Barley's Trials

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Jason Rose

Oct 14, 2023 6:21 pm

Oct 14, 2023 6:21 pm

Barley's Trials

OOC:

the bath meal and drinks totals about 1 gold. I tend to not track this too closely in this game but that should cover it.

The woman seems to scoff at your words but as you track her actions within your mind you sense surprise form her at the level of awareness and control you have of your thoughts and memories. She briefly scrolls back through your memories of the last couple of days but stops after than and does and odd overall inspection that you assume is to look for memory tampering or hidden directives or partitioned sections of your mind before moving on to do the same to your spirit. With a grunt the elderly lady sits back, looks at the man and nods He is truly and outside and carried no hidden threat. But he is a mind mage. Make sure the lord has his protective charm on.

The man glances at you, fingering a small amulet about his own neck, before nodding thanks to the lady who moves back and leaves by a door. You follow with the man who guides you to a small room nearby before leaving, locking you inside, for a moment to inform the lord you are ready to talk. After a couple of minutes in the small but comfortable room, which has a small table and several chars, you hear the door unlock. The old warrior returns with the youth and an older man that must be he father as well.

Jason Rose

The man, though obviously the lads father, still retains a young and strong body and face. He looks you over before seating himself. Well, you got out attention. And lived to tell the tale. Better us than the temples. People disappear far too often after gaining their attention.

My name is Jason Rose. Who are you and what do you wish to discuss? The man contains the comfortable assurance of one used to command, a keen eye, and the easy grace of someone who is familiar with combat. He is calmer than his son and studies you casually as he awaits your reply.

microtheMacroBear

Oct 15, 2023 12:01 pm

Oct 15, 2023 12:01 pm

Barley's Trials

"My name is Barley, sir. i have no last name. I'm but a simple scholar and a visited to your realm. I was sent here in search of a worthy quest by my patron, and I believe I found one. I couldn't help but over hear discontent in the streets and about a Noble trying to root out it's cause. Would that noble be you or perhaps your son, Alaric is it? I wish to help, you're Mage can confirm that I say true."

Last edited October 15, 2023 12:04 pm

Jason Rose

Oct 15, 2023 3:49 pm

Oct 15, 2023 3:49 pm

Barley's Trials

Jason Rose

Alaric is a good man and a friend but a bit too noble to run the city. Which is why he isn't. That fell to Speaker Duvessa Shane. The problem isn't the speaker but the temples. Speaker Shane simply has no means to control them and is too much a politician to not take advantage of the benefits they offer. Alaric openly challenges them, so gets alot of support from the people but this has weakened him in many ways so that he is no real threat to the dark temples.

The man looks you over thinking for a moment. Though the the temples openly admit to serving dark powers their strength can not be denied and the Shattering scared the people so bad that sacrificing a few malcontents to save the rest seemed a good deal at the time. Many still view them as the saviors of the city. By time the new generation arose, who don't realy know what was paid and what was saved, the temples had become too strong to to easily remove. They are careful to not cause enough trouble to stir up the masses into open revolt. So while people grumble their power continues to grow.

What we need is to know what the temples are doing and have proof that will force the other nobles to act. Many work with or are fervent members of the temples but most of them believe in wealth and prestige more than gods. If we can prove that the dark temples are harming the people or planning something truly sinister the will of the people will force them to act. And we will need their strength to overthrow the temples power in the area.

My boy said you are a stranger and were stirring up trouble. Elprekt also tells me you are a mind mage. The biggest obstacle with the temples is their secrecy. If you want to help I can arrange things while you act independently. If you can find where and when something diabolical is going to happen my boy can arrange it so that Alaric will witness it. So that means you will need to infiltrate the temples or their people somehow. I have information but am too well known to have my people act effectively in this regard. Elprekt has said that she can craft a masking charm to paint on you that should, with the aid of your own magic, allow you to hide any hostile intent against the temples. That should get you past any divining they can do in a short time. Beyond that it will be up to your wits and words.

Tell me what you need and I can help, to a point, before my people dump you back in the streets.

microtheMacroBear

Oct 16, 2023 6:52 pm

Oct 16, 2023 6:52 pm

Barley's Trials

"Perhaps we play into my 'mind magic' as you call it. Your mage thought it came from dark powers. It does not, it is just an anomaly from birth, but they need not to know. Did anyone see the fight between your man and I?

If so, release me onto the street and spread a rumor that your man was injured by my parculiar talents and is on bed rest. That, along with my brash antics from earlier today should help cement my reputation as dangerous.

I could use that reputation to get the attention of the priests. Possibly I could use that to get an invite to their temple.

If that is not enough or seems foolish, is there a corrupt merchant in town that deals business with the priests?

If we had a bauble or some arcana they would be interested in, I could use that along with the reputation I have garnished to broker a meeting.

Once inside, I will ask to join their priesthood and will use that as a cover to investigate their mechanations.

As far as Alaric witnessing them, we need to find a secure area that we can sneak him into. Without knowing the exact nature of their crimes, it will be hard to know where to lay the trap."

Last edited October 16, 2023 7:18 pm

Oct 17, 2023 1:46 pm

Oct 17, 2023 1:46 pm

Barley's Trials

OOC:

A bit of a delay, your scenario is a bit more intricate so I can't run it off the top of my head. I should have it worked out tonight or tomorrow.

microtheMacroBear

Oct 17, 2023 3:05 pm

Oct 17, 2023 3:05 pm

Barley's Trials

OOC:

Oh yeah, no worries. Take your time!

Jason Rose

Oct 18, 2023 4:05 am

Oct 18, 2023 4:05 am

Barley's Trials

Jason Rose

After some thought Jason suggest I think I know what might get you that meeting quickly. We have been tracing their movements and know they are looking for something.

After we return you to the street "properly chastised" for attempting to attack my man we can arrange a situation that will put one of my more vocal supported into conflict with the priests. We can arrange for it to escalate to near violence at which point you swoop in to save the priest. The priest Akannathi is known to be arrogant beyond his abilities due to his relations. It will be easy to arrange for him to be alone and you can save him.

Then after helping rescuing him reveal you only sought out a priest as you have information you wish to sell the temple. You can not seem too eager to join them but they will trust greed.

The key will be that you will need to create the intense desire that you wish to profit from the temple. Only if you truly feel this will you be able to fool their spells. The will think it is greed when in fact it will be your wish for their downfall to promote your own interest. If you keep your thought focused on gaining from the temple, no details, and not about the city it should work.

Once inside you can arrange the sale of a book we found. We found it while trying to prevent the priest from obtaining it themselves only to learn it is a forgery. We have prepared an altered copy of the fogery, just in case. It should be close enough to what they seek that they will not be able to determine it is not what they are truly after for some time. And it is close enough that your sale of it will appear to be in earnest.

While in the temple if you can read the memories of some of the priest, place a few charms that we can help you conceal till they are placed, or find any flaws in their organization or security then this should be enough of a boon to us.

What say you?

microtheMacroBear

Oct 18, 2023 11:34 am

Oct 18, 2023 11:34 am

Barley's Trials

"I say this is a solid plan, Jason Rose. Very elegant in it's design.

The only issue is reading memories without permission. In that, I am not skilled. Also, It hurts the person when you try to force memories out if them. Your mind mage can attest to that.

Emotions and feelings are easy and the recipient need not be aware.

Do you something I can borrow that can temporarily boost my power? If not, don't worry. I have other ways to gain information. Malachi!", says Barley and a little black cat appears on the floor next to him and starts grooming itself.

"Malachi, my spirit friend.", he says to Rose.
Then he turns to Malachi saying, "Go ahead friend."

Malachi fades away to almost nothing and purs.

OOC:

Just playing my sheet. I don't have detect thoughts.
Also, Malachi is totally in predator mode at the moment.

Last edited October 18, 2023 11:35 am

Jason Rose

Oct 18, 2023 12:01 pm

Oct 18, 2023 12:01 pm

Barley's Trials

Jason Rose

Sighing he replies The cat spirit may help. I had hoped your gifts would let you bypass certain obstacles still. It's a plan.

You work out a few other details and are dragged limp and bruised from a "beating" to a dark ally. Luckily the beating was mostly for show. A simple potion allowed you to bruise and bleed rather easily so only a few light taps and slaps were enough for the disguise. Unfortunately though the potions affects were short the resulting bruises and cuts still hurt.

As arranges you "wake" after being dumped back on the street and find a room for the night to recover. In the morning you eat, clean up and wander ther city, getting familiar with it and loitering at key points to be seen spying on the temples and their people. At the arranged time in the evening you make your way to a particular restaurant where Akannathi is known to frequent. Just as planned he is baited then dragged into a nearby alley and beset upon by a couple or lord Rose's men out of uniform. Making you way quickly you catch sight of the two of them dragging the priest into an adjoining alley while getting in a few more kicks and punches. These men do not seem to be acting or if they are they are not holding back.

The main alley is a tiny lane between a coule buildings but the guards just went around the corner into what looks to be a much smaller and secluded track.

microtheMacroBear

Oct 19, 2023 12:16 pm

Oct 19, 2023 12:16 pm

Barley's Trials

"Ok, heare we go"
Barley closes his eyes focusing on the task at hand.
His opens his eyes and with determine mind he enters the tinier alley way.

"Gentle folk"

With a gesture of his hand, he blasts the guard on his left with psychic energy.

OOC:

I'd like to focus and then blast him into a wall.

Last edited October 19, 2023 12:17 pm

Rolls

Telekinetic Push into a wall - (2d6)

(52) = 7

Oct 19, 2023 12:47 pm

Oct 19, 2023 12:47 pm

Barley's Trials

One of the rufians is blasted back into the narrow alleys far wall. The other turns startled. at their feet lies a bloodied preist.

Akannathi

Help me! he calls out, pleading. I can pay! which earns him an offhanded kick by the standing guard.

Guard

This is no buisness of yours. Be off and we'll forget we ever saw you stranger His town is threatening and the other guad picks himself up off the ground. As he rises he makes a subtle hand guesture cruling his fingers and mouths 'come on' and nods his head to the other guard before joining in as he smacks his hands together. Yeah, we don't want any unfurtunate accidents Though he sounds surly you can tell his is holding back a smile as he steps up to stand over the priest agan, taking the oportunity to get another kick in on the downed priest.

microtheMacroBear

Oct 20, 2023 11:21 am

Oct 20, 2023 11:21 am

Barley's Trials

"You better be good for it", Barley says to the priest and reaches behind his back, palming two crumple sheets of parchment.

Smiling wickedly, he alights 1 sheet of paper with his Pyrokinetic powers. It's flame spreads to the other. In one fluid motion, he sets his arms in a fighter's position, palms up. Showing the guards two flaming balls in each of his hands.

Griting his teeth he says,"You're right, wouldn't want any accidents. Why don't you leave?"

Barley fixes the lead guard with a focused stare.

OOC:

The sheet doesn't say I have to roll for Pyrokinesis unless I want to catch everything on fire. Barley is doing a bit of theater, but he will focus just in case he has to make this look good for the next round.

Akannathi

Oct 20, 2023 9:26 pm

Oct 20, 2023 9:26 pm

Barley's Trials

The men glance at each other, the downed priest, the two floating balls of fire. Then coming to a joint decision get in a few parting kicks as they glower at you and leave muttering.

Akannathi

Climbing to he feet the priest glares after the men I'll get you back and more you hear him mutter before he turns to you smiling before wincing and grabbing his side. Thank you. Who knows what those idiots would have tried had you not arrived. The fools must have forgotten who my uncle and grand father are and his voice fills with borroes pride and self importance. Come, walk with me back to the temple so I can properly thank you.

Though slow, due to injured ribs and a limp, you begin making your wat to the temple with the priest who introduces himself as Akannathi. The priest seems nice enough at first but the longer you chat the more you realize he just does not see any but himself and his friends as more than beast, tools, or things to kill. Often these seem to overlap as any minor inconvenience to him or the temple is worthy of slaying the perpetrator of the obvious crime. You lean his grandfather is a high priest of Baal and his uncle is the chief inqitor. Akannathi himself has no role but feels duty bound to ensure his uncle learns of any minor misconduct an his grandfathers will is interpreted by Akannathi for all other who clearly are stupid and must be commanded in all things.

microtheMacroBear

Oct 21, 2023 10:38 am

Oct 21, 2023 10:38 am

Barley's Trials

"Your family must be proud to have such a thoughtful nephew, such a dedicated grand son.", Barley replies looking forward as they walk. He glances sideways at Akannathi, "A smart enterprising man, of that I have no doubt. One that would know a good business deal. Once you're safe in the granduer of your temple, I might have such a deal. Come, let's get you home and your injuries dealt with first."

Last edited October 21, 2023 10:40 am

Oct 22, 2023 12:55 am

Oct 22, 2023 12:55 am

Barley's Trials

The pair of you quickly make it to the temple where Akannathi is quickly admitted as are you, after Akannathi snaps at the guards about harassing his guest. He guides you to a small but lavish side you after sending a minor priest to inform his uncle of the earlier assault. A few minutes later a minor attendant returns with a tray of food and drink and is followed by a priestess who quickly heals Akannathi. The priestess seems a bit nervous though very polite and seems relived when after the healing she is dismissed. You chat idly as you eat and drink with Akannathi continuing on his monologue of his, and his families, great importance to the temple. He makes the temple sound like the true rulers of the city and surrounding lands.

Bjornhild Solvigsdottir

The door swings open to admit a sten man dressed in white. Though the robes have marking of a priesthood his armor and weapons denote him more as a man of action. Akannathi instantly rises to his feet and gives a bow of submission to the man he addresses as Bjornhild Solvigsdottir, whom he had previously informed you was his uncle and is a lead inquisitor for the temple. So Akannathi I hear you almost embarrassed the temple again. the inquisitor coldly states staring hard at you. Tell me who it was so that I might erase this blemish on our might lest it stain the glory of our lord.

Akannathi quickly recounts the entire thing, telling no lies though his words put him in a better light than other might have. Durring the entire description the inquisitor stares at you coldly. After the story is recounted Akannathi mentions you offer of a possible business deal.

As the younger priest finishes talking Bjornhild addresses you I thank you in the name of our god and his high priest for assisting us in this. How is it that you happened to be so conveniently placed as to see this unfold and why is it you choose to intervene?

Give me a test on you ability to act cool under the scrutiny and to tell your story convincingly. You can roll with focus as you have planned this in advance.

microtheMacroBear

Oct 22, 2023 11:48 am

Oct 22, 2023 11:48 am

Barley's Trials

Barley rises, nods slightly, and looks the man in the face.

"Well, it wasn't for altruism or whatever rewards he offers, which I expect to be paid. It was for an audience with the temple. As, I discussed briefly with Akannathi, I have something you want and a business proposition."

He focuses on his hands holding a greasy tome. Candlelight dancing on it's foul cover. He reaches out creating a minor telepathic suggestion for all keen enough to see it. Not an invasive suggestion, just an image for any that might try to snoop.

OOC:

I'm going to roll keep my cool with focus, but if you allow it. I'd like to reinforce that roll with a minor Telepathic suggestion. I'm going to roll for that too, but it's cool if that ends up being flavor.

Rolls

Focused - keep cool under pressure - (2d6)

(26) = 8

Telepathic suggestion - (2d6)

(65) = 11

Bjornhild Solvigsdottir

Oct 22, 2023 10:12 pm

Oct 22, 2023 10:12 pm

Barley's Trials

OOC:

All good, both rolls work for me

Bjornhild Solvigsdottir

At the sight of the book Bjornhild doesn't react at first but then looks again then looks at you. Where did you find this! he hisses at you. The Inquisitor is obviously interested in the book and get the distinct impression that you might not be able to leave the temple with it. He asks more questions about the books origins, how you acquired it, how you knew the temple would want it, etc...

microtheMacroBear

Oct 23, 2023 11:48 am

Oct 23, 2023 11:48 am

Barley's Trials

"Oh, you're interested are you? Good, maybe we can deal. My associate and I have a merchant house of sorts and let's just say we deal in antiques." Barley smiles slightly, remembering his mob days.

Before he left that life for scholarly pursuits, he witnessed thousands of conversations just like this as hired muscle. His sends a lingering mental suggestion of his former employer's vast library and opulent lifestyle.

"This is just a small taste of our wares. If you wished to become friends, well, prehaps we should conduct business over dinner. Alow me a moment to recover from the fight.

In that instance, the silhouette of a cat appears in a shadowed corner before fading till just a shimmer. Maintaining distance, Malachi slinks through the shadows, keeping his form as insubstantial as possible.

OOC:

I'm trying to get a moment alone so I can plant the charms. I think Malachi is at the edge of his range, like 45 ft.

Last edited October 23, 2023 11:48 am

Rolls

Another telepathic suggestion - (2d6)

(24) = 6

Bjornhild Solvigsdottir

Oct 24, 2023 3:09 am

Oct 24, 2023 3:09 am

Barley's Trials

As you attempt another mental nudge you get the feeling of a mental shift and the mind closes up defensively. The cat slips behind some furniture and stays out of sight in the room.

Bjornhild Solvigsdottir

The inquisitor gives you a lingering look. May I take this, to verify it with my superiors? I will be back after several minutes. Should this prove valid and you have more we will have to arrange to view your organizations other wares. Come nephew we must relay these things to your grandfather. He stands clasping the book and smiling

microtheMacroBear

Oct 24, 2023 11:29 am

Oct 24, 2023 11:29 am

Barley's Trials

"Certainly" Barley matches the smile and clasps his hands behind his back, standing confidently.

Then nodding towards the decor, "If you don't mind, I would love to explore your impressive temple. The decor is unique."

He thinks to Malachi, Wait until they have a small lead and then follow as far as you can and listen in. Hopefully they allow me to wonder. If not and they go out of your range, find a good spot close at the end of it and gather what information you can from the other priests.

Last edited October 24, 2023 11:30 am

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