(Read the previous chapter here.)
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[Interim]
Sometime between the end of the last chapter and the next meeting of the Order of Two, King Angelo offers Leira [2d10x10] 110gp as a reward for stopping Fiststeel. She will keep 60 gp and split the rest between Harper (20 gp) and Dedericus (30 gp) for their help. Additionally, should Leira ever need an audience with the King in the future she will have some advantage in a meeting being granted.
[Scene 1, Surge count 0]
Main Thread: Fulfilling Promises
Minor Threads: Bhart’s Career; Leira and the Thieves Guild
Artur sits at the same table in the Cozy Fish as the previous night to await his date. Prepared, he has ordered two mugs of Gentle Amber which are resting on the table, one in front of him and the other in front of an empty chair he has pulled up close for Leira. [Rolled on the same Fantasy Tavern Drink table as before] Perhaps his order is a bit trusting, but if she doesn’t show it just means more for him.
The Guard isn’t disappointed, however, as after a short wait Leria Rosemight walks through the front door. Unlike her elegant wardrobe from the previous evening, tonight she wears a rough pair of pants and a long-sleeved white shirt, both rather loose-fitting, hiding the shape of her body. Furthermore, her blonde hair is pulled back tight and tied off in a long ponytail. Finally, while Artur can’t tell for sure due to the dim lighting, it appears to him that she still wears the afternoon’s grime on her face. Disappointed, but still hopeful for an eventful evening, he catches her eye and waves her over.
Leira presents a friendly smile as she walks over to the round table and takes a seat spaced several feet from the Guardsman instead of the one he has already positioned next to him.
“Hello, Artur,” she greets, reaching across the table to pull her mug of ale to herself. She takes a large sip. “Mmm. Gentle Amber. Good choice.”
“I thought you might like it,” Artur says with a roguish smile.
“Thanks for your help today. Can you believe Fiststeel was a traitor? You did a good deed, Artur.”
He wells up with pride at Leira’s false praise. “It’s what we Guards do.”
“I will say, I’m surprised all it took was the promise of a shared drink, a drink you are paying for, nonetheless,” Leria continues. “I would have expected the price to be much higher.”
“Well, I expect a drink to be just the beginning,” Artur suggests.
Leira's face brightens a bit. “Oh! If you wanted to buy me a second, I certainly wouldn’t object.”
“I’m not talking about drinks,” Artur corrects, reaching over to put a hand on her arm.
She deftly shifts her arm away from his touch. “I’m sorry if I led you on. I truly meant that I would only join you for a drink. That’s all. I mean, I have a busy night when I’m done here.”
Artur does his best to keep a friendly composure. “Don’t be shy, little lady. Trust me, you’ll have a good time. You’ll forget all about Dede and Wyghtwing.”
“I really can’t,” Leira assures him.
Scowling at the rejection, he gives her one last command. “Well, the least you can do is move a bit closer and give me some real company.”
Artur grabs the back of Leira’s chair to pull it closer. He is admittedly surprised when, instead of pulling away, she actually slides her chair in his direction until it touches his and presses her body close. He is equally caught off guard when he feels something sharp poke him just below his belt.
“Did I ever tell you how I got this scar across my eye?” Leria asks the man whose face has suddenly lost all color.
“Uh-uh,” he responds, taking a dry swallow.
“Several weeks ago I was sharing a drink with this handsome shop owner from the Merchant Quarter,” Leira lies. “The night was going well and he offered to walk me home. I gladly accepted, enjoying our conversation and not quite wanting it to end. Unfortunately, once we left the tavern I realized the home he wanted to walk me to was his own and he was looking for more than just conversation. I let him know I wasn’t interested, but, when I tried to leave, he pulled out a knife, dragged me between two shops, and forced himself on me. I fought back. He may have done this,” she draws a finger of her free hand along the scar on her face, “but I made sure he needn’t waste any more of his time courting young, eligible women. You get my point?”
[Persuasion (MND) check. L w Charisma 4,3,2+5MND=12 A: 5,4+1MND=10]
Artur doesn’t say anything to answer her question but does let go of her chair and pulls away as much as he can. Avoiding Leria’s gaze, he picks up his mug and takes a not so gentle swig of the amber ale.
“I glad you understand,” Leira says as she returns her dagger to her waistband and slides her chair several feet away. She drains her own mug before standing. “Thank you for the drink. It’s been a wonderful evening, but I really have to be going.”
Artur continues to sit in silence as he watches the brazen young woman turn and walk out into the night.
“You ready for another drink?”
Artur looks up at the balding male server offering him another tankard of Gentle Amber. Great, he thinks. First I lose my Captain. Then I lose my date. Now I can’t even flirt with a cute serving girl.
Artur looks up at the male server
“I think I’m done, Gary,” he sighs. “It’s been a rough day. Let me just settle up and get back to the barracks.”
It’s at that moment that Artur realizes his coin pouch has gone missing!
[Scene 2, Surge count 0]
Main Thread: Fulfilling Promises
Minor Threads: Bhart’s Career; Leira and the Thieves Guild
From the concealment of a patch of thick shrubs, Leira watches as Artur storms out of the Cozy Fish and scans the plaza.
“Where are you, thief!”
The tavern door opens a second time and a portly man wearing an apron -- one of the Fish’s male servers, Leira believes -- comes out and speaks with Artur. She can’t hear what is being said, but from the man’s stern look and Artur’s frantic gestures, Leira can only guess that they're discussing the open bar tab. She bites her lower lip to keep from laughing out loud. After a bit, it seems the situation has been resolved to some satisfaction as the man re-enters the building and Artur plods off in the direction of the Guard barracks.
Leira waits a few more minutes before leaving her hiding spot. Stopping under a gas lamp she retrieves the pilfered coin pouch from within the folds of her shirt. [Pickpocket (AGI) check while close to Artur: 2,5+3AGI=10>7 Success!] She bounces it in the palm of her hand to feel the weight of the coins before opening it and peering inside. She counts out 15 gold coins and finds a second smaller pouch. Opening this pouch reveals about a handful of dried fruit and nuts.
“A snack,” she thinks as she tosses some in her mouth and heads back to the Faint Mule Hostel.
[The contents of the pouch was determined by three rolls on my loot table and one roll on Never Engine’s Mundane Loot table.]
[Scene 3, Surge count 0]
Main Thread: Leira and the Thieves Guild
Minor Threads: Bhart’s Career
Naddie’s mouth watered as she took a bite of the fresh biscuit she held in her grimy hand. She let it melt in her mouth, savoring every moment.. Treats like this rarely come to the children of the Wrecks and without gracious souls like Old Lady Deerwatcher they might never come.
Naddie and her friend Warren had spent the afternoon playing tag and tossing stones and were on their way home when they passed the Deerwatcher house. Old Lady Deerwatcher sold pies and baked goods out of her kitchen window and it was commonly known amongst the younger inhabitants of the Wrecks that if you were lucky enough to pass at just the right time you might be offered a free treat. Hoping to catch the baker’s eye, Naddie and Warren slowed down to a near crawl as they passed the window. Their efforts were rewarded when the grey-haired woman leaned out and called them over. Smiling, she tore a fresh-baked biscuit in half and handed each of them a piece.
“I’m going to share mine with my little brother,” Warren said, beaming with the anticipation of surprising his sibling.
Naddie felt a bit guilty that, unlike her friend, she didn’t have to share. However, instead of eating right away, she remembered what her mother taught her. “Never flaunt your blessings in front of those less fortunate.” While the warm biscuit was tempting, the six-year-old always obeyed her mother. She obeyed her Uncle Tuck as well, even when she didn’t like what he wanted her to do. That was until he was killed by that scary woman.
Now that she and Warren had parted ways, Naddie has no compunction about eating. She takes a second bite and chews slowly, closing her eyes in an attempt to block out all other senses and simply enjoy the taste.
Reopening her eyes, Naddie sees her!
Standing just a few feet away is the woman who killed her uncle. She is also the woman who gave her the gold coin, more money than she had ever held before. Though the woman’s head is covered with the hood of the grey cloak she wears over her shoulders, Naddie knows it’s the same person from the black leather armor she spies between the cloak’s open front. Despite not seeing any weapons, the young girl is certain the stranger has her sword under her cloak as well.
“Hello,” the woman says, pulling back the hood. “Do you remember me?”
Naddie stiffens, wanting to run but unable to move her feet.
“Don’t be afraid,” the woman says and she steps closer and drops to one knee, putting the two on eye level. Naddie’s lower lip begins to quiver. Seeing it the stranger smiles and reassures her. “I’m not going to hurt you. I’m sorry I hurt your father.”
Naddie shakes her head back and forth.
“That wasn’t your father?”
Naddie shakes her head again and sees a slight look of relief cross the lady’s scarred face.
“Did you buy food with the money I gave you?”
She nods and the woman smiles.
“Would you like more?”
She nods excitedly and relaxes enough to give the stranger a smile of her own.
“Tell you what. I have a very special job. When people need something, they hire me to get it for them. I believe you need food . . .” The lady’s eyes glance down at Naddie’s dirty smock, “And perhaps clothes. I can get those for you if you would like to hire me.”
Naddie’s smile drops and she looks down at her feet. She had nothing worth anything to give this, not scary, but pretty, possibly even kind, lady.
“Do you have anything left of the money I gave you?” the kneeling woman asks when Naddie says nothing.
The girl reaches in her pocket and pulls out (d8) 2 silver coins. She holds them out in her upturned palm.
The woman gives her a satisfied smile. “You’re in luck! That’s exactly how much I charge.” She takes the two coins and slips them under her cloak. “Meet me on the first day of next week, just after the lunch hour. How about the garden where we met? Is that good? Oh, let’s not tell your mother about this, at least not until I’ve had a chance to prove that I am really helping you.”
Naddie agrees with a nod and the stranger stands and turns to leave.
“Thank you,” Naddie says quietly, overcoming her fear that has held her tongue up to this point.
The woman stops, turns, and chuckles. “Don’t thank me yet. I haven’t brought you anything.”
Naddie shakes her head back and forth once again, indicating she’s not talking about their arrangement. “You stopped Uncle Tuck.”
Confusion momentarily crosses the lady’s face while she ponders these words. After a moment her eyes widen and she sucks in a quick breath. Without a word, the cloaked figure turns again and walks away.
Naddie doesn’t see Leira’s slight smile at the understanding that she’d made this girl’s life a little better, nor the tear shed acknowledging the fact that it was even necessary.
[Scene 4, Surge count 0]
Main Thread: Leira and the Thieves Guild
Minor Threads: Bhart’s Career
Awaiting the start of tonight’s meeting, Elinzia sits in her usual spot on the settee in the living room of Master Thief Beada’s home. She alternates squeezing one hand with the other, having nothing else with which to keep them busy. Unfortunately, her current project involves renovating an ornate jeweled necklace, work not convenient for sitting on a couch. Instead, all Elinzia can do is sit and fidget, her hands constantly searching for some task to perform.
By now most of the other members have arrived. The twins, Ausan and Driffin, sit in their usual spots on the couch and at the table. Sitting next to Ausan is Hily. The blond-haired Wyny sits across the room in his usual cushioned chair and Ilhard stands by the doorway. Looking around at everyone in the same places week after week, Elinzia thinks to herself that members of the group really are creatures of habit. In fact, the only member switching it up tonight is Vyncent who has taken a straight-backed chair in a corner near the front of the room.
The last person to arrive, other than Elyn and Beada (who are just behind the closed door in Beada’s office), is Leira. Unlike her first meeting, the young thief is dressed much more comfortably. Elinzia motions to the open space next to her and Leira accepts. From what she’s heard about Leira, as well as their brief conversation at the Golden Rose, Elizina has taken a quick liking to this newest guild member and hopes they might become friends.
“How’s your mission coming along,” she asks Leira while they wait.
“It over,” Leira answers with a smug smile.
“Oh!” Elinzia says with surprise. She had assumed getting information on the Captain of the Guard would take several days, if not a week or more.
Before she is able to dig any deeper, the door to Beada’s office opens and Elyn steps out. The Master’s second in command takes a quick mental attendance, then calls back that everyone has arrived. Beada enters and takes her place behind a simple table just to the left of where Vyncent is sitting. Elyn stands behind her, off to the side.
“Welcome, everyone. Let’s get right to it. First order of business, the induction of our newest member.”
At this announcement, Vyncent perks up and casts a questioning glance over at Leira who remains expressionless.
“Leira Rosemight,” the platinum-haired Master continues. “Would you please stand. It is my greatest pleasure to announce that Captain Sacreelia Fiststeel’s actions against the King have been publicly exposed and the threat to King Angelo and, indirectly, the Order of Two’s continued livelihood has been averted. This has all come about through Leira’s success, with the help of our agent in the Guard, Dedericus, in gaining access to the Captain’s personal quarters and discovering the necessary proof.
“For completing this mission, Leira, you have shown yourself worthy of membership within the Order of Two. Is it your desire to become a thief of the Order in good standing?”
Leira answers with a proud smile. “Yes, Master Thief Beada. It is.”
“Then as Master of this Guild, I welcome you as one of us.”
Several of the members offer claps and congratulations.
“As a welcoming gift, Leira, you have the right to one object from the guild’s cache. We have weapons, armor, tools, and other items, several of them magical. When you have time you may look through its contents and pick one you like. There is a nice pair of Boots of Silence that might fit you well.”
“Thanks,” Leira responds. “But I think I know what I might like already. If it’s all the same, I wish to have the statuette Ilhard, Vyncent, and I brought back from the House of Lost and Found.”
When she handed the object over to Beada, Leira couldn’t wait to get it off her hands. However, in the days following, she couldn’t stop thinking about it or the vision of her father. She wanted to see her dad again, even knowing it was a false vision. Besides, she was curious about what mysteries the statue of the man holding up the sphere held. The Blackster’s owned it for some reason. Perhaps it would be useful to her or the guild in the future.
[Roll on my reaction table to see how willing Beada is to let the item go, with advantage since Beada wasn’t really interested in the object to begin with.. Roll: 1,2,6=8 Average, as expected.]
Beada sits back in her chair, locks her fingers together, and stares intently at Leira. “The statue is not part of the cache.”
“You told me that bringing back the statue was a test. I thought that if the item was of no interest to you, I might keep it as a memento of that first mission with the Order.” [MND check to see if there is any further resistance. L (charisma) 1,2,4+5MND=11 B: (charisma) 3,4,5+2MND=11]
“While my interest at the time was in you and your next mission, if I seemed disinterested in the statuette it was only because I knew I would be able to study it later.”
“I understand,” Leira says, resigned to the idea that her request would be denied. “But I would like to reserve my choice of reward until you have examined the object, on the chance that you might change your mind.”
Beada studies the girl a moment more. “Well, you did do the Guild a great service. In fact, it may have been more than I should have asked of a mere recruit. I’m a reasonable woman. In exchange for your choice of treasure, I will offer you the opportunity to buy the statue. Let’s say . . . [d6=1] ten percent of the reward King Angelo offered you.”
Leira was only momentarily caught off guard by Beada knowledge of the reward money. However, she realized she’d be foolish not to assume that Dedericus would have reported this to the Order.
“That’s fair. I’ll take it.” After all, Leria thinks, eleven gold is a steal.
[Acquiring the statue is the final bit of information that was withheld from Never Engine’s Espionage Mission Generator back in Chapter 9: “Completion of the mission will result in the gain of (51-a magical item)”]
“Now on to other business . . .” Beada says dismissing Leira.
“Ah, before you do that,” Leira cuts in, “I do have one more thing. I have secured my first . . . uh . . . what do I call them? A client?”
Beada’s initial look of annoyance at the interruption is replaced by one of curiosity at the news that her newest recruit is already bringing in business. “You work fast. Please, tell me who.”
Leira pauses a moment to consider the question. “Come to think of it, I never asked her her name. She’s a young girl who lives in the Wrecks. Here’s her payment.” Leira hears Elyn gasp as she places the two silver pieces on the table in front of Beada.
The Master Thief’s countenance sours as her curiosity shifts to venom. “Is this a game for you?” She points to the coins on the table. “Do you think this is funny?”
“No, Master,” Leira says without wavering. “I’m serious. I plan on working the Wrecks.”
Vycent can’t control himself and lets out a hearty laugh.
“Vyncent, dear,” Hily scolds. “The lass is young. Give ‘er a chance.”
“Give her a chance,” he counters. “She wants to steal from people poorer than dirt.”
“Not from,” Leira corrects. “For!”
“Take from the wealthy to give to those in need,” muses Hily. “Sounds like that rogue back in Vagny. The Cowled Sparrow.”
“I’m afraid Vyncent’s right,” Driffin, the Order’s financial expert chimes in. “It doesn't make financial sense. You’d put in effort and time that’s worth more than anyone in the poorer district, let alone a little girl, can pay. We’re not a charity.”
“I know we’re not a charity,” Leira concurs, casting a quick glance at Elinzia, recalling their conversation several days earlier. “But this family needs food and clothes. I mean, everyone in that district is in need. I want to help them. I can help them.
“Besides,” she now addresses Beada directly, “Those coins on that table are my fee. I know the Order requires more and I plan on obtaining that in the process. However, I think I have something else that might satisfy you right now.”
Leira pulls out the counterfeit royal stamp and holds it out for the Master Thief to see.
Leira was able to retain the item -- an item she thought might be of some value to someone or someones who might profit from messages that appear to be written by the King, for instance, a thieves guild -- by some quick sleight of hand. After Fiststeel was escorted from the training grounds to the dungeons, Isambard asked Leira for the stamp. Leira lied and said she left it back in the King’s office with the journal. Isam disagreed and demanded that she empty her pouches. Leira complied, but in the process was able to cover the stamp with her Cloth of Hiding. Satisfied, Isam conceded that he had been mistaken.
[Per a CRGE roll, Isam asks about the seal. Leira fails a MND challenge (11 vs. 12) to convince him that she does not have the seal, but rolls a successful AGI check (9) to hide the stamp under her Cloth of Hiding.]
The counterfeit stamp
Beada reaches out to take the stamp from Leira who quickly pulls her hand back, keeping it out of reach.
“As I’m sure you saw, it is a forgery of the King’s stamp,” Leira explains. “I’m no expert, but Dedericus assures me that it is a very good copy. I’m sure the guild could profit greatly if they possessed letters, orders, and other documents issued from the King himself.” She casts a quick glance back at Driffin who seems as eager to get his hands on the seal as Beada herself.
Turning her attention back to Beada, Leira makes an offer. “Give me the Wrecks, I’ll give you the stamp.”
[MND challenge. Leira gets +2 since she holds the stamp. L (Charisma) 2,4,4+5MND+2=15 B (Charisma) 2,3,5+2MND=10]
“To my surprise, you prove your worth yet again, young thief,” commends Master Thief Beada. “You may have the Wrecks, Leira.”
Satisfied, Leira hands over the stamp.
“But don't think this excuses you from taking on additional assignments for the guild,” Beada quickly adds.
“I would have it no other way,” Leira agrees, returning to her seat next to Elinzia. As she does, she notices Ilhard cast her a quick wink and an accepting smile..
Witnessing Leira’s boldness, Elinzia’s admiration for the newest guild member grows. The meeting continues with Driffin reading the financial report, but she has no interest in what is being said. Instead, she is curious about Leira’s plans.
“Saving the Wrecks? That’s an ambitious task.”
“I’m just saving one girl’s family,” Leira corrects. “At least to start.”
Elinza waits a moment before asking another question. “You’re probably going to need help. Aren’t you?”
“Probably,” Leira agrees.
Elinzia looks around the room. “Who? Ilhard, Wyny?” As an afterthought, she adds, “Hily?”
“Nope.”
“Not Vyncent?”
“Of course not!”
Elinzia thinks for a moment. Illhard, Wyny, and Hily were the guild’s primary field agents. Ausan works the casinos and Driffin sits behind a desk. While Elyn takes on assignments, she would never agree to work with Leira. Who did that leave? Suddenly, realization strikes Elinzia and she chances one last question.
“Is it me?”
Leira’s expression never changes. She just looks straight ahead as she utters a single word.
“Yep.”
“Cool!” Elinzia sinks back in the settee, suddenly unconcerned about her idle hands.
(Read the Afterpost
here.)
