(Read the previous chapter here.)
System: Adventurers!
Tools: CRGE ; d30 Sandbox Companion; Secret Santicore 2013 ; rpgsolo.com
(The above contains affiliate links.)
[Scene 1, Surge count 0]
Main Thread: Expose Fiststeel
Minor Threads: Bhart’s Career; Conspiracy against the King
After leaving Elinzia at the Golden Rose, Leira returns home to prepare for a night at the Cozy Fish. She decides to change out of her leather armor and put on something a little less menacing and more apt to put the soldiers at ease. Wearing a plain cream-colored skirt, leather corset, and dark purple sleeveless blouse, she leaves for the tavern just as the sun begins to set over the city walls. While she is without the protection of armor, she doesn’t go unarmed, bringing along her rapier attached to her waist and a dagger concealed within her skirt.
Something a Little Less Menacing
Arriving at the Fish, she waits outside for a group to enter, slipping in with them so as not to draw unnecessary attention to herself. [AGI test for success: 6,2+3AGI=11 Success!] Upon entering she quickly moves over to a darkened corner to assess the room.
She has only been in this tavern once before, that being the night of the Sacrament Celebration shortly after she and her friends thwarted Shylock’s attempt on King Angelo’s life. What then impressed her most about the Fish was the quality of its furnishings: thick wooden chairs and tables, clearly dwarven made, that are highly polished and relatively free of nicks, scrapes, and gouges that often told of rowdy brawls or drunken competitions involving dagger and hatches. Leira suspects it is the regular presence of the King’s Guard that keeps the rowdiness to a minimum. No faster way to the castle dungeon than to be dragged in by the person you just insulted at the bar.
More impressive, however, is the display over the large fireplace’s stone hearth. As an homage to the Guards who frequent the tavern, a large iron shield bearing the sparrowhawk and red and black backing of the King’s crest hangs on the wall. Framing it on either side are two extraordinary weapons: a shining long sword and battle-axe, both fitted with golden handles adorned with precious gems and jewels. [Some tavern features were determined using d30 Sandbox Companion]
She has only been in this tavern once before, that being the night of the Sacrament Celebration shortly after she and her friends thwarted Shylock’s attempt on King Angelo’s life. What then impressed her most about the Fish was the quality of its furnishings: thick wooden chairs and tables, clearly dwarven made, that are highly polished and relatively free of nicks, scrapes, and gouges that often told of rowdy brawls or drunken competitions involving dagger and hatches. Leira suspects it is the regular presence of the King’s Guard that keeps the rowdiness to a minimum. No faster way to the castle dungeon than to be dragged in by the person you just insulted at the bar.
More impressive, however, is the display over the large fireplace’s stone hearth. As an homage to the Guards who frequent the tavern, a large iron shield bearing the sparrowhawk and red and black backing of the King’s crest hangs on the wall. Framing it on either side are two extraordinary weapons: a shining long sword and battle-axe, both fitted with golden handles adorned with precious gems and jewels. [Some tavern features were determined using d30 Sandbox Companion]
The Crest of Duskcall
Currently, the place is half-filled with Guards and commoners seated throughout. Two serving girls are making their way among the tables carrying trays filled with mugs of drink and plates of food, and Leira sees a third ducking behind the counter to prepare for her shift. Behind the bar, [1-4: human 5: Dwarf 6: Halfling = 5 Even M/Odd F =1] a female Dwarf with dark brown, braided hair draws ale from a keg. Leira suspects she is standing on some type of raised platform behind the bar, similar to one installed in the Wooden Frost Giant Flagon that her halfling boss, Hattia Sandheaver, uses.
In the middle of the room, she spots Harper sitting at a table. He has not seen her, however, as his back is to the door and he is engaged in lively conversation with a man and woman sitting at his table, both Guards, Leira presumes.
[Is Harper in the Fish? (to conflict, as it could affect the mission) 65+0 surge = 65 Yes +2 surge
Does he notice her? I’ll make this a difficult perception roll. 1,1 Critical fail]
She stops one of the servers passing by. “Excuse me. Do you know if Dedericus is here?”
[Would she know him by name? (To Knowledge) 70+2surge=72 Yes +2 surge
Is Dedericus in the room? (To Conflict, affects mission) 58+4 surge Yes +2 surge]
“Why yes,” the server says, making a quick assessment of Leira. “He’s right over there,” she says, nodding to a rather thin man with reddish-brown hair sitting alone at a table. The server hurries away, casting one last glance back over her shoulder.
[Does Leira have to pass Harper’s table to get to Dedericus? (To Conflict) 97+6 surge = 103 Yes, and Unexpectedly... surge resets]
Dedericus’ table is just beyond the one that Harper sits at. Leira knows there’s a chance that Harper might notice her, but if she passes quickly and keeps her head turned away she might have a chance. If he notices her later while she is speaking with the Guardsman, she’ll just deal with that then. Hopefully, she would have gotten the information she needs first. She is just about to pass by Harper’s table when a large bearded man sitting at the next table over stands and blocks her way.
“Hey thar, pitty thing,” he says, swaying slightly on his feet. “Whys don’tcha come an sits wisth me for a bit?”
“I’m sorry,” Leira says. “I’m not a server. I can send one your way . . .”
“Ay know youse not one ‘a them.” He places a hand on her shoulder. “You have . . . different job.”
“Leira?” Harper stands, noticing the girl standing next to his table. “What are you. . . ?”
“Sits down, Wyshwing,” the hulking man orders. “I shaw ‘er first.”
“She’s not what you think, Artur. Leira’s a friend of mine.”
“And tonight, Shhe’ll be my friend.”
“Artur, you’re drunk,” accuses Harper.
“And you, mishter big shot King saver, are about to get my fisht in your face. ” Artur warns, pushing past Leira and raising his fist to finish the threat.
“Try,” Harper threatens, “and my friends will be carrying you out the door.”
[The “Unexpectedly”: in the oracle roll above came up “entering the red,” meaning things get dangerous
Artur: S:3 A:2 M:1 END:8 Brawling will be ATK: 2 (S-1)
Both Artur and Harper are out of uniform, so AGI 2 is used for DEF for both.]
Artur cocks his arm back half-way and throws a punch right at Harper’s nose. [A:6 H:12] Harper easily swats it away and returns with a punch of his own. However, since he is off-balance, his fist only lands a glancing blow across the chin. [[H: 12 A: 11 1 Damage]
“Boys! Stop this!” Leira yells, stepping in to disrupt the brawl.
Artur begins to lift his fist for another strike, but thinks better of it. “Okay, fer you, ah’ll let ‘em live.” [Does Artur take a swing at Leira? [to conflict] 12+0 surge=12 No, and . . . he actually listens. Surge remains at 0] He takes his seat back at his table as Leira tries to leave before Harper can ask any questions. “Besides,” Artur continues, “ I wouldn’sh want a pretty thing like you having to looksh at two black eyes whilsht yer beddin’ yer boyfriend.”
Instead of letting the comment drop, Leira turns back. “I’ll have you know, unlike yourself, Harper is a gentleman and wouldn’t think of such things!”
“Oh!” Artur exclaims. “Wyghtwing the King Saver isn’t man enough to take a girl to bed. I’m sure the guys around the mesh hall will gesh a laugh outta that!” He and those at his table let out a hearty laugh as Harper casts Leira a defeated look.
Leira backs away with apologetic eyes, mouthing the words, “I’m sorry.” She takes a couple of steps back before she bumps hard into Dedericus’ table, spilling his mug in his lap.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she apologizes as she grabs a cloth napkin from the table and starts to wipe the spill off his shirt.
“It’s okay. It’s okay.” the drenched man assures her, trying to get her to stop.
Leira continues wiping, leans in close, and whispers in his ear, “Meet me in an hour at the Wooden Frost Giant’s Flagon. I’m Order of Two.” She straightens up and walks away. Where she was using her free hand to support herself on the table now lay two gold pieces.
Leira skirts the edge of the room and makes haste for the front door while Harper calls after her. [Harper follows per a “likely” oracle roll]
[Scene 2, Surge count 2]
Main Thread: Expose Fiststeel
Minor Threads: Bhart’s Career; Conspiracy against the King
“Leira! Wait!” Harper Wyghtwing calls out after his friend as he exits the Cozy Fish.
Leira tries to ignore him, but he runs after her. “I’m sorry if I got you in trouble with Artur,” she calls back to him. “But I could have handled it.”
“What were you even doing there?” he asks, catching up.
Leria stops, turns around, then grabs Harper by the collar and drags him over to a tree, out of earshot of anyone traveling along the streets. “Do you trust me?” she asks.
“Huh?”
“Do you trust me? It’s important that you trust me right now!”
“Y...Yes. Of course, I trust you.”
“Do you remember the night of the Sacrament? How we had questions about Captain Fiststeel’s actions? How she didn’t do a real good job of protecting the King?”
“Yes,” Harper answers cautiously.
“I have reason to believe that there might be some foundation to our concerns.”
“What do you mean?” Harper asks, knowing that he has been wondering the same things himself.
“I’m working with an organization that has learned that Captain Fiststeel was in charge of the assassination attempt. No, I cannot tell you the name of the organization,” she quickly adds as Harper opens his mouth to speak. “They need me to find evidence, hard evidence, condemning her. Evidence that can be taken to the King.”
Harper studies Leira closely. “You’re serious. I don’t like this.”
“You don’t believe me.” Leira’s words are more of a statement than a question.
“Actually, I do. I’m beginning to think something’s up with her myself. Some of the stories I’ve heard from other Guardsmen, my own observations, all have me feeling like something’s off. I’m just concerned that you are going to get caught, thrown in jail, or even killed.”
“Not if I have help,” Leira assures him. “And that’s why I was at the Cozy Fish. I was hoping to speak with a contact who might have some useful information. That was until your friend had other ideas.”
“Artur’s not a friend,” Harper says with deep disgust.
“I kinda figured that out,” Leira admits. “Anyway, now that I know you suspect the Captain as well, I could really use your help.”
“I don’t know. Suspicions are one thing. Acting on them is another.”
“I’ll do all the dangerous stuff,” Leira assures him. “Your hands’ll be clean. I just need you to get me into the castle. Can you do that?” [(Unlikely, to conflict) 54+2 surge=56 (yes) or 68+2 surge=70 (yes)]
Harper thinks for a moment. “Perhaps. Guardsmen can petition to bring a civilian in for a tour of the castle. But you have to be cleared first, you won’t be allowed any weapons, and I’m supposed to remain with you the entire time.”
“Would we have an escort?”
“I doubt it, but if I leave without you someone will know something’s up.”
Now it is Leira’s turn to think. “You’re probably right. Besides, I don’t like the idea of possibly facing someone capable of murdering the King unarmed. I might have to find another way in. Can you at least provide me a map?”
[I know I effectively turned a “Yes” into a “Yes, but…”, however, Harper’s explanation seemed like reasonable expectations for any civilian entering the castle. Also, it compensates for rolling two “yeses” on an “unlikely” chance. Anyway . . .
How much of the castle can he map? I’ll roll on my 2d6 description table with a “Likely” modifier. 1,3,5 Two highest give 8 Average, as expected]
“I should be able to sketch something out. But I’ve only been in the southern portion of the castle, where the mundane castle business is handled and servants work. I don’t know the main living quarters or formal meeting rooms.”
Leira considers this. “That should help. I really only need to know where the Captain’s office is. As long as I can make it to that end of the castle I’ll be fine.” Glancing over at the Cozy Fish, she notices someone who looks like Dedericus step through the door. “However, right now I’ve got to run. I might still be able to meet that contact.”
Before Harper can say another word, Leria sprints away into the night.
[Scene 3, Surge count 4]
Main Thread: Expose Fiststeel
Minor Threads: Bhart’s Career; Conspiracy against the King
Leira easily reaches the Flagon before Dedericus arrives. She waves a greeting to Hattia, whispers to the serving girl on duty that she’s expecting someone, and scans the room for any other Order members. Seeing none, she takes a seat at an empty table along the wall, positioning herself so she can see the front door. [A ‘No, and” CRGE roll indicated there were no Order members in the tavern and none would come during the meeting.]
Ten minutes later Dedericus walks in. The server moves to intercept him and directs him to Leira’s table. He saunters over, takes the seat opposite her, and slides the two gold coins across the tabletop.
“If this is truly Order business there’s no need to pay me,” he explains.
“I was told you were a friend of the Order. I assumed that meant you accepted payment for information.”
“Friend of the Order. Not hire,” the Guard corrects. “Friends do favors, but if you insist on payment then the drinks are on you.”
Leira fetches the coins off the table and waves down the server. “Marie, what special is Hattia serving tonight?”
“If you like wine, she just tapped a keg of Cabernet Gormac. She purchased the red from Baron Gormac last week. Strong stuff, from what I hear.”
“I’ll just take a cider,” Dedericus says. “Stuart’s Particular, if you have it . . . and it’s been kept in the dark.”
“Ooh! You know your ciders,” Marie says, impressed. “A bit daring, as well. I hear that one drains the color from your sight.”
“Only if you’re not careful,” Dedericus returns with a wink.
“I’ll just play it safe and take the Cabernet,” Leira tells Marie before she heads off in the direction of the bar.
“So, it seems you know me, but I don’t know you,” Dedericus says, turning the conversation back to business.
“Leira Rosemight. I’m working for the Order of Two.”
“For?” Dedericus raises a questioning eyebrow. “I thought you were Order of Two?”
“Hope to be. As long as I complete this mission.”
“And what is this mission that you need help from a King’s Guard?”
Before she answers, Leira sits back in her chair and crosses her arms. “Are you really King’s Guard? You look rather scrawny to be a soldier.”
“Let’s say I’m more of a messenger for the Guard. Not all military jobs involve combat. Orders need to be sent. Messages delivered.”
Leira perks up. “You intercepted the letters! That’s how Beada knows about the traitor!”
Dedericus smiles in understanding. “Ahh. This is about Fiststeel. So, that old girl is finally doing something about it.”
“If that ‘old girl’ is Master Thief Beada, then yes, and I’m the one she has doing it. I need to get in the castle and find some way to incriminate the Captain.”
“Now, I can’t get you into the castle.”
“I know. Harper, my friend, already explained that. But any information about Fiststeel or what I might be looking for would be helpful. As messenger, I’m sure you see and hear a lot.”
“That is true. In fact, it’s the nature of my job that drew the Order’s attention. I can tell you this, I’ve been in Fiststeel’s office numerous times. There’s a particular cabinet behind her desk, more of a vault really. She keeps all her important documents locked in there. If you were going to find anything, I suspect it would be in there.”
They pause as Marie returns with their drinks. Dedericus takes a wary sip from mug before giving the serving girl a hearty thumbs up. Leira takes her goblet of red wine and hands Marie a couple silver coins.
“Leira Rosemight. I’m working for the Order of Two.”
“For?” Dedericus raises a questioning eyebrow. “I thought you were Order of Two?”
“Hope to be. As long as I complete this mission.”
“And what is this mission that you need help from a King’s Guard?”
Before she answers, Leira sits back in her chair and crosses her arms. “Are you really King’s Guard? You look rather scrawny to be a soldier.”
“Let’s say I’m more of a messenger for the Guard. Not all military jobs involve combat. Orders need to be sent. Messages delivered.”
Leira perks up. “You intercepted the letters! That’s how Beada knows about the traitor!”
Dedericus smiles in understanding. “Ahh. This is about Fiststeel. So, that old girl is finally doing something about it.”
“If that ‘old girl’ is Master Thief Beada, then yes, and I’m the one she has doing it. I need to get in the castle and find some way to incriminate the Captain.”
“Now, I can’t get you into the castle.”
“I know. Harper, my friend, already explained that. But any information about Fiststeel or what I might be looking for would be helpful. As messenger, I’m sure you see and hear a lot.”
“That is true. In fact, it’s the nature of my job that drew the Order’s attention. I can tell you this, I’ve been in Fiststeel’s office numerous times. There’s a particular cabinet behind her desk, more of a vault really. She keeps all her important documents locked in there. If you were going to find anything, I suspect it would be in there.”
They pause as Marie returns with their drinks. Dedericus takes a wary sip from mug before giving the serving girl a hearty thumbs up. Leira takes her goblet of red wine and hands Marie a couple silver coins.
Marie Returns with Their Drinks
“You said locked,” Leira continues when they are once again alone. “How?”
[1-2: key 3-4: combination 5-6: magic Roll: 2]
“Key.”
“And I bet she keeps the key with her at all times?”
“You would be right.”
“Now here’s the real question.” Leira looks Dedericus directly in the eyes. “How resourceful a friend of the Order are you?”
“If by resourceful you mean do I happen to have gotten my hands on a copy of the key . . . “ he pauses for a long time before the corners of his mouth turn up in a beaming conspiratorial smile.
[Does D have a copy of the key? (Unlikely, to conflict) 72+0 surge=72 (yes) or 77+0 surge=77 (yes) Either way it’s a yes. +2 surge.]
The smile that appears on Leira’s face is even wider. “Dedericus, I could kiss you!”
Dedericus says nothing but takes a long draft of his cider. “By the way, you can call me Dede. Dedericus is so formal.”
Leira regains her composure before addressing the problem facing her. “Now, I just need to get in the castle and make my way to Fiststeel’s office when she is away.”
“The second part’s easy. Midweek she holds drills on the training grounds for three to four hours,” Dede informs her. “That’s the day after tomorrow. Hopefully, that will give you plenty of time to do a thorough search.”
“It should,” Leira agrees. “Now, to get inside. Do you know about the Huntsmen’s tunnel?”
“Of course. What good would I be as an informant if I didn’t know these things?” [per CRGE]
Leira waits expectantly. “Well?” she finally blurts when Dede fails to offer any more information.
“Oh, you’re interested in what I know. I thought you were just testing me.”
Leira rolls her eyes. “Yes. What can you tell me about the tunnel? I’ve only been in part of it.”
[Use 2d6 Description table for how much he knows. 11 - Good, better than expected
What’s better than expected? C.Q. Punish/Emotions]
“Hmmm.” Now Dede’s surprised. “You’ve actually been in the tunnel? That’s more than me. However, I do know where it exits into the castle.”
“Can you draw me a map to Fiststeel’s office?”
“Of course. And here’s something else you might find useful. I believe you might find some disguises down there. I was outside Captain Fiststeel’s office when I heard her yelling at someone some time ago, before the assassination attempt. I think it was a Huntsman. She was giving him a real earful about being seen trying to sneak a suit of Guardsman armor and other clothing into the tunnels and how she had to get rid of the maid who saw him. The Captain must have been infuriated to have carelessly raised her voice loud enough to be heard outside her closed door.”
All this new information was much more than Leira had hoped to learn in just one day. This mission might be easier than she originally thought.
“You have been most helpful, Dede. Are you sure you won’t take a couple gold?”
“Naw! My first consultation is always free.” He chuckles at his own wit before emptying his mug.. “But you can buy me another drink.”
“Another Stuart’s Cider?”
“Don’t be absurd! That server’s right. Too many of those and you see nothing but black and white for days.” [The intoxication side-effect listed in the aforementioned Fantasy Drink Table.]
Leira waves Marie over and orders a simple ale for Dedericus, another Cabernet for herself, and a plate of roasted potatoes for the two of them to share. They spend the next couple of hours listening to music played by a trio, swapping stories, and enjoying Hattia’s drink and food.
(Read the next chapter here.)
