The Big Pig Riot

Posts : 1078 Join date : 2008-08-21

Rolzup wrote:: "At the moment, I have no such need. But in the future?" Petard shrugs. "Who can say? There are limits on what even a magistrate may do, after all. And there have been times when I've seen a need for an...unaffiliated force, I suppose you could say?"

Artichoke simply nods, since nothing more needs to be said.

Quote :: The Magistrate pushes back from the table and stands up. "This has been interesting, certainly, but I need to restore order to this miserable district. Riots are terrible things; alas, the causes of this one seem unclear. No two people that I've spoken to have told me precisely the same story. That's all too common, of course."

He pauses on the threshold, and turns back to Artichoke to raise a single admonitory finger. "Do try to stay out of trouble, hmmm? Even my patience has its limits."

Artichoke nods again. "Certainly. Oh, and if you're searching for the source of the riot, Magistrate, I believe you may find it worthwhile to check on the Driftglass Society and a certain strike which was underway at the docks this morning." He smiles blandly. "Or so I've heard."

Once Petard does actually take his leave, Artichoke waits for a few seconds before slowly putting his head in his hands and running them through his rapidly thinning hair. "You guys!" he groans, looking for more words, and then settling simply for an inarticulate "Aaargh!"

He looks up and past everyone at the bar. "Agenbite! Whiskey. A strong one!" Then he looks around the group. "That was much too close a shave. We need to keep our activities well outside this district if we can help it. And decide whether we should still move or not, though that can be confirmed once we see Sebastian's hideout."

OOC: Does the district seem safe enough to move around in alone now? Artichoke would prefer to go talk to Andrealphus alone (or with just one or two of the other PCs) about getting a move on the Sebastian situation, but he's not keen on splitting the group too much if it seems there might still be trouble.

Posts : 1428 Join date : 2008-08-22

shilsen wrote:: Once Petard does actually take his leave, Artichoke waits for a few seconds before slowly putting his head in his hands and running them through his rapidly thinning hair. "You guys!" he groans, looking for more words, and then settling simply for an inarticulate "Aaargh!"

"What are you carrying on about? That went quite well."

Quote :: "Agenbite! Whiskey. A strong one!"

"And a cup of tea with clotted cream, well-salted. I need to recharge my holy fluids."

Quote :: "That was much too close a shave.

"We can get closer. Brushes with calamity are good for the soul, Artichoke. They are the fires from which the Dragon will rise."

Posts : 799 Join date : 2008-08-21

shilsen wrote:: OOC: Does the district seem safe enough to move around in alone now? Artichoke would prefer to go talk to Andrealphus alone (or with just one or two of the other PCs) about getting a move on the Sebastian situation, but he's not keen on splitting the group too much if it seems there might still be trouble.

Largely, yes. Peering out the front door, the streets are a little less busy than they normally are at this hour, but Petard's bailiffs are making their presence known.

Are they really going to let you go out unescorted, though? Take the cat, if nothing else!

Posts : 1078 Join date : 2008-08-21

Mallus wrote:: "What are you carrying on about? That went quite well."

"We're going to have to discuss what 'well' means someday, Yatagan."

Quote :: "We can get closer. Brushes with calamity are good for the soul, Artichoke. They are the fires from which the Dragon will rise."

Artichoke imagines Yatagan as a Dragon and shuts down his brain.

Rolzup wrote:: Are they really going to let you go out unescorted, though? Take the cat, if nothing else!

OOC: Good idea!

IC: After having a sufficiently bracing drink and a heavy breakfast, Artichoke suggests everyone take the day off and try to stay out of trouble. He then catches Penelope alone and asks her, "Do you think you can take some time off from watching the pi..., I mean, Treasure? I was thinking of wandering over to the temple of the Eroded God to check on the Sebastian situation, and wondered if you want to come along and stretch your legs." And you're less likely to say anything than any of the others.

Posts : 174 Join date : 2008-08-27

"Sure," Penelope says with a shrug. "I'm sure one of the others won't have a problem taking care of Treasure." Without actually dismissing herself, she goes off for a few minutes to gather her things and change. When she returns, Sappho is again accompanying her.

Though not always terribly fond of Artichoke, the archer certainly dislikes the heretics more. Strangely, she finds herself okay with visiting Andrealphus. "This foot work stuff isn't usually my thing," Penelope mentions to Artichoke, "but I'm looking forward to getting a move on in finding the idiots who attacked us."

Posts : 1078 Join date : 2008-08-21

Penelope wrote:: "Sure," Penelope says with a shrug. "I'm sure one of the others won't have a problem taking care of Treasure." Without actually dismissing herself, she goes off for a few minutes to gather her things and change. When she returns, Sappho is again accompanying her.

Good, thinks Artichoke, seeing Penelope return with the cat and remembering what happened to the last set of kids who decided to have fun by taunting Sappho. If any poor idiot messes with us, I may need to use that ghoul-whistle again.

Quote :: "This foot work stuff isn't usually my thing," Penelope mentions to Artichoke, "but I'm looking forward to getting a move on in finding the idiots who attacked us."

"So am I," agrees Artichoke. "Not only should it net us a lot of money - hopefully - but it'll be an option for a place to shift to." He grins a little. "Assuming it's big enough to hold a pig."

When they get to the temple of the Eroded God, Artichoke asks politely to see Andrealphus.

Posts : 900 Join date : 2008-08-22

With Artichoke safely out of the building, the others quickly begin implementing their secret plan....

Posts : 1078 Join date : 2008-08-21

gridley wrote:: With Artichoke safely out of the building, the others quickly begin implementing their secret plan....

OOC: I don't know if you're kidding or not, but it would be amusing as hell if the above was truly the case. I can so see some of the other PCs seeing Artichoke as a useful front-man and combat commander without having any real interest in following his lead outside a fight, and making plans of their own for the future and doing what was needed to make them happen.

Yes, I take joy in the imaginary suffering of my fictional characters. Is there something wrong with that?

Posts : 1428 Join date : 2008-08-22

gridley wrote:: With Artichoke safely out of the building, the others quickly begin implementing their secret plan....

"Splendid!" cries Yatagan with obvious delight. "I do enjoy your plans Mr. Dare. They lead to such drama." The Dragonborn quickly downs his the last of his tea and morning scone, then gathers his notebook, writing set, and battleaxe.

"While we're out, perhaps we can investigate where Treasure came from. She was bound for the Ethical Circus and clearly originated from somewhere out on the Aster. She can't be an ordinary pig."

"Perhaps she's oracular. I hear that's common among metaphysical swine."

Posts : 799 Join date : 2008-08-21

The priests at the door nod, and gesture towards the door. "You're expected. Please, remember your shoes."

The Eroded God sits silently, as He generally does, his chin resting on one fist as he watches a pair of elaborately garbed warriors battling on the stage before him. Stage-fighting, Artichoke decides after a single glance. Looks flashy, but neither of these men would last a minute in an actual combat.

Andrealphus greets his vistors with a bow, and a smile of seemingly genuine pleasure. "I am looking forward to getting this ugly incident behind us," he confides as he he issues Artichoke and Penelope into his office. "It's been like a pall hanging over the temple, really."

"So," he says, settling into his chair with a sigh, "I've taken care of matters on my end. The hounds, I suppose you could say, have been called off. Except for you, of course." He leans forward, interest clear in his expression, and asks, "So, what is your next move? A covert assault of some sort? And is there anything further that you need from me before you begin?"

Posts : 1078 Join date : 2008-08-21

Rolzup wrote:: "So," he says, settling into his chair with a sigh, "I've taken care of matters on my end. The hounds, I suppose you could say, have been called off. Except for you, of course." He leans forward, interest clear in his expression, and asks, "So, what is your next move? A covert assault of some sort? And is there anything further that you need from me before you begin?"

Artichoke considers the man carefully for a moment, weighing his options, and then says, "An assault of some kind, certainly, but we shall have to survey the situation and take our time. After all, it wouldn't do to waste the element of surprise, plus I believe from what you've said that we shall be badly outnumbered. so it may take a couple of days to bring our plan to fruition. But don't worry - we've dealt with bigger problems before." An image of a really big pig floats before Artichoke's inner eyes as he says this.

"As for needing anything from you, not right now. I simply wanted to stop by and confirm that there won't be any interference from anyone else you hired. Unless you have any additional information for us, we'll be on our way."

Posts : 174 Join date : 2008-08-27

While Artichoke is answering the priest, Penelope considers for a moment opening her mouth. And she does, but takes a few moments to make sure her tone is pleasant - well, pleasant for Penelope. "Do you only need Sebastian alive? And in what sort of shape do you require him - or them - to be in?"

Though not really a killer despite certain claims, the young archer is happy to strike fear into the idiots that attacked her and the rest of the group. And through whatever means available to her, including injuring them badly. If death happens... well, hey. She'd be strengthening the Port's gene pool.

Posts : 900 Join date : 2008-08-22

Mallus wrote:

gridley wrote:: With Artichoke safely out of the building, the others quickly begin implementing their secret plan....

"Splendid!" cries Yatagan with obvious delight. "I do enjoy your plans Mr. Dare. They lead to such drama." The Dragonborn quickly downs his the last of his tea and morning scone, then gathers his notebook, writing set, and battleaxe.

"While we're out, perhaps we can investigate where Treasure came from. She was bound for the Ethical Circus and clearly originated from somewhere out on the Aster. She can't be an ordinary pig."

"Perhaps she's oracular. I hear that's common among metaphysical swine."

"Yes, she is indeed a most extraordinary pig. To the Circus then?" Odanais pour another brandy and strokes the sleeping Treasure with a hand of invisible energy. "Wait.... deducing the origins of a miracle hog such as Treasure may require an even finer religious mind than either of us possess. And I think I know just the expert on divine animals that we require. Put on your visiting clothes, Sir Yatagan! We're stopping first at the butcher for a portion of cow liver and then we're off to the temple of the dog god!"

Posts : 799 Join date : 2008-08-21

"Well, ah...alive, yes," the archprelate replies, nonplussed. "Needs to answer to temple justice and all that rot, so we can make a proper show of what happens to those who betray their faith and so forth."

His expression brightens a little as he considers for a moment. "A little bit of judicious maiming, though, would not be at out of line. So long as he can talk, that's all that matters."

Posts : 174 Join date : 2008-08-27

"Excellent," Penelope says, smiling awkwardly. Aiming for the legs it is, then. After a brief moment of consideration she adds, this time aloud, "I think you'll be happy with our... ah... services."

Posts : 1078 Join date : 2008-08-21

Artichoke sighs inwardly in relief at the display of what passes for diplomacy with Penelope. He also spends a sympathetic thought for the soon-to-be-unfortunate Sebastian Chuckfarthing, if Penelope's expression is anything to go by. With that thought, he nods at Andrealphus and says, "Thank you. We'll see you within a week."

Once they have taken their leave and departed the Temple, Artichoke heads back towards the League's headquarters with Penelope. After walking a little distance in silence, he says, "I'm planning to hit Sebastian's operation tonight. I just wanted Andrealphus to think we'll take a little more time, in case he has any ideas for getting the money and Sebastian out of our hands without paying us a reward."

Posts : 1428 Join date : 2008-08-22

gridley wrote:: We're stopping first at the butcher for a portion of cow liver and then we're off to the temple of the dog god!"

"You mean to ask the Dog to reveal the origins of our pig? Such harmony of thought Mr. Dare! Your intellect will be sung of as frequently as your love life. But we can't leave Treasure here with only easily-distracted Heyoka and nap-prone Asarlai to guard her". Yatagan breathes deeply, then bellows.

"Heyoka, fetch the pig's wagon. We're off the the Temple of the Dog, who, come to think of it, you should get along splendidly with. Asarlai, will you join us? We seek answers to question both metaphyscial and arcane. Also, we go to walk the streets of the Port, there will be strangers to complain about and passersby to curse."

"You know, we might as well get Treasure blessed while we're there. It couldn't hurt. For all we know she comes from the Infernal Isles..."

Posts : 799 Join date : 2008-08-21

So, it's to be a parade then? Who all is going on this little adventure?

And...the pig's wagon? Please, tell me that it's already been decorated.

I will point out that you've had only a single day to domesticate the beast; there's a chance that Treasure will not take entirely well to riding in a wagon. To put it mildly....

Not that this should stop anyone. Please, don't let that happen.

Posts : 1428 Join date : 2008-08-22

Rolzup wrote:: So, it's to be a parade then?

I'm seeing Skill Challenge #2. Except this time I don't think any of us have the right skills.

Quote :: Who all is going on this little adventure?

Odanais and Yatagan certainly. Hopefully Asarlai and Heyoka. Wait, is "L" around??

Posts : 900 Join date : 2008-08-22

Rolzup wrote:: And...the pig's wagon? Please, tell me that it's already been decorated.

I'm picturing a gold-painted ziggurat on wheels with the pig on top. And maybe some dry ice so that it's cloaked in mist.

Rolzup wrote:: I will point out that you've had only a single day to domesticate the beast; there's a chance that Treasure will not take entirely well to riding in a wagon. To put it mildly....

Odanais is confident that he can beat Treasure's will save with a Sleep spell.

Mallus wrote:: I'm seeing Skill Challenge #2. Except this time I don't think any of us have the right skills.

"This pig refuses to listen to religion! Try bluffing it!"

Mallus wrote:: Wait, is "L" around??

Yes, because every parade needs a dwarf!

Posts : 799 Join date : 2008-08-21

Mallus wrote:: I'm seeing Skill Challenge #2. Except this time I don't think any of us have the right skills.

Oh, goody! So, let's see here...four successes before 2 failures, then? Success is getting to the Temple of the Dog without incident, failure is...incident. Or more likely incidents.

Mallus wrote:: Odanais and Yatagan certainly. Hopefully Asarlai and Heyoka. Wait, is "L" around??

You know what this party completely lacks? A voice of reason. Artichoke is as close as the group gets, and he assembled you all -- how reasonable can he really be?

Posts : 799 Join date : 2008-08-21

gridley wrote:

Rolzup wrote:: And...the pig's wagon? Please, tell me that it's already been decorated.

I'm picturing a gold-painted ziggurat on wheels with the pig on top. And maybe some dry ice so that it's cloaked in mist.

Ah. A piggurat, then. Classic. And classy.

Posts : 1428 Join date : 2008-08-22

Rolzup wrote:: Oh, goody! So, let's see here...four successes before 2 failures, then? Success is getting to the Temple of the Dog without incident, failure is...incident. Or more likely incidents.

Not that it matters much, but I'd make the scope broader. If we 'win' the challenge, something beneficial happens at the Church of the Dog. If we lose... then it's an incident or two, either at temple or on the way. At least if part of the challenge occurs *in* the temple we might get to roll a Trained skill...

Mallus wrote:: You know what this party completely lacks? A voice of reason.

So it's CITY without Rackhir?

Posts : 799 Join date : 2008-08-21

Mallus wrote:: Not that it matters much, but I'd make the scope broader. If we 'win' the challenge, something beneficial happens at the Church of the Dog. If we lose... then it's an incident or two, either at temple or on the way. At least if part of the challenge occurs *in* the temple we might get to roll a Trained skill...

Excellent point. So mote it be. And surely someone much have an appropriate skill or three? I can think of a couple myself, but I'd rather see what you folk come up with -- it's bound to be a lot more entertaining.

Mallus wrote:: So it's CITY without Rackhir?

Precisely.

Posts : 174 Join date : 2008-08-27

I feel bad for Treasure. And for you guys - Penelope won't be happy if anything bad happens to the pig!

Also, when I saw that you were taking her to the dog god, I immediately thought, "Oh no. The dog might eat Treasure!" I can't believe I'm concerned about an imaginary pig, but yeah.