Post-Pitir Progression

Rolzup wrote:

Both OOC and IC, Vox hasn't the slightest idea of how to contribute to this...production. He has a few magical effects that he can make use of, such as that Battlefield Elocution ritual, and if he obtains the Hallucinatory Item ritual he can use it to produce props and backdrops for the play.

I hadn't considered how handy that Battlefield Elocution ritual could be for the play. Being able to speak directly to every member of the audience could be amazingly effective.

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Beyond that, though? He can use Streetwise to spread rumors about the play, I suppose, and about how Clagoff's production is actually a ritual designed to make the attendees impotent (all part of a dastardly plan to reduce the numbers of the working class and make them more easily controlled)....

Mallus wrote:

That's actually perfect. Our play begins with the rescue of Treasure on the docks during a labor protest (we may have to downplay the goblin angle by having the goblin mob portrayed by short white humans).

So what exactly is the plot (I use the word very loosely) of the play?

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If we play this right we can add 'accidentally fomented socialist revolution' next to 'accidentally started new religion' in our list of party accomplishments.

Oh, great! Now I am definitely handing DMing duties over to someone after the play's done.

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Also, as a name for the play... The Porcine Comedy? Too classy?

No comment.

shilsen wrote:

I hadn't considered how handy that Battlefield Elocution ritual could be for the play. Being able to speak directly to every member of the audience could be amazingly effective.

We could even use it for special effects, since the sounds can appear directly in the head of the hearer.

We need a ghost in the play, so it can whisper in the audience's ear creepily! No bad Shakespeare pastiche is complete without a ghost.

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Beyond that, though? He can use Streetwise to spread rumors about the play, I suppose, and about how Clagoff's production is actually a ritual designed to make the attendees impotent (all part of a dastardly plan to reduce the numbers of the working class and make them more easily controlled)....

Oh man. You know how vicious fanboys can be if their idol lets them down, let alone betrays them? You're about to tell Heyoka that his favorite playwright has been secretly messing with his junk.

Odanais will also have to slip away from the others that next day and pay a visit to Faux Elizee.

Okay, so Vox is off advertising the play and badmouthing Clagoff's one. I'll say Asarlai goes along to provide some help. Give me a Streetwise and Bluff check, John, with a +2 bonus to each for Asarlai being along and helping.

What are the rest of you up to? Odanais is apparently going to visit faux-Elizee at some point, but can help with some stuff before/after that.

Lemme see here....

The member 'Rolzup' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'd20' : 15, 1

...yeah, okay. 25 Bluff, 11 Streetwise. Apparently, Vox's brand of streetwise doesn't work so well with a grumpling old man in tow.

"...it's all part of his plan, see? He wants to crush the little man, to grind the working classes ever deeper under his heel, and he won't...."

"You know what the problem is with kids today?"

"You know, Asarlai, this isn't really the best time...."

"They aren't beaten enough. Not OFTEN enough, not HARD enough, not FATALLY enough. I tell you, you beat a boy's older brother to death, and you can be DAMNED sure that he'll clean his room when you tell him to!"

"This isn't helping, Asarlai."

Rolzup wrote:

...yeah, okay. 25 Bluff, 11 Streetwise. Apparently, Vox's brand of streetwise doesn't work so well with a grumpling old man in tow.

...

"This isn't helping, Asarlai."

OOC: That's beautiful!

IC: Vox finds that his tales about Clagoff/Middleton's plans don't seem to grab as much of a crowd as he would like, but at least he seems to be informing people about the upcoming competition. Most of those he speaks to seem surprised and need some explanation about the concept.

Later that evening, after Vox and Asarlai have returned to the Hall, the tavern's doors open to let in a pair of muscular and heavily-armed orcs. Following them, looking very ill at ease, is someone the League-members easily recognize - Dagobert Hax, captain of the Dancing Pig, whom they 'obtained' Treasure from. Beside Hax is a tall and older orcish woman carrying a staff, and a few steps behind them walks a gnome mostly covered with a gray cloak as long as he is tall, a strangely fixed little smirk on his face. Two more armed orcs bring up the rear.

Hax looks around cautiously and, once certain that he is not being charged by a pig or thunderwaved by Odanais, says gruffly, "Clag... Captain Clagoff sent me to take care of some of the arrangements for the, er, play-duel. Can we talk?"

shilsen wrote:

"Clag... Captain Clagoff sent me to take care of some of the arrangements for the, er, play-duel. Can we talk?"

"Surely Captain Hax" bellows Yatagan warmly, in an attempt to put the former quasi-foe at ease. "Welcome to our humble place of worship. Please excuse the mess and the unconscious vagrants. Can we offer you or your muscle a drink?"

Mallus wrote:

"Surely Captain Hax" bellows Yatagan warmly, in an attempt to put the former quasi-foe at ease. "Welcome to our humble place of worship. Please excuse the mess and the unconscious vagrants. Can we offer you or your muscle a drink?"

"Yes, you can," replies the older orcish woman with certainty, stepping forward. "I am thirsty!"

A look of uncertainty crosses Hax's face and he begins to say, "We're here on work. No time for drin...," and she rounds on him, saying firmly and with some degree of menace, "Captain Dagobert Hax - we are sworn to protect you, fight for you, kill for you, even die for you ... but by Gruumsh, we will drink when we want!"

With that said, she turns and faces Yatagan. He can now see that one of her eyes is fake, a probably stone orb where the pupil is painted on, with tiny runes of power etched into it. "You are Sir Yatagan Fracas," she says. "I have been told of you. All of you," her other eye roves over the group. "I am Matra Chorokh, Eye of Gruumsh. You are a foe of Captain Clagoff, my employer, so one day we may clash in blood. But I believe you would not poison me here in your home. No?"

Behind her, there is a disconcerting giggle, apparently coming from the gnome, who is covering his mouth with both hands and watching with an amused expression.

OOC: Some of the PCs know that some orcs rip out an eye in memory of one of their gods, Gruumsh One-Eye, sometimes gaining greater power from it.

shilsen wrote:

"I am Matra Chorokh, Eye of Gruumsh. You are a foe of Captain Clagoff, my employer, so one day we may clash in blood. But I believe you would not poison me here in your home. No?"

Odanais laughs aloud at her suggestion.
"That is just crazy talk," says the young mage, smiling good-naturedly, "of course we would poison you in our own home!"

With a discrete casting of mage hand, he pour drinks for their guests, something strong, that he knows Orcs or Half-orcs are fond of, then pours one for himself from the same bottle. Raising the glass in salute to them, Odanais takes a hearty sip. "But as far as we can currently estimate, you are friends, not foes. And we'd almost never poison friends."

shilsen wrote:

He can now see that one of her eyes is fake, a probably stone orb where the pupil is painted on, with tiny runes of power etched into it.

OOC: Some of the PCs know that some orcs rip out an eye in memory of one of their gods, Gruumsh One-Eye, sometimes gaining greater power from it.

Would a ranged arcane (or religion) check give Odanais any idea what powers the false eye gives her?

15 + 11 = 26

The member 'gridley' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'd20' : 15

shilsen wrote:

But I believe you would not poison me here in your home. No?"

"Madame, I would only poison you in honorable combat" says Yatagan with a slightly fanged smile "using my Draconic gift. May that day never come."

Yatagan takes one of the beat-up, beaten pewter cups that constitute the League's best stemware and drinks deeply.

"Now Captain Hax, how can we help you? But please be quick about it, we've a play to write, a religion to foster, and judgments to pronouce on the iniquitous. "

gridley wrote:

Odanais laughs aloud at her suggestion.
"That is just crazy talk," says the young mage, smiling good-naturedly, "of course we would poison you in our own home!"

With a discrete casting of mage hand, he pour drinks for their guests, something strong, that he knows Orcs or Half-orcs are fond of, then pours one for himself from the same bottle. Raising the glass in salute to them, Odanais takes a hearty sip. "But as far as we can currently estimate, you are friends, not foes. And we'd almost never poison friends."

Mallus wrote:

"Madame, I would only poison you in honorable combat" says Yatagan with a slightly fanged smile "using my Draconic gift. May that day never come."

Yatagan takes one of the beat-up, beaten pewter cups that constitute the League's best stemware and drinks deeply.

Matra studies the mage and the dragonborn for a moment, the expression in her single real eye an appraising one, and then throws back her head and laughs uproariously. "I was told that you were insane. I am not sure of that, but you are amusing. I shall regret it a little if I have to crush your skulls some day." She drops into a seat and takes the proffered drink, and the other orcs follow suit. Hax follows, but waves away the drink, and the gnome simply titters and ducks his head if offered one.

gridley wrote:

Would a ranged arcane (or religion) check give Odanais any idea what powers the false eye gives her?

15 + 11 = 26

Concentrating on Matra's eye, Odanais detects a dim aura from it. As far as he can make out, it lets her use a Fear effect to weaken the defenses of her foes. From the runes carved into the surface, he presumes she can use the power at will. Since he is concentrating on the area, he also notes that her staff is non-magical. If she uses it as a focus for her powers, then she can presumably use them without it too. Presumably it makes a handy weapon as well.

Mallus wrote:

"Now Captain Hax, how can we help you? But please be quick about it, we've a play to write, a religion to foster, and judgments to pronouce on the iniquitous."

Hax simply nods, though his expression says he's not quite sure what Yatagan means. He produces a few sheets of paper, quickly scanning the first one, and says, "Captain Clagoff said to tell you that he's nominating Magistrate Sebastian Androgore to be a judge - and has already asked him. He also has the following suggestions for the third judge - Count Orquiel, Medallion, or Lord Henry Jacinth. Do you have any preferences?"


OOC: Sebastian Androgore is a Tiefling Magistrate. A romantic at heart, he nominally follows Old Goetic law but is far more likely to suggest that serious disputes be solved via a duel. To the death, ideally, but first or second blood is also, occasionally, permissible. Androgore sponsors occasional tourneys, allowing skilled fighters to compete against each other and win a place as one of his golden-cloaked bailiffs. Due to his liking of duels, he supports the Ethical Circus when in charge of it.

And here's some info on the people suggested by Clagoff...

Count Orquiel is the ambassador from the Hells, which are referred to locally as the Infernal Isles. He looks like an enormous man with the head of a crocodile, riding on a skinless lion. If he can, as is generally believed, take other shapes, he has never been known to do so. The Embassy's gates are always open, and Orquiel will cheerfully accept visitors at any time of day or night. He rarely leaves the Embassy grounds, only occasionally attending a function at the Governor's estate. He's a surprisingly good dancer. Or rather, the flayed lion is.

Medallion just might be a man, though port odds-makers give better than even money that “he” is actually some kind of animating force that resides in the medallion he always wears around his neck. Either way, he basically owns the nicest part of town, including his fabulous estate on Memorandum Hill, which is said to contain pieces of the World Before.

Lord Henry Jacinth is a kindly old racist, the founder and leader of a political movement called the Red Wheel. It's his belief that the world cannot advance until those responsible for ending it -- the Dragonborn and the Tieflings -- are gone. And so, politely and gently, he leads a campaign to establish death camps for the world-killers. Jacinth publicly decries the violence that has been done in the name of the Red Wheel, of which there has been quite a bit. Things should be done, he insists, in a civilized way. Even so, it's a miracle that he's still alive. His long friendship with the Governor no doubt plays a part in this.

shilsen wrote:

He also has the following suggestions for the third judge - Count Orquiel, Medallion, or Lord Henry Jacinth. Do you have any preferences?"

"Interesting list. We'll need time to mull it over. Can you give us half-a-day?"

After Hax and company depart, Yatagan says, "Well Henry Jacinth is right out. He'll not favor a production feauturing a Dragonborn. Now Count Orquiel is an interesting choice. I understand he is a devil of both refinement and violence. But I worry that a vote from him might constitute an implicit contract with the Infernal Isles, and my righteousness cannot abide that. Thus I believe Medallion is the wisest choice."

Yatagan takes a slug of the potent potable Odanais poured for him.

"Have we chosen our judge yet? I can't recall. I suppose we should ask the Eroded God. Just to be polite."

Mallus wrote:

"Interesting list. We'll need time to mull it over. Can you give us half-a-day?"

Hax nods. "Sure. Captain Clagoff expected as much. Take a day and I'll stop by tomorrow."

"One more thing," he continues. "What is your play's name is and where will it be performed?" He smirks, evidently feeling more at ease now. "Captain Clagoff is looking forward to attending, and so will I. It's happening two days after his opens in five days, I believe." The smirk grows. "I'm looking forward to how you get a production going in such a short time."


OOC: Feel free to make up a theater where your play will be performed, if you want.

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After Hax and company depart, Yatagan says, "Well Henry Jacinth is right out. He'll not favor a production feauturing a Dragonborn. Now Count Orquiel is an interesting choice. I understand he is a devil of both refinement and violence. But I worry that a vote from him might constitute an implicit contract with the Infernal Isles, and my righteousness cannot abide that. Thus I believe Medallion is the wisest choice."

From Yatagan's knowledge of religion and the infernal isles that's unlikely to be the case, but it's not a bad idea to be careful.

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Yatagan takes a slug of the potent potable Odanais poured for him.

"Have we chosen our judge yet? I can't recall. I suppose we should ask the Eroded God. Just to be polite."

OOC: You guys already spoke to Lord Dandy about being a judge.

shilsen wrote:

"What is your play's name is and where will it be performed?"

"Our play's called Porky and Bless'd. It has a religious theme. As to where it's too be performed, we'll have that locked down by days end" says Yatagan.

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"I'm looking forward to how you get a production going in such a short time."

"Much in the same way we defeated you and rescued the pig. Improbably and effectively." Yatagan offers Hax his widest, toothiest, most inhuman smile.

shilsen wrote:

OOC: You guys already spoke to Lord Dandy about being a judge.

My memory's getting as bad as Yatagan's.

Mallus wrote:

"Our play's called Porky and Bless'd. It has a religious theme. As to where it's too be performed, we'll have that locked down by days end" says Yatagan.

Hax chuckles at the name and shakes his head.

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"Much in the same way we defeated you and rescued the pig. Improbably and effectively." Yatagan offers Hax his widest, toothiest, most inhuman smile.

A scowl passes over Hax's face and he clearly struggles over what he should say, but finally he settles for a growled, "Fine - it's your funeral." There is an awkward silence and then he says, "We'll be going now. See you tomorrow." He rises, followed by the orcs, and heads for the door.

After they exit, there is a high-pitched giggle, from the gnome who has been standing silently and watching. He gives the group an exaggerated bow and then disappears. Those watching through the open door can see the gnome reappear outside them and follow Hax's group.

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My memory's getting as bad as Yatagan's.

No problem. You guys have been doing a lot in a short time!

OOC: Just in case you're not watching the thread The Play's the Thing With Which We'll Determine the Ownership of the Pig, I put up some questions there regarding the production.

Moving on...

Once Hax is gone, the League-members get a chance to discuss matters for the immediate future, including the choice of third judge and location for the performance. After checking the list provided unofficially to them by Lord Dandy's office, they find four real possibilities for a theater:

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The Flaming Duck - In the Ethical Circus. Actually an arena with amphiteather seating which puts on gladiatorial combat when the Circus is open, or plays and other entertainment when the Circus is closed. Has no box seats or upper levels. The cheapest of the four and the easiest to get at short notice.

The Lucky Playhouse - A theater located in the Quadrille, not too far from The World (see below). More lowscale than The World, with more limited box seats and a small upper level, but also cheaper and easier to obtain access to.

The Scarlet Cow - In the Ethical Circus. Like the Flaming Duck, puts on gladiatorial combat when the Circus is open, but more upscale and with better seating and options for drama. This is where Clagoff's play is being held. Costlier than the Flaming Duck, but has the advantage of currently planning for a play (and thus having the necessary resources in hand).

The World - Probably the most popular theater in the Port, located in the Quadrille. Has the largest seating capacity of the four and also the highest number of high-class seats (box seats, upper levels, etc). The costliest of the four, esp. since the group needs to obtain it at short notice.

Besides the choice of location, another issue comes up when Yatagan outlines the scenes of the play and the fact that it is going to primarily be a musical. As Odanais points out, the group will need to hire musicians and singers, or use the ones available at the theater they choose, which is an added expense.

In fact, now that the group looks at it, finances are going to be a serious issue. Unless they sell a number of the valuable items they have obtained or purchased over the last couple of weeks, the League is not going to be able to afford everything which is required for this production. Of course, there are other options, ranging from talking someone into investing in the production to finding a mercenary job at very quick notice to anything else they can come up with.

shilsen wrote:

From Yatagan's knowledge of religion and the infernal isles that's unlikely to be the case, but it's not a bad idea to be careful.

In that case Yatagan reconsiders and nominates Count Orquiel. Our play might be too vulgar for the rich. Heck, it might be too vulgar for a denizen of Hell.

shilsen wrote:

Unless they sell a number of the valuable items they have obtained or purchased over the last couple of weeks, the League is not going to be able to afford everything which is required for this production. Of course, there are other options, ranging from talking someone into investing in the production to finding a mercenary job at very quick notice to anything else they can come up with.

Yatagan says to the gathered League, "This play is something new under the sun. Therefore it demands release on the whole of the World". The Dragonborn pauses for a moment, savoring the pun.

"So, in short, we need money. But I need to write the damn thing. Could the rest of you handle finding us a source of coin? Come get me if situation requires honeyed words and not threats of puncture. I'd rather not sell any of our weapons or armor. I have a feeling we'll need them during the performance."

"Oh, and Odanais... if you so happen to stop for a little afternoon delight with a certain comely phantom, could you see if she's interested in being in play. Since we actually know a sexy wraith, well, waste not, want not."

shilsen wrote:

The Flaming Duck - In the Ethical Circus. Actually an arena with amphiteather seating which puts on gladiatorial combat when the Circus is open, or plays and other entertainment when the Circus is closed. Has no box seats or upper levels. The cheapest of the four and the easiest to get at short notice.

The Lucky Playhouse - A theater located in the Quadrille, not too far from The World (see below). More lowscale than The World, with more limited box seats and a small upper level, but also cheaper and easier to obtain access to.

The Scarlet Cow - In the Ethical Circus. Like the Flaming Duck, puts on gladiatorial combat when the Circus is open, but more upscale and with better seating and options for drama. This is where Clagoff's play is being held. Costlier than the Flaming Duck, but has the advantage of currently planning for a play (and thus having the necessary resources in hand).

The World - Probably the most popular theater in the Port, located in the Quadrille. Has the largest seating capacity of the four and also the highest number of high-class seats (box seats, upper levels, etc). The costliest of the four, esp. since the group needs to obtain it at short notice.

Which of these four is least flammable?