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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Corinne
Determined to forever wash the taste of beetle leavings from her mouth, Corinne ordered what she hoped was the spiciest thing on the menu...or what passed for it in Diamond Lake. She cheerfully raised her mug with the others, though her heart was not completely in it. They'd faced danger and succeeded, yes, but the cost of their mild success had nearly been great.
Spoiler: OOC
Show
When the party breaks up, Corinne will remain in the tavern and listen to gossip, paying special attention to any word of the other adventuring party.
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Civilization.
It was a sight she would never grow tired of seeing. Sure this place was brutal and dirty. A disgusting pale echo of a previous much greater time. But her people lived for many years. They could watch the rolling time lift houses high or low. She could fight the battles, win the wars, and help mold this place to a small slice of the world she would truly wish to call her own.
But first she wanted to get sh**faced.
Filling her flask with whiskey on hand, Cordellia two fisted her metal hip flask and her mug of ale.
"To brighter roads!" She clinked both of her vessels and immediately went into an unhealthy amount of consumption. When she had finally finished chugging to her satisfaction her violet eyes were already glazed over not with magical detection but pure alcoholic mischief. Looking at Simone with pouting lips, Cordellia waggled her highly stylized eyebrow, and crawled one hand over to pat hers.
"Lady Simone, darling, honey, my gentle beauty, humble light, why I've, I've never felt better! In fact, thanks to you, my dear, I've never felt more alive! Why, of course I'd let you hold it... Actually, that gives me an idea." Cordellia began to giggle uncontrollably, her svelte hands palming the bracelet into Simone's possession, and retreated to her face to obscure her fit of glee. Running her hands through her hair, she tossed her pointed hat to the ground beneath her, and retrieved her spell book.
Furiously she began to scribe down different writings, equations, diagrams, and formulae inbetween muttering words in various languages and intonations. Frequently she called over the waitress, ordering forth new glasses or mugs as she worked from cup to cup, and occasionally flashed her lecherous sly grins. Closing her spellbook after a quick notation Cordellia was struck with inspiration once more and requested a very specific drink.
"Louise, baby, sugar, you worry too much. Relax. We earned this! I'm actually pretty good at this! We're actually pretty good at this!" She corrected herself then looked at her mug disparagingly "Oh but you're right, how could I hardly think drinking this would suit me."
She flashed her eyes, whispered an occult rhyme, and ran her fingers over the mug's hull.
It glowed a glorious light.
"Now it's a good idea!"
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Rae laughed at the toasts her companions made and offered one of her own. "Praise to Reynauld for finding all of the pieces of our gear, Louise for finding all of the pieces of her comrades, and especially Simone for putting them back together correctly." Her own light beer went fine with sausage pie - she normally didn't trust the sausage anywhere, but like hell was she eating the catch of the day from that lake. She watched with interest as Simone recovered the bracelet, hoping to join the cleric brigade on their way to the Midnight Salute later and dammit she *just* got the pun.
She still wanted to be on her way before the wizard began projecting again.
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Savoring the feeling of a real meal after days of hard tack and water, the party is finally able to reminisce over the harrowing journey they have shared. Bonds of faith, rarely tested, had been hardened in the crucible of battle. Muscles trained a thousand times in stances older than the town had finally wound themselves in anger. Theory had turned to practice, and even in the darkness of the cairn inspiration had accompanied adversity. You part with the silent understanding that you will soon meet again, and Simone walks the short distance to the Midnight Salute flanked by a pair of blooded warriors.
The Midnight Salute, for all its salacious reputation, is almost drab compared to the bombastic facade of the Emporium. Three stories tall beneath a peaked roof, multiple windows stand open against the midday heat, drowsy prostitutes hanging out here and there like fleshy gargoyles. The sign above the purple door is freshly painted, revealing the naked silhouette of a woman entwined with the crescent moon, and the latch slips open quietly at Simone's hand.
In stark contrast to the exterior, the foyer of the Salute is shrouded in gauzy cloth. A dozen shades of purple cast the room in a dreamlike haze, an impression that is only strengthened with the scent of perfume wafting on the breeze. Three half-dressed women lounge on couches and pillows flanking a grand staircase leading to the private rooms, and at the sight of customers any drowsiness disappears from their eyes.
"Hey there darling, you come to find some religion?"
The nearest woman, a dusky brunette, slinks towards Reynauld. Before she can wrap her arms around his neck, however, there is a sharp clap from behind and she spins away with a dancer's grace. Stepping out from a shrouded archway is a ravishing elven woman, distinct from the other inhabitants of the brothel in that she is fully clothed in a revealing indigo gown.
"We've already had our monthly visit from the Hieroneans, sister, and I'm not interested in hosting a sermon for my girls. Unless you or your friends are here to sample our wares, I'd kindly ask you to leave."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Reynauld looked shabby and ill-suited within the Midnight Salute, still clad in his scratched and dented scale mail and dirty tabard. He kept his helm wedged between armpit and shoulder, revealing his sweat-stained mop of brown hair. He was in desperate need of a shave. Nevertheless, he brought up a gauntleted hand in a sign of peace.
"We've no interest in disrupting your business here, madam. We're only here to offer closure to an employee of yours. We have reason to believe a girl works here, who once went by the name Hannah Boyle. She had a sister, named Alice. We have news for Hannah concerning her sister's fate."
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Diplomacy? [roll0]
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Simone added a friendly smile to Reynauld's speech.
"We are not here to sermonize, Madame. Pelor has no quarrel with you or your business, and neither do I." She held up her bracelet-clad wrist.
"This is proof of our tale, we seek only to bring closure to an aggrieved sister, whom we believe to be in your employ. Then we shall be on our way."
Spoiler: ooc
Show
Assist Reynauld for dip
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
The expression on the elven woman's face softens at Reynauld and Simone's entreaty, but she does not immediately respond. Running one lacquered nail along the banister of the stair, she eventually makes a decision.
"Then you are welcome. I am Purple Prose, the madam of this establishment. Sadly, I have no Hannah Boyle in my employ, but I think I know of someone who might be able to point you in the right direction."
She extends two fingers towards a short woman with pixie blonde hair.
"Go and tell Constance she has some visitors."
The small woman sashays up the stairs, and Purple Prose returns her attention to you.
"Constance is my best girl. The others see her as something of an older sister - if this Hannah was working under an assumed name, she'll know. Would you care for a drink?"
By the time you give your answers, another woman has appeared on the balcony above. Wrapped in a gauzy cotton negligee, her flame-colored hair is wild, as though she had just stepped from the prow of some far off ocean ship. Black kohl accentuates sky-blue eyes as they scan over the party, but her true attention is on Purple Prose.
"Ah, Constance, good. These good Samaritans are in need of our aid. They're apparently trying to find a girl named Hannah Boyle. Be a dear and help them as much as you can."
"Ah. Of course."
Purple Prose smiles.
"I'm sure you'll want some privacy for this. And I really can't have armed men and women loitering. It makes my customers nervous."
She gestures you up the stairs, where Constance leads you wordlessly down a corridor speckled with closed doors. Most are silent, but a few fail to hide the telltale sounds of the house's trade. The hall curves around the perimeter of the building, until ending in a door that seems in better repair than the rest.
"Please, come in."
This close, Constance's voice is a pleasantly contralto purr, even as she turns away to unlock the door with a hidden key. The room beyond is spacious enough to almost hide its purpose, but the wide bed under a crimson canopy leaves little doubt as to what goes on within. Still, there is a pleasant facsimile of a sitting room hidden behind a set of painted wooden dividers, and Constance motions for you to sit while she fetches a more opaque robe to wrap around herself.
"So you're looking for a woman name Hannah...Boyle? May I ask why?"
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Louise
*** A little earlier, back at the Spinning Bucket... ***
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tychris1
"Louise, baby, sugar, you worry too much. Relax. We earned this! I'm actually pretty good at this! We're actually pretty good at this!" She corrected herself then looked at her mug disparagingly "Oh but you're right, how could I hardly think drinking this would suit me."
She flashed her eyes, whispered an occult rhyme, and ran her fingers over the mug's hull.
It glowed a glorious light.
"Now it's a good idea!"
"Oh dear."
The end result, once Cordellia had imbibed the highly suspect concoction, was inevitable, and when it came time for the others to leave and seek Hannah, there remained a decision as to what needed to be done with Cordellia.
"You guys go on ahead. I will make sure Cordellia gets home safely."
*** Back in the present... ***
With Cordellia having fallen completely unconscious, Louise moved beside her and attempted to rouse her.
"Come on, Cordellia. I can't get you home if you can't at least sort of walk. I am NOT carrying you bridal style through town."
Cordellia, however, did not respond, and Louise was forced to improvise, piggybacking her out of the building.
"Gaaah... If only I could cast magic like the others could. Then I wouldn't be in this mess. Whazza, karakas, fooplah!"
In frustration, Louise had waved a free hand around while uttering the final three nonsense words - but, as she did so, something happened. Perhaps it was the alignment of the stars, or the conditions in the wind, but, for the first time in 40 years, Louise succeeded at casting a spell. Immediately beside her, a floating disc of force appeared, the perfect size to carry her elven companion.
Spoiler: Actions
Show
Louise uses Arcane Dilettante to cast Floating Disk.
"Oh. Well, that works."
Carefully laying Cordellia upon the Disk, Louise then began the walk back to Allustan's cottage, a spring in her step.
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Reynauld's mounting discomfort was increasingly evident as he shuffled listlessly on his boots. He had never thought to stand in such an establishment, particularly with Simone, whom he was duty-bound to defend.
The crusader cleared his throat as 'Constance' asked her question.
"As your madam said, we are merely here to offer the girl closure. And return lost property, if it is something she might desire. I do not speak for my companions here, but I seek no monetary compensation, nor... services rendered. I have no motive in this other than it is the right thing to do.
We do not wish to waste your time. If you think this girl works here, do summon her in all haste. Otherwise we will cease to bother you."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Reynauld's discomfort was evident but Simone sought to focus upon her mission.
"We have information to impart regarding her little sister. It is my understanding that the fate of her sister has long remained a mystery and so wished to settle the matter for her, though sadly, it is not glad tidings we bring. It is my hope that in doing so, she can grieve her sister properly and set the memory at ease. If you could help us connect with Ms. Boyle, I would be grateful, though I believe she goes by a pseudonym."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
As Reynauld and Simone spoke, Constance returned to them and began to serve tea. Cups and saucers were fetched from a cupboard next to a small wood stove, the seemingly somehow out of place among the gaudy surroundings. It was dull porcelain, the deep blue imprint of dolphins in the surf faded to near invisibility by age. Still, she handled it with care, focusing so intently that at first it seemed she had not heard the Pelorites. The steam from the tea drifts towards the rafters, and the only response from Constance is the sound of a spoon skirting the edge of her teacup. Then her blue eyes flick towards Simone like a hawk spotting prey.
"You're right. There hasn't been a Hannah Boyle in this town for years. She left that name behind her to try to start fresh."
She takes a sip of tea, her eyes drifting down to examine the liquid. They do not rise again.
"How did Alice die?"
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Reynauld set his jaw as understanding dawned on him. His ears felt hot as he realized he had been making something of an ass of himself.
"There is an ancient cairn on the outskirts of town. We found Alice's bones nearby. We're not certain how she shed this mortal coil exactly, but the bones were in the nest of a tremendous snake. We slew the beast, then cremated the bones and spread the ashes under the noble sun's rays.
I am sorry for your loss, Han... Constance."
The crusader gestured to Simone, who was in possession of the bracelet. He seemed keen to leave the girl to her grief, if there was room in her heart for such.
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
"I'm so sorry. We found this inscribed bracelet with the child, which is what led us to you." Simone slipped the silver band from her wrist and held it out for the woman.
"I hope you can find solace in that she has been found and her remains were dealt with properly and with respect. That's all we have to offer with our condolences."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Constance's composure crumbles at the realization of what Simone is wearing around her wrist. Placing her tea cup down with a trembling hand, you see she is fighting back tears as she lifts the bracelet gently from Simone's hand. She runs a finger along the worn inscription, before closing a fist around the silver band.
"She couldn't wait to spend her night at the Whispering Cairn. She loved when I'd tell ghost stories about my time. None of us thought..."
She takes a shuddering breath.
"Thank you. I knew she was gone, but maybe now her ghost can find some peace."
Standing, she returns to the small cupboard by the stove, reaching into the back and producing an old cigar box. The smell of tobacco has long faded, but there is the telltale rattle of something inside. Opening the thin wooden lid, she reveals another bracelet resting on a small pillow, nearly identical to the one recovered near Alice's body except nearly pristine.
"Papa got one for each of us on our tenth birthdays. He said that proper ladies needed proper jewelry. It must have taken months of saving, but that was just the kind of man he was. Before."
Sniffing back tears, she places Alice's bracelet alongside her own and shuts the box tight. When she turns, her eyes are dry, and her hands are still.
"I'm not quite sure what to say. I'm not used to people doing a kindness in this town without looking for something in return. You might not be looking for a reward, but you deserve one."
Circling around the wood divider, Constance returns to the presentation area of her room. Against the wall near the door is a impressive boudoir table, the scratched mirror polished to a bright sheen, wood varnished in warm cherry. Pulling yet another secret key from a clever pocket, she unlocks an upper drawer and pulls out a gaudy jewelry box. Before she can open it, however, there is a knock on the door. Constance's eyebrows rise in surprise, her eyes flicking from the door to the sitting area, before there is another heavy thud. Her voice lowers to a whisper.
"I'm sorry, this should only take a moment."
Her posture shifts, discarding the vulnerability and gratitude of moments before for a more cocksure swagger. She sways towards the door, and her voice is no longer a whisper.
"Yes, who is it?"
The voice from beyond the door is muffled, but still as rough as raw leather.
"Ms. Grace? Madam Purple Prose told us you was up here."
Constance opens the door a crack, but the angle is such that you can't see who is calling.
"You must be very special boys to be let up here. If you give me a little time to freshen up I'd gladly-"
The force of a heavy kick against the door sends Constance to the ground, her face a mask of shock as two men force the door and step in side. One slams it shut behind them, while the other grabs the woman by the shoulders and hurls her into the boudoir chair. Breathless, she tries to scream, but only manages a faint shriek before a meaty paw closes around her mouth. A heavyset mule of a man leans down to restrain her, while his thinner accomplice pulls a stone vial from his belt.
"You shouldn'a ratted on Mr. Dourstone, quim. Now we're gonna have to ugly you up."
He takes step forward, only to catch something out the corner of his eye. Three people who should not be there, all heavily armed.
Spoiler: OOC
Show
We don't really need a map for this.
Reynauld and Rae win Initiative. Then bad guys. Then Simone and Constance.
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
A sublime moment of closure, interrupted by knuckle dragging goons. Rae would have laughed at the cliche if it wasn't happening right in front of her. As it was, her mouth curled into an expression uglier than that of the men she was facing. She wasn't really interested in what their complaint with Constance was, only in how thoroughly she could test the room's soundproofing. Her blade was out in a moment. "If you hold still, it will hurt less."
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Swift: Iron Heart - Punishing Stance
Move: Draw Weapon
Free: 5 foot adjust if necessary
Standard: Iron Heart - Steel Wind
Power Attack (Big Goon): [roll0] vs. FF
Damage (Big Goon): [roll1]
Attack (Little Goon): [roll2] vs. FF
Damage: (Little Goon): [roll3]
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Rae's blade whistles through the air, and in a blink there is blood everywhere. The two assailants fall, gurgling against the red tide choking their lungs, spreading deep pools of life's blood along the threadbare carpet. The stopper slips free of the dropped vial, releasing a spray of caustic industrial solvent to eat away at the floor. Constance is left quivering in her seat, heedless to the fact she is covered in gore.
"Oh gods. Oh gods. They know..."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Reynauld was ready to crack skulls if need be... until Rae's terrible blade ended the fight before it began. The crusader knelt next to the most grievously injured of the pair, trying to tie a tourniquet with a bloodied bed sheet.
"My mission here is twofold, young miss. One half is to spread the light of Pelor by helping the innocent, such as yourself. The second, and the one less seemly to my benevolent deity, is to take out the trash. Good miss Rae here beat me to the punch, and far more successfully than I could've managed, I might add."
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Heal check? [roll0]
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
"They know what?" Recovered from her shock at the sudden violence, Simone followed Reynauld's lead and attempted to staunch the flow of blood from the smaller perpetrator's wounds. She looked up from her work with a guess.
"Your identity? Hannah has enemies?"
Spoiler: ooc
Show
Heal check
[roll0]
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
"Happy to help." Her anger at the thugs colored her words in response to the Crusader's praise, and she only hoped that the Pelorites would interpret it that way rather than as sarcasm. Rae tore some cloth from one of the downed men and tried to wipe down her sword with it. There was blood everywhere, so it was an uphill battle, but she was working on it. The elf was initially confused at Reynauld's and Simone's actions, before realizing they likely intended to interrogate the downed men. Well, that was fine, but she didn't regret what she'd done in the slightest. "One of them dropped the name of a mine manager. Dourstone, right? What's your story with him?"
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
The firs response to Rae and Simone's questions is a bubble of panicked laughter, more a release of tension than anything else.
"Hannah? Hannah wasn't important enough to have enemies. Neither is Constance, but..."
She bites her lip, glancing to the mirror at her side. The droplets of running blood create a grizzly divide between one side of her face and the other, blue eye warring with crimson until she finally heaves a sigh.
"I'd been working for Purple Prose for two years. We don't do as well as the Emporium here, but I was getting popular with the clientele. She knew it, and so did Neff. Who turns down an offer like that from the Governor-Mayor? He promised I'd be safe, that no one would..."
She pauses, at once realizing she is rambling.
"I started feeding him information. Garrison secrets, back room deals, whatever my clients would let slip. As well as their...proclivities. He paid especially well for any dirt on the Mine Managers, and after a few nights with those bastards I had enough to fill a book.
It was meant to be a secret weapon. But now, if Dourstone knows, then so does Tilgast. Gods, so does Smenk."
The last name passes her lips with a whisper, and the revelation scatters what calm she's managed to gather. Her hands are at Reynauld's collar at once, eyes looming large in his own.
"Please, you have to get me out of here! Purple Prose won't protect me if she finds out I've been informing on her clients, and these two are just the first. If Kullen comes after me, they'll never find my body. I have money!"
Her speech quickens, words tumbling over words.
"My nest egg! Everything Neff paid me and more! Just get me out of here, and half of it's yours!"
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Rae's face scrunched up. The elf was not known for her keen insight nor her wisdom, but even she wasn't dumb enough to sleep with all the powerful men in town and then start selling their dirty secrets. Sure, none of that excused what stage toady one and two had tried to do to her, but it sure did throw a bucket of cold water on her gung-ho attitude to help. "That... sounds really unfortunate, but I don't exactly own a safe house in every town from here to the Marches. Maybe we should try faking your death?"
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Simone's jaw dropped at "Constance's" revelation and she felt somewhat at a loss as to how to deal with this new... well calling the woman a problem was uncharitable but she certainly was an inconvenience.
"Ok so the Spinning Giant is a safe space from these goons, right? We can take you there but what do we do with them?" She gestured to the unconscious men.
"They probably saw our faces!"
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Reynauld began rummaging through the goons' belongings, uncovering a vial of acid, some impromptu weapons, and a coil of rope. He began tying the rope around the sturdiest piece of furniture in the room, then unlatched the window, checking to see if the coast was clear.
"Frankly, my lady Simone, I care not what happens to these louts. By whatever mercy Pelor saw fit to grant them, they are not dead. I wash my hands of any further meddling in their fate. Should they seek us out once again, we'll deal with them. For now, let us get our loose-lipped damsel to safety.
Constance, grab your least remarkable set of clothing. Ideally something warm. Grab anything else you think you'll need, but I wouldn't plan on returning here ever again."
The crusader kept an eye on the yard outside of the window as he began tying knots in the rope.
"We'll exit out the window, climb down, and leave. I think we can take Constance to the abandoned mine office near the cairn. She should be safe there for a brief while, and if there was ever a good place to fake one's death, the Whispering Cairn seems a safe bet."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Simone frowned as Reynauld rolled the goons.
"I was more concerned with trouble from the mine managers since I've been tasked with opening a Temple here and have already had an inauspicious beginning." She slumped. Returning to Greyhawk unsuccessful seemed extremely likely at the moment and she had never even considered the possibility of failure when she had left home.
"But I agree we need to get Constance out of here quickly. Perhaps we can send her to my parents, they would be able to hide her and keep her safe."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
The authority in Reynauld's tone is like a bucket of cold water on the fire of Constance's panic. Quivering hands unclench from his tunic, rising to rub briskly against her forearms. Sooner than you'd have expected, her goose-pimples have faded, and she slips free of her concealing robe. Her face twists into a baffled smile as Reynauld and Simone concoct a plan, before she holds up her hands.
"Please, please. Where do they make people like you three? Some sort of Hero's Valley the rest of us can never see?"
Moving over to a tall dresser, she opens it to reveal a brace of wispy dresses. Shoving them aside, she leans down and emerges with a battered chest. Another hidden key is produced and releases the lock, revealing several tightly-packed and well worn outfits of stout leather and hemp.
"I can't ask you to shepherd me as far as the Free City. And anyway, it's not like I'd be able to make much of a life there. I may be popular in Diamond Lake, but I somehow doubt Greyhawk is hurting for halfway fancy whores."
Giving no thought to any potential embarrassment, Constance slips free of her negligee and begins rummaging through the chest. She dresses quickly, if perhaps not quickly enough.
"Back when they buried my Pa, Lady Amariss was real kind to me. She's the head of that Jasidin cult on the other side of the lake. Said there was a place for me with the Green Lady. I could never picture myself finding religion in an old cairn, but, well..."
She pauses in the middle of lacing up a boot to examine the unconscious assassins on her floor.
"A little sanctuary is sounding pretty good right about now. If you can help me get to my stash, I can pay our way across with old Durskin. We could maybe catch the Greenie boat, but if anyone saw us that could make a load of trouble for them."
She stops short before the obvious end to the thought - Maybe more trouble than I'm worth.
Elsewhere...
In the time since half the group left, Cordellia had managed to assemble a fairly impressive pyramid of spent mugs, glasses, and steins on the table. Halfway gone, it never occurred to the wizard that her construct had only lasted this long because of Louise's efforts to keep it standing, but such was the burden the older factotum had taken up. Across the bar, Corinne had managed to melt into the scenery enough to put the few assembled regulars at ease, even as they tried to hunker away from Cordellia's revelry.
"Hey, you heard about them Free Cityers?"
"The ones with the big guy? Yeah. Found something big out in the hills, right?"
"Big enough to earn 'em a bounty from the Bronzewood. Real crime them not spreading any of the wealth around though."
"Ehhh, they spread around enough."
At this, the bartender interjects.
"Not around here they don't. The Feral Dog and Lazare's get fat, and we don't see a damn common out of it."
"Eh, but ain't that a soldier's luck?"
"I'll drink to that."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Reynauld's jaw set in an impatient frown. No good deed goes unpunished, he thought to himself.
"Alright, we're getting out of here while the coast is clear. Just wrap your arms around my neck and hold on tight, and we'll climb down to the ground."
He opened the window, knotted rope secured and at the ready.
"You'll find the Ruby Witch is a harsh mistress, young lady," he said as he began the climb. "The Cathedral of the Sun in the Free City could be the new dawn your life truly needs. But soft, we've reached the ground. Point us to this stash of yours, and we'll follow."
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Taking 10 to climb a knotted rope with a wall to brace against, getting a 9 which ought to be sufficient.
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Simone followed Reynauld and Constance out of the window carefully and waved at Rae after she touched down.
"If you are certain you will be safe with Lady Amariss, then that is where you shall go. Just know, Reynauld and I intend to found a Temple to Pelor in Diamond Lake. If you ever find yourself in trouble or dissatisfied with the cultist's path, come to us and we will do what we can for you."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Constance nods as Reynauld begins securing his rope against her bedframe, returning to the sitting room and retrieving the box holding the matching bracelets. She pauses, box in hand, running her fingers along the aged wood before opening it with a sigh. Pulling both bracelets free, she tosses then box aside and fastens both of them to her right wrist. The clasps' slight click seems to calm her even more, and she withdraws and shoulder back and a faded scarf from the cabinet with no more preamble. Weaving around the crowded room, she returns to her boudoir and overturns her jewelry case on the tabletop. Bits of gold, silver, copper, and bronze scatter wildly, and she retrieves the worthwhile pieces with a practiced eye. Her hand pauses over a golden broach depicting a dove in flight, its eyes tiny sapphires, before pressing it into Simone's hand.
"For Alice."
The last of her business concluded, she wraps her arms securely around Reynauld as he begins his descent. The walls of the Midnight Salute were sturdy despite their weathered appearance, and they reached the back garden with little difficulty. The name was more pretense than reality - while the ground was a profusion of wildflowers, there is little order to the chaos, and long stretches appear sickly or stunted. The gazebo standing at the center is mercifully deserted, and while there is a tall fence around the perimeter it is broken to the north and south by gates.
"Purple Prose keeps those unlocked. It helps our more discrete customers relax if they can come and go with some privacy. My stash isn't far - there's a deserted mine on Elmshire Road, and I have a hidden nook just past the entrance."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
Simone fingered the small dove in her pocket as they went over their next move. Guilt gnawed at her for accepting it from somebody who might soon need it more than she.
"Let's get going, who knows when those louts will awaken." As they walked, Simone voiced her hesitations.
"Are you certain you wish to part with the dove? I would hate to relieve you of something dear."
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Re: Dark's Age of Worms IC
"Fear not about her fortunes with the lady." Rae reassured her colleagues. "The cult on the other side of the lake are all about the Green Lady. Apparently she's some kind of minor figure in Jasnian lore? I ran into them while trying to pick a fight with undead in the boneyard - 'cause I'm a hero - and found out that they've got it under control. They aren't bad sorts."