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Post by DM-Delfon on Jul 18, 2021 16:38:22 GMT -5
You sit there straining to hear the slightest sound, but all you can hear is your heart thumping inside your chest. You move your blade about to check for hidden enemies, but find nothing within arms reach. Just as you're about to get out of your bed, the darkness fades to the very dim light one might expect from the moon and stars above through the window. You check around your room, looking under the bed, and behind things but there is nobody here. Fearing the invisible bodyguard, you even poke around physically - just to make sure, nothing. It's about then that you look over to the pouch you stole earlier, only to find it gone. In it's place a folded piece of thick paper, standing upright as one might do with a greeting card.
Reading the outside, it simply says, 'To Dahlia' in an elegant hand. The writing has several flourishes that make your name pop beautifully. Inside the card it says, 'When I couldn't find my object, I was worried that a lowlife cutpurse managed to slip one past my bodyguard. I was so disappointed when the celestial I summoned to find it said that it was on your person. Stealing from a Guildmaster of the Mages Guild is a very serious offense. Luckily for you, you were truthful about where you were staying. A lie would have been a second strike you simply can't afford. Your performance was enjoyable, and so instead of turning you in I will instead make use of your skills. Much like the fiends and celestials at my beck and call, you had better come when summoned.'
The letter is signed with the same care it was addressed to you, 'Guildmaster Weis Wickman, Archmage of Conjuration.' The additional formality in him using his full title is almost as disconcerting as him knowing that you stole from him. A crow lands on the windowsill to your room and caws, and you almost jump out of your skin thinking that Keth'tathaaz has come for you. It takes wing a moment later, flying off toward an answering caw.
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Jul 18, 2021 17:21:15 GMT -5
When she finally has a moment to relax, she glares daggers at the card, not enjoying the idea of being an errand girl. She peers back out the window for a moment, watching the bird fly off. She then huffs in frustration, more at herself then anything else. With no way else to express her anger without causing noise, Dahlia crushes the card tightly in her hand, keeping it there until she can feel her nails creating little half moon divots into her hand.
After a tense moment, she sighs and her shoulders sag as she tries to relax. She sits back down onto her bed, but it's clear to her that she's not going to be able to go back to sleep for some time. Dahlia debates what to do for a moment before she begrudgingly gets up, deciding to get dressed and go out for a walk to clear her head.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jul 18, 2021 17:49:05 GMT -5
You step outside of the Wayfarer's Rest, and pick a random direction and start walking. Gravity seems to be the deciding factor as you turn, and begin walking downhill toward the river below. The streets of Clifton seem much different after the sun has gone down. The main through fares seem safe enough, with their lanterns lit and regular guard patrols. Glancing into an alley you see a pair of shadowed figures poking around in a bag that's held between them. They're casually dropping things to the ground around their feet. As you pass by, they glance up at you and though you can't see their smile, you can hear it in his voice as he calls out, "Hey pretty lady, I got something for you." He holds up the bag, though the darkness in the alley makes it impossible to make out much in the way of details.
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Aug 6, 2021 8:39:16 GMT -5
As the men start to talk to her, she gives them both an unimpressed look. For a moment she wonders how dumb they think she is.
"Oh but gentlemen, why don't you come step out into the light? I don't know if I can trust you in the dark..." Dahlia puts a small tremble in her voice as she says that, trying to make herself seem innocent and defenseless.
Persuasion roll: 13 + 5 = 18
After Dahlia plays her role, she sneaks her hand down to grip the handle of one of her hidden daggers.
Slight of hand roll: 18 + 4 = 22
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 11, 2021 19:35:33 GMT -5
The same man calls out again, "Sure thing little lady." Both men exit the alley into the light of the nearby street lantern. As they enter the street, both men look up and down the road. One man moves right from the alley, while the other moves left. Neither man seems aware of your grip on the hilt of a hidden blade. The same man that spoke before speaks up again, drawing your attention slightly to the left, "Here, as I said. I've got something for you. I found this up the road a ways. I think it would complement your skin tone perfectly." He holds up a small ladies bag, which would in fact match your skin tone perfectly. It's not new, but there doesn't seem to be any damage on the bag either. "Perhaps we can make a trade?" The men have moved to opposite sides at this point, and you're now finding it tough to keep both of them in sight at the same time. Even when you take a step to one side or the other to avoid being directly flanked by them, they adjust to maintain the advantageous positioning.
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Nov 7, 2021 17:54:14 GMT -5
"Oh perhaps... What do you want from me?" Dahlia keeps up the innocent nature, giving the men a slow, fluttery blink. She even pouts her bottom lip slightly. This is a routine she's very used to performing at this point, playing pretty and naive has gotten her out of plenty of trouble before.
As she continues to play into her ruse, she hangs her tail down loosely next to one of the men's ankles, ready to trip him if need be. She's watching them both carefully now, keeping her guard up as she plays along.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 7, 2021 18:00:03 GMT -5
The man steps forward, closing the distance between you, but stopping short of actually touching you, "Oh I could think of a few things." He says, and you can almost feel the implications caressing your skin. Glancing back toward the other man, he's still a pace back and holding his position opposite his companion. "What would a fine woman such as yourself offer for a bag such as this? Ifin' you don't have the coin, I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement." Both men laugh then, short chuckles.
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Nov 7, 2021 18:25:33 GMT -5
She miraculously manages to not groan in disgust.
"Of course, I have a few ideas..." Dahlia replies in a smooth way, a soft smirk appearing on her face.
As the man in front of her steps into her space, she peers up at him before calmly moving her hand that's holding the dagger. She places the blade at the bottom on his ribs, just resting it there for now, letting it serve as a warning for now.
"You can hand it over and keep my blade out of your heart." There's a confidence in her voice that wasn't there before, the innocent act completely gone.
As she speaks, she curls her tail around the other man's leg, not fully holding him yet, but preparing to trip him over if he moves to attack.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 11, 2021 18:51:45 GMT -5
The man holds up his hands, one still holding the purse. "Look lady, I'm just trying to sell a purse. No need for killin'" The man behind you pulls out a cudgel, stepping back a little to provide a bit of space between the two of you. The man with the purse holds it out to you, "If you want it that bad, take it."
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Nov 11, 2021 19:27:33 GMT -5
She carefully looks him over for a moment, the knife still pointed at him as she tries to figure him out. She tries to figure out if he is just trying to sell it or if he's got some other plans.
Insight check: 12 + 1 = 13
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 11, 2021 19:32:39 GMT -5
He seems to be trying to sell the purse, but he also seems to be trying to get you into his bed. The pair of them together seem to be opportunists, and your gut is totally telling you that they likely stole the purse in question. You get the vibe from the one behind you, that if you hurt his friend he's going to bop your melon with that cudgel of his.
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Jan 10, 2022 11:35:54 GMT -5
After a short moment of tension, Dahlia sighs and lowers her blade with a shake of her head. She pinches the bridge of her nose in annoyance and frustration, pondering for a moment if she made a mistake by coming to this city, knowing how much trouble she’s caused for herself so far. But… She pushes through that feeling.
“Listen, gentlemen, you really need a better approach to making a sale. There are plenty of women in this city just like me and probably more armed to the teeth than I am, so you really must be more careful… Now, I have had a very, VERY long day today and this interaction is not helping” She says that while looking up at the man in front of her, taking a brief second to look at the one behind her as well.
“Did you even have a backup plan here? What if a guard had shown up instead?” As she talks, she puts her hands on her hips, like a disappointed mother would. After the rough day she’s had, scolding someone feels very nice.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 11, 2022 9:07:22 GMT -5
As you sigh both men let out of breath that they had been holding. The man behind you lowers his cudgel, but keeps it at the ready in case you change your mind. "If you've had a long day, the least I could do is offer you a drink. It would be sure to help you relax." He says with a smile. His confidence and persistence could be taken as either admirable or annoying. "If you were a guard instead, we just wouldn't have offered to sell them the purse, obviously."
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Jan 18, 2022 7:22:21 GMT -5
Dahlia then raises an unamused eyebrow at them, narrowing her eyes slightly. She shakes her head slowly as she slips her knife back into it’s hiding place, making sure it’s secure on her person.
“You know gentlemen, I think I’m going to refuse your offer. I know you may assume a few things about me from the way I’m dressed but I assure you that I’m not THAT kind of lady.” She states that in a very matter of fact tone, brushing off some dust from her skirt.
She then places her hands on her hips, tilting her head at them as her tail flicks like an annoyed cat.
“I am willing to offer some coin for that purse tho..” With another flick of her tail, she reaches into one her her pockets and holds up 4 gold
“Two for you and two for your friend there. I’m sure that’s a fine payment, yes?”
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 18, 2022 7:34:09 GMT -5
The first man looks past you to his companion, and you can hear him reattaching his cudgel to his belt. "I make no assumptions M'lady." He says with a fair approximation of a proper bow. "It is your loss honestly. I give really good shoulder massages." He honestly seems a little disappointed at your refusal, but he perks up again when you offer them some money, "Two gold a piece would be more than fair." The exchange is made, and he smiles at you again, "I hope to see you again. It's been a pleasure doing business with you."
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Aug 21, 2022 9:46:22 GMT -5
“Yes, yes, of course…” She dismisses them with a slight wave of her hand, as if to rush them along before they get caught by someone else. As they walk off, she takes a moment to breathe before finding a better spot to look over her new purchase in private. God knows she’s had enough people interfere with her own business today.
Dahlia finds herself a tucked away corner to dig through the purse she just managed to get, curious to see if there’s anything left inside of it, or if it’s just going to be a pretty accessory for her to show off.
Investigation check: 14
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 21, 2022 10:58:04 GMT -5
Inside the purse there is a small pocket sewn into the bottom of the larger pocket. Inside that small pocket are two silver protectors. Other than that, the purse is just a purse. Where to now?
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Aug 21, 2022 12:16:18 GMT -5
Dahlia just sighs, sinking down slightly where she sits. She rubs her temples in a tired way, clearly hoping for something a little more. It’s unfortunate, only finding some small change, but she tells herself it’s better than nothing.
She then stands, brushing off her dress skirt with her hands and her tail before starting to trot back towards the inn she’s staying at. Her eyelids are starting to feel heavy and she reminds herself that sleep is necessary for her beauty to stay.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 23, 2022 18:15:18 GMT -5
The trip back goes uneventfully, with no more muggers leaping out at you from the darkness. You did spot two groups of three guards along the way. One group briefly stopped you to warn you that it isn’t safe to travel alone at after dark, especially as a woman. It isn’t until you’re back in your bed that the image of the two men rifling through the purse and dropping the contents on the ground strikes you. Too late now you suppose, at least it’s not your valuables scattered in some filthy alley.
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Aug 24, 2022 10:17:38 GMT -5
When confronted by the guards, she makes sure to give them all a bright smile, nodding politely as they talk to her. She makes sure they know she’s heading back to the safety of her inn room and she thanks them all for checking on her.
Dahlia just sighs at the thought of the pile of dropped items, too tired to even care at the moment. It has been a long and strange day for her, and all she wants now is some decent rest. With her pillow fluffed to perfection, she finally falls asleep, ready for whatever awaits her tomorrow.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 24, 2022 20:28:47 GMT -5
Your sleep is fitful, with celestial beings watching your every move from above, muggers in every alley and evidence of invisible fiends everywhere you lurk. That annoyingly beautiful card floating behind you, now with the Guildmaster providing a vocal narration, “You had better come when summoned.” “You had better come when summoned.” “You had better come when summoned.” Even in your dream you pivot and slice the card in half.
You awake slowly at first fleeting images from the dreams that haunted your rest still flashing through your mind. It isn’t until you see the state of your pillow case that you realize you didn’t remove your makeup the second time you came to your room for the night. That snaps you awake faster than coffee or demons.
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Aug 27, 2022 12:30:55 GMT -5
Dahlia groans as she sits up in bed after just waking up, huffing loudly at the rough night of sleep she just had. It’s a bad start to her day.
As she rubs her eyes tiredly and sees the leftover makeup on her face, and pillow, a horrified gasp escapes her. Springing out of bed, she rushes over to her washbasin to clean her face of the remaining makeup. Skin care is very important to her and the fact that she did something so silly is truly upsetting to her.
A horrid start to her day indeed.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Aug 30, 2022 21:14:47 GMT -5
Your face comes clean as can be expected given that you left your makeup on while you slept. Without makeup you kind of feel naked, even though you’re fully dressed. It doesn’t take you long to reapply, and touch up everything so you’re looking presentable for the rabble below. Cooking scents are starting to creep into your nostrils. It’s enough to make your stomach growl, and your mouth water.
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Sept 2, 2022 12:40:08 GMT -5
Dahlia takes extra care in slowly and gently reapplying her makeup and doing her skincare routine. She’s so used to this morning routine that her confident hands don’t even shake during this whole process, and after it’s all applied again, she breathes a sigh of peace. It makes her feel more like herself.
After getting dressed in her elegant outfit, she makes her way down to breakfast, finding herself famished. All that running around can do that to a lady. Dahlia lets her tail gently sway as she walks into the main tavern room, giving anyone there a pleased and polite smile.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 3, 2022 19:23:05 GMT -5
You descend the stairs into the common room of the Wayfarer’s Rest. Sarah is sweeping out one of the hearths, a long soot spotted apron covering another of her blue dresses. Old Borris is sitting at a table with a gray haired man with the look of a traveler about him. Three sailors are playing cards at one table, while another has a merchant with a half eaten plate of food beside him on the table while his attention is focused on a book he keeps making notations in.
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Sept 4, 2022 12:07:34 GMT -5
Dahlia gives the room a smile as she trots in, the polite “average commoner” mask slipping right back into place. She gives Sarah a small curtsy to greet her before moving over to the tables, looking over the scene in front of her. She gives Old Borris a sweet smile before making her way over to the merchant, leaning down over his shoulder to get a quick look at the book he’s adamantly writing in.
“My, you must be awfully busy if even a home cooked meal can’t drag your attention away for a moment!” She says that with a chuckle, making sure he has a good view of the “Girls” when he turns to her. Tilting her head at him, she lets her tail sway curiously behind her, almost like a cat.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 6, 2022 19:40:18 GMT -5
Sarah smiles, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. Careful not to smear any soot on herself or her clothing. "Good morning Dahlia." She says quietly as you pass. Old Borris gives you a friendly wave, and a fatherly smile. The merchant seems lost to his writing, and doesn't notice you approach. When you speak so close to his ear, he jumps a little and a single droplet of ink lands mid page. "By the Light of Pelor!" He says, quickly dabbing the droplet with a blotter. "The food was good, I just don't have much of an appetite lately." He slides the plate in your direction without looking up from where he is fixing his ledger. "You can take it away. It's cold now anyway."
You got a clear view of the page he was working on. A chart with numbers tracking his accounts. He is not doing well based on what you're seeing. When you don't grab the plate and leave his presence he finally turns to you, almost sticking his nose into your cleavage in the process. He pulls back from you, his cheeks gaining a little bit of colour. "Excuse me." He manages weakly. "Was there something else I could help you with?"
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Sept 9, 2022 16:42:58 GMT -5
She shakes her head with a small chuckle, pushing the plate back towards him with a single finger. She doesn’t make it obvious, but it’s ridiculous to her that someone would think she’s a maid.
“No, just simply curious is all. It’s not often I get to see a merchant doing the book work.” Dahlia then chuckles again, leaning out of his space. He tail gently sways behind her like a cat’s would, absentmindedly flicking from side to side as she continues the conversation.
“Tough time for business?”
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 10, 2022 7:53:53 GMT -5
The man sighs, "Well one does their own books when they're not in good standing with the Merchant's Guild." He glances at you again as you slide his plate forward, then finally relents and gestures toward the seat opposite himself. "My largest trading partner in the Somerset Isles was arrested for his ties to the now exiled prince. His replacement has severed ties with my company. They seized a full shipment of my goods, and without that income or that ship I will have to start from scratch."
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Post by kitteninaboxx on Sept 10, 2022 13:54:04 GMT -5
Dahlia takes a seat and nods as she listens to his story. She props her elbow up on the table to rest her head in her hand, getting comfortable.
“Ah yes, that would put a damper on a business… What is it that you sell? Anything in particular or just bits and bobs?” Saying that, she tilts her head to the side and a small, loose strand of hair drapes down onto one of her horns.
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