group. Except Strom. He arrived mere moments before Fifi, then Dempsey, Geneva, Rob and finally, Inez and Penny skidded to a halt in a side 'room' of the flower maze garden. Behind Strom, a hole was cut in the wall of the maze. behind him could be seen a series of holes.

Mathhilda lay on the ground, unconscious. Over her, with his sword in one hand, covered head-to-toe in flower petals and shrubbery twigs, stood Strom. An Elf in non-descript clothing that looked designed to blend in with the floral surroundings* was struggling fruitlessly, dangling in the air almost a foot off the ground. Strom held him aloft, glaring, his sword pointed at the man's breast.

Blood already ran from the elf's arm. A deep cut bled freely and the elf was favoring it as he begged. "Please! It's all a misunderstanding! Please! I'm just an artist! See!" Wincing painfully, the elf managed to use his injured arm to upend a catch on the pouch at his side. Pens and charcoals and colored chalks fell feely onto the ground.

Inez drew up short, panting after the panicked jog. "Strom! Drop him. I know this wretch." She closed the gap between herself and Mathhilda, bending over the hin girl. "Strom!" She snapped, and the Fretanian tossed the elf to the ground at Rob's feet. The Mendozan had not drawn his blade, but he made sure the elf knew it was there if needed. When the elf tried to rise, Rob's booted foot nudged him back down and the elf stayed where he was.

"Rob, please call for security. Tell them we have an intruder on the grounds. Vhu'thig L'Temnos. You've been warned about this before, so I'm going to have to press charges this time. I'll have my men escort you to the Watch and your embassy will be advised." The elf cringed at each sentence Inez hurled.

Rob had not moved from his guard position above the elf, but Inez' sharp look finally sent him on his way. "Strom, blade away please. I don't want her waking to bared weapons and grim faces. Sit up Vhu'thig. Lie up against that trellis there. It will hold you. Strom!" Inez sharp bark finally cracked through and Strom put away his blade. Immediately Inez was applying smelling salts to Mathhilda, holding the small girl in her lap as she awoke.

Inez smiled at her as the youngster's eyes fluttered open, and everyone gave let loose a collectively held breath. "Hey, Tillie. You're alright. We're all here. You're gonna be fine. Can you stand?? Are you hurt at all?" Inez checked the girl for injuries as the tiny tween shook her head in the negative for injury.

"I was watching, and drawing, and she came traipsing along, and I went quiet and still, and she saw me anyway. She screamed. And I panicked, grabbed her to calm her down. She bit me when I covered her mouth and tried to run. I twisted my arm to get away from her teeth, caught on her bag there and whipped her round vicious hard. When I let go, she dropped in a puddle, and that's when he come bursting through the wall. I was reaching to see if she was okay, and he near took my hand off!"

Strom grinned mercilessly and loomed above the injured elf. The artist shrank a bit more and looked back at Inez. "She's okay? Truly?" The elf seemed to relax his shoulders and slumped "Phew! Don't need that in my life. Erevan Ilesere calls for mischief, not murder or mayhem. Not unlike your Cony, eh, Inez?"

The familiarity was a step too far for the elf. Inez went steely. She stood, sliding Mathhilda over to Geneva's care as Inez went to stand over the elf. "The Cony takes special care to watch out for children. He is a protector of them, not a 'mischief maker'!" Inez held up her fingers as bunny ears and glared at the elf at her feet. By then, the booted feet of Rob returning with security forces interrupted further words from Vhu'thig.

The DiCarlotta security team took the elf into custody and everyone returned slowly to the patio. Mathhilda was given a seat and some fresh fruit and iced limeade and Inez had her own Chief of Maids take charge of the girl while Inez attended to her guests, wanted and unwanted alike.

OoC
Fifi , and possibly Geneva, would know this elf. He's a 'famous paparazzi' in Cordoba. It's not his first trespass, either into TideBlossom or onto a noble's/rich person's property. He looks upset that he will be taken in by Watch, but not Super upset. He seems to be concerned that Mathhilda not be hurt. He has no weapons or armor.
Feel free to RP here, feel free to make checks (History for knowing about this dude, for instance) and feel free to ask him questions while he is waiting to be taken into custody. Religion check on Erevan Ilesere. He's wearing the equivalent of 'pink camo' for his outfit, so he would blend into the flowers. Mathhilda still managed to notice him, however, and her scream alerted everyone that something was amiss. He tried to stop her freak out and accidentally knocked her out.

Edited April 12 by RogetThesaurii (see edit history)

[The Elder Snail]

Inez was already thinking of her father's schedule and when she could inquire about visiting Ehessual's ship when Penny asked if she could acquire tickets. Geneva's mind had done much the same, knowing the scope of Lord DiCarlotta's shipping empire.

"Of course I can! "Of course she can!"

Their voices were as one to answer Penny. They both could see she was an anxious mess and they felt horrible that Penny harbored any doubt that they would come to her aid. Geneva took her hand and looked firmly in Penny's beautiful molten eyes. How could anyone not see how amazing tieflings were!

"We feel terrible that we didn't help you with this the instant you asked, but we can lay that blame at Coli's feet. Have no doubt that we will do all we can for you. You are our friend and sister, and no one, I mean NO ONE, will make it otherwise. I'm certain Lord DiCarlotta's favorite daughter can take her friends to see any ship in the harbor. We just need to make sure it's a busy casino night on our boat of choice, to keep our mischief under wraps."

 

In the Garden

 

Geneva whispered close to her priestess "Inez, are we certain our visitor didn't overhear our 'plans'?"

 

 

 

Edited April 17 by RogetThesaurii (see edit history)

[RogetThesaurii]

"Inez, are we certain our visitor didn't overhear our 'plans'?" Geneva's question was a wise one, and Inez smiled at her bestie. "I'm wondering the same myself. Let's see what exactly our friend here has on him!" With a smoldering look, Inez caught Rob and Strom and Dempsey's eyes. Dempsey gulped, but the gangsters were more familiar to Inez, and both grinned predatorily. Whatever she was about to ask, the answer was 'Yes!'

"Go find out what's in his pockets. Everything. Bring it to me, and let us scan for magics, and then we can see what he knows, what he may have heard. Let's establish his arrival time, maybe?" Inez watched as Strom and Rob set after the security team who had taken Vhu'Thig into custody.

Standing to pace, Inez waited patiently for the return of the elf. Seeing Strom and Rob on either side of the elf, manhandling him back onto the patio, Inez smiled again. "Ready your questions, ladies. Let's see what he's got..." Strom and Rob stopped short at the table and Strom held onto the man while Dempsey and Rob went through his pockets. The elf started to protest as his personal items were spilled onto the table.

"Hey! Those are my personal things! This is harassment, Miss DiCarlotta. I may be in trespass but those are my things! The Watch will take custody of me, not you. They can catalog what they are legally allowed to down at their local precinct house!" "Shaddup." Strom cuffed the elf's head from behind and shook him backwards, so he could not reach the table without breaking free of Strom's grasp. No easy task.

Rob and Dempsey laid out the man's pouch of drawing items, including the sketch book and his paints and chalks. As well, from his pockets they produced a pair of gems, not inexpensive ones, but not priceless, either. He carried a writ of citizenry identifying him as a member of the Elven Enclave, not Cordoba, and he had another paper, with the word 'Melon' in elven written on it in gold lettering. Finally, there was a strange thimble-like object made of mithril and a half-hoop of gold set with three tiny garnets and one fat pink pearl. It fit nicely behind the ear, and looked quite fabulous.

OoC
There's a handful of stuff on the table and feel free to both interrogate him as well as look through/examine his stuff. If you can/want to Ritual Spell cast stuff, I'm game for that. It's a good wait for the cops to show up. You have the time. Inez has the resources. Give me Investigation, Perception, or an appropriate-to-the-activity skill check. Free post away.

[RogetThesaurii]

Rifling through the scandalmonger's things, Geneva and Inez looked carefully, seeking answers to what they had before them. There was magic among the elf's things. Inez worked through a ritual to 'see' magics. Some of the chalks exhibited magical properties, and the ear piece jewelry was indeed something magical. The surprise came from the thimble-like object. Though the sketchbook revealed multiple types of paper, the pages themselves did not see to be magical. Both gems turned out to actually be call stones. Very nice call stones indeed. Even the parchment with writing on it seemed magical.

The pair worked hard to figure out what they had before them, despite the protestations from Vhu'Thig. The elf kept a sharp eye on the ministrations of the pair as the handled his things. What Geneva and Inez discovered was that the ear piece was a listening device, designed to grab sounds from a distance for a listener far away to hear quite clearly. As if they were sitting right beside the speaker, even. And, it could translate into Elven for the listener!

It took some time and a bit of innovation on Inez' part, but one of the call stones was operable. Inez found it had but a single contact, despite the capability to have many, many more. There was no identification, either. Whomever sat at the far end of that connection was a mystery, and likely to know exactly who was calling from this particular stone. The mysteries deepened.

The thimble was strange at first, but then Penny showed the trick and it all began to make sense. Worn on a finger, the wearer could 'draw' on the vellum sheets in the sketchbook, capturing details finely. One simply had to be observing the picture. It couldn't be freehand, but more like a still life. Or one that had very little or simply incremental change. Like four women sitting around a breakfast table chatting for an hour or two.

Penny demonstrated by using the thimble to 'draw' Mathhilda, holding the vellum up in one hand beside her view of the hin girl, then 'drawing' Mathhilda on the vellum. The process was amazing. The picture looked exactly like Mathhilda, and Penny gave the girl the finished piece. "Give this to your mum, child. She'll love having it." At first, Vhu'Thig had harrumphed at the use of his things, but seeing the smile on Mathhilda, even the cynical elf smiled subtly.

Geneva knew there was more to this mystery, and they would need more than the few remaining minutes before the arrival of the Watch for the elf trespasser. She tried her best to keep the ear piece in hand while Vhu'Thig's things were returned to his pouch, but the keen-eyed elf saw her palm it. "Hey! I see that! Put that back! I'll tell the Watch you stole it and when I'm freed from custody as an Elven citizen, I'll bring theft charges against you myself! I can compel magical questioning to divine the truth, you know. It's in the Elven Enclave's Compact with the City!" Geneva frowned, but tried anyway to secure some win out of this. The elf wasn't having it, though. "And the stone, please?" His arched eyebrow told Geneva she had failed to be discreet enough for this play. Unfortunately.

OoC

PCs still have free RP, but G got busted trying to snag some clues/hooks. She can risk the theft charges ina few days or just avoid it and concede failure and return the items.

The Thimble and the Vellum work together. You hold the vellum up beside the picture you want to draw, then wear the thimble and 'draw' it on the vellum. The higher grade the paper, the better the picture. Thimble detects as Conjuration and Illusion magics.
Call Stone evidences strong evocation (Sending is an evocation spell, apparently) but it's 'locked'; Inez got the 'contacts' opened but cannot 'make calls'. There is only 1 contact. This stone can hold literally hundreds. Its the nicest stone any of the girls have ever seen, outside Fifi, who knows this is the kind of stone her aunt uses to stay in touch with her sons and brother (Fifi's dad). And her generals. It also allows for literally endless Sendings to the one contact. Also like the one Fifi's aunt has. With her Generals. In layman's terms, this screams black ops gov't agency phone.
The ear piece is divination all the way. It's basically Clairaudience and Tongues (but only into Elven, regardless of wearer and from any language).
The parchment with Melon in Elven written on it has Illusion magics and conjuration magics. Same high grade vellum as the other ones in the sketch book.

[The Elder Snail]

Geneva flushed with embarrassment at her feeble attempt at trickery. She wasn't well versed in sleight of hand tricks, lifting purses was just not in a nobleborn's portfolio of skills, and somewhat against her interests as a formal rogue. Though her Gran's stories of adventuring had always shined a positive light on the raiding of temples for jewels, or the theft of a powerful item to thwart an evil foe, blatantly taking items from someone directly did feel a much lesser glory. Even if all her instincts screamed that this elven spy had been listening on their conversation, she discreetly returned the stone to the table, ignoring any reactions from Vhu'Thig.

"I wonder how best to report these items of espionage used against the Seat of Mendoza?" She glanced at Fifi, as Geneva picked up the thimble "Or were they intended against the Lord of Sails?" Inez smoldered with barely contained anger at the intrusion into her garden home "House DiBussi most certainly frowns upon the clandestine observation of its most prominent heir with great disdain." She placed the thimble down and picked up the stone and earpiece "Though my House may not equal the legacy of my Mendozan sister, combined with Lady DiCarlotta's testimony, I believe sufficient pressure could be applied to make your City Watch detainment lengthier than you expect." She replaced the stone to the table and coldly stared at Vhu'Thig as she finished her postulating, the earpiece in hand. "Or perhaps we state we never saw you, you leave now with my two friends and our concerns for you cease."

Edited April 26 by RogetThesaurii (see edit history)

[RogetThesaurii]

Inez smiled grimly at Geneva's tack. She added, for the elf's benefit, "Geneva here is being too kind, Vhu'Thig. If this was clandestine observation of myself, or even Geneva, there's little that could be done to delay, you, truly. But, Fiorella is a direct blood relative of Mendoza's duchess. That qualifies her for immunity from antics like yours, except as legitimate espionage." Inez words sank in on the elf and he realized his error.

OoC

As a non-noble, Inez and her family lack some protections Geneva and Fifi's family and themselves DO have. However, there's a huge gaap between Fifi and Geneva, status-wise. Fifi is way more important. As a direct relatie ad in direct line to the Seat, Fifi, her cousins, her aunt the Duchess and her siblings, all are protected by formal treaties, including between Mendoza and the Elven Imperium (the Elven gov't). Sort of like Diplomatic Immunity, but it also prevents clandestine attacks, unless they are directly sanctioned by the gov't. Now, Vhu'Thig here is almost certainly a gov't operative. However, if caught and accused of espionage, they might disavow him, which would toss him into the court system indefinitely. If they Don't disavow him, then they'd be recognizing that they got caught doing 'legitimate' espionage against Mendoza, which is a subtle act that could lead to warfare, mercantile or otherwise. It's a sticky wicket for Vhu.
If you roll, feel free to do so with Advantage as a result of Inez' interjection.

[Drakestendor]

 

Fifi was fed up with this nonsense. She huffed and set down her drink. Her girls knew that Fifi was “on” when she set down her drink. She got up in the elf’s face and let him have it. She spoke fast and let her Mendozan accent loose…

 

“Listen here, you fetching fungus. I am Fiorella 'Delgado Hermosilla Villa-Lopez Réal, Contessa of Dirnoy! I am way more untouchable than you are, so don’t count on that diplomatic immunity trump-card that you hide behind. The enclave will disavow you to avoid incident. You know this.”

She let him squirm for a moment before continuing…

“Here’s what’s going to happen. The Legs are going to arrest you. All of this surveillance gear will be confiscated and the Enclave will let you rot in jail. You will then become what they call a ‘compromised asset’ and they will drop you like a wet turd… OR we take all of this as an apology gift, you only get arrested for trespassing and maybe a bit of harassment, and I never mention your name to my family… Also, you will keep our names out of your reports and will never share any of the ill-gotten information that you might have misunderstood today! What say you? Think quickly…”

 

Edited April 26 by Drakestendor (see edit history)

[RogetThesaurii]

Vhu'Thig's pale face grew wan, then red, as Fifi tore into him. Her ultimatum rankled the elf, but he knew she wasn't far off the reality of it. He needed this to not go south. "Contessa, I understand your anger. You must admit, there is a certain... ah... flattery in the attentions of others to your most mundane activities, no?" He smiled charmingly and tried to regain a little ground with the limited time they had left.

"I confess that my attendance here today was not limited to mere observations. I did a little... light drawing. If I may...?" Vhu'Thig reached for his things, but Strom and Rob quickly drew him sharply up short. "If I may? I merely want to 'surrender' the evidence. As requested, yes?" Vhu'Thig pointed at the paper and said "Melothlu, agh'dnaesh!"* The word disappeared and was replaced with a drawing of the patio from this morning. Fifi's tower of Pan cakes, smothered in strawberries and fresh cream, was clearly displayed. Inez was leaned back, laughing and it seemed Geneva was gesturing somehow. Mathhilda was noticeably blushing. The moment was easily recognized by all four women present.

Geneva had been telling them a tale of one of her 'adventures' with Thabo. She was explaining how Thabo described something called an 'elephant race' that he had learned about from the brothel-women who had raised him. It was mere moments before Penny began to explain her need, and what the favor might entail. Geneva had cut her story a tad short when she remembered just how young Mathhilda was. She'd keep the racier section for their next Girls' Night.

"I understand that sometimes equipment gets... lost. Happens all the time. But, I am very careful about my sketch book and... certain small items." Vhu'Thig's hands flicked towards the sketchbook, and the call stones. "I'm sure you understand. Wouldn't do to embarrass anyone..." The elf seemed to indicate that leaving some things to the girls would not be as beneficial as they might think.

 

OoC

Vhu'Thig is willing to play ball. He has a couple conditions. He is willing to part with the ear piece, and he reveals the one drawing he did of the girls. He is willing to also lose the thimble, but he wants his sketchbook, which does have normal, and quite nice, drawings in it. The call stones he also wants, but he is willing to lose the chalks, magical and otherwise. He seems willing to risk this all going sideways for the call stones...

*: Elven, translated it means 'Water-logged, fruit sweet and cooling'

Edited April 30 by RogetThesaurii (see edit history)