Four Floozies
Evening, just outside the Arcanist's Guild.
It's a quiet evening. There's a light mist on the ground, and the air is cold and damp feeling. The sky is turning shades of pink and orange with the setting of the sun, and it's in short rather beautiful an evening. There's not many people on the street at the moment, so the sight of four women giggling and walking in a group together is somewhat noticeable. Particularly given that they are rather beautiful - if one favors half-elvish women - with hair in a variety of colors and dresses to match their beauty. Clearly foreigners, come to visit Alexandria for reasons of their own. They seem to be angling for the guild.
Rocky does appericate beauty, mostly of the sunset. The cold weather he appericates far less. Half-elves? Somewhere in between. Objectively nice enough, but not his personal preference. The grey scale waits not far from the guild doors, having stopped to speak with someone a while ago, and not quite motivated to start again.
Alexandria is a city where strange things happen regularly. But there is something intensely -bizarre- about the gangling war golem walking along from the temple district, where it appears to be having an... argument. With someone, or something, audibly speaking.
"There is no reason for me to go to the TarRaCe. I do not require food, nor drink, nor companionship--"
The response comes from his hip, where an ornate khopesh is sheathed. Small bells hang from the pommel, and the voice is distinctly feminine, with a soprano register. "Yes, yes, you said that before. You -also- said in your prayers that you sought to understand people, in the wake of that little mess with Lord Ahu. Now, how are you going to understand them if you don't at least -observe- them?"
Khepri pauses and glares down at the weapon belted around its waist. "There are other places to go to do such, Kastuvas."
Kastuvas -- apparently the weapon's name -- replies cheerfully, "Ah, but they'll be less likely to talk. Even I knew this when I was in the cloister. Say, who's that?"
The inquisitor turns its gaze on the quartet of ladies, tilting his head quizzically. Watching them.
Carver was actually speaking with Rocky, conveniently enough. Over this or that. Or what their opinion is the best gift one could give to someone from Amshere, a treat or a sweet that might be a pleasant surprise. She was breaking off to collect her things, sweeping up assorted pouches and her backpack when the giggling quartet of the fashionable debauntelf make their arrival. She just scoffs, but it is not entirely devoid of insecurity with her dirty face and thick furs and unbrushed hair.
The book-learning district. Brynn isn't exactly part of that demographic, but she does like hearing stories; lucky for her, those can be found everywhere. Alot like pubs, which are another good place for tales. And ales. And lots of interesting things.
For now, though, she's just strolling along, idly whistling to herself, when she spies the quartet. Huh. Pretty Halfsies and the arcane place? She knows a pretty halfsy that's there alot. Maybe it's all related?
The quartet of beauties don't stop at the guild itself, but continue on to the entrance to the dungeons which is slightly around the way and set off to the side. One could not possibly confuse the two. The two guards on duty straighten as they notice the four women approaching, but even as they do, one of the men elbows his companion and grins.
The women smile back. In short order the four are talking to the two and having an amicable conversation despite the strangeness of four women having any interest in two guards who are guarding the Arcanist's Dungeons. One of the women laughs a little louder than the others at a joke one of the guards makes and flips her hair behind her head, holding out her hand toward him. He gleefully offers her something, and two of the women break off to head for the dungeons.
GAME: Khepri rolls Perception: (5)+13: 18
GAME: Rocky rolls perception: (17)+13: 30
GAME: Carver rolls perception: (16)+19: 35
GAME: Carver rolls spellcraft: (16)+7: 23
Rocky rumbles, and starts to move, turning towards the door to the Dungeon, but speaking to Carver. "The Keys. To the Dungeon. Those are not normally given over, yes? Something is odd."
Kastuvas's voice comes out again, "Well, that doesn't seem weird. I mean, maidens just -love- going into dungeons, right?" It's impressive how much sarcasm can come from a sword that sounds like a teenage girl. "Still, maybe they're visiting a friend?"
Khepri shakes its head minutely. "Visiting hours are strictly controlled and the entrance is normally heavily monitored..." The golem begins to walk towards the dungeon entrance briskly, metalshod feet clanking on the cobbles as the ominous-looking Executor approaches.
Carver inhales sharply through her nose, watching the interaction. She has visited the dungeon once or twice, to visit one of those who were considered dangerous enough to warrant containment within warded confinement. She certainly wasn't as pretty as the ladies in all shades but she definitely didn't receive keys to just stroll about with.
She picks up stride as well, forced to doubletime to keep up with the longer-legged Sith. "They put the guard to spell. Suggestion, hid it behind their skirt and smiles, but saws the wrigglin'."
"Oi! Guard and the Floozies, what was tha'?"
Pretty ladies heading for a a guarded door as the night darkens? That catches Brynn's eye. Why? Well, -obviously- there's some sort of exclusive party going on. And those are usually the best ones. That, or they are getting into trouble... or both! Both could be good. Brynn not having anything else going on at the moment doesn't hurt her curiosity none, either. She diverts to head thattaways.
Not to be left out, she lifts her left hand in hail. "Ey!" She gives a tusky grin. "This where the magic party's at tanight?"
The guards notice the approach of more people first and frown at the incoming adventurers. "Now, now. One at a time. If you've someone you want to see you'll need to take all that magical gear off."
"And leave your weapons behind." Says the other.
The 'floozies' as they've been rudely dubbed by Carver, frown at Carver. There's a sudden image of being back at a school-age. Of watching pretty, popular girls stare down their noses in *exactly* this same way. "Who, are *you*, ugly Betty?" One of them says just as rudely as Carver, and her friend laughs.
Meanwhile the other two have disappeared down into the dungeon proper.
Khepri overhears what Carver said, and the yellow lenses fix on the guard. "Why would you give them a key?" the golem intones sternly. "Are you -trying- to trigger a second breakout? Stand aside, so that we may question the two who entered."
Kastuvas isn't putting up with any guff either. "Oh, I know you!" she sings out to Carver. "The Horse-Mistress, who wanders the green without fear. I bet you have so many stories to tell."
Rocky moves... faster. Like an avalanche gaining momentum. Shield up, head down, brace the shoulder, and rush the strange acting half-elf. This is why he doesn't get ivnited to sorority parties. (bull rush)
Carver was not born in a country who cares about school. Wild plains of Dran, which meant she spent more time with spear and bow and horse than books or the delicate game of social parakeeting. The words do not hold much weight against her but the expression already touches on the insecurity, and her face flushes bright beneath the fading warpaint and dust from the road.
"You little snobby b-" She senses movement to her left, whipping her head that way as Rocky begins to move.
"Ey!" Brynn adds (again) as she closes on the floozy duo that didn't head past the bouncers already. "She ain' ugly," a thumb jabs at Carver. "Her name ain' Betty, neither. Guessin all of ye gave up on brains 'n eyes ta get a bit o' nice hair?"
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Aftershock has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Aftershock to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 23.
It is now TheGirls' turn! Khepri is next!
Rocky shoves himself between the two girls, forcing them apart. "No! Not okay!"
One of the half-elf girls falls to the ground as Rocky shoves her away from her friend. The other points at Rocky and screams in horror. "Ugly Betty and her friends are attacking the Arcanist's Dungeons!!! HELP! HELP! SOMEONE HELP US!" She puts her hands around her mouth to make the sound carry a bit better.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 22.
It is now Khepri's turn! Rocky is next!
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 18.
It is now Rocky's turn! Carver is next!
"Khepri, I smell a rat!" Kastuvas calls out.
"I know," is Khepri's reply. Suddenly the yellow lenses of its plague-doctor faceplate shift their glow to a ghostly green, sweeping over the tableau. "HOLD!" the Executor thunders. "In the name of the Harpist, cease! You two stink of darkness, and must explain yourselves."
Smoothly, Khepri draws the heavy khopesh from the sheath. The blade shimmers as a soft light dances around the golem's frame. "Guards, retrieve the other two. I will have the truth of this matter."
GAME: Rocky rolls intimidate: (14)+9: 23
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+16: (17)+16: 33
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+27: (12)+27: 39
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 13.
It is now Carver's turn! TheGuards is next!
Metal scrapes on metal as Rocky draws his massive iron blade and roars. "SILENCE, FLOOZIES!"
GAME: Carver rolls weapon1: (3)+0: 3
GAME: Carver rolls weapon0: (6)+15: 21
GAME: Carver rolls weapon0-5: (20)+15+-5: 30 (THREAT)
GAME: Carver rolls weapon0-5: (8)+15+-5: 18
GAME: Carver rolls weapon0-10: (9)+15+-10: 14
Carver's greatest flaw is temper. Sometimes it's cold. Sometimes it's hot and petty. Gifts of a thousand Carver's living in her head. This is one of those petty moments, cause if she was thinking, she would focus on the fact that she has a goal and it's stopping whatever was going on with the guard's release of the key. Instead, the taunting gets to her.
Even Khepri's sword and Bryn's support does not blow out the fire. The cupped hands make for a good target. She puts her fist into the mouth of the one who gave her that most unwelcome of nicknames.
GAME: Carver rolls 1d3+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Carver rolls 1d3+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 4.
It is now TheGuards' turn! Bryn is next!
The guards look less than happy with this series of events. "Hey! You can't just accost two women in the street!" One of them says, drawing his sword and pointing it at Rocky.
The other draws his sword and points it at Carver. "You stop that! They've done nothing wrong!" He rings a bell with his free hand and there's... probably going to be more guards out here soon.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 3.
It is now Bryn's turn! TheGirls is next!
GAME: Bryn spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 23.
It is now TheGirls' turn! Khepri is next!
"Ha! Foor funny floozies! Ye think ye be the pretty ones with yer teeth onna ground?!" Brynn points at the one yelling. "Ain' nobody goin fer no dungeon, they's goin after ye! Yer blind!"
GAME: Carver rolls cmb+2: (11)+15+2: 28
The two girls quickly scurry behind the guards, using them as human shields against the attack and onslaught of the others. "Help! Oh, please help. Brave guards, don't let them kill us!"
The other is in tears from Carver's brutal slapping, and hair-pulling. "Did you see what she did? She's ugly *and* mean!" She sticks her tongue out at Carver from behind the guard's back.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now Khepri's turn! Rocky is next!
GAME: Khepri casts Protection From Evil. Caster Level: 8 DC: 14
GAME: Khepri rolls melee+2+2: (4)+9+2+2: 17
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+1: (3)+1: 4
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+3: (17)+3: 20
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 18.
It is now Rocky's turn! Carver is next!
"Khepri," Kastuvas says worriedly, "We can't hurt these guards, they're not at fault. But we don't dare let those two run through the dungeon either."
"Working on it," Khepri replies. "Gray Harpist, your servant asks a boon, to ward one against unnatural influence." A soft glow appears around the golem's hand, and he deftly steps forward to tap the guard on the shoulder. A ghostly scarab beetle appears there, and rubs its forelegs for a moment before vanishing.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+11: (20)+11: 31
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 13.
It is now Carver's turn! TheGuards is next!
Rocky eyes the cowering floozies a moment, and turns to the dungeon door, making a dash for it. The guards, of course, guard, their weapons banging off the sith's armor, until one manages to hit a joint, drawing a pained grunt from the greyscale. This does not stop him.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 4.
It is now TheGuards' turn! Bryn is next!
"Who are you working for? You are 'not' what you appear. Who are you tryin' to set free?" Carver says, still clutching the handful of hair in her free hand, the other now gripping the longbow.
The guards are less and less thrilled. Being pushed aside by Rocky, they decide to let their fellow guards stop the sith-makar. They have every faith that this will happen and that Rocky will be apprehended. Meanwhile the one that Khepri touched growls at him. "I don't appreciate you doing magic on me without my permission *Inquisitor*. If that's what you really are!"
The other holds Carver at sword-point. "If you nock an arrow, I'm going to cut you down to size. That's enough I say! We're the guards here!"
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 3.
It is now Bryn's turn! TheGirls is next!
GAME: Bryn rolls perform/sing: (13)+14: 27
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 23.
It is now TheGirls' turn! Khepri is next!
GAME: Khepri rolls CMB+2: (5)+9+2: 16
Bryn likes a brawl as much (or maybe more) than the next person. Still, she sees Khepri try to protect the guard, and it's a little weird how sweet the guards were for... Ok, not -that- weird, but still. There's a time for guardin and a time for flirtin. They usually aren't the same time. So she tries to straighten that out.
Her ralying cries shift to something a bit more... scolding as she eyes the guards. "Floozies flirtin. Words a'hurtin. Dunegons lurkin. Cods be thinkin... Try usin th'other end, ey!"
The girls, realizing that Bryn's tactics are probably working, or maybe just seeing their ally fleeing, decide that now's a good time to get going, and flee after their friend. Khepri tries to grab the closest one with his free hand, but she slips by without being caught up by the war golem.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 22.
It is now Khepri's turn! Rocky is next!
GAME: Khepri casts Hold Person. Caster Level: 8 DC: 15
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 18.
It is now Rocky's turn! Carver is next!
As the girls start fleeing, Khepri tries to grab one but the golem simply isn't quick enough. And it's not willing to start laying about with Kastuvas yet. But that does give him an idea.
"The grasp of Holy Vardama upon you!" Khepri intones, pointing at one of the fleeing girls. The spell has no effect, but it confirms that the girls are more than what they seem to be.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 13.
It is now Carver's turn! TheGuards is next!
Rocky rumbles loudly, and moves after the fleeing floozies. He is distressingly fast for a large, heavily armored lizard. This is not the same as saying he is fast.
Carver's eyes are blown open wide. She does not move from her spot, partly cause she is struggling valiantly to suppress violence. Partly because a sword's tip is at her throat, so her breath becomes frantic. She looks down at the hair in her hand and calms, studying it, the strands left in her callused palms.
GAME: Aftershock advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 4.
It is now TheGuards' turn! Bryn is next!
The guards lower their swords almost in union. "...Did you give her a key to the cells?"
"Yep. You let me!"
"We are in so much trouble. I've got three mouths to feed!" The first guard groans.
"That's not half the trouble you're going to be in when your wife finds out you were flirting with a floozie!" The second guard replies. Then looks at Carver a bit belatedly. "Sorry about threatening you. I really thought she and her friends were my friends for some reason."
"We'd best tell the captain." The first guard replies to his friend. "He's going to have us eating grass."
"You're telling me!" Sighing, the second guard starts toward the door where the other guards are pouring out.
Seems they have some 'splaining to do.
GAME: Aftershock removes the timestop.
Rocky chases the floozies for a short while, but quickly falls behind and loses them. He does make note of the direction they went, but suspects that was just 'away'. Eventually, he returns to verify his involvement in the whole mess.
Khepri turns and stares at the guards, like the golem is about to launch into a truly brutal dressing down. Then the khopesh in its fist twitches, and Kastuvas clears her throat. "Settle down, big guy. They were ensorcelled. They're not the first, and they won't be the last."
The golem heaves a metallic sigh. "The dungeons must be inspected, top to bottom, to review any possible breach or attempt to liberate a prisoner." Smoothly, Khepri returns the blade to its sheath. A glance at Carver, then another, as the Executor approaches Carver to help her up. "Did you find something?"
"Ha!" Brynn laughs at the fleeing floozies, the worried guards, and their own success. She takes a step or three to Carver to offer her a hearty congratulatory slap on the back. "Ye gotta piece of 'em, ey? Even more reason ta grab a mug!"
Carver is snapped out out of whatever is happening with the slap on her back, giving Bryn a dazed but thankful smile. She moves her hand over to Khepri to show that what she holds do not match. Of course, these were enchantressi, so something to disguise who they were is hardly surprising. "No... they were looking for something, or more likely someone. I need to find them if they remain in the city."
The guard's apology is brushed away. Not their fault. Their responsibility but... now she has one too, and she made the situation worse so fix it.
A thorough search of the dungeon is done. At first count, there's no missing prisoners, but a closer examination reveals a fiend dressed in the clothing of one of the prisoners. The fiend is summarily dispatched with. It seems that one Herman Mudgett has gotten away; dressed as a woman.