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 Forge rumbles. It rumbles with industry, as carts and craftsdwarves hammer out the metalwork and goldsmithing they are renowned for. It rumbles with the march of armies, brave and solid soldiers moving through the tunnels to the walls of the Empire or deep below. It rumbles with the movement of strange beasts and living dungeons that crawl through the earth and lurk in the great chasms below. But for you, it mostly rumbles with discontent.  Any of you unfortunate to sit in on a meeting of the Stone Council know that it is an unpleasantly loud affair at the best of times. But now the throne room of the Dwarf King roars with argument. Generals, master guildsmen, ambassadors, great and powerful people from across the underside of the Empire were here, making their voices known. And none of them had the slightest idea what to do. "We should support the Emperor, why overturn the cart with new people?" "Are we to understand that everyone contributes? Peasants, layabouts? This is absurd!" "We can't let the elves run roughshod over us! We've got to work for this!" "I saw a poster for the Diabolist. THE DIABOLIST! This is madness!" The Dwarf King grumbles. "Enough, let us proceed, we must find someone to lead us in this!" It doesn't help at first. The shouting continues until the Dwarf King stands and shouts.  "SHUT UP YOU LOT!" Finally the assembled dwarves fall silent. "I've spoken on this already, and I still intend to run. The metal has cooled, now we must work it. But this is a situation none of us could have prepared for. I respect your council, but we must appeal to the... masses. All of them. And so I have been recommended these humanoids." He gestures at you, and you feel the stares of thousands of skeptical dwarfs. You begin to feel uncomfortably tall. "Clifford Marshall, Aveline Lyon, Cadaecus Rowan, and... Killer Myc. You have come forward seeking to aid me in this democracy. Please, introduce yourselves to the Stone Council." Okay, get yourself situated, introduce yourselves, and roll you Icon Dice. All of you have one positive/conflicted die with the Dwarf King, so roll accordingly.
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May 31, 2016 10:49
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Cadaecus Rowan Archmage: +3 Diabolist: ~5 Dwarf King: +3 Cad blinked as the flinty stares of the thousand assembled dwarves fell upon him and his companions. There was a tense moment where he wasn't sure what to do, and then... poo poo, did I iron my robes this morning? Of course he hadn't. His fingers twitched, sketching arcane signs behind his back, and the wrinkles in his robes surreptitiously straightened themselves somewhat, and then he nodded his head respectfully (Wizards Don't Bow, as the Archmage had drummed into his head a dozen times; maybe students bow, but full graduates of the Arcane University with the robe and hat do not) to the assembly. "Cadaecus Rowan, M.Thaum, Wizard Errant of the Arcane University, at your service," he spoke, managing a fair approximation of clarity. Public speaking was not his thing, but there were scarier things, like facing down a balor. "Arcane Research and Development specialist and poll tracker. Ideally, I'll be able to help His Metamorphic Majesty appeal to a broader... and taller, ahaha... demographic base, which he'll need in order to win. But it's doable."
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May 31, 2016 12:13
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 Killer Myc- Rap with the Dwarf King Sheet Icon Dice (Dwarf King, Lich King, The Three): 3d6 (~1, +3, -3) Rerolling Icon Dice (The Three): 1d6 -5 Surrounded in a fiery hall by beings much shorter than Myc, the Myconid sets it fungal trunks of legs on to the ground when it stands up, its massive head almost reaching the ceiling of the war room. "Myc'chal Suunlesh. Killer Myc." A brief hush filled the room. Myc knew the answer to the question that was on everyone's minds. "Count Octavian, Amaeraszantha, Sporelord Kon'qub. Respect for the dead of the long road I've traveled to get here." Those were the names he earned, but the answer still remained. "You need everybody's support for this election. Even those barbarians who carry savage weapons and they start poo poo. They hearts is cold as the artic, these men motivate mobs to lynch. These monsters are the men, who I hang with. These monsters of then are who I bang with. Who I bang with; Wraiths, Ghouls, Zs and Vs." Myc's several eyes scanned the room as he finished his verse. "'Course, if you aren't interested in getting the undead on your side. I can make 'em dead again, too." e: I just realized I can't reroll my icon dice with the Dwarf King. I would have reroll'd for The Three otherwise, so that 5 is going to them. If you'd rather it go to the Lich King i'm okay with that too. Arrrthritis fucked around with this message at 21:06 on May 31, 2016 |
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May 31, 2016 13:02
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 Avéline "Honest Avé" Lyon, Press Secretary Icon Dice (-2 Prince, +1 DK): 3#1d6 6 From all the way in the back of the chamber, someone has been pushing through the crowd for the last fews minutes. "--excusez-moi, milord, pardon, milady--" At last a path is cleared toward the front of the room, and a willowy young woman of pale complexion emerges from the sea of dwarves. She nonchalantly brushes off her robes and takes a place on the bottom step leading to the throne, taking care not to obscure the Dwarf King. With a deep curtsy, she speaks in slightly accented Common: "Honored Councilors, your Majesty; I am called Avéline Lyon. By the graces of fortune, I find myself in Anvil as heir to the holdings of the Lady Rebecca Steelshine, Moradin rest her soul. You all knew Lady Steelshine as a polarizing figure, but she had the uncanny ability to frame her actions in a way that appealed to the commoners, a skill that his Majesty will need in this new era of democracy. If it please his Majesty, I will ensure that when the truth comes out, as it must, it is presented such that it reflects the good intentions I know the King has, not just for Anvil and Forge, but for all the Empire."
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May 31, 2016 18:10
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Aveline's introduction is met with nods from the crowd. The Dwarf King offers a brilliant smile. "Ah, yes, the young woman under Lady Steelshine's care. She and I have had our differences, but I hope you appreciate how much her voice will be missed in these halls." Cadaecus's bit of levity goes over like a lead balloon. The grim stares take on added weight. The Dwarf King eventually coughs and breaks the silence. "Right, these Poll creatures. I don't claim to understand them, but they seem to carry useful information. We are happy to have a representative from Horizon here to help." Killer Myc, however, nearly stirs up a riot. The assembled dwarves shout at him, each other, the King. The Dwarf King has to bash the haft of his hammer on the ground to get attention again. "Sunleesh, I... We will discuss the matter of undead and their place in the Archmage's Democratic Convention at another time. At this moment, we must turn to greater concerns. Ramussen?" You are given seats while another robed dwarf with small, round spectacles takes the floor, flanked by more dwarfs in very similar costumes. He holds up a piece of paper and begins. "Members of the Stone Council, esteemed guests, we represent the dwarven wizards collective. I am the Wizard Ramussen, and we have achieved contact with the Polls. Our ritualists have focused on Anvil and Forge, and we have been informed the following." He peers at the paper in his hand, swallows nervously, and continues. "Of the citizens of Anvil and Forge, 58% support the current Dragon Emperor, 35% support the Dwarf King, and 8% support various others." Another uproar begins, and this one shows no signs of stopping. The question on everyone's lips, how could this happen, and what should be done about it? Cadaecus feels the discomforting cackling and whispering in his ear, the voices of the Polls. "Most polled mildly supported the Dragon Emperor" "24% of respondents strongly opposed the Dwarf King." "Of the others, Prince of Shadows holds plurality of 40%" "MoE 4%!"
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Jun 1, 2016 01:55
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 Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public RelationsClifford wakes up from his haze. In a state very reminiscent of his last time in Forge, he is standing hearing Dwarves argue while fighting off a hangover. It is considered impolite to turn down a flagon of Dwarven ale, and it is considered weak if you cannot handle it. During the mayoral campaign, he was able to fake it by slipping into a mini coma while maintaining thoughtful pose. It seems that this time, however, he was caught off guard when the Dwarf King himself asked for an introduction. "Ahem. My apologies, Your Highness, I was lost in thought." Clifford coughs out before turning to the rest of the group. "Lords, Ladies, Councilmen - I am Clifford Marshall, and I have been brought on to manage how The Dwarf King is seen by the people. I believe in Democracy, which is strange coming from an Empire consisting of several sovereign, yet allied Monarchies. I believe in it because I am a citizen. And citizens like feeling like they have a say in how the world works. If they have their say in how the world works, they will be more content with their lot in life. Of course, the candidates are all pre-selected in this election, and the common citizen will never rise to this level, but it's nice for them to know that they at least had some say." He adjusts his vest and he walks towards the representative of the DWC. "Wizard Ramussen's scrying pools have shown that the local population of our Dwarven cities show high favor towards the Emperor. This isn't surprising, as people are generally more inclined to vote for the incumbent than someone who will shake things up. They didn't starve, die of a plague or get rampaged by Orcs, and thus, they feel that the Emperor must be doing his job. In my experience in the last Forge Mayoral Race, we were able to frame the stagnant, barely effective, and timid Mayor Saltstone as a stalwart, dependable and stoic figure that Dwarves could rely on. It is the task of the campaign to frame the narrative that this election will follow. The successes that are attributed to the Emperor must be shown to be of Dwarven origin. People did not starve because the Dwarven Tunnel system allowed for transportation of food safely across the land. People did not die of plague because our dwarven clerics held off evil spirits and diseases. People did not die from Orcish raids because the Dwarven Army keeps the hordes of Orcs at bay before they can even gain a foothold into the Empire. If we inform the populace of what has already been done, the support for the Dwarf King will rise substantially." Pausing for a moment for effect, Clifford walks back to his place and collapses on his seat, trying to maintain composure in his hungover state. Icon Relationships (The Three, Prince, Dwarf King): 3#1d6 3 2 6 CommaToes fucked around with this message at 03:53 on Jun 1, 2016 |
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Jun 1, 2016 03:37
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Killer Myc Myc keeps his eyes on Clifford as the PR director gives his strategic advice. Myc knew that he had little to contribute in matters that didn't involve killing or performing, but he was the kind who felt that every idea needed to be heard no matter how wrong it could be. "Do the common people even know what the Dwarven King does for them? If you're constantly protecting the empire from orcs and demons, people might not care if they don't know about it- especially if they're struggling to survive already. They might feel like none of what he's doing applies to them. We could get some bards to sing songs of Dwarven Valor and the great battles that have taken place in the empire's defense." Arrrthritis fucked around with this message at 12:21 on Jun 1, 2016 |
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Jun 1, 2016 04:06
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Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public Relations Clifford perked up a bit. "Bard songs would work. But then again anyone could claim the things we are and have a prettyboy sing it." He puts his hand to his head, "Maybe we need a demonstration or something. Claim that there is a problem, set out to fix it and then fix it. 'The Dwarf King gets things done' or something. Too bad no dragon is attacking or something."
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Jun 1, 2016 07:23
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Killer Myc Clifford's words caused Myc to ponder for a spell. A lot of the democratic process was lost on the Myconid, but that didn't stop him from trying to follow along. "We'd be fools to expect a dragon or orc horde to attack the city, and even so, such an attack could be seen as the Dwarf King failing his job. We could look into the plights of the common people, and ask what the emperor has even done to resolve those issues? We could establish cred with the people by getting people to sing about the battles the Dwarf King has fought and won, emphasizing the valor and sacrifice he's made to get to where he is. Y'know we could get a catchy slogan going to show how much he cares about how the people are doing." Parasites on the Myconid's body scuttled from across his head and into a red cap on his shoulder, then dispersing into various entrances to the myconid's insides. They did little more than provide a soothing sensation for the Myconid, so he let them go undisturbed. "...Something like, 'A hammer in every forge.' Something that shows that he cares about everyone, not just the nobles."
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Jun 1, 2016 12:20
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 The Dwarf King ponders what you've said. "Bards... Hm, I think that could work. We shall employ bards to sing my praises throughout Anvil and Forge! Stories of the strength of dwarves and our contributions to the Empire! But, Suunlesh... are you not a bard of sorts yourself? So, take the streets, get people listening, sing your souls to the stubborn and surly dwarven population? One of the generals answers Clifford's question. "No, there are no reports of any threat to the Empire, dragon or otherwise. A few skirmishes, but the Orc Lord's incursions have been kept contained and our deep warriors keep living dungeons well in check" The unspoken thought on your lips though... What if one of those incursions got a little further. Not too much, but just enough to shake things up. People would surely remember the Dwarf King then. Or... Be a renegade, help the people along a bit and remind them about who's manning the walls, so to speak. A bit riskier, but much more surefire. Or something else entirely, of course. This ain't mass effect.
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Jun 1, 2016 12:45
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Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public Relations Clifford ponders about how everything is calm and it'd take a lapse in the strength of the Dwarven forces in order to show what could happen if the Dwarf King let his job go. But that just proves that the status quo needs to be maintained. This was going to be tough. "Yeah, if everything is running smoothly, the tasks of the Dwarven people are not noticed. But it's not worth it to risk the safety of the empire to show what would happen if The Dwarf King was to stop his current task. That's actually the opposite of what we want to demonstrate." Clifford leans back and forth in his seat trying to stem the constant dull nausea from last night's ale. "Well, other than summoning some new threat to take care of, or donating some treasures from your vault, your highness, I am short of ideas right now and commissioning bards and artists to document the hard work you do is a decent start. How about the rest of the team: Any ideas?"
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Jun 1, 2016 21:45
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 Cadeuceus Rowan, Campaign StrategistCad's mind worked swiftly, turning over possibilities as he mused upon the Polls' cryptic invocation. If an incursion were seen to penetrate slightly further, but be beaten back by the heroic dwarves... but no, the public isn't so predictable. Just as likely they'll blame the Dwarf King for the lapse. "His Majesty's support is not yet greater than the Dragon Emperor's, but by the same token, the Dragon Emperor lacks very strong support. He is viewed by many as the default candidate, and so receives the votes of those who do not otherwise have a strong opinion. So we must do two things: damage the inevitability narrative of the Emperor's campaign, and give people good reasons to support the Dwarf King instead. A bardic campaign would be helpful for the latter, if only until we see how well it's working, but... it would be very convenient if any damaging information came out about the Dragon Emperor and his stewardship of the Empire, some personal impropriety or error in judgement. The downside of his position as the incumbent is that people might be more willing to blame him for problems in the Empire."
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Jun 1, 2016 22:18
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Aw, no false flag then?  A well dressed dwarf in gold filigreed robes and carrying a bejeweled pickaxe rubs his chin and pipes up. "Not a bad idea, but I'm afraid that down here we don't know much about the secrets of the above ground administration. Our Ambassador in Axis should provide a helpful starting point though, but we should send people there directly." Another option, do a little oppo research in Axis? Do a little dirt digging against a beloved public figure?
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Jun 2, 2016 03:12
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Avéline "Honest Avé" Lyon, Press Secretary "I agree we should take some decisive action right out of the gate; every second we spend sitting here deliberating benefits the incumbent. I'm certainly game to visit Axis, see what how the man on the street feels about his lot in life. We can always put the bards to action while we investigate."
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Jun 2, 2016 03:44
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Killer Myc, Head of Security The words of Myc's equals give the myconid a good impression. "That sounds like as good a plan as any. We start by digging up dirt on the Dragon Emperor..." The myconid ponders for a bit, as much as his brain can. "All the while we just need to make sure the people know how good a job the Dwarf King has done so far. We put up posters of the Emperor getting fat off of elven foods and using a dwarf as a foot stool. We get bards to sing songs of the Dwarf King's Valor while making sure to include lines of the emperor hiding behind his throne. We put up one hell of a show that gets the people to know exactly what dwarven pride and valor means. You can bet your beautiful dwarven brains that we'll get the job done."
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Jun 2, 2016 04:21
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If it's any consolation *I* wanted to do a false flag, but I know that we have someone who cannot lie in the party  Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public Relations"Well, I think it'd be foolish to head into Axis without first addressing the issue at home. Maybe we could do some interviews on the street and see why the Emperor is more popular here than the Dwarf King himself." He straightens his hair and sits more forward. "Let's establish some Dwarven pride, and then we should take some of the poignant thoughts of the populace to the capital of the Empire." He turns to the Dwarf King, "Your Highness, I believe you should start addressing the people of both Anvil and Forge so we may gauge what is important to the people. Avéline could you prepare a short speech announcing the platform we have so far discussed? Perhaps use some of Myc's affinity for catchphrases."
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Jun 2, 2016 04:37
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sorta 2 to sorta 1 I'm calling it The Dwarf King nods and taps his hammer on the ground. "First priorities have their place, no doubt. But I have story carvers and bards to heed me, while you as humans and... non-dwarves can aid me in ways I don't have available. Besides, we shall have to win over the Upper lands eventually! Go to Axis, and find me weapons in this campaign!" When a Dwarf King tells you to do something, you go and do it, and everyone there makes sure it happens. At least you find him willing to cover your expenses, and your trip from Forge to Anvil to Axis is uneventful. Your trips are covered, and as of yet no one's asking questions. What kind of ride do you get, and how do you travel? But soon the great mountain of the Capital of the Empire looms in front of you, Dragon Riders circling in the skies, patrolling from their inaccessible cloud homes. Through the ancient gate, the cheers of the arenas filter through the bustle of the great city. Added, of course, with posters and criers. "The Emperor protects the roads and trade! He can see us through these troubled times!" "Emperor to speak at the Grand Kjess Tournament, come show your support and be in the presence of greatness!" Looks like he hasn't been idle either. Okay, would anyone like to use an Icon Dice for a lead? You can start digging for scandals, or start seeing what the PEOPLE think about their emperor.
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Jun 3, 2016 05:55
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Killer Myc, Head of Security Killer Myc was almost upset at the sight of Axis; People living on clouds above the rest while those who didn't could end up stuck living on the street. He didn't waste any time doing his job, either. He wanted to go to the grittiest part of town and figure out exactly what people's grievances with the emperor were. If you want to use my 5 I would be more than okay with that. (Or rather, I'm unsure how a success with a complication would work in this situation)
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Jun 3, 2016 18:37
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Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public Relations Before Myc walks away from the group, they hear the town criers telling about the goings on. "Hmm, the Emperor is not above spectacle and is running a tournament to attract attention. Seems like a clever way to entertain the populace while taking credit for the whole thing." Clifford mentions to no one in particular. "It could potentially backfire if some other candidate was able to co-opt it. Maybe we should check it out? Interview some of the people there?" As he sees Myc walk towards the slums, though. He turns to the others in the group, "Did he say where he was going? We should probably follow him to make sure there's no trouble." You could totally have a complication. You get a lead, but have some people not happy that you got that information.
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Jun 4, 2016 03:04
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Killer Myc strides off almost immediately upon reaching the city itself. The rest of you have to jog to keep up with the large mycenoid's powerful strides, and Aveline and Cadaecus get increasingly worried as the streets and building steadily get dingier, its inhabitants standing less tall, more downtrodden. Killer Myc walks in confidence. He knows these people, even if they don't know him. And he knows exactly where he's going. Rabbleward The press of the luckless, the poor, the forgotten is worse than ever. Briefly the mob shifts and watches warily as a patrol of the Imperial guard walks by. When the district gets crowded the Guard puts the hovels and shanties to the torch and run the inhabitants out of the city. Judging by the smell, another one's due soon. The patrol eyes you, but moves on. No good bothering adventurers in this part of Axis. Myc leads the way, the rest of you walking behind trying not to look too timid. There's some sort of commotion near the gibbet. Some sort of shouting... "Can you truly tell yourself that humanity will stand for you? For every copper piece you earn the guards they take then beat you too. The man up top he call himself a dragon, a protector, But a real dragon never gonna steal and say its good to do." A crowd has gathered around some sort of crier, and by their expressions they definitely agree. But Myc looks up at the man in the center and his blood boils.  Snap Gnoll used to be a believer, but one day in Drakkenhall the Blue made him an offer, and he accepted. Ever since he's been performing in Drakkenhall, good shows, but just for the money, a distraction for the humanoids there while the Three beat them down. Whatver he was doing here, it wasn't a good thing. hey guys the 13th ways book is honestly a nice sourcebook. Anyway this guy might be able to help you. Its just, you know, complicated.
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Jun 4, 2016 17:57
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Cadeuceus Rowan, Campaign StrategistM.c.P posted:Your trips are covered, and as of yet no one's asking questions. What kind of ride do you get, and how do you travel? Most who travel the Undermarch do so on foot, or as part of a trade caravan drawn by the dwarves' placid lizardine pack-beasts. But those on the Dwarf King's business ride in style. It's a new idea-- lay metal rails in the ancient stone of the Undermarch, and roll iron-plated carriages along them at frightening speeds. Using the thurka, the nervous, sprinting cousins of the pack lizards, to draw the carriages is fast, but there's talk of using magic or some other alchemy to do away with beast-power altogether. Many dwarves look askance at those ideas, though: the thurka have carried the messengers of the Dwarf King along the Undermarch for centuries, and adding railcarriages behind them is bad enough. In a lot of ways, it's actually a less comfortable ride than a well-appointed wagon; the rails are a relatively new idea and so the journey is a bit jolting and the screech of metal grates on the senses. But there's free ale and snacks provided by polite dwarven servants, so that's nice. And by the time the party pulls into the makeshift depot in Anvil, they've saved precious time. The rest of the journey to Axis is substantally more usual. Dwarven caravans make the Anvil-Axis run constantly, trading peerless dwarven crafts to the wealthy magnates of the Empire (not to mention the Emperor's armies) in exchange for various goods from all over the Empire, particularly foodstuffs not typically found below ground but prized by the dwarven elite. There is a brief, unnerving stop along the way at First Triumph to unload goods bound for the Crusader's paladin forces, but fortunately it does not take long, and the caravan reaches Axis in short order. Hope that's what you were looking for!  "If anyone in this city is going to be unhappy with the Emperor's record, it's bound to be the poor and misfortunate... and possibly also a few of the wealthy, those who perhaps bear a grudge for being passed over for government contracts in favor of their competitors, that sort of thing," Cad remarked, following Myc at a slight distance and noting how the crowds parted easily to allow the large fungus man to pass. But that's the kind of thing our contacts would be able to find out; Killer Myc has the right idea when it comes to getting the word on the street." This would probably be a good thing to use that 5 on. The Three would have a good motivation to release dirt on the Emperor, though surely at a price. I've also got a 5 from the Diabolist, who could also provide some help... possibly better to leave that one till a little later though.
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Jun 4, 2016 18:19
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Killer Myc, A Friendly Battle "I know these streets bout tired of this weak poo poo, Ya style been ran thru like a freak bitch. Da pussy club got ya angered with ya frequent. Ed hard rear end nigga and ya sequence Might as well shop at the Drakkenhall frequence have 'em gift wrap you some 'I love pink' poo poo." Myc strolled up to the performing Snap Gnoll. This wasn't the first time he had a run in with the ostentatious sell-out. The Myconid continued his verse for the audience the gnoll had gathered "Rap due and y'all 'yenas delinquent ya better find another dog to link with, cause the pupper you link with is a lie fool I used to bully that drat hyena in high school." Snap Gnoll could prove to be a valuable ally in taking down the emperor; but Myc wasn't going to win him over by groveling like a dog. In the streets he was raised in you had to respect your betters, and Myc was going to show the gnoll that he was still his better. Just in case you were going to ask for a roll. Performing (Straight Outta Necropolis + Charisma + Level): 1d20+8 23.
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Jun 4, 2016 19:55
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away from compy, no token. Also I flow like a quarry runoff please be gentle  Snap Gnoll looks up. Anger flashes in his eyes behind the darkened glasses, and his lip turns up in a snarl. But he rallies and smiles. "A mushroom talks like he has a spine, Got a green eyed look at everything mine. He's frontin', the prob's in that freaky eyed head. Better Gnollin for dragons than dog to the Dead." It's not a great retort, or the crowd doesn't get it. You can tell you caught the gnoll off balance, and he hops off the gibbet, joined by his two backups, a pair of lightly dressed, bored looking elves. The crowd, sensing the show is over, disperses. "Myc, Killer Myc!" The gnoll starts, holding out a paw. Whether or not he is left hanging, he continues. "Little birdie said you've been in with the stunties. And who's this with you, groupies? poo poo, when'd you start hanging out with humans? Well, at least one's easy to look at." He gives Aveline a discomforting leer. "But hey, this might just be an opportunity. You 'n me, gotta look out for number one. Guy on the throne gotta be taken down a notch. Two of us, hittin the streets, a teaming up again. Some big things coming up, big chance to stand up for the little guy. That's still you're thing, ain't it?." A gnoll smile is a disturbing thing, especially aimed at you. "Come on, talk some sense into this guy, he's a stubborn poo poo but he knows when I'm right."
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Jun 5, 2016 04:49
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Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public Relations Clifford blinks a little bit. This was not what he was expecting to find working on the campaign trail. It seems the two poets have greeted each other in a kind of pleasant hostility. The crowd does seem to have their attention. Clifford leans over to the giant fungaloid and whispers, "It seems this guy is working for The Three and is trying to sow discontent. The crowd seems enraptured by it and I think if you continue with your verses you could sway for some votes." Clifford waits for confirmation from the Paladin and if Myc cares to continue the bardic battle, Clifford will do what a PR Man does: Generate Hype. I believe this is a good time to try out my skill check for Rabble Rousing. Rabble Rousing the crowd (CHA): 1d20+4+2+1 20
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Jun 5, 2016 05:05
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dude I am loving this thread already you keep doing you man.Killer Myc, Reunited with an Old Friend Myc returns the Gnoll's gesture and meets the canine's paw with his own stump of an arm. Snap Gnoll might have been a filthy sell-out, but dirty money didn't taint good blood in the mushroom's many eyes. Myc let the comments towards Aveline slide, but only because he felt the monk was capable of, and needed to, stand up for herself in this situation. "poo poo, and you just got yourself a pair of fine elf ladies too. How much are you paying them to stick around your filthy rear end?" Myc's alien body let out what could only be interpreted as a grin to his old Hyena friend. "drat right that fool on the throne needs to be taken down. Dead, Dwarf, or Dragon some poo poo needs to change around these parts. What work do the three have you doin' around these parts? You here to show people just what kind of punk rear end bitch the Dragon Emperor is?" Myc noticed the remnants of the crowd gathering and gaining a fair bit of momentum. "Maybe we can go savage on that pretender's rear end like we did on that bitch rear end Count." He turned towards the audience Clifford was gathering and proceeded to give one last verse for the Gnoll to join in and finish off. "In the Empire the crooks get the castles Never see an Archmage or dragon rider shackled While Archmage magic law keep us in a shackle Eventually this wand'll be as legal as tobacco By then the Emperor I hope won't be afraid-a smack, though Message to the felon, keep tellin', my brethren The end of an era soon coming I tell 'em"
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Jun 5, 2016 06:01
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Oh, and sorry for not getting to it sooner, but that little bit of world building was exaclty what I was looking for Quorum. Thanks for it! Snap Gnoll laughs, sharp and loud, and grins. "You know it. Tear down the power, lets give 'em a show." He takes up Myc's rhythm as the mycenoid finishes  "Turn an ear, pointy or rounded, stop! Never been a moment to shake up the top, But now we have a policy, democratic polity, Make the nobs and robbers hear the voices of the jobbers. Too long the Emperor let the people burn, Past time the pretty palace district gets a turn. Tell your children, the long night is comin' to and end. Long live democracy, the emperor is dead!" The gathered crowd, spurred on by Clifford, bursts into cheers and applause. They begin to chant, first sporadically, but more and more in unison. "Down with the Emperor! Down with the Emperor!" The noise is deafening, and Clifford nods to himself. This is the start of something that will spread far. Snap Gnoll is already moving. "Come on, lets get out of here before the Guard breaks it up. I know a place in Goldring has the best steak you ever had." --- You've moved on to a high class restaurant in the Goldring district, home to the crafters and smiths that make the quality goods and fashions endlessly pursued by the noble class. You certainly didn't have a reservation, but Snap dropped a bag of gold in the maitre d's hands and somehow you reached an accord. Snap has been messily devouring a rare steak. Those two elves are still with him, though they haven't said a word. One of them sips a glass of water while the other picks at a salad. "That was beautiful, everything I hoped for!" Snap grunts out between tearing bites of his steak. "But you n' me, we ain't done yet!" Snap spares you the grisly sight of a gnoll eating and leans in. "You heard about the Kjess tournament, right? Emperor's gonna speak on the field with the winners, and all the arenas are pulling as many pawns as they can for the big event. Good opportunity to sneak in, I don't think the man on the throne really knows what's brewing here. Course, that's not the only thing. Gonna be another purge of Rabbleward soon, timed so people will be at the tournament while that shithole burns. Course its a controlled burn, and the guard aren't trying to kill people... but accidents happen, right? No one's cared cuz they're all the dregs down there, but maybe we can make people care." Or try something else. Icon Dice may apply, and the Dwarven Ambassador in Axis is still around.
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Jun 5, 2016 17:59
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snip
Captain Walker fucked around with this message at 16:08 on Jun 6, 2016 |
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Jun 5, 2016 18:06
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Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public Relations "A purge of Rabbleward? Well that will probably deal with all the negative publicity that he is feeling from there and make the more fortunate feel as though they are safe." He tries to look away from the gnoll's frantic eating. "I assume the people are to be shepherded somewhere? Probably away from the city?" He breaks into a smile. "If Rabbleward is being 'purged' at the command of the Emperor, maybe we could relocate the denizens to a more visible location. Say, the Palaces? Have the newly homeless line the streets with shanty towns. Have them say that they aren't looking for handouts, but the Emperor has ordered them out of Rabbleward, so they now will live on the doorstep of the wealthy." He pauses for a second to ponder his plan. "Actually, the people who live in the Palaces probably will have their guards kill them. Let's minimize casualties and do the plan in Upside instead. Still rich, but not 'have my own personal army' rich." *IF* we go through with this plan, I will use my 6 with the Dwarf King to get some resources and dwarfpower to carry out this plan. I just want the party to agree to this "Occupy Axis" plan before spending it.
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Jun 6, 2016 05:49
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Avéline "Honest Avé" Lyon, Press Secretary Left speechless at the impromptu rap battle, it takes the gnoll's unwanted advances to spur Avéline to action: "Glad I could distract you from your own hideous visage. I'd pound you but the fact is we're on the same side already, which is to say the opposite side from the current Emperor. Much as I hate to admit it we're in need of some, er, sick rhymes about his failings. You'll be well compensated, of course, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing you're not just doing it for the money anymore." --- Clifford's idea is risky, but more humane than letting the disadvantaged burn. "I agree that the Palaces are too dangerous, all the Emperor needs is one attempt on his life, real or imagined, to order the whole group to hang. But anyone who says they care about a bunch of stuffy nobles whose extravagant mansions are losing value is a liar..
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Jun 6, 2016 16:12
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Killer Myc- Head of Security Myc listened to the two of his companions setting forth their ideas. "I agree. Some sort of occupy Upside movement would do wonders for getting the word out about how poorly the Emperor is treating those at the bottom. Not to mention the good it would do for those getting forced out of their homes."
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Jun 7, 2016 04:07
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Snap nods. "Bleeding hearts, aint ya? Well, I'm not gonna stop you. Careful out there, doubt the Guard'd be very appreciative of your relocation scheme." He stands, and the two elves with him get up to follow him out the door. "Well, if you're busy with that, I'm going to see how I can fare at Kjess. Should be a fun little game, right? Ta ta." He strolls away. Its a good thing he already left that sack of gold, otherwise you'd have been stuck with the bill. --- But you quickly make your way back to Rabbleward, and the nearby, slightly less criminally underserved Saltpork. If you're going to pull this off, you're going to need to organize the people here. And that means finding the local leaders. Which, regretfully, probably means gang leaders. Background check from one of you to ask around and get a feel for the local power structure. Also, CommaToes, this is your chance to call your 6 with the Dwarf King for some help.
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Jun 8, 2016 16:28
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Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public Relations "Ah yes, the gangs hold a lot of sway down there. Probably the ones that the Emperor is trying to suss out." Clifford tells to the voice in his head. He turns to the rest of his campaign team, "Listen, I gotta get some gears moving so we can call in for some dwarfpower to handle this. I think talking to the gang leaders to get the word out will be the fastest way. Otherwise, I dunno, check to see if the priestess has any temples or social services down there to get the word out in a less sinister way. Either way, I gotta send some pigeons." Clifford goes to the nearest aviary and starts writing letters to the Dwarven council asking for some carts and stealthy volunteers to help move the entirety of Rabbleward to Upside, as well as building materials to construct a shanty town quickly and quietly while the Emperor's plan to purge the poor neighbourhood is distracting the guards.
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Jun 9, 2016 22:46
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Killer Myc- Head of Security Myc did what could possibly be interpreted as a nod. "I'll look around to see who's in charge around here, and which one of them will be willing to help out a good cause." The Myconid bumbled around the city streets, hoping to find someone who could help the group out for their cause. Searching for Leaders (Run the Jewels + Charisma? + Level): 1d20+6 8 (or 5 without the charisma bonus).
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Jun 10, 2016 08:56
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Clifford gets his message sent off, and rejoins the others. It's not long before a messenger pigeon finds him though.To Mr. Marshall posted:Request noted. We don't do 'Shanty'. But quick and cheap, okay. That should be interesting. --- Once again you follow Killer Myc through the streets, confident that the school of hard knocks is something universal. You start to ask around surreptitiously, and as you start you get some people interested. They recognize you from your impromptu concert, and you can tell you've put a little hope in their lives. But soon you notice people stop wanting to talk to you. Then they start consciously avoiding you in the street. Before long you find the streets utterly abandoned. Windows close around you and doors *click* their locks nearby. Well, not utterly abandoned. Burly, scarred creatures of all races start to show up in the alleys, and in front of you, a scrawny, greasy human with a dark look in his eyes takes the lead. He's surrounded by what look like half-giants, with half of the kind disposition. (not actually half-giants, they're big though.) "So," he starts, with a growl. "You the shits starting... 'concerts' around here? I don't know what you're planning, but nothing happens around here with my say so. I'm Delm, and we're the Bullettes. Now who the gently caress are you?" Yeah no that's a failure Arrrthritis
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Jun 11, 2016 09:49
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Delm sneers at you as the silence lengthens. "Seriously, what the hell are you doing here? Is this about this stupid... election? I don't appreciate busybodies fuckin' around in my turf." ...guys?
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Jun 15, 2016 14:29
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Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public Relations Clifford walks back from his message sending to see his campaign staff standing idly by as they're berated by a gang leader. "Um... Hi there. I'm not sure what my associates told you, but we've heard that the Emperor is about to do one of his purges of Rabbleward. I also heard that fire would be involved." He leans in. "So, in order to show that the Emperor's plan to kill the poor so he gains favour with the upper crust is faulty, we're moving the poor to their neighbourhood." He sits back to try to gauge the gang leader's reaction. "All we need from you is to get the word out. Otherwise, the people of Rabbleward will die for political gains." Rabble Rousing: 1d20+4+2+1 12 welp...
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Jun 15, 2016 16:17
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Killer Myc- Head of Security Towering well above any normal human being, Killer Myc did what could be interpreted as staring down Delm. "Killer Myc. Nice to meet you." He turned his many eyestalks to the different half-giants, who stood just a bit taller than the Myconid. He decided to let his allies do the majority of the talking, this time. Sorry, wanted to give the other an opportunity to post.
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Jun 15, 2016 17:37
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Avéline "Honest Avé" Lyon, Press Secretary "Clifford, be reasonable! This gentleman is a big shot gang leader type. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I'm guessing nothing happens in this part of town without your say so. I know we can't very well do this without your say so, Mister Delm, but whatever the Emperor plans here is backed by an army of guardsmen, and I doubt they'd take well to you defending your property. My proposition is this: We'll pay you to provide security for the people who move from Rabbleward, and the shanty town in Upside they will be moving to. You'll get to stick it to a bunch of stuffy nobles, and you won't have to go to war with the guards. It's either that or stay and be trampled by a literal legion." Gentle Persuader (CHA): 1d20+5+3+1 12 
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Jun 15, 2016 17:57
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Alright, gonna run these fights off of a Google Doc, located here!. Now, I'm trying something, this one is editable. You don't have to edit it on your turn, heavens knows google docs aren't the most stable things, but, well, if you feel like helping me out, I wouldn't say no. Just mention whether or not you edited the map and things should work out. Delm stares in incredulity, then snickers to himself. "Holy poo poo, you're just stupid, aren't you. You think the Legion will sit back and let people just walk over there? You think I got to where I am by causing trouble? You seem to think I'm some kinda dreamer, that I want to shake things up. Truth is? I prefer things just the way they are. Smoke em, boys." The various armed gangers and lackeys close in around you, the centerpiece being Delms own two bodyguards that just about match Myc in size and tower over the rest of you. The shing of drawn daggers and the crack of knuckles surrounds you. Looks like a fight! Roll initiative, you can go if you beat or tie 19. Escalation is at 0.  pre:Red Half-Giant AC17 PD16 MD12 32/32 HP Blue Half-Giant AC17 PD16 MD12 32/32 HP Bullette Scum AC16 PD14 MD11 30/30HP (5 per)
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Jun 17, 2016 14:12
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Clifford Marshall - Manager of Public Relations "I guess violence is the only thing you guys understand." Clifford remarks as he attempts to pull out his weapon and shield. Initiative: 1d20+3 7 Command Points: 2
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Jun 17, 2016 16:35
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