A Community for Gamers, by Gamers A forum dedicated to play by post gaming of all types, homebrew creations, rules discussion for various systems, and everything in between. |
| | Season 1 - Fall | |
| | |
Author | Message |
---|
Iron and Metal Admin
Posts : 5171 Join date : 2017-10-15 Age : 37 Location : Where the sun settles in its final location
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu May 21, 2020 4:45 pm | |
| Tekahionwake found a thick iron drain pipe that had been bolted to the frame of the manor, through the plaster just outside the window. He looped the rope around the iron, so that it slid through with one end hitting the ground on each side.
He looked to the others and grabbed both ends of the rope. This would secure him, while keeping the rope in place. Once on the ground, as long as they did this, all he had to do was yank the rope free and remove any evidence of their being there.
He pointed to his eyes. Watch.
He then stepped out, feet on the wall, big hands squeezing both ends of the rope together, and moving down with a quickness. | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu May 21, 2020 6:11 pm | |
| Whitepaws makes it to the ground, moving very slowly and taking care not to move closely to the window next to the rope. At one point, he can see two bluecoats, one in the window to his left and one in the window to his right. Both are preoccupied digging through the room, but all it would take is one of them simply turning their shoulder...
Breathless, Whitepaws reaches the ground without anyone noticing. The other scoundrels sneak down without alerting the guards or falling either, and although Stev looks a little awkward on the ropes, the whole ordeal goes about as successfully as anyone could have possibly hoped.
There are still bluecoats running in and out of the house in the front, making trips to and from their carriage on the street.
Although the box seems to leech any warmth from Rake's side, the party has infiltrated the house, grabbed the mark and made it out without alerting the bluecoats or Inspector Vale. Now they just have to make it to the bookstore...if only you didn't have a sense that spirits were watching like vultures eyeing a carcass in the deadlands. _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu May 21, 2020 6:23 pm | |
| As Whitepaws waits on the ground for the others, he pauses to reflect on the sensation he felt when he first picked up the longsword. He felt a rush of energy flow through his body. Whatever he was feeling in the moment was dimmed beyond the ecstasy of combat. His thoughts were of nothing but bloodshed and war, of fistfights and duels and brawls. It was euphoric, but in a vile, dirty sort of way, like it was indulging a side of himself that is best left ignored. His heart continued to pound for several moments after putting the blade on his back, but as he waited on the ground, he felt the urge to draw it once more and knew it could only be resisted for some time... In a moment of keen intuition, Whitepaws realizes that the blade will have blood before the night is done, or there will be a price to pay. - The Bloodletter:
So Jeff, Whitepaws has to kill someone every session you wield that blade (including this one), otherwise you take 2 harm. You can rid yourself of the blade so that you don't have to deal with it later, but that's a complication you have to deal with this session since you've already picked it up.
_________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | Theoretical
Posts : 345 Join date : 2018-01-03
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Fri May 22, 2020 9:16 am | |
| Stev shuffled quietly through the backyard, making sure to keep quiet. If his contact had followed orders, she should be nearby. He just hoped she wasn't still nursing the hangover from last night...
-- --
"I hear you've got a carriage." Stev asked, directly to the point. The man, sitting at the bar table, barely glanced up. "Not interested." Confusion evident, Stev tried again "I've been told you rent out your carriage, no questions asked. I have the funds available." "Look, I'm trying to have dinner with my friend here, and you're interrupting. Now piss off."
Rake puts a hand on Stev's shoulder and pulls him away. "Leave it Books" "I don't get it. Back home, people would often interrupt unimportant activities to discuss business. Proper friends would understand that business talks meant money. I thought the desperate would understand such things."
"Oi!" A voice halted Stev and Rake's exit from the bar. "You lookin' for a ride?" A woman points at the seat across from her table, currently covered in empty tankards. Stev looks curiously at Rake before sitting down to join the woman.
"Ye lookin' fe a carriage. M' drink's empty. Ye fill it, gimme some funds, and I'll take ye to whatever whorehouse ye want." "Ah, thank you for the offer. We're not looking for a trip to the... to anything like that." Stev paused, fishing a piece of paper from his pocket. "But if you're offering your services, we could use a ride at this location, tomorrow." "Ah, well, I dinnae about m' services." She squints at Stev. "But I'll drive ye around then. Names Finella." "Excellent. Please, call me Books." "Good. Now, fill m' cup." | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sat May 23, 2020 11:06 am | |
| The party rounds the corner to the street where they directed Finella to pick them up. The street is broad and well lit, with well-to-do citizens strolling the sidewalks. Across the road, people are lining up outside of a theater for a late showing.
It's only about two blocks away from Mathias' manor, so everyone is on guard and glancing over their shoulders for bluecoats - this part of town is crawling with patrols, after all. Even worse, the patrols are heavily armed.
Glancing up and down the street for Finella, you don't spot her anywhere. A horse-drawn carriage comes in your direction, but stops 20 feet away to let off a noble and passes by you without pause.
Adding to your unease is the sense that a spirit was watching from the roof of a nearby townhouse, or eyeing you from a dark side alley... _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | Iron and Metal Admin
Posts : 5171 Join date : 2017-10-15 Age : 37 Location : Where the sun settles in its final location
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sat May 23, 2020 5:18 pm | |
| Tekahionwake walked briskly, making sure not to seem to conspicuous with the sword strapped to his back.
He kept his wits about him, eyes open and scanning, but he couldn't help thinking of the bastard Matchitehew. How his eyes would bulge in terror as Whitepaws unsheathed the weapon. How it would feel to rend his limbs from their sockets, to tear into his chest and pull his still beating heart from it. To...
He shook his head. The sword was inside of it again, but he couldn't say he hated those feelings in particular... | |
| | | Theoretical
Posts : 345 Join date : 2018-01-03
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 12:35 am | |
| Stev muttered softly under his breath. In hindsight, he should have recognised the signs of someone whose addiction make them dysfunctional. Still, Finella had promised and taken the note Stev had provided. Stev had made it clear she was expected to be on time.
"This is an unfortunate turn of events" Stev mumbled, still looking down the street in hope. | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 12:35 pm | |
| Right on cue, a ramshackle, goat-drawn carriage rounds the corner. A few nobles cry out in protest as they jump out of it's path - which is not to say the carriage is going particularly fast. It's just that the driver doesn't seem to differentiate between sidewalk and main road.
The carriage continues to languidly zig zag across the lane before rolling up to an abrupt stop in front of the party. Perched in the driver's seat is a woman with frazzled hair and a wide, wicked green. A few passerby in fine clothes look on with aghast expressions - goats are awfully plebeian, after all. This woman, this carriage, none of it belongs here in Brightstone, and it's painfully obvious. She totters backwards in her seat, grabbing a bottle and taking a pull before wiping her mouth with the back of her arm.
The woman glances over the party, squinting to make sure it's the folks who hired her - she nods when she recognizes Rake and Books.
"Saddle up chums!" _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 12:51 pm | |
| For a moment, Rake forgets the feeling of dread that has cast its pall upon him since he picked up the box from the manor at 54 Beech Street. He stares at Finella, then looks at the crowd in front of the theater. The wealthy theatergoers across the street all seem to be politely ignoring them, which for people of their class means they are staring. There were now dozens of witnesses because of this woman's carelessness. He looks at Whitepaws, the big Severosi with a sword on his back would certainly be memorable.
He chuckles nervously and shakes his head in disbelief. So much for all their carefulness.
"Let's get moving, we're drawing attention to ourselves."
He climbs aboard the carriage, pulling the collar of his coat up to make his face harder to see under his hat. | |
| | | NightingaleJ
Posts : 277 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 12:59 pm | |
| After entering the carriage a covering up her nose because of the strong smell of alcohol, Ash turns to Marius and whispers on his ear. "Where did you find her? If we are lucky we won't get stop by the bluecoats on the way there with her driving." The woman seems to be a total badass but if she was going to become their getaway driver she would need a lot of training. | |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 1:30 pm | |
| "In a tavern, believe it or not. However, I didn't think she was going to bring it with her..." he whispers back, looking at Finella as she takes another swig from her bottle.
He turns his head to look at a nearby rooftop, suddenly certain there are eyes on him. The feeling from the Emerald Well was back in full force. "Also, I don't think the Bluecoats are what we should be most worried about." | |
| | | NightingaleJ
Posts : 277 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 1:40 pm | |
| Ash turned in the direction Marius was looking, trying to find what was taking his attention, but she could see nothing. <<Ghost most be roaming.>> "I see, well I don't, but you know what I mean." She says. | |
| | | Iron and Metal Admin
Posts : 5171 Join date : 2017-10-15 Age : 37 Location : Where the sun settles in its final location
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 5:09 pm | |
| "You've got to be fucking kidding me," said Whitepaws, his usual stoicism replaced by a look of frustration and shock. He knew he looked ridiculous enough with the giant, bloodthirsty sword on his back.
Now the image was beautifully painted for any and all to see. He took the sword and scabbard off of his back and set it so that the "tip" was on the floorboard so that it could rest comfortably between his legs, hilt up. | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 5:17 pm | |
| Finella cracks the whip and takes the carriage out into the street. Through an opening between the passenger compartment and the driver's seat, you can spot a brace of pistols laying at her feet. She leans down and pats them.
"Don' worry frens, I'll be ready if the bluecoats give us an' trouble."
The coach starts moving at a fast clip down the street. It appears Finella has wised up to the nature of the situation, namely that you need to get out of here fast.
"An' uh, where to?" _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 5:27 pm | |
| Turning back to Finella, Rake says: "Six Towers, at the corner of Bowmore and Rowan Way."
His voice hardening, like a displeased Officer haranguing a soldier caught juggling grenades, he adds: "And if the Bluecoats come calling, you best not draw those pistols before any of us draw ours. Is that clear?"
Last edited by moarhair on Mon May 25, 2020 7:20 am; edited 1 time in total | |
| | | Iron and Metal Admin
Posts : 5171 Join date : 2017-10-15 Age : 37 Location : Where the sun settles in its final location
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 24, 2020 5:43 pm | |
| Tekahionwake felt the sword vibrate at Rake's mention of shooting down Bluecoats. The sensation it sent through him was something similar to thirst on a hot day. He needed to quench it.
Throw it into the river or sell it as soon as you can. This sword will be the end of you. His conscience felt different now, almost as though something or someone was speaking to him. Was an ancient from the Bear Clan breaking through the veil just long enough to wisen him up? It was soon gone.
In its place was simply the thirst. | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Mon May 25, 2020 9:14 am | |
| - moarhair wrote:
- Turning back to Finella, Rake says: "Six Towers, at the corner of Bowmore and Rowan Way."
His voice hardening, like a displeased Officer haranguing a soldier caught juggling grenades, he adds: "And if the Bluecoats come calling, you best not draw those pistols before any of us draw ours. Is that clear?" "Right-o. Yer the boss." Shortly afterwards, she starts whistling a familiar tune, softly and slightly off-key as the carriage trundles down the streets. - tune:
There's certainly a few moments of unease as you pass by armed bluecoat patrols - they eye the carriage warily and tightly grip their truncheons at the sight of you. Thankfully, however, you pass out of Brightstone without further event. Even if you weren't looking out the windows, you could feel you've passed into Six Towers just by the movement of the carriage. The compartment bumps and jostles as the wheels roll over cracked roadways and potholes large enough that would have been repaired immediately in Brightstone. Outside, the gleaming city streets have been replaced with mostly darkness, save for the occasional streetlamp, bar and distant lights in run-down apartment buildings. After a minute or two of passing through the comparatively desolate lanes of Six Towers, however, the carriage slows and comes to a halt. From the driver's seat, Finella is disturbingly quiet. She seems frozen in place. Looking out the side window, you can see a few beggars yelp and run away from their campfire in a darkened alley. A cloaked figure runs past the window as well, glancing in fright over their shoulder to the front of the carriage. Finella's voice weakly breaks the quiet. "Thers....thers somethin'....." _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | NightingaleJ
Posts : 277 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Mon May 25, 2020 11:56 am | |
| Ash grabs the spirit bane in her pocket and takes a peek from the window. "Brother, I think the time has come for you to do your thing with the arcane." Taking out one of her pistols she checks it's loaded then looks at Marius. "I can cover you from the living." | |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Mon May 25, 2020 12:23 pm | |
| Rake snaps out of his reverie when the carriage comes to a halt. He is covered in a cold sweat, his pupils dilated. His thighs feel frozen from the cold emanating from the box in the satchel resting on his legs.
Rake nods at his sister's words, pulls the box from his bag and hands it to Whitepaws. "If things go poorly out there, leave and deliver it. I'll buy you as much time as I can."
He stands and opens the door, leaning out to see what brought Finella to a stop. | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Mon May 25, 2020 1:18 pm | |
| As Rake opens the door, he is greeted with the foul stench of rotting flesh. Sickly sweet, it takes some effort to resist the urge to gag. The air outside the carriage also feels noticeably cooler than it did on the streets of Brightstone...his breath hangs in the air. The chill, damp air feels like it sinks in past his coat and into his bones. It's a chill that takes more than a warm fire and a hot meal to recover from - the type of cold you'll dream about for weeks to come. Looking in front of the carriage, he spots what is undoubtedly the source of these unusual sensations. A woman, dressed in a plain white commoner's dress, stands in the worn-out brick road. It looks as if she has been interred for a year or two and only recently climbed out from the earth. Her dress is dirty and splotched with red, green and brown stains. Her forearms and face reveal decomposing flesh, sagging and even hanging limp from bare bone in some areas. Black hair flows over her wretched face and cascades past her shoulders. She smiles serenely at Rake, revealing yellowed teeth and decaying gums. She opens her mouth to speak and the voice that comes out is like listening to an incredibly sick person speak their last words. "Evenin', handsome." - meta:
So Rake gets the sense that this is a fairly powerful and VERY rogue, unpredictable spirit. You can try to control it but it will be difficult. What little sanity remains here is clearly frayed and tenuous at best.
_________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Mon May 25, 2020 2:04 pm | |
| Rake tried breathing through his mouth, but it just made it so he'd taste the rotting smell. He can feel the power radiating from the rogue spirit, erratic and all sharp edges. He glances at his crew. "Be ready to move," he mutters.
He steps down from the carriage. His feet come down with a small crinkling sound as his boots crack the thin layer of ice spreading across the ground. He starts walking towards the ghost slowly.
"Evening, ma'am. Are you lost? Perhaps I can help you find your way." Rake speaks in a peaceful, quiet voice, trying not to spook the rogue spirit facing him. At the same time, he reaches into the ghost field. He tries to to surround her with his power slowly, hoping the pull of the Emerald Well will keep his attempt hidden as he tightens his grip. | |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Mon May 25, 2020 3:17 pm | |
| The ghost looks confused for a second. "Lost... I... No... No. I've found." As she focuses back on Rake, he stretches out his right arm tightens his grip.
A foul wind picks up as the spirit roars in anger as she finally feels the arcane bonds. Her eyes sink into her skull and her jaw unhinges, exposing rows upon rows of sharp, pointed teeth. Her dress writhes like maggots against her rotten skin. Her arms twist unnaturally and lengthen as she pushes back.
Rake's hat is blown off his head and his long coat flaps in the gale as he slips back on the icy ground. "Leave! There is nothing for you here!" He tries to close his fist, but the ghost's struggles hold his fingers open.
The air feels charged, like before a thunderstorm. Sparks crackle from the ghost as she gathers what arcane energy she can. A bolt strikes a nearby light, and it catches fire. Another hits one of the carriage's front wheels and Finella gasps, but otherwise remains paralyzed by fear.
The ghost contracts pulling the energy surrounding it, and unleashes it at Rake in a crackling bolt. The Whisper brings up his left hand and shifts his feet. The spirit's strike hits his hand and he feels it burrow into his arm. He pulls it in and down, through his left side and down his leg, grounding the arcane power like an electrical current. While his left arm channels the attack, he closes his right hand.
"LEAVE!!!"
He opens his right hand, and the spirit is gone.
The wind dies down.
Rake sighs, then winces. He looks at his left hand. The palm of his glove is gone and the skin underneath it is charred black. He can feel that the wound goes up to his elbow, his arm having taken the brunt of the energy before he got it under control.
Holding his injured arm close to his chest and walks back to the carriage and plops himself down next to Ash. "We can go now." | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Tue May 26, 2020 9:29 am | |
| Finella stares dumbfounded as Rake walks back to the carriage. The party members inside the passenger compartment can hear her grumbling under breath about how she "doesn't get paid enough for this bollocks."
Shaking her head and cursing, she cracks the whip and sets out again along the bumpy, dark road. In just a few moments time you reach Bowmore and Rowan Way. You clamber out of the carriage, toss her a bag of coins.
She tips her hat.
"Thankee and good evenin'. You need a ride, call on me anytime at the Blind Badger." (the bar you found her at).
The party heads down the street toward the alley that will take you to the drop off point. You do your best to ignore the dark figures leering from alleyways and second floor windows of abandoned storefronts. You waste no time - you've warded off one ghost and dodged bluecoats, but that luck will only carry you so far.
Fortunately, you experience no more trouble in the few minutes it takes to reach the bookstore. You pass by a few bums in the alleyway, fast asleep or too intoxicated to notice you.
Opening the backdoor of the bookstore, you find three figures with dark hoods over their heads waiting in the murk. One of them steps forward confidently, standing silently in front of your party for a moment. The room is rather dark - you can hardly see a few feet in front of you. And there's no sound save for a strange creaking noise upstairs...
The figure in front of you reaches out with an empty hand, their palm facing the ceiling.
The two others lurk in the background, watching motionlessly. _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Tue May 26, 2020 9:50 am | |
| Rake had taken the box back from Whitepaws, hoping the cold emanating from it would soothe his burnt hand. Unfortunately, holding it had felt like it was biting down into his wound in an effort to get at the residual arcane energy in his arm, so he had put it back in his bag.
He pulls it out, placing it in the figure's open hand. He then holds out his own, mirroring the figure's gesture. | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Tue May 26, 2020 11:40 am | |
| The figure takes the box, holding it gingerly. It gestures slowly in the direction of a corner of the room to your left, where a good-sized chest sits on the dirty floorboards.
A raspy voice breaks the silence.
"Your payment. Mr. Gaunt appreciates your assistance - you may leave now."
The trio stands impassively. They're clearly not here for small talk. _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | Iron and Metal Admin
Posts : 5171 Join date : 2017-10-15 Age : 37 Location : Where the sun settles in its final location
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Tue May 26, 2020 5:15 pm | |
| Whitepaws had made ready to unsheathe the sword, but before he could act, Rake was already stepping back into the carriage. He gave the man a nod of respect. He had clearly just been through a battle worth remembering.
He stood imposingly during the handoff and went to check the chest when the man nodded to it.
| |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu May 28, 2020 11:02 am | |
| The party quickly hustles down the streets of Six Towers and back to their lair, careful to lose any tails. Another score in the books...you'll just have to hope that no one comes knocking for that sword, and that the spirit is gone for good. Episode 2 DowntimeAs Ash is returning from the fighting pits to the crew's barge, she is stopped in the street by a group of dark figures. Here in the docks there are a lot of sailors and longshoreman wandering about, so the group gestures toward a dark alley. Outnumbered, Ash hesitantly complies. The leader among them is a woman in fine, although out of date, clothes. Something about her seems...not quite right. With her are a few armed thugs. The woman skips the pleasantries... "I work for the Dimmer Sisters. You've heard of them, I'm sure. We're not fond of your trafficking in unusual goods." She takes a step forward aggressively, backing Ash into a corner. One of them nearby pulls his cloak back to reveal a saber, just to drive the point home. "Should you continue this line of work, we will have no option but to take matters into our own hands." She steps backwards, giving it a moment to let her words sink in. "However...were you to share some profits with my superiors, they may reconsider their position." - entanglement meta info:
An enemy faction makes a move against you (or a friend, contact, or vice purveyor). Pay them (1 rep and 1 coin) per Tier of the enemy as an apology, allow them to mess with you or yours, or fight back and show them who’s boss.
_________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | NightingaleJ
Posts : 277 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu May 28, 2020 12:35 pm | |
| Ash returns bruised on body and ego, she had been to distract and the Dimmer lackeys had taken advantage of it.
"Emergency meeting everyone!" She calls out once she had taken a sat at the kitchen table. "Dimmer sisters want payment and they seem ready to raise hell for us if need be."
The boat is calm for a few seconds but later she can hear the steps of her crewmates responding to the call. Things are going to get interesting. | |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu May 28, 2020 12:51 pm | |
| After listening to Ash recount her encounter with the Dimmer Sisters' thugs, Marius stands up and starts pacing the length of the common room, clearly agitated. "This is bad. This is very bad. We're already on the brink of war with the Fog Hounds. We can't afford to fight on two fronts. Besides..." He thinks of Nyryx. The Dimmer Sisters are known for their influence over the spirit trade. The Fog Hounds may not have been a threat to her, but the Sisters certainly were. He flexes his injured hand. "It's going to make us look weak, but I think we have to pay them off. It's better than hiding out and letting them mess with our... people."- meta:
This is the most agitated you've ever seen Marius. He's usually pretty cool under pressure.
| |
| | | NightingaleJ
Posts : 277 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu May 28, 2020 1:14 pm | |
| Ash looks her bother to walk back an forth, her eyes and head following his every move. She is too tired, too sore. <<What I'm missing here?>> Without thinking too much she stands slowly from the chair chest tight. <<Aght, bruised ribs are a bitch.>> Once the sting is gone she walks behind Marius, hugging him from behind and almost leaning her full weight on him.
"Calm down, you are making me feel dizzy, we can handle it. Maybe we could throw in a few jobs to get them on our good side while we are at it." | |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu May 28, 2020 2:23 pm | |
| Marius stops pacing. He raises his good hand and puts it on top of his sister's.
"I'm sorry, Ash," he sighs. "You're right."
He thinks for a second. "Maybe Nyelle would know more about why the Sisters have it in for us. She did warn us about them." | |
| | | Iron and Metal Admin
Posts : 5171 Join date : 2017-10-15 Age : 37 Location : Where the sun settles in its final location
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu May 28, 2020 3:23 pm | |
| Whitepaws was about to answer that they should send the head of the Dimmer Sisters back to the others in response, but stops short when Marius mentions the Fog Hounds. He didn't have to wonder why he was so quick to violence; he knew the answer.
"So," the big man starts. He still had is war paint on. He hadn't taken it off since the last score. "The plan is to pay off the Dimmer Sisters so as to not have a war on both fronts. Smart, seeing as the Dimmer Sisters are currently slightly more than we should be dealing with. If we secure this flank, then we should strike at the Fog Hounds at first opportunity. If we are on the brink of the war path, waiting to be attacked is to invite destruction. First to fight is usually first to kill."
He waited a moment for his words to sink in.
"This has been my experience." | |
| | | Theoretical
Posts : 345 Join date : 2018-01-03
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sat May 30, 2020 7:41 am | |
| The news that the Dimmer Sisters were after them was very disconcerting. Whitepaw seemed to have the right idea first. It was hard to maintain a solid base of business when you were being pressured by two outside forces.
"I concur, Whitepaw. If we have enough time to make some money in the short term, we could employ some additional muscle. Take out their faculties, move in and acquire their lost business. Could be financially beneficial in the long run. If we don't die." | |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sat May 30, 2020 8:10 am | |
| Marius nods. "I agree. Extra muscle would be useful. We don't want to engage an enemy while at a numerical disadvantage."
He squeezes his sister's hand affectionately and disengages from the hug. "Let's talk with Nyelle first, see if she can shed some light on the Dimmer Sisters' motivations. Then we'll choose our approach for the payoff. We might be able to turn this situation to our advantage somehow. Or at least, lessen the loss."
"Once the Dimmer Sisters are off our ass," He pauses, taking his time to briefly look at each Phantom in turn. Having finally fully regained his composure, he smiles grimly. "We make our plan to take out the Fog Hounds." | |
| | | NightingaleJ
Posts : 277 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sat May 30, 2020 7:12 pm | |
| The crew finds Nightmarket more lively than other times, a race had just ended and many were spilling out the tracks to star celebrating or to drown their sorrows in any of the establishments available in the district.
They enter the bazaar from the entrance at White Raven street and mix in with the masses of people watching the stalls or bartering for a better price. A lot of them have masks covering their faces that let them see glowing eyes.
A stall into thew southeast part of the baazar is their destination, big enough to occupy the space of three stalls it is a structure of wooden planks with many interesting objects hanging from them. At the center, there is a counter with five sides where a different clerk is tending to a customer. Ash only greets one of them with a nod then points to the backroom in a silent question. The clerk nods, Nyelle will be there.
The room is cramped with boxes stacked one against the other on every wall with space available even the only two chairs available for visitors have boxes on them. In the middle, an ashen desk made out of petrified three left barely enough space for the full crew to enter. Behind it was Nyelle, a black coat with golden embroidery and a white blouse beneath it. Her long black her was tied under a bowler hat and some papers were grabbing her attention at the moment.
Ash cleared her throat to call for her, expecting to spook her less, she jumped slightly anyway. "My favorite phantoms."She answered after looking up, her eyes sported a yellow glow and her voice was a little scratchy.
Before she could say more Ash interrupted. "We are looking for Nyelle, Mordis. If you don't mind?" She might have said this with a poker face but the goosebumps on her back told a completely different story. She hated that trick.
The glow in her eyes changed to blue and the teasing voice that came out of her body was the one Ash recognized as Nyelle's. "You are no fun, I let Mordis drive so I don't have to worry about this kind of things."She pouted. "What do you need now?" | |
| | | Theoretical
Posts : 345 Join date : 2018-01-03
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 31, 2020 9:21 am | |
| Stev leaned in conspiratorially.
"Hello Nyelle. We have some questions that we hope you could answer. It seems we've annoyed the wrong sort of people, without really knowing how. Something I am more familiar with than I would like to admit." Stev cracks a smile. "We would like to make amends. So, would you know why the Dimmer Sisters have expressed their displeasure with us?" | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 31, 2020 9:45 am | |
| "Ah, the Dimmer Sisters, huh? You lot sure do have a way of making friends in high places..."
She sits back down in her chair, regarding you thoughtfully.
"Well I don't have any hard answers for you. The sisters are awfully secretive, even by the standards of those in...your line of work. But I know they've been working hard to consolidate their power over the trade of uh," She glances about to make sure no one is listening.
"...of our dearly departed."
"It's ambitious, but they are working toward having full control over who buys, who sells, and anyone involved in the whole shindig. Nobody knows why exactly. Sounds like big dreams, but every day their grip gets a little tighter. Part of why they don't like me, a free agent."
She sighs.
"Until you started doing making runs, the only gang smuggling spirits in town was the Fog Hounds. I think they're allies - heard they worked out some sort of deal, the Fog Hounds do what the Dimmer Sisters says or something, and in return the Fog Hounds get a steady stream of work bringing in the goods for 'em. If I had to guess, the Dimmer Sisters don't want you meddling in their business." _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 31, 2020 10:29 am | |
| "So, we're sand in the gears of their little arrangement." Marius thought for a second. "Doesn't it seem kind of risky for them to be putting all their eggs in the same basket? The Fog Hounds are trying to push everyone else out of the smuggling trade. If they succeed, wouldn't that be bad for the Dimmer Sisters? No competition to keep the prices in check?"
Marius looked at the others. "Hopefully they'll buy that line long enough for us to deal with the Fog Hounds." | |
| | | NightingaleJ
Posts : 277 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Sun May 31, 2020 12:06 pm | |
| Ash smiles at Marius. "That sounds good, Rake. Lets parley with them, show them we can do business together instead of fighting and losing clients because of it." | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Mon Jun 01, 2020 6:52 am | |
| - moarhair wrote:
- "So, we're sand in the gears of their little arrangement." Marius thought for a second. "Doesn't it seem kind of risky for them to be putting all their eggs in the same basket? The Fog Hounds are trying to push everyone else out of the smuggling trade. If they succeed, wouldn't that be bad for the Dimmer Sisters? No competition to keep the prices in check?"
Nyelle shrugged. "If the Dimmer Sisters believe they can keep the Fog Hounds under their thumb, then a monopoly in this business is an asset, not a liability. They do have a reputation for using sinister, occult methods to deal with their enemies..." Nyelle's expression darkens, and she nervously shuffles some papers around on her desk. "...partly why I've been avoiding crossing them lately. Can't afford to tangle with that at the moment. I don't suspect they will have to worry about the Fog Hounds screwing with them or raising prices, at least until the Hounds have a lot more clout and muscle." _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | NightingaleJ
Posts : 277 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Mon Jun 01, 2020 7:22 pm | |
| Ash smirks."It would be bad if something were to happen to the fog hounds and the dimmer sisters found themselves without a backup." She takes a skull from Nyelle´s desk and starts toying with it as if it were a ball. "What can you tell us about the fog hounds operation? Any that could be about to take place?" | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Tue Jun 02, 2020 7:10 am | |
| Nyelle shrugs.
"I'm not too familiar with the Fog Hounds. They haven't been around too long. No one knows where they are buying their spirits, either. And I mean no one. It's unusual. Hard to keep secrets in Doskvol. If you find out, let me know." _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Tue Jun 02, 2020 11:29 am | |
| The party leaves the bazaar mulling over what Nyelle has told them. Although there was still plenty of mystery surrounding the Dimmer Sisters, you at least have an understanding of why they oppose your involvement in the spirit trade.
After reconvening at the barge and spending some time unwinding, the party gets together and sets out for the Dimmer Sister's mansion in Six Towers. The mansion lies mostly in darkness, only a single streetlight outside its brick walls illuminating part of its grounds and the house itself. You might be fooled into thinking the place is poorly guarded, but any Doskvol citizen could tell the horror stories of what happens to thieves or criminals who scale the walls without any preparation for the fearsome ghosts watching the perimeter...
You wait patiently at the finely wrought metal gate, and after some time, a servant - an elderly man in fine clothes - opens the front door and walks down the path to greet you. He seems to move silently, making no noise that you can hear.
"Ah, the Backwater Phantoms. How may I be of service?"
You know better than to mistake his urbane manners for good will... _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Tue Jun 02, 2020 12:10 pm | |
| Marius forces a smile, marshaling the manners drilled into him by his tutors. "Good evening, sir. I am Rake, of the Backwater Phantoms, as you have surmised. An associate of yours met with my colleague, Ash, and extended an invitation. We're here to pay our respects to the esteemed ladies of the house." | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Tue Jun 02, 2020 5:57 pm | |
| The man nods politely.
"Of course. Please, follow me."
The man turns swiftly and walks back up the pathway to the house. As he approaches, he turns right, following the path around the manor.
"I apologize, the family is quite particular about guests."
He leads you to a garden behind the house, which consists of planters of large, glowing mushrooms and raised flower beds growing purple and red flowers. Silver moonlight falls in bars across the ornate brick patterns on the grounds, partly obscured by a pergola. A couple low benches sit around the square.
In the background looms the manor itself. Anyone watching might spot the occasional flicker in a window...you are undoubtedly being watched by spirits.
The butler smiles politely but mirthlessly. "Roslyn will be with you shortly. May I bring you anything to drink?"
A few moments later, a woman exits the manor and walks gracefully to the garden. She is quit pale with long black hair that falls down to over her right shoulder. She wears fine clothing. Her expression is blank. Although she is rather beautiful, her blue eyes are icy cold.
"Good evening."
She nods politely in your direction.
"My name is Roslyn. I know you to be the Phantoms, but I am afraid I don't know you each personally."
She looks at you quizzically. You get the sense that she is studying each of you very carefully so that she can recall your faces with great clarity. _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | Theoretical
Posts : 345 Join date : 2018-01-03
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Wed Jun 03, 2020 5:27 am | |
| Smiling nervously, Stev inclined his head.
"Yes, well, there wouldn't be much need. We are not all that important, comparatively." Stev chuckles. "In fact, Lady Roslyn, we are here to provide the tribute one would expect given the different between our two... organisations."
Stev gestured towards a sturdy strongbox "I hope that this eases our relationship. Our apologies for the inconvenience" | |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Wed Jun 03, 2020 6:49 am | |
| Marius bows to Lady Roslyn, every bit the little Lord greeting a Lady of higher rank.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Roslyn. I am Rake, and these are my colleagues Ash, Whitepaws, and Books. As the latter has said, we were unaware we sere stepping on your shoes. As far as I can tell, there is no reason we should be at odds as we provide complementary services. Perhaps you could elucidate what we did to earn your ire?"
He raises his eyebrows, trying to project curious innocence. Marius is no Slide, however, and he knows a trained eye will notice he's putting on a performance. Still, courtesy has an inherent value, hopefully in these social circles too. | |
| | | bobarctor1977
Posts : 1311 Join date : 2017-11-11 Location : Michigan, USA
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Wed Jun 03, 2020 7:23 am | |
| - Theoretical wrote:
- Smiling nervously, Stev inclined his head.
"Yes, well, there wouldn't be much need. We are not all that important, comparatively." Stev chuckles. "In fact, Lady Roslyn, we are here to provide the tribute one would expect given the different between our two... organisations."
Stev gestured towards a sturdy strongbox "I hope that this eases our relationship. Our apologies for the inconvenience" Roslyn smiles and nods. "It is much appreciated. I know the Sisters will be remember your generosity." - moarhair wrote:
- "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Roslyn. I am Rake, and these are my colleagues Ash, Whitepaws, and Books. As the latter has said, we were unaware we sere stepping on your shoes. As far as I can tell, there is no reason we should be at odds as we provide complementary services. Perhaps you could elucidate what we did to earn your ire?"
"We have a very beneficial arrangement with the Fog Hounds...and it is best for everyone if spirits don't fall into the wrong hands. The Sisters were greatly concerned that your dealings in this sphere might run counter to their interests. They maintain their status by paying very careful attention to details, after all. I am sure you can understand." _________________ "Don't mess with me, lady. I've been drinking with skeletons."
he/him
| |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Wed Jun 03, 2020 8:54 am | |
| "Indeed. I hope this gift," Marius says, indicating the strongbox, "goes some ways towards showing the Dimmer Sisters that we are not unstable rogues looking for trouble. In fact, I do believe we could be useful to them, should they desire to employ our services. Surely, if they feel we warrant their attention, they must deem us somewhat capable. Please let them know we would rejoice at the opportunity to prove our worth, should they decide to call on us."
He smiles without warmth. "Well, if there's nothing else, I believe we will take our leave."
GM edit:
Roslyn nods cordially.
"I will be sure to pass along the message. We will keep you in mind."
She bids you goodbye and returns to the house. As you leave, you do your best to ignore the feeling of your hairs standing on end and a ghostly prickle on your neck as you walk back up the path... | |
| | | moarhair
Posts : 1689 Join date : 2020-04-30
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall Thu Jun 04, 2020 10:39 am | |
| ================================
Episode 3 The Phantoms met at The Broken Anchor. Marius had asked Esme to reserve one of the small chambers for them so they could meet with some degree of privacy. They now sat around the metal small table with a half empty pitcher of ale and full tankards. Deeper in the caves, they could hear the high tide's waves crashing against the rocks.
Marius looked at his crewmates. He had rehearsed the speech in his quarters. His delivery still felt awkward, but it was as good as it would get. He sighed and opened his mouth to speak.
"I know we usually meet on the Well, but we're meeting here today because we wanted to have the option to drink in celebration or commiseration. Whitepaws, you've been with us for a few weeks now, and we all agree that your contributions to our success cannot be overstated. I must admit, when Ash first brought us to the fighting pits to meet you, I had my doubts, but you have quickly become a valued member of our crew. This is why we'd like to officially extend the offer of permanency. I know things are looking grim with the Fog Hounds and the Dimmer Sisters, and I want you to know there would be no hard feelings if you decide you want out. Besides," says Marius, smiling ruefully, "without your help, we might not be around long enough to hold a grudge anyway. So, would you like to officially be a Backwater Phantom?"
Last edited by moarhair on Thu Aug 13, 2020 9:03 am; edited 1 time in total | |
| | | Sponsored content
| Subject: Re: Season 1 - Fall | |
| |
| | | | Season 1 - Fall | |
|
Similar topics | |
|
| Permissions in this forum: | You cannot reply to topics in this forum
| |
| |
| |
|