AvB - The adventures of Scribly

[Moranica]

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Oh dear.

Scribly withdraws to his chamber and quickly chugs two glasses of wine. He then sprinkles a bit of wine on his hair, so he'll smell of alcohol. He exits his room, pretending to be drunk and makes his way to the meeting.

[Monodominant]

One of your servants raise an eyebrow but everyone acts normally around you.

Your bodyguard joins you outside and together you head towards Midtown where the meeting is taking place.

Without anything to worry about you arrive at the house of the Alderman and are shown in by his servants. As you are escorted to the main hall you see heavy decorations of a more baroque style. It seems the Alderman has profited from his position and its evident that he likes to show it.

You are shown in by a well dressed and exquisitely mannered butler and as you enter you see three people in the room. The first two are in their mid 40s dressed with fine clothes and both of average height and looks. The last one is a much senior man of around 60 or maybe even pushing 70 with thin white hair and a fading moustache.

[Moranica]

While he pretented to be drunk all the way here, he will straighten/sober up for a couple of minutes and then slowly drift back into drunkeness, as if he is trying to hide it.

"Goodday, fine gentlemen, how nice to finally meet you. ..."

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Since this conversation will contain a lot of bluffing, I'll roll a check in every post, so you can use it whenever necessary.
Bluff (1d20+12)[31]

[Monodominant]

They all get up from their comfortable chairs and approach you with wide smiles. You get a sniff of alchohol coming from them as well.

First in line is the older man.

"Oh there we have him. I am Nigel Stohr and I believe you are the man that wants to take my place" he says pointing an accusatory finger towards you.

"Now now Nigel..." says one of the other two men, the one with darker hair but a fair complexion "dont pick on good Master Erek! It was your fault for retiring" he continues and offers you his hand.

"Alderman Dominic Avila" he says and then waves towards the last man of the group.

"And this is James Soulsworth, from the Chairmans office that had the good grace to join us for this informal meet and greet..." he says and indeed the man approaches and offers you his hand.

[Moranica]

"Uh ... yes, of course. Meet and greet, informal. I could use some wine, or do you have anything stronger?"

[Monodominant]

Your comment doesnt suprise anyone or if it does they dont show it. Being politicians you can imagine they wouldnt go that far if they were to be suprised with such things.

"But off course, let us sit and enjoy the company" says the Alderman and offers you a comfortable armchair next to his and accross from the other two.

"We have wine or brandy, depends on what your poison is!" he says happily as he fills his own glass with brandy.

[Moranica]

"Yes, brandy thank you. You all seem very happy, .... [chugs brandy]."

[Monodominant]

"To the future of the Council" The chairmans man says and raises his own glass.

The old man follows your lead and empties his glass in one go. The others sip of theirs and smile.

"So..." begins the Alderman, "... tell us about yourself my friend!"

[Moranica]

"Myself, I really don't have much to tell about myself. I mean, that you do not already know. So enough about that." Scribly kinda sneers.

"Can you tell me something about Lady Regira? .... I find he quite interesting."

[Monodominant]

This time even politicians such as they cant hide their suprise.

"Well..." begins the Alderman but is cut off Soulsworth.

"I dont think thats what we are here to discuss and interesting as the _Duchess_ may be I doubt the nobility would want such as us discussing them behind their backs..." he says pointedly and Nigel takes over without giving you time for a response.

"So, Erek my boy. Do you know what is the primary export of Aldhaven and what it was 15 years ago?"

[Moranica]

Scribly looks shocked.

"No, no, it's not what you think. I mean. .... well, how do I put this? What do you know about her ... relations. ... Just the common stuff of course."

"You see, gentlemen, it really matters. Not only is she one of my backers .., but she also stole my heart..... there you have it... I love her. And I at this point, I don't know whether this is the right choice then for the moment."

Scribly quickly pours himself another brandy, chugs it and waits.

[Monodominant]

The Alderman chokes on his wine as you say such words and the others expressions turn icy.

It is once again Soulsworth that breaks the silence.

"I believe the Lady has a husband back in Brunsgrove but it is widely believe that they are estranged. He was not baseborn but he was also not her equal. Since as you say she is your backer you should try and cultivate that relationship while dispelling such foolish notions of you and her being together from your head Erek. You are not young, not nearly important enough, pardon my bluntness, to be her match" he says coldly.

The soon to be former Councilman clears his throat and looks at you with a measure of pity.

"Well my friend. A bit harsh but that is the truth... still you dont have to despair... I have had some secret love affairs in my time... the ladies do like a man of office..."

[Moranica]

Scribly breaks down into a sobbing mess, when he hears their estimation of their chances.

Bluff (1d20+12)[27]

Then he gets up, staggering.

".....sniff.... I'm sorry, I withdraw my application ....."

Then he walks out crying loudly.

[Monodominant]

The men look at you strangely as if they dont understand trying to stop you from exiting. They seem convinced by your performance but also bewildered.

"What are you talking about man! Dont be a fool!" shouts the Alderman.

Soulsworth looks at you with obvious distaste and shakes his head.

"I believe that it is the drink talking and not Master Erek. He should clear his head and rethink his words. I am not sure if we can accept his withdrawal under this circumstances as he is not in his right mind..." he says.

The older councilman shrugs calmly.

"If the man doesnt want it I dont see the problem..."

[Moranica]

Murmeling some unintelligible words Scribly leaves.

So far, so good. Now, to finish up on the performance, let's plant some more leads. People are always more certain, when they reach their own conclusions.

Scribly staggers back to Erek's house. The combination of the quick drinks and his heart pounding furiously from the excitement make him feel light headed for real now.

When he gets back, he pretends to be drunk once more, and calls for Jacob.

"Jacob, I ... I need you to write a letter. I have an appointment with Regira tomorrow, but I won't be able to make it. Please write this down, ...

Dear Lady Regira,

I am terribly sorry to inform you that I won't be able to make it to our hastily called meeting tomorrow. Furthermore, I regret having to inform you, that I am forced to withdraw my application for city council man due to unfortunate personal circumstances. An explanation is in order, and I will contact you in several days.

Yours always sincerely,

Erek

Please bring this to her tomorrow morning, personally. Right now, I need to rest. I will stay in my room tomorrow, thinking and sobering up, so I will not require any food or drink and do not want to be disturbed for any reason. Are these instruction clear?"

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Before I forget! Congratulations!! This game has been awesome!!

Well, it's only about two weeks late, but...

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY AVB!!!!


Anyone who sees this and quotes it in their thread before midnight on Jan 30th gets a free 100XP.

[Monodominant]

Despite the efforts of the men behind you, you manage to leave and they dont try to hold you against your will.

As you leave the house with your bodyguard in toe you hear the Alderman, angrier than before.

"You leave this house like this you will regret it EREK! YOU MARK MY WORDS" he is then pulled back inside by the other two.

You arrive at "your" house without problems and are greeted by your worried staff.

Eventually arrives to your room and does as instructed. He keeps looking at you though and he seems to consider speaking out at some point but decides not to.

When you give the command though that you are not to be disturbed he does break his sullen silence.

"Sir, you know I cherish you but this behavior is very strange! May I inquire what is the matter? You had high hopes for this position... your decision will dissapoint and even anger some people... did the meeting with your rival do this? Did he threaten you?"

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Heh glad to hear you enjoy it.

You are off course entitled to your 100 xp!

You had 3 characters as part of a family by the way? Just saw the names!

[Moranica]

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Actually, he was a scheming dread necromancer who tried to set up a crime network, but failed horribly at everything he did. The triplets died one by one. They were a lot of fun to play though. Since they were so unsuccesful I went to the new concept. The insecure bodysnatcher

Scribly looks up with red, tear streaked eyes (from consist rubbing), and looks at his servant and friend.

"I know, and I'm ..... my .. my rival? ... no, no, if only he had anything to do with it. I could take care of anything he'd be able to throw my way. .... sob .... no, dear man, I was destroyed by my own doing, from the inside. Keeping it hidden so long, meant it could grow and hope flared not long ago. But now, it has broken my heart and not even drink can soften the pain. .... Now please leave me be, I will call upon you when I need you."

Scribly goes back to sobbing some more.

[Monodominant]

Jacob seems torn. To stay and comfort his master or to follow his commands.

In the end duty wins over friendship and he inclines his head.

"Very well sir. Know that I and all the staff are here if you should need anything. Do not hesitate to come to me if you feel like talking or if anything should come up..." he says and leaves the room.

[Moranica]

"Thank you, Jacob."

Scribly lets him out, blocks the door and windows. Then he tries to get some sleep.

[Monodominant]

That is accomplished without disturbance.

[Moranica]

The next morning Scribly removes the blockades and gets dressed in a disordely fashion. Leaving his hair in a mess. The rest of the morning he spends time looking for anything related to Regira that might be in this room and putting it on the bed. Every now and then he makes a sobbing sound.

Should anyone come at the door, he asks to be left alone.

Around noon, he tries to sneak out the house, through the window if possible. He doesn't care much about being seen, just wants to avoid any conversations or questions.

[Monodominant]

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I find the idea that sneaking out of the window even if seen will avoid questions and conversations highly interesting but yea your call :D

He is indeed visited at some point by Jacob and he is informed that he delivered the letter and is also asked if everything is okay, if he requires breakfast etc. The man sounds more worried than annoyed that you rebuff his attempts but does as you ask.

It is as you are preparing for your departure that you hear a commotion from downstairs. Looking through the window you were about to exit from you see the carriage of Lady Regira having stopped outside.

[Moranica]

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Aaah, to late!! He hides in the closet...

I was afraid this might happen.

Now, if there was a pointy fence below the window, he would toss a chair through it and the body after it, on the pointy fence.

Scribly's mind races. He can't face her! That would mean serious trouble. Quickly he puts something near the window as a step, and swings it open.

Then he throws out one of a pair of shoes and transforms into the other.

And then he waits.

[Monodominant]

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I did go back and check if "your" house had a fence... Unfortunately I had even specified that this house doesnt unlike your employers walled, fenced compound!

Agonizingly slow moments pass.

As a shoe he loses some track of time and he can hear some shouting from below.

Eventually there is a tapping on the door. When no answer is given there is louder knocking and a voice you remember asking to be let in.

When once again noone replies the door is opened wide and "your" butler along with Lady Regira and another man you dont recognise enter the room.

The woman is obviously not as well "prepared" as last time and you can very quickly see more a hint of annoyance than worry in her face.

She yells at the butler to look everywhere and then heads towards the open window. She and the other man look around and you hear her curse audibly.

"Search the house! The poor man is out of his wits!" she says to the man and the butler and they walk out. When that is done you see that she looks around once again and then she proceeds to start checking the drawers and the closets of your room.

She curses once more obviously not finding what she is looking for and she storms out. Unless you do something you keep hearing noises from downstairs for 5 more minutes and then the slam of a door closing followed by the sound of the carriage pulling away.

[Moranica]

Scribly remains a shoe for the rest of the afternoon. As sunlight starts to lessen, he transforms back into his normal self. Then he yells: "Jacob!!"

And starts closing the window just as anyone arrives.

[acting all drunk again]

"Good friend, my heart has been drowned, but my stomach needs something too. Could you ask the kitchen to prepare some food for me? I'll be in the study"

[Monodominant]

You hear the sound of someone running up and you see Jacob entering your room suprised.

"Si...sir? What happened to you? We..we... we were all so worried! You disappeared and... and we thought something might have happened! Lady Regira came by earlier looking for you. She was worried and furious at the same time!" he manages to blurt out.

You then ask for food and he straightens up and nods.

"Certainly sir. Everyone will be pleased you are back, I shall bring you, your meal at the study immidiatetly" and with this he departs.

[Moranica]

Scribly has his food and goes to sleep in his barricaded bedroom after that.

[Monodominant]

When Jacob brings you your meal he tries to start a conversation but he quickly sees you are not up for talking. He leaves you to your food but he is waiting for you outside your study and snaps to attention.

He once again asks if you need something and if everything is okay with you before you retire.

Other than that you are not disturbed during your sleep. You know that somewhere in the other side of town the election is happening and this haunts your thoughts for a while but in the end you manage to sleep.

[Moranica]

The following early morning, Scribly sets out to create the scene of the suicide.

Better make this look convincing, and then I can finally get out of here.

First of, he carves a heart in the bedpost, just a small one. Then he creates a noose with some of the bedding and fixes it to a high place. Then the most gruesome part follows. He retrieves the body from his bag of holding, carefully wiping away the blood with a piece of leftover bedding and puts it in his bag. After this is done he hangs the body, removes the barricades and places a chair, as if it was kicked over by the hanging body.

Scribly surveys the scene. How would have though, some kind of work you have become, Scribly. Creating fake deathscenes .... well, better get out of here.

And using his amorphous form he tries to slip outside and transforms into his "normal" self when he gets out of the premises.

[Monodominant]

The deed is done and he is satisfied with his handywork satisfied that everything seems satisfactory.

He is not stopped nor discovered as he slips out undetected.

The sun is just rising as he leaves the house.