Mar 5, 2018 3:49 am
Erden notices Baracus change his method of moving and begins to watch out for any danger in the crowds.
Rolls
Perception - (1d20+0)
(19) = 19
Episode 1: Pradesh
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Mar 7, 2018 5:21 pm
Ryder, Baracus, and Erden
After Ryder discreetly points out the golden child and his observations/suspicions the three of you follow the procession warily. If the child is indeed being taken somewhere against her will, no one around but you seems the wiser. After a few more twists and turns the procession slips into an alley. Just before they disappear around the corner the Kaspeathan looks at you with a smirk. It appears you've been made!
What do you do?
After Ryder discreetly points out the golden child and his observations/suspicions the three of you follow the procession warily. If the child is indeed being taken somewhere against her will, no one around but you seems the wiser. After a few more twists and turns the procession slips into an alley. Just before they disappear around the corner the Kaspeathan looks at you with a smirk. It appears you've been made!
What do you do?
Mar 7, 2018 5:21 pm
Urban
The food hawker accepts your money (15sp for the three bowls of curry, and your 2gp tip) and squirrels it away behind the wide, grease-stained sash holding his bony frame together. "Sahib, this is the only market in the city - unless you count the 'other market' ...outside the walls, if you know what I mean...AHEM but a respectable citizen such as yourself wouldn't be interested in that place! he says with an exaggerated snort. "Speaking of respectable, you'll want the Mandala. That is, if you're swimming in cash...it's clear across town near the Serpent Gate. I don't know about animal traders, sorry. Might want to try down by the docks.
Glancing towards the wagon you see Ybus holding what appears to be a makeshift fishing rod with a line running into his bowl of curry. At that moment from the crowd emerges what might be the most beautiful woman you have ever laid eyes on, with skin like honey and sea green eyes a man could drown in. Inexplicably neither she nor her two armed female guards appear to have a spot of colored powder on them. Instead, their diaphanous shawls are strewn with rose petals. This vision strides up to the wagon and punches Aditya in the groin. As the spice merchant doubles over in pain the woman reaches up and yanks him to the ground where he lies writhing in the dust. The two bodyguards look on impassively, but several passing city guards stop to watch, laughing.
Ybus
The woman snarls at Aditya. "What are you doing dawdling around here, you fool?! Get up and walk it off. Come on, cuz!" She reaches down and helps the man up. "The aunties have summoned you! ALL FOUR of them!" her eyes widening with emphasis when she says the last bit. Aditya pales noticeably, sits bolt upright and scrambles to his feet. "This is my cousin Aishwarya." he explains "You boys had better come with us if you want to get paid."
What do you do?
The food hawker accepts your money (15sp for the three bowls of curry, and your 2gp tip) and squirrels it away behind the wide, grease-stained sash holding his bony frame together. "Sahib, this is the only market in the city - unless you count the 'other market' ...outside the walls, if you know what I mean...AHEM but a respectable citizen such as yourself wouldn't be interested in that place! he says with an exaggerated snort. "Speaking of respectable, you'll want the Mandala. That is, if you're swimming in cash...it's clear across town near the Serpent Gate. I don't know about animal traders, sorry. Might want to try down by the docks.
Glancing towards the wagon you see Ybus holding what appears to be a makeshift fishing rod with a line running into his bowl of curry. At that moment from the crowd emerges what might be the most beautiful woman you have ever laid eyes on, with skin like honey and sea green eyes a man could drown in. Inexplicably neither she nor her two armed female guards appear to have a spot of colored powder on them. Instead, their diaphanous shawls are strewn with rose petals. This vision strides up to the wagon and punches Aditya in the groin. As the spice merchant doubles over in pain the woman reaches up and yanks him to the ground where he lies writhing in the dust. The two bodyguards look on impassively, but several passing city guards stop to watch, laughing.
Ybus
The woman snarls at Aditya. "What are you doing dawdling around here, you fool?! Get up and walk it off. Come on, cuz!" She reaches down and helps the man up. "The aunties have summoned you! ALL FOUR of them!" her eyes widening with emphasis when she says the last bit. Aditya pales noticeably, sits bolt upright and scrambles to his feet. "This is my cousin Aishwarya." he explains "You boys had better come with us if you want to get paid."
What do you do?
Mar 7, 2018 5:30 pm
"This spot's no good," Ybus mutters, and switches his rudimentary and poorly-made fishing rod over to Aditya's bowl. He then sneezes, casting sprinkles of powder atop the surface of curry. He doesn't appear to have heard Aditya, intent upon his task while sitting in the wagon.
Mar 7, 2018 9:31 pm
Urban walks up slowly and takes in the whole scene, with no intent to speak to soon.
This woman is amazing. Urban is enamored by her beauty and the sound of her voice. He watches her the whole time, completely ignoring Aditya.
After being introduced, Urban bows and extends a hand graciously, hoping to take hold of hers. He smiles and introduces himself, "Lady Aishwarya, none of the wonders and beauty that I have seen this day compare to the sight of you. I am Urban Septime, a humble traveler from Cysegr, at your service."
This woman is amazing. Urban is enamored by her beauty and the sound of her voice. He watches her the whole time, completely ignoring Aditya.
After being introduced, Urban bows and extends a hand graciously, hoping to take hold of hers. He smiles and introduces himself, "Lady Aishwarya, none of the wonders and beauty that I have seen this day compare to the sight of you. I am Urban Septime, a humble traveler from Cysegr, at your service."
OOC:
Fellas, caution is hereby thrown to the wind. Urban is going in.Last edited March 7, 2018 9:40 pm
Rolls
Raw CHA check - (1d20+3)
(6) + 3 = 9
Mar 7, 2018 9:34 pm
Jabes.plays.RPG says:
It appears you've been made!OOC:
Sorry, can you clarify that Jabes? I assume it means he's noticed we're tailing him?"You guys got somethin' smart to do before I punch this fool?"
Last edited March 8, 2018 5:49 am
Mar 8, 2018 4:53 am
Your assumption is correct. The alley smells of garbage. A rat scurries out if it.
Mar 8, 2018 2:09 pm
Urban & Ybus
Aishwarya laughs melodiously and allows Urban to take her hand - it's soft but surprisingly strong - but only briefly before she snatches it back. "You're cute!" she says to the paladin, "But not as cute as this little one!" she exclaims, fawning over Ybus. "Aawww...they're adorble, Adi! Where did you find them?!"
"Ash," her cousin admonishes, "we mustn't keep the aunties waiting!"
You allow Aishwarya and Aditya to guide you west across town to a neighborhood of moderately well-off merchants. One house dominates the rest: a jumble of additions that cling to an original structure like piglets at the teat. Upon entering the courtyard you are met and fussed over by a gaggle of cousins, nieces and nephews. There are so many names it's impossible to remember. The horse is taken to be tended, and you are given wash cloths and basins of cold water to clean up and refresh yourselves. The place smells of home: baking bread, freshly washed sheets, flower petals for Dasai. At last you're brought before what might be the most fearsome adversaries you have ever faced: the Four Aunties.
Auntie Deshna is tall and stern. Auntie Bazilah looks Urban over appraisingly in much the same way a cougar studies a hunk of meat. Auntie Rasya fawns over Ybus and plies you both with food. Auntie Sunitha, the most ancient of the four, is tiny - just barely clearing four feet, but is easily the most formidable woman you have ever met. She gazes imperiously over you as if she were the Maharani herself. "Our fool nephew claims he owes you money." she lifts a finger, and a chest - presumably of gold - is brought and laid at her feet. "However, I understand the service contracted was protection of the chili farm and putting down Kumar's attack dogs. I understand the chili farm has been razed, and said attack dogs still live." Auntie Sunitha leans forward. "Money is owed, yes. But I'm unsure we are the debtors here."
What do you do?
Aishwarya laughs melodiously and allows Urban to take her hand - it's soft but surprisingly strong - but only briefly before she snatches it back. "You're cute!" she says to the paladin, "But not as cute as this little one!" she exclaims, fawning over Ybus. "Aawww...they're adorble, Adi! Where did you find them?!"
"Ash," her cousin admonishes, "we mustn't keep the aunties waiting!"
You allow Aishwarya and Aditya to guide you west across town to a neighborhood of moderately well-off merchants. One house dominates the rest: a jumble of additions that cling to an original structure like piglets at the teat. Upon entering the courtyard you are met and fussed over by a gaggle of cousins, nieces and nephews. There are so many names it's impossible to remember. The horse is taken to be tended, and you are given wash cloths and basins of cold water to clean up and refresh yourselves. The place smells of home: baking bread, freshly washed sheets, flower petals for Dasai. At last you're brought before what might be the most fearsome adversaries you have ever faced: the Four Aunties.
Auntie Deshna is tall and stern. Auntie Bazilah looks Urban over appraisingly in much the same way a cougar studies a hunk of meat. Auntie Rasya fawns over Ybus and plies you both with food. Auntie Sunitha, the most ancient of the four, is tiny - just barely clearing four feet, but is easily the most formidable woman you have ever met. She gazes imperiously over you as if she were the Maharani herself. "Our fool nephew claims he owes you money." she lifts a finger, and a chest - presumably of gold - is brought and laid at her feet. "However, I understand the service contracted was protection of the chili farm and putting down Kumar's attack dogs. I understand the chili farm has been razed, and said attack dogs still live." Auntie Sunitha leans forward. "Money is owed, yes. But I'm unsure we are the debtors here."
What do you do?
Mar 8, 2018 2:38 pm
OOC:
Just waiting on Naat to chime in. If you guys don't got anything, I guess the default plan is follow and confront them. Mar 8, 2018 4:18 pm
Ybus resists at first, trying to keep his fishing rod in what he claims is the perfect spot. Ultimately he is cast adrift, lost in the waves of people buffeting him with food and attention until he feels like he is drowning in the wash basin.
Which is actually what happens, as Ybus' face is buried in the cold water with a few bubbles breaking the surface. Something kicks in and Ybus comes up for air, gasping with a run of snot dangling precariously over his open maw.
The next moment is a blur for the halfling, but he finds himself standing before the Four Aunties with gujiya in one hand and a malpua in the other. Ybus pockets the dumpling (adding it to a number of other foods absently stuffed into his robes), rolls up the malpua, and clamps his teeth around one end like a cigar.
"With respect, ma'am," says Ybus in an odd drawl, hooking his thumbs into the lapels of his robe, "the terms of this here contract were altered by our client, so said, and I quote..."
Ybus changes his voice, mimicking Aditya's panicked shrieks, "Forget what I said about saving my farm! Just get me out of this alive and I'll pay you the 500 gold I promised!" Ybus then adds the sounds of battle, the crackle of fire, and the shattering of wood as best he can with a malpua in his mouth.
Which is actually what happens, as Ybus' face is buried in the cold water with a few bubbles breaking the surface. Something kicks in and Ybus comes up for air, gasping with a run of snot dangling precariously over his open maw.
The next moment is a blur for the halfling, but he finds himself standing before the Four Aunties with gujiya in one hand and a malpua in the other. Ybus pockets the dumpling (adding it to a number of other foods absently stuffed into his robes), rolls up the malpua, and clamps his teeth around one end like a cigar.
"With respect, ma'am," says Ybus in an odd drawl, hooking his thumbs into the lapels of his robe, "the terms of this here contract were altered by our client, so said, and I quote..."
Ybus changes his voice, mimicking Aditya's panicked shrieks, "Forget what I said about saving my farm! Just get me out of this alive and I'll pay you the 500 gold I promised!" Ybus then adds the sounds of battle, the crackle of fire, and the shattering of wood as best he can with a malpua in his mouth.
Rolls
Performance for Mimicry and Sound Effects - (1d20+2)
(17) + 2 = 19
Mar 8, 2018 9:58 pm
Erden sighs, "Go down a parallel street, please," he urges his companions, "I will send our little feathered friend to keep an eye on them and I'll keep us close," he says, summoning a ruffled-looking owl into his hand and whispering to it before sending it off to fly overhead and watch their quarry's direction.
I have not named my owl, but you'll all be familiar (haha!) with him as Erden's constant magical companion
OOC:
Switching my vision to that of the owl and keeping an eye on them!I have not named my owl, but you'll all be familiar (haha!) with him as Erden's constant magical companion
Mar 8, 2018 10:08 pm
OOC:
Yo, DM Jabes. Can you give a little bit of flavor or background about the details of our former job with Aditya that went downhill?I want Urban to respond in character to the claims and questions of the Aunt conclave, but struggling a bit. I'm not sure Urban would really play hardball to catch someone in a technicality, demand $500 just because someone blurted it out in terror of getting killed, and all the while knowing that we really had failed to complete some previous job terms.
Not trying to put you on the hook for a separate "Prequel" novel, just wanting to cut to the chase on an honest acceptance of our performance. Did we really botch the last job? Or was the entire collapse of the previous scene completely Aditya's fault? What value is really fair in the reasonable sense of the word?
If these women are fair, we might be better off working with them to keep a relationship, seeing what else we might be able to do with/for them, instead of making enemies by demanding unfair payment on a trick verbal contract under stress.
Plus, fellas, sorry... Paladin. Lawful Good. Women in the room. Some of them hot. All of them pretty cool...
Urban is not going to be the best closer on this deal if the goal is to hold the line on 500gp if he doesn't feel like he and the team earned it.
Last edited March 8, 2018 10:09 pm
Mar 8, 2018 11:41 pm
OOC:
Got it; backstab Urban so we can live guilt free with pockets full of dirty, blood money.Mar 9, 2018 1:11 am
Naatkinson says:
Erden sighs, "Go down a parallel street, please," he urges his companions, "I will send our little feathered friend to keep an eye on them and I'll keep us close," he says, summoning a ruffled-looking owl into his hand and whispering to it before sending it off to fly overhead and watch their quarry's direction.OOC:
Switching my vision to that of the owl and keeping an eye on them!I have not named my owl, but you'll all be familiar (haha!) with him as Erden's constant magical companion
OOC:
Love itBaracus doesn't see a side street, so he pushes down a flimsy gate and runs through into a courtyard, almost knocking Erden off his perch and sending a flock of pigeons into the air. He leaps over a low fence onto another busy side street and gingerly sidesteps a fruit cart.
Mar 11, 2018 6:15 pm
Ryder, Baracus, and Erden
It turns out the decision to take a parallel street rather than follow them into the alley was an inspired bit of strategy. Through his familiar's eyes Erden sees a dimly lit alley strewn with garbage and piles of broken furniture sitting in puddles of ditch water. The bearded Kaspeathan throws open a door and two of his men carrying the golden child's litter hurry through. Before ducking through the door himself and presumably barring the door against entry, the leader speaks a word of power, and the four men remaining in the alley are transformed into humongous, slavering rodents.
In the other street, as you sidestep the fruit cart, a door flies open. The Kaspeathan, about to rush out, is startled when he comes face to face with Baracus. With a snarl he backs up and slams the door back shut. You hear him screaming commands at his two remaining men and scrambling to lock the door.
Roll Initiative!
It turns out the decision to take a parallel street rather than follow them into the alley was an inspired bit of strategy. Through his familiar's eyes Erden sees a dimly lit alley strewn with garbage and piles of broken furniture sitting in puddles of ditch water. The bearded Kaspeathan throws open a door and two of his men carrying the golden child's litter hurry through. Before ducking through the door himself and presumably barring the door against entry, the leader speaks a word of power, and the four men remaining in the alley are transformed into humongous, slavering rodents.
In the other street, as you sidestep the fruit cart, a door flies open. The Kaspeathan, about to rush out, is startled when he comes face to face with Baracus. With a snarl he backs up and slams the door back shut. You hear him screaming commands at his two remaining men and scrambling to lock the door.
Roll Initiative!
Rolls
Kaspeathan init - (1d20+3)
(4) + 3 = 7
Bad dudes init - (1d20)
(14) = 14
Mar 11, 2018 6:34 pm
Ybus and Urban
As Ybus perfectly recreates the scene at the chili farm, the Aunties (with the exception of Auntie Rasya who now has a genuine look of concern on her face) turn to scowl at their nephew. "Is this true, Adi?" Auntie Sunitha growls. "If this is true then the contract is fulfilled and these men must be paid." Aditya nods meekly and the matriarch motions for someone to hand you the chest of gold.
What do you do now?
As Ybus perfectly recreates the scene at the chili farm, the Aunties (with the exception of Auntie Rasya who now has a genuine look of concern on her face) turn to scowl at their nephew. "Is this true, Adi?" Auntie Sunitha growls. "If this is true then the contract is fulfilled and these men must be paid." Aditya nods meekly and the matriarch motions for someone to hand you the chest of gold.
What do you do now?
Mar 11, 2018 8:10 pm
Rydler allows his dagger to slide down into his grip.
Rolls
Initiative - (1d20+4)
(15) + 4 = 19
Mar 12, 2018 1:30 am
Erden sighs, "Must everything turn into a fight?" he laments quietly, and then shrugs, summoning his reserves of magic to empower him.
Rolls
Initiative - (1d20+2)
(12) + 2 = 14
Mar 12, 2018 2:30 am
OOC:
Just waiting on Baracus' init roll now. With his low init roll the Kaspeathan isn't going to get the door locked before you act (IC you can hear him fumbling with it). Therefore no roll required to kick in the door if that's what any of you choose to do.Mar 12, 2018 2:56 am
Ybus takes a bite out of his malpua, removes it still semi-rolled, and taps it like one would dislodge ash. "Saved a bit o' the stock, too. And since he's alive he can set up another farm, can't ye? One with nice plump chilis, dragging down to the ground, like big ol' cucumbers." He hefts imaginary fruit for emphasis.
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