Act 1. Masks
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Jun 3, 2025 10:11 pm
Briar moved like smoke through the market, drifting from one pocket of cover to the next until he found himself behind the spice stall, the scent of cumin and crushed peppers thick in the air. From this angle, just a few paces back, he had a clear view of the Pale Moth’s spine—rigid beneath a dark travel cloak, the man’s hand never straying far from the blade sheathed at his side. Briar kept low, blending with a group of gossiping merchants, his fingers brushing the hilt of his own knife beneath his coat. His breath was steady, his eyes locked on the target. All he had to do now was wait for the Guard… or make the first move.
OOC:
What do you do?Jun 4, 2025 2:17 pm
OOC:
Can I try to use the spices to hinder him but not myself. Accidentally bump into him so he goes face first in some spicy stuff.Jun 5, 2025 12:35 am
OOC:
Quote:
Can I try to use the spices to hinder him but not myself. Accidentally bump into him so he goes face first in some spicy stuff.If you succeed, your next Test against him will be with Focus. Feel free to describe what happens.
Jun 5, 2025 4:50 am
htech says:
"Affirmative. Task-specific accoutrement: required. Provision of said items: delegated to Majordomo Elric Dannemar. Distribution scheduled: day of Soirée event. Personal modification or substitution: not authorized. Conformity to uniform standard: mandatory."He headed out, all excited.
OOC:
I appreciate your patience, thank you!Last edited Jun 5, 2025 4:50 am
Jun 5, 2025 12:12 pm
Briar timed his approach carefully, letting the market’s natural rhythm mask his movements. He adjusted his pace, weaving through a pair of gossiping merchants and a cart loaded with sacks of flour, eyes locked on the spice stall ahead. The Pale Moth stood there—aloof, too still for the chaos around him—scanning the crowd with that unsettling calm.
As Briar drew near, he shifted his shoulder, pretending to lose balance as he "accidentally" bumped toward the Moth. The plan was simple: send him toppling into the spice display, cause a mess, draw attention, and force the Moth into the open.
But just as Briar made contact, the Pale Moth pivoted slightly—perhaps adjusting his cloak or watching a passing vendor—and Briar’s shove met only a glancing touch. The Moth moved without even noticing, and Briar stumbled forward awkwardly, his shoulder brushing against a hanging bundle of cinnamon sticks instead.
As Briar drew near, he shifted his shoulder, pretending to lose balance as he "accidentally" bumped toward the Moth. The plan was simple: send him toppling into the spice display, cause a mess, draw attention, and force the Moth into the open.
But just as Briar made contact, the Pale Moth pivoted slightly—perhaps adjusting his cloak or watching a passing vendor—and Briar’s shove met only a glancing touch. The Moth moved without even noticing, and Briar stumbled forward awkwardly, his shoulder brushing against a hanging bundle of cinnamon sticks instead.
Last edited Jun 5, 2025 1:30 pm
Rolls
Check DC: 5 - Adv - (3d6)
(311)
Jun 6, 2025 9:55 am
Vaerlen Villa, North Ward - Late morning
The estate was as grand as any Luna had imagined.

The grand villa spans two elegant floors, constructed with immaculate precision and adorned with elaborate carvings and arched windows framed by silvery wrought iron. The central structure features three magnificent domes, their slate-blue tiles gleaming in the daylight, each crowned with ornate spires and delicate sculptural accents.
Tall iron gates—intricately worked with the Vaerlen family crest—stand at the estate’s entrance, guarded by a pair of vigilant sentries clad in livery that matches the house colors. Beyond the gate lies a manicured garden (G2), lined with flowering shrubs, sculpted hedges, and statues of stone lions, each flanking the long, mirror-clear reflecting pool that stretches from the estate’s marble stairs to the outer path.
A side path leads to the stables (G1), a modest yet well-kept structure of polished wood and stone, where a stablehand tends to a few idle horses. The estate exudes a tranquil order, its wealth displayed not in excess but in refined detail—polished balustrades, pristine stonework, and the hush of wealth that requires no announcement.
A servant passing nearby gave him a curious glance but didn’t stop. She entered through the stables, avoiding the main gates.
The estate was as grand as any Luna had imagined.

The grand villa spans two elegant floors, constructed with immaculate precision and adorned with elaborate carvings and arched windows framed by silvery wrought iron. The central structure features three magnificent domes, their slate-blue tiles gleaming in the daylight, each crowned with ornate spires and delicate sculptural accents.
Tall iron gates—intricately worked with the Vaerlen family crest—stand at the estate’s entrance, guarded by a pair of vigilant sentries clad in livery that matches the house colors. Beyond the gate lies a manicured garden (G2), lined with flowering shrubs, sculpted hedges, and statues of stone lions, each flanking the long, mirror-clear reflecting pool that stretches from the estate’s marble stairs to the outer path.
A side path leads to the stables (G1), a modest yet well-kept structure of polished wood and stone, where a stablehand tends to a few idle horses. The estate exudes a tranquil order, its wealth displayed not in excess but in refined detail—polished balustrades, pristine stonework, and the hush of wealth that requires no announcement.
A servant passing nearby gave him a curious glance but didn’t stop. She entered through the stables, avoiding the main gates.

OOC:
What do you do?Jun 6, 2025 10:04 am
Marketplace between Trader's Way and Bazaar street, Castle Ward - Late morning
The Pale Moth’s eyes flicked toward the disturbance. He didn’t flinch, didn’t startle. Instead, he met Briar’s gaze squarely, his expression unreadable save for the faintest tightening at the corner of his mouth, like a man memorizing or trying to recognize Briar's face.
Then he moved, his cloak swaying as he turned smoothly and began striding through the crowd, away from the cinnamon-laced chaos and straight toward the northern edge of the market. The Guard had just arrived on the far west side, pushing through the throng with the wide-eyed young man at their lead, pointing frantically in the Moth’s direction. But the distance was too great, the crowd too dense—the Moth would vanish in seconds.
Unless Briar did something. Now.
The Pale Moth’s eyes flicked toward the disturbance. He didn’t flinch, didn’t startle. Instead, he met Briar’s gaze squarely, his expression unreadable save for the faintest tightening at the corner of his mouth, like a man memorizing or trying to recognize Briar's face.
Then he moved, his cloak swaying as he turned smoothly and began striding through the crowd, away from the cinnamon-laced chaos and straight toward the northern edge of the market. The Guard had just arrived on the far west side, pushing through the throng with the wide-eyed young man at their lead, pointing frantically in the Moth’s direction. But the distance was too great, the crowd too dense—the Moth would vanish in seconds.
Unless Briar did something. Now.
OOC:
What do you do?Jun 6, 2025 4:54 pm
Lunareth Vaeloria stood for a moment in a state approaching rapture. His eyes drank in the magnificence of the Vaerlen Estate. The colorful foliage, the pristine reflecting pool, the intricate metalwork, all combined to form a wonderous mélange which veritably oozed class and old wealth. My oh my. It would be nice to have a place even remotely like this one day, he thought.
As much as he wanted to bask in the beauty, Luna understood he had a job—nay, a mission for Those Who Harp. Not knowing where to go or with whom to speak, Luna was relieved when he caught sight of a passing servant. Someone to ask, he thought as he waited a moment and then followed her path into the stables. As he entered, he was overwhelmed by the pungent scent of horse; that unique mixture of hay, sweat, dung, and horseflesh. Stopping for a moment, he cleared his throat. "Hello, is anyone here? Would someone be kind enough to inform me as to where I may find the majordomo, Elric Dannemar?"
As much as he wanted to bask in the beauty, Luna understood he had a job—nay, a mission for Those Who Harp. Not knowing where to go or with whom to speak, Luna was relieved when he caught sight of a passing servant. Someone to ask, he thought as he waited a moment and then followed her path into the stables. As he entered, he was overwhelmed by the pungent scent of horse; that unique mixture of hay, sweat, dung, and horseflesh. Stopping for a moment, he cleared his throat. "Hello, is anyone here? Would someone be kind enough to inform me as to where I may find the majordomo, Elric Dannemar?"
OOC:
Happy to wait here until Briar's thread is able to rejoin.Last edited Jun 6, 2025 4:55 pm
Jun 7, 2025 2:04 pm
OOC:
The next act (when you will rejoin) will be the Masked Soiree tomorow, so you still have to finish this =)The stablehand, a young human with sandy hair tucked beneath a sweat-stained cap, glanced up from brushing down a chestnut mare.
"Aye, Majordomo Dannemar’s inside. Don’t go knockin’ on the front doors, though—not for the likes of us. Follow the gravel path there, along the side wall," he said, pointing with his brush. "Go through the garden, then in through the side hall. You’ll see a small iron door—it’s the servant’s entrance. You’ll come to the Service Room (G10). That’s where he’ll be."

"And don’t dawdle," he added, already turning back to his work. "Majordomo’s got ears like a hawk and patience like a hedgepup."
Luna followed the directions, walking along the path. This closer view was even more impressive: marble benches framed by hedges, flowering vines climbing lattices, and stone lanterns ready to glow once evening fell. The garden felt like a sanctuary even within the estate’s grandeur, its silence broken only by distant birdsong and the burble of a nearby fountain.
He entered the manor through a narrow door. Just beyond was the Service room (G10).
The space was utilitarian, but finely so: polished wooden counters and stone shelves lined the walls, filled with trays, wine carafes, folded linens, and silver service sets. Hooks held polished utensils and copper pans above a staging table in the center. This was clearly a command hub for the unseen world of house operations.
Standing at a writing lectern in the corner was a tall, angular man in immaculate black livery with a silver brooch pinned at his collar—a crescent moon cupping a stylized "V." His white hair was slicked back, and he wore half-moon spectacles perched low on a hawkish nose. He was flipping through a large leather-bound ledger and murmuring to himself, lips moving silently as he tracked something with a finger.

OOC:
What do you do?Jun 7, 2025 2:43 pm
Briar's patience snapped the moment the Pale Moth began to slip away into the shifting tides of the marketplace crowd. Gritting his teeth, he surged forward, weaving through shoppers and stalls with sudden, focused speed.
"Sir! Hey—Sir!" he called out, voice loud and earnest, as if he were just another helpful passerby. "I think you dropped this!"
The Pale Moth half-turned at the shout, his posture tensing slightly—just enough. That was the moment Briar needed.
Like a coiled spring let loose, Briar charged. He lowered his shoulder, arms out, and closed the distance in a heartbeat. The Moth barely had time to register what was happening before Briar slammed into him full-force, tackling him with the precision of someone who had trained for moments just like this.
There was a heavy thud as both men hit the cobbled street—Briar’s momentum driving his shoulder deep into the Moth’s chest. Shoppers screamed and scattered, crates toppled, and a shower of fruit spilled across the walkway. The Pale Moth gasped, the air driven from his lungs, pinned flat beneath Briar in a swirl of cloaks and dust.
"Sir! Hey—Sir!" he called out, voice loud and earnest, as if he were just another helpful passerby. "I think you dropped this!"
The Pale Moth half-turned at the shout, his posture tensing slightly—just enough. That was the moment Briar needed.
Like a coiled spring let loose, Briar charged. He lowered his shoulder, arms out, and closed the distance in a heartbeat. The Moth barely had time to register what was happening before Briar slammed into him full-force, tackling him with the precision of someone who had trained for moments just like this.
There was a heavy thud as both men hit the cobbled street—Briar’s momentum driving his shoulder deep into the Moth’s chest. Shoppers screamed and scattered, crates toppled, and a shower of fruit spilled across the walkway. The Pale Moth gasped, the air driven from his lungs, pinned flat beneath Briar in a swirl of cloaks and dust.
Last edited Jun 7, 2025 2:47 pm
Rolls
Check DC: 5 -Tackle - (2d6)
(46)
Jun 7, 2025 4:23 pm
Briar
He will attempt to break free. Please Test. If you succeed, you will keep him immobilized for this round. If you fail, he will stand up and draw a short sword. Either way, it will be your turn again.
The Guard will arrive in... (rolling) ... 5 rounds.
Guards:
OOC:
We are now in combat.He will attempt to break free. Please Test. If you succeed, you will keep him immobilized for this round. If you fail, he will stand up and draw a short sword. Either way, it will be your turn again.
The Guard will arrive in... (rolling) ... 5 rounds.
Guards:
Rolls
Guard will arrive - (1d4+1)
(4) + 1 = 5
Jun 7, 2025 5:55 pm
The Pale Moth coughed hard as Briar pinned him, but with a desperate surge of adrenaline, he twisted his body and drove a boot squarely into Briar’s chest. The force of the kick knocked Briar off, sending him sprawling onto his back with a grunt. The Moth rolled swiftly to the side, cloak flaring out, and sprang to his feet with practiced grace.
In one smooth motion, he drew a gleaming short sword from beneath his cloak, the blade catching a flicker of morning sun. His breath came quick, but his stance was steady—focused, lethal.
But Briar was faster.
Still on the ground, he spun his body low in a wide arc, his heel whipping around in a sweeping kick that caught the Pale Moth’s ankles just as he stepped in to strike. The Moth’s legs buckled, and he crashed hard onto the cobblestones, the sword nearly slipping from his grasp.
Before he could recover, Briar pounced. He straddled the Moth’s torso and seized his sword arm in both hands. With a growl of effort, Briar slammed the arm down against the ground once—twice—but the Moth's grip held strong.
In one smooth motion, he drew a gleaming short sword from beneath his cloak, the blade catching a flicker of morning sun. His breath came quick, but his stance was steady—focused, lethal.
But Briar was faster.
Still on the ground, he spun his body low in a wide arc, his heel whipping around in a sweeping kick that caught the Pale Moth’s ankles just as he stepped in to strike. The Moth’s legs buckled, and he crashed hard onto the cobblestones, the sword nearly slipping from his grasp.
Before he could recover, Briar pounced. He straddled the Moth’s torso and seized his sword arm in both hands. With a growl of effort, Briar slammed the arm down against the ground once—twice—but the Moth's grip held strong.
Last edited Jun 9, 2025 5:14 pm
Rolls
Check DC: 5 - Test to stay tackled. - (2d6)
(41)
Check DC: 5 - Tackle again. - (2d6)
(55)
Check DC: 4 - Disarm - (2d6)
(32)
Jun 9, 2025 5:41 pm
Briar
For his next action, he will try to stand up again. Roll your second reaction with Disadvantage but, if you succeed, you will likely roll with Advantage in both actions on your next round. If you fail, he stands up.
Guards:
OOC:
He will try to stab you, but his short sword is too big to do that from a prone position, so roll your first reaction with Advantage. If you fail, lose 1 HP. If you succeed, nothing happens. For his next action, he will try to stand up again. Roll your second reaction with Disadvantage but, if you succeed, you will likely roll with Advantage in both actions on your next round. If you fail, he stands up.
Guards:
Jun 9, 2025 8:02 pm
The Pale Moth snarled and thrust his sword downward, aiming for Briar’s ribs—but Briar rolled hard to the side, the blade sparking off the cobblestones. Seizing the opening, the Moth sprang backward and vaulted to his feet in a single fluid motion.
Briar scrambled up as well, ripping his dagger from its sheath. Breath sharp, muscles coiled, he squared off with the Moth, eyes locked, ready for whatever came next.
Briar scrambled up as well, ripping his dagger from its sheath. Breath sharp, muscles coiled, he squared off with the Moth, eyes locked, ready for whatever came next.
OOC:
Going to take the Evade action and draw my Dagger Last edited Jun 10, 2025 5:10 pm
Rolls
Check DC: 4 - Adv Defend from shortsword - (3d6)
(251)
Check DC: 4 - Dis Defend from getting up - (1d6)
(3)
Jun 11, 2025 1:14 am
Briar
Briar, the Pale Moth will attempt to stab and slice you with his short sword. But you've made a wise tactical decision and are now ready to parry his blade. If you were unarmed or not on the defensive, things would be much more difficult.
He's also underestimating you a bit with this. Time is ticking and unless he can kill you quickly, things aren't going to look good for him.
Guards:
Briar, the Pale Moth will attempt to stab and slice you with his short sword. But you've made a wise tactical decision and are now ready to parry his blade. If you were unarmed or not on the defensive, things would be much more difficult.
He's also underestimating you a bit with this. Time is ticking and unless he can kill you quickly, things aren't going to look good for him.
OOC:
Gimme two tests with Advantage because of your mastery, please. Lose 1 HP for each failure. Then it's your turn again.Guards:
Jun 11, 2025 1:56 am
The Pale Moth slashed at Briar, but Briar deflected the first blow with his dagger. The second strike landed, cutting across his chest and drawing blood.
Gritting his teeth, Briar quickly glanced around the market, searching for anything nearby—a rope, a tarp, loose cloth—that he could use to tie the Moth down.
Gritting his teeth, Briar quickly glanced around the market, searching for anything nearby—a rope, a tarp, loose cloth—that he could use to tie the Moth down.
OOC:
Evade again but also looking for a rope or something similar I can use. My hope/plan is to use mage hand to bring it closer next round. And then wrap him up with it somehow. [ +- ] Briar HP
5/6
Last edited Jun 11, 2025 2:36 pm
Rolls
Check DC: 4 - Adv Defend 1 - (3d6)
(226)
Check DC: 4 - Adv Defend 2 - (3d6)
(334)
Jun 11, 2025 10:02 pm
OOC:
Sorry. I thought today was the soirée.Lunareth cleared his throat. "Excuse me? Master Dannemar? I was sent by Trelza at the Misty Beard. It was looking for waitstaff for the soirée, specifically those with discretion, and told me to report here to you for directions."
Elric Dannemar (Majordomo)
Jun 12, 2025 8:42 am
OOC:
Sorry. I have checked my notes and you’re actually right. The Soirée is tonight. Thank you. Either way, let's continue this, it's still late morningElric Dannemar did not look up at the sound of Luna’s voice. His finger continued tracing a line of entries in his ledger as he spoke in a precise, clipped tone.
"Step into the light, lad. Tell me, do you know how to read? Let me check your diction. Speak clearly, please."
OOC:
This is now a Social Conflict! We will roll a series of Tests to convince him to accept you as a servant in the Soirée and give you some freedom of action. Best of 5 wins.Please roll, describe how you answer, then how you succeed (or fail) in that part, and I will ask another question. Because of your Silver Tongue, some tests will be with Advantage (including this first one).
Results:
Won. (Choose what will be your role in the staff )
Lost. (You will have little to no freedom of movement during the party)

Elric Dannemar (Majordomo)
Jun 12, 2025 8:55 am
Briar
Briar staggered back a step, the sting of the blade burning across his chest, blood already soaking into the linen beneath his coat. He didn’t let it slow him. Eyes scanning frantically, he spotted it—a bundle of thick rope coiled atop a vendor's cart just a few paces away, half-buried beneath crates of cured fish. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough.
He muttered under his breath, pain biting at the edges of his focus as he reached out with his off-hand. Arcane words curled past his lips like smoke, and a faint shimmer sparked in the air before him. A translucent, spectral hand—Mage Hand—flared to life and darted toward the rope.
Briar’s eyes locked on it, jaw clenched, blood still dripping down his front as he willed the hand forward, reaching, stretching...
He will try, once more, to kill you. Roll 2 reactions, as before.
Briar staggered back a step, the sting of the blade burning across his chest, blood already soaking into the linen beneath his coat. He didn’t let it slow him. Eyes scanning frantically, he spotted it—a bundle of thick rope coiled atop a vendor's cart just a few paces away, half-buried beneath crates of cured fish. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough.
He muttered under his breath, pain biting at the edges of his focus as he reached out with his off-hand. Arcane words curled past his lips like smoke, and a faint shimmer sparked in the air before him. A translucent, spectral hand—Mage Hand—flared to life and darted toward the rope.
Briar’s eyes locked on it, jaw clenched, blood still dripping down his front as he willed the hand forward, reaching, stretching...
OOC:
Evade is just one action, so you still have another. There is a rope nearby, so gimme a Test and describe if you have enough precision to bring it closer. If you fail, tell us how you got hurt/distracted or how the hand disperses. If you succeed, you got that rope and can try to wrap him next round. He will try, once more, to kill you. Roll 2 reactions, as before.
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