RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to CnC: The Rotter Campaign

22:52, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Interlude in Rotter #2.

Posted by Castle KeeperFor group 0
Seline
player, 19 posts
Wed 11 Jan 2017
at 18:23
  • msg #20

Interlude in Rotter #2

"This Oswald fellow sounds like a bad fellow. Now I can understand the want to stop him but let's not rush in wands ablaze."
Seline pauses to take a sip of coffee.
"If we are doing this because he is depraved and has a less than true moral compass, then we should look at his clients as well. He wouldn't get into this business unless there was something for him and clients to buy his product."
Elwood
player, 87 posts
Human Cleric, 2nd Level
Wed 11 Jan 2017
at 20:36
  • msg #21

Interlude in Rotter #2

Elwood seeths with anger as he listens to Hugh.  "Forget that I mentioned Moira's request.  The eradication of slavers is more aligned with my vows to Flyspamon than being a simple courier.  Anthony, you could not be more correct."  To Seline he adds, "I prefer the direct approach.  We'll make him tell us about his clients.  At the very least, we'll probably uncover evidence about his clients, such as letters and other communications.  But we should use some caution in this pursuit.  No need to barge into another room filled with close to a score of orcs and zombies."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Wed 11 Jan 2017.
Anthony
player, 26 posts
Wed 11 Jan 2017
at 20:38
  • msg #22

Interlude in Rotter #2

Anthony holds up his hand, long and willowy. A thoughtful look fills his young face. "I think there will be time for the direct approach, Elwood, but let's here Seline's idea. How do we go finding out who his buyers are and stopping them, Seline? Thoughts?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Wed 11 Jan 2017.
Dreya
player, 117 posts
Level 2 Druid
Wed 11 Jan 2017
at 21:41
  • msg #23

Interlude in Rotter #2

Dreya even seems to lose all appetite for what food remains on her plate, eyes flying up and gaze flitting around a bit wildly at the men and Seline sitting around the table. "Cages are bad! I...uh...I mean...no one...should suffer a cage. We should stop this if we can, even if there is no gold reward," she blurts, her last words flying from her tongue so quickly no one is certain she even took a breath during it all.
Seline
player, 20 posts
Wed 11 Jan 2017
at 21:56
  • msg #24

Interlude in Rotter #2

Seline looking around at her companions, taking note of Dreya's reaction.
"What if we posed as prospective clients or suppliers?" She asked.
"we could have one of us as bait, any volunteers?"
Castle Keeper
GM, 164 posts
Wed 11 Jan 2017
at 22:19
  • msg #25

Interlude in Rotter #2

If the party wants to locate and/or stop the rumored Oswald, the Rotter Orphan's Guild would be a good place to start looking for leads.
Hugh
player, 65 posts
Human Monk
AC: 14 | HP: 25/25
Wed 11 Jan 2017
at 23:43
  • msg #26

Interlude in Rotter #2

Hugh listens carefully to his companions' points concerning the Orphantaker, measuring each on its own terms.

"We might try to gather information from the Orphan's Guild. Maybe a few questions will yield something more substantial than what we have now?" he offers.

"Do any of you have contacts among the shadier elements of the city? If so, maybe a dual approach may reveal a bigger picture?"
Elwood
player, 88 posts
Human Cleric, 2nd Level
Wed 11 Jan 2017
at 23:49
  • msg #27

Interlude in Rotter #2

Taking a deep breath to calm down, Elwood says "I see your point, but I'm having a difficult time envisioning myself having a conversation with this Oswald which doesn't end with my mace embedded firmly and deeply in his skull."  With a sly grin he says "Why Silene, I think if there's anyone in this group who can convincingly portray someone who lacks a moral compass, it would be you my dear."

"I could speak with someone at the Orphan's Guild and perhaps see if they know anything about this Oswald."

OOC:  Is an orphan's guild some sort of charitable institution that cares for orphans?  If so, it would make sense for Elwood to speak to them.
Dreya
player, 118 posts
Level 2 Druid
Thu 12 Jan 2017
at 00:22
  • msg #28

Interlude in Rotter #2

Dreya blinks. "I'm not..." The druid tries again. "I'm not exactly sure what I should do? I don't know anyone except you guys. And Snarg, who is dead. And Sir Khaaven...also dead." Her brow furrows in thought. "Sir Lex is also probably dead. Yes, I just know you five. Maybe go along to talk to the Orphan's guild?" A sudden thought has Dreya brightening, and she sits a little straighter with a hopeful smile. "I am good at remembering stuff! Or I try to be."
Seline
player, 21 posts
Thu 12 Jan 2017
at 07:00
  • msg #29

Interlude in Rotter #2

Seline puts a hand to her chest, feigning embarrassment. "Oh,Elwood, that is a silver tongue you have there!  And with those broad shoulders… you are just so yummy." Seline exaggerates looking Elwood over top to bottom like she is taking stock of inventory. "But I do suppose you are right, compared to you and Hugh I'd imagine even saints question their own moral compass." Seline looks thoughtfully into her cup of coffee, continuing on in a more serious tone "I can inquire about our friend, I'm not sure we have the appearance or coin to show that we can be clients. I don't know the going rate for a slave having never participated in slave trade.  I find it deplorable myself.  There are plenty of other ways to get people to do things for you…  However, someone of my profession wouldn't be a kidnapper. "   Looking at each party member in turn, "We need to either find out how much a slave is if we want to proceed as a client or find ," Seline gags a bit like the next words coming from her mouth taste horrendous, " a sample product to show as goodwill. Either way, if I proceed alone it won't look as convincing, so I think if we chose either one of those options, Cole should accompany me."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Thu 12 Jan 2017.
Hugh
player, 66 posts
Human Monk
AC: 14 | HP: 25/25
Thu 12 Jan 2017
at 07:10
  • msg #30

Interlude in Rotter #2

Hugh shakes his head in response to Seline, "I agree. Seline posing as a slaver will be a hard sell to even the dullest of minds. Cole however," he says, looking at the man, "that would be believable. No offense to either of you," he says while looking at both.

Hugh further notes this is personal to him, because he himself was rescued from a life of bondage.
Castle Keeper
GM, 165 posts
Thu 12 Jan 2017
at 13:48
  • msg #31

Interlude in Rotter #2

The Orphans Guild is really a glorified street gang made up of the city's juvenile riff-raff.  Dirty, impoverished guttersnipes are always underfoot in Rotter.  Most people ignore them so long as they aren't stealing.  The Beggars Guild frequently feuds with them leading to the occasional bloodshed.  Some of the various crime families watch the Orphans for recruitment purposes.

If Seline goes all-in with the Gambinis, they may be able to point her to an appropriate contact-orphan.  You could also step out onto the street and harass the first orphany-looking kid you see.  You are unaware of any official guild-hall, but the orphans must be sleeping somewhere.
Seline
player, 22 posts
Thu 12 Jan 2017
at 20:27
  • msg #32

Interlude in Rotter #2

Seline all of sudden looks up from her cup of coffee. "A thought just occurred to me!  What if we approach this as couriers for a potential buyer?  I am looking to set up new contacts underground and can act as Cole's contact point in Rotter.  Setting up a meeting between him and the slaver. That would give me a reason to go with and go armed as I want to “ensure” my charge’s meeting goes well as a botched job would directly affect my street cred.  I can imagine that it would also allow us to go in armed." Seline looks at Cole. "Any thoughts or reservations, Cole?  Being volunteered to accompany me on this wonderful adventure I want to make sure you are on board with this."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Thu 12 Jan 2017.
Cole Hiller
player, 60 posts
Thu 12 Jan 2017
at 21:57
  • msg #33

Interlude in Rotter #2

Silently, Cole stares into the dark liquid of his coffee cup.  Like that bitter, black liquid swirling in his cup, his insides are churning at hearing of the depravity of this slaver’s ring.  It wasn’t right to snatch anyone so young and condemn them to a life not of their choosing.  No child or person… his gaze drifts around the table as he takes in his companions expressions, lingers on Dreya’s downward cast eyes before finally settling back to Seline.  “You have my sword.  This Oswald and his blatant disregard for human life disgusts me,” Cole states, swiping the cup from off the table and takes a long swig, draining it of every last drop. “I agree that we do not have the monetary means to be convincing buyers.  However, couriers for a buyer, yes, I think that could work.”  Cole stares into the depths of the empty cup for a moment before setting it back atop the table top.  “But, I do have a thought.  I have always found the best way to learn about your enemy is to infiltrate their inner circle, join them if you will.  What’s the old saying," Cole ponders a moment before he leans over and rests his elbows on the table, "keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer?  Perhaps posing as slavers for hire would bear more fruit," he suggests.  "We might be given access to the inner workings, see and meet people couriers and buyers would not gain access to.  You’d be surprised what slapping on some different clothes can do to make us convincing slavers.  It’s just a thought, but whatever is decided, you can count on my sword.  I would also caution whichever path we choose, that the others of our group are hidden, close by so that if anything should “fall to the winds”, as they say, rescue isn’t too far out of reach.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:59, Fri 13 Jan 2017.
Anthony
player, 27 posts
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 01:03
  • msg #34

Interlude in Rotter #2

Anthony nods, taking a sip from his cup. "This is a marvelous plan. I can do the talking and pose as whatever you need. I am persuasive when required." He raises his cup and flashes a charming smile.
Dreya
player, 122 posts
Level 2 Druid
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 02:38
  • msg #35

Interlude in Rotter #2

Slipping into silence, Dreya watches those around her as conversation about their next pursuit ebbs and wanes, details tossed out and considered or discarded as a new plan tries to unfurl its petals.  Voices rise in fervor before dipping again, drawing the eyes of strangers in the inn, questions and curiosities glittering in their depths.

Slavers are taking the young, those without families to protect them, from the streets of Rotter and selling them to unthinkable fates, and for what...all for profit of gold?  But Dreya had little to offer in information or skill to help their burgeoning plan bloom.

There...there was something she could do, however.  Though, the mere thought of it sent a cold bolt of fear knifing through her because so much could go wrong.  And yet...her hand drifts up and fingers the cool metal encircling her neck beneath the fur scarf she always makes sure is wrapped securely around the column of her throat even though she constantly keeps the hood of her cloak over her head.  And yet she had found the means,  escaped the confines of a cage before...

She could do so again.  And she would not let fear keep her sitting here silent when she could keep others free of slavery, of cages, of unthinkable fates or of having no freedom.

Hands tightening into white-knuckled fists, she realizes Seline's plan of posing as slavers is a sound one, though Dreya herself would never be able to pull off the role of a slaver. And her fighting skills were not exactly the stuff to give a role of charging in to the rescue merit.

She swallows the lump in her throat and forges ahead.

"I...I can be bait."

But the conversation around her doesn't break and those invested in arguing or detailing aspects of the forming plan didn't shift their focus, and Dreya realizes she must have spoke too quietly.

"I CAN BE BAIT!"
Anthony
player, 29 posts
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 02:58
  • msg #36

Interlude in Rotter #2

Anthony turns to Dreya. "That would be fine. We would then need to track you. Suggestions on how we follow you or track you?" He cocks his head, detached and curious.
Elwood
player, 90 posts
Human Cleric, 2nd Level
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 04:05
  • msg #37

Interlude in Rotter #2

Elwood looks at the emblem on his shield that matches his holy symbol worm around his neck. "If I'm to pose as one of the slavers,  I'll need to buy another shield and an old tunic to wear over my mail and amulet."  It is well known that Flyspamon strictly forbids the practice of slavery.

"So just to be clear,  the plan will be for Seline to use her contacts to set up a meeting with Oswald, then some of us to pose as fellow slavers, looking to join his group.  And Dreya? Is your role to be a slave we recently 'acquired'?  I'm sorry if I'm confused,  but there have been many plans proposed, and I probably shouldn't have had a third glass of wine. "

OOC I'll add a new shield and tunic and deduct the cost.
Dreya
player, 124 posts
Level 2 Druid
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 05:12
  • msg #38

Interlude in Rotter #2

"If it helps your plan," Dreya answers the cleric.
Hugh
player, 67 posts
Human Monk
AC: 14 | HP: 25/25
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 07:59
  • msg #39

Interlude in Rotter #2

Hugh listens as his companions discuss their plans and pledges his assistance, in whatever capacity he is needed.

"I simply want to help and will do whatever is needed," he adds in during a lull in the conversation.
Elwood
player, 92 posts
Human Cleric, 2nd Level
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 17:17
  • msg #40

Interlude in Rotter #2

Although the plan seems sound,  Elwood is still concerned.  The thought of Dreya, the companion who saved his life and whom he has vowed to protect, possibly being separated from them, armed only with her spells, filled him with dread.  Hearing Hugh's words, he looks at the quiet monk.  No armor, no weapons, still very deadly if the situation requires it.

"Hugh, would you be willing to join Dreya as one of our 'slaves'?  I for one would feel more comfortable knowing she won't be alone."
Hugh
player, 68 posts
Human Monk
AC: 14 | HP: 25/25
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 18:55
  • msg #41

Re: Interlude in Rotter #2

Elwood:
Although the plan seems sound,  Elwood is still concerned.  The thought of Dreya, the companion who saved his life and whom he has vowed to protect, possibly being separated from them, armed only with her spells, filled him with dread.  Hearing Hugh's words, he looks at the quiet monk.  No armor, no weapons, still very deadly if the situation requires it.

"Hugh, would you be willing to join Dreya as one of our 'slaves'?  I for one would feel more comfortable knowing she won't be alone."


Hugh nods once in ascent and responds, "It will be done." Glancing at Dreya, "Our lot will be the same."
Anthony
player, 30 posts
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 19:54
  • msg #42

Re: Interlude in Rotter #2

Anthony scratches his chin. "I see, I am clear now. I suppose that makes me one of the slavers, then, yes?"
Dreya
player, 126 posts
Level 2 Druid
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 20:57
  • msg #43

Re: Interlude in Rotter #2

Dreya lifts her gaze to Simply Elwoods, a small, relieved smile lifting the corners of her lips in gratitude for the suggestion.

Turning to the monk, she nods her head in affirmation before unclenching a fist and reaching for her goblet of chilled water, taking a sip.
Seline
player, 24 posts
Fri 13 Jan 2017
at 21:07
  • msg #44

Re: Interlude in Rotter #2

Seline’s brows furrow as her face takes on a more serious look. “Not that this isn’t a bad plan but before we go through this I would like to take some time to reach out to my contacts before we go through with this. I am afraid that if I make contact and set up the meeting with this Oswald and he is protected by one of the crime syndicates I have connections with this subterfuge will work but once it is over we may have found ourselves in more trouble than we can handle.”
Aimlessly fidgeting with her empty cup “We may be on the side of justice but there are countless stories and examples when those on justice’s side went in unprepared and in the end didn’t come back out, and me personally I really enjoy the idea of continuing to live through this adventure.”
“Plus if we just remove this Oswald fellow it will more than likely create a vacuum which will be filled in by the next slum ball. So if we can go in with the backing of a crime family or make a grotesque example of him with no fear of repercussions from the underground that will provide a more permanent solution to this dilemma.”

Looking up from her glass, as a faint smile crosses Seline’s lips she adds in a much lighter tone and a giggle ”However I am looking forward to seeing Hugh as a “slave” all chained up and nowhere to go”
Sign In