Heist of the Century: A Pathfinder cloak & dagger intrigue game.

Started by LtFox, May 24, 2011, 04:50:52 PM

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PhantomPistoleer

Quote from: Black Howling on May 25, 2011, 09:59:48 PM
Yes, winter, it inspired me quite a bit. The idea is simple, and might require an OK from Phantom to fully work. I don't plan on taking any liberties here, so stomp on me if I am.

...

I was thinking that after it fell she started trying to work her own things in. Perhaps she tries to get some of the other races taken as slaves out of cruel hands, or tries to find ways to take them under her wing as a form to try to keep them from harm until she can set them free. She thinks all the nobles are corrupted right now, and I was thinking that perhaps she was enamored with Phantoms character and helped get him from that trial. Break him out in secret, perhaps at the execution so that thought he was dead.

Lebanon Faltir doesn't have any redeeming qualities.  He's a rebel without a cause.  I'm not sure that I want anyone to be enamored with him because of it.  It doesn't help that he's also not monogamous.  However, I don't mind your character being enamored with him, and I don't mind your character helping him out.  Just know that Lebanon is a thankless bastard.
Always seeking 5E games.
O/O

Zaer Darkwail

Nobleborn Rebel
Rilyth, Daniel's Eidolon

Daniel Fhaulrein
Heir and summoner from noble house of Fhaulrein
Character Sheet; 10 HP (Current 10); AC 15



Daniel Fhaulrein is from house of Fhaulrein, a nobleborn heir. His mother, Julice Rosewood, worked in Green Goblin tavern, working both as waitress and prostitute. His father is lord Greymor Fhaulrein. In twenty years ago he had habit to 'slum' incognito. Finding such habit thrilling and exciting activity (and also he gave him good ear on ground information about house businesses through tavern talk). He met Julice in Green Goblin, finding her attractive and sharp minded for commoner. Besides enjoying her soft bosom he enjoyed with her talks regarding city politics, art and theater. He acted as merchant and brought her along, finding her company pleasant.

Then he did unusual; against family wishes he proposed her! He married her and she did not mind marry with noble (especially rest her family would get handsome sum of money as part of marriage). ten months later Daniel was born. Ever since as child Daniel had been charming rascal, pretty much like his father (and father with humor dreaded it would happen). Daniel had quite happy life, raised up to standards of nobility. But with one expection; Julice often disguised herself and Daniel with simple illusion magic to walk down to commoners area to meet Daniel's mothersided relatives eversince he was kid. However visits were banned when it was found out when Daniel was six. But he had already grown fond to his uncles, aunts and cousins living in commons. So he took situation to his own hands! He started visit by himself, knowing dangers of the city but still daring go there, disguised as normal peasant.

Around age of ten his magical abilities manifested in odd fashion. A clever eyed thug had seen he was not just ordinary kid in commons, but a noble's brat! Thug made move to kidnap Daniel, perhaps even murder him out of spite for nobles! But when Daniel ran, was cornered and plead for help when none answered! From shadows manifested Rilyth, his eidolon. Rilyth scared hell out from thug before she with savage fury charged and attacked the thug! The thug was shred from her claws and finally pierced on the chest with her sharp stinger tail. Then she had cleaned her claws and tail from blood with her lips and while blood had covered her lips she had smiled to Daniel and spoke; "You sure chose fun spot to visit master!" Daniel of course was confused all this and woman introduced herself as Rilyth and escorted Daniel back home. Shocking is tame word to describe reaction what house did upon seeing Rilyth and Daniel guilt revealed tale from continued visits and now attacked by thug first time.

He was grounded till age of 16 but it gave him time educate with magic, as it was clear his sorcerers powers had manifested. But instead traditional sorcerer he became summoner, creating natural bond with realms beyond. In family tree they had long ago made pact with demons to gain power, with a fiendish ancestor and pact it would make sense for several generations pass and gift of sorcery or summoner resurface time to time. Daniel was quite alone considering he was watched 24/7 now, both by guards and now by Rilyth who became his constant companion and a friend. Altough bit dimwitted at times she has her charming moments and is not dump. Not to mention she can be fiercely protective about Daniel and as often result gets hurt. Daniel studied simple incantation for shield spell and rejuvenation magic for Rilyth to help heal her. Also unusual overtime as Daniel grew up, so did Rilyth become from slim girl to full figured woman with envied bust! A raven haired pale fiendish beauty.

Once at 16 his grounded status was lifted as Daniel was asked to attend noble parties once more. Now much more mature and off from traditional noble pickering and raising he learned early to be quick with tongue, be diplomatic polite, lie or outright intimidate people around him. He learned to be fashionable and have good sense for good taste in clothes, or impressive at least. After age of 18 he started sneak out again to commons and slums to meet his mother sided relatives. He got Rilyth an concealing hooded cloak to keep her out from standing in the crowd. Altough at times she can be mischievous flirt and enjoys shock people around her with fiendish features. Daniel one time after visiting his uncle who ran smith workshop then encountered a young boy, bullied by a fellow noble by using his hired thug bodyguard!

Daniel had never liked how nobles treated lower class, consider his mother had been one and all mother sided relatives which he loved and cared were also made him step up front to act like he was boy's master! Shouting other noble back off from mauling his servant or else his thug getting become meal for his eidolon! It scared off the noble back off and was convinced the boy was the servant and so he departed. After incident Daniel patted boy on head and asked him run and keep out of sight for while and avoid nobles next time. Unaware that small boy was one Asleod's operatives, a pick pocket and information sniffer. Daniel's encounter with noble became widespread news, his house heard it and grounded him now for month in the house as a lesson for scaring fellow noble off. It's okay defend property (or hired hands) but some limit to actual threats. In that time Asleod snuck in and had private talks and meetings with Daniel, measure his character and then Asleod openly talked Daniel to join his operation as noble rebel. Daniel agreed, only because he agrees that present order of things is distasteful for his own sense of compassion. So he agrees help Asleod to humble the nobles and reduce them peck or two down from their lofty heights as a lesson. Seeking to change the city politics alongside of Asleod.

Zaer Darkwail

Ok, here above is my char now. Rich Parents trait gives +900gp to starting gold, but I hope GM does not mind I got instead just slightly magical signet ring (creating arcane mark seals), +1 studded leather which works as fashionable jacket and 150gp expensive clothes and jewelry to able use his equipment trait. Assuming rest items are provided by house by need basis. Anycase both claws and stinger are primary weapons for eidolon so I guess I place claws as primary attack and all natural attacks which I add after claws become secondary attacks. I eventually plan my eidolon able to fly and able use wing buffet attack so that's why she has cosmetically wings which serve no purpose at the moment.

Healergirl

Presenting Belinda "Belle" Starr:


Belinda was more fortunate than a lot of pretty girls in the slums.  She belonged to a gang from a quite young age, acting as runner, spy, gofer.  Pretty much a matter of keeping her eyes and ears open and not being noticed.  She excelled at carrying messages and blending in.  Then the roof fell in.  A gang war, a nasty one and hers lost badly.

So she became a small time operator.  Carrying messages, picking up information and delivering word to interested parties, running shell games and the like in local taverns.  Posed as  a prostitute to scam drunken horny johns out of the money, She was very good at coming up with ways to avoid closing the deal.  Sometimes she used an ally to bust things up, sometimes she fast-talked her way out of actually putting out, sometimes the guy was just too drunk (with her subtle help) to rise to the occasion.  But she had to seal the deal often enough to know she did not want to do that for a living.  She grew up on the streets, she has seen what becomes of old whores.  She is an attractive young woman in her own right.  Cleaned up, dressed up, made up she becomes truly beautiful.  This  was a problem:  Very dangerous people were noticing her looks,  some of them reputed to be slavers.  And she noticed them.  Then somebody threw her a lifeline.

The Boss (she never, ever uses his real name) saw her in action on a few occasions while scouting for local talent to help with his master plan and was impressed enough by her success rate that he decided to see what she can do with a little training and teamwork.

She has grabbed this chance with both hands.

http://plothook.net/RPG/profiler/view.php?id=8640

LtFox, I think a good mission for Belinda might be as point of contact between those working in Noble/Upper class circles and the actual Wet-Work crew.  Compartmentalization, need-to-know will be life and death for this job.



Zaer Darkwail

I could think Daniel works often with Belinda. Give her information about nobles business to her and she walks out with the info. She could accompany him often to the parties as hired prostitute disguise (and consider how his father met his mother.....well what they do say about sons being like their fathers :P).

Healergirl

Zaer,

I'm good with that!  Further discussion should be on the OOC thread, I think.  https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=108033.0

LtFox, sorry for the delay in posting Belinda, but I have almost the ultimate RL reason:  My refrigerator literally caught fire.  I've been cleaning up the mess and replacing it.

LtFox

Wow, just wow...

I never imagined I could attract this much of a crowd for a game I originally started as nothing more than a fleeting fancy.  Now, though, this has become one of my most ambitious gaming projects to date.  As such, and thanks to the increasing number of people playing nobles or people moving in noble circles, I've decided to modify the way I'll conduct the game slightly from my original plans.  Instead of one thread collecting all the action, I'm going to split the game into two different threads, covering the Noble Society and the Underworld respectively.  They will, of course, overlap frequently with characters transitioning between them as situations merit, but it should keep things more clear with the greater number of players.

Let's address things once again.

Howl:

Sure, you can play a noble daughter disappointed in the deadly intrigues commonly plaguing their society, and the rank disparity between them and the common folk.  Asleod might find her a useful tool to use against the rest of the nobility, and as such might be willing to work with her to an extent.  As Asleod doesn't quite trust the nobility, even ones who work for him (at least at first), he has his own spy to keep an eye on things in their functions and to act as a go-between.  (Healergirl's character Belinda.)

Shilong:

Thanks for the interest!  Your idea sounds quite fascinating, but a few minor things aside, your character would be a full-fledged caster who's not noble.  That's Trouble with a capital T.  He'd be hunted quite relentlessly at the drop of a hat, and it's extremely unlikely that he could have grown up in the city and go undetected and un-executed all through adolescence and youth.  If, instead, he arrived recently, any display of magic would get him instantly into deep doo-doo.

Although we are getting a little full, and certainly over my original plans, the idea is interesting enough that I won't reject it out of hand.  Since I'm splitting the game into two threads, I can manage a bit more players, but you'd need to consider how to fit him in the setting, considering that the Inquisitors sweep the commoner areas of the city regularly looking for just a person like him, a full-blown caster hiding among the common folk.

Zaer:

Daniel looks good!  Feel free to put in in the character archives!  Keep up the good work.

Healergirl:

Don't worry.  I occasionally have RL commitments as well, so it's not a big deal.  Besides, it's not every day a refrigerator goes up in flames.
Belinda seems mostly fine, though I didn't see any equipment yet.  Just update that, and I think she's good to go.

Everybody else, this is shaping up to be a really memorable game, so let's all work hard to make it a good one, neh?

_LF_
O/O

In Sword, Truth.


Crovonovin

Thanks for giving me a chance, LtFox!

Now I know that being a commoner and a caster was asking for trouble, but the guy I have in mind isn't exactly obvious about his abilities.  He's a druid, but he's not making trees sprout out of the ground or casting healing spells on the street.  I plan to make him capable enough with bandages and the like to give people rudimentary medical care without the use of magic.  I imagine that his family would have hammered subtlety into him the moment even the slightest unnatural ability manifested.  The fact that he's level 1 also means that he doesn't have access to wildshape yet, which is easily the most "obvious" ability that a druid possesses.  Add a bit of Sleight of Hand and he could well disguise his caster status (Create Water to look like pouring from a flask, Purify Food and Drink masked by dropping a fizzing tablet and calling it medicine, etcetera). 

He also doesn't look like a caster.  I imagine he looks fairly average, not exactly the sort of person that stands out in a crowd.  I was planning to give him a more legal profession as an architect, with a bit of smuggling on the side that would likely put him in the perfect position to work alongside the rest of the group.  Having to live in fear all his life would also be a pretty big motivator to work against the nobility.

Unless you mean to say that these roving Inquisitors can detect magic in random passerby, in which case I may have to give this more thought.  The way it was put made it seem like they were simply extremely suspicious and overzealous about watching out for it, not that they get drawn to casters like magnets to metal.

LtFox

Okay, a few pointers again.

Zaer, after looking through your charsheet in more detail, even the 'Rich Parents' trait doesn't exactly cover starter magical items.  Now, I'll let it slide for the time being.  Just bear in mind that wearing magical equipment openly among people is one of the surefire ways to get into trouble, as even if the magic isn't that visible, it's still of far better quality than most common people see in their lifetimes.

Shilong:

No, the Inquisitors can't exactly detect magic, as such, since minor talents like alchemists and rangers and the like frequently slide under the radar, as long as they're careful.  But they can notice a magical presence in general, and full casters have a more distinct magical aura than minor talents.  They can't pinpoint you, most of them anyway, but they may notice your presence in the general area, and the longer you stay in the same place the higher are the chances of that.  And once they narrow the area down, the rest is just a matter of cordoning an area off and time.  And, of course, there is a good standing reward for any information related to any 'unnatural occurences' as the Inquisitors refer to magic among the lower classes.

Hope that helps,
_LF_
O/O

In Sword, Truth.

Crovonovin

Alright, I'm sending a rough idea your way to see if we can't work it out!

LtFox

Shihong: I like it.  I definitely like it.

We've now gotten several characters done, and if this pace keeps up, I might be able to kick things off in force during or after the weekend.  So you can probably look forward to getting started next week!

_LF_
O/O

In Sword, Truth.

Zaer Darkwail

Nice, anycase I guessed Rich Parents do not cover the cost of items so kind of asked GM permission for them :).

PhantomPistoleer

I recommend that you start the game now;  at least, allow the finished characters to interact in a dark tap room, or a front's basement, in preparation for an important meeting.
Always seeking 5E games.
O/O

Wintercat

Character, Ready.

Alexander Thornrose
Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

Appearance:
Alexander is a young man, usually found dressed in an outfit with several pockets, with a strange, lightly exotic scent following him, and a small smirk across his lips. He is fairly handsome and seems like a pleasant fellow, making his presence as a merchant known. His eyes are light brown in their color, and his hair is golden blonde. Alexander is slender young man with dextrous fingers, a fit and healthy body, and a cunning, intelligent look in his eyes.

He has the look of a man who is not noble but who is able to make a living with his skills, and a good living on occasion actually. Dressing up in an explorer's outfit, he likes the many pockets it provides him. He tends to carry a few things with him including a good number of small bombs. Extracts prepared in small vials with a thin skin between them keeping the two fluids separate, his belongings might look harmless but in his hands, those vials can become lethal weapons when he personally shakes them and tosses them when the mixture has began its reaction.

Craft & Profession:
Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide
Alexander sells alchemical creations, and occasionally buys some things he believes he can move along and sell with a profit later on.  He's got a good eye for spotting quality merchandise, a sly tongue that can twist the truth now and then, and a friendly diplomatic tongue that lets him work his way through some troubles. He's naturally suspicious of others though, tending to try and read their intensions when its possible. Its a precaution he has taken up since he doesn't want the Inquisitors to come knocking on his door, unless they are there to buy something to settle their head after too much drinking.

Alexander Thornrose is used to selling things to both nobility and commoners. He offers a variety of things from a hangover cure to bloodblock meant to help with healing the wounded, to smelling salts to wake someone up. He's made a bit of a reputation selling make-up kits to both men and women at times, to help them look their best, as well as massage oils and some discreet products to the clients that might have use for them.

For all his 'common work' he also tries to move ahead things he can sell for profit, fencing stolen goods from time to time. He is a capable bomb-maker, though those bombs remain in his possession, merely a warning to those that think about shoplifting from him.

"If you take it without buying, don't come crying to me if you lose an arm."

Lastly, Alexander knows a little bit of true magic. He can create alchemical brews and potions that contain actual magic, when he wants to put an effort into making such, but considering the risks in such goods he prefers to make those very discreetly.

History:
Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide
Alexander is the son of a late Witch and an unknown father. His mother sometimes hinted his father might have been a nobleman, but given her never-serious attitude about things Alexander believes it has just as much chance to be a lie as it has to be a truth. Either way, his mother lost her life when an inquisitor charged her with using magic. Alexander was spared because it was believed the young son had no such talent, though his actions were monitored for a long while.

He apprenticed himself to a merchant, and in time began to show talent in mixing together alchemical ingredients in a natural manner. Alexander had found his calling, and as he later discovered, his talent for magic. He did not have big showy spells and arcane gestures, but his vials contained more than enough reason to smirk now and then. It also gave him a bit more safety, his magic being 'harder to prove' and giving him a small measure of safety from the inquisitors.

Luck only goes so far though, and Alexander has been working hard to buy and sell things to make a profit and build up his wealth. He is a man that believes in the good, and doing the right thing, but he also believes one man cant do so much. This has drawn some people to him that need to make discreet purchases, and sometimes cant pay him with coin, but given his nature of buying and selling things he has taken up sometimes accepting other materials instead, selling them on when he can find a buyer. On occasion he forwards things to others that might be able to secure a better profit, agreeing to lose a little of the money he might make otherwise on such items, if he can at least make a small, tidy profit from such things.

Alexander feels somewhat bitter about the treatment he has seen the nobles have towards most people though. He doesn't show it directly when making a deal for a noble, but he does notice things and far too often these things make him curse the nobility for their thoughtless cruelty, and on occasion the intensional evil in them.

Example Goods Sold:
Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

* Acid * Alchemist Fire * Antitoxin * Smokestick * Sunrod * Tanglefoot Bag * Thunderstone * Tindertwig (The usual basic Gear)
* Alchemist Kindness (Hangover cure) * Antiplague * Bladeguard (Handy against Rust [monsters] and oozes) * Bloodblock (for first aid) * Flash Powder (Good for blinding guards or small 'magic tricks' for performers) * Smelling Salts * Smoke Pellets (Handy for a quick distraction and getaway), and many more.

And then there are a few more things that might come in handy now and then.
* Makeup Kits * Massage oils (Good for escaping bonds as well) * Discreet goods.
I've taken the Oath of The Drake. Remind me of it if you think I act against it.
A&A

Elven Sex Goddess

Thank you LtFox, posting character.



Link for: Character sheet

The elven beauty Talanna has been captive for far longer then she can remember.   She was but a elven teen when she was captured.    For over fifty years she has served the noble house of hers.  As a concubine of its harem.   She is now into the third generation of lord of the noble house.    Her other life beyond the captivity is a distant memory.   

Through physically weaker then the average person, even for other elven blooded.   Talanna has developed a sturdy constitution that gives her a better then average fortitude of her race.   Tall and slim like most of her race.   A real beauty that is athletic and agile.    Trained in the art of dance.    Her dances design to enthrall an tease the senses of the onlookers.   

Yet it is not lithe beauty of an agile frame that truly marks Talanna.    For it is her extraordinary skill of sleight of hand.   The ability to pick a person's pockets that sets her aside from many others.   The deftness like a mongoose with striking to flinch a purse or other bauble from another.   

Loyalty to her noble house.   No escape is entertained in thoughts.   She would not know what to do with herself if she were freed.   No doubt becoming nothing more then a conniving pickpocketing whore of the streets.   Now she moves amongst nobility, of course as a pleasure slave.  However, nobles don't think twice about having such in their house.   

Long has her masters known her skill in flinching a person of a purse or bauble.   However,  as always Talanna never had interest in keeping such.   She merely did such because she could, it became a game.   She is allowed such for such purses an baubles she gives to her master.  At first secretively she would slip them the items.  Until she was caught and full disclosure of her skill is revealed.   The only thing that changed then was now her master would advise her who he wanted to be the mark.     

Zaer Darkwail

Hmmmm, how Talanna then would be involved with other PC's? She would need her master be somehow involved with the criminal heists. So far what I could think is perhaps connect Talanna as my char slave (who is true nobleborn char). He would be the type allow Talanna have her game going on and also consider his developing involvement with the underworld he would have use for her talents pick up items or documents from nobles.

But then it would make my char quite a playboy noble :P. He has gorgeous (dimwitted) succubus alike eidolon, Belle (who is underworld messenger and also aid spy in some parties) and then Talanna.

LtFox

Yes, that's as we discussed.

I approved it already, so you can repost it into the Character Archive thread as well.  https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=108034.0

Now, seeing as we are only missing one character from thus far approved ones, I'm going to start the game in the form of a meeting soon.

Talanna is the property of a certain off-city noble who's in Asleod's pocket due to some information he's got.  Thanks to that blackmailed noble, Asleod has gotten his hands on all kinds of useful alibis and noble invitations.  He also requested that the noble send his elf slave over on 'loan', as Asleod doesn't like slavery in the least.  He tried setting Talanna free, but she wouldn't hear it.  So now he uses her as a spy among the other slaves and some nobles.

_LF_
O/O

In Sword, Truth.

Zaer Darkwail

Ahaa, ok so my char will not be noble pimp then :P. Fine with that :). But what capacity Daniel would serve Asleod then if he got already his noble spy/informant around? Or is that Daniel is his central noble political informant figure (and spy).

LtFox

There are different circles in which spies are require.

Daniel can move among the normal nobility, and work there.

Belinda acts as a go-between, as well as Asleod's eyes and ears in noble functions.

Talanna can move among the nobility's slaves with ease, and can also get 'loaned' to some more discerning nobles for an evening or two.  Though Asleod will never order her to do that against her will.

_LF_
O/O

In Sword, Truth.

Zaer Darkwail

But when it would be even against Talanna's will :P. As what I read it appears she is completely obedient slave with no sense of own freedom.

Mysterica

And as I said once before, with my character's status as an elf and skill with disguises, she could also infiltrate under the guise of just a slave as well.

Zaer Darkwail

Ah, true enough. Only problem is then when his father asks from Daniel 'Where that elf slave girl went? Would not mind round with her while your mom is on journey in country....'

Basically people asking about the elf slave girl which is not inside his house. But in parties he can smuggle her inside and there nobody asks who's property slave is I guess :P. So long you do not cause physical harm to slave which obeys (nor any lasting harm in any case).

Elven Sex Goddess

Quote from: Zaer Darkwail on May 27, 2011, 10:33:00 AM
But when it would be even against Talanna's will :P. As what I read it appears she is completely obedient slave with no sense of own freedom.

Obedience is not lack of total freewill.   She chooses to be obedient as such things as loyalty and honor  are guiding factors for Talanna.  Her freedom comes because she chooses to be obedient,  to honor the conditions of her capture and captivity.    Nor does she intrude or hinder but merely adds another dimension within the group.   The concept is more then just a pleasure slave forced into sexual acts.  It is akin to a Geisha,  trained in the art of conversation.   An what better listener then an obedient slave that would hold such secrets.   O:)    That just happens to be a natural born talented cutpurse.  That can acquire the baron's key he always keeps on a chain around his neck.   


Zaer Darkwail

Ahaa, I see. Well she chooses to be obedient and so when Asleod asks is she okay go to be borrowed to other noble would her reply be 'Whatever master wishes' or 'Yes sir'? Just curious :). As I could think Asleod tries hammer her to have idea for life outside being slave but so far Talanna is content being one. As I assume she had not very abusive training and raising in noble household so she has not got any 'bad' masters yet I assume?

Anyways interesting char and geisha alike servant is interesting in more western based society :).