New Blood, Old Blood

[*A Casual Fellow]

Doubt moves his own victim and the victims of the other anarchists from the bufferzone to the actual hideout, rather than using the entrance he had spoken to the others, he shoves one of the notaries out of the makeshift cheap resting places that had been pre-placed there by him. Underneath is a trapdoor leading to lower levels of the Under Sigil. And a cart he had placed there previously...

However before even considering transportation for his victims, he opened any gags they may've had and ensured each of them had their hands tied. Then took bottle of Vodare, in a honeyed water.

[color=crimson]((Vodare: An extremely bitter brown powder, vodare is usually mixed with honeyed water or sweet wine ot dilute the taste. It is made from the crushed petals of a flower that grows only on the graves of those who dedicated their lives to worship of Rallaster. Initial Effect: +2 alchemical bonus on intimidate checks adn saving throws against fear effects for 1d4 hours. Secondary effect: -4 alchemical penalty on diplomacy and bluff checks for 2d4 hours. Side effects: Mild euphoria and fierce confidence while the drug is in effect. Overdose: If more than one dose is taken in a 4-hour period, the user becomes catatonic (Fort DC 15 negates) ))[/color] [/li]

His intent is overdose all of them to ensure they aren't moving, of course he doesn't like trusting odds and also casts a Mass Charm Monster upon all of the victims to minimize the odds of being caught on the way. [Mass Charm Monster DC: 33]

After this he moved all of the people one by one through the trapdoor to the lower level on the cart. Presuming all of this went without any issues he started to move the cart in his loose robe and act the part of a collector moving around corpses through the path. Cart wheels creaking and squeking lowly through the hallways. His journey took him toward another ruins within the Under Sigil, a certain temple of Tharizdun used to linger in there, and it had been quite the trouble to clear out enough rubble for making a passable hideout there as well to store the bodies for a longer period.

Next he took a bit of blood from each of the victims, quite nonchalantly with a dagger. Closing the wounds for them with bandage however. Each of them got their own vial for purpose unknown? However the victims couldn't be left here without further insurances... he made sure all of their hands were tied into one big clump with shackles in middle keeping them all attached behind their back. Making it tedious for any of them move without excess coordination, which the intoxication ought to prevent.

In further preparations he prepared a clairvoyance into the place, to keep an eye out on them. Finally placed a dagger behind one of the pieces of rock to conceal it, a persistent shelgarns persistent blade he had prepared to be his guard. It was instructed to stay down unless someone tries to exit or enter and then attack it. The captives unlikely prove much difficulty on it. Now it was just a matter of time to keep the captives drugged, fed and alive. Except the singular corpse.

The last bit of counter measure was the makeshift passage-doorway with arcane lock cast on it. It'd be a troublesome thing to keep them in check, but for the time being it had to do until he found more people he could trust.


>>

Finally Doubt made his way to meet the other Anarchists. He had certainly been taking his time and hadn't visited much in the meeting point since the initiation of the plan.

"Well well, we did get quite a few indeed. Precious little hostages. Good job. Now of course you're considering what happens next? A couple of things, for one I will be making my announcement to the Sigil.

However do not mistake that the plans simply end to waiting for their reaction. We need to remain proactive and continue keeping them reactive all the time. As such I've taken counter measures..." he produces the vials of blood from the victims, granted after some minor enchantments placed in them, and offers those around "These are beacons for the divinations they may intend to use, one for each victim. I'm going to give them to you... scatter them where you please, if it creates difficult political issues for investigators, all the more amusing. Do not keep them in anycase, they're not trophies worth of keeping. In the coming days I will be interrogating our captives for information and considering other plans.

The blood can be used to make traps too, just so you know... just make it in scale of a large Harmonium assault squad prepared for ambush and you can still ambush them. I don't think even a moment that they'd try to do things fair. They will also likely start to work better at trying not to be captured, paranoia and extra effort placed on keeping themselves safe makes it easier to target other places and weaken their stance in the Sigil, then keep weakening them by making them react to our advances... well that's the thought in anycase. I will soon be a target for a number of investigations with the announcement to public."

[*Darkrob]

Mila looks at Doubt, impatience clearly showing on her face.

“Enough Focking around. Sell what we got to the Reds right now. Screw the blood trails, screw the traps. Just send ‘em a note and tell ‘em… release our boys or bury theirs. Simple.

TheyÂ’ll either play or tell us to pound sand. At least then weÂ’ll know how to proceed. I ainÂ’t gonna continue to risk my life capturing them shitheads if it ainÂ’t gonna buy us anything.

You want us to get some more, then serve up what we have first. IÂ’m not going to continue dancing to this tune until you show us that this is going to work.

As for yer blood vials. I’m enough of a mage to know what that’ll get us… squat. What’s in this glass ain’t alive. It’s dead blood. Unless you got vials to keep it alive, it’s worth shit to anything but bloodhounds. ”

[*Darkrob]

//We’re waiting on Doubt to contact the Triad and SIGIS in regards to the hostages. Not sure what’s going on there but the support characters have done their part and now it’s up to the “Cell Leader” to do his.

If that isn't going to happen, I'll have Mila take it from here... we'll wait on doubt for a day or so first.

[*LiquidDreamer]

///Don't worry, we're waiting and watching. If your waiting for npc reaction, just poke a DM, we'll be happy to oblige.

[*Darkrob]

(((Hope I'm not stepping on toes by continueing this and feel free to step back in if you return)))

(((Going to change things a little in where and how the prisoners are held. Moving them to Undersigil Village wouldnÂ’t be one of MilaÂ’s first choices.)))

The prisoners had been heavily drugged and sedated and moved to a spot deep within the Hive. This particular area was regarded as a stronghold of “Anti-law/Anti-Order” and was rarely visited by those who upheld either… and then only under extraordinary circumstances. It was a pit of chaos, filth and crime. Not a place to visit on a whim. It also bordered the slags and held a high number of abandoned or destroyed buildings and antimagic zones. Tunnels and passageways burrowed through the entire area like those found in ant farms.

The prisoners had been moved to an old jail next to the Slags. It was beat up and burnt out but was still structurally sound, most of its old cells still strong and solid. It had been chosen because this area of the slags defied magic. It simply corrupted it to the point it no longer worked. Whether by motion or prayerÂ… nothing would work. They had been moved into these cells and were shackledÂ… not so much that they couldnÂ’t move but enough that they couldnÂ’t escape. Each had an old cot and blanket and was given old (yet clean) clothing to cover themselves with. A bucket for a toilet and another for clean water was supplied to each. Food, however bland, was also given to them. Gruel and bread. Enough to sustain them and keep them healthy and sated.

Mila was there when the group awakened and watched them warily examine their surroundings and situation. She was well covered to ensure her identity was concealed and safe.

“You’ve food, clothing, water and a safe place to sleep.” She motioned to a small pack near each of them. “You also have some fresh bandages and a few painkillers… use them sparingly… it’s all you’re getting. I’m nothing if not fair.”

She looks at each of them, noting their confusion and apprehensionÂ… this wasnÂ’t the best place they could find themselves.

“You’re shackled to ensure you stay put. You’ve enough room to sit and lie down on your bunks but not stand, mingle or move about. Don’t make me regret giving you that much room… easy ‘nuff to tie you down tight if you force me to. You’ve enough painkillers to keep the headaches away… sorry ‘bout that by the way but you lot are tougher than you look, but not enough to use against me or my friends. This building is not in a safe place. Even armed you wouldn’t make it fifteen paces outside of here before the locals cut you down and chewed on your bones… so don’t bother even trying. The only thing keeping them out and you guys away from them, is me and my pals. If you’ve got questions, requests or insults to give me, now is the time, otherwise just give me your names so I can send word to your people that you’re safe."

[*Darkrob]

Once back in the safety of the house, she makes herself comfortable. She tells one of the usual thugs who frequent there to ensure Sigard gets a few toys from the next black market shipment scheduled to arrive in a day or so. Nothing keeps the wealthy happier than contraband usually scooped up by the Harmonium.

She awaits Eagle or Doubt but if either fails to show in a few hours, she takes things into her own hands and sends word through the “pipes” (revolutionary channels).

“Seeking a talent to release a pigeon or to have him Styxed if stuck too tight. Needs to be done tonight. Mila loves ya”

She paitiently waits for a reply before heading back to the Slags to talk to her guest.

(((This is where I could use another PC to deal with Gudrut. This could be any PC not afraid or bothered working with Anarchists...even if they aren't one themselves)))

[*Selebius]

A day later Mila is approached by Sigurd- one of the Anarchist sympathisants from the Lady's ward. He is an idealist and a bit of a dreamer but supports the cause as good as he can even if he has no stomach for the uglier side of the business. However he has many rich and well connected friends so is more than able to provide some useful pieces of gossip sometimes.

An elegant man in his early twenties his posture and language stands out like a sore thumb in the seedier parts of the Hive regardless how well he disguises himself.

However he meets Mila in a somewhat reputable bar and gambling den which is known to attract the bored and rich who want just flirt a bit with danger and darkness.

"There are news. Some good ones... but there is also a problem."

Looking around he hesitates before going on.

"Can we go somewhere else to talk?"

[*Darkrob]

Mila motions for him to follow her into the street. They walk for about 5 minutes or so, down a few alleys and through a couple doors into another area. She casts a couple of quick spells to ensure their privacy.

"Whatcha need, handsome... what's so important to bring you all the way out here?"

[*Selebius]

He follows her, excited about some Cloak 'n Dagger games but his lack of practical skills are obvious again.

When he speaks he does so hastily, looking around nervously all the time.

"The hardheads recently lost an important officer. It is said she is the sister of some bigwig back up in Arcadia. Think it is the one you guys recently bagged.

Also have heard that one of the soldiers is the only kid of some stinkingly rich merchant. They will do anything to get their brat back. I heard they will even put an ad into SIGIS offering some high reward.

However bad news now.
Gudrut was caught by the Hardheads. She tried to sell some armour parts in the Hive. I heard she will be brought into the barracks for questioning soon. Right now she is kept in Outpost XXV- that one close to the Mortuary.

Ah. And one of the Mercykillers you tried to bomb survived. He is quite mad with grief however.
A pal of mine said he is off to the Hells to get his girlfriend back. He muttered something about a surprise and reward. Crazy berk, I tell you. But no surprise with that half bloods."

He swallows, his mouth dry from speaking and his nervousity and Mila can see beads of sweat on his brow and upper lip.

[*Darkrob]

She smiles at him, warmly. Gently moves her finger across his lip to collect some of the sweat and them licks it off of her finger, watching him the entire time. It would be obvious to those who know her, she likes to toy with those who let her… if only to see their reactions. She moves closely to him as to press against him. This move, however, was a strategic move meant to throw off casual onlookers. Her intent was to make it look like they were a “couple” and not here simply to chat. She lowered her voice and whispered in his ear.

“You’ve brought the Revolution great news, Sigurd. We thank you so very much… but you shouldn’t risk yourself by coming way out here to tell me such things. It is very dangerous for you to risk so much… but I admire your bravery” she would smile pleasantly.

“Go back to bar after our argument, drink away some sorrows and besmirch the girl who declined you”

Before he could fully register what she said, or question it in any way, she steps back, and slaps him across the face.

“You bastard!” She yelled at him. “You think I would sleep with you because of a few drinks?! You men are all the same!”

Then she moved into the street showing obvious outrage and feminine anger, leaving him to explain himself to the few local men who would most likely be chuckling the way men always do when others of their gender fail miserably at such attempts

She then heads back to the safe house to update the othersÂ…