Sneaking into the Light - Dm Ian Wednesday November 12th, 2003 7:20:04 PM
As the party spreads out and prepares, Kylean is able to make out that this is indeed the Silver Seagull Inn. He can also make out some of the words of the song being mauled by drunken voices. There are a range of voices in this... chorus, from a skilled tenor, through a mass of ragged, untrained voices, to a unbelievably low, thunderous bass.
Rond and Tratain, looking off to one side, find that the tracks of the undead halflings lead into a small patch of vegetation atop the nearby seaside cliff about two hundred feet away. There might be a trail down to the beach below through it, or it might just be a convenient hiding place.
Renik, Thelonius, Feng and Draax move up towards the Inn. At about a hundred feet you see the door is simply wedged open with a tankard laying on its side. Within, the singing reaches a small interlude, and in the momentary lapse, the horses in the nearby stable wicker to Feng's mount.
Then, a clear, trained voice can be heard annoucing another song. Almost immediately, the singing starts again, drowning out any approach the party might choose to make.
Feng Wednesday November 12th, 2003 10:44:15 PM
"The only time I hid my appearence was because lives were in danger and there were no other options. It didn't sit well with me then and it doesn't now. Perhaps those of us less inclined to hide who we are shall enter the inn at a later time. That way all the attention will be on us and the rest of you can blend in and discover information."
Tratain Wednesday November 12th, 2003 11:13:52 PM
Tratain says "I agree with Feng, I think it might be best if we stay out here. No ammount of disguising is going to make the two of us look like anything but heavily Armored Fighters. You all should try and get whatever information you can. If any trouble breaks out we will be not far from the entrence of the Inn. You can come get us if and when you need us or everything is clear."
Setanos (Mage Armor) Thursday November 13th, 2003 7:50:16 AM
Not amiss to getting a little dirty, Setanos still decides to stay behind, knowing that the tangible magic armor he's wearing about him may give him away.
He mutters something about missing all the fun and stays outside with the rest of the group.
Kylean Thursday November 13th, 2003 8:05:29 AM
Kylean, dressed as a guide, would fit in here as well as anyone. And should anything go amiss, well, monks hold up quite well in a barroom brawl thank-you-very-much. He follows the rest of his fellows that head toward the inn.
Sniffing the air, he says, "Food doesn't smell too awful. If it's not just a glamour, that is."
Renik Thursday November 13th, 2003 8:31:29 AM
The rogue frowns. He is loath to split the party, but his companions make valid points.
"Very well, we'll head in. Those unable to disguise themselves remain outside for atime, but keep within calling distance. If there is no sign of trouble after a half hour or so come on in as a seperate group. We will pretend not to know one another. It may play to our advantage, it may not.
For now I suggest we leave the undead halflings. If we run into trouble we'll need everyone on hand. Let's deal with one thing at a time."
And Renik (Or "Renk" as he has now become) makes for the Inn.
Rond Thursday November 13th, 2003 1:34:23 PM
"Since I am accustomed to the outside light, I think I should stay out here. I would advise that you be careful, in case the singing in and of itself is an ambush."
Thelonious Thursday November 13th, 2003 3:52:35 PM
Thelonious enters the inn with the rest of the group and attempts to look surly. He scans the crowd for 'wizard-type.'
Civilisation, such that it is - Dm Ian Thursday November 13th, 2003 6:17:24 PM
Kylean, Draax, "Renk", and Thelonious enter the doorway of the Silver Seagull, and find a fairly typical inn setup. To one side of a forty by sixty common room lies a stage, from which performs a half-elven bard dressed in what could only be called battered finery.
The tables around the room are made of the same rough-hewn plank redwood that the sturdy walls are constructed of. Sitting at the tables are an odd mixture of a dozen or so halflings with similar facial features, a black robed man and three plate armored human warriors with sword and bow, a quarter of barmaids sitting chatting with customers, and the bartender himself, just getting up to fill an order.
The far, near corner of the room has a pile of leather bags heaped in a rough nest. Sitting drunkenly therein is a unkempt humanoid who must be at least fourteen feet tall, thumping his meaty hands on a iron banded oak treetrunk. The giant is clearly unwashed, as is his sackcloth toga, but he wears a wide, burnished leather belt with an mountain design tooled into its surface.
The center, far wall has a huge fireplace lit with a cheery fire, and on the mantle a leviathan base with a single body segment displayed. Flanking the fireplace to the left is an entrance into a kitchen, and to the right, a wide staircase leading up to a second floor.
As the four take this all in, the bartender calls over the cacophony, "Grab a seat! What would you like?"
The five adventurers remaining outside hear this, but don't see anything else outside. The night around the two story inn seems quiet and withdrawn, as if waiting.
Looking around, Rond finds signs that a group of halflings must have arrived sometime earlier this morning. They travelled on a series of ponies that can be seen within the stables once looked for.
At about this point a twelve year old human boy jogs out from the stables rubbing his eyes wearily. He spies Rond, and runs over, asking, "Hey sir. Any mounts to board?"
Draax Thursday November 13th, 2003 6:19:19 PM
Draax uses his hat of disguise to change his appearance to a rough looking human, but keeps everything else the same. He enters the inn with the others and will head towards the bar as soon as he sees it.
Arien (mage armor) Thursday November 13th, 2003 6:26:57 PM
Remembering the fight that broke out the last time they were at an inn outside of Windhorn Hamlet, Arien keeps his head low and his spells ready. Arien takes a seat in the corner if possible, otherwise a seat against a wall, with his back to the wall is his seat of choice.
Draax Thursday November 13th, 2003 6:32:19 PM
Draax absorbs the odd looking customers of the inn. After taking a quick professional assessment of the black robed man and the armored warriors, he steers himself toward an open table. To the bartender his says, "Ale for starters and what's on the menu."
(OOC: previous post was prior to entering the inn) (Fair enough - Dm Ian)
Tratain d20+9=13 d20+9=16 Thursday November 13th, 2003 9:09:20 PM
Tratain waits outside not to far from the Door trying to listen for signs that Renik and The others need help, as well as keeping an eye out for anything hostile that may approach (13 Listen, 16 Spot)
If there are benches or other places to sit Tratain will take a seat so as to not be just standing around looking out of place.
Feng Friday November 14th, 2003 12:46:46 AM
Feng waits patiently outside feeling a small sense of satisfaction that the chill of the night air isn't bothering him one bit. Feng tries to relax a little knowing that any trouble in the inn will be easily heard.
"Renk" d20+4=18 Friday November 14th, 2003 6:09:25 AM
"Ale" grunts the travel-worn Renk as he he leans up against the bar and flips a coin to the bartender. "Thirsty work, travellin'".
He sups his ale contentedly, peering round the inn shortsightedly. "Nice place ye've got 'ere" he comments to the barman. "A welcome sight an' no mistake! An' I like yer taste in bouncers!" He nods at the gigantic humanaoid on the sacking.
He makes smalltalk and continues to chat with the barman. After exchanging pleasantries for a while he asks if the barman knows of anywhere round these parts where a sword for hire might make a bit of coin (Gather Info 18).
Setanos (Mage Armor) Friday November 14th, 2003 7:30:31 AM
Setanos keeps watch towards the tavern, waiting for any signs of trouble.
Kylean d20+5=24 Friday November 14th, 2003 9:30:52 AM
Kylean take a place at the bar next to Renk, listening as Renk and the barman exchange banter. He listens, trying to get a feel for the barman's mood and motivation while covering his interest with a bored look.
(Kylean will continue to Sense Motive on the barman as he and Renk talk. Sense Motive=24)
Rond Friday November 14th, 2003 10:51:31 AM
"No, we have no mounts for the time being. How has your day been, young man?"
When the boy responds, Rond will encourage him to speak about what he knows inside the inn. WHen there is no more information to come, Rond will indicate with his hands, that he's going to take a look around.
Then he'll look around and see if he sees any other indications of the past couple of days activities.
Infiltration, and a quiet night - Dm Ian d20=15 d20+19=29 Friday November 14th, 2003 9:07:05 PM
The boy idly picks straw out of his rumpled tunic as he looks up at Rond and replies.
"Oh, its been a busy one. Couple groups in, couple out, you know. At least no giants been here in a while. That always gets loud."
With this he turns, and sees Degg, and jogs over. He prudently stops about ten feet away, and says, "What a beautiful animal. Can I take him in, Mister? I can put on a mash for him if ya like."
Standing nearby, Setanos, Tratain and Feng see nothing untoward occuring around them. The night is quiet, except for the nearby pounding surf, and a gentle breeze sounding in the trees.
Inside, its a different matter. Draax finds no obvious menus, but it quickly approached by a blonde barmaid in a skirt and blouse. "Can I get you something, sir?", she says with a friendly smile.
Draax can't help but notice the knife protruding from her boot. Must be a rough place some nights...
Sitting back against the wall, Arien notes the black robed mage eye each of the party in turn, and engage in a coughing fit. When one of the warriors leans over to 'comfort' him, the man quietly mumbles a spell. There is no immediate, obvious effect.
(spellcraft check please)
Watching the bartender talk to 'Renk', Kylean gets no impression of anything other than a tired, moderately drunk man trying to satisfy a customer.
The bartender replies to Renk, "Heres your ale, good sir,... that'll be three silver. Have to get it brought in from up in the Hills, ya know, but good halfling brew. You want wine, now that we make here. Always a good batch on hand."
He goes on to make idle chatter about the road being good to him this year, despite some incompetents who claimed to be adventurers failing to get more than one piece of the Leviathan. Mostly, he talks about the giants having all gone missing up north, and how odd it is that only his good friend Thud chose to stay south.
(He seems pretty confused and clueless. You would really expect more from a innkeep in a place like this.)
The bouncer, Thud, cracks an uneven smile at Thelonius. As the bard winds down a cheerful piece about a footloose bard on the road following the winds of romance from town to town, Thud calls over to Thel, bellowing, "You look like drinkin type. You drink, but no fight, less you want fight me."
The giants words are a bit slurred, but he doesn't seem to be angry.
The bard starts up a new tune, a march praising the Dragons of New Elenia, calling them out by name. Its a snappy tune, with subtle little digs at Valdor, Gareth, and Mordred in the first verse. The tune makes you want to keep time along with it, the lute melody and tap shoe rhythm reminding you of the stacatto nature of a swordfight.
(Those characters who are in the inn common room, please make a will save against DC 29. Your characters are not aware of any effects.)
Thelonious d20+2=6 Friday November 14th, 2003 9:41:39 PM
Thelonious looks at the Giant as if through one good eye. "Arr," he says appretiatively. Hearing the robed figure cough he glances at him but continues to address the giant, saying, "Looks like we could all use a drink. What's the chance o gettin' one on the house? Eh?" Thel wanders over to a table near the giant, but facing the room, attempting to look like he cares little for his companions even though it is obvious they arrived together. "You get much trouble here?" he asks the giant.
((Will save = 6 ;) ))
Feng Friday November 14th, 2003 10:41:20 PM
Feng smiles at the question. "Degg doesn't need stabling but you can come over and introduce yourself. He's friendly to most folk and enjoys meeting people. Degg here is no ordinary horse. He resides in a celestial realm and comes here to help me out. It's been a long day and I will be sending him home soon."
Draax d20+6=11 Saturday November 15th, 2003 12:50:39 AM
Draax smiles at the barmaid and replies, "An ale for now and do you have anything to eat?"
(Rolled 11 failed Will save)
Arien d20+18=37 d20+11=29 Saturday November 15th, 2003 1:47:33 AM
Arien eyes the black robed mage back in turn and watches as he casts the spell. Arien pretends to be caught up in the song, tapping a foot to the beat, however he keeps his hands beneath the level of the table he is at to hide them from the other mage. Arien also makes sure to keep an eye on the mage while pretending to look over to where the bard is playing.
(Spellcraft check = 37, Will save = 29)
Kylean d20+8=9 Saturday November 15th, 2003 7:26:44 AM
As the new tune is struck, Kylean turns to watch the patron. He taps his foot, smiling. Not bad Not bad at all.
(Will save: 9. Big fail.)
Renik d20+3=6 Sunday November 16th, 2003 3:16:47 PM
The rogue nods and continues to make small talk with the barman, keeping an eye on developments between Thelonius and the giant, the bard and the wizard and his henchmen. If he finds they are looking at him he raises his mug and nods in greeting. He taps his foot in time to the music, and comments to the barman "Aye, if there's somethin' pursuading all the giants to leave these parts, I wouldn't like ta meet it on a dark night! You know why Thud chose ta stay?"
(Will save 6).
Rond Sunday November 16th, 2003 10:09:09 PM
Continuing his talk with the boy, while the boy talks to Feng. "Do you normally get many Giants this time of the year? Are they traders? Why would they come here?"
Tratain d20+9=18 d20+9=11 Monday November 17th, 2003 11:19:04 AM
Tratain listens to Rond's conversation with the boy while continuing to be alert for any trouble. (18 Spot, 11 Listen)
Setanos (mage armor) Monday November 17th, 2003 3:39:57 PM
Setanos continues his vigil outside, watching for any signs of trouble.
Renik Tuesday November 18th, 2003 12:24:33 PM
Renik sips his ale, staying alert.
OOC - Dm Ian Tuesday November 18th, 2003 1:30:41 PM
Sorry all... storm ate my home dsl line friday night, and its still out of commision. I will begin posting again this afternoon on schedule.
Idle banter - Dm Ian Tuesday November 18th, 2003 10:01:16 PM
The bartender replies, chuckling.
"Tonight we have roast lamb, a shank of pig, some barbequed beans, fresh corn on the cob, two kinds of homemade bread, ale, apple wine and a nice red grape wine, hard apple cider, and the missus made some small sugar cakes. Full meal with drink would be... 8 silver a piece."
The barmaid conveys the same menu to Draax, and adds with a wink, "I'll be making breakfast, if you can stay the night. Just let me know what you would like to see on the table."
Thud grins lopsidedly down at Thel, and grunts, "No trouble here. Only fix for trouble! Thud be happy drink with little man, if little man buy."
Arien is the only one who notices that the bard is taking an interest in each of you. The spell the mage had cast was a simple Detect Magic cantrip, but the bard is subtly weaving something more powerful into his song, now launching into the seconc verse of his sarcastic Dragon-praise.
This verse speaks of the places the Dragons have adventured, and manages to hint that with mages like Nonam and Rossko, sometimes peasants are safer unsaved.
(another spellcraft check, please)
The other adventurers within the taproom are simply amused by the bard, impressed with his skill, but finding no need to pay any real attention to such a fop.
Outside, the stableboy replies, "Giants? Trade? Only what they took from each other, from the halflings, from anyone they could catch. Luckily, we have a giant of our own. Had him for a long time too. No trouble here."
The boy leans in conspiratorially, and says, "You should see him with that magic belt too! It makes him stronger. Get him drunk enough, maybe give him some gold, and he puts on a good show for us."
Feng Tuesday November 18th, 2003 10:51:07 PM
Feng glances to Rond wondering if he is thinking the same thing he is. Were giants responsible for the deaths they found? What he does remember of the destroyed camp didn't make him think of giants. No rocks about, no huge footrints.
"So your giant is a good guy? Don't others of his kind get mad because he protects who they take things from?"
Rond Wednesday November 19th, 2003 12:47:31 AM
Glad to see the usually reserved Feng talking a little bit, Rond lets him take the lead for a little bit with conversation. When there is a break Rond asks, "Does your Giant friend protect only the bar, or does he help friendly neighbors?"
Arien d20+18=29 Wednesday November 19th, 2003 3:27:33 AM
Taking his attention of the mage for a moment, Arien watches as the Bard continue his song. Arien's eyes narrow a bit as he studies the bard, trying to figure out what he's up to and remember all that he can about what bards can do with their music.
(Spellcraft = 29)
Setanos (Mage Armor) Wednesday November 19th, 2003 7:25:52 AM
Setanos continues to watch for signs of trouble, or other people creaping around outside.
Kylean Wednesday November 19th, 2003 8:12:40 AM
Kylean turns his back to the bar, still listening to Renk's conversation. He looks over the crowd, studying the different races gathered, then takes to looking at layout of the bar itself, noting things like exits, hallways off the main room, and where the cellar door might be, if there is a cellar.
Renik Wednesday November 19th, 2003 9:18:27 AM
Renk laughs at the faintly disrespectful tune the bard sings. "Heh, he's not bad, yer minstrel!" he grins at the barman. "Haw haw!"
Thelonious Wednesday November 19th, 2003 12:38:50 PM
"Charming..." Thelonious muttered under his breath. "I mean, *Char me* up a leg of lamb, and a drink for my big friend and me!" he calls to the bar. "I like me meat and ale dark as night. If it ain't good for derusting a blade, it ain't good fer drinkin'" Waiting for the bartender or a maid to bring his meat and two drinks, Thelonious turns his attention to the giant again. "So, what's a big man o the mountains like you werkin' as a bouncer? The pay must be a nice take, eh?"
Tratain Wednesday November 19th, 2003 1:20:07 PM
Tratain continues to listen to the conversation with the boy.
Draax Wednesday November 19th, 2003 4:31:14 PM
Noticing the wink, Draax directs a big smile the barmaid's way and says, "I'll have some of the lamb, fresh corn, and whichever of homemade bread you recommend."
He puts a gold piece on the table to pay for the meal and rubs his chin as if he is thinking, "Breakfast you say, well if you are on the menu...what I mean is if you are doing the cooking I might have try some."
He continues to listen to the bard as he waits for his meal
The tangling of the skein - Dm Ian d10=8 Wednesday November 19th, 2003 7:45:34 PM
The young boy smiles at Feng when the paladin begins to speak to him, and eagerly replies, "Thud's always been here, I guess since I was real little. I don't remember so well, though. We keep him fed. He sure can eat."
With this he furrows his brow, thinking.
"He must eat alot if he eats that much every day. I didn't know we bought that much from the traders."
Then Rond's comment draws his attention, to which he replies, "I don't think we ever had any neighbors. My da says too close to the border for villagefolk, and too near the sea for those who fear. He always says how brave we are for living where there is no Sentinel, but I've never seen a dragon. Have you?"
Inside, Draax, Renk, and Kylean are all served a warm meal, and continue to be entertained by the bard. The next song is a travellers song, telling of all the things on the road that grind a man down, make him dirty and tired. It hits Thel mostly strongly, reminding him just how much he's missed a warm, clean bed, and room service for breakfast. In fact, the feeling is so strong, Thel feels a powerful urge to go investigate the amenities of the inn.
(will save vs DC: 19)
Kylean looks over the layout of the room. To one side of a forty by sixty common room lies a stage, from which performs a half-elven bard dressed in what could only be called battered finery.
The far, near corner of the room has a pile of leather bags heaped in a rough nest. The center, far wall has a huge fireplace lit with a cheery fire, and on the mantle a leviathan base with a single body segment displayed. Flanking the fireplace to the left is an entrance into a kitchen, and to the right, a wide staircase leading up to a second floor.
Scattered about the center of the room are about twelve unfinished tables.
Even as Thel's attention wanders, Thud grunts, "Thud paid nuff. Bouncer better than raider. Roof not leak. Food warm. Lots ale. Not have for kill other giant every couple week. Good life."
Once again, Arien is the only one who seems to notice the bard weaving magic into his song. Arien can't help but to admire the man's skill, as he targets Thel with a suggestion spell.
Thelonious d20+2=22 Wednesday November 19th, 2003 8:48:56 PM
With a huge yawn showing his blacked-out teeth, Thelonious tries to blink back sleep. He is about to stand up to get a room when he suddenly realises what he's here for. (Will save 22!) Shaking his head, he calls for ale again, for him and the giant. To the giant he says, "'Ey! Ya see me nodding off again, gimme a nudge. I came ta see this place and there's time enough to sleep all morning." With short, ugly laugh he looks around to see if his compatriots caught him almost napping, a tad embarassed with himself.
Feng Wednesday November 19th, 2003 10:58:24 PM
Feng smiles revealing polished white teeth. "Once. A big white one. Mean it was. If you do not buy that much how does your giant friend get his fill?"
Feng looks over at Rond and Tratain wondering if they feel as he does. Something is going on here and Feng wants to find out. It is possible that the giant tells his kin where travelers will be for a cut of the loot. A good reason for the giants to leave the inn alone.
Setanos (mage armor) Thursday November 20th, 2003 9:36:00 AM
Setanos listens to the boys story with a smile.
Renik Thursday November 20th, 2003 12:29:07 PM
Renik tucks into his food, with little of his customary delicacy. He keeps a close eye on events, but is content to observe - for now.
Tratain Thursday November 20th, 2003 12:44:40 PM
Tratain asks the boy "How close are we to the Sea? and have you ever seen anyone who lives in the sea stop here or wander by?"
Kylean Thursday November 20th, 2003 2:59:42 PM
Kylean eats his food and listens to the bard. When Thel yawns, Kylean grins at him and winks.
Rond (outside) Thursday November 20th, 2003 3:12:16 PM
"Anything other than Giants bother you out here?" Rond wonders to himself whether there might be some kind of benevolent interference out this way or not. Thinking about it for a second, Rond gets all twisted and sideways trying to figure something out. When nothing comes to mind right away, he'll just slight shrug his shoulders, and continue to listen to the boy answer questions.
Draax Thursday November 20th, 2003 6:27:58 PM
Draax eats his food while listening to the bard. He keeps a relax appearance, but stays alert for any sign of trouble.
Arien Thursday November 20th, 2003 7:41:10 PM
'Well thats one way to get a customer,' Arien thinks to himself wryly. Then putting that aside Arien returns to keeping an eye on the black robed mage.
A silent duel - Dm Ian Thursday November 20th, 2003 9:30:50 PM
Outside, the young boy yawns hugely, and replies to Rond, "Nah... everyone leaves us alone, less they need a place to stay or something to eat. Trouble always seems to just pass us by."
He then turns to Tratain, and says, "Can't hear it much for the shape of the cliffs, but the beach is only maybe two hundred feet behind the inn, and down a cliff. No one comes from the sea though. Da says no place to anchor a boat, and everyone knows the water is dragon territory."
"I should be going in. Have to wake up before dawn, you know, to feed the animals."
With that, the young man begins trudging back into the stables.
Inside, idle chatter and a barmaid's shameless flirting with Draax continues. Arien notes the bard begin to weave another spell into his song, this time, its detect thoughts. Arien thinks he could act before the spell goes off.
Thud looks down at Thel, and smiles raggedly again. "Thud nudge if sleep... Heehhhhehehh. You sure? Maybe barmaid be better for."
Feng Thursday November 20th, 2003 11:25:52 PM
The half-orc looks at Tratain and Rond. "It has been a little while. Should we head inside or perhaps check around back. The more I hear about this place the more I feel that something is going on."
Arien d20+8=25 Friday November 21st, 2003 1:47:37 AM
As Arien turns his attention away he catches the spell the bard begins to cast. Considering his last target that was definetly a spell that Arien did not want the bard to complete. Thinking quickly Arien pulls a thunderstone out of his pocket, and mentally thanking Bill, lobs it underhand at the floor near the bard's feet. Arien tries to disguise what he did by standing up and tossing the stone while moving his arms to feign a stretch.
(Ranged attack with the thunderstone = 25 vs AC 5 for the floor)
Thelonious Friday November 21st, 2003 2:37:21 AM
Still shaking off the suggestion Thel laughs with the giant with a as genuine a "Har Har!" as he can muster. Too embarassed to meet the gaze of Kylean or the giant, he instead focuses on what he presumes are the targets: The wizard and his thugs.
Renik d20+13=26 Friday November 21st, 2003 7:44:16 AM
Renik sees his companion toss the stone and at once figures something must be up. Clearly Arien has spotted something untoward in the bard's performance, or he would not have taken so drastic a step. He stands and turns towards the bar yelling for more food in an attempt to distract attention away from Arien's throw (Bluff 26), a split second before the stone detonates.
Setanos (mage armor) Friday November 21st, 2003 9:25:40 AM
His ears perking up at the mention of dragon territory and water, and ponders the statement.
At Fengs suggestion, Setanos nods. "Ya, checkin round back's a good plan."
Tratain Friday November 21st, 2003 11:23:28 AM
Tratain says "They have only been gone a short while really, lets give the outside of the inn a quick look. If we find nothing amiss we can go inside, We should be able to hear any commotion that goes on inside. If Renik or the others need us im sure he'll yell or we'll hear something."
Rond Friday November 21st, 2003 1:34:28 PM
"We haven't gotten any indication as of yet that we should come in. I think we should continue to check things out. Why don't we go look at this cliff face that the boy talked about."
With that Rond will head to where the boy had mentioned.
Draax Friday November 21st, 2003 6:37:43 PM
Draax enjoys the attraction of the barmaid and repeatedly has to remind himself of why they came into the inn. He invites her to sit and talk with him whenever she gets a break. While waiting he searches his mind for one of Renik's pickup lines that he thinks will impress her.
When he hears the bang of the thunderstone Draax will jump up and immediately look around the room for any sign of Bill, knowing that the stone is one of Bill's favorite toys. Not seeing his friend, he will look around to see what happened.
BANG! - Dm Ian d20+5=10 Friday November 21st, 2003 6:40:13 PM
For just a moment, everyone turns to look at Renk shouting at the bar, with one of the halflings laughing loudly and making a comment about not being able to hold his liquor.
Then, there is a thunderous report from the stage. The bard reels, and shouts, "Thud, get the elf! Luxan, this is your chance to prove yourself!"
Silence reigns for just a moment, and then there is a flurry footed stampede of screaming halflings towards the front door and the bar.
Of more consequence is the bleary eyed hill giant who shambles to his feet, and grunts down at Thel, "Move. Now."
A fraction of a second later, the black robed man squeaks, "My loyal warriors, aid the giant!" With that, the three warriors stand, and ready large shields, as the black robed mage steps behind them and begins to shuffle around in his pouches.
The characters outside get just around the corner of the stables, seeing a cliff about two hundred feet away, when they hear an explosive report, yelling, and screaming from within the inn. Those characters can get to the door of the inn in one round of running if they desire.
Thelonious Friday November 21st, 2003 8:25:27 PM
Thelonious heard the report of the stone and jumped to his feet quicker than a cat with its tail on fire. With a gulp he looked up at the giant but knew that if it were to join the fray, all chaos would break loose. "Sorry, friend," he says as he draws his blade and attempts to hold off the hulking mass and does his best not to get hit. (Dodge on the Giant, also Expertise +4 AC = +5AC total dodge bonus) Suicide or not, Thelonious will not draw blood first, as he found the Giant to be quite congenial.
Feng Friday November 21st, 2003 9:00:00 PM
"So much for checking out the back." Feng says as he turns and sprints around to the front of the inn, drawing his double axe along the way.
Arien (Greater Invisibility) Sunday November 23rd, 2003 12:16:11 PM
Arien watches as the inn begins to clear out and decides to make himself a harder target to hit. Arien casts Greater Invisibility and moves towards the left.
Renik: AC 34 HP 62 d20+12=25 d20+8=25 d6+7=12 Sunday November 23rd, 2003 6:28:22 PM
"To arms!" bellows the rogue, glancing around the inn to see exactly who their enemies are, and how numerous.
Whipping out both shortswords Renik springs towards the bard on the stage (Jump 25 if required), clearly the ringleader. Maintaining a defensive posture (Combat Expertise +5 AC, Fight defensive +2 AC, Dodge +1 AC), he nears the bard.
"I don't know why you started this fight my friend, but we'll happily finish for you" he growls, lashing out a single blow at the songsmith (AC 25 , 12 HP).
Rond Sunday November 23rd, 2003 10:55:24 PM
Not wanting to miss the action, Rond calls out, "Call for me if needed inside, I want to see if any re-enforcements come from outside."
With that Rond will hold back for a round to see if anything or anyone comes from the forest or anywhere.
Setanos AC 19 (Mage Armor) Monday November 24th, 2003 8:27:56 AM
Setanos charges towards the door at the sounds of commotion, nodding to Rond as he passes him.
Draax, AC25 Monday November 24th, 2003 12:18:47 PM
Looking around and trying to distinguish between the combatants and non-combatants in the inn, Draax almost smiles when he hears the rogue's rally cry.
As he readies his sword and shield, Draax takes a quick look at the barmaid to ensure she isn't entering the fray before moving to intercept the warriors that are moving towards Arien's location before he disappeared.
Tratain AC 24 Monday November 24th, 2003 3:19:43 PM
Tratain races along with the others towords the in readying his Warhammer and Shield as he goes.
Barfight! - Dm Ian d20+9=23 d20+9=17 d20+14=34 Monday November 24th, 2003 7:24:16 PM
On hearing the bard's cry, Thud drops his shoulder a bit and charges across the room. Thel nearly sees his life before his eyes but just manages to roll aside as the hill giant thunders by with his club, knocking over a table as the bouncer races to the stage.
(Thelonius, feel free to take an Attack of Opportunity if you like.)
On reaching the stage, the giant yells, "Thud help Amin Tar!", and levies a brutal club swing at Renik, that luckily, misses completely.
Draax sees the warriors enter a completely defensive posture around the mage, who casts a spell quietly. The effect isn't immediately obvious.
(Nearby characters may take a spellcraft check.)
Pressed by Renik, the bard smiles suddenly, and incants a fragment of melody (casting on the defensive. However, at the last moment, he turns and releases the magic on the onrushing hill giant bouncer, who immediately roars and seems to swell a bit in size.
Feng, Setanos, and Tratain narrowly avoid the trample of escaping halflings as they arrive in the doorway of the Inn. They can see a second group of halflings, as well as the barmaids and the barkeep huddling behind the bar.
Seizing the moment, Arien incants and disappears from view.
(Map of this round in email.)
Feng (Ac 23, 96 HP) Monday November 24th, 2003 9:50:54 PM
Feng heads into the tavern wondering what is going on. Seeing the giant infront of Renik, Feng moves over there with all haste.
"Step back Giant or else you will feel my blade." Feng says before his axe bursts into flames.
Thelonious d20+14=33 d20+14=24 d6+3=8 d20+14=23 Monday November 24th, 2003 11:17:12 PM
Though it pains him, he knows that bringing down the giant will mean less pain for his new friends. Thelonious swipes at his backside as he passes. (Hit AC33 {29 if Expertise counts for AoO's} Critical Hit on 24AC for 8 or 16 dmg)
Seeing more suitable combatants engage the giant, Thel will attempt to move around to the guard closest to the stairs, staying as close to the wall as possible and still able to attack. Assuming he has enough time to attack this round, he will attempt to disarm the man. (Attack roll of 23)
Arien (greater invisibility) d20+17=26 d20+17=36 d20+17=35 d20+17=35 Tuesday November 25th, 2003 2:03:19 AM
Arien smiles as the warriors cluster in about the wizard, it was just where he wanted them to be. Arien casts Evard's Black Tentacles centered on the wizard.
(The first grapple check is vs the wizard at 26, the others are for the three warriors at 36,35, and 35)
Rond Tuesday November 25th, 2003 2:09:02 AM
Rond slowly works his way towards the entrance. He is watching to see if anyone comes out of the Inn and goes for re-enforcements. Or if anything is going to come out of the night to the rescue of those within.
Setanos AC 19 HP 83 (Mage Armor) d20+9=26 2d4(3+1)=4 Tuesday November 25th, 2003 8:01:07 AM
Seeing the Mage in the midst of black tentacles, Setanos decides the other free caster is the more tactical target. He incants a quick spell, aimed at the bard, and then moves thirty feet up towards him.
OOG: Cast Melfs Acid Arrow at the bard from the doorway, then closes the distance to him. Hit Ranged Touch AC 26, for 4 acid damage this round, lasts 2 more rounds.
Kylean d20+7=16 Tuesday November 25th, 2003 8:15:10 AM
Kylean rushes the mage's hireling on his right, leaping into action with a kick designed to know the guard back into the mage, thus disrupting any spellwork that might be happening. (Improved Initiative +4, To Hit: 16)
Renik: AC 35/36, HP d20+17=32 d20+13=31 d20+8=25 d6+7=9 d20+3=7 Tuesday November 25th, 2003 8:40:04 AM
Once again the rogue keeps his guard up as he presses the attack against the Bard (AC 33 vs bard, 34 vs Giant). He moves deftly around the side of the bard so that the singer is positioned between Renik and the giant, hopefully providing the rogue with some degree of cover (5' step, Tumble 32 to avoid AoOs if required, though I do't think it should be).
Then he lashes out at the bard with his swords once more, yelling at the giant as he does so "Hey, stupid! I thought your boss told you to go get the elf? Can't you follow simple instructions? Look! He's getting away you dummy! Quick! He's out the door!" (Bluff 31).
His first blow is surprisingly accurate considering he is doing his level best to avoid being hit (AC 25 for 9HP), but his second is well wide (AC 7).
He grins at his opponent. "Well, my friend?" he hisses. "Are you going to explain yourself, or go to your grave without comment? It seems a sorry fate for one in your profession!"
Tratain AC 24 [Divine Power; Divine Favor] Tuesday November 25th, 2003 2:12:24 PM
At the Doors to the inn Tratain casts a spell on himself (Divine Power) and quickly casts another (Quickened Divine Favor) and then enters the inn and heads for the nearest enemy.
Draax, AC25 Tuesday November 25th, 2003 5:33:03 PM
Seeing the warriors surround the mage, Draax nods his head in agreement at the wisdom of their strategy, but he also knows that he will be forced to bring the fight to them.
He sighs in relief as the tentacles spring to life and hopes that the mage is held within them. Turning his attention to the giant, Draax hopes that it buys Renik's bluff because he does not know if the monster is evil or just doing its job.
Aggressive Negotiation - Dm Ian d20+13=25 d100=93 Tuesday November 25th, 2003 9:29:44 PM
Thud looks confused for a moment at Reniks comment, and then looks down at Renik with a glowing frown. The giant then swings his club and bellows, "You not hurt Thud friend!"
Renik rolls under the abbreviated blow, taking advantage of the giants restrained field of swinging.
At this point, the field of tentacles erupts around the warriors and the black robed mage, grabbing them and initiating a set of wrestling matches thats hard to follow with all the writhing tentacles in the way. In fact, the tentacles are so strong and active that Kylean finds his kick inadvertantly parried by one of the black rubbery tentacles.
With this, bard incants a single word, and dimension doors off the stage, and over onto the stairs. Unfortunately, the tentacles now cover the base of the stairs. From this new vantage point, he yells back at Renik over the din.
"Explain myself?! I'm not the one who throws explosive stones in peaceful inns. Call off your people, or the law-abiding people of this inn will be forced to defend themselves at the cost of your lives!"
Renik: AC 34 HP 62 d20+9=29 d20+9=14 d6+7=9 d6+7=12 d20+17=30 d20+12=26 Wednesday November 26th, 2003 8:21:26 AM
"Peaceful inns?" snarls the rogue. He figures, what with the appearance of a bunch of paladins at the door, that the time for subterfuge is over. "Is that why you were casting spells at my people? And are these the law-abiding people you speak of?" (he points at the wizard and his cronies) "Who arrive fresh from the slaughter and undead enslavement of a halfling encampment? I think not, songsmith. You are the aggressors here. Surrender or die."
He steps close, lashes out at the giant from the vantage point of the stage with one sword (+1 Higher ground, AC 29, not a crit unless AC 14 hits, 9 HP (or 21 crit). Then he dips his left shoulder, shifts his weight backwards and suddenly snaps off a series of three backflips that take him right to the far edge of the stage and then over onto the top of the bar, out of the giant's range (Tumble 30, Jump 26, total move 30', Spring Attack).
Tratain AC 27 HP 86 [Divine Power; Divine Favor; Righteous Might(30 Str, 18 Con; +4 Natural Armor, -1 AC Size; DR 5/Evil) Wednesday November 26th, 2003 2:37:50 PM
Tratain hears the exchange between Renik and the Bard and incants a spell(Righteous Might). Upon completion of the spell Tratain Grows to be almost 12 feet Tall.
He says "You heard him, drop your weapons now. If this is a misunderstanding we will make amends, but until we figure it out you must do as he says. If you are innocent you will not be harmed, On my Honor. But We tracked a party who slew many halflings and turned them into undead, we will have them." ----------- Divine Power 2 of 9 rounds Divine Favor 2 of 10 Rounds Righteous Might 1 of 9 rounds
Rond Wednesday November 26th, 2003 3:54:20 PM
Not seeing anyting outside to start with. Rond peeks in through the door to try to surmise what is going on. Seeing a mighty fray with none of his party in too dire a position. Rond hesitates at the door, for fear of any re-enforcements that might show up.
Thelonious Wednesday November 26th, 2003 5:14:39 PM
Seeing the black tentacles erupt before he reaches the guard, Thelonious stopped dead and reevaluated the situation. Sheathing his blade, he instead loaded his crossbow and trained it at the bard, who now stood on the steps before him. Waiting to see if the bard attacks again, he will fire should the bard appear to cast a spell.
A tense moment - Dm Ian d20+6=16 d20+9=28 Wednesday November 26th, 2003 6:44:14 PM
The bard yells back, "Thud, stand down! Move over to the bar, and the rest of you, get out of his way."
Thud sullenly waddles over to the bar, placing himself before the huddling bartender, barmaids, and halflings. He looks down at Renik with a growl low in his throat.
"Now listen you warmongering bandits, I help keep the peace here. I don't know where you come from that attacking people casting divinatory spells is acceptable, but its not here. You step back now, or the talking ceases."
"Besides, if travelers got problems with one another, you can handle that out in the road."
Theres no response from the mage and the warriors other than grunts of exertion as they fight to overcome the tentacles. Then, there is a flash from within the tentacles, but nothing else changes.
Otherwise, the bar is silent.
Standing at the door, Rond can see nothing out of the ordinary outside the inn.
Draax Wednesday November 26th, 2003 9:00:46 PM
Draax switches to a relaxed stance when he hears the bard's words. He can still feel the tension in the air so he stands ready to go on the offensive. He realizes that the bard contradicted himself with his words. If the mage's name is Luxan, then it was the bard that called him and his guards into the fight. Draax wonders about the relationship between the mage and the bard, but decides that it can wait until this scuffle is over with.
Keeping his eye on the mage and company, Draax waits to hear what Renik has to say to the bard.
Renik d20+3=12 d20+3=17 Thursday November 27th, 2003 8:32:53 AM
Hopping down from the bar the rogue flips his swords into a reverse grip, indicating the fight is over.
"If you are the law here, bard, I apologise. It seems there has been a misunderstanding between us. Once you began casting spells at us surreptitiously we immediately assumed you were in league with these monsters" (again he indicates the trapped mage and his guards). "Again, my apologies sir. And to you, my friend." He nods at Thud. "We have been the victim of no end of ambushes of late, and I guess it's got us overly jumpy. We will pay for any damage to the establishment, and heal any wounds your people suffered, if you will allow us."
(Diplomacy 12)
The rogue still is not 100% convinced by the bard's story however, though he does not show it. He attempts to determine if there might be any falsehood in the bard's words (Sense Motive 17).
"You say you normally cast divinatory magic upon visitors here. Would you mind telling me what those divinations revealed about this murderous bunch?" he says, as he approaches the mass of writhing tentacles. "For we know these men to be precisely the warmongering bandits you take us for."
He looks to his companions. "Any suggestions as to how to disarm this lot and get them outside with destroying this fellow's Inn?"
Kylean d20=16 Thursday November 27th, 2003 8:59:45 AM
Kylean peers at the bard, trying to see if the man is bluffing. (Sense Motive: 16)
He says to Renik, "Perhaps the singer and our men can work a couple of divinations on the mage and his lackeys. If we both find he's a source of trouble, perhaps thew bard and the giant would be willing to assist us?"
(Sorry, guys. travelling for the holiday yesterday)
Tratain AC 27 HP 86 [Divine Power; Divine Favor; Righteous Might(30 Str, 18 Con; +4 Natural Armor, -1 AC Size; DR 5/Evil)] d20+5=15 Thursday November 27th, 2003 11:20:06 AM
Tratain snaps at the bard "I don't know how things are done here, but where I come from casting spells on people without thier permission or knowledge is not acceptable. I wasn't in here at the time and don't know what spells you cast, but your lucky he only decided to hit you with a thunderstone. Our business is our own, you can ask about it if you like, and we'll decided if we want to share it or not. Prying by magic is only going to lead to confrontations."
He continues "I find it hard to believe that casting spells on people staying at the inn is something you normally do, we can't be the first to have taken offense to this. Which means that either no one noticed, or you have alot of faith in your giant there, and I find it hard to believe a group of men" He says pointing to the Mage and his Warriors "Who had just attacked and killed peaceable travelers and turned them into undead would not take offence to someone prying into thier business by magic. So he either didn't recognize what you were doing, or you two know each other, so you'll have to excuse me if I remain wary. Feng, can you use your abilities to shed some light on our friend the bard and those men over there."
(Sense Motive 15)
Arien (Greater Invisibility) Thursday November 27th, 2003 3:13:12 PM
"If we were true that we were bandits, then you would be dead and it would've been no mere thunderstone that was thrown." Arien stalks about, watching the struggling warriors and the mage as he continues to talk. "You see, we recently came upon the remains of a camp of halflings, the halflings were slaughtered without warning, then raised into zombies. We followed the tracks that lead away from the scene and followed them here. Now our prime canidate here is this black robed mage and his lackeys, then you enter the picture, trying to influence people against their will and read their minds, not something that sits lightly with me. So I merely attempted to disrupt your spell casting where I could have as easily tried to kill you. I say you and your giant stand down and let us question these four here, where your mind reading abilities would come in more handy."
Feng Thursday November 27th, 2003 6:27:45 PM
The half-orc relaxes somewhat and his double axe ceases to flame.
"Good Sir [indicating the bard] from what I understand of the situation is that you were trying to secretly cast a spell and the loud noise I heard was something that disrupted the spellcasting. If you were on the road and you noticed a person secretly casting spells would you sit there believing that no harm was meant? In such a situation a traveler would be lucky to only find himself compelled to spend his gold. Now if everybody will remain where they are I will be able to tell if the mage that murdered the halflings is in this room for such an act would be evil indeed."
ooc: Feng takes a few steps into the center of the inn so the Bard, Giant, and the Mage are within 60'. Then he detects evil.
Thelonious Thursday November 27th, 2003 8:31:48 PM
Thankful that the battle is at a temporary truce, Thel drops this crossbow to his side and awaits the next move.
Rond Thursday November 27th, 2003 9:10:35 PM
Seeing everyone start to talk at once, Rond does his best to eavesdrop without making his presence known to those inside. As everyone tries to talk at once, Rond wonders how effective diplomacy can be when everyone jumps down a person's throat, together.
Setanos AC 19 (Mage Armor) 2d4(1+4)=5 2d4(3+4)=7 Friday November 28th, 2003 8:50:48 AM
Setanos pulls up short of swinging at the bard as negotiations continue. He nods at the words of Tratian, then adds his own.
"How in thunder do ya expect a simple traveler to know the difference between a divnation and an attack? Not everyones skilld at readin the finger wiggiling ya know? Your claim that ya keep da peace sounds full of bung spell singer. If ya really did that, you'd have run into people who reacted as we did, and ya woulda learned that ta keep things peaceful, ya should post a sign, or tell travellers thats what ye be doing."
OOC: The 2d4 rolls here are for the melfs acid arrow from my tuesday post. I was unclear if it hit or not. It hit ranged touch AC 26
A moment of calm - Dm Ian d20+15=24 d20+24=29 d4+15=18 d20+22=37 Monday December 1st, 2003 8:29:58 PM
The barroom is mostly quiet. You can hear vague whispers behind the bar from the pile of bar help and halflings, and the warriors stuck in the tentacles are still grunting with effort.
From his vantage point, the bard replies, "Out here theres not much law. This isn't New Elenia you know. We do what we can to safeguard the life and property of people who stop here. Never know what kind of thug is going to walk through the door", he says, with a pointed glare at Renik.
(Setanos, the acid arrow missed. My apologies.)
With that little verbal jab, the man continues, "I'm not sure a spell slinger I can scan everything that comes through that door. We don't see many elves up around these parts, and the last one who came in was in some kind of illusionary disguise, so when I saw that disappearing companion of yours, I decided to play it safe."
(Tratain is unable to sense anything past the man's calm facade).
Then Feng activates his sensory abilities, and suddenly finds that the giant, the warriors, the mage, and the bard all radiate evil. The warriors have a faint aura, with the giant and mage radiating moderately, and the bard strongly.
As Feng does so, the giant lets out a thunderous bass roar and leaps at Renik. Thud grabs Renik up in his arms (touch based grapple attack) and begins to squeeze.
(18 pts of damage, and you are pinned. You can make an opposed strength check or escape artist check to get out, DC: 37)
With this the bard breaks out in wordless song, and everyone in the room can feel magic begin to lay heavily on their thoughts.
Also, a sudden burst of chanting comes from within the tentacles. All party members in the room please make a fort save vs DC 17 or be reduced in size.
(This spell causes instant diminution of a humanoid creature, halving its height, length, and width and dividing its weight by 8. This decrease changes the creature's size category to the next smaller one. The target gains a +2 size bonus to Dexterity, a --2 size penalty to Strength (to a minimum of 1), and a +1 bonus on attack rolls and AC due to its reduced size. A Small humanoid creature whose size decreases to Tiny has a space of 2-1/2 feet and a natural reach of 0 feet (meaning that it must enter an opponent's square to attack). A Large humanoid creature whose size decreases to Medium has a space of 5 feet and a natural reach of 5 feet. This spell doesn't change the target's speed. All equipment worn or carried by a creature is similarly reduced by the spell. Melee and projectile weapons deal less damage. Other magical properties are not affected by this spell. Any reduced item that leaves the reduced creature's possession (including a projectile or thrown weapon) instantly returns to its normal size. This means that thrown weapons deal their normal damage (projectiles deal damage based on the size of the weapon that fired them).)
Feng, Hp 96/ Ac 24 d20+13=20 d20+17=25 d8+18=26 d6=3 Monday December 1st, 2003 9:50:52 PM
"They are evil, all of them. Especially the bard. My good bard, you shall find out what happens when you try and take advantage of the wrong people."
Feng's axe burst into flames and steps around to the side of the giant. While he doesn't doubt Renik's skill, breaking free of a giants hold is not easy to do. Feng believes that his axe can convince the giant to let go. Feng brings his flaming axe down on the giant summoning the power of good that resides within him.
ooc: fort save 20. Smite Evil- hit ac 25 for 26 regular and 3 fire. I don't know how far Feng has to move so I only rolled one attack.
Kylean (AC 20) d20+8=28 d20+7=20 d20+2=20 d10+1=7 d10+1=8 Monday December 1st, 2003 10:02:22 PM
Kylean mutters, "I really dislike evil bards. Have I mentioned that?"
He does not seem to notice the effect of the spell cast from within the tentacles. Instead he launches himself at the bard, attempting a stunning blow with his first fist (7 damage + stun if hit_, and a simple punch to knock the instrument from the bard's hands with his second strike (8 damage if hit and a damage roll is needed).
--------------
(OOC Fort Save: 28, First Strike: 20, Second Strike 20. First attack is a Stunning Fist (DC: 10+4+2=18)
Stunning Fist forces a foe damaged by your unarmed attack to make a Fortitude saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 your character level + your Wis modifier), in addition to dealing damage normally. A defender who fails this saving throw is stunned for 1 round (until just before your next action). A stunned character can't act, loses any Dexterity bonus to AC, and takes a --2 penalty to AC. )
Tratain AC 27 HP 86 [Divine Power; Divine Favor; Righteous Might(30 Str, 18 Con; +4 Natural Armor, -1 AC Size; DR 5/Evil)] d20+14=27 d20+23=32 2d6(4+4)+14=22 2d6(4+4)=8 Monday December 1st, 2003 10:45:29 PM
Tratain is able to shrug off the effects of the spell (Fort Save 27) and attempts to make his way over next to the bard without getting caught in the Tentacles.
Tratain swings hiw Holy Warhammer at the bard or if he can not reach the bard he attacks one of the men stuck in the Tentacles, preferably the mage if he's close enough (Tratain is Large Size and has 10 foot reach; Hit ac 32 for 30 Damage[22 Physical damage, 8 Holy if they are evil] The Warhammer is Good aligned, Magic, and Adamantite)
------------- Divine Power 4 of 9 rounds (6 Str(Enhancement), Fighter BaB, 9 Temp Hit points) Divine Favor 4 of 10 Rounds (+3 Luck Bonus to Hit/Damage) Righteous Might 3 of 9 rounds (8 Str(Size), 4 Con(Size), +4 Natural Armor(Enhancement), DR 5/Evil, Large Size)
Arien (Greater Invisibility) d20+8=18 d20+17=29 d20+17=37 d20+17=31 d20+17=34 d6+4=8 d6+4=8 d6+4=5 d6+4=10 9d6(4+2+6+3+3+2+6+4+1)=31 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 3:25:15 AM
When the wizard casts his spell from the midst of the tentacles Arien fires off his own spell, moving if he has to to avoid any friendly fire. As the tentacles squeeze their victims Arien casts Cone of Cold, trying to also catch the Bard in the blast.
((Ok, first off fort save = 18, Grapple check vs wizard: 29, grapple vs fighters: 37, 31, 34; Damage to wizard: 8, damage to fighters: 8, 5, 10; Cone of Cold damage: 31; Reflex save DC 22 save for half.)
Setanos 83 HP 19 AC (Mage Armor) d20+13=21 d20+12=14 d20+7=8 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 8:23:50 AM
Setanos launches himself at the bard, chopping twice with his greatsword, but missing horribly and cursing with each misplaced swing.
Renik: HP 44 d20+7=17 d20+13=24 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 8:48:19 AM
The rogue has no chance of breaking free of the giant's mighty grip, and feels his ribcage creak under the terrible pressure. He needs a way out of this, and fast! Completely unable to move he feels magic tugging at him, and is barely able to shrug off its effects (Fort 17).
Gritting his teeth he spits into the giant's ear "H-hey! Thud! Looks like your singing buddy is in trouble now! See, my friends are going to carve him up nice! While you're busy playing with me he's going to die, you stupid great ape! Aaaarrgh!"
And with that the rogue goes limp in the giant's grip, eyes rolling back in their sockets and closing as he slumps against the giant's chest. Is he dead? Or just out cold? (Bluff 24).
Rond Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 11:09:07 AM
Hearing the commotion in the common room, and hearing all the comments (assumed) Rond rushes into help. Seeing Renik go limp, Rond continues towards the Giant at full bore. If given the chance, Rond is going to tackle the Giant in an attempt to make him let go of Renik.
(ooc not sure of distance.)
Thelonious d20+4=24 d20+14=15 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 3:20:13 PM
Thelonious also shrugs off the song. Leaving his crossbow at his side he attempts to catch the Giant flat-footed with his rapier. However, he finds his trusty blade sticks in the scabbard... making for a clumsy attack.
((OOC 24 Fort save, Fumble on attack))
Draax AC 25 d20+12=30 d20+17=36 d20+17=27 d8+9=14 d8+9=15 d20+12=17 d8=7 d8+9=12 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 5:47:24 PM
When the giant grabs Renik, Draax springs into action swinging his thundersword at the giant (hit AC 36 critical if AC 27 is a hit for 29 dmg and 7 sonic dmg for a total of 36dmg and giant must make Fortitude save (DC 14) or be deafened permanently) (14 dmg if not a crit). Caught off guard by the sonic blast emitting sword he pulls up on his second swing (hit AC 17, 12 dmg).
Draax Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 5:48:21 PM
(OOC: made fort save 30)
Ragdoll, twice - DM Ian d20+4=9 d20+6=9 d20+4=10 d4+13=17 2d6(6+5)+3=14 d20+13=21 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 6:16:12 PM
Setanos, Tratain, Kylean, and Thel all rush up the staircase, forming an impromptu hemisphere about the beleagured man. Kylean neatly removes the lyre from the bard's hands, and punches the bard in the throat, ceasing the spellsong and causing the man to reel even as Tratain hammers the man, making him reel again.
Then Arien's cone explodes over the right side of the room, hitting Kylean, Setanos, Tratain, Thelonius, the bard, and the clump of combatants tied up in the tentacles.
(Please make appropriate saves. Full damage is 31; Reflex save DC 22 save for half.)
The bard falls, frosted and probably dead. The mage screams once, thin and reedy when the cone impacts, and then falls to the floor, limp and apparently unconscious. The warriors fare a little better, but are still unable to fight free of the tentacles. Any attacker would intends them harm would run the risk of hacking at the tentacles instead.
Just as Rond reaches Thud, and Feng hacks at the giants leg, the giant sees the bard go down, and hurls the limp form of Renik casuallt at the westmost wall some twelve or fifteen feet away. Renik hits the wall with a sickening thud and falls to the stage with a crash.
(14 pts of damage to Renik)
The hill giant then throws an vicious rising club blow at Feng, howling. Luckily, the iron-banded huge club narrowly misses Feng.
Looking up at the twelve foot hill giant, Rond begins to reconsider his tackling plan. The humanoid must weigh the better part of a ton.
Feng, Hp 96/ Ac 24 d20+17=27 d20+9=20 d20+9=21 d8+18=22 d6=1 d8+8=13 d6=2 d8+8=12 d6=5 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 8:23:21 PM
Feng smiles momentarily. The paladin loses himself for a moment in the fact that he gets to put the giant in his place. Then he remembers that violence should be a last resort not a first though most of his opponents always rule out the peaceful solutions. Feng engages the ticked off giant with a grim determination.
[smite evil-hit ac 27 for 23] [hit ac 20 for 15 and ac 21 for 17]
Thelonious (29HP) d20+10=28 d20+11=17 d8=4 4d6(5+4+5+6)=20 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 9:02:14 PM
((oof, I went for the Giant :) I'll roll with the punches though... the DM is always right))
Thelonious realizes his mistake as he sees the cone of cold billowing toward him. He tries to dodge, but the stairs are much too narrow and his shoulder frosts over. (DMG 16)
Seeing the bard, most likely dead, Thelonious changes weapons once again, switching to his crossbow. Already loaded, he turns to the giant and fires into the fray. ((Hit AC 17, DMG 4 - if close enough for sneak attack/flat foot = 24)) Harried, cold, and confused from running up and down stairs, Thelonious hopes his aim is true.
(My mistake... please don't take damage from the cone. - Dm ian)
Draax d20+17=31 d8+9=13 d20+12=20 d8+9=15 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 9:22:16 PM
Not really sure what effect his last attack had on the giant, Draax swings at the beast again (AC 31 for 13 dmg). Reversing his swing he tries for a second hit (AC 10 for 15 dmg).
Tratain AC 27 HP 70 [Divine Power; Divine Favor; Righteous Might(30 Str, 18 Con; +4 Natural Armor, -1 AC Size; DR 5/Evil)] d20+6=26 d20+15=31 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 10:16:01 PM
Tratain is able to avoid most of the cone of cold spell. He pulls out a healers kit from his backpack and checks on the fallen bard as he is still confused about the events that lead to the confrontation, attempting to prevent him from bleeding to death if he was not killed outright by the combined attacks of the party. He calls over his shoulder while doing so, "How's Renik? Feng and Draax, do you need assistence with that giant?"
Arien (greater invisibility) d20+17=25 d20+17=23 d20+17=37 d20+17=32 d6+4=10 d6+4=6 d6+4=6 d6+4=9 9d6(1+2+4+4+6+3+6+5+6)=37 Tuesday December 2nd, 2003 10:22:58 PM
"Get out of the way!" Arien yells, "I'll take care of these guys, you take the giant down." Then Arien waits to make sure the area is vacated by his friends. As he waits he watches the tentacles going to work, before casting fireball on the warriors.
((Grapple for the mage: 25, for warriors: 23, 37 and 32. Damage for the wizard: 10, for the warriors: 6, 6, and 9. Fireball damage: 37 Reflex save DC 21 for half.))
Setanos 51 HP AC 19 (mage armor) d20+4=21 d20+10=29 d20+10=19 2d6(2+3)+11=16 2d6(2+2)+11=15 Wednesday December 3rd, 2003 7:35:17 AM
Setanos, concentrating fully on the bard, doesnt see the blast of icy cold until its too late. A echoing "Noooo" is heard just a split second before his skin grows cold and ice crystals sprout from his beard.
Shrugging off the numbing cold, he finds Tratain seeing to the bard, so he turns his efforts on the Giant. Stepping up to him, he lunges with his great sword, putting just a little more power behind his swing.
OOC: Failed Reflex Save Power Attack for 2, hit ac 29, Critical threat Crit Confirm: Hit ac 19.
16 Damage if crit doesnt confirm, 31 if it does.
Rond Wednesday December 3rd, 2003 7:42:43 AM
With plenty of people currently engaging the Giant, Rond decides to go over to where Renik was tossed and check out how Renik is doing. When he arrives, he taps Renik with his Cure Medium Wounds Wand. (Renik to roll I assume)
Once he gets to Renik and heals him, Rond will ask, "Does anyone else need some help? So far outside is clear."
Kylean (AC 20, HP 39) d20+9=12 Wednesday December 3rd, 2003 9:20:33 AM
Kylean has a small smile on his face of satisfaction as his fist connects with the bard's throat, but that smile fades quickly into chattering teeth and a grimace when Arien's cone hits him. He staggers and falls to one knee. Then rights himself. Taking in the situation, seeing the giant and mage is covered, Kylean shuffles on one kness over to the bard and begins searching him, looking for papers, maps, sigils, insignia, keys...anything that might give some indication of who this guy was and who he serves.
(OOC Reflex save: 12. Failed)
Renik: HP 43 AC 34 2d8(8+2)+3=13 d20+13=30 d20+6=26 d20+6=26 2d6(3+5)+14=22 d20+1=2 d20+4=24 d6+7=13 Wednesday December 3rd, 2003 10:07:23 AM
Slammed into the wall, the rogue seems to perk right up again. Rond's healing wand (13 HP) doesn't sem to hurt any either.
"My thanks Rond" he says softly. "Cover the door for now: we don't want anyone getting in or out."
"Hey, thanks Thud, you big dumb goof!" he cries, somehow no longer unconcious. "You let me go! What a buffoon! You could have killed me and you let me go! Haw! You know, if you were any stupider we'd have to water you!" He is doing his best to anger the giant into focusing its attacks on him, hopefully allowing his companions attacks of opportunity as the giant moves.
"Come on, stupid! Let's see you hit me with that toothpick of yours! I'll give you a free shot! Call yourself a giant, you half-pint halfwit? Ha! I've seen scarier pixies! Is that why the other giants wouldn't let you go with them? Because you hit like a great big pixie girl? In a frilly pink dress? Or was it because, even by giant standards, you're thicker than a twelve gallon bucket of constipated moose manure? Come on, take your best shot, dung-for-brains!"
His tirade is accompanied by coarse laughter and crude and derogatory gestures of an altogether ungentlemanly nature.
(Bluff 30, Readied action: if the giant charges Renik will attack with full defense, hit AC 26 (Crit! 2 20's!) for 22 HP, AC 2 (oops), AC 24 for 13 HP)
Timber! - Dm Ian d20=18 Wednesday December 3rd, 2003 6:47:48 PM
The warriors of the group close in on the unfortunate Thud from all angles, dealing out an unbelievable volley of weaponry. The giant is struck from all sides and is thrown over by the force of the blows to land with an ear-splitting crash through the surface of the stage.
A split second later a second detonation throws the struggling warriors to the floor - hard. With that the inn is abruptly quiet, save for the crackling of the fire and the repeated, muttered, "Don't kill us, don't kill us, don't..." coming from the pile of non-combatants huddled behind the bar.
The three warriors appear to be unconscious to Draax, who is the closest to them. Their plate armor is blackened by the recent firey assault, and their longswords and shields still lay in the midst of the writhing tentacles.
The black robed mage is clearly dead, his clothing and haversack smoking. At his belt is a pair of scroll tubes, one already opened, and a belt knife.
The bard has no emblems or heraldry on his clothing. One of his pouches contains an iron key, and 31 gold pieces. Nearby is a lyre, belted to his side is a masterwork rapier, and on his left hand is a silver signet ring. His clothing might have been worth something once, but recent events have conspired to shred and mangle the soft silk.
Feng Wednesday December 3rd, 2003 11:58:02 PM
The flames around his axe die away and Feng straps the weapon to his back.
"Do not worry. You will not be harmed. I am unaware if you knew the nature of the people you hired or if they took advantage of you as well. Really it's not an issue since none of you are evil."
Rond Thursday December 4th, 2003 1:30:05 AM
Piping up so the others can hear as they clean up, " The kid from the stables said nothing much ever really goes on around here. Wonder if we should check up on him."
Thelonious Thursday December 4th, 2003 2:33:22 AM
Thelonious resheaths his weapon and sits in a chair. Muttering to himself, he wonders if he can take off his costume, as the yellow pallour is beginning to streak from all the running up and down stairs he did.
Arien Thursday December 4th, 2003 3:21:49 AM
"Perhaps we should drag the bodies outside to dispose of them and so that they will not further disturb the guests?" Arien asks as he surveys their handiwork. "We've already disturbed them enough I say we take these fellows outside, maybe one of these soldiers survived and give us a little bit of info. If not we can dispose of them with the rest."
Kylean d20+5=15 Thursday December 4th, 2003 7:03:59 AM
"Renik. Over here." Kylean removes the pouch of gold from the bard and tucks the iron key and signet ring inside it. "Our lyrical friend over here had a few items that might be of interest." He tosses the pouch to Renik, then turns to speak to the non-combatants who are cowering in the corner. "Take it easy, folks. It's all right. We're the good guys..." He tries to calm them, and begins to ask them questions about the bard, giant, and wizard. (Gather Information: 15)
Setanos HP 51 AC 19 d20=20 Thursday December 4th, 2003 7:43:53 AM
Setanos stows his sword and quickly moves about the inn, trying to put out the innumberable small files that surely must have been started from the reckless fireball thrown in the middle of a wooden building, scowling the entire time and clearly angry. If it seems like the fire is going to burn out of control, he will shift his efforts to make sure everyone is safely out of the building, trying to calm them and convince them they will be safe from his party.
The answers to how and why this fight started will have to wait, but he assures himself that they will be answered.
OOC: Diplomacy check: Natural 20 to calm the people in the inn.
Renik HP 43 of 66 Thursday December 4th, 2003 9:23:54 AM
"So much for the subtle aproach!" grins the rogue to Thelonius, using a hankerchief to remove his makeup, fixing his teeth and smoothing back his hair. His trousers change colour from a dirty mud-brown to an elaborately patterned scarlet.
"OK, let's get healing for those that need it" (he counts himself among that number), and make sure these folks are OK. Ladies, gentlemen, I hope you believe me when I say I had no wish for things to take such a fatal turn. If any of you are injured we will heal your wounds. In the meantime, barman, I think you and all your customers could use a stiff drink. This has been quite a shock." He offers to pay for the round and the damage to the bar.
He nods to Rond. "Aye, Rond, find the stableboy if you can and attempt to reassure him. He will undoubtably be scared. Barman, is the lad your son? Perhaps you would prefer to accompany my friend?"
"Right. Let's shift the bodies outside before we do anything else, Kylean. If there are any still alive let's get them stabilized and tied up. Then we need to figure out how we're going to move Thud here." he gestures at the huge giant. "Let's see if we can carry him together."
Once the bodies are all outside and at a reasonable distance from the inn he continues "OK, let's check everyone for magic items, money and anything else of interest. Then I want Rond, the clerics and paladins with me to see if we can find those halflings anywhere nearby. I'm not sure if they will have ceased to be undead with the death of their dark master, but either way they'll need to join the other dead on a funeral pyre. The rest can get started reviving and questioning these warriors."
He looks at the pile of dead bodies with a grimace. "It's a grim business, this" he shivers.
Tratain d20+15=24 d20+15=21 d20+15=30 d20+15=28 Thursday December 4th, 2003 2:36:02 PM
Tratain moves over to the fallen warriors and the Giant and attempts to prevent any that are not dead from bleeding to death. (Heal Checks 24, 21, 30, 28)
Tratain looks angry as he says "I would have prefered that you called on the warriors to surrender before casting on them a second time, the giant was outmatched and they were stuck and not going anywhere. Besides maybe haveing lost the chance at valuable information about what we seek, we are not the law here, as far as I know we have no real authority with anyone, which we might want to take up with someone in the future. But we can't just go around killing people who break the law, even ones that were as evil as these. I know it is impossible to do this all of the time, but in the future I would ask a little restraint when we are able. If they did not surrender when commanded to and were obviously beaten then I'd have no objections to killing them then, not with a fireball spell though. We are very lucky that it did not burn this entire inn to the ground."
Draax Thursday December 4th, 2003 3:19:07 PM
Draax joins Tain at the downed warriors; he makes sure that each is unconscious or dead. After ensuring that they are not conscious, he will begin removing all weapons and armor before tying them up.
Draax looks over longingly at the scared barmaid; "Oh well, it could have been nice."
Peace through superior firepower - Dm Ian d4+1=5 Thursday December 4th, 2003 8:37:09 PM
At the offer of renumeration, the barkeep's head pokes up over the bar again. His shrewd eyes look over each in the group, weighing you, before speaking.
"If thats the way it is, I'll take your cash. If you want honest, I'll have to tack on the price of the meals those fellas would have eaten before they moved on, and the price of sendin for a new bard."
The bartender still looks wary, but Setanos moving around the room putting out a few chairs, a floor rug, and a flaming shotglass seems to have brightened his mood a bit. Feng's comment seems to help as well.
He continues with, "Don't worry about the boy. After that fireball, I imagine hes long gone into the woods. Spends most of his nights out there anyway. He'll show up for a meal sooner or later."
Thud, the bard, and the black robed wizard are clearly dead, as are two of the three warriors. The remaining warrior is stabilized by Tratain and stripped of gear by Draax, and tied securely. Each warrior has a suit of field plate, a large shield, a masterwork longsword, a dagger, a longbow, and a quiver of thirty arrows.
The wizard is also found to carry a dagger, one empty scroll tube, one closed scroll tube, and a closed haversack, as well as his black robe and a pouch of forty gold pieces. Within the haversack is found a spellbook marked with arcane sigils and bound in what appears to be human flesh.
The party all pitches in to move the bodies out, and the search happens quickly and efficiently. Only the remaining duration on Tratains spells allows the party to get the hill giant corpse outside and off the main road.
On the hill giant the party finds a wide, tooled leather belt that shrinks to Reniks size when its removed from the giants body, and the bouncers club. (Huge club).
Back inside, Kylean strikes up a conversation with the halflings and the barmaids, as the barkeep wanders about noting a bloodstain on the floor or two, the smashed stage, a charred table, and cracked timbers on the staircase from the sudden frost earlier.
It takes a considerable amount of time to sort through, but by the time the pyre is built and the bodies disposed of outside, Kylean and the bar staff is sure that something odd happened with their memories. Each of the bar staff remember visitors the others don't, and events the others don't. By all accounts, this hasn't ever been a dull bar, with odd wizards showing up at all hours with all manner of folk. Strangly, none of the bar staff can remember any one description, name, or whether these people ever left.
By the time all is said and done, its about four in the morning or so, and the fires in the hearth are banked. The halflings have turned in to a room upstairs, and the barmaids have gone off to sleep somewhere behind the kitchen as well. The barkeep stays up with you, however. He gingerly mentions the sum of eight hundred gold pieces for repairs and damage, and another two hundred to send for another bard.
Arien Friday December 5th, 2003 2:01:13 AM
Arien looks at Tratain a long moment before replying. "Perhaps if they had not allied themselves with a necromancer I would have granted quarter. However those who serve necromancers deserve no quarter and recive from me. I also thought it a fitting end to those who attacked a group of small folk and killed many with the same spell." Arien walks away from the cleric before he says anything he could regret, Arien hated necromancers with a passion and would do nearly anything to eliminate to destroy the foul casters.
Feng Friday December 5th, 2003 6:31:48 AM
The half-orc wonders if the barkeep is trying to take advantage of their generousity. He would think that the barkeep would be a little happier now that he got free will back.
"Barkeep perhaps you would be so kind as to tell us where the nearest village lies. I'm sure we can find a carpenter there that we can hire on your behalf to fix this damage."
Kylean Friday December 5th, 2003 6:59:41 AM
Kylean thanks the barmaids and halfings then slips outside to meet with the rest of the party.
Setanos HP 51 Friday December 5th, 2003 8:09:09 AM
After everythings squared away, Setanos takes a moment to say some of his mind.
"Arien, I've no issue with you killin evils. But ya threw a FIREBALL in the middle of a wooden tavern, with lots of alchohol. Doesnt that strike you as a tad bit reckless? Ta say nutthin of the cone of cold that hit shortly before. I know the value of a good mage at me side, but it seems you get a little crazy with the spells when things get tense, and that scares me a bit."
He then turns to Kylean
"We're a party. Where I come from that means ya dont start the looting till after the fight, unless ya need something from the body to help the fight. Even if we had things well in hand, ya dont stop fighting till the fightings done, its just disrespectful to us."
To the party as a whole he says
"That went down crappy mates. We terrorized a bunch o innocents. We should be seen as hero's, saviors even, cause we did save them. But they wont be remembering us like that. They will be remembering us as a bunch o bulliying adventurers who split some blood, nearly burned down the place, then threw some gold at them to make it better. That barkeep isnt approaching us as friends, he's approaching us in fear, but he's doing it because he has to to get the gold he needs to survive. I'm ashamed of myself today."
"But I said my peace and whats done is done. I'm gonna think about how we do things in the future as a party, and try to find ways ta do it better."
With that Setanos retires for whatever sleep he can still get.
Renik d20+3=13 d20+3=10 Friday December 5th, 2003 9:49:49 AM
(OOC: What happened regarding the undead halflings? Were they burned on the funeral pyre, as mentioned in my last post?)
Renik blanches at the sum the barkeep mentions. "1000 GP? Really?" He peers quizically at the man, trying to determine if he's pulling a fast one (Sense Motive 13) and if his claims sound reasonable (Appraise 10).
As the group begin to turn on one another in the aftermath of the battle, Renik steps in.
"Enough recriminations my friends" he says, hands raised. "We triumphed, none of us died and no innocents died, let us be thankful for that at least. I agree with you, Setanos. I wish this had not transpired as it did. But I suspect that from the second we walked into that bar we were targeted. We had no choice but to fight back when they started casting spells at us. And, don't forget, they were evil.
If we came out of that looking like the villains, well that's just too bad. The Hamleteers are not about glory or public reward. We fight out of the public eye, and may seem as bad as those we fight to outsiders. That's just the way it is for us. Always has been, since we hooked up ith Marcus and his crew.
That said, Arien, they have a point. My friend, we need to be sure we do not endanger innocents unneccessarily, and that fireball was rather reckless. Not to mention freezing half the party! Just look at what it's going to cost! But before we take old Arien to task too much, let's just remember this; he pretty much won us that fight on his own. Those black tentacles turned what could have been a total rout (or at the very least a desperate battle) into a comparatively comfortable victory. Arien, that spell was awsome!
Come on, let us identify if any of this gear is magical and then lets sleep. We are all tired and a little shocked by the nights events. A rest will do us good."
Tratain Friday December 5th, 2003 1:11:38 PM
Tratain says to Arien, "Don't take what I've said to hard, The only action that got me upset was the fireball. What needs to be said about that has been already, by Setanos and Renik. It all turned out well in the end, as Renik said mostly because of your spells. While I would have prefered you asked them to surrender before killing them, I won't lose any sleep over it. Odd's are they were killers, just like their necromancer master, but there's always a chance that one or all of them were just as revolted at what happened to the halflings as we were, but they were just too scared or had no chance to part ways with thier master."
Kylean Friday December 5th, 2003 2:02:03 PM
Kylean peers at Setanos. "I wasn't looting, if you must know. I was looking for identification. If you can't tell the difference, maybe you should ask before throwing out the accusations. Show some respect, and you get it in return."
He turns away from Setanos when Renik steps in. He clams his angry features into a neutral look, and waits to see what the party wants to do next.
Rond Friday December 5th, 2003 3:28:55 PM
Feeling a little exasperated as the newest members of the group speak their mind. Looking to Renik for a second Rond states, " I agree with what you said. But I want to say one more thing before we put anything to rest.
Before someone starts making any kind of accusations. Why don't you talk, and ask questions about how things are done first. As of right now we, " Rond points to Draax, Arien, Feng, Renik, and himself " know each other pretty well. We know how each other views the world, and we work generally well together. Tratain here is just starting to know some of us. But he has not gone through the same experiences that the five of us have. The rest of you we are just getting used to having around. So even though what has been said may be valid. As someone said we are a party, " and Rond looks at Senatos as he says this "a party with a leader. If you have objections about what is going on, you should make them known to the leader in a discussion. Whether private or in the group, I do not care. But taking it out on the other group members is just not going to cut it. Especially from anyone who has not been through the things the 5 of us have been through. " Motioning towards Renik, Arien, Feng, Draax, and himself.
Draax Friday December 5th, 2003 4:33:23 PM
Draax smiles and feels very happy as he listens to the interaction that is going on with the party. He is always happy when people speak their minds and do not hold things in.
"I like it when my comrades voice their opinions and do not hold anything in, but I never like to hear them criticize each other before them know the reason. A simple 'why did you do this?' type of question well go over much better than laying the blame right away. As my friend Rond suggested, we are just getting to know each other. Creating bad feeling with accusations is not the way to win friends and influence people."
Draax almost laughs when the bartender ask the group to pay for him to send for another bard.
"I think the group should help in paying for the damage after we assess the damage (looks at Renik). But! I do not agree with paying to get another bard, mainly because the last one you had tried to kill us. We apologize for the damage to your place, but we do not apologize for defending ourselves. By the way, where did you get that bard in the first place? I hope it's not the same place you plan to get another one from."
Draax speaks in a non-threatening manner and waits to bartender's answers to their questions.
Thelonious (Full Health) Friday December 5th, 2003 5:44:45 PM
Seeing Renik remove his disguise, Thelonious sighs with relief and does the same. Dipping his hankerchief into the now extinguished shot glass he wipes off his face.
Hearing the arguments while he does this, he cannot help but add, "You gents don't know indignity. Look at what I'm wearing!" Trying to smooth out his hair and rewax his mustache seems to only have made it worse. "And I still haven't been served. And now, what's worse, no music." Generally quite pleasant, the events seem to have frazled poor Thelonious as badly as his mustache.
Feng Friday December 5th, 2003 9:53:32 PM
Listening to everything that is going on Feng desperately wants to be done with this entire mess. Sighing he tosses a decent size pouch to the barkeep refusing to argue or discuss anything further. The barkeep got his money so Feng assumed he would be satisfied. Feng walks past the others and over to Degg where he retrieves his bedroll and camping supplies before dismissing the steed back to the celestial plane. Deciding to sleep under the stars tonight Feng looks for a spot close by that would suit his needs. On this night he doesn't care much about finding a safe spot as he is getting to sleep.
ooc: Feng paid the barkeep the 1000 gold he wanted.
Arien Friday December 5th, 2003 10:33:09 PM
"Perhaps I spoke too hastily," Arien says after a moment, "The incident with the halflings left me...agitated and perhaps I was a bit too anxious to exact a measure of justice. That said considering that I am the only full mage of the group I would appreciate it in the future if you left spell casters of the arcane type to me, I make it my business to be able to take care of them. As for the bill, it was my spell that damaged the inn and I will happilly pay the expenses to replace what was damaged." Arien pauses a moment then smirks a bit, "Also, don't judge my fireballs until we fight another white dragon."
Arien, seeing that Feng had already paid the bill while Arien was talking, walks over to his friend and hands him a pair of bags, each filled with five hundred gold each. "Here my friend, I will take responsibility of my actions, take this gold and spend it well."
A quiet night - DM Ian Friday December 5th, 2003 11:27:50 PM
Negotiations, conversation, and such aside, the scant hours of the evening are spent getting a little sleep. The barkeep is more than willing to have food available before and after you bed down. He also supplies a key to one of the upstairs rooms that looks a great deal like the one you took from the corpse of the bard.
The undead halflings are not located. Their tracks lead up to the edge of the nearby sea clif, and Rond finds a place where it looks like six sets of tiny hands hung from the cliff wall. One of the places even has a scrap of rotting flesh, but the zombies are missing and the shore below is obscured in darkness.
Renik thinks the estimate its either reasonable or a little high, but as previous information suggested the nearest village is at leat four days away, and you would have to convince craftsmen to come into uncivilised territory, maybe the price is about right, especially if you consider lost custom while its being repaired.
Those characters that venture upstairs to use the room provided to sleep in find that its one of four seemingly identical doors spaced every twenty feet in a hallway lit by a chandelier with continual flame cast on its points.
When you wake up late the next morning, the barkeep has breakfast ready, and two of the barmaids and up and about to aid the serving of the food.
What next?
Thelonious d20+13=25 Saturday December 6th, 2003 3:22:13 PM
Thelonious beds down exhausted and sleeps like a baby. In the morning he awakes and has nearly forgotten the horrible service and condition his clothes had been in the night before. He takes extra precaution as he washes in the basin, combs his hair out, and rewaxes his moustache. His tattered rags from the night before are gone to be replaced once again with his silk shirt and black trousers.
He leaps down the stairs and begins his morning breakfast, waiting for the rest of the group and thier decision on where to go from here. Thelonious also speaks with the Bartender and any patrons trying to determin what dangers may lie ahead for careless travelers. (gather information 25)
When the rest of the group gathers he suggests that perhaps someone with good eyes should search the Bard's old room as well as the stables.
Tratain Sunday December 7th, 2003 11:06:15 AM
In the mourning Tratain gives Arien two gems worth 100 Gold each and says "We damaged this bar together, and we'll pay the reperations together. No one person is more responsible that the rest. Last night some things were said that needed to be, and I think we'll be better off in the future for it. Most of us are still new to traveling with one another, and the only way to know what each of us expects is to give it some time, and maybe an arguement or three." He says Smiling "But we'll be better off for it, even though people may get flustered once in a while."
Tratain (Continued) Sunday December 7th, 2003 11:08:55 AM
OOC: Darn hit submit before I was done.
Tratain says "I think it would be wise for us to check on the bards room and see what we can find. We also have a prisoner here that we can question and we also need to decide what we want to do with him after."
When the group is ready Tratain will heal the warrior until he is awake and let them question him.
Draax Sunday December 7th, 2003 2:30:00 PM
Draax sleeps for a few hours, but spends most of the night standing watch over the prisoners. In the morning he feeds himself before feeding the captured warriors one at a time. He keeps the ex-bodyguards secured, but tried to make them as comfortable as possible. He does not try to solicit any information, but will sit down with a chair reversed under him near the captives and listens to anything they have to say.
Renik d20+9=17 d20+13=31 Sunday December 7th, 2003 3:23:07 PM
Renik too tosses Arien a purse with 200GP inside. "Hey, I offered to pay the man, seems only fair we should share the cost" he grins.
"Right. A search of the bard's quarters is a good plan. Let's get that done. It seems to me the bard and mage knew one another. If there is a mage enclave around here, I'm betting he knew about it." (Search 17).
"OK, now when we go to question the mage's guard I'm going to come out with all manner of threats, promises, half truths and whatnot. I know some of you more religious folks get a bit antsy at that sort of behaviour. Rest assured, I won't hurt him, and certainly won't kill him, but if you'd feel more comfortable sitting the interrogation out that's fine."
That done the rogue turns his attention towards their captive. He enters the room where Tratain is waiting, and smiles a very cold smile indeed. He looks and sounds every inch the heartless, remorseless killer (Bluff 31). "Right, my friend, it seems we have some talking to do. I want to hear satisfactory answers to my questions or you'll be meeting the same fate as your friends downstairs. Only difference being, you'll go a lot slower and more painfully than they did."
He draws a shortsword and examines the blade for non-existant imperfections.
"It's time to spill your guts before I spill them for you: who was your boss? Where were you escorting him? Who are his companions or employers? Why the undead halflings? Where have they gone? Who was the bard? How did the bard and the mage know one another? You just start talking, friend. I'll let you know when it's time to stop."
Feng Sunday December 7th, 2003 10:58:03 PM
Feng stands in the back and watches the interrogation. If things went to far or got out of hand he would step in and end the negotiation. Information is important but the end doesn't justify the means.
Rond Monday December 8th, 2003 12:41:19 AM
Rond sleeps the night away. In the morning he will head outside to keep a watch on things as Renik does his interview. Trusting to Renik to not get too carried away. Rond looks around outside to see if there is anything new to be learned.
Setanos Monday December 8th, 2003 8:07:53 AM
At Kyleans response, and Rond's comments, Setanos thinks for a moment, then answers carefully. "I wasnt accusing you of stealing mate, if that be what ya thinking, and I'm sorry if it sounded that way. I tend ta be a bit brush, and say what I think, often without much thinking (with this he grins a second) Perhaps things are done a bit differntly in this party than I be used ta, but like I said, where I come from party members dont stop fighting the badguys till every one of the badguys is taken care of. But I'm not here ta cause trouble, I'm hear ta figth the badguys, and Domi knows there's enough o them in the world."
He then takes 200 gold and hands them to Arien. "As Tratain said, we're a party, and we share the costs as well as the rewards."
Setanos then thanks Renik for the warning about the interrogation session and heads outside, knowing its better for the party if hes not present. He offers to work in the kitchen, helping with the dishes after the meal and otherwise talking and enjoying the company of the tavern staff.
Kylean Monday December 8th, 2003 8:19:31 AM
Kylean nods to Setanos. "I understand. I had just gotten hit by that cold spell, and was hurting pretty badly. I wasn't sure I would do any good, so I stayed out of it. I apologize for my own sharp tone." He offers a hand for shaking.
Kylean grins. "Well, out little bardic friend had 31 gold to contribute to fixing the in and then, here is my share as well." Kylean pitch Renik his 200 gold.
He goes back into the bar, and helps with daily tasks...cleaning, cooking, reparing...whatever needs done.
Renik (Rolling for Bracers) d100=94 Monday December 8th, 2003 3:47:10 PM
The rogue flips a coin to decide who should get the bracers.
LOG ON