| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Azar |
Posted - 29 Nov 2022 : 23:18:10
Good evening!
I have an idea for a slightly unorthodox encounter: a group composed mostly or even entirely of secret Brandobaris worshipers masquerading as humble performers. Would they be "Brandobarans"? "Brandobarites"? Anyhow, in addition to the practical benefit that comes with strength in numbers, they often journey with inexperienced members of the faith; these members receive "hands on" training in the field. Their MO is to invite amiable-seeming travelers (typically vetted by a stealthy member who has already observed them along a trail) into their campsite and then rob them; whether they depart surreptitiously or openly depends on each specific set of circumstances.
They do not target the poor or the weak nor do they deprive anyone of essentials and physical violence is seen as undesirable. However, anyone who displays a conspicuous amount of wealth - this includes quite a few accomplished adventurers! - are considered fair game. |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Outlaw Pope |
Posted - 02 Dec 2022 : 14:31:31
np, steel sharpens steel king. |
| Azar |
Posted - 02 Dec 2022 : 10:16:19
quote:
Originally posted by Outlaw Pope
quote:
Originally posted by Azar
Would they be "Brandobarans"? "Brandobarites"?
Brandobarians according to Demihuman deities. I've also began documenting these terms that I have coined as "pistonyms" in this thread if you ever have such questions again. 
Cheers for the info. I did skim that section a little too quickly! |
| Outlaw Pope |
Posted - 02 Dec 2022 : 09:15:33
quote:
Originally posted by Azar
Would they be "Brandobarans"? "Brandobarites"?
Brandobarians according to Demihuman deities. I've also began documenting these terms that I have coined as "pistonyms" in this thread if you ever have such questions again. |
| Azar |
Posted - 02 Dec 2022 : 01:30:09
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Azar
quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
Hopefully they won't try their luck on an old man with seven canaries flitting nearby.
These folks may engage in thievery, but they're thief-priests; chances are a leader versed in matters divine will warn the rest to stay clear. If not, well...after a theatric admonition, he may let them go (it's probable that he has good relations with a primarily Lawful pantheon).
I'm not inclined to think that this particular incarnation is well-known. I would think that anyone that commonly goes around in disguise wouldn't want their identity well-known -- otherwise, what's the point of the disguise?
I'd think that the most experienced priesthood of Bahamut might know about the old guy with 7 birds shtick, but it would be almost entirely unknown outside that group.
Your thief-priests, in an encounter with an old guy with seven birds might get warned off by some sign from their deity, but even that wouldn't be much more than "you REALLY don't want to mess with this guy".
You raised a fair point concerning the viability of disguises; the Big B isn't exactly Clark Kent. However, let's examine the scenario logically...
This collection of characters has set up shop in the wilderness, but likely near a population center of some sort or barring that, a trail that sees at least semi-regular traffic. Now, if an elderly fellow comes strolling along by his lonesome except for the company of seven little birds, I'm assuming one of two things ->
1. He's a rare sight: an eccentric yet otherwise harmless chap journeying alone in a land where such a decision is probably moderately reckless at best.
2. There's more to him than meets the eye; anyone comfortable with going it alone through Realmsian nature is concealing great power. Here, "old man" is synonymous with "Priest", "Woodland Priest" or "Wizard".
A Brando is definitely in possession of greater wisdom than I and so they'd have arrived at this conclusion far earlier and without the need for Divination magic. On the other hand, B, having sensed them well in advance, may alter his dress so that it appears nakedly sumptuous... a true temptation. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 01 Dec 2022 : 04:28:46
quote:
Originally posted by Azar
quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
Hopefully they won't try their luck on an old man with seven canaries flitting nearby.
These folks may engage in thievery, but they're thief-priests; chances are a leader versed in matters divine will warn the rest to stay clear. If not, well...after a theatric admonition, he may let them go (it's probable that he has good relations with a primarily Lawful pantheon).
I'm not inclined to think that this particular incarnation is well-known. I would think that anyone that commonly goes around in disguise wouldn't want their identity well-known -- otherwise, what's the point of the disguise?
I'd think that the most experienced priesthood of Bahamut might know about the old guy with 7 birds shtick, but it would be almost entirely unknown outside that group.
Your thief-priests, in an encounter with an old guy with seven birds might get warned off by some sign from their deity, but even that wouldn't be much more than "you REALLY don't want to mess with this guy". |
| Azar |
Posted - 01 Dec 2022 : 01:29:18
quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
Hopefully they won't try their luck on an old man with seven canaries flitting nearby.
These folks may engage in thievery, but they're thief-priests; chances are a leader versed in matters divine will warn the rest to stay clear. If not, well...after a theatric admonition, he may let them go (it's probable that he has good relations with a primarily Lawful pantheon). |
| Delnyn |
Posted - 30 Nov 2022 : 23:00:53
Hopefully they won't try their luck on an old man with seven canaries flitting nearby. |
| Azar |
Posted - 30 Nov 2022 : 02:15:58
quote:
Originally posted by Seethyr
How do you intend to get the PCs to fall for it though? I find my players utterly suspicious of anyone and everyone.
The key to a great deception is getting the mark to believe that it was their idea all along; to that end, you'll want to avoid making these rapscallions overly saccharine while still retaining a sympathetic note. I have a few suggestions.
* One member is audibly reluctant - perhaps even a touch grumpy - when the strangers are invited for the night, but they eventually acquiesce to the "will of the group".
* One member (ideally one of the better actors, but it may well be someone learning the ropes by pure observation) in the background is noticeably infirm/crippled without drawing attention to their condition. Restraint, restraint, restraint.
* As was noted, the act is that they themselves are performers. Following a bit of entertainment intended to lighten their guests' spirits, have some of them indicate - in a way that looks like a shoddy attempt at modesty - that they'd appreciate being paid. Working class attitude on display helps to deflect suspicions (e.g., "They're being overly generous for no apparent reason."). |
| Seethyr |
Posted - 29 Nov 2022 : 23:44:12
Perhaps “Brandos” after their founding member, now a saint of the faith, Marlon.
All joking aside, cool encounter. How do you intend to get the PCs to fall for it though? I find my players utterly suspicious of anyone and everyone. |
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