gameplay Chapter 1, Part 1: Fledglings of Silver

[Keante]

Moonday, 22nd of Kuthona, 4714 AR
(27 days before the Aria Park Protest)

Prelude Part 1: Kintargo Hears News of the Glorious Reclamation

As the sun sets on a frigid evening, the people of Kintargo gather at Andos Hall. Upon the stage sits a large rectangular table. Under a large painting of Queen Abrogail II Thrune, flanked by Chelish and Kintargan flags, a high seat is positioned at the center of the table. Three lower seats are placed to either side of the central chair. Oil lamps line the walls, illuminating the crowd of Kintargans. Rumors of the horseman from Kantaria and his startling news have flown through the city and the auditorium is filled to capacity. The noise of the crowd quiets as a city official mounts the stage.

"Welcome countrymen, to your seat of government, Andos Hall! By the grace of Asmodeus and in the name of Her Infernal Majestrix, Abrogail Thrune, Second of Her Name, Queen of Cheliax, I call this meeting of the City Council of Kintargo to order!"

As a handsome noblewoman with a resolute face enters the stage and takes the central seat behind the table, the official announces: "I present the Lord-Mayor of Kintargo, Her Honor, Jilia Bainilus." The noblewoman gives a warm smile and bows to thunderous applause before taking her seat.

Jilia Bainilus portrait

 

Next, a severe looking older man with immaculately coiffed snow white hair and chest length goatee enters the stage. His red and black robes and ruby studded golden unholy symbol leave his identity unmistakable. "I present the high priest of the Church of Asmodeus, Senior Prelate Corinstian Grivenner." The man gives a flourishing bow before taking his seat to the mayor’s right to polite applause.

Corinstian Grivenner portrait

 

A square-jawed man with close-cropped rust red hair and penetrating gray eyes, dressed in ceremonial armor with an aquatic motif enters the stage. "I present the commander of the Hellknight Order of the Torrent, Lictor Octavio Sabinus." The crowd applauds while the soldier salutes the portrait of the Queen before taking his seat to the mayor’s left.

Octavio Sabinus portrait

 

Following the knight, a lithe elven women with bright crimson hair in a long braid enters the stage. She wears a black cloak over dark gray robes bearing a small unholy symbol in the shape of a skull. Oddly, she seems to be cast in shadow, despite being upon an illuminated stage. "I present the Umbral Archon of the Church of Zon-Kuthon, Aluceda Zhol." The representative of a foreign god gives a slight nod as she sits next to High Priest Grivenner, to subdued applause.

Next, a well kept half-elven man enters the stage. His hair is dark but graying at the temples and kept in a short, tidy braid. His clothes are white, trimmed with gold and a large golden key hangs at his belt. "I present the Arch-Banker of the Church of Abadar, Mhelrem Gesteliel." The man puts his hands together and bows as the crowd gives polite applause; he sits next to the Hellknight.

A clean-shaven younger man enters the stage. He wears finely tailored clothes with a brooch bearing the rainbow tailed bird sigil. He removes a brown tricorne hat with a rainbow hued plume in it, revealing brown hear and crystal blue eyes. "I present High Chorister of the Church of Shelyn, Zachrin Vhast." The man places the hat over his heart and bows to the crowd to loud applause, then seats himself beside the elven woman.

Finally, a youthful looking half-elven woman in a sensible robe and woolen cloak enters the stage. She has alert hazel eyes and dark hair and upon her head sits a circlet with a butterfly motif. "I present the Chancellor of the Alabaster Academy, Professor Iylvana Desdoros." The woman takes a bow and then sits beside the Arch-Banker.

The official leaves the stage as a Dottari officer in ceremonial armor emblazoned with the symbol of Cheliax and carrying a gilded spear enters the stage and rings a bell. She then stands at attention to the side of the stage.

The Lord Mayor stands, addressing the audience. "Welcome, my fellow Kintargans. Thank you for coming out on such a frigid evening. I believe this is the largest number of people we’ve had in attendance at a council meeting in quite some time." She smiles. "No doubt your curiosity has been piqued by our visitor from the Archduchy of Menador to our south. He has come bearing some truly startling news and we present him now to you, so you can hear his words directly. Sir Morvius, please step forward."

A weathered fighting man mounts the dais. He has a well-trimmed beard and wears a tabard bearing the sigil of House Nerikopolus and a longsword at his waist. He clears his throat and looks over the gathered crowd, who falls silent as he begins to speak. "Thank you, Your Honor. Greetings, people of Kintargo. I have ridden north from Kantaria to deliver the following news. A month ago, an army of Iomadean zealots calling themselves the Glorious Reclamation, laid siege to Citadel Dinyar. Against all odds, these warriors breached the Citadel and laid low the Order of the Godclaw! Some are even saying that several border villages have risen in revolt! It is unknown what their intentions are, but Her Infernal Majestrix is marshalling our forces. I have been bade by my master to warn you..."

Suddenly the crowd's rapt silence is pierced by a commanding shout. "I have heard enough! Duxotas! Place this man under arrest!" The messenger turns to face the High Priest, who is pointing down at him from the table. The Dottari officer at the stage turns to follow the cleric’s order. Hellknight Sabinus snorts. Lord Mayor Bainilus says: "Hold, Duxotar Trex! Upon what grounds do you order this arrest, Senior Prelate?"

The white haired priest looks supremely miffed as he turns to the Mayor. "This man has no writ from the Throne to carry these tales! His words will cause nothing but worry and derision in our citizenry. For all we know he very well could have been involved in this treasonous attack!"

The messenger looks horrified as he interjects: "Your Grace, no! I am no Iomedean, nor was I there! I am a loyal man of House Narikopolus!"

The Lictor speaks, his voice clear and loud: "Speaking as a Hellknight myself, our orders are not monolithic. Neither are we an extension of the throne. If these warriors have attacked the Order of the Godclaw, they have not necessarily attacked Cheliax!"

The Lord Mayor next speaks: "Furthermore, Citadel Dinyar is in Isger. I would say that this currently falls outside of our jurisdiction to act upon. Although Sir Morvius bears no writ from the Queen, I certainly will not fault him for acting upon the command of Archduke Narikopolus. I see thin justice in it, Senior Prelate. He has my protection and I will not hinder him from traveling on to Vyre upon the morrow."

Grivenner seats himself, looking rather vexed. "This is carelessness, Lady Bainilus. I will be forced to report this to my superior in Egorian."

Jilia Bainilus clasps her hands. "But of course, Senior Prelate. Hm. There you have it, my countrymen. These are certainly interesting times, but I trust our Queen to keep us safe from any zealotry. I am going to call this council meeting to a close early. I fear this excitement will prevent us from accomplishing anything else tonight. Be safe and stay warm. Duxotar, if you will."

With that, the Duxotar rings her bell and the meeting is adjourned. Dottari open the doors to Andos Hall and usher the people out into the frigid evening. The excitement is palpable. Many find it inconceivable that a Hellknight citadel might be attacked, let alone conquered. People begin rushing to find shelter and warmth. This is shaping up to be the coldest night in recent memory.

 

 

 

Edited March 14, 2023 by Keante (see edit history)

[Keante]

Moonday, 29th of Kuthona, 4714 AR
(20 days before the Aria Park Protest)

Prelude Part 2: Kintargo Hears News of Barzillai Thrune's Imminent Arrival

For a second time, the streets of Kintargo are abuzz with rumors and excitement. The Starday previous a party of outriders arrived at the Rust Gate. It was said they came bearing a message for Lord-Mayor Jilia Bainilus. While the content of that message was not public knowledge, what was known is that the outriders wore tabards emblazoned with the sigil of House Thrune!

Word spread throughout the streets like wildfire that someone important was coming to pay the Silver City a visit. At the Chained Devil Inn, one of the most conspicuous buildings in Jarvis End and a hotbed of Chelish patriotism, it was said the proprietor, Pavo Alazario, was no longer satisfied with the large Chelish flags posted at each corner of his building. Thrune pennants now flew from every window of the building and the word was the old man was having an even larger painting of the Queen commissioned to replace the already sizeable one in his tap room.

While many were proud to host a visit from a Thrune, even more were quietly pensive. It was always believed in Kintargo that no news from the Capitol was good news. Was House Thrune sending an actual member of the royal family to the city? They had always considered Kintargo a back water. What could they want with the Silver City?

Town criers traveled through the districts announcing that the Lord Mayor would address the townsfolk that afternoon. At the appointed time, people begin making their way to the steps of Andos Hall. It is cold, but the sky is filled with fluffy clouds. As the sun sets over the Arcadian Ocean, the light filters through the clouds, bathing the cold dusk in warm orange light. Jilia Bainilus stands before her people in a blue-green cloak, flanked by Dottari.

Her voice trembles ever so slightly as she speaks, but her bright blue eyes are as defiant as ever. "My countrymen, I address you today to inform you that Barzillai Thrune, a cousin to our Queen and Inquisitor of the Church of Asmodeus rides north from Menador Keep and shall be here within two days. He has been sent by the Throne to advise us regarding the Glorious Reclamation. I know some of you may feel concern over this news, but I urge you to take heart.

For you see, I am Kintargo's lord mayor, yet Kintargo is not my city. Nor is it Cheliax's city. Kintargo belongs to no one person, but to all who live here and make it the greatest city in Cheliax. We call it the Silver City not only for the gleaming waters of the Yolubilis, but for its purity. Kintargo is unique in the nation of Cheliax in this way.

We are not the nation's largest city, nor its strongest. We may not have Westcrown's history, Ostenso's naval superiority, Corentyn's trade dominance, or Egorian's power, but nor do we have Westcrown's decay, Ostenso's violence, Corentyn's slave markets or Egorian's damnations! Kintargo is our own, and as Cayden Cailean is my witness, I intend to do all that I can to ensure our silver shall never tarnish under Thrune's touch!"

Many in the crowd cheer loudly at this, but these cheers are far from universal. The lord mayor withdraws to the interior of Andos Hall and the Dottari stand before the door. Tonight's city council meeting shall not be made open to the public.

 

 

[Keante]

Fireday, 1st of Abadius, 4715 AR
(17 days before the Aria Park Protest)

Prelude Part 3: Barzillai Thrune Arrives

A frigid wind blows down from the north on Fireday. The streets along Veritas Plaza are hung with the flags of Cheliax, their red and black whipping in the wind. Despite the cold, many people have gathered to get a look at this visitor. At just past noon, a song can be heard upon the air. As it gets closer, all recognize the sounds of the official anthem of Thrune, The March of the Thrice-Damned House Triumphant. The Rust Gate winches up and the great doors are thrown open.

 

An honor guard of Thrune cavaliers ride at the forefront, bearing flags of Cheliax and House Thrune. Following the mounted warriors, the troubadours march along, playing their horns and drums. A column of Thrune household soldiers and sworn agents come next. Just barely perceptible over the din of the band, the tolling of the Devil's Bells seems to join in as a cadre of Asmodean priests makes their way through the gate. Wearing their rich crimson and ebony vestments, they swing censures belching out black and red clouds of incense which smells of sandalwood and brimstone. The priests stop in their procession to offer a few lucky bystanders of the faith maledictions against their foes.

 

Next, a baroque monstrosity of a carriage comes into view. Nearly too wide for the street and pulled by a team of twenty horses, it's a small wonder it fit through the Rust Gate at all. It is festooned in leering devil faces and cavorting gargoyles. In golden filigree on the side is emblazoned the sigil of House Thrune. Crimson velvet curtains are pulled aside and within you spy a man. As the crowd peers to see him, he seems to be surveying them as well. An imposing man, dressed in fine red, orange and black clothing, he is middle aged with short, dark hair. His eyes seem to take in much as he meets your gaze. You think he gives a wry, half grin and the slightest hint of a nod before drawing the curtain closed.

Barzillai Thrune portrait

Finally come the Hellknights. At the head of the column rides a woman with short blonde hair and hard blue eyes like dirty flecks of ice. To either side of her ride knights bearing banners with a spiked wheel. There must be at least thirty of them, and they are followed by nearly twice as many armigers. These knights look different than the Order of the Torrent that you are accustomed to. While the Torrent wear royal blue cloaks and their armor has a majestic, almost fanciful sea creature motif, these knights are different. Their armor is clearly designed to sow fear, making them look like flayed men cast in iron. Their cloaks, if they can be called such, look tattered at first. Upon closer inspection however, the cloaks are intentionally cut to resemble long strips of flayed skin. Each warrior carries a long sword on one hip and a whip on the other. Following this intimidating column is a long procession of seemingly unaligned free riders and foot soldiers, who may even be sell-swords. The parade continues north towards the Castle District and the music fades until you're left with only the song Devil's Bells.

 

 

 

Edited March 13, 2023 by Keante (see edit history)

[Keante]

Fireday, 8th of Abadius, 4715 AR
(10 days before the Aria Park Protest)

Prelude Part 4: Lord Mayor Jilia Bainilus Disappeared

It is another frigid Fireday in the month of Abadius, but the piercing winds are mercifully light today. It has been a week since the arrival of the man who the city has come to know as Barzillai Thrune. In that time, he has shown himself little to the people of Kintargo. He seems to have turned down several invitations from Pavo Alazario to inspect the Chained Devil Inn, causing the old patriot no end of consternation. Rumor has it that he has visited several noble houses in the Greens but which ones precisely have been inconclusive. Furthermore, he has been spotted several times in private prayer with High Priest Corinstian Grivenner at the Church of Asmodeus. It is said that he is a particularly religious man.

The nobleman has made one rather large impression amongst the theater going public, however. For the past week, he seems to have taken up residence at the Kintargo Opera House, one of the city's most famous landmarks. Unfortunately, his occupancy has caused the cancellation of all upcoming performances, including that of the much anticipated Huntress of Heroes. Needless to say, the director and his cast were crestfallen, not to mention the public at large.

No one has seen nor heard from Lord Mayor Bainilus all week, which is very much unlike her. Last Toilday's city council meeting was canceled as well. The citizenry are beginning to talk but by noon, criers begin circulating throughout the districts, bearing a message from the Lord Mayor that should reign in much of the speculation.

A crier at a nearby intersection unfurls a scroll and reads in a booming voice: "Hear me, citizens of Kintargo! Lord Mayor Jilia Bainilus has written the following for your edification: 'My fellow Kintargans, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Her Infernal Majestrix has determined that my administrative talents are needed in our colony of Anchor's End. Governmental turmoil has arisen and the Queen believes a lord mayor of my experience is needed to put things to rights. I have been commanded to leave upon the H.I.M.S. Incubus which will have unfortunately already set sail by the time this message reaches your ears. In my stead, Paracount Barzillai Thrune shall hold stewardship over Kintargo at the Queen's pleasure. Please, extend to the Paracount all of the trust and cooperation you would give me. Show him that the Silver City is indeed a jewel in the crown of Cheliax. Until I return to you, best regards, Jilia Bainilus.' The proceeding was presented to you at the behest of Lord Mayor Paracount Barzillai Thrune. Asmodeus keep the Queen!"

Upon his reading of the scroll, the Devil's Bells give a single, baritone peel and then fall silent.

 

 

[Keante]

Wealday, 13th of Abadius, 4715 AR
(5 days before the Aria Park Protest)

Prelude Part 5: Lord Mayor Barzillai Thrune Makes His Proclamations

It has been two days since the devastation that the people of Kintargo have begun calling The Night of Ashes. When all was accounted for, it was found that three buildings had burned to the ground and some people have found that their neighbors have simply disappeared. Confusion, fear and anger have spread amongst the people of the city.

Questions are being asked and topics debated in the taverns, the academies, guildhalls and the streets.

• "Why was lord-mayor Jilia Bainilus sent to Anchor's End?"
• "What are Barzillai Thrune's plans for the city?"
• "What has become of the opera diva Shensen who disappeared?"
• "Why has the Order of the Torrent been so quiet and why is the Order of the Rack here?"
• "Where have those who disappeared two nights before gone?"
• "What is happening to the Silver City?"

It is announced that Paracount Barzillai Thrune will address the city this afternoon. Not from Andos Hall, as was always done in the past, but from the balcony of the Kintargo Opera House, overlooking Aria Park. It is on a frigid afternoon under a crystal blue sky that people gather in the park. Looking around you see people huddled together in blankets, many looking resolute and defiant as they wait for the lord-mayor to make an appearance, but you count less than 100 people. The wintering park is eerily quiet. A gaunt, particularly unattractive woman stands on the steps before the closed door, surrounded by a squad of dottari. A murder of crows noisily alights from a nearby tree as you see mounted Hellknights close in from either end of the avenue. They reign their horses to a stop, about 100 feet away and seem to stand there silently regarding the crowd.

Finally, the silence is pierced as trumpeters begin sounding from the windows of the Opera House. The March of the Thrice-Damned House Triumphant echoes across the park and the doors of the balcony slowly open to reveal an imposing, middle aged man, wearing an ornate breastplate emblazoned with the pentagram of Asmodeus and the cross of Cheliax. Smiling, he gestures with an open hand across the park, bowing to those gathered below.

"My dear countrymen, thank you for braving these positively Cocytean temperatures to come and visit me so I might share with you my plan to combat our recent troubles. I will not lie to you. The fear engendered by the threat of zealots such as those of the Glorious Reclamation often pushes men to acts of depravity. We saw the results of this the night before last. Foul cultists of Rovagug burned down a beloved drinking establishment! Tiefling knaves sought to burglarize and destroy the home of a talented diva! Ungrateful and envious house servants burnt down the home of the noble Victocora family! Luckily for us all, the dottari of this fine city acted quickly and decisively with our gracious friends and allies in the Order of the Rack. Many of the blackguards were apprehended and many more falsehearted individuals have been taken in for questioning." He smiles widely as he leans over the railing. He raises a fist. "I have been sent by our Queen to guide you along a loyal path and guide you I shall!"

"It has become clear to me that I must take an active hand in affairs to keep us safe before the march of the Glorious Reclamation and the chaos their very name engenders! Until I can be sure that you, my charges, are safe, I must enact martial law in this city. You must obey any official deputy of the state without question! Furthermore, as lawlessness can only flourish in the shadow of darkness, I am forced to enact a curfew from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am each night. Please assist us in protecting your homes and cooperate! I have also devised seven other proclamations. Take them to heart and you shall lead a more virtuous life." He regards the crowd for a moment and then, putting his hand to his heart, he declares: "Fear not my countrymen. I am a son of House Thrune who brought order to this land after the death of Aroden and who bends even Hell itself to our will! I speak for our Queen when I say we shall protect this land no matter the cost!"

With that, he bows before the audience again and retires to the interior of the Opera House. The people are taken aback. Some mumble, some shout and curse. The Devil's Bells begin to toll while the gaunt woman at the door unfurls a scroll, reading from it Thrune's seven proclamations. When she finishes, the Hellknights part to let the people pass. Many tell each other this cannot be allowed to stand. Others proclaim that it's about time the hand of justice reign in this town's libertines. As the attendees see criers have already preceded them, spreading the news to the city, the feeling that a time of turmoil is brewing is unmistakable.

Proclamations

Proclamation the First: All slayers of city pests (hereby defined as doves, mice, and ravens) who present said pests to the dottari shall be rewarded with a bounty of 1 copper piece.

Proclamation the Second: All places of public business must display in a position of prominence within the first room accessible from the building’s primary entrance a portrait of Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II. Said portrait must measure no less than 11 by 17 inches.

Proclamation the Third: Anyone who captures, alive and unharmed, a feral dog of a weight exceeding 50 pounds is to be rewarded with a payment of 2 silver pieces upon transfer of the dog to the dottari. Such noble guardian creatures should find homes worthy of their kind!

Proclamation the Fourth: The right to wear fine embroidered clothing in public is hereafter proscribed to anyone other than agents of House Thrune or the Holy Church of Asmodeus. Exceptions can be awarded or purchased at the city’s discretion.

Proclamation the Fifth: Grain is life! Should grain be spilled in public, it must be gathered, cleaned, and repackaged within the hour. Any person who allows grain to go ungathered after a spillage shall be fined 1 copper piece per grain.

Proclamation the Sixth: The imbibing of night tea brings a dangerous imbalance to the slumbering mind. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise, the taking of tea is proscribed.

Proclamation the Seventh: The odor and flavor of mint is an abomination to the refined palate. Be not the cretin! Mint use in candies, drinks, and all manner of confections is hereby proscribed.

 

 

Edited March 13, 2023 by Keante (see edit history)

[Keante]

MoondayMonday, 18th of AbadiusJanuary, 4715 AR

The atmosphere in Kintargo is tense. The populace was already uneasy after the announcement that Jilia Bainilus was gone and Barzillai Thrune replacing her, but then there were the terrors on the Night of Ashes, and Lord Mayor Thrune's new proclamations a couple days later. Numerous minor protests against Thrune have popped up, only to be quickly dispersed by dottari, Hellknights of the Rack (freshly imported from the south), or the Chelish Citizens' Group (an emboldened local militia of Thrune loyalists). You've all heard the rumors surrounding the protest planned to take place in Aria Park, a protest that promises to be larger than any others so far.

Now, the day has arrived. The morning's dusting of snow has given the foliage of Aria Park a thin white cover, while the cobblestones of Argent Avenue are wet where the snow melted as quickly as it fell. Dozens of Kintargans have gathered along the facade of the opera house to protest the city's new lord-mayor, Paracount Barzillai Thrune. He was proclaimed as such ten days ago, in the wake of the previous lord-mayor's sudden calling away from the city--an event that still has local rumormongers whispering furiously. Only five days ago, Paracount Thrune instituted martial law, a curfew, and seven outlandish and polarizing proclamations. These actions and more have called many of Kintargo's dissatisfied citizens here on this overcast morn. There's been no sign yet of Barzillai Thrune himself, and the opera house's doors remain tightly closed--as they have since the man chose the landmark as his new home--but judging by the growing sound of the protesters, he surely can't ignore the scene on the streets below much longer.

OOC/Instructions

The protest will go on for some hours (I am being deliberately vague as to how many), and your characters can each take some special actions here. Your first post should include as much description as you want to use in introducing your character, as well as the action you choose to take in the first hour of the protest. Please also make specific mention, in the OOC portion of your post, of which option you chose from the Reasons to Protest.

Here are the special actions that can be taken during each hour of the protest:

Listen for Rumors

Anyone wandering the crowd can listen for rumors and learn more about what's going on in Kintargo's new political landscape. Roll a Diplomacy check to gather information or a Perception check to overhear something of note.

Pilfer

Criminal-minded characters can use the large gathering to line their pockets, lifting purses or goods from the street vendors by making a Sleight of Hand check. If you choose this action, roll a Bluff check at the same time, in case one is needed to deflect attention from a failed attempt.

Potential benefits: 1d6 gp per successful attempt

Rabble Rouse

Persuasive characters may want to better organize the protest by attempting a Diplomacy or Perform check.

Potential benefits: circumstance bonuses to CHA-based checks for next 24 hours, crowds at protest no longer counting as difficult terrain for you

Dissuade Undesirable Elements

There are several factions among the crowd, causing the message delivered by the protest to be a jumbled mess. Make a Bluff or Intimidate check to quiet the anarchists (who are just hoping this protest turns into a good riot) or the Chelish loyalist counter-protesters.

Potential benefits: enhanced reputation for the Silver Ravens when you get things started a little later

Watch the Crowd/Search for a Contact

Roll a Perception or Sense Motive check to simply watch the crowd for anything unusual. For any character whose reason to protest is Meeting a Contact, a Perception check also serves as searching for your mysterious contact.

 

 

 

[Keante]

 

[EDTA]

Marra

Marra | HP: 13/13 | AC: 19 (14 Touch, 16 FF) | CMD: 11 FFCMD: 8 | Status: Normal | Spell Points: 2/8 | Formulae: Energy Bomb x6+5 to hit (touch), 1d6+4, 5 splash | 25 ft. range
DC 14

Admixtured with Nether and Gloom Blasts (Demolitionist), Cherry Bomb (4/4)+5 to hit (touch), 1d4+4, 5 splash (max half initial) | thrown splash, 10 ft. range
DC 14

Nether Blast applied (Demolitionist), Salve, Salve 

---

It it hadn't been a good couple of days as far as Marra was concerned. Oh sure there was the unrest to worry about, the uncertainty, the worrying of what was happening and what was still to happen. But really it was making a lot of noise Marra didn't need, and a lot of distractions she didn't want. This was a long way from her Alabaster Academy days.

 

But the most pressing matter was money. The Opera House was closed and it didn't look like it was opening again soon. Assisting with the opera rehearsals wasn't a great source of income but it was something. And to say nothing of the pyrotechnics work that Huntress of Heroes would have required! Times like this the halfling rued how her particular field of research just had to involve the exotic and expensive. Grave dust. Ectoplasm. Bone Shards. Of course in Cheliax such things weren't completely unknown but these newfound prohibitions were causing supply issues across the board. Assuming they wouldn't be banned themselves for whatever godsforsaken reason, same as the rest. She needed those things to continue her studies!

 

Even the meager artists' accomodations in Jarvis End weren't letting her save enough to continue on much longer as she had been. No, she'd have to something something. Something artistic. Marra knew all the great speeches from memory. It was a training exercise from back in the Academy, to hone her mind and focus on concentration. Or so she was told. It always seemed like the sort of rote memorization she hated. She'd much rather focus on research, to innovate rather than iterate. But unrest was the mood and the dominant spirit of the day. You couldn't escape it in the artist's commune. Maybe if she could get a feel for the feelings on the ground she could use it to make some money at least. Recount the events. Try her hand at some satire again. It hadn't been that long since she'd done such. Again, those Academy days. But she wasn't going to see much unless she got to a more advantageous position, and considering her view now largely consisted of the backsides of the assembled, she'd need to maneuver around a bit.

Mechanics  Marra is here to Stay Up on Current Events, so +2 to Perform and Diplomacy as part of the protest. She'll try a Perform check to manipulate the crowd a bit so she can get closer to where the action is. Being shorter than everyone isn't the best for crowd work.

[Ipphli]

Artorius Verrucosus Striker 1 AC 17 CMD 16 HP 13/ 13 Fortitude 15 Reflex 14 Will 12 Status None

Artorius scans the crowd, a slight frown on his face. Why this contact had insisted on meeting here, for all places on all days, was a mystery to him. But, his best friend growing up, Nalden, had been one of the people that went "missing" during the Night of Ashes. Artorius didn't get close to a lot of people, so he was going to look out for one of the few he trusted. Nalden had talked about the Ravens quite a bit and, while Art wasn't interested, if they could lead him to his friend, he'd seek them out. It was the least he could do for his friend, after all.

The mercenery feels uneasy about the crowd. Things were volatile in the city, and having this many angry and/or scared people in one place was just asking for trouble. "Get in, find the person and what they know, then get out," Art tells himself as he continues his search. Apparently the frown on his face, along with his broad shoulders, causes more than a few people to step out of his way. One nice thing about the crowd: it cut down on the wind. It was still cold, and his armored coat could only protect him from so much of its wintry bite.

He feels lucky his armor wasn't much to look at it; keeps him from drawing attention from the guards, what with the new proclamation about wearing finery. The last thing he needs is trouble from the "law". His lack of weapons also helps; most people underestimated someone walking around unarmed, and he liks it that way. Tends to make things easier. So the tall man continues to search the crowd for someone wearing only one glove on their right hand. "Couldn't make it something a little easier to spot fro a distance? Geez..."

OOC

Perception -

 

Edited March 29, 2023 by Ipphli (see edit history)

[Dredcor]

Magical Show-off

Calvanna Blacksmith 1 AC 14  CMD 11 HP 13/13 SP 6/6 Fortitude +4 Reflex +2 Will +4 Status None

Calvanna shivered against the chill of the wind, pulling her cloak tighter around herself.  She was feeling rather envious of those protestors packed into the center of the crowd, where the cold and the wind would be lessened.  The cold always made her shoulder ache, and today was no different.

No, better to stay on the fringe.  All the better to keep an eye on things.

Not like I could get through that crowd anyways.

That said, sound judgement didn't keep her warm, so instead she relied on her magic, materializing a thick woolen blanket to drape over herself.  She sighed in contentment at the lessened chill, rolling her left shoulder to warm it up.

"Note to self: Bring warmer clothes next time you attend a protest in the middle of winter."

Looking back to the crowd, Calvanna let her eyes wander, curious if anything more interesting than a lot of people yelling and screaming was happening.  Even if there wasn't, at least it was more exciting than the Academy.  Or finding missing cats.  If nothing else, this whole business with the new lord-mayor had made life in Kintargo a Hell of a lot more exciting.

OOC

Calvanna is here to Stay up on Current Events.  She's gonna make a Perception check to Watch the Crowd.

 

Edited April 10, 2023 by Dredcor (see edit history)

[Keante]

MoondayMonday, 18th of AbadiusJanuary, 4715 AR

Marra's 33 to Rabble Rouse

You gain a +1 circumstance bonus on Charisma-based checks for the next 24 hours. You can stack more of that with more of the same activity (max +3).

You also will be able to move more easily through the crowd at this protest--it will not be difficult terrain for you.

Calvanna's 14 to Watch the Crowd

You notice that the crowd's general mood is agitated and discontented, but not overtly violent.

Artorius' 28 to Watch the Crowd/Search for a Contact

There is no sign of your singly-gloved contact yet. He must be late to the protest.

This is something you aren't really able to put words to, even in your own mind, but you get a sense that there is an unusual subcurrent in the crowd's movement, as if there were an organizing force among the people. OOC, know that this will grant you a +4 bonus to initiative when things kick off after a bit--but there's no more to learn from further attempts at Watching the Crowd.

The crowd is growing slowly, new attendees arriving as time goes on. Though noisy, the protest has remained peaceful. The dozen dottari stationed in front of the opera house seem nervous, though. A scowling woman stands with the dottari, as well. She is definitely not one of Kintargo's existing dottari, in fact, she arrived with Barzillai Thrune.

Image of scowling woman

OOC/Instructions

Choose your action for the 2nd round of the protest.