[IC] Aqua Mortis (Session 2)

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Nov 27, 2021 1:24 pm
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You give Jacey firm instructions to stay put. She seems exhausted, and the tea has relaxed her, so she quickly drifts off to sleep. The drizzle outside seems to have gotten worse. If Olond's at the castle tavern, she's probably going to be there for a while until this downpour lets up.

Hildar puts a hand on Tronus and Nekurr and mutters an incantation. Each of you notices the other two shift appearance, features and clothing swirling and churning until they come to resemble those of a nondescript Human man of minor aristocratic stock. You know from your time here at Cailn Castle that in these getups, most people will likely assume you're minor functionaries.

Nekurr asks Fortuna for a quick blessing—getting you to the tavern without getting soaked through—and you make your escape. Sure enough, the rain lets up just long enough for you to make it to the tavern with not more than muddy boots to worry about.

You're surprised to see the tavern itself is actually an extension of the castle mess hall. It's a place you've tended to avoid, since Lady Argus's arrangement with the baron has enabled you to eat in your chambers most nights. The room is cavernous and long, with two parallel seating areas, one by the bar and the other up a short flight of stairs. With the rain outside, the place is fairly packed—the sounds of raucous laughter and hushed conversations alike echo through the rafters, underscored by a jaunty tune played by an Orc maid with a lyre. Many of the tables host parties of castle guards, various workers, and bureaucrats, mostly keeping to their own kind.

Marseen Olond is likely here somewhere.
Nov 27, 2021 6:20 pm
As they enter and scan the area Hildar quietly says to the other "Remember, don’t wander too far. The mask will only work over a short distance. I’ll stay fairly central so you both can move about as much as possible"
OOC:
The Mask spell has a Range of Short with the additional affect I put on it so I’m hoping if Hildar stays fairly close to the mid point of the two seating areas that it will allow the others more range to move about the place
Nov 28, 2021 3:33 am
Nekurr nods as Hildar reminds them of the limitation of his tricks and looks around trying to pick up anyone recognisable from the crowd.
OOC:
Anyone they met or know of? Just screening for the sort of people we’re dealing with and for any potential help
Last edited November 28, 2021 3:49 am
Nov 28, 2021 9:46 pm
Tronus frowns, the downside to this is where people look when they're looking at him. He tries to not lock his jaw since there here to get something accomplished and he pushes the anger down into his belly to stoke his actions as he starts to scan around him.
Nov 29, 2021 3:20 am
OOC:
I think as seasoned inquisitors, you would have gotten a physical description of Marseen Olond.
It doesn't take long to spot Marseen Olond: According to folks you've spoken to, she's a middle-aged Gnome with braided brown hair, fancy dress, and hard eyes. The bureaucrat sits at a table on the elevated level but still close to the bar. She's with a slight Catfolk with striped white fur, and the Catfolk seems to be going through a serious tongue-lashing.
Nov 29, 2021 3:23 pm
Tronus notices the situation with whom they're wanting to figure out somethings about and nods in her direction. "Let us try and get closer..." Tronus states to the others so they can attempt to listen in.
Nov 29, 2021 10:34 pm
OOC:
is white a cat I would know about?
Nov 30, 2021 3:31 am
OOC:
Nekurr might know the Catfolk... for a Story Point! ;)

Is Tronus trying to hide his attempt to eavesdrop? If so, make a group Cool check (YYYG+B) vs. Hard upgraded (RPP), with two boosts for the crowd and the situation. If not, you're either discovered, or all you get is what's below:
"I won't tolerate such incompetence again, you hear? Shape up or ship out! You get me?"
Nov 30, 2021 4:32 pm
OOC:
Rolls... Update Forgot to actually add roll.
Last edited November 30, 2021 4:34 pm

Rolls

Hard Cool Check

3 Success, 4 Advantage, 2 Failure, 2 Threat

Total: 1 Success, 2 Advantage

Dec 1, 2021 2:02 am
OOC:
why not? Flipped the SP :D
Dec 1, 2021 2:47 am
OOC:
Remember to tell me how you're using the advantage! :)
While Hildar orders drinks from the bar, Tronus and Nekurr manage to mill about near the raised platform, just under where Olond is browbeating the Catfolk—just close enough not to lose the benefit of the Mask spell. As you get closer, Nekurr recognizes the Catfolk as Meez Gerian, a regular at some of the gambling halls near (and in) the castle. The Catfolk's always struck Nekurr as by-the-book and straight-laced, but he seems to use gambling to let off steam. If Olond's his boss, you can understand why.

"I tell you, Meez—if you let one more guildmember into my office, it's curtains for you! You hear me? And if those guild boys want to spread rumors about me, I'll fight fire with fire. Lord Renash would never tolerate such incompetence in a secretary. Now get out of my sight!"

Gerian stays dumbstruck for a moment. He stands up without saying a word, tears streaming down his face. He turns and descends the staircase right by where you are standing, headed for the exit. Meanwhile, Olond pouts at her table.
Dec 1, 2021 1:24 pm
OOC:
How about two additional pieces of insight into the situation? Maybe Meez mutters a thing or two when shooed away?
Dec 1, 2021 2:10 pm
As Gerian passes, you hear him mutter, "Like Renash knows what's going on! Those drifters... They're cursed! Maybe the tax office is hiring..."
Dec 1, 2021 10:35 pm
OOC:
looks like olond is not in a good mood. You guys want to press it or follow the cat?
Nekurr let’s hildar know who the cat folk is
Dec 2, 2021 8:08 pm
"N-err, you're the chatterbox which one's easier talking to a disgruntled catfolk and calming them down or a short grizzled little hag assisting the Baron's son either knowingly or unknowingly in endeavors that will doom and possibly kill us all? Also this stuff is shite." Tronus leans into his associate to ask candidly watching the catfolk and hedging their options.
Dec 2, 2021 10:22 pm
"Well… I don’t know much about hags… but it looks like we may have to fight our way out unless Hildar here can get us out again…" Nekurr looks nervously at Marseen. "I bet I know where Meez is going now. May be easier after he lets some steam off with Fortuna’s help "
Last edited December 2, 2021 10:23 pm
Dec 3, 2021 12:18 am
Hildar ponders matters for a moment "Well, we’re here now and Olond isn’t currently occupied so if we did want to speak to her without attracting too much attention now seems the best time to do it….might not get as good an Oportunity as this again."
Dec 3, 2021 1:40 am
"To recap she chewed the catfolk out since they let in miners that came in to protest about the work conditions. She likely said to sod off.
That didn't sit well with the miners so they're spreading the word about the shakiness of the job and workers being injured and driven mad by what's down there, and she may or may not have a dragon egg that'll hatch something alive or dead or opt to tap into it for something powerful?"
Tronus states, "So what's our cover since we aren't us and what are you two thinking of asking so I know what to do if thinks go sideways."
Dec 3, 2021 2:15 am
OOC:
Loving the IC negotiation. :)
As you quietly debate what to do, Olond shouts out, "Tavern wench! Another ale! And make sure it's cold this time!"
Dec 3, 2021 3:27 am
"Could we be…" Nekurr stops as soon as he starts. Seeing the others’ curious looks he continues, unsure if it can even be done "Well … you see… if we were baron’s scholars here to … see the "cargo"… she may even help us with the egg issue"
OOC:
This would work with Nera, but I don’t think anyone left has deception/cunning… I could buy a lot of points since I have 85xp unused (it was going to end quick ;) ) . But Hildar is actually a "scholar" so he could throw random book knowledge to impress the lady. I also have deep pockets so could possibly find some baronial letter from an old job or something like that?
Last edited December 3, 2021 3:31 am
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