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DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 30 Dec 2005 03:35 AM |
This thread is just for me to keep some record of things that have happened. For my own info, and for others that are interested to have some idea what is going on. And also for me to record any ideas for future, and indeed any input / ideas from others is welcome.
Brief irc message to Chief:
[21:19] <Sirac|toolset> *you have been hearing rumours that people are beginning to question whether the black hand are the force they used to be*
[21:19] <Chief|Knifed> *shakes fist*
[21:20] <Sirac|toolset> *murmurings of dissent, and people in Port undercity whispering about what happened to Jessup the other night*
[21:20] <Chief|Knifed> *shakes fist again*
[21:21] <Sirac|toolset> *if you ask around after the source of this gossip, nobody is talking, but it does seem someone is stirring up trouble, whispering in just the right ears to guarantee the talk spreads*
[21:21] <Chief|Knifed> hmmm.
Chief's reply by PM:
Heya Sirac,
Wanted to let you know what the BH are doing. Firstly I am sending agents to investigate and interrogate any known menorak followers in the Port in the efforts to reveal any information about the return of the stalkers and Virallax. Secondly Cora and Marrya have been instructed to investigate where the talk of the BH losing its grip on the Port is coming from in the hopes of finding a trail to the one has has started this talk. Thirdly the Port will start to notice a bi tof a more aggressive approach towards those that are in debt to the Hand, this includes extorsion, beatings, blackmail etc all in an efforts to reaffirm our stranglehold on it. Mister Jessup will also plan on being more visable now. Anyways let me know if this gets us any leads whatsoever. Also one thing, whatever happened to the island that was their base of operations...did that sink or is there anything left there to investigate?
Cheers mate! Great to have you back! Love having to look over my shoulder again!!!
Chief
Message from, and reply to Jaded Prophet ref assassin m.class:
Have had feedback that you are looking at wanting some b/grd for assassins.
When it comes to the fire knives and night masks, they are one of my main areas, so if you have questions about them, then let me know.
Cheers,
Sean
I don’t know a whole lot about either and I’m not totally sure how Evanna might reach assassinhood. I thought about possibly basing it off her mother’s death. Maybe her mother was marked for whatever reason but I still wouldn’t know how Evanna might come across it. I could probably come up with something on my own but I thought I would see if you or another DM might want to get in on it. Could be fun for a few people.
As a last note: Are the Fire Knives and Night Masks like the ones in FR or do they have unique twists in Vives?
Late,
Jaded
Only the names are derived from FR. So yea, forget any FR lore to do with them.
Becoming an assassin is usually just a matter of personal development. A PC who has always been skilled at stealth, and who for whatever reason, be it profit, revenge, or simply bloodlust, takes up the path of murder for money.
Some find a mentor. Some go it alone.
Not sure what timezone you play? Anyway, my advice for now is simply start developing as an assassin, RP accordingly, and you -might- attract some attention from those interested in such nefarious types.
Cheers,
Sirac
Message from Vindicta:
*A letter delivered to the Throne of Nu'men, Lord of Nethar'u*
My Lord,
It has been far too long since we have corresponded. There is word that our brothers in Spirit, the Night Masks, have returned. As suspected, I have been contacted by the Hand to meet with Jessup the Younger. Apparently, he is in dire need of my help and still regards me as his close personal ally.
This can mean only one thing.
He is afraid for his life.
I am at your service my Lord.
Caliber Tor'gahl aka Brother Trenton Hapsburg.
((Happy to see you back my friend! I too have been away for a while. However, seeing that you have returned and have already resurrected the conflict, I was unable to stay away any longer. Let me know what it is I need to do so that I can be even more duplicitous than the last time.))
And my reply....
*the reply arrives in unusual fashion, in your dreams a dark shadowy figure hidden amongst rolling clouds of black fog speaks the following message*
The night stalkers return to make Port their own. Direct force has failed, so they attack in other ways now, to weaken and divide their enemies. Anything you can do to cause strife for those who would oppose the children of the night, to make them fall into blissful discord, will be much appreciated. Expect contact, sooner or later, from those who would work with you more directly this time. And expect opportunities to spread discontent and misery throughout Port. The orc chief must be made to appear weak, or driven hard to overstep the bounds of his position. And the fingers of his "hand" must be crippled and divided. Then will come the time for the return to be successful.
*the dream fades, but you are left with no doubt of its origin* |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 30 Dec 2005 03:47 AM |
Ok, some initial thoughts and plans.
As per the last pm above, the night masks intend to "divide and conquer". They are going to make life very difficult for the hand in Port.
Virallax already sabotaged Cora who was attempting to rob from the vanderzee estate. Raising the alarm after locking doors behind her, then disappearing as the furor began. She escaped, using her shadow fiend as a diversion, and managed not to be seen by Lord Vanderzee. (and be aware, for some reason when possessing Lord Vanderzee, I couldnt use any of his spells. Not sure why. Ended up summoning a hound archon to "sniff" her out. I imagined it as a demon that took that form to keep the Lords cover.) IF Xerah wants to further this, the night masks will send an anonymous description of her to Lord Vanderzee, to do with as he will.
Chief knows the Black Hand are being undermined on the streets and undercity of Port. He has begun to respond exactly as they hoped, with increased beatings and brutality. This will prove useful to them.
Ideas:
I intend to catch Jessup some time in Port with a decent sized amount of witnesses. I am going to have a citizen of PR, perhaps a noble or guard or just a commoner come walking towards Jessup. He will see an illusion of Virallax walking towards him, weapons drawn and eyes blazing. Hopefully will attack. All the other witnesses will see is Jessup attack and kill a citizen of Port for no apparent reason.
At another time, as per Barnas' plot, Virallax will be seen in a trance placing items in a barrel. With witnesses.
Tax collector. Sooner or later Jessup is in for a nasty visit from the tax man! And from then on will have a series of "bureacratic problems" to deal with, all initiated by the masks.
Dark Dreamer. Those of the hand that reside in Port will start being plagued by nightmares. Making their daily routine harder and harder as they get little to no sleep. And will develop the dreamers role further over time.
Basically first few weeks I intend to run as much as possible to make life miserable for the Hand in Port, with few direct attacks for them to respond to. I am having the inkling of an idea that one path to victory for the Hand will be for Jessup and the leading members of the Hand to pledge their service to Menarok through Numen. Meaning the masks are sacrificed for failing, with the demons still getting what they want, increased influence in the city.
Cheers,
Sean
Cheers,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 30 Dec 2005 03:49 AM |
Does the battle royale between the water and excrement elementals figure into this plan at all?
*Grins and runs away* |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 30 Dec 2005 02:40 PM |
The plot thickens!!!
As far as the Hand go, if possible Jesusp would like to speak to the the thug as to why the building was set on fire and if he was responsible That is if he is still around. If he is we want to know why he did it without permission from Jessup. Next the BH is going to pay for a new building for the shopkeeper that lost his place by accident. I want word to spread that we are taking care of him and his business. As far as the bodies being left out in the street. While that was not our intent to do this...it has accomplished what we had set out to do for now. We are evil after all. We also are continuing our search for those that worship Menarok within the Port. We are also inquiring about the possible link between the Stalkers and the Lord Nu'men. Lastly I want to keep our ears open as to any who investigate this business of the burning building. Jessup would like to know who is digging around for information about the Hand. I would like to make apost in the forums about this if its ok. All in IC of course! Cheers mate!!!
K, nobody seems to be asking around in Port enough to attract attention. But a lot of people seem reluctant to talk to your people at the moment.
As I said in my post, the thug in question has disappeared. No trace whatsoever.
Buying an entire new shop, built from the ground up and demolishing the old one would cost circa 300k. The shop keeper was just a tenant. Still want to do that?
Nobody is known to openly worship Menarok in Port. Some rumours that a minor noble family might have some connections, but nothing concrete for now.
There is no known link between the masks and Lord Numen. Most experts agree that the demons might ally with humans from time to time, but such alliances are temporary and unlikely to result in direct demonic assistance. And there is no info easily available about such a link.
Post in forums, fine. If anything you are not sure about regarding NPC reactions / what is and isnt possible, PM it to me first and will check it over. But nps at all with you posting otherwise.
Lastly, you have been hearing quite a few rumours and hints that people within the Hand may be working against you. A lot of people seem to be giving some credence to these rumours.
Cheers,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 01 Jan 2006 03:35 PM |
Ok, the second member of the ruling council of the night masks has arrived in Port. And is behind all the "bad press" the Black Hand are currently getting. She is a CPC on the DM account, named "The Whisperer". High lvl bard, assassin, shadowdancer. Totally non combative oriented. But her description, and all her RP and abilities are about using bardic skills and magic to incite and manipulate people. The below was the first instance of this, enjoy the read if ya want to! :0)
Sean
"The Whisperer": *talks gently and quietly to the serving girl*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *holds his old back*
"The Whisperer": *nods, her face showing great sympathy, patting the girl on the back and smiling reassuringly as they talk*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *appears to be a man in his sixties*
*at the end of the conversation, hands her a small pouch accompanied by the clinking of coins*
"The Whisperer": *smiles and moves away*
"The Whisperer": *engages redbeard in conversation, telling rowdy jokes that have the barkeep wiping away tears of laughter*
"The Whisperer": *leans in closer, whispering to redbeard, whose laughter turns to a sudden frown*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *chuckles to himself*
"The Whisperer": *conversation continues, low and serious, with redbeard listening and nodding, his face growing darker with each passing minute*
"The Whisperer": *reaches out and strokes the side of redbeards face, laughing lightly as he blushes as red as his beard*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *keeps glancing at the lady and the bar keep*
"The Whisperer": *turns and walks away, looking back with an enchanting smile just once*
"The Whisperer": *eyes Rasputin with an appraising look*
"The Whisperer": g'day kind sir, mind if I join you?
Rasputin Kalarmander: *looks up and smiles at the lady*
Rasputin Kalarmander: Certainly take a seat.
Rasputin Kalarmander: *glances to Brodie* hello
"The Whisperer": *nods a greeting to brodie, looking a little uncomfortable*
Brodie Redbeard: Two mugs 'o a please, barman!
"The Whisperer": please, allow me sir...
"The Whisperer": *smiles enchantingly at both in turn*
Brodie Redbeard: Thank thee lass *smiles*
"The Whisperer": *leans in close to redbeard, and whispers in his ear, then accepts two filled and foaming mugs of ale*
Brodie Redbeard: *looks to the Whisperer, head slightly inclined to the side, as though considering something*
"The Whisperer": *returns to the table, seemingly unaware of the fact that every eye in the place is on her*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *strokes his long white beard*
"The Whisperer": ~takes a seat after placing two mugs of the finest ale before them~
Rasputin Kalarmander: thank you lady.
Brodie Redbeard: Err, hello lass, I be Brodi Redbeard, from Clan Redbeard
Brodie Redbeard: What ye be know by?
"The Whisperer": it is my pleasure, I am always pleased to ease the parched throats of heroes such as yerselves
"The Whisperer": *warm, sincere smile*
Brodie Redbeard: Ah, thank thee lass *takes mug and drinks deeply from it*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *looks a little shyly, over whelmed with the ladys beuty*
"The Whisperer": *smiles, looking straight at Ras, and somehow her mannerisms serve to calm any nerves he might be feeling, making it seem they are old friends who have known each other a long time*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *a little red in the face as if he is blushing* i would hardly call myself a hero ma'dam.
Brodie Redbeard: Why thank ye lass *smiles and adjusts shoulder plates, straitening back slightly*
"The Whisperer": so, what brings two such mighty fellows to Port?
Rasputin Kalarmander: well we, err, we went *mubling his words but catches his composure*
Brodie Redbeard: *to the Lady* Tis odd, i could swear ye move like Rasp there *laughs*
Brodie Redbeard: Ye even seem ta sit the same way
"The Whisperer": *looks a little unsure at Brodie, but smiles then laughs along, her laughter melodic and heartfelt*
Brodie Redbeard: Oh, we are on a quest of great impot to the land
Rasputin Kalarmander: Went to see an aquitance about the sickness.. *his words said softly but audiable*
Brodie Redbeard: Especually the fair lands yonder
"The Whisperer": really? *eyes wide* I would -love- to hear the tale...
Brodie Redbeard: Those Of Ferein
"The Whisperer": ~looks from one to the other, interest, even fascination plain in her gaze, urging you to speak~
Brodie Redbeard: Of, well Rasp 'ere is much better with words than i, common be 'is native tounge *looks to Rasp*
Rasputin Kalarmander: do you wish me to tell you a tale of the fair folk *obviously trying to please the lady*
Brodie Redbeard: *Oh
"The Whisperer": *nods and smiles* I would be delighted to hear of them...and why their plight would bring you to Port?
Brodie Redbeard: *Laughs* The lad *motions to Rasputin* told this same story to our aquaintance nay even an hour back
Rasputin Kalarmander: *starts to play with his mug on the table*
"The Whisperer": acquaintance?
Rasputin Kalarmander: Well my lady.....
Brodie Redbeard: Oh, we nay know him well, Jessup, a well known orcen lad within this Port
"The Whisperer": *looks shocked, and dismayed*
Brodie Redbeard: What be it, lass?
Rasputin Kalarmander: I thought it best, if i tried to exsplore every avenue, i fear that the Fair folk of the forests, need as much help as they can.
"The Whisperer": *her face creases up and she looks on the verge of tears, and absolutely terrified*
Brodie Redbeard: *furrows brow, slightly, whilse inclining head to side*
"The Whisperer": I...I did not realise you were Jessup's...friends
Rasputin Kalarmander: *tuts at brodie*
Brodie Redbeard: Err, why *looks at her with apparent confusion*
Brodie Redbeard: What? *looks to Rasputin*
"The Whisperer": I...thought you were men of good heart *sounds genuinely tearful, and shocked*
Rasputin Kalarmander: lady we are not friend, my dwarven friend mixes his words.
Brodie Redbeard: Well, i am nay gonna hide anythin', as long as we do what be right we have nay to hide *to Rasputin*
Brodie Redbeard: *looks to the Lady* Sorry lass
Rasputin Kalarmander: We are aquitances, i hear he deal with under hand things, and i for one will have no dealings with them.
Rasputin Kalarmander: but i am so desperate.
Brodie Redbeard: Eh, i never said we be a friend 'o the Lad Jessup, i said he be an aquaintance
Rasputin Kalarmander: you see.
"The Whisperer": *offers them both a sad smile* I...I hope you do not come to regret dealing with the orc...he has brought so much pain and suffering to so many here
"The Whisperer": but I...I am sure you are much wiser than I about such things
Rasputin Kalarmander: Really? *eyes widen so what*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *some what
Brodie Redbeard: Lady, we are both pure of heart, i can asure ye that *gives her a warm and open smile*
"The Whisperer": *nods, her eyes fervent, looking nervous* but please, do not say I said anything about him...I do not wish to share my husbands fate *a single tear trickles down her cheek*
Rasputin Kalarmander: Fate!
Brodie Redbeard: I too have heard the rumours going around 'Port o late, and we were careful to explain tha' any aid we accept from young Jessup be conducted in line with the law
Rasputin Kalarmander: *stands up suddenly*
Rasputin Kalarmander: what happened to your husband?
Rasputin Kalarmander: *has a passionate exspression across his face*
"The Whisperer": *looks up, startled, then back down, obviously trying to withold the tears*
"The Whisperer": he...he met with an accident...so they said...but a good friend told me the truth
Rasputin Kalarmander: *puts a gently hand on her shoulder*
"The Whisperer": my...my poor husband endebted himself to Jessup
"The Whisperer": to pay for our wedding
Brodie Redbeard: *looks to both of them with apparent confusion* What happened to ye husband, Lady?
Rasputin Kalarmander: there, lady, tell us what happened.
"The Whisperer": he fell behind with payments...
"The Whisperer": *bites back tears once more*
Rasputin Kalarmander: payments to whom?
Brodie Redbeard: Aye *looks genuinely shocked and concerned*
"The Whisperer": to Jessup...
"The Whisperer": and so the...*very sad tone*...the orc had an example made of him
Rasputin Kalarmander: and hen he, *stumbles over the words* he died?
Brodie Redbeard: What... do ye think his death could have been... could have been connected with his debts to Jessup?
Rasputin Kalarmander: *then
"The Whisperer": *nods, tears freely flowing then*
"The Whisperer": Jess sent two men to...encourage him to pay up
Rasputin Kalarmander: *pulls out a hankerchief and passes it to the lady*
Brodie Redbeard: Oh lass, here *hands her a dirty handkerchief and s small siver hip flash*
"The Whisperer": my husband was a gentle soul, never raised his fists in anger to any *accepts the kerchief*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *the hankerchief is clean*
Brodie Redbeard: I am sure there must be some mistake, but we will go confront Jessup about it right now, aye Rasp
"The Whisperer": *dabs her eyes*
"The Whisperer": no...please do not
Rasputin Kalarmander: what is your name lady?
"The Whisperer": for if you do, I will surely be punished *sounds terrified*
Brodie Redbeard: Oh nay, we must get to the bottom o' what happened here
Rasputin Kalarmander: Brodie *with a repremanding tone*
"The Whisperer": please, hear my song, know my tale, learn from the hardship I have known, then do as you must
Brodie Redbeard: What be ye name, lass... in fact, it be better ye come with us, best ta get everythin' out in the open eh?
"The Whisperer": *she starts to sing, softly, eyes closed, swaying in time to the music*
"The Whisperer": *the song entrances all in the tavern, all seem to gaze in awe as her voice raises and falls with masterful grace*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *agains puts a gentle hand on her shoulder*
Brodie Redbeard: *relaxes in seat, listening to the song*
Rasputin Kalarmander: Lady we can help you, and protect you.....
"The Whisperer": *she sings a song of treachery and evil, heartache and despair, a song that tells tales of Jessup and the Black Hand, tells tales of woe and despair, a tale of ruthless murder and terrible wrongs done to the people of Port*
Rasputin Kalarmander: *eyes open with a look of wakening up*
"The Whisperer": *the song is so heartfelt, so passionate, that by the time she has finished singing, there is not a dry eye in the tavern, and more than one face looks genuinely angry*
"The Whisperer": *then with a gentle, weary smile she looks from Brodie to Ras, her eyes still shining with unshed tears*
Brodie Redbeard: Ye know, i think we should go confront that slimy orc righ' now!
"The Whisperer": please my lords, do not bring further harm on me, I want nothing to do with that foul creature...
Rasputin Kalarmander: *tears freely flowing down his cheeks*
"The Whisperer": I just wish peace to mourn my husband
"The Whisperer": but I would not see you share his fate
Brodie Redbeard: Nay, but there be no reson to hide from him, for we will protect ye
"The Whisperer": so heed my words if you would *offers a final gentle smile*
Rasputin Kalarmander: Lady if we do nothing for you, this may happen to someone else,
"The Whisperer": I really must be going my lords
Rasputin Kalarmander: I can not allow this to happen
Brodie Redbeard: We mus' do somethin' about this, Rasp and i are goin' to confront im, why do ye not come also?
"The Whisperer": *pecks each of them on the cheek, whispering in their ears*
"The Whisperer": *you each feel an urge to respect her wishes, but are not compelled to do so, your minds remain your own to do as you wish*
Brodie Redbeard: Oh, aye, fare thee well lass.. oh.. what street do ye live on?
Brodie Redbeard: So i may see ye again
Rasputin Kalarmander: Lady you need to be strong and help convict this vermin.
"The Whisperer": *sad smile* our home is not safe...I am...staying with friends
Rasputin Kalarmander: I emplore you.
"The Whisperer": please sirs *gently places a hand on Ras' chest* I have said more than I should have...I am no mighty warrior
"The Whisperer": please...I must go *bites back tears and flees* |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 01 Jan 2006 04:36 PM |
*hook, line and stinker*
nicely done, nicely setup.
poor chief. |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 02 Jan 2006 06:46 AM |
Btw, anyone feeling creative? If so, please suggest any doggerel, limericks, or other musical / rhyming means of ridiculing the Black Hand and / or Jessup.
Crude and simplistic is fine, as would be the kind of thing that would catch on in Port. On the other hand, complex and clever is good too, as the origin would be a master bard.
Anything of that ilk you guys can come up with, be great! :0)
Cheers,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 02 Jan 2006 07:00 AM |
*kids playing in the street as a group*
black hand
smack hand
the dirty orc is hobbled
don't you gloat
they'll cut your throat
but only if they can catch us!
*at which point, the kids break up and run around, with teh "orc" trying to catch one of the others - when they do, the ditty starts again with the one caught being the orc* |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 03 Jan 2006 02:27 AM |
Thx pdw. Gonna make an attempt myself, but not exactly my strongpoint so any other offerings would be very welcome.
An orc of supreme ugliness is Jess,
He walks the streets of Port in a dress,
For us simple folk he couldnt care less,
For his crimes he must be made to confess,
Its about time we had some redress!
......
Oh no, here comes the Black Hand,
In truth they're a bit of a joke,
Oh so tough when they killed our baker friend,
It's about time someone made a stand,
We might just be ordinary folk,
But together we can bring about their end!
......
Urgh. Well best I can do. Any more offerings -very- welcome! :0)
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 03 Jan 2006 02:32 AM |
Hey Sirac! Good to see you back around, even for a while :)
In response to your posting - Macha is indirectly interested in the events you posted about. Since hearing that Virallax is back around she's been spending a lot of time in PR and surrounding areas both seen and unseen, listening to conversations and picking up what she can.
She's interested in the rumours about feelings re: the hand as she has made arrangements to speak with Jessup, believing her best chance to get revenge at Virallax is with the BH. Also re: the palace taking an interest in the "other" side of PR and what that might mean.
Anything that she may have heard in the course of listening in to conversations at the palace (where she stays when she's in PR for an extended period) or in PR, Buckshire or surrounding areas would be nifty. Thanks!
Trish
Heya,
Yup, good to be back, Vives is hard to get outta yer system isnt it!? :0)
K, stuff you have found out. First of all, PR is a seething cauldron of hatred. You have known the city through all manner of disturbances, and never seen the like. The most gentle of souls are growing angry at the actions of the Hand. You have heard tales of extortion, blackmail, beatings, murders, every crime imaginable. Yet the majority of tales seem to be nothing all that new, time honoured traditions for those in the seedier areas of Port. So the level of anger and hatred being levelled at the Hand seems extraordinary.
Yes, there are tales of innocents murdered. Which is unusual, as such actions are rarely profitable. For details, see the threads about the "season of goodwill coming to Port" if you havent already.
What has really caught your interest though, is something you know only a very well trained and knowledgeable bard could notice. You know the thrill that it is to capivate an audience. To hold them in the palm of your hand, manipulating their emotions through your singing, taking them through a maelstrom of emotions through the tales you spin. And talking to many of the citizens of Port, you recognise that gleam in their eye. They have been entranced, bewitched by a true master of the bardic arts. Yet only the most negative of emotions are being stimulated, hatred, loathing, anger, jealousy, bloodlust, and suchlike.
It makes you remember old tales of ancient lore. And after a day or so researching and refreshing your memory, you re-discover what it is that you once heard tell of. The deathsingers. An ancient sect of bards that had devoted their skills to waging war. Bards that had trained as assassins. They sacrificed physical strength and fortitude for enhancements to their bardic skill. And mastered the ability, given sufficient time and opportunity, to manipulate the emotions of entire civilizations. Through insinuation and implication, gossip and rumour, they could stir entire towns, even cities, into unparalelled rage. Riots, civil uprisings, lynch mobs, revolution, all of these things and more they could incite. And there seems a chance that this is what is happening in Port.
For such to be ocurring, someone who has truly mastered the darkest of bardic arts must be in Port. And be utterly devoted to destroying the Hand. This is no chance bard angered by the actions of the Hand, this is someone who has devoted their entire life to destroying the Hand, and Jessup. Someone who loathes the Hand with every fibre of their being.
However, -perhaps- of more interest to you, this is someone who has mastered bardic arts you believed legend. This is a true master, someone who exceeds even the heights you have mastered.
And so you face a decision. You can try to thwart what they do in Port. You have mastered enough of the bardic arts, and have such a strong reputation in Port, that you could cause their deathsong to be severely hampered, maybe even thwarted. In doing so, you are certain you would earn their utter emnity. And never have a chance to learn from them. You would have to devote yourself to the Hand for several days. Sing their praises, counter the dark rumours spreading at every turn, and basically in an ooc sense spread as much "positive propaganda" for the Hand as you possibly could. You are reasonably certain it is in your power to succeed in this, and end the threat to the Hand.
Alternately, you could seek out the deathsinger. And perhaps seek to learn from them. Or at least observe them. All you have discovered through the gentlest of enquiries is that there is reputed to be a widowed lass in Port. A lass who claims her husband was slain by Jessups men. She is widely known to be a bard. And she seems to be very well known to all in Port, her description comes up far more than would seem to be warranted for someone who, as best you can tell, nobody can clearly remember from before a few days ago. And the fact nobody knows her name, nor can describe her beyond the most basic of details, fits in with what you suspect.
Any other questions, let me know. Or if you want to meet IG. Otherwise, have fun! :0)
Sean
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'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 03 Jan 2006 02:55 AM |
An orc of supreme ugliness is Jess,
He walks the streets of Port in a dress,
For us simple folk he couldnt care less,
For his crimes he must be made to confess,
Its about time we had some redress!
......
Oh no, here comes the Black Hand,
In truth they're a bit of a joke,
Oh so tough when they killed our baker bloke,
It's about time someone made a stand,
We might just be ordinary folk,
But together we'll get rid of their yoke
......
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Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
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"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
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<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 03 Jan 2006 03:09 AM |
Thx pdw.
As an aside, if anyone sees Cora in PR plz give her a very hard time. Lots of dark looks, muttered accusations, thrown rotten fruit and veg from the shadows, that kinda thing.
She is in the frame for murder. Was actually Meram that would have killed the baker for the night masks, but the fact it was a halfling lass was so that Cora could be framed, and the blame laid on Jessup. So little direct confrontation yet, but Cora should be very uncomfortable in Port.
And any other adventurers passing through Port can get a fairly unfriendly reaction. Either for not helping against Jessup's "terrible crimes" or for being suspected of being a member of the Hand.
Cheers,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 03 Jan 2006 03:10 AM |
*rioters demonstrating on the waterfront, near the cross cutlasses. plenty of alcohol being served (because, as Sirac and I discussed, alcohol makes you a smarter and kinder individual)*
It's time to take
_ to set things right
and no longer succumb
_ to their brutal might
We'll offer you
_ our undarkened hand
so that together
_ we'll make a stand
It's an enterprise
_ for all of us
to drain and bleed
_ this deadly puss
This city is ours!
*the mob is ugly. seems to be dock workers complaining about the burden of the squeeze being put on them* |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 03 Jan 2006 03:24 AM |
*more children's games, played with small stones. one child with a bag of stones passes them out as they sing*
a gold for you, a gold for me
a gold for the princess up high to see
a gold for the baker for his fine bread
a gold for the taxman until you are dead
the rest to the ones who we all trust
to spend our gold for their dirty lust
*one of the kids then tries to take the bag of stones and as quickly as possible to take the rest of the stones from the other kids where the game begins again with a new kid holding the bag of stones* |
Purpose in life: finding better ways of allowing players to kill themselves. Repeatedly.
--
"...Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good."
--
<@James42> Lawful good isn't in your vocabulary, it's on your menu.
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 06 Jan 2006 12:21 PM |
Hey Sirac, do you have a ballpark idea of when this will die down enough for me to schedule the "Murder Mystery" plot?
I've decided that the new temple will be a gift from Vanderzee to the the queen's daugther so I'm going to keep that out until the 'issues' in PR settle down. And, as things settle down, the queen will have the party to try and forget about all the problems. |
Juylina Komthya | Portrait - Priestess of Naruth |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 06 Jan 2006 12:30 PM |
Not sure. First big event around it tonight. Will have a better idea after that. Would imagine it has at least another week to run, maybe two.
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 06 Jan 2006 12:52 PM |
Ahh, I was thinking it was going to last a bit longer than that.
I'm probably going away on the 17th for three weeks (I hope only three weeks), so I won't be running anything major during that time. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 06 Jan 2006 01:02 PM |
Ahh, I was thinking it was going to last a bit longer than that.
I still need to run Numen / Luther / Daimon before I go on extended leave again. Plus the "valentine special" with Ficcy.
So maximum I can allow for the night masks is 3 weeks. Which is my deadline, realistically.
Definite to run are the event tonight. Probably followed by the Hand losing nearly everything, and going to meet Numen. Followed by the victorious attack on the night masks.
But all this is -very- subject to change.
Cheers,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 07 Jan 2006 11:49 AM |
Visit to Numen is this wednesday evening, 8pm UK time. Maybe final showdown between the masks and the Hand the coming weekend. Then any loose strings, like a certain tax collector / the fate of the whisperer to be decided in the week after.
However, if they reject Numens offer, which they just might considering what they will have to sacrifice, could be that resolution will be a bit further off. Really dont want this to be a turn to Menarok or definitely lose, so if they say no, will have to come up with other avenues for them.
Cheers,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 19 Jan 2006 07:10 AM |
K, players have pulled their fingers out. So looks like I will be running stuff this Sunday evening around this story. And then next week will hopefully see the demise of the night masks.
Just so all know the status quo.
Cheers,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 29 Jan 2006 12:51 PM |
Just got the following PM from Vulpina. Had to share it cos it made me chuckle so. Nice to know I am not the only one this kind of thing can drive mad. Funniest bit is I only gave the lettering fairly abstract meanings, other than the first set.
Please tell me ..........
In your post:
On behalf of her Royal Majesty,
*signature is bold yet austere*
Boddelglum Pratwiddle Misermaddioc, HMRTC, GpX, ARC & KotAM.
I have just got to know what the letters after his name are, or I'll go crazy trying to guess
Hehe,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 29 Jan 2006 03:26 PM |
Her Majesty's Royal Tax Collector... uh...
*Blank look at the rest of it* |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 29 Jan 2006 09:46 PM |
| I'm hazarding a guess that the last part is Knight of the Aquinas somethingsomething |
"Mistakes have been made, others will be blamed..." |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 30 Jan 2006 03:27 AM |
Heh, guess I should have posted my PM I replied with. Like I said, didnt ever expect to reveal an "answer" so didnt bother giving it definite solutions that made particular sense. The following was about as far as I got thinking it through:
In your post:
On behalf of her Royal Majesty,
*signature is bold yet austere*
Boddelglum Pratwiddle Misermaddioc, HMRTC, GpX, ARC & KotAM.
I have just got to know what the letters after his name are, or I'll go crazy trying to guess
LOL!!!
Honest answer is I didnt really bother trying to make them have an exact meaning, figuring people would just drive themselves crazy for a bit, then forget about 'em! After all, I am eeeevil! :0)
So yea, only spent a few seconds giving most of them a vague meaning in my head.
The first definitely had meaning: Her Majesty's Royal Tax Collector. I figured people who know Boddelglum might well guess that, and thus be convinced the others meant something.
The second, I used the X to make people really wonder. All I had in my head was Gnome Par Xcellence. Kinda french, doesnt make a whole lot of sense, but could be a Brandibuck honour I guess.
ARC: Accountant, registered and chartered. Maybe. :0)
KotAM: Something like Kaazim: Order of the Arch Magi.
So there ya go, sorry to have been so mean!
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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Re: DMs: Night masks goings on
Posted: 31 Jan 2006 03:48 AM |
Ok, provisionally pencilled in for the big finale on Thurs or Friday night.
Benny, if yer cool with Saturday, works best for me so that if they have to postpone then I can still run the auction or attack on Sunday evening.
Cheers,
Sean |
'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.' - Richard Bach, Illusions. |
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