In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 1):

Lionell's eyebrows narrowed with a stifled grunt, arms crossing a bit more indignantly. "Fine. I'll play along, but if some idiot gets killed trying to keep up with me it's going to be hard feeling bad for them." He remarked. As Augusto spoke Leo wordlessly takes the parchment between a couple of fingers, watching mentor beginning trail away. "Yea.. come back alive Augusto."

Lionell raises the parchment up to his face as his cool and reserved eyes trailed over the words. "What the he..." he trailed off his eyes blinking a bit replacing their reserved look with a glance of a sort of disbelief. Not fully grasping what the information was telling him for a second.

https://youtu.be/PtCUMhwfReU

"WHAT THE HELL AUGUSTO!?" he screamed as he suddenly picked up into a full run almost slipping with his footing. Bolting around the corner he lightly clipped into a civilian who he accidentally sent sprawling clumsily to the ground, Lionell not so much as slowing down as said civilian began hurling insults at him.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Wed 13 May 2020.

Lionell has found himself in a race against time. Barreling directly into one of the inn's residents and bounding his way down the already bustling street. Humans, dwarves, dragonborne, lizardfolk, centaurs, halflings, warforged (rock golems), tabaxi (cat people), and tieflings (devils) all fill the streets. Children play unattended, merchants merrily advertise their wares, hosts lure people to their restaurants, libraries welcome people at all times of the day, there are no guards to be seen; the town is alive and thriving. It's hard to believe that these were the slums only five years ago.

Rushing past everyone, managing not to knock anyone else down along his way, Leo manages to find the wrong side of town. Attempting to check a clock in a shop window as he dashes by, a loud crowd appears in the intersection, distracting him, just before The Tomb. Originally planning on squeezing through the commotion, a flying fist makes him reconsider. This isn't a simple traffic jam, it's a full on street brawl! Narrowly ducking out in the nick of time, he turns back to make a detour. The clattering sound of chains and metal are getting louder. "Stop there trouble maker!", yells one of the town guardsmen running towards the fight.

"Don't let him get away!", another shouts as they point at Leo, just before he dips around the corner. He'll have to take a bigger detour if he wants to make it to the tavern and not his own tomb! After narrowly avoiding a fruit cart and two warforged carrying a large portrait of Gaut Deimos, he stands before The Tomb. He can see a large tabaxi tiger being handcuffed and escorted away from the fight just 30 feet away. Luckily it seems that he no longer has their attention.

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 7):

Lionell gritted his teeth a bit looking back at the commotion but pushed forward into the tavern, a waft of alcohol and fresh food in his wake.

As Leo opens the door, a short hooded figure storms past. Quietly brooding as they hurriedly leave. Beyond the doors lay an almost empty tavern. Standing behind the bar is a Minotaur, Philon, which is uncommon outside of the Badlands. However Leo knows Philon well as "its the best bar in all the land!" One of Augusto's many drunken claims to be the "best". Philon wipes a glass clean and stores it under the bar, seemingly unaware of the unusual scene in front of him.

Three of the ten tables are left standing. Six are smashed to pieces and broken. The last is.. where is the last one? Shards of glass and assorted liquids pollute the floor. Beers, ales, wines, blood, spit, vomit, spirits, and ciders. A lone bar stool remains, occupied by a tiefling casually sipping out of a glass. Dressed in dark light clothes, the red devil gazes down into his drink. At one of the tables sits a young man with a hood. A pale human's face and long black hair peak out of the hood as he looks at Leo curiously. He wears clothing full of light greens and browns. He spins a white feather between is fingers like a pen until it disappears behind his hand. He looks at Leo pompously. Lastly sits an old man in heavy chain mail, drinking presumably ale from a large glass stein. Tilting it back to get out every drop, he then slams it down onto the table which is the only sound in the tavern.

The man looks up and barely notices Leo's existence, immediately blurting out, "Oh! Its Leonill!"

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 9):

Lionell blinks blankly as there was a horrid solution of fragrances that hit him all at once. His stomach for a moment churned at the unexpected minor display of gore. Though as unexpected as this was he quickly braced himself and regained his momentarily lost composure, paying no mind to the hooded figure that pushed past him. Taking focused steps he walked in, eyes glossing over the various characters in the bar, as he stepped over to take a seat a few places away from the old man in chain. He was about to order something from the exotic bartender when the old man addressed him, giving the young guy an unmistakable pause. "W.... What did you just call me?" he seemed more unnerved pr disgusted than actually angry.

"My name is Lionell... Who are you old man?"

"I am but a humble Shepard of the sheep that are our fellow man," he begins, slowly leaning in closer to you. The overwhelming stench of ale from his breathe somehow manages to over power the odors radiating from the floorboards. "But my God given name is Francisco Javier Bailén IV. I was told by Augusto to come meet you here for an adventure."

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 11):

A slight grunt escaped his lips when he was prompted by such a sensation so strong, flicking his nose with a firm brush. "Adventure?!" his right eyebrow rose as his sneer deepened. He pulled out the parchment and looked down at it for a moment before readjusting his glance back up to Francisco. "Augusto told me I was going to be doing a job, not take some sort of stroll through the Empire..." he looked to the other two and down back. "Either way, I take it you two are here for the job as well? I see 5 names but only 3 of you. Anyone feel like filling me in on what's going on?" it was a request but likely came across as more of a demand with the tone he used.

"Pelor 14:12, the path that you expect to take may not be the best path for you. Come now and drink with me to clear your head of all doubts." Francisco waves his hand haphazardly and calls out for another to Philon. Philon doesn't budge. At the mention of the others, he looks behind him, "And this is-... Where did Andres go?" The brightly dressed man at the other table lets out a quiet chuckle and the tielfing at the bar a sigh. "I swear he was just here," Francisco remarks, dumbfounded.

The tiefling turns around on the bar stool. "Andres... left," he says pausing to glare at the hooded man wearing a delighted smile.

He then starts to speak in a bit of a whimsical tone. "As did Amir. He stormed off, something about 'being punctual'. However I don't know anything about a stroll through the Empire, though it sounds like well deserved money to me."

"You don't deserve anything you abomination," says the tiefling to the hooded man.

"That means a lot coming from you, demon," he replies.

"My lost sheep, Avandra 17:14. Strife is as when one letteth out water..." Francisco trails off as he slumps down to the floor.

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 13):

Lionell gave a slightly deject and annoyed frown. "Augusto really knows how to pick em doesn't he?" he asked pushing himself out of his chair with a clear of his throat. "Alright." he said with a cocky though small smile. ""I have to have one of you with me, so give me some idea of what the three of you are capable of. Assuming lounging and..." he looked over to Francisco. "Drunkenness isn't all there is to you fellas."

Half a beat would pass as his eyebrows scrunched tightly over his eyes. "Fair warning though... if you aren't strong enough to fight at my side, I can't promise you'll live this journey. Not that you should expect treachery from me, but I can only pick up someone else's slack for so long."

"My child, no I assure you," Francisco begins as he starts to try to stand up.

The hooded man twirls his fingers and brings the feather back out into his hand. "I have a few talents that would be beneficial to you," he says before making it disappear again. Francisco continues talking in the background.

An agitated sigh comes from the tiefling. "You're not even doing it well!" he exclaims before taking a deep breath and regaining his composure. "My name is Cyrila. I'm familiar with the underside of the city and can do whatever has to be done to finish a job. I can sneak in and out of places and get the drop on any enemies we may come across. I make a good distraction too." Francisco continues talking in the background.

The hooded man laughs disrespectfully. "I'd prefer to not be forced into any sort of battles, but I know my way around a fight," he says while replacing the feather with a dagger. "Although I'm not much of a front line fighter," he remarks seemingly transforming the knife back to the feather. "I work more on the, supportive end of things. Oh!", he adds. "I almost forgot, pardon my manners." The candle flickers on the wall and spells out Arturo. "At your service," he says with a smile.

"More like monster," adds Cyrila.

"Fiend."

"And that's how I became a cleric of the church", Francisco says finally not being talked over. "People tend to die on these sort of things, so until I can go back to the church, I lend my support to lost little sheep. Avandra 19:17"

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 15):

Lionell felt a bit at a loss. They each seemed to have expertise in their given skill sets, but the problem he was beset with was the details of the job. Each one of his possible options would be perfect support for what he needed. Should the job require detailed and dangerous intel Cyrila would be the best fit, if he were to expect more abstract issues with the environment such as deep dives into ruins the utility of someone magical prowess like Arturo would be of the greatest importance, or if they should expect a lot of combat and conflict having a healer like the drunken Francisco to keep him from dying would be the most imperative. Regardless it was obvious to him that if whichever team he decided was going to work he would be incurring the most physical punishment in the group. It would help if the skills of whoever he enlists was at least apt for the tasks at hand.

Nell breathed out a sigh. "Fine... I'm going to hate this but I've decided on what I should do." he looked at Cryila and Arturo. "You two better stop bickering," and then Leo looked to Francisco "And you better not be too drunk off your ass to keep us from dying." he started walking to the exit as he placed a hand on the door. "Well... let's go. Augusto is waiting on us and I have no idea what to expect. I'm not in the mood to be slowed down."

There was the briefest of pauses before he spoke up one last time before stepping back into the village.

"Call me Leo."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Sat 16 May 2020.

Francisco jumps to his feet and somehow manages to stay up right. ""Leo! What a great name. Please, call me Francisco Javier Bailén IV! I give thanks to our Lord for he is good! Pelor 107:1" He runs after you excitedly.

Arturo looks to Cyrila annoyed. Cyrila looks up to sky, staring disappointingly before looking over at Arturo. "I don't trust you, I won't help you, and if you pull any funny business, I will take you out on the spot."

"Oh, it looks like your true colors are starting to show, huh, little devil?" Arturo taunts.

Cyrila spits "Swine," as he stands up, walking past Arturo. "I'll only keep your secret as long as I'm forced to travel with you. If it comes down to me or you-"

"I like those odds, demon," Arturo adds cutting him off. He stands up and walks towards the door, tossing the feather to the ground.

"Trickster."

"Ogre." They continue to spit insults at each other before eventually falling silent.

"Avandra 3:27 through 28," snarls Philon. "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee."

Francisco stutters, and comes to a stiff halt. He says without facing Philon, "A-.. Avandra 19:17. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he-"

"He will pay him again," Philon says quietly in a low grumble.

Francisco tip toes out of the tavern quietly whispering, "adventuuure." The three of them follow behind you.

Leo was beginning the lose some confidence as the three bantered bitterly, and in Francisco's case sheepishly, bicker among each other. If the elements didn't kill them they might each other, but second guessing and dropping back on the conviction of one's decisions does not make qualities of a very reliable man. Nonetheless, he had some growing concerns, hopefully if they die it won't be by his hand. Leading the party back to the Inn. Along the way he explains that Augusto would be meeting them later in the evening, and that they can make whatever preparations they need to before leaving.

"I need to settle some things before we leave tonight. We'll be waiting at the Vermillian Cobble Inn until Augusto shows up."

Without a moments hesitation Leo beelined his way to said Inn.

Arturo heads off, "In that case, I have a couple things to tend to myself. Vermillian Cobble Inn." He heads off in his own direction. "Vermillian Cobble Inn?" he whispers again to himself.

"I'll gather some supplies," Cyrila replies. "Is there anything I should procure?", he asks before leaving.

Francisco chimes in, "Do you mind if I follow you? I'm not sure where that inn is, and I'd rather not be late.. Or get lost.."

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 19):

"Potions... get one for each of us" he requested of Cyrila. "Including Arturo" he clarified. Leo looked at Francisco a slight downward dip into a frown as he asked to come along. He wasn't sure how much patience he was going to have for this religious drunk, yet.... "Well... I'm on my way to take care of some last minute chores for the inn keeper. You're welcome to come Francisco but don't be surprised if she puts you to work." he remarked.

Moments passed as they worked their way back to the aptly named Vermillian Cobble. Leo walked back through the front doors calling out. "Ralvilla! I've got a new job. I'll be leaving this evening." He called out. "There anything you need me to take care of before tonight?"

Leo hears Ralvilla call from a couple rooms down, "Leo come on in here!" There, the red headed dwarf stands on a ladder, a familiar jar in one hand and a paint brush in the other. The entire room smells like vinegar. "Leo, I need you to help me smear-"

"What are you doing?!", yells out a concerned Francisco, following you with the ching of chain mail. "Vinegar is acidic; it can corrode the wood and stone!" He walks over and tries to snatch the jar from her.

While trying to inspect this new face, Ralvilla doesn't realize what he's up to until the jar is gone from her hand. "You old fart! Give that back! I paid good money for it!" she demands.

"No, I will not! Who did you buy this from? I'll go get you a refund on this myself!" He looks at the engraving on the side of the jar, and begins walking off. "Pelor 11:21. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished..." he spouts, trailing off into the distance.

Ralvilla stares where Francisco was standing, eyes wide, mouth agape. "Who, who was that?" she finally manages to spit out.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:48, Mon 18 May 2020.

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 21):

Leo was visibly stunned at this man's banter and rather forceful approach to... "problem solving". He scoffed out an exasperated blast of air when the man basically pushed him aside on his mad charge out. "You better not be lost or late Francisco!" he called out, rubbing his forehead with a genuine looking of grief on his face. This was a small break in his usually collected and calm demeanor, though he was comfortable enough with Ralvilla to be this open with her. "... A man that is just as likely to save my life as he is to get me killed..."

Leo firmly rubbed the right side of his now tensing neck as he turned his attention directly to Ravilla. "I'll be leaving tonight Ravilla. I just want to make sure that there wasn't anything you need me to take care of before I left. Need fire wood?"

Ravilla shakes her head, and looks towards Leo saying, "Tonight, huh? Well we've got the wood and all the heavy lifting outta the way." She ponders for a moment adding, "How long will you be gone? You could go to the store and pick up the weekly supplies. I won't need'em for a couple more days, but that's all I can think of. If you're leaving tonight, go do whatever you want. This old gal can handle things while you're away. I did it before you were here after all."

She climbs down her ladder and approaches Leo. She reaches into her pocket, and pulls out a small pouch. "Take this, its dangerous to go alone its a good luck charm," she claims with a small smirk. Leo glances inside and sees a couple copper and silver coins. In exchange for your help, Ravilla provides a room and enough payment to enjoy the simple things in life. It weighs the same as about a month's worth of pay.

"Just don't get too carried away; being able to work is a luxury." She walks out of the room and down the hallway. In the brief moment of silence and stillness, a calm gentle breeze blows, redelivering the stench of vinegar.

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 23):

"Not sure... but I'll have a better idea a bit closer to when I leave"

A small smile cracked on his face as the woman parted with the kind gesturr, though the expression went sour as the smell permeated his nostrils. Leo turned to leave the room, taking the time he had left to make a quick trip to the market for Ralvilla, the little bit of change she had given him in tow.

Leo heads to the town market to purchase Ravilla's goods. He finds that the merchants have everything that they need in stock, a drastically different scene from five years ago with the Angelica Plague running rampant. No shortages, no riots, no thievery (or at least not openly,) fresh vegetables and meat. If it wasn't for Sir Edica and his men, this town would have surely perished. No more rationed *berries. Things truly have changed since then.

While departing the market and making his way back through town, Leo barely manages to see a figure walk into a dark alleyway. Was it Cyrila? He hadn't seen him enough to be sure, but it seemed like his slinking silhouette skulking around. With his backpack and arms full of supplies, he paused for a brief moment, pondering what to do.


*Goodberry is a 1^st spell available to Rangers and Druids. Although simplistic, it can only be cast so many times in one day.
"Up to ten berries appear in your hand. A berry provides enough nourishment to sustain a creature for one day. The berries lose their potency if they have not been consumed within 24 hours of the casting of this spell."

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 25):

Leo blinked as the shadown slinked in his peripherel but he was just able to notice. His lips parted slightly as he walked up to the rogue from the side. "I take it things are going well Cyrilla?"

Startled, Cyrila turns around with a dagger extended towards you. He looks shocked for a moment before you see the realization wash across his face. He takes a deep breath with his eyes closed and slides his dagger back into his robe. "I don't know how you did, but please don't sneak up on me like that." He takes another deeper breath and continues, "But yes. I'm meeting up with a couple of.. former colleges. They owe me a favor and I think it'll help us on this job." He reaches into a pouch on his belt, and hands you a periapt. It's two hands clasping a red heart with a fine golden chain. It can easily fit into your palm.

"I was supposed to return that and a few others to my associates. But I'll cash in my favor to keep them. You look like a front line fighting man, so you'll want something that will keep you in the engagement while we're in the thick of it. Don't go do anything too stupid, but that will protect you in the worst case scenario."  He starts to head deeper down the alley. "I'll see you at the inn; this place is something not everyone can know about."

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 3):

Leo looked down at the ornament thoughtfully. With a turn the light of day glinted off it at various angles before pocketing it away. "I'll be sure to keep it on hand then... Take care of what you must but don't be late." Giving a parting wave to his rather secretive ally he began glancing along the path.

Arturo and Cyrila didn't seem to care for each other, that much was evident. It would turn into a risk to the four of them if they began going at each other's throats. So for now until he could better account for Cyrila, Leo figured accounting for Arturo would be his next best step. Leo began surveying the square for Arturo.

In reply to Lionell (msg # 28):

Leo searches the surrounding area. There's a larger group of people gathered, talking around a fruit cart. None of them seem to be hooded, besides the three foot tall (standing on their tippy-toes) female halfling. It doesn't take Leo long to scan the rest of the market, but he's confident that Arturo isn't around.

In reply to ThatDMYeah (msg # 29):

Leo made a small blast out of his nose. It seems as though he would be wasting the entire day looking for Arturo at this rate. Regardless, surely the two men had enough wisdom to contain their innate and clear hate for each other enough to not kill each other in a critical moment. It shouldn't be his job to be their negotiator, and hopefully he wouldn't have a need to. Time was fickle and always moving, as such Leo decided he should too before getting too distracted. With that he made his march onward back to the in Ravillas' goods.

Walking briskly, though careful not to drop his stock of goods he returned to the inn hopefully without incident.