Back in time for Tea (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 18th, 2014 11:03:53 PM
The party heads over to a local eating house and enjoys a meal and a chance to bathe and clean up.
Wilma and Tuck head right off to check on the kids. (OOC: We'll consider this their honorable exit for now, please.)
As you sit at your table, you have a chance to talk.
Who is this scaly paladin? What is his story?
How will you get word to the Indevan family that you have returned?
Any prep needed before you show up at the family manse?
OOC: Sorry for the delay ... had to do some game research.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Tuesday February 18th, 2014 11:34:56 PM
He makes a placating gesture with one hand. "I'm afraid you would not find me terribly interesting, compared to the wonders of the Underwold. I am a paladin of Domi, a templar of his church in Plateau City. Or at least I am supposed to be." He quirks his mouth slightly to one side. "I am dedicated to defending the physical and spiritual sanctity of his holy house, but my duties rarely allow me the honor. For the past few years I have been... reassigned, so to speak. I am called to serve in the hall of records - far, far away from most worshipers. Right about the time that..." He flexes his hands as he walks and gently shakes his head. "That the scribes needed a new guard. I spend most of my time keeping vigil over them as they record the holy writ and keep the records of the church. It is not a time-consuming post, and I heard tell of the search for King Froederick's bones. I went to investigate myself, and found myself in the predicament under which we met." He spreads his hands to take in the surrounding buildings. "I am a native of Plateau City, though I have left her many times on my journeys. I came home to stay when I accepted the duties of a paladin. I have been here ever since."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday February 19th, 2014 5:46:48 PM
"I cannot remember that i know you. I used to be around the temple of Domi here all the time before i left to study. But if your home is Plateau City you maybe know my mother or my father. My beloved mother Lireala is a priestess of Domi´s church here in the city and my father is also a well known Paladin- his name is Ebrol Gatelatch."
With a little smile he adds "My father will be happy when he finds out that i travelled with a real paladin."
After eating and having a few glasses of wine Vaniime vanishes into a steaming hot tub of water to wash, soak, rinse, and repeat. Emerging only once thoroughly clean and pruny.
Back in time for Tea (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 19th, 2014 11:54:29 PM OOC: Friends, I know my posting has been all over the place, but if I let 24 hours go by between DM posts, then EVERYBODY should have had a chance to get a turn in. Please! Don't make us the worst game in Sherriff Ken's report! :-)
At the tavern, the party relaxes. You get to know Royston better, and you have a chance to wash away the stink -- moral and physical -- of the UnderWold. But in the morning it will be time to report to the family whose bones you have retrieved. How will you get word to the Indevans that you have returned? Any preparations to be made before you show up at the family manse?
Emrys the Competent ac13, hp28/28. light Wednesday February 19th, 2014 11:58:43 PM
Emrys agrees to go to the pub/bathhouse while in this part of town. The meal was fine enough, the bath had steamy hot water. His only regret for not going home was his vanity table with all its fancy hair brushes and other grooming tools. A change of clothes would have been nice. He's gone though all his four sets of travel clothes over the past two days but he'll make do.
Back in time for Tea (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 19th, 2014 11:59:02 PM
OOC: I just got a note from Rob that he is out of commission through the end of the week. If someone wants to post for Alleah, that's a-ok.
Grell, AC20/13/18, HP62/72, Protection from Evil Thursday February 20th, 2014 12:07:41 AM
Grell grunts at the proffered comb and downright growls at the idea of visiting the bathhouse. "Baths are for humans...bleh!" The orc raised human finger combs his hair and glares at Emrys. "I have a reputation to maintain...I can't be all foo fooed up."
Grell gives a preemptive sniff at his armpits. "Besides, I smell fine. Sweaty armor is the mark of a real warrior!"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Thursday February 20th, 2014 5:18:30 PM
Ariach grins about Grell´s statement. For himself he decides to take a bath and polish his armor, helmet and shield.
Umm Grell, If you are even thinking of spending time around me anytime in the near future, you had better get that dead fishman stink off of you. Of course if you don't, well then you may do what you like.
Alleah Thursday February 20th, 2014 10:19:57 PM
Relieved to have some good food in her belly and the chance to get the road and fishman gunk off of her Alleah takes a long soaking tub.
Upon her return she can't help but smirk when Van tells Grell what she thinks of his idea to not bathe.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Thursday February 20th, 2014 10:44:41 PM "Sweaty armor may be the mark of a true warrior, but it will not win you any affection from the ladies, my friend." He wrinkles his nose. "Besides, at this point I do believe that a hound could track you through a perfume shop without difficulty."
Back in time for Tea (DM Cayzle) Friday February 21st, 2014 12:37:29 AM Emrys bathes and relishes the chance to put on new clothes.
Grell does not see the point.
Ariach laughs with Grell but acts with Emrys!
Vaniime urges Grell to reconsider.
After a long soak, Alleah finds Van's comments highly entertaining.
Roy seems to side with the majority, in favor of cleanliness.
The night passes with enjoyable company and a rest in safety and comfort.
In the morning, a new day beckons, and there are things to do. Which ones will the party tackle?
Vaniime Friday February 21st, 2014 7:06:44 AM
Refreshed and awakened by the birds the next morning, Van takes a moment to just relax in her own bed, luxuriating in the softness and warmth, and not for the last time wonders why she ever thought adventuring was a pleasant way of life.
As the others make their way downstairs, she has gathered paper, ink and a quill. Emrys, do you think you could write us a proper note requesting an audince with our employer. Letting him know that we have recovered that which he was seeking?
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Friday February 21st, 2014 11:38:42 PM
ooc: Did Royston actually accompany them to their house? I initially thought we were going straight to House Indevan.
Back in time for Tea (DM Cayzle) Saturday February 22nd, 2014 6:54:18 AM
OOC: After the cemetery, you all went to a nice local tavern, "The Manse Macabre." In keeping with the "theme" of the Nightmare Quarter, it has a black and red color palette and the specialty house drinks (bloody marys, of course) come in skull-shaped mugs. Like much of the quarter, it plays up the "scary" stuff for the benefit of the tourists. In actuality, it is a first rate eating and drinking establishment with nice rooms and baths. Sure, the spigots on the tubs are in the shape of howling ghouls, but the hot water that comes out is very nice indeed.
Please take a look at this map, showing the cemetery, the route you took back, the location of The Manse Macabre in the Nightmare Quarter (where you live) and the noble House Indevan.
It is morning and Alleah is asking Emrys to pen a letter to the Indevan family, whose beloved ancestral bones you have recovered.
Grell Saturday February 22nd, 2014 11:49:24 PM
Begrudgingly heading to the baths and doing a light scrub, Grell spends the evening hanging around Vaniime and enjoying a hearty dinner. Before heading to his room for the night, Grell does a light jog around the Nightmare Quarter and then polishes it off with a couple of hundred push ups situps. The pleasant burn of the aerobic exercise lulls him to a sleep filled with many pleasant dreams about gutting various monsters.
In the morning, Grell doubles his lap around the Quarter, and arrives back at the Inn drenched in sweat. Inhalling his huge breakfast, the newly sweaty Grell gives Vaniime a warm good morning hug and readies himself for the day. "So, we going to that fancy house again? Cus I could totally just head back to our place and start on the dinner..." The warrior grins as he picks a piece of chicken from his teeth.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Sunday February 23rd, 2014 2:14:16 PM
Ariach waits for the others to decide what to do next.
Emrys the Competent ac13, hp28/28. light Sunday February 23rd, 2014 10:09:16 PM
"Of course, I'll pen a letter right away. I love the chance to show off my calligraphy." After several drafts, Emrys does his best to word the perfect announcement, not to mention adding a nice flourish to the anatomy of each letter. A dab of red wax pressed into a seal finishes the job. He awaits a courier from Plateau Express to deliver the message.
Back in time for Tea (DM Cayzle) Monday February 24th, 2014 12:15:14 PM
A note is composed and sent, and a reply quickly follows: "Please be so good as to arrive tomorrow when the hour strikes nine. -- Ajah, Steward of Indevan Manor"
You have a day, your first since you returned home. How do you spend it?
Tomorrow I'll respond to your actions for today as well as post the first meeting with Ajah ... unless you do something unexpected, like start a fight.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday February 24th, 2014 2:26:20 PM
Ariach visits the temple of Domi and prays several hours. The rest of the day he spends at home.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Monday February 24th, 2014 2:40:13 PM I punch a guardsman. /jk
"I must go and report to the watch captain. Considering the scribes have never been threatened in any appreciable way since the founding of the temple, I should have no trouble requesting leave for the day. I imagine they will enjoy the opportunity to have me away for a time. I shall return shortly."
ooc: I have Craft Wondrous Item, if anyone wants to make a request. My PC should be back in about an hour.
Back in time for Tea (DM Cayzle) Monday February 24th, 2014 5:18:14 PM
OOC: Royce's post (and a post in the Loot N Booty) reminds me that all WLA members need to get their training in each level ... hint hint!
Grell Tuesday February 25th, 2014 12:28:44 PM
Sweaty and full, Grell dons his armor and head down to the WLA for some more training on focusing his newly channeled barbarian powers. He particularly works on how to channel his rage without becoming a danger to his team mates.
OOC: Quick post...hoping to get in more when I get off work. :)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light Tuesday February 25th, 2014 1:52:00 PM
(Ooc: sorry, I passed out early last night after work. Will post later this evening.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday February 25th, 2014 4:13:45 PM
As he figures out that nobody comes to discuss what to do next the young warrior strolls through the streets of Plateau City searching for someone who needs his help. He gives merchants a helping hand carrying their goods and donates a lot of his money to street children and beggars.
Bones, please? (DM Cayzle) d20+5=19 ; d20+5=7 ; Tuesday February 25th, 2014 4:14:38 PM
The day sees the Vanguard heroes split up, each to his or her own devices.
Grell heads over to the WLA. If Grell can make a DC19 Perception check, then Highlight to display spoiler: {You note that a strange flock of chubby bat-like beasties fly past Wardd (the moon, not the god). Then again, this is the Nightmare Quarter.}
Royston hears a rumor that the government of the city is about to put out a call for adventurers. That would free the scaled paladin to answer that call, of course, as is the tradition in Plateau City.
At the Temple of Domi, Ariach hears that there have been reports of monsters sighted in the city. If he makes a Sense Motive check that beats a DC7, then Highlight to display spoiler: {he notes that an older Protector of Domi seems excited at the news.}
The next day, you appear as requested at the Indevan mansion in the Noble Quarter, at the corner of Parade and King Road. Master Ajah greets you with a reserved warmth, and asks for the holy relics of the house.
Vaniime Tuesday February 25th, 2014 9:24:23 PM
Van spends the day in the druid quarter communing with the trees and picking out and transplanting several (10) small vines (five thorny) into leather planter bags.
Vaniime Tuesday February 25th, 2014 9:25:36 PM
The next morning she rises early and gets in a quick run and workout before they head over to their meeting, and presenting herself with the others in front of the Mansion.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Tuesday February 25th, 2014 10:37:46 PM
Royston accompanies the party to Indevan Manor, staying on the periphery and maintaining his most courteous behavior. His scales shimmer with iridescence in the morning light, and his holy symbol of Domi shines on his chest. He stands ramrod straight with his hands clasped, waiting for the party to respond to the query.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light Wednesday February 26th, 2014 1:45:43 PM
"Yes, we return victoriously. We rescued the king and are proud to restore him to his rightful place, as promised." With a flourish, like a master of ceremonies presenting the star of the show, he motions to the box of bones. Emrys looks for the slightest crack in Master Ajah's stoic facade... maybe a glimpse of elation.
Bones, please? (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 26th, 2014 6:13:20 PM
Vaniime hears rumors, as she does her gardening, from the usual animals who live in the druid quarter that they've been smelling monsters. Many animals are running to ground.
At the mansion, Royston is alert and proud, but leaves the talking to Emrys. The mystic offers the coffer of bones that the lich generously gave you, and maybe there is a faint smile on his lips?
But when he opens the reliquary, his smile turns upside down.
"And what of the funery garb? Can you produce that? As I mentioned to you originally, it was presumed that you would have also recovered some of the funeral garb and jewelry, in order to verify your claim, that these are indeed the bones of our house founder, rather than some common bones of a nobody! What did you find with these bones?"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+9=26 ; Wednesday February 26th, 2014 6:37:08 PM
(sense motive=26) With his friends again the young warrior tells them that is it their duty to fight the monsters running in the streets of the city.
Later Ariach understands the mystics doubts and hopes for his friends that they can prove the authenticity of the bones.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Wednesday February 26th, 2014 11:03:42 PM
Royston furrows his brow.
I hope they have a good answer.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light Thursday February 27th, 2014 1:30:29 PM
(ooc: what is the condition of the remains. Are the skeletal remains intact or are they just a loose pile of bones?)
Bones, please? (DM Cayzle) Thursday February 27th, 2014 5:00:34 PM
Ariach sense that the fellow is actually surprised and a little more than somewhat annoyed. He does nto sense that this is a deal-breaker for the agent of the noble house.
Royce just hopes there's an answer to this dilemma.
Emrys sees that the bones are individually intact, as is the skull, and nothing looks gone. But the bones ARE all laying loose in the box -- it is a box, not a coffin. There would not be room in that box for a complete assembled skeleton.
Master Ajah says, "You realize this will delay your payment? And that the cost of the magical investigation into the truth of these remains will be deducted from your reward?"
Vaniime d20=5 ; Thursday February 27th, 2014 7:27:12 PM
As Master Ajah sfinishes speaking, Vaniime stands up finger pointing into the air and looks squarely at him.
"Umm actually Master Ajah, while it may delay part of our payment, the cost of magical investigation as to the truth of these remains will not be deducted from the reward.
As to the vestments that you refer to they were not part of the deal to be returned.
As I recall and I do recall. These were your exact words and the lawful agreement we entered into with you."
Her voice changes slightly and while no where near perfect the inflections and tone of the words coming out of her mouth certain sound a bit like Master Ajah.
I"m prepared to offer 35,000 gold pieces for the return of the remains."
"You will also have salvage rights to the jewelry and vestments on the body."
"Is this agreeable?"
She straightens back up and looks back at him,
"So as you see the agreement said nothing about any magical identification or that the cost of such magical identification would come out of our reward, nor did you expect the return of the vestments or jewelry as you said that we could have then to do with what we wanted."
"Now I am sure that should you wish to renegotiate our current binding, and lawful contract, we can. But until the barrister that will we will require to write and witness this new contract is found, we will just walk right back out of here and go home with the remains and wait for you to contact us for this renegotiation. Ladies and gentlemen it seems that there was some sort of misunderstanding so let's go."
With that said she begins to walk back toward the exit hoping her friend will join her.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Thursday February 27th, 2014 10:39:01 PM
Royston raises an eyebrow. "Master Ajah, I doubt you are a snollygoster. Whatever tests you feel necessary appear to be beyond the scope of the original contract. You have no right to change the terms. Cast your spells and pay these people. If you insist on quomodocunquizing... then by Domi, I will see these bones sold to a necromancer for spare parts."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28. light d20+12=20 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+12=31 ; Thursday February 27th, 2014 11:53:08 PM
Emrys totally agrees with Vaniime, but he can't help but feel personally responsible for not examining the remains beforehand. This controversy could have been avoided. He could have divined the location of the items in question, especially with the bones in their possession.
After looking at the bones, Emrys determines that it would be futile to speak to the dead king with his remains as deteriorated as they are. (Spellcraft: 20, to determine if the Speak with Dead spell would be useful in this situation.) Instead he will try to ease the tension that is quickly beginning to build. Especially before hotter heads start chiming in.
(Diplomacy: 30, to calm any hostility and remove any ill feelings)
"Yes, Master Ajah, it is most unfortunate that we did not recover the items of which you speak. However you can rest assured that we are certain that these are the bones of the king. We followed the trail from the cemetery, left by the tomb robbers, deep into the underwold, to a duergar city many miles below the surface. That trail ended with these human bones, not something you easily find in such a place."
(Knowledge [Arcana]: 31, to know of any divinations that might identify the bones, like Legend Lore.)
"However, we understand your need for confirmation and appreciate the responsibility the family entrusts in you. That is why I am willing to offer my services and help verify the bones authenticity. Divination is one of my specialties ... a passion really."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday February 28th, 2014 3:03:39 AM
Ariach listens very carefully to the conversations. He is annoyed after hearing that they have forgotten to bring back the jewelry too, Especially when they are told that this was part of their deal.
But then Vaniim repeats exactly the words of the offer they have accepted and his mood chances completely. Instead of feeling guilty that they haven´t brought back the funeral garb he feels proud of their leader Vaniim who repeats the exact wording of their deal.
Ariach straigthens himself and takes position next to Vaniim. "We are known as an honest group who stands to the agreements. But we also demand that from our partners."
Bones, please? (DM Cayzle) Friday February 28th, 2014 11:54:47 PM
Vaniime seems to have the perfect rejoinder to end this discussion.
Royston and Ariach back her up, and the three stand, ready to leave.
But the ever-tactful Emrys tries to smooth things over and to puzzle out a solution.
The master servant of House Indevan turns ruddy as his own words are quoted back to him -- in his own voice!
"Well, uh, yes, I -- I suppose I did say that," he stutters. "We always planned to outfit the holy remains with new finery, so we have no use for the old. But I believe we discussed this contingency. Put your marvelous memory to work. I am pretty sure I mentioned that if the finery was missing, it would make identifying the remains harder, and we would have to use magic to resolve the issue."
OOC: See DM Post of July 25: "As for frauds... when a group returns the remains, it is presumed that they will also recover some of the funeral garb and jewelry, which will verify their claim. If not, magical scrutiny... very thorough magical scrutiny... will be used."
Emrys suspects that a divination spell *might* work. A Commune spell directed respectfully to Lord Gargul would be even better. Such a casting would cost likely 500 to 1000 gp. Other possibilities, such as Legend Lore or a consultation by a powerful seer, might do the job. But the Commune seems the most straightforward.
After a moments thought on the matter Vaniime replies.
"What you say is true. All right, inspect all you want, but as for the renumeration of said inspection, ... Well, you know what? To be fair, we will split that cost with you as would be honorable, For while it was mentioned there was no specification on who would pay for it.
Grell Sunday March 2nd, 2014 9:54:56 PM
Idlely scratching his leg, Grell stays out of the conversation, leaving that for folks that care to flap their gums...like Emrys. While he waits, Grell jots down a quick list for the upcoming celebratory dinner. He also makes sure that he jots down a note to write a letter to Lowell, as it has been forever since he has had a chance to find out what's going on with his twin.
When Vaniime suggests that they will help pay for half of the cost of the inspection, Grell chokes a bit. 500gp is a chunk of change. He nudges her respectfully and says "Hey, why don't we see if some of Wilma's friends down at the temple can help out with this...after all they kinda owe you for all that pain and suffering with the heartseed..."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Sunday March 2nd, 2014 10:12:15 PM
ooc: Just waitin' on a castin'.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday March 3rd, 2014 3:58:57 AM
Aware that some of his companions won´t like to hear it Ariach still makes a proposal. "As a visible sign that we don´t bring back the bones just for the money it should be a pleasure for us to pay for the needed spells."
Bones, please? (DM Cayzle) Monday March 3rd, 2014 11:14:34 AM
The agent nods, and agrees with Van's fair point.
And Grell diplomatic suggestion about WIlma's connections help seal the deal.
Ariach is also willing to compromise.
"Very well," says Ajah. "Let it be as you have said. You live in the Nightmare Quarter, home to the Temple of Gargul, and you count a cleric of that faith in your company. Let's head over there and see."
It takes most of the rest of the day, but a trip to the Temple, aided by Wilma, nets you one Commune spell at the bargain price of 450 gp. By evening, you are short one small chest of bones and up 35,000 gp!
Less 225 gp for the casting.
And please note that Tuck and Wilma are both to be included in the split, please.
And with the distribution of the loot, we'll bid an official farewell to them both with honorable exits. Tuck is off to pursue his own interests, but since my guess is that Wilma will return, let us say that she has a sudden surge of duties at the temple, which, with taking care of the kids, keeps her too busy to adventure for the moment.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Monday March 3rd, 2014 7:24:08 PM
Royston accompanies the party from the manor of House Indevan to the temple of Gargul. He is quiet as he marches alongside them.
They are accomplishing a great thing with this act. A good, noble thing. Far more good than I have ever accomplished guarding tomes and cobwebs. The great city will have their names on their tongues for weeks.
He looks at the soaring buildings and teeming streets of Plateau City. He sighs out his nose in frustration.
What have I done? What am I doing? Why am I relegated to babysitting scribes? I could be doing things. Great things, like them. He raises an eyebrow. Or with them.
After the chest of gold has been handed to the party, Royston clears his throat to call attention. "Please pardon my impertinence, but what you have achieved today is quite a feat. Almost monumental, in fact. I am very impressed, and more than a little jealous. I wonder if I might... that is, if none of you have any objections.. might I join you for a time? My duties at the temple are rather unimportant, and I feel that I could help accomplish a great deal of good being in your company."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Monday March 3rd, 2014 11:01:45 PM
Emrys turns to appraise their new scaly friend that he at first mistook for a leper. "What's wrong with guarding books and tomes? They're the repository of all our accumulated knowledge and lore. There is nothing more sacred, in my opinion!" With that having been said, he looks upon the paladin with a touch of concern for his lack of reverence to such a sacred duty. Then suddenly a crack in his facade ... a warm smile unmasks Emrys', now obvious, attempt at chicanery. "What do you think, ladies and gentlemen? Master Royston Scalesworth IV wishes to join our merry band. What say you all?"
Grell Monday March 3rd, 2014 11:39:21 PM
Hefting the heavy chest with ease, Grell begins heading back to their home. He listens with interest to the exchange between Royston and Emrys and when asked his opinion, Grell grins. "Shoot yeah, I'm sure he'll make a much better sparring partner than half the lot of you! You know I have to keep in tip top fighting style so that I can keep you guys alive!"
Lugging the chest back home, Grell sets it down in the common room and then changes into his adventuring outfit. He makes sure he meets up with Emrys to make sure they have a complete menu for the night's feast, then he is off to Short Shanks whistling a happy tune as he heads out to pick up the groceries.
OOC: Oooooh...I see how it goes...Emrys takes an action that helps the party and he gets the title "Emrys the Competent" but when Grell figures out a unique solution, he gets nothing...sniffle...sniffle. (Totally joking here!!)
Cayzle Comments: Hey! Your DM noticed, and called your solution "diplomatic"! I thought that was notable, LOL! But please, do accept this 25 xp consolation prize, just to console your wounded pride. :-) Plus, IIRC, Emrys did like two or three things in a row!
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Tuesday March 4th, 2014 6:33:07 AM "Yeah, how 'bout it Scales? Feel like sticking with us for a bit more?" Alleah pipes up. The halfing flashes one of her beaming smiles at the red-eyed man.
Once back home, Alleah does a quick check around her room to make sure it was left undisturbed in her absence. She is satisfied to find the children kept their hands away from her things.
"So Grell, how about those combat lessons? Or is Wilma the only one allowed to hit you?"
Happy to have brought this situation to a satisfactory close, Vaniime listens to the banter between her friends on their way back and Royston's request. She smiles at Emrys' foolery and rolls her eyes at Grell's comments.
" Sir Royston, you will probably come rue the day that you asked to join us. We are not all that reverent, some of us do not know how or show any inclination to bathe regularly and we tend to get into scrapes that are more often than not, the result of one or more of us not thinking first. But if you can handle that, then I welcome you to our little band of misfits."
Turning to Grell she sends a quick barb his way. "So you really want to go another two out of three with me boyo?"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday March 4th, 2014 4:29:40 PM
Ariach just nods in silent agreement when Vaniime welcomes Sir Royston in their little band.
The whole group will benefit from the present of such a noble and honest man. With Sir Royston the Vanguards will be able to dedicate their attention to more important tasks than to bring back stolen bones.
Friends, please? (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 4th, 2014 4:33:11 PM
As the business with the kidnapped bones concludes, the group embraces Royston as a full member. It seems to Royston that working in such a group would be more exciting and more rewarding than his solitary life has been.
And it may have occurred to him that the profession of "adventurer" is a noble one here in New Elenna, where there is no standing army, where dangers to the realm are answered by groups of heroes who step forward to meet any challenge. The people here know that groups of adventurers are the battlements behind which they can live safely in a dangerous Wold. In many ways, there is no nobler calling for a paladin than to join a hero group here in New Elenna.
But any such highfalutin thoughts quickly crash on the comradely ribbing that his new friends give him.
Emrys teases Royston for his lack of respect for books and lore, then smiles to show he was joking.
Grell uses the opportunity to trash talk the fighting prowess of his friends.
Alleah thinks the best way to welcome the new party member is with his new nickname.
But Vaniime, in some ways the heart of the group, takes the moment seriously, and welcomes the newcomer ... and then teases her friends playfully.
Ariach quietly accepts the newcomer as well ... and also thinks about the heroic events and achievements that surely await the Vanguard.
OOC: Perhaps it would be a good time to show your new friend around the neighborhood? Visit old friends? Show him your digs? Also please do tally the loot and get your shopping done. I want to start the new module on Monday, so please get ready.
OOC: And in the spirit of heroism that underlies both your group and your chosen country, please remember to check in at the WLA and get your training in, those of you who are members of that heroic order!
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Tuesday March 4th, 2014 11:44:01 PM
"I suppose a new moniker is appropriate." He smiles at Alleah. "From now on, just call me Scales. Or perhaps Sir Scales, if you are feeling silly." A grin that reaches to his eyes splits his face. "I am truly honored."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Wednesday March 5th, 2014 7:10:14 AM
Alleah grins even further and gives a mock curtsey "Sir Scales of Scarlet Sight, may I present Lady Alleah Lighttouch" The halfling girl chuckles "But folks just call me Alleah"
"If Sir Scales is joining us, then he may need a room with us. Are there any to spare?"
Alleah will also show the curious blue stone cut with amazing delicacy to Emrys. Perhaps it is magical and he will be able to identify it? He certainly seems quite adept at that sort of task.
-------------------------------- Loot list Anyone want anything?
A set of masterwork drow plate armor (treat as mithral) A heavy steel shield with the Pelezek coat of arms. A masterwork rapier. A potion of invisibility. A scroll of dispel magic. A wand of cure serious wounds CL 5, 10 charges. Two rapiers. Two handcrossbows. Two quivers, total of 40 bolts. Two with poisoned tips (drow). Total of six additional doses of drow poison. Vial of glowing blue magical spores A magical red mushroom with images of white hands on it 300gp in silver and gold coins A blue stone cut with amazing delicacy 35000gp from the bones - 225gp for the casting of commune
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Wednesday March 5th, 2014 12:40:58 PM
Ariach refuses all items flatly.
"I hope nobody of us has any use of the poisoned weapons and the additional doses of drow poison. These items are made for thiefs and assassins and not for righteous people like us. For myself i made the decision that i don´t want any of thes items nor do i want money which comes from their sale. But with my part of the regular reward i am able to do a lot of good in town."
Friends, please? (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 5th, 2014 6:31:52 PM
The group settles down to the business of loot division. Do not forget Tuck and Wilma! Feel free to use email to speed the process. Feel free to post other actions in addition to the loot stuff.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+22=38 ; Wednesday March 5th, 2014 9:08:02 PM
(Emrys already has possession of blue magical spores and the red mushroom because he gathered them. He also has the cure serious wounds wand, since he is currently the pinch-healer at the moment.)
Emrys takes the blue gem from Alleah with wide eyes (I can't remember if he's seen it before). "Ohhh, this is truly a gem, my friend. You've had this the whole time? He croons a magical tune in a low, soft voice and surveys the gem for any reaction. If he detects the presence of magic, he will cast a second spell to help determine what it is.
(First cast Detect Magic to detect ... magic. If there is, he casts Identify to, umm, help identify it. Spellcraft: 38)
He reminds everyone not to place the drow plate armor in sunlight. "It will turn to dust, according to the duergar at the gate. Other than the items he gathered himself, and the cure wand that's already in his possession as Wilma's understudy, he is only mildly interested in the drow poison due to alchemical curiosity. You never know when such a substance is needed for one of his recipes.
"Before we sell our souvenirs, I would like to sketch the coat of arms for our records. I will also be buying each of you a journal so you can record your thoughts after each endeavor. Such things shouldn't be forgotten, don't you agree. Sir Scales can watch over you as you write," he says with a smile.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Wednesday March 5th, 2014 10:31:59 PM
Alleah cocks an eyebrow but does not say anything. Did Emrys just give her homework?
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+5=13 ; Thursday March 6th, 2014 6:18:58 AM
Later that day, Alleah spends some solitary time in her room. She puts on her traveller's outfit, and then applies some dirt to her face. She messes her hair up a bit with her fingers, dons a robe, and tries to depart from the building as quietly as possible (Disguise: 13). This is something she must do on her own, and doesn't wish for it to be known to the group.
The young halfling wanders through the streets and tries to blend in to the crowds as best she can. Her destination? Any orphanage she can find.
Once there Alleah will seek to introduce herself as a traveller wishing to make an anonymous donation to the cause: 250gp from her share of the loot.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Thursday March 6th, 2014 5:25:07 PM
Disappointed that the others don´t share his thoughts about the drow items he leaves them and goes straight to the WLA headquarter where he works on his weapon skills to clear his mind.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Thursday March 6th, 2014 7:35:23 PM
Scales declines any share of the money or treasure, of course. "I did nothing to earn it, and I doubt that we will not have more opportunities for riches in the future." He winks conspiratorially.
Friends, please? (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 6th, 2014 8:26:52 PM
Emrys peers with his mightiest insight into the strange beautiful crystal. He senses something there ... not even magic, maybe ... the faintest lingering aura of mind-affecting power?
With his incredible lore, he deduces that this is a thing out of dreams and fantasy. It is a ... a ... "crystal" is all he can recall. Once upon a time, in a lost age of the Wold, in some other dimension or reality, this was an item of concentration and enhancement used by practitioners of a lost art of mental capabilities. Not even really magic. What rift through time and space did this object fall through?
As an object of art, it might be worth 1,000 gp, maybe? As a curiosity, it is unique in all the Wold, maybe.
[OOC: It is a psionic cognizance crystal. Since psionics do not exist in the Wold, it is essentially, completely useless.]
Alleah goes to great lengths to make a small anonymous donation to a local charity. Still, it is more than anyone else has done, so the DM awards Alleah a 25 xp compassion award for the good deed.
The halfling discovers that the orphans of Plateau City -- at least, the lucky ones -- live at a famous orphanage on what used to be a farm, located just outside the city. She thinks it might be interesting to visit ...
Ariach stands on his principles, and he's not even a paladin! He too earns a reward from the DM: a 50 xp RP award.
On his way to the WLA, he sees a crowd of people looking up in the air and pointing. They say that a huge dragon with just two feet and a stinger flew overhead a minute ago. Another person says that it was clearly a wyvern. What such a thing should be doing over Plateau City is a mystery.
At the WLA, Ariach is assigned a training partner, to help him go through his paces and come up to speed. The trainer is a good-looking half-elf, From the blunt weapons, armor, and holy symbol (Know Religion DC11 Highlight to display spoiler: {Pantheon}), Ariach gets the idea that he might be some kind of cleric?
Grell Thursday March 6th, 2014 9:21:27 PM
Happily whistling a happy orcish tune about death by dismemberment, Grell greatly enjoys his jog down to Short Shanks. Poking each potential pig and carefully evaluating them for the most tender meat Grell makes his final selection after about an hour and jogs back with the wrapped meat bouncing on his shoulder.
Once back, Grell heads back to the kitchen and scrubs his hands thoroughly. Grabbing a tenderizing mallet Grell proceeds to loving beat the stuffing out of the pig and then gently wraps it in herbs and lets it sit for several hours in the cooling area.
Cleaning up after the food prep, Grell heads back upstairs just in time wrap Vaniime up in a huge hug as he whispers in her ear. "I'm ready to spar anytime you are Van!"
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+4=10 ; d100=6 ; Thursday March 6th, 2014 11:55:44 PM
Emrys attempts to describe the indescribable, an item outside its own place and time, but all he can say is, "Je ne sais quoi?!" How else can one explain something that shouldn't exist in a language that also doesn't exist. "It's completely unique to the Wold. There is nothing I can say, other than the gem at one time served as a conduit for an extinct form of magic. (Appraise: 10.) As a work of art, I would guess that its value is approximately 1,000 gold." -------------- Emrys hears a great deal of racket coming from the kitchen. He peeks in expecting to see combatants in melee, but it's only Grell preparing a feast in his own special way. He decides to take a little time for himself and try out one of his new abilities. Maybe he can find answers about himself and his place in the world. He goes for a short walk to the druid quarter and he finds a secluded area amongst the trees. Since he recently learned that he is half-fey, maybe he should be like the fey ... like his mother was. After a moments concentration and a few magical words, Emrys realizes that his spell just popped and fizzled into nothingness. (Ley Line: 6 ... CRAP!) His frustration takes the form of many colorful expletives. After he calms down and collects his wits, he says, "Tomorrows another day!" And so he walks back home.
(Cayzle, Emrys has been interested in joining the Sages Guild. He tried to join the last time they were between adventures, but the attempt wasn't noticed and never happened. Much like this trip to the druid quarter.)
Evaris Friday March 7th, 2014 10:17:09 AM
Evaris is a good looking half-elf with brown hair and hazel eyes. He smiles a greeting at Ariach and extends a hand to shake. He doesn't seem bothered by Ariach's scars.
"Evaris Leafgreen. It's nice to meet you."
As you begin to spar, it soon becomes clear that Evaris isn't much of a melee combatant. His technique is alright, but he's not very strong. And he's using a light hammer, which wouldn't do much damage even if it weren't the practice version. It's a little like fighting a wizard.
Friends, please? (DM Cayzle) Friday March 7th, 2014 4:48:01 PM
OOC: I'll put up a DM turn this evening in the hope of getting more posts.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 d20+5=12 ; Friday March 7th, 2014 6:46:23 PM
Ariach has hoped to find an adequate opponent at the WLA headquater. After a short time he notices that Evaris obviously isn´t such a partner. But it is impossible not to like the friendly and open hearted half elf and so Ariach still enjoys the shared time.
During a fighting break he asks Evaris. "I have noticed your holy symbol of Pantheon. Am I right in assuming that you are a cleric? My humble self is a worshipper of Domi although it is hard to meet a gods requirements" he adds with a smile.
Grell d20+4=15 ; d20-2=12 ; Friday March 7th, 2014 8:36:51 PM
Having been a childhood acquaintance with Vaniime since before he learned how to walk, Grell instantly recognizes the look he is given by Van and releases his hug. Preferring to keep his manhood in one piece, Grell backs slowly away from the ranger and bounds up and down the stairs, getting a quick warm up in before he heads out on a jog around town.
A thought suddenly forms in his brain and being the impulsive beast that he is, Grell immediately follows the whim. Having had a brief glimpse of Alleah as she shot out of the Manor in the morning (Perception=15), Grell heads out to the market place and finds the nearest young miscreant he can find (every big towns got one!). Handing the youth 10gp (Diplomacy=12), Grell briefly describes Alleah and asks the youth if he can find out where the tricky rogue has headed off to. If he's able to get some good directions, Grell heads out at a trot trying to locate Alleah so he can take her up on that combat training that she asked about earlier.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Friday March 7th, 2014 11:55:45 PM
Scales spends his day in quiet contemplation, reading the scriptures of Domi and considering his role in the world.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+12=18 ; Saturday March 8th, 2014 5:13:43 AM
Alleah makes her way to the orphanage and takes a moment to observe it from a hidden position. She fully intends to support the community, especially those elements that look to help those who are less fortunate. That said, if the proprietor seeks to keep the money for himself/herself, or does not treat the orphans well then they will have to face every ounce of wrath this halfling can muster.
She makes her way to the front gate and seeks to find someone to guide her to the administrators office "Good morning! My name is Alleah Heathertoe. May I speak with the administrator please?" Alleah gives a false name, not keen on too many good deeds being associated with her real name. (Bluff: 18)
Each to their Own in Plateau City (DM Cayzle) Saturday March 8th, 2014 9:02:55 AM
Emrys visits the druid quarter and begins an experiment -- which rends poorly. He resolves to try another day. As he walks home, he notes the Tower of the Grand Sage and thinks again about applying for membership. [OOC: Emrys, feel free to go visit and apply. And whatever it is you wish to do in the druid quarter, you can email me or try again, which sounds fine IMNSHO.]
Grell enjoys some down time in butchery and cookery. A couple of the kids smell the meat and beg for tastes. On a whim, Grell heads off to follow Alleah. Grell, please make a perception check vs DC13 ... if you make it, then you see through Alleah's disguise and can follow her out of the city.
Alleah walks a couple hours out of the city and finds the orphanage. a sign out front declares this to be "Mam Flaust's House." Alleah sees an old farmhouse lovingly preserved, several cottages, a dormitory, barns and sheds, and a couple newer buildings. She sees kids working on the farm, and just as many running around and playing. She approaches someone and asks for help finding an administrator.
Back at the WLA, Evaris and Ariach spar and talk. While they char, a member of the WLA auxiliary (a subgroup of non-adventurers who help out with maintenance and paperwork) comes up to tell the two heros that there will be a meeting this evening, and would they both please attend.
Royston spends the day in religious contemplation. But one time a strange roaring outside disturbs his peace.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+10=20 ; d20+17=26 ; Saturday March 8th, 2014 11:22:29 AM
Alleah glances at the kids working in the fields. It's a good way for them to learn a trade, and possibly earn a small allowance. Then again, if this is some form of slave labor she will see the whole farm burned to the ground by the end of the day.
She anxiously fiddles with her lucky coin in her pocket and tries to better assess the place. What races are the children? Do they seem happy? Is anyone being bullied? Are any of the children performing magic? Do they seem well dressed, fed and cared for? Are they paying her extra attention?
She casts her mind over her belongings and realises she has two toys in her possession - dolls of two of the heroes of Blackbird Lake: Aztyr and Brahmah. Hmmm... would it cause a fight or any jealousy if she was to gift them to a child here?
Sense Motive: 20, Perc: 26
Evaris Saturday March 8th, 2014 2:50:47 PM
Evaris smiles at the WLA member. "Of course. Roel and I will be there. And will we see you, friend Ariach?"
The small halfling rogue comes up behind a redheaded woman dressed in dark boots, and, from all likelihood, some sort of dark full-sleeved blouse. From behind most of this is hidden under a worn cloak, of dark gray.
"Morning," the woman says without turning around. Then, in a pleasant lilting contralto, she adds, "Alexandria Merryman Next, But call me Xenia."
"Kaye and Buckle run the place, and we usually let them have their way. But if yer lookin' for someone in charge, you might as well talk to me."
The woman then turns, revealing skin dark as a drow. Her bright red hair and sea green eyes, however, speak to her mixed heritage. The expression on the half-drow's face is calm and even, expressing a mild curiosity. Alleah Lighttouch, however, gets the *hunch* that this Xenia person both sees right through her and has seen her coming from a mile away.
"Whatcha need, 'Leah? Maybe we can see to gettin' you whatcha came for."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Perception Auto Success Sense Motive 23
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Sunday March 9th, 2014 11:51:57 PM
Royston cocks an eyebrow and looks up from his reading. "Now, what was that?" He strides to the window and peers out into the street.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+10=18 ; d20+17=20 ; Monday March 10th, 2014 6:14:07 AM "A pleasant morning to you, Xenia" Alleah continues, watching the children at work and play "I wish to make a donation to your cause here. Perhaps we could continue this discussion indoors?"
Before handing any gold over, Alleah is keen to see as much of the establishment as possible. If anything is out of the norm she wants to know about it. She doesn't intend to hand over her hard earned gold to crooks or scoundrels.
The dark half-elf, her sea green eyes still connected to those of Alleah Lighttouch, nods a silent, knowing sort of nod. "Well, we don't get many folks out here to make donations. Leastwise, none that walk all the way out here on foot. Even fewer than that try to disguise themselves rather than just sending someone else in their stead."
Alleah Lighttouch searches for signs of ulterior motives, and finds none. This Xenia person appears completely forthright in all things.
From the corner of her eye, Alleah catches a blur of motion. The dark half-elf also, from all appearances, does as well. A blond girl of around nine or ten years of age comes barreling across the yard and flings herself at the red-headed half-elf.
"XENIA!" Filled with laughter and smiles the blond girl leaps up and throws her arms around the object of her greeting, who, despite being ready for the effusive welcome, greets the young blond girl with only a *woof* of air.
"Kyria," the dark half-elf says after recovering her breath. "Honey, you're getting too big to do that anymore." She wraps the girl in a warm embrace before lowering her to the ground. "It's been a while, hasn't it. We can catch up later, though. We've got guests. Why don't you go find Buckle or Kaye. Tell them to set out some tea and snacks."
"Thanks." The white smile in the dark face is genuine as she pats the little blond girl's bottom, sending her on her way. "That's Kyria," Xenia explains. "We brought her here from the original Mama Flaust's when Floating City was nearly destroyed by giant vines."
"So, why don't we start with the fields, 'Leah. The Plantation -that's what us Shields call it- is designed to be self-sustaining." Without turning back, Xenia leads the way out into the fields, describing the various landmarks on the property as she goes.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday March 10th, 2014 7:26:45 PM
Ariach also accepts the invitation to the meeting at the WLA headquarter.
"Of course i will be there, Evaris. I am eager to learn about the concerns of the meeting."
Ariach says good bye and goes back home where he tells his friends about the upcoming meeting.
Grell Monday March 10th, 2014 7:51:53 PM
Easily able to describe Alleah, (Perc=15 from last post) Grell follows from a distance. When she enters the orphanage, Grell grins, obiviously the carefree rogue has a soft spot for kids. That's always a good sign. Grell watches the kids that are at play and smiles...remembering back to his own childhood days spent with the orcs. Running around...half naked...hunting...swimming in the creek. Yes, life was good back then!
Xenia leads the halfling to the east of a large manor house, past a spring and a woodshed. At one point she raises a hand to shade her eyes and looks back in the direction of the single road that leads from the main road into the plantation. Her full dark lips purse, dimpling her cheeks.
"Hey, 'Leah, you 'specting any friends along with you? Kinda unusual. Two visitors in one day. Being a couple hours outside the city does that." You see what I see? Kinda short muscly guy with white hair."
+++++++++++++++++++++
Perception 38
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+14=30 ; d20+14=27 ; d20+14=30 ; d20+14=31 ; Monday March 10th, 2014 9:56:47 PM
Since he failed to do what he had planned in the Druid Quarter, and knowing that he can't attempt it again until morning, he decides to climb the stairs to his beloved music room. Taking his beloved darkwood lute, he gives the strings a strum. The sound feels like a fresh, warm breeze to his soul. The acoustics in this room are perfect for music. A smile forms as his eyes close and he begins to play. He considers his next move as he becomes lost in the melody.
(Perform [strings]: 30, 27, 30 & 31)
Evaris Monday March 10th, 2014 10:14:23 PM
"I look forward to seeing you there," Evaris says to Grell. He takes his leave and returns to his (hopefully temporary) lodging at the Red Wyrm Inn.
"There's a meeting tonight," he tells Roel. "Should be interesting."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Monday March 10th, 2014 10:19:18 PM
"Hmm... I don't see anything outside yet. I wonder what made that noise?"
Vaniime Monday March 10th, 2014 11:03:08 PM
(OOC is someone taking care of the treasure stuff IC or does that still need to be done. I have not seen any emails about anything so shall I start one up or does someone else want to?)
Vaniime spends much of her time talking with the animals if the druid quarter to find out more about these "monsters" they keep telling her about and trying to find more and different types of vine like plants for her plant bombs.
The rest of her time is spent trying to find someone else in the area who can help her improve her cmbat ability with her cureve balde and finally she comes across someone who likes what he sees and introduces her to a different organization. Vaniime is interested in becoming a member of the Club of Connoisseurs of Combat and so spends time finding out about the organization as well as practicing with her blade.
(ooc: Once I know how much the split is from treasure She will pay her dues.)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Tuesday March 11th, 2014 12:07:40 AM "Uh, muscly guy with white hair you say? I wasn't expecting company but sounds like one of my friends has followed me here. I wouldn't worry about him. Please pay him no mind."
Alleah almost stumbles as she starts putting things together "Shields? Does she mean the Crimson Shields? Could this be Alexandria Next of the Floating City?" (Knowl Nobility check: 12 (took10))
"Excuse my nosiness, but you wouldn't happen to be THE Alexandria Next, hero of the Crimson Shields, would you?" Alleah does her best not to look up at the lady with doe-eyed admiration.
Each to their Own in Plateau City (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 11th, 2014 12:29:09 AM
Royston sees a dragonne chasing people down the street! It seems to be playing with its victims, roaring, pouncing, racing off. In moments it is charging away.
Van is interested in nature and combat, per usual, and she seeks an organization to teach her an exotic weapon. She finds that while the Connoisseurs can teach her to appreciate a good fight, the WLA can actually teach her the weapon she seeks to master. Hmmmm ... Meanwhile, the animals whisper about big flying things in the night ...
Grell and Alleah find themselves at an orphanage ... and met there by someone who might be a hero of the Wold! They also meet Kay and Buckle, the older couple who manage the orphanage, and who invite them to dinner and to stay the night.
At the WLA meeting, the officer on hand tells Ariach, Evaris, and other WLAers (most of whom seem to know Evaris pretty well) that the news is out: The Plateau City government is putting out the call tomorrow for all adventurers loyal to the city to gather at Adventurer's Square tomorrow at noon. All WLA members are urged to seek out adventurers, members or no, and get them to the Square to honor their commitment to the City. The Lord High Mayor is going to speak.
The night finds Emrys enjoying music and a moment of peace, a moment he intuits will be over too soon.
"HEY YOU!!! MUSCLY GUY!" The drow-dark woman cups her hands around her mouth, the better to project the sound, and calls out to the white haired man out at the road. For the moment, the halfling's question goes unanswered. "YEAH! YOU! YOU SEE ANYONE ELSE AROUND? COME ON IN! WE GOT 'FRESHMENTS YOU CAN SIT 'N TALK!"
"Innerestin' friends you got there, 'Leah. 'Course, I guess that kind of goes with walkin' 'round all disguised, huh?" Xenia adds. Her eyes remain focused on the road leading into the plantation, Watching the man barely visible in the distance. As she continues speaking her voice changes, becoming quieter, more distant.
"So, you heard 'bout us, huh? Acshully, most folks come all the way out here are looking for the Crimson Shields of Hope. Wantin' this or that. Thinkin' that givin' a donation to the kids is gonna help them get it. Used to be more. Less now a days. Least that's the impression from talking to Kaye and Buckle."
"Yeah. That's me. THE Alexandria Next. You'd think that a few years in the south lands would wash the shine off'a that. But I guess not."
"Whyn't we go inside. Meet Kay and Buckle." Xenia arcs her arm in a huge gesture of beckoning, inviting the Muscly Guy in one last time. "Lets go," she adds to Alleah. "I got a proposal for you."
Kay and Buckle turn out to be a fairly nondescript middle-aged couple. Both are dark of hair. Buckle looks as though he might have had some military training at one time, and, when questioned, confesses to have once been in the Guard in Floating City. Kay, is a handsome human woman with a no-nonsense air. Over refreshments, she says that at she was in the wrong place at the wrong time when the plants attacked The Big Float. They were all trapped together for a while. Herself, Buckle, the Crimson Shields, an unknown group that called themselves the Children of Chaos, and a notorious criminal gang known as the Anvil Hearts.
"So, I said sump'in 'bout a proposal, didn't I?" asks Xenia at dinner that evening. "I mean, you came out here to donate money, right? Give a little coin to a good cause. Well, I'm sayin' we don't need your gold. Truth is, gold is more of a problem than not. What we need is people. Buckle and Kay are good people. But there's but two of them. And the kids need more people 'round them to grow up ... you know ... rounded and all. They need teachers and they need friends. That's part of the problem having this place so far out of the city. It's pretty much a day to come out here and go back. Most folks ... well, they don't bother. And us Shields ... Well, to tell you the truth, I'm not sure where the others are."
"So, what I'm askin' is that instead of gold, you give your time. You ... you give your hearts. Give yourself."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Tuesday March 11th, 2014 2:43:30 PM
ooc:
1. How far away is it now? 2. Has it visibly injured anyone? 3. As a resident of Plateau City, do I know if some eccentric wealthy person owns a dragonne as a pet?
Evaris Tuesday March 11th, 2014 4:00:16 PM
Evaris and Roel leave early for the meeting, to accommodate Roel's slower pace and to ensure that he can find a seat. At the WLA, Evaris makes sure Roel is seated; he himself takes a chair only if there are enough for everyone.
Afterward, the two make their way back to the Red Wyrm Inn. "I need a drink," Roel says.
Evaris winces, but keeps his voice cheerful. "I could do with an ale myself," he says. "We'll stop by the common room."
"Adventurers," Roel says. "That's what they want; you heard. And that's not me. Not anymore."
Evaris laughs. "Nonsense! Of course they'll need you." At Roel's snort, he continues, "Just think of it. A square jammed with adventurers, each one convinced that he--or she--is the very essence of Valdor Dragonstone, and has the perfect plan to do whatever it is the Lord High Mayor is asking. And so off they all go, in seventeen different directions. It will be chaos. Pandemonium. And you know they never have enough people to organize this kind of thing. Need you? Ha! We need three of you, at least, but we'll have to settle for the one."
"Well," Roel says. "Maybe."
"No maybes about it, I assure you," Evaris replies. "Come on, the first round's on me."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday March 11th, 2014 6:56:29 PM
Absorbed in thought Ariach walks through the streets of Plateau City and broods over the new won informations until he passes the temple of Domi. He walks in and prays to the god for strength and support of any task the Lord High Mayor will pronounce.
Back home he tries to find Grell, Emry and Alleah and tells them about the gathering tomorrow and how important it is that they all show up there.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Tuesday March 11th, 2014 9:21:29 PM "Please excuse my feeble disguise and attempt to deceive you. My real name is Alleah Lighttouch. I was wary that if too many people became aware of my charities that they would start seeking me out. I prefer donations to be made anonymously - not for any personal glories. That, and I'd PREFER -" she glances (or is it glares?) at Grell "- my past with orphanages to remain my business".
Alleah gives a sigh. A mixture of surprise and relief. Realising that Xenia was a former adventurer would mean that Alleah's small bag of gold would likely be a pittance compared to what the former Crimson Shield had earned/found/won. If there was a way Alleah could provide more help than that, she would be all for it!
"It would be a onner to elp ere" the halfling blurts out with a mouthful of mashed potato. She takes a moment to swallow her food and recompose herself. "Excuse me. Do you have anything specific in mind?"
A Call To Arms
Each to their Own in Plateau City (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 11th, 2014 10:51:39 PM
Royston sees that the Dragonne is a good couple hundred feet away and moving off. He does not see any casualties, although there is some yelling and crying. He never heard of such a creature being allowed in the city.
Evaris considers best how to herd the cats that are Plat City adventurers!
Ariach reaches home and spreads his news.
Alleah (and Grell) enjoy the hospitality of the orphanage. The caretakers get a bunch of the kids together to sing for the guests after dinner. They invite you to stay the night, or at least to come back soon. But in the meantime, how will the two members of the Vanguard respond to Xenia's invitation? Why not spend the night and think about it?
The next day, a beautiful morning dawns. At noon, the great meeting in Adventurer's Square is supposed to start.
"Specific, 'Leah?" Xenia takes a dainty bite from the tip of a strawberry, one of many from a bowl in the middle of the table. "Can't be. Least I don't think I can. Each person is different, you see. Each child is different. Each one needs different things. But what they do all need are friends, and mentors, teachers, and sometimes sponsors."
"The Shields are pretty scattered 'round now. Don't know how much time they spend here. I'm just here now lookin' for Wynn. Got a ship docked at South Port waiting to take a load of cargo back to Hook City. If you know where that is."
"So, what I'm askin' is that you just spend some time here. Make friends. Teach the kids. Maybe take one or two under your wing. You know? And if you got more friends like this quiet Muscle Guy here, they're welcome too. That's all. Nuthin' more than that."
"'Cause, you know, one thing I've learned in life is that gold only lasts for a while. The stuff you learn will keep you for a lifetime."
After dinner, Alexandria Merryman Next, the Dark Rogue, spends the time in conversation with Buckle and Kay. She helps to tuck the smaller kids in for the night and tells a story about rescuing a friendly ghost from a coven of witches in a place called The Crying Woods. She leaves a sealed note with Kay. On the outside is written the name Wynn Brightsong.
And the next morning she is gone.
Evaris Wednesday March 12th, 2014 6:41:32 PM
Evaris does his best to discourage Roel from drinking too much.
The next day, the two set out for Adventurer's Square, not far from their inn. "This may be a bit of a grind," Evaris cautions. "Promise me you'll return to the inn if you start to get fatigued. We don't want to over-tire you."
"Yeah, just worry about yourself, old man," Roel grumbles.
The two find places and wait for the announcement.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Wednesday March 12th, 2014 10:33:34 PM
Alleah doesn't respond to Xenia right away. Taking care of herself is one thin, but being a mentor to kids? That's a big responsibility. Would it mean she would have to change some of her habits? Hmm... Xenia certainly seems to have found peace. Perhaps this path isn't so bad?
She decides to sleep on it and enjoy the hospitality of Buckle and Kay. Alleah rises early to ensure enough time to make it back to Adventurer's Square, however fails to see Xenia again.
The walk back, presumably with Grell, is quiet. Alleah isn't ready to let him off the hook just yet.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Wednesday March 12th, 2014 11:01:53 PM
Royston rushes out into the street, asking if anyone is hurt and offering to use his lay on hands ability to heal any wounds. "Did anyone see where the beast came from? We need to report to the guards on the walls to make sure that it does not escape without notice."
Grell Wednesday March 12th, 2014 11:28:08 PM
From the moment he lays eyes on Xenia until she leaves, for the first time in his life, Grell is literally stricken dumb. The first couple of the moments in the orphanage, a few weak "I...she...errrrrr...Shields...." trickle out of his mouth but for the rest of the night, Grell does not speak a word.
He just stares. Stares as she walks into the orphanage. Stares as she plays with the kids. Stares as one of his childhood heroes eats a strawberry *RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM* as if this kind of stuff happens every day. At first, Grell thinks Xenia's offer is kind of a cruel sarcastic joke. As in "Hey, you pathetic newbie...how 'bout I tempt you with the offer to do something helpful for one of the utmost heros of the Wold. Oh wait...I forgot you just barely learned how to swing that big ol sword of your...whooops...my bad...I'll just ask somebody more qualified." And then, with agonizing slowness, it dawns on Grell that she's serious. Alexandria Merryman Next...who's adventures are still being sung by bard all over the Wold *actually* wants Grell to mentor one of the children she obviously cares about!
And that's when it happens. First, the Wold adopts a slight tilt...kinda like when you get that first buzz before you get drunk and your balance is just a wee bit off. And then Grell starts to notice the small black dots forming on his vision...and then nothing.
With a thud, Grell hits the ground unconscious...the enormity of Xenia's request entirely too much for his brain to process!
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Wednesday March 12th, 2014 11:36:13 PM
Interrupted by Ariach's call, Emrys puts places his lute on the seat of his chair and meets his friend on the stairs. "Really?! I sensed something big was coming ... like a distant echo. If the Lord High Mayor is speaking tomorrow, of course, we must go!" His eyes dart back and forth as he considers what things must be done. "I should check on how Grell's feast is coming along. We will need more than just meat on the bone. A good healthy meal is our best weapon until we hear from the Mayor."
When he makes it down to the kitchen, Emrys looks on in shock. "How does Grell splash blood on the ceiling ... the pig was already dead?!" Emrys summons two unseen servants and quickly puts them to work as he checks the pantry for various vegetables, herbs and spices. He then looks at his cauldron and things, 'maybe I should make a potion or two.'
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 12th, 2014 11:48:25 PM
Royston rushes out to aid them what needs a hand ... he helps a matron up who was knocked down and deafened. He reports the incident to the authorities. A Plateau City guardsman nods, notes the incident (in a very full ledger), and invites Royston to come to Adventurer's Square the next day at noon, where the adventurers of Plateau City are being mobilized to do something about the monster wave.
In the morning, Kay and Buckle ask Alleah and Grell if they will be coming back. They also note that although it would be great to see them again, if they did want to make a donation, it would definitely be put to good use. The two return to the city and are greeted at the Clangden Gate by guards who let them know about the meeting at Adventurers Square.
At home, Emrys attends to homely details and is not surprised to find himself cleaning up after Grell.
At the big meeting of adventurers, Evaris and his friend find themselves next to Vanguard heroes.
Standing at a podium before the crowd, the Lord High Mayor declares (in a magically projected voice) that somehow a large number of magical creatures have escaped from the Monster Preserve on the Second Plateau and are causing trouble in the city. They seem to be targeting merchants, for some reason. The least intelligent creatures -- a swarm of stirges, an owlbear -- have killed a few people. But the others seem content to simply raise heck.
The Mayor asks all those present to please hunt down and capture -- NOT kill -- these monsters. Bring them to the Star Tower, where the mages are setting up a teleportal to put them back where they belong. There is a token bounty for every live monster brought in.
The WLA is keeping track of every monster sighted, and will assign you a monster if you need help finding one.
Evaris knows that a WLA officer is right over there with a copy of the master monster list.
Evaris Thursday March 13th, 2014 12:46:26 PM
Shortly before the Lord High Mayor begins speaking, Evaris notices that Ariach is nearby, along with some other adventurers.
"Friend Ariach!" he says, extending his hand to shake. "So good to see you again." He smiles at the rest of the Vanguard, a good-looking half-elf man with brown hair and hazel eyes.
He gestures to the man beside him. He looks quite a bit older than Evaris, with white hair and stooped shoulders. He leans on a cane, and his face is ravaged by scars. "This is Roel," Evaris says. "He's a cleric, too."
"Used to be," Roel mutters.
After the speech, Evaris looks around, formulating a plan. "Roel," he says, "that's Captain Janz over there, and it looks as if he's got a list. Go stick to him like glue, and keep abreast of who's chasing what."
"Ariach!" he says. "I wonder if you and your friends might allow me to accompany you. I think we can probably get some good information with Roel's help, and capture any number of these beasts."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Thursday March 13th, 2014 6:02:44 PM
Ariach is delighted to see Evaris again. The young warrior shakes the half- elf´s hand and introduces Emry to him. "This is Emry a good friend of mine and a valuable member of the Vandguard too. Emry, this is Evaris. His a priest of Pantheon and also a member of the WLA. I have met him at the WLA headquarter where we made some weapon exercises together."
"I don´t know where the others of our group are right now, but i think they won´t refuse the offer of a helping hand."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Thursday March 13th, 2014 11:30:06 PM We must capture the creatures alive? After they have killed citizens of this city? They died without honor in the streets like cattle. How can the Mayor ask us to do this?
Royston wanders over to the other members of the Vanguard clustered near the WLA officer. He furrows his eyebrows in frustration. "Hiring adventurers... I welcome the chance to protect these people, but it lacks focus. A hierarchy of command with clear lines of communication. Sending teams out willy-nilly is terribly inefficient." He shakes his head lightly. "Someday."
He turns to the WLA officer and extends a hand. "We will fight for the city."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Thursday March 13th, 2014 11:35:20 PM
"Greetings Evaris," he says with a smile, "nice to meet you. A priest of Pantheon, very well, we have something in common. I too have forged a bond and serve the Gods of Yore." His words may sound strange to Evaris since Emrys looks nothing remotely like a priest. Not the slightest hint of a priestly demeanor. Just a very dapper half-elf with the warmest of smiles, flawless hair and a knowing eye.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Thursday March 13th, 2014 11:57:26 PM
Shortly before the Mayoral announcement Alleah sidles up to Ariach. Her silent treatment of Grell continues. "So, did I miss anything?"
The mayor's briefing on the escaped monsters answers her question. "See, it's for times like these that drow poison comes in handy. Knock 'em out without killing them. Uh, who's the new guy?" Alleah asks, suddenly realising that there is a new half-elf in their midst.
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Friday March 14th, 2014 5:15:23 AM
[OOC: This is the Thursday DM Post. The Friday DM Post will appear in the wee hours of Saturday morning.]
Alleah arrives just in time, and wonders who Evaris is.
Evaris sends his old friend off to track the assignments, and asks the Vanguard heroes for the chance to team up.
Ariach introduces his fellow WLAer around gladly, clearly happy to have another comrade in arms.
Emrys, also a servant of Patheon (after a fashion) greets Evaris warmly.
[OOC: On the other hand, your DM feels all of a sudden like annoyed that so many PCs have names that start with vowels. This makes it harder to label combat maps! :-) ]
Royston, whose name thankfully starts with a unique consonant, wonders how this rabble can get anything done. He longs to put some order into the proceedings.
Grell and Vaniime say hi to Evaris briefly.
Evaris's friend, Roel, returns for a moment to explain that adventurers are looking over the lists, picking monsters, and then going off to catch them. You have until dawn to catch your monster ... after that, they relist the creature for someone else to find. Then he returns toot sweet to his post at the side of the WLA officer handing out assignments.
[OOC: Yes, that means your first monster hunt is TODAY, assuming you step up and volunteer. So those who prep spells, Van and Evaris, please decide now what you have prepped, before you see the monster list!]
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+6/W+12 Friday March 14th, 2014 9:16:21 AM
Royston steps forward. "If you are accepting requests, we will take the owlbear."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday March 14th, 2014 9:21:24 AM
ooc: fixed header.
Evaris Friday March 14th, 2014 12:07:26 PM
Evaris returns Emrys's greeting. He's already well aware that not everyone serves the gods in the same way, so he's not much surprised by the other man's appearance or demeanor.
[OOC: it took me FOREVER to find a name I liked for this character, and then I realized that the name I'd picked was really similar to "Emrys." I considered starting over, but decided not to. Sorry. :( ]
"Evaris Leafgreen," he tells Alleah, extending a hand. "It's good to meet you."
He smiles around at his new companions. "Shall we go get our monster?"
Spells are listed on the character sheet, under the "spells and resources" tab. Here are today's spells:
0 Create Water 0 Detect Magic 0 Guidance 0 Light 1 Bless (domain) 1 Comprehend Languages 1 Protection from Evil 1 Remove Fear 1 Sanctuary 1 Shield of Faith 2 Shield Other (domain) 2 Remove Paralysis 2 Restoration, Lesser 2 Spiritual Weapon 2 Status 3 Divination (domain) 3 Daylight 3 Dispel Magic 3 Remove Disease 4 Scrying (domain) 4 Freedom of Movement 4 Tongues
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Friday March 14th, 2014 7:37:28 PM
Ariach turns to Royston and says "To choose an owlbear for our hunt is a noble decision and this monster is of course a dangerous prey.But with all due respect Royston, we have to follow our regular chain of command. That means that the Vanguard´s leader Vaniim Nightseer has to pronounce the monster we will hunt down."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday March 14th, 2014 8:36:36 PM
"...you actually have a chain of command? That is both surprising and reassuring."
ooc: Seriously did not know.
Grell Friday March 14th, 2014 10:43:30 PM
Coming too in the morning, Grell keeps to himself the enter walk home. If Aleah's silent treatment bothers him, it doesn't show. Deep in contemplation, Grell finds himself back at home.
Gathering his gear, he looks to Vaniime to determine which critter they are going to go after. As he waits, he changes quickly into his armor and makes sure that all his gear is battle ready.
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Saturday March 15th, 2014 7:59:09 AM
The Vanguard gets the lowdown from the WLA, and finds that, yes, a number of owlbears are on the list.
Also listed: behir, chimera, darkmantle, girallon, manticore, phase spider, shocker lizard, and stirge.
Yes, the list is alphabetized, because the WLA is that on top of it.
The team considers the options, and looks to the team leader.
OOC: Friends, please do let us all assume that everybody is here at Adventurer's Square ... either all along or just arriving.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+14=26 ; Saturday March 15th, 2014 1:57:07 PM
"Let's hurry and get this done. I have a savory stew slow-cooking in the cauldron at home. I might need to check on it sometime during the day."
Emrys considers what he knows of owlbear. Of course, their viciousness is known by all, but he considers other more useful bits of information (Knowledge [Arcana]: 26). "If we seek an owlbear, then that would be a wondrous sight to behold. They say if you see an owlbear, you should turn and RUN! If you see the red of its eyes, you are dead! I've seen only one in my life. A met a ranger who had an owlbear as his companion. He had reared it since a small cub. Even then it was ill-tempered."
Emrys asks those in charge where the owlbears were last seen. He takes his spirit owl, Gestalt, and casts both deathwatch and prestidigitation to enhance his perception and abilities. "Gestalt, go see if you can spot the owlbear from the sky. Use your best judgement, but be safe!" Emrys has every confidence in Gestalt. He's a trusted and loyal friend ... and far more intelligent and wise than most people! (Gestalt's Int:14, Wis: 15.)
Evaris Saturday March 15th, 2014 8:01:01 PM
Evaris grins. "I guess we're taking an owlbear," he says. "That is, if Captain Nightseer concurs."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Saturday March 15th, 2014 10:05:45 PM "Unless we split up into two groups? Could an owlbear be captured by 4 of us, and another creature by the other 4? Either way, the longer we stand and discuss this, the more trouble the creatures are causing. I don't know much about owlbears, but is 8 people trying to capture one overkill?"
Evaris (illegal second post) Sunday March 16th, 2014 2:13:47 AM
"Eight?" Evaris looks around. "I make us six. Myself and my fellow half-elf Emrys; stalwarts Grell and Ariach; Sir Royston; and you, good lady. Roel will not be accompanying us; he does not adventure anymore. So that leaves six--or seven if Captain Nightseer appears."
[OOC: I know Wilma's still in the group, but I understand that Donna is away?]
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Sunday March 16th, 2014 2:00:36 PM
OOC: Wilma and Tuck are currently occupied with other duties, pending RL issues.
"Whether or not we divide the unit should be determined by the estimated difficulty of the second target. I feel confident that a team of four can capture the owlbear. Or rather, my plan will require four members. Are there any targets that two members could manage?"
Vaniime d20+8=9 ; Monday March 17th, 2014 5:25:27 PM
(Sorry all, Real life has been handing me my arse this past week or so. I think I am back in the saddle so to speak.)
Vaniime, having heard about the meeting in Adventurer's Square comes in a bit late, annoyed at herself for having gotten lost in her conversations with the animals in the Druids quarters. She nods a greeting to Evaris and Royston as well as Emrys, Alleah and Grell.
" So it sounds as bad, if not, worse than the animals have been saying."
" So you want to tackle an owlbear do you? Sounds good to me. Let's do it."
"Sir Royston I think I would rather us not be divided as we do not know wheher the owlbears are all individuals or if they are any mated pairs, or even if they are a pack. Anyway if it takes us less time then we can possibly begin a new search while a couple of us bring the first captive(s) back"
"Perhaps our second target could be the Manticore."
So let's find out where the owlbear(s) were last seen and what information they might have on them."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Monday March 17th, 2014 5:55:48 PM "If they haven't already done so, perhaps we should also recommend a curfew? Let's keep people indoors and away from trouble to prevent more innocents from being hurt" Alleah again shows a softer side. Hopefully it doesn't affect her abilities in the field.
Grell Monday March 17th, 2014 7:19:29 PM
Ready and raring to go, Grell nods his acknowledgment of Vaniime's plan. He regrets that he got too distracted to offer Alleah self defence lessons. Hopefully it won't cause her any harm. She has a lot more character than he had previously given her credit for.
Tightening the staps on his armor Grell grunts a little as he notices a slight tightness in his abdomen area. Not good! He's been eating a bit too much and slacking on his aerobics. So this is how it begins...a few pounds here...a couple of pounds there and soon he'll be fat and chubby like the town guard! Grell makes a mental note to double his aerobics schedule when he gets back.
Turning to Vaniime, Grell nudges her playfully. "Okay, so after you guys are done playing around, just give me the word and I'll go in and take the beast down."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Monday March 17th, 2014 10:15:00 PM
"If there is any remnant, scrap or feather left behind by the owlbear, I may be able to scry his location. Are there any of these aforementioned objects once owned by said owlbear?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday March 17th, 2014 10:59:53 PM
Royston smiles. "Brave Grell, we do not need you to capture the beast on your own. If we can find out where to find it, capturing the owlbear should be fairly simple." The paladin bends down and draws a rectangle in the dirt, with several Xs on either side. "We need several nets, weighted with stones. One is on the ground, leading the owlbear towards an alley. The others are on the rooftops on either side of the street. When the owlbear is led down the street and halted by the dead-end, we drop the nets. The weight of the combined stones will keep it in place until we subdue the creature." He stops sketching and looks up. "Or rather, that is an approach that does not require direct confrontation. We can always amend it if combat is necessary. Or desired."
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Monday March 17th, 2014 11:59:57 PM
The party fixes on the owlbear challenge as a reasonable target, and Van leads the group to offer the services of the Vanguard to Captain Janz of the WLA.
Emrys has an idea to use his familiar to search, which may come in handy when the group embarks on the task.
Alleah thinks the challenge might be too easy ... but ...
Royston concurs, seeing as he has an idea for a plan ...
Vaniime wisely wants to learn more, and correctly anticipates that the issue at hand is a pack of owlbears!
Grell, a man of action, is ready to take on the job.
Ariach, ever vigilent, agrees with Grell. [Per DM Cayzle while Joe is absent]
Evaris introduces the group to the WLA captain, who explains a bit more.
A pack of jet black owlbears was reported just a few hours ago at the "Find your Familiar" pet shop in the Hindquarter on Cavalier Way. "This pack is sneaky and stealthy, so be careful," says Captain Janz. "They do not seem to be attacking people, but then again, people are smart enough to stay away. These beasts are doing a lot of damage. They've already hit several butcher shops. Back off if you cannot best them. Remember, do not kill them."
With that, he salutes and sends you off to the task.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+17=23 ; Tuesday March 18th, 2014 1:52:14 AM "Thanks Cap'n" Alleah smiles back at Jazz, no doubt in a manner far less informal than he is used to. (OOC: If he makes a Sense Motive check he will determine that she means absolutely no disrespect whatsoever and is perhaps just overly friendly) "I'll just throw this out there, but is it worth asking people to stay indoors or evacuate from areas where these critters have been spotted? You know, to minimise casualties?"
"Butcher's shops, eh? Sounds like Grell has some competition" Alleah reaches in to her pack and withdraws a hunk of meat. She waves her other hand over the top of the meat, casting a Prestidigitation spell to warm & flavour it (Per spell effects: "It can chill, warm, or flavor 1 pound of nonliving material") "What do you think? Hopefully this will help draw some of the beasts towards us ... er ... me?"
She then readdresses the party "I don't have any nets, let's see.. I have an oar, some sacks, some oil, oooh manacles, some chain, a bell? Where did I .. oh, right."
"They only said not to kill the animals. We can still knock 'em out with brute force. Hmm... I know drow poison usually is administered via an injury or attack, but I wonder what would happen if it was ingested?"
Perception: 23 Knowl Local: 10 to determine where the butcher shops are (Take 10 + 2 , but untrained gives a max DC of 10)
Ok so we are working with a pack of owlbears Umm Captain do you know how many there areappx? Oh and have the gates to the river bridges been closed so as not to allow them that venue to ecape?
Sir Royston shall we go see about finding a few heavy duty nets as you have suggested.
Hmm Find your familiar is just off Cavalier Way right next to the Black Dragon Fort.
Perhaps there is a way for us to use the roof tops to do some scouting. There is not a whole lot of vegetation in the area except arounf Red Dragon Castle, Black dragon Fort and the Sister's temple. but there are lots of twisting alleys and flat roof tops.
"The Rogue's Court is there as well so the "sky highway" should be useable though it may not be appreciated that we do so.
Evaris Tuesday March 18th, 2014 1:56:12 PM
"Well, if we need supplies, we're in the right place to procure them," Evaris points out, gesturing to the shops that line Adventurer's Square. "Do we want to just go buy a couple of nets?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Tuesday March 18th, 2014 10:17:49 PM "People are getting hurt and it looks like we're going to need a committee to get moving!" Alleah moves from one foot to the other impatiently.
"People are in trouble. I've got rope, chains and manacles. Can't we just use those and go help now?"
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Tuesday March 18th, 2014 11:21:03 PM
(ooc: did Emrys recall any info about owlbears with his knowledge check?)
"You hear that Gestalt, go see what you can spy from the air. You remember that familiar shop. Where that fat, spotted snow owl was obsessed with pinecones." Gestalt nods his head reluctantly all the while giving Emrys a look that says, 'you got to be kidding me, i was trying to forget.' Sensing his irritation, Emrys apologizes, "So sorry to bring her up, but you understand the urgency." The spirit owl nods again and takes to the air.
"So the owlbears are attacking butcher shops ... maybe we need to stop by one ourselves. Food is a great motivator for such beasts."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday March 18th, 2014 11:51:16 PM
"Hmm... my plan was originally for a single owlbear, since that man was mentioning an owlbear, rather than owlbears. It could still work. However, we would need far more nets, a very quick distractor, and a means of rendering them unconscious within moments."
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 19th, 2014 12:26:57 AM
A quick trip to a nearby shop offers a nice selection of nets, 20 gp each, please. Note that I'm following the Net rules:
Net: A net is used to entangle enemies. When you throw a net, you make a ranged touch attack against your target. A net's maximum range is 10 feet. If you hit, the target is entangled. An entangled creature takes a --2 penalty on attack rolls and a --4 penalty on Dexterity, can move at only half speed, and cannot charge or run. If you control the trailing rope by succeeding on an opposed Strength check while holding it, the entangled creature can move only within the limits that the rope allows. If the entangled creature attempts to cast a spell, it must make a concentration check with a DC of 15 + the spell's level or be unable to cast the spell.
An entangled creature can escape with a DC 20 Escape Artist check (a full-round action). The net has 5 hit points and can be burst with a DC 25 Strength check (also a full-round action). A net is useful only against creatures within one size category of you.
A net must be folded to be thrown effectively. The first time you throw your net in a fight, you make a normal ranged touch attack roll. After the net is unfolded, you take a --4 penalty on attack rolls with it. It takes 2 rounds for a proficient user to fold a net and twice that long for a nonproficient one to do so.
Evaris, feel free to buy as many nets as your funds allow. Keep in mind that you likely have a non-prof penalty with a net -- except! Note that Woldian witches are proficient with nets!
Alleah suggests bait to draw the beasts out into the open.
Vaniime learns that there are no less than four and no more than 10. They are hard to pin down because they are so sneaky. She too thinks that hunting from above is a good plan.
Emrys thinks that owlbears are not known for being either sneaky or black. These are not your "book" owlbears!
Royston seems eager to try his plan. Ariach is as well!
OOC: Sorry the Wold was down half the day. No penalty for missing a post, and thanks to those who got one in!
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Wednesday March 19th, 2014 4:54:58 AM "I'm not very good with nets, and will be next to useless trying to pin one of those creatures down. What about I hold this meat aloft and just be a piece of bait myself?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday March 19th, 2014 7:21:41 AM
ooc: I did not have the standard net from the weapons tables in mind. I was thinking less this and more this.
Cayzle comments: You find me a rule to do it, and you have my blessing. Maybe using the Craft (Trap) rules?
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Wednesday March 19th, 2014 10:17:32 AM OOC: This is where the bear-trap or "cages" from the APG equipment list would come in handy :)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday March 19th, 2014 12:49:23 PM
ooc: Can we buy some bear traps?
Cayzle Comments: A Know Local DC15 check will find you a seller of these rare items -- 50 gp per trap, please.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday March 19th, 2014 2:53:05 PM
ooc: Can someone make a Know Local check? I think that 4-5 of them and a few castings of minor image to hide them on the ground should do the trick.
Cayzle comments: I'm assuming the DC15 perception check inherent in the trap assumes a solid amount of concealment. But I might boost that DC by a +1 or +2 circumstance bonus with the right illusion ...
Evaris d20+6=15 ; Wednesday March 19th, 2014 6:24:32 PM
Evaris does not yet go to buy nets, because he has heard approximately 517 cunning plans in the last minute or so, and he's not sure which one the group will end up choosing.
He does know where to buy bear traps, however [Knowledge Local 15]. "There's a shop called Wild and Wooly; you can get bear traps there," he says. "Are we doing bear traps? Or nets? Or fresh meat? Or something else?"
He adds, "I'm not sure trying to lure them with food is a good idea. If I were an owlbear, trying to choose between a butcher's shop full of meat, and an adventurer waving a pork chop around--I know which one I'd pick."
Vaniime Wednesday March 19th, 2014 10:39:16 PM
Ok then lets get 3 traps a net and some meat for bait and see what we can do with them. Alleah you want to head upstairs, pointing to the roof tops, down Cavalier Way and see if you can track any of these fellows down and give us an update on numbers.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+17=21 ; Wednesday March 19th, 2014 11:41:13 PM "I'm on it!" Alleah nods. She looks about for some stairs, or a ladder, or anything that can get her roof side and makes a dash for it.
Perception: 21
On the Hunt: Shadowy Owlbears
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 20th, 2014 12:05:48 AM
The heroes make a quick stop at a few shops. Evaris knows just where to shop, and Royston is keen on buying some traps -- three, and a net according to Vaniime. Scales also has the idea to hide the traps under an illusion.
Alleah volunteers to be bait, or to hunt from the rooftops for the owlbears.
Then Vaniime leads the group posthaste to the Hindquarters, and Alleah looks for the best way to get to the roofs.
Alleah sees a way to get up there -- now please make an appropriate DC15 skill check to get to the roofline -- maybe Diplomacy to talk your way through someone's home or place of business; or Acrobatics to leap and ledgewalk; or Climb to just ascend.
Meanwhile, still a minute's walk from the "Find your Familiar" pet shop, you encounter some townsfolk running away from that area.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+11=23 ; d20+17=36 ; Thursday March 20th, 2014 1:06:18 AM
Alleah puts on a brief parkour display. She has a run-up towards a crate, pushes off of it with one foot, then off the wall with her other foot to finally make it roofside (Acrobatics check vs DC15: 23 = Pass)
There's no time to take a bow however. Alleah will look around the roof for signs of the monsters - running people on the street below? The sounds of any roars or screams? (Perception: 36)
If she detects anything out of the norm, she will signal the party with a whistle and try to point them the right way.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Thursday March 20th, 2014 11:34:11 AM
"Who is willing to lure one of the creatures into the alley? I will volunteer, if a more nimble team member is not suggested."
Evaris Thursday March 20th, 2014 6:15:50 PM
"I'm only a little bit nimble," Evaris says with a smile. "I think I might be best held in reserve, ready to help anyone who runs into trouble. Or perhaps I could help lay one of the traps."
Vaniime looks around at Sir Royston's comment. I think I am probably nimble enough and I have a bit of understanding about these type of beasts (Favored Enemy +4 bluff, knowledge, sense motive, survival, hit and damage)
get one of the traps ready and in as narrow aspot as you can so we can funnel it in to it. I hopefully will get myself out of the way so as not to be caufght too.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+15=20 ; Thursday March 20th, 2014 11:26:07 PM
Something isn't right ... and it isn't just the location of this little hunt for owlbear. "Everything I understand owlbear to be isn't what these creatures are exhibiting. These owlbear don't appear to be your common stock ... if they're even owlbear at all! Be on your guard, we don't know what to expect from these two!"
Emrys looks up to see if he can spot Gestalt, since they share an empathic bond, he tries to sense his feelings and thoughts.
(Perception: 20)
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Thursday March 20th, 2014 11:34:12 PM Alleah takes to the rooftops with ease.
Royston volunteers to try to lure the beasts to the traps. Vaniime appreciates the volunteering, but suspects her special training will be more efficacious.
Evaris things that he would do better as a reserve force, with Ariach and Grell.
Emrtys connects with his owl familiar, and togehter the two aid Alleah in the search.
Soon the group comes to the right neighborhood, and from the growls and sounds of mayhem ahead, the Vanguard has come to the site of the trouble. The shop ahead is the "Find your Familiar" -- about 150 feet ahead.
[OOC: I'll get you folks a map of the area as soon as I can tomorrow.]
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Friday March 21st, 2014 4:15:02 PM
Friends, here is a big beautiful Map of the Hindquarters on a five foot scale. Alleah is on a rooftop overlooking the pet shop on Cavalier Way. The rest are just around the corner on Cutpurse Lane. Note the public fountain at the corner of Cutpurse and Cavalier.
If you want details on any other buildings, let me know.
The poet shop has two front doors on the corner, and a wide stretch of windows facing into the Way -- now they are mostly broken, and the pets that were in the window are ate or fled, you presume. There are horrible growling noises coming from inside the shop. There are no people in sight -- you figure folks are either inside hiding or run away.
I've put the coordinates twice on the map for your convenience. Please open your browser window wide and zoom in to see at 100%.
Evaris Friday March 21st, 2014 6:52:52 PM
"We could place one of the traps there," Evaris says, pointing to about AA-50. "That way, an owlbear could be lured straight from the shop or through that alley."
Grell Friday March 21st, 2014 7:01:36 PM
OOC: I have no way to access the map at work...it will crash the computer. Will have to post a "real" post tomorrow. But here's a holder post in the meantime...
Sword at the ready, Grell prepares himself to charge in and smack some owlbear. Still, he understands the flow of battle, and waits for the order from Vaniime before charging headlong into combat.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday March 21st, 2014 11:29:12 PM
ooc: Very, very long day. Placeholder for a posting tomorrow.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+11=13 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+25=40 ; Saturday March 22nd, 2014 5:27:16 AM
Alleah takes a few steps to the east and then makes a mad dash to the west. She pushes off at the last moment with her right foot, just about falling straight down between the buildings (Acrobatics Check. Base DC5 for Long Jump + 4 for Slow-speed = DC9: 13 = Pass)
She lands on the next building, and takes a few more steps to slow her momentum. "Note to self: Add more cardio to exercise regime". From this building she has a much clearer view of the Pet Store
Actions: - Move 5ft east to AE47 then 35ft to AC42, including a 5ft jump between the buildings - Perception: 36 - Stealth: 40 to hide at AC42
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Saturday March 22nd, 2014 7:55:20 AM
ooc: Everyone, it looks like the alley west of the pet shop is our best bet. I suggest we place the bear traps at AI42, AK42, and AM42. Three of us positioned in the courtyard around AS42, and another three staying in our current position. Someone lures the owlbears out of the shop and down the alley, avoiding the bear traps along the way. Then the east group follows behind, trapping the owlbears down the alley between the two teams. How does that sound?
Also, can anyone cast a few illusions to hide the bear traps?
Vaniime Saturday March 22nd, 2014 8:34:51 AM
Vannime looks at Sir Royston and points across the street to where Find your Familiars is Q-W 35-41 and says I think placing them closer to the shop might be more productive. Perhaps somewhere arounf the back side. I will make it less easy to pass through the treed area to the west if we can block there exits to the south we could potentially have them blocked into this Noth quadrant with some barricade work ay Y49, O53 and y 43.
Having said that Van jogs across the street to X/Y 49/50 and tosses out all ten of her prepared vine packets at 1 approximately foot intervals and steps back casts an entagle spell on them hopefully making that alley entry less passable.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Saturday March 22nd, 2014 10:04:52 AM
ooc: My mistake, brain fart. I place the bear traps at O45, Q42, and S42. Royston will take position on top of the triangle building at O42. Hopefully with a ledge around the roof that he can duck behind?
Illusion spells, anyone? :)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Saturday March 22nd, 2014 10:45:25 AM OOC: Question to DM - Are we in combat rounds?
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Saturday March 22nd, 2014 12:12:25 PM
You have not seen any enemies, nor have you been engaged ... so no, you are not in combat.
Then again, with each passing round, you can almost sense the animal spirits of creatures that will now never know the love of a small child instead passing out of this frame of existence and into whatever afterlife awaits them.
And BTW, feel free to make perception and other checks as often as you like, hint hint.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Monday March 24th, 2014 8:42:42 AM
Not having any experience with setting traps, Ariach leaves this part of the plan in the hands of more skilled men.
"Grell and me can block one possible escape route. With my big shield i will push the owlbear back to the traps without hurting it. Just in case the traps don´t work out the first time."
Grell Monday March 24th, 2014 12:25:18 PM
Grell grunts his acknowledgement of Ariachs idea. "Yeah.. just scream if you need us and we'll come to the rescue." Grell winks at Alleah and heads off to block an escape route.
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Monday March 24th, 2014 1:43:16 PM
Grell, Ariach, everybody -- Your kindly DM will place your characters as he sees fit, or you can give map coordinates!
Royston, how are you getting on top of the building? Climb check maybe?
:-)
Grell Monday March 24th, 2014 4:42:46 PM
OOC: Well, I was kinda hoping the DM would place my character as right now I have no clue what would be a potential escape route for the critter. ;)
Evaris Monday March 24th, 2014 6:09:48 PM
Monday post.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 Monday March 24th, 2014 9:13:03 PM
From her position atop the building, Alleah watches the other scurry about below her. It's kinda nice to look down on them for a change :)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+15=27 ; d100=13 ; d100=89 ; d100=8 ; Monday March 24th, 2014 10:51:52 PM
(ooc: Gestalt has never been used before in the game because I keep forgetting to. So I guess he is active)
(Perception: 27)
Sensing what is happening to the poor animals inside the shop, Emrys moves up next to Vaniime and attempts to bring an end to the carnage. His hand movements and the soothing tone of his voice creates nothing put a crackling pop of arcane energy! Again, his magic fails him. "ZOUNDS!!?"
(Leyline check: 13, seriously? If we are not in combat, he will try again!)
Fueled by his frustration and anger, Emrys finds renewed focus and resolve as he attempts the same magik he had just tried. Fortunately, this time he gets the exact opposite reaction ... the magik sparks to life effortlessly with little to no exertion.
(Leyline: 89, FREE cast, woot! Casting Calm Emotions. Area: 20ft radius spread. Will Save: 18. All creatures in the area must save or become instantly calm.)
(Disregard the last d100=8, I accidentally double clicked.)
Vaniime Monday March 24th, 2014 10:54:01 PM
Hopefully seeing her vines thriving Vaniime sprints around the corner from y 50 to Y 26 and then casts her second entangle spell centered on the batch of trees and shrubs effectively tiing up the exit around R 32.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+6=25 ; Monday March 24th, 2014 11:05:48 PM
ooc: Would there happen to be a cart, stack of crates, or a few barrels on the side of the building to help my ascent?
Climb 25. That should do it. :)
Monster Round-Up (DM Cayzle) Tuesday March 25th, 2014 12:14:31 AM
Sorry everybody! DM Post is coming EARLY in the AM. Real life!
Owlbears Round Zero (DM Cayzle) d20+10=16 ; d6+4=6 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+4=9 ; d20+4=12 ; Tuesday March 25th, 2014 7:47:55 AM
Evaris points out a good place for a trap out in the open on the street.
Royston suggests placement in a narrow alley, where avoiding the traps would be much harder. Royston asks if anyone can create illusions.
Vaniime suggests placement much closer to the shop.
But then the moment for discussion is past, our heroes begin to act!
Alleah leaps a gap and sneaks over to AC42. Since she is 30 ft up, she is effectively about 45 feet from the pet shop door.
Van moves out into Cavalier Way, drops some vine packets, steps back, and entangles a 10x10 space (see map) at X/Y-49/50. He wold have then continued down the street to entangle the trees, but events precede him. Anyway, Grell and Ariach have that western escape route cut off.
Ariach and Grell move to block off the escape route to the west, farther down Cavalier Way. As they walk in front of the pet shop, they see an owlbear inside methodically fishing kittens out of a large cage and eating them like bon-bons. (That's Owlbear 2 on the map.)
Emrys walks out into Cavalier Way and attempts a spell, but fails.
Royston dashes out to place the traps as he sees fit, and then to climb a building. Alas, the best laid plans gang aft agley! He hustles up Cavalier Way and seeks to duck north into the street next to the pet shop. He has in mind to place traps north and northeast of the pet shop. But as he rounds the corner, he is attacked by Owlbear 1!
Your kindly DM notes that Owlbear 1 is a large creature, and has no cover nor concealment, and yet it just popped out of the shadows and attacks! Alleah was looking right at it, and indeed, she notes that it was hiding right out in plain sight!
Your kindly DM also notes that with nary a single perception check rolled among our heroic group, there was indeed zero chance to spot it!
The owlbear attacks just as Emrys is casting his Calm Emotions spell! The beast swipes at Royston with a bear-like paw, hitting a flat-footed AC of 16 ... that's good enough to maul Royston for 6 damage -- and to make a free grab attack!
The grab beats a CMD18, not good enough! [OOC: Royston, what's your misc +10 on CMD from?]
Finally, Emrys gets off his Calm Emotions at last! The will save is 18, and the owlbear fails. Royston, you have to save too!
NOW we are in combat rounds. Please post for the top of round 1.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Tuesday March 25th, 2014 12:22:40 PM
( ooc: Uh... Emrys did indeed roll a perception check. A 27.)
Evaris Tuesday March 25th, 2014 1:51:30 PM
"Sir Royston! You found one! Well done!" Emrys hurries forward [to AC-49], and casts a quick Bless on the party.
Bless is in effect. Everybody gets +1 to attack rolls, and to certain saving throws, until Emrys gets going with his bardsong and renders the Bless completely irrelevent. :)
Owlbears Round Zero (DM Cayzle) d20+23=37 ; Tuesday March 25th, 2014 4:13:11 PM
OOC: Emrys, you are right and I am wrong! However, the DC to beat to see the thing, modified by +1 for every 10 ft intervening, is a 37, so Emrys would not have seen it anyway. However, as a thanks for keeping me honest, the next time you roll a d20, you get a +4 circumstance bonus on the roll, the circumstance being that your DM did not read your post carefully enough.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 ; HP 69/69 Tuesday March 25th, 2014 6:58:28 PM
Ariach watches at Grell hoping his friend can tell him what they have to do now. The young warrior doesn´t know what they are supposed to do in case they are attacked by one of the owlbears. But at the end he keeps his position to block the escape route to the west.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+17=21 ; d20+9=20 ; Tuesday March 25th, 2014 7:57:03 PM
Alleah winces as Scales takes a hit. She had been looking right at that space. She can't help feel a little responsible for not spotting it sooner. (*cough* Perc=36 last round *cough*)
Hoping the creature is hungry, she hurls the chunk of warm, delicious smelling meat towards it. (Throw meat at Y40. -4 For improvised weapon. -2 for range penalty, assuming 10ft increments. Rolled 20, so 14 after penalties)
Perception: 21
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+10=26 ; d20+10=26 ; d6+11=14 ; d6+11=13 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; Tuesday March 25th, 2014 9:33:13 PM
Royston winces in pain as the claws of the owlbear rake him, and he grits his teeth as his eyes flash with red brilliance. "They said alive, not unharmed! I have claws too, beast!" The paladin's hands and finger lengthen and sharpen into claws as black, lustrous scales climb down his arms and cover him to his finger tips. A nimbus of energy surrounds each hand, one of fire and one of ice. He lashes out with razor-like talons at the monster, trailing flames and frost through the air.
Free Action: Draconic Bloodline claws activation Swift Action: Arcane Strike activation Full Attack, 2 claws w/ Power Attack, Bless, Arcane Strike, flaming Eberyon's Tear, and frost Eberyon's Tear
Attack 26 Damage 14 + 2 fire
Attack 26 Damage 13 + 2 cold
ooc: Don't worry, everyone. I'm only attacking with lethal damage once so we can soften them up.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+12=23 ; Tuesday March 25th, 2014 10:24:13 PM
Will save 23
Grell, Rage 1/12, Guarded Stance 1/6, HP 96/96, AC 19/11/8, Power Attack d8=8 ; d20+20=28 ; d20+11=19 ; 2d6+17=26 ; 2d6+17=25 ; Tuesday March 25th, 2014 10:26:06 PM
Grell watches in horror as the first kitten is eaten by the owlbear, and then the world turns red...literally. Completely losing his senses, Grell heads into the most blood thirsty rage he has ever had in his life. With a scream that no doubt shatters what remains of the glass in the store front, Grell races toward the owlbear and attempts to rend it in half. The kitten WILL BE AVENGED!!! (Attack AC27 for 26, AC18 for 25).
OOC: Disregard the d8...I think I pushed that on accident on my phone.
Vaniime Tuesday March 25th, 2014 11:14:09 PM
Hearing the attack Vaniime runs to Scales' aid AB 42.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 calm emotions, bless Tuesday March 25th, 2014 11:55:25 PM
Not fully aware of the outcome of his spell, Emrys continues to concentrate to maintain its effect. He isnt sure if aggression against the owlbear continue after he had cast his spell. If damage is dealt to anyone affected by the spell, the enchantment is broken on all.
(I am guessing the spell has been broken due to continued aggression, but I do not know for sure. If so, then this spell had just been wasted.)
(OOC To Kathy: Bless is a morale bonus to attack. Inspire Courage is a competence bonus to hit. Both effects stack since they are different bonus types.
Owlbears Round One (DM Cayzle) d20+8=27 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=23 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=10 ; d20+14=33 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+10=24 ; d6+4=8 ; d20+14=30 ; Wednesday March 26th, 2014 9:16:08 AM [OOC: First off, apologies to Alleah and Emrys for not only missing their perception checks, but then having the gall to chide you all for not rolling perception checks! I'm offering both a +4 on their next d20 roll, which they are free to use or not.
Second off, just to clarify, Owlbear 1 attacked Royston and then Emrys calmed it. In email, I told Royston that both Owlbears 1 and 2 were calmed, but I said that off the cuff without checking the map. In fact, Owlbears 1 and 3 were Calmed, where Owlbear 3 is the one you have not seen yet who is just inside the shop, beyond the bashed in door. That may have factored into Royston's decision to attack, so let me compensate Emrys for the wasted Calm Emotion spell by urging him to post for Round 1 rather than concentrate on the broken spell.
Third off, many thanks to you, my players for keeping me honest.]
ROUND ONE ... Vanguard
Evaris moves to AC48 and casts bless. [OOC: Your kindly DM nudged you forward five feet so that Ariach and Grell would be just inside the 50 ft radius.)
Aleah throws a tasty tidbit towards the calmed Owlbear 1, and the ever-hungry magical beast might have gone for it -- except that being attacked by Royston is a somewhat UNcalming event!
Ariach thoughtfully hangs back to make sure that his mission -- to prevent the beasts from escaping -- is a success.
But such is not the case for Grell, for whom the sight of kitties being eaten like candies burns away all rational thought! The barbarian rages! Newly blessed by Evaris and dashing into the broken window, he makes a brutal attack on Owlbear 2, hacking at it without consideration of capture or restraint! Grell hits the beast for 25 damage! Feathers and owlbear blood splash everywhere. The beast roars in agony!
[OOC: Grell, please accept a hero point for rushing to the aid of kittens and for making your DM laugh! Also, what with crossing the road and climbing through the broken window, you only have time this round for one attack.]]
Royston, resisting the Calm, also decides to retaliate against the owlbear, albeit without the mindless anger. He sprouts claws and swipes at Owlbear 1, with both claws connecting for 31 damage to the ursine/avian thing.
[OOC: Royston, please do your DM a favor and keep your current hp total in your header?]
Vaniime hustles up to help.
Emrys has a full round of actions to post, and the DM hopes he will take advantage of that, posting actions for both round 1 and 2.
ROUND ONE ... Owlbears
Owlbear 1 roars, takes a step forward, and attacks with two claws and a bite. A claw and a bite hit. The claw does 8 and the bite does 10. Moreover, the beast gets a free grapple check, and rolls a 33, beating Royston's CMD and engaging him in a grapple. Both Owlbear 1 and Royston now have the grappled condition.
[OOC: Your hard-working DM thanks Royston for putting his CMD in the header and asks all players to do the same!]
The door next to Ariach opens, and an owlbear comes out -- but only Alleah sees it!. And what she sees is kind of like a shadow, more than a creature. But then it appears fully as it attacks the flat-footed Ariach. It strikes with a paw, hitting AC24. Normally that would miss Ariach, but caught off guard (no dex bonus vs unseen foe), it connects for 8 damage to Ariach! And the grapple ... hits CMD30! Now Ariach and Royston (and their owlbears) all have the grappled condition!
Owlbear 2 drops the kitty it has in its paw and shies away from Grell -- in fact, it DISAPPEARS, fading into the shadows!
HOWEVER, two new owlbears appear on either side of Grell, flanking him!
[OOC: rolls are not in the roller for this last bit because I was finishing the post on the train.]
Owlbear 4 hits AC21 against a no-dex, raging Grell; Owlbear 5 hits AC17; both hit.
Owlbear 4 inflicts 6 damage and tries to grapple, beating CMD 16 -- not good enough. Owlbear 5 inflicts 7 damage and grapples CMD33 -- which works!
Now Ariach (and Owlbear 3) and Royston (and Owlbear 1) and Grell (and Owlbear 5) all have the grappled condition:
Grappled: A grappled creature is restrained by a creature, trap, or effect. Grappled creatures cannot move and take a --4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a --2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity. A grappled creature cannot use Stealth to hide from the creature grappling it, even if a special ability, such as hide in plain sight, would normally allow it to do so. If a grappled creature becomes invisible, through a spell or other ability, it gains a +2 circumstance bonus on its CMD to avoid being grappled, but receives no other benefit.
==========
Owlbears are all AC15, CMD 21 (25 vs. trip).
Owlbear 1: 31 damage, grappled with Royston Owlbear 2: 25 damage - not visible Owlbear 3: uninjured, grappled with Ariach Owlbear 4: uninjured Owlbear 5: uninjured, grappled with Grell
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+17=25 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=28 ; Wednesday March 26th, 2014 10:56:44 AM "I wonder if non-lethal means different things to different people?" Alleah briefly ponders as she watches both Scales and Grell rip into the owlbears.
Scales looks to have grabbed a hold of one. Ariach too.
"Huh? I would have thought it wiser not to hold onto those creatures"
The owlbears look to well and truly have control of the battle and that meat idea did next to nothing.
Despite his nosiness, Alleah is starting to become rather fond of Grell. And the poor thick-head looks to have his hands full at the moment. Four owlbears against four people on the ground? Hmm.. not very good odds.
"I have to get down there and help. But how?"
Alleah looks about. It's a good 30ft drop to the ground - no way she can make that unharmed. And there's nothing to soften the fall either. Or is there?
The halfling smiles and backs up a few steps. She pats her pocket where her lucky coin is kept. Wardd had better be watching this.
Alleah tries to give her best interpretation of a blood curdling scream, though what comes out is more like a girlish shriek. The girl runs at break neck speed (hopefully not literally) towards the edge of the building before making her leap.
The 2ft halfling glides through the air like a bird before falling in much the way a bird would not. She aims to cushion her fall with the owlbear embracing Ariach.
Perception: 25
--------------- OOC: - Double move action, first to back-up and then to get a running start before making a long jump at Z40. Acrobatics check for long jump DC19: 31 = Pass. - Acrobatics check vs DC15 to soften the fall from 30ft: 28=Pass. - I'm hoping since its grappled then it "cannot move" - Assuming she lands on her target - Owlbear#3 - Alleah will likely take 1d6 points of nonlethal damage and 1d6 points of lethal damage from the fall - Assuming she lands on her target - Owlbear#3 - it will take 1d6 damage from a small object falling on it :) Could this be a Wold first "death by falling halfling"?
Owlbears Round One (DM Cayzle) Wednesday March 26th, 2014 1:01:08 PM
OOC to Alleah: Well, if we are going to open that kettle of fish, with no promise of setting a precedent if you make a habit of it, then we need to use the rules for dropping objects on people:
Dropping an object on a creature requires a ranged touch attack. Such attacks generally have a range increment of 20 feet. If an object falls on a creature (instead of being thrown), that creature can make a DC 15 Reflex save to halve the damage if he is aware of the object. Falling objects that are part of a trap use the trap rules instead of these general guidelines.
I need a ranged touch attack with a -2 range mod, please, against an owlbear AC15.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 calm emotions, bless Wednesday March 26th, 2014 1:32:12 PM
Emrys frowns that a calmer solution never had a chance in this situation. He immediately takes lute in hand, gives it a strum and begins an inspiring song.
( performing Inspire Courage. Everyone gets a +1 competence bonus to attacks and +1 morale bonus to saves vs. Charm and Fear. The bonus to attack stacks wit bless.)
Emrys then performs a quick kick, then placing his hand upon his hat, he gracefully twirls around twice before snapping to a sudden stop. He then extends his arm towards to the owlbears and points. The area the bears are standind bursts with a glittering dust.
(Casting Glitterdust, centered in x40. 10ft radius burst. Will save 19 vs. Blindness. They are covered in glittering dust and cannot hide. His friends should be outside the area effect.)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 69/69 d20+11=18 ; Wednesday March 26th, 2014 5:08:38 PM
Ariach groans with pain as a big shadow overhelms him. It takes some time until he figures out that it were the claws of an owlbear which hit him. But the warrior doesn´t want to stay in the hug of the monster. He braces his energies and tries to break the grapple. (CMB check=18) But obviously he has underestimated the owlbear. He doesn´t come free and starts to feel even more uncomfortable.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] d20+11=14 ; d8+2=8 ; Wednesday March 26th, 2014 5:09:36 PM
Evaris moves a little closer [to AB-44]. He invokes Pantheon's name, and a silver gavel appears to thwack at Owlbear 1. "I'll heal the creature if it goes down," he assures his new companions.
Cast Spiritual Weapon, which hits AC 14 for 8 damage.
Bless is in effect. Everybody gets +1 to attack rolls, which stacks with bardsong. Spiritual Weapon. Current target is Owlbear 1.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+10=28 ; Wednesday March 26th, 2014 6:50:31 PM
Sir Scales grits his teeth and flings his arms around the great bulk of the owlbear, attempting to wrest control over the deadly embrace.
ooc: Grapple combat maneuver 28 vs. the owlbear's CMD to control the grapple.
Vaniime quickly casts a hold animal spell on Owlbear 3 Save DC 16
Grell, Rage 2/12, Guarded Stance 2/6, HP 83/96, AC 19/11/8 CMD 23, Power Attack, Bless, Inspire Courage d20+17=33 ; Wednesday March 26th, 2014 9:28:48 PM
Not even feeling the attacks, Grell watches the newly freed kitten hit the ground soooo close to those hideous monstrous feet. It's still in danger!! Grell attempts to raise is sword, but something is stopping him. His rage fogged mind can't figure out that there's an owlbear holding him in place. Flexing his colossal biceps,Grell shrugs off the beast steps back to a position closer to Ariach (Z36??...10 foot back). The blood pounding in his ears, Grell does his best to try and get the kitten out of harms way. "Here kitty, kitty...step away from the nasty monsters...nice kitty..kitty..."
OOC: CMB=33...success!
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 49/49 d20+9=20 ; Wednesday March 26th, 2014 10:06:58 PM OOC: Sorry DM, this was one of those "what would an impulsive halfling do?" moments. I don't expect it to be a common tactic - it just seemed the quickest way to get down from the building. I fully expect to take more damage than deal it.
Ranged touch attack: 20 - 2 for range = 18 vs Touch AC of 15. Hit?
Aleah, seeking a quick entry into the fray, makes like a frat boy cannonballing into a pool! A pool make of owlbear! Her aim is fine, and she takes 6 hp nonlethal damage, 3 hp lethal damage, and inflicts 5 hp damage to the owlbear! She also wins herself a hero point for reckless bravery and style!
Note that normally, entering an opponent's space would provoke an AoO, but fortunately Alleah's target owlbear is grappling, and creatures with the grappled condition cannot take AoOs. Since a creature of Alleah's size cannot be in the same square as a foe, your kindly DM has placed you in an adjacent square. Note that after taking a fall, unless you have some trick to pull out of a hat, Alleah is now PRONE.
Emrys begins a bardic performance to inspire courage in his pals, a lovely complement to the bless cast last round by Evaris. Then Emrys casts a Glitterdust, centered on the corner of the building, and affecting Owlbears 1 and 3. Since the spell is a spread, rather than a burst, it can go around corners and through open doors, and outlining another owlbear within! The die roller hates you, however, dear Emrys, for the three owlbears, rolling saves with a +5 bonus, end up with a 21, a 24, and a 24, so al three save against the blindness. Still, the spell is not ill-cast, seeing as the limned magical beasties can no longer stealth at all!
Hey wait! Al three owlbears are grappling, and therefore take a -4 penalty to dex! That's a net -2 on reflex saves. Owlbear 1, therefore, gets a 19 instead of a 21 ... oh. never mind. still saves. Sorry. :-)
Ariach tries to break free of the grapple and fails! [OOC: Please do update your hp total in your header! Ariach took 8 damage last round. Also, Joe, BTW, welcome back!]
Evaris moves up and casts an attack spell -- his spiritual weapon hits AC14, usually one shy of the required AC15. Is Evaris using his bless and inspire courage bonuses? But the owlbear's -4 penalty to dex while grappling means it is a hit regardless! Wounded Owlbear 1 takes another 8 lethal damage!
Royston wrestles wounded Owlbear 1 as enthusiastically as it did him! And he beats the things CMD 21! He wins control of the wrestling match!
Grell escapes the grapple and backs off. He calls to the kitty, which (rolling randomly) dashes off down the street as fast as it can!
Vaniime considers a Hold spell but does not waste the casting, realizing on reflection that the enchantment will not apply to a magical beast. [OOC: Feel free to post for this round and next round!]
ROUND TWO ... Owlbears
Owlbear 1 tries to win the grapple back from Scales ... his 24 beats Royston's CMD 21. Now it is the grappler!
Wounded Stealthing Owlbear 2 delays until he sees what happens with his friends. Even perceptive Alleah does not see it hiding right out in plain sight over there!
Owlbear 3 grappling Ariach continues to grapple, rolling a grapple check of 26 -- high enough to let it bite viciously at Ariach, inflicting 10 more damage to the fellow!
Owlbear 4 squeezes half-through the broken window to swipe at Ariach with a bear-claw. [It takes squeezing penalties of -4 on attacks and AC.] Its attack misses badly.
Owlbear 5 chases after Grell, ignoring the kitties still in the cage in the window. He follows and takes a swipe with a claw: It hits AC24, a hit against Grell for 5 damage. Owlbear 5 follows up with a free grab, hitting CMD29 and again successfully grappling Grell!
Owlbear 6 moves out of the shop and into the street. It growls in frustration as it realizes it cannot hide despite its best efforts.
Now, stealthy Owlbear 2 circles around Grell, flanking him and attacking with a mean claw. It's roll of 20 hits Grell for 9 more damage!
Grappled: A grappled creature is restrained by a creature, trap, or effect. Grappled creatures cannot move and take a --4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity. A grappled creature cannot use Stealth to hide from the creature grappling it, even if a special ability, such as hide in plain sight, would normally allow it to do so. If a grappled creature becomes invisible, through a spell or other ability, it gains a +2 circumstance bonus on its CMD to avoid being grappled, but receives no other benefit.
If You Are Grappled: If you are grappled, you can attempt to break the grapple as a standard action by making a combat maneuver check (DC equal to your opponent's CMD; this does not provoke an attack of opportunity) or Escape Artist check (with a DC equal to your opponent's CMD). If you succeed, you break the grapple and can act normally. Alternatively, if you succeed, you can become the grappler, grappling the other creature (meaning that the other creature cannot freely release the grapple without making a combat maneuver check, while you can). Instead of attempting to break or reverse the grapple, you can take any action that requires only one hand to perform, such as cast a spell or make an attack with a light or one-handed weapon against any creature within your reach, including the creature that is grappling you.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 46/49 + 6nonlethal d20+4=18 ; d20+17=37 ; Thursday March 27th, 2014 9:26:35 AM "Well, THAT was fun!" Alleah grins through the pain wracking her back. She landed right where she planned, but in hindsight, was this the best place to land? Maybe next time she'll just climb down instead.
Alleah unsteadily gets to her feet.
"We need to take these things alive if possible!" she reminds the group, whilst spitting some blood to the ground beside her. Such a lady :)
Ariach is right in front of her, grappling the owlbear. Alleah draws from her fey-ish bag of tricks and delivers a touch attack to the owlbear. Perhaps this might make it release it's grip on Ariach! "Tickle, tickle, tickle!"
-------------------- OOC: - Move action to stand from prone. No AoO as Owlbear #1 and #3 have the "grappled" condition - Touch Attack Owlbear #3: 18 to deliver a "Laughing Touch" (Sorcerer Fey Bloodline ability. No AoO as Owlbear #1 and #3 have the "grappled" condition) : "You can cause a creature to burst out laughing for 1 round as a melee touch attack. A laughing creature can only take a move action but can defend itself normally". No saving throw, no language dependence. - Perception: 37
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Thursday March 27th, 2014 1:18:04 PM
ooc: Question posted on Rules Board.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] d20+11=19 ; d8+2=5 ; Thursday March 27th, 2014 2:27:25 PM
Evaris's Spiritual Weapon continues to hammer Owlbear 1. [Yes, I am including all the bonuses. Note that I rolled a 3 last round and still hit. :) This round, hit AC 19 for 5 damage.]
"Too much grappling," is Evaris's opinion. He slides forward along the front of the building [to AB-39]. "Friend Ariach!" he says. "Pantheon wants you to be free." With that, he casts Freedom of Movement on Ariach.
Bless is in effect. Everybody gets +1 to attack rolls, which stacks with bardsong. Spiritual Weapon. Current target is Owlbear 1. Ariach has Freedom of Movement.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 51/69 d20+11=14 ; Thursday March 27th, 2014 6:02:37 PM
One more time Ariach groans in pain as the owlbear hurts him again. But inspired from Evaris support he tries one more time to break the grapple (CMB check=14) and the magical spell really helps him to make it. Ariach suppresses his anger because of the knowlegde they need the monsters alive.
Vaniime AC: 18 CMD: 24 HP: 61 / 61 Bless d20+13=15 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+8=20 ; 3d10+24=45 ; Thursday March 27th, 2014 9:51:42 PM
(ooc: See what happens when you have no sleep for two days you start casting spell that you know won't work)
Seeing the owls bears Vaniime goes on the offensive striking out at owl bear trying to inflict non lethal damage with her sword.
Grell, Rage 3/12, Guarded Stance 3/6, HP 83/96, AC 19/11/8 CMD 23, Power Attack, Bless, Inspire Courage d20+17=27 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+17=33 ; Thursday March 27th, 2014 10:42:30 PM
Grell smiles as the kitten scampers away. She's safe...that's all that matters. Blood pounding in his ears, the raging warrior chuckles as the owl bears fall into his trap. "I gotcha where I wantcha..." he calls out as he brings his sword up to dice owlbear #2...only it won't move...it's like he's in some kind of weird perverted bear hug or something!
OOC: Okay, I tried to research and see if you can use a two handed weapon with one hand. All it seems to say is that "Two hands are required to use a two-handed melee weapon effectively.". So I'm not sure if you can use it with one hand. Sooo...I'm going to list two actions and let the DM pick one.
Action 1 Jerking his arms up, Grell moves his sword up, attempting to slice at whatever is restraining him. Attack with one hand (at -4 penalty,+1Bless, +1 Inspire...regular damage): AC27 for 26
Action 2 Once more calling upon his upper body strength, Grell tries to shrug off whatever is holding him back. CMB=33...success! As he pulls himself from the restraining force, Grell notices a trickle of blood coming down his arm and wonders where it might have come from. He scoots a little further toward Ariach so that he only one critter at a time to concentrate on. (Move to AB40).
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease d20+15=21 ; Thursday March 27th, 2014 11:48:39 PM
Emrys moves closer to the battle as he gracefully steps in time with the music (moving to AB49). It almost appears as if he's dancing, especially after another pirouette. However this time, he turns to face Royston and snaps his fingers three times. The paladin's armor suddenly becomes very slick and the owlbear finds it increasingly difficult to maintain his hold.
(Casting Grease on Royston's armor and clothing. You receive a +10 circumstance bonus on Escape Artist checks and combat maneuver checks made to escape a grapple, and to their CMD to avoid being grappled.)
(Maintaining Inspire Courage, free action, +1 comp. bonus to hit, +1 morale to saves vs. fear & charm.)
(Perception: 21)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+12=30 ; Friday March 28th, 2014 6:54:20 AM
Sir Scales attempts, yet again, to gain control of the grapple.
ooc: Well, at least I'm keeping this one occupied.
Grapple combat maneuver check 30 (forgot bonuses for bless and bard song last time).
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday March 28th, 2014 7:23:25 AM
ooc: Thanks, Emrys!
Owlbears Round Three (DM Cayzle) d20+8=9 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=26 ; 3d6+12=22 ; d20+14=20 ; Friday March 28th, 2014 9:10:58 AM
ROUND THREE ... Vanguard
Alleah tickles Owlbear Three, who then spends the round hooting in amusement. It does not have to take the free action that would end the grapple, but it will not press its attack either.
Evaris hits Owlbear One for another 5 damage with the spiritual weapon, while Evaris himself casts Freedom of Movement on Ariach.
Enhanced with the magic of freedom, Ariach ends his grapple.
Vaniime knocks out Owlbear One! [OOC: It is pink on the map.] That frees Scales from his grapple!
Grell considers using his two-handed sword in one hand, but it is too unwieldy. He instead breaks free of his grapple and steps back, ending up next to Evaris.
Maintaining his inspiring performance, Emrys moves forward and coats Scales's scales with slippery goo! His ability to resist another grapple is now almost assured. ALMOST!
Royston is now free of his grapple, since Van knocked his foe right out. And he is slippery and ready to go.
ROUND THREE ... Owlbears
Owlbear 1 is knocked out cold.
Owlbear 2 disappears! Perception DC 35 to see it [email Cayzle if you think you have a shot!].
Owlbear 3 is hooting in laughter and does not attack. It hops forward toward Van and Scales. Doing so provokes an AoO from Alleah, but is the halfling currently wielding a weapon or in any other way able to take advantage of an opportunity to attack?
Owlbear 4 hops down from the broken window through which it is currently squeezing. As it hops down, it disappears, hiding in the plainest of sight! [It is using stealth as part of its move]. As it It maneuvers to flank Ariach, Ariach must make a Perception DC 30 check to notice it. If he does, he can take the AoO that Owlbear 4 provokes by moving. If he does not, then the owlbear gains a +2 to hit and deprives Ariach of his dex when it takes its flanking attack.
So, Owlbear 4's swiping claw at Ariach, with a +2 flank bonus. It rolls a three! If seen (because Ariach made his DC30 perception check), it hits AC13 and Ariach keeps his dex; thus, a miss. If unseen, it hits flat-footed AC15, If that works, Ariach takes 6 hp damage, the owlbear tries for his free grapple, and due to Freedom. However, if I am reading your sheet right, Ariach's touch AC is 13 and his flat-footed is 19? If so, it is a miss either way!
Owlbear 5 takes a flanking swipe at Ariach, hits AC26 for 7, fails to grab, roars in frustration, then takes a swipe and a snap at Grell, hits ACs 22 and 14, for one hit doing 8 damage to Grell, as well as a grab that hits CMD18. NOT good enough to beat Grell's CMD23!
Glitterdusted Owlbear 6 takes a five ft step forward and attacks Royston. It hits ACs 9 (nat 1), 28 (nat 20, crit confirmed vs AC21), and 26. At AC16, Royston is hit twice, once badly for total 22 damage. Also, there is a slim chance at a grab ... success against CMD20 will not grab the now-slipper Scales!
At this point in the battle, no one is grappled! ==========
Owlbears are all AC15, CMD 21 (25 vs. trip).
Owlbear 1: 39 damage PLUS 45 nonlethal, unconscious, glitterdusted Owlbear 2: 25 damage, hiding in plain sight somewhere Owlbear 3: uninjured, grappled with Ariach, glitterdusted, laughing this round Owlbear 4: uninjured Owlbear 5: uninjured Owlbear 6: uninjured, glitterdusted
Owlbears Round Three (DM Cayzle) EXTRA Friday March 28th, 2014 9:29:02 AM
What's that off in the distance? Over in the direction of the magical taxi company aways west along Cavalier Way?
[OOC: To recall details, roll a Know Local DC 12 check and Please Highlight to display spoiler: {"Rod's Reliable Transportation"}]
It is one of those magical barge / flying platforms that carry the wealthier folks around town! You see a driver and four passengers. They seem to be ... equipped? With fighting gear? And singing?
The magical cab is headed towards you! Your photoshop-savvy DM will place it on the map next round!
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 46/49 + 6nonlethal d20+17=18 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+9=16 ; Friday March 28th, 2014 11:09:41 AM
Alleah watches as the owlbear moves past her. She is quite content to let it be. Where did the other owlbear go though? (Perception check: 18)
The flying thing coming from the west is interesting. Drunken hunters perhaps? "Anyone know what that is?" she asks as she ducks and weaves next to the owlbear (Knowl Local vs DC12: 6 = Fail)
Alleah mentally goes through her list of spells wondering what weakness these brutes might have (Knowl Arcana to determine a weakness: 6. Ugh)
When nothing comes to mind she decides to instead rely on an old faithful spell: Scorching Ray. With so many owlbears around, she tries to concentrate extra hard, but the sight of Scales' blood is just too darn distracting. She ends up losing her spell (Attempt to cast defensively vs DC21: 16 = Fail. Spell is lost. Does it also provoke an AoO or just lose the spell?)
Finally free of whatever was holding him, Grell brings his sword up and slams it into the closest owlbear he can find (Owlbear #5). He howls in savage joy as he watches the owlbear's lifeblood splatter across the nearby storefront. (AC27 for 25+12...vital strike...sheesh, shoulda just attacked twice!)
Owlbears Round Three (DM Cayzle) EXTRA Friday March 28th, 2014 1:16:28 PM Attempt to cast defensively vs DC21: 16 = Fail. Spell is lost. Does it also provoke an AoO or just lose the spell?
Cayzle Comments: Spell lost, no AoO.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+12=22 ; Friday March 28th, 2014 1:54:34 PM
The paladin again attempts to grapple.
ooc: Looks like I should have made a luchador instead.
Grapple combat maneuver 22 vs Owlbear 6
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] d20+11=23 ; d8+2=4 ; d20+6=16 ; Friday March 28th, 2014 3:56:59 PM
Evaris re-directs his Spiritual Weapon from the unconscious Owlbear 1 to the uninjured Owlbear 6. It may or may not be a good strategy, but at least he can see that one. [Against the new target, the Spiritual Weapon hits AC 23 for 4 damage.]
He glances at the oncoming barge, and knows its source, at least [Knowledge Local 16]. "Rod's Reliable Transportation," he says. "I wonder--?"
But there is no time for wondering. He pulls out his longbow and gets it ready to fire.
Bless is in effect. Everybody gets +1 to attack rolls, which stacks with bardsong. Spiritual Weapon. Current target is Owlbear 6. Ariach has Freedom of Movement.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 51/69 d20+8=12 ; d20+3=15 ; d8+4=9 ; Friday March 28th, 2014 5:37:28 PM
(perception check=12) Concentrating on the scene in front of him Ariach doesn´t notice that one of the owlbears lurkes in from the side. The owlbear hits the young warrior but fortunately misses his grappling attack. As he tries to face the new appeared enemy his old opponent also hits him. Slowly but shurly Ariach gets angry. His first impulse is to draw his weapon and kill them all. But once again he calms down. His decides to increase his defense. (fighting defensively/combat expertise -6 attack/+4 AC=30) And slowly he draws his mace and attacks owlbear 5. (nonlethal damage) (hits AC 15 for 9)
Continuing her non lethal attacking Vaniime turns her focus onto Owlbear 3 AC 16 and AC 15 for 27 points damage
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 46/49 + 6nonlethal Friday March 28th, 2014 11:24:00 PM OOC: YAY!!! First perfect week for Legacy in a long time!
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease d100=56 ; d20+10=30 ; Saturday March 29th, 2014 12:51:07 AM
(Knowledge [Local]: 30 to recognize what is flying towards them.)
Emrys continues his bardic song and gives all the inspiration he can. He moves even closer (AB45) to the combatants and turns to Grell and says, "Time to make an impression, big boy, we have an audience!" He mutters a few words of power and punches the air in Grell's direction ... and the raging warrior begins to grow double in size.
(Sorry guys if I posted too late. I just got in, been busy all day and evening. It's at least 11:51pm CST. So it's still friday for me.)
Owlbears Round Three (DM Cayzle) EXTRA Saturday March 29th, 2014 9:11:27 AM
Sat and Sun still counts for posting! Excellent week everybody, and thanks for being so engaged!
Alleah has several good ideas, but time and chance happens to them all.
Grell, lost to the madness of battle and blood, hews Owlbear 5 with a mighty blow, inflicting 37 damage. It HOOTS in pain!
Joining Grell, Ariach hits Owlbear 5 with a nonlethal blunt weapon, hitting for 9 nonlethal with his mace.
Royston grabs Owlbear 6 and gains the upper hand in the wrestling match.
Evaris also engages Owlbear 6, remotely, via spiritual weapon. He inflicts 4 damage to that beastie. Then he draws his bow.
Vaniime whacks Owlbear 3 with the flat of her blade, inflicting 27 nonlethal!
Inspiring with his performance, Emrys moves up and then casts on Grell. The fellow grows to owlbear size. Per Enlarge Person, in addition to gaining reach and larger weapon damage, you gain +2 Str and -2 Dex.
ROUND FOUR ... Owlbears
Owlbear 5 steps back into the shadows before your very eyes. If you make a perception check of 37, you see Owlbear 5 as it sneaks away. It is using the withdraw action, so it does not provoke AoOs with its first step away. If Grell can see it, then with his new big reach he can take an AoO as it backs off. If you make the check, note it or email me and I'l give you the location.
If you make a perception check of 41, you see Owlbear 2 as it sneaks further away. If you make the check, note it or email me and I'l give you the location.
Owlbear 3 strikes out at Vaniime! It hits AC22, 25, and 22! Three solid blows on Vaniime! The bite inflicts 7 and the first claw inflicts 5 more. The first swipe includes a free grapple at -20, which succeeds vs CMD14, a nat 20, but still not sufficient to beat Van's CMD24. The last swipe inflicts 7 more damage, and the full strength grapple is a an 18, a miss. Van takes 7+5+7 = 19 damage. She is not grappled.
Owlbear 4, uninjured and surrounded, growls menacingly and attacks wildly! It snaps it beak, catching only air. It hits Ariach for 10 damage and attempts to grab him without itself being grappled. The owlbear rolls a 13, not enough to grapple Ariach (His freedom of movement would have negated the attempt anyway). Then it swipes at Alleah, hitting and inflicting 6 damage to Alleah, and attempting to grapple the small caster at full strength, doing so with a grapple check of 16! Alleah is grappled
Owlbear 6 tries to reverse the grapple on Royston! a 24 is just enough to turn the tables, and now Royston is the grappler again! -- HEY WAIT! Scales is Slippery with a grease spell! That means the owlbear fails to get a new grip on him, and Royston remains the grappler! Moreover, per the grapple rules, Royston gets a +5 on his grapple check next round.
At the end of this round, Owlbear 6 (not 4) is being grappled by Scales, and Owlbear 4 (not 6) is grappling Alleah!
Grappled: A grappled creature is restrained by a creature, trap, or effect. Grappled creatures cannot move and take a -4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity. A grappled creature cannot use Stealth to hide from the creature grappling it, even if a special ability, such as hide in plain sight, would normally allow it to do so. If a grappled creature becomes invisible, through a spell or other ability, it gains a +2 circumstance bonus on its CMD to avoid being grappled, but receives no other benefit.
If You Are Grappled: If you are grappled, you can attempt to break the grapple as a standard action by making a combat maneuver check (DC equal to your opponent's CMD; this does not provoke an attack of opportunity) or Escape Artist check (with a DC equal to your opponent's CMD). If you succeed, you break the grapple and can act normally. Alternatively, if you succeed, you can become the grappler, grappling the other creature (meaning that the other creature cannot freely release the grapple without making a combat maneuver check, while you can). Instead of attempting to break or reverse the grapple, you can take any action that requires only one hand to perform, such as cast a spell or make an attack with a light or one-handed weapon against any creature within your reach, including the creature that is grappling you.
==========
The magical transport is now clearly in sight. It is a wooden platform that seats five and floats 1 ft off the ground. There are four passengers, in armor, with weapons, riding ... and a driver in the back is piloting. The passengers have spotted your fight, and are excitedly readying their weapons. The driver looks more nervous.
You also hear some shouts coming from the southeast, back toward Sister Square.
==========
Owlbears are all AC15, CMD 21 (25 vs. trip).
Owlbear 1: 39 damage PLUS 45 nonlethal, unconscious, glitterdusted Owlbear 2: 25 damage, hiding in plain sight somewhere Owlbear 3: 27 nonlethal, glitterdusted Owlbear 4: uninjured, grappling Alleah Owlbear 5: 37 damage plus 9 nonlethal, hiding in plain sight somewhere Owlbear 6: 4 damage, glitterdusted, grappled by Scales
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] d20+11=15 ; d8+2=10 ; d20+7=11 ; Monday March 31st, 2014 2:30:06 PM
The Spiritual Weapon continues hammering at owlbear 6. [Hit AC 15 for 10 damage.]
Evaris realizes he's too close to the owlbears to use his bow without being attacked in turn. He sidles over next to Ariach [5-foot step to AA-38] and draws one of his light hammers. He waves the hammer in the direction of the owlbear, trying to be a convincing threat. He manages, barely. [Aid Another action. Ariach is +4 to attack owlbear 4, because we're both WLA members! Boo-yah!]
Bless is in effect. Everybody gets +1 to attack rolls, which stacks with bardsong. Spiritual Weapon. Current target is Owlbear 6. Ariach has Freedom of Movement.
Wincing as she is struck several times, Vaniime continues the battle and strikes twice more at #3 AC 16 & AC 9 connecting one more time for 14 more points of non lethal damage.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 d20+18=20 ; d8+4=10 ; Monday March 31st, 2014 6:25:07 PM
With clenched teeth Ariach takes the owlbear´s hit again. Then he nods thankfully to Evaris as the priest steps beside him as a visible sign of his support.
Once more Ariach attacks owlbear 4 to inflict nonlethal damage. (hits AC 20 for 10 damage)
Surveying the battle field, Grell is midly surprised to find that Ariach and Emry's have just shrunk...a LOT. Oh, and those pesky kitten eating critters aren't as big as he first thought. Weeeird! Over the pounding in his ears, he thinks he might have heard Emry's say something about a big boy. Uhhh...okay...whatever that was all about!
Now that those big, ugly things are quite so big and bad anymore, Grell prepares to open a can of whoop butt on them...if only he knew what a "can" is. But never mind that...now is the time for action, not for stray thoughts. Grell twists to slam his sword down into the nearest creature (Owlbear 4). Muscle and bone part with surprising ease as he strike true (AC36 for 20, AC16 for 19..using the rolls in my Private Post).
d20+21=34 ; d20+12=15 ; 3d6+13=20 ; 3d6+13=19
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday March 31st, 2014 7:21:51 PM
ooc: My actions state that I am grappling Owlbear 6, and the map shows 6, but your description says 4 several times. Clarify plz?
Cayzle Comments: Sorry, my bad! I fixed the DM Post. I should have consistently said that it was Owlbear 6 who is grappled by Scales, and Owlbear 4 that is grappling Alleah! Thanks for keeping me honest!
Owlbears Round Four (DM Cayzle) Monday March 31st, 2014 8:10:40 PM Correction! I was looking at Ariach's header, and forgot to factor in his higher AC due to fighting defensively. He takes NO damage this round! Sorry for the mistake!
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 40/49 + 6nonlethal d20+20=32 ; d20+17=33 ; d20+9=11 ; Monday March 31st, 2014 10:16:13 PM "Unhand me you brute!" Alleah cries, somehow magically breaking the grapple*. The force that broke the grapple then tries to shove owlbear #4 away (Bullrush: 32).
Alleah backs away from the owlbear that tried to grapple her. Right now she needs to bolster her defences. She tries to cover herself with Mage Armor, but in trying to cast defensively she feels the spell fizzle away... again (5ft step to AB40. Cast Mage Armor Defensively DC17: 11 = Fail!)
Perception: 33
---------------- * Lotto item: Ladies' evening gloves or opera gloves are a type of formal glove that reaches beyond the elbow. When an opponent is grappling you, as an immediate action you can cry out ʺUnhand me, you brute!ʺ. A powerful, invisible force comes to your protection, automatically breaking the grapple (removing the grappled condition as well) and initiating a bullrush combat maneuver against the opponent with a CMB modifier of +20. They become non-magical after a single use.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease d20+15=33 ; d100=7 ; d100=65 ; d20+7=17 ; Monday March 31st, 2014 10:56:17 PM
(Perception: 33 ... I'm invoking the +4 competence 'DM Honesty' bonus to my roll, which makes it a 37! Woot!)
Emrys actually sees the hiding owlbear(5) standing out in the open, hidden from all. The spectacle is absolutely fascinating to him and he wonders why he alone was granted the vision to see it. However the sight of little Alleah being gathered up by the other raging owlbear brings him back from his wanderlust of thought. He can't let the wounded owlbear go free, but if he doesn't act on Alleah's behalf, she will be torn to shreds in the next few seconds. Emrys holds out his upward turned hand to the owlbear grappling Alleah. He stares intently and utters a low, guttural growl.
(Leyline check: 7 ... really?! AGaiN! No way am I letting my highest level spell fizzle. Hero point reroll: 65. Casting Charm Monster on Owlbear 4. Will Save: 20)
(Using another hero point to get a 2nd standard action) His concentration quickly switches to the other owlbear in hiding. With great exertion, Emrys then gathers up his power with clinched fists and his voice lifted in song. He whips hand toward the hidden owlbear(5). The area around the owlbear suddenly bursts with glittery dust.
(Casting Glitterdust on Owlbear 5. Will save: 19.)
Feeling quite dizzy with vertigo, Emrys nearly falls to the ground from the strain (Dex check: 17). After regaining his balance with the help of his walking stick, "huh ... and therefore ..." he says breathlessly as he continues with his inspiring words (Inspire Courage, free action).
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+17=19 ; Tuesday April 1st, 2014 7:01:13 AM
ooc: Sorry sorry sorry. Fell asleep on the couch early last night.
Evaris's spiritual weapon hits Owlbear 6 for another 10 lethal damage. [OOC to Evaris: You could totally have shot your bow, seeing as grappling owlbears cannot take AoOs.] Evaris himself draws a melee weapon, takes a step, and helps Ariach.
With that help, Ariach's natural 2 is still good enough to connect for 10 nonlethal to Owlbear 4.
Vaniime whacks Owlbear 3 again with the flat of her blade, inflicting 14 nonlethal.
Giant-sized Grell attacks Owlbear 4, reaching over the heads of Evaris and Ariach to do so. The barbarian slams the magical beast for 39 lethal damage, and it hoots in pain and frustration!
Alleah's special magic frees her from the owlbear's embrace, and she shoves it away -- but it has nowhere to go [OOC: bull rushes fail if the target is pushed into a solid object]. She tries to cast a spell but the heat of battle distracts her, and she loses it.
With a massively heroic effort, Emrys casts Charm Monster on Owlbear 4, the one currently being beaten badly by Grell, Ariach, and Evaris. Thus its save is at +5, and it rolls a natural 20, so it is unaffected by the spell.
Then Emrys casts Glitterdust on hiding Owlbear 5. It's save is 12+4=16; not good enough, so it is blinded as well as glittering! All this, and he continues to offer inspiration to his allies!
Royston attempts to pin Owlbear 6 but falls short of the effort needed.
ROUND FIVE ... Owlbears
Owlbear 3, in rough shape, continues to lash out at Vaniime. It hits AC23, 11, and 25, landing a bite and a paw. That's 17 hp damage to Van, and a grab attempt that beats CMD 27, which is enough to grapple Vaniime!
Owlbear 4, in even rougher shape, howls and attacks! It snaps at Alleah, then swipes at Ariach, then swipes at Alleah. The first two of those attacks miss with a natural 1 and a natural 2, but the third is a crit threat, not confirmed. Alleah takes 6 damage and the grapple check to follow up is a 30, which means Alleah finds herself grappled again!
Owlbear 5, blinded, stumbles west.
Frustrated by the slippery Royston and smelling the blood in the air, Owlbear 6 tries to break free of the grapple and move away. Its grapple check to do so is a natural 20, and it slowly backs away from Scales.
At the end of this round, Owlbear 3 is grappling Vaniime, and Owlbear 4 is grappling Alleah!
Grappled: A grappled creature is restrained by a creature, trap, or effect. Grappled creatures cannot move and take a -4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity. A grappled creature cannot use Stealth to hide from the creature grappling it, even if a special ability, such as hide in plain sight, would normally allow it to do so. If a grappled creature becomes invisible, through a spell or other ability, it gains a +2 circumstance bonus on its CMD to avoid being grappled, but receives no other benefit.
If You Are Grappled: If you are grappled, you can attempt to break the grapple as a standard action by making a combat maneuver check (DC equal to your opponent's CMD; this does not provoke an attack of opportunity) or Escape Artist check (with a DC equal to your opponent's CMD). If you succeed, you break the grapple and can act normally. Alternatively, if you succeed, you can become the grappler, grappling the other creature (meaning that the other creature cannot freely release the grapple without making a combat maneuver check, while you can). Instead of attempting to break or reverse the grapple, you can take any action that requires only one hand to perform, such as cast a spell or make an attack with a light or one-handed weapon against any creature within your reach, including the creature that is grappling you.
==========
The magical taxi-barge floats close to Owlbear 5, and three of the four passengers throw things at it. The fourth looks like he is readying a longspear.
A crowd of about 12 people are coming toward you from the south.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal d20+13=15 ; d20+17=25 ; Tuesday April 1st, 2014 2:21:03 PM "Any time you're ready, Grell, feel free to knock this critter out!" Alleah struggles to wriggle free of the owlbears grasp, but with no success. She truly used all her luck getting down here. Wardd must be trying to balance things out. (Escape Artist check to break grapple vs DC21: 15 = Fail!)
(Perception: 25)
Vaniime AC: 18 CMD: 24 HP: 25 / 61 Bless d20+14=26 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+8=25 ; 2d10+16=27 ; Tuesday April 1st, 2014 2:46:04 PM
Vaniime finds herself attacked and grabbed but somehow just manages to escape the grapple CMB 27 (26 + bless spell)
Bleeding fom several wounds Vanimme keeps up the pressure and lets fly with two more strikes connecting twice more for 27 more points of non lethal damage.
Cayzle comments: Ariach has freedom of movement and Royston has grease, but is there any special reason Vaniime should not be grappled? You seem surprised. Also, escaping a grapple is a standard action, so no other attacks are allowed after escaping ... right?
kent her Combat maneuvers roll equaled the Owlbear's 27 as you stated which breaks the grapple and then you posted...If you succeed, you break the grapple and can act normally. did i missunderstand something here?
>>If you are grappled, you can attempt to break the grapple as a standard action by making a combat maneuver check (DC equal to your opponent's CMD; this does not provoke an attack of opportunity) or Escape Artist check (with a DC equal to your opponent's CMD).
If you succeed, you break the grapple and can act normally.<<
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday April 1st, 2014 4:06:37 PM
Ooc: what kind of things are they throwing at Owlbear 5?
Cayzle Comments: If you can make a perception check vs DC6 ... Highlight to display spoiler: {bolas}.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+10=18 ; Tuesday April 1st, 2014 5:13:23 PM
ooc: Shenanigans!
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 d20+12=21 ; d8+4=12 ; Tuesday April 1st, 2014 6:14:43 PM
Ariach notices that the owlbears are much thougher than he has thought.
But there is no time to hesitate. Ariach swings his mace once again. (hits AC 21 for 12 nonlethal damage)
His weapon hits owlbear 4 again and the young warrior really hopes the monster will loosen the grip on Alleah.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] d20+11=14 ; d8+2=4 ; d20+10=18 ; d8+2=7 ; Tuesday April 1st, 2014 7:37:14 PM
The Spiritual Weapon strikes again! It hits AC 14 for 4 damage.
Seeing that Ariach and Grell seem to have the melee fight in hand--and seeing that Owlbear 4 is grappling and can't attack him--Evaris steps back [to Z-37] and sheathes his hammer. He raises his bow and fires a shot at Owlbear 5. [Hits AC 18 for 7 damage.]
Bless is in effect. Everybody gets +1 to attack rolls, which stacks with bardsong. Spiritual Weapon. Current target is Owlbear 6. Ariach has Freedom of Movement.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+12=21 ; Tuesday April 1st, 2014 9:37:04 PM
The paladin points a finger at the flying barge and barks out at the interlopers. "You! Yes, you! These are our targets! Go find your own!" He turns to the miscreant owlbear and roars in challenge, flinging himself into another grapple.
Grapple combat maneuver vs. Owlbear 6, 21.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease 3d8+5=19 ; Tuesday April 1st, 2014 11:28:23 PM
Emrys notices that Vaniime is looking quite bloody. So he decides to take a five-foot step toward her and taps her shoulder with his cure wand. A surge of healing energy rejuvenates the elven ranger.
(Casting Cure Serious Wounds on Vaniine from his wand. Heals: 19 points. He also continues his Inspire Courage bardic performance, free action.)
Owlbears Round Six and DONE! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday April 2nd, 2014 6:15:33 PM
ROUND SIX ... Vanguard
Alleah struggles to get free, but fails to wiggle out of the owlbear's feathery furry grasp.
Vaniime breaks free of the owlbear!
[OOC: Here is how I interpret the rules, with actual rules in italic and my elaboration in plain text: If you are grappled, you can attempt to break the grapple as a standard action by making a combat maneuver check (DC equal to your opponent's CMD; this does not provoke an attack of opportunity) or Escape Artist check (with a DC equal to your opponent's CMD). If you succeed, you break the grapple and can act normally, with the move action that remains to you for the round. You do not get a second standard action after using your first standard action to break the grapple.]
Ariach knocks one out.
Evaris's spiritual weapon hits Owlbear 6 again for another 4 lethal damage. Evaris himself uses his bow to shoot Owlbear 5 for 7 lethal, and it goes down!
Royston successfully grapples Owlbear 6 -- and has now pinned the creature!
Emrys cures Vaniime for 19 curing! And maintains the inspiring song.
Since Owlbear 4 is out cold, the DM rules that Grell steps forward and attacks Owlbear 3 with one attack for 18 lethal damage, enough to put the beast down!
At this point in the battle, only one owlbear is standing, and Scales seems to have it well in hand. Surely next round will it taken down by a combination of grappling and lethal and nonlethal damage.
You might note that Owlbear 2 has snuck off.
It seems fair to call this combat over!
The three bola thowers jump out of the cap and start to tie up the wounded and unconscious owlbear. The one with the spear uses a rude gesture with Scales and then keeps his spear ready.
The small crowd of people approaching are cheering and clapping! Shouts of "Hail the Heroes!" and "Huzzah!" fill the air.
Owlbear 1: 39 damage PLUS 45 nonlethal, unconscious, glitterdusted Owlbear 2: 25 damage, hiding in plain sight somewhere Owlbear 3: 18 lethal and 41 nonlethal, glitterdusted, unconscious. Owlbear 4: 39 lethal and 22 nonlethal, unconscious Owlbear 5: 44 damage plus 11 nonlethal, blinded, glittering, unconscious. Owlbear 6: 18 damage, glitterdusted, grappled by Scales, and quickly subdued.
No map needed.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal d20+17=21 ; Wednesday April 2nd, 2014 9:52:25 PM
The owlbear arms encasing Alleah go limp, and she barely manages to duck aside from the collapsing monster.
She has many cuts and scrapes now. "That's going to leave a bruise" she notes as she puts a hand to her abdomen.
"We need to restrain them before they wake up. What do you guys think? Rope? Chains? Manacles?"
Alleah is alert that at least one owlbear still roams the street. The sweat from her brow is starting to affect her vision however (Perception: 21)
Giving a look over at Emrys, Vaniime quickly thanks him for the healing and then looks to see that things are in hand.
Hearing Alleah's question she responds.
"Ropes and hoods of some sort to go over the heads Here use my rope and blanket for that to start with.
"Is there a large cage in there, she asks pointing into the shop. erhaps we could store them in there for the time being."
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] Wednesday April 2nd, 2014 10:45:39 PM
I will make my real post later, but I haven't posted yet for Wednesday so this is my Wednesday post.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Wednesday April 2nd, 2014 11:13:36 PM "I'll check it out"
Alleah slowly makes her way into the pet shop to poke around. Are there any survivors? Is anyone injured? Is the store gold in plain sight? "No. You're better than that" she shakes the thought from her head.
She does keep her eye out for any collars or leashes. Something that might be useful for restraining or encaging the owlbears.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday April 2nd, 2014 11:39:09 PM
Scales crosses his arms and touches his shoulders, uttering a brief prayer to Domi.
ooc: Lay on hands, all uses, fully healed.
Giving the owlbear at his feet a disdainful sneer, Sir Royston joins Vaniime in searching the pet store for a possible cage. Barring that, he will look nearby for ropes or chains.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease d20+15=27 ; d20+12=25 ; Wednesday April 2nd, 2014 11:53:49 PM
Emrys smiles and gives Vaniime a light pat on the shoulder. He then looks around to see where the cheering is coming from. Upon seeing them, he removes his hat and gives a sweeping bow. Like a band member at the end of the show, he gives them his thanks for their love and adulation. He announces to the crowd that they are the Vanguard and introduces each member as they diligently work to secure all the known owlbears
(Perception: 27 to notice any other dangers. Diplomacy: 25 to win the crowds love.)
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] d20+18=20 ; Thursday April 3rd, 2014 12:41:16 AM
Evaris walks toward the bola throwers with a determined stride.
"Thank you, good folk for tying up this owlbear--which my friends and I subdued," he says. "We'll bring it in with the others. Quite an exciting bout, wasn't it?"
Evaris is being very polite, but he's not going to let these guys take credit for this owlbear. [Diplomacy 20]
Grell, Fatigued 1/12, HP 75/82, AC 17/11/17 CMB 17, CMD 27, Bless, Enlarge Person d20+5=10 ; Thursday April 3rd, 2014 6:55:35 AM
Scanning the battlefield, the warrior finds no more threats. Taking a deep breath, Grell goes through his relaxation techniques and feels the exhaustion wash over him. Flicking the owlbear blood off his sword, Grell limps over to the kitten tank to make sure that are all still okay. "Hey there little ones...it's okay...Grell's here now. Nothing's going to hurt you anymore!" (Handle Animal=10).
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 Thursday April 3rd, 2014 3:48:23 PM
Ariach seems to be very satisfied with the result of the combat.
First of all the young warrior is very impressed of Alleah´s courage.
But also their new one companions Evaris and Sir Royston are well suited to their group.
He nods to his companions as a sign of his respect and asks Vaniime for further advice.
Owlbears Round Six and DONE! (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 3rd, 2014 6:04:48 PM Vaniime, Scales, and Alleah find or improvise leashes, chains, and such to bind the owlbears. Although it must be said that the large "Find Your Familiar" shopping sacks you improvise as hoods do lend a surreal and comical air to the bindings. No one is in the shop, and the cashbox is untouched.
Ariach makes a point of praising and welcoming the two newcomers to the group, Evaris and Royston. Your DM agrees, granting each a hero point as well as a 200 xp award to Ariach for roleplaying.
Emrys works the crowd like a pro! The onlookers clap and offer their congratulations. Several express the wish that they could help hunt owlbears. One figure in the back looks vaguely familiar.
Grell finds that several kittens respond eagerly to him, meowing and licking the drops of owlbear blood from his fingers.
Evaris finds that the group with the floating taxi is planning to haul the downed owlbear away on the magical transport they have hired. "Come on," says one older fellow with a fine surcoat, worn over armor that looks like it has never seen use outside a sparring studio. "We helped take it down! I'll give you 100 gold for it! And besides, how are you going to get these huge beasties back to the Star Tower? We're doing you a favor, hauling one!"
He is trying to be diplomatic, but of course PCs are immune to Diplomacy checks.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] d20+18=27 ; Thursday April 3rd, 2014 7:34:41 PM
"You did help take it down," Evaris concedes. "So what say we share in the credit? Come with us to the Star Tower, and we can all share in the glory!"
[Diplomacy 27]
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal d20+12=30 ; d20+17=22 ; Thursday April 3rd, 2014 10:39:55 PM
Do Alleah's ears deceive her? Perhaps they popped when the owlbear was grappling her. It sounded like Evaris just offered to share the credit? That had better not mean share the reward.
She decides now would be a good time to pipe in.
"100 gold would be a very reasonable price for your typical owlbear. But note the striking black plumage on these? These, my friend, are prime examples of the rare ebony owlbear, otherwise known as ebonus strix-ursus. What's more, they are alive. All this increases their value at least ten-fold. But, since you all seem so nice and did help towards the end, we could probably hand them over to you for ... 750 gold apiece?"(Bluff to seem like an expert on the subject: 30. Hopefully the unconscious black owlbears also count as 'convincing proof')"We aren't unreasonable. We would be happy to take items to that amount if you want sole credit"
At the back of her mind, she wonders where that last owlbear went to. Perhaps it's best to stay alert for it. (Perception: 22)
Well, with their feet securely tied so they can only take small steps and their heads covered perhaps we should wake them and lead them to the start tower.
Or I guess we could go rent a few or Rod's Reliable vehicles over there and swing by Star tower with our captives.
What do you think guys and gals?
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+23=38 ; Thursday April 3rd, 2014 11:00:17 PM
The paladin bristles at Evaris' words. "Their help, while effective, was not requested or warranted. We had the situation in hand. At most they saved us half a minute of moderate effort and now they are attempting to poach on our success." He turns toward the newcomers. His voice becoming flat and cold and his eyes glow softly like embers in a fire. "I do not appreciate interlopers during a mission. We claimed this target from the WLA captain, and you opportunistically interfered. You broke protocol." He stares at them for half a beat and narrows his eyes. "But there are more important matters, like the safety of this city's people. I would be most annoyed if you were to interfere any more. I suggest you take the halfling's offer."
ooc: Intimidate check 38 to motivate them to accept Alleah's offer.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease d20+15=34 ; d20+10=13 ; Thursday April 3rd, 2014 11:22:19 PM
"I think that is an excellent idea, Vaniime." However Emrys seems distracted by some familiar face in the crowd. (Perception: 34. Knowledge [Local]: 13) He's not sure if he can see him well enough within throng of adoring fans. "Maybe we can recruit the help of these fine citizens here and make a parade to Star Tower."
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] Thursday April 3rd, 2014 11:42:23 PM
[To clarify, Evaris meant that we should share the credit on just this one owlbear, Owlbear 5, not all of them.]
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Friday April 4th, 2014 12:01:53 AM OOC: Trying to walk the path of 'good', Alleah is itching to go back to her ways and steal something. Failing that, at least making some 'honest' gold will have to do. I'm wondering about taking ranks in Profession(Used Cart salesman) next level :)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Friday April 4th, 2014 1:05:46 AM
Alleah tries not to let her emotions show as Royston interjects. Using your brains (and mouth) to relieve someone of some excess gold is one thing, but intimidating them to give you gold? Well that's just bullying!
A sudden thought strikes Grell, and he pulls out his gold pouch and plunks down enough gold pieces to pay for all the kittens, plus whatever he thinks it will take to fix the glass on the store front. Scooping up the kittens, Grell turns to Vaniime and says "Really, I don't care...whatever's the fastest. I need to get these little ones off to bed so they can rest!"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20=9 ; Friday April 4th, 2014 7:00:23 AM
Sense Motive check 9
Royston has full faith in Alleah's words and truly believes that they are due 750 gold pieces for each owlbear.
ooc: Be careful Ms. Rogue, because Mr. Paladin has a Sense Motive modifier of +0 and cannot tell if you are telling the truth. ;)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Friday April 4th, 2014 7:54:38 AM OOC: I'll have to remind Royston of that 1000gp he owes Alleah ;)
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 Friday April 4th, 2014 6:00:17 PM
Ariach shakes his head in disbelief. Why do his companions always complain about money.
They all have helped to make their town a safer place. The citizens have cheered them.They have accomplished a mission from the WLA. What more can you expect from life?
"Who cares about money! I feel disappointed about your behavior. All about money! Even if they guys joined us late to fight the owlbears, they showed courage. Something which shouldn´t go unrewarded. I will be happy to share my part of the reward with them."
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57; CMD 17] [Bless, Spiritual Weapon] Friday April 4th, 2014 7:12:03 PM
"And as if the owlbears were not enough, brave Grell has captured some kittens! Would you like a hand with those?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Friday April 4th, 2014 10:05:15 PM
Alleah feels her pulse rising as Ariach speaks. The party rogue is not allowed to lie, cheat, steal, pick pockets, and now isn't even allowed to haggle! What's more all she hears when he lectures her on money is "my beliefs are more important than your beliefs".
"Self righteous so-and-so. Quite easy to not care about money when you've grown up rich I suppose"
She's tempted to "remind him" that he already promised his share to the local temple. Then again, bluffing a fellow party member would probably be frowned upon. Probably...
------------------ OOC:
Fyi - I am planning surgery (with Cayzle's approval) to un-rogueify? de-rogue? to help Alleah fit in more with the team.
Grell, Fatigued 2/12, HP 75/82, AC 17/11/17 CMB 17, CMD 27, Bless, Enlarge Person Friday April 4th, 2014 11:36:19 PM
OOC: Sometimes communication can be difficult on a website. I kinda doubt Ariach's player meant to discourage you. I, personally, enjoy Alleah's antics, even if Grell is too thick to understand half of what she does. ~insert sly grin here~
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Saturday April 5th, 2014 2:37:59 AM OOC: I know, I'm just in a cranky mood today. Sorry guys. The surgery is also so I can contribute more to the group rather than just be a thief
Owlbears Aftermath! (DM Cayzle) Saturday April 5th, 2014 8:39:59 AM Evaris, Alleah, and Royston use diplomacy, guile, and a formidable air of power in talking with the would-be adventurers.
Ariach feels that engaging with the public and serving the city is reward enough.
"Nonsense!" declares the lead stranger, now that Owlbear 5 is trussed. "Heroes earn their rewards, and I am happy to give you my paper!" He scribbles out a slip a paper declaring the bearer to be able to redeem 750 gp. The slip says that he is Sieven Tambres, secretary of the Chancers Club.
"And when you stop by to redeem that, please do join us for a drink or a meal and share your tales of adventure with us!"
He says he is happy to give you a few minutes to join him and his friends in heading to the Star Tower, but if he delays longer than that, he may lose a wager he has made.
Ever the leader of the Vanguard, Vaniime has more immediate concerns in mind than the Chancers, like how to transport the owlbears to the Star Tower! He notes the magical transportation company right over there ... and indeed, the place seems open for business, now that you mention it.
Emrys sees a person in the back of the crowd ... who looks very familiar! He reminds the bard of Grell! But Grell is right over there playing with the kitties! What is this?
[OOC: With luck, our new player will post this weekend or Monday!]
Speaking of the animal lover, Grell adopts the kitties that remain and leaves some gold for them and for the window. [OOC: 50 gp will do!]
Evaris stops by to offer aid to Grell. There are too many kittens! Someone has to help with petting them!
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Saturday April 5th, 2014 10:04:13 AM
Alleah raises an eyebrow as the man so casually writes out the slip of paper. "I KNEW I should have asked for more!"
She can tell that Ariach is displeased. Should she get a moment she will have a quiet conversation with him "Look, I know you don't agree with my methods, but would it help if I told you my share is going towards a very worthwhile charity? I'm not an entirely bad person"
"I wonder what Grell plans to do with all those cats?"
Lowell (Genevieve) Saturday April 5th, 2014 2:36:41 PM
Lowell had been walking through the streets of the city, when he saw a big commotion. "What is this?" He pushes his way through the crowd. "B-Brother?!?!?!" Lowell runs toward Grell and hugs him with tears in his eyes. "I missed you so much!" Lowell then straitens himself up, letting go of the tall fighter. "I mean, hi... brother. Long time, no see." He smiles at his twin brother.
Evaris Saturday April 5th, 2014 7:23:40 PM
Bemused, Evaris looks at the two kittens, one in each hand, which he seems to have acquired. His expression grows thoughtful. Maybe it would be helpful for Roel to have something to take care of. Something that depended on him.
"I'm not sure they'll allow you at the Red Wyrm," he says to the kittens, "but it's worth a try, eh?"
He smiles at Alleah. "Well done! A masterful negotiation indeed! And now, we can use some of the money to hire transport for the other owlbears. And kittens. And adventurers. We're turning into a children's story."
Grell, Fatigued 4/12, HP 75/82, AC 17/11/17 CMB 17, CMD 27, Bless, Enlarge Person Saturday April 5th, 2014 8:05:42 PM
Grell hestitantly allows Evaris to take a couple of the kittens, but constantly fusses at him like a mother hen. "Be careful of the calico..I think she might have a cut on her paw! Easy there with that Persian's tail!"
OOC: How many kittens are there exactly?
Kitten's delicately bundled up, Grell taps his foot waiting impatiently for Vaniime to decide what to do with the remaining owlbears.
Just as it seems like things are wrapping up, Grell hears a very familiar voice. But no, that must be his mind playing tricks on him...it can't be Lowell. Last he'd heard Lowell was wandering the Wold after graduating from Maplehurt. Shoot...he's probably half way around the Wold by now hunting dragons! But then, from his still Enlarged vantage point, he spots a really familiar figure pushing through the crowd...matter of fact, if Lowell wasn't half his size with that black hair, it would almost be like looking in the mirror! Grinning as his (almost) identical twin hugs him, Grell sets the kittens safely on his shoulders and returns Lowell's hug. "Hey there, [/i]little[i] brother!" Grell chuckles at his own joke. "Man, it's been FOREVER since I've seen you!! Where in the Wold have you been hiding?!" Grell reaches down and absently wipes some of the owlbear blood from his armor onto his pants, trying (and mostly failing) to make himself more presentable. "Oh man, I hope you're hungry, because I've got a couple of pigs we're going to roast. You HAVE to stay at our place for dinner tonight!! Matter of fact, we were just about ready to head back...after we go to the Star Mage Guild, that is."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 Sunday April 6th, 2014 3:44:59 PM
Ariach listens itently to Alleah´s words.
"I apologize if i have hurt your feelings with my behavior. I see you as a valuable member of our group. I respect and even admire some of your skills.
Nonetheless i have to tell you that i see it as my duty to keep an eye on you. And not just on you. I also keep my eyes on the other members of our group to take care that we will not leave the righteous path.
......and one more thing. If i would think that you are a bad person, either you or me wouldn´t be here any more."
As Lowell appears Ariach turns his head and watches the two brothers. His feelings about the newcomer are split. He is delighted for Grell and especially for Wilma but also fears that another savage could perturb the order.
OOC: I also go along with Grell´s comment and do enjoy Alleah´s antics as well. But playing my character it is a must to annoy my companions and to find a stain everywhere. Therefore i am happily looking forward on our upcoming debates :)
Emrys, Alleah, you all want to see about making some arrangement with Rod's over there for some sort of transport to star tower for our big beasties.
She shakes her head as she sees grell with the kittens. Egads what is it with that family and their Cats. A grin comes to her fas as she hears and sees Lowell greet his brother. It has been a long time since she has seen Wilma and Grell's little brother.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Monday April 7th, 2014 1:17:46 AM OOC: Thanks for the explanation Ariach. I give two thumbs up for roleplaying low cha :)
Alleah cocks her head to examine Ariach. She's unsure how to take him. He is certainly... interesting.
Vaniime fortunately eases things by giving a hopefully simple task. The halfling nods and goes to enquire about transportation.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday April 7th, 2014 11:20:47 AM
Scales is pleased to hear the second group acknowledge their claim. "You are an honorable man, and I look forward to taking you up on the offer. After all, who doesn't enjoy social pleasantries and light refreshments? Boorish people, that is whom." He approaches the nearest insensate owlbear and claps his hands together, rubbing them in anticipation. "Right, let's move these things before they awaken and cause more havoc." The paladin grabs two handfuls of fur and heaves the nearest one toward the magical conveyance.
ooc: I can drag up to 3500 lbs.
Owlbears Aftermath! (DM Cayzle) Monday April 7th, 2014 1:20:39 PM
Evaris rescues two kitties that had escaped the shop -- two of a total of nine.
Grell fusses and leaves enough gold to buy the whole litter amd fix the window. He fusses over the ones Evaris picks up ...
Then Lowell and Grell enjoy a heartfelt reunion!
Ariach smiles at the sweet meeting of family, but wonders how another member of that family will fit into the group.
Vaniime sends a team to acquire magical transport, while enjoying the brothers' meeting.
Alleah and Emrys walk over to Rod's, where they find they can rent magical horseless wagons for 10 gold an hour with a 1,000 gp deposit and a vow to return them. Two should be enough.
The deal is struck, and Royston begins loading beasts into the wagons.
Any other business before heading to the Star Tower?
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 Monday April 7th, 2014 4:14:30 PM
Of course Ariach helps Sir Royston to load the owlbears into the wagons.
"Hurry! If we deliver the owlbears right at the Star Tower, we could ask for another mission."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease Monday April 7th, 2014 6:25:05 PM
Emrys wishes he could have negotiated a better deal, but Rod acted like he had heard it all before.
On their way back to the group he turns to Alleah and asks, "Did you see young Lowell with Grell earlier. He has grown so much since I last saw him. He looks so much like Grell, except a bit more polished and flair. What do you think? It just shows how much more presentable Grell could possibly be if didn't appear like he was groomed by a stable boy." Then Emrys breaks out with a laugh and says, "It was quite humorous watching Lowell hug his giant-sized brother. His arms could barely reach around his leg. (Grell was under the effect of an Enlarge Person spell at the time :)
Evaris Monday April 7th, 2014 6:53:16 PM
"My apologies, my friend!" Evaris calls up to the enlarged Grell. "I didn't realize you wanted all of the kittens. I will, of course, honor your prior claim. A cut on her paw?" He tries to examine the kitten, but it is squirming too much. "I don't think so, but just in case--" he casts a minor healing spell [Cure Minor Wounds] on the kitten, which should take care of any cuts, real or imagined.
He conveys the kittens to their newly-acquired transportation, then returns to help with the owlbears.
"Grell's brother, you say?" he says to Lowell. "I'm Evaris Leafgreen. It's nice to meet you."
Evaris is a good-looking half-elf man with brown hair and hazel eyes.
Helping with the loading and sensing some eagerness to continue with the hunt Vaniime moves eeryone along to the Star Tower. In addition to dropping off the owlbears she also mentions that there is one still on the l;oose and mentions about its apparent adaptations.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Tuesday April 8th, 2014 2:57:57 AM "Huh? What? Oh yes, much more presentable" Alleah is brought back to reality by Emrys, her thoughts still on Ariach. He does have the right idea though, the sooner the party return the owlbears the sooner they can take on their next task.
Before they leave Alleah picks up the still warm, now dirty piece of meat she threw earlier. It's probably no longer safe for consumption, though you never can tell with Grell around.
If too long a pause goes by and Grell is yet to make introductions, Alleah will approach Lowell with an open hand to shake and a simple "Hi! I'm Alleah"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday April 8th, 2014 1:18:05 PM
After loading the owlbears onto the floating chariot, Sir Royston approaches the newcomer and extends a hand. You see a young human male with dark brown hair hanging loosely to his shoulders. His eyes are bright red, with white irises flecked with orange near the pupil. His skin on his hands and face is a striking blend of humanoid and draconic features, with sweeping horns and tiny scales growing from his skin and bones. He is dressed in a gentleman courtier's outfit, with coat, shirt, cravat, and trousers. He is tall and lanky, with a wiry frame and straight posture.
"I am Royston Scalesworth, paladin of Domi. May the Protector shield you always. I heard you are Grell's brother. If you are as strong and loyal as Grell, you are most welcome indeed."
All the owlbears loaded up, Grell finds Lowell and heads back toward the Star Tower, catching Lowell up on all his adventures.
Lowell (Genevieve) Tuesday April 8th, 2014 2:58:53 PM
Lowell smiles when his brother hugs him, but then frowns. "LITTLE brother?!?!?!!? I've grown a lot since you last saw me!!!! But sure, I would love to stay over for dinner! As for where I have been, I have been adventuring, obviously." He then looks over at the tall warrior with the crooked nose(Ariach) "Why, hello. You must be Ariach! My brother has told me much about you!" He then introduces himself to the rest of the group. "Why, hello, my name is Lowell! It is a pleasure to meet you!"
On the Hunt: Dire Mosquitoes
Owlbears Aftermath! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 8th, 2014 4:16:12 PM
Emrys brings the two magical wagons with him back to the felled owlbears -- so long as he is holding the control rods, the wheeled devices follow on his heels like baby ducks following a mama.
Ariach, Vaniime, and Royston all put their shoulders to the task of hefting unconscious owlbears into the wagons.
Everyone says hi to Grell's brother, and Evaris and Alleah make a special effort to make Lowell feel welcome.
Grell decides that he is okay with Evaris taking care of two kitties.
The Vanguard walks to the Star Tower, staying next to the wagons that are full of owlbear!
On the way, Grell fills Lowell in about the group's recent adventures.
Lowell shares his own stories in return.
At the Star Mages, a WLA officer with a clipboard makes a note of what the group has brought in, and about the reward that they are due. Vaniime tells everything, including that one owlbear was wounded and sneaked away.
Just before Alleah can ask for another job, the officer says, "You 'Vanguard' are just in time," he declares. "We gotten a report of huge swarm of Bloodsuckers in the woods near the stadium, ambushing passers-by. We'll unload your owlbears if you can head off and deal with those pests!"
"And bring them in alive!"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 Tuesday April 8th, 2014 4:19:47 PM
Ariach bows in salutation.
"Welcome, Lowell. It´s nice to meet you, another remarkable member of the Illutu clan."
After his honest welcome to Lowell, Ariach wonders what Grell has told his brother. And if it had anything to do with his feelings for their sister Wilma."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday April 8th, 2014 9:28:16 PM
"Who in the world was supervising the security of these animals!? Justice needs to be served to whomever allowed their escape. The blood of these people is on their hands." Royston shakes his head in disgust. "Come, let's find these bloodsuckers. The longer we wait, the more people are hurt."
Evaris Wednesday April 9th, 2014 1:18:41 AM
"Grell, my friend, do you have a plan for the kittens while we deal with the bloodsuckers? If we go back to the square, Roel could watch them for us."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Wednesday April 9th, 2014 7:30:56 AM "Aaaahhhh! Bloodsuckers! I knew it!" Alleah nods along sagely before sidling up to Emrys to whisper "Pssst! What's a bloodsucker? Only kind I know are tax men"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 Wednesday April 9th, 2014 7:38:20 PM
For a short moment it seems that Ariach will laugh about Alleah´s joke but than the impression fades.
"Tax men are respectable proxies of our goverment. It is thanks to them that we live in such a great city."
He stares at Alleah and raises an eyebrow "I hope you pay your taxes- do you?"
"By the way, do you really know what Bloodsuckers are? It seems to me they are birds."
As they hear about the "Bloodsuckers" Vaniime steps forward. What can you tell us about them? What are they like? How big are they? What do they look like? How many of them are there?
Using what she can of any description, etc, she wracks her brain to figure out if she knows what the beast is.
Knowledge Nature DC 31 if magical beast, DC 27 if not.
Grell turns to Lowell and gives him a sly wink. You need to make sure you watch Ariach's back... he's got the hots for Sis!"
Lowell (Genevieve ) Wednesday April 9th, 2014 10:23:39 PM
"Wait, WHAT!?! He likes Sis?" Lowell stares at Ariachs for awhile and then joins in the conversation with the others. " Oh, I want to take down some Bloodsuckers! Can I help? " Lowell seems very interested in the topic. He then slides up to his brother. "Do you have any idea what creature they are talking about? Because I am very confused!"
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease d20+14=18 ; d20+14=22 ; Wednesday April 9th, 2014 10:46:36 PM
Standing back with the transports, he doesn't want to risk driving them into the crowd, he wholeheartedly agrees with Vaniime's questions. The man is just being way too vague. "Yes, please! Can you elaborate?" He searches his mind for all things 'bloodsuckers'. (Knowledge [Arcana]: 18. Knowledge [Nature]: 22)
Then Emrys has an idea. He's always had this special perception with creatures he makes physical contact with. These owlbear have been altered, maybe he can discern what had happened to them. He is careful not activate the transports as he reaches back to place his hand on one of the owlbear. He concentrates to see what information he can divine. (Using Lore Keeper ability from the Knowledge Domain. Any appropriate Knowledge skill check of 22.)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday April 9th, 2014 11:39:57 PM
"Is it a stirge?"
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 Thursday April 10th, 2014 6:03:32 PM
Ariach face turns red as Grell talks to his brother Lowell about Ariach´s feelings for their sister. And he feels even worse as Lowell picks up the theme. Fortunately the topic changes to the bloddsucker again and Ariach isn´t forced to give any explanations.
Evaris Thursday April 10th, 2014 10:10:27 PM
"Roel is very trustworthy," Evaris assures Grell. "You met him briefly in the square. He's a cleric of Domi."
Privately, Evaris isn't sure of Roel's qualifications. Did Roel have any experience with kittens? Evaris doesn't know. Oh well, he thinks, at least one of Roel's former adventuring companions was a Halfling, and they're a lot like kittens. It amounts to the same thing, I'm sure.
Vaniime AC: 18 CMD: 24 HP: 44 / 61 Bless Thursday April 10th, 2014 11:23:59 PM
Waiting for the answers to her questions, Van sees Grell and Lowell teasing Ariach and decides to step in and help him out a bit.
Walking up beside Grell she casually reaches out and solidly pats Grell on the fanny gives it a squeeze and boldly winks at him. "Hey Grell, remember Yuletide eve?" Trying to make him blush when he remembers that was when Vaniime first kissed him soundly in public.
"Lowell, your brother is quite the thoughtful gentleman. He has given me a couple of beautifully made gifts that I absolutely treasure."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Thursday April 10th, 2014 11:44:56 PM
The paladin raises an eyebrow. "I see this group is... very familiar."
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 10th, 2014 11:58:17 PM
OOC: Deepest apologies, friends. Real Life reared up and kicked me in the head pretty hard this week.
Emrys deduces that these owlbears have indeed been granted magical powers beyond those of normal owlbears.
Ariach greets Lowell.
Royston is eager to be off after the next monster.
Evaris suggests surrendering the kittens into the care of a friend of his ... and there he is, right over there! The Star Tower, on Magic Square, is of course just a hop from Adventurer's Square in the Dragon Quarter.
Alleah asks the party druid what a "bloodsucker" is!
Emrys suspects a vermin of some sort, and is proven right ...
Vaniime asks the WLA officer about them.
The WLA officer explains that "bloodsuckers" are also known as Dire Mosquitoes. This swarm has gotten itself into the Temple of Love in the Trade Quarter, and is attacking anyone who enters the nave.
Royston expresses shock at the lapse in security that allowed these monsters to escape! "Who in the world was supervising the security of these animals!?" Maybe an answer is making itself known ...
For coming towards the Star Tower from Adventurer's Square is a crowd of chanting humans. They are dressed in robes, and most of them have some small pet or familiar with them. They assemble in front of the Star Tower, and one casts an illusion spell. The magic creates a huge sign and the sound of an orchestra. The assembled robed people start chanting:
"DOWN WITH THE MAYOR! MAINTAIN THE LAIR! TREAT MONSTERS FAIR! GIVE THEM LOVE AND CARE!"
As they chant, the same words appear on the sign.
Lowell (Genevieve ) Friday April 11th, 2014 9:07:51 AM
Lowell snorts. "Grell, a gentleman?!?! That's pretty hard to believe!!!" He nudges his brother. "So, you have a thing for Vaniime, huh?" Lowell smirks. He turns to Royston. "Yeah, I guess that you could say that. My brother never mentioned you in his letters. Are you new to the group?"
Then he spins on his heels to get a better look at the protesters. "Hey Grell, are they allowed to do that? I mean, don't they have anything better to do today than protesting?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 15/15/11 -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal Friday April 11th, 2014 9:19:21 AM "It's a very catchy jingle they have though. I wonder if it could be applied to other things" Alleah grins mischievously and clears her throat
"We just caught a 'bear Perhaps it was a pair? They were pretty rare ..er... Grell has no underwear?"
She chants loudly enough for the party to hear, but no so loudly that she might be overheard by the mob. The last thing she wants to do is upset an already angry mob.
Lowell (Genevieve ) Friday April 11th, 2014 11:11:36 AM
"No, no, no, no! See, love, Grell has underwear, it's just that none of it is clean!" Lowell laughs at his joke, then joins in Alleah's chant, but changes it.
"We just caught a 'bear Perhaps it was a pair? They were pretty rare Grell has no clean underwear!"
Evaris Friday April 11th, 2014 1:24:39 PM
"Well," says Evaris. "First things first. We drop off the kittens, we go deal with the bloodsuckers, and then we find out what the druids are upset about."
That last one could take a while. You could never tell with druids. Still, if there was injustice, it was his job to rectify it.
"Roel! Good to see you! Can you keep an eye on these kittens while we complete our next mission? I'm afraid they're even worse than adventurers, but we'll find you a basket or something."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday April 11th, 2014 6:29:37 PM
Royston turns from the unseemly display and clears his throat, assuming a very dignified posture.
There once was a fighter named Grell, whose odor none could quite quell. He had many friends, on that point none contends, despite his most terrible smell.
He smiles for a moment, clapping Grell on the shoulder to show that it is all in good fun. His face darkens, however, as the chanting brings him back to attention. "Let's be done with these 'bloodsuckers.' If these druids played a role in the escape of those monsters... Mark my word, there will be a reckoning."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 Friday April 11th, 2014 7:38:11 PM
Although Ariach enjoys the rimes, especially because none has to do with himself, he decides it is time to move on.
"Let´s catch these stirges!"
Grell (The embarassed) d20+7=22 ; d3+6=7 ; Friday April 11th, 2014 7:48:15 PM
Grell grins as Vaniime grabs his posterior. He was beginning to wonder if she still cared! Then she reminds her of their first kiss, and the warrior turns beet red. "I...er..you...but...hey...you kissed..." Grell coughs, suddenly tongue tied.
Then Lowell joins in, and Grell's face turns an unpleasant shade of purple...the very shade that Lowell has learned means that Grell is about to retaliate in a physical manner...and quickly. BLAM Grell gives Lowell a "friendly" punch in the arm (AC22 for 7). He manages to articulate "Shut...UP!" before first Alleah, and then Royston join in the taunting. Crossing his arms, Grell snorts his displeasure, but he wisely keeps his mouth shut. I do NOT have dirty underwear...I wash them at least once a week! Hmmph! Yeah, well, let's see how much fun they have when I'm not there to save their butts in combat. Gosh...I think I might just be to worn out to join in the next combat! That'll show them!!
OOC: You guys, I was TOTALLY cracking up! Please don't take grumpy ol Grell too seriously! Nellie thinks your posts were freaking hilarious!!
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Saturday April 12th, 2014 9:04:20 AM
Lowell, Alleah, and Royston take advantage of the break in the action to gently tease Grell.
Who quietly swears a bloody and brutal revenge! :-)
Meanwhile, practical Evaris wants to prioritize kitty care and then the next bunch of pesty predators.
Ariach enjoys the banter but also wants to get to business.
Some think the protesters are druids; maybe even the people behind the monster outbreak?
Evaris's pal takes the kitties. And the rest of the party heads over to the Trade Quarter, where a crowd has gathered in front of the Temple of Love, devoted to Flower.
Hawkers and peddlers are selling fruity pies and sticky buns on the edge of the crowd.
In front of the large group of interested onlookers is a smaller group of citizens wearing armor, oversized clothes stuffed with hay and cloth, and carrying knives, clubs, nets, and sacks. A couple have crossbows. They seem to be psyching themselves up to enter the temple.
Evaris d20+18=28 ; Saturday April 12th, 2014 4:51:34 PM
Smiling, Evaris approaches the ad-hoc adventurers. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here. Extra help is always welcome." He looks around at all the makeshift gear. "Why don't you all stay out here and maintain containment? Surround the building and catch any that escape. My friends and I will go in and confront the beasts. What do you say?"
[Diplomacy 28]
Grell (stats to be updated later) Saturday April 12th, 2014 6:08:14 PM
Arms crossed and sword undrawn, Grell heads toward the temple without saying a word...though he does cast a sideways glare at Lowell as if to say "This is all your fault."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal -- Mage Armor Sunday April 13th, 2014 6:49:21 AM "I wonder if those protesters could have been monstrologers? Would be weird to see them working together though"
Evaris is far more diplomatic than Alleah could have been.
She is expecting a fight soon, and rather than face the spell failures she did earlier, Alleah takes the opportunity to cast her Mage Armor now.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 41/69 Monday April 14th, 2014 3:21:12 AM
Ariach walks straight to the armored citizens.
"Is there any problem? Can we help you out? We are here to catch the stirges. Are the inside the temple?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday April 14th, 2014 6:37:08 PM
"Let us depart. These dire mosquitoes will not manage themselves."
ok all stay as close grouped together as we can in order to keep them together as well I expect the more room we give them to fly around on a one to one basis we will be in trouble.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 34/49 + 6nonlethal -- Mage Armor Monday April 14th, 2014 8:00:16 PM "And I assume we need to try and capture these ones alive too"
Evaris d6=2 ; d6=3 ; Monday April 14th, 2014 10:07:47 PM
"But some of you are still wounded!" Evaris exclaims. "My apologies, friends, I have neglected you shamefully. Gather 'round a moment."
Evaris uses his Channel Energy ability. Everyone who is paying attention is healed 5 points. Everyone who is not paying attention is also healed 5 points, but they are less likely to notice.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=7 ; d8=5 ; Monday April 14th, 2014 11:25:07 PM
Emrys decides to do what he can to heal his friends before the next fight is to begin. He decides to give Ariach a tap of the wand.
(Casting Cure Serious Wounds on Ariach. Reroll 1's when healing: 3d8+5=19 points of healing.)
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 15th, 2014 12:17:52 AM
Evaris skillfully offers the would-be heroes that are gathered around with an important job that will nonetheless keep them out of harm's way ... if all goes well. Evaris also offers his new friends a healing miracle (channel energy).
Emrys also heals Ariach specifically.
Ariach also seeks to talk with the citizens gathered around to help or gawk.
Alleah first preps with a defensive spell -- while reminding the group that the creatures here must be fought to subdue, not fought to kill.
Vaniime urges the group to stick together.
Grell is first to enter the temple.
Royston is close behind.
The group enters the Temple. It is a big space, and you hear fluttery buzzy sounds above in the main chamber of the temple.
OOC: Map to come in the morning.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 39/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor Tuesday April 15th, 2014 12:19:25 AM
Alleah notices some of her wounds start to close. Her abdomen also feels slightly better.
Healed for 5pts lethal and 5pts non-lethal. Per rules: "When a spell or ability cures hit point damage, it also removes an equal amount of nonlethal damage."
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 Tuesday April 15th, 2014 4:41:56 PM
Ariach feels how the waves of healing magic run through his body. He gives thanks to Evaris and Emrys for their help although he tells both of them they should have saved their magic for later on - when someone is in real danger.
Then he follows Vaniime´s order and brings his body shield in position, hoping it will be more useful this time.
Evaris Tuesday April 15th, 2014 6:50:11 PM
Evaris chuckles a little bit at Ariach's mild rebuke.
"There's plenty more where that came from; do not worry," he says.
He looks around the temple, trying to get a feel for the tactical situation.
[OOC: what's the lighting like in here?]
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 15th, 2014 7:06:38 PM Quick link to map.
More coming, but feel free to post.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease d20=6 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 10:17:18 PM
Emrys tries to be as quiet as possible. He's well aware how sound can carry in this temple. He has a great dislike for mosquitoes, especially giant-sized ones. They'd leave unsightly welts on his flawless skin. Not to mention he's grown quite fond of his blood and wishes not to be relieved of it.
All his attempts at stealth may very well be in vain. His outfit, with all his sparkling jewelry, tassels and beads wasn't designed for someone who wasn't wanting to be the center of attention.
(stealth: 6)
Lowell (Genevieve) Tuesday April 15th, 2014 11:20:06 PM
Lowell smiles at his brother. "Love you too, Grell!" Then he rubs his arm and starts to mutter. "Ow...... That hurt....." He pouts and walks along with the rest of the group into the temple. Lowell smiles at Evaris. He feels much better now that he has been healed, but he still glares at his twin brother.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday April 15th, 2014 11:51:10 PM
ooc: What are the purple jelly beans? Does the 1-ft. raised border present any difficulty to movement?
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 39/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor d20+25=40 ; d20+17=36 ; Wednesday April 16th, 2014 1:02:46 AM
Alleah stealthily moves to the front of the pack, sticking close to the wall and wary of danger. She times her exhales as she lands her footsteps, trying to be as quiet as she possibly can (Alleah would likely have been the front-line scout, so nearer to the front than the back. She will then stealth to Q9. Stealth: 40, Perception: 36)
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday April 16th, 2014 6:51:52 AM
Map notes ...
The purple border denotes a raised platform, about a foot off the ground.
The entryway to the temple has ceilings 12 ft high, and the heart of the temple has ceilings 30 ft high. There are three skylights -- a heart shaped pink one, which during the day shines down a pink light on the heart shaped stage, and then two smaller golden skylights, shining down on two smaller circular stages. The "armchair" looking things are small couches, seating one or two people at a time.
In the entryway, the platform is under a hole in the ceiling.
The sounds of buzzing come from inside the main temple, where you have not yet gone.
Other questions?
Vaniime AC: 18 CMD: 24 HP: 55 / 61 d8+1=6 ; d20+11=31 ; Wednesday April 16th, 2014 7:31:11 AM
Vaniime thanks Evaris for the healing and then quickly quaffs a cure light wounds potion as well bringing her back to near full strength.
Moving to the front slightly to the left and rear of Alleah, Vaniime takes a good look around the space they are in. Perception dc 31
Well guys and gals, what do you all think? My suggestion would be to get to an area of platform where they can not come at us from behind, like one of the winged sides.
Grell, HP 80/82, AC 20/13/18 CMB 13, CMD 23 d10=9 ; Wednesday April 16th, 2014 9:18:18 AM
OOC: Assumptions: Grell is no longer Enlarged or Fatigued. Please correct me if I'm wrong DM.
Arms still crossed and weapon still holstered, Grell stubbornly decides he's going to show the others just how much they need him. He strides over to M13 intending to draw the critters out...and show his real strength.
OOC: Ignore d10...bumped on accident.
Evaris Wednesday April 16th, 2014 1:30:25 PM
Evaris moves cautiously forward [to Q-14] and readies his bow.
"Don't get too far ahead, Grell," he cautious.
[So...the entire temple is brightly lit? Most of the temple is brightly lit, but there are pockets of dim light? The areas directly underneath the skylights are brightly lit, and the rest of the temple is dim light? The areas directly under the skylights are dimly lit, and the rest of the temple is shadowy? Something else?]
Grell strides forth strongly. Four giant mosquitoes fly into his space and attack him. They are tiny in size, so they can enter his space to attack with zero reach. Grell, you can make one attack of opportunity on one before they attack you.
Four touch attacks hit touch ACS 12, 20, 16, and 13. Grell's touch AC is 13, so three land on Grell (subject to revision after that AoO?). Two of them attach and drain 2 Con from Grell.
Dire Mozzies are AC20, or AC16 if they have landed.
I'll update the map tomorrow, but please do not wait to post.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 39/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor Wednesday April 16th, 2014 10:51:10 PM OOC: Can we call dibs to be the first to slap Grell? :)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday April 16th, 2014 11:09:10 PM
ooc: Sorry to ask for more tactical clarification. Are the armchairs tall enough that they would grant cover?
Cayzle comments: Oooh, interesting idea. Against most foes, I'd say yes if you were small in size or prone. But against foes attacking from above ... I would have to be convinced.
Oh, anf BTW, here in the Temple of Flower they call those "loveseats."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 39/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor d20+9=22 ; 2d6=8 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 7:29:51 AM
Grell seems to have worked well as mosquito bait.
Alleah springs forth from the shadows ready to punch one of the critters that has attached itself to Grell. She doesn't seem to have considered that her follow-through might hurt Grell. (Unarmed Strike vs AC16: 22= Hit! 1pt Non-lethal + 8pts Non-lethal sneak attack)
Vaniime AC: 18 CMD: 24 HP: 55 / 61 d20+12=20 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 8:35:15 AM
(OOC: Does the temple of flower have any plants/flowers growing inside? If so where?)
Mumbling under her breath but loud enough for others to hear, as both Grell and Evaris quickly move into the temple, Vaniime says. "Didn't I just say for everyone to stay close together? I guess that means go ahead and run in front of everyone else in Orcish?"
For the moment she leaves her sword sheathed and takes out the net she purchased (March 20th post) and moves up the entry to R12.
Not throwing it yet she uses it as a broom to sweep the Dire Mosquitoes off of Grell. AC/DC20 or CMB 22
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 17th, 2014 11:43:46 AM
OOC to Van: Inside the temple, no live plants. There is a garden with flowers and trees on the opposite side of the Temple from where you came in. The door at E8 goes to the garden. There is not enough natural light coming in through the skylights to grow plants. If you make a Know Religion DC12 check, you know that they bring in potted flowers for services sometimes, especially for weddings.
ALSO if you want to pull or knock a mozzie off a victim, make a CMB check vs CMD17, using any modifiers you have for making grapple and/or trip attacks. If successful, such an attack moves the mozzie to the space above the victim or above you, your choice.
Evaris d20+8=17 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 12:26:00 PM
Evaris fires a shot at one of the mosquitos as it flies away from Grell. It's not a terrible shot, but it misses the nimble flyer.
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 Thursday April 17th, 2014 2:41:01 PM
Ariach moves in the rear of Grell (T17). He waits for one of stirges to attack him. Then he will give a brutal response.
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 17th, 2014 3:44:33 PM
Ariach, please roll both your AoO and your readied attack in anticipation that two will fly down to give you friendly little kisses. Or roll more AoOs if you have Combat Reflexes. Also note whether you are dealing lethal or non damage.
That goes for anyone else moving into the temple proper.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Thursday April 17th, 2014 10:07:20 PM
ooc: What kind of action would be necessary to tear off a wing?
Grell, HP 80/82, AC 20/13/18 CMB 13, CMD 23 d20+7=23 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=11 ; d3+6=7 ; d3+6=7 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 10:29:46 PM
Smashing the first bug that lands on him, Grell Is able to keep it from nibbling on his arm. (Ac23 for 7) Feeling rather woozy as his life blood is sucked from him, Grell smashes the first creature that lands on him. His open hand slap is about as strong as a gentle breeze. (AC 26 FOR 7)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, bless, inspire courage, glitterdust, grease d100=31 ; Thursday April 17th, 2014 11:29:01 PM
(sorry, I fell asleep early last night.)
'Oh goodness,' Emrys thinks to himself. He whips his arms around in a fluid motions, building up a swirling myst of arcane energy. He launches it toward Grell and it disperses within the area around the blundering brute. He then takes a bag from his haversack in case there are any sleepers to gather up.
(Leyline check: 31. Casting Sleep in the area around Grell. Will Save: 18 vs. sleep.)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 39/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor d20+8=26 ; Friday April 18th, 2014 12:02:29 AM OOC: Will Save vs Sleep since Alleah is next to Grell: 26 = Pass!
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Friday April 18th, 2014 1:43:41 AM
(ooc: No player needs to save against the Sleep spell. You're immune at your current level.)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 39/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor Friday April 18th, 2014 4:22:21 AM OOC: Aaahhhh! Good thinking there Emrys. I like your plan :)
Evaris Friday April 18th, 2014 2:16:32 PM
[Evaris is currently holding a longbow, so no AoOs for him!]
Ariach AC 26/14/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 d20+13=21 ; d8+4=12 ; d20+13=23 ; d8+4=7 ; Friday April 18th, 2014 5:14:25 PM
As the young warrior sees that two of the stirges are coming to suck his own blood, Ariach swings his mace against them. (AoO hits AC 21 for 12 nonlethal damage, normal attack hits AC 23 for 7 nonlethal damage)
OOC: Note that the three skylights echo in size and shape the three raised stage-like platforms. On the stages and within 10 ft of them, the Temple is brightly lit. In a few corners near the walls, it is dim lighting. Also note that the areas with the loveseats counts as rough terrain and costs double to move through.
ALSO, the bugs make a touch attack to land on you, and a CMB check to attach. If they do that, they suck blood and continue to do so. You can attack a bug by striking at its AC as usual, or dislodge it with a CMB check of your own. Dislodging a bug does it no harm, however ... unless you want to grapple it maybe? Then you would have hold if it, I suppose. But then it would not have to land on you to try to attach on its own turn. Royston, your "tear off a wing" would most likely be an unarmed or claw attack to inflict lethal damage, I would say. What is it you were hoping to do?
Heroes Act - Round Two
Alleah leaps out and swats one of the bugs sucking on Grell, catching it flat-footed and putting it out of action.
Grell slaps at the bugs currently sucking his blood and whacks both of them to the ground.
Ariach, you say you want to move to T17, next to Grell. But T17 is outside the temple! Your DM interprets your order and places you at N13. Ariach readies an attack.
Vaniime moves up, but does not enter the temple proper with Grell, Alleah, and Ariach, yet. She has her net ready, but cannot yet reach an enemy bug.
Evaris moves up to Q-14, firing at arrow at a mosquito, and missing.
Royston ponders his tactics.
Lowell seems surprised at the bugs appearance, and just stands there.
Emrys competently comes up with another clever idea -- a simple sleep spell will thwart the bugs but leave his allies untouched!
Oh sleep! it is a gentle thing, Beloved from pole to pole! -- please accept a 100 xp cleverness award, Emrys.
However, when Emrys casts it, there are only four bugs to be affected, and three of those are already knocked unconscious. The remaining one falls asleep.
OOC: The mosquitoes have a protective layer of force that boosts their AC -- if you can roll to detect a spell effect in place, you will deduce that it is very much like a mage armor.
Dire Mosquitoes Act - Round Two
12 more mosquitoes fly down to attack Alleah, Grell, and Ariach -- you three can roll your AoOs as they come in, and Ariach can roll his readied attack.
FRIENDS, it helps a LOT if you pre-roll your AoOs! Anyone armed and out in the temple will need to roll them! ALSO please post your CMD and your Touch AC!
Alleah: three of four land on you, and all three sink their suckers into you by beating your CMD16. Please take THREE Con damage.
Grell: three of four land on you, and two sink their suckers into you by beating your CMD23. Please take TWO more Con damage.
Ariach: two of four land on you, but neither succeeds in sinking their suckers into you.
Seeing how the mosquitoes are flying down in groups, Vaniime readies her net and moves quickly to M11 and prepares to cast her net at the largest group that next dives toward she and her friends.
AC 28
Lowell (Genevieve) d20+8=14 ; d4+3=6 ; Saturday April 19th, 2014 12:18:17 AM
Lowell decides that it is time to take matters into his own hands. "Don't worry, Grell. I'll save you!" He moves R13 next to Vaniime and tries to use his Hand Crossbow to shoot the bugs off his brother. AC:14 for 6
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 d20+13=32 ; d8+4=7 ; d20+13=19 ; d8+4=11 ; Saturday April 19th, 2014 4:26:37 AM
Ariach swings his mace and hits one of the stirges really hard. (hits AC 32 for 7 nonlethal damage) He turns right away to attack another one. (AoO hits AC 19 for 11 nonlethal damage)
Although he knows the big mosquitoes are called monsters, he just sees a swarm of some overgrown insects. He even feels a little bit uncomfortable hitting them so hard.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 18/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor Sunday April 20th, 2014 12:53:54 AM "Get 'em off, get 'em off, GET 'EM OFF!" Alleah squeals
----------- OOC: Waiting to see what others do before I post Alleah's action
Evaris Sunday April 20th, 2014 2:37:32 PM
[OOC: I don't have a clear idea how long it took to drop off the owlbears, but Ariach's Freedom of Movement would last for 70 minutes from the time it was cast. I think there's probably some time left on it, which is sad news for dire mosquitos trying to attach to him.]
Evaris hesitates. Firing his bow seems like a bad idea with so many friendly targets in range, and he's pretty nearly hopeless with a melee weapon. His spells aren't really conducive to battling swarms.
Unless....
"Well, I'm not sure this'll work, but it's worth a try," he says.
He casts Create Water. He creates 14 gallons of wholesome, drinkable water in as small a space as he can manage, directly over Alleah, as high as he can get it. The idea, of course, is that the water will sploosh! down on the halfling, possibly knocking off a mosquito or two, getting all of their wings wet so they have a harder time flying. That's the idea. What actually happens is up to the DM. Oh, and Alleah will get wet. Sorry about that.
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Sunday April 20th, 2014 6:57:33 PM
OOC to Evaris: Cool idea, and I like to reward ingenuity. But a splash of water cannot substitute for an attack roll. However, I'll grant a +2 aid another bonus to attack the watered mozzies in Alleah's square, whether with weapons or to slap them off or whatever.
I'll rule that the free action does not stop the mozzies from landing and poking Ariach, but does prevent them from attaching or hanging on. They'll have to roll new landing and biting attacks every round.
Grell, HP 52/96, AC 19/13/18 CMB 15, CMD 23, -4 CON, Raging 1/6, Guarded Stance d20+7=14 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=17 ; d3+6=7 ; d3+6=7 ; d3+6=9 ; d3+6=7 ; Sunday April 20th, 2014 7:23:43 PM
Grell's knees buckle as two more of the critters land on him. (AoO for critter attaching to him AC14 for 7) He feels...so...tired! His vision beginning to blur, Grell knows he needs to do something soon! Alleah is in trouble!
Normally he would just throw himself into a rage and decimate the enemy, but this isn't exactly normal, is it?! He considers his options incredibly briefly and then allows the anger to build inside him. He releases it toward the creatures attached to Alleah, slapping them with a terrible vengence. AC12 for 8, AC16 for 10.
Final role is AoO for next round AC18 for 8.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+10=28 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+11=15 ; d6+6=7 ; d6+6=11 ; Sunday April 20th, 2014 11:06:29 PM
ooc1: Sorry! We had in-laws come for Easter, and my schedule was thrown off kilter.
ooc2: My thinking was that tearing off the wings would ground the mosquitoes and greatly limit their combat ability without necessarily killing them. Since they are tiny sized, it isn't a big deal.
Royston advances toward Alleah and attempts to grab one of the mosquitos trying to suck her dry.
[Move to O11, grapple check 28]
"Do we have a bag of some sort we could stuff them in!?"
ooc3: Cayzle! Do you know where I can find the rules on grappling with one hand? Something like a -10 penalty?
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d100=30 ; Sunday April 20th, 2014 11:33:29 PM
Emrys repeats his last action and conjures another burst of sleepy arcane energy, however this time it's centered around Alleah.
(Leyline check: 30. Casting Sleep with a 10-ft radius burst around Alleah. Will save: 18 vs. sleep. Other players are immune.)
IF allowed, Emrys then calls out to Royston and says, "Here, use this!" He tosses to the paladin the bag he had retrieved from his haversack just a short moment ago. (All depends if you consider a simple toss to a party member a standard or a swift action.)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 18/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor d20+9=11 ; Monday April 21st, 2014 1:25:11 AM "They're in my ... " Alleah's words are cut short by the watery barrage from Evaris. She swats at any that remain on her before treating them as if she was on fire: stop, drop and roll.
Standard action: Attack Hits AC11 for 1pt Non-lethal. Free action: Drop prone Move action: Move/Roll to R11
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 d20+13=28 ; d8+4=12 ; d20+13=32 ; d8+4=11 ; Monday April 21st, 2014 1:10:29 PM
Ariach shivers as he hears Alleah´s squeal. He ignores his stirges and goes to her rescue.
He hits one of Alleah´s enemies with his mace real hard (hits AC 28 for 12 nonlethal damage, AoO attack if possible hits AC 32 for 11 nonlethal damage) and stands still beside her when the water fountain hits her. Surprised about this twist he doesn´t really know what to do next.
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Monday April 21st, 2014 6:22:43 PM
Sorry my friends. I'll be making the DM post later this evening. Work is literally killing me!
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Monday April 21st, 2014 11:06:21 PM
Emrys looks to see if any else is in need of help.
Vaniime moves into the temple proper (M11) and prepares to net the next bug that comes near her!
Lowell moves forward (R13) and shoots his bow, but misses (the bugs are AC20).
Ariach clobbers one and readies to clobber another. [OOC: While your DM loves your enthusiasm, I'm ignoring your Monday post because you already made a post Sunday! :-) ]
Evaris creates water above Alleah, hoping to wash a bug off ...
Grell feels his life draining away, which makes him mad! He dispatches one bug.
Royston grabs one mozzie.
Alleah slaps at a bug, misses, drops, and rolls. She manages to force the wet bugs off her. They will have to land on her fresh next round if they want to try again.
Emrys casts his sleep, causing four bugs to fall to the ground.
Dire Mosquitoes Act - Round Three
At this point, Grell, Alleah, Ariach, Royston, and Vaniime are in the temple heart, under the mass of bugs you now see clinging to the ceiling. Grell and Ariach miss their AoOs. Van traps one in her net. Scales rips one out of the air with lethal damage, and it drops.
Lowell, on the edge, attracts one of the pesky giant bugs. It lands and bites, draining Lowell 1 con damage.
Three bugs swoop down on Alleah. Two land and bite, draining Alleah two Con!
Four bugs try to attack Grell, whose CMD rises to 25 while raging. Three bugs land, and two drain another 2 Con from the barbarian!
Four bugs try to land on Ariach. Two do, and of those, neither manages to bite! Lucky!
Three bugs for Scales: three land, and two drain 2 Con from Scales!
And two bugs for Vaniime! Neither lands.
FRIENDS, it helps a LOT if you pre-roll your AoOs! Anyone armed and out in the temple will need to roll them! ALSO please post your CMD and your Touch AC! And please note your total Con loss in your post!
BUG STATUS - ALL Bugs Are AC20 (AC16 if they have landed on you.)
Feeling dangerously woozy, Grell continues to press his attack against Alleah's critters, ignoring the blood suckers that are literally siphoning away his life blood. AC21 for 7 and AC16 for 7 vs.M13 and 14.
AoO against anything that might try to attack Grell or Alleah AC21 for 9.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 d20+13=17 ; d8+4=10 ; d20+13=24 ; d8+4=6 ; Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 6:19:40 PM
As Ariach sees how bad Alleah is injured he makes the decision to help her.
He attacks one of her stirges which are sucking her blood. (hits AC 17 for 10 nonlethal damage, AoO hits AC 24 for 6 nonlethal damage)
But knowing a great blow of his weapon couldn´t be enough to save her life, the young warrior protect her with his own body. (using the interpose feats: Once per round, the protector can take upon himself any one visible attack that would have affected an ally or object within five feet)
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 6:24:08 PM
Ugh! I was going to do the DM post, but only Grell has posted! LOL!
I've been assuming it goes without saying that the enemy dire mosquitoes are tiny in size and occupy the same square as the person they are attacking (up to four per square, per the rules). That's why they do not appear on the map. Assume about four per square on top of you and you pretty much get the gist of it.
Look for the DM post in the morning, then, most likely!
Evaris d20+5=12 ; Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 6:42:02 PM
[I meant to post really, really hard; does that count?]
"This is no place for a longbow," Evaris decides, and drops his at his feet. He draws one of his light hammers, and attempts to get one of the creatures off of Lowell. He fails.
[Hit AC 12]
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 4/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 7:04:07 PM "This is getting serious" Alleah thinks, as she feels the life drain away from her "Time to head for the hills"
The halfling makes a strategic withdrawal - which is to say she throws her hands in the air and runs for it!
Use Withdraw action to move away from the battle and towards the door
Vaniime quickly casts a spell putting up a perimeter of a wind wall running from K9-K15 down to O15 over to O9 and back up to K9 that runns from the floor to the ceiling.
(OOC: The hope is that it will buffet and knock down any tiny fliers trying to get in or escape out)
"There are over thirty of them!? They only need two to breed!" Popping claws and vicious teeth, Sir Scales goes to town on the oversized bugs.
Full attack, power attack Attack 18 Damage 16
Attack 16 Damage 13
ooc: Total Con loss 2
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 4/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor d20+11=27 ; Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 10:50:14 PM OOC: Not sure I can use the withdraw action while prone. If I can't... Acrobatics check to crawl away without provoking AoOs: 27. DC = 5 + opponent's Combat Maneuver Defense
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d100=33 ; Tuesday April 22nd, 2014 11:44:48 PM
There is too many and not enough Sleep spells he thinks ... way too many!! Emrys becomes desperate for an idea. These dire mosquitos are going to suck his friends dry. What will distract them? What will tear these mindless vermin away when all they instinctively want is to feed on blood! "On blood," he mutters to himself.
He quickly reaches for his waterskin and uncorks the spout. He gives it a gentle squeeze and allows some water to spill and wash over the sides. Emrys then chants a few words of minor magical power. The water turns red in color and hopefully emits a pungent blood-like odor. He then flings the unstopped waterskin into the main worship hall of the temple.
(Leyline check: 33. Casting Prestidigitation on the water in his waterskin. He wishes to give the water the scent of blood, and if allowed, to also to change its color to red. He isnt trying to hit any particular spot, just wants the waterskin somewhere in the large room.)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 4/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 12:45:21 AM OOC: Alleah's actions this round following rules question/clarification with Cayzle....
Alleah cautiously, and somewhat woozily (that's a word, right?) gets to her feet. "I have... I have to ..." but she lacks the strength to finish her sentence. Instead she stumbles towards the door, keen to get out of this insect ridden place.
Move action to stand. Move action to move 20ft to R12
Lowell (sub by Nellie) HP29/36, AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -1 CON d4=1 ; d20+5=6 ; d20+8=24 ; d6+4=7 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 6:56:18 AM
OOC: My girl is doing her state mandated testing today, so I'll fill in as sub...
Lowell watches with horror as the biggest bugs known to mankind descend on him and then suck out his blood! "Greeeeeell! Help!!" he manages to call out before he slaps at the critter that landed on him. He grunt in pain as he somehow manages to slap himself rather than the bug (AC6...nat 1).
Not wanting to look like a coward on his first adventuring mission with his brother, Lowell pulls out his shortsword and readies himself to attack any bugs that head his way. AoO=24 for 7+ 5 shock.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 1:41:31 PM
check
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) d4=1 ; d4=4 ; d3=3 ; d3=1 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+7=13 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 2:11:54 PM
GOSH DARN IT! ON A DAY I CANNOT AFORD THE TIME, I LOST THE POST!!!! ARGHHH!
Grell slaps two on Alleah down! They buzz on the floor, disabled. That does not stop the ones currently sucking Grell's blood!
Ariach hits the other bug on Alleah and knocks it off.
Alleah stands up and flees!
Ariach follows, determined to interpose should another bug try to bite Alleah.
Grell and Ariach, please each accept one hero point for helping Alleah and ignoring the danger to yourselves, especially Grell, who has lost Con and is losing more!
Evaris gets out a hammer and tries to smack the bug on Lowell, but misses.
Vaniime casts a Wind Wall to try to keep the bugs from going anywhere. The only ones that escape the area are those who left before the casting, or those who had landed on a PC and were carried out.
Royston seems ready to panic, sprouts claws, and attacks with lethan force, killing two bugs.
Emrys tries to distract the mozzies with some fake blood!
Lowell also attacks the one on himself, but misses! Darn hard-to-reach bug is on his back!
Dire Mosquitoes Act - Round Four
At this point, Grell, Royston, and Vaniime are in the temple heart, and they see that the mass of bugs in the air is thinning out, thank Lem! Alleah and Ariach retreat to the vestibule, rejoining Lowell, Evaris, and Emrys.
Lowell still has a bug on him, and it drains Lowell one Con damage.
Two still clinging to Ariach try to bite. One does, draining Ariach for one Con damage.
Four bugs are still attacking Grell, with CMD 25 raging. One tries to land, and does! It and the other one already landed try to bite, and both miss! Two already attached drain another 2 Con from pale Grell!
Two new bugs for Scales: one lands; one lands and bites! Scales is drained for one Con!
OOC: Hey Royston! Your DM notes that you had grappled Mozzie 7, but you must have let it go, right? It attempts to land and bite. It lands ... it bites! Make that two Con drained from you this round, my blood-donor friend!
And the same two bugs for Vaniime! Touch AC hits on AC 14 and 15 just make it! But neither makes it past your CMD.
Van, note that you have one in a net, and if you use your net hand for anything else it will get out.
FRIENDS, it helps a LOT if you pre-roll your AoOs! Anyone armed and out in the temple will need to roll them! ALSO please post your CMD and your Touch AC! And please note your total Con loss in your post!
BUG STATUS - ALL Bugs Are AC20 (AC16 if they have landed on you.)
Mozzie 1 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 2 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 3 - 9 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 4 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 5 - knocked out - 7 nonlethal Mozzie 6 - knocked out - 8 nonlethal Mozzie 7 - formerly grappled by Royston, then freed (attached) Mozzie 8 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 9 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 10 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 11 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 12 - Lowell (attached) Mozzie 13 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 14 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 15 - 10 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 16 - Grell (landed) Mozzie 17 - Grell (landed) Mozzie 18 - Grell (attached) Mozzie 19 - Grell (attached) Mozzie 20 - Royston (attached) Mozzie 21 - Royston (landed) Mozzie 22 - Ariach (landed) Mozzie 23 - Ariach (attached) Mozzie 24 - 16 lethal and down! Mozzie 25 - 16 lethal and down! Mozzie 26 - 13 lethal and down! Mozzie 27 - 7 lethal and down! Mozzie 28 - Vaniime - trapped in Van's net. Mozzie 29 - Vaniime (landed) Mozzie 30 - Vaniime (landed)
Evaris d20+5=16 ; d4=2 ; d20+5=19 ; d4=2 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 10:35:50 PM
Evaris tries again to get the mosquito off of Lowell. He hits it for a whopping 2 points of damage! All tremble before Evaris!
He moves over next to Ariach and Alleah [to Q-13].
[AoO: hit AC 19 for 2 more damage!]
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+9=24 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=12 ; d20+9=24 ; d6+10=14 ; d6+10=12 ; d6+10=16 ; Wednesday April 23rd, 2014 11:37:31 PM
Sir Scales continues raking at the mosquitoes, targeting the two that landed on him.
Target M20 Attack 24 Damage 14
Target M21 Attack 13 Damage 12
He manages to squish one of them, luckily the one attached, and misses the other.
ooc:
AoO 11
AoO12
AoO 24 Damage
Total Con Loss: 4
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 4/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor Thursday April 24th, 2014 7:17:09 AM
Alleah thinks quickly - or as quickly as a wounded halfling can. She reaches into her haversack and pulls out an Everburning torch. Sure it doesn't generate any heat, nor will it set anything on fire, but maybe by frantically waving it around it will scare the bugs away from her
Vaniime AC: 18 touch AC: 14 CMD: 24 HP: 55 / 61 d20+10=26 ; d20+5=6 ; Thursday April 24th, 2014 8:07:36 AM
using the net in her hands Vaniime swings it around at the DMs on and around Grell trying to dislodge them.
CMB 26 and CMB 6 (natural 1)
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) d100=41 ; d100=70 ; d100=84 ; d100=98 ; d100=16 ; Thursday April 24th, 2014 12:17:46 PM
Emrys, I had figured what your Fake Blood might do, and then forgot to give it a chance to work. I gave each non-landed bug a 10% chance to be attracted to it (because IMNSHO, the spell is not well suited to creating such a deception). But no bugs were fooled, so, good try, but no.
I'll probably treat the everburning torch ruse similarly. Which is what made me think of it.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 / -1 Con d20+13=25 ; d8+4=11 ; d20+13=15 ; d8+4=8 ; Thursday April 24th, 2014 6:12:36 PM
Ariach tries to get rid of the stirge which is draining him. (hits AC 25 for 11 nonlethal damage, AoO hits AC 15 for 8 nonlethal damage) Satisfied with his attack which blows the little monster to the ground, Ariach focus lays now on the remeaning stirge in his vicinity.
"Are you all right Alleah?"
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 24th, 2014 8:25:30 PM
Emrys? Grell? Lowell? Helloo!
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d100=3 ; d100=6 ; Thursday April 24th, 2014 8:50:20 PM
(ooc: Sorry, just very, very sleepy.)
Emrys doesn't like what he's seeing. His only affective course of action is his last Sleep spell. This time he focuses it upon Grell. He hopes it works, because Emrys wont be much useful afterwards. Again, everyone hears the crackle and pop of arcane energies refusing to coalesce into a functioning spell. Something is so wrong. This never used to happen before. Emrys' confidence takes a huge plunge and he trembles in fear for his friends.
(Leyline check: 3, fail. Hero point reroll: 6, really?! The dice hate me, and they hate Grell too.)
Alleah tries to scare a bug off Ariach with an ever-burning torch, but it is oblivious.
Ariach knocks one out, gently.
Royston squishes one. Not so gently.
Vaniime brushes one off Grell, but then it flies right at her!
Emrys tries to cast but fails, as Wardd frowns on him.
Grell and Lowell are too overwhelmed by blood loss to act.
Dire Mosquitoes Act - Round Five
At this point, Grell, Royston, and Vaniime are in the temple heart, and the rest are in the vestibule.
Lowell still has a bug on him, and it drains Lowell one Con damage.
Ariach has one attached, and it drains Ariach for one Con damage.
That's the two still up in the vestibule.
Three bugs are still attacking Grell, with CMD 25 raging. One tries to attach and fails. Two already attached drain another 2 Con from even paler Grell!
There were two attached to Royston -- the one he just squished, and the one he had grabbed and then let go of. That one, which attached last round, drains another point of Con from Royston. One has landed but not attached.
The bug that Ven brushed off Grell tries to land on Van but fails. The two that already landed on Van earlier hit with twin 27s, beating her CMD24. Van takes two points of Con damage.
Van, note that you have one in a net, and if you use your net hand for anything else it will get out.
FRIENDS, it helps a LOT if you pre-roll your AoOs! Anyone armed and out in the temple will need to roll them! ALSO please post your CMD and your Touch AC! And please note your total Con loss in your post!
BUG STATUS - ALL Bugs Are AC20 (AC16 if they have landed on you.) (Clarification: All Con Damage is DAMAGE, not DRAIN)
BOLD = Active!
Mozzie 1 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 2 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 3 - 9 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 4 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 5 - knocked out - 7 nonlethal Mozzie 6 - knocked out - 8 nonlethal Mozzie 7 - formerly grappled by Royston, then freed (attached) Mozzie 8 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 9 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 10 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 11 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 12 - Lowell (attached) - 2 hp nonlethal Mozzie 13 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 14 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 15 - 10 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 16 - Grell (landed) Mozzie 17 - Vaniime (not landed) Mozzie 18 - Grell (attached) Mozzie 19 - Grell (attached) Mozzie 20 - 13 lethal and down! Mozzie 21 - Royston (landed) Mozzie 22 - 11 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 23 - Ariach (attached) Mozzie 24 - 16 lethal and down! Mozzie 25 - 16 lethal and down! Mozzie 26 - 13 lethal and down! Mozzie 27 - 7 lethal and down! Mozzie 28 - trapped in Van's net. Mozzie 29 - Vaniime (attached) Mozzie 30 - Vaniime (attached)
And ... the map. THIS IS THE SAME MAP AS LAST ROUND -- except Evaris took a five foot step west.
Evaris [AC 19; Touch AC 12; CMD 17; hp 57/57] d20+5=18 ; d4=2 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=23 ; d4=4 ; d4=4 ; Thursday April 24th, 2014 11:45:49 PM
Evaris goes after Lowell's mosquito again. He hits again, but the damage isn't significant. [Hit AC 18 for 2 damage. And, although Evaris's damage is pathetic, it is lethal damage. He's only +5 to hit as it is; I'm not taking a -4 to keep bugs alive.]
"I am tired of these pests. Kill anything not asleep!"
Target M21
Full-Attack w/ Power Attack
Attack 18 Damage 14
Attack 28 Damage 15
-------- Total Con damage 5
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 4/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor d20+9=18 ; 2d6=10 ; Friday April 25th, 2014 8:21:42 AM
Alleah feels her vision alternate between clear and hazy. She must have lost more blood that she first thought. Peering through the blurriness, she sees Grell. Poor, half-witted, good-hearted Grell. He put himself in harms way to keep her safe, and now he's close to death himself.
Time to repay the debt.
Alleah stumbles forward past the others. "Flaming" torch in one hand, nothing but blood in the other. "Yaaaah!" is the only battle cry that comes to mind, but it seems to do the trick. Alleah's curled and bloodied fist connects with one of the bugs on Grell.
Move action: Move to N13. Standard action: Attack one of the bugs on Grell. Hit AC18 (+2 for flanking to hit AC20?) for 1pts Non-lethal + 10pts non-lethal sneak attack
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 / -2 Con d20+13=21 ; d8+4=12 ; d20+13=23 ; d8+4=6 ; Friday April 25th, 2014 6:12:34 PM
Ariach evaluates the position and comes to the result that he has to deal with his stirge first before he can help the others effectively. He hits the only left stirge and manages to knock it out as well before he goes forward to help Grell. (hits AC 21 for 12 nonlethal damage, AoO hits AC 23 for 6 nonlethal damage)
"Maybe it´s time to collect the incapicitated stirges. I don´t want to fight them again."
Evaris [AC 19; Touch AC 12; CMD 17; hp 57/57] Saturday April 26th, 2014 11:11:48 AM
[I think I owe at least one more post.]
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+1=10 ; d4-2=1 ; Saturday April 26th, 2014 2:19:44 PM
With no other ideas or effective courses of action, Emrys draws his dagger moves into the temple's heart (N12) and proceeds to try and remove one of the mosquitos with lethal force.
(Hits AC 10 for 1 point of damage. Oh my goodness!)
Grell (Nellie from hotel at Disney) HP 10/96, AC 19/13/18 CMB 15, CMD 23, -4 CON, Raging 4/6, Guarded Stance d20+7=22 ; d3+6=9 ; d20+7=15 ; d3+6=8 ; Saturday April 26th, 2014 11:55:47 PM
Dangerously pale, Grell's raging brain can't figure out what's going on. It's so hard to focus, and his limbs feel so weak! He swats at the big bug attached to his arm, determined to find out what's going on. AC22 for 9. He looks over and sees Alleah...that's weird, he could have sworn she left the combat. He smiles weakly as she swats the bug on his arm. She really is a good friend! He's really looking forward to helping her out with the orphanage when he gets home.
AoO AC15 for 8.
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) d20+7=21 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+11=12 ; Monday April 28th, 2014 10:43:46 AM
Heroes Act - Round Six
Evaris taps Lowell's a second time, still not knocking it off (total 4 lethal inflicted to it).
Royston squashes the last two on himself. [OOC: Royston, you said to target M21? Your confused DM simply applies your attacks to the two bugs on you.]
Alleah rushes forward and knocks one off Grell.
Ariach knocks the last one off himself and then follows Alleah. He is thinking about gathering up the fallen bugs.
Emrys moves forward to attack a bug, but misses.
Grell rouses himself and knocks off another bug.
Vaniime and Lowell are too overwhelmed by blood loss to act.
Dire Mosquitoes Act - Round Six
There are four bugs still active in the nave and 1 in the vestibule ...
Lowell still has a bug on him, and it drains Lowell one Con damage. That's four total Con damage inflicted on Lowell, and his bug's belly is full! It withdraws its needle-nose and flies away. As it lifts off, it provokes AoOs from Lowell and Evaris ... and Evaris pokes it right in its bloated belly as it starts to fly away! Split asunder, Lowell's still-warm blood splashes both Lowell and Evaris, and the dire mosquito spirals down to the floor!
No bugs remain active in the vestibule. Four are in the nave, or heart of the church.
One bug is still buzzing around in Vaniime's space. It tries to land on her, hitting touch AC 21, and landing! Then it tries to attach and suck ... it beats CMD30, and deftly draws blood. It joins two more that are still attached ... Vaniime loses three more points of Con!Three bugs are now feeding on the life energy of the Vanguard's leader!
The last bug has landed on Grell but not yet inserted its hypodermic-like proboscis! It attempts to do so ... and rolls a natural 1. Grell loses NO Con this round, a first for this combat!
BUG STATUS - ALL Bugs Are AC20 (AC16 if they have landed on you.) (Clarification: All Con Damage is DAMAGE, not DRAIN)
AT THE END OF ROUND 6, THREE BUGS ARE ATTACHED TO VAN AND ONE HAS LANDED ON GRELL!
BOLD = Active!
Mozzie 1 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 2 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 3 - 9 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 4 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 5 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 6 - 8 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 7 - 14 lethal and down! Mozzie 8 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 9 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 10 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 11 - affected by sleep spell Mozzie 12 - 12 lethal and down! Mozzie 13 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 14 - 7 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 15 - 10 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 16 - Grell (landed) Mozzie 17 - Vaniime (attached) Mozzie 18 - 10 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 19 - 9 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 20 - 13 lethal and down! Mozzie 21 - 15 lethal and down! Mozzie 22 - 11 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 23 - 12 hp nonlethal, unconscious Mozzie 24 - 16 lethal and down! Mozzie 25 - 16 lethal and down! Mozzie 26 - 13 lethal and down! Mozzie 27 - 7 lethal and down! Mozzie 28 - trapped in Van's net. Mozzie 29 - Vaniime (attached) Mozzie 30 - Vaniime (attached)
Feeling more than just a bit lethargic and weak Van drops the net to the floor and does her best to remove the dire mosquitoes from her person grabbing one with her hand and squeezing it as she yanks it off of her. AC 26, Damage 5 points Reaching over with her other hand she grabs and squeezes another one and yanks it off. AC 20 damage 6
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 / -2 Con d20+13=15 ; d8+4=12 ; d20+13=25 ; d8+4=6 ; Monday April 28th, 2014 6:16:44 PM
With no stirges sucking his own blood Ariach moves faster and steps quickly behind Vaniime. From there he attacks one of the annoying bugs. (Hits AC 15 for 12 nonlethal damage, AoO hits AC 25 for 6 nonlethal damage) But again surprised by Emry´s waterfall he doesn´t hit it and moans about his own inability.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 4/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor d20+9=24 ; 2d6=11 ; Monday April 28th, 2014 10:48:00 PM "Brace yourself, Grell" Alleah warns. She twists her torso before unleashing an open handed wallop to Grell's buttocks (hey, it's as high as she can reach!).
The last remaining mozzie on Grell splats across the rear of his pants.
And he said she would need martial arts training!
Hit AC24 (26 for flanking) for 1pt non-lethal + 11pts non-lethal sneak attack
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+11=29 ; d6=6 ; Monday April 28th, 2014 11:07:59 PM
Sir Scales hustles over to Vaniime and rakes one of the mosquitoes left.
Attack M17, M19, or M30, whichever one is left.
Attack 29 Damage 12
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+1=3 ; d4-2=2 ; Monday April 28th, 2014 11:41:38 PM
(sorry, I almost slept though the evening after getting home.)
Emrys again tries to remove a mosquito from one of his friends. However like always, the witchy bard couldn't hit the ground if he fell!
(Hit AC 3, for 2 points of damage.)
Grell, HP 10/96, AC 19/13/18 CMB 15, CMD 23, -4 CON, Raging 5/6, Guarded Stance d20+7=22 ; d3+6=7 ; d20+7=12 ; d3+6=8 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 6:50:35 AM
The faintest of smiles brushes Grell's lips when Alleah pats his butt. Yep, definitely a good friend! Looking over at his very faint brother, Grell rushes to Lowell's side. "Little brother! Are you alright?!" Grell checks Lowell over for any bugs and promptly squashes any on his brother or anywhere nearby. ( AC22 for 7) Feeling the adrenaline beginning to leave his body, Grell does his best to kill off any remaining bugs before he becomes weak.
AoO AC12 for 8
Lowell (subbed by Nellie), HP 8/36, AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -1 CON d20+8=17 ; d6+4=7 ; d6=5 ; d20+8=21 ; d6+4=7 ; d6=6 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 7:10:17 AM
Pasty and sweaty, secretly, Lowell is glad Grell came to back him up. He's not sure how much longer he could have held out against those nasty bugs! Still, gotta keep up appearances...don't want anybody thinking he's not a real adventurer! "Hey! Watch where you're putting your hands you big oaf...I have a bottle of rather expensive sleeping potion in that pouch!" Lowell mentally laughs. He's found that over the years, the best way to confront his overbearing twin is through subtle mind games...works every time!
Lowell searches around for any remaining bugs and tries to dispatch them. (Attack AC17 for 7+5 shock).
AoO AC21 for 7+6 shock
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 29th, 2014 10:24:59 AM
With the full efforts of the group, the last four mosquitoes are dispatched. Aside from the futile buzzing of the bug in Vaniime's net, the Temple is silent once more! And no one is dead ...
The final tally is: 15 dire mosquitoes knocked unconscious, 5 slept, 1 netted, and 9 dispatched with lethal force.
No one loses any more Con this round, so the final Con damage tally is:
Grell, HP 10/82, AC 20/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -10 CON, Fatigued 1/5 Tuesday April 29th, 2014 1:48:27 PM
Allowing his rage to fade away, Grell crumples to his knees. Finding one of the couches nearby, Grell pulls himself up on it and sits with his head between his legs, slowly breathing and trying (mostly in vain) to rid himself of the feeling that he's going to black out. He doesn't even bother with the downed bugs.
Absolutely exhausted to the bone, Grell's thoughts turn dark. Once again you're weak Grell! So, terribly weak! I mean look at you. You can even stand right now! What kind of warrior are you?! I'll tell you what kind...a pathetic loser, that's what!!
Evaris [AC 19; Touch AC 12; CMD 17; hp 57/57] d4=2 ; Tuesday April 29th, 2014 2:23:21 PM
"I suppose these need to go to the Tower, too?" Evaris asks, poking one of the unconscious creatures with his toe.
But he has other concerns at the moment.
"Grell, you're looking a bit peaked," he says. "Here, give me a moment...."
He casts Lesser Restoration and restores 2 points of Con to Grell. "I'm afraid that's all I can do for now," he says. "I think everyone could stand a good rest."
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 / -2 Con Tuesday April 29th, 2014 6:16:25 PM
Ariach also steps forward to pat on Grell´s back. He hands over his waterskin to Grell. "It it said that water is the essence of life. It will not heal you but it will put some life into your maltreated body."
Glad that his friend has survived this dangerous situation, Ariach concentrates on another topic.
"I don´t know what gots into you guys. But the order was very clear. Don´t kill any monsters. The little things are holding our world together. It is the end of the world if we don´t care about rules and orders."
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/36, AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -1 CON Tuesday April 29th, 2014 7:56:23 PM
Lowell, seeing that the danger is gone, sinks to his knees. "D-don't worry about me, guys! I just n-need a bit of t-time to rest." He smiles at the group,trying to convince them that he is fine. He sits there for a bit,trying to regain his breath. "So, you guys always do this? Wow....."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday April 29th, 2014 10:00:17 PM
Royston prods one of the dead mosquitoes with his foot and sighs in frustration. "Rules and orders, my friend? I am fairly certain that keeping such monsters contained and not allowing them to kill the citizens of this city is a far more important rule than keeping every single one of them alive. Is your life not worth more than that of a bug? I certainly hope the WLA thinks so. We did our best, nearly died, and managed to save most of them." He balls his fists, almost shaking in anger. "|Believe me when I say that I will not rest until those responsible for this lack of diligence are meted the full measure of justice for the blood on their hands. And if it was purposeful... then blood will answer for blood."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday April 29th, 2014 10:00:37 PM
ooc: Just shove them all in a sack.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Tuesday April 29th, 2014 10:11:32 PM
Emrys conjures an Invisible Servant and then scrutinizes one of his empty sacks to make sure it's was free of holes. He then commands the servant to carefully gather up mosquitos and place them within the sack. Emrys continues to hold the sack and closes the opening after each one. 'Better for the servant to touch those disgusting things,' he thinks to himself. The thought is absolutely repugnant and causes him to feel queasy.
Ok all good job. Now then lets knock this last one out (indicating the one in her net, and then fill this net up with all of these things and get it over to the tower. Perhaps they have someone there who can do a bit of restorative work.
Grell, you gonna make it or do I need to have alleah come over there and kick your scawny wannabe orc butt?
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 4/49 + 1nonlethal -- Mage Armor Tuesday April 29th, 2014 10:50:28 PM
Alleah walks over and stands next to Emrys. She manages a weak smile. "Here. I've another sack when that one is full" she offers.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 / -2 Con Wednesday April 30th, 2014 4:46:32 PM
check
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday April 30th, 2014 7:25:47 PM
check
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday April 30th, 2014 7:41:17 PM
Grell's physical weakness inspires a fit of spiritual malaise as well.
Evaris does what he can to help poor Grell's body, for now, if not his mind.
Vaniime thinks the best way to help Grell is to shame the poor sod.
Ariach also tries to cheer up Grell. But he also has some careful words of gentle chiding for those who killed rather than subdued these bugs.
Royston replies, saying, in essence, that he does not think the party would have survived intact if they had pulled their punches to any greater degree. As it was, at least they saved the ones they could, and stopped these bloodsuckers from harming innocents. Maybe Scales does seem a little regretful about it, though?
Meanwhile, Lowell struggles to catch his breath ... and is coming to the realization that a day in the life of an adventurer is an incredible day indeed.
Ever practical Emrys conjures an unseen servant to put the living bugs in sacks. (Less dainty, Royston just picks them up and bags them, LOL.)
Van also knocks out the last buzzing bug and sacks it too.
Alleah offers another bug bag.
Our heroes, with sacks of slumped suckers slung over their shoulders, find that the crowd outside has grown since they arrived. Some of the brown-robed protestors from the Star Tower have followed you to the temple.
"LOOK AT THE BLOOD!" one of them screams, pointing at you. "MURDERERS!" The cat in her arms hisses at you, ears laid back.
A few others in robes start chanting, "Shame! Shame! Shame!"
That's the animal lovers who seem upset about something or other. They are outnumbered by a group of armor-clad citizens, some carrying improvised weapons, some with swords and maces, rusty and otherwise. These start cheering when you emerge from the temple.
An old man, wearing priestly garb and a mask made of daffodils, comes right up to you, and the crowd parts for him. "Have you rid our sacred place of the monsters, friends?" he asks. "They almost killed Mother Clowdette before we fled."
"Most of the blood you see is ours, so shut your mouths unless you would like to share some of your blood with these winged fiends."
"As the old man comes up, she simply answers his question. I believe that we have cleared your temple of these creatures though it came at quite a cost."
Evaris [AC 19; Touch AC 12; CMD 17; hp 57/57] d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20+18=19 ; Wednesday April 30th, 2014 10:15:54 PM
Evaris gathers the group around him and releases another burst of healing energy. Perforce, he includes the dire mosquitos, but he trusts that they are well-secured.
Everyone heals 9 damage.
"My friends," he says, "I realize that I only joined with you this morning, and that I am not, as the vernacular goes, 'the boss of you,' but I urge you to make this adventure your last for today. Some of you are badly depleted and need rest. I have no more restoring spells of the kind I used on Grell, though I would be happy to prepare more tomorrow, if you would like."
Leaving the rest of the group to discuss their options, he moves over to the brown-robed protesters. "Murder is a grave accusation," he says. "As a servant of Pantheon, I must take any such accusation very seriously. Can you give me specifics? Who was murdered, and when?" [Diplomacy 19]
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 13/49 -- Mage Armor -- 5Con Dmg d20+17=34 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+12=29 ; Wednesday April 30th, 2014 10:41:06 PM
Alleah tries extremely hard not to roll her eyes at the brown robes. "They attacked us first, and we used non-lethal means to secure them for their own safety. See, can you see and hear them moving in those sacks now?" She asks this after Evaris casts his healing spell. "And I'm sure they will now be released back into the wild"(Bluff: 29)
The injured halfling keeps one eye on her possessions, and the other on the crowd. This wouldn't be the first angry mob she has faced, and likely won't be the last (Perception: 34, Sense Motive: 12)
She is brought back to her senses by the old man. "Mother Clowdette? Did she make it out ok?" Alleah doesn't recall seeing any bodies in the temple, but does feel a sense of concern.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday April 30th, 2014 10:50:46 PM
"Indeed we have." Sir Royston flings an arm toward the brown-robed protesters and raises his voice to the crowd. "NO THANKS TO THEM! These traitors and vagabonds value the lives of vermin and murderous beasts over your own! To them, a bug is more important than a child! Your children!" He points at the armored crowd. "I wouldn't be surprised if they helped the monsters escape! I think they need to tell us what they know. NOW, before any more lives are lost!"
Answering the priest, Emrys respectfully reports, "Yes, it appears we have removed each one. We apologize for the mess. We spilled a great deal of water." His expression becomes pensive when hearing of Mother Clowdette. "We hadn't heard she was attacked. How is Mother Clowdette faring?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 13/49 -- Mage Armor -- 5Con Dmg Thursday May 1st, 2014 12:30:18 AM
Alleah's teeth clench at Scales' speech. She takes a subtle sidestep away from him in anticipation that the crowd may throw rotten food or some such his way...
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 1st, 2014 5:48:17 AM
OOC: Sorry if I was confusing. The people dressed in armor and weapons was cheering FOR you! They are like the would-be adventurers who came around at the end of the owlbear fight. It seems the citizenry are viewing the monster round-up as a kind of holiday, and they are not only cheering you on but also trying to emulate you hero types.
They are very much NOT aligned with the robed protesters -- those guys seem to think you are hurting the monsters.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 / -2 Con Thursday May 1st, 2014 2:45:41 PM
Ariach is shocked about the crowd´s reaction. All members of the Vanguards just have risk their lifes to catch the stirges and clean the temple. And now this thankless mob is complaining about the hurt stirges. They all should be obliged about the Vanguards´ effort. The young warrior stares at the brown robed protestors and even makes a few steps forward them. He clenches his fist and waits for more hostile reactions of the crowd. If there is just a little hint that the mob threatens one of his friends he will beat them all up. Of course he will not use his weapons and he will not hurt them to bad, but obviously theses bullies need a wholesome lesson.
Grell, HP 24/82, AC 20/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -8 CON Thursday May 1st, 2014 5:36:35 PM
Grell's fatigue immediately fades away as Evaris cast his spell. His face lifts, and he even manages a little smile. When Ariach gives him the waterskin, Grell greedily gulps down a large quantity. He's never been so thirsty in his life!! He even manages a chuckle at Vaniime's dig, retorting back in Orcish "Ich bezweifle, du könntest meine Ork Hintern treten ... aber ich hätte nichts dagegen, wenn man es verloren!" Highlight to display spoiler: {"I doubt you could kick my orc butt...but I wouldn't mind if you spanked it!"}
Giving his brother a consolatory pat on the back Grell winks. "No brother...we usually fight monsters MUCH bigger than these things!!!"
Lowell (Genevieve) Thursday May 1st, 2014 5:56:13 PM
Lowell gags when he hears Grell's comment to Vaniime. "I can't believe that you would say that to Vaniime! Have you no shame?" Lowell smirks, teasing his 'older' brother.
Lowell then sighs when he hears about the monsters. "Great..... I feel sooooo much better!"
Lowell yells to the people in robes who are yelling at them. "WE AREN'T THE MURDERERS HERE, THE STUPID BLOOD SUCKERS ALMOST KILLED ME!"
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) d4=4 ; d4=2 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 7:16:14 PM OOC: Once again, the brown-robed people, maybe four or five of them, are critical and shaming you. The larger crowd of hero-wanna-bes is cheering you.
Vaniime scolds the robed protestors. Royston harangues the monster-advocates. They pay no mind, except to call out, "SHAME!"
One of the robed fellows dashes around the crowd, into the temple, not going near the heroes.
Ariach takes a couple outraged steps forward, fists clenched.
Alleah winces, and expects the worse from onlookers.
Lowell shouts out that they were attacked!
Evaris tries to reason with the brown-robed protestors. "WHo are the murderers?" he asks. One older lady with a winged lizard on her shoulder replies, "Those who drove our friends from the monster preserve are the murderers! Those who failed to preserve the borders of that refuge are murderers! And if you killed any of these creatures, YOU are murderers!
Grell simply ignores the kerfluffle going on around him, as he begins to recover.
Evaris thinks the party should rest.
The priest with the daffodil mask raises his hands and asks for peace and love. He also asks that people calm down. This does seem to do the trick -- peace and love is really the old cleric's specialty, after all. He assures the group that no one was killed by the bugs, although that was because of quick thinking and fleeing, not because the bugs were showing any restraint.
He casts a couple spells, curing Grell of 4 con damage and Vaniime of 2.
Then the robed protestor emerges from the temple, a dead bug in each hand. He holds them up high and shouts, "PROOF! PROOF! YOU KILLED THEM!"
The would-be heroes cheer his words! "YAH! Good job! They needed killing!"
TOTAL CON DAMGE: Grell 4 Royston 5 Alleah 5 Vaniime 3 Lowell 4 Ariach 2 Emrys and Evaris 0
Thanking the priest for the healing energies, Vaniime feels a bit better though still feels like she needs a long rest ignores the protestors and urges her friends to head back to the Star Tower.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 13/49 -- Mage Armor -- 5Con Dmg d20+12=22 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+2=8 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 10:58:22 PM "That one died of natural causes! Why, I think I heard that type of mosquito is notorious for, uh, flying straight into weapons" Alleah tries to lie her way out of the situation, but it seems the loss of blood has affected her abilities (Bluff: 22). She makes sure to hide her hands in her pocket, not wanting to be caught with the mosquito blood literally on her hands.
Perception: 27 Sense Motive: 20 Knowl Religion: 8. Suspecting the guy in the mask of being a follower of Flower
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+15=31 ; Thursday May 1st, 2014 11:36:58 PM
Emrys smiles at Alleah and shakes his head after she makes her comment. 'That was a good one,' he thinks. He does his best to keep from laughing. Emrys has his own mischievous ideas involving the robed protestor (the one holding the dead mosquitos) and his unseen servant would be invaluable at delivering such devilry. If the robed human continues to spout out, he just may give the command.
(Perception: 31)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Thursday May 1st, 2014 11:54:50 PM
Royston scowls at the brown-robes. "You miserable profligates! How dare you suggest that defending the lives of sentient beings from mindless vermin is murder?" He points an accusatory finger. "The only shame here is on your heads for being such fools. It is my duty and privilege to defend the lives of the citizens of this city, and I will spill the blood of anyone and anything that threatens them."
Evaris [AC 19; Touch AC 12; CMD 17; hp 57/57] d20+18=21 ; Friday May 2nd, 2014 12:57:59 AM
"Friends, please!" Evaris says. "I must echo my colleague's request for order and calm. All will be heard, I promise."
"Good lady," he continues with a half-bow at the irate druid. "You misunderstood me. I asked who had been murdered, not who did the murdering. That is, I wish to know the identity of the victim or victims. Am I right in thinking that the victims are these creatures?"
[Diplomacy 21]
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 13/49 -- Mage Armor -- 5Con Dmg d20+5=17 ; Friday May 2nd, 2014 3:36:39 AM "If so, you should know that we did our best to capture them without any permanent harm. We really did. Is there perhaps some way we might make amends for any wrongdoings we may have inadvertently done?" Alleah looks up with almost forlorn eyes to the folk, hoping there may be a way to placate them (Diplomacy to Aid Another - Evaris: 17.)
"Come along all. Let them wail to their hearts content. There was no murder here as the blood suckers attacked us first and we did our utmost to not kill them. So leave it be and don't dignify their comments any longer."
Grell, HP 52/82, AC 20/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON,Feeling pretty dog gone good Friday May 2nd, 2014 4:02:14 PM
Grell lays restraining hands on Scales and Ariach "Easy there fellas. They're just trying to protect what they love. If anybody hurt one of the members of my orc tribe, I probably wouldn't be thinking straight either. Just let 'em be."
Grell heards Lowell toward him, not wanting his little brother to get hurt in the fray. "Hey Lowell, just treat them like our bratty little sisters...just ignore them. They'll go away eventually!"
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Friday May 2nd, 2014 4:32:37 PM
Friends, DM post to come when I have wifi en route or at the hotel LATE tonight. :-)
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) d20+8=21 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=20 ; d20+3=13 ; d4=4 ; d4=3 ; Saturday May 3rd, 2014 11:19:39 AM
Royston seems accusatory, and indirectly threatens those who would harm the citizens of Plateau City.
Alleah's somewhat lame excuses do seem to take the edge off the protestors' ire -- at least to the extent that she seems to regret unnecessary death. That means Emrys's devilish plan to thwart the robed fanatics is likely not necessary. :-)
Evaris calms things down, and asks for clarification.
The older protester with the winged lizard on her shoulder calmly says to Royston, "Your enemies, young hotblood, are the ones who weakened the seals on the Monster Preserve. And the ones who sent the released innocent monsters to this city. Find them and you will find the villains in this episode."
Grell actually empathizes, but maybe that is not surprising from the hero who saves kitties in the middle of a fight. He guides Lowell away.
Vaniime sees no need to bandy words with the robed protesters at all, and she leads the team of heroes back to the Star Tower.
The protesters head into the temple to find any more dead "victims." The masked priest, indeed, a follower of Flower (to whom the Temple of Love is dedicated) gives his thanks and urges the crowd to disperse. The heroes walk back to the Star Tower carrying their bags of bugs, now all in fine shape after the channelled healing.
A dozen hero-admirers walk along with you, asking for details on the bug fight, and how you defeated them.
At the Tower, Captain Janz of the WLA is pleased with your haul. "Hmmm. let's see, Five Owlbears and 21 Stirges. Very nice."
He looks you over, and sizes you up. "Hmmm." He calls over a healer of Alemi, who casts a couple more restoratives and cures on you. Alleah, please regain 4 Con, and Royston, 3. Everybody, please assume that you are now cured to your maximum potential given your current Con damage.
Janz thanks the healer and turns to you. "Are you ready for another assignment? We have a report of giant tigers in the Gold Quarter."
TOTAL CON DAMAGE: Grell 4 Royston 2 Alleah 1 Vaniime 3 Lowell 4 Ariach 2 Emrys and Evaris 0
Evaris [AC 19; Touch AC 12; CMD 17; hp 57/57] d20+18=37 ; Saturday May 3rd, 2014 12:44:25 PM
Somewhat puzzled, Evaris addresses the druid again. "I know that many of these questions seem tedious, but in order to help you get justice for these crimes, I have to understand what occurred. I'll try not to take up any more of your time than I have to, but a serious charge has been raised, and it is my duty to pursue it." He tries again, making three attempts so far: "Who was murdered?" [Diplomacy 37]
When the rest of the group departs for the tower, Evaris waves them on. "I'll catch up with you," he says.
[OOC: Sorry to hold things up, but Evaris does not let things go when it is a matter of justice. It says so right in his character sheet. :) So, in order for this to get resolved, one of two things needs to happen. Either the druids need to lay a formal charge of murder, or they need to admit that they got a little carried away and "murder" isn't really the proper legal term for what happened. Until one of those things happens, or until Evaris is forcibly removed, he will stay here and attempt to talk to them.]
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 / -2 Con Saturday May 3rd, 2014 3:09:59 PM
Ariach doesn´t like as things fell out. He wants to hear an apology from the crowd but calms down as Vaniime gives the order to leave. As he sees that Evaris stays back, he asks Vaniime for the permission to stay with Evaris.
"I don´t want him back alone. If you allow i stay here. We meet you at the Star Tower."
Dire Mosquitoes! (DM Cayzle) Saturday May 3rd, 2014 3:59:18 PM Quickie for Evaris to get this moving.
The older lady with the flying lizard smiles once she understands what is happening. "Well, let it not be said that the law and order types never come in handy. Here. let me lay out the 'charges.' First, that some villain weakened the borders of the Monster Preserve, letting innocent monsters get out. Second, that some villain sent those monsters to Plateau City to make trouble. Third, that some of those innocent monsters have been hurt and killed. The hurt ones can be mended, I suppose, but the dead are, I say, murdered."
"First of those murdered are those dead by the hands of you and your friends, some number of dire mosquitoes. You may say it is an accident, or not your fault, and maybe that is true. But it is someone's fault that they were freed and sent here to die."
"Moreover, I know of these other murders as well so far: A chimera and three phase spiders. We'll see if the death toll mounts. Others innocents may die before it is over. Perhaps with your help the number of murders will be less."
"Does that answer, you, seeker of justice?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+12=17 ; Sunday May 4th, 2014 4:06:33 AM
Alleah is happy to be clear of the protesters. She respects anyone who stands up for what they believe in - even if they are a little wacko.
She does try to banter with the crowd a little "See that green blood on Grell's pants? Why, After battling hundreds of trolls and ogres, his sword has started to go blunt, so he opted to instead sit on the bugs and squash them!"
She then gestures towards Emrys "And have you all heard tell of Emrys the Master Mystic? Why, after casting spells left, right and centre he charged into the fray headfirst with nought but a knife! His blade carved through the air like, well, a knife. A cunning tactician, he reflected the light in the temple from his blade to blind the bugs and allow us victory!"
Bluff check if needed: 17
Alleah grins to herself. Who knows? Maybe these tales may help build the reputation of her compatriots.
She is grateful for the healing, and her ears prick to attention with the Captain begins to speak.
It is at this point that a moral battle occurs in Alleah's mind. She would dearly like to make a profit here, and it seems she could quite easily do so, but she does want to be a person worthy of travelling with the Vanguard. She sighs loudly, and then through almost clenched teeth corrects Captain Janz "Actually we only brought in 4 owlbears. Another group should be bringing in the fifth one shortly*"
--------------------- * OOC: Fyi reminder - Alleah 'sold' the 5th owlbear for 750gp at the end of that encounter
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Sunday May 4th, 2014 10:22:09 AM
Of course, an area known as the "gold" quarter does bear possibilities :)
Evaris (illegal second post) d20+18=24 ; Sunday May 4th, 2014 11:32:34 AM
Evaris listens to the druid with his full attention, nodding gravely. "I do not know the precise wording of the law in Plateau City," he says, "but in most places, the charge of 'murder' only applies if the victim is a member of a sentient race. If that is the case, then it's possible that you can lay murder charges for the phase spiders, and maybe even the poor chimera. The mosquitos, however, are almost certainly animals under the law, and murder therefore would not apply."
"I should tell you know that one of the mosquitos is dead by my hand. If you like, I will come with you and turn myself in to answer for any crimes I may have committed. However, as you pointed out, I may be of more use going with my friends to ensure that further loss of life is kept to a minimum. If you need to contact me later, my name is Evaris Leafgreen, and I am staying at the Red Wyrm Inn. Or, the Woldian League of Adventurers will know how to reach me."
"Whether I come with you or not, I urge you to pursue this matter through established law, by going to the Constabulary Castle and laying formal charges. I'm sure you'll agree that we don't want this descending into mob justice."
Grell sighs an overexagerated sign as the lady and Evaris banter around words. Blah, blah, blah. Doesn't he know that there's giant tigers to be tamed...errr...captured?! Great Alemi, this guy talks waaaay too much!! Tapping his foot impatiently, Grell looks over at Evaris, his miniscul patience gone. "Look, are you going to stand around talking all day long, or are we going to go save some innocent Kitties from some other blood thirsty group that doesn't know what in the Wold they're doing?! Come on Evaris!"
Grell we are not in any shape ready to any more battling at this point, unless you want to risk a premature ending to several members of the Vanguard, myself and you included.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday May 5th, 2014 9:34:23 AM
Royston shakes his head at Evaris' words. He comments as they return to the WLA, "These people and their extreme ideology are a threat to this city. Why is there even a 'monster sanctuary' this close in the first place? Mark my words, I will have them torn up, branch and root, to protect the lives of innocents."
At the mention of giant tigers, the paladin seems hesitant. "I have expended my divine healing for the day, nearly half of my bloodline powers, and I am still woozy from blood loss. All I have left are my rather lethal spellcasting abilities, so I doubt that bringing them in alive at this juncture would be a prudent course of action. If you are looking for a new throw-rug, then I would be happy to oblige, but I don't believe we can afford to 'pull our punches,' so to speak."
On the Hunt: Dire Tigers
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Monday May 5th, 2014 10:32:05 AM
TEMPLE OF LOVE
Ariach stays behind to make sure Evaris is safe. The discussion between Evaris and the older lady ends with a nod and a smile, although she also shakes her finger at Evaris. "Well, you should have been more careful, definitely. But thank you, good sir. I will consider going to the constabulary."
The two heroes walk on and catch up with the rest of the party.
STAR TOWER
Alleah brags on her group in subtle and funny ways. She makes it clear to the WLA officer, though, that the party brought in four owlbears, not five. "Well," says Captain Janz, with a grin, "those idiots who hauled in the fifth may have gotten the bounty for it, but I know who really took it down."
OOC: A hero point for Alleah for being brave enough to "come clean."
Grell definitely feels up for meeting more kitties, even much bigger ones!
Vamiime thinks discretion is the better part of survival.
Royston doubts that the tigers could be brought back alive. He too feels the lack.
BTW, the captain corrects Royston's assumption that the monster preserve is close by. "That's just the thing. It's actually a ways away. How these monsters were brought to the city is a part of this mystery!"
OOC: need a consensus on the party's course of action.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Monday May 5th, 2014 12:11:31 PM "I know I'm no fighter by any means, and in the last fight I was probably more a hindrance than a help. But the way I see it, even in our weakened state we stand a far better chance of dealing with the tigers than any of the locals here." Alleah finds her breathing harder than normal. The effects of a mosquito bite still lingers.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday May 5th, 2014 1:57:24 PM
OOC: Then it appears that Royston/Tanner failed his Knowledge (geography) check. I'm sitting here thinking, Why in the world is there a deadly zoo next to this major city?
Evaris Monday May 5th, 2014 3:31:35 PM
The dire tigers--and his new companions--await. Evaris contents himself with a final warning to the druids against trying to impose mob justice, then follows the others.
"Do we want to pick up some more nets before we go?" he asks. After a pause, "Do they even make nets that strong?"
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 / -2 Con Monday May 5th, 2014 3:56:16 PM
"As long as i am able to walk i am willing to support the local authorities to solve these problems. I agree with Alleah that we are still a good option compared to the less qualified locals here. But it is right that many of us aren´t in the condition to fight again."
For a short moment Ariach looks asquint at Grell before he looks straight at Vaniime again.
Grell, HP 70/82, AC 20/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON d20=16 ; d20+5=15 ; Monday May 5th, 2014 9:43:01 PM
Grell grunts at Vaniime. "We're fine. But I guess we could like rent a priest or something to heal us before we head out. And we don't need to *fight* them...just catch them! I mean Dad used to do it all the time when the Kitties got out...we're just going to need a lot of meat and some nets..." Grell wracks his brain trying to remember how Gunther used to corral the dire lions when they would escape (Know=16, Handle Animal=15...just looking for basic info on how to catch a big cat since Daddy did it all the time. ;)
Ok then I guess we will see this one through as well. So how many of these tigers are there and where were they last seen?
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Monday May 5th, 2014 10:23:43 PM
Emrys smile from Alleah's storytelling quickly fades with the decision to confront the dire tigers. With all the failed spellcasting attempts, his confidence is shaken. However, he still can inspire his friends with the spoken word and heal with his wand. He will have to completely rely on his friends though, because his powers, if cooperative, are mostly spent.
Lowell (Genevieve) Tuesday May 6th, 2014 6:29:03 AM
((OOC: Hey, sorry about that! The last post was for Lowell! Could someone change it?))
Done - KL
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 65/69 / -2 Con Tuesday May 6th, 2014 9:43:44 AM
check
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 6th, 2014 10:40:13 AM
The party stands up to the challenge! Even if there are at least two dire tigers, each one bigger than a horse, and maybe ferocious man-eaters too, the Vanguard does not shirk its heroic duty, to stand in the forefront of battle, to engage the enemy and secure the advance position!
[OOC: Fair warning from your evil DM, with no punches pulled: you guys are vulnerable and weakened, but each of you get a hero point for deciding to go forward anyway!]
Captain Janz looks grateful. "Ever since we sent off some of our best groups to Rum and Bryn Baraz, we've had a bit of an adventurer shortage here in Plateau City. On behalf of the WLA, thank you for stepping up to this duty!"
The Gold Quarter is an interesting place. Not only is it home to shops and services for the wealthy, but the Temple of Pantheon is located here -- and two gladiator schools. Surely the gladiators would be up to the challenge of a couple kitties? Who knows, you might be wondering as you head over to the Gold Quarter ... maybe you will be rescuing the tigers from the gladiators!
Any preparations before you arrive, my friends? On which street will you enter? Casting anything before getting there? Stealth or otherwise?
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday May 6th, 2014 12:14:10 PM
"Since they are simply very large beasts, would a sleep enchantment work on them just as effectively as the mosquitoes? If not, perhaps simply feeding them an enormous amount of meat would make them drowsy."
Ok all I have a couple of ideas but we are going to have to be careful Particulary Grell and myself. Emrys can you hit lowell with some healing from that wand he is looking a bit peaked (Hit points are listed as 8/36) anyone else still need any healing, other than our blood loss issues?
I only have one spell left and I will try to use it prior to any attack made. If the tigers don't seem to agitated I will try and charm one, however if it is already being attacked or is highly agitated from a previous attack I probably wont work, but we will see.
After that I am going to back of and use my bow a bit to see if I can weaken them as opposed to getting in a mix up with them.
Someone can try and see if my net will be useful in trying to entangle one one of them.
Anyone else got any ideas?
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 6th, 2014 5:56:11 PM
OOC: Priests with the WLA have healed you ALL up to max (given your Con damages).
Evaris Tuesday May 6th, 2014 7:24:22 PM
"Well, Sir Royston's suggestion has some merit. I wonder if we could dose some meat with some kind of sleeping draught? It would take a large dose, of course, but surely the tigers would be easier to manage if they were sleeping?"
Grell Tuesday May 6th, 2014 9:50:30 PM
OOC: Uhhh...DM...did Grell's reminiscing about his Dad's experience with big cats produce any knowledge?
Lowell (Genevieve) Tuesday May 6th, 2014 10:13:43 PM
Lowell smiles and thinks. "I guess that we could put them to sleep, but there is two problems with that. One, how would we get the stuff to make the tigers sleep? Would we use magic? And second of all, wouldn't they be very heavy?"
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+14=34 ; Tuesday May 6th, 2014 11:38:22 PM
Emrys answers Royston, "I doubt my Sleep spell would be very effective against beasts such as these. Besides, I'm afraid I can no longer attempt that spell today. However, I believe I have more effective magiks concerning animals. I can possibly hold them in place for a short time, even force them to reduce in size ... if the leylines are willing. If we have our nets and harnesses ready, and work quickly, we could possibly take these cats without any harm to us or them."
Emrys then asks, "How many are there?"
(Knowledge [Nature]: 34, natural 20, to recall everything he knows about dire tigers.)
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 7th, 2014 12:43:59 AM
OOC: Sorry Grell!
Seems to me that between Speak With Animals and Wild Empathy, Gunther would be fine just talking to tigers and bears oh my. To young Grell, maybe that looks like all you need is friendliness and petting. :-)
"Oh, that's easy," says Grell, in Hagrid mode. "Just give them gentle touches!"
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/75 / -2 Con Wednesday May 7th, 2014 4:24:55 AM
"We are agreed that we should avoid a fight this time. Aren´t tigers afraid of fire? Maybe we can compel them into a deserted house and then...." Ariach shrugs. "No idea what to do then. There will be still the problem with the size and the weight of these animals."
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 7th, 2014 10:21:49 AM OOC: Friends, this is my check out and travel day. So no map. That will come tomorrow. ALSO could you good folks please put your current con damage, current max hp and current hp in your header. Right now, current = max, but max is decreased from normal due to Con damage. Vaniime, for example, has a perfect header.
ALSO, your senile DM forgot Grell's dad's class, but I think it is still okay to say that Grell remembers that his dad had a way with animals that focused more on the being friendly than the hitting with a rolled up newspaper. Sorry Grell!
Royston suggests some kind of ingested sleep poison. Evaris agrees. Well, they say you can buy anything in Plateau City ... feel free to make Know Local checks to find a poison dealer.
Vaniime suggests a charm and ranged attacks and maybe a net.
Lowell raises the practical problem of hauling sleeping tigers. You would likely need something like the wagons you used for the owlbears.
Ariach thinks maybe of herding them with fire.
Emrys thinks maybe he can hold them. He has some keen insights into the nature of dire tigers. OOC: Emrys, please feel free to peruse the monster manual entry (that's what a nat 20 earns you!)
So, to the Gold Quarter? Or to the poisoners shop and the butcher shop?
OOC: Per the skill rules, "Know hidden organizations, rulers, and locations" is a DC20 Know Local check. So hit that 20 if you want to find a shop dealing in poison! You need at least one rank in Know Local to try.
Evaris d20+6=18 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 10:40:34 AM
Evaris is pretty sure he can locate a butcher's shop for meat, but he draws a blank on poisons. "Well, it's not likely that a cleric of Pantheon would know where the villains do their shopping," he jokes. [Knowledge Local 18]
[OOC: I was thinking more along the lines of an apothecary. People do sometimes need help sleeping; it doesn't necessarily have to involve Drow Poison.]
Cayzle Comments: You want a warm toddy to take effect over the course of a few minutes in a peaceful environment, sure. And no guarantees on staying asleep. You want something that drops an enemy in combat and keeps them comatose short of actual injury or slapping, you gotta get the taboo stuff. :-)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+2=12 ; Wednesday May 7th, 2014 10:51:19 AM "Well we do have those doses of drow poison we found earlier, but they rely on an attack as opposed to being ingested. But if we're talking other sedation concoctions, perhaps a medical area might have something? I also have 2 chunks of meat on hand. Granted, one is slightly soiled. I've some ale too, if you think we can get them drunk" It's hard to tell if Alleah is being serious or not...
Knowl Local: 12. Use aid another to give +2 to Evaris
Vaniime moces into the Gold quarter listening to her compatriots and their ideas, She worries about buying and or using poison, but also doesn't want to put her friends at risk either.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday May 7th, 2014 10:43:03 PM
"Asking a paladin where to find poison is like... some other very difficult task."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Wednesday May 7th, 2014 11:15:58 PM "It needn't be poison, if that helps you think about it Scales. A number of medical establishments might have a substance for sedating patients for treatment that we might borrow. But I take your point"
Emrys does his best to think of a poison dealer. "I know of a certain herbalist that specializes in uniquely potent herbs and mushrooms. He's known as Sneaky Pete ... well, he was known as Sneaky Pete. He met a most unfortunate end. Had a bad allergic reaction. They say it took a week to clean that alleyway! Oh well, sorry, I can't think of another!"
He then tells the group a chilling tale of the cunning and vicious dire tiger. (im too tired to go into detail, click Cayzle's link, that is what Emrys tells you. :)
Emrys then repeats what he had previous said about some of some relevant spells that could help capture. However, he does offer up his vial of drow poison.
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 20/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON d8=5 ; d20=5 ; Thursday May 8th, 2014 9:20:53 AM
Grell taps his chin, considering Emrys story and his own personal experience. "Well, we're going to need to be sneaky, that's for sure. And we'll need more Drow poison, plus I think I recommend having some Shadow essence. If we take down their strength a notch or two, we should be able to handle them better without causing long term damage. We'll need a strong net, and some tanglefoot bags...okay, a lot of them! We'll need the people with the best long range weaponry to try and poison the kitties. Oh, and maybe a spell to make a lot of noise. And food...we're gonna need a lot of meat!" Grell is very thoughtful for a few more moments. "Urrgg...my kingdom for a bag of beads of force!!"
OOC: Grell votes for going to the poisoner show and the meat shop. Ignore d8..bumped it. Knowledge=5 so Grell's got no clue.
Lowell (subbed by Nellie), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON d20+12=18 ; d20+12=17 ; Thursday May 8th, 2014 9:47:49 AM Cats! Why does it have to be cats?! I mean, give me a nice hellhound anyday!!! Lowell sighs. He loves seeing his brother so excited, but still he's not too thrilled about the prospect of engaging with a creature that could eat him in one bite!
Lowell gives the matter some thought, since that's always been his role...at least with his brother. Though he hasn't been in Plateua city for very long, he vaguely remembers running across a poison shop on one of his nightly excursions. What was it's name?! It's on the tip of his tongue!! (Know=18) "Well, if we could fire off a couple of Calm Animal spells, that would probably take care of most of the problem. I know a shop on the way where we could pick up a couple of scrolls. Oh, and we should probably get some scrolls of True Strike too...that would make our job easier with the poison!"
Lowell is more than a little worried. He knows he's not up to full strength, and he's more than a little concerned that his first official adventure is going to be his last!
OOC: Ignore the second roll.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Thursday May 8th, 2014 11:04:11 AM "You may be on to something Lowell. What if though, we used a Speak with Animals spell? Ask them nicely to return to their habitats? Perhaps even ask how they escaped?"
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Thursday May 8th, 2014 5:31:08 PM
"I absolutely agree with Sir Royston. Poison shouldn´t be an option. I am sure we can find another possibility to catch the tigers. They are just animals and we have some brilliant brains within our group who can even cast magical spells."
Evaris Thursday May 8th, 2014 6:55:47 PM
Thursday post before I have to leave because when I come back it won't be Thursday anymore.
Vaniime AC: 18 touch AC: 14 CMD: 24 HP: 47/ 47 (61) down 3 pts con Thursday May 8th, 2014 10:25:42 PM
I would say that poison is a very last resort particularly as we have no way to judge how much should be used.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 8th, 2014 10:51:38 PM
Sorry everybody, DM post coming in the AM.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Thursday May 8th, 2014 11:19:59 PM
checking in
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Thursday May 8th, 2014 11:24:50 PM
"Somewhat more risky for sure, trying to reason with a dire tiger is something Ive never known to happen. However, I do have a way for them to understand us. Most of you know that I'm a gifted linguist and the fact I have the power to grant even an animal with the ability to understand, even read, any language I know. The only problem is that I must touch the beast. Even then, knowing their temperament, diplomacy may be next to impossible."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Friday May 9th, 2014 12:16:10 AM "Ok, so who volunteers to throw Emrys at a tiger?" Alleah asks, rubbing her hands together. She gives a wink to Emrys to let him know she's just kidding.
Personally she has no qualms at all about using poison. Seems the better option than dealing lethal damage, in her mind.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Friday May 9th, 2014 7:51:50 AM
Emrys feels sure he should know a poison merchant ... it is on the tip of his mind ... but no. Time and chance happeneth to all brain cells. He recalls the name and details of a sleep poison that might suffice, but not where to find it.
At first, Evaris cannot think of a place to purchase poison, but Alleah's comments jolt his memory, and he vaguely recalls a dealer who might be found.
Van seems ambivalent about the whole poison idea.
Royston too seems reluctant. Still, using poison to save a life, rather than being forced into combat, may be acceptable?
Ariach is also opposed to the use of poison. What if he thought of it as a tranquilizer rather than poison?
Grell clearly would rather capture the tigers after putting them to sleep ... instead of going the bloody route.
Lowell cleverly suggests some true strike scrolls to deliver poison.
Alleah also thinks a speak with animals scroll or two would be good.
With Emrys, Evaris, Alleah, Lowell, and Grell in favor, and with Van willing to use poison as a last resort, your kindly DM moves the game forward.
You may purchase Oil of Taggit and Drow Poison at 100 gp per dose each. You may buy any first level spells you like at 30 gp each. No trip to the Catacombs needed. Please make your choices and subtract the gold spent on your sheets.
You can buy any tanglefoot bags or other core gear and equipment at book prices.
We'll be moving to the Gold Quarter with the next DM post. Any preparations before you arrive, my friends? On which street will you enter? Casting anything before getting there? Stealth or otherwise?
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+25=26 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+2=9 ; Friday May 9th, 2014 12:01:45 PM "I'd rather have the poison and not need it, than need it and not have it. Worst case I rub it over myself. If they eat me then I want to make absolutely sure they regret it!" Alleah will head to the dealer and buy 4 doses of Oil of Taggit. (Sheet updated)
For Alleah, the fight with the owlbears went much smoother than the fight with the mosquitos. If possible she will look to take to the rooftops again - and hopefully stay well clear of any sharp claws.
Alleah's Mage Armor lasts 4 hours, and she cast it just before the mosquito fight. If it has been close to that long she will recast.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Friday May 9th, 2014 4:17:23 PM
Ariach cannot understand how the majority of his group support the use of poison. But the fact that nobody comes up with another idea shows him that this is maybe the only possibiltiy to catch the tigers alive.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday May 9th, 2014 11:02:24 PM
ooc: Can anyone produce anything reminiscent of a laser-pointer?
Sir Scales follows behind the group dutifully, somewhat wary of trying, yet again, to capture deadly beasts alive that have contributed to death and destruction.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Friday May 9th, 2014 11:56:36 PM OOC: I see where you're going, Scales. Silent Image to create a red dot on the ground and get the big kitties to chase it :)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday May 9th, 2014 11:58:09 PM OOC: Now we just need an enormous cardboard box...
Evaris Saturday May 10th, 2014 12:07:03 AM
Since Alleah is taking the lead on the sleeping potion, Evaris heads to a butcher's shop to buy a few choice cuts of meat.
"And if we don't feed them to the tigers," he says, "we can cook them and feed them to Grell instead!"
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 20/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON Sunday May 11th, 2014 9:07:36 AM
Grell grins at Alleah and purchases the 10 vials of Drow poison. He also purchases 10 tanglefoot bags and five nets, just to be on the safe side. When he's finished shopping, Grell waits to make sure the Calm Animal scrolls are purchased, if not he will purchase it himself.
When Evaris jokes about feeding the Kitties to him, Grell growls in anger. Obviously, this is not a joking manner to him! He gets right up in the healer's face. "Don't ever, EVER joke about hurting a Kitty. EVER!! You saw what I did to those Owlbears!"
Then a panicked look comes over Grell's face, and he steps back into the shop, emerging with a bunch of enchanted flowers. "MOM! Oh my gosh!!! I forgot Mom's gift!!" Grell bustles over to Lowell "Oh no Lowell, HOW are we going to get Mom's present to her on Mother's Day?!"
OOC: Happy Mother's day!!! Hope everyone remembers to let Mom know how special she is. After all, you wouldn't be here today if it weren't for her. How do I know?? Let's just say Mother Knows Best!! ;)
Evaris (Illegal second post) Monday May 12th, 2014 12:14:06 PM
Evaris takes an involuntary step back when Grell gets angry at him.
"Uh...." Hurting kitties? He tries to think back to what he said that might possibly be construed as hurting kitties. "Uh...Oh!" Realizing, he explains. "No, I meant the steaks." He opens the butcher's bag to show the choice cuts, wrapped in brown paper. "I meant that, if we end up not using the steaks to put the tigers to sleep, we could cook them--the steaks, I mean, not the tigers--and have them for dinner. Do you like steak, friend Grell?"
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Monday May 12th, 2014 4:51:13 PM
check
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) d20+16=24 ; Monday May 12th, 2014 4:54:44 PM
Alleah buys four doses of Taggit Oil. She plans to start from the rooftops.
Ariach does not like possible use of the poison, but really, it is just a tranquilizer for dangerous creatures, to prevent loss of life, not to kill or damage ... he refrains from judgement for the moment.
Scales follows along, trying to think of creative ways to distract felines (OOC: LOL!)
Evaris buys some meaty bait. The meat will not go to waste, he thinks, one way or another.
Grell buys drow sleeping poison with Alleah, along with a lot of gear useful in capturing wild animals. He buys a Calm Animals scroll too. It is probable, please note, that the creatures are likely 14 hit dice each, so a scroll of Calm Animals would need to be about Caster Level 10 to have a decent shot at affecting such a beast. [OOC: Putting Grell down for a CL10 Calm Animals scroll, costing 250 gp? Or not? But who among the party can maybe activate the thing?]
Grell and Lowell are reminded of Mother's Day, maybe because their own mom was a definite "Tiger Mother," as they say. The pair take a quick moment to try to think of ways to show mom some love.
Van and Emrys are content to simply come along for now.
After finishing shopping, the party walks through Gladiator Park to get to the Gold Quarter.
If you make a Perception check vs DC29, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see an owlbear hiding in the forest about 50 ft away as you walk through the park}.
You enter the Gold Quarter on Parade Road, then taking the right toward the House of Blood gladiator school. Looking down Gold Street, you can see a big crowd of people have gathered in the road, especially on the intersection of Gold and Mansion, in front of the Temple of Pantheon. You will have to force yourselves through the crowd to get closer.
Alleah, from her rooftop vantage point on the top of the building on the southeast side of Gold Street, sees that the roofs of buildings at the corner of Gold and Manison are occupied by people who are looking down into the area in front of the temple. The ones on top of the Golden Hearth Club are both higher (four stories) and more well dressed -- and there are definitely servants attending to them.
You get a real festival air about the proceedings. The crowd is lively, and there are sellers of tasty hot pies at the backs of the crowd -- though none are in the front that you can see.
From up ahead, out of sight, you hear an animal roar -- answered by a roar from the crowd.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+10=24 ; Monday May 12th, 2014 10:50:37 PM
Sir Scales cannot help but crack a small smile. "Do you hear them? I do believe the citizens of Plateau City are making sport of our targets. Not that I mind in the slightest. On the contrary, it is nice to think that some measure of control and order has returned despite deranged provocateurs scrambling about and yelling nonsense." His smile falters and his eyebrows furrow. "I hope they make it last."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+17=30 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+5=10 ; Monday May 12th, 2014 11:01:51 PM
From the rooftops, Alleah's keen ears hear something nearby and she tries to visually locate what it may be (Perception vs DC29: 30 = Pass)
"Oh come on!" The rogue gives a series of short whistles to get the party's attention and then points towards the forest. She tries to mime what she has seen (Bluff to pass secret message: 20. Perform (drama): 10). The specifics may be lost, but the general gist being "monster over there!".
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+15=28 ; d20+12=30 ; Monday May 12th, 2014 11:38:42 PM
(Sorry, a combination of life, work and exhaustion made me completely forget to post last night. And I apologize for the lackluster post this evening. Should be better by tomorrow ... hopefully.)
(Perception: 28, awww crud! Does Emrys at least understand Alleah's message.)
If allowed, Emrys could have purchased some choice cuts of meat from Short Shanks and artfully apply the Oil of Taggit to each chunk, if Alleah allows. Being an alchemist, he knows that the poison is harmless unless ingested. (Craft [Alchemy]: 30)
Emrys is suddenly distracted by the sound of a large cat in the distance. "Well, I guess there's no need to track our prey."
Vaniime moves along with the others into the Gold Quarter and toward the temple when the roar of the crowd comes through. Shaking her head she just knows that some idiot rich person is going to get hurt and cause all kinds of trouble.
Part of the way there she hears aleah's whistle and understans the gist of what she is trying to say but sees absolutely nothing where she is pointing. perception 25
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Tuesday May 13th, 2014 5:31:31 AM
Should the others look confused or show quizzical expressions, Alleah casts her hands up in the air in frustration and overpronounces every word as she shouts "THERE. IS. AN. OWLBEAR. THERE!!!"
Frankly her miming skills are abysmal :)
Evaris Tuesday May 13th, 2014 9:58:24 AM
"Excited animals and an excited crowd," Evaris says. "That's a recipe for disaster. Come on, we need to get through!"
Urging his companions along, Evaris begins pushing toward the source of the animal roar.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 13th, 2014 12:58:13 PM
Friends, Alleah has spotted the owlbear in the woods in Gladiator Park, I'll stop the action there in case you want to do anything with it.
You are aware that one owlbear got away before -- likely this is the one, you think.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con d20+8=25 ; Tuesday May 13th, 2014 6:16:03 PM
Ariach notices Alleah´s signs and at least understands the main parts of her gestures. When she tells the group that she has spotted an owlbear she has Ariach´s full attention. "A single owlbear shouldn´t be a big threat for us. We should get it before we deal with the tigers. We can carry out our first task."
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 13th, 2014 6:41:26 PM
Okay, my friends, BEFORE you get to the Gold Quarter (and the tigers), but as you are walking in Gladiator Park, Alleah spots a hiding owlbear, likely the last one that got away from you before. You are 50 ft from it. It is hiding. You are trying to play coy about knowing it is there.
Actions?
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON Tuesday May 13th, 2014 8:10:31 PM
"Oh, an owlbear? We should take care of that before the c-c-cats...... But first, Grell? Remember that teleportation ring Mum and Dad have?" Lowell smiles. "I may or may not have borrowed it from them."
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 20/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON Tuesday May 13th, 2014 9:15:26 PM
Grell's concern fades and he slaps Evaris with a friendly thump on the back. "Oh...hey, sorry, that was my bad! Steaks...heh...good one!"
Grell positively beams at his brother "Lowell, you old dog! I can't believe you pinched Mom's ring! C'mon...let's get her the flowers ASAP and get back to these tigers. Maybe we can even hit up Dad for a couple of pointers before we leave!" Grell stands next to Lowell, flowers in hand and waits for him to pass him the ring and teleport them back home.
Once at the Emerald Dragon castle, Grell grabs Lowell by the hand, pulling him up the stairs to his Mom and Dad's room. Once there, he offers the flowers to his Mom, gives her a HUGE hug and a kiss and then says "Hey ummmm...Mom, we didn't want to forget you on your special day, but if Lowell and I don't get back soon, the rest of the group is going to be cat chow. Do you suppose Uncle Ingrge could teleport us back?" Grell gives his Mom his best puppy dog eyes, fully knowing she won't be able to resist helping her sons get back to combat.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday May 13th, 2014 11:03:29 PM
Royston cocks an eyebrow at the news of the owlbear. "Hmm... we could use a new throw-rug."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+15=33 ; d20+14=17 ; Tuesday May 13th, 2014 11:35:11 PM
(Perception: 33, to see the hiding owlbear)
Emrys finally spots the glint of light reflecting off the owlbears eyes and then its shadowy form suddenly but faintly comes into view. He knows that they may not be this lucky again to find the missing owlbear, but he can no longer illuminate this beast like he had the others. He must subdue, so before anyone can raise a sword, Emrys takes his darkwood lute. He says softly to the others, "Don't raise a finger of hostility towards this beast, I will attempt to entrance it." Then the bard begins to play the most mesmerizing melody.
(Bardic Performance: Fascinate. Will save 17 vs. Fascinate condition. If owlbear fails, he sits and listens.)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Wednesday May 14th, 2014 7:49:53 AM
Alleah tries to play it cool. This day hasn't been kind to her, and she still feels weak from the last battle. She draws her rapier and holds it in an unsteady hand as she keeps an eye on the owlbear (Total defence: +4 to AC)
Evaris Wednesday May 14th, 2014 10:39:54 AM
[OOC: at this point I'm so confused we may have to roll percentile dice to determine what Evaris does.]
Evaris stops with his companions. He cannot, of course, see the owlbear, but he has already learned to trust Alleah's sharp eyes.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) d20+4=15 ; Wednesday May 14th, 2014 11:28:10 AM
Emrys tries to entrance the owlbear ...
[OOC to Emrys: Many DMs would not allow feats that boost spell DCs to also affect spell-like abilities, such as your Fascinate. I'm not sure about it myself. But for now I'll allow.]
The owlbear remains still, watching the bard, definitely fascinated. The DC to spot it (from 50 ft away) remains 29. Emrys sees it now too.
=====
Grell and Lowell manage to sneak away to offer quick best wishes to their mom.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday May 14th, 2014 12:40:43 PM
"I'm not all that familiar with bardic sorcery. Could someone, say, approach the owlbear from behind without breaking the enchantment? A well-placed strike to the head might knock it unconscious."
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Wednesday May 14th, 2014 3:44:44 PM
"How fascinating! The owlbear doesn´t move! What ever you have done Emry, it seems to work. Should we use our nets now?"
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 14th, 2014 5:01:29 PM
Regarding the Fascinate effect, your Ruleslawyerly DM indicates the rulebook, there:
Fascinate (Su): The distraction of a nearby combat or other dangers prevents this ability from working. ... While fascinated, a target takes a -4 penalty on all skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks. Any potential threat to the target allows the target to make a new saving throw against the effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a weapon at the target, automatically breaks the effect.
Therefore, if you just walk up to the beastie obviously, or if it beats your stealth check as you approach, it will get another save, considering you beat down it before. If you do so with weapons drawn, that would make it obvious, and the effect ends, as would other clear threat.
In other words, you have to at least put up a reasonable pretense of being innocent and harmless.
"Well if I could see the blasted thing I could sneak up on it, but I can't even locate it when you point it out to me."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday May 14th, 2014 11:39:39 PM
ooc: So hypothetically speaking, if I can sprout claws as a free action, then it would only see me walking up to it unarmed until the very last moment?
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Wednesday May 14th, 2014 11:46:08 PM
Emrys continues to play his mesmerizing tune. His movements are slight and in rhythm with the music ... almost like a dance. In a soft smooth tone, he explains to Vaniime and the group where the owlbear is located, "under the shade of the Juniper tree, where my mother died and my father still grieves ... umm, next to the blackthorn bush, the beast sits and sways to the music." A single tear runs down his cheek. He wonders why this memory suddenly enters his mind.
(DM please describe your vision of the owlbear's location. that is where Emrys describes it. :)
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 15th, 2014 10:35:01 AM
Vaniime feels frustrated, but in fact she does NOT have to see a creature to sneak up on it. Anyone can try to be sneaky, even if they do not know if anyone is watching.
Royston ponders his options.
... he could sneak up on the thing (no new save vs fascinate granted if his stealth beats the beast's penalized perception) and attack with impunity. (If the thing spots, you, it gets a new save at the least, maybe auto break if you are too dangerous looking).
... he could just walk up to the thing peacefully and openly, slowly and trying to seem not threatening (the beast gets a new save vs fascinate) ... and then surprise it with a claws attack.
... he could rush over, weapons drawn, to attack. (fascinate would be auto-broken).
With Emrys's help, the party can get a pretty good guess, within a couple squares margin of error, of where the thing is. You are all on a wide paved road through the park. There is about 20 ft of open lawn, then light forest. It is in the light forest, under that Juniper tree.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+17=29 ; Thursday May 15th, 2014 11:18:35 AM
The rest of the party look to have an idea where the owlbear is now. That will at least save Alleah from having to cast a Silent Image spell to create a giant blinking arrow.
She maintains her position and does not attempt to approach the owlbear. That sort of task is no doubt better suited to someone more ... 'robust'
Perception: 29
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Thursday May 15th, 2014 6:01:50 PM
Ariach listens to Emry´s explanation very carefully. But when the barde has ended, Ariach still has no idea what to do now. "Nobody has answered my question yet. Can we use our nets now or not? Or do we just make a charge?" Ariach gets very nervous just standing around without receiving clear orders.
Evaris Thursday May 15th, 2014 6:17:30 PM
"Well, if we're sneaking, I can best help by staying here on the path and not ruining it for everyone else," Evaris says with a slight smile. "And patching everyone up afterward, of course. Do we have enough nets?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Thursday May 15th, 2014 7:40:47 PM
ooc: If I take the second option (he could just walk up to the thing peacefully and openly, slowly and trying to seem not threatening), then how would I be an "obvious threat", o great and powerful DM?
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Thursday May 15th, 2014 11:56:51 PM
With his darkwood lute, Emrys continues to play his song and inches closer as he becomes lost in the song and dance. "One strum of the strings to find him ... by the second verse I have him ... circle round in twilight's shade and find ones pluck to bind him."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+10=23 ; Friday May 16th, 2014 12:21:04 AM
(Bluff: 23, to pass a secret message to Alleah.)
"A fog thick and airy ... a concealing mist that's stationary ... gentle, silent and illusionary."
(owlbear suffers a -4 on skill checks)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+10=17 ; Friday May 16th, 2014 10:31:25 AM Sense Motive: 17
Alleah smiles and thinks she understands what Emrys is suggesting to her. She blows gently into her open hand while softly speaking the required incantation.
Cast Silent Image to create 8 x 10ft cubes of fog between the party and the owlbear, with the intention of the party sneaking through it. Will save to disbelieve: 16
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Friday May 16th, 2014 2:52:21 PM
check
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) d20+16=28 ; Friday May 16th, 2014 7:19:42 PM
Royston ponders whether he would be a threat if he just walked up slow and easy like. Under other circumstances, he would not be, but even this dumb beast remembers that just a couple hours ago you were the people who slaughtered the rest of his flock. Any movement of YOU guys toward the thing is a threat!
Ariach wants guidance.
Evaris suggests that everyone ELSE sneak up on it. He knows his limits.
Emrys has a clever idea, and suggests it subtly to Alleah.
Alleah casts a silent image of mist between the party and the owlbear. So long as the creature does not touch it, it does not get a save (under the "you must interact with an illusion to get a save" rule).
Now the party can sneak up on the creature.
But wait.
This is a good idea, BUT the fascinate effect requires that those affected can see the bard who is performing. "Each creature to be fascinated must be within 90 feet, able to see and hear the bard, and capable of paying attention to him." Sorry, the fascination ends.
Also, aside from Emrys and Alleah, the rest of the party does not know that the mist is illusionary, so you all lose sight of the creature. After you touch the mist you can make will saves, and then you can make new Perception checks. Until then, it is like a Fog spell.
Alleah and Emrys, you can see the creature ... if you can make a new Perception check vs DC33 ... Highlight to display spoiler: {It slowly backs off another 20 feet into the woods ... now 70 ft from you.}
Finding this thing may be tough ... maybe it is best to come hunt it later? Is that a roar you hear over there in the Gold Quarter?
Evaris Saturday May 17th, 2014 1:26:41 AM
"If we're going to do this," Evaris says, "we need to be quick about it. We were assigned dire tigers, if you'll recall."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Saturday May 17th, 2014 2:07:07 AM
Emrys didn't want to be concealed. If the illusion started to form around him, he would have stepped through it into the clearing. He would have known better to not lose visual contact with the owlbear. Otherwise the whole exercise would be self defeating.
Cayzle Comments: Sure, EMRYS would know better, but it was ALLEAH who cast the spell. And there is no "illusion starting to form" in the rules -- a spell is cast, and poof, the illusion appears. Alleah clearly posted, "Cast Silent Image to create 8 x 10ft cubes of fog between the party and the owlbear." That blocks the creature's view of Emrys, sorry!
As the fog rises and his performance is blocked from the owlbear's view, he can see that his tenuous hold on the beast is broken. As the beast moves out of sight, Emrys sighs with disappointment and places his lute back over his shoulder. "That's alright, Alleah. It was a good try. We can come back for the owlbear later. I suspect the beast fancies a good hiding place more than terrorizing citizens. Now ... we have cats to herd."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Sunday May 18th, 2014 9:39:47 PM
"If any of you should change your minds regarding the proscription on killing mindless beasts who butcher innocent lives... then I would be happy to take care of that owlbear." Sir Scales frowns. "We are little more than glorified rat-catchers."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+17=35 ; d20+25=45 ; Monday May 19th, 2014 6:41:09 AM "Crumbs" Alleah mutters. Still, she does feel a small bit pleased that the group have managed to avoid fighting the owlbear. The downside, of course, being that now someone else must.
"It's backing away" she calls down to the others. (Perception: 35)
She is content to resume her travels across the roofline once more. (Stealth: 45!)
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Monday May 19th, 2014 3:25:20 PM
Sometimes Ariach wishes Vaniime would be stricter. Her soft leadership style gives the others to much space for their own thoughts. But maybe that is the reason she is able to control a group with such unique individuals.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Monday May 19th, 2014 8:40:29 PM
Sorry, friends! Post coming this evening.
Evaris Monday May 19th, 2014 10:17:52 PM
"We can get it later," Evaris calls up to Alleah. He continues toward the Gold Quarter.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday May 19th, 2014 10:27:44 PM
ooc: checking in
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 Monday May 19th, 2014 11:21:49 PM
Emrys smartens his attire and other accoutrements. He removes his hat and teases his hair for he's afraid its lost most of its body and bounce from the vigors their labors. There's no reason not to be ravishing even while being ravaged by large cats.
Grell and Lowell suddenly wink back to the party. Slightly disoriented, Grell looks over at Vaniime. "Hey, wasn't there an owlbear or something here a little while ago??" Shrugging, Grell prepares to head out on the kitty fight.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 20th, 2014 6:36:06 AM
The party decides to track down and deal with the owlbear later. After all, it seems to be trying to hide and lay low for now. Meanwhile, Tigers May Be Eating People!
Grell and Lowell return from their errand delivering flowers to their mom. What good boys!
Deja vu ...
You enter the Gold Quarter on Parade Road, then taking the right toward the House of Blood gladiator school. Looking down Gold Street, you can see a big crowd of people have gathered in the road, especially on the intersection of Gold and Mansion, in front of the Temple of Pantheon. You will have to force yourselves through the crowd to get closer.
Emrys has prepped his bait with the sleeping poison.
Alleah, from her rooftop vantage point on the top of the building on the southeast side of Gold Street, sees that the roofs of buildings at the corner of Gold and Manison are occupied by people who are looking down into the area in front of the temple. The ones on top of the Golden Hearth Club are both higher (four stories) and more well dressed -- and there are definitely servants attending to them.
You get a real festival air about the proceedings. The crowd is lively, and there are sellers of tasty hot pies at the backs of the crowd -- though none are in the front that you can see.
From up ahead, out of sight, you hear an animal roar -- answered by a roar from the crowd.
From the rooftop, Alleah sees that a clear space has been opened near the temple up ahead. It that a flash of orange and black down there?
Royston thinks that the crowd is having sport at the tigers' expense. Will the party be rescuing the tigers?
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday May 20th, 2014 11:08:48 AM
Royston makes his way through the crowd to see what is holding their attention. Politely, of course.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+25=29 ; d20+17=37 ; d20+10=24 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2014 11:25:42 AM
Alleah continues to make her way across the rooftops as stealthily as she can. From this height she finds it easier to focus on the proceedings, and stays alert for any sight or sound that may stand out. For instance, are any of these people wearing a brown robe similar to those of the people who accosted the group earlier? She is curious if the onlookers are cheering in celebration, or, are fearful of what they can see.
She also makes note not to climb up to the area four stories above her. The last thing she needs right now is to be accused of trespass by some hoity-toity snob.
Stealth: 29 Perception: 37 Sense Motive on the crowd: 24
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Tuesday May 20th, 2014 7:29:45 PM
Ariach follows Sir Royston through the crowd. The young warrior is eager to see one of the tigers to get at least an idea of how they are looking.
Evaris d20+18=26 ; Tuesday May 20th, 2014 7:55:24 PM
Evaris moves closer to the commotion, negotiating his way through the crowd. Almost literally.
Emrys does his best to negotiate the crowd. "Pardon me," "Excuse me," "Please forgiv ... oh my, what a beautiful brooch. Who is your jeweler? I must know!" (Diplomacy: 27) After allowing enough time for an answer, he then asks, "By the way, what is happening up ahead ... it sounds a bit unnerving?"
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 21st, 2014 4:04:54 PM
... that sound you hear is the sound of a DM working hard on a map. ... Before I am done DMing this game, I'll have the entirety of Plat City on a five foot grid!
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Wednesday May 21st, 2014 4:48:02 PM
check
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday May 21st, 2014 7:22:01 PM
ooc: Checkity-check-check
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday May 21st, 2014 7:39:00 PM OOC: Friends, I am still hard at work on the map, and I expect to have it up tomorrow. In the meantime, let me get to the turn without it.
You press the flesh to get through Gold Street, heading toward the corner of Mansion and Gold, which opens onto the square overlooked by the Temple of Pantheon.
Evaris, of course, knows this neighborhood well.
From her vantage point on top of the trapezoid-shaped building on Gold Street (just below the word Street on this map), Alleah can see that the next building over (under the word Gold) has a few scattered folks on the roof, watching, while the crowd atop the Golden Hearth Club is ritzy indeed. From this point, to get closer she'll have to jump an ally (10 ft say) or descend to street level.
The rest of the party diplomatically pushes through the crowd. At the front, the mass of people abruptly ends, making a clearing about 40 ft in diameter centered on the steps in front of the Temple. People in the crowd clap you on the back, and say, "Go get 'em! Good luck!" and "Show those tigers!"
The crowd roars!
You get to the front of the crowd, and at the Temple steps are the two Dire Tigers!
Next to them on the steps is a cleric, judging by his robes.
There is blood in the street before the temple, and you seem to have arrived just as the tigers knocked down a big man dressed in greaves and vambraces, but with bare skin and a short leather kilt otherwise. His Bill Guisarme is on the street next to him. A few younger fellows (but strong) are dragging the unconscious fellow away.
The cleric is casting a few cures on the tigers! It's Father Reuyn! Evaris knows him well. He's one of the clerics who is available when supplicants wish to purchase divine services.
Perception DC24: Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that the cleric glances up to the roof where the wealthy are watching before he casts his cures}
Restored to full health, the tigers roar!
Then the bigger one shouts in common, "WHO'S NEXT! WE RULE THIS TOWN, AND WE'LL BEAT THE FOOL WHO SAYS OTHERWISE!"
Arriving to watch the guy get dragged away, Grell sighs. "Yup, probably going to be me in a few minutes. Oh well, hopefully, I'll give those rich SOBs a good show first!" Grell gulps when he hears the tiger SPEAK IN COMMON "Uhhhh...Emrys...have you uh....ever heard of talking tigers???"
Vaniime pushes her way to the front along side of Grell so that she can see the tigers and the area around them clearly. Seeing that they are currently not being threatened she focuses in on the smaller of the two tigers and begins casting charm animal.
Will Dc 14
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday May 21st, 2014 11:40:09 PM Sir Scales speaks a few low arcane words, wiggling his fingers surreptitiously. He then focuses on the temple steps, attempting to discern the moral compass of those before them.
ooc: Cast detect magic. Use detect evil on the tigers and priest.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+14=32 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2014 11:50:42 PM
"I have heard of talking animals, but they weren't really animals, at least they weren't animals any longer. Like the rest we've encountered, these creatures are no longer natural, but supernatural. I doubt our animal magiks would be effective against the likes of these."
(Knowledge [Arcana]: 32, to determine these if these "animals" are now magical beasts.)
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+15=20 ; Wednesday May 21st, 2014 11:55:14 PM
Emrys seems too focused on the tigers to notice anything else.
(Perception: 20)
Evaris Thursday May 22nd, 2014 12:55:52 AM
"Good afternoon, Father Reuyn!" Evaris calls. "Keeping busy, I see."
He feels his eyebrows rise when the tiger begins speaking Common. "I didn't even know their voiceboxes could do that," he remarks. "Shape-shifted druid, do you think?"
Regardless, it looks as if it's going to be a fight. "Friend Grell! A moment of your time," he says, and casts Shield of Faith on Grell.
Grell now has a +3 deflection bonus to AC.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+25=26 ; d20+17=37 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 2:15:15 AM "What is going on here?" Alleah's curiosity gets the better of her as she edges closer, perhaps revealing her position (Stealth: 26)
She doesn't speak up yet, but just keeps an eye on proceedings (Perception: 37)
She is surprised that she can understand what the large tiger is saying. She doesn't recall anyone casting a Speak with Animals spell on her. Maybe this is just a new talent she has picked up?
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+11=30 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 2:22:07 AM OOC: Whoops, forgot acrobatics check to jump to the next rooftop.
Acrobatics: 30
Lowell (subbed by Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON d20+18=32 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+10=17 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 10:13:23 AM
Visibly shaking when the tiger begins to talk, Lowell decides now would be a pretty good dog gone time to melt into the shadows as it were. (Stealth=32) Lowell tries to take up a position relatively close to his brute of a brother. After all, all their lives, Grell's been getting him in trouble with his orcish ways, and then Lowell's always been there to sneak up on the enemy and rescue Grell in the end. Why should he change tactics now??
Making sure his hand crossbow is loaded and ready to go, Lowell pulls out his short sword and looks around to see if there's any place he'll be able to shimmy up and hide if things turn south...which they probably will, knowing Grell! (Percept=17...ignore second d20 +18)
OOC: Sorry Sheriff Ken, I don't have Genevieve's password or I would have logged in as her.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 22nd, 2014 1:38:16 PM
Map Notes: You estimate the crowd (in pink on the map) is at least 400 people strong, maybe up to 1,000. (You can assume anywhere from two to four people are packed into each 5x5 square on average.) If you have to move through the crowd in combat, it is difficult terrain -- unless there is a panic, in which case it is doubly difficult, and there is a serious danger of being bull rushed, tripped, and/or trampled.
Alleah jumps to the next building -- luckily also three stories high, so that works out okay. Note that The Golden Hearth Club building, atop which the wealthy observers are gathered, is four stories high.
Grell and Vaniime move to the front of the crowd. Van casts a Charm Animal spell. The spell has no effect at all.
Evaris wonders if they are druids in tiger form, but Emrys knows the subtle signs of magic at work: He deduces that these are no longer animals, but magical beasts, most likely ones that have been Awakened.
Evaris casts a defensive spell on Grell. (On reflection, I shoulda swapped Ariach and Evaris on the map. Feel free to correct minor placement issues).
Royston detects magic and no evil.
With three heroes casting spells, it is time to make a ruling about casting spells in the presence of intelligent foes and suspicious NPCs.
First off, the Perception DC to sense someone casting a spell, based on the Perception Skill Rules is, I say, a DC0 check, because it is like "Hear the details of a conversation." Add in a stock distance modifier of -1 per 10 feet distance, and the tigers can hear Van and Evaris casting at a Perception DC3-4. Since they have a +12 on such checks, there is no need to roll.
For those who want to cast on the QT, I am making up a rule and pulling it out of my hat: If you make a "Cast on the defensive" check (with the usual chance of losing the spell), then you can boost your base perception DC to 15 ("Hear the details of a whispered conversation"). There has to be a chance to lose the spell, because otherwise everyone would just always say they were whispering their spells.
So, from the Tiger's point of view, some heavily armed and armored hero types have just stepped out of the crowd and cast some spells. The tigers do not sense any magical attack, which is probably good, because if they had, we'd be in combat.
However, they snarl and swish their tails, and the bigger one roars at the group: "NO SPELLS! NO MAGIC! YOU DO THAT AGAIN AND I"LL RIP YOU TO SHREDS!"
At this point, if you were NPCs, I'd be rolling for intimidate checks. As it is, suffice to say that the angry tiger is very intimidating.
Father Reuyn nods to Evaris, and calls out, "Ah, Evaris. Yes, my son, casting spells is likely a foolish thing for you to do."
The smaller tiger bumps the priest fondly and says, "Padre, that a pal of yours? You're giving him some good advice."
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con d20+8=12 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 5:35:33 PM
(perception check to display spoiler=12)
At first Ariach thought the Vanguards could solve the problem without a fight. But now the tigers turn out to be magical beasts instead of simple animals. Ariach still is in a good mood until he hears the first tiger speaking. No one can come and claim the rulership of the town by himself.
"With all due respect....ahhhmmm... mister tiger. Your decleration of ruling the town is a clear breach of the law. But if you withdraw to the place where you came from or escort us to the WLA headquarter there is maybe a chance to clear the situation without a punishment."
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Thursday May 22nd, 2014 8:37:12 PM
The lead tiger is slightly mollified by being addressed as "Mister" by Ariach. But he growls at the demand he leave and at the mention of punishment. ''Heh! You wanna fair fight, one on one or all seven of ya at once against us two, sure, we'll take ya, and we'll play easy with ya. You wanna go play rough, use your cursed magic, all bets are off and it's to the finish! Either way, we ain't going anywhere unless you make us! We got a sweet deal here!"
The tiger looks around at the crowd. "WHO HERE SAYS I'M THE KING OF THIS TOWN?"
The crowd roars its approval. Cries of "Fair fight! Fair fight!" are heard.
Perception check vs DC18: Highlight to display spoiler: {You see each massive tiger paw has a small gem fixed to the back of it.}
Perception check vs DC22: Highlight to display spoiler: {You notice that the well-dressed types on the high roof are grinning, and that an underling is making notes in a book as the noble types indicate.}
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20=12 ; Thursday May 22nd, 2014 9:58:44 PM
Royston takes three strides forward from the crowd and halts, hands at his sides.
"I am Sir Royston Scalesworth, the fourth of my name. Paladin of Domi."
He flexes his hands, as blooms of energy encircles his fists. One is fiery red, and the other icy blue. He takes a ready posture.
"If it is a fight you desire, then we can accommodate. We are tired and frustrated with beasts of all manner of shape and nature harming the citizens of this city. We will tolerate no more. But before we begin, honor demands that I warn you... you will not survive the attempt. Your strength will fail, your life's blood will stain the earth, and your spirit will be lost from this world. Your flesh will be as grass before the flame, and we will stand over your still forms as your words of bravado echo into nothingness."
Royston's eyes glow a deep red.
"This is not how you wish to die. Leave now, while you can."
Emrys reluctantly steps out from the crowd. "Oh please excuse me," he pleads, "Before hostilities begin, let me introduce myself. My name is Emrys Myrridanmyl, son of Grand Archdruid Myrridan the Wild. As you can probably tell, I am not a fighter. I am in fact, a lover ... of lore, music and art. I immortalize the lives and history of remarkable creatures. May I be so bold as to ask your name? I wish to tell your story in spoken word and song. However, I have a question. Why? Why would a wondrous and powerful individual, like yourself, wish to be king of this city? It's way too small and confining for someone like yourself. Especially with the vastness of the surrounding lands, with plenty of room to roam and hunt, teaming with prey. Certainly someone of your immense stature doesn't need to hide behind walls such as these."
Emrys begins to step away when he catches the eyes of the priest looking at the well-dressed figures on the balcony. "Just one last small question, "How do you wish to be remembered ... to have been feared or to be loved?"
Evaris d20+11=17 ; Friday May 23rd, 2014 1:21:47 AM
"This is beyond foolish," Evaris tells the tigers. "This city already has its lawful rulers, who will not stand idly by and be challenged by the likes of you. If you cease this foolishness and leave now, I will undertake to ensure that no harm comes to you. But if you persist in this ridiculous fantasy, you will have only yourselves to blame for your misfortune."
Aid Another to Royston's Intimidate check: 17 success.
Lowell (subbed by Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON Friday May 23rd, 2014 1:55:05 AM
Grell sighs as Evaris and Scales attempt to threaten the tigers. Clearly they haven't been around big cats enough to know how big these kitties egos are! He is a little happier to see Emrys at work. Still, the situation calls for a little finese, so he guesses he'll have to take care of the problem.
Striding forward, Grell faces the biggest tiger and bows low. "Oh most excelent of all, please pardon my friends words! Clearly they do not know the raw power of the being they are dealing with, but I, Grell, do! I stand in awe of your power and strength, and do not question your prowess. I would consider it an honor to engage in combat with a magnificent creature such as yourself, but alas, my companions and I suffered on going damage in our previous battle. I'm afraid that unless your excelence allows us either to cast magic or to be healed, there is no possible way this could be considered a fair fight. Why, some might even say that it was stacked against us. I fear your reputation might be tarnished... if you truly value a fair battle. " Grell bows low again and lets the tiger mull over what he has proposed.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+9=27 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+25=26 ; d20+10=21 ; Friday May 23rd, 2014 2:17:35 AM
Alleah backs herself against a wall. She doesn't like where this is going. Scales and Evaris look keen for a fight, and Grell and Emrys seem to be trying to negotiate better terms. This whole situation is very unusual though.
Alleah looks around for a way to get in to a higher position. Are there any stairs that may lead to the Golden Hearth club (which building is it on the map?) Are there any of those flying taxis nearby?
Knowl Arcana: 27 - to determine "a spell effect that is in place", specifically, if these tigers are being compelled in some way Sense Motive: 21 - are the tigers acting freely? Does Alleah sense any sort of coercion? Perception: 36 Stealth: 26
Cayzle Comments: There is no sign that the tigers are being coerced. The Golden Heart Club is building number 41 on the Woldipedia map, and is the building topped with golden (wealthy) and pink (servant) NPCs at grid location BE-40 on the lovely 5-ft scale map. It looks like the only way up is through the interior of the building. Alleah can see a trap door leading onto the roof.
There are no flying taxis -- which, you recall, are more like Tenser's Floating Disks or Hovercraft. They have a max altitude of about two-three feet.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Friday May 23rd, 2014 9:37:08 AM "Hmmm.. seems that is where all the action is after all" Alleah frowns. She will look for a way to safely get down from the rooftop she is currently on. The others on this rooftop must have gotten up here somehow.
If she spots a ladder, some steps, or a trap door on this rooftop, she will seek to climb down to ground level (with a view to finding a way across the street to the Golden Hearth Club)
stepping up behind Grell, Vaniime looks closely at each tiger noticing the gems. Excuse me but you as that we not use magic and yet you both have gems affixed to your paws. Am I incorrect in assuming they are of a magical nature?
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday May 23rd, 2014 10:18:19 PM
ooc: check
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Friday May 23rd, 2014 10:42:43 PM
Royston and Evaris try to put some fear into the tigers, while Emrys and Grell try soft words and flattery.
Vaniime asks about those magic gems the tigers have on their paws.
Meanwhile, Alleah finds a stairway down off the roof, and several flights later, is wriggling throught he crowd to get closer.
OOC DM Comment: The net result of Diplomacy and Intimidation is to make the target more friendly towards you. Please keep that in mind as the DM Post continues ...
The large tiger pads closer, and when it speaks, it is in a confidential tone intended to be heard only by the heroes.
"Look, friends, me and my missus got a sweet deal going here. We play for the crowds, the fat cats up there get a good show, everybody's happy. They love the gladiator matches around here, so maybe we can get a regular gig. Course I'm not the king of the town -- that's just the work. Plus these here gems let us take some fearsome swipes without doing no real harm, see?"
"What, we should go back to the woods, where the hunting is scarce, and you gotta watch out for all kinds of monsters? Or stay here, live the life of riley, side a beef a day, go fight humans for fun? Don't be a buzzkill, okay pals? You wanna fight, have fun, do a show, sure. Otherwise, how's about making like a tree, ya know what I'm saying?"
This strikes you as an honest entreaty.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Saturday May 24th, 2014 12:19:57 AM pause.... *wink*
"DO YOU HEAR THAT, LADIES AND GENTLEMENNNNNN!?" Royston throws his hands in the air and roars above the crowd. "This little kitty-cat thinks he's in charge! This little kitty-cat thinks he's special! This little kitty-cat thinks he's better than all of you!" The paladin turns and directly addresses the crowd, exaggerating his voice and making dramatic gestures with his arms. "This little kitty-cat thinks that he can just waltz in here, into our city, and strut his stuff like his farts don't smell. Well let me tell you what, ladies and gentlemen! He's wrong! He's. Dead. Wrong. Are we gonna let him get away with it?"
Exaggerated surprise and he whips a hand to his ear. "I'm sorry, it sounded like the mewling of little lambs rather than the proud citizens of an ancient city. I said, ARE WE GONNA LET HIM GET AWAY WITH IT!?"
Fist in the air. "DARN RIGHT WE'RE NOT GONNA LET HIM! Because this is our home. And we're gonna kick his little kitty-cat butt right back to the sad little hole he crawled out of! CAN I GET A HELL YEAH!?"
Sir Royston ends his speech with a dance obviously intended to be inflammatory to his opponents.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con d20+8=22 ; Saturday May 24th, 2014 2:27:10 AM
(perception check=22)
Ariach shakes his head in disbelief. How can a Paladin of Domi, such an imposing appearance like Sir Royston Scalesworth, be in involved in a charade. These monsters absolutely have no rights to demand anything. But the young warrior holds his position and watches the poor performance which will follow.
"We were sent out to catch these monsters- not to roleplay with them" he murmurs.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+25=37 ; d20+17=19 ; Saturday May 24th, 2014 8:22:33 AM
As Alleah makes her way through the crowded square, she tries to think back to the battle with the mosquitos. Perhaps Scales lost more blood than she first thought? If not, she mentally notes "dibs" on his belt...
Stealth: 37 - Not to try and hide and sneak around, but to blend in with the crowd Perception: 19
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Saturday May 24th, 2014 9:35:07 AM
ooc: My post makes much more sense when you consider (a) the dire tigers are being paid to provide a show and (b) the typical antics of American professional wrestling.
Evaris Saturday May 24th, 2014 2:23:58 PM
Evaris sighs. "I suppose it's too late to change our minds about that owlbear."
However, it seems as if this fight is going forward. Evaris draws his bow and nocks an arrow.
"My spells," he remarks conversationally, "are mostly to bolster and heal my allies. They would not harm you at all. This arrow is another matter entirely. But we're playing by your rules, so you get the arrows instead of the spells."
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith, Guarded Stance Saturday May 24th, 2014 2:36:48 PM
OOC: I'm working a double all day, so I'm not able to get my header quite right. Sorry!
Grell grins as the tiger shares his secret message. He leans in close, masking his actions with a deep bow "Friend, it will be an honor to meet you on the battlefield! If we are able to defeat you, I swear by the Grell tribe that I will do my best to make sure that we find you a home suitable to your liking!"
Rising up from his bow, Grell takes up a battle stance. He raises his voice so that the crowd can hear him easily "If it is a fight that you want, oh Mighty King of Cats, then it is a fight you shall have! Even though I am not at my full potential as a warrior, I will fight you on honorable terms!" Unsheathing his massive sword, Grell give it a couple of hefty swings to show off for the crowd. They come nowhere near the tiger, as it is clear that he is just warming up. Grell remembers back from his good old days at Maplehurst when he had competed against the rival schools. Rule number one when you're participating in an event like this is to win over the crowd! Considering that he's going to be battling one of the most fierce beasts in the Wold, Grell is bound and determined to make his entrance into the combat memorial, so that hopefully when he's carried out on his back, people will still remember his courage.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Saturday May 24th, 2014 11:04:13 PM
Friends, this is your last chance to reposition yourself on the map! Remember that the big tiger has stepped forward to talk quietly with you -- say he is at AP-AQ-40-41. If you do not like your coordinates, post a revision asap!
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+10=15 ; Sunday May 25th, 2014 11:52:04 PM
The performer within Emrys comes to life upon learning the cat's true intent. With exuberant posturing and a boisterous tone, Emrys announces, "Ahhh, the Great Beast of the Wilds has spoken. If it's combat you desire, and the taste of our luscious flesh you crave, then the heroes of the Vanguard are prepared to meet your challenge!! The orange and black stripes of your hide would make excellent lining for our cloaks. By the way, Beast ... you haven't answered my question .... WHAT IS YOUR NAME?!"
In a softer tone Emrys adds, "You must have a name ... bloodthirsty beasts such as yourself, ALWAYS do!" (Bluff: 15, to pass a secret message to the tiger ... 'every performer needs a good, scary name.')
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Monday May 26th, 2014 5:32:11 PM
check
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Monday May 26th, 2014 10:06:11 PM
Memorial Day kept me hopping all day, so No DM Post for Legacy. Sorry!
Look for a post BRIGHT and EARLY in the AM!
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Tuesday May 27th, 2014 10:17:16 AM
Alleah doesn't quite understand what is going on with the rest of the group. From a distance, it looks as though the group as getting ready to fight the tigers but insist on taunting them first.
Hopefully being removed from them at the moment she won't be considered a target. A halfling would probably be considered an entrée.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) ROUND ONE! d20+32=38 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 11:51:12 AM
Royston, Grell, and Emrys all buy into the game, and declare that they will challenge the tigers!
Evaris is no showman, evidently, but he too draws and readies to fight.
Vaniime stands fast.
Lowell fades back into the crowd and tries to sneak around to AI-38. [OOC: Lowell, to sneak, you have to have something to sneak behind! To get to AI-38, you would have to walk right in front of the crowd and next to the tigers, with nothing to sneak behind. To get to AI-38 without notice, you would have to sneak back, run around the back of some buildings, and then come in through that alley to the north. It would take 3-4 rounds to do it. Please confirm where you want to sneak to -- but it has to be through the crowd (blending in with watchers) or with some other thing to sneak behind.]
Alleah is also sneaking through the crowd and blending in. [OOC: I'll position you as seems best, let me know if I flub it royally.]
Ariach thinks that the group should be heroes, not entertainers! He just holds his position.
Clearly a fight is about to start! The crowd roars its approval, as well as cheering anything anyone shouts! You get the idea this crowd would cheer a schoolyard fight or a battle between gods!
However, this crowd is not made of fools! The people behind you back the heck up! They want to watch the fight, not be part of it!
The cleric on the temple steps backs up.
The smaller tiger moves up close and readies an attack.
The larger tiger steps up closer and says, "You'll pay for your insolence! For I am Felix the Great, King of Beasts! And this is my mate, Queen Gavisus!"
Then he rears up and ROARS! This is a demoralize attempt. His sabre teeth gleam, and his roar fills the square! Even though you know it is an act, you cannot help but be shaken by the display!
OOC: The tiger has the Weapon Focus Bite, Intimidating Prowess, Dazzling Display, and Persuasive feats. His Intimidate check is a hefty 38. That means everybody (except the tigers) in 30 ft is shaken. The duration varies by hit dice and wisdom score. All heroes have seven hit dice, so ...
If your Wis mod is +21 to +17, you are demoralized for a round. If your Wis mod is +16 to +12, you are demoralized for 2 rounds. If your Wis mod is +11 to +7, you are demoralized for 3 rounds. If your Wis mod is +6 to +2, you are demoralized for 4 rounds. If your Wis mod is +1 to -3, you are demoralized for 5 rounds.
Likely most of you are demoralized in the 4-5 round duration. While demoralized, you are shaken, and you take a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Note that Alleah and Lowell (assuming he has backed up into the crowd) are not demoralized -- too far away.
We're entering combat rounds, my friends! You have the initiative!
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday May 27th, 2014 12:53:30 PM
ooc: I rolled an Intimidate check of 35. Are the dire tigers also shaken?
Cayzle Comments: I took your use of Intimidate to be the one that makes an NPC friendly to you for a short time, not the one that makes it shaken. That's why he came over and talked to you all private and honest and friendly like. I should have made it more clear that his change in attitude was a response to your post. You did not say you were attempting a demoralize check. If you meant to demoralize rather than "befriend," then apologies, but we'll leave it as posted, please ... and please also be more specific in the future.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday May 27th, 2014 1:43:05 PM
ooc: Roger.
Ariach AC 28 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con d20+4=6 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 5:13:15 PM
Ariach is not willing to be part of this spectacle but he cannot leave his friends and betray the Vanguards. He draws his mace and goes into a defensive stance to protect himself and his allies. With his shield although he also tries to hit one of the tigers but misses badly to much focused on shielding his friends.
(using Take Under Wings=all allies wihtin 5 feet receive +4 AC and fight defensively -4 attack/+2 AC)
Evaris d20+3=23 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 7:04:15 PM
Evaris shakes his head as the other tiger approaches. Friend and foe are too close for archery, at least without more specialized training.
Instead, Evaris draws his cold iron light hammer and steps forward [to AP-43]. He waves his hammer in what he hopes is a convincingly menacing fashion.
[Use Aid Another action against Tiger #2. Succeed on a wasted natural 20. Grell is +4 to attack Tiger #2.]
Not wanting to use her curvebow on these beautiful creatures and too close for bow work, Vaniime whips out a seldom used dagger and throws it at #2 but as she takes her arm back the dagger slips from her fingers and goes somewhere behind her.
Grousing at herself she ponders what to do for a moment and takes a 5 ft step backward to AS 44.
(ooc: Now that they are awakened and considered magical creatures Van is +4 on combat rolls so take a away 2 that still adds 2)
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) ROUND ONE! Tuesday May 27th, 2014 8:14:54 PM
Keep in mind your -2 shaken penalty when you figure your rolls! (unless you are immune to fear effects!)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+9=17 ; d20+9=28 ; d20+8=9 ; d6+10=13 ; d6+10=15 ; d6=4 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 8:39:49 PM
Sir Royston roars in challenge as his eyes flare with a crimson glow. His fingers elongate into claws and his teeth into sharp points. He slashes at the nearest tiger, his strikes trailing elemental energy.
Full attack on Dire Tiger 1
Claw 1 Attack 17 Damage 13+4 fire
Claw 2 Attack 28 Damage 15+4 cold
Bite Attack 9
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+25=27 ; d20+17=32 ; Tuesday May 27th, 2014 11:24:35 PM @DM: In the previous rounds Alleah had made her way down from the current building and was making her way through the crowd to The Golden Hearth Club. Best guess is she was around AZ44
It would now seem a fight is imminent. If she overheard correctly, then magic is forbidden. That would make things difficult for her to contribute directly. Indirectly, however...
Alleah has some concerns about this club. They seem to be the ones in control of this fight, and who knows how many fights before it. Should the party win, things might get hostile. She scouts around the building to try and find a way up - preferably a discrete one.
Once upon a time she would have taken such a crowd and distraction to be a perfect opportunity to relieve people of their possessions. Perhaps the party are having a good influence on her?
Stealth: 27 - Not to try and hide and sneak around, but to blend in with the crowd Perception: 32 Move in the direction of wherever she sees a way in
Emrys tries to open with a song, but Felix's roar causes his hands to shake and his voice to crack and fail! Unable to look upon the carnage, the bewitching bard dramatically holds up his quivering hand to shield his eyes. "Ohhh, the horror!!"
Grell knows his place in this game...he needs to pull all of the tigers attention toward himself so he can take the blows and allow the others to do what they must. And if he's going to play this game on unfair terms, at least he should make it memorable!! He bellows out so that he can be heard over the bustle of the crowd "Mighty Felix, I am Grell. You will learn to respect me, or your soul mate will suffer!"
Carefully taking a side step (AP42), Grell pulls down his sword in one precise blow, aimed not so much to kill Felix's mate Gavisus, but to do non lethal damage (Vital Strike with non-lethal damage). He grins as his first blow connects with the mighty cat's flank with a loud SMACK (AC31 for 21+7 Vital).
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral d20+6=9 ; d20-2=15 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2014 12:52:49 PM
From his position of AU: 40, Lowell shoots at Felix, but he misses. "Crap..." Lowell whispers to himself. He then sneaks around the nearby building to AS: 35 trying to keep out of the tigers range, but still trying to be close enough to shoot the big cat again. (Sneak = 15)
Sniping- Sneak= +18-20 = -2
Ariach AC 28 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Wednesday May 28th, 2014 5:29:33 PM
(@DM: i forget the -2 penalty for being shaken. the attack roll is 4 instead of 6)
Ariach tries to be close to Grell because he knows that his hot tempered friend will attack.
Ariach steps forward to AP-43 and strikes defensively at the smaller tiger -- and misses. That triggers the female's readied attack, a paw swipe that hits AC31 for those within five feet -- that's 14 hp nonlethal damage to Ariach from the readied attack! Ariach's aid to his friends gives those in 5 feet a +4 AC.
Evaris would have moved to AP-43, but Ariach beat him to the spot. Instead, the DM puts Evaris at AN-43. He draws a melee weapon and attacks ... and he helps Grell to attack Tiger Two, the smaller female.
That help pays off, and Grell slams the female for a good chunk of (nonlethal) damage.
Vaniime throws a dagger and misses.
Emrys goes all out to play the frightened performer.
Lowell, sneaking through the crowd, shoots and then ducks back, sniping and missing! Then he dashes to another hiding spot, next to a pillar of the temple, behind which he hides from the tigers.
The great tiger grins, if such a thing is possible, as he sees that the party is playing along! Attacking with no spells, doing nonlethal damage, clearly missing easy shots. He actually winks at you, believe it or not!
However, Royston is clearly pulling no punches! He rips into the King of Beasts! The awakened dire tiger yowls as his fur and flesh is burned.
Alleah, meanwhiles, seems to wonder if the true foe here may be the nobles on the rooftop of the private club, with their glasses of wine and their fancy finger foods and their betting on blood! She moves toward the Golden Hearth Club, atop which the wealthy are a-watching. There is an impressive main door to the exclusive debating club at BE-42 -- with a bouncer or a guard! There are windows on the second, third, and fourth floors. There is a smaller door on the side -- a servant entrance for deliveries? -- at 36-BC. What is this trickster planning? [OOC: Please note how far you can move each round (are you taking the -5 penalty for sneaking fast?) Feel free to adjust your position.]
TIGERS
The female roars and attacks! She reaches out to Grell and swipes at him twice, hitting AC38 and AC25! Looks like the last one would be a hit -- but Ariach's protective aura saves Grell from that attack! Grell takes 20 hp nonlethal damage from the one paw that lands hard!
Tiger King Felix snarls at Royston softly. "So, that's the game? You go down first!" He swipes twice with his paws, hitting AC38 and 34, both hits. That's 32 nonlethal damage from paw swipes to Royston! Then the tiger opens his huge mouth, with those sabre teeth, and bites! That hits AC24 for 17 LETHAL damage to Royston!
OOC: Royston, your current hit points and Con damage is not in your header!
DIRE TIGER STATS:
Both are AC17
Big Tiger One: 36 lethal damage taken Big Tiger Two: 28 nonlethal damage taken
A thought popping into her head gets Van moving for a moment as she steps forwad 5 ft to AR 43 and pulling one of her tangle foot bags out thows it at the male tiger, catching it a solid blow AC 31. entangled -2 attack & -4 dex) Reflex DC 15 or become stuck to the road (if save then 1/2 movement but still entangled)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+12=15 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2014 9:36:44 PM
Alleah boldly strides towards the side door of the club and raps (or perhaps more correctly, 'bangs') upon it.
"Well met!" she will greet whoever answers it, with exaggerated panting and breathing "I come from Indevan Manor. I must speak to my master above at once".
Alleah then takes a small memento from her pack - a white marble snuff box. On the lid is a blue shield of lapis lazuli with an ivory hawk's head.
Bluff: 15 - with potential convincing proof? ---------- OOC to DM: Indevan Manor (and the Lord there, Master Ajah) are quite well known in this neighbourhood.
From DM notes in prior module: "Despite not being nobility in the strictest sense of the word, House Indevan is still immensely powerful and influential. They own dozens of properties and employ hundreds of men throughout the Elennian peninsula. In all likelihood, a trusted steward, seneschal, or majordomo would be the point of contact"
Furthermore, the snuff box Alleah carries is from Indevan Manor itself. She 'liberated it' in a moment of weakness
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday May 28th, 2014 9:40:27 PM
Sir Royston winces in pain, then gives a small nod and whispers to the dire tiger. "We've drawn some blood for the audience. Now take it easy." The energy surrounding his claws does dissipates, and he attacks again, aiming for superficial cuts.
ooc: On my phone, cannot see die rolls. Please roll for me. Full attack, PA, nonlethal. 1d20+5, 1d6+10; 1d20+5, 1d6+10; 1d20+4, 1d8+15.
HP 20/69 1 Con damage
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday May 28th, 2014 9:44:14 PM
Ooc: Can confirm that Alleah stole the snuff box, in the atrium while waiting to meet Master Ajah, chief steward, for the first time.
Evaris d20+3=4 ; Wednesday May 28th, 2014 11:12:31 PM
Evaris shifts 5 feet [to AM-42], giving Grell a flank. He waves his hammer some more.
[Fail to Aid Another with a natural 1! Grell is +2 to hit from the flank, but does not have Aid Another this round.]
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20-5=6 ; d20+10=11 ; Thursday May 29th, 2014 12:13:27 AM
Emrys grits his teeth and draws his dagger with a quivering hand. He side steps behind the lady tiger (5-ft Step to AM42) and yells, "TA TAKE THAT, YOU BRUTE!!" His swing is a bit wild, but he tries to make it look good (Bluff: 11).
(Attacking Lady Tiger. Flanking (AM42) opposite from Grell, at least he can do that. -4 to hit for non-lethal damage. HitAC: 6. Damage: yeah right.)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+5=15 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+4=7 ; Thursday May 29th, 2014 9:38:58 AM
ooc: Rolling attack rolls. Nothing hits. Nonlethal sure can be inconvenient. :(
Lowell tries again to shoot at the big cat, King Felix, but sighs in frustration as the bolt zooms off course. "Crap..... today just isn't my day!" Lowell whispers. "I really need to hit the c-cat.... Otherwise, they're screwed!" Whispering a silent prayer to Waard, Lowell watches with amazement as his bolt shifts it's angle ever so slightly midflight and slams home in Felix's side!! (AC14, Hero point for AC26/11 for crit, for 28 damage).
Damage explanation: 1d4+6 crossbow +5d6 (sneak attack)=8+20 for 28.
Ariach AC 28 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con d20+2=10 ; Thursday May 29th, 2014 3:18:57 PM
Ariach´s respect for the great cats increases dramatically when he sees the devastating effects of their attacks. "Come on Grell! You are the speerhead of our group!" he cheers for his friend.
Ariach knows that his strenght lies in protecting people - not hurting. So he again tries to protect his allies from the claws of the tigers and uses his attack as a little distraction.
(using Take Under Wings=all allies within 5 feet receive +4 AC / and fight defensively -4 attack/+2 AC)
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) ROUND THREE! d20+12=30 ; d6+10=16 ; d6+20=23 ; d6+20=26 ; Thursday May 29th, 2014 6:26:32 PM
Tiger Fight Round Three
HEROES
Vaniime cleverly tosses a tanglefoot bag at King Felix! The tiger has a touch AC11, and is entangled! His reflex save is a base +12, and he rolls a 30, so he is not stuck to the ground, but the dire tiger does not like it at all!
Royston claws, bites, and misses! BUT WAIT! One of those attacks hits AC15, and the now-entangled tiger is not AC17 any more, but actually AC15. He rolls for nonlethal damage of 1d6+10 = 16 nonlethal damage to the tiger! [OOC: rolled by your kindly DM for max damage!]
Evaris moves. flanks, and swings ... but misses, alas.
Emrys has the idea to go where Evaris went, but the cleric beat him to the spot! [OOC: also, be careful which token is yours and which is Kathy's! Feel free to designate some other five foot step.] The performer continues to chew the scenery, entertaining the crowd without landing an effective blow.
Luck frowns on Grell, who swings and misses.
Lowell makes a heroic shot! He punctures the king tiger -- and reveals himself!
Ariach extends his protection to Emrys and Grell -- and takes a swing that misses.
Alleah moves and knocks hard on the side door to the club (an NPC cannot answer the door until it is her turn to act).
TIGERS (and NPCs)
The door to the private club opens and a fellow dressed as a chef looks out. He has a stalk of celery in his hand. "What is it?" he demands. Alleah manages to get out a few words (free action), and the chef calls back over his shoulder, "Sally! Sally Mae! Get over here!" [OOC: Sorry for the slow pace of RP, here, Rob, but we ARE in combat!]
King Felix smiles as Royston switches to nonlethal damage, but roars at the bolt in his back! He spends the round slashing the tanglefoot bag from his fur.
The female growls and continues to swipe at Grell! She hits AC23 and 26, missing the AC32 Grell twice!
DIRE TIGER STATS:
Both are AC17, Touch AC11
Big Tiger One: 64 lethal damage taken, 16 nonlethalA Big Tiger Two: 28 nonlethal damage taken
Seeing a positive effect from the tossed tanglefoot bag, Vaniime pulls out her second, moves to AN 45 and throws it at the tigeress. AC 24
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Thursday May 29th, 2014 10:38:12 PM
Alleah hops from one foot to the other impatiently, every now and then looking back at the fight in progress. "I hope I am doing the right thing"
"Quickly! Quickly! I am terribly sorry for any inconvenience but I must get upstairs before the fight ends"
Alleah relays her story when "Sally" arrives
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20+4=11 ; d20-3=5 ; Thursday May 29th, 2014 11:12:14 PM
Emrys attempts to employ his natural grace and nimbleness to dance around the lady tiger with several pique turns and an added flourish. Even if he has to endure a swipe from the feminine feline, he will at least look good doing it. Once he's taken a flanking position (AM41), his mighty daggers slices through the air with finesse and ease. His attack thoroughly misses, but it was dazzling to behold.
(Acrobatics [tumble]: 11, to move around (not thru) the lady tiger without taking an AoE. Moving to AM41. -4 for nonlethal damage. HitAC: 5. Damage: why bother.)
Though it brings him no satisfaction to take down a big cat, he knows that there's only one way this fight can go...plus, he's more than a little worried that Lowell might try and enter combat, and *that* would NOT be good! No, it's time for him to end this little game!
Bringing down his massive sword he catches the lioness with a smashing blow across the skull. (AC31/26 crit confirmed for 49+9 non lethal dam). Grell bellows out to Felix, but really appealing to the crowd "GREAT Felix, I do not wish to cause more harm to your mate the mighty Gavisus, but if you do not surrender, I will be forced to bring her down!!"
Evaris d20+5=7 ; Friday May 30th, 2014 12:35:08 AM
Seeing the Grell is doing just fine without him, Evaris tries to assist Ariach instead. He does not succeed, however. [Natural 2 this time! In a few more rounds, I might manage to hit AC 10!]
Ariach AC 28 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con d20+2=6 ; Friday May 30th, 2014 4:09:11 PM
Finally Grell fights like he is supposed to fight. Now it is important that Ariach keeps him alive. Concentrating on Grell and his moves, Ariach isn´t able to reach a good position to hit the beast in front of him. (hit AC 6)
(using Take Under Wings=all allies within 5 feet receive +4 AC / and fight defensively -4 attack/+2 AC)
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) ROUND THREE! Friday May 30th, 2014 9:16:27 PM
Working ... post will be up tonight or tomorrow early. Maybe without a new map.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday May 30th, 2014 10:27:41 PM
Ooc: check
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Saturday May 31st, 2014 6:22:52 AM
Alleah hopes she is doing the right thing here. She doesn't want it to be perceived that she is ditching the group while they are in a fight. She is more concerned with what will happen when the fight ends.
Vaniime hits the female tiger with a tanglefoot bag!
Royston hits the king tiger for 33 nonlethal damage!
Evaris tries to assist Ariach but does not succeed.
Emrys tumbles around the queen tiger, but despite his best efforts, he provokes an AoO (the tiger's CMD is 31). She lashes out and hits AC27, striking for 20 nonlethal to Emrys! He takes the blow and attacks, but misses.
Grell swats the queen for a mighty 58 nonlethal damage! She yowls but is not defeated. Grell calls for the tigers to yield!
Lowell shoots and misses.
Ariach positions himself to ensure Grell is protected.
Alleah spends a round telling her story. The servant says she can go up. Round 5 will be climbing the stairs. Round 6 will be a round in which you can intereact with those on the roof.
REMEMBER: All of you are shaken until round 5-6, depending on your Wisdom!
TIGERS (and NPCs)
Felix growls and tells his mate to attack Grell!
All four paw strikes seek to beat our hero's AC32 ... A 36, a 33, a 29, and a 23! Two paws land ... both from the king! the first inflicts 17 hp nonlethal damage. The second inflicts 18 nonlethal damage! That's 35 hp total, and it knocks Grell unconscious!
"And stay down, ya magnificent beast!" growls Felix to Grell.
DIRE TIGER STATS:
Both are AC17, Touch AC11, CMD31
Big Tiger One: 64 lethal damage taken, 49 nonlethal Big Tiger Two: 86 nonlethal damage taken
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+5=23 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+4=17 ; d6+10=12 ; d6+10=16 ; d8+15=19 ; Saturday May 31st, 2014 8:05:24 PM
"Grell? Grell! NOOO!" Sir Royston roars in outrage, and in a blur of teeth and claws brutally strikes the dire tiger not once, not twice, but three times in quick succession.
Full attack, Power Attack, Nonlethal
Claw 1 Attack 23 (hit) Damage 12
Claw 2 Attack 25 (critical threat) Damage 16
Critical confirmation 8 (failure)
Bite Attack 17 (hit) Damage 19
Total: 47 nonlethal damage on Tiger One.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 57/57] d6=5 ; Saturday May 31st, 2014 10:31:02 PM This is going to sting a bit, Evaris thinks. Then he moves. He moves all the way to AQ-43, which should give Mrs. Tiger ample opportunity to smack him around.
Assuming he's still conscious, he kneels down next to Grell. "Steady on, my brave friend!" he cries, attempting to play to the crowd. And, somewhat, to cover up what he's doing. Evaris is using his Calming Touch ability on Grell. This is a spell-like ability, not a spell, so Evaris isn't breaking his promise. Grell is healed for 9 points of his nonlethal damage only. As a side effect, Grell is no longer shaken.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral d20+7=26 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=25 ; 2d6+7=17 ; d6=5 ; Sunday June 1st, 2014 4:43:21 PM
"GRELL!!!!!" Lowell yells as he looks at his brother laying unconscious. Then, filled with rage, Lowell pulls out his sword and runs towards the mighty cat king. He swings and hits crit for 17+5 shock damage. "TAKE THAT!!!"
OOC: Used a hero point to confirm crit.
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con d20+5=15 ; Sunday June 1st, 2014 4:47:23 PM
As Grell goes down Ariach´s first impulse is to kill the beast. But he has learned to control his feelings. He takes a deep breath and thinks about the existing opportunities.
Then he sees how Emry takes care of Grell and he knows what to do next. "Now it´s me and you" he shouts to the beast in the hope to distract it from Emry an Grell. "Now we will see if your claws can burst the shield of Domi!"
Mainly focused on a possibly blow versus Emry, Ariach´s attack misses again (hit AC 15)
(using "combat expertise" -2 attack/+2 AC / and fight defensively -4 attack/+2 AC / and "interpose" on Emry )
Vaniime AC: 18 touch AC: 14 CMD: 24 HP: 47/ 47 (61) down 3 pts con d20+16=24 ; 2d10+8=27 ; Sunday June 1st, 2014 8:58:50 PM
(OOC: don't forget the tangle foot bags affect attack rolls(-2) and AC due to dex (-4) loss.)
(OOC: also Vaniime's movement last round was not shown on new map.)
Seeing Grell fall just about sneds her into a frenzy. Still shaken by the beasts, Vaniime doesn't want to get any closer than she has too and yet that is "her" Grell on the ground. Witha blood curling scream she leaps forward drwing her sword from her back as she charges into the fray and confronts the female tiger while straddling Grell with a vital strike. [/b]AC 24 (Base 12 + 4 + 2 - 2) Damage 27 points[/b]
Current AC 16
Emrys ac13, hp28/28 d20-5=-2 ; Sunday June 1st, 2014 11:56:02 PM
(First post didnt take. 2nd attempt.)
The powerful blow from the queen cat had knocked all the air out of Emrys. It's probably a good thing, because if he did have air in his lungs, he would have screamed like a little school girl. 'THAT HURTS,' he shrieks in his mind! He knows that one more little thump will put him down, his vision is blurred, sounds are muffled, and he see's three versions of everyone in front of him. Still the showman, Emrys tries to strike the middle queen cat with his dagger. (Hit AC: -2) His attack was sooo enfeebled and weak that he couldn't even believe it in his present state.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal20 Monday June 2nd, 2014 12:00:43 AM
(sorry, I forgot to put my nonlethal damage in the name line)
One minute he was celebrating his last attack, and then he remembered a HUGE paw smashing into his skull, and then darkness. Nice, calm, relaxing darkness...and the need to rest.
He feels a gentle touch on his shoulder, and then the warmth of healing energy wash through his body. He hears a scream. Blinking his eyes, he suddenly sees something leap through the air and then straddle him. Wait a minute...that's Vaniime!!! But why is he on the ground with her on top of him??? Is this a dream?! If it is, it's a really, REALLY good one!! Then he feels the aching in his side and face...the ache of impending bruises from the tiger's swats. Nope, not a dream. Spitting out the dirt in his mouth, Grell gingerly rolls out from under Vaniime and rises to his feet (drawing an AoO from a tiger or two).
**Assuming the impending AoO's do not knock him unconscious** Grell raises his huge sword, filled with anger and pain. With every ounce of energy left in his body, he brings his sword down once more on the female tiger (AC23 for 24 non lethal). Rage boiling in the marrow of his bone, Grell switches back to his native tongue of orcish, bellowing out his challenge "Ich bin Grell und Sie werden unter meinem Schwert heute fallen. Heute werde ich Ihnen durch die Straßen wie das Tier sind Sie ziehen!"
Translation Highlight to display spoiler: {"I am Grell and you will fall under my sword today. Today I will drag you through the streets like the animal you are!!"}
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Monday June 2nd, 2014 8:24:25 AM
Alleah makes a dash for the stairs...
"Excuse me! Pardon me! Hey, I like your vest! Excuse me! Coming through!"
Though in a great hurry, she will take care not to bump into anyone - 'the help' or otherwise.
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Monday June 2nd, 2014 3:42:12 PM
check
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday June 2nd, 2014 4:02:09 PM
ooc: check
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) ROUND FIVE! Monday June 2nd, 2014 4:36:36 PM
Tiger Fight Round Five
HEROES
Royston unleashes a vicious (yet nonlethal) series of blows that drives the king tiger to the ground!
The female howls in dismay.
Evaris moves over to Grell, knowng it will provoke an AoO from the queen. Her paw lashes out, indeed, hitting AC25 (even with the entangle penalty), inflicting 14 nonlethal damage to Evaris.
In addition! the female pulls Evaris in with a free grab attack! Her CMB is +21 grappling entangled, and she defeats a CMD up to 41. That means Evaris is grappled! He cannot complete his move to Grell. Evaris still has a standard action, however. What will he do?
Lowell leaps into the fray to avenge his brother! But the tiger is lying on the ground, unconscious! Will Lowell still attack the largest tiger, or maybe switch to the queen?
Ariach focuses on protecting Emrys, and his secondary attack hits AC15 -- a hit against the entangled tiger. Please roll damage.
Vaniime attacks the female with a harsh blow for 27 -- lethal or nonlethal?
Emrys is in danger, and misses in his attack. Probably it is a good think Ariach is protecting him? But what about Evaris?
Grell, unfortunately, remains unconscious.
Alleah reaches the top of the roof, entering the scene of luxery and wealth.
REMEMBER: All of you are shaken until round 5-6, depending on your Wisdom!
TIGERS (and NPCs)
PENDING
Let's leave it there until I get more info from Evaris, Lowell, Ariach, and Van, please.
DIRE TIGER STATS:
Both are AC17, Touch AC11, CMD31
Big Tiger One: 64 lethal damage taken, 96 nonlethal Big Tiger Two: 86 nonlethal damage taken, tangled PLUS TBD
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con d8+4=5 ; Monday June 2nd, 2014 5:17:48 PM
Ariach shows a small smile as his mace hits the tiger queen. (damage 5)
Now he should have her attention.
(@ DM: Thanks to our attentive DM. I mistook Emry for Evaris. I wanted to protect the person who tries to heal Grell. Maybe you can fix it)
(using "combat expertise" -2 attack/+2 AC / and fight defensively -4 attack/+2 AC / and "interpose" on Evaris )
Cayzle comments: well, ugh, that would be a mess to re-adjudicate. Let's get some answers for the other questions I posed and we'll see if it is moot.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 52/57] Monday June 2nd, 2014 7:45:09 PM
Evaris instead uses his Calming Touch on himself, erasing some of the nonlethal damage and removing the shaken condition.
[link href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KUlT3552MqS8NLcvza8td3fzoOpFycIoX9scEgITcZQ/edit?hl=en_US/"]Grell, HP -1/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC), Demoral 1/5[/lin Monday June 2nd, 2014 9:27:06 PM
Darkness...comfy, cozy darkness. Grell's muscles relax, and he feels a peace that he's not know for the vast majority of his life. His mind free from the concerns of the Wold of now, Grell's thoughts float back to the past. His face widens in a smile as his whole family showed up for his graduation from Maplehurst. Mom, Dad, and even Lowell! He even won the match of Toss the Corpse against his Dad...something he has never done in all his life! And that last hug his Mom gave him, the one that washed away years of animosity. His mind floats further back...he remembers rescuing the children of Maplehurst from those awful creatures and his new found brotherhood with one he once considered to weak to do anything helpful. The darkness grows deeper as Grell goes farther and farther back in time.
Vaniime AC: 18 touch AC: 14 CMD: 24 HP: 47/ 47 (61) down 3 pts con Monday June 2nd, 2014 11:15:07 PM
Lethal I am afraid that van isn't thinking very clearly currently. If she were she would have turned her blade. As it is probably not.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal20 d20-5=12 ; d4-2=0 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 1:00:22 AM
(Sorry, I fell asleep.)
Emrys takes another swing at the entangled queen tiger. Something strange happens ... did he just land a blow??!! He isn't sure having never done it before!
(Hit AC: 12. If flanking, hit AC: 14, vs. the grappled lady tiger. Nonlethal Damage: 1 solitary point!!)
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+17=18 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+25=45 ; Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 6:18:27 AM
Alleah finally makes it to the top of the building. She looks about for the underling she saw earlier - the one who was writing something. From memory he started doing that once the fight started. She wants to get close to him to overhear anyone that may speak with him. Chances are he's noting illegal wagers, but best to check.
Alleah does her best to not draw any attention to herself. Hopefully the big tigers are the ones drawing attention for the time being!
Perception: 18 Sense Motive: 12 Stealth: 45
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) ROUND FIVE! Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 10:33:01 AM
OOC: Ugh ... really need to know where Lowell's blow falls. If I do not hear anything soon, I'll give it a 50-50 roll.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 11:06:56 AM
As Lowell runs towards Felix, he notices that the cat is knocked out. At first, he considers still attacking the cat king, but he remembers his brothers bonds with cats. Grell would probably be very upset if he learned that his brother had hit a cat while it was down. So, at the last second, Lowell changes targets to the cat queen.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) ROUND FIVE! Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 3:42:26 PM
First Royston felle the king of tigers.
Then Lowell, Ariach, and Vaniime combine to inflict an extra 54 lethal and nonlethal damage to the tiger queen! Added to the 86 she has already suffered, it is enough to knock out the female sabre-tooth.
Even Emrys adds a final bit of nonlethal damage to the combined assault!
Evaris steps free of the felines cruel clasp, lucky to have just avoided a painful rake attack. [OOC: A hero point goes to Evaris for moving to help a fallen friend, especially knowingly opening himself up to an AoO in so doing.]
Grell lies in peaceful repose, joining the two tigers in oblivion.
Meanwhile, Alleah has reached the roof just in time to see the wealthy bettors, some groaning, some grinning, as they settle up by exchanging markers now that the question of combat has settled.
She hears one aficionado complain, "Well, that is likely the end of the action for today, my friends."
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 5:02:32 PM
"I still don´t understand why all this here was necessary" says a frustrated Ariach.
Sheathing her sword Vaniime Hefts Grell up by the collar and force feeds Grell and healing potion givning him a 6 hp boost.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal20 Tuesday June 3rd, 2014 11:24:01 PM
Emrys at first just stands frozen after the queen tiger falls. A look of shock flashes across his face and he drops his dagger to the cobblestone ground. He wobbles gently up to the great cat and strokes the back of his head and neck. "Sorry my lady ... I didn't mean to hit you so hard!" Emrys then slumps down to one knee to rest next to the cat ... "sooo sorry." It's clear that after such a powerful attack there are still a few bats in the belfry.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 52/57] 2d6=8 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 12:58:28 AM
Evaris doesn't see the point of this any more than Ariach does, but he has other priorities at the moment.
"Gather 'round, friends," he says. He gets far enough away from the tigers so that they are not included, then channels some healing energy for the group.
Everybody heals 8.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Wednesday June 4th, 2014 1:01:06 AM
Lowell slumps to the ground, slightly tired and still slightly frightened by having to fight giant cats. He then looks at his brother worriedly. "I-Is he going to be okay...?" he asks to anyone who will answer.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+17=36 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+25=29 ; Wednesday June 4th, 2014 6:31:37 AM
Alleah just tries to be discreet. She is relieved to see some people grinning - at least that means the party hasn't upset everyone. But the day isn't over yet.
"Let's just see how things play out"
Perception: 36 Sense Motive: 15 Stealth: 29
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday June 4th, 2014 7:34:25 AM
Sir Royston keeps his eyes on Grell, his face grim and hard. "If our friend is truly gone, then I will be forced to dispense justice to these cats. Here and now. They were not mentioned as protectorates under the WLA commission."
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:08:37 AM
Evaris and Ariach agree that the spectacle was a waste of time. But do they say so loudly enough for the eager fight fans in the crowd to hear?
Evaris gathers everyone to the right spot and conducts some healing. No one has suffered any mortal wounds, since those heavy massive paws dealth only nonlethal damage, and I believe that the lead tiger only used his sabre teeth the one time that Royston used lethal damage.
Lowell, concerned, checks out his brother -- Grell is clearly knocked out but not dead, so there is no need for Royston to dispense the ultimate in justice ... arguably, here in Plateau City, he may not even have the authority to so rule as judge, jury, and executioner. But it is a moot point. The channeled energy and potion may even have brought Grell around.
Meanwhile, the crowd looks on, after cheering the big finish, now lapsing into silence, waiting to see what happens. You hear oohs from onlookers when Emrys pets the queen tiger.
On the rooftop, Alleah fades into the crowd of servers in the back and watches. She sees that the wealthy spectators are clearly settling bets, and she hears snippets of conversation in which the fighting prowess of both the beasts and the Vanguard are discussed in accurate detail. She notices one of the nobles signaling to Father Reuyn, who then steps down from the temple and approaches the tigers, holding his holy symbol.
Reuyn seems about to cast a spell on the tigers.
Grell, HP -1/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Wednesday June 4th, 2014 11:58:06 AM
With a gasp, Grell wakes up. Finding Vaniime grabbing him by his shirt, Grell leans in and gives her a big kiss on the lips! "What would I do without you?! " Grell looks around and spots both tigers down. His smile fades when the priest steps forward to heal the tigers. "Hold on there Padre! We're here on official WLA business to bring these tigers in. I'm afraid you won't be healing them. "
Evaris [AC 19; HP 52/57] Wednesday June 4th, 2014 5:19:23 PM
"I must agree with my friend, Father Reuyn," Evaris says. "Let us take charge of the beasts. They will come to no harm, I promise. But this..." he waves his hand to encompass the entire spectacle--the tigers, the crowd, the bettors, "this is going to get somebody hurt."
[OOC: Evaris did not say aloud that the spectacle was a waste of time, so only telepaths would have heard him. :) ]
Cayzle comments: Thanks for the clarification!
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Wednesday June 4th, 2014 6:01:18 PM
OOC: Ariach doesn´t care if he was heard by the crowd or not. The truth must be said.
"I see it the same way. I don´t wanna fight them one more time."
Then he turns towards Grell "Are you all right my friend or do you need somebody who carries you?"
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Wednesday June 4th, 2014 10:32:02 PM
With the wave of healing energy having returned a portion of his vitality, he quickly begins to start thinking straight.
Speaking to this friends, he says, "These beautiful creatures have been awakened, by a druid most likely. They are like-minded individuals now, they crave the stimulation of intelligent conversation and socialization. The thrill of the hunt alone no longer satisfies them. My father once awakened a wolf companion. He no longer sought the companionship of other wolves. He quickly learned he no longer had that connection with his pack. At times, I think he felt regret for that loss. These two must be experiencing the same thing. We can't allow them to be caged or forced to return to the wilds if they don't wish to. There must be a way they can become productive citizens. They're no longer animals, they're much, much more! I say let them be healed and we all can walk back together as equals, not some band of merry hunters carrying back a fresh kill. It's not the kind of scene I wish to portray. It will not benefit to them to be displayed in such a manner!"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+17=19 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+25=39 ; Thursday June 5th, 2014 6:50:32 AM
Alleah is very wary. Nobody stopped to check her for weapons. Can she see any on the rich folk up here? With the wealthy snobs here, she'd have thought security would have been a bit tighter.
Regardless, she holds her position to see how the rest of the party handle the crowd.
Perception: 19 Sense Motive: 30 Stealth: 39
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Thursday June 5th, 2014 10:32:18 AM
Sir Royston stands beside Evaris, reinforcing the half-elf's point by folding his arms and nodding sternly.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Thursday June 5th, 2014 3:28:41 PM
Most of the heros -- Evaris, Grell, Royston, and Ariach -- all politely urge the approaching cleric to refrain from bringing the tigers back to consciousness.
The restored Emrys, however, has a much more nuanced and thoughtful approach.
Father Reuyn seems surprised at the interference. He speaks to the heroes, looking especially at Evaris: "Well, now, no one has gotten hurt today, or rather, no one has gotten killed. The rest is business as usual in this part of the city. One gladiator school is right there; another is nearby; the arena is just through the park. Fighting for the joy of combat is expected here."
"Besides, I have an open contract with the gentleman from the Club of Connoisseurs of Combat." He nods toward the rooftop where Alleah is watching the gambling nobles. "It would be a breach of our agreement were I not to follow through. Surely, Brother Evaris, you would not want me to break a contract?"
Atop the Debate Club, Alleah wonders about the security here. Pondering the question, she does note that the servers are mostly armed -- and maybe surprisingly, the nobles watching are, on the whole, even more effectively armed. A couple are wearing blades that leak magical light from their scabbards, and if she is not mistaken, one noble has a flaming dagger in her belt.
She notes that a pair of well-dressed older men seem to be betting on whether the heroes will allow the cleric of Pantheon to revitalize the tigers.
Alleah notes that the crowd is simply watching, almost as fascinated by the new confrontation as they were by the fight.
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Thursday June 5th, 2014 5:23:56 PM
With Sir Royston and his friend Evaris, Ariach has found two men who share his priorities. He also takes a position behind Evaris to show his support.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 52/57] Thursday June 5th, 2014 8:50:40 PM
"No," Evaris replies. "I wouldn't want you to break your contract. But....does the contract specify that you have to heal them right here in the street? Or could you accompany us as we remove the creatures to a safer place, and heal them there?"
Grell, HP 13/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:37:08 PM
Grell grunts at Ariach "It'll take a lot more than a big kitty to have to have somebody carry me out of a combat! I'll be fine!"
Listening in on the conversation with the priest, Grell grows impatient. This whole this is just so stupid! This particular kitties deserve a life of respect and dignity instead of this side show circus freak act! And he sure the heck isn't going to have them have to be knocked unconcious over and over just for some rich jerks pleasure! They deserve so, SO much more than this!
Tenderly rubbing the area on his face where the queen tiger smacked him, Grell takes a step forward, his sword at his side as he addresses the priest. "Look Bub, I just got my clock rung by those tigers, and I sure as slop am NOT going to fight them again just to take them in. Now I'm really sorry you're going to upset those jerks up there, and I really don't want to have to get physical about this, but if you think you're going to heal those tigers just so they have to fight somebody else, then you need to think again! But hey, I'm a reasonable kinda guy. How 'bout you hold off on healing the tigers until we get notification from the WLA as to who's got jurisdiction here."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Thursday June 5th, 2014 11:49:32 PM
Looking quite vexed at some of his friends, Emrys says, "This is insulting and disrespectful! All this merely was was a exhibition of sport, and these two, the performers. It's the reason why none of us are dead or bleeding to death! We will not continue this tone of condescension! Father Reuyn, please heal them and end this offense before it continues any further."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+17=32 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+25=33 ; Friday June 6th, 2014 6:30:09 AM "Hmmm... these people seem better prepared for a fight than I am" Alleah's boldness is quickly shrinking. Perhaps coming up here was a mistake? Still, at least she is in prime position to keep an eye on those pulling the strings.
"What is taking them so long?" she wonders. From this position she cannot hear what is going on below, but to her understanding the battle is won. Why are the group still standing around? "Still, they are standing. That's a positive"
Perception: 32 Sense Motive: 18 Stealth: 33
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+23=41 ; Friday June 6th, 2014 10:58:58 AM "Enough."
Sir Royston stands akimbo and addresses himself to Father Reuyn. "We have spent the last several hours protecting this city from marauding beasts and monsters that escaped from the sanctuary. Blood has been spilled. Our blood. Innocent blood, from men, women, and children. People have died. Do you really think that holding an exhibition of dire tigers challenging people to combat is wise at the present? Is this really as smart as you know how to be?"
The paladin shakes his head with finality. "Whatever contract you may have-" he glances briefly at the bourgeois assembled on the nearby building, "can wait a few moments. These beasts do not need to be revived here, in the city streets. We can assist you in moving them to a more secure location before you heal them. Surely, Father, one of your stature and wisdom can see the prudence in that course of action."
Intimidate check 41
Grell, HP 13/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Friday June 6th, 2014 5:10:50 PM
OOC: 2nd illegal post
Grell rolls his eyes at Emrys. "You have a right to what you think, and so do I. I'll use whatever tone I want, and if you don't like it, then that's fine too. It'll be a cold day in a hot place when you order me around! If anyone is going to give me an order, it's Vaniime."
Grell turns to look at Vaniime, clearly looking for guidance. "Well, what's it gonna be?"
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Friday June 6th, 2014 7:07:12 PM
Ariach nods in agreement. He also hopes their designated leader Vaniime will defuse the situation.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Friday June 6th, 2014 7:31:21 PM
"Grell, dear," Emrys says softly, "I don't recall having given you an order. Not even a cleverly worded suggestion. If I had, you probably wouldn't know it."
He then turns to Royston and continues with his soft voice. "Scales, is it? You of all people I would've thought would understand and empathize with these two. They have been given the divine spark, the ability to reason and know the difference from right and wrong. They are more than what they appear. Have you looked in the mirror lately? You look quite beastly yourself. You stand there posturing, all puffed up, roaring ENOUGH ... you're no different than Felix here. Then why should be treat them any differently, just because they were animals at one time? We didn't hesitate to heal you when we found you dying on that bridge, down in the Underwold, despite your unique appearance. They want to make a life here in Plateau City, probably for same reasons I've already stated. They know better than to jeopardize their chance by continuing any hostility. This performance today was their way to get their... um, paw in the door, so to speak. We should welcome them, not lead them around unconscious like prized trophies from a hunt."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday June 6th, 2014 7:57:52 PM
Sir Royston narrows his eyes at Emrys. "Do you know such things with absolute certainty? Are you privy to their very thoughts? Unless you have used some magic without any of us noticing, you have only their word. I have no desire to parade them as trophies. I have every desire to contain a possible threat to the city prior to allowing them to be healed. Not locking them in a cage, not secreting them to a dungeon, simply taking them behind closed doors. If you hadn't noticed, we've been dealing with rampaging beasts all day today, and dealing with ones that are sentient hardly changes the danger they pose. If they are calm and peaceable when they awaken, then I have no qualm with them."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Saturday June 7th, 2014 4:03:22 AM
Alleah will try to take note of anyone in particular betting heavily against the party, or doing so with vigour. Someone who may shown distain for the party.
Perception checks and Sense Motive checks already rolled for this round: 32 & 18 respectively
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Saturday June 7th, 2014 10:36:53 AM
Grell and Ariach and Evaris stand firm, and Royston looks actually threatening! Despite Emrys's words, the cleric of Pantheon is not about to risk the wrath of these warriors ... especially the one who looks reptilian and still has fresh blood on his claws and mouth.
"Well, um, well, of course!" the cleric stammers. "Let's not get hasty! I mean no offense at all."
He grabs onto Evaris's proposal for a compromise and takes it another step. "Oh, Evaris, that would be fine! Healing can come later. The contract certainly allows that! In fact, if you could do me a great favor ..."
He looks nervously at Royston, and starts backing away.
"... if you would be a good friend and execute the contract for me? You can do the healing when you are in a place you deem appropriate."
Then he turns tail and runs back into the temple.
A ripple of mocking laughter runs through the crowd.
You are free to treat the tigers as you prefer.
========
Alleah continues to observe. She does not see any nobles that exhibit great animosoty toward the Vanguard, aside from the response you would expect from courteous gamblers who lose wagers of, no doubt, large sums of money.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Saturday June 7th, 2014 11:06:30 AM
Sir Royston gives a respectful nod to the priest of Pantheon. "Your discretion is highly regarded. Let us find a more discrete and secure place to rouse these creatures."
ooc: How much do the dire tigers weigh? I can drag up to 3,000 lb.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Saturday June 7th, 2014 12:21:30 PM
"Yeah, you better run!" Lowell mocks the priest, yelling insults after him. He then turns and smiles at his brother, thinking to himself: Man, I sure am glad that he is okay.....
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 d100=89 ; d100=82 ; d100=78 ; d100=63 ; Saturday June 7th, 2014 12:51:24 PM
"These noble creatures will not suffer further humiliation by being dragged away. We will carry them properly, and with care, like fallen comrades ... well, at least four of you will."
With a twirl of his fingers and chanting a few words of power, Royston, Grell, Ariach and Evaris grow to giant-sized proportions. He is relieved to feel a strong binding connection with the leylines ... maybe his anger has something to do with it. He's been casting a lot of necromancy recently. All this negative energy has attuned him in an undesirable direction.
(Leyline checks: 89,82, 78, 63. Casting Enlarge Person on Royston, Grell, Ariach and Evaris. All your sizes are doubled, you get a +2 size bonus to strength and your carrying capacity has been doubled.)
Vaniime AC: 18 touch AC: 14 CMD: 24 HP: 47/ 47 (61) down 3 pts con Saturday June 7th, 2014 9:09:01 PM
Vaniime suddenly feels grell's lips on hers and everything goes a way for a moment and then reality crashes back in as she hears her own party members sniping at each other.
"I believe that the tigers are honorable enough to allow us to heal them and move away for a discussion about their futures, but I agree t needs to be done out of the sight of this circus."
Let us be very careful with them I do feel we owe them that much especially if they have been changed without thie permission."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+17=35 ; d20+25=30 ; Sunday June 8th, 2014 1:10:49 AM
Well, no one looks to be planning to cause the party any deliberate grief. Time to leave.
Alleah discreetly makes her way back down the stairs with the plan on returning to the group
Perception: 35 Stealth: 30
Evaris [AC 19; HP 52/57] Sunday June 8th, 2014 3:32:46 PM
Evaris suddenly finds himself twice his normal size!
"Well. This is new." He tries to take a step. "I do beg your pardon," he says as he knocks into a bystander. "I'm not accustomed to this. Let's see now..."
Even enlarged, Evaris's maximum carry capacity is 260 pounds. He's not a strong guy. :)
Evaris tries to help pick up one of the tigers.
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Monday June 9th, 2014 5:20:30 AM
"Come on, let´s trie to carry them to another place. To a place without a blood thirsty crowd. There the tigers can be healed and have no need to attack us one more time."
Ariach enjoys the feeling of his new won strength. He wishes the spell will never end.
(Ariach can carry up to 600 lbs)
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Monday June 9th, 2014 9:39:57 PM
Lowell mocks the priest as he departs, perhaps revealing his youthful callowness as he makes fun of the cleric.
Emrys is still opposed to this course of action, but he is a team player, and four quick castings later, Royston, Grell, Ariach and Evaris are big enough to carry the tigers, two heroes per beast.
Royston seeks a more private place.
Vaniime agrees, and raises the interesting question of intent.
Evaris, Ariach, and Grell all lend a shoulder ... as Alleah returns to the group, as quietly as she left.
So, good heroes, where to? You do have to go through Gladiator Park on the most direct walking route back. Also, a good part of the crowd seems intent on following you, keeping about 20 or 30 ft back.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Monday June 9th, 2014 10:06:43 PM
Lowell watches in amazement as Royston, Grell, Ariach and Evaris grow in size. Wow...... He looks over at Emrys. "Hey, is there any way that I can help?" He asks the half-elf.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday June 9th, 2014 10:34:43 PM
Scales hefts a limb over his shoulder, almost like a pallbearer. "Make for the nearest available space. The gladiator school nearby will be fine."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 d20+10=23 ; Monday June 9th, 2014 11:03:44 PM
Emrys considers the question and then answers Grell's eager younger brother, and says, "Yes, Royston is correct, you could run up ahead and see if you can find a space at the gladiator school. If memory serves me (Knowledge [Local]: 23), I think there is a secluded place just inside the courtyard. A gallery of statues honoring famed gladiators would be a suitable stage for our next performance."
The mystical and bewitching bard stays behind with his giant-sized friends to renew their enchantments if the power begins to wane.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Tuesday June 10th, 2014 6:31:35 AM
Alleah makes her way up to the group once more "Sorry if it looked like I was deserting you guys. I just didn't trust the big-wigs up there to let us go peacefully when the fight was won. Figured a knife to a throat might have helped. Fortunately it didn't come to that"
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Tuesday June 10th, 2014 9:51:24 AM
Ariach hasn´t even realized that Alleah wasn´t with them during the fight. But at least she was out of the danger when they had to fight. He advises himself to be more careful when dealing with Alleah. He admits that as a trained thief she really possesses remarkable skills. But this time the young fighter holds back his reproach and focuses on carrying the tiger.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 52/57] Tuesday June 10th, 2014 1:45:06 PM
Evaris is straining to hold up his half of the dire tiger.
"Maybe.." he pants. "We should've.....figured out.....where to....put them.....BEFORE.....we.....picked them up."
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Tuesday June 10th, 2014 5:15:28 PM
You carry the tigers to a nearby gladiator school. The one called the House of Blood seems ideal -- tall enclosing wall for privacy, big practice yard. A bit of the crowd follow you, but you manage to enter the grounds and close the gate behind you. A couple gladiator students working in the yard withdraw to the corners at your arrival.
You set down the tigers as someone official-looking -- a huge old scarred man with massive hands -- emerges from the school and shouts, "Hey! What are you doing here! You can't bring those, those BEASTS in here!"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday June 10th, 2014 8:22:39 PM
Sir Royston smiles disarmingly. Well, the best that he can, considering his appearance. "These are not beasts, good man. These are your newest members! Emrys?" He looks to the more gregarious party member for a lengthier explanation.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 d20+12=13 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+12=26 ; Tuesday June 10th, 2014 9:26:28 PM
(If you allow) As they near the school, Emrys takes a quick look at Felix's nearest paw to detect the magic of one of his toe rings. (Spellcraft: 13. Knowledge [Arcana]: 32) He tries to see if he can determine what kind of magic and hopefully determine if he is familiar with the craftsman. 'These two just didn't happen upon such unique rings in the woods,' he thinks.
As soon as the brutish gladiator approaches, Emrys looks away, gulps, shakes off his initial fear and puts on a good face before greeting the large-handed man. Thankfully Royston bought him a few seconds to do so.
(Diplomacy: 26.)
"Greetings good sir," Emrys says with smile and a deep bow, "my name is Emrys Myrridanmyl, and we are called the Vanguard. Sorry for coming unannounced but your distinguished school proves to be a wonderful respite from the throngs of devoted fans that are eager to see these two new gladiators. They are not your common dire cats, no ... these wondrous creatures are awakened and intelligent. They can speak and reason just like you and I, and most importantly, they can learn! That is the second reason we are here." Emrys quickly glances back to see if people are collecting at the front gates.
"King Felix and his Queen here were giving an impromptu exhibition of their expertise in combat for the crowds to see. They bested many a challenger, but the combined strength and teamwork of the Vanguard proved too formidable. They are merely unconscious and we would like to revive them here in your sanctuary ... you know how troublesome spectators can be once roused by heroic combat."
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Tuesday June 10th, 2014 9:40:41 PM
Lowell watches the old, scared man walk out, and he steps back a bit. He looks over at Alleah. "Hey.... so.... uh.... Nice day, isn't it? We kinda missed you at the tiger hunt." He smiles a bit at the beautiful halfling woman.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Wednesday June 11th, 2014 12:15:48 AM "Tell me about it! Those snobby folk didn't have any shade at all up on their pad. Don't know how they'll go with the rest of the day" Alleah beams back at Lowell "And sorry again about missing the fight. Like I said, I just wanted to make sure we would have the upper hand if needed. Say, you're Grell's brother, right? What's that like?" she asks, changing the topic
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Wednesday June 11th, 2014 3:24:11 AM
Ariach is relieved when they finally find a place for the tigers. Of course it will need persuasiveness to receive the permission to leave the tigers here. But with Emry, Sir Royston and Vaniime, three excellent debaters, it should be possible to convince the huge, old scarred man.
Evaris [AC 19; HP 52/57] Wednesday June 11th, 2014 11:06:04 AM
"Once they come to," Evaris adds, "we can take them away again."
[Automatically succeed to Aid Another; Emrys gets an entirely unnecessary +2 to his Diplomacy check.]
Grell, HP 13/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Wednesday June 11th, 2014 12:42:54 PM
The huge Grell taps his foot angrily. He's still pissed off at Emrys and the interaction they had. He's kept his tongue in check for now, but the little twerp will be hearing about this topic again! Looking over at the scared face man, Grell looks over at Emrys, willing to put his tiff away until he can find the tigers a good home. "Told you we should go to a REAL gladiator school instead of this one! Let's heal the tigers quick and then move them to a school that recognizes their value! "
Revelations
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath d100=35 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 5:40:23 PM
As the enlarged guys carry the tigers, Emrys looks at the gems on the tigers' forepaws. He deduces that they are Eberyon's Tears of Mercy, adding damage to natural attacks and converting all damage to nonlethal. The gems are not rings -- more like burrs that stick to the fur.
Also on the walk, Lowell engages Alleah in some chit-chat. The graceful Alleah responds in kind.
Then, after arriving at the gladiator school ...
Royston urges this master of galdiators to take on the tigers as ... students?
Ariach silently agrees with Royston that this would be a good home for the tigers.
Emrys steps in with a bit more tact. He introduces the group, and asks permission to rouse the tigers here.
Evaris backs up Emrys, only committing to waking the tigers for the moment.
Then Grell undoes at least some of Emrys's diplomacy by insulting the gladiator. But he treats leaving the tigers here as a thing that would benefit the gladiator school, so maybe he is just playing "bad cop"?
The scarred master gladiator looks you all up and down. "Hmmm ... I've heard of you 'Vanguard' heroes. I had not heard that you are a mixed bag of Don't-Know-What-You're-Doing. Fine, wake up your kitties, and maybe you can figure out if you want to leave them at this school or take them somewhere else."
"But someone has to pay for their tuition, if you want them to study here. And you'll be responsible for any damages!"
Your answers to the gladiator master can wait until your next post, but since you seem set on waking the tigers, do let's move forward with that, says your kindly DM.
A few cures later, and the two tigers are standing once more. The female growls menacingly, but the male chuckles. "No, my dear," he says to her, "these folk beat us fair and square. Let's see what they have to say now."
OOC: In your next post, please respond to the master gladiator and to the tigers, understanding that these events may be separated in time.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Wednesday June 11th, 2014 8:51:21 PM
Lowell thinks about Alleah's question for a bit, then responds. "Having Grell as my twin can be pretty annoying at times, but no matter what I say, I really do enjoy having him around. Grell is, well.... I don't really know how to explain it. He teases me and I tease him back. I do my best to protect him and he does the same."
Once the tigers are awoken, Lowell retreats to the very back. He decides that he has had enough of dealing with the cats.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 d20+12=18 ; Wednesday June 11th, 2014 11:53:26 PM
"That was quite an amazing performance. You drew such a large crowd, we had to carry you here afterwards. Is the gladiator life what you wish for ... because that is the second reason why we brought you here. This is a gladiator school, they can hone your natural talents of combat and teach you things like showmanship and how best to manage your path as a gladiator. Is this something you truly want?"
Emrys glances down at Felix's jeweled paws. "Like all things in this city, everything has a price. I noticed your Eberyon's Tears ... such magic doesn't come cheap. Do you have a patron helping you?"
--------------- (Diplomacy: 18)
Addressing the master gladiator, "We understand, sir. Of course, the decision is ultimately theirs. However, I must say, having these two as students would be mutually beneficial to both themselves and the school. It would set your school apart from the rest. It would renew your reputation as visionaries and innovators!"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday June 11th, 2014 11:58:17 PM
ooc: Long, busy day. Posting tomorrow morning.
Grell, HP 13/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) d3=1 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 12:30:12 AM
Grell watches with satisfaction as the great cats are healed once more. It is the perfect end to a perfect day. Well, almost perfect...he still needs to settle things with Emrys. But you've got to hand it to the guy, he did have a way with words. Grell leaves the negotiations with the gladiators to Emrys for the time being. He's not afraid to play the "bad cop" again if needed. In this town, everything was available for a price. Though he does listen in to the conversation with Felix, and he adds his own opinion. "Or, if it is the more quiet life you wish, my father has an area in his castle devoted to big cats. If it were you and your mates wish, I'm sure my Dad would be more than willing to take you in. He's already got a dire lioness and her cub...who actually is full grown now. But I would understand if you prefer to be combat trained. You were MAGNIFICENT out there!"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Thursday June 12th, 2014 12:41:06 AM "Just be grateful you're not identical twins" Alleah adds to Lowell with a friendly wink and an elbow. Teasing Grell sounds like a pastime she could get involved in.
She's glad about the direction the group has taken with the dire tigers. The Vanguard will not always be around to protect the city, and having two well trained and formidable tigers on their side could be a great benefit in the future.
This is the closest she has been to them while they have been conscious.
"Magnificent" is all she can say. It's hard to resist not reaching a hand out to stroke their fur, but given they are taller than her, and with bigger teeth, Alleah keeps her hands in her pocket.
Evaris 2d6=6 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=2 ; d20+18=35 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 3:21:28 PM
Evaris first ensures that both tigers are fully healed, redeeming his promise to Father Reuyn. While he's at it, he does it in such a way that his companions can benefit, too.
More channelling energy! Everybody, including the tigers any any injured gladiators that happen to be standing around, is healed 20 points. [Let me know how much more healing the tigers need, and I'll start marking off resources.]
He replies to the master gladiator, "Do you perhaps have some kind of plan where prospective gladiators can get training, then pay back a portion of their winnings? If not, perhaps it would be something to consider, especially in this case. These two stand to bring in quite a bit of coin." [Diplomacy 35]
Ariach AC 30 (26)/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 47/61(75) / -2 Con Thursday June 12th, 2014 6:24:43 PM
"I would agree paying their tuition. But why should we be responsible for any damage thereafter?"
Ariach is not willing to accept such terms.
------ Ariach doesn´t say anything to the tigers. He cannot understand why somebody wants to be a gladiator. But if being a gladiator satisfy the tigers, he will be also satisfied leaving them at the gladiator school.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Thursday June 12th, 2014 7:04:05 PM
Lowell continues his chat with Alleah until the tigers awaken. Then he backs off a bit, just in case.
Emrys is not so shy, however -- he compliments the tigers and lays out the plan to offer them membership in this gladiator school.
Grell offers another option, and a compliment, one that is echoed by Alleah.
Evaris goes a long way with channelling energy that restores everyone aroundabouts. Still, seeing as the party pumped over 150 hp of lethal and nonlethal damage into each of these creatures, this 20 hp of curing is more of a decent start than a complete cure.
Ariach agrees to pay for the tuition. But he balks on assuming responsibility for damages.
.....
Felix rumbles appreciatively as the positive energy restores him and his mate. He nods to Grell, but says that the city life has been an eye-opener, and he'd prefer to stay. His mate is less enamored of the hard cobblestones and the stink, but the prospect of easy meat every day and fighting that entails no risk ... well, those are compelling!
The big tiger introduces himself to the master of the school, as this turns out to be, and asks for more details on what it means to be a "student" here. The master discusses the fitness regimen, the system of bouts in the arena, the teachers here that work to improve your form and appeal in matches.
He also takes back his request for the Vanguard to pay for damages. "I was afraid these creatures were brutes that might eat innocents, but I see that these tigers are professionals. Or could be, with some training."
It seems that the deal is struck! The master declares that tuition is 800 gp each for the year -- eight times the usual rate, but the cost in beef and goat and horse alone will bankrupt him otherwise! After a year, if they graduate, they will no longer be students, but can become licensed free-swords in the arena. Although usually even a free-lance gladiator will accept a sponsor or patron.
.....
Speaking of patrons, that leads us to the only detail remaining -- Emrys's question about whether the tigers have a patron already.
Felix looks slightly abashed, and says, "A patron? Well, not exactly. You see --"
"Hush, my mate," says Gavisus. "We were not to say a word about him."
"Oh, right." says Felix.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral d100=35 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 9:06:13 PM
Lowell smiles at Alleah's comment. "Yeah, but, we do look practically alike! Except for our hair color.... And height..... But that is pretty much it!"
When Lowell hears the two tigers talking about a patron, He looks over. He mutters to himself. "Not supposed to talk about who...?"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+5=25 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 10:28:52 PM "No, there's more to it than that" Alleah responds thoughtfully to Lowell.
She then considers this unknown benefactor as she speaks with the tiger. She starts by bowing her head as a sign of respect to each great creature. "It's understandable that you would feel indebted to whoever it was that awakened you. If they seek anonymity because they are modest or do not want credit for this good deed, then we will try to respect their wishes" Alleah isn't used to making decisions that can affect the whole party. She pauses to gauge reactions from the group "But if whoever granted you this sentience has more sinister motives, we would like to know more. We really do wish only the best for all life here. Please tell us more."
Diplomacy: 25!
Throughout the seriousness of this conversation, Alleah cannot help imagining riding atop the back of the larger tiger, through the plains and forests. A joy ride, if you will. It brings a smile to her face.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 d20+12=29 ; d20+12=28 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 11:04:49 PM
(Diplomacy: 29, to befriend Felix and Gavisus and earn their trust.)
A warm smile grows across his face and he looks both Felix and Gavisus in the eyes. "I understand ... I do. The druids are a very private lot. I ought to know, my father is the Grand Archdruid Myrridan the Wild. They go to great lengths to protect their secrets ... regretfully, even from their own sons. Their language is also a mystery ... qúye-muina s dolen lye so nin." He chuckles and then adds, "then my father shouldn't speak it in front of a naturally-gifted linguist, like myself. Alas, I haven't completely learned the language yet, just a collection of words and phrases. I read druidic much better than I can speak. Just don't tell my father! That can be our little secret."
Looking back at the crowd forming at the gate, Emrys says, "I don't believe you two got paid for your performance. Maybe we should go collect what money we can from the crowd and start paying for your tuition. If you two don't mind, maybe the King and Queen should start accepting tributes from your royal subjects."
(Diplomacy: 28, to persuade the crowd into a giving mood.)
With that being said, Emrys steps lively towards the gates with the grace and authority of a master of ceremonies. He enlarges himself (Enlarge Person) so he can see and speak over the crowd. He then presents the royal couple and does his best to persuade the masses to give gifts of coin, no matter how great or small, so that they may continue to bring them more exhilarating, action-packed, blood-curdling combats, the likes of which have never been seen before!!
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 d20+23=25 ; Thursday June 12th, 2014 11:28:47 PM
Royston folds his arms. "It would be best if you were not evasive. These people may be connected with the monsters released into the city from the sanctuary."
On Felix, Cure Critical Wounds for 22; Cure Serious Wounds for 17; Cure Light Wounds for 8
On Gavisus, Cure Serious Wounds for 21; Cure Serious Wounds for 16; Cure Light Wounds for 11;
On Grell, Cure Moderate Wounds for 15; Cure Moderate Wounds for 19.
Could everyone else please update their headers so I can tell who else needs healing? Thanks!
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Friday June 13th, 2014 6:02:50 PM
"If they want our help, they have to be honest and tell us more about their mentor.If not, we escort them to the WLA headquarter and deliver them to the officials."
Ariach hopes they will find a quick solution for the tiger problem.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Friday June 13th, 2014 10:38:42 PM
ooc: check
Lowell watches the tigers carefully, not quite able to trust them.... yet. He notices how good Alleah is with the tigers. "Wow, you seem pretty good at handling the.... cats."
Grell, HP 13/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Friday June 13th, 2014 11:40:49 PM
Grell nods as Felix and his mate express their preference to join the gladitorial school. He knows that if he were faced with the same decision, that is definitely what he would chose! Besides, how cool is it that he's going to be able to come down to the gladiatorial area on his down days and come watch them fight?! Maybe he could even sweet talk this guy into letting him train with them! How awesome would *that* be?!
Grell watches carefully to see if anyone volunteers to sponsor the big cats. If not, he inquires whether the big cats will have a chance to earn any wages from the fights they participate in. After all, they will undoubtedly bring in more business to the school once they begin fighting. Hoping to get the price lowered a bit, Grell is still fully willing to sponsor the big cats training himself if needed.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Saturday June 14th, 2014 5:11:52 AM "Well, your features are a bit softer. A bit more refined. There are lots of differences to the two of you" Alleah responds to Lowell, but not taking her eyes away from the tigers.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Saturday June 14th, 2014 9:32:33 AM
Lowell and Alleah continue their conversation.
Alleah does her best to convince the dire tigers to reveal more about their "patron." And her best is pretty darn good!
Emrys lends his golden tongue to the effort of befriending the tigers.
[OOC: You guys have moved well away from the crowds and into a private courtyard. Even if you were to walk back and try to raise some gelt from the onlookers, they have by now surely dispersed.]
Royston lends his support, sort of ... by threatening the tigers!
Evaris, on the other hand, offers unambiguous assistance, in the form of curing! The tigers look much better now!
Ariach seems to agree with Royston, but he does not make any effort to coerce them by means of intimidation.
Grell is becoming more enthusiastic about the tigers and their potential careers as gladiators. The master of the school tells him that 50% of student winnings go to the school, 40% to the student's sponsor, and 10% to the student. After a year of study and graduation, the student is free to negotiate any deal he can muster as a free-sword. He is happy to accept Grell's tuition payment (1,600 gp total for a year, please.)
The tigers respond to Alleah and Emrys in kind, but the queen tiger's ears flatten at Royston's threatening body language, and Felix himself says, "Sure, we can tell you some more, just keep that lizard pal of yours in line, okay?"
"The gist is," says Felix, "We were living in the Monster Forest, dumb as rocks, when this druid fellow woke us up. Naturally, that was nice of him, and he gave us these gems and asked us to come to the city and, you know, raise some heck. Not kill anybody! Just teach these humans who the real king of the town was."
"Well, the first humans we happened to meet were these flashy fellows who made us a deal. They'd hook us up with the priest for cures if we would stand in the square and take on all comers. That plus a few squares, and it seemed like a deal to us. So here we are."
"And you guys are way nice too, hooking us up with this place and paying our way after you won the fight. That's pretty classy, and the queen and I appreciate it." He nods to Emrys, Alleah, and Evaris.
"Especially the big guy here who pounded me so hard! and now he's paying the school fee."
He holds out a paw to Grell. "Remind me what's your names are, friends, because Felix and Gavisus are at your service."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Saturday June 14th, 2014 1:35:06 PM DM Cayzle - It seems that I did not communicate what I actually wanted Royston to do.
Intimidation, Bluff, and Diplomacy can all be used for influencing other people. This can come in many forms for each skill. I was attempting to voice my displeasure with their reticence, and subtly suggest that they may be colluding with criminals. All I did is fold my arms and speak sternly -- that is not threatening them. Assuming that every use of Intimidate is trying to threaten an NPC is equivalent to assuming that every use of Diplomacy is trying to seduce an NPC.
Cayzle Comments: Good point and no prob. Just spell out for me better what you are doing and what you are hoping to get out of it.
Still, "Intimidate" is in its essence the use of negative emotion, not positive. Right?
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Saturday June 14th, 2014 5:44:37 PM
Grell smiles at the gladiator teacher. "I will gladly bring you my student's fees. I will of course, have to go back home to get the money first. I'd also like to see where they will be housed before we leave."
Grell beams as he shakes the tiger's giant paw. "Name's Grell Illutu, and it has been a pleasure to meet you Felix! I look forward to seeing you and your mate as you are trained."
OOC: DM Cayzle, don't know if you want to RP this, but all of Grell's money will be back at there place, so he will need to go there and get it and come back...he doesn't usually keep that kind of money on him. ;) I may post a second post a little later for some more RP fun. :)
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Saturday June 14th, 2014 9:24:39 PM
OOC to Grell: The Master of the School will take your IOU, since he knows who you are, and since you are geting a reputation.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Saturday June 14th, 2014 10:30:23 PM
Lowell smiles a bit. "Yeah, I guess so, Alleah. Besides, we all know that I am the smarter out of me and Grell!" He grins, but quickly looks over at his brother, hoping that he didn't hear his comment.
Evaris Sunday June 15th, 2014 1:22:45 AM
The tigers are looking better, but Evaris made a promise to Father Reuyn. Now that his companions are fully healed--except for the Constitution damage he cannot fix just now--he spends the remainder of his resources getting the tigers as close to fully healed as he can. This includes several more Calming Touches and a couple of Cure Light Wounds.
"And that, I believe, is that," he says as the last spell is cast. "My new friends, I really must insist that we rest for the day. We are in no condition for another fight."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Monday June 16th, 2014 12:13:11 AM
"Grell, you really surprise with your generosity. That's truly a wonderful thing you're doing for those two. I'm sorry for that little quip earlier. I let my temper get the best of me and I humbly apologize for my unfounded remark." A warm smile forms across Emrys' face as his eyes light up with a sudden idea. "Why not I take you to my favorite tailor as a gift to you. Leopold can do no wrong!"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Monday June 16th, 2014 1:34:45 AM "Perhaps it would be wise to return to the WLA administration and advise them that there is no longer a threat? Following that, perhaps we do deserve a rest. And a bath" the halfling girl suggests.
Not to mention the reward the WLA may provide for dealing with the tiger menace....
OOC: Alleah is fully healed with the exception of the Con damage she still has
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday June 16th, 2014 1:22:55 PM
ooc: Re: negative emotion being used in Intimidate checks.
Well, sure it does. But I think that many things can be considered intimidating while not being threatening. Like a bureaucrat at the DMV. Or perhaps it would be good to differentiate physical threatening from social threatening. Royston was strongly implying the possible consequences of their actions, but not shaking his fist at them.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Monday June 16th, 2014 5:17:03 PM
Grell settles things with the the Master of the House of Blood, whose name turns out to be Quint. Farewells are said with the tigers.
When Grell touches paws with Felix, the large feline whispers to him, Highlight to display spoiler: {"Look, that druid fellow who woke us up? He was sending other creatures into the city to raise heck too. He had white hair and a tiny pet baby dragon."} Spoiler for Grell only or Listen check DC15 if you want to eavesdrop).
Lowell engages in a little brotherly trash talk -- good thing Grell was busy with the tigers and was not listening ... or was he?
Evaris cares mostly about the party's health and ability to engage in further neroism today. In short -- he thinks not. But he did keep his word to Father Reuyn.
Emrys, perhaps sensing Grell's annoyance with him, offers conciliatory words and an offer of assistance.
Alleah suggests getting back to the Star Mages Tower and the WLA officers running the monster round-up. That seems like a reasonable notion, so the party heads on back.
Back at Magic Square, however, there is surprising news awaiting Vaniime. A mage from the Emerald Kingdom is waiting for the party, with a letter for Vaniime, which she shares with you:
"My daughter, we have a deep need of you to return home, for a long visit or a short, I cannot yet say. I apologize for interrupting you, and for the suddenness of the request. Know that none of your loved ones are in danger of death, but I cannot divulge the reason for this summons in this missive. Only you are needed; please allow your friends to continue their adventures without interruption. With deep and eternal love, Father.
The seal on the letter is unmistakeably that of Ingrge Nightseer. The mage who brought the letter, and who will now teleport Vaniime home, provides unassailable proofs as required that this is no trick, trap, or ruse; that the need is urgent; and that only Vaniime may teleport away with him.
So it would seem that some farewells are in order now, friends of the Vanguard.
Everybody, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {Kent has asked me to give his PC an honorable exit for the time being. He'll be on walkabout from the Wold for at least this summer. I hope he'll stop in for a goodby, but that may not be possible. Either way, please do say your goodbies to Vaniime.}
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Monday June 16th, 2014 5:54:26 PM
Ariach cannot or doesn´t want to believe what Vaniime is telling them. He gets a dry mouth when he thinks about possible leaders within their rows. The young warrior doesn´t want that Vaniime is leaving. She was at least a small part of consistency in the ranks of ----some times very difficult group members. Who will follow her as the leader of the vanguards? The impulsive, brutal Grell? The not that impulsive not that brutal Lowell? Emry- the babblemouth? Alleah- the thief? Ariach shivers while thinking about possible successors.
"Vaniime, even if we cannot come with you right now, we will find a way to follow you. We pay a mage for a teleport spell, or we take some horses. You know you can count on us."
But as Ariach recognizes at Vaniime´s face she will leave alone and doesn´t want anybody to follow her, Ariach coughs slightly and says "It was a pleasure to fight on your side. Whenever you need a shield, a sword or just a companion or friend - just send word to me."
Then Ariach turns and goes away because he wants to give Grell and Vaniime some privacy for their goodbye.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Monday June 16th, 2014 11:03:48 PM
Sir Royston holds both of his hands above his head, with the palms facing toward Vaniime. "Blessed journeys to you, child of the forests. May Alemi guide you. May Domi protect you. May Ffloy enrich your bounty, and may Flower enrich your soul. May Pantheon deal you justice. May Gargul turn away the shadow of death. In all things know the love of family and friends, and in all endeavors do good to the world around you." He lowers his hands and touches his fingers to his heart. "May we meet again."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Monday June 16th, 2014 11:14:36 PM
"Vaniime ... this is quite a shock. I don't believe in goodbyes, as you know. We are children of Culverwood, our roots run deep. As long as you remain connected to the land, we are never truly be apart. I will continue to set a place for you at the dinner table, ready for your return."
Evaris Monday June 16th, 2014 11:48:41 PM
Evaris bows. "Captain Vaniime, I have known you only for a day, and I regret that we will not become better acquainted. I hope the matter that calls you home is swiftly resolved, and that you are soon back among your friends."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Tuesday June 17th, 2014 12:09:59 AM
Alleah deals with Vaniime's departure as light-heartedly as possible. "Getting called away promptly by your folks? Perhaps they've struck it rich and are about to increase your allowance?"
She fights the urge to give Van a hug as she softly adds "Just take care of yourself, ok?"
Meanwhile, her lucky coin just feels... 'warm'
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Tuesday June 17th, 2014 10:43:24 AM
"Oh... Van, you're leaving...? Oh...... well, I hope you have a great time wherever you go! I am so happy that I got to fight along side you while I was here. Maybe.... just maybe.... We'll be able to see each other again? I mean, Grell will probably really miss you!!!" Lowell forces a smile on his face. He had only just gotten to see Vaniime after such a long time, and he didn't even get to talk to her much! Even though he is trying his best to stay positive, Lowell can't help but shed a few tears...
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Tuesday June 17th, 2014 1:55:06 PM
Coming down from the high of knowing that he is now the sponsor to two magnificent tigers who are going to be trained in the art of combat, Grell is more than willing to accept Emrys apology and move on. "Hey, it's okay Emrys. I make mistakes too...I think it's combat head. You get all hyped up about fighting for your life and it's hard to see things clearly. Ganz talked about it a lot at the academy. Eh, don't worry about the tailor...all I really need is some workout clothes and my armor. Life isn't that complicated for me."
More than ready to make his report to the WLA and head back home for some rest, Grell is completely taken aback by the letter and the mage. His first impulse is to insist that there's some kind of mistake and there's no way on Domi's green Wold that she's going anywhere without him! But then he considers what he'd feel like if he'd gotten a letter like that from Dad. Sure, he wouldn't want to leave the Vanguard, but there's just something about a message like that from home that makes you just have to go. Fighting back the lump in his throat, Grell grabs Vaniime in one of his famous bear hugs. "It's ok Van, I know you gotta go take care of home. Just promise me that you'll take care of yourself...I know you can, but I worry about you without being able to watch your back."
He lowers his voice to a whisper that only Van can hear. "And please hurry back! I...love...you!" Tenderly pulling himself in, Grell gives Van a soft but passionate kiss. Gently rubbing her cheek, Grell eventually releases Vaniime and lets her go with the mage, his eyes never leaving her until she finally teleports out.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Tuesday June 17th, 2014 4:28:24 PM
check
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Tuesday June 17th, 2014 6:46:56 PM
ooc: check
Vaniime AC: 18 touch AC: 14 CMD: 24 HP: 47/ 47 (61) down 3 pts con Tuesday June 17th, 2014 9:45:20 PM
Vaniime reads the letter with a bit of a trepidation as she can't imagine what it might be that her parents and Father Bertram would need her for, that they couldn't handle themselves. They are the Emerald Dragons after all, but her parents said that they needed her badly and that worrys her more than she can let show.
She nod her aquiessence to the mage and then turns to her new family the Vanguard.
In a slight daze she hears each as they say their piece and gives and accepts hugs and even a few words with each.
"Ariach, my friend be patient with our family while we all have our failings and our differences, remember that all of us are on the side of good. Even if some of us bend the rules just a bit. Take care of them and each other."
"Sir Royston, Always remember that Gargul himself was once an evil entitiy and now he is looked to maintain a balance in life and in death. So too will the Vanguard and its members be viewed as we make decision over people's and other creatures' lives. Help us all to see the right direction without changing who and what each of us is."
"Emrys, I know that we will meet once again in the Culverwood at some time in the future as do all creatures of the wood eventually do."
"Evaris, You will be a good addition to the family. Take care of them. Aa' lasser en lle coia orn n' omenta gurtha, y Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle."
Those who speak elvish Highlight to display spoiler: { May thy path be green and the breeze on thy back and the leaves of your life tree never turn brown. }
As Alleah makes the comment about her parents and striking it rich, she chuckles.
"Alleah, my parents kind of help run the Emerald Kingdom." In a short time you have come to mean a lot to me. Stay safe and help keeps these boys from killing each other. And try not to drive Sir Royston and Ariah too crazy."
"Lowell, You have grown so much since first I greeted you. I am honored to have fought beside you and doubly so that you saw fit to join our Vanguard family. Take care of your big brother. Some one needs to keep him out of trouble."
And Lastly Grell comes over and nearly crushes her with a bear hug and then tenderly kisses her. "You watching my back? Fighting back the tears that are now threatening to start pouring down her cheeks she breathes deeply.
"Yeah, You watching my back? Like that happens. More like you watching my backside you mean. I am just glad Lowell is here now to keep an eye on you. Somebody needs to keep you out of trouble. "Cormlle naa tanya tel'raa y Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'. Amin mela lle te."
Those who speak elvish Highlight to display spoiler: { Your heart is that of the lion and my heart shall weep until it sees thee again. I love you too.}
With those final words she looks into each of their faces as if to imprint them in her memory and then walks oof with the mage.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Tuesday June 17th, 2014 11:57:46 PM
There is a moment of silence as Emrys watches her leave. He can only think of all his friends that have come and gone. For the time being, only Grell and himself remain from the original fellowship. Only Ariach remains, who later joined them, from their time at Maplehurst. The first to leave was Fizzle, William and Nymirin.
Fa'ast soon followed the first three after his encounter with the gibbering mouther. You just shouldn't try and grapple an amorphous blob covered with mouths. 'No wonder that he lost it,' he thinks. He recalls his last visit with the monks that were taking care of him. He still isn't talking, or able to care for himself, but at least he was beginning to eat solid food again.
Then there was Carver, and then poor Thessa. Such beauty reduced to a jar of ooze. Tuck and Wilma soon took their leave to focus on other duties. Emrys looks to Grell and then Araich and wonders what the future holds. They will need to have that hard discussion soon, but not right now. The future of the Vanguard depends on it.
Emrys then looks upon their new friends and wonders how they found themselves with them. Was it written in the stars? He's been aware that this fellowship would always be in constant flux, but Vaniime departing was a complete surprise. Emrys has seen her death in one of his many visions, and he takes a small comfort in that premonition. She will have to return for him to witness the event ... possibly by then he can prevent it. "Don't fret, my friends ... she'll return soon enough."
Goodbyes
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Wednesday June 18th, 2014 7:23:23 AM
After you say farewell to your friend, the sadness you feel stands in sharp contrast with the joyful mood in the square. It seems that in addition to yourselves, other groups have net with success too, and the citizenry are celebrating!
Around the square, there are illusionists and bards creating Silent Images of the creatures captured, to the delight of the crowd. There is a griffon, a four-armed ape, and a floating jellyfish thing, among others. Kids are engaging the illusions in mock combat -- although some are trying to pet or ride them. There is music; food vendors are selling sweet drinks and meat on skewers; there is music and dancing.
In one corner, a few of the druid-ish protestors are still flashing their sign, but they are not dampening the carnival atmosphere.
In the midst of this, Captain Janz of the WLA finds you. Sporting a necklace made of flowers, he is still business-like. "Hail, Vanguard!" he calls to you. "Tell me how you fared with the tigers. I fear the worst, seeing you are come empty handed, and missing your leader."
A young boy of six with a light wooden sword races up to Grell, raises the toy weapon, looks him over, then rushes up to Alleah and mock-attacks her. "HA!" he shouts. "I killed you!"
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg d20+5=13 ; Wednesday June 18th, 2014 9:28:36 AM
Alleah grasps her stomach with both hands as the boy playfully attacks her. "He... he got me. Tell my mother *sniff* I died well. Urgh!" She drops to the ground quite melodramatically (Perform Act= 13) "Avenge me!" are her 'dying' words as she raises her hand to the heavens before going limp.
Alleah has no qualms about making scenes in public.
She will lay on the ground with her tongue hanging out and her eyes closed. Trying to hold back a smile (and failing miserably) she keeps her eyes closed. When she hears the boy gets close enough she will open her eyes and say "Boo!" before trying to tickle the young prankster.
Evaris Wednesday June 18th, 2014 11:22:01 AM
"Good afternoon, Captain," Evaris greets Captain Janz. "It looks as if things went well today! The tigers are resting comfortably at the House of Blood, where they soon hope to begin their training. As it turns out, they are not mere beasts, but sentient beings capable of reason and logic. I gather this is due to the influence of some druid or other. Still, they are off the streets, which was our goal."
Evaris looks around. "And have you seen aught of my friend Roel? He was here when we left, and I need to make sure he has not overtired himself."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Wednesday June 18th, 2014 1:06:54 PM
Sir Royston nods in agreement with Evaris. "After a sound thrashing, we took them to the House of Blood and roused them. They have agreed to train as professional fighters. They mentioned a druid who gave them intelligence, and may be connected to the other monsters that harassed the city."
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Wednesday June 18th, 2014 11:18:12 PM
"Agreed, the tigers, Felix and Gavisus, are very well spoken and a pleasure to talk to. Their performance drew a large crowd of enthusiastic citizens. They have a very promising future as gladiators. Most assuredly, as songs and tales about them spread throughout the kingdom, they will draw many visitors to the city."
However, Emrys plans his own investigation involving the druid with the blue wyrmling companion.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Thursday June 19th, 2014 5:03:11 AM
Of course it is Alleah who makes the Vanguards look like idiots in front of captain Janz. In this situation a little more respectability seems to be appropriated. But now she lays on the floor with her tongue hanging out, right in front of a WLA official. Although her perfomance of a dying wasn´t bad - overexaggerated of course- but not bad. Ariach wonders if she would act like that if she really dies. He comes to the conclusion that he expect her to even die more dramatically. Then he shakes his head to concentrate on captain Janz again. "The mission is completed" is his short military answer.
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Thursday June 19th, 2014 1:24:45 PM
Ooc: We're in the mountains and have almost no Wi-Fi. Doing this on my phone so I can't read Vans last message. :(
Suddenly wanting to get back to the Manor in the worst way, Grell nods his acknowlegment of the report given by the others. "I have personally sponsored Felix and Gavisus. I'm looking foward to seeing them perform. The druid that has caused all this has a small dragon, if that helps. Now, if it's okay, my friends and I really need to rest. It's been a long day. " Grell turns to Lowell. "What a day, eh? You're coming with us to the Manor, right? We've got plenty of room. " Grell gives Lowell the biggest smile he can muster but it's hard with Vans passing so fresh on his mind. He laughs at Alleah's actions. She's just so good with young ones. She'd probably love hanging out with all his brothers and sisters. Once everything is set, Grell sets out with the others, but pulls Evaris aside. "I'd love to get at the kittens once we get back. Can you have your friend bring them to my room? "
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Thursday June 19th, 2014 4:49:33 PM
Lowell watches Alleah's act and smiles, wondering if he should join in. Before he can decide, he hears his brother speaking to him. "Oh, ummmm.... Sure! I'd love to come with you to the Manor. "
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Thursday June 19th, 2014 7:14:55 PM
Alleah plays with the boy, to his delight! His mother runs up and thanks you for taking care of him.
(OOC: Alleah, you would have gotten an award for your great play, but let's just leave it at kudos, shall we!)
Ariach looks on disapprovingly. It makes him curt with the WLA officer, but correct, as always. (OOC: Ariach, please accept a 100 xp award for great RP.)
Evaris gives a somewhat more detailed report to the WLA, joined by Emrys and Royston. Caltain Janz nods and makes notes. "These are the only intelligent monsters rounded up of which we have heard," he says. "They may be a great source of information, as you suggest."
He thanks you for your service to Plateau City and says that he'll come visit you tomorrow, if that's okay. "Right now you all look bushed!"
Evaris finds his friend Roel surrounded by reaching children and still holding the basket of kittens. "Thank goodness you are back," he tells his friend. "This has been a task fit for a dragon hero that you have given me! Please take these creatures back!"
Grell is happy to oblige, taking the basket of kitties from Evaris's pal. The mighty warrior is tuckered out and hurting, and wants to just sleep.
Lowell enjoys seeing the kids at play, and is about to join them when his brother invites him to come to the group's residence. That sounds good to Lowell.
But just before the party can leave, a messenger comes up to Janz and the heroes with a message. The runner recites: "Please invite the heroes known as the Vanguard to a meeting with me in two days time at my office for luncheon and counsel." "It's from the Lord Mayor!" the messenger declares.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Thursday June 19th, 2014 10:50:25 PM
Alleah gets to her feet, dusts away her pants, and gives a wave to the boy and his mother as they leave. It was only a few short years ago she was acting the same way as he was.
It's nice to be reminded of those days. But alas, duty calls.
Still smiling and happy she looks to the rest of the party "The Lord Mayor, eh? Sounds important"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 21 - F+12/R+8/W+12 Thursday June 19th, 2014 11:47:23 PM "We would be most honored."
ooc: Alright, guys. I need help with spell selection. I get a 3rd-level spell. Do I go with sleet storm, blink, or haste? I'm open to suggestions. Otherwise, I am finished with leveling.
Emrys ac13, hp28/28, nonlethal12 Thursday June 19th, 2014 11:58:59 PM
Emrys spins around to face his comrades with an expression of pure jubilation and a single clap of his hands in celebration. An unexpected surge of arcane and divine energies crackle and repel outward from each of his hands. Surprised by the sudden burst of energy, Emrys' eyes widen in shock. He stares at his hands as the opposing forces continue spark and whip around his fingers before blinking out. The sensation causes the now euphoric Emrys to laugh, quite gleefully, for a few seconds. "Peas and carrots!? ... that's never happened before ... oh my!"
While massaging his hands, he turns to Alleah and says, "Yes, yes, you would be correct!! We've proven to be important people. In two days ... our time will come!"
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Friday June 20th, 2014 12:42:27 AM
Emrys suddenly turns beet-red after realizing what he had just said out loud, He does his best to forcibly suppress his jubilation. He then takes a breath and adds, "Yes ... it would a great honor," which he says sincerely, but without his usual elegant and confident tone. "Sorry, Captain, you are very correct, I am quite 'bushed'. We look forward for your visit tomorrow."
After Captain Janz has departed, Emrys confides with everyone, "don't know what is ... wrong with me! I'm .. feeling quite faint, as if I'm drunk." Again, another surge of energy sparks and coils around the half-elf before blinking out and causing his body to spasm and jerk. However, Emrys now seems oblivious to the effect and goes on to say, "I really need to lay down."
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Friday June 20th, 2014 10:04:38 AM
ooc: Update header.
Evaris d20+10=21 ; Friday June 20th, 2014 2:11:38 PM
Evaris is surprised and honored by the invitation from the Lord Mayor. "I will, of course, be there," he says.
He watches Emrys's strange reaction with something of alarm [Heal 21], but doesn't dispute the bard's diagnosis.
"We all need to lie down," he says firmly. "Remember, many of you were drained by those vile bloodsuckers. I would be happy to restore everyone tomorrow, if we can arrange a place to meet--?"
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Friday June 20th, 2014 6:56:57 PM
Lowell looks at the messenger, shocked. "Wow.... The Lord Mayor? Sounds quite interesting. I most certainly will be there." He then looks over at Emrys. "Ummmm, you okay? You're acting a bit.... well..... strange."
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Friday June 20th, 2014 7:05:45 PM
"Shhhhh...little ones... Daddy Grell is here! We'll get you cleaned up and warm in a nice little bed of your own before nightfall." Grell pets the kittens consolingly. When the messanger arrives, Grell grins in satisfaction. Finally, we're making the big leagues! He thumps Lowell on the back. "See bro, now toy gotta stick with the Vanguard! We're about to make it big!" The thought of celebrating their recent successes takes a little of VT GE sting out of Vans loss.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Sunday June 22nd, 2014 12:01:32 PM
Alleah, Royston, Emrys, Evaris, Grell, and Lowell all express, in different ways, that they are pleased with the invitation to meet with the mayor. The messenger leaves with their acceptance of the invitation.
Captain Janz is also pleased. "Well done, Vanguard," he tells you. "And on my authority representing the WLA and Plateau City, please accept these tokens in thanks for your service today."
He hands each of you a voucher for 3,000 gp each, payable by the WLA or the Office of the Exchequer of Plateau City.
Janz suggests that it might be a worthy redemption used as dues for membership in the Wold's premier hero association -- and he mentions that there is a group discount -- and then he departs.
You are on your own, until the meeting with the mayor.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(75) / -2 Con Sunday June 22nd, 2014 1:34:38 PM
Ariach feels honored by the message captain Janz delivers. He takes one of the tokens and already thinks about adjustments for his equipment. But before he has to prepare for the proximate meeting. He has to clean and oil his weapons, polish his armor and shield and take a bath. And even more important, Ariach has to take care that his comrades prepare for the meeting as well.
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 d100=77 ; Sunday June 22nd, 2014 11:53:56 PM
"Thank you Captain Janz, this is most generous." Leaning heavily on his darkwood walking stick, Emrys gives a slight bow. Severe fatigue has set in on the way back to the house. "I don't know what is wrong, Lowell! I was feeling quite sprightly just moments ago." Then another bolt of energy trails off his hand, down his walking stick and into the ground. Tiny white blossoms begin to erupt from his walking stick. Emrys ponders this and his eyes go wide as he recalls a moment from his youth. "Oh Theon! Something comparable happened with my nursemaid Heca, back in Culverheart. One evening she exhibited a similar malady as this. It was later described to me as the Wickening!"
He pauses to consider his next action and then says, "Friends, I must remove myself from the street and hasten myself home. Do not be alarmed by any strange lights or sounds emanating from my bedroom. All is well!"
Emrys extends his arms outward, mutters a few words and suddenly takes flight in the form of a owl. Once he gains a little altitude, another owl swoops in beside him as they fly towards the Nightmare Quarter. The second owl appears to be helping him. Grell and Ariach would easily recognize the other owl as Gestalt.
(Leyline: 77. Casting Beast Shape I.)
Evaris Monday June 23rd, 2014 12:32:00 AM
Evaris accepts his voucher with thanks.
"Before you return home," he says to the group. "Will you need my spellcasting services tomorrow to remove the effects of your blood drain? I am happy to help, but I need to know before I ask Pantheon for tomorrow's spells. We should also arrange a place to meet. Roel and I are staying at the Red Wyrm Inn, but we could meet at WLA headquarters, if you prefer. Or the Temple of Pantheon, of course."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Monday June 23rd, 2014 7:34:10 AM "I'll be right, Evaris" Alleah says with a smile. She's still happy about her run-in with the boy.
"I'm going to head home too unless anyone needs anything?"
Lowell looks at Emrys, very confused. "The Wickening? What is that- Oh.... okay..... You just.... do whatever you need to do." He watches Emrys turn into a owl and then fly towards the Nightmare Quarter, accompanied by the other owl. "...... Bye." Lowell slightly waves goodbye to Emrys and the owl.
"Ummm..... I think that I might need a bit of healing, Evaris." Lowell says, still wondering what was wrong with Emrys.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Monday June 23rd, 2014 2:07:34 PM
Sir Royston accepts his with a respectful nod, but shakes his head after Captain Janz leaves. "The offer is polite of him but... Join the Woldian League of Nancy-boys? Indubitably no, thank you."
He stretches his arms and sighs. "A soft bed would be a most welcome respite. The Temple of Pantheon would be a fine location to rendezvous. I doubt it would look presentable for us to loiter outside of city hall before meeting the mayor."
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Monday June 23rd, 2014 4:58:06 PM
Grell lays a hand on Evaris' and Royston's shoulders. "Today we have fought side by side as brothers. I insist the you come and stay in the Manor with us! We have plenty of room for everyone, and I have a marinating suckling pig just waiting for us to roast." He looks at Evaris with sincerity "Besides, my brother and I are in dire need of your healing since our sister has been called away for so long at the temple of Gargul. " Gently removing a kitten from kneading his shoulder, Grell strokes the kittens reassuringly "And now I really have to get these little ones home, so.... c'mon people, let's get a move on! "
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(89) / -2 Con Monday June 23rd, 2014 6:13:41 PM
Ariach agrees with Grell. "You should come with us. Like Grell has already said, we have enough space at our house for both of you guys. It would be a chance to know each other better. Then we have to discuss if you don´t wanna join us."
Then Ariach talks directly to Evaris. "I´d also appreciate it if you take care of my wounds."
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Monday June 23rd, 2014 10:40:44 PM
Royston seems to scorn the invitation to join the WLA. What does he have against the heroes' guild?
Emrys continues to grapple with the energies that are at war within him!
Meanwhile, the party is grateful to Evaris for the offer of healing. Ariach and Grell go one step further, inviting the healer to join them in their home overmight. There is plenty of room ... and Grell's hospitality evidently includes a meal!
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Monday June 23rd, 2014 11:36:04 PM
As the other Vanguard round the last corner and the manor house comes into view, a bright, green light can be seen flashing from Emrys' bedroom window. The light appears to dance and flicker as if the source were flame.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(89) / -2 Con Tuesday June 24th, 2014 3:36:52 AM
Ariach watches the light which appears from Emry´s room but he resists the temptation to check if everything is in order. Emry has told them that everything is alright even if strange sounds and lighteffects come out of his room.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Tuesday June 24th, 2014 7:10:06 AM "Dang blast it!" comes Alleah's raised voice from inside her room.
Anyone who peeks will see the normally chirpy halfling is pacing around a table her hands on her hips. Atop the table lies a map, and her lucky coin.
"I've flipped my coin 27 times now and each time it lands on tails. What's more, whenever I drop it on the table from a height it always rolls to the same place"
She sighs as she continues her pacing "I think it's a sign"
Evaris Tuesday June 24th, 2014 11:24:42 AM
"I--well, thank you for your kind offer," Evaris replies. "It would be easier to heal everyone if we were all under the same roof." He turns to look at Roel, standing uncertainly beside him. "There are two of us, of course," he says. "Is there room for Roel, too?"
Assuming that there is, Evaris and Roel return to the inn to fetch their belongings, then join the rest of the team at the town house. Which now appears to be a "manor." :)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Tuesday June 24th, 2014 1:33:03 PM
Royston raises an eyebrow. "A sign of what, little Alleah?"
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Tuesday June 24th, 2014 6:19:48 PM
Lowell watches the strange light emit from Emrys room from outside of the manor. "Is he going to be okay...?" Lowell mutters quietly. He continues watching for a couple more minutes, growing more and more worried each second. Once he finally decides to come inside, he looks inside Alleah's room, wondering what is wrong. "Is everything okay, Alleah?"
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Tuesday June 24th, 2014 6:32:09 PM
Emrys continues to grapple with his mastery of divine and arcane power -- in a most flamboyant way. But then, knowing Emrys, would he so grapple with powerful magics in any other way? Of course not!
Ariach is not much surprised by that, although he is slightly concerned. Lowell is more surprised, not knowing Emrys as well as the others. He'll learn!
Alleah, meanwhile, is worried about her own divine augers and omens. Maybe some powerful forces are at work on the Vanguard lately? Royston is curious about that.
Grell, playing with his kitties, is oblivious to all else!
Meanwhile, Evaris consents to stay the night, in the party's lavish and roomy "mansion."
[OOC: I really would love more detail on the place for inclusion on the game's wiki page ... volunteers will be rewarded!]
[OOC: Friends, sorry if I was not clear. We'll be headed into the meeting wth the mayor and then into a crossover with the Cthonia game. So now is your time to do training, crafting, WLA service, volunteering at soup kitchens, etc etc. Or if you are done with that kind of stuff, say the word and we'll go visit the mayor.]
Evaris Tuesday June 24th, 2014 7:22:30 PM
[OOC: For more detail about the town house, look on the woldipedia page under "characters", then "NPCs", then "Plateau City." Hey, it's right there! Complete with floor plan! Though the floor plan is probably a little out of date due to personnel changes.]
Evaris Tuesday June 24th, 2014 7:26:36 PM
[Also, for more information about the town house, check the game's archives for the DM posts of October 2, 2012 and October 8, 2012.]
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Tuesday June 24th, 2014 10:54:33 PM
The noise from Emrys' bedroom builds to a fever pitch. There are sounds of wind and fire. Emry's furniture seems to be shambling and knocking against the floor. There are shrieks from wildlife?! Really?! Oh yeah, Gestalt. There is a choir of voices lifted in a chant ... wait! who's all up there? The whole townhouse quakes for a second or two and then goes silent with a thud.
After peace and quiet returns to the house, a short moment later, Emrys' door slowly opens and the hallway fills with a wafting mist of ozone. He emerges from the darkness in a quiet, nonchalant manner. His golden locks are a tangled mess, however now there is a platinum streak running through one side. His expressionless face is obscured by his pair of smoke-glass googles over his eyes. He wears only his silk house robe and it's only loosely tied in the front; his usual care and respect for appearance having not been taken. A single wine goblet, halfway full with what appears to be a red wine, is in one hand. His other hand stays free to catch grasp of the wall when he needs to. An open bottle of wine floats in the air behind him and follows wherever he goes.
As Emrys walks by Alleah's door, he pauses and simply says in a low voice, "the forces at play are quite humbling ... wouldn't you say?" Without waiting for an answer, he continues to the stairs. He stumbles over the first step, but miraculously floats down through the air to the floor without harm or care.
The first Vanguard he meets, he places his hand on their arm and says, "All the milk, butter and cheese has soured ..." then continues on. He makes his way to the parlor and takes a seat in the most comfortable chair. He just sits sipping his wine. The floating bottle refills his glass when it goes empty.
(more posts to come, after I figure out what to do for the next couple of days)
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 d100=73 ; Wednesday June 25th, 2014 12:40:53 AM
The next day, Emrys gets up early and goes to the market. If we are still expecting a visit from Captain Janz, then preparation need to be made. Since all the dairy products in the house have mysteriously spoiled, so that is the first thing he will take care of.
His owl, Gestalt, has decided to make his famous Goodberry Scones for everyone. A recipe he's learned from Ms. Goode and perfected over the past few months. Emrys will assist his companion by magically transforming blueberries into goodberries. Gestalt carefully measures the ingredients but relies on Emrys more for his hands and less for his suggestions and opinions.
Later after their meeting with the captain, Emrys will return to the heavily wooded Druid Quarter and attempt to try again what he had failed to do several days ago. He concentrates on the words and suddenly transforms into a large juniper tree. The sensation is overwhelming at first, but slowly he becomes attuned to the power of the root. For the first time in his life, the weakness that constantly enfeebles him is gone. The wind through his leaves feels unlike anything he's ever known. The sensation is the most intimate connection he's ever felt with the Woldmother.
(Leyline: 73. Casting Tree Shape)
After many hours as a tree, Emrys decides he needs to go shopping. He should start preparing for what the High Lord Mayor is about to offer the Vanguard.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(89) / -2 Con Wednesday June 25th, 2014 2:35:50 AM
Ariach gets worried about Emry´s behavior. The young warrior has never trust magic completely but he has trust the spell spellcasters in his surrounding. But now Emry´s magic is responsible for spoiling food and the bard doesn´t look good as well.
"Is everything alright with you Emry? You don´t experiment with powers you can´t control - or? I don´t know much about magic but i know that it can be dangerous and obivously the arcane energy draws on your life resources."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Wednesday June 25th, 2014 8:57:27 AM
Alleah stares at the table, before looking up - suddenly realising she is not alone and that Scales and Lowell are looking through her doorway.
"I don't understand it. Is Wardd warning me? Does he task me? You have to hand it to him. He is the God of subtlety" she says with a wry smile.
She shakes her head and changes the topic "Does anyone know if Grell found a place for those kittens, yet?"
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Wednesday June 25th, 2014 7:13:07 PM
"Tiger...stop biting Slim's ear! Oh Felix Jr. *that* goes in the litter box!! Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it!! No, no, nooooo Moose, don't chew on Daddy's armor!! It's okay Slim, that flashing light is just Emrys...he does weird stuff all the time!" Grell suddenly wishes that he has one of his Dad's famous Wreaths. This parenting is TOUGH, especially when they don't understand a word that's coming out of his mouth!
Grell emerges from his room and heads into the kitchen looking more than a little frazzled. He gulps down a couple of Goodberry Scones and wipes his face on his sleeve. "Thanks Emrys! That really hit the spot! Hey, are you headed shopping?? I think I need to go too...wanna go together?? I could really use a morning jog just to get a little cardio in, you know what I mean? Plus, I need to head down to the WLA headquarters and get some training in. But first thing's first....let's get that pig a roasting!!!"
Grell starts the cooking fires and sets up the pig that he's already tenderized and seasoned. He scratches his chin. "Hmmm...guess I'm going to have to pick up some butter and milk while we're out...definitely gonna need them for the asparagus! Grell makes up a quick list of food items. Then he bounds up the stairs looking for Lowell. "Hey Little Brother, I'm heading out to do some shopping. You coming?!"
Evaris Wednesday June 25th, 2014 7:38:52 PM
Evaris and Roel collect their things and head to the town house, a large, once-elegant residence made chaotic by adventurers.
"What did I tell you? We need three of you!" Evaris tells Roel as they enter. "Um...hello?" he calls. "Thanks for letting us stay the night. Where do you want us to stay?"
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Wednesday June 25th, 2014 7:40:07 PM
Lowell turns around and looks at his brother. "Er, sure- wait.... did you just call me your little brother?!?!? We are just as old as each other!" He sighs. "You know what, whatever. I don't care. Before we leave though, have you found a place for the kittens yet?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Wednesday June 25th, 2014 11:51:28 PM
Sir Royston stops by the market and purchases a hammock (1sp, 3lb), strings it in an empty alcove in the house. He lounges all day, reading through his holy scriptures and occasionally making himself a lemonade from the kitchen.
By late afternoon, however, he has gone from relaxed to squirming. His rubs his stomach discontentedly, and his face appears sallow. "Why can't I stop sweating?" he asks to no one in particular. By early evening, he looks terrible. He is white as a sheet, sweating profusely, and shivering. He tries to use Lay on Hands on himself to no avail. Suddenly, he stands. "M-Move!" The paladin makes a beeline to the kitchen door and staggers into the alleyway between the companion's home and their neighbor. He bends over with his hand against the wall. He moans in pain, contorts his face in pain as several dry heaves wrack his body, and he vomits.
Normally, a paladin vomiting in an alleyway would be a rather peculiar sight on any given day. This however, was quite different. Sir Royston projectile vomits, spraying the wall in front of him and splattering all over the nearby wall and sidewalk, with a frightening amount of force. Not only that, but the volume is likewise disturbing - nearly a gallon of yellow-green liquid comes up from his stomach. Then the smell, It is acrid, caustic, and causes your eyes to water. That is not vomit at all, but acid. When you can see clearly again, the brick has been half-way dissolved and bubbling pool remains on the ground, slowly eating away at the pavement stone.
Sir Royston wipes his mouth and stands up straight. "My word, that feels better. I... well, what with the horns and claws and teeth and all, vomiting acid shouldn't be much of a surprise. Right? Right, everyone?" He offers a weak laugh.
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Wednesday June 25th, 2014 11:55:26 PM
"No need to be concerned, Ariach. I was experiencing a kind of convocation of sorts, the magical energies themselves coming together reacting to aptitude as a vessel through which to be channeled. Unlike other magic users, I tap a different source of magic that's both wild and primal, much like the elements. Last night was an acceptance of my influence over it. A happening known to all witches as the Wickening. Most witches never reach this level, the ability to lead a coven and perform the rituals. It's very sobering to perceive the constant rhythm and pulse between the living Wold and the Cosmos. The most primal energies of all creation and destruction. Very sobering indeed!"
-----------------------
With a warm smile, Emrys answers Grell, "Don't thank me, thank Gestalt ... he is the pastry chef extraordinaire. I was merely his assistant. You are most welcome to come along to the Catacombs. In fact, I need your help carrying the Underwoldian treasure. I going to sell what hasn't been claimed."
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Thursday June 26th, 2014 6:26:30 AM
With relative peace now in her room, Alleah begins the quick task of packing away all he belongings. It is clear she is being sent a message and it is one she cannot deny. She is being called away and must follow. The group has already lost Van, and with that disruption, it only makes sense that she leave at the same time.
Later that day when all are present, Alleah makes a speech "Everyone, I have an announcement. I must leave" she pauses, whether for dramatic effect or to see if anyone will stop her, before continuing "It is clear to me that I am being called away and I cannot say no to such a message. All signs at the moment point to Crescent Valley so I will make my way there first. Hey, the streets of Plateau City will probably be safer with one less rogue about anyway". Alleah chuckles to ease any tension.
"It has been my privilege to travel with each of you. I'm sure that news of the Vanguard will reach me wherever I may go. Likewise, I plan to send word here when I can to let you know how I fare."
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Thursday June 26th, 2014 6:51:39 AM
[OOC: Thanks for those links, Evaris! Please accept a healpfulness bonus of 100 xp!]
Emrys continues his magical consciousness-raising, and spends a significant chunk of time as a tree. Knowing that communing with the herbs always gives him the munchies, he prepares by making delicious goodberry scones!
Royston goes shopping ... and finds himself, like Emrys, undergoing some changes ...
Ariach seeks reassurance from Emrys that everything is okay ... and the witch does his best to comfort his friend.
Grell spends some time with his new kitties, and finds them a handful! Later, he and Emrys head off to do some shopping. He invites his "little brother" -- and that's a bit of a sore spot for Lowell, who was not born more than a few minutes after his "big brother." Then again, Grell IS pretty big ...
Evaris and his pal find a welcome at the Vanguard's headquarters.
Alleah has some changes of her own to announce -- changes in location! She feels divinely impelled to head out, to Crescent Valley. And so, alas, it is time for more good-byes!
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Thursday June 26th, 2014 1:46:12 PM
Emrys sticks his head out the back kitchen door to see if Royston is alright. "That was truly disgusting ... could you fill this glass jar next time you do that?"
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday June 26th, 2014 2:04:30 PM
ooc:
Absolutely serious question: I can use my acid breath weapon once per day. If we were to purchase/craft a glass or copper tub, could Royston "milk" himself on a regular basis? We could then fill glass flasks. For personal use only, of course, not for selling.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Thursday June 26th, 2014 2:31:54 PM
Lowell has a great time shopping with his twin, and comes back smiling. As soon as he hears Alleah's announcement, the smile wipes away from his face. "O-Oh.... you are leaving, Alleah? I see...... Okay.... Crescent Valley, eh? Sounds like a nice place. I hope that you will have a great time there!!! Don't forget about us, okay? I promise that I will remember you!" He smiles a bit. "Hey, before you go, here." Lowell goes over to the young halfling girl and hugs her. "Just for good luck." He whispers.I wish that she could stay with us for longer... Lowell thinks to himself. Alleah really is a great friend.... Lowell lets go of Alleah and looks away, trying to hide the tears on his face.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(89) / -2 Con Thursday June 26th, 2014 3:10:14 PM
Ariach is really sad about Alleah´s retirement. Although he doesn´t like her profession he likes her fresh and sometimes cheeky activities. And there is no doubt that she has a good heart.
With Alleah leaving too, Ariach fears that the Vanguards will fall apart.
And Emry´s and Sir Royston´s condition fears him as well.
"I wish you good luck Alleah and may Domi help you" is his honest but short goodbye to the halflling.
Later on he asks Sir Royston about his acid breath. "Did i understand it right? You aren´t sick. Vomiting acid is a natural thing for you?"
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Thursday June 26th, 2014 5:42:41 PM
OOC to Royston: Highlight to display spoiler: { The DD rules refer to the sorcerer bloodline rule, which says, Breath Weapon (Su): At 9th level, you gain a breath weapon. This breath weapon deals 1d6 points of damage of your energy type per sorcerer level. Those caught in the area of the breath receive a Reflex save for half damage. The DC of this save is equal to 10 + 1/2 your sorcerer level + your Charisma modifier. The shape of the breath weapon depends on your dragon type (as indicated on the above chart). At 9th level, you can use this ability once per day. At 17th level, you can use this ability twice per day. At 20th level, you can use this ability three times per day.Sorry, I see nothing in these rules that would allow you to create grenade-like weapons of any sort, nor pools of acid, nor any lasting effect at all. I would add that your breath weapon inflicts energy damage, but does not create any physical object whatsoever.}
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Thursday June 26th, 2014 5:46:01 PM
Grell sighs at Alleah's announcement. So many people leaving. It is a hard thing to accept. Still, if she is called, Grell understands. "I will of course follow up with the people at the orphanage for you." Grell gives the little halfling a hug, then runs up to his room. He returns with a small orange tabby. "Here Alleah, I want you to take Felix Jr. with you. I know you'll take good care of him!" Grell watches sadly as Alleah says her goodbyes and then readies his things for his trip and makes sure his good adventurer suit is clean. The Vanguard has it's reputation to uphold...even if it does mean dressing up in his floofy clothes.
Evaris Thursday June 26th, 2014 6:09:34 PM
Evaris bows to the departing Alleah. "It seems the Vanguard is undergoing some transitions," he says. "Miss Lighttouch, I know your companions will miss you, and I wish you well in your new adventures."
Sir Royston's actions are, frankly, alarming. "Alemi's bones! Are you feeling all right, Sir Royston? Perhaps you should lie down...."
Indeed, it takes a while before Evaris is satisfied that there is truly nothing wrong with the young man.
RobC - Alleah Lighttouch AC 19*/15/15* -- CMD 15 -- HP 42/49 -- Mage Armor -- 1Con Dmg Thursday June 26th, 2014 8:28:32 PM
Alleah feels strangely comforted by Lowell's hug and absolutely touched by Grell giving her Felix Jr.
"Grell, I hadn't prepared anything for you. Wait, hang on..." Alleah reaches into her pack and pulls out the expensive cigar she bought in the UnderWold "I was saving this for the day we were named the heroes of Plateau City. I want you to take it and save it for a special occasion"
She smiles and hugs each person of the group, but can't bring herself to say any words of goodbye. She has managed to maintain a relatively tough exterior through her travels with them and doesn't want to be remembered as a bawling baby.
"I... I have to go now" she says quickly as she feels the waterworks about to start "I'll try and visit sometime"
And with that the young scamp makes a rush out the door.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Friday June 27th, 2014 10:09:17 AM
Sir Royston wipes the sick from his mouth and nods wearily to Emrys. "Oh, alright then. I'll just make certain to have a... bucket or something handy next time." Understanding flashes across his face in a sudden bolt of awareness. "Just a moment. I... I know what is happening." He looks up and speaks to the empty air. "Advanced warning would be appreciated next time, Father." He looks to Emrys and shakes his head. "Let's go inside, it sounds like Alleah is making an announcement.
The paladin is saddened to hear that the scoundrel halfling is departing. He wishes her well.
Lowell (Genevieve), HP 8/8 (36), AC 19/13/19, CMB 8, CMD 19, -4 CON, 5/5 Demoral Friday June 27th, 2014 2:31:59 PM
Lowell watches Alleah run out the door, then he runs to the door frame and watches her run off. "COME BACK TO US SAFE!!!!" He yells after her, hoping that she can hear his last message.
Dire Tigers! (DM Cayzle) Aftermath Friday June 27th, 2014 4:59:14 PM
Royston's remarkable new halitosic ability inspires concern from his friends -- Emrys and Ariach are both concerned and possibly intrigued by Royston's energetic spew. It takes some convincing to get Evaris to believe that the new state of affairs is healthy for Royston.
Meanwhile, Lowell is genuinely upset at Alleah's announced departure, and Grell gives her a parting gift of a kitten -- Alleah offers a gift in kind. Ariach offers her heartfelt good wishes. Evaris says farewell, and Royston and Emrys arrive just in time to see Alleah flee, before her emotions get the best of her. Lowell shouts out a last kind phrase, and then Alleah is off on her new adventure.
The next day, Marline, a young messenger from the Mayor's Office, arrives to guide you to your meeting.
Ariach AC 26/13 touch AC/19 CMD23; HP 61/61(89) / -2 Con Friday June 27th, 2014 5:35:05 PM
Of course Ariach wears no armor and weapons beside his dagger which rather counts as a tool than a weapon. He wears his simple gray tunic and hopes strongly he will not shame himself at the the meeting with the High Lord Mayor.
Evaris Friday June 27th, 2014 8:37:32 PM
Evaris dresses for the meeting in his clerical vestments, sober gray trimmed with white. His WLA pin is prominently displayed. He, too, foregoes armor, and regretfully leaves his bow behind. He does bring his silver light hammer, a weapon with special significance to his god.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Friday June 27th, 2014 10:27:17 PM
Sir Royston buffs his silver holy symbol of Domi to a shine, and presents himself downstairs. He wears no armor and bears no weapons, but then again, he never does. "Let us be off. We want to have enough time to trade our payment voucher before our audience."
Grell, HP 54/54 (82), AC 24/13/20 CMB 13, CMD 23, -4 CON, Shield of Faith(+3 AC), Guarded Stance (+1AC) Saturday June 28th, 2014 8:09:05 PM
Rising in the morning, Grell dresses in his new best forest green adventurers outfit. It feels so strange to be going to a meeting like this without armor, but that's just the way things go. He pull out his spair "froofy" outfit for Lowell and offers it to him since he's not sure if Lowell has a lot of clothing available. He looks over at Emrys and grins "You want me to do the talking, or should I leave it to you?"
Emrys ac13, hp37/37 Sunday June 29th, 2014 10:00:53 PM
After a thorough bathing, he spends most his time styling his golden locks. The new platinum streak running through his hair posed a problem at first, but he was able to establish an aesthetically pleasing balance. A balance that also included more silver jewelry with his usual gold and gems. He then dons the assemble he had put together the night before ... the best of his noble attire.
He lovingly stares into his full length mirror for the remainder of his time, scrutinizing every little fold and tuck and smiles at the vision of beauty staring back at him. "Oh my ... I am truly stunning, I can hardly stand it ... I'm breathtaking!" It's a shame he can't spend the rest of the day beholding himself, but duty calls.
When he joins the rest of the Vanguard, he is actually impressed with all their attempts at little spit and polish. "Very nice, everyone," he says. At least they tried, he thinks, that's more than what he expected. Is Grell's clothes actually clean... Wow, he thinks, baby steps in the right direction. He almost doesn't hear Grell's question. Emrys answers with a smile, "We all should speak. By the way, you have a lovely speaking voice, just be sure to employ the indoor variant."
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