Michael, Tinker, and Anna turn up the intensity of their search, but leave disapointed. Who was this man? Why did he think he could get away with this? They get the impression that Gnarlfang was a very careful man, but the leads are stone cold. Perhaps they could search for some divine assistance? The issue is closed, or will be, as far as the Fist is concerned, but sometimes it's the few unanswered questions that drive us mad.
When Nikolai and Anna report to Shark Regiment, there is a flurry of activity. Anna is threatened with official reprimand for assuming it okay to embark in such dangerous activity without permission, but Nikolai's status as Thumb of a double-fist of Agents is enough to defuse the situation.
After a short talk with those in command, Shark Regiment not only agrees to release Anna to Nikolai's Fist, but also hands him a letter to deliver to Jasper, signed by Constance Palance.
Jasper: Highlight to display spoiler: {
Jasper,
I thank you again for you help with the Agents. Shortly after you left, a response to the inquiries I promised about your son came through. He is coming from the eastern forces, transferring to Shark Regiment from Snake Regiment.
Once the business of your current mission is done, I give you permission to re-enlist under Shark Regiment. You will find your transfer papers in this letter. }
After a moment, the powers that be vanish, and return with another set of papers.
"While we are getting rid of problems, I'm passing another one on to you. We have a man fomerly of Tiger Company that got transferred to us when we first got our charter. We needed clerics, so they sent us one. Problem is, this one has a hard time at sea. I'll pass him off to you with Anna, but Constance has to do the paperwork."
The cleric is a heavily armed and armored half-orc. He could probably pass for human if he tried, but it doesn't appear he has any desire to, at this moment anyways. He is outfitted with traveling rations, and given a nod of fare-well from the Shark Regiment master at arms.
On the road, travel doesn't hold any hiccups. The wagon plods along, and soon your first day of travel comes to an uneventful close. Pru will finally have a chance to rest and restore her magic, and consider her newest powers as well. The new cleric, quiet so far, also has a chance to introduce himself!
AC 26 Touch 13 FF 25 CMD 20 HP 51/51 Jasper Steelfist (David Feest) Wednesday July 8th, 2015 2:56:17 PM " Huh. My boy is ta be transferred here. What a dwarf will do in the water is a mystery ta me, but I have been given the chance to serve with him and I can't turn that chance down. I wish ye all a safe trip back to the Citadel, an' thank ye for puttin' up with an old warhorse like me. Looks like I'll need to be gettin' over my sea sickness so that these Sharks will have a use for me. With Flowers touch I'm sure I'll be fine." "Farewell."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=17 ; Wednesday July 8th, 2015 3:13:34 PM
Insatiably curious, Michael tries to hold off on questions for the half orc, his quest-o-meter has been pegged by the mystery of Gnarlfang though and he lasts of 1/2 hour before he breaks.
Hey! so your a Half Orc huh? what's that like? Well that's a dumb question, like you'd know what it's like to be anything else. So did you know both your parents? I've heard Orcs are really aggressive, did you get smacked around a lot as a kid? I heard that Orc's hate elves, being a half orc does that mean you are just kind of annoyed at elves? What do you have against the sea? I like the sea, I don't like Skrags though, although this one time I dodged one then took a hit and ran my rapier through it's neck...fell dead at my feet. Wardd that was so cool! What I really hate are Will-o-wisps, they are hard to hit and can shock you so bad you pee on yourself. Have you ever been shocked so bad you peed on yourself? I'll tell you it makes being stealthy hard when you smell like pee. That's what I do, I'm the sneaky one, I'd tell you about the others, but they prolly want to tell you about themselves. Oh and I'm kind of an amateur chuirgeon, well I don't actually operate on people, but when I stick my rapier in a bad guy I like to go for big veins, makes them bleed out quicker. So do Orcs have vein structure similar to Humans? That's prolly not something you have a lot of experience with...it's okay. Oh OH...you're a cleric! that's great! our last one, the old Dwarf, he wasn't very good, well that's a lie, I just think he was set in his ways, old and worried about his son. we had one before him, Linden, he got eaten by Will-o-wisps, he saved us, by making three of them follow him as he ran off. Man I miss him. He was weird, but a really stand up guy, It broke his heart when Tinker got killed, but Gargul came around and brought him back, He also kiled all the Will-O-Wisps, He also told me to learn who I was, but that's kind of hard when you don't know about other people much, I figure I'm just gonna find people I like and respect and take parts of them that seem to jibe with me. Like Tinker, I figure if Gargul would bother to bring him back he must be pretty special, and you know he is! He don't talk much but he really...well you've heard people say "take one for the team"? well that's Tinker. So who do you server? is it Gargul? if it is tell him I'm trying will ya? Do you like choclate?.... Michael goes on and on, talking about nothing, trying to get the big Half Orc to talk about himself. but also...strangely enjoying using his voice, So many times he has to be quiet, it feels kind of wild and dangerous to be talking so freely, It's not the high of combat by any means, but it's kind of fun and makes the miles go by faster. The part of him that had to survive stays fairly alert though and watches the surroundings for danger,
perception 17.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday July 8th, 2015 4:10:51 PM
"It will be good to have you with us, Anna," Pru says as the group departs for the Citadel.
She introduces herself to her new half-orc Fist mate. "I'm Prudence Gundle," she says. "Gundle to most of the Fist; Pru to my friends." Pru is a young human woman, very pretty if you go for that sort of thing. Her hair is brown with some reddish highlights, worn in a single long braid that reaches past her hips. Her eyes are an unusual combination of brown, green, and gold.
When Michael gets going, all she can do is watch him with astonishment. "No Haste for you," she murmurs.
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday July 8th, 2015 5:20:47 PM
Tinker is sorry to see Jasper go, but completely understands about the need for family... Tinker has it unfulfilled himself.
The dwarf is happy that Anna is at least temporarily transferred to the Agents. It seems like most people who don't fit well in a line unit has the potential to excel in unconventional tactics...
Tinker's eyes glaze over as the little halfling starts hemoraging words from his mouth. It's really quite impressive, but as the dwarf is usually so taciturn as to border rude, he doesn't really know what to say. Well, plus the newcomer is an Orc. The deep seeded prejudices of Timker's race boils just below the surface. Close-mouthed, the brown-bearded Tinker only manages a stiff bow and a "Daemar, called Tinker. "
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Wednesday July 8th, 2015 6:19:21 PM
A woman in her late teens approaches the newest member of the group. She is above average in height with a very athletic build. Though she is lean, she is deceptively strong, carrying very little body fat. Her hair is medium length and blonde, currently back in a braided ponytail. She has piercing blue eyes that are vibrant and sparkle with life. Though she has a hard, angular face, it betrays her youth and love for life.
The woman wears sturdy traveling clothes with a heavy green cloak. She has a backpack slung across her shoulders and a bow on her back. Upon closer inspection it seems she is wearing rather sturdy armor under her blouse.
Somewhat unsettling is the girls companion. At her left flank is a large, black wolf. He seems friendly enough, but his eyes are staring hard at the newest member of the first.
"Hello, then name is Hope, Hope Sinclair. Its a pleasure to have you. I am one of the resident scouts as is my friend hear Drake." Hope nods to her wolf companion. "I also have a tendency to put arrows in people and things that need to have them put there. I also speak quite a few languages as well. I also cook, but haven't had much of a chance to show my skills in that department."
Hope then backs away and lets others meet the newest companion.
OOC: Also, I tried looking up what languages everyone speaks. Couldn't find them. Maybe we can get a sheet going. I am leaning towars Tauric for my next language but am open to suggestions. This is what her languages currently look like.
Common - Native. Dwarven - Second Language - quite fluent. Draconic - Sounds very monotone, but solid pronunciation. Orc - Not quite guttural enough. Goblin - Has a bit of trouble with the high pitches and the Cckkk sounds. Giant - Adds too many articles, adjectives, and adverbs which confuses certain speakers. Tauric - Her newest language. Sounds like she is reciting a common to tauric dictionary.
DM Warren Wednesday July 8th, 2015 8:09:06 PM Thanks for the hard work and sacrifice, Agents!
Trayvin (BrianZ) Wednesday July 8th, 2015 8:28:26 PM
Trayvin gives the Master-at-Arms a parting salute. With a sharp practiced turn, he files out the door. He follows the other Fists in silence for a bit, and gives them a chance to introduce themselves. Always a good idea to let the talkers get the first word in. Doesn't take too long.....
"My name is Trayvin. It is good to meet you all. It is my understanding we will be working together." He raises an eyebrow at Michael, but shows patience in answering his questions. "It's a bit trying sometimes." "Huh? of course I knew both my parents, doesn't everyone?" "I smacked as often as I got smacked I suppose." "I have no disagreement with any elves, though I have noticed they don't tend to be overly friendly to me. Dwarves either for that matter." "I have nothing against the sea, I'm just not very fond of what happens when you fall into water while wearing a suit of armor. Had a....close call once." "Shocked so bad that......erm no, can't say that I have." "I'm not much for sneaking, I'll leave that to you." "I trained with the priesthood of Domi, but my calling ended up being all the Gods of the Wold. So I do revere Gargul, well, at least the aspects that are 'good'."
After answering the questions, he has only one of his own. "So, who is the commanding officer here?"
OOC- please fix the url with char name, ty :)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=28 ; Wednesday July 8th, 2015 11:54:42 PM
Nikolai is pleased with the treatment at the Shark Regiment headquarters. Even more pleased that Anna's transfer was approved. Even more pleased to be assigned a new Fist member. Saddened that Jasper decides to stay, but understands completely.
"Jasper, fare thee well. Your service was greatly appreciated. Give our regards to your son."
When the new Fist member is introduced, Nikolai does his best to show no reaction but that expected from a Thumb. "Welcome to the Wolf Regiment, Hurricane Company, First Agents, Nikolai's Fist. My name is Nikolai. Hop onto the wagon and meet the rest of the Fist."
Nikolai drives the horses to the werehouse and the loading is quickly done. Although they are depleted of spells, Nikolai does not want to stay in town with the prisoners. They are strangers here and he does not want to have to explain anything to anyone.
He takes his turn at driving the horses and is very grateful for Anna's help in keeping them calm. During the trip he explains to Trayvin the most recent events. Agreeing that ocean travel is hazardous when falling in, he explains it is hazardous even on board and describes the Sea Troll attack. He gives the highlights of the Wererat theft ring and thus their trip home with several prisoners to face the theft charges.
Nikolai feels more at ease with the half-orc than he had been with the centaurs. Probably because he grew up riding horses and it was just strange to be talking to a half-horse. At least he was not half-gnoll.
When they make camp, Nikolai sets up the watches as usual but makes sure Trayvin and Tinker are not on the same watch. He also makes sure that there is always one to watch the prisoners and two when they are being fed. Their bonds are checked each hour as well. Silver weapons are in open display to show what will happen if any try to escape.
Keeping Watch: Perc +12 = 28
Nikolai is a golden-haired half elf standing at 5 feet, 8 inches tall. his skin is tanned from being out in the sun most of the time, his golden eyes and hair an interesting contrast. He wears the simple traveling Mailed Fist uniform with a colorful belt around his waist. The belt is obviously not of Mailed Fist manufacture. He carries a crossbow and a bandolier that holds 10 shuriken. A Nunchaku and Kama are tucked in special holsters on his belt.
BTW, his languages are on his PC sheet: Common, Elven, Dwarven, Gnoll.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/13/16 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 2d4=5 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 6:51:51 AM
"Thank you for having me." Anna says to Pru.
Anna Morphe has red hair, pale skin and green eyes.. Her 5' 9" frame is fairly compact and she has decent muscle tone. She wears hide armor over an explorer's outfit in earthy tones and carries a handy haversack and efficient quiver although not being an archer.
"How do feel about Eberyon?" The Druidess Shapeshifter asks Trayvin.
While sitting around the campfire Anna goes into a little more detail about herself, "I never knew my parents. I was found at the doors of the citadel as a babe, the only identifying thing about me a piece of paper with my name on it. I was put in the care of Kara Greenleefe, a mostly retired half elf druidess agent with an assignment based in the wilds of Fargunia. Kara raised me and taught me the druidic traditions and how to survive in the wilderness. I guess not knowing where I came from is one of the reasons I was drawn to being a shapeshifter. I can be anyone." She lets that sink in and then says, "I've been all the noble races. Half-orcs and Dwarves are interesting because they have darkvision. It is interesting to go from pitch black to monochrome. Halflings and Gnomes are nimble; Elves, Half-Elves and Surface Drow have sharper senses. I've flown, swum and ran on four legs. I have respect for living things; plants, animals, people. I can usually I've walked in another beings shoes, or hooves, paws, wings in the case of animals."
Before turning in for the night Anna casts Plant Growth opting for the enrichment affect. (This effect targets plants within a range of a half-mile, raising their potential productivity over the course of the next year to one-third above normal.) Highlight to display spoiler: {"Thank you for sheltering my new friends and I"} she says in Sylvan.
The next morning she does her morning ritual to Eberyon and nature recovering her spells and wild shaping ability. Anna opts for the same spell selection of the previous day with the addition of snare for leveling.
"I can make a magical trap at the next campsite." Anna informs the group
She then picks some berries and casts goodberry yielding 5 magic berries.
She has 2 thoughts about what form she should take for the days journey. "I'm thinking I either turn into an air elemental and use my speed to scout ahead and perform aerial reconnaissance or become a tiger again, staying upwind from the horses. I can still move quick, but if we get into a bind, suddenly you have a tiger in your corner." She says to Nikolai.
(OOC: languages known: Common, Sylvan, Druidic, Auran, Terran, Ignan, Aquan)
Wildshape: (3/3) times remaining 3 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals }
DM Ken Thursday July 9th, 2015 4:07:52 PM
With the trip from Isumbre back to the Citadel taking nearly 20 days at the wagons pace, the Agents, plus Trayvin and Anna (who have yet to receive the special designation) have plenty of time to bond on the road. The weather is fair and the other travelers on the road honest.
The prisoners behave well enough, none attempting any outright escapes, though once or twice they might be found attempting to check their bonds. Even if they broke free however, the extra attention paid by the Fist would likely prevent them from getting very far.
Days fade into a week, and a week fades into nearly three, as you pass through Ilanny, Rhaedell, and finally Ham City.
It is night as you finally break past the last lazy wind of the southern road leading south from Ham City. The Citadel is not far now, perhaps only an hour or two away depending on whether you can keep your trails straight. With no reason to set up camp for such a short amount of time, you continue on.
At around four miles from home, in the distance and slightly off the road, you see a campfire burning brightly, as well as the pavilion shaped tent that is standard issue of the Mailed Fist. About a dozen men are sitting around the fire together. They do not seem to have noticed you yet. A cookout perhaps?
Perception 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {A fully armed cookout? These racially varied men are all armed and armored, except for a few in much looser clothing.}
Perception 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {A fully armed secret cookout? A few of the men are loudly arguing about the fire being too large, and there being too great a chance of being seen.}
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 d20+10=25 ; d20+11=17 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 4:27:36 PM
Hope raises a fist to signal to her companions to stop. A quitely as possible Hope whispers to the others, This isn't right, they are fully armed and trying to be secretive. We should back track and go around. We need to complete our mission."
Perception: 25 Stealth: 17
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=26 ; d20+12=24 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 5:52:54 PM
Nearly three weeks of travel, and that Treyvan is a cleric of Domi, slowly mellow Tinker with the newest possible ember of the Agents. Tinker has even ridden beside Treyvam and unbent enough to talk of his time before the Mailed Fist.
Flecks of rust streak Tinker's dark chocolate hair and trimmed beard, framing a chiseled bronze face set in a permanent frown of concentration. Heavy leather-and-canvas boots, trousers, tunic, vest, and cloak with lots of pockets clothes the dwarf, revealing very little skin. Weapons, tools, and a large backpack stuffed with more implements complete the image of a young adventurer expecting the worst and ready for anything.
"I was found by a gnome family near Trader's Corner in Culverwood at the site of a destroyed caravan. They raised me as best they could, and I learned about being a dwarf and thief-catcher from a neighborhood dwarf."
Tinker is helpful around camp, and checks his bonds on the prisoners regularly and unpredictably. Cuts wood, totes water, sets up tents, tends the fire without complaint. The only thing he can cook, however, is beans and tea.
On the last night, the Agents are pushing to the Citadel and spot the fires. Tinker disagrees with Hope. "They don't want to be seen and the only thing out here is the Citadel and those who depend on the Fist. It is our duty to find out more and warn the Citadel." Tinker ties his backpack to his pony's crupper, and waits for Nikolai's nod to dismount and do some scouting. (He tells everyone what he saw/heard in the spoilers)
Tinker will have his bow in his hand while scouting and casts Toro's Try to be even stealthier.
Perception 26 Stealth 24
Trayvin (BrianZ) d20+4=5 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 10:02:17 PM
While on the road, Trayvin answers a few more questions. "Eberyon seems to be intent on reforming, I will reserve judgement until I see the results." He listens to Anna talk about 'being' many different things and decides to offer a suggestion. "What about just being yourself? Michael asked me earlier what it is like to be a half-orc. Sometimes just 'being' one thing can be difficult, I can't imagine how hard it must be to be many different things."
Trayvin holds his position and waits to find out if something unusual is happening. He tries to keep his gear from making noise while the group's scouts do their job.
OOC- perception = 5
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=29 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 11:24:17 PM
Michael sees and hears the men discuss the fire, to his mind there are two possible reasons these troops are out here. this leads to several different possibilities.
I think that one of us needs to go find out what is going on, the rest of us need to hang back, we can't take all of these guys if it goes South, well maybe we can, but we need to be able to either get someone to the citadel to get the word our or come in on them while they are concentrating on the one in their camp and get the drop on them. he whispers this to Nickolai, begins moving laterally, to come into the camp from a different angle from the rest of the party.
Perception 29.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=14 ; Thursday July 9th, 2015 11:59:26 PM
Spells in Effect: mage armor
During the trip, Nikolai tells Treyvin a little more about himself. "My father joined the Mailed Fist when he was a youth and my grandfather and great grandfather before him. My father still serves in the cavalry company of the Wolf Regiment. My mother was in the Mailed Fist too. She's a wizard. She retired from the Fist a few years after they were married and then I was born. I like horses but I'm not as good a rider as my father, so I joined the infantry."
Perc +12 = 14
Nikolai is too busy with mundane stuff to notice anything unusual but he takes his scouts' word that the situation is unusual.
"Not wanting to be seen is not that unusual but we are hampered to do anything we normally would do with these prisoners but we can listen in on them for a while if Anna can shape-shift into an owl and perch upon a branch and listen. Owls are super silent and have great hearing, so you don't need to get too close. If you can do that, we'll continue on towards the Citadel and you can catch up with us pretty easy when you've found out anything useful.
In any case, don't stay more than 30 minutes. See if you can notice any uniform and what Company they are from. At 30 minutes away, we can be safe enough away from them to decide what best to do.
Will you do this, Anna?"
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday July 10th, 2015 1:00:42 AM
Pru listens to Nikolai's plan. "Or, I could just go talk to them," she suggests. "I don't look like much of a threat, and I'm pretty good at talking to people."
Anna Morphe[Barn Owl] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 14 2d4=3 ; 2d4=5 ; 2d4=6 ; 2d4=4 ; 2d4=8 ; 2d4=5 ; d20+13=17 ; d20+11=30 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+7=17 ; d4+2=5 ; Friday July 10th, 2015 12:04:58 PM
While on the road Anna had made a sack (took 10 on craft for 11, typical item craft DC = 10, sack costs 1 sp; sack was successfully crafted for 4 cp)
She also had searched for 6 different types of large leaves (Survival : 17). She started a system for organizing her good berries. She wraps each bunch of berries in a different type of leaf. She has 3 berries in one type of leaf that will expire in 1 day, 5 berries in a different type of leaf that will expire in 2 days, 6 berries in another that will expire in 3 days, 4 berries in another that will expire in 4 days, 8 berries in another that will expire in 5 days and 5 berries in the last that will expire in 6 days. She has explained this system to her companions.
(Perception: 30)
Anna also picks up on the conversation at the campfire. Nikolai's thoughts on the matter align with her own and when Pru offers another option, Anna thinks it may be best to consider combining the ideas.
Anna says, "Or we do both...Maybe if I fly over there and I can't get enough information, I could hoot and then Pru could walk over and get more information."
Before shifting Anna gives, the sack of leaf bundled goodberries to Pru. "If you need to come to the clearing, perhaps it should be with gifts? Eating a single berry provides enough nourishment as a single meal. It also heals a small bit. Also you are a mage, I could pretend to be your familiar. If you come to the clearing and feel you are in trouble, say the word 'rutabaga' and I will fly onto your shoulder and cast bark skin on you, or entangle on plants near their campfire. I can cast spells while in wild shape now so I won't be just an owl. "
Anna then shrinks and feathers sprout. Her nose becomes a beak and where Anna stood now stands a tiny barn owl with brown coloration on her wings, back and tail and grey coloration on her belly and heart shape face.
Owl-Anna casts guidance and the Liontaur version of Toros Taur Try on herself.
She takes off indirectly toward the campfire. She looks for a tree to perch in near the gathering, but indirectly so and settles in to hear what the men have to say. If it seems like they are paying her more attention than one would a normal owl she looks for a diminutive or fine rodent or lizard she could prey on to sell her cover and swoops down to attack her prey. (17 vs prey animal; 5 damage) If she kills it she carries it back to the tree she was in and starts eating, whilst spying on the gathering.
(Stealth: 16, Disguise: 20, Perception: 26)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Beast Shape II - tiny animal [owl] 6 hours +4 size bonus to dex, -2 size penalty str, +1 natural armor, +2 size bonus AC, +2 Attack, +8 stealth so adjusted stealth roll modifier is +12 +4 fly so adjusted fly roll modifier is +15 +10 disguise -2 CMB/CMD 10 ft base speed, fly 60 ft(average), low light vision, 2 talons+7(1d4+2) +1 next roll - guidance + 1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 minutes
Wildshape: (2/3) times remaining 3 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals }
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday July 10th, 2015 5:19:27 PM
Tinker is really wary, but reminds himself that Pru can take care of herself, and Anna will be there to bail her out if, as Michael says, 'things go South'. And with two going on the Scout, Nikolai's gonna need Tinker back here to keep an eye on the prisoners.
Tinker stays back and watches the four in the waggon with his silver-tipped urgrosh.
A number of ideas are bandied about. Some propose ignoring the men in sake of their mission. Others point out that in duty to Fist and Fargunia, they need to find out what these men are about.
Pru, brave Pru, finally takes matters into her own hands and approaches the men. Anna hatches a grand scheme of hunting prey, shape shifting, and perching in various order, but is limited to simply approaching with Prudence.
The men make notice of Pru. They don't seem to concerned as she approaches. One of the men, holding a bow, stands to greet her, then spies her Mailed Fist uniform and quickly nocks an arrow, pointing it at Prudence! The men nervously jump to their feet.
One seems to point in the direction of the wagon, then shouts that more folks are about.
"Identify yourselves, all the way up to your regiment and come no closer!"
Knowledge Local 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {This lad is a fairly seasoned Fist archer, by your recollection. You have seen him before, and recall he has been enlisted at least as long as yourselves. }
Perception 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {None of the men are wearing any rank or insignia emblems, though many are still wearing fist standard issue equipment.}
Perception 20: Prudence and Anna only. Highlight to display spoiler: {The insignia has been removed in various ways - some with evidence of being ripped off in haste or anger, and others having been carefully removed by cutting the stitches. His actions are fluid and betray extensive training. }
Sense Motive 14: Prudence and Anna only. Highlight to display spoiler: {The young man has all the hallmarks of a trained fighter, but he seems completely terrified. If not either disarmed or talked down, he might lose control.}
Those scouting away from the camp site notice nothing unusual. The men seem to be intent on guarding their small area, not patrolling elsewhere.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+18=34 ; Friday July 10th, 2015 9:04:58 PM
since Michael distanced himself away from the wagons he tries to slowly sneak closer to the men, coming in on their left side while they are concentrating on Pue and the Wagons. stealth 34.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20=20 ; d20=16 ; d20+10=22 ; Friday July 10th, 2015 10:54:34 PM
Pru smiles slightly, and holds up her hands to show that she is unarmed. "Hello," she says calmly. "I'm Lance Corporal Prudence Gundle of Komanov's Fist. Wolf Regiment." [She lists all the other things too, Company and so forth. The player is embarrassed to admit she doesn't know all this stuff. But Pru knows it and gives all the requested information.]
"What happened?" she asked. "I'm guessing it's pretty bad, but whatever it is, I'm sure it can be fixed. If everyone stays calm and doesn't act hastily." [Diplomacy 22]
Anna Morphe[Barn Owl] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 14 d20+11=26 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+10=24 ; Saturday July 11th, 2015 1:55:02 PM
(Perception: 26, Sense Motive: 8)
(OOC: Is the ground around here considered wet or dry?)
Owl-Anna perches on Pru's shoulder as the sorceress approached the guard. She takes in her surroundings and the archer, but she can't get a good read on him. Owl Anna casted guidance on Pru before she addressed the archer. (+1 to her diplomacy roll, so Pru's new total is 23)
Owl-Anna attempts to look cute and owl-ey. (Disguise: 24)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Beast Shape II - tiny animal [owl] 6 hours +4 size bonus to dex, -2 size penalty str, +1 natural armor, +2 size bonus AC, +2 Attack, +8 stealth so adjusted stealth roll modifier is +12 +4 fly so adjusted fly roll modifier is +15 +10 disguise -2 CMB/CMD 10 ft base speed, fly 60 ft(average), low light vision, 2 talons+8(1d4+2) + 1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 minutes
Wildshape: (2/3) times remaining 3 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals }
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday July 11th, 2015 4:33:33 PM
Tinker does his duty and watches the prisoners as he knows Pru and Anna will do their duty
Trayvin (BrianZ) d20+4=19 ; d20+5=25 ; Saturday July 11th, 2015 10:37:14 PM
"Mailed Fist without rank? What's going on here?" Trayvin draws his silver mace, and moves closer to the prisoners. This would be a bad time for them to start getting brave thoughts about escaping. He gives them a stern look and hopes they get the message.
OOC - perception = 19, intimidate = 25
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Sunday July 12th, 2015 3:45:37 AM
Hope and Drake stand by with the prisoners.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=30 ; Monday July 13th, 2015 1:42:56 AM
OOC:rolled for new hps on LnB. PC sheet ready to upload to google.docs. Do that tomorrow.
IC: Per +12 = 30
Nikolai chuckles. The Agents don't really have ranks either. But these aren't Agents. There should be officer ranks considering their numbers even if the Thumb doesn't have one.
"Sometimes mysteries have a simple answer. If they've just been discharged, their contracts with the Mailed Fist up and they didn't re-enlist... but then why stick with the uniform? Good question."
Nikolai does worry about his two troopers, but they need to get the prisoner wagon far enough away so it's not compromised.
He waits anxiously for word. So close, yet so far away.
DM Ken Monday July 13th, 2015 12:52:46 PM
After identifying herself as an Agent of Nikolai's Fist, a few of the men begin to murmur among themselves. A few seem to recognize you, and one of them steps forward and speaks.
"Double Fist? Where are the rest of you? I don't want to explain this twice. If memory serves, you are coming back from Isumbre? Constance dispatched someone there not long ago after you. If you've not heard word, it's possible someone got them."
He takes a deep breath and decides to wait. Once the Fist, minus anyone scouting is present, he continues right where he left off.
"And if they didn't get to you, then you've no idea of the muck-storm Constance started."
One of the men nudges him with an elbow in the ribs.
"Or Pavilion, depending who you back. Rumor is Pavilion Neutronis, our respected Field Marshal and galiant supreme commander of the Mailed Fist, has invaded Alithmar and the Free-Staters and the Empire of Aisildur have promised war."
One of the men, a younger man in robes, pipes in.
"Ailithmar is a city in the northern part of the empire of Aisildur. The Free Staters are a group of city-states that constantly in fight, but have a solid pact to repel any outsiders. Ailithmar also near the home of the Eyrie, the base fortress of Eagle Company."
He spits, then sets a steady gaze on Prudence.
"That means were fighting nations now, and that's NOT what we signed up for. Constance gave us free reign to leave if we want. Lots of guys didn't like it. THEN she declared that Wolf Regiment absolutely would not support Neutronis. Lots of guys HATED that. Now there's two sides at each other's throats and blows have been struck here and there. People are dead. It's getting ugly fast."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday July 13th, 2015 4:04:45 PM
As requested, Pru gives the word to the rest of her Fist to approach and listen to the men.
When the trooper gives his news, Pru all but reels from the shock. An invasion? What could the Field Marshall have been thinking? Of course...
"You said this was a rumor?" she says. "It was rumored that Field Marshall Neutronis invaded this city? Has there been any kind of confirmation? Perhaps it's not as bad as it's being made out."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Monday July 13th, 2015 7:03:53 PM
Anna flies off of Pru's Shoulder and resumes being a woman. She gradually grows taller while the feathers retract until she is back to her old self.
"Isn't the Fist able to do what it does because it stays neutral in the affairs of sovereign states? What exactly is in Ailithmar that Pavilion would deem it worth the cost of our neutrality? Where did these rumors come from? Could it be possible that the rumors are baseless? Could the Fist be the target of a smear campaign?"
Trayvin (BrianZ) Monday July 13th, 2015 9:06:43 PM
"This....all sounds pretty disturbing. We need to complete the transport of these prisoners, and then find out what is going on."
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Monday July 13th, 2015 10:26:26 PM
Hope looks dumbfounded by what she hears. "This is bad. This is nothing but bad. Very, very bad."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+7=10 ; d20+1=12 ; Monday July 13th, 2015 10:47:35 PM
OOC: presumably Anna-owlette would have taken off to report to Nikolai that the Double Fist was requested to hear the news from the Citadel. That would have brought everyone back.
IC: Nikolai is very suspicious of the call to return to the camp. He trusts Anna-owlette but not strangers. However return they must, as Pru is still there.
He assesses the situation as they casually approach with the wagon, his Fist ordered (as if that was really necessary) to be on the alert and extra weary.
Nikolai introduces the Double-Fist and in turn recognizes some of the others in the group around the camp. The news from the Citadel is not good. 'I was really looking for a couple day's rest...'
"Invading? Without a contract? Sounds to me that the rumor mill is churning overtime. Like Anna said, did anyone think of verifying this before going bonkers?"
He pauses for a moment to let this sink in then continues, "Considering that you all are out here and not in the Citadel means you've chosen to leave the Mailed Fist in opposition to Captain Palance. Simply said, since she gave everyone freedom of choice, there's no reason on our part to hold any grudge against you. Choose Constance, choose Pavilion, until the truth is known, no one should hold anything against the other. Unfortunately we don't have this freedom of choice right now. We have some important prisoners to deliver to the Citadel. I must report back and finish this Contract. Once that is done, we will be free to choose such as you were.
I say this so you don't hold it against us that we return to the Citadel. Contracts are Contracts, the heart of the Mailed Fist, you know."
NIkolai says this for two reasons. Although there was no real Contract from a Customer to seek and apprehend the thieves stealing from the Mailed Fist, the orders from Constance were pretty much as much an Internal Contract as one can get. Second, he needed to keep the nature of the thefts secret, even if everything else was falling apart. Using the ruse of a Contract, something that these ex-Fist members should still hold in high regard, he hoped to remain on good terms with them and also impress upon them that if Commander Pavilion Neutronis actually did invade anything, there would have been a legal, binding Contract that would explain everything. If not, then maybe an impostor was acting in the Commander's place.
"I have no authority to say this, but I believe I can speak for the Double-Fist that we shall get to the bottom of this. I just ask that you keep an open mind. Commander Palance is a loyal, dedicated Commander. She must feel something is wrong, perhaps an impostor has taken Commander Neutronis prisoner and doing this in his place. You never know. We shall do our best to fin out."
Nikolai tries to sense the mood of the ex-Fist around him after his short speech.
Sense Motive +7= 10 Diplomacy +1 = 12
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+18=38 ; d20+13=33 ; Tuesday July 14th, 2015 12:05:03 AM
Seeing the others in the party close to parley Michael thinks it wise to stay on the down low, he stays still but watches warily for any attempts at malfeasance on the part of the group.,
Stealth 38 perception 33
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 7:20:09 AM
Tinker drives the wagon to the edge of the other camp per Nikolai's instructions. His mind reels at the improbable, impossible information that the group relays. "Not against Captain Palance, my Thumb, but staying neutral and not willing to fight a shield brother or sister. ".
Tinker isn't very good (ie terrible) at noticing let alone reading others feelings, but loyalty to the group? That he understands very well. "There are four sides to this news. Those who believe Pavilion, those who believe Captain Palance, those who don't know who to believe, and those so demoralized that they have completely deserted the area. These troopers before us are outside the Citadel but have not completely left. I think they are not willing to raise steel against comrades and are waiting for the dust to settle. ". He pauses and adds in afterthought, "and they have Captain Palance's leave to do so. "
Tinker doesn't say anything about their next actions because Nikolai summed it up well. THIER orders are to bring the prisoners. And they must report to Captain Palance before anything else.
DM Ken Tuesday July 14th, 2015 2:26:16 PM
Since Nikolai's short address didn't include the words "You're coming with us back to the citadel.", people seem to have relaxed. The archer un-nocks his arrows and stands down.
A smaller man, with a thin frame and wearing robes, joins the conversation.
"So, to be frank, you are going to let us go? We aren't going back there. We have a clear discharge from Palance."
He offers the first insight into their newfound freedom.
The letter seems genuine, as you have often seen her script. Written in Palance's impatient, forceful strokes and impeccable grammar, it is a simple discharge, stating the unrest with the Free-States and the Empire of Aisildur as a breach of contract that releases the men from any punitive actions.
"You should stay with us. Execute the prisoners, they aren't worth the hassle anymore, and that's all Constance will do most likely. It's safer in a big group anyways."
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 3:03:47 PM
Tinker harrumphs. "I think you taking the discharge from an officer is being loyal to the Fist. And we have our own decision and loyalty. It is on my honor and the honor of my Fist to deliver these prisoners unharmed. Once that is done, i will see what comes. "
armed with this earth shattering information, Tinker looks to Nikolai, impatient to get to the Citadel.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 5:27:21 PM
Pru smiles a little when the man asks if they will be allowed to go. "I'm flattered you think we could stop you," she says.
Then she frowns. "Nobody is executing prisoners out of hand," she says. "I'm surprised you suggested it. I know you're no longer members of the Fist, but did you also stop being men of honor?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Tuesday July 14th, 2015 7:06:43 PM
Anna chimes in "Also a few of us are transfers from Shark regiment. I guess the timing could have been better but it is what it is. I am one of those transfers and I plan on reporting to Constance herself first, before making any plans for the future."
"As for the prisoner's lives, well they may eventually be forfeit or they may not be. Their fate, however, is not for us to decide, especially when the reason for doing so is to spare some hassle. They are living beings and deserve some dignity. If the sentence for their crimes is execution, then so be it. At least let them be judged fairly, before being put to death." Anna opines.
"As for letting you go, unless Nikolai says otherwise, I am perfectly fine in letting you go on your way. Just as long as you do not seek to harm the prisoners we are escorting and let us go on our way. I mean I may have been an owl earlier but I can also turn into a tiger and trust me you don't want to see me turn into a tiger. It didn't go so well for the last guy."
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Tuesday July 14th, 2015 8:40:14 PM
Hope is disturbed by what she hears. It seems to do the right thing, they will have to become traitors to the Fist, or remain loyal and do the wrong thing.
"Nothing is ever easy" the ranger mutters to herself.
Trayvin (BrianZ) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 9:23:18 PM
Trayvin has a suggestion for the former Mailed Fist troopers. "I hope when all of this settles, you all find that rejoining the Mailed Fist will be worthwhile. Maybe it is not as bad as you think."
Then again, maybe it is, the cleric thinks to himself. It sounds bad, and he hopes the Mailed Fist comes through the trial that seems to be upon them all in one piece.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday July 14th, 2015 10:54:35 PM
Nikolai tries to not look displeased at the ex-Fit's flippant attitude. Looking over the papers he nods.
"Ah, how easy it is to forget the discipline. Even outside the Mailed Fist, executing prisoners without a trial is considered criminal in most places. More so for us, since WE don't have that nice piece of paper YOU have. The Double-Fist still falls under the jurisdiction of the Mailed Fist and any behavior outside of the Code is a Court Martial offense. Besides, Commander Palance will want to close her Casebook on this Case and she can't without a trial and the Contract needs to be certified as 'Accomplished with Satisfaction' so that there are no legal repercussions.
You are free to go and wander around wherever you wish. I've no command to stop. Since now that you are free, you have the best opportunity to travel north to Alithmar and find out the truth for yourselves. That actually could be to your great advantage, for you are now independent and can assess the situation from an unbiased view. This could make your group here very famous!" Nikolai finishes, beaming with a big smile.
He turns to Tinker and makes the sign for Move Out. Then to the rest of the Double-Fist gathered there he says "Time to get these prisoners off our hands. Once Commander Palance is satisfied we can make our own decisions. Each one of you is free to choose how you see it and none of us will hold it against you."
Before they leave Nikolai expresses the same sentiment towards the others as friends. He extends his hand for a hand shake and says, "Fare the well in your new endeavors. My father himself once left the Mailed Fist and struck out on his own. Did very well indeed in an uncharted land helping protect a mithril mine. Perhaps you too will find such lucrative employment. But regardless the case, always remember to be honorable and people will respect you and like you."
"Let's go, Double-Fist. I want a bath!" he shouts the order to move out chuckling loudly.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20=18 ; Wednesday July 15th, 2015 4:21:09 AM
seeing the meeting break up Michael pulls tail to make sure that they aren't being followed as they move out
ooc: sorry that roll was supposed to have a +13 in front of it. so 18+13 is...uh...carry the 1...31! HA! and they said public education is sub par.
perception 31.
he then runs like mad to catch up with the wagon.
DM Ken Wednesday July 15th, 2015 10:32:28 AM
The young man blushes when Prudence gives a compliment, then is almost immediately ashen when she, Nikolai, Tinker, and all the others chime in on his apparent lack of respect for life in the name of personal safety and expediency.
Crestfallen, he nods quietly while Nikolai talks, then is suitably perked up by the offer of friendship at the end. Like a parent, Nikolai masterfully broke down and built up the man. Perhaps it was something his father did often? When Trayvin says his words of encouragement, the men seem genuinely thoughtful.
As the Fist rides off, one of the men start suddenly.
"You asked a question lance corporal! About the rumors. Neutronis HAS invaded. The only rumors are as to why! Please don't sic your tigress on us!"
Michael doesn't notice anyone following, though they do start setting up a perimeter immediately after Nikolai's Fist departs. Hope is concerned about the road ahead, and rightly so.
The remainder of the trip home is not pleasant. The closer you come, the more you see outbreaks of combat. It seems the rift in the Fist is severe, and not altogether about crossed words and philosophies. From time to time bodies are discovered, covered in bits of parchment that are torn to tiny pieces. As the paths wind towards the central gate to the Citadel, you stumble across yet another gruesome sight. A pile of bodies, numbering at least a full score, covered in ragged hacks and gashes. A sign, pointed so those in the citadel can read it, is written in a thick red substance.
"THE TRUE WOLVES OF PAVILION DO NOT ABIDE DESERTION. SURRENDER, PALANCE"
The Citadel gates are closed, and men seem to be stationed along the walls, but only a fraction of what should be. The path to the gates is clear, and they are a mile or so away.
Perception 18/Linguistics 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {None of the bodies are wearing rank insignia, and the tiny bits of parchment seem to be copies of Palance's discharge notices, shredded into pieces.}
Perception/Profession Soldier 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {The weapons used vary from bludgeons to slashing to spells. }
Survival 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {There are many sets of tracks leading in and out of the thin forests that dot the landscape. Some of the sets seem canine in nature, belonging to something resembling a large wolf.}
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 d20+10=21 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+9=19 ; Wednesday July 15th, 2015 7:02:42 PM
Hope looks around and mentions what she finds to the others. "None of the bodies are wearing rank insignia, and the tiny bits of parchment seem to be copies of Palance's discharge notices, shredded into pieces. I also noticed that the weapons used vary from bludgeons to slashing to spells".
If someone is able to help her with survival she mentions, "Highlight to display spoiler: {There are many sets of tracks leading in and out of the thin forests that dot the landscape. Some of the sets seem canine in nature, belonging to something resembling a large wolf.}"
"I think this confirms the worst of it."
Perception: 21 Linguistics: 21 Survival: 19 (Aid another someone?)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=19 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+13=24 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+10=16 ; Wednesday July 15th, 2015 7:10:31 PM
==Right after leaving the discharged gathering== Anna grabs her sack of good berries from Pru and runs back to the gathering. She takes out the leaves containing the 4 berries with a 4 day expiration date and the 8 berries with a 5 day expiration date.
She smiles and says, "I'm sorry to have scared you, but I misinterpreted your words to mean you meant the prisoner's harm. It sounds like we are in the midst of trying times for us all, so it is understandable how someone may be a little rattled and say something they may not have normally said. There are twelve of you, so please take a magic berry. Eating it will nourish you as if you had a full meal and heal you a minor amount. This magic will only last 4 or 5 days so I would advise you to eat the berry before then. Please take this berry as a token of friendship. May it aid you if even a little bit on wherever your travels take you."
After this gifting Anna has the following left in her sack: 3 berries in one type of leaf that will expire in 1 day, 5 berries in a different type of leaf that will expire in 2 days, 6 berries in another that will expire in 3 days and 5 berries in the last that will expire in 6 days.
==At the chaos outside the citadel== As she approaches the Citadel Anna casts the minotaur version of Toros Taur Try and on herself.
(Perception: 19, Linguistics 18, Survival 24)
"These corpses are not wearing any insignia like our friends by the fire and the paper pieces appear to be the remnants of discharge papers, their cause of death varies from blunt force trauma, cuts and stab wounds to magic." Anna says to her companions.
She then casts detect magic.
She also points out the variety of tracks that lead into and out of the forest, "Some of these tracks appear to belong to a large canine creature."
She studies the wolf-like tracks (Knowledge[Nature] : 26; Knowledge[Arcana] : 16) to determine if they look similar to any animal or magical beast she may be familiar with.
"I haven't been to the Citadel in a long time. As I said before I was found at its door step as a babe, but Kara didn't go there much and I generally assisted whatever members of the Fist showed up in my neck of Fargunia with marching orders for me until the orders included being relocated to the shark regiment's base of operations. I forget, does the citadel have an eyrie? If so, mayhap I should take an avian form again and fly their ahead of the rest of you, bearing a message from Nikolai for Constance so that, hopefully, the men at the gates will let you pass. If things are as tumultuous as they appear to be since you left, I would hate for there to be some sort of misunderstanding at the gates of the Citadel." Anna suggests.
Active Effects: Detect Magic, 60 ft cone - 5 minutes Toros Taur Try (+1 Perception, Intimidate) - 10 minutes
Trayvin (BrianZ) Wednesday July 15th, 2015 8:58:17 PM
"Are you sure that is wise Anna?" Trayvin shakes his head as he examines some of the corpses. "This may be a full scale civil war, and we don't yet know how kindly those in the Citadel will treat us. A shapeshifter appearing in their midst, after having just flown over or through their defenses may startle them into hostility. Riding up to the gate and declaring our rank may be the safer course. Or....it may get us a free barrel of crossbow bolts." The half-orc smiles and then frowns.
"Hmmm. I wonder if by going into the Citadel, if these 'true wolves of Pavilion' would then consider us an enemy?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday July 15th, 2015 9:27:04 PM
"I would act the part of a courier bird and I would have 6 hours in bird form before I would be forced to revert to my normal shape. Hopefully in that amount of time you'd get there or we could have the message ask for a reply to be sent back via the same bird." Anna answers Trayvin.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=27 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+10=13 ; Thursday July 16th, 2015 12:26:32 AM "That was a good act of kindness that hopefully will pay off," Nikolai tells Anna when she returns.
The sight of the carnage is discouraging. "Looks like to me that a fanatical element of the Mailed Fist has taken it upon themselves to be judge and jury and not taking the word of Commander Palance but exercising their own brand of justice. To disregard Commander Palance's word is paramount to mutiny. Either they are a hidden group within the Citadel and Commander Palance does not know about them or they are out here and too far from her command and control, considering the chaos," he muses. "These other animal tracks are probably scavenger wolves or wild dogs."
Anna suggests going in and delivering a message to Commander Palance of their arrival. "Not a good idea, Anna. Consider that only those without the Mailed Fist ranks are targeted, I'm pretty sure we are safe, since we still wear ours. Not only that, some of us wear the emblem of the Honor Fist, having won that title for getting the best scores on the final exams, so the Citadel knows us pretty good. So we stick together and look sharp, look like we are what we are, Mailed Fist soldiers. No slouching, no frolicking, no goofing off. We march straight and look proud."
With that said, and the gates in view, Nikolai does what he's not done before, issue orders. Although the orders are simple, it felt weird doing so. But he orders the Double-Fist to march in line, like they did on the parade grounds, except for the one driving the wagon. He has the wagon in front and the rest marching in precision steps behind it.
In this manner they approach the gates.
The wagon stops 20' from the gates and Nikolai steps from behind and moves to the front. He snaps to attention and calls out, "Nikolai Fist, 1st Agents, Hurricane Company, Wolf Regiment reporting to Commander Palance! Open the gates and let us in. Send word to Commander Palance we arrived with her prisoners and wish to hand them over to her charge. She has been waiting for over a month so snap to it!"
Nikolai does not intend to intimidate the gatekeepers. He simply hopes that the gatekeepers' sense of loyalty to Palance will be enough to get them moving, at least moving to get the commander to the gates.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday July 16th, 2015 12:40:12 AM
Pru isn't good at noticing things, but even she had surmised that the torn scraps of parchment must be the letters from Captain Palance. She looks unhappy, but has nothing to add.
She marches proudly with the rest of her Fist. Yes, things are unsettled, but that's no excuse for the kind of behavior she'd seen in some of the other troops. She glad that her unit is keeping things professional.
DM Ken Thursday July 16th, 2015 12:57:37 PM
(Giving Trayvin a chance to post before I do.)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday July 16th, 2015 1:11:26 PM
(OOC: Trayvin posted in between the 2 Anna posts yesterday)
DM Ken Thursday July 16th, 2015 3:59:34 PM
Anna, brave as ever, offers to go singly inside the Citadel as an emissary. Cool heads talk her down.
Most the the Fist are disheartened by what they see. The bodies are mostly unrecognizable, though a few hints here and there make you think you might recognize one or two of the fallen.
The nature of the Sons of Pavillion .. what kind of monsters are they? While detect magic doesn't reveal anything, a close study of the tracks indicate that it's seems likely a Dire Wolf made them.
Leaving the scene of the atrocity behind, your tiny procession nears the gates. An alert is called and men scuttle about the walls.
A nervous gates-man opens his mouth to demand you identify yourselves, but Nikolai cuts him off with a bold introduction! While his partner runs to fetch a Thumb, through the gates you can see a number of men clearing bodies, and many of them are wounded themselves.
After a few moments, the guardsman reads from a scroll.
"By proclamation of Constance Palance, only those members of the Fist who seek refuge may enter here. If you are loyal to Pavilion Neutronis in his conquest of a sovereign nation, you may find him in Ailithmar. Enter here, knowing this makes you marked for treason and rebellion, but that..."
A sharp clear voice cuts the man off.
"Agents! Inside, now! I don't care if you follow me or Neutronis in this, but I WILL hear your report and explain to you what is happening here. I need your help again."
Palance walks crisply in front of the guard, her hair is frazzled and she is out of breath. Clad in full plate armor, she must have ran the moment she heard you arrived! She motions, and he starts the process of creaking open the gate. Somewhere far behind you, a lone wolf howls a mournful cry. The path is open, the gates unbarred.
Do you enter?
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday July 16th, 2015 6:50:22 PM
Pru looks over at Nikolai. For herself, she wants to enter the city and speak with Captain Palance, but she will follow her Thumb's lead.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=16 ; Thursday July 16th, 2015 7:11:41 PM
Anna thinks out loud, "The tracks leading into and out of the woods most likely belong to a dire wolf. Between those tracks, the howling, and the message concerning the true wolves of Pavilion, I wonder if Pavilion's loyalists count an actual dire wolf or something or someone that can turn into a dire wolf among their allies. If this is the case I hope that howl wasn't a signal to attack when the gates are open."
Anna renews Toros Taur Try and tries to discern if anyone or anything in the surrounding area is making to attack the open gate, but she is distracted by the emotional impact of returning after all these years to the very place where she was found as a babe. (Perception: 16)
=== If she notices anything threatening-looking headed toward the gate Anna will alert her companions of the potential assailants. "The gate could be under attack!" She will yell and point out the potential threats.
She will then draw her over sized club from the quiver and say, "Get the wagons and Prisoner's inside. Unless you have an objection Nikolai, I will serve as rear guard and cover our entrance to the Citadel, Otherwise give me an order Lance Corporal." If Nikolai countermands her suggestion she will obey. === Otherwise if she notices no potential threats Anna will shrug and make her way toward the open gate as Constance ordered.
"The howl does not appear to be a signal, just the same Commander Palance ordered us to hop to so lets do that, that is if you agree, Lance Corporal." She will say to Nikolai and the rest of her companions. If Nikolai countermands she will obey him.
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday July 16th, 2015 8:59:53 PM
Tinker drives the wagon on, away from the worried group, along the road with the mutiliated bodies, and within sight of the gates. The pile of bodies is worrisome, especially since this is a prime area for the Sons to attack and kill them before they can make the gates!
Thankfully, the team arrives, and Captain Palance's commanding tone orders entrance and report. Tinker doesn't even need to look around, its what they came all this way for after all! He clucks at the wagon team and starts through the gate, ready to hand off the prisoners and report to their Captain.
"And if we're still alive after doing our duty, we can decide what the honorable thing to do is", he mumbles.
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Thursday July 16th, 2015 11:45:44 PM "War, war never changes." Hope remembers the words her father told the naive and young fifteen year old her when she said she wanted to join the Mailed Fist.
His words echoed in her mind. "War is harsh, war is brutal, war is not fair. Most importantly, war is ugly. You think you know what I am talking about, but until you see it... you have no idea."
He was right... almost as if he was a prophet. Looking around at the bodies she was beginning to understand. Sure, she had in battle before, and numerous skirmishes, but never a war. This is a war.
What side will I be on" Hope thinks to herself.
Shaking herself out of shock, she clinches her jaw, squints her brow, and looks straight ahead, unblinking. She puts on the warriors face to hide all emotion... save for the single tear streaming down her face.
Hope follows the others into the Citadel hoping no one notices that dang tear.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday July 17th, 2015 12:53:34 AM
Nikolai promptly snaps to and salutes the commander, then motions for Tinker to press forward and enter the Citadel. He forms up behind the wagon with the rest of the Fist and marches in with them. 'We've come this far, not turning back now, darn it!'
DM Ken Friday July 17th, 2015 5:20:33 PM
(Has anyone checked in with Shane recently? He's missed a couple this week.)
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Friday July 17th, 2015 7:02:36 PM
(Checking in. Headed to work and won't get to post again.)
Trayvin (BrianZ) Friday July 17th, 2015 7:20:47 PM
Trayvin follows the others through the gate, he hopes they made the right choice.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday July 17th, 2015 9:01:07 PM
Once inside, Nikolai has the Double Fist line up in front of Commander Palance and salutes the Commander.
"Nikolai Double Fist reporting their return with Mission Accomplished. We've also brought a a Fist member from Shark Regiment and one from Tiger Company. They have the proper paperwork for their transfer to our Fist. We have several prisoners you may question in regards to involvement. Sir!"
Note: fixed Trayin's company of origin. JT
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Friday July 17th, 2015 11:13:18 PM
(OOC: checking in before midnight)
Anna acts accordingly depending on what she saw after the howling.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=20 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+7=13 ; Friday July 17th, 2015 11:34:49 PM
Michael is silent during most of the trip back to the citadel, but as the bodies start to pile up... The threat, the proclaimation, the bodies, time slows, his breathing deepens, and the hairs raise on the nape of his neck in the last mile to the citadel. When the gates appear, whole and manned, the knot in his gut loosens a little, and the worry about his commander and the citadel is replaced with a cold anger at the sorry son of a...a...will o wisp..Pavilion.
He stands straight at Nikolai's command, and locks his step into the 2 to 1 of the smaller folk marching with tall folk. When Constance speaks...a flood of relief hits him so hard he almost stumbles and finds his eyes misty from the dust of the road. He hears the wolves, but knows that the best he can do is get his butt into the citadel so they can close the gates. The pulse of the chase, the bang, the war, sings in his blood.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Friday July 17th, 2015 11:35:58 PM
ooc; sorry guys, travel was a killer, and the first days of the new job were from can to can't, should be better now...
Scene 2: The Broken Fist
DM Ken Saturday July 18th, 2015 12:43:19 AM
- End of Scene 1!-
All players, 250 XP for RP.
--------------------------------------
Though Palance is on the walls above you, it does not take her long to make her way back downstairs. There is carnage in a number of places, with large spikes pressed into the ground cordoning off several areas. The are scorch marks, smears of blood, and signs of a frantic combat at the gates. The Last Call is boarded up, with hazard tape around it.
Of all the damage though, Palance herself seems to be worse for wear. She walks with a slight limp, and there are several obvious punctures and rends in her mithril plate armor. Her sword is notched, and her usual side-arm, a decorate dagger, is missing.
Walking briskly towards her office, her steed "Ronin", is in full tack, with a pair of lances loaded for combat. The whole place seems on high alert. Most concerning, are the numbers of Fist within the Citadel. Usually filled to the Brim, perhaps only a few hundred soldiers are accounted for. Whether death or attrition has claimed the others, you do not know. Palance looks over her shoulder and speaks as you walk.
"We don't have forever. Forget the formalities. What happened in Isumbre? Give me the quick and dirty."
She gives pause to consider the wagon.
"And them. What crime are they guilty of, and are there any mitigating circumstances?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Sunday July 19th, 2015 9:36:26 PM These were the guards, guarding the drovers wives and children for the big cheese, his name was GnarlFang, we killed him. these guys, we were able to save. I guess they were "henchmen" to the big cheese. we took down his operation, freed the women and children, picked up two new members, lost one to reassignment and started here...oh and Helmbane was complicit in all of this, he was the "inside guy" that kept the big cheese informed and kept the arrangements secret. He also kept the rat men drovers you have in custody in line by threatening to have their families killed. You might to make an announcement that the big cheese is dead and the rat men in Isumbre have their original leader back. you'll prolly get some to come forward...well if they are still alive after all this...
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+7=10 ; Sunday July 19th, 2015 10:06:20 PM
Anna reports, "I was only present since the warehouse raid ma'am."
She adds any detail as necessary and then presents her papers, "Anna Morphe, Druid formerly of Shark Regiment reporting for duty ma'am."
She then tries to assess the physical state of Commander Palance. (Heal:10) If she looks as beat up as her equipment Anna will offer Constance some good berries, saying, "You look like you could use these, commander."
Trayvin (BrianZ) Sunday July 19th, 2015 10:44:27 PM
Trayvin salutes and presents his papers. "Trayvin Smithson, formerly of Tiger Company, reporting for duty."
"I can offer to heal some of your troops. It may not be enough for all, but I'm sure it will help."
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday July 20th, 2015 8:34:18 PM
Tinker stays at attention until Constance calls for a report and goes to at ease, knowing that Nikolai will give the concise report. Tinker nods in the right places and only speaks once.
"Troopers Anna and Trayvan have proven their worth and we could use a replacement for Jasper. Recommend they be assigned to the Agents, ma'am."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Monday July 20th, 2015 9:31:24 PM
Anna also salutes and waits for the Commander's response. (OOC: Should someone be posting for Pru while Kathy is injured?)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday July 20th, 2015 9:51:36 PM
Nikolai at first replies, "Commander, remember that you wanted to keep this assignment under wraps. Shall we discuss it here, out in the open, or in your office, more privately?"
So, either there as they walk, or in her office, Nikolai gives the formal report.
"As you requested, we were to track down the thieves that were stealing Mailed Fist materiel. We had already broken up their operation from a warehouse outside the Citadel using a tunnel into the quartermaster's warehouse. Those thieves proved to be wererats. This was not a simple fly-by-night operation and they soon found another means to steal the goods. This implied some internal complicity so you asked us to keep mum about it so as not to scare them off while we started rooting them out.
Our first report was from Wedding City and came up empty. Our second attempt, going to Isumbre, we chose a much less conspicuous manner and followed a Fist and wagon. The Fist was led by no other than Sergeant Helmbane. He apparently got wind of us somehow and waylaid us, but we overcame them and captured Sgt. Helmbane. The complicity of the drovers in the thefts, though, was only due to the threat to their family's lives.
With the information they gave, we found the warehouse in Insumbre that is their headquarters and confronted the Wererat leader. Jasper felt that it was more proper to give him the chance to surrender first. He didn't and we had to fight him and his Enforcers. You see, the leader, a very hefty wererat, had a number of big, burly wererats as bodyguards and goons. By holding the families of the wererat pack hostage, the wererats felt they had no choice to steal from the Mailed Fist, something they would NOT do otherwise.
In the fight, we ended up killing the Big Cheeze, Gnarlfang. He had turned invisible but Anna, who joined us when we paid a visit to Shark Regiment HQ, sniffed him out and caught him, but being invisible, we could not get to his wounds before he died.
We did, however, capture those wererats tied up in the wagon. They are the goons, Gnarlfang's Enforcers. We brought them to face trial for the part in the thefts. Our part done, you do what you will with them. Considering the chaos here, a formal trial may be difficult. At least they should be kept incarcerated until you can deal with the matter with more appropriate attention.
Anna and Trayvin's papers explain their presence with Nikolai's Fist and they have been great assets in this.
My report now concludes. If I've left anything out, the others are free to add it in.
Now, so what's up with this business with Commander Patronis? Is there no Contract to do what he did? Can we verify that it is truly he and not some impostor?
You know, or should know, that there are Mailed Fist members that are disregarding your Release Papers and killing all those outside the Citadel that chose to leave the Mailed Fist. Regardless of why they left, if you gave them formal discharge papers, it would seem treasonous to go and kill them.
Just thought you should know this if you didn't already."
He then takes a deep breath. He keeps a straight face through all this as a neutral party simply giving a report.
Prudence. (SubSteveK) Monday July 20th, 2015 10:08:14 PM
Prudence stays quiet, the sudden violence Ina place supposed to be safe getting to her. Her thoughts go to their barracks room where her few personal possessions are. Are they safe? Or are they destroyed like the unity of the Fist?
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Monday July 20th, 2015 11:55:33 PM
Hope stands at parade rest and awaits Captain Palance's orders as the others have already explained everything much better than she could have.
DM Ken Tuesday July 21st, 2015 5:59:07 PM
Palance takes the information as she walks, nodding her head at the details.
"Thank you for your discretion Nikolai, but I doubt there will even be a Fist left when this is over. Right now, knowing who knows about supply theft is the furthest thing from my mind."
Upon reaching her office, Palance nods and makes some quick notes, then files them away. She hands a note to an aid outside her door and he scampers off.
"We don't have time for a trial, if you captured them, your word is enough for me. Immediate execution by hanging... a small mercy at least."
With a sigh, Constance stands and clasps her hands behind her back, then turns and watches the camp from outside her large window. So often she had stood here, watching the progress of young men and women who sought both career and safety through flirting with danger and combat.
"How many? How many of the youths we trained here are dead and gone now? It seems callous, but I have two minds here. Part of me misses them on a personal level. The other part misses them on watch. I hate the duality some times.."
Turning, Constance eases herself into her large desk. She rubs her temples and finally answers Nikolai's questions.
"We always knew he was ambitious but I didn't think he was stupid. He and Bear company took a contract from Ailithmar. A tribe of giants had moved into the Shadow Mountains... the contract was to clear them. Elements of both Tiger Regiment, Eagle Regiment, and Bear Regiment were mobilized. Ailithmar.. they shirked at the bill. They refused to pay, citing an inconsistency in the contract. Pavillion took exception, and declared Alithmar not only default, but subject to collateral to repayment."
She sighs and takes a long pull from her waterskin.
"When I got the letter from Pavonis asking me to mobilize, I argued with him harder than I did when we separated. Nothing would move him, he spoke of how he could start an empire more grand than that of Aisildurs... I don't think he would accept payment at this point. It's like he was waiting for the chance to pounce... The orders were lawful, but I could not follow them. War with nations is not what my Fist does. We do not usurp sovereign powers."
"It's not an impostor either. I don't think so anyways. We were close when we were younger. I'd recognize his handwriting any day. I still have some of the notes he wrote me. He was quite romantic. Much less so in his latest letter to me. He declared me traitor punishable by death. He also sent a copy to each of the other Regiments."
At mention of the dead recruits, the wistful smile leaves her face and her features harden.
"That's the Sons of Pavillion. They were the first to draw blood. They left to join Neutronis, then changed their minds and started butchering the small packs of dismissed members on sight. Scouts report there's at least 20 of them supported with some minor magic."
She gets up again and cups her hands behind her back as she gazes out her window.
"They declared me traitor, decried any missives I write as treacherous and false. Apparently they have now decided to murder their brothers who took my offer of dismissal. After all, how can a traitor give a lawful reprieve?"
Constance turns.
"Well, I don't want to keep beating around the bush. Double check your guts and choose a cause Agents. You too, newbies. If this lot have taken you in, I trust in your skill and judgement. They are excellent judges of character. I promise safe passage out of here if you side with Neutronis, but at least give me the courtesy of truth. I've already got something for you, a mission, if you choose to accept it, but I only want you to take it if you are 100% decided. But the power of this regiment will not assist him."
Prudence. (SubSteveK) Tuesday July 21st, 2015 8:16:44 PM
Prudence takes the opportunity to toss her heavy spear to the side and really listen to what Captain Constance has to say. Her eyes see the devestation of her home, the Citadel, and her mind wanders back when her father tossed her to the Fist and left without a word. And the Fist took her in. Prudence's lip quivers but her eyes are resolute.
"I stand with the Agents and with you", she says steadily.
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday July 21st, 2015 8:22:28 PM
Tinker grounds his urgrosh. "Live for the Fist, die for the Fist. I am yours to command Captain!"
Trayvin (BrianZ) Tuesday July 21st, 2015 9:26:53 PM
"Pavilion is in the wrong. We need to stand up to him. I'm sure many troopers feel the same way, but it can be hard to say so. We must show them the way, and we can start with these scum who attack their own brothers in arms, they do not even deserve the legal execution that you will have administered to the wererats. I am with you Commander."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Tuesday July 21st, 2015 10:09:34 PM
"I was abandoned here as a babe and given to Kara Greeneleaf, a Druidess and Trooper to raise. I haven't been here since then, yet your agents accepted me as their own. The way I see it, our mandate to remain neutral with respect to sovereign states supersedes getting stiffed on a contract. Certainly there had to have been an impartial third party that could have presided over an arbitration hearing instead of invading. Unfortunately, that is in the past. I am with you, Commander. Also it looks like the other side counts a dire wolf among its allies, if it is only an animal perhaps I could convince it to rethink its alliance. If, however it is someone or something else assuming a dire wolf form then I can match them, if need be." Anna says.
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Tuesday July 21st, 2015 10:15:24 PM
Hope snaps to attention and salutes the Captain. "We are with you ma'am!"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Tuesday July 21st, 2015 10:28:14 PM When I came out of Aisildur, The Fist was the first group to take me in, Your name is on my submission papers. This is my only home, it's a good place. Pavillion wants an Empire to rival Aisildur? I couldn't imagine a greater horror. I'm with you.
Michael looks pensive for a moment, then speaks again.
A question though, What does the Fist normally do when a client welches on a deal?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday July 21st, 2015 11:01:31 PM
Nikolai's first thoughts are about what is his father doing about right now? A cavalry unit would not be sent to the mountains so he's probably of somewhere else. Besides, he can very well take care of himself and his friends. But what does he know of Commander Pavonis? The reason he came here was because his father trusted Constance Pavilion.
"My father, Alexi Komonov, trusted you so I came and joined this regiment. I'll not turn away."
He answers Michael, "I've never heard of anyone squelching on a deal, Aisildur must have felt pretty safe to do so. Problem is, had Commander Pavonis really been interested in payment, as Commander Pavilion suggests otherwise, he would have had a meeting with all the other Regiments and we would have set up camp around the place and blockaded it, not an actual siege, and prevented anyone from going in or leaving without payment. All food and goods would pass though our hands and then to Aisildur, at such a high price as to pay off the Contract. Once that amount was reached, plus some for interest, then we'd leave, all peaceful. No other city state or nation would dare do such a thing again. So it is clear that Pavonis is more interested in conquering the city and lands than a payment."
He lets those words sink in and sighs with some relief knowing that their Fist seems to want to not just stick together but ally with Commander Pavilion.
"I can only speak for myself, but i think we would all be in agreement that any assignment is better than staying put. I know that someone needs to defend the Citadel, but if you give us a choice to go outside and do some good, we'll take it," he says smiling. "We'll just have to be extra careful. Outside these walls we are hunted men, er, and women."
DM Ken Wednesday July 22nd, 2015 2:39:01 PM
Constance nods at Nikolai, then answers Michael.
"He's right. It's never actually happened on a national level. A few individuals have refused, we took compensation by force, then went about business as usual. This? Think about it! The Fist is powerful, a large army bigger than that of some nations. The only reason we were ever allowed to exist was our vows of neutrality. By raising arms against a sovereign state, we can guarantee that armies from nations will march on our citadels, fearing we might target them next."
She takes a deep breath.
"I'm sure you've managed to guess, but we to stop Pavillion. He's too dangerous and if he succeeds we will all probably be declared enemies of the Free-Staters League and Aisildur and under siege within a month. The instructions are simple. Go to Ailithmar, find Neutronis, and neutralize him one way or another. There's a time limit here. Officially, Neutronis has given Alithmar 20 days to pay him. Unofficially, who knows what he will do? Of course, those regiments that answered his summons will probably be there by the time you show up, so be on your guard."
Constance hands Hope a map, and gives Prudence another Sending scroll.
"Let me know if something important happens. Use your best judgement. You have fresh horses waiting already. I had a feeling you would do what's right, not just follow orders. Your personal judgement is why you are Agents, after all."
Looking at the map it's apparent that there will be at least 10 long days of travel by horse to reach the Bay of Elenna, at least a few days by sea, and then landfall. The agents may want to shop, pack, or prepare accordingly.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday July 22nd, 2015 4:13:27 PM
Prudence accepts the Sending scroll with a subdued "Thank you, ma'am." She makes a mental note to check the spellcasting abilities of her new companions. Surely Prudence isn't the best spellcaster in the group! It's only a matter of figuring out who is.
Once dismissed, she asks her Fist-mates, "Do we want to travel in uniform? Or maybe it's safer to go incognito. What do you think?"
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday July 22nd, 2015 7:27:34 PM
Tinker salutes and responds to Prudence. "We go to our barracks and plan, Bean Pole", he says affectionately. The dwarf moves with the others back to the barracks and sees if there is anything left of their stuff.
The next thing he does is go over to the Quartermaster and see who is on duty.
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Wednesday July 22nd, 2015 8:58:49 PM
Hope takes the map and looks over it. "Even if we leave in the morning, it is going to be close. I suggest we leave soon."
Trayvin (BrianZ) Wednesday July 22nd, 2015 9:00:19 PM
"It's a tough call Prudence, there are merits to both plans. Maybe a mix of both? There may be some resentment towards the Fist right now. I feel that approaching Pavilion without uniforms will not get us close enough to confront him. We might simply be dismissed."
OOC- will the Citadel provide us with food/water for the trip or should we plan for our own?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Wednesday July 22nd, 2015 9:40:48 PM can we requisition a draw of gold to buy some necessities from the catacomb? I'm tapped out of some of the potions I need, and it looks like this is going to be one where we need every advantage we can get. and I'm tapped out on gold as well.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday July 22nd, 2015 9:51:56 PM
"Couldn't we pack both uniforms and clothes without the Fist insignia and then when we got close I could turn into an animal, see what everyone else is wearing, come back report and then we could approach dressed in a way that would blend in? Maybe we could get close enough to Pavilion to catch him by surprise? Though if we do assassinate him getting out of there could prove troublesome considering we would probably in the middle of an encampment of his loyalists, but we could always cross that bridge when we come to it." Anna says.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday July 22nd, 2015 11:58:50 PM
OOC: hard to shop when many of us have no gold.
"Good idea Tinker. This calls for some secure discussions in our barracks." However, before he leaves Commander Pavilion's presence, he hands over the Gnarlfang's chest with all the ledgers and papers so there is NOOOO question they got it right.
Back in the barracks the has all the wererats gear laid out. They know Gnarlfang's sword was magical, but what else?
"O'll Jasper pointed out these items as being magical,"Nikolai says as he lays out Gnarlfang's sword, his armor and belt, a ring, an amulet and two potions. The four swords of the bodyguards are also set down as they are magical as well.
"We need these identified and either put to good use or sold so we can buy something we need. You spellcasters, do your thing," he smiles.
As the items are being identified, he agrees that they should travel in adventuring clothes but should have their uniforms as well. 'Wish we had a Hat of disguise for all of us,' he muses.
In the meantime, he sends Trayvin and Tinker to the Quartermaster, mainly to get the supplies they'll need for the trip, but also to see if Qualtmie is still there. She will certainly be happy the wererat threat is over. What started out as a giant rat infestation in the warehouse ended up far more complicated.
DM Ken Thursday July 23rd, 2015 12:56:19 AM
DM OOC: Bonus Post.
The barracks are still mostly intact. In fact, the barracks of Double Fist are mostly untouched at all! As if to punctuate this, a small package rests on Tinkers bunk.
Inside the box is a crossbow, a single bolt, and a letter addressed to Tinker.
"Tinker!
How have things been? I hope your nice easy job in the Fist is as cushy as always! Hey, listen! Or read! Whatever! Anyways, the strangest thing happened. A guy came into Unraks store the other day selling some gear he won in a game of cards. At first, Unrak wasn't too interested. Not many folks buy weapons around here these days, not for what they are worth. Being a dwarf though, Unrak gave it the once over. This crossbow, it has a name, and you'll never believe it! You didn't just peek at the crossbow did you? Good. It's "Torvalsson's Grudethrower!" It's etched right there on the forged steel stock-weights. Can you believe it? Anyways, Unrak bought it then and there, and also the bolt that came with it. It's all worth a pretty penny, but I'll imagine you won't want to resell it. Take care!
- Jaspertink
PS, Posiepocket wants to know if your getting married, ever. Goldilocks, Calliembria, Agatorison, Obsidianness, and Nickelbak all send their regards."
Prudence and Anna quickly sort through the treasure, finishing in sort order.
Treasure Throwdown, Party Split
(4)+1 longsword, +1 vicious longsword, Ring of protection +1, Chainmail +1: 1200gp/600gp, Belt of Giant Strength +2.
Tinker Only,
(1) +1 Crossbow. 2000/1000gp (It can be heavy, light, repeating, or any combination thereof. The crossbow is heavily accented in blue forged steel and sapphire inlays. Even the thick, almost black solid wood has a midnight blue hue. There is some writing on the metal cross-piece. "All who took even a single stone from this house shall pay it's weight in blood. So is the oath of Torvalsson's Grudethrower."
If you want to do a minor surgery to take the exotic feat necessary, that's okay too.)
(1) Bolt of Greater Slaying 4057/2028gp. (This arrow also has a name etched on it, Brynjarrl. Slaying arrows/bolts are keyed to a specific creature type. This one is keyed to the creature type: Giant.)
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday July 23rd, 2015 5:55:32 PM
Tinker is pleased that their barracks are intact and very happy for the package. "My foster father", he explains to Anna and Trayvin, "I grew up in a rather large gnome family. They are very... excitable." He admires the crossbow and a single arrow, but opens the letter eagerly, reading.... and abruptly sits down.
Concentrating like he is opening a lock, his eyes whiz over the words again and again. Finally, he hands the letter up for one of his battle-mates to take, and carefully, reverently caresses the crossbow.
The resupply, Qualtmie, the treasure on the table, even the mission are whisked out of the young dwarf's head as he sits on the bed with a crossbow on his lap. "Torvalsson. Torvalsson's Grudethrower. Torvalsson..."
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Thursday July 23rd, 2015 6:17:31 PM
Hope will resupply her arrows, but otherwise is ready to take off.
DM Ken Thursday July 23rd, 2015 6:30:24 PM
(DM correction, the arrow is a bolt.)
DM Ken Thursday July 23rd, 2015 6:34:35 PM
A quick check of the map shows the Agents they can expect a 10 day trip if mounted. As the Agents beging to assemble, a commotion takes their notice. Under heavy guard, a squad of men have started the duty of properly disposing of the bodies of the fallen dismissed troopers.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Thursday July 23rd, 2015 10:45:08 PM
OOC: What about the amulet and two potions? If these are mistakes, we'll just ignore them.
IC:Once the identifying is over Nikolai lets everyone know that they should take what they can use. The rest they'll sell in the Catacombs, provided that portal is still open, and split the cash evenly. He is pleased with Tinker's gift and wonders who this Torvalsson was. Was it his father. He says nothing though.
"Looks like a burial detail. If I wasn't so tired I'd join and help. We've got too much to do, though. We need to dispose of the magical items we won't use and restock our own supplies of potions and stuff. We need to have all this done in time to leave tomorrow at the earliest time possible. I can't use most of this stuff so don't worry about me."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday July 23rd, 2015 11:31:38 PM
Pru looks over the loot. "Nothing here for me, either," she says.
"If we're going to travel as adventurers and not as the Fist," she continues, "We should buy or hire horses. It does us no good to dress as adventurers and ride horses with Fist brands on them."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday July 23rd, 2015 11:42:00 PM
"If we aren't going to take advantage of that whistle you told me about on the journey back to the Citadel, then I would like to do some shopping. I can purchase a vestment that will allow me to shape shift an additional time each day. I could be a horse or maybe something more exotic, if we are going to be adventurers." Anna says.
She then finds a unoccupied bunk for her to put her gear down on for the short time the fist will be at the Citadel.
Trayvin (BrianZ) Friday July 24th, 2015 6:42:52 AM
"I think we could get by with saying we took the horses from the Fist instead of getting unmarked ones. It's not like we appear to be a traditional Fist company."
Trayvin will join the men on burial detail briefly, and offer some final rites prayers for the deceased.
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 d20+6=10 ; Friday July 24th, 2015 7:05:15 PM
Hope tries to think if there is a short cut, or way to shave additional time off the trip.
Knowwledge Geography- 10
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday July 24th, 2015 7:59:36 PM
With no one else laying claim to any magic items, Tinker breaks out of reverie enough to ask for the magical ring. "If I'm gonna stand up toe to toe with front line fighters, I'm going to need every advantage I can in not getting hit."
Tinker lovingly folds the note into his rucksack, and lays claim to the heavy reporting crossbow.
"Time to go to the Quartmaster and Catacombs", he announces, and leads the group to the resupply station.
DM Ken d100=86 ; d100=59 ; d100=95 ; d100=29 ; d8=6 ; Friday July 24th, 2015 9:30:25 PM
The catacombs are visited, purchased made, and magic tallied. Nikolai recalls that Gnarlfangs amulet had not yet been accounted for, nor a couple of potions. The latter are easily identified, both cure moderate wounds. The former emitted a heavy aura of transmutation, and appeared cursed. Executing his best judgement, it was turned into Constance during his report for proper archiving and disposal.
When there is no more errands to run, the eastward journey begins.
Please give up a watch rotation for your poor old Dm Ken, as well as letting me know how you decide to dress on the road!
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Friday July 24th, 2015 11:24:53 PM
ooc: sorry guys, hard day last night, passed out as soon as I got home.
Since Michael has no night vison, he will take either first shift or last shift.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Friday July 24th, 2015 11:33:54 PM
Michael dresses for travelling, I think that this is an assination mission, so we aren't going to dress in fist gear. I'm dressing like a traveller, no insignia, but I have the insignia sewed into the lining of my cloak so that I can produce them if need be.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Saturday July 25th, 2015 12:13:12 PM
When not in uniform, Pru prefers to wear dresses. For the journey, she selects a sturdy, sensible dress of dark-green wool. It looks a little odd with her longspear, but Pru is happy to be "properly" attired once more.
Pru stands whichever watch she's assigned to, knowing that she is not good at noticing things.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Saturday July 25th, 2015 1:15:43 PM
Anna trades in her earthy toned shark regiment patched explorer's outfit to the quartermaster and replaces it with another preferably earthy toned explorer's outfit sans patch. She too requests that the wolf regiment patch and fist insignia be sewn into the lining.
Anna will also take whatever watch she is assigned, but she is good at noticing things, so maybe she should be on the same watch as Pru?
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 Saturday July 25th, 2015 5:53:06 PM
Hope is more than happy to take any shift, even the middle or less desirable shifts.
Trayvin (BrianZ) Sunday July 26th, 2015 12:07:52 AM
Trayvin volunteers for one of the night watches, his darkvision should be a bonus for it. For the trip he changes into a regular traveling outfit to wear under his armor.
AC 23 T15 F10 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday July 26th, 2015 6:22:27 PM
Tinker makes his purchases and gets ready for a plain-clothes assignment. Like Michael, he puts the fist badge on the inside of each of his tunics to be able to flash the badge when needed.
Getting a pony from the usual stock, Tinker takes tail-end Charlie, keeping watch on the trail behind the group. During camp, he makes himself useful, doing anything but cooking! And at night, he takes his usual midnight shift. He suggests the following order to Nikolai, only executing at the Thumb's nod.
Anna Michael Tinker Trayvin Nikolai Prudence
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday July 27th, 2015 10:50:13 AM
Nikolai worries a little bit about the Sons of Pavilion. If they are encountered, there could be serious problems if they are not wearing their uniform with insignia clearly visible.
"I suggest we switch to civilian outfits only after we are well clear of this are. If we encounter those bloody fanatics, we can easily, and honestly, say we are heading to Ailithmar to see Commander Pavilion. After we are well away we can switch to our undercover gear."
Obviously he'll wear what the team wears if they don't go with his suggestion. "We can switch out our horses for non Mailed Fist branded horses when we are well away as well. Our special Agent badges gives us the flexibility to be mounted or afoot, so having common branded horses is a common thing."
For now though, they'll use the horses provided.
Nikolai makes his meager purchases with the money from the sell of the wererat loot and gathers up their supplies from the quartermaster. When they are all ready, the leave as soon as the sun pokes it's bright round ball above the horizon.
The watch list is approved. He'd like to have pairs on watch but their numbers just don't make that very feasible.
OOC: very busy weekend, I'll update my PC sheet sometime today with any purchases.
DM Ken - Mountain Trail Mayhem! d6=5 ; d20+10=14 ; d8+5=10 ; Monday July 27th, 2015 1:32:00 PM
Traveling in morning, off the path, a life of travel begins to set in for the Agents once more. The first few days slip by as they travel east, slowly leaving the jutting spires of the citadel far behind. Despite the carnage in camp and the threats hanging at their backs, it isn't until the 4th day of travel that things get difficult.
Riding off trail certainly has advantages, no prying eyes being chief among them. Sometimes though, it makes travel awkward. As the horses are led down a small winding path, the Agents walk smack dab into the middle of what appears to be a feast.
6 large trolls, somewhat similar to the aquatic versions you met, are feasting upon slain oxen! A family of three is strung upside down and hanging limply from a crude rotisserie.
You notice the trolls as they notice you!
(Heroes Even, Trolls Odd = 5)
The trolls react first! Adventurers are still mounted.
Only one of the trolls is able to get over the meal and after the new course of dishes. Running straight at Hope from his place on the wagon, he snaps his jaws around her horses neck, for 10 damage to her mount!
AC 30 T16 F16 CMD 19 (23 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 42/42 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday July 27th, 2015 6:15:57 PM
"Trolls!", shouts the dwarf, and he dismounts from his pony, then pulls his urgrosh to flex it into a defensive pattern. "I'll keep them off of us while the rest of you get ready!"
Dismount. Move Draw Urgrosh. Free move as part of move Total Defensive. Standard +6 AC
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] (Kathy) Monday July 27th, 2015 7:12:34 PM
Pru dismounts and casts Haste on everybody but herself. Yes, Drake is Hasted.
Pru followed her SOP this morning, so she and Nikolai both have Mage Armor..
Everybody who is paying attention is Hasted. Everybody who is not paying attention is also Hasted, but they are less likely to take advantage of it. :)
Haste: 6 rounds
Anna Morphe[Dire She-Wolf] (Hugh C) -- AC 16/12/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 18 d4=1 ; d4=2 ; 2d4=4 ; 2d4=3 ; 2d4=5 ; Monday July 27th, 2015 8:15:39 PM
Anna had eschewed a mount, preferring to travel as a dire wolf, walking beside Drake. At the campsite each night she cast Plant Growth choosing the enrichment effect and the following morning she casts Good Berry.
In her sack she now has 5 berries in one leaf that will expire in 1 day, 3 berries in another leaf that will expire in 3 days, 4 berries in another leaf that will expire in 4 days, 3 berries in another leaf that will expire in 5 days and 5 berries in the last leaf that will expire in 6 days.
Anna's wolf has a snow white pelt with piercing blue eyes.
She begins scratching at the dirt and barking and casts entangle targeting the 40 foot radius that the Trolls happen to be in. (The trolls need to make DC 15 Reflex saves or become entangled and that area is now considered difficult terrain for 6 minutes.
Active Effects : Wildshaped as large dire wolf like beast shape II - 2 hours +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, making stealth check total: -3 -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD low light vision, scent, speed 50 ft, bite+10 (1d8+7 plus trip) (adjusted for haste) space 10 ft, reach 5 ft Haste: 6 rounds + 50 ft movement speed +1 dodge AC +1 reflex save +1 attack on full attack action
Wildshape: (3/4) times remaining 4 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals }
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 -- H d20+14=28 ; d8+14=19 ; d8+13=18 ; d20+4=9 d6+1=5 Monday July 27th, 2015 9:06:46 PM
Hope jumps off of her mount and fires at the nearest troll.
Attack: 28 Damage: 18
Drake moves to occupy the nearest trolls attention.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Monday July 27th, 2015 9:50:50 PM
Trayvin dismounts and casts a prayer spell. "Everybody can use a bit of help now and then right?"
"And Tinker, don't go thinking you will keep all the fun to yourself."
OOC- prayer gives You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a -1 penalty on such rolls.
spells:Highlight to display spoiler: { 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull's Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spells }
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=15 ; d20+10=30 ; Monday July 27th, 2015 11:28:58 PM
Michael sees the troll take a chunk out of Pru's horse, he hears her say something, but the world suddenly slowed way down and he felt the presence of divine blessing envelope him. He sees Tinker move to block the trolls advance, and actually see's the spells effect bring him into Michaels frame. The world seems to almost have another dimension to it.
He's off Daisy with a speed that brings a grin to his face. he runs out to the side, screaming at the top of his voice to try and draw one of the trolls into a flanking position between Tinker and himself. He then throws one of his Alchemical fire bombs at a junction between trolls 1&2.
perception 15 to hit AC 30 with the fire bomb. 1 point splash damage and 1d6 of fire damage starting next round
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+6=11 ; 3d6+1=6 ; d20+9=27 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2015 1:13:19 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor (I think, right Pru?), Haste, Prayer +1 dodge bonus, +2 attack, +1 dmg, +1 Ref, Move +30, extra attack, +1 skill check
Quick Dismount (Ride Check DC20) +6 +1 (Prayer)= 12 fail, dismount is a Move
Nikolai is not as good a rider as his father, nor is his mount a warhorse. He attempts one of his father's tricks of getting off a horse quickly but takes just as long as anyone else. By that time, his friends have move also. A circle of vegetation springs up around the trolls and a fire bomb goes off. Trolls don't like fire, he remembers, and takes the opportunity to toss another bead from the necklace into the middle of the trolls.
Att +7 +2 (Prayer/Haste) DC10 = 27
Move: Dismount Standard: toss (range 70') 3d6 necklace bead centered on same as Entangle spell (to make things easy) getting all the trolls for 6 fire damage, Ref DC14 for half.
Tinker is the first to react, warning his fellows and taking a defensive stance before the enemy. Hope responds quickly afterwards, stabbing an arrow deep into a trolls thigh, while Drake moves up, but not into a trolls range. Pru and Trayvin both think fast, and enabling their friends to act faster and with guidance from the gods, bringing haste and a prayer to the party! Michael gets off of Daisy, then readies an action when an enemy closes within throwing range of his firebomb, hitting two trolls as they attack. (It's a move action to dismount.) Anna tries to pin the trolls down with a spell..growing thick vines in a large area, when Nikolai detaches another bead from the necklace, but it's a bit of a dud! Unfortunately, the nature of the fire spell burns away a large section of Anna's wriggling vines, doing more damage to them than the trolls.
Saves Away!
Troll 1: 25 true damage, Entangled, Fireballed, Affected by Prayer Troll 2: 4 true damage, Not Entangled, Fireball passed, Affected by Prayer Troll 3: 3 true damage, Not Entangled, Fireball passed, Affected by Prayer Troll 4: 3 true damage, Not Entangled, Fireball passed, Affected by Prayer Troll 5: 3 true damage, Not Entangled, Fireball passed, Affected by Prayer Troll 6: 3 true damage, Not Entangled, Fireball passed
Troll 1: Trundling through the heavy vines, troll 1 does not have to move very far at all. With a taste for horseflesh, he roars as he has to put his meal on hold thanks to that stinging bow! He flails at Anna, but between her armor and her quickness, she dodges all his attacks.
Troll 2: Crashing through the vines, unaffected, he charges to Drake, an easy meal, but the wily wolf dodges his snapping jaws.
Troll 3: Also unaffected by the smoldering entangling plants, he makes a sprint to Nikolai and sinks his teeth into the monk! Nikolai takes 5 damage!
Troll 4: Also homes in on Nikolai, roaring in Giant. (Giant Speakers only!)Highlight to display spoiler: {"Rend the skinny one! He brings the flames!}" His snapping jaws close on Nikolai's raised blocking arm! Nikolai takes 11 damage!
The others move forward as best they can, unimpeded orginally by the entangle, and even less so now that the plants have been burned away in half of their original area.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor, Prayer] (Kathy) d20+8=9 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2015 5:48:41 PM
Pru looks at the approaching trolls, and takes a wild guess that they probably rely a lot on strength. She takes a breath, takes aim, and casts a spell. A sickly green ray leaps toward one of the trolls, but plows into the ground right in front of Pru. "Oh, bother," she says.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Tuesday July 28th, 2015 6:10:56 PM
Michael watches as two of the trolls slowly attack Nikolai, He moves, going to troll #4s right between it and Trayvin, aware that he will provoke an Aoo, he concentrates on finding a position where he can flank #4 against both Nikolai and Tinker, and trying to avoid no 4s Aoo. (Total defense)..
Ooc: work is going late tonight, posting from my I pad, can't edit google docs, somebody move Michael behind troll 4 if you would.
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 57/57 -- CMD 23 -- H d20+13=14 ; d20+13=30 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=27 ; d20+8=15 ; d8+15=23 ; d8+15=23 ; d8+15=22 ; d8+15=22 ; d8+15=20 ; d8+15=17 ; d20+13=28 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2015 9:02:47 PM
Hope moves back 5ft and unleashes a barrage of arrows at the closest troll and moves to the next should it fall. Drake, having a trolls attention, withdraws from the group to not take any unneeded hits
Hope is using Deadly Aim, Manyshot, rapid shot, and point blank shot and is hasted, and has prayer plus it is her favored enemy. Drake uses full withdrawal. I can't change map on phone
Anna Morphe[Small Fire Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 17 d4=3 d4=1 Tuesday July 28th, 2015 9:13:29 PM That went well. Anna thinks to herself. Okay, new plan...how about a little fire, trolls
Anna Morphs from Dire Wolf into a small fire elemental. Her fur turns red and fire sprouts from it engulfing her body. It seems like a part of her is consumed in the blaze because where Anna-She Wolf stood now stands a 4 foot tall living, mobile bonfire, with tongues of flame reaching out in search of things to burn.
Fire Elemental Anna moves beside Tinker and then sideways to stand in front of Nikolai (provoking 2 AOOs, 1 from Troll 3 and another from troll 4). As a fire elemental she has the burn special ability (meaning whenever she gets hit by a natural attack or unarmed strike the creature attacking her takes 1d4 fire damage (rolled 3 and 1 for AOOs)and must succeed on a DC 17 Reflex save or catch fire.
"Come and Get Me!" Anna Taunts the Trolls.
Active Effects : Wildshaped as small fire elemental like elemental body I - 6 hours +2 size bonus to Dex, +2 natural armor, +1 size bonus AC +1 size bonus attack rolls darkvision 60 ft, 50 ft base speed = 100 ft hasted resist fire 20, vulnerability to cold, slam+8(1d4+5 plus burn)(with haste, + prayer), burn (1d4, DC 17[4th level spell + 3 wisdom modifier]) -1 CMB/CMA +4 stealth +2 fly
Haste: 5 rounds + 50 ft movement speed +1 dodge AC +1 reflex save +1 attack on full attack action prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks : 5 rounds
Wildshape: (2/4) times remaining 4 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals
0/1 hero points spent }
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=19 ; d20+10=24 ; d8+4=12 ; d8+4=5 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2015 10:28:18 PM
Tinker sees that he's not going to be able to be tricky with these trolls, it is just time for toe-to-toe chopping.
The Prayer and Haste spells combine to help Tinker be the anvil for someone else's hammer, swinging twice in quick succession at Troll#3!
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+10=13 ; d20+10=18 ; d8+3=9 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2015 12:38:45 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor (I think, right Pru?), Haste, Prayer +1 dodge bonus, +2 attack, +1 dmg, +1 Ref, Move +30, extra attack, +1 skill check
Nikolai did not realize that a fire would damage the entangling vegetation and is dismayed that the trolls just trounced through them and not one troll was hindered!
But his team mates are quick to react, including the emergence of a fire elemental.
'That will keep them on their toes!'
Nikolai takes a 5' step forward and to the left, in front of Tinker. From there, he gives the troll a series of punches, the first an extra hard one.
Flurry of Blows: Att 1 + Stunning Fist: +6 +2(Haste/Prayer) +2 (flanking) = 13 Att 2: +6 +2(Haste/Prayer) +2 (flanking) = 18 dmg 9 +1(prayer) = 10
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 19/11/19 Hp 59/59 CMD d20+10=21 ; d20+10=12 ; d8+4=10 ; d8+4=8 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2015 5:47:34 AM
Trayvin steps up to the troll in front of him and starts attacking it with his Morningstar. This could go either way, hopefully the trolls will dislike Anna's fire and run off.
Attacks: hit AC: 21, 12 damage: 10, 8
Active Effects: Prayer. +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks Haste: +1 attack, AC, reflex save, +30' move
Highlight to display spoiler: { 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull's Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spells }}
Prudence starts a spell intended at robbing the Trolls of their strength, but finds her aim is terribly off. At the same time, Hope is filling Troll one full of arrows! Three of her four arrows find their home, and the creature falls to the ground in a mess of arrows and blood. Her fifth arrows bounces harmlessy into the hide of the large trolls.
Michael and Anna both make positioning movements, flanking and engaging the trolls. Neither can react to Anna after both swung at Michael, but they eye her wildly with what might be a bit of fear.
Tinker steps up and goes of the offensive, a tactic he rarely employs. His strikes are accurate, and cut into the flesh of troll 3. Nikolai rallies next to his friend and swings, but fails to hurt the troll significantly with his fists, even with the flanking from Mchael. Trayvin cracks his mace across a Trolls jaw, which it pops back into place before attacking back!
Troll 1: -125 Affected by Prayer. AoO on Hope hits AC 24 for 7 damage. Troll 2: Wounds heal! Affected by Prayer. Troll 3: 15 damage, wounds heal! AoO on Michael missed. Affected by Prayer. Troll 4: Wounds heal! AoO on Michael hits AC 27(20), but fails to confirm. Michael takes 8 damage. Affected by Prayer. Troll 5: Wounds heal! Affected by Prayer Troll 6: Wounds heal!
Troll 1: Gurgling as Hope's arrows pierce it's heart, throat, and eye, it falls to the ground in a heap!
Troll 2: Stepping after the backpedaling Hope, he slashes her with his claw, ripping through leather armor and skin! Hope takes 9 damage,
Troll 3: Snarling at Tinker, Troll 3 fights back against the stinging dwarf, rather than pursuing his short lived assault on Nikolai. Tinkers armor keeps him upright and unharmed from the rending claws and gnashing teeth!
Troll 4: Backpedaling away from the elemental, the Troll realizes it can't go far, and frantically attacks Trayvin! His claws scrape against armor, but he clamps his bite down hard on the orc, then tears away flesh from his shoulder! Hit Trayvin w/ bite AC 24(20), confirm vs AC 19 for 22 damage.
Troll 5: Curious, but mosty hungry, the lumbering troll reaches out and plucks Michael off the ground! Grapple vs CMD 20. (From what I see your CMD should be 19, not 21. Whats the other +2 wis bonus you have listed there?)
DM Edit: Troll misses grapple, because your total defense is a dodge bonus, which stacks to CMD, giving you 23 by my math!
Troll 6: Also hungry, the the troll lunges for Hope, trying to pick her up in a big bear hug, but she slaps his claws away with her bow!
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor, Prayer] (Kathy) d20+8=16 ; 4d6+2=15 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2015 5:32:32 PM
"Well," Pru says to herself, "perhaps the subtle approach isn't really my style."
She points again, this time at Troll 2, and fires a scorching ray in his direction.
[Hit Touch AC 16 for 15 points of fire damage. Pru has the Precise Shot feat, so takes no penalty for firing into melee.]
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=15 ; d20+10=15 ; d8+3=8 ; d8+4=9 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2015 6:17:02 PM
"These monsters are healing as fast as we strike them " Tinker yells out amazed. "How do we fight these things?"
Until he gets an answer, Tinker continues to chop with his dwarven Urgrosh.
Anna Morphe[Small Fire Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 17 Wednesday July 29th, 2015 7:39:02 PM
"Maybe we need to concentrate our attacks on one troll at a time? Based on Hope's last attack if we can do enough damage in a short amount of time, it doesn't matter how much they heal." Anna says to her friends, her words all crackly since she is a living bonfire.
Anna takes a 5 foot step towards troll 4 and uses the full attack action to double slam power attack the troll (thanks to haste).
(Hit Troll 4 vs 22 AC for 15 bludgeoning damage + 4 fire damage and DC 17 Reflex save or the troll catches on fire) (Hit Troll 4 vs 23 AC for 15 bludgeoning damage + 3 fire damage and DC 17 Reflex save or the troll catches on fire, if not already on fire)
"Burn Baby Burn, Troll Inferno." She yells at the troll.
Active Effects : Wildshaped as small fire elemental like elemental body I - 6 hours +2 size bonus to Dex, +2 natural armor, +1 size bonus AC +1 size bonus attack rolls darkvision 60 ft, 50 ft base speed = 100 ft hasted resist fire 20, vulnerability to cold, Attack options: slam+8(1d4+5 plus burn)(with haste, + prayer), or power attack slam+6(1d4+11 plus burn)(with haste, + prayer)
Haste: 4 rounds + 50 ft movement speed +1 dodge AC +1 reflex save +1 attack on full attack action prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks : 4 rounds
Wildshape: (2/4) times remaining 4 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals
0/1 hero points spent }
DM Ken - Mountain Trail Mayhem! Wednesday July 29th, 2015 9:10:34 PM
(DM Ken: Where are your attack rolls?)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+11=23 ; d8+3=6 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+11=24 ; d8+3=10 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2015 9:37:41 PM
OOC: sorry guys n gals, I goofed and completely forgot my extra attack!
Spells in effect: Mage Armor (I think, right Pru?), Haste, Prayer +1 dodge bonus, +2 attack, +1 dmg, +1 Ref, Move +30, extra attack, +1 skill check Stunning Fist 4/5
Nikolai agrees with Anna Firestarter and takes a 5' step placing him next to her and attacks troll 4 as well.
Reg Att: Stunning Fist: +9 +2(Haste/Prayer) = 23 dmg 6 +1(Prayer) = 7 Stun Fort DC16 or Stunned for 1 round (can't take action, looses Dex bonus to AC, takes -2 penalty to AC)
Haste Att: +9 +2(Haste/Prayer) = 14
Ki Point Att: +9 +2(Haste/Prayer) = 24 dmg = 10 +1(prayer) = 11
Total 18 dmg on #4
Ki Pool 4/5 Stunning Fist 3/5
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday July 29th, 2015 9:38:57 PM
OOC: don't forget your new Team Feats. I forgot mine last round, can't use it this round. :(
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 41/57 -- CMD 23 -- Haste, Prayer d20+13=25 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+8=26 ; d8+15=19 ; d8+15=17 ; d8+15=22 ; d8+15=16 ; d8+15=23 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2015 9:53:05 PM
Hope backs up and fires into troll 6 before firing at troll 2 if the first goes down. Drake moves in front of Pru to keep the trolls off of her.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+18=23 ; d20+18=19 ; d4=3 ; 3d6=8 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2015 11:01:43 PM
Michael takes a 5ft step to put himself behind the troll and out of line with the one behind himself.
+1 for to hit, +1 attack for haste +1 to hit for prayer +6 total flanking bonus with fist training.
The trolls sickly green skin seems to beckon to Michael flexing slowly as it paws at him, his rapier punches a nice neat hole in the beasts lower abdomen, but it hits him in the head and his second shot misses the trolls inner thigh completely.
to hit ac 23 for 3 points plus 8 points flanking +3 points per round bleed. so 11 pts +3 bleed. to hit ac 19 (natural 1) 0 damage.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 19/11/19 Hp 37/59 CMD d20+12=15 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=24 ; d8+4=6 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+4=10 ; Thursday July 30th, 2015 5:59:07 AM
They can sure hit hard, Trayvin hopes the battle doesn't last too long, the trolls might have the edge in a drawn out battle. Trayvin keeps attacking the troll in front of him. Thankfully it missed grabbing Michael. Now, it has to watch it's back and give them both a little more chance of an opening against a soft spot on the creature's armor.
His mother taught him how to deal with trolls. He hollers out for Tinker and anyone else who needs it, "Smash them down however you like, but you need to finish them with acid or fire, or they will get back up."
Attacks: hit AC 15, 32(24 to confirm crit)(flanking bonus added), damage: 4, 9(+10 if crit confirmed)
Active Effects: Prayer. +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks Haste: +1 attack, AC, reflex save, +30' move
Highlight to display spoiler: {Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull's Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spells }
DM Ken - Mountain Trail Mayhem! d20+11=15 ; d8+3=7 ; d20=20 ; d20=1 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=13 ; Thursday July 30th, 2015 11:45:31 AM
Deciding that burning things with fire was far more true to her inner nature than sickening them with Necromancy, Prudence changes tactics and burns a hole through the shoulder of the nearest troll! Hope's bow continues to sing, dropping another enemy and planting her final arrow into the same enemy that Pru had burned.
Tinker struggles in combat, finding the troll's hide too tough to work through with his urgosh, but Nikolai has no such problems. He finally breaks through the Trolls defenses, and stuns the creature motionless! (I rolled damage for your attack of 14, which hit because of the stun.) Michael and Trayvin, working together, finally bring the beast down.
Troll 1: -115 Troll 2: 38 damage. Affected by Prayer. Affected by Fire. Troll 3: 10 damage. Affected by Prayer. Troll 4: Dead. Affected by Fire. Troll 5: 0 damage. Affected by Prayer. Troll 6: -74
Troll 1: Lays motionless on the ground. It seems tiny parts of it are still wriggling.
Troll 2: He continues his pursuit of the archer, this time wrapping her up strong in a grapple! (Nat 20) Hope will need to beat CMD 22 with either her CMB or an escape artist check, using the appropriate armor check modifiers.
Troll 3: Also trying to grab a meal to go, Troll three tries to snare up Tinker. (Provokes AoO) The martially skilled dwarf easily bats away his attemp.
Troll 4: Dead and burned, there isn't the slightest bit of motion from this corpse.
Troll 5: Flailing wildly, this enemy does nothing to anyone.
Troll 6: Trying to pin down Hope, this troll is instead pincushioned with arrows. It falls to the ground in a gurgle and begins to spasm.
Anna Morphe[Small Fire Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 17 d20+6=18 ; d20+6=15 ; d4+11=15 ; d4=1 ; d4+11=13 ; d4=3 ; Thursday July 30th, 2015 6:53:06 PM
Anna takes a 5 foot step diagonally toward troll 3 delivering another double power attack slam.
(Hit vs AC 18 for 15 bludgeoning damage and 1 fire damage + DC 17 Reflex save or catch fire) (Hit vs AC 15 for 13 bludgeoning damage and 3 fire damage + DC 17 Reflex save or catch fire if not already alight)
"I hope everyone likes their troll extra crispy." Anna says.
Active Effects : Wildshaped as small fire elemental like elemental body I - 6 hours +2 size bonus to Dex, +2 natural armor, +1 size bonus AC +1 size bonus attack rolls darkvision 60 ft, 50 ft base speed = 100 ft hasted resist fire 20, vulnerability to cold, Attack options: slam+8(1d4+5 plus burn)(with haste, + prayer), or power attack slam+6(1d4+11 plus burn)(with haste, + prayer)
Haste: 3 rounds + 50 ft movement speed +1 dodge AC +1 reflex save +1 attack on full attack action prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks : 3 rounds
Wildshape: (2/4) times remaining 4 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals
0/1 hero points spent }
(OOC: I don't know what happened to my attack rolls last time, they were there...oh darn...I accidentally pasted my post in the wrong box when I was editing and erased them :( )
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+11=15 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=26 ; d8+3=6 ; Thursday July 30th, 2015 8:39:53 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor (I think, right Pru?), Haste, Prayer +1 dodge bonus, +2 attack, +1 dmg, +1 Ref, Move +30, extra attack, +1 skill check Stunning Fist 3/5, Ki Pool 4/5
Nikolai takes a diagonal 5' step towards Troll 5. Now William can move and flank the drooling troll.
Reg Att: Stunning Fist: +9 +2(Haste/Prayer) = 15
Haste Att: +9 +2(Haste/Prayer) = 12
Ki Point Att: +9 +2(Haste/Prayer) = 26 dmg = 6 +1(prayer) = 7
Stunning Fist 2/5, Ki Pool 3/5
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=20 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=12 ; d8+3=6 ; d8+3=4 ; d8+3=10 ; Thursday July 30th, 2015 8:56:28 PM
Tinker takes the opportunity to swing at troll#3, and then twice more, probably only hitting once.
....
AC 20 22. 12. Dam. 6. 4. 10.
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 41/57 -- CMD 23 -- Haste, Prayer d20+10=26 ; Thursday July 30th, 2015 11:13:20 PM
Hope twists and wriggles and kicks her way free before try to move as far away from the trolls as possible.
CMB: 26 CMD: 23 and +1 for prayer.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor, Prayer] (Kathy) d20+13=22 ; 5d4=16 ; Thursday July 30th, 2015 11:19:23 PM
Hearing Trayvin's advice, Pru says, "Fire. Right. I can do that."
She steps up next to Hope, possibly drawing an attack of opportunity as she does so. Because she is so close to the troll, she casts her spell very carefully, relying on Hope to help shield her as she does so.
[Use Team Tactics to temporarily give Hope the Shielded Caster feat. Concentration check to cast defensively=22, success. Cast Burning Hands, which should get trolls 2 and 6. 16 points of fire damage, Reflex save DC 16 for half.]
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 19/11/19 Hp 37/59 CMD d20+10=25 ; d8+4=10 ; Friday July 31st, 2015 5:42:48 AM
Trayvin moves up to troll 5 next to Nikolai(? not sure if I have all the images figured out yet) and takes a swing at the troll. "Can't let up now, we've got to finish them before they start healing." Wounded trolls are still dangerous, and Trayvin doesn't want to take any chances.
Actions: move- prob draws an AoO from troll 5 attack: hit AC 25, damage: 10
Active Effects: Prayer. +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks Haste: +1 attack, AC, reflex save, +30' move
[/spoiler] Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull's Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spells [/spoiler]
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+18=21 ; d20+18=37 ; d4=4 ; d4=4 ; 3d6=16 ; 3d6=5 ; d20+18=31 ; d4=2 ; Friday July 31st, 2015 7:02:04 AM
Michael takes a 5' step to put himself in flanking position with Nikolai and Trayvin, He notices that several of the Trolls are down and burning. The troll, perhaps noticing that things are starting to go badly, leaves a hole open in his defenses. Michael is quick to exploit it. HIs rapier darts in twice, severing a tendon in the trolls knee joint and as it stumbles down to his level sticking the blade up to the hilt in it's ear.
to hit AC 21 for 4 pts +5 = 9 points of damage to hit AC 37 (crit confirmed) for 4 damge + 16 +2 = 22 damage. total damage 31 points.
I love the smell of burning troll in the evening! he remarks off hand.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Friday July 31st, 2015 7:03:53 AM
sorry that wasn't a 5foot step...it was a move action.
Anna slams into the next troll, but it doesn't light up! Nikolai tries to help with another stunning fist, but all of his punches bounce of thick troll hides. Luckily, Tinker is able to score some wounds on the creature in his stead!
Hope, caught up by a troll, kicks free and tries to run. She feels the wind from heavy troll arms as they attempt to scoop her back up, but grab only air. As Hope zooms past her, Prudence lays down covering fire, literally, and engulfs two trolls in flame. Trayvin moves to a new location, and takes a knock from an enemy while doing so. He smashes his mace again, and is rewarded with the crack of some bone in the trolls body. Michael continues to work well with his new ally, and uses the distraction of the half breeds on his team to sink his rapier into troll flesh.
Troll 1: -110 Troll 2: 54 damage. Affected by Prayer. Affected by Fire. Troll 3: 41 damage. Affected by Prayer. Affected by Fire. Bleeding. Troll 4: Dead. Troll 5: 14 damage. Affected by Prayer. Wounds close! Troll 6: Dead.
Troll 1: Wriggle wriggle.
Troll 2: Unable to pursue hope any further, he turns on the fire-thrower in front of him! (2, 5, 3!) He is ineffective at swinging through the flames, and does nothing.
Troll 3: Having had quite enough of this fire-creature, he crashes his fist into the elemental, and then catches on fire! Anna takes 6 damage, and does 2 back!
Troll 5: Putting it's back to a wall, it tries in vain to smash the stinging halfling!
Troll 6: Caught in the blast of Prudence flames, a weak mewl is the last noise this creature makes before moving no more.
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 41/57 -- CMD 23 -- Haste, Prayer d20+13=18 ; Friday July 31st, 2015 9:47:23 PM
Can't view posts from phone... Will post from PC later.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor, Prayer] (Kathy) d20+9=20 ; d20+8=12 ; 4d6+2=18 ; Friday July 31st, 2015 11:30:38 PM
It seems a shame to waste a Burning Hands on just the one troll, so instead Pru takes a step back and lets him have a Scorching Ray.
[Concentration check to cast defensively=20, success. Hit Touch AC 12 for 18 points of flamey goodness.]
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 41/57 -- CMD 23 -- Haste, Prayer d20+13=23 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=30 ; d8+15=22 ; d8+15=19 ; d8+15=23 ; d8+15=21 ; d8+15=17 ; Saturday August 1st, 2015 5:20:23 AM
Hope fires at the troll attacking Prudence.
18 for 22 18 for 19 23 for 23 14 for 21 30 for 17
Anna Morphe[Small Fire Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 42/48 -- CMD 17 d20+6=8 ; d20+6=17 ; d4+11=14 ; d4=1 ; Saturday August 1st, 2015 10:47:29 AM
Anna takes another diagonal 5 foot step around troll 3, and then makes another double slam power attack. One of her slams is way off base.
(Hit vs AC: 8 = miss :( ) (Hit vs AC: 17, 14 bludgeoning damage + 1 fire damage; troll is already on fire right? otherwise DC 17 reflex save or catch fire)
Anna sings, "The Troll, The Troll the Troll is on fire..."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+11=20 ; d6=3 ; Saturday August 1st, 2015 11:49:28 AM
Michaels dander gets up as the stupid troll heals up all of his good work, he takes a 5' step back, reaches into his pants and throws an alchemical fire bottle on to the creature.
To hit AC 20 3 points fire damage + 1d6/round unless extinguished
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+10=28 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+14=30 ; d8+3=10 ; d6=1 ; d8+3=7 ; d6=4 ; Saturday August 1st, 2015 11:26:28 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor (I think, right Pru?), Haste, Prayer +1 dodge bonus, +2 attack, +1 dmg, +1 Ref, Move +30, extra attack, +1 skill check Stunning Fist 2/5, Ki Pool 3/5
Nikolai feels that Trayvin and Michael have Troll 5 well in hand and takes a 5' step northwest and next to Anna-Torch and tries to put Troll 3 out of the prime material plane.
Flurry of Blows Att 1: +6 +2(Haste/Prayer) +2 (flanking w/ Tinker) = 28 dmg = 10 + 1(Precise Strike team feat)+1(Prayer) = 12
Flurry of Blows Att 2: +6 +2(Haste/Prayer) +2 (flanking w/ Tinker) = 11, miss
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 19/11/19 Hp 37/59 CMD d20+10=25 ; d20+10=28 ; d8+4=9 ; d8+4=12 ; Sunday August 2nd, 2015 10:20:37 AM
Trayvin keeps attacking the troll in front of him. He hopes the group discovered the trolls before anything bad happened to the people they captured.
Actions: attack: hit AC 25, 28, damage 9, 12
Active Effects: Prayer. +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks Haste: +1 attack, AC, reflex save, +30' move
Highlight to display spoiler: {Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull's Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spells }
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=17 ; d20+10=27 ; d8+3=9 ; d8+3=8 ; Sunday August 2nd, 2015 6:44:47 PM
"Hey, you big ape! Stay away from Prudence and pick on somebody ... My size!" He swings twice at Troll #2 to get its attention.
Between stabs, shots, and spells, the last three trolls fall with a whimper. It's a simply matter of using nonmagical tools to burn the remains.
Hanging from the rotisserie spit are two very panicked people!
"Oy! Help us! Ey! Help!"
Each PC earns 1050 xp!
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor, Prayer] (Kathy) Monday August 3rd, 2015 5:10:02 PM
Pru's not one for heavy lifting, but she rushes over to help the family as best she can.
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 41/57 -- CMD 23 -- Haste, Prayer Monday August 3rd, 2015 5:39:33 PM
Hope moves to get the people of of the spits.
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=16 ; Monday August 3rd, 2015 6:18:35 PM
Tinker is satisfied the trolls are dead, but the screams of the people being almost cooked reminds him there are people to save. He looks at the spit, noticing it is laying across two sticks with a handle on one end. So he runs over and leaps on the handle, creating a fulcrum to lift the spit away from the fire!
Know Engineering 16
Anna Morphe[Small Fire Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 17/15/13 - HP 42/48 -- CMD 17 Monday August 3rd, 2015 6:50:00 PM
For now Anna decides to remain a fire elemental, since she still has several hours in this form and it has similar speed to that of a dire wolf. She attempts to use her elemental body to coral the fire away from the people on the spit.
Active Effects : Wildshaped as small fire elemental like elemental body I - 6 hours +2 size bonus to Dex, +2 natural armor, +1 size bonus AC +1 size bonus attack rolls darkvision 60 ft, 50 ft base speed resist fire 20, vulnerability to cold, Attack options: slam+6(1d4+4 plus burn), or power attack slam+4(1d4+10 plus burn)
Wildshape: (2/4) times remaining 4 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals
0/1 hero points spent }
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=21 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2015 12:04:00 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Haste, Prayer +1 dodge bonus, +2 attack, +1 dmg, +1 Ref, Move +30, extra attack, +1 skill check Stunning Fist 2/5, Ki Pool 3/5
His team taking control of freeing the captives, Nikolai takes Michael, "Just in case there's any more roaming around, let's reconnoiter the area and secure it. Look for tracks too. We need to know from wince they came."
Nikolai circles the area to insure no other trolls or other dangerous critters attracted to the spot by the smell of blood of the animals are around.
Perception +13 (securing the area, look for the troll tracks) = 21 +1 (if Prayer still active)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 19/11/19 Hp 37/59 CMD Tuesday August 4th, 2015 5:41:31 AM
Trayvin moves to assist the group in helping the people. "Are you injured?", he asks them. "I can help if you are. Are there any others around here that were attacked by the trolls?"
Highlight to display spoiler: {Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull's Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spells }
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+14=19 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2015 8:43:25 AM
Michael nods to Nikolai and takes the opposite arc of the search patteren from him, He tries to ascertain from the lay of the land, broken shrubbery and tracks where the trolls came from, he is also wary of counter attack.
It doesn't take long to cut the commoners down and get them on their way. They haven't heard much of other trolls in the area, and the tracks aren't conclusive. They lead back to a big stone cave, filled with trash and debris, but all the litter seems to have come from relatively common means.
Why this cave is here is anyways guess, but it seems like this encounter was completely random. Still, the Agents gained some valuable experience from the ordeal.
What better way to start the morning off with a little exercise? It's near 9:30 am on your fourth day of travel.
With the area secured, the folk are ready to continue their journey. They've been traveling south they say, Mailed Fist raids on their farm forced them from their homes.
Is it time to get back on the road? Or perhaps take a small detour to further help these folks through hard times?
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 19/11/19 Hp 37/59 CMD Tuesday August 4th, 2015 9:07:37 PM
"I feel that we should do what we can to aid these people. We have enough cushion in our travel plans to see what we can do."
Highlight to display spoiler: {[b]Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull's Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spells }
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 41/57 -- CMD 23 -- Haste, Prayer Tuesday August 4th, 2015 9:52:11 PM
"Why I would love to help them, everyday that this keeps going on, is another day that half of the Fist is able to continue this type of behavior."
Anna Morphe[Small Fire Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 17/15/13 - HP 42/48 -- CMD 17 Tuesday August 4th, 2015 10:09:03 PM
"I agree with Trayvin. It would be remiss of us to not do what we can for them. While we are supposed to help rectify the situation as a whole, maybe if we help them further we will learn something else that will aid us on our journey." Fire Elemental Anna says.
Active Effects : Wildshaped as small fire elemental like elemental body I - 6 hours +2 size bonus to Dex, +2 natural armor, +1 size bonus AC +1 size bonus attack rolls darkvision 60 ft, 50 ft base speed resist fire 20, vulnerability to cold, Attack options: slam+6(1d4+4 plus burn), or power attack slam+4(1d4+10 plus burn)
Wildshape: (2/4) times remaining 4 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals
0/1 hero points spent }
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday August 4th, 2015 10:11:46 PM
A former farmgirl herself, Pru knows how wrenching it is to have to leave the farm.
"But that's terrible!" she says. "How many farms were raided? What did they do? What did they take? Did they say anything about why they were doing it? Do you know who they were? What regiment, I mean?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday August 4th, 2015 10:49:58 PM
Nikolai has to think about the situation a little bit. A hasty decision made from the heart could be the wrong one. But it would seem a good idea to find out which Fist was doing these terrible things. They were nowhere near the contested lands and the farmers certainly are not in favor or disfavor of what is going on so far away and irrelevant to their daily lives, so why be attacked?
"If this is a rogue Fist no longer attached to the Mailed Fist, either party, then they are just a bunch of brigands and must be stopped. If they align themselves to one of the Mailed Fist factions, it would be good to know which one. I'm quite sure it isn't Constance's, her influence seems to be only around the Citadel, but we need some proof and not conjecture."
He looks at his friends and knows what they are thinking too. "We need to prove that the true Mailed Fist still holds to its principles and honors and protects the weak and seeks to right the wrongs, even if for pay. But remember, we can't afford to get embroiled in some local disputes and end up chasing rabbits. We have our primary goal, which is more important in the long run."
Nikolai gets directions to the farms being affected and the names of some trusted contacts that are still there. He makes sure that the Fist knows the names of these farmers on the run.
'I just hope they believe us and give us a chance to find these brigands,' he secretly prays.
Once they have all the information they can get from the farmers and heal up any wounds thy can, and look over the ashes of the trolls once more to make sure nary a finger or toe is still wriggling, they head for the affected farms.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Wednesday August 5th, 2015 12:07:47 AM I agree with hope, but I will follow the lead of the party. My heart goes out to those folks. As a member of the Mailed fist, I have learned what honor is. Compassion, Sacrifice and hope. I am shamed at what has happened to these things.
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=20 ; d20+10=27 ; Wednesday August 5th, 2015 1:18:39 PM
Tinker inspects the troll's cave and sees if he can find any treasure or hidden nooks. These trolls were at least minimally intelligent and should be able to hide things they wanted to keep.
For the farmers, he waits to see what the others have found.
Perception 20. 27
DM Ken - Helping others is the nice thing to do. Wednesday August 5th, 2015 1:34:16 PM
Tinkers search of the caves finds only bones and more bones. The trolls may have had some intelligence, but not any wealth that he can see.
The saved farmers look dubious, but immediately warm up to Prudence when it becomes obvious she knows her way around a farm.
"Ours was a big one, just vegetable crops, and a few dairy cow for our own use. We just left today... we wouldn't take the Mailed Fist boarders anymore. About fifty of them showed up over a couple weeks, a grim lot all of them. They said they needed shelter and would pay us, so we let them in."
The man frowns.
"After their money ran out, they didn't leave. Said it would be paid by the Grand Marshall himself, once the traitors and dissidents were all put to the sword. Once our food stores ran out, they started eating right from the fields. I got angry at one and he threatened to charge me with treason against King Neutronis of Alithmar."
His wife slips her arms around his waist in a hug.
"Him and his damn Dire Wolf... we couldn't take it no more. I think he knew it and told us to leave. So we left early this morning, before their men woke. He even cast a spell on us wot made us walk fast, though it stopped working about the time the trolls caught us. Our farm is about 6 hours north east of here. I can make a point on your map."
Hope Sinclair -- Drake Zach -- AC 20/13/17 -- HP 41/57 -- CMD 23 -- Haste, Prayer Wednesday August 5th, 2015 5:55:26 PM
"Fifty", Hope says and gives a low whistle. "Gonna be tough".
Anna Morphe[Small Fire Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 17/15/13 - HP 42/48 -- CMD 17 Wednesday August 5th, 2015 6:55:43 PM
"Not if we prepare the ground in our favor. We know they are based in the farm house. I can use soften earth and stone, plant growth and spike growth to make the terrain around the farm house very difficult for them. We could try to corral the enemy into an area that we designate and open up on them with everything we have from afar. When we are out of ammunition we then mop up whoever is left." Fire Elemental Anna says.
"It would be even better if I still could use entangle, but I spent that spell, still though plant growth can limit movement to only a fraction of what it should be and spike growth will make them pay for every piece of ground they take. If the ground is wet enough soften earth and stone can make quicksand otherwise the terrain will at least be difficult. Heck, I could turn into an air elemental and start sucking the enemy up in a whirlwind and drop them into the spikes and each other. If we are smart about this we can counter their advantage of superior numbers. Plus with wild empathy maybe I could convince the dire wolf to switch sides?" Fire Elemental Anna wonders aloud.
Active Effects : Wildshaped as small fire elemental like elemental body I - 6 hours +2 size bonus to Dex, +2 natural armor, +1 size bonus AC +1 size bonus attack rolls darkvision 60 ft, 50 ft base speed resist fire 20, vulnerability to cold, Attack options: slam+6(1d4+4 plus burn), or power attack slam+4(1d4+10 plus burn)
Wildshape: (2/4) times remaining 4 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals
0/1 hero points spent }
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 19/11/19 Hp 37/59 CMD Wednesday August 5th, 2015 9:33:11 PM
"Anna, you are talking about a full-on assault. How do we know for sure whether they have completely lost their minds? I think we need to scout out the situation first, maybe observe their behavior?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Wednesday August 5th, 2015 11:24:42 PM
Hearing Anna free associate her ways of bringing doom to the enemy gets Michael's juices going as well.
Oh Oh! Yessss...tinker and I can reconnoiter the camp, get us some more options and info. Maybe if we can catch them out on patrol we can take them out peace meal, we need eyes on the inside tracking their movement. telling us when a patrol goes out so we can ambush them. at 50 men we should get no more than 10 to a patrol, probably 5. there will be a reaction force waiting at the base to come after any attack on the patrol. if we hit a few successfully they will increase the size and number of patrols, possibly even try to set up an ambush of their own, if they come out in force we hit the farm and burn it down around their ears or steal everything they have left behind. if they don't have good force security me and tinker can sneak in and set up some nasty surprises for them. glue their swords into the scabbard, cut bow strings, cut armor straps, lock doors, steal their shoes. steal their horses. there are lots of ways to take on a force that is unaware. Like my old teacher used to say. "if they swing, make'em miss, If they flee, make'em run somewhere worse. but if they just stand there, pull the rug out from under them. We can do this and it will be a big blow to Pavillion. It might even get us in, losing tier one troops like that, and then tier once agents come around....could be...done.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday August 6th, 2015 12:02:57 AM
"Well, we could just talk to them," Prudence suggests diffidently. True, the farm family had already tried that, without success. "They might listen to fellow soldiers," she adds, though she is not too hopeful.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=26 ; d20+11=18 ; Thursday August 6th, 2015 12:22:41 AM
OOC: I didn't realize we had gotten that close, I thought we were still several days away from destination.
IC: Our goal should not be to take them all on. We find out how many are still there and what their arms and armament complement it is. If we do tangle with a patrol, fine. If we can burn them in the farm house, fine. But remember our ultimate goal. We can't risk loosing that over a small skirmish. However, we do need to know what their uniforms look like. If they have a new insignia or badge, we will want to know that and get us some if we hope to get close to our quarry."
Nikolai approves of a scouting trip to find out what they can of this group and thanks the farmers for their help.
"If everyone is healed up and ready, let's go. Let's get there, spy on them, see if we can take out a patrol, then get out before the whole lot of them get wind of us."
Nikolai sends Tinker and Michael as front scouts while the rest follow 50' feet back.
Perception +13 (looking for a Neutronis Fist patrol) = 26 Stealth (on horse) + 11 = 18
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday August 6th, 2015 2:33:39 PM
"That's not our destination, that's not Nutrius, I don't think. Never remember him with a Dire Wolf.
The spell sounds like Expedious Retreat (I know since I can cast it). What's more, it sounds like the leader is fully against Palance but not a bad guy if you know what I mean. He still has some honor and has loyalty to his people.
It could be that Prudence is right, but I wouldn't want anyone to just walk up to them."
The dwarf stops as if exhausted from saying more words than is Tinker's usual.
DM Ken - Helping others is the nice thing to do. Thursday August 6th, 2015 4:35:33 PM
The Fist is overwhelmingly in support of tracking down and investigating the Mailed Fist incursion in the farms of the region.
Packing up, they pack up and ride north and east for the remainder of the day. Past noon, they start coming across some of the land marks mentioned by the folks they rescued. Near two or three, they come to the farms outskirts, outlying fields which were either not in season or not currently planted.
The farmer told you his farm was large, nearly ten thousand acres. A lone side road branches from the main, and seems to pick a path into the crops ahead. While the outlying fields are sparse, the ones in the distance seem to be growing a very tall crop of corn. Who knows how long it would take following it to reach the buildings on the property?
Profession Farmer: DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { An acre is 1/640th of a square mile. So 10,000 acres would mean nearly 15 square miles of farmland. A farm this large is likely to have a number of houses, barns, silos, and other supporting buildings from which to plan an operation. Large farms usually had four roads, one leading out of their property from each cardinal direction, which met with a more public road by which they might find their neighbors. The main crap seems to be corn. While it's easy to get lost in a cornfield, ususally a path was cut that led from the center of each field to the main house, with tiny marks to show the direction needed to travel.}
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+4=17 ; Thursday August 6th, 2015 6:33:33 PM
Pru looks at the farm. "On a farm this large, there are lots of places where these Mailed Fist people could be. Aside from the main house, there'll be outbuildings and barns and silos and everything. And there'll be roads and paths leading to all of the buildings and to the fields. And even across the fields in some places." She points to the side-road. "For instance, I doubt that's the road to the house. It seems to go to those fields." She looks at her companions. "Can anybody scout from the air? That might be ideal."
[Profession: Farmer 17!]
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD 3d6=9 ; Thursday August 6th, 2015 9:06:19 PM
"I agree with Pru, a quick scout from the air would be useful."
Trayvin channels energy while the Agents are all still together before scouting happens. "If anyone needs more healing than that, please say so."
Actions: Channel energy = 9
Highlight to display spoiler: {Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull's Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spells }
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday August 6th, 2015 10:28:05 PM
The journey to the farm takes Anna's reminder of time being in fire elemental form. She wonders what the animals make of the group of mounted people traveling with a small living bond fire. We must make a strange sight indeed she smiles or whatever the equivalent expression is for a fire elemental.
As the Agents assess the farm from the outskirts Anna reverts to her normal form. Fire Elemental Anna grows in stature as the fire recedes until the only red left in her colouring is the hair on her head. In response to Pru's question she states, "I have 2 more shifts in me for 6 hours each. We are done with traveling so that is good but I don't know if being an air elemental or some sort of large bat or any sized avian may be the more appropriate form to take. The good news about air elemental is it is fast and a little stealthy and I can still talk while I am one so I wouldn't have to revert to being human to tell you what I see, plus I can turn into a twister and suck up groups of enemies if it comes down to it and it would still allow me one more shift if we get involved with any skirmish where a different form would be more advantageous, like the tiger when we were fighting Gnarlfang or the fire elemental when we were battling the trolls."
Anna waits for more feedback before deciding on a form for this scout.
Wildshape: (2/4) times remaining 4 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals
0/1 hero points spent }
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Thursday August 6th, 2015 11:19:36 PM guys I'm small, I can prolly sneak through the corn field and get eyes on the house, but I think Anna as a air elemental doing overwatch would be a great benefit. she could spot any patrols before they even got close to our location.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+10=18 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+11=25 ; Thursday August 6th, 2015 11:47:01 PM "Yes, not only do we need to scout out their positions from the air, we need to locate a place in this corn field where we can hide the horses. From that base, we can sneak up to the farm and start observing their behavior and patrols. If we can take out the leader, we might put the remainder to flight. If we can take out a patrol or some sentries tonight, it will be better.
We need to know what racial mix they are as well. Looks like we got a lot of watching to do. Another cold camp for us.
Anna, find us a spot that will be far enough from their sentries so they won't hear the horses.
Now, for us to hide as best we can in these woods and corn field until Anna returns.
The rest of the Fist will hide while awaiting Anna's return.
Survival =10 (find a good hiding place nearby)= 18 Perception +13 (look for patrols, etc.) = 25 Stealth +11 = 25 (+horses)
DM Ken - Helping others is the nice thing to do. Friday August 7th, 2015 3:48:34 PM
Nikolai makes some good suggestions after Pru gives him an inside look into the layout of a farm. The consensus seems to be about scouting and setting up a watch, but a few of the Fist are waiting for a confirmation of tactics, namely Michael and Tinker.
The former, Michael, is pretty sure he has this whole thing figured out already.
Trayvin heals everyone with a channel, and the scouting mission begins.
Everyone, please state any preparation actions you are taking while Anna is away, if any.
Anna, please decide on a form and a plan to share with your allies.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday August 7th, 2015 10:44:54 PM
With a far this large, patrols should be easy enough to avoid if they avoid the main paths, and leave no tracks through the corn fields. If, a big if.
It will be up to Anna to fly around and see if there are any patrol incursions into the cornfields or if they fields are relatively intact. She'll also need to find a place in the cornfields for them to hide while they sneak close enough to watch the farm. If that is not enough, she will need to spot the sentries and see what buildings are being used.
That's a lot to ask for.
Although in Air elemental form Anna as better concealment, if she is seen then the jig is up. In bird form she could be spotted easily but who'd suspect a bird in a cornfield? Plus her better eyesight...
Anna, it's up to you. There are advantages and disadvantages either way. True, once you return you can keep your elemental shape to report your findings, but if you are sighted and followed, you'll need to take them on a rabbit chase. Do what you know how to do best."
In the meantime, the Fist will need to find a place to hide while they wait. Anna will return to her departure spot where Michael or Tinker will be waiting for her and take her to their hiding spot. Once she leaves, they start looking. Once found, they will still need to keep a sharp eye out for anything approaching their hiding spot, so lookouts are set as well.
OOC: I'll use the same rolls from above since they were not used in last post and their actions apply to this post.
Survival =10 (find a good hiding place nearby)= 18 Perception +13 (look for patrols, etc.) = 25 Stealth +11 = 25 (+horses)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Saturday August 8th, 2015 12:52:14 PM
"How visible is the air elemental form? If they see you they will be put on guard immediately."
"Is anyone here good with tracks? We might be able to determine their patrol routes and set an ambush."
Highlight to display spoiler: {Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull's Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spells }
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday August 8th, 2015 2:14:18 PM
Tinker keeps his attention on keeping his pony in line and watching their back trail. He also puts an eye in the sky to see how much dust they are kicking up. "I remember a lecture in strategic movement where the Instructor said you can tell what kind of troop is moving by the dust cloud. Infantry make a low long dust cloud but cavalry kick the road dust into a high plume. We don't want to be seen until we want to. "
Other than that, Tinker is ready to follow orders.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Saturday August 8th, 2015 3:52:17 PM
"If you're looking for a hiding place," Pru says, "we should just follow this little road into the cornfield. The corn is high enough to hide us, and the road will keep us from getting lost."
Anna Morphe[Tiny Hawk] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+16=25 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+12=26 ; Sunday August 9th, 2015 12:53:56 PM
Before Anna leaves she buffs herself with Aid and the Centaur Version of Tauros Taur Try and looks for a suitable place for the rest of the team to make camp and also for any information that can be gleaned from found tracks.
(Survival for campsite choice: 25) (Survival for track information: 35)
She then takes several items from her quiver, and haversack and gives them to the rest of the team. She leaves them 5 bags of caltrops, a shovel, her bag of goodberries, a signal whistle, a small steel mirror, a tent, 2 tanglefoot bags, 3 alchemist fires, 2 thunderstones and 3 acid flasks. "I will stow this stuff when I get back, but it could potentially do more good with you than me since I'm going to be in a different form."
She arranges signals using the whistle and the mirror with the rest of the group in case they need to try to get a hold of her while she is on scout.
"I can move just as fast as a small elemental as I could a hawk, although the elemental is more maneuverable. However, considering we aren't necessarily looking for trouble and I think I can scratch common in the dirt when I get back I will be a hawk."
She then thinks to herself about what kind of hawk she should be (knowledge [nature] : 24). She is inclined to be a red-tailed hawk, however if she thinks that the farmland is outside their natural range than she will choose a species more suitable to their location. (OOC: Leaving this up to the discretion of the DM but Anna would not choose a type of hawk that is not natural to this location)
Anna shrinks. Feathers begin to sprout from her body and her nose and mouth merge into a beak. In a short amount of time Anna-Hawk is standing where Anna used to be.
Anna then recasts Toros Taur Try choosing minotaur version and aid, her first priority being to look like a hawk in mannerisms. (Disguise: 23) and Detect Magic to see if anything she flies over radiates as magical.
She then begins the long scout of the farm, opting for the whole 4 hour round trip survey to get information about the structures, troop deployment, patrols etc.
(Perception : 26)
Active Effects : Wildshaped as tiny hawk like beast shape 2 - 6 hours +4 size bonus to Dex, -2 size penalty to Str +1 natural armor, +2 size bonus AC +2 size bonus attack rolls +10 disguise +8 stealth +4 fly -2 CMB / CMD 10 ft base speed fly 60 ft (average) low light vision Attack options: 2 talons+8(1d4+2) power attack 2 talons +6(1d4+6)
Wildshape: (1/4) times remaining 4 times per day up to 6 hours per shift tiny, small, medium, large animals; small and medium humanoids, small elementals
0/1 hero points spent }
(OOC: Do I roll here, but make my posts by mail, while scoouting?)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=26 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+7=21 ; Monday August 10th, 2015 12:06:44 AM
Michael looks for tracks, scouts ahead for a good hiding spot and once found works to camouflage us from prying eyes. He also sets up trip lines and hides from which his crew can gain concealment from any attackers.
Tracking (perception & survival) 26 9
stealth for making us invisible 27 (if anybody wants to help, nows the time.
traps... (disable device survival )26 21
DM Ken - Helping others is the nice thing to do. Monday August 10th, 2015 2:18:45 PM
DM Post Incoming around 3:30-4pm
DM Ken - Helping others is the nice thing to do. Monday August 10th, 2015 8:55:06 PM
Bigsby's Delaying Hand got ahold of me. Post coming soon.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday August 10th, 2015 10:15:47 PM
For some reason, Pru finds it very upsetting that they're laying traps on farmland. She tells herself that the people are long gone, and probably the animals, too, but the whole undertaking unsettles her.
[OOC: Posting while it's still Monday.]
Anna Morphe[Tiny Hawk] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Monday August 10th, 2015 11:01:40 PM
(OOC: checking in)
DM Ken - Anna's Map Tuesday August 11th, 2015 12:27:53 AM
Michael finds himself in a bit of a quandry. He has enough wire, 20 ft worth, but without any other implements and the terrain, he is really limited to a simple wire for tripping an off guard patrolmen.
The others find a good spot a little ways into the corn fields. A few swipes of a kama or sword is enough to mat down an easy enough area, complete with free food! Intense checks by others reveal that so far, none of the Mailed Fist patrols seem to have come this way.
Off in the distance, a Red Tail hawk is beginning to tire..
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=20 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2015 12:50:02 AM
As is the custom, each Fist member pitches in and does their best, from looking for tracks to see if any of the patrols had been that way to picking the best ears of corn for supper. It will be another fireless camp but after so many of such in the swamp, they are used to it.
Nikolai sets up a watch detail and has Pru teach them a little of her farm experience on how to keep horses quiet.
And they wait for Anna-hawk to return.
Perception +13 (watching for anyone approaching) = 20
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=30 ; d20+19=27 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2015 1:14:55 PM
Tinker helps as per usual, and sets to on watch as his time comes. The stoic dwarf fiddles with the lock and manacles he carries with him, practicing to unlock them quickly.
Perception 30
Disable Locks. 27
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Tuesday August 11th, 2015 5:52:00 PM
Trayvin keeps himself occupied by eating some food. Waiting is the hardest part of being a soldier. He just hopes it isn't followed by the terrifying part this time.
Anna Morphe[Tiny Hawk] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+7=25 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+7=24 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+12=24 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2015 7:13:20 PM
For DMs: Highlight to display spoiler: { (Fort Save 1: 25) (Fort Save 2: 25) (Fort Save 3: 24) (Perception: 31 : Natural 20!!!) (Knowledge[nature] : 24) }
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday August 11th, 2015 10:01:58 PM
Pru casts a Prestidigitation and amuses herself--and possibly others--with little illusions. She keeps everything below the level of the corn, so they can't be seen from a distance.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday August 12th, 2015 12:25:07 AM
Nikolai is amused by Pru's entertainment. It is good to see that his friends can maintain their sense of humor under the circumstances.
"Pru, suppose you use little jets of fire to roast some corn. That would not put out any smoke and roasted corn does not have a strong smell," he suggests.
DM Ken - Anna's Map Wednesday August 12th, 2015 2:23:55 PM
Pru, Tinker, Michael, and Nikolai amuse themselves in their tiny corn-fort, passing some time while Anna scouts. Prudence makes some small illusions and figments with her magic, and everyone settles in.
Anna returns in 4 hours time, around 7pm in the evening. She looks a little winded, but that's all. Her report is brief, outlining the layout of the farms, houses, and a few tall silos. Further, the men were all in mailed fist uniform, and similarly armed with large axes. All except one anyways, who was carrying only a staff and wearing some hide armors.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+1=2 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2015 7:12:06 PM maybe a druid and barbarians? Michael wonders, then he thinks back to all the Mailed Fist dead they found along the way to the citadel. Were the wounds made with axes?
memory (Int) natural 1 (What was I thinking about again? or if were were using critical miss rules "OUCH I cut myself on that thought.)
Anna Morphe[Tiny Hawk] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+15=32 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+3=20 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2015 9:12:14 PM
DMs Highlight to display spoiler: {(Fly: 32) (Perception:26) (Sense Motive:14) (Disguise:22) (Wisdom Check:20 }
Anna returns to the party and immediately begins scratching the layout of the farm in the dirt and in common writes :
About an hour or two into the flight I came to a cluster of silo's for storing crops, and most of the various crops were no longer just corn. The corn appears to have been planted in just the fringe fields. Most of the vegetables from the closest fields seem to have been picked clean and hewn down, creating an area of clear vision and no cover within 100ft of the main three story farmhouse.
I saw three groups of patrols, two working in a counter-circular pattern, so one intersects the other halfway through the rounds, and another that seems to be picking their way from one point of interest to the next. The patrols account for about 15 men at a given time.
On the way back, I saw a group standing outside. One of the individuals, a hooded man, was explaining something to the others, and there appeared to be an argument. From around the corner of the barn, a large wolf appeared. The argument quickly died down, and the men dispersed.
The hooded man was a druid and he offered me a dead mouse. I think the wolf might be his companion.
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=20 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2015 9:12:23 PM
Tinker smiles and enjoys Prudence's illusions, and then is all business as Anna returns.
The dwarf tries to think about the Fist organization and which unit would be predominately axes. He will tell the others if he knows.
Know Local - 20
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Wednesday August 12th, 2015 9:15:55 PM
"I wonder if they are waiting at this farm for some particular reason? Maybe they are waiting for something? Or a messenger?"
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday August 12th, 2015 10:10:05 PM
"Maybe we should try to intercept one of the patrols," Pru says. "Capture one ore two of them, and interrogate them. Find out what's going on."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+7=24 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2015 11:48:34 PM
Profession (soldier) +7 (determine the Fist type) = 24
Nikolai sifts though his soldiering training at the Citadel for what he knows of such Fist complement. How many Fists? What type of support personnel?
The description of the surroundings helps. It will be difficult to approach the buildings, even at night, as Nikolai suspects the wolf to be more intelligent than the average wolf.
"Picking off a patrol seems like the best choice for now. Find out what they plan to do, why they are camping here. My guess, though, is that they intend to use this huge cornfield to feed the army of the new kingdom. King Neutronis doesn't have the resources of the Mailed Fist anymore and will need to feed his army or he will be a short lived king. If that is the case, when we leave here, we can leave it as a charred field. That will hurt him more in the long run.
That odd 3rd patrol seems to be the best shot we have, as it does not depend on a timed encounter with another. Anna, you wrote point of interest. What does that mean?"
Anna Morphe[Tiny Hawk] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday August 13th, 2015 8:32:20 AM
Anna scratches in the dirt what is meant by Point of Interest
(OOC: DM Ken help me out here, I paraphrased my scratchings from your Anna only emails)
DM Ken - Anna's Map Thursday August 13th, 2015 12:10:07 PM
Anna types an amazingly clear message in common using only her little hawk-toes. The thick soil isn't super conducive to her efforts, but she gets the main idea across.
Her map is crude, but reliable.
The points of interest were the barns, houses, silos, and other structures. It's night now, and you have logged 7 hours on the road thus far, Anna 11. It's 2 hours to Anna's mentioned structures. Do you camp, or set out now and strike at night? Waiting until tomorrow will mean another day of lost travel, at the minimum.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday August 13th, 2015 9:22:16 PM
Anna morphs back into human and explains everything to the best of her ability.
(OOC: From now on I will be more realistic in my scratches...This is my fault as I allowed this in Humbles....also I neglected the penalties for disguise I will take that into account)
"I don't think we should burn down the farmland. I get that there is a scorched earth strategy when it comes to warfare and I will throw down with the best of them if things call for it, but the plants are living beings. It seems wrong to kill all these plants horribly with fire, just because the enemy may use them. I can cast diminish plants, plant growth or spike growth but the effects are either too short or take to long to manifest, however as a shepherd of the natural Wold I beseech you to not burn down this farm. If not for the farm think also of the surrounding area, you could cause an out of control wild fire." She says pointedly to Nikolai.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Thursday August 13th, 2015 9:38:10 PM
"Setting fire to the crops won't accomplish anything. You said they cleared an area around the structures. If we need smoke cover, I'm sure a spell would suffice. It doesn't necessarily need to be open warfare either. Maybe most of the troops are unhappy about the current situation? I agree that we should try and capture a patrol."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Thursday August 13th, 2015 9:39:59 PM
OOC- I will be leaving for vacation soon. I hope to have 'some' internet access, but I can't guarantee it. If someone would like to volunteer to run Trayvin for next week's postings it would be appreciated. (17th - 21st)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday August 13th, 2015 10:42:53 PM
"Perhaps we should rest up for a bit and try to capture a patrol at dawn," Pru suggests. "I know that will put us behind, but this group could have valuable information."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=21 ; Friday August 14th, 2015 12:37:28 AM
OOC: quote: If that is the case, when we leave here, we can leave it as a charred field.
Nikolai does not understand the misunderstanding. "I said, when we leave, if necessary to help defeat him. That is one of our goals, defeat this rogue Mailed Fist. It may not be necessary. But I have to laugh at your assumption that destroying the crops by eating them is OK but destroying them by fire is not.
The owner had to abandon his farm because of these brigands. Fire is a natural way to replenish the soil with ashes of the old for the birth of the new. When all this is over, the farmer can return with a soil ready for the new.
I don't see the problem here."
They had a fight with trolls and walked 1000 miles. Nikolai wants his Fist fresh for heir next venture, which might include a fight with fity men. "Let's camp here, then before dawn we move in closer and look for a means to catch that third patrol."
Watch Perc + 13 = 21
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=24 ; Friday August 14th, 2015 3:54:04 AM
Tinker nods at the sound plan of resting before an engagement, and concentrates on that. The talk of burning the farm makes him very uneasy, but the team hasn't decided, just talked, and the dwarf keeps silent for now.
He takes his usual time to guard his friends at watch.
Perception. 24
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Friday August 14th, 2015 8:20:32 AM
"I think we continue to misunderstand each other. Not every plant is destroyed by eating it. Some plants you only eat a part of it and other plants actually require digestion by animals in order to spread their seed. Take corn for example, you don't eat the whole plant just the ear. Furthermore fire is natural, no doubt, but a fire started by a lightning strike on a patch of dry lands at the behest of the Gods is different than arson." Anna says
"Furthermore the druid saw me flying as a hawk and politely offered me a dead mouse which I accepted. I did check to see if it was poisoned, but it wasn't so I ate it. There was an argument in the camp and the Druid had the final word, maybe as one of shepherd of nature to another we could come to some non-violent resolution. Maybe they have been duped by Pavillion?"
DM Ken - Anna's Map Friday August 14th, 2015 2:49:36 PM
As the situation is discussed, it's time for the Fist to turn down for bed.
Hope and Drake are on the last watch, along with Nikolai. In the night, Hope hears a strange noise and goes to investigate with Drake, under orders from Nikolai to return should she spot anything unusual.
An hour passes. Then two. Hope does not return. She is a skilled Ranger and it would take a lot to seriously threaten her or her bow, but for now, she does not appear to be returning. A thorough search of her last known whereabouts reveal a set of tracks, with long distance between them indicating a high rate of movement. Hope and Drake appear to have given chase.
The tracks lead out into another field, then disappear abruptly. Hope and Drakes tracks linger, having circled a time or two, then appear to have vanished as well.
This leaves 6 Agents, alone in the field, with a large enemy force not far away.
Anna has asked to be allowed to try and reach a treaty with the other druid, though the general consensus is that a scout party should be captured.
Nikolai and others try to recall a fist regiment that specializes in axes, but cannot come up with one. Whats more likely, as Nikolai recalls, is that the western armory was likely raided. It kept it's weapons well organized, and the larger bladed weapons like axes were arrayed nearest to the door.
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+11=12 ; Friday August 14th, 2015 3:31:00 PM
Tinker frowns. Not only is Hope gone and the team doesn't have time to search for her, but the Mailed Fist that is at the farmhouse plundered an arms room! The dwarf is getting angry.
"Ambush a scout team. Right!" The dwarf motions for Michael to join him as the noisy dwarf and halfling lead the Agents into a likely ambush location.
Stealth - 12
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Friday August 14th, 2015 10:03:20 PM
"I'm with you Tinker. I don't have much skill with tracks to try and help find Hope, so I'll help with the ambush instead."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Saturday August 15th, 2015 10:59:53 AM
A new day means a new spell selection. Pru again casts an extended Mage Armor on herself and Nikolai, then helps prepare for the ambush.
"I could cast Invisibility on somebody," she suggests, "but it would only be good for about five minutes. I don't know if it's worth the trouble."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Sunday August 16th, 2015 10:06:32 PM
"I can cast snare, soften earth and stone, entangle, spike growth or plant growth so I have a number of ways with which to impede movement. The only questions would be where would we be setting our ambush and how would we avoid detection by the patrols, until we wanted to take them, and how to prevent them from signaling some kind of alarm." Anna says.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Monday August 17th, 2015 9:56:39 AM do any of you spell slingers have a silence spell? That coupled with your other spells Anna will have a good chance of keeping them silent and in the kill box until we are through with them.
Ooc: we need a map of the location for the ambush, hard to set up a proper one without knowing the terrain. We need a place with good cover, a quick means of egress and far enough away from the main camp that we have time to beat feet after we've beat the patrol to meat.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday August 17th, 2015 9:15:14 PM
"Sorry, no Silence," Pru says. "But it's a pretty big farm. If we catch them far enough away from the main group, the sound might not carry that far."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Monday August 17th, 2015 9:42:06 PM
"I have some thunder stones, that isn't the same thing, but it could deafen a few of them, though that could backfire and make them yell louder."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday August 17th, 2015 10:59:52 PM
Nikolai does not know what happened to Hope and Drake, but it is clear that it was not 'normal' in any sense. She would not have gone off without warning us, unless some greater power had come to take her, like others of their group before.
"The Wold is full of mysteries and Hope, just like Bliss, was taken from us. We trust that someday we will see them again."
Nikolai chuckles when Anna brings up Thunderstones. "Let's stay away from Thunderstones, for now. I have some too, but we want just a patrol, not all of them.
He ponders the suggestions. "What Anna said about the druid may be important. These Mailed Fist did not kill the farmers and even paid them until they ran out of money. So we should give them the benefit of the doubt, for now. Our ambush should incapacitate their capabilities such that we can at least parley.
Entanglement and Spike Growth are our best bets. When they see they are trapped, we can show ourselves and demand an explanation for their presence. We pretend we know little about the division and are just returning from a mission and seen dead Mailed Fist members. Something along that line. We do the best we can to get information as peacefully as possible."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Tuesday August 18th, 2015 7:01:42 AM These are Mailed Fist Soldiers, my fear is that we underestimate them and they turn the tables on us.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Tuesday August 18th, 2015 6:43:19 PM
"Plant Growth may be better than entangle. In the area of the spell effect movement is greatly hampered by the thick vegetation." Anna opines.
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=19 ; Tuesday August 18th, 2015 9:52:08 PM
Tinker is not one to talk tactics or what others are likely to do, so he keeps watch while the plan is hashed out.
Perception 19
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday August 18th, 2015 11:26:23 PM
"If that's our plan, I can try to use Ray of Enfeeblement to make it harder to escape," Pru says. She smiles wryly. "I don't have much else in the way of nonlethal attacks."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday August 19th, 2015 12:31:52 AM
Nikolai likes the suggestions being made by his friends.
"The main purpose is to get information. We could just walk in there but the risk is too great that they'll not cooperate. Take a smaller group, show them we mean business without killing them, and if there are any that are dissatisfied with how things are going, perhaps they'll spill the beans."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Wednesday August 19th, 2015 2:19:38 PM hmmm..hadn't thought of that. there is enough dissension about all this we might find some allies. I like it.
DM Ken - Anna's Map Wednesday August 19th, 2015 2:21:48 PM
(There's no map for this at the moment. It's not super necessary yet. Think back to AD&D!)
A few plans are tentatively made. An ambush, involving strength drains, lots of plants, and Michael and his daggers are bandied about, but an ambush spot has yet to be chosen.
There are three patrols, per Anna's information. Patrols one and two move opposite of each other, intersecting twice at regular intervals in their patrol route. The third group seems to randomly check different structures, areas, and on the other two patrols with little apparent reasoning.
The idea of discussing burning down the farm seems to vanish as quickly as it were suggested. And too, does the idea of seeking out the druid for discussion. Without leverage, anyways.
Nikolai discusses tactics with the group and the work on a decision. If they are going to ambush the rovers, they need to choose a spot to do it, specifically a point of interest on the map. If they are going to ambush the fixed route guards, it will be a much more simple affair.
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday August 19th, 2015 5:37:52 PM
Tinker listens and finally stabs a thumb down on Anna's Map at the farmhands house. "How about here?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+16=22 ; Wednesday August 19th, 2015 7:31:23 PM
"I think either the farmhands house, or one of the barns in the crop field would be the best place for this ambush, though I will defer to the group if I am outvoted. The nice thing about the farmhand house is that it is farther away from the main farmhouse, however the barns are surrounded by short crops that can readily be adapted for our ambush.The problem with one of the barns is they are only about 150 feet from the main farmhouse so if we are figured out, it won't take too long for the patrol to get reinforcements." Anna says.
She then casts both guidance and the centaur version of Tauros Taur Try on everyone. (OOC: +2 to survival rolls 10 minutes; + 1 on your next skill role; so everyone roll survival to aid another on Anna, you get 3 + your survival modifier to beat a DC 10)
(Survival: 22)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+3=21 ; Wednesday August 19th, 2015 11:04:17 PM
"The farmhand house sounds fine to me," Pru says. "I'm not really the brains of the outfit, though."
[Survival 21. Successfully Aid Another to boost Anna's score.]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Thursday August 20th, 2015 12:32:32 AM "Distance from he main house may be to our best advantage. The farmhand house then. Approaching during the dark will give some cover.
Anna, were you able to determine a racial mix? Were there any elves, dwarves, or halfelves? Knowing if there are any that have low light or darkvision is important. Also, are there any staying at this house?
If there are none, we can wait inside. When the patrol shows up, Anna can turn into a cute kitten, lure them inside, then turn into a tiger and we'll surround them. Parley as best we can and take it from there."
Nikolai is open to suggestions as well but much depends upon whether any are staying in the farmhand house.
DM Ken - Anna's MapFarmhouse Outside Thursday August 20th, 2015 4:18:08 PM
A decision is made that the outside farmhouse is the best spot to go. Following Anna's lead, the Agents are able to successfully skirt the closer ranger patrols and the general notice of any of the incumbent mailed fist. As you approach the farm house, it seems several recent repairs have been made, and a small gate has been constructed. A cow and some chickens seem fairly well cared for.
Profession Farmer: DC 14 Highlight to display spoiler: {While they are fed and groomed, it seems that the one taking care of them doesn't appear to be very familiar with lives stock. The chickens are over-fed, and grain is being wasted. The cows have been given piles of hay, which isn't something they typically eat. All the animals have water though, and there isn't much waste about.}
The house itself is a two story affair. The front door is closed and the windows boarded with small slits for vision.
For the purposes of an ambush, it's no farmland, but there is potential perhaps, if you could get inside the building. Due to the random nature of the roving patrols, there's no telling when or even if they will check in here any time soon.
DM Request: 2 Stealth rolls, all involved. Please add a +10 modifier for the cover of the cornfield on the first roll, and no modifiers other than the usual on your second.
DM Question: Nikolai mentioned approaching during darkness. Are you all letting the day pass before advancing?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+28=35 ; d20+28=34 ; d20+18=38 ; Thursday August 20th, 2015 8:43:29 PM
I would think that Darkness is best.
stealth 35 38
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=20 ; d20+10=27 ; Thursday August 20th, 2015 10:16:08 PM
Tinker moves quietly with the team, eager to take care of these miscreants.
Perception 40 and 27
Anna Morphe [Tiny Cat] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 15 d20+23=40 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+11=18 ; Thursday August 20th, 2015 10:32:06 PM
"I too think we should use the cover of Darkness" Anna says.
Before they set off to the farmhand house, Anna shrinks down to a tiny size and drops to all fours as her features grow more feline and include cat ears, a tail and whiskers. Where Anna stood now stands a tiny tabby cat with mackerel coloration.
"Meow" Anna says.
She then casts longstrider on herself and the Liontaur version of Toros Taur Try on herself and the rest moving through the group to periodically renew the spell. (OOC: Everyone gets +1 stealth and acrobatics in 10 minute durations)
Active Effects: Wildshaped as BeastShape II - 6 hours +10 disguise (-2 applied to be a different race/species) so +8 adjusted +4 size bonus to dex, -2 size penalty str, +1 natural armor, +2 size bonus AC, +2 Attack, +8 stealth, makes stealth modifier 12 or 13 w/ taur try +4 fly, -2 CMB/CMD speed 30ft, or 40ft w/ longstrider scent, low light vision, 2 claws +8(1d2+2), bite+8(1d3+2)
longstrider: +10 base speed - 6 hours
Toros Taur Try , liontaur : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min intervals renew as needed
(Stealth 1: 40) (Stealth 2: 26) (Perception: 18)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+14=22 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+4=14 ; Thursday August 20th, 2015 10:48:02 PM
Pru moves as stealthily as she can, knowing that it's not as stealthy as all that. Still, she does a decent job. [Stealth 22 and 17,]
Pru glances at the animals, then frowns. "Whoever's taking care of them certainly means well," she whispers, "but they don't know what they're doing."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+22=38 ; d20+12=19 ; Friday August 21st, 2015 1:10:04 AM
OOC: DM, darkness was mentioned because Nikolai had said 'before dawn they move in... Before dawn would mean it is still dark, I think, but in the Wold, who knows... :)
IC: before they leave the cover of the cornfield, Nikolai asks Anna-kitten to go snoop around the farmhand house and see if she can smell or hear or see if anyone is inside.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Sunday August 23rd, 2015 11:07:40 PM
Although Nikolai wanted to arrive at their designated spot before dark, the distance is hard to judge through such a huge cornfield. When they do arrive, it is light. Sneaking up to the farmhand house won't be as easy as thought.
A little snooping before they expose themselves is in order and that task lands in Anna-cat's lap.
(Ah! Gotcha, I'm sorry I missed that. I usually picture the last watch ending around 5, just around sun-up. I'll give you the darkness!)
Gathering themselves up and removing most signs of their camp, the Agents move out. Through the darkness, it's easy to remain unspotted, and the corn aids this endeavor.
Near the end of the trail, Double Fist comes to the edge of their cover. With the main house a mile behind them, and the patrols avoided, they take a small rest after their few hours of travel.
Anna takes the form of a cute kitten, something entirely common on a farm, and makes her way out to investigate. A quick jaunt around the house and inside through an open window reveal it to be empty, with no one inside, though it does appear lived in. There are a number of beds, food, water, and other supplies along with some backpacks and locked chests at the foot of the beds.
Prudence is able to notice the novice care of the animals. This lends to the idea that someone in the Fist has been taking care of them, but who? Probably not the confirmed druid, he would know whats needed. It's likely that this farm house is regularly used by fist troopers, who are simply trying their best.
Consider the 1st and 2nd floors pretty much identical.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday August 24th, 2015 4:03:55 PM
"Well," Pru says. "Shall we set an ambush? Try to catch a patrol returning?"
Anna Morphe [Tiny Cat] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 15 Monday August 24th, 2015 8:04:23 PM
Anna scratches a circle with a slash in the dirt, indicating that she found 0 people inside.
At the suggestion of Pru's ambush Anna-cat nods her little kitty head.
Active Effects: Wildshaped as BeastShape II - 6 hours (2 or 3 hours elapsed?) +10 disguise (-2 applied to be a different race/species) so +8 adjusted +4 size bonus to dex, -2 size penalty str, +1 natural armor, +2 size bonus AC, +2 Attack, +8 stealth, makes stealth modifier 12 or 13 w/ taur try +4 fly, -2 CMB/CMD speed 30ft, or 40ft w/ longstrider scent, low light vision, 2 claws +8(1d2+2), bite+8(1d3+2)
longstrider: +10 base speed - 6 hours (2 or 3 hours elapsed)
Toros Taur Try , liontaur : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min intervals renew as needed
She tries to figure if the short grass or vegetation outside the farmhouse would be a viable target. Maybe if they can get the the patrol inside the house she can use plant growth to keep them trapped inside. She sits on the ledge of the window and watches the outside.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Monday August 24th, 2015 8:22:36 PM Tinker, lets see whats in these chests, we might can get some intel on the troops that can be of service getting info out of them.
Michael get himself busy looking for things that would help in an ambush. cooking fat from the kitchen to make the floors slippery. bed sheets and cup hooks, and cups to weight the ends of the sheet, hooks in the ceiling to hold the sheet up and a piece of twine ran around the hooks to let the sheet drop. If they have oat meal a big pot of thick oat meal boiling hot will stick and burn whoever is hit with it. ( I'm going stream of consciousness here, to give the DM all of the things I am looking for) a way to pearch above the door so I can get the flank on them when they come through the door. or places for us all to hide let the patrol settle down and let their guard down then take them. if we let them retire to their rooms we can take them out piece meal.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Monday August 24th, 2015 9:26:20 PM
Trayvin assists with looking through the Fists' gear. "I hope there is some indication here of what their goals are. At least the signs they are taking care of the animals is good."
"Is the farmhouse a good spot for the ambush? Is the vegetation sufficient for your spells?"
Highlight to display spoiler: {Spells 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * = denotes used spells }
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=15 ; d20+13=23 ; Monday August 24th, 2015 11:11:46 PM
OOC:DM, where's the main door?
"Don't waste time on every chest. Look for their Thumb and do that one first. Find any exits and block them. We'll jimmy the windows shut, not that they can't break through them but the'll get cut doing that. Anyone see a back door? We'll jimmy it shut too. Pru and I will go upstairs and see if we can find a room that's not being used. We'll use the upstairs as a lookout spot as well.
Remember, we don't want them thinking we are thieves or here to kill. We want them to understand that we are a legitimate Fist and we can be on their side if they make their case well enough. That way we can leave the door open to talk to the druid if we need to."
Upstairs Nikolai and Pru will look for a room or rooms that have not been occupied, if there is one, and the best window for a lookout. While doing this he tries to think of the best way to ambush them.
Perception +13 (unused room, if any, or least used) + best lookout window = 15 Perception +13 (look for Thumb's room) = 23
"Anyone know how to magically lock doors and windows? We'll need some Invisibility too. Once the last one enters the door one of us invisible can move to block it while the rest of us jump them. We can formulate a better plan once we look this place over."
The main (and only) door is on the left side of the map. (Ignore the compass on the image of the house)
Nikolai does a bit of searching, and finds all the rooms are used in one fashion or another. He also finds the chest of at least one Thumb, identifiable by the rank insignia painted on it's chest. In it, there are instructions pertaining to their roving patterns. It seems this particular group swaps out with another that ranges farther west and north, back towards the Citadel.
His orders are stamped from Neutronis.
"Maintain patrols, Sons of Pavillion. Words of your heroic actions have reached me and I cannot offer enough praise. Many mercenaries follow the easy road, or the road for money. Your outfit has proven to be loyal and honorable, maintaining their oaths even as the traitor Palance offers an illegitimate escape from them.
Thaddeus, I prefer that your Fist and Malak's Fist swap roves at the grounds of the Citadel. Look for weaknesses in her posts, though I don't you will find much. She has always been thorough and skillful, which makes her betrayal sting that much more.
Continue to eliminate deserters, as they may be spies. Even if they are not, the penalty for desertion in the Fist is death. If those men and women do not have the basic sense to spot an unlawful order, they must suffer as if they willfully disobeyed in the most grievous fashion. If they offer to pledge loyalty to you, accept it, then ship them to me on the front lines. I need men of lesser commitment for the first few phases of our attack.
What I am trying to accomplish is for the good of us all. I fear that Alithmars refusal to pay may be part of some larger plot against us. Without a Kingdom, we are vulnerable to whatever it might be. And so, I shall make us a Kingdom from the ashes of those who insulted and refused us our due."
Michael goes about looking for a number of items to make some worthy traps. He finds the following items in no particular order.
-Flour, Oatmeal (not cooked), water, rations, rope, fishing line and hooks, garden tools, chicken feed, kitchen grease, sheets, pillows, house shoes, rags, ash and soot from the fire place, a hot poker, a carpet, a sofa, a bathtub, soap, a towel, some paper, a little ink, minor scraps of of wood for repairs, some beer, some wine, cups, plates, and silverware.
-He figures it would require a feat of some moderate strength to lodge himself across the ceiling as they enter. It would be tough, considering it's he is shorter than the hall-way is wide, but with his full arm span he might pull it off.
Tinker makes easy pickings of the locks and finds the chests to contain mostly personal effects. None hold any weapons or magic, likely because such items are currently in use by their owners.
Trayvin and Pru look for ways to help, and are told to bar windows. The windows are currently all opened, probably for ventilation.
Anna considers her options. It appears as if the ambush is going to take place within the house. From here, none of her nature based spells will be much good. The grounds outside though, are sufficient for her various druidic spells. She does not think she could gather enough plant matter to pin the doors and windows closed.
All in all there are lots of nooks and crannies to hide, and no telling when the patrol will return this way.
DM Ooc: All players may read this text if they choose, but I trust you not to metagame the information contained therein!
Highlight to display spoiler: {
As your roving patrol lazily picks it's way past the two northern silo's and the main farm house, your little group easily finds the small trail that leads north to the farm-hands cabin. As you walk, Thaddeus, your Thumb, (or unit commander) continues trying to convince everyone that you have chosen the right side in this conflict within the Fist.
"I know everyone has their own convictions, but we put our word to parchment, and that's an oath, by Pantheon, and I'll not break mine. Maybe the Grand Marshall is going too far, but until our terms are up, its our duty to support that! Constance is a traitor. Those who defect are traitors. And we signed up knowing that traitors to the Mailed Fist find the gallows or a sword point."
Thaddeus seems like a good man, but even good men kill other men they find not worthy in war. He had dispatched a number of Mailed Fist deserters, and sent a small number north under guard to Pavillion Neutronis on the front lines of the war with Alithmar.
Both Kora and Karavik had yet to be thrown into the fighting. New transfers to Wolf Regiment, they were quickly caught up in the turmoil between the Sons of Pavillion (the loyalist faction) and Constance Palance (Knight Captain of the Citadel, the main base of Wolf Regiment.). Ushered out by others promising safety and a way to avoid the traitors death, they have found themselves patrolling these farms for a week or so.
Some of these men are violent. Some are normal. Mercenaries are a varied bunch. For now though, the most troubling thing about your situation is a small note that each of you received at separate times, and others in the camp have been receiving as well. Burned upon being turned in, it has been explained away as propaganda from Constance Palance and her agents. Likey the dwarf or the halfing, perhaps. Still, it makes on wonder about it's prose.
Pavillion leads his Wolves astray, quicker to the slaughter. Where honest men keep account, Neutronis did not bother.
Ignorant, you are excused, though now you have been told. Earn more pay with brothers blood, an' thy bodies shall lie cold.
As you pick your way through the corn fields, Thaddeus finally wraps up his little speech and directs a question to both of you. Snapped from your musings on the parchment, you listen to his words.
"So Kora, and you too Karavik. You were both new to Wolf Regiment when the traitor turned us on our heads. You did the right thing by coming with us, but you might not have the same bias we do. What are your opinions on the matter?"}
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday August 25th, 2015 5:33:27 PM
Pru hesitates. "If we shut the windows," she says, "they'll be able to see them on approach. Won't that make them suspicious?"
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday August 25th, 2015 8:19:56 PM
Tinker disregards the suggestion to only pick a couple of locks. With so many chests, the dwarf is as happy as a pig in mud!
The letter is eapecially important, and Tinker reads it aloud, his brows coming down in stormy stubbornness. " I say this is iron clad. We kill these people and then move onto Nutrius saying that thIs Sergeant Thaddeua sent us to him. That will get us through all the guards and maybe learn the would-be king's plans. "we
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Tuesday August 25th, 2015 9:11:38 PM
Trayvin shrugs his shoulders as Tinker plays with the locks. "Always good to keep in practice."
He reads over the note that was found. "Nikolai....read the note carefully. We don't have to fight them. We could pretend to be defectors from Constance, and they will send us directly to Pavillion."
Anna Morphe [Tiny Cat] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 15 d20+11=22 ; Tuesday August 25th, 2015 9:18:58 PM
Anna-cat hops down from her perch on the ledge of the open window reads the note and then hops back up on the ledge. She loafs keeping her eyes peeled for anyone coming toward the farmhand house.
(Perception: 22)
Active Effects: Wildshaped as BeastShape II - 6 hours (2 or 3 hours elapsed?) +10 disguise (-2 applied to be a different race/species) so +8 adjusted +4 size bonus to dex, -2 size penalty str, +1 natural armor, +2 size bonus AC, +2 Attack, +8 stealth, makes stealth modifier 12 or 13 w/ taur try +4 fly, -2 CMB/CMD speed 30ft, or 40ft w/ longstrider scent, low light vision, 2 claws +8(1d2+2), bite+8(1d3+2)
longstrider: +10 base speed - 6 hours (2 or 3 hours elapsed)
Toros Taur Try , liontaur : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min intervals renew as needed
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday August 26th, 2015 12:14:46 AM
The letter is damning, but what else was new? Well, ...
"True, we don't have to fight them, just pretend we defected from Constance upon returning from our mission. But listen to this, 'Thaddeus, I prefer that your Fist and Malak's Fist swap roves at the grounds of the Citadel. Look for weaknesses in her posts,...'. I'd give anything to catch that Fist!"
Nikolai has to pause to calm down a bit, then he asks, "What do you think we are going to learn from Thaddeus? These guys are loyal to the bone and I doubt they'll divulge anything short of being tortured, and that's not what we stand for. But I leave it up to you, do we spend valuable time here or have we learned enough? I'm content to take this evidence with us and continue our mission. I'm afraid that if we stick to our ambush plan, I'll be inclined to send the lot on a visit to Gargul. Be as it may, I'll do as the Fist prefers."
He then turns to Tinker and asks if he has the skills to make a decent copy of the letter that might pass as the original so they can leave the copy where they found the original.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 46/46 CMD 17 Wednesday August 26th, 2015 7:42:21 AM
Karavik tries not to react outwardly to Thaddeus' question. The bard is a good man, but his conscious is in turmoil over the current state of affairs. On the one hand, he is following orders like a soldier, and a soldier of the Fist is all he has ever wanted to be. On the other hand, however, there is something about Pavillion's course that seems 'wrong.' The Mailed Fist is not meant to be involved in politics. There should be a purity there that allows them to stay above the political fray. In that respect, Constance's arguments are correct. Was there a better way she could have gone about making them?
Karavik finally breaks his pensive moment. "I think we have orders to follow," he answers simply. Nothing would pain him more than to be drawn into a long conversation on the topic. His thoughts are much to jumbled for that, and it is likely that he could say something to earn himself a headsman's axe.
Perhaps Kora has the same reservations. They are both newer to the Wolf Regiment. Is there an ally there perhaps?
OOC: The Woldapedia doesn't seem to be working, and I couldn't find another area on formatting posts, so this one may need some retouching. There is an online copy of my character sheet at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7zy47Ge5aiGZDVGMVRFUWZGQms/view?usp=sharing.
Double Fist begins to ask themselves some hard questions. Do they stay here, simply to avenge their fallen? Nikolai doesn't feel there's a need to stay, or in Trayvins case, fight at all. Tinker feels the fires of revenge burning in his gruff dwarven heart. Prudence is being, well, prudent, and points out if the windows are open, shutting them might signal someone else has been here. Michael is silent.
Anna is being a cat and loafing around, which arguably is what they do best.
Anna Only: Highlight to display spoiler: {You see the glint of metal in the distance approaching from the south. Maybe 8 minutes out, someone is approaching.}
Meanwhile,
Kora and Karavik
Highlight to display spoiler:
Highlight to display spoiler: {Kora is silent, but Karaviks answer is enough to appease Thaddeus.
"Orders. That's exactly right. We have orders. Until we get back to the house anyways. Then our order is to take some time off and let the mid-watch take our rove."
It isn't far to the house from here. Maybe ten minutes if your patrol really takes it's time. As you move through the center area and skirt through the northern edge of corn, one of the men in your Fist abruptly stops and heads into the fields, then re-emerges a bit later.
"Some tracks here that aren't from our patrol, and none of the other groups rove up here."
}
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday August 26th, 2015 9:42:19 PM
"Well, I'd rather not fight them if we don't have to," Pru says. "But if we're leaving, I want to leave a note about the animals. Poor things."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday August 26th, 2015 9:42:30 PM
Anna hops down from the ledge and begrudgingly returns to human form. As much as she would have enjoyed hopping on Nikolai's back and trying to communicate what she saw as a cat, time is of the essence so it is probably best to be direct.
"Nikolai, sir. I see the glint of metal about 8 minutes out from this house. Continuing on our mission may be all fine and good but unless we leave almost immediately we may not have a say in whether we encounter these soldiers or not. If we do chose to stay, I'm not that good at lying, so if we are trying to convince them that we have left Constance to join the would-be king, I should probably not talk or be an animal again, so I can't talk and avoid endangering the mission."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+11=15 ; Thursday August 27th, 2015 12:41:45 AM "We were taught that a Mission takes precedence over personal grudges. We also know what happens when personal moral codes take precedence over the Mission. As hard a decision this is, we must leave be these misguided members and continue on our mission. We discovered enough here, if not all what we wanted."
Nikolai looks visibly disappointed but it is not his luxury to take the risks and stay. If but one of them got away and warned the rest, it would be a hard spot they'd be in.
"Pru, NO note. They must not know anyone else has been here. If they figure out someone has rifled through their stuff, let them think it was one of their own. Got that?"
Nikolai is stern but kind.
"Let's bug out," he says and leads the way back out into the cornfield. They'll follow their tracks back to their campsite from the night before, then from there back to the spot where they meet the farmer. However from that point, they know it is dangerous indeed to stay on the road, so they'll keep to the side as much as possible.
Survival (tracking) +11 = 15
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Thursday August 27th, 2015 12:56:06 AM
Michael is torn and pensive..on one hand these men have killed his compatriots and nothing would please him more than to put their heads on pikes for the crows to pick at. At the same time, cutting the head off the beast will end all this quicker. He feels hot and restless. Impatient for action.
I agree with Tinker, but you the bossman Nicolai, we follow you
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 46/46 CMD 17 d20+13=14 ; d20+13=24 ; Thursday August 27th, 2015 8:50:31 AM
Karavik leans in to look at the tracks his compatriot has discovered, but his skills in tracking are lackluster at best.
"Can you tell the number of the party, or which way they were headed? If this is a fight we aren't prepared for, perhaps we should head back to the farmhouse to finish up our rove. We could always alert the Fist that takes over from us. It could be just farmers roaming about." (rolled 14 (1d20+13) for trying to be diplomatic)
Karavik eyes his friends, attempting to discern the mood of the group regarding the discovery of the tracks and his own words. (rolled 24 (1d20+13) for sense motive)
OOC: Thank you for linking the char sheet. How do I bold type in my post? I would like to make my conversation stand out a bit easier. Thanks!
DM Ken - Anna's MapFarmhouse Outside Thursday August 27th, 2015 5:41:48 PM
(Post tonight a bit later. Everyone should have time to get something in.)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Thursday August 27th, 2015 9:58:26 PM
"Well, I'm not sure I agree with you Nikolai, but if we are leaving, then let's go. The longer we wait the more chance we will run across one of the patrols."
Anna Morphe[Deinonychus] (Hugh C) -- AC 15/13/12 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+3=22 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+13=26 ; Thursday August 27th, 2015 10:14:18 PM
(OOC: Assuming we are bugging out)
Anna turns into a Deinonychus and follows Nikolai's order to bug out.
Active Effects: Wildshaped as BeastShape II - 6 hours +10 disguise (-2 applied to be a different race/species) so +8 adjusted +2 size bonus to str, +2 natural armor, speed 60ft, or 70ft w/ longstrider scent, low light vision, 2 talons +8 (1d8+4),bite +8 (1d6+4), 2 foreclaws +3(1d4+2), pounce
longstrider: +10 base speed - 6 hours (2 or 3 hours elapsed)
Toros Taur Try , liontaur : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min intervals renew as needed
2/4 wildshape left
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday August 27th, 2015 11:34:57 PM
"Yes, all right. No note," Pru agrees, but she looks unhappy.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday August 28th, 2015 12:35:32 AM
OOC: Checking in. BTW, SteveK posted Tinker's post on Hook's game where he is a Co-DM so don't count him as missing his post here.
LOL! :)
DM Ken - Anna's MapFarmhouse Outside d20+2=21 ; d3=1 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+2=13 ; d20+2=18 ; Friday August 28th, 2015 12:45:22 AM
Nikolai, for maybe the first time since his promotion, takes full charge and pushes against the wishes of the majority of his unit. Worried about endangering his mission, he leads his group back out into the day.
Thanks to Anna's warning, they have plenty of time to exit the house, and leave things in order more or less as they found them.
Exiting opposite the direction of the incoming patrol, they slip back into the cornfields and make for their old camp. After a couple of miles, they arrive near 8 am, and find it their camp unmolested.
Will the Agents strike here for a brief break, camp for another day, or continue moving?
Elsewhere, as Kora, Karavik, and the rest of the patrol hit their hut, one of the scouts points out that a few of the chests have been rifled through.
"Thieves?", questions Thaddeus? "Surely not. Kora, Karavik, take one of the dogs and go.
Reaching in his pocket, he blows a whistle that seems to make no noise. It isn't long after that a pair of large wolves come running up to the house. Kora and Karavik would recognize these as both Aspen and Ember, the Druid who has been working with them, and his animal companion.
"Someone's been here. Find the scent and track it down. Kora and Karavik, you two follow."
Not long after, Kora, Karavik, Aspen and Ember are on the trail of a strange set of scents.
Kora and Karavik, Perception DC 18: Highlight to display spoiler: { You find bits and pieces of broken corn and other plants, suggesting someone has traveled this way. Tracks in the soil are fresh, and the two wolves seem to be locked on the scent of someone unfamiliar.}
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 46/46 CMD 17 d20+9=12 ; Friday August 28th, 2015 7:48:13 AM
Karavik sets of with Kora, Aspen, and Ember, but he isn't sure where they should head first. He assumes it is best to let the druid and his companion lead. Their sense of smell will surely prove useful in tracking down anyone who had been at the farmhouse, and his own skills in that area are far from sharp (rolled 1d20+9 for a 12 on perception).
Karavik readies his crossbow, not willing to risk meeting a potential enemy unarmed. "Kora, have you spotted anything?"
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday August 28th, 2015 2:30:22 PM
"I vote we keep moving," Pru says. "We've got some time to make up."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Friday August 28th, 2015 9:11:55 PM
Trayvin makes sure all of his gear is properly stowed and he is ready to move out in a few minutes time. He says nothing while he does this, and works with the efficiency of a soldier.
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday August 28th, 2015 9:38:51 PM
Ooc: I am an idiot! I posted Tinker's actions in Hook City and not Agents! 😳
Tinker keeps his heavy repeating crossbow handy and dutifully takes the Tail End Charlie position, watching the rear. "Can we rest for a little? Movement half the night and a move back during the day; we have to rest before some of you start dropping "
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=14 ; Friday August 28th, 2015 10:22:25 PM
Michael begrudgingly follows the rest of the fist. He seethes with rage against the dishonorable sons of trolls. the trail calms him though and before long he finds a sort of peace. They will get theirs. Their will be a reckoning. He pitches in with a will getting the camp together. it's time to go.
perception. 14 natural 1.
Anna Morphe[Deinonychus] (Hugh C) -- AC 15/13/12 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+3=7 ; d20+11=20 ; Friday August 28th, 2015 11:54:22 PM
Dino-Anna nods her head at Pru's suggestion to press on.
She keeps her eyes peeled for any dangers and tries to move quickly and silently.
(Stealth: 7, Perception: 20)
Active Effects: Wildshaped as BeastShape II - 6 hours (2 hours elapsed?) +10 disguise (-2 applied to be a different race/species) so +8 adjusted +2 size bonus to str, +2 natural armor, speed 60ft, or 70ft w/ longstrider scent, low light vision, 2 talons +8 (1d8+4),bite +8 (1d6+4), 2 foreclaws +3(1d4+2), pounce
longstrider: +10 base speed - 6 hours (4 hours elapsed?)
Toros Taur Try , liontaur : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min intervals renew as needed
2/4 wildshape left
(OOC: Please confirm my estimations)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=28 d20+11=19 Monday August 31st, 2015 1:14:21 AM
On the way back to their camp, Nikolai ponders what to do about those patrols that scout the citadel.
"We have that scroll of sending. Should we warn Pallance that she is being spied upon? More likely she already knows. Sigh... Yes, we should take a moments rest. Should be safe enough here. Keep eyes and ears out in case we have been followed. It might take a little while but if that Fist suspects something fishy and starts looking around they are bound to find our trail through the cornfield. If we catch them this far out, we won't be in danger of alerting the rest of the group.
Since I sense that some of you really wanted to waste that Fist, and we want to rest a little anyway, we can only hope that they find our tracks and follow. In case they do, let's please stay away from fire, alright?"
Nikolai sets the Agents in an ambush pattern around their makeshift cornfield camp so that while they rest a little from their long journey, they are prepared to pounce on anyone that has followed them.
Perception + 13 (listen for anyone following) = 28 Stealth +11 (hide in cornfield) = 19
DM Ken - Anna's MapFarmhouse Outside Monday August 31st, 2015 2:31:53 PM
Although Prudence and a few others request pushing on, Nikolai gives the order to halt and recover, even if just for awhile. The traverse across from the farm and back left a little weariness in the Double Fist, and some folks needed a rest.
Nikolai sets his people up in an ambush formation, just in case they were followed. And not long after he does so, it becomes obvious that they were.
Seemingly not caring about surprise or ambush, four figures stroll into the middle of the camp. One woman, one man, and two large wolves approach, with no weapons drawn.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday August 31st, 2015 5:28:10 PM
Pru frowns as the newcomers enter the camp. They don't look much like a patrol, although perhaps the wolves were tracking the party. She stays where she is, waiting for a signal to attack.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+4=6 d20+10=20 Monday August 31st, 2015 6:17:56 PM
With his Fist's original intent to capture and interrogate, Nikolai is relieved that there are only two humanoids and not more. The two wolves might be a problem. To bad Hope was not around. To best get their reaction as to what they think of the Mailed Fist and who they follow, Nikolai chooses to appear in a form other than a Mailed Fist member. He dons his Hat of Disguise and takes on the looks of the land owner, then steps out from behind cornstalks.
"Sooooo. Venturing forth into my cornfields like you own it! I decided to fight for it and reclaim it from the evil corrupt Mailed Fist! Be advised that you are surrounded and hopelessly outmatched by my hardened ranger friends next door. Your evil commander spared me and my family, barely, so I spare you if you drop your weapons and renounce your corruption and evil deeds and promise to leave these parts and never come back. You have to the count of three to comply. One...Two..."
Nikokai raise his hand as the signal to attack when it drops on the count of Three.
Intimidate +4 = 6! WOW! Disguise +10 (hat) = 20! I really do look like the farmer at least. No wonder I got a 6 on intimidate!
Anna Morphe[Deinonychus] (Hugh C) -- AC 15/13/12 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+6=19 ; Monday August 31st, 2015 7:19:43 PM
Dino-Anna makes her presence known and attempts to use wild empathy to improve the attitudes of the 2 wolves toward her and her companions. (Wild Empathy, like diplomacy : 19)
If that doesn't work she will prepare to cast plant growth in either a half circle, circle or quarter circle that will get the new comers and not get her own fist caught in it.
Active Effects: Wildshaped as BeastShape II - 6 hours (2 hours elapsed?) +10 disguise (-2 applied to be a different race/species) so +8 adjusted +2 size bonus to str, +2 natural armor, speed 60ft, or 70ft w/ longstrider scent, low light vision, 2 talons +8 (1d8+4),bite +8 (1d6+4), 2 foreclaws +3(1d4+2), pounce
longstrider: +10 base speed - 6 hours (4 hours elapsed?)
Toros Taur Try , liontaur : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min intervals renew as needed
2/4 wildshape left
(OOC: Please confirm my estimations)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+18=19 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+7=22 ; Monday August 31st, 2015 9:06:34 PM
Michael positions himself as quitely as possible to flank the group from the rear. Although he is tempted to skewer the two, he is obedient to his Thumb and holds his hide until the count of three. unfortunately the rabbit hiding in the underbrush surprised him as much as he surprised it and his squeek would have woken up half the citadel, his flailing hand grasps a too thin tree limb to try and correct his balance and promptly snaps off, he rolls out of the cover to correct his balance and winds up standing...in plain view...near the targets.
he looks around quickly, his face panicked, Did you see the size of that chicken! he loudly asks.
stealth 19 nat 1 acrobatics for the prat fall 23 perform (comedy) 22
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=29 ; d10=10 ; Monday August 31st, 2015 9:07:22 PM
Tinker is surprised but calmly turns his mechanical crossbow on the wolves. He will fire if any of the strangers attack. "Just insurance until we can be nice, Nikolai"
Ready to shoot if attacked. AC 29. Dam 11
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Monday August 31st, 2015 10:22:37 PM
Strolling in without a care, they either are here in peace or do not consider us a threat. The giants treated his mother's tribe much the same. Trayvin moves into a position that will shield his less armored companions behind himself. He does not draw a weapon, but waits on the newcomers actions, or Nikolai's word. "Let's see what they have to say."
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 46/46 CMD 17 Tuesday September 1st, 2015 7:33:15 AM "Who are you all?" That is the only thing that Karavik can manage to squeak out. He had been leisurely following the wolves, assuming that they would be alert to any presence in the area. His assumptions have done exactly what they always do.
Being unarmed and faced with what seems to be an overwhelming force, Karavik's hesitation to take any action is palpable. He certainly does not want to die here, in a conflict that he still doesn't totally understand.
Nikolai moves forward, under the guise of a farmer, to confront the newcomers. He knows his hat can't use the exact form of the man he met, so he relies on disguise to do the rest.
The rest of the Fist all take up defensive positions, ready to take the new comers should they prove hostile.
Karanik knows something isn't right. Ember and Autumn should have had no problem warning he and the stoically silent Kora that something was amiss. Instead, they were lead right into the middle of the infiltrators.
Anna tries to influence the attitudes of the two Dire Wolves, and might well succeed, if she had time. Empathy, like diplomacy, both take some time when used to change an attitude.
Both wolves trot towards Nikolai. No growls, no hackles, just a loping stride and a heavy pant. The larger wolf gives him a quick sniff, then looks back at Karavik and whines. The smaller wolf strides back, then suddenly is no longer a wolf.
The Druid is a human, with wrinkled lines near his eyes, a green robe, hide armor, and a staff. He nods at Anna-saurus, with a wink.
"I wondered when I would see you again, little hawk. I'm glad you are well!"
With a chuckle, he sits down, and his wolf Autumn sits by him. He waves at Kora and Karavik to sit as well.
"Have a seat. Has anyone got tea? I could use some tea. I never liked canine forms. The saliva sits thick on the tongue and makes me dreadfully thirsty."
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday September 1st, 2015 9:29:05 PM
Tinker puts up his crossbow and stands with a funny look on his face as if smacked in the head with a log. The dwarf gives himself a shake and moves to join the forming group. "Someone you know?", he drawls to Anna.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Tuesday September 1st, 2015 9:32:04 PM
Anna also reverts back to human form. In Druidic she says, Highlight to display spoiler: {"I'm sorry elder. I have no tea to offer you. I have some good berries and some trail rations, though."}
She then takes a seat as directed.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday September 1st, 2015 9:59:04 PM
Pru continues to watch anxiously. Who are these people, and what do they want?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday September 2nd, 2015 12:26:09 AM
The farmers disguise no longer necessary, the dire wolves would have attacked if indeed he and his friends were 'enemies', Nikolai removes his hat, rather puzzled that such lack of discipline led two supposedly Mailed Fist members into an ambush, dire wolf warning or not!
Nikolai does not necessarily drop his guard, but acts more relaxed when the druid sits and asks for tea. Weary of tricks, he maintains a vigilant eye on the other two and a hand ready to smack anyone who appears to make a false move.
"Tea? Sorry, we don't have that luxury out here. It will have to be plain water. Here..." he hands his waterskin to the druid. He looks quickly at Anna and makes a head motion towards the druid. "You seen him before? Did he give you a rat?"
To the other two he snaps, "You two! I don't know whether to be relieved that Neutronus' men are so careless or be disgusted that you so easily fell into the ambush. Tsk, Tsk."
As for the druid, it looks like it is Anna's turn to take the lead.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 46/46 CMD 17 d20+13=27 ; Wednesday September 2nd, 2015 8:26:13 AM "An ambush? It appears to me from watching the druid here that you aren't the enemy. Indeed, it feels to me like he led us here purposefully."
Karavik stands watching, unsure of whether he should invite himself to sit in the same manner the druid did or maintain a guard. He attempts to get a feel for what the intentions of this group may be. (120+13=27 on Sense Motive)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday September 2nd, 2015 8:34:28 AM
"Yes, he gave me a rat. It wasn't poisoned and I ate it. As I said he was arguing with some of the soldiers, but I couldn't tell what they were arguing about. I was hoping he was reasonable and I did suggest parlaying with him, but the group preferred an ambush and then we decided to get out of the farm hand house and now we are here. I don't think he means us harm. Apparently I didn't make a convincing hawk, so if he was going to move against us I would have imagined it would have been easy for him to have them shoot me down or attempt to follow me back to you in large numbers." Anna says.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=19 ; d20+6=9 ; Wednesday September 2nd, 2015 2:07:41 PM
Embarrassed at his blunder, and about his poor attempt to pass it off, Michael takes a position behind and to the left of the new group. It seems this Druid was on to them all along, so maybe he is sympathetic to his faction, maybe not. It pays to be vigilant though
Perception 19 Sense Motive 9
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday September 2nd, 2015 5:31:00 PM
"So", Tinker says, trying to get his head around the situation. "This wolf-man is a Druid who led these two away from Neutrius' men and to us because none of us are on Nutrius' side and maybe we can all work together?"
Not good with social situations or the motives of others, Tinker doesn't really know what to think about that. His fingers start twitching and go through a pattern as if picking an invisible lock.
Not everyone trusts the new arrivals, and for good reason. Still, the man and his wolf seem non-aggressive, though the girl with him is starting to look annoyed.
"You've about got it good dwarf."
The druid slurps noisily from the water skin and offers it back to Nikolai.
"Thank you!", he grins, then adjusts him rump and continues.
"I'm not part of your Mailed Fist, though these two are. After that big shake up at the Citadel, a big group of your men came here and shacked up. Many were hurt, so I healed them. After that, I couldn't leave. They all seem certain of their cause, their leaders doing something they feel is justified, and honestly I couldn't care less."
He motions to the farm.
"This region is growing fast. More people need more good food. I've been helping this place keep up with the needs of men and women as best I can. If this farm failed, that would mean more hunting, more chopping, more clearing, and the natural habitats in this region couldn't handle that. So I've set on with this Fist group, trying to make sure they don't spoil this farm now that they've ran off the people who work it. Besides, without the farm work, all they do is brood about killing traitors, and that's right unhealthy."
He looks at Anna and adds in Druidic.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Of course, they won't understand why I'm helping their enemies. But you might. This is bigger than your conflict."}
He scratches his leg, then adds.
"Along the way, I've learned things. These two here didn't really have a choice in the matter. Kora and Karavik were plucked from the Citadel by the Sons of Pavillion as they left and migrated here. Take them with you, and give them a chance to see both sides of the conflict. Promise me you'll give them the chance to make up their minds, and I promise you I won't set the Son's hounds on your trail when you leave."
Kora, the woman, scoffs.
"Your coddled, old man. I'm not going with this lot. We don't know which legions have sworn for which side, but I figure that 2 to 1 will declare for Pavillion. I'll follow the good odds and stay where I am."
The druid shrugs, and leans back. He smiles a bit and adds with a tease.
"Your move, traitors."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday September 2nd, 2015 7:33:31 PM
Anna says in Druidic, Highlight to display spoiler: {We are shepherds of the land and the land is greater than the conflict of the peoples who reside in the land. Please see that the animals at the farm hands house are tended better. My friend is concerned. Some of my number wanted to burn down the farmland and I was heavily against it. We will not harm the farmland, we just want to get on with our mission. We are trying to end this conflict before it can escalate. We are dismayed that things have happened the way they have. I thank you for not interfering with our mission }
Anna says to everyone in common, "Elder Aspen is trying to protect the land from the conflict. He could have given away our position, but he did not, though with Kora not taking off with us I wonder if he will be able to remain at this farm or if Kora will sell him out. I have asked him to see to the animals in the farm hands house if he manages to remain in their good graces, since you were concerned with that Pru. I have told him that we are trying to end the conflict between the fist and that we are dismayed by it. I think we should take Karavik with us, but I don't know what to do with Kora. I would hate for Aspen to be harmed by the soldiers at the farm for talking to us. I don't suppose anyone could place a geas on Kora?"
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Wednesday September 2nd, 2015 8:41:05 PM
"I don't know who the traitors are here. It seems to me everyone on both sides of this seems to be loyal to the Fists, whichever group of Fists they happen to be with. One thing I do feel, is that we need to complete our mission as soon as possible, and get to the bottom of this whole thing before it gets any worse. If Kora and Karavik here wish to join us in this endeavor then I say let them."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday September 2nd, 2015 10:13:19 PM
"There's more to running a farm than just making plants grow," Pru points out. There doesn't seem to be much any of them can do about that, though.
"Anyone who wants to help with our mission is welcome," Pru says. "You know, provided they don't slit our throats while we're sleeping."
[OOC: Description for the newbies!]
Pru is a human woman with hazel eyes. Her long hair is brown with reddish highlights, worn in a single braid that falls down her and reaches past her hips. She wears no armor and is clutching a longspear.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Thursday September 3rd, 2015 1:39:48 AM
NIkolai is a slightly taller than average half elf with a good tan from being outdoors a lot. He wears the uniform of the Mailed Fist but his weapons are not the usual. A Kama, a bandoleer of shuriken, a nunchaku.
"Very well, Aspen. I heed your words. I am Nikolai and this is Nikolai's Fist and we are Agents, a special combat Fist created by Commander Pallance for special missions. As you see, we are very varied in our skills but very good at what we do. Unlike the Hounds, we don't kill indiscriminately, otherwise that patrol would be no more and here we would have attacked first, asked questions later. One of our missions is to help restore the Mailed Fist to its Purpose. We are to try to convince Neutronus to desist in his attempt to be king and drag the Organization into that breach of Purpose. The Mailed Fist cannot survive if all the kingdoms hereabouts fear a Mailed Fist power grab at their doorstep. So Kora and Karavik, join us if you want to restore the honor to the Mailed Fist, or go back if it isn't your cup of tea. I'll make the same promise Commander Pallance gave to those under her command that wished to leave, that is, leave in peace."
The druid smiles and stands, then pats off his robes around the legs.
"Excellent! I'll try to keep the Fist here fair and fed. I can't promise they'll lay off attacks when ordered, but that's how these things go. Shall we Kora?"
The girl nods, then waves at Karavik.
"I'm not staying because I want to see you killed, Karavik. I'm staying because I think this is the safest place to be. Don't come back this way again, or the Sons might force my hand. Good luck wherever you are going."
With that, the druid, his wolf, and the girl disappear back into the corn.
It's slightly past noon. You've only lost a day, but it's about 6 hours back to where you diverged from the troll encounter to come this far.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 46/59 CMD Thursday September 3rd, 2015 8:43:13 PM
Trayvin looks around at everyone. "Well, that was unexpected I guess. But we haven't lost much time, and no one got hurt. I'll call it a win. Should we get going then?"
Anna Morphe[Megalocerus] (Hugh C) -- AC 15/11/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 18 Thursday September 3rd, 2015 9:11:33 PM
Anna notices that Karavik has no mount and lacks the ability to become his own mount so she offers to turn into an animal that could bear a rider.
Anna takes the form of a majestic Megalocerus, a 6 foot tall great elk with antlers that span 12 feet. She kneels offering Karavik a ride and then joins the horses.
Active Effects: Wildshaped as BeastShape II - 6 hours +10 disguise (-2 applied to be a different race/species) so +8 adjusted +4 size bonus to str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty to dex -1 attack -1 size penalty AC -4 stealth -1 fly +1 CMB / CMD speed 50ft or 60ft with longstrider scent, low light vision, gore+8(2d6+5), 2 hooves +3 (1d4+2) space 10ft, reach 5
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=19 ; Thursday September 3rd, 2015 11:30:52 PM
OOC: if Anna chooses the female of the species, she would not have the horns, no horn attack but no Entanglement in the trees either. :)
Nikolai eyes the new member and extend a hand for a hand shake. "Welcome to Nikolai's Fist. You are now one of the Traitors." he grins."From our perspective, the traitor is Neutronus. There was no need to attempt to be king just to get payment. All he needed was for the Regiments to give an ultimatum or blockade the city, not conquer it. "
He eyes Anna's new form. "Gonna be a little hard to keep her hidden as we travel," he mutters.
"Alright, everyone ready? Let's put this place miles behind. Tinker, feel free to gather up some ripe corn as we go. Michael, you take the lead and scout up front. Let's go."
Perception +13 = 19
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday September 3rd, 2015 11:38:54 PM
Pru gathers her things and makes ready to move out with the rest of the group.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 46/46 CMD 17 Friday September 4th, 2015 12:28:27 AM
Karavik accepts the offer to ride from the shapeshifter. It would appear that he has found a new fist. Is this the correct path to take? Who really knows. It seems clear though that this is at least a side he needs to explore to make more sense of the turmoil in the Fists.
Perhaps clarity will come.
AC 22 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday September 5th, 2015 9:46:18 AM
Tinker shrugs. Flecks of rust streak his dark chocolate hair and trimmed beard, framing a chiseled bronze face set in a permanent frown of concentration. Heavy leather-and-canvas boots, trousers, tunic, vest, and cloak with lots of pockets clothes the dwarf revealing very little skin. Weapons, tools, and a large backpack stuffed with more implements complete the image of a young adventurer expecting the worst and ready for anything.
It looks like the Agents have One new member at least, though the fracture of the Mailed Fist is making loyalty a precious commodity. Still...
Tinker reaches up and offers his hand to Karavik. "Welcome. I am Daemar Torvalsson, called Tinker. No matter what is happening to the Fist, I am loyal to anyone in our group. I'll have your back in battle."
That done, the dwarf scrambles on his pony and is ready to travel.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=30 ; Saturday September 5th, 2015 11:59:08 AM
grumbling to himself Michael saddles his mule and, helps where he can and gets ready to ride. He leads the party keeping about 75 to 100 yards ahead of them. He checks to make sure that he has no loose items to make noise on his person or harness.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Saturday September 5th, 2015 11:59:43 AM
perception = 30 (see above post)
DM Ken d100=26 ; d100=17 ; Saturday September 5th, 2015 3:23:41 PM
After regrouping, tracking back, camping, and getting back on the road, you are on day six of seven.
Delume is perhaps less than 24 hours away. Once you arrive, it's a matter of finding passage across the Bay of Elenna to Alithmar, where Nuetronis and his army are camped. Double-Fist is now up to seven members, with the addition of the fairly tight-lipped Karavik, who has yet to divulge much info about his specialties and what he brings to the Fist. Pru and Shane are still cool towards the newcomer, while Nikolai, Tinker, Trayvin and the others have been slightly more forthcoming.
The day itself is pretty. Light rains in the area have led to big fluffy clouds in the sky and plenty of shade on the ground. This eastern region of Fargunia is mostly plains, though it has been getting more rocky and hill spotted, as you draw nearer to the eastern ranges and the ever-looming Shadow Mountain.
Funny how it works sometimes, with shadows and clouds. It even feels like they might be moving with you. Far overhead, a pack of six eagles circle lazily in the sky over your group. They circle tighter and tighter, darting in and out of the clouds, kicking with their leonine bodies and...
Lion bodies? Eagle heads? That doesn't seem right!
The Griffons circle wide once more, then with a series of loud screeches, dive in from above! Claws outstretched, they seem intent on the hunt! You have one round before collision!
AC 28 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday September 5th, 2015 7:12:51 PM
"Eagle-Taurs!" Shouts Tinker as he jumps off his pony and brandishes his crossbow. There is no way the dwarf will be able to get a bead on any of them, and so goes into a defensive stance until he can attack.
Move: dismount and unsheath crossbow Standard: full defensive. +6 AC (because of high acrobatics)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 21/13/21 Hp 59/59 CMD Saturday September 5th, 2015 8:37:40 PM
Trayvin heeds Tinker's warning and casts a defensive spell. "This doesn't look good. I hope somebody has a nasty surprise for them."
Actions cast shield of faith
Active Effects Shield of Faith 60/60 rounds remaining
Spells 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spell
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Saturday September 5th, 2015 9:35:00 PM
Pru does spend some time chatting with Karavik. "You mustn't mind us, if we're a little standoffish," she tells him. "We've been through a lot in the last week."
Idly, she wonders who "Shane" is. Perhaps Michael will know.
There's no time to explore that, however, as the party comes under attack! Quickly, Pru casts Haste on all the Fist members except herself.
Everyone who's paying attention is Hasted. Everyone who's not paying attention is also Hasted, but may not notice. :)
Anna Morphe[small air elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 15 d20+10=26 ; Sunday September 6th, 2015 10:32:39 PM
(Know[Arcana]: 26)
Anna takes a knee so Karavik can dismount and (assuming he does so) then changes into an air elemental (standard action).
Anna says, "They aren't eagle-taurs, they are griffons and they understand common. They also have the ability to pounce and if you one catches you you'll probably get raked by its claws."
Anna then says, "Griffons, we mean you no harm, we just seek to pass through your lands. If you cease this attack we will spare you, but if you persist you may die!"
She then moves to be flying directly over Pru, so that if any Griffon wants to get to the sorceress it will have to go through the air elemental that is Anna.
Active Effects: Wildshaped as elemental body I (small air elemental) - 6 hours +10 to disguise; modified to +8 (to be another race/species) +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly; making fly modifier (+20) -1 CMB/CMD +2 size bonus Dex, +2 natural armor, fly 90 ft (perfect) (with haste) darkvision 60 ft, 2xSlam +8 (1d4+4) or 2xpower attack slam +6(1d4+10) (with haste) whirlwind: Save DC 17 (4th level spell + 3 wisdom), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d4+4
Haste: +1 attack rolls, +1 AC, +1 reflex save + 30 ft movement, additional attack w/ full round attack
DM sanity info: Highlight to display spoiler: { Spells Known / left: 0th: Detect Magic; Detect Poison; Toros Taur Try; Guidance (at will) 1st: Shillelagh,Magic Stone,Longstrider,Goodberry,Entangle,(Domain) 2nd:Spider Climb ,Soften Earth and Stone,Bull's Strength, Barkskin,(Domain) 3rd:Spike Growth,Magic Fang, Greater, Snare, Plant Growth(Domain) 2/4 wildshape uses left 1 hero point unspent }
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 46/46 CMD 17 Monday September 7th, 2015 9:34:50 AM
Having dismounted from Anna's back, Karavik begins reciting a tale of valor and courage, hoping to inspire the same in his new comrades.
"And the soldier held the gap in his line, against all odds. His blade was swift and sharp, dispatching any foe that came near. Such is the duty of the soldier. To stand and fight when others would flee..."
Karavik's words melt into the background as combat nears.
Move Action: Dismount and draw crossbow Standard Action: Begin bardic performance: inspire courage +2 (17/18 rounds remaining) Everyone now has a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=32 ; d20+12=24 ; d8+3=6 ; d20+6=15 ; Monday September 7th, 2015 12:24:12 PM
Spells in effec: Mage Armor from Pru - cast every day (I think still applies) Haste: +1 att, +1 dodge to AC, +1 Ref, +30' to base Move, extra Att w/ Full Attack Inspire Courage: +2 Att/dmg, +2 vs charm/fear
Nikolai takes the opportunity to chat with Karavik when possible, getting a feel for his capabilities and how those will mesh with theirs. When the griffons swoop towards them, he is pleased at the boost in confidence Karavik instills upon them.
He attempts a fast dismount: Ride +6 DC20 = 15 Fumbling in the saddle, his dismount takes the usual amount of time.
Anna's call to the griffons means Nikolai holds any attack until the griffons show their intent. If he is not attacked directly or cannot reach one that does attack, he moves adjacent to the nearest Fist member.
"Hold close to make sure we can support each other!" he calls out.
Or Move to nearest Fist member if he can't attack.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20=5 ; d20+16=30 ; Monday September 7th, 2015 12:44:25 PM
Several things hit Michael at once. The song of Courage and Honor from someone he felt probably had no Honor, the slowing of the world from Pru's spell and the Holy Purpose from Trayvin. The Oppressive mood that had been following him since the farm vanishes in a combination of mystic, divine and elemental energies. On top of all of that the beauty of the six, as Anna calls them "Griffons" leaves Michael slightly befit of common sense. He stands up on the back of Daisy and adopts a defensive stance. If one of them comes close he tries to keep it off of himself and Daisy. if it attacks another he lends aid to the rest of the group. If one of them lands...He cannot help himself, he jumps on its back.
total defence +6 to ac. aid another =5 miss (unsure what modifies the aid another skill. acrobatics to jump onto a Griffon =30
The griffons scream and streak down from the sky. While they understand common, they do not seem to show any intent of backing down. Anna knows they are neutral creatures, territorial, and that this time of year they congregate to mate. It's possible there are chicks nearby, or perhaps the unusual aggression is showmanship in the company of a mate.
One by one, golden streaks slam into the mailed fist from above!
Griffon 1: Crashes into Anna in a frenzy of feathers and talons! Bite hits AC 25 for 5 damage. Talon his AC 23 for 6 damage. Rake hits AC 26 for 6 damage. Rake his AC 25 for 4 damage. Anna takes 21 Damage
Griffon 2: Spotting Karavik, the Griffon shrieks and dives, savaging itself upon the bard. Bite his AC 20 for 4, Talon hits AC 23 for 7, Rake hits AC 27 and 22 for 6 and 6. Karavik takes 19 damage.
Griffon 3, 16 Damage, AC 11: ( Charged, Stunned 1 round.): Descending on Nikolai, the Griffon's eyes dart back and forth between the elf and his horse. Settled, it swoops in, and takes a crushing jump-fist in the forehead as it closes in. It's eyes roll backwards, and it falls stunned to the ground!
Griffon 4: Though Anna moved to block movement to Prudence, aerial combat is a tricky thing. The griffon simply alters it's angle of descent a little bit. She does though, get an attack of opportunity! It (Anna please roll AoO on the griffon as it passes.) Prudence is quick to haste the party, and does not dismount. The griffon swoops in and tears apart her horse!
Horse takes 20 damage, and drops to -5. Prudence must make a DC 15 ride check or take 1d6 (5)points of damage as her mount falls to the ground. She must also make a DC 20 ride check or lose a move action as she dismounts from the creature.
Griffon 5: Michael stages a very delicate series of actions!
1st: He uses a move action to stand up on his mount while it is in motion! This required a DC 15 ride check. (DM will roll using michaels sheet to save time. Pass!
2nd: He uses his standard action for full defense!
The Griffon though, isn't much aware of any of this. It fixates on the mount underneath the halfling of much daring-do. The mount takes 26 damage, and falls to -13 con! It could bleed out next turn if not attended to!
Michael must make a DC 15 ride check or take 1d6 (5)points of damage as his mount falls to the ground. He must also make a DC 20 ride check or lose a move action as he dismounts from the creature.
If both of these are successful, Michaels acrobatics check is enough to leap atop the Griffon, though it will make an Aoo. Further, if he wishes to do anything other Griffon-surf using ride and acrobatics, such as hang on, he must make a grapple check.
Griffon 6: This creature bee-lines for Trayvin. Talons out, it crashes into the half-orc cleric, but is somewhat deterred by his armor. Bite and Talon hit AC 23 for 7 and 4 damage, and one rake hits AC 27 for 7 damage. Trayvin takes 18 damage. Trayvin must dismount, make a dc20 ride check to control his mount, or spend his full turn controlling the mount.
DM Ken Griffons in the sky an' your dyin'... Monday September 7th, 2015 3:09:25 PM
For this particular map, tell me where you are moving and whatnot.
For smiles, sing the map link name to the tune of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+3=17 ; d20+11=28 ; 5d4=14 ; Monday September 7th, 2015 4:46:11 PM
Pru manages to avoid damage as her mount is killed from under her. She scrambles away from the mangled creature. "Poor thing," she murmurs.
[Pru would like to dismount to M-5. I think you can still dismount to any square adjacent to your mount, so that should be fine.]
She turns her attention skyward, and realizes the griffons are close enough to be a worry. She casts her spell carefully, to avoid those sharp talons. A sheet of flame leaps from her outstretched fingers.
[Cast defensively: 28, success. Cast Burning Hands, which should get the griffons in front of Pru and Trayvin. The griffons take 14 damage, DC 16 Reflex save for half.]
AC 28 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=26 ; d20+11=18 ; d8+5=8 ; 2d6=6 ; Monday September 7th, 2015 9:40:23 PM
Tinker tries to speed around one flank and attack the griffon on Trayvin from behind
Drop crossbow free action Unsheath urgrosh free as part of move Move 50 feet to P3
Acrobatics 26 vs griffon CMD+10 to avoid AOO on full move
Attack 20 (for +2 flank) Dam. 8+6 sneak =14
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+7=19 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+13=26 ; d4=3 ; 3d6=11 ; d4=3 ; 3d6=17 ; d4=1 ; 3d6=8 ; d4=1 ; 3d6=10 ; Monday September 7th, 2015 10:40:29 PM
ooc: as the griffon attacks my mule (poor Daisy) could Michael use the attack to perform an AOO on the griffon as well as the checks to dismount? would he be flanked against the mule by me?
Michael was assuming that the creatures would land, Noticing that this is not the case he attempts to skewer the griffon as it tears into his mule. He leaps as it crashes into Daisy and as the creature passes under him He tries to stick his rapier into its neck, chest and flank. things move so slowly that he seems to take forever to pass under him, In the air as he is, he gets no feedback from the blade and cannot be certain if he hit or not. He winces as the creature virtually tears, his friend, his mule Daisy apart. Once his momentum carries him past he sticks the landing. and turns to face the beast with blood in his eye and death on his mind.
ride checks 19 and 22. (no bouns +3 for haste and song modified = 22 and 25 respectively) to hit AC 16, 26, 23 and 26 ( Haste = 2x AOO + 2x attack ) is he flanked by attacking my mule? if so damage rolls are as follows. 1st. aoo 3 points rapier flanking bonus 11= 14 2nd aoo 3 points rapier flanking bonus 17 = 20 1st attack 1 point rapier flanking bounus 8 = 9 2nd attack 1 point rapier flanking bouns 10 = 11
if any of the attacks hit, and if I have AOO and flank the first to hit does +3 bleed/round.
Anna Morphe[small air elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 27/48 -- CMD 15 d20+8=28 ; d20+8=20 ; d4+12=14 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+8=15 ; d20+8=26 ; d4+12=13 ; d4+12=14 ; Monday September 7th, 2015 11:38:10 PM
(OOC: if can powerattack an AOO then 28 threat of critical with with 20 to confirm for 28 damage if crit confirmed or 14 otherwise; if can't powerattack an A00 30 with 22 to confirm for 16 damage if crit confirmed or 8 damage otherwise; I want to use the power attack, but I don't know if it is allowed on AOOs )
(Fly check to hover : 33)
Anna-elemental hovers and attempts to haste power attack the griffon that just attacked her.
(15 vs AC; 13 damage) (26 vs AC; 14 damage)
(OOC: Also since the griffon is flying it needs to make a DC 10 fly check to avoid using 10 feet of altitude if it took damage)
Active Effects: Wildshaped as elemental body I (small air elemental) - 6 hours +10 to disguise; modified to +8 (to be another race/species) +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly; making fly modifier (+20) -1 CMB/CMD +2 size bonus Dex, +2 natural armor, fly 90 ft (perfect) (with haste) darkvision 60 ft, 2xSlam +8 (1d4+4) or 2xpower attack slam +6(1d4+10) (with haste) whirlwind: Save DC 17 (4th level spell + 3 wisdom), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d4+4
Haste: +1 attack rolls, +1 AC, +1 reflex save + 30 ft movement, additional attack w/ full round attack - 5 rounds
Inspire courage: +2 morale bonus vs charm / fear; +2 competence attack and damage - 17 rounds
DM sanity info: Highlight to display spoiler: { Spells Known / left: 0th: Detect Magic; Detect Poison; Toros Taur Try; Guidance (at will) 1st: Shillelagh,Magic Stone,Longstrider,Goodberry,Entangle,(Domain) 2nd:Spider Climb ,Soften Earth and Stone,Bull's Strength, Barkskin,(Domain) 3rd:Spike Growth,Magic Fang, Greater, Snare, Plant Growth(Domain) 2/4 wildshape uses left 1 hero point unspent }
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 41/59 CMD d20+11=16 ; d8+5=10 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2015 6:44:54 AM
Trayvin dismounts from his horse and completes the flank that Tinker set up. He swings with his Morningstar and tries to land a blow on the griffon.
Actions: dismount(opposite to Tinker) and attack Griffon6. Attack = hit AC 18( forgot to add the flank bonus to roller), dmg 10
Active Effects: Shield of Faith 59/60 rounds remaining Haste: +1 att, +1 dodge to AC, +1 Ref, +30' to base Move, extra Att w/ Full Attack Inspire Courage: +2 Att/dmg, +2 vs charm/fear
Spells 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spell
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 27/46 CMD 17 d20=16 ; d20=11 ; d8=6 ; d8=1 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2015 10:54:50 AM
Karavik steps backwards, freeing himself of the proximity of the griffon. This small gap is enough for him to unleash a flurry of bolts from his crossbow.
Fortunately, his "mount" can take care of itself.
Karavik maintains his inspiring oratory. (16/18 rounds remaining)
5 foot step to L-14. The map wouldn't let me edit myself. Full round attack with the crossbow, taking advantage of free action reloads from Rapid Reload Attack 1 16+9+2(courage)+1(Haste)+1(PBS)=29 Damage 6+1+2(courage)+1(PBS)=10 Attack 2 11+9+2(courage)+1(Haste)+1(PBS)=24 Damage 1+1+2(courage)+1(PBS)=5
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+9=29 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=20 ; d8+3=10 ; d8+3=10 ; d20+9=19 ; d8+3=6 ; d20+9=27 ; d8+3=10 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2015 10:05:08 PM
OOC: I just noticed I forgot to give my Stunning Fist stats. Thanks for looking them up.
Spells in effec: Mage Armor from Pru - cast every day (I think still applies) Haste: +1 att, +1 dodge to AC, +1 Ref, +30' to base Move, extra Att w/ Full Attack Inspire Courage: +2 Att/dmg, +2 vs charm/fear Stunning Fist: 4/5
Nikolai hated to do this but circumstances demanded it. However pretty these things are, they are hungry and intent on eating horse and Fist alike. For Anna's sake, though, he chooses to not use lethal damage against the stunned griffon (-2 AC, no Dex bonus).
Flurry of Blows (non-lethal): Att 1 +6 +1(haste)+2(InsC)= 29, N20, confirm crit = 18, dmg = 10, 20 if crit Att 2 +6 +1(haste)+2(InsC)= 29, N20, confirm crit = 20, dmg = 10, 20 if crit
if it is still conscious (non-lethal): Haste Attack +6 +1(haste)+2(InsC)= 19, dmg = 6
If it is still conscious (non-lethal): Ki Pt Attack +6 +1(haste)+2(InsC)= 27, dmg = 10
If the griffon remains conscious he takes a 5' step to M15, if it is unconscious, he takes a 5' step to N15.
Ki Pts: 4/5
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Tuesday September 8th, 2015 10:17:56 PM
Time seems to stop, a mist of blood fogs the air around Daisy where the Griffons talons and beak have done their dirty work. in that breathless moment the senses are drawn to the little things, a bee supping upon a wild flower, a wren startled by the sudden violence. The way Karavik's song seems to vibrate the air almost visibily . the scratch in Trayvin's armor flecks of steel still hanging in the air, Pru's flame creating fan of crimson and yellow, heat waves warping the air above. Nikolai, his face terrible in it's concentration, an imprint of his fist still outlined in the forhead of the Griffon he hit, and Anna's griffon contorted and twisted by the winds she's thrown it's way. It's a beautiful symphony of destruction, A song of fury and blood. For just that moment, that split second in time, it all comes together, and Michael feels as if he is one with the universe or perhaps the universe is one with him,
DM Ken Griffons in the sky an' your dyin'... d20+3=4 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+2=6 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=20 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2015 10:30:41 PM
Prudence: dismounts successfully, and feels bad for her downed horse. There isn't much time for remorse. She concentrates and blasts flames over two griffons. The nearest Griffon is mostly unaffected, but the further target near Tinker is bathed with flames! The creature shrieks with pain, then wobbles shakily on it's feet. Her horse fails to stabilize, and bleeds some more. (Mount: -5)
Tinker and Trayvin: flank one of the Griffons, and smash it with mace and polearm. Trayvins horse panics, and flees north.
Michael:: looks for an opening to take an attack of opportunity, but because he shares the space with his mount, there isn't a chance to do so. He passes his dismount and tries to make the magical beast pay for it's kill, but without a flanker it's tough. His daggers do some damage, but not nearly as much as if he could have hit it in the vitals.
Anna has much better luck, not only cracking the Griffon darting at Pru hard as it flies by (Fly check autopass), but smashing her closest foe twice with fists backed by hard currents of air.
Griffon 1, 27 damage: Furious, the creature shrieks again at Anna, it's loud cry hurting her ears. It launches into a frenzy of attacks! None of them hurt the wispy elemental. The Griffon cautiously back up 5ft.
Griffon 2, 15 damage: Bleeding from two crossbow punctures, the Griffon hops forward and tries to wrap Karavik up in it's forelegs, but fails to latch on.
Griffon 3, 36 Damage:(20 nonlethal) Shaking off it's stun, it claws back at Nikolai, but the monk easily bats away it's attacks.
Griffon 4, 42 damage: Wobbly and staggered, this creature lets out a weak mewling cry, then tries to fly away in retreat!
Griffon 5, 6 damage: With a low growl, this Griffon tries to tear up Michael as well, but it's claws get stuck in his armor!
Griffon 6, 31 damage.: With a shriek of pain, and plenty of prey on the ground, this creature flies away in a hasty withdraw! It can feed later.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) 3d4+3=10 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2015 10:51:16 PM
The two griffons closest to her seem to be retreating, so Pru fires a spread of Magic Missiles at the griffon nearest to Anna. It takes 10 points of force damage.
Anna Morphe[small air elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 27/48 -- CMD 15 d20+20=33 ; d20+8=15 ; d4+12=16 ; Tuesday September 8th, 2015 11:07:06 PM
Anna says to the Griffon attacking her, "If you stop attacking us and leave us alone we won't hurt you further. Same goes for the rest of your group."
Then in a gesture of good will she does not attack further. She does however move 5 feet closer to the Griffon and continues to hover (flight check: 33)
However, if the griffon attacks her or make a move for her fist she will retaliate. (readied action only if it tries to attack her or make a move toward any of her group; power attack slam)
(Hit vs AC : 15; 16 damage)
Active Effects: Wildshaped as elemental body I (small air elemental) - 6 hours +10 to disguise; modified to +8 (to be another race/species) +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly; making fly modifier (+20) -1 CMB/CMD +2 size bonus Dex, +2 natural armor, fly 90 ft (perfect) (with haste) darkvision 60 ft, 2xSlam +8 (1d4+4) or 2xpower attack slam +6(1d4+10) (with haste) whirlwind: Save DC 17 (4th level spell + 3 wisdom), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d4+4
Haste: +1 attack rolls, +1 AC, +1 reflex save + 30 ft movement, additional attack w/ full round attack - 4 rounds
Inspire courage: +2 morale bonus vs charm / fear; +2 competence attack and damage - 16 rounds
DM sanity info: Highlight to display spoiler: { Spells Known / left: 0th: Detect Magic; Detect Poison; Toros Taur Try; Guidance (at will) 1st: Shillelagh,Magic Stone,Longstrider,Goodberry,Entangle,(Domain) 2nd:Spider Climb ,Soften Earth and Stone,Bull's Strength, Barkskin,(Domain) 3rd:Spike Growth,Magic Fang, Greater, Snare, Plant Growth(Domain) 2/4 wildshape uses left 1 hero point unspent }
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+8=25 ; d20+13=19 ; d4=3 ; 3d6=18 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+13=22 ; 2d4=6 ; 3d6=11 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2015 12:31:47 AM
As the Griffons claws tear at his armor, Michael pump fakes to the right, then if the beast goes for it he slips around to it's left side and buries his rapier into is chest.
feint = 25 +2 for song +1 for haste? (not added to original roll, cause I didn't know if they applied)
to hit AC 19 for 21 points of damage +3 bleed/ round
( I assume that I only get one attack since I used a standard action for the feint, but just In case I do get two...) to hit AC 31 (critical confirmed for 6 +11 for sneak attack. for 17 points of damage.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Wednesday September 9th, 2015 12:33:08 AM
oops -4 for non humanoid creatrue...= feint 21 base.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 41/59 CMD Wednesday September 9th, 2015 5:44:41 AM
Seeing some of the griffons have decided they have had enough, Trayvin gives the rest a chance to retreat. He moves a few feet and reaches out a hand to stabilize Pru's horse.
Actions: move to L7, cast stabilize on Pru's horse.
Active Effects: Shield of Faith 57/60 rounds remaining Haste: +1 att, +1 dodge to AC, +1 Ref, +30' to base Move, extra Att w/ Full Attack Inspire Courage: +2 Att/dmg, +2 vs charm/fear
Spells 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spell
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 27/46 CMD 17 d20+13=17 ; d20+13=28 ; d8+4=5 ; d8+4=10 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2015 8:05:38 AM
Seeing the others hold their attacks, Karavik follows suit. He does, however, keep his crossbow at the ready in case of further aggression from the griffons.
Karavik maintains his inspiring oratory until he is sure that the danger has passed. (15/18 rounds remaining)
Readied attack to be used if the Griffons attack or advance on the Fist Attack 1 4+9+2(courage)+1(Haste)+1(PBS)=17 Damage 1+1+2(courage)+1(PBS)=5 Attack 2 15+9+2(courage)+1(Haste)+1(PBS)=28 Damage 6+1+2(courage)+1(PBS)=10
OOC: I am not sure if you saw my attacks from the previous round, as they were not reflected in the DM post above.
DM Ken Griffons in the sky an' your dyin'... Wednesday September 9th, 2015 10:09:21 AM
(Brad, I saw them but probably didn't write on them enough! I try to recognize everyones actions, and apologize I missed yours somehow. "Bleeding from two crossbow punctures, the Griffon hops forward and tries to wrap Karavik up in it's forelegs, but fails to latch on", was reflective of your attacks.)
AC 28 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+12=31 ; d20+13=24 ; d8+5=12 ; 2d6=12 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2015 8:51:08 PM
Tinker makes a low rush for Griffon #1, Anna the air elemental is talking to it in some strange language, which provides an excellent diversion! The double-bladed urgrosh skims in a parallel attack against the golden hindquarters!
Move toward griffon 1 at half speed (40 feet) Acrobatics 31 to avoid AOO Attack AC 24 Damage 12+12 sneak attack = 24 total!!!
DM Ken Griffons in the sky an' your dyin'... Wednesday September 9th, 2015 9:29:00 PM Prudence and Anna make a great double team. After some magic missile diplomacy, Anna's offer of retreat begins to sink in with the Griffon. It backs away slowly, then turns and flees after it's mate already speeding north. Curiously, they perch together and seem to wait. They watch the corpse of the fallen mule carefully.
Michael is not so forgiving as his Fist-mates. He gashes the bird, but not terribly deep. He gets unexpected help in the form of a charging Tinker, who rips into it with his urgosh.
Karavik backs away, giving the birds a chance to retreat, but keeps his crossbow at the ready. None of the Griffons seem willing to test his aim, and the rest withdraw from from the combat, flying different directions until they get the chance to circle around and rejoin their pack north of the battle.
Nikolai has the chance to take a parting series of attacks at his previous target, should he wish. Trayvin takes a moment to keep Anna's horse from dying, showing his compassion for living creatures. (Or possibly his pragmatism in preserving assets.)
The magical beasts seem to be done with the fight, though they haven't exactly fled the area. Instead they have withdrawn to the north and are watching you carefully, with Griffon 4 nestled in the middle of their pack.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday September 9th, 2015 10:31:16 PM
Nikolai does not continue his attacks and lets the griffons escape. He does wonder, though, what benefit this would be. There are numerous travelers upon these roads an most of them not capable of defending themselves like the Fist can.
"I don't like the way they eye us. I'm sure that at this point all they want is the dead animals. But keep careful watch on them and if they start this way again, Karavik, put a few more of those bolts in them."
He then turns and helps with the wounded animals. He pulls their wand of Cure Light Wounds out of his backpack and hands it over to Trayvin. "Here, use this healing wand on the worse horses. We can't heal them all fully right now but I want them able to move. Use at least one charge on each wounded animal, we can do more healing once we are away from here."
What do you want to do about Daisy?" he asks.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=23 ; d20+13=33 ; d4=4 ; 3d6=13 ; d20+13=23 ; d4=3 ; d4=1 ; 3d6+13=30 ; 3d6=9 ; Wednesday September 9th, 2015 10:58:18 PM
ooc: Did I not get the feint? 21 points is a pretty substantial hunk of HP.
Michael notices his friend Tinker coming in on the Griffons right side, so he stays where he's at on the birds left. with the creature pinned between them, it's about to get ugly for the beast. He flicks his Rapier out again twice in quick succession. He wants to drop the creature, not kill it. to hit AC 23 for 17 damage. to hit AC 33 Natural 20! Crit confirmed! 13 points.
once again, if any of my sneak attacks hit (if it hasn't already happened) I do +3 points of bleed damage per round. If the beast is already down from Tinkers Urgrosh, I refrain from damaging it further. if it drops from the first blow I refrain from damaging it further.
Anna Morphe[small air elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 27/48 -- CMD 15 Wednesday September 9th, 2015 11:00:27 PM
Anna flies down to join her fist. "I can carry a lot as a large quadruped (OOC: 300 lbs = light load, 600 medium, 900 heavy) and all my gear merges into my body so I could turn into another mount and carry Michael and Karavik."
(OOC: that strange language was common)
"I just don't know if I should wait until we are away from the griffons till taking another mount form. I'm thinking something less flashy, like a heavy horse. I wouldn't be that great in fights but if something attacks from the air a Megalocerus isn't that useful either"
Active Effects: Wildshaped as elemental body I (small air elemental) - 6 hours +10 to disguise; modified to +8 (to be another race/species) +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly; making fly modifier (+20) -1 CMB/CMD +2 size bonus Dex, +2 natural armor, fly 90 ft (perfect) (with haste) darkvision 60 ft, 2xSlam +8 (1d4+4) or 2xpower attack slam +6(1d4+10) (with haste) whirlwind: Save DC 17 (4th level spell + 3 wisdom), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d4+4
Haste: +1 attack rolls, +1 AC, +1 reflex save + 30 ft movement, additional attack w/ full round attack - <4 rounds?[//b]
Inspire courage: +2 morale bonus vs charm / fear; +2 competence attack and damage - [b] < 16 rounds?
DM sanity info: Highlight to display spoiler: { Spells Known / left: 0th: Detect Magic; Detect Poison; Toros Taur Try; Guidance (at will) 1st: Shillelagh,Magic Stone,Longstrider,Goodberry,Entangle,(Domain) 2nd:Spider Climb ,Soften Earth and Stone,Bull's Strength, Barkskin,(Domain) 3rd:Spike Growth,Magic Fang, Greater, Snare, Plant Growth(Domain) 2/4 wildshape uses left 1 hero point unspent }
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday September 9th, 2015 11:22:09 PM
Pru stands anxiously by, her gaze flitting nervously from the lurking griffons to her poor, mangled horse.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Thursday September 10th, 2015 1:15:48 AM
OOC: Feint: the Bluff check, if successful deprives the opponent its Dex bonus to AC on your NEXT attack. That is, since Feint is a Standard Action, the attack the Feint takes effect on is in the next round unless you spend a Hero point.
That also means that if you use Feint, you don't get an attack that round unless you spend a Hero Point.
What you should aim for is getting Improved Feint feat, which transfers the Feint from a Standard Action to a Move Action. Now you really got something going. Feint and Attack every round.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 41/59 CMD 3d6=7 ; 3d6=10 ; Thursday September 10th, 2015 5:48:51 AM
Trayvin takes the wand from Nikolai. "Thanks, but let's save it for when there is more urgent need. Gather everyone near Pru's horse and I will get us underway again."
"If we are going to make the best time that we can, we should divide out Michael's gear to the other horses, and he can take turns riding with different mounts so we don't tire any of them out too much. I don't think there is much we can do for the mule. Looks like it is griffon food now."
Actions: channel energy 7, 10 everyone who agreed to be healed receives 17 points of healing.
Spells 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) * denotes used spell
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 Thursday September 10th, 2015 8:23:47 AM
Karavik keeps his crossbow trained on the nearby Griffons as he steps into Trayvin's healing aura. As the newcomer to the group, he wants to be sure that he is following all of Nikolai's orders. These seem like good soldiers, and they are all there is between he and death at the moment.
Actions Move, continue with my readied attack if the Griffons become aggressive again End bardic performance
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=15 ; Thursday September 10th, 2015 8:33:41 AM
Tinker puffs a little from his charge, but there is work to be done. He waves at Anna, her words making sense now. "Amazing that an air elemental talking to an Eagle-taur speaking Common. I need my ears cleaned."
But first, the dwarf cleans and sheathes his urgrosh on his back and retrieves his repeating heavy crossbow, inspecting it for damage. A fresh bolt and Tinker also goes on guard against the griffons. "Looks like we can't do nothing other than patch up and move out, eh?" Tinker doesn't like the taste of his own words, but can't see another choice.
Perception. 15
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Thursday September 10th, 2015 7:50:05 PM
As the griffon flies off trailing blood, but not the blood Michael was trying for, the buzz of battle fades and he turns to face the ruined thing that was his friend, Daisy. He walks over to her, and places his hand on her nose, strange to feel it so cold and yet so familiar. How many miles have we traveled together old girl? How many months? You carried me with nary a complaint and took the antics I did on your back with naught but a flick of the ear. You liked the apples I gave you, and I always loved how you would nuzzle me in that gentle way of yours for more. I always appreciated your strength, but I loved you for your ease, and how you took the world with...a long suffering style and aplomb. He strokes her pelt, and begins to unbuckle the bit and pack saddle attached to her back. As the saddle falls to the side tears well up and flow down his cheeks, his voice gets husky and sobs threaten to take his words. Remeber how you used to love it when I'd rub you down after we got back to the citadel, I wouldn't let the stable hands do it, cause you were my baby. I'm so sorry, I couldn't protect you. You were a good mule and you were my friend. I am going to miss you so much. Standing he wipes a blood stained arm across his eyes, exhales loudly and pulls it back in. He braces a foot against her back and pulls the straps for her saddle from beneath her. but you aren't here anymore are you Daisy? Your spirit now resides in the lands of rest. This is just a shell. I don't think those griffons would have attacked if they weren't hungry, and I can't think of a way to bury you that would do you as much honor as letting those magnificent beast carry you to the skies in their bellies. Ima go talk to them. tell them who you were. He sets the saddle down and walks little ways towards the griffons. He shouts [b]HEY GRIFFONS! YOU KILLED MY MULE FAIR AND SQUARE. HER NAME WAS DAISY, AND SHE WAS MORE THAN JUST A MOUNT FOR ME. SHE WAS MY FRIEND AND I LOVED HER. I KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO EAT HER WHEN WE LEAVE...AND THATS FINE, BUT I ALSO WANT YOU TO KEEP IN MIND THAT SHE WAS MORE THAN JUST A MEAL TO SOME FOLKS. OKAY? He then turns around walks back to the saddle, slings it over his shoulder and starts walking away.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Thursday September 10th, 2015 8:20:45 PM
Ooc. All that was on the pack saddle was a little bed I had made to sit in, and some hand holds and a place where to hook the reins. I was envisioning her as a rideable pack mule to carry all of our loot. So I just got the saddle to carry.
As Michael shouts, the alpha Griffon steps forward and cocks it's head to one side. It's hard to tell at all if it understands. Now that the battle is over, it's easy to see the beasts are awfully skinny. A few bear scars from weapons, older than today's battle.
It's possible they've ran afoul of the Mailed Fist elsewhere, or some other group that has harassed their pack.
As Michael turns to walk, the largest caws loudly into the air, then bobs it's head and pecks the dirt twice. Whether that's a farewell, or just a motion from a dumb bird, it's hard to tell.
The Fist gathers itself up. It's not far now to the port, less than a few hours. The option to either camp a night before moving in, or finding an inn with a bed lies on the table.
Anna Morphe[small air elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 27/48 -- CMD 15 d20+13=21 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+11=13 ; 2d4=2 ; Thursday September 10th, 2015 9:21:25 PM
Anna searches in the vicinity for some berries (Survival: 21; Know [nature] :15; Perception : 13)
If she finds them she picks some and casts goodberry creating 2 goodberries. She places the 2 berries by the fallen mule and calls up to the Griffons, "I'm sorry the berries aren't much, but they will sustain you more than a normal berry would and even heal a little bit. I would suggest the more injured amongst you partake. I could only create 2 berries."
"I'm all for camping out tonight, and not have to deal with the risk of being found out in an inn. Though I will submit to the group's decision." Anna opines.
Active Effects: Wildshaped as elemental body I (small air elemental) - < 6 hours +10 to disguise; modified to +8 (to be another race/species) +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly; making fly modifier (+20) -1 CMB/CMD +2 size bonus Dex, +2 natural armor, fly 90 ft (perfect) (with haste) darkvision 60 ft, 2xSlam +8 (1d4+4) or 2xpower attack slam +6(1d4+10) (with haste) whirlwind: Save DC 17 (4th level spell + 3 wisdom), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d4+4
DM sanity info: Highlight to display spoiler: { Spells Known / left: 0th: Detect Magic; Detect Poison; Toros Taur Try; Guidance (at will) 1st: Shillelagh,Magic Stone,Longstrider,*Goodberry,Entangle,(Domain) 2nd:Spider Climb ,Soften Earth and Stone,Bull's Strength, Barkskin,(Domain) 3rd:Spike Growth,Magic Fang, Greater, Snare, Plant Growth(Domain) 2/4 wildshape uses left 1 hero point unspent }
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+11=27 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+4=19 Thursday September 10th, 2015 10:56:59 PM
Nikolai watches his friends and does not press for the time. Daisy was a good mule and he also was sad to see her go. He looks around and remembers that Trayvin's horse ran off towards the north.
"We'll need to track down Trayvin's horse," he mutters as he thinks of their options. "Anna, you and I will go track it down and bring it back. The rest of you start towards town but be looking for a place to camp for the night. We'll follow once we catch the horse. Keep an eye out for us and I'll look for your tracks. Hopefully this won't take long."
With that Nikolai has Michael's gear added to his own horse and he and Anna go looking for Trayvin's runaway horse.
Survival (Track)+11 = 27
He lets Anna deal with calming the horse down unless his handle animal skills are better (+4).
Returning with the horse he looks for the Fist's tracks: Survival (Track) +11 = 22
Oh, Aid Another on Handle Animal +4 = 19, she gets a +2 if needed.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Thursday September 10th, 2015 11:25:37 PM
Michael is okay with camping out.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday September 11th, 2015 12:47:10 AM
Pru nods in response to Nikolai's orders, and begins gently leading her still-wounded horse toward town.
"You're a good, brave horse," she tells it. "And there'll be rest for you tonight, and grass to eat, and clear water to drink, and I'll take really good care of you."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 58/59 CMD Friday September 11th, 2015 5:34:00 AM
Trayvin is somewhat concerned about the state the griffons are in. "If they are having trouble hunting for meals, maybe many other predators are as well. I think we should consider pressing on to an inn, both for safety and also to gather some information now that we are getting closer to our goal."
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=28 ; Friday September 11th, 2015 11:31:38 AM
Tinker harrumphs, feeling the strength of emotion from Michael without understanding why. The dwarf looks at his mount and tries to feel ... Something. Nope. Just the pleasure at havimg a useful tool to hand when needed. No, the dwarf doesn't understand, but he sure will protect his battle buddy's right to feel it!
As usual, whenever something that seems important goes over Tinker's head, he retreats into moody silence. He gathers up the reins of his pony in one hand and keeps his crossbow in the other to walk with the others to town.
Perception 28
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Friday September 11th, 2015 11:44:16 AM
When they settle down for the night, either camp or inn, Michael who has been pensive and quiet during the trip speaks up. You know, I know what it's like to be hungry. Living on the streets in Arlowe, trying not to get caught, I've spent many a night, shoot sometimes three or four nights, with an empty stomach. I can't fault those Griffons for doing what they did. But I've been thinking. Maybe we could recruit 'um. Hear me out. We could travel a lot faster on them than on a horse, avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble on the ground, and when we do find trouble..well those guys are a lot tougher and more fell than livestock. Not to mention... How cool would it be to fly on a griffon!. His eyes light up a bit and a hint of a smile crosses his face. So here is what I propose to do. After we get done with this errand, if we survive, let's go back to that area with some livestock, they must have a nest around there someplace, so when they come for the animals we let them take a few. While they are feeding Anna can commune with them and let's see if they might be interested in joining up. I don't know how much they eat, but I'm pretty sure we can keep them fed, the captain might even be up for it. in any case it's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission.
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday September 11th, 2015 3:09:45 PM
Tinker considers his friend's idea. "Hate to see any creature suffer. Even if they don't join, they could be more friendly. And maybe the reason why they are hurt and hungry is because of what Nutrius is doing around here. That makes it Fist responsibility to make right. Our responsibility."
The dwarf's nodding is slow, but determined.
Anna Morphe[small air elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/16/13 - HP 27/48 -- CMD 15 d20+11=22 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+4=21 ; Friday September 11th, 2015 4:44:50 PM
Anna is in agreement about the griffons, "If we can come back and do something to improve their lot I would be happy to do so. I think this could be one of those instances that the elder druid spoke of where this conflict within the Fist is smaller than the land. Helping these griffons would be a service for the land and even if they don't join up, it could make the road safer for Travelers."
Anna takes to the air in order to help Nikolai track down the spooked mount. (Perception: 22) If she doesn't spot it from the air she will fly down and try to follow the tracks (Survival : 29)
When she gets to the Horse she will try to use Wild Empathy to improve its mood and convince it to come back with her and Nikolai to the group. (Wild Empathy: 13 like diplomacy). Failing that she will attempt to handle the animal (Handle Animal : 21)
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 Friday September 11th, 2015 10:56:42 PM "I think that sounds like a fantastic idea Michael. A fine, imposing sight our Fist would make coming in on griffons."
Karavik is touched by the raw emotion of Michael's loss, and equally impressed with the man's resolve and practicality.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 17 HP 22/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Saturday September 12th, 2015 9:59:48 PM
Nikolai is skeptical of the idea of befriending the griffons and train them as mounts. He knows the hard work it takes just to get a horse well trained and griffons are more intelligent and have a greater will than a horse. But he does not discourage the idea either. "It sounds like it would be fun indeed. But keep in mind that they are wild animals and are intelligent enough to understand us in a rudimentary way. Whether we can ever gain their friendship and trust enough for them to join us and be mounts for us will depend on a lot!" he smiles.
Scene 3: True Stripes: The Snake in the Grass
DM Ken Monday September 14th, 2015 3:55:50 PM
Nikola is dubious about Griffon mounts for good reason. They are notoriously hard to train, especially from this region. The group splits up only briefly, with one team recovering the missing horse and the others heading out and moving on towards the port.
At long last, the rolling eastbound road you have been following for more than a week levels out, and the port city of Delume sits on the horizon. Delume was a prosperous city, facilitating trade across the Bay of Elenna and back again. One of those trade routes was to the eastern port of Alithmar, where the Agents plan to track down Pavillion.
Though glad to finally come across civilization again, there are a cluster of men ahead, armed with halberds and wearing what appears to be a city guard uniform. One of them rides up to greet you. "Hail Strangers! A word please!"
The gap left behind by the soldier reveals what they are looking at. Two Bodies. The dead are in Mailed Fist uniforms, similar to yours but bearing insignia that are not of Wolf Regiment.
“I don’t suppose you can explain this? Any information you might have on well armed suspicious looking strangers would be appreciatied.”, he says, with a raised eyebrow as he observes your motley crew. "At any rate, please see if you can either identify the victims or shed some light on what happened, other than the obvious."
The sergeant motions for the others to step aside, and give you room to inspect the bodies.
Knowledge Local or Profession Soldier: DC 14: Highlight to display spoiler: {The patches belong to both the Snake and Tiger Regiments. Snake Regiment hails from Osto, about 100 miles from Hornfowl. Tiger Regiment is from much further east. See Mailed Fist Wiki for more details.”}
The bodies are covered with all manner of wounds, and while one seemed to suffer a fatal stab, the others crumpled head is tell-tale to death by bludgeon.
Perception: DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Of note is the bloodied mace in the hands of the dead Tiger regiment trooper. Judging from the light blond hair stuck to the gore on the weapon, it would seem he was the killer of the fallen Snake.
These two regiments seem to be fighting each other. }
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=22 ; Monday September 14th, 2015 6:30:24 PM
(Perception: 22)
"Well the man with the mace killed the blonde haired man." Anna says to her companions and the guardsmen. "Aside from that I'm sorry but I can't be of more help."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=32 ; d20=1 ; Monday September 14th, 2015 8:33:31 PM
Michael notices that the blond guys brains are all over the other dead guys mace, but since Ann already said such, he keeps quiet. (percetion 32,
on the other hand, why were they fighting and who are they...it's a mystery (know local 1)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday September 14th, 2015 9:37:53 PM
Pru regards the bodies uneasily. "There's a....situation going on with the Mailed Fist right now," she tells the city guards. "An internal conflict. People are turning on each other. It--um--we're trying to help stop it," she finishes lamely.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 58/59 CMD d20+8=18 ; Monday September 14th, 2015 10:18:11 PM
OOC- Anna- I healed the entire group for 17hp with some channeling if you missed that in a previous post.
Trayvin examines the bodies and tries to determine cause of death(heal check = 18) but isn't sure he can add anything to what has already been suggested. He waits for Nikolai to respond to the town guards.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=31 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+11=18 ; Monday September 14th, 2015 11:07:23 PM
Perception +13 DC20 = 31 Knowledge Soldier +7 DC14 = 14
Nikolai inspects the two bodies and although it would seem he casually looks at the uniforms, he looks specifically at the emblems. Wolf Regiment members? No, one is from the Tiger and the other from the Snake.
He next inspects the wounds and weapons. Anna's deductions are right on target.
"Yes. Unfortunately some people are hot-heads and things like this end up happening. You came upon these two like this already? Is there any possibility of a witness?"
Nikolai wonders why these two would be alone way out here and pretends to be thinking but in reality is looking at the tracks in hopes of finding out if they were alone or was this a bigger brawl.
Survival (Tracking) +11 = 18
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 d20+9=13 ; d20+9=15 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2015 10:17:57 AM
Karavik nods along with the others.
I am not sure what happened here, but these men are certainly from different regiments. Tiger and Snake, as was already noted.
When were the bodies found?
Karavik hopes his questioning is not presumptuous, giving his recent addition to the Fist.
DM Ken Tuesday September 15th, 2015 7:26:44 PM
Nikolai's tracking finds that this was actually a battle of about 10 people or so. These fellows seem to have been the unlucky casualties. Trayvin is able to find signs of magical scorching as well, and predicts that battle mages may have been present.
Karavik asks the guards about the bodies, and they reply that the men haven't been moved. Michael and Anna also note the significance of the mace. These two weren't on the same team. The ramifications are pretty important, even if the smaller bits of this exact encounter are not. There are other factions declaring against Pavillion, though who and why were still unknown.
Prudence gives a reserved story of the conflict back home, and the guards chuckle.
"Haw haw. That's not supposed to be a secret is it? Not with Pavillion camped out with an army over across the Bay of Elenna. The Mailed Fist finally got so big it could take a country, is the general belief. It was smart of you all, playing neutral and cool until a chance to strike came on hot. To be honest, I'd rather a neutral military based neighbor than the crazy Alithmar and their Aisildur Empire."
The guards start to gather up the fallen and strap them to a spare horse.
"We will get their stuff mailed back to their regiments. But for now, we gotta hang on to it all."
After allowing you a moment for your observations, the town guard haul the bodies up onto a spare horse and secure them. Bidding you farewell, they head into Delume.
Though not nearly the size of Isumbre, Delume is a happy medium between the former and something more rural, like Wedding City. The town is well planned, clean enough, and without the stench or looming criminal or cult menace of Isumbre.
It’s been a bit of travel, and there is some shopping available here. A few shops offer goods, and even a few offer magical items, but obviously nothing quite like the catacombs. The Agents can either immediately pursue their goal of finding sailing passage, or perhaps shop the town for awhile.
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=26 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2015 7:27:46 PM
Tinker keeps quiet. His friends are taking care of the guards and bodies, the dwarf looks around to see if there is anything else out of the ordinary.
Perception 26
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday September 15th, 2015 8:58:21 PM
Tinker is feeling like not knowing about people or their reactions to events is a disadvantage to getting a mission done. These guards... LIKE Neutrius as a tyrant and a neighbor? "Gonna have to be careful, Thumb. We aren't exactly in friendly territory."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+1=21 ; d20+13=27 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2015 9:07:23 PM
Nikolai does not let their chuckling bother him. How could they know what really is going on anyway?
"Not all obvious things are as they seem," he casually says. "Big enough to take a country has been that way for a while. Wanting to take a country is not a shared desire." He adds no more and lets the guards do what they need to do.
Once they've left he talks to the Fist. "Staying in one place can attract unwanted attention. I suggest we seek passage first thing. If we have time, then we can do some information gathering and some shopping. We need to know which one is on our side, the Tiger or the Snake. Somebody in town should know, and shop keepers have good ears. We'll also need to find a stable to hold the horses unless the ship can handle livestock. I guess that part we'll find out when we find a ship."
If this is accepted, the Fist will first search for a passage across, then, if time permits, do some shopping and information gathering.
Nikolai lets those with better skills at bartering and bargaining for passage do the talking.
Diplomacy Aid Another(barter for passage): 21! to bad this a Aid Another. sigh...
Gather Info: ooops wrong game system.
Perception (listen for rumors of the Tiger or Snake) +13: 27
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 58/59 CMD Tuesday September 15th, 2015 9:21:43 PM
"Do we need any supplies? If not I agree we should press on as soon as possible."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+10=15 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2015 10:00:17 PM
"It's probably better not to try to take the horses with us," Pru says.
She goes with Nikolai to try to get a good price on their passage. [Diplomacy 17 with the assist.]
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=29 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2015 10:01:12 PM
"I agree too about pressing on, though I'm not that good at haggling." Anna says.
She keeps her ears open for anything interesting pertaining to Tiger or Snake (Perception: 29)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=29 ; Tuesday September 15th, 2015 10:01:12 PM
"I agree too about pressing on, though I'm not that good at haggling." Anna says.
She keeps her ears open for anything interesting pertaining to Tiger or Snake (Perception: 29)
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 d20+13=27 ; d20+9=12 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2015 2:00:20 PM
Karavik goes with Pru and Nikolai, attempting to find a good price on a ship. While those two are talking to one captain, he works with another. No sense in limiting options.
He also keeps his ears open for any rumors on the Tiger and the Snake.
Diplomacy +13 for a 27 for the ship barter Perception +9 for a 12 to hear rumors
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+4=17 ; d20+13=21 ; d4=2 ; d20+6=18 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2015 2:25:02 PM
Michael helps to book passage on a ship, and since sailors are as good a source of scuttlebutt as a shop keeper he does some information gathering as well.
Diplomacy 17 Perception 21 Sense motive 18
DM Ken Wednesday September 16th, 2015 3:47:07 PM
Tinker has some misgivings about these guards. Who would actually WANT an invading army on their doorstep?!
Luckily, his concerns are relieved a little. As the Fist canvasses the town for information, they find that the peoples opinions of the Fist are varied. In fact, any of the unit who travel openly in their Fist uniforms find themselves sometimes facing cold shoulders or raised prices. The Fist isn't very popular here at the moment!
Concerning supplies, in general, weapons and armor can be enchanted or purchased up to a +2 here, and any item useful or concerning travel by sea is easily found and purchased.
Those searching for leads on the Snake and Tiger regiments catch a break, though it takes nearly all day gathering info. (Which oddly enough, is now a diplomacy function). A pair of local boys were playing outside of town and stumbled across a camp a few miles away. The men and women in the camp weren't hostile, but firm in their rebuke of the lads and sent them away immediately with an order to tell no one they were there. One boy noticed a clasp emblazoned with a Snake.
The other regiment, that of the Tiger, took far less searching. They have commandeered a block of rooms at the Silver Whistle, an inn near the docks.
Regarding a captain: Unsurprisingly, not many ships are sailing across the Bay of Elenna. No one knows if Neutronis will seize their ship, and there are rumors of the Pirates of Jack, the Aisildurian Navy, and the Free Staters Fleet all mobilizing to the east. It's a scary proposition for a privateer or merchant captain.
Prudence has some luck however, while helping the others. A flea-bitten old man makes some kissy faces at her, then breaks into a cackle. He tells her about "The Knuckleduster", a smaller ship that is host to fighting tournaments as it sails from port to port. The captain is known as wealth-driven, a man who loves his gold, and will sail anywhere for the right price. As to where he is, who knows? His ship is currently at the docks, however.
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=23 ; d4=3 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2015 7:01:18 PM
Tinker helps as he may with gathering local information, but is more from listening than talking to others, because the dwarf just isn't very good at it! Listening and being an encouraging ear, however, Tinker does very well.
He agrees with Nikolai, they need to know who are the allies of who to be careful about. "The Tigers are closer to the docks and so closer to getting to Nutrius. I think they are his."
As usual, the dwarf is content to wait for Nikolai to come up with a plan to execute.
Know Local. 23 (The d4 was a mistake)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday September 16th, 2015 9:26:58 PM
(OOC: Assuming Pru told the group aboout the knuckleduster)
"That captain owns a fighting ship, right? We are a group of adventurers who have seen action. Do you think he would wager passage on his ship if we fought?" Anna asks.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 58/59 CMD Wednesday September 16th, 2015 9:51:45 PM
"Well, the other option is to try and use the Tiger Fist to get us passage to see Neutronis. They may have safer travel access than whatever we can find on the docks."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday September 16th, 2015 10:34:12 PM
"The Knuckleduster captain also has a reputation of doing anything if the price is right," Pru says. "So if we pay him enough gold, we may not have to fight. But however we get passage, we have to find him first."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+1=16 ; Wednesday September 16th, 2015 10:34:39 PM "That certainly would be brazen, Trayvin. Brazen enough that it might work. On the other hand, our uniforms show Wolf Regiment, and they'll know that Constance is the commander of our regiment and that she's Pavillion's main rival. I love a bet, but I don't like the odds on this one. If indeed we can't get passage even on this ship Knuckleduster, then we can try the Tiger Regiment.
We don't have a whole lot of time. The day is nearly gone. I'd like to be aboard and ready to sail before dawn. Let's go look for the captain of the Knuckleduster.
The best way to find the captain is to go to the ship itself first. A sailor can at least describe him and point out which are his favorite taverns in this town. So that's where Nikolai leads his friends to first.
Diplomacy Aid Another + 1 = 16, a +2 bonus for our Haggler.
What they want to know specifically: a good description of the captain and where are his favorite haunts What they want to know offhand: how big is the ship, does it have room for their horses Anyone else can chime in their questions.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 d20+13=23 ; Thursday September 17th, 2015 10:27:44 AM
Hoping to prove himself usefule, karavik volunteers to do the talking.
"Ahoy lads! We need a bit of information about the man who captains this vessel, as we would like to talk to him about travel aboard. Can you tell us where we might find him currently? What does the man look like? I would hate to mistake a stranger for the captain of this fine vessel and lead to confusion.
Also, does your ship normally carry horses for passengers? We would certainly like to keep our mounts with us if possible. You never know if they will be well taken care of or not when you leave them in a stable.
I also hear there may be some 'sport' available aboard the ship. What can you tell me about entry and prize?"
Karavik hopes that his calm demeanor will pry the information from the sailors.
Diplomacy +13 for a 23 +2 from Nikolai's aid = 25
DM Ken Thursday September 17th, 2015 7:24:48 PM
The docks, in a word, smell. The aroma of dead fish, sweaty men, and the guts and meat of various forms of marine life tingle with the salt air in a way that is most unpleasant, The Knuckleduster floats near the front of the harbor, crowded by other ships seeking refuge here.
The sailors on guard do a bit of a double check, looking at each other nervously as the Fist approaches. Once their diplomatic intent is made known, they visibly relax.
"Where's cap'n Konrad? Check the gamblin' dens. Or the bed of any workin' gal. Or the bed of any governess or girl or mayors wife older than eighteen in a ten mile circle. He dunn keep his secrets with us lads, but he will be back in tha' mornin."
One wrinkles his nose at the mention of horses.
"Newp. We don't keep horses on board. No room after all the training rooms and bunks."
At mention of sport, the men grin.
"Folks fight, barefist, for prize purses. It's all open for public gamble. We can seat around fifty spectators per night. Some o' the more skilled men up the gamble and fight two or three blokes at once. We have three ringers of our own, and then whoever signs up from the port. Some ports shut us down, this being one of them."
He shrugs.
"As for his favorite inn, it's usually wherever his mistress for that evening asks him to meet. Cap'n Konrad does very well for himself. Sorry it aint much ta go on."
Perception: DC 25
Highlight to display spoiler: {Down the pier, there seems to be some slight commotion. An order to "Clear the streets" is barked repeatedly, [i]"By order of the Mailed Fist."}
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday September 17th, 2015 8:02:29 PM
Tinker wrinkles his nose at the docks; not because of the smell, but what the smell represents. "People don't take pride in their work, their craft, or their tools. Unreal and Jasper would be tearing their hair out!" He tsks in severe disapproval.
The young dwarf looks at some of the crew and shrugs his shoulders, and glancing at Michael. "Nikolai, I think we'd hold our own while traveling." He rubs his knuckles and thinks of a two-on-two that the two rogues to execute.
"I guess we wait for the morning?"
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 58/59 CMD Thursday September 17th, 2015 8:52:02 PM
"Well, it doesn't look like we're going to find the captain before morning. And if their 'entertainment' is shut down, then I guess we should look for a place to stay for the night."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Thursday September 17th, 2015 10:39:28 PM
On that note Michael takes it upon himself to go searching for the good captian. who knows what kind of peril he's gotten into. we must save him from the peril.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=30 ; Thursday September 17th, 2015 10:41:03 PM
To the deckhand Anna says, "Say we sail with you, would I be able to participate in your contest by taking the form of a gorilla or bear or is it in our natural form only?" Anna asks.
After getting the answer Anna takes her leave and urges her companions to do so too.
(Perception: 30)
Anna says to her companions after getting a little away from the deckhand, "There is some sort of commotion going on further down the docks. Something about clearing the streets by order of the Mailed Fist. Should we investigate?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=20 ; Friday September 18th, 2015 12:42:46 AM
Perception DC25 +13 = 20
Nikolai notices a lot of things, primarily the obvious, though. He lets the others do the talking and when it comes to the horses, he just shrugs. It was a long shot anyway.
Michael starts off to look for the captain and Nikolai calls him back, "Hold on there, not so fast. Are you sure you want to interrupt this captain's entertainment? I want to be on best terms possible in the morning. Interrupting him with some wench or two won't gain us any favors, and who knows what he's like when drunk? And that's if you find him. You are at greater risk running afoul of some disgruntled persons that hate the Mailed Fist or worse, a Mailed Fist member defected from the Citadel that knows who we are. We stick together. First order of business is find a stable for the horses and an inn near these docks for the night. Then...
What's that Anna?"
Nikolai has to weigh the dangers of going on down there and the information they might get by doing it.
"It might be worth seeing which regiment it is. If we go, we all go. If one of us gets in trouble, might as well be all of us. Unless Anna has enough morphing times left today to check it out as a cloud?"
If Anna want's to sneak up to the commotion in a less visible form Nikolai approves of the plan but has the rest of the Fist stand ready in case they are needed.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday September 18th, 2015 12:44:30 AM
Pru doesn't have a lot of experience with the sea, and she doesn't care for the docks at all. She looks a little sick as they approach the ship, and she looks even sicker as the crew begin outlining their captain's personal habits.
"I suppose we haven't much choice," she murmurs as the group leaves. "But I don't like the idea of sailing with such an immoral man as captain. And there's no way I'm bare-knuckle fighting!"
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday September 18th, 2015 8:10:55 AM
Tinker grins grimly. "Anyone bothers you, Bean Pole, and they'll see more fighting on this ship than they really want!"
And his attention is taken by Anna's call. "Commotion? Maybe we clear the streets ourselves by getting on this here boat. No telling what else will happen in the morning. Gold to the crew will open that gangplank I bet "
Anna Morphe[tiny seagull (raven)] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/17/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 14 d20-1=11 ; d20+11=26 ; d20+11=22 ; d20+8=27 ; Friday September 18th, 2015 12:57:12 PM
"This is a fairly busy port. I am not quite sure if an air elemental would be the best choice. If people realized I wasn't a cloud it could cause more of a commotion. A seagull on the other hand wouldn't cause too much of a fuss."
Anna looks for an out of the way place to change (Perception: 26; Stealth: 11) and then tries to stealthily turn into a seagull (OOC: reskinning raven / parrot tiny animal as seagull) and flies off toward the commotion.
Seagull-Anna lands on one of those wooden posts at the docks close to the action and starts preening while trying to get a feel for what is going on at the scene of the commotion (Perception: 22, Disguise: 27)
Active Effects: Wild Shaped as Beast Shape II - 6 hours - form of tiny seagull: +10 disguise adjusted to +8 to emulate other species / race +4 size bonus to dex, -2 size penalty str, +1 natural armor, +2 size bonus AC, +2 Attack, +8 stealth, +4 fly, -2 CMB/CMD speed 10 ft fly 40 ft (average), low light vision, bite +8 (1d3+3)
(OOC: Did we rest or not rest since the griffon battle? If we didn't, this is either my 3rd or 4th shift of the day and I have 4 max...If we did then this is 1st or 2nd...either way I can do this)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 Friday September 18th, 2015 5:34:01 PM
Michael reigns himself in, duty to the fist overriding his desire to explore the seedy underbelly of this city. He loosens his rapier in its scabbard, he smells trouble.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+11=21 Friday September 18th, 2015 6:23:47 PM "Thanks Anna. I'll see if I can muster up a fish for you when you get back," Nikokai chuckles.
He directs the rest of the Fist to keep off the street and find some spot on the boardwalk next to some shop and watch.
OOC: Forgot to add my Stealth attempt to be inconspicuous: 21
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 58/59 CMD Friday September 18th, 2015 8:01:57 PM
Trayvin stays with the group. "It saddens me that every time we come across some Mailed Fist, we are filled with apprehension and concern over how they will interact with us. I wonder if it isn't already too late to repair the rift."
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 d20+9=13 ; d20+7=13 ; Friday September 18th, 2015 9:35:51 PM
Karavik follows orders, ducking to the side of the street to watch and attempting to stay out of sight.
He does prepare his crossbow in case it is needed.
Perception +9 for a 13 Stealth +7 for a 13
DM Ken Monday September 21st, 2015 2:00:34 PM
DM Post inc.
DM Ken d20+8=17 ; d20+8=10 ; Monday September 21st, 2015 2:18:37 PM
DM Ooc: Yes, you have had a rest and regained spells/abilities.
Trayvin touches upon his biggest sadness with the split. An organisation that once prided itself on solidarity now can't help but wonder if chance meetings will end in bloodshed. Karavik and Michael prepare themselves for some trouble, while Anna scouts ahead. Tinkers suggestion about boarding the ship is mostly ignored, as Nikolai wants everyone on the streets and ready for anything. He reassures Prudence that any unwanted attention will be quickly handled. She also makes it clear she does not intent on boxing anyone anytime soon.
Anna
As you fly over the docks, you notice the streets leading down to the piers are actively being cleared by a woman in heavy armor. Arrayed before a regimental standard bearing a Tiger with a dead wyrmling in its maw, nine other men are in formation and appear to be waiting.
Not really noticing you, they seem to be greatly concerned with getting non-combatants off the streets, promising to make sure no harm comes to them.
Profession Soldier: DC 15
Highlight to display spoiler: {: The formation used is a standard Fist affair. A melee Fist guards a ranged Fist, using delaying tactics and their bodies to allow the ranged component time to do much damage. }
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=12 ; Monday September 21st, 2015 6:06:26 PM
Tinker shrugs and arms his crossbow taking a protective stance in front of Prudence.
And then... He waits.
Perception 12
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=22 ; Monday September 21st, 2015 8:10:26 PM
After making her rounds of the commotion and trying to get as good a look at the soldiers' faces (Perception: 22) as she can to describe any with distinguishing features she flies back to her companions, reverts back to her normal form and describes the banner, the commander, the men, the formation and their arms.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 58/59 CMD Monday September 21st, 2015 9:49:26 PM
"I wonder what they are waiting for? Maybe we should try some diplomacy. Does anyone remember who the Tigers were supporting?"
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday September 21st, 2015 10:11:06 PM
"I'm happy to talk to them, if we think it will do any good." Pru is uneasy as she watches the soldiers.
[OOC: Do they appear to have ranged weapons?]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+7=18 ; d20+11=20 ; d20+1=5 ; Monday September 21st, 2015 11:11:40 PM
Profession Soldier +7 DC15 = 18
Nikolai whispers to his friends, "These guys are different than those at the farm. They are well disciplined and organized. See those toughies up front? They keep the missile weapon members behind them free to shoot at will. That Thumb is all business. Mess with them and we've got our hands full," he muses.
He watches and wonders to what purpose the street clearance. "My guess this Fist is charged to get the streets cleared for someone else more important following right behind. Let's stay here a little longer and see who that might be."
Since it appears it is only the streets being cleared, he tries to stay behind any mingling on the boardwalks and asks someone, if possible. "Does this happen very often? When will the streets be free for you again?" Stealth +11 (try to remain inconspicuous): 20 Diplomacy +1 = 5 oops
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+18=32 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=21 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 12:49:30 AM
Michael does his best to find an advantageous postion from which he can see and not be seen.
stealth 32. perception 21.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 d20+13=15 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 8:45:43 AM
Seeing Nikolai's attempts to gather some information being largely ignored, Karavik attempts to help by asking a few passers-by if they know anything about why the streets are being cleared.
Diplomacy +13 for a 15
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 58/59 CMD d20+6=8 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 6:09:26 PM
Trayvin makes a go of trying to get some information as well.
Actions: diplomacy check to gather information = 8
OOC- were we trying to hide our association with the Fist or not?
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=9 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 7:51:42 PM
Tinker puts his bolt away and u spans his crossbow. "We're not gonna look like bystanders, but at least we can not look like we're about to kill someone", he mutters, and does his own attempt to get information from the people on the streets. "You know, there are craftsmen who need to use this street too ya know" he grumbles loud enough to be over heard, and hoping others will commiserate with loosened tongues.
Local knowledge. 7
DM Ken d20+12=16 ; d20+12=23 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 8:45:17 PM
Tense moments pass. As the minutes tick by, the commotion of the Tiger Squad gets closer. The calls are the same, "Clear the streets! - Fist business!"
A few travelers move from the streets to the docks, and stop to answer Karavik and Trayvin.
"They say it's for safety. The Fists all been up in a tizzy lately, as you should know. This lot fights more than any of em, but they always make sure to pay reparations and try to evacuate the streets an' let us know when fighting is comin'."
The two fists make a procession from the streets to the wharf, and from the wharf to the piers. It isn't long before they are in full view, moving with a rigid discipline. One of the men, a half orc male gives a sharp halt order to the Fists under his command. He looks at you curiously and pulls a scroll from his backpack.
Above, on the ledge of an old ship-house, a squat figure watches curiously at the goings on below...
(Everyone welcome Tristan into the game!)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 58/59 CMD Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 9:12:29 PM
Trayvin raises an eyebrow at the half-orc of Tiger Fist. "I have a feeling this is about to get interesting."
OOC- Welcome to the game Tristan! Please feel free to add a description of your character in your post for everyone. Here is mine:
Trayvin is a half-orc who could ‘almost’ pass for human if he bothered to disguise himself, something he never does. He is proud of his heritage. He is typically found wearing quality armor and weapons, with neatly packed gear. A soldier prepared to be on the move as needed. He wears a non-magical scrimshaw amulet he received from his mother. It bears the imagery of the orc tribe she once belonged to.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 9:48:06 PM
OOC: kinda hard to hide our association when we wear the uniform. :) I may be wrong but I think we decided to keep the uniform on. Would not make a difference to the townsfolk but may to the other Fists. We'll see.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=14 ; d20+3=23 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 9:55:28 PM
(OOC: I thought we wore our normal gear but without insignia...Welcome Tristan)
Anna watches and waits ( Perception: 14, Sense Motive: 23) trying to gauge the intentions of the tiger fist and the dwarf.
Anna Morphe has red hair, pale skin and green eyes.. Her 5’ 9” frame is fairly compact and she has decent muscle tone. She wears hide armor over an explorer’s outfit in earthy tones and carries a handy haversack and efficient quiver although not being an archer.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 10:12:34 PM
Pru sidles up and casts Protection from Arrows on Nikolai.
Pru is a pretty young human woman with hazel eyes and a reddish-brown braid that reaches past her hips. She wears no armor and carries a longspear.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 11:02:17 PM 'A fight? Who do they fight? Is it military exercises?' They are about to find out, but it looks too elaborate for simple military training. Why all the way down here? Could this be a way to gain some measure of trust that will get them to the next stage of their mission? "Well, here goes all or nothing," he mutters under his breath.
Nikolai stands at average height, his slim form under his Mailed Fist uniform hiding a hidden power. Of his weapons one only sees a bandolier of shuriken strapped over his shoulder, a kama stuffed in a holster, and a nunchaku stuffed in his belt in the small of his back.
OOC: I can't remember what we decided but removing the insignia would make sense. It's what the DM remembers is the main thing though. :)
DM Ken: We can safely assume the passerby was referring to the fact that the Tiger and Snake have been fighting openly lately. He was saying that even though they fight the Snake a lot, this group at least takes the time first to clear the streets of pedestrians and other folk.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+9, CMD+20 d20+13=18 ; Tuesday September 22nd, 2015 11:33:19 PM
OOC: my memories say that Tinker and Michael dressed in Muffti, while everybody else was in uniform.
Michael surveys the fist from his concealment as they come to a halt. He picks out his target based upon several factors. 1. anyone that he can flank against one of his comrades. 2. Anyone close to him that he can strike from concealment at. 3. spell casters
Michael is a slightly short, slight Male halfling, handsome in a nondescript sort of way. he keeps one hand on his rapier and one on his hoopak. his brown eyes sparkle at the thought of conflict.
perception 18 waitng on someone to make the first move.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 d20+13=32 ; d20+9=28 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2015 8:44:48 AM
Karavik looks on, trying to gauge the situation and keep his eyes open for anything of importance. With the exception of his introduction to the current Fist, this is the first time he has really stood on 'potentially' the opposite side of a battle from one of his own.
Sense Motive +13 for a 32 Perception +9 for a 28
Karavik is a tall, athletically built man with dark hair, dark eyes, and a tan complexion. He wields a crossbow, and it is clear that he is proficient in its use. His true value to the fist though is his ability to inspire with words, lighten the mood with comedy, or amaze with flowing exhibitions of martial dance.
OOC: I'll maintain my crossbow at the ready... just not pointed at anyone from the Tigers.
AC 21 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=11 ; Wednesday September 23rd, 2015 6:05:30 PM
(Ooc: Tinker is in civilian garb [mufti] and has his badge on the inside of his jacket per post on 26 June 2015)
The dwarf near the human female has flecks of rust in his dark chocolate hair and trimmed beard. All frame a chiseled bronze face set in a permanent frown of concentration. Heavy leather-and-canvas boots, trousers, tunic, vest, and cloak with lots of pockets reveals very little skin. A dwarves Urgrosh and inlaid crossbow, tools, and a large backpack stuffed with more implements complete the image of a young adventurer expecting the worst and ready for anything.
He frowns and glances at Nikolai. No words? Giving initiative away? His eyes turn like slate. So be it. Tinker will not be the first to raise weapon against a brother Mailed Fist, but by the Six, he will be ready if they don't think likewise!
A hand moves along the shaft of his Urgrosh, Ready to go into a defensive fighting stance.
Perception 11
Ready. Tinker will draw his Urgrosh and go full defensive in front of Prudence if any of the Agents are attacked. (+6 AC)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday September 23rd, 2015 10:16:32 PM
Anna readies an action to cast barkskin on herself if anyone makes any aggressive moves towards the agents.
(OOC: I need to turn in soon...so I am posting for my day.)
DM Ken Wednesday September 23rd, 2015 10:34:51 PM
Nikolai takes the wait and see approach. There was no reason to assume hostility from the Tiger at this time. He draws himself up full and proud. Tinker, Michael, and Prudence all decide on being slightly more on guard, with buffing magic and preparing actions and attacks, in case things go south. Karavik, also cautious, has his crossbow armed. Anna and Tristan watch, but take no actions.
Anna gets the sense these men and women mean business.
Looking again from the scroll to Nikolai, the Tiger thumb gives order for his squads to rank up. He calmly puts away the scroll and draws his weapon. His men, and the second fist, do the same.
"Nikolai's Fist. By Order of Pavillion Neutronis, Grand Marshal of all Mailed Fist forces, you are to surrender yourselves to his judgement. We have evacuated the civilians in the area, and do not fear that innocent life will intervene in our mission. You have but this one warning, anything other than immediate unconditional surrender will be met with deadly force!”
The ranged fist nocks arrows, seemingly ready to let loose at the slightest order. The melee fist sets their polearms at the ready as well.
The red glint of the setting sun sparkles off the ocean. It casts a blood-red tint on the shining armor of the Tiger fists as they await your response. (Evening time, assuming a mostly full day of inquiries.)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday September 23rd, 2015 11:00:46 PM Anything other than immediate unconditional surrender. Right. Pru decides not to cast another spell. Her hands tighten on the haft of her longspear, but she does not otherwise make a move.
DM Ken: For the sake of ease, at 6th level Pru's MAge Armor lasts almost the entire adventuring day. I have no issues assuming that she casts it when things -might- be dangerous and it lasts until nightfall. So unless we are having a combat at weird hours, as long as you tell me in a post I have no issues going with "Pru and Nikolai have Mage Armor from earlier."
DM Ken Waterfront Map Wednesday September 23rd, 2015 11:15:43 PM
Map.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+10=11 ; d20+10=19 ; Thursday September 24th, 2015 12:20:20 AM
as the word surrender issues forth from the thumbs mouth the world takes on the extra dimension it has when battle is immanent. the colors seem more vivid, the foulness of the dock air, somehow pleasant in how it fits with the perfidy of sword brother against sword brother. Movement takes on an extra dimension, it's almost as if he is watching himself from above. but at the same time the sadness is pushed back flattened to the point that everything is almost two dimensional. The disinterested portion of his soul, the fun loving part. Notices that the Half Orc archer Thumb is not bad looking, her skin is an interesting green. He wonder what color it will be after he opens up an artery in her leg and bleeds her out. He holds his post, out of sight out of mind, once the foot soldiers move past him he will engage the one closest to him, once it gets to where he is flanked against Tinker. If the foot soldiers stand pat, he sneaks behind the boxes till he can get an angle on the archers, he will then throw an alchemists fire at locations between archers 1 and 2, He will then duck back behind the boxes.
Attack foot soldier 11 miss natural 1 or toss alchemst fire 19 (Ill let the DM roll damage and modifiers as he see fit. )
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) 7d6=18 ; Thursday September 24th, 2015 12:48:16 AM
OOC: I believe that's what Pru calculates. It is a good reminder now and then that she has the daily habit of casting Mage Armor on Nikolai.
IC: Active Spells: Mage Armor, Protection from Arrows (DR 10/magic, 10pts per caster level)
So this is it. They needed to know which Regiments were against them and which would potentially be with them. Tiger Regiment goes down in the bad guy's column.
Nikolai calmly rubs a small bead from his necklace between his thumb and index finger as he replies. "Interesting that you judge us already without knowing our allegiance. We did come here to see Master Neutronis but under our own conditions. We have committed no crime to be subjected to your conditions of surrender. We are Agents. We act autonomously according to Fist Law. By subjecting us to this surrender on grounds outside of Mailed Fist Law puts you, Tiger Fist, outside the Law!"
His statement made so that it would be clear to all witnesses that their actions are according to Mailed Fist Law, as he sees it anyway, he now plucks the bead he fingered and flicks it over the heads of the melee troops to the square in front of the melee Thumb midway between him and the melee troops.
Fireball bead from necklace (range 70, area 20'x20') Ref DC14: fireball blast 7d6 = 18, save for half.
He then quickly reaches into his backpack and pulls out a Tanglefoot bag.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 21/13/21 Hp 59/59 CMD Thursday September 24th, 2015 6:52:18 AM
"Well, I bet they weren't expecting that." Trayvin gets ready to back up Nikolai's play, since diplomacy has just been tossed to the wayside.
Actions: cast shield of faith, draw Morningstar
Active Effects: shield of faith 6min remaining
Spells 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 Thursday September 24th, 2015 8:22:57 AM
Nikolai's fireball signals the start of battle for Karavik, and he begins to urge the others on with his usual rhetoric.
"The strength of the oak is complimented by its flexibility. Even the strongest will break against the winds of change when they refuse to let go of rigid dogma. You must learn to sway... taking life as it comes at you. That is wisdom!"
Karavik's words fade into the background as the battle erupts on the docks.
Actions: Move up behind Nikolai Begin Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage +2 (17/18 rounds remaining)
Everyone is now at +2 to attack and damage rolls as well as saves vs. charm and fear effects.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d3=2 ; Thursday September 24th, 2015 12:54:06 PM
Seeing as how the agents are on a doc and there isn't natural plant life to power her spells Anna loses snare and spike growth and spontaneously casts Summon Nature's Ally 3. Next round 2 small air elementals will pop into being 40 ft from where Anna is, in the air towards the enemies.
She takes a 5 foot step away from the adversaries.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 d100=17 ; d20=7 ; d12=3 ; d10=5 ; d8=2 ; d6=5 ; d12=7 ; d3=2 ; d4=4 ; d20=5 ; Thursday September 24th, 2015 3:10:02 PM
Not really understanding what is happening between his fellow Fist members,Revan continues to sit upon the roof. He draws his large repeating crossbow and slides a fresh "clip" in. What is going on? Revan mutters to himself.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 d20+9=28 ; Thursday September 24th, 2015 3:16:41 PM
Ooc: forgot the stealth roll [ooc] Revan pulls his cloak tighter and tries to stay very still on the rooftop. Stealth=28
AC 27 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday September 24th, 2015 7:29:17 PM
All havoc breaks loose on the docks! Tinker tries to be everywhere in the front line at once, deflecting and blocking and being the target of as many attacks as possible, this keeping the other Agents free to act.
The dwarf weaves and ducks and spins his Urgrosh, keeping up a defensive stance against the ranks of Tigers.
Full Defensive. +6 AC
Ooc: post is assuming that Michael and Nikolai's actions initiated the Tiger Ready actions which would have initiated Tinker's Ready action?
Tiger Regiment demands surrender. Wolf Regiment has none of it, and accuses Tiger Regiment of breaking Fist law! Tired of reacting to others, Nikolai's words inspire his fist to action!
The Tiger thumb starts to respond, "If you've done nothing wrong then you'll .. aah! To arms, Tiger Fist!"
Michael tenses, but Nikolai's Fire bead silences any other retort, and things quickly escalate beyond diplomacy!
1. Resolving Actions.
Tiger Fist: Demands surrender, anything other than immediate compliance means combat.
Michael: Readies an attack. Nikolai: Aims fire bead, (standard action) triggering readied actions. Tiger Fist: Attacks, triggering Tinkers readied action.
Tiger Ranged Thumb: Rapidly draws an arrow and sends it flying at Prudence. As the arrow hits the air, it engulfs in flames. It smacks Pru in the thigh, then explodes in flame. (Hits AC 21 for 10 damage, 3 flaming. It's a magical arrow, so it ignore protection from arrows.)
Perception DC 20Highlight to display spoiler: { This half orc female has two different quivers. One only has 3 arrows left. The other is quite full. These flaming arrows came from the near empty one.}
Tiger Ranged Fist: A salvo of crossbow bolts go flying, all aimed at Nikolai. Only one comes through, and even it does not make it through his magical protections from arrows.
"Dont shoot the elf, he's warded!", shouts the Ranged Thumb. She seems to be studying Nikolai very closely.
Tiger Melee Thumb: He begins casting a spell, one he seemed to have at the ready. He grabs a holy symbol and chants a quick prayer.
Spellcraft DC: 16 Highlight to display spoiler: {Bless.}
Melee Fist: The men readied actions against incoming attackers, so nothing happens.
Michael throws his alchemists fire, but the ranged troops don't seem to be affected by the flames!
(I think that's all the readied actions.)
Nikolai fishes out his tanglefoot bag. Trayvin and Karavik focus on buffing. Revan and Pru assess the situation, while Anna begins her summons. Michael ducks back behind the barrels for cover. Tinker interposes between himself and his allies.
Chanting a quick prayer, healing energy pulses from the Melee Thumb. Most of the damage of the fire blast visually fades away from his front line. He watches Anna a moment, then shouts. "Hit the small one! She's summoning more enemies!"
In quick order 3 crossbow bolts slam into Anna. (Hits AC 21, 20, and 18 for 21 damage. Anna must pass a concentration check DC 34 or lose the spell!)
The Ranged Thumb takes another moment watching Nikolai, then cackles. "Lately, my years of hunting drow for coin has been for naught. The dark elves are reforming, so they say! But an elfs and elf!"
She peers at his equipment and yells.
"Get on him before he sticks the lot of you to the docks with that tanglefoot bag!"
Two more arrows from the smaller quiver streak through the air, this time burning towards Nikolai! Both impact, the first doing so with tremendous force.
First Arrow: Hit AC 31 [nat 20] and confrims 24. 18 base, + 4 favored enemy, + 2 fire. (24 total) Second Arrow: Hit AC 27. 4 Base, 2 favored enemy, +3 fire. (9 total)
The melee fist follow the orders of the other thumb. Moving forward, one takes an AoO from Tinker, and another provokes from Michael. (No sneak attack, they know you are there.)
Tinker AoO: d20 = 9. Michael AoO: d20= 2.
The melee fist yells in unison and surges forward. The first connects with Nikolai, and knocks him bleeding to the ground, so the others press into the ranks of the Agents.
Charge vs Nikolai: Hits AC 25 for 8 damage. Charge vs Prudence: Hits AC 25 for 11 damage. Charge vs Karavik: Hits AC 25 for 10 damage. Trip vs Tinker: Beats CMB 26
Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed.
Total Damage done to Agents:
Prudence: 19 (3 of this was flaming) Anna: 21 damage. (Needs a DC 34 concentration check or lose her spell) Tinker: Tripped vs CMB 26 Karavik: 10 damage. Nikolai: 41. Unconscious. (Of course, I crit the monk without deflect arrows.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+10=12 ; d4=3 ; 3d6=8 ; Thursday September 24th, 2015 11:22:13 PM
Michael step out from his cover and flanks the trooper next to Tinker,
to hit AC 12 for 11 points damage.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP -3/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday September 25th, 2015 12:09:09 AM
OOC: it was a hard choice not to go with Deflect Arrows, but it only grants deflection of one arrow attack per round and the feat I took seemed a better choice long term. Not much you can do with a confirmed crit though. :}
Unconscous IC: As Nikolai goes down he pauses in mid air for a moment to reflect upon the putting off learning to deflect arrows for a later time, then flops to the ground.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 36/51] [Mage Armor] (Kathy) Friday September 25th, 2015 1:00:51 AM
[OOC: Actually, Pru casts an Extended Mage Armor each morning, so she and Nikolai are good for 12 hours. The spell she was thinking about casting was another Protection from Arrows, but she didn't get a chance to.]
Pru steps back and casts Haste on everyone but herself. Yes, that includes the unconscious Nikolai.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 59/59 CMD Friday September 25th, 2015 6:52:46 AM
Oh boy, this is going to be rough.
Actions: Trayvin casts a prayer spell, and then steps in front of Anna You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a -1 penalty on such rolls. -no save for enemy Fist
Active Effects: shield of faith: 6min remaining 59/60 haste: +1att, +1 dodge AC,+1 ref, +30speed, +1attack on full attack, 6/6 rounds remaining prayer: +1att/dmg, saves/skill checks, 6/6 rounds remaining
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d8+1=6 ; d20+11=25 d20+6=7 Friday September 25th, 2015 7:39:58 AM
It is physically impossible for Anna to concentrate enough to overcome the pain from the crossbow bolts that struck her. She swears as she feels her spell fizzle. "There goes our air support..." she tells her friends.
Anna then retrieves her wand of cure light wounds from her haversack and uses it on Nikolai. Nikolai heals 6 points of damage.
Anna has no idea what spell the cleric cast but she does notice the 2 quivers carried by the ranged thumb. "The ranged Thumb has 2 quivers; I think she has 3 more of those magic fire arrows in one and the other is mostly full!" She calls out.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 d20+11=24 ; d20+11=12 ; d8+4=11 ; Friday September 25th, 2015 8:07:53 AM
Karavik takes a 5 foot step back down the docks and looses two bolts at the melee troop behind Tinker.
All the while, he continues trying to inspire the courage of his fellows.
Actions: 5 foot step Attack 1 1d20+7+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(Haste) for a 24 - Damage 1d8+1+2(IC)+1(Luck) for an 11 Attack 2 1d20+7+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(Haste) for a 12 (Nat 1) Continue Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage +2 (16/18 rounds remaining)
Everyone is still at +2 to attack and damage rolls as well as saves vs. charm and fear effects.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 Friday September 25th, 2015 12:02:40 PM
Roaring loudly Revan says By the Fist what is going on here?! Either someone tell me,or you'll be meeting my companion and his underlings here! panning his crossbow around.
Other than that he holds action. Ready to fire.
DM Ken Waterfront Map Friday September 25th, 2015 2:03:12 PM
(Just waiting on Tinker! We might be able to get this one in before 5 tonight!)
AC 27 T16 F16 CMD 21 (25 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday September 25th, 2015 5:37:30 PM
Ooc. DM, Karavik's bard song gives +2 attack, which should take the sturdy Tinker's CMD to 27. Can you tell me if he is tripped or not? ;-)
DM Ken Waterfront Map Friday September 25th, 2015 8:02:53 PM
Combat Maneuver Defense
Each character and creature has a Combat Maneuver Defense (or CMD) that represents its ability to resist combat maneuvers. A creature's CMD is determined using the following formula:
CMD = 10 + Base attack bonus + Strength modifier + Dexterity modifier + special size modifier + miscellaneous modifiers
Some feats and abilities grant a bonus to your CMD when resisting specific maneuvers.
Miscellaneous Modifiers
A creature can also add any circumstance, deflection, dodge, insight, luck, morale, profane, and sacred bonuses to AC to its CMD. Any penalties to a creature's AC also apply to its CMD. A flat-footed creature does not add its Dexterity bonus to its CMD.
Bardsong isn't a bonus to AC, so it does not affect CMD.
AC 22 T17 F17 CMD 21 (26 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+12=16 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=21 ; d8+7=8 ; d8+7=14 ; d8+7=8 ; Friday September 25th, 2015 8:52:30 PM
OK! ;-)
Tinker, concentrating on defending against attacks, still gets knocked on his keister and surrounded by two pole-arm armed armored arms... Attached to Men of the Tiger Fist. What's worse is that since Tinker was in full defensive mode, he was unable to take advantage of the opportunity to attacks the Tigers as they came in!
Flat on his back with people standing over him ready to stick him with pole arms... Tinker smiles. "You made a mistake there, recruit. You see, pole arms are reach weapons, and you can use a reach weapon to strike opponents 10 feet away, but you can't use it against an adjacent foe."
The dwarf stands, no worries about avoiding any AOOs, and lays into the nearest wounded Fist!
Heroically, the Urgrosh keeps swinging, striking at the disadvantaged pole arm wielders twice more! As one enemy drops, he turns to the next enemy to take care of the three opponents around him.
.... Inspire courage +2 attack/defense/save Prayer: +1 all rolls Haste +1 AC, reflex, +30 move, +1 attack w full attack
Stand from Prone Attack Hero Point Full Attack with Haste
Michael slips out from behind his barrel and tries to skewer one of the tiger troopers, but has no luck. His small dagger catches in chain armor, and his weapon finds no skin to slice. Nikolai hits the ground, and Prudence enhances all of her allies with a Haste spell. Anna doesn't have Pru's luck, and her lengthy summon spell is disrupted. She heals Nikolai enough to save his life, and possibly inspire him back to action.
Trayvin thinks quickly, and selects a blessing to not only counteract the Tiger Priests blessing, but give the advantage to his own allies. In range of one of the pole-arms, he suffers a deep gash mid spell. He steps in front of Anna, provoking another reaching attack, but this one cuts only air.
Trayvin: AoO hits AC 22 for 10 damage. Concentration check DC 23 (10+10+3) or lose your spell.
Karavik lays down some covering fire, and pierces the trooper behind Tinker right after he strikes Trayvin. The man screams in pain, then staggers back, staring dumbly at the bolt in his side.
Revan, unsure what to make of all of this, reveals himself and shouts, commanding all elements at play here to cease fighting and explain themselves! Heads spin and a few of the Tiger ranged elements point his way.
Tinker takes advantage of the distraction, and stands after giving a fine lesson to the young warriors surrounding him. With a smug grin, he stands easily enough. Then a dull *whump* connects with his back.
The pole-arm nearest Trayvin winks at Tinker, then gets sucked back into the swirl of combat. Tinkers retort is loud and clear. Two swings of his Urgosh and two enemies fall to the ground, bleeding from fresh wounds!
Enemy Actions
The Melee Thumb continues his tactical assessment. He quickly barks another order. "Suppression fire on the roof behind us! They had another Agent we didn't know about!"
He glares towards Trayvin and Karavik.
"That's enough motivation out of you two!"
He casts another spell, and a deep sense of serenity falls over the Agents. Everyone behind Michael feels it, a sense of contentment, lacking in excitement, thrill, or emotion. Spellcraft DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: {Calm Emotions}
He then calls out to his men which members seem to have resisted it's effects.
The Ranged Thumb seems familiar with this drill. She immediately opens fire on Michael (missing twice), while her Ranged Fist sends a cluster of bolts at Tristan. (no hits.)
The Melee Fist members still on their feet begin a tactical backstep, both taking swipes at Michael. Only one scores through the leather armor, cutting Michael over his ribs. (Hit AC 22 for 10 damage, or AC 21 if Prayer is cast successfully.)
End of bottom of round 1.2
Melee Thumb: 1 damage. Blessed. (Also possibly affected by Prayer.)
This spell calms agitated creatures. You have no control over the affected creatures, but calm emotions can stop raging creatures from fighting or joyous ones from reveling. Creatures so affected cannot take violent actions (although they can defend themselves) or do anything destructive. Any aggressive action against or damage dealt to a calmed creature immediately breaks the spell on all calmed creatures.
This spell automatically suppresses (but does not dispel) any morale bonuses granted by spells such as bless, good hope, and rage, and also negates a bard's ability to inspire courage or a barbarian's rage ability. It also suppresses any fear effects and removes the confused condition from all targets. While the spell lasts, a suppressed spell, condition, or effect has no effect. When the calm emotions spell ends, the original spell or effect takes hold of the creature again, provided that its duration has not expired in the meantime.
Trayvin: 10 damage. Concentration DC 23 or lose spell. Michael: 10 damage.
DM Edit: Nikolai, Don't forget your elven +2 bonus vs enchantments! Your race worked against you last round. This round it's in your favor!
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 d20=7 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+5=9 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+5=6 ; d10+1=8 ; d10=1 ; d10+5=14 ; d20+13=32 ; d10+5=8 ; Saturday September 26th, 2015 3:46:50 AM Yeah! And this one's not too fond of kitties Revan yells back down even as his first bolt goes whistling through the air towards the ranged Thumb. To hit:24 Damage:12 He flips the lever that will load another bolt into place,then fires again To hit:14 damage:6 (Second shot of my delayed)
Real turn: Revan,realizes she probably isn't down yet, flips the lever yet again and fires (using rapid shot) To hit: 33 To confirm: 31 damage:28 To hit:32 Damage:8 To hit:natural 1
May the Bear's wrath be upon you!
Ooc: I messed up pretty bad on the dice roller for my attacks. I forgot to add fav. enemy,and I get plus 11 and 6 to hit not 5 and 10. I fixed it all in the post itself won't happen next time [ooc]
How high up am I on the roof?
AC 22 T17 F17 CMD 21 (26 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=15 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+8=10 ; Saturday September 26th, 2015 8:01:38 AM
Tinker feels a wave of soothing feeling come over him, but his stubborn dwarf nature overcomes the spell...barely!
The dwarf takes a sliding step forward to be side by side with the polearmsman who was only five feet away.
Still, Tinker's loyalty admires the tenaciousness and loyalty in the young mercenary, and the dwarf crashes in with the flat of his Urgrosh. Obviously, he needs more practice!
............. Inspire courage +2 attack/defense/save Prayer: +1 all rolls Haste +1 AC, reflex, +30 move, +1 attack w full attack
Save 15. (6+2dwarf+3spells since trayvin and Karavik's have not failed at time of posting for Tinker) 5 foot step (no AOO) Attack, Hasted attack and Hero attack with nonlethal -4 attack roll 12 8 10
Ooc: Oh come on! :-(. And that was Tinker's last Hero Point!
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 21/14/17 - HP 27/48 -- CMD 16 d20+6=17 ; d20+8=17 ; Saturday September 26th, 2015 11:24:13 AM
Anna knows what the Cleric cast (Spellcraft: 17) and successfully resists.
"That Cleric just tried to calm us!" Anna yells. (Save: 17)
"Trayvin, I'm dropping my cure wand...If you need to use it go ahead" Anna drops her wand.
She then casts barkskin on herself (+ 3 nat armor). She then moves 20 feet and draws her sling.
Inspire courage +2 attack/defense/save Prayer: +1 all rolls Haste +1 AC, reflex, +30 move, +1 attack w full attack Barkskin: 3 nat armor
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 49/59 CMD d20+8=12 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=9 ; 3d6=14 ; Saturday September 26th, 2015 11:29:09 AM
Trayvin remains where he is, the fight has gone out of him due to the opposing Fist's spell. At least he knows how the spell works, and can still help out. He channels the energy of the Gods of the Wold, and heals those around him. Channel Energy 14hp healed to all within 30 feet
Trayvin makes an appeal to the Tiger Thumb. "Don't you think it's time to end this before someone gets hurt?"
Actions: concentration check to cast prayer = 12, prayer spell is lost, will save vs calm emotions = 12, 9(hero point used), failed save.
Active Effects: shield of faith: 6min remaining 58/60 haste: +1att, +1 dodge AC,+1 ref, +30speed, +1attack on full attack, 5/6 rounds remaining prayer: spell was lost, no benefit for group inspire courage -waiting on player post
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channel energy 5/6 remaining
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 50/51] [Mage Armor] (Kathy) d20+5=21 ; 3d4+3=12 ; Saturday September 26th, 2015 12:12:26 PM
Pru feels something trying to calm her down, but she's a fire sorcerer, and a hot temper kind of comes with the territory. "Oh no you don't," she mutters.
She slides over next to Karavik and readies an action. The first opponent who begins casting a spell gets a face full of Magic Missiles for 12 damage.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+8=27 ; d20+11=26 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=2 ; d20+11=13 ; d4=4 ; Saturday September 26th, 2015 3:17:27 PM
Michale feel frustrated that his blade failed to find its mark, at the same time he feels a calming spell pass over him and impact just in front of him. Then several things happen at once. The world slows down, the man he was fighting falls over two arrows fly past him an a retreating soldier catches him in the ribs with his weapon. The wound burns for only a second before healing magic closes it. Michael takes a 5 ft step, putting him in line with the rearmost foot soldier and using him for cover from the archers attempts to bury his rapier into the this thigh. To hit AC 27 (sorry posting from phone and forgot to add bonuses and screwed up the drop down) Crit confirmed! 4 points of damage 2nd attack to hit AC 13 for 4 points of damage
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Saturday September 26th, 2015 3:22:16 PM
OOC: can't move character on phone could somebody move me one square diagonal to put me in front of the foot soldiers nearest me.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 16 HP 3/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Saturday September 26th, 2015 9:12:49 PM
OOC: Wherein, in a state of unconscious bliss, the story unfolds around him and he forgets he got healed and is conscious again. And thus we pick up the story...
Action last Round: Active Spells: Mage Armor, Protection from Arrows (DR 10/magic, 10pts per caster level), Haste (+1 att, +1 dodge AC, +1 Ref, Extra Att w/Full Att, speed 70) Bard Inspire Courage (2+ vs Charm/Fear, +2 att, +2 dmg,)
An inspiring chant seeps into his consciousness and he feels the hard wood floor of the dock. Vaguely remembering where the Tiger Fist was, and sees one fallen a few feet over. He crawls over to him, looking around while he does so. He sees that it is safe to get up and promptly stands, miraculously still holding his Tanglefoot bag.
Crawl 5' diagonal NE (Move 1), Stand from Prone (Move 2)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 17/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+12=31 ; d20+12=18 ; d8+5=6 ; d20+10=25 ; Sunday September 27th, 2015 9:45:12 PM
OOC: picking up for this round...
Active Spells: Mage Armor, Protection from Arrows (DR 10/magic, 10pts per caster level), Haste (+1 att, +1 dodge AC, +1 Ref, Extra Att w/Full Att, speed 70) Bard Inspire Courage (2+ vs Charm/Fear, +2 att, +2 dmg)
Calm Emotions Will Save +12 (+8 lvl, +2 race, +2 monk Still Mind) DC 15 = 31 saved
Nikolai feels a wave of healing flow over him but understands that this also heals the 'enemy' as well. With one Tiger next to him probably getting ready to get up again, he Readies his foot to kick him back into unconsciousness while pulling out small round black pebble looking thing from his front pants pocket.
To the guy on the deck in front of him he says "Move a muscle and I'll smash that nose in and make you as ugly as snub nosed goblin!" AoO Stunning Kick attack (either AoO if he tries to get up or crawl away) +12 (or 13 for Higher Ground) = 18, dmg = 6 Stunning Blow Fort DC 16 or Stunned 1rd.
He then aims the pebble at the Tiger Fist Thumb. Toss Thunderstone at square in front of Melee Fist Thumb: Range increment -4, Square AC5; Range Touch attack +10 (haste, bard, bab) = 25 -4 = 19 Thunderstone - 10' rad sonic blast Fort DC15 save or be deafened for 1hr. Deafened suffers 20% chance of verbal spells being miscast.
Recap: Move 1 = get Thunderstone Standard = throw Thunderstone
AoO if poleman tries to crawl or get up.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 d20+5=17 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=23 ; d8+5=6 ; d8+5=7 ; Monday September 28th, 2015 9:24:23 AM
Will Save +5 for a 17 (Saved)
Karavik takes a small step forward, unleashing another volley of crossbow bolts at the nearest standing enemy fist.
All the while, he continues extolling his comrades.
Actions: 5 foot step Attack 1 1d20+7+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(Haste)+1(PBS) for a 25 - Damage 1d8+1+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(PBS) for a 6 Attack 2 1d20+7+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(Haste)+1(PBS) for a 23 - Damage 1d8+1+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(PBS) for a 7 Continue Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage +2 (15/18 rounds remaining)
OOC: I believe the guy at the bottom edge of the dock would be my target.
Revans, (who is on top of a 15 ft roof) ranged attacks are relentless and on target. The crossbow bolts hit true and in rapid succession, and the half-orc thumb gives a strangled choke before falling dead to the ground. Her men around her stare in horror, then all open fire again on the dwarf. Tristan and Nikolai try their best to keep the men on the docks pinned down. As Nikolai rummages, he feels a sharp pain in his ankle. One of the downed soldiers has recovered, and slams a spiked gauntlet'd fist into his ankles as he searches through his pack.
AoO vs Nikolai hits AC 24 for 4 damage.
Trayvins channel removed most of the battlewounds of everyone present, including the enemy .Michael scores a light hit in the buttocks of his opponent. It doesn't do much damage, but it hurts quite a bit. Tinker trades armor scratches with the young mercenary, who seems encouraged at the dwarfs failures.
Prudence waits for the right moment, and then sends her magic missiles zinging into the face of the Cleric, but his spell is not disrupted. Anna attempts to cast another spell, but is hit from the ground by a pole-arm again! It seems Trayvins healing brought her foe back from the brink.
AoO vs Anna, hit AC 23 (pre barkskin) for 9 damage. Concentration DC 25 or lose the spell.
Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed.
The ranged fist continue to focus their shots at Revan, but are so fraught with rage they are unable to avenge their fallen thumb. (Nat 1, 5, 7, and 8. The new guy is super blessed!)
The first pole-arms-man to stand is fully defending himself, even to the point of leaving his halberd on the ground. He stands and weathers Nikolai's kick and stun. His partner stands up from prone and slashes at Anna but misses badly.
The polearm fighter nearest Tinker decides it time to change up his style. Dropping his weapon, he draws his longsword and moves in to swing, and gashes Tinker across the chest with a longsword. (Nat 20, confirm vs AC 18 fail.)
Michaels opponent steps back, but fails to hit the small halfling.
The Melee thumb is surprised by the Thunderstone, and then summarily blasted in the face with magical force missiles as he starts to use a wand he draws from a sack at his side. Even deafened, he doesn't have a problem handling the item. (Your DM is unsure if casting a spell from a wand is the same as actually casting a spell. See the rules board.)
"You will burn for this! Pantheon will see you judged! I will see you judged! We came to apprehend you for the crime of treason, take you to fair trial, and now you have killed a righteous woman of the fist, who lived and died by her contract and written bindings, unlike you oathbreakers!"
He points a wand at Nikolai.
"We serve the Fist!"
He raises it higher.
"We live by the Fist!"
Then drops it down, and with it a pillar of flame.
"WE DIE BY THE FIST!"
A huge vertical column of flame crashes from the sky.
Nikolai, Tinker, Prudence, Karavik, and Trayvin, take 17 damage, half fire and half divine. Reflex Save DC 18 for half.
Other Total Damage done to Agents:
Anna: 9 damage and concentration DC 25. Nikolai: 4 damage. Tinker: 10 damage.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+11=22 ; d4+1=2 ; d20+11=14 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=5 ; Monday September 28th, 2015 3:36:34 PM
The Cleric words inspire a righteous fury in Michael. His voice, louder than he has ever spoken in his entire life rings out. Even as his blade seeks to fell the soldier in front of him and keep him in range.
HOW MANY MEN CLERIC? HOW MANY MEN HAVE YOU PRAYED WITH THE NIGHT BEFORE THEIR DEATH FOR VIOLATING THE TENANTS OF THE FIST? RAPE, MURDER, RAVINE AND THEFT ALL MEAN DEATH FROM THE GALLOWS BY FIST LAW! NOW YOU FOLLOW A LEADER THAT HIMSELF PLANS TO BREAK FIST LAW BY INVADING ANOTHER COUNTRY! YOU FOLLOW A MAN MAD WITH LUST FOR POWER, WHO SPITS IN EVERY HONEST SOLDIERS FACES AND PUTS HIMSELF ABOVE THE LAW HE HIMSELF HAS SWORN TO UPHOLD! HOW CAN ANY BE EXPECTED TO RECEIVE AN HONORABLE TRIAL AFTER THIS? HOW CAN WE STILL SAY WITH PRIDE "HONEST COIN FOR HONEST WORK" WHEN WE HAVE SACRIFICED OUR HONOR FOR A MAD MAN WHO WANTS TO BE KING?
to hit ac 22 for 2 points of damage BAB 4 +5 (weapon finess dex bonus) +1 size +1 haste. to hit aC 14 for 5 points of damage same stats for roll. for got to add plus 2 for bardic performance so AC 24 and 16 then.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 d20=11 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=16 ; Monday September 28th, 2015 3:42:14 PM
Revan,making the split second decision that reloading the crossbow would take too long,he abandons it on the roof. Then,he springs from the roof,drawing his greatsxe as he lands in the process axe in the process.
Acrobatics to avoid fall damage: 7 (11-4 racial penalty) or 9 if within the bard's inspire courage.
He leaps of the roof,attempting to roll(move action jump,free action draw) and draws his ornately crafted greataxe. He roars out,directing it to the ranged fist. Out of my way! He bull rushes the nearest one,attempting to break through the wall of defenders without harming them. These are just the soldiers,they are just following their commander.
Intimidate:9 Bull rush:16
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 Monday September 28th, 2015 3:46:14 PM
Make that an 11 on the intimidate (4+5 skill bonus+2bardic performance) And the bull rush 18 (8+8 skill bonus+2 bardic performance)
[ooc] His post wasn't up when I was typing [/ooc]
DM Ken: I'm confused. A bull rush is a standard action or taken as part of a charge. Since you building jumped, you cannot charge. You have a CMB of +8, or +10 with the Bard Song, and you rolled a 4.
That's a Bullrush of 16, if I add it up right.
Intimidate is also a standard action to demoralize an opponent, but your standard action was used with the bull rush. =)
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 Monday September 28th, 2015 4:05:07 PM
I'm gonna go through this in order so I don't get ahead of myself. Again. 1. Yes I building jumped,move action I believe. Therefore I may bull rush this turn,standard action. 2. Yes,I tried to roll my dice in order in which they happened,but my mind went ahead of my typing fingers and added the +8 to both rolls instead of just the second one. Therefore the intimidate should simply be a +5,not +8. Therefore my intimidate would've been an 11,and my bull rush is an 18. 3. Okay then,apparently took too many actions this turn. Forget the intimidate,Revan just yell really loudly.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 41/51] [Mage Armor] (Kathy) d20+5=17 ; 3d4+3=11 ; Monday September 28th, 2015 5:33:27 PM
Pru isn't able to dodge the cleric's column of flame, but she shrugs off the fire damage, taking only the remainder. Still, it hurts.
Michael launches into an impressive oration. Pru has a fleeting wish that she could be that articulate. "Please stop hurting my friends" kind of pales in comparison.
Unsure what else to do, she tries again to see if she can disrupt a spellcaster.
[Pru re-readies. The next opponent to try to cast a spell takes 11 points of force damage.]
[OOC: I'm a little confused about last round. The only spell effect I saw came from a wand. Activating a wand wouldn't have set off Pru's readied action, because it is not the same as casting a spell. Was there another spell I missed?]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 17/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday September 28th, 2015 6:39:21 PM
OOC: activating a wand should count as casting a spell, since it is casting a 'held' spell in the wand. Pru, specially being a sorcerer, would know a spell is coming their way when the wand is waved around. It wouldn't disrupt the spell itself but the user of the wand would be that much closer to be knocked out of commission.
DM Ken Waterfront Map Monday September 28th, 2015 6:53:35 PM
OOC: Your DM has yet to make up his mind on that, but gave Pru the benefit of the doubt in this case.
AC 22 T17 F17 CMD 21 (26 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 18/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=15 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=20 ; d8+6=10 ; Monday September 28th, 2015 8:00:33 PM
Tinker feels the bite of the other Fist's sword and then flame licks all around him from the terrible spell. Not noticing until too late, the dwarf takes the full brunt of the spell!
Burned, bleeding and angry with himself that something that should be easy is eluding him, Tinker grimly turns his Urgrosh so the blade winks in the harsh light. "you shouldn't have done that, recruit. You really shouldn't have done that".
Inspire courage +2 attack/defense/save Haste +1 AC, reflex, +30 move, +1 attack w full attack
Attacks Nat 1 (second nat 1 in a row!) 20. Dam. 10
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 17/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday September 28th, 2015 8:56:58 PM
OOC: Sent DM e-mail requesting some info that may make a difference on Nikolai's actions. Waiting for the RSVP. :)
DM Ken: Answered. You are correct, Tinker should not have been included. I read the crappy map squares wrong.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 32/59 CMD d20+3=12 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+11=13 ; d8+5=13 ; d8+5=12 ; Monday September 28th, 2015 10:13:08 PM
Trayvin couldn't have said it any better than Michael. There is no point in arguing with this Fist any longer, it is win or lose.
Actions: save vs flame strike = 13(+1 haste not added to roller), failed. Trayvin makes a 5ft step up to the melee Fist and takes a swing at him with his Morningstar. Hit AC:24, 13(haste), damage: 13, 12
Active Effects: shield of faith: +3 deflection AC, 6min remaining 57/60 haste: +1att, +1 dodge AC,+1 ref, +30speed, +1attack on full attack, 4/6 rounds remaining inspire courage +2 hit/dmg, +2 vs fear and charm DM sanity: +11 hit(+8 char sheet, +1 haste, +2 inspire cour), 1d8 + 5(+3 sheet,+2 inspire cour) dmg -all bonus included
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channel energy 5/6 remaining
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 17/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+11=22 ; d20+9=15 ; d8+3=11 ; d20+9=26 ; d8+3=5 ; d20+12=22 ; d8+3=4 ; Monday September 28th, 2015 11:38:16 PM
Active Spells: Mage Armor, Protection from Arrows (DR 10/magic, 10pts per caster level), Haste (+1 att, +1 dodge AC, +1 Ref, Extra Att w/Full Att, speed 70) Bard Inspire Courage (2+ vs Charm/Fear, +2 att, +2 dmg)
Watchful that the prone Tiger member might try to get away or move to attack, Nikolai catches movement out of the corner of his eye and moves his foot out of the way of a spiked gauntlet swipe.
Then a column of fire engulfs him and friends! Ref +11 (base +10, Haste +1) Save DC18 for half = 22, saved. Monk Evasion = Ref save reduces Half damage to No damage.
Alemi on his side, Nikolai evades the fire damage totally. With great ire in his eyes, he yells at the prone Tiger member that swiped at him, "I told you to keep still, you dolt!" and proceeds to pump his heel into his face.
He then takes a 5' step towards the edge of the pier.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 32/48 -- CMD 16 d20+9=13 ; Monday September 28th, 2015 11:39:35 PM
"Sonovacrap!" Anna says as yet again a spell fizzles as she tries to cast it. (Concentration: 13)
Anna uses a full round withdraw action to take cover behind some boxes so that next turn she can hopefully cast some spells without getting interrupted.
DM Ken Waterfront Map Monday September 28th, 2015 11:43:36 PM
OoC: Quick Note, the Tiger punch while prone was an AoO. You stood up near him and he struck with his gauntlet. On his turn, he got up full defense.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 44/46 CMD 17 d20+9=23 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=18 ; d8+5=10 ; d8+5=11 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2015 8:24:01 AM
The flames from the wand swirl around Karavik, but he is able to protect himself from some of the damage through quick reaction.
He launches another volley of bolts at the melee fist engaged with Nikolai, hoping to end the threat so that the monk can move on to the next target.
Actions: Reflex Save 1d20+8+1(Haste) for a 23 Attack 1 1d20+7+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(Haste)+1(PBS) for a 20 - Damage 1d8+1+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(PBS) for a 10 Attack 2 1d20+7+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(Haste)+1(PBS) for a 18 - Damage 1d8+1+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(PBS) for a 11 Continue Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage +2 (14/18 rounds remaining)
Everyone is still at +2 to attack and damage rolls as well as saves vs. charm and fear effects.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 Tuesday September 29th, 2015 3:42:10 PM
Ooc: Anybody know where my map token went?
DM Ken Waterfront Map Tuesday September 29th, 2015 4:18:23 PM
(Odd.)
DM Ken Waterfront Map Tuesday September 29th, 2015 4:19:20 PM
New token spawned. DM post soon.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 Tuesday September 29th, 2015 4:32:03 PM
Thank you. Don't know what happened there.
DM Ken Waterfront Map d20+8=11 ; d20+8=24 ; d4+1=5 ; d20=1 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+7=13 ; d20+7=15 ; d6+1=7 ; d20+6=12 ; 7d6=32 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+10=18 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2015 6:00:40 PM Michael continues to hack and slash at the soldier in front of him. His attacks continuously beat the troopers defense. No one hit does much damage, but the soldier is getting concerned. Revan jumps down and tries to rush into the soldiers, but hit's a solid wall of man. In his attempt, a spiked gauntlet catches him on the cheek.
AoO vs Revan hits AC 24 for 5 damage.
Prudence again readies a magic missile. She is sure she wants to wait for a spell-cast, and not an activated item, so she waits for the right moment. Tinker continues his duel with the young soldier, giving and getting in equal measure. Trayvin doesn't want to mince words, and bluedgeons a tiger soldier to the ground.For his part, Nikolai delivers two powerful blows to the defending soldier. The second kick sends his arms sprawling, and Karaviks shot down the fighter. He lays motionless.
Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed.
The whole Ranged Fist moves to surround Revan, drawing their scimitars and leave their crossbows on the ground. They have a score to settle, and do their best. Of the whole mob, only one scimitar manages to cut through his defense. (hit AC 25 for 7)
The Melee Thumb watches his man die, and his anger seems roused again. Deafened, as he was, he could not hear Michaels rousing retort. If he could have, perhaps he might have been swayed. He raises the wand again, once more calling down a column of fire that engulfs the body of his fallen soldier, Nikolai, Tinker, Trayvin, and Karavik. (32 damage, half fire and half divine, reflex DC 18 for half.)
The melee troopers who still survive begin backing back towards their leader. They are wounded all, and seeking any advantage they can find. One of the calls out a command, "Tri-formation!", and all three move to get near Michael. Three polearms reach out for the halfling in one fluid attack formation. (all miss. 4, 4, 10. Tinkers not the only one with bad rolls. ;^_^)
Anna again finds herself in threatening range of a number of pointy objects.
Damage to Agents..
Revan: 7 Nikolai, Tinker, Trayvin, and Karavik. (32 damage, half fire and half divine, reflex DC 18 for half.)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+13=15 ; d20+13=29 ; d4+3=6 ; d4+3=7 ; d4+3=6 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2015 7:10:10 PM
OOC: make that 2 footmen. 2 are down and the thumb is casting a spell. Didn't some of them get caught in the flame strike?
Michael feels disgusted with the whole deal, it's like the priest didn't even hear him. The hairs prickle on the back of his neck and he dodges low, just in time to avoid the blades of two guisarmes as the pass though where he was. He hears the clerics speak the command word and feels the heat as it touches down, engulfing his friends in fire. Pressed as he is he can offer them no succor, but to fight till he dies or drops. He hasn't been able to get the drop on #4, but continues his assault, darting his rapier in and out in time to the cadence of the bards song, a part of him is amused by the synchronicity that sometimes happens in battle.
To hit AC 15 + 2 bard song +1 hast, +4 BAB, +5 Dex, +1 size. For 7 +2 bard song +1 strength To hit AC 29 (same stats) for 6 points (same stats)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Tuesday September 29th, 2015 7:23:01 PM
Oh yes and Michael takes a 5 ft step to put him beside and north of 4 and get him out of flanking position with 3
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 10/59 CMD d20+3=13 ; 3d6=10 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2015 8:01:31 PM
Trayvin is staggered by the blast from the flamestrike. With his last remaining strength, he channels energy again, knowing his comrades will surely need it. "Michael, go for the wand!" Trayvin hopes someone can stop the Melee Thumb, one more hit like that and the Fists are going to lose someone.
Actions: save vs flame strike = 14, failed(reduced to 0hp) Channel Energy Everyone within 30ft of Trayvin is healed 10hp
Active Effects: shield of faith: +3 deflection AC, 6min remaining 56/60 haste: +1att, +1 dodge AC,+1 ref, +30speed, +1attack on full attack, 3/6 rounds remaining inspire courage +2 hit/dmg, +2 vs fear and charm DM sanity: +11 hit(+8 char sheet, +1 haste, +2 inspire cour), 1d8 + 5(+3 sheet,+2 inspire cour) dmg -all bonus included
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channel energy 4/6 remaining
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=25 ; d20+10=17 ; d8+5=9 ; 2d6=9 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2015 8:59:04 PM
things turn better for Tinker, at least on the defensive. The first Flame Strike barely missed the dwarf and he is able to twist around to dodge the second. Then Trayvin's healing flows over him and is as if he has never been hit. Of course, this makes Tinker feel guilty, for his companions are hurt and he is not!
And he sees an opportunity to break the line of the pikes, and something only a healthy Tinker would try. He takes a step to the left and then hops around the pike wall In a defensive crouch, standing up against Pike#4, and opposite Michael after the halfling's own step.
"I think I see why you are giving us so much trouble. You see, we are fighting the way you want to fight. We need to fight how WE fight, and that isn't standing in line!"
The Urgrosh whistles as it slashed towards the flanked Pike#4. ....... Reflex 25 Fight defensively. +3 AC, -4 attack (Anticipate collecting three AOOs) Attack. 17. Dam 9+9 sneak (flanking)
Inspire courage +2 attack/defense/save Haste +1 AC, reflex, +30 move, +1 attack w full attack
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 41/51] [Mage Armor] (Kathy) 5d4=15 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2015 10:08:08 PM
Pru shakes her head. It's clear that the caster is going to go right on pounding that wand until there's nothing left, and there's nothing Pru can do to stop it.
Switching tactics, she moves up the dock to where she can catch two of the melee fist in a Burning Hands. The melee fighters take 15 points of fire damage, DC 16 Reflex save for half.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 27/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+11=28 ; d20+7=27 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2015 10:23:56 PM
Active Spells: Mage Armor, Protection from Arrows (DR 10/magic, 10pts per caster level), Haste (+1 att, +1 dodge AC, +1 Ref, Extra Att w/Full Att, speed 70) Bard Inspire Courage (2+ vs Charm/Fear, +2 att, +2 dmg)
Nikolai watches as the fool pikeman crumples. Ordered to 'Live by the Fist, Die by the Fist', he took it literally. Would the half elf monk do the same? He gets to find out as another pillar of fire engulfs him.
Ref +11 (base +10, Haste +1) Save DC18 for half = 28, saved. Monk Evasion = Ref save reduces Half damage to No damage.
Once again Alemi puts his divine hand over him and he suffers no damage from the fire! And some healing washes over him to boot!
No time to loose, that Thumb needs to go DOWN! And NOW! Feeling a rush of adrenaline and speed (not the drug, the spell), he darts around the melee and puts himself right close to the Thumb, wherein he tosses the Tanglefoot bag.
Move Action: He darts around behind Trayvin and continues around behind Pru, straight down the side (3 sqs.away from Pke#4 and ends up two squares from the Thumb = 70' move (40' base + 30' Haste).
Standard: Throw Tanglefoot bag - Range Touch Attack 10' increment (-0) +7 = 27! shoot, no crits on Tanglefoot! Tanglefoot Bag: Entangled -2 att, -4 Dex, Ref DC15 save or be glued to the spot, Move at half speed on Save, see more details in PHB.
Nikolai bursts into a long and detailed legal description of what constitutes Righteousness, Judgement, Treason, Fair Trial, and so forth but the guy is deaf and heard nothing of it.
Then, suddenly there's a big cat mauling a gooie entangled Thumb.
Anna Morphe[tigress] (Hugh C) -- AC 16/12/13 - HP 42/48 -- CMD 18 d20+10=24 ; 2d6+7=15 ; d20+10=15 ; Tuesday September 29th, 2015 10:33:13 PM
Anna has had enough of the cleric going unmolested...sure she will provoke AOOs from some of the melee combatants but she is mostly healed by Trayvin's latest channel so it is now or never.
"How would you like to face your namesake!" She calls out. She then moves 40 feet past Michael and number 4 (provoking an AOO from number 4 vs AC 18 (preshifted)) to stand right in front of the cleric. She then transforms into a tiger letting loose a roar in his face before heroically attempting to bite him.(OOC: spent hero point)
24 vs AC for 15 damage + grab attempt (15 vs CMD to start grapple w/o provoking AOO (10 modifier = size of +1 + 4 BAB + 5 Str))
Wildshape as beast shape II - form of tigress 6 hours Large Animal: +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD 70 ft (w/ haste) low light vision scent, 2 claws+10(1d8+7 plus grab) w/ song, bite+10(2d6+7 plus grab) w/ song, pounce size 10 reach 5 Inspire courage +2 attack/damage/vs charm/vs fear Haste +1 AC, reflex, +30 move, +1 attack w full attack
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 d20+9=27 ; d20+12=15 ; d8+4=8 ; Wednesday September 30th, 2015 10:09:37 AM
Karavik is again able to avoid much of the flames, but he knows that the Thumb must not be allowed to continue such a bombardment. Karavik steps forward down the docks, attempting to line up a clear shot with his crossbow.
Hammer that Thumb!
Karavik continues his rousing oratory as its effects seem to be helping in the tide of the battle.
Actions: Reflex Save 1d20+8+1(Haste) for a 27 Attack 1 1d20+7+2(IC)+1(Luck)+1(Haste) for a 14 (Accidentally had +1 too many on the roll) - Damage 1d8+1+2(IC)+1(Luck) for an 8 Continue Bardic Performance: Inspire Courage +2 (13/18 rounds remaining)
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP58/70-CMD 22 d20+14=27 ; d12+9=19 ; d20+10=20 ; d12+9=19 ; Wednesday September 30th, 2015 11:47:37 AM
Revan finds himself surrounded. Although he manages to roll out of the way of most of the scimitars,a fourth one hits home while he stands up. Then he feels the same sword's bite in his back again as he is too focused on the three in front of him. JUST AS MY FRIENDS,MY COMPANIONS,MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE FIST DIED! Revan roars out in a rage that has been building in him for weeks now,even as the first blade connects with his flesh. MY FRIENDS IN THE WOLF,MY FAMILY IN THE BEAR. ALL DEAD WHERE THEY HAD STOOD! BECAUSE OF THE TIGERS! AN AMBUSH ON THEIR OWN FRIENDS AND FAMILY! SO COWARDLY WERE THEY,THAT THEY COULDNT EVEN GIVE THEM THE SMALL DECENCEY OF A FAIR FIGHT! IF ANY ARE OATHBREKERS,YOU CLERIC, ARE ONE OF THEM! He yells the last part with a fury that has,to the woe of his enemies,been unleashed. It is what drove his first swing of his great axe into the lone man behind him. Aiming for a side swing into his chest. To hit: 29 (13+9 base+4 favorite enemy+2bardic performance). Damage: 19 (10+2strength+4 favorite enemy+1enchancment+2 bardic performance.) As his axe slams (hopefully)into the man,he brings to his mind their faces,faces that have long haunted his sleep. MY COMMANDER AND FRIEND,FALRETOR! He rips his axe out and brings it into a downward swing,aiming for the small part between the neck and shoulder. To hit: 20(10+4+4 fav enemy+2 bardic performance) damage:19 10+2strength+4 fav enemy+1enchant+2 bard stuff.) If he hits he shouts out JEREMY,MY FRIEND
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday September 30th, 2015 8:13:33 PM
Tinker's head whips up, hearing their strange benefactor, and answers the only way he knows to acknowledge a fellow company Fist on the field of battle.
"Wolves! Ahh-Oooooooo!!"
Anna Morphe[tigress] (Hugh C) -- AC 16/12/13 - HP 42/48 -- CMD 18 Wednesday September 30th, 2015 10:25:59 PM
Anna-tigress growls at the Cleric (OOC:checking in)
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 41/51] [Mage Armor] (Kathy) Wednesday September 30th, 2015 10:36:14 PM
Her spell cast, Pru puts both hands back on her longspear, and hopes she doesn't have to use it on anyone. [OOC: Not a lot of Wednesday left, so I need to get a post in. :) ]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 27/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday September 30th, 2015 11:39:06 PM
Nikolai eyes the wand hand but also quickly glances around to keep anyone from catching him off guard from behind.
OOC: going to bed early for a 3am wake-up call for Payroll Day at work. Will post tomorrow. :)
DM Ken Waterfront Map d20+8=9 ; d100=48 ; d100=10 ; d20+8=17 ; Thursday October 1st, 2015 11:16:23 AM
Ranged Trooper 1: Running. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 2: Dead. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 3: Dead. Protection from fire. Blessed. Ranged Trooper 4: 0 Damage. Protection from fire. Blessed.
Michaels attacks finally pay dividends. One stab drops his opponent to his knees, and the next drains the life from his eyes completely. Tinker also finally snaps out of the lull the Tiger tactics have put him. He easily escapes the incoming counter attack and dispatches the last standing footman of Tiger company.
Trayvins healing is welcome, and comes just in time. Karavik tries tries to aid Anna's attack on the melee thumb, but his bolt clatters off of armor. Anna shifts forms, and digs her teeth into the cleric of Pantheon. She is unable to secure a grip, but does significant harm, shaking him so violently that he falls unconscious in her maw.
In Jeremy's memory, Tristan exacts vengeance. His axe easily downs two of the crossbowmen. Frightened, one of the two men spin in a twirl and takes off running up the docks to safety.
(Tristan gets an AoO).
The last, looks to his dead thumb, then his dead color sergeant, then to his fallen allies. He looks to his fleeing ally, and tears well up in his eyes. "Run fast, Mel.", he whispers.
"I am Alessio Callatore, Trooper of Sarah's Fist, Tiger Company, Stalker Regiment. I meet death today at the hands of dissidents, traitors to the lawful commands of our Grand Marshall Pavillion Neutronis, but I don't care about that! Whether we are on the justifiably right or wrong side of this conflict, I will die avenging those who murdered my squad when we only came to detain and question you!"
With a cry, he throws himself back into the fight against Tristan, and growls in rage as his attack is easily knocked aside.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP58/70-CMD 22 d20+15=27 ; d12+9=20 ; d20+10=21 ; d12+9=20 ; Thursday October 1st, 2015 12:10:30 PM YOU COWARDS WILL NOT ESCAPE ME AGAIN! But seeing the man's tears and the realization of why he was doing this,he aimed not for a death blow,but to bring him down for a while. AoO: to hit :23 (12+9+4 fav enemy+2 bardic things-4 nolethal)Damage: 20 (11+2strength+2bard+4 fav enemy+1 enchantment bonus) Who is this Mel to you Alessio? Some of his fury ebbing away at the man's willing sacra rice and the realization that he was just following his orders,just as Revan himself would've.
Five foot step away from him.
Hold action. If he tries to attack me,I swing back. To hit:17 (11+4+4 fav enemy+2 bard stuff-4nonlethal) Damage:20
DM Ken: It can be assumed that Mel is the name of the final ranged trooper who is fleeing the battle.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d4=4 ; d20+4=15 ; Thursday October 1st, 2015 12:31:41 PM
Words, Micheal has heard them all his life. The lies of Gargul Followers, the commands of his superiors, but Alessios words... Would he do any less for his Fist? No. Whatever comes after this man is a soldier true and proud. As the last footman drops Michael, is moved by Alessios words and in spite of himself, drops down beside the downed soldier and attempts to stabilize him.
Heal 15.
A tear escapes his eye as he mourns what has happened to the Mailed Fist.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 42/48 -- CMD 16 d20+9=16 ; Thursday October 1st, 2015 1:17:09 PM
Anna reverts back to her human self and attempts to stabilize the unconscious cleric. (Heal Check: 16 used 1 use of the healer's kit)
The druid's warning plays through her mind regarding the consequences of the Fist's infighting having greater repercussions felt by the land but for now it certainly is doing a number to the Fist itself and her Fist.
Was what they did wrong? She wonders, Technically we had attacked them first, sure they didn't leave us much of a choice as we were surrounded and they demanded our surrender, but the way this went down didn't feel right
To be fair, Anna personally had spent most of the battle simply moving and trying to cast spells, so she herself hadn't killed anyone unless she lets the cleric expire, which she is not going to do if she can help it. Still though, they had killed some Fist members who were just trying to do what was right by the law. The mailed fist did have a chain of command, but still though some commands are not right, like Neutronis's bid to take over a country when the Fist had sworn neutrality in political matters relating to nations. These other soldiers could have been good people, they were probably at least lawful based on their words.
"Can someone bring me my wand?" Anna asks, "I do not intend to let the Cleric die and I am not sure if my bindings applied from the healers kit were enough to prevent him from dying."
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 d20=13 ; Thursday October 1st, 2015 1:34:19 PM
Seeing that the battle has passed, Karavik feels his shoulders shrug in pure exhaustion. The adrenaline from the battle having waned, he has time to consider fully what has happened here. Not long ago, he was part of a Fist that was loyal to Neutronis. Now he stands on a dock with blood on his hands; Fist blood. His fate had likely been determined when he took the chance the old Druid gave to join with this group, but there is no doubt that it is now that he has taken life.
These men were on the wrong side of our cause, but they were loyal soldiers none the less. Their memory will be honored by my stories.
Seeing that others are trying to help the ailing, Karavik moves to the nearest unattended soldier who hasn't yet crossed into death's realm. A great healer he is not, but it may at least be possible to stabilize the man. It seems a worthy endeavor, and the soldier may have information vital to their cause.
Actions: End Bardic Performance Attempt to stabilize an enemy that might still be saved 1d20+0 for a 13.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP58/70-CMD 22 Thursday October 1st, 2015 2:00:15 PM
Ooc: I was asking more of what does he mean to the soldier,I figured it is was the fleeing man.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 10/59 CMD 3d6=11 ; Thursday October 1st, 2015 6:43:59 PM
Trayvin moves, and channels energy once again. "Alessio, why don't you surrender instead of fighting to the death. None of this was necessary. There was no need for this fight. If your leader had approached us more diplomatically, this would not have turned to bloodshed. In case you didn't notice, I healed your Fist as well as ours during the fight. I do so again now. If we are to stop Fist fighting Fist all across the Wold, then that needs to start somewhere, let that somewhere be here."
Actions: Channel Energy everyone within 30 feet of Trayvin heals 11 hp OOC- I tried to move to a spot to catch the remaining surviving Tigers and stabilize them, but the map tool was acting up for me.
Active Effects: shield of faith: +3 deflection AC, 6min remaining 55/60 haste: +1att, +1 dodge AC,+1 ref, +30speed, +1attack on full attack, 2/6 rounds remaining inspire courage +2 hit/dmg, +2 vs fear and charm DM sanity: +11 hit(+8 char sheet, +1 haste, +2 inspire cour), 1d8 + 5(+3 sheet,+2 inspire cour) dmg -all bonus included
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channel energy 3/6 remaining
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday October 1st, 2015 8:20:51 PM
Tinker still has the Haste on him and takes off after the fleeing Fist mercenary. Nikolai said none can escape and the dwarf is off like a shot! He runs, ignoring defense to move faster, only a sap in his hand as a weapon.
...... Haste +30 move Run. = 120 move per round
(Tinker intends to cast expedious Retreat when haste runs out to continue to chase her down and bring her back to the dock.)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+1=6 ; Thursday October 1st, 2015 11:05:41 PM
Active Spells: Mage Armor, Protection from Arrows (DR 10/magic, 10pts per caster level), Haste (+1 att, +1 dodge AC, +1 Ref, Extra Att w/Full Att, speed 70) Bard Inspire Courage (2+ vs Charm/Fear, +2 att, +2 dmg)
Nikolai feels another wave of healing energy wash over him. It is amazing how only seconds before he was on the brink of death an now he feels fit as a fiddle. Not the same for the Tiger Fist.
Nikolai understands the meaning of loyalty, but where his father taught him obedience and loyalty, he also taught him Right from Wrong. Being loyal to the wrong person does not make it Right. These Fist members were killing other Fist members on the pretense of treason. Treason to who? King Neutronis? Nikolai did not pledge his allegiance to a king but to the Mailed Fist and as far as Nikolai knew, Neutronis had not declared himself King of the Mailed Fist, yet.
So he felt no remorse in defending himself and the men and women entrusted to his leadership even when it meant killing other Mailed Fist members. And most especially any Mailed Fist members who were guilty of executing innocent Mailed Fist members.
However he did see the value in saving the Thumb's life. He also sees the value of keeping any Tiger members here, for now. Tinker takes off after the fleeing member and Nikolai takes up pursuit as well.
Action: chase fleeing Tiger member, Speed 40' + Haste 30' = 70, double Move = 140 or Run if necessary.
OOC: DM , does Nikolai still have his Tanglefoot Bag? it was not mentioned being used in your post.
As Nikolai chases after the fleeing Tiger member, he calls out to him, "STOP! We will not kill you if you surrender and your friends will need your help!"
Diplomacy +1 = 6 oh, yeah, that'll work just fine
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+9=20 ; Friday October 2nd, 2015 12:18:27 AM
Before Nikolai gets up any speed, the Tiger archer is caught by their new ally from the rooftop and sent crumpling to the pavement.
Nikolai rushes to his side and tries to keep him from dying.
Heal Check (First Aid) DC15 +9 (+7 +2HKit) = 20
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 41/51] [Mage Armor] (Kathy) Friday October 2nd, 2015 12:41:56 AM
"Where is your wand, Anna?" Pru asks. If it's at all practical, she will bring Anna the wand as requested.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP69/70-CMD 22 Friday October 2nd, 2015 1:52:16 PM
There shouldn't be a need for that Nikolai. It was no lethal damage to both of them
DM Ken Waterfront Map Friday October 2nd, 2015 6:54:49 PM
Revan clocks Mel before he can get far, and soon both Michael and Nikolai have stabilized the young archer.
A few more channels are expended, and it seems that there are four survivors. Mel and Alessio - the archers, one poleman - there very same who had engaged Tinker so thoroughly, and the melee thumb.
As he regains consciousness, he looks quickly and realizes he and his men are defeated. He looks askew for a moment at his wand, but knows there is nothing to gain by using it's last charges. Still wary of Anna, he begins the process of stripping his weapons and armor and throwing them to the ground.
He sees Alessio, and calls out softly.
"Drop the weapon Alessio, Mel's going to need you after this."
The young archers eyes dart back and forth between Mel and Revan, and finally he relents. He drops the weapon and slumps to his knees.
"I surrender."
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday October 2nd, 2015 7:30:07 PM
Tinker helps to strip the living of thief gear and move it out of the way. As he does, his brow furrows to make sense of his feelings of deep loyalty and.... "How did we come to this? Fist against Fist?" And again later; "these Tigers may have been duped, Nikolai. They Amy have really thought they were just bringing us in and don't know about Nutrius' letter we found at the Farm."
He moves over to the Melee fighter and ensures his polearmsman is out of the way. "Or didn't you know that Nutrius has broken the Fist law of neutrality and has signed the death warrant of all who don't agree?"
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Friday October 2nd, 2015 8:44:16 PM
Trayvin moves to each of the fallen Tiger Fist, and says a prayer for each of them.
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channel energy 3/6 remaining
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Saturday October 3rd, 2015 12:12:07 AM A group calling themselves the Wolves on Neutronis is out slaughtering and members of the Wolf regiment they can find. No trial, no mercy and no survivors. They have even ravaged the local area and ran farmers out of their homes in doing so. and you expected us to believe we would get a fair trial? that we would not be slaughtered like sheep for daring to follow Fist law, and take umbrage and an illegal order? You are a Thumb, what has historically been the fate of soldiers who follow an illegal order? We are soldiers yes, but we are also expected to be men of honor and do what is right. Nothing about this is right.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Saturday October 3rd, 2015 12:33:43 AM
OOC: sorry could someone correct my typos. and delete this afterward.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Saturday October 3rd, 2015 12:43:06 PM
"Thanks Pru for offering, but seeing as the Thumb survived due to Trayvin, I will grab it myself." She says. She then takes the Cleric's wand and holy symbol and walks back to retrieves her wand of cure light wound before returning to the group.
"It is a truly terrible thing that has happened to the Fist. We are all the victims here. We should be working together to bring honor to the Fist and improve the Wold, not slay each other over ideological differences. I am sorry for the losses inflicted to your unit. We are not traitors, we are loyal to the ideals of the Fist which include neutrality when it comes to the affairs of sovereign powers. We feel that what Pavilion is doing is wrong and will only lead to greater suffering for both the Mailed Fist and the land as a whole. He must be stopped, so that hopefully the Fist can reunify and the danger to the land and each other end. You spoke of fair trials and righteousness but as my companions say per the letter found, Neutronis is offering no quarter to those who oppose his order to invade. How is that righteous or just?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Saturday October 3rd, 2015 5:18:08 PM
Nikolai assists in gathering up the survivors in the middle of the dock, their arms, armor, and equipment is sent down towards the end of the dock, with Anna holding on to that wand that sent so much fire.
"By the way, don't think about jumping into the water. Anna here can turn herself into a shark just as easily as a tiger. And sharks have an insatiable appetite," he warns them.
A perimeter is set, with Tinker and Michael near the front of the doc to keep an eye out for any more Mailed Fist members, specially from Tiger Regiment, and to keep any curious eyes moving along.
Confronting the survivors, Nikolai is blunt but not harsh. "Now that WE have your attention, listen carefully, I'm only going to say this once. We know what happens to Mailed Fist members who don't agree to follow Pavillion. You've heard of the Sons of Pavillion? Maybe you are members of that murderous mob, maybe not. Maybe you've heard of the Wolves of Neutronis? A mob of Pavillion supporters that roam the country murdering all those that did not join him, even those that just wanted to get out, not favoring one or another. All murdered. We were there, at the Citadel, we saw it. We also have the written proof in his own hand. We also know that the Tiger and the Snake have been fighting and killing each other. We've seen that as well. This is what Neutronis Pavillion has turned you into," he looks intently at the four.
"I don't expect you to believe us. You already know who we are. We are the 1st Agents, Wolf Regiment, Nikolai's Fist. You blindly believe Neutronis is doing all this for the Mailed Fist. But now that you are sitting down and finally met your match, but your brains to work and use some Common Sense. HOW is this benefiting the Mailed Fist? Who is going to want to join an organization who kills itself?
Commander Palance gave release papers for those who had no wish to fight a civil war and sent those off who wanted to join Neutronis. Commander Neutronis, on the other hand, kills those who don't want to join him. Which one is truly serving the Mailed Fist and which one serves himself over and above anything else?" He pauses letting that sink in before continuing.
"The word that Commander Palance received was that Ailithmar refused payment for the job of removing some giants from the mountains. You are Tiger Regiment, were you there on that job? I can see how you might feel that if the Mailed Fist did nothing about it then in the end no one would want to pay for services. But what Neutronis told Palance was far more than mere restitution of payment, but outright deposing the ruling establishment in Ailithmar and setting himself up as king and setting the Mailed Fist as the defacto army of a new empire, Commander Neutronis at the head."
Nikolai barely contains himself at this point and takes several deep breaths and counts to 10 in elven.
"My family has been in the Mailed Fist for nearly a hundred years, so I KNOW what it means to be loyal to the Mailed Fist. I pledged my allegiance to the Mailed Fist. I did NOT pledge allegiance to Emperor Neutronis Pavillion. You think about that! Neutronis cannot claim Ailithmar in the name of the Mailed Fist since he does not have all the Fist behind him. He cannot claim Ailithmar to start his own empire as that is in direct violation of the Mailed Fist Code, the cornerstone of its foundation. The only reason we can be as large as we are and do business with small towns, large cities, Kings, Mayors, or the private citizen is because they TRUST us NOT to take over. But all that, centuries of trust, is being destroyed by Neutronis' actions here."
He paces back and forth a few times letting THAT sink in.
"We are NOT like your commander. We are NOT going to kill you just because you side with him. You sought us out to apprehend us for treason, your own words. But what Code would such a trial, if there was really going to be one, use? You can't use the Mailed Fist Code because Commander Neutronis has broken it. We don't like that Ailithmar balked on paying the bill, but the Mailed Fist has better ways of dealing with that than killing its own members and running decent farmers off their farms. Not to mention the destruction of a city, because that's what it all boils down to. No one with honest, good hearts will want to join Neutronis after this. Look for yourselves, I bet half of Neutronis' followers do so out of fear. You'll find out soon enough what that Fear is when word gets around that you failed. How will Neutronis handle your failure? See, we are confident that setting you free is the right thing to do because we are the true Mailed Fist. Go back to Neutronis and take a copy of the Mailed Fist Code. Read to him the Articles on staying out of politics. I challenge you. Might be good for you to read it again also."
Nikolai then confers with his Fist out of earshot. "I don't like taking hostages. From my impression, Neutronis would just assume killing these four if it meant getting us. If we put them in some prison here, we jeopardize the people here. We could take them with us on the ship and pay the ship to bring them back here and then release them but that might put the crew in danger on the trip back. Any ideas?"
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP69/70-CMD 22 Saturday October 3rd, 2015 6:21:26 PM
Revan eyes Alessio for a minute,then grabs the man's weapon and tosses it away from him.
He then turns away from the rest of the group,realizing tuat they have got it under control. He walks back towards the building and retrieves the crossbow,ejecting the wasted clip and slamming a fresh one home. He also retrieves any unbroken bolts from the Thumb's body.
He eyes the men and women of Wolf with curious and still rage filled eyes,watching them from the roof. They knew what they were doing now anyways.
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday October 4th, 2015 2:55:47 PM
Tinker is glad that Nikolai is the Thumb and not himself. While all true, the dwarf would not have figured out what the actions of Palance and Nutrius 'mean', both to the Fist as a whole and to others outside the Fist. Even if he were on the other side, he would be swayed by the actions of the two leaders!
The dwarf also knows what to do with loyal and honorable enemies. "With their promise to not further interfere, we let them go, Nikko. The Fist still means loyalty, and I trust my brother Tigers." He looks at the Pikeman who gave Tinker such a hard time in the fight, and nods. "I trust my Fist-mate at his or her word until they do an action to not trust. These Tigers fought us, but did it honestly. I trust them "
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 41/51] [Mage Armor] (Kathy) Sunday October 4th, 2015 6:14:38 PM
"If they will pledge to join Palance's side, or remain neutral, I agree we should let them go," Pru says. "If they do not, it becomes trickier. We can't turn them over to local law enforcement. Whatever crimes they might be charged with, we could be charged with as well." Pru ticks them off on her fingers. "Assault? Check. Disturbing the peace? Check? Destruction of property?" Pru looks uncomfortable. "I'm a fire sorcerer, so yeah. And we can't even claim self-defence, because Nikolai started it. Not that I blame him," she adds hastily. "It was a good decision. But still. If we ask for them to be locked up, odds are we'll get locked up as well. We may have to take them with us." Pru chews her lip. "That's if they don't agree, so I hope they do."
DM Ken Waterfront Map Monday October 5th, 2015 9:50:50 AM
The three younger members seen to have been shaken by Nikolai's passionate rhetoric. Who knows what they've done in Pavillion's name since the Fist broke, but it seems they are starting to have second thoughts. Only their thumb seems unaffected, likely because he cannot hear. The three others give their word they will follow the Agents condition of surrender. They are not sure about their thumb.
After the last foe is secured, the Agents take a little time to check the enemy for their possessions, and night settles over the docks. A low shrill whistle splits the darkness and carries through the dark. In the silhouette of the moon, a large shape looms over the Agents of the Fist, accented by the tinkling of jewelry.
A man steps forward, clapping his large hands slowly. From the tops of his black leather boots to the bottom of his thick black beard, flamboyant red leather accented with gold and jewelry twinkles with reflected moonlight.
Slipping forward from the darkness, he points a silver rapier with a gem encrusted pommel at Revan, twisting the handle to reflect moonlight in his eyes. As he approaches, nine figures form up behind him, watching you closely.
“Greetings lads and lady! I am Captain Konrad and the Knuckleduster be my ship. I understand you need a ride, have gold, and apparently can defend my lads from raving lunatics fighting a war within your Mailed Fist. If ye didn’t have a spot on the ship, I’d throw my own mother off to give ya one.”
Cautiously, others step forward, weapons sheathed. A man, wearing the badge of Thumb, signals his troopers pause. On the emblem of his chain shirt is a coiled snake.
“Wolf Regiment, First Agents. It is in the best interests of Merina Swain that you board this ship tomorrow. We came as soon as word arrived the Tiger had found you, but it seems we weren’t really needed."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d4=4 ; d20+4=15 ; Monday October 5th, 2015 3:27:09 PM
Words, Micheal has heard them all his life. The lies of Gargul Followers, the commands of his superiors, but Alessios words... Would he do any less for his Fist? No. Whatever comes after this man is a soldier true and proud. As the last footman drops Michael, is moved by Alessios words and in spite of himself, drops down beside the downed soldier and attempts to stabilize him.
Heal 15.
A tear escapes his eye as he mourns what has happened to the Mailed Fist.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP69/70-CMD 22 Monday October 5th, 2015 3:38:49 PM
Sitting back on his rooftop,watching the men and women of Wolf go through the gear of the fallen,and barely living,he realizes something. They weren't at all surprised or worried when he popped in to help them. They didn't even know him. For all they knew,he could be here to kill them too.
Too caught up in his observations and thoughts,he fails to notice the small band's approach until he sees e reflection of the moon on steel. He whips around,crossbow aimed directly at the man,then switching back and forth between him and a new unit that approaches,which looks to be led by a Thumb of the Snake.
Need to work on my habit of getting lost in thought so this stops happening. Can't trust anyone these days. thinks Revan to himself.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+10=23 ; Monday October 5th, 2015 3:45:27 PM
"Thank you, Captain Konrad," Pru says. "Since everyone is so anxious for us to be gone, I wonder if we might spend the night aboard your ship?" [Diplomacy 23]
"They are not dead," Pru replies somewhat cooly to the Thumb, "because we are soldiers, not killers."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Monday October 5th, 2015 3:51:31 PM They were soldiers doing their duty. Good men following a bad leader, fools who took their training to be blind obedience and not unswerving bravery, there is hope for them, but not if they are dead. The wounds the Fist will suffer from this debacle will be deep, this is our way of trying to minimize the damage in hopes that the wound will heal, and not go septic and kill the fist. .
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Monday October 5th, 2015 7:32:03 PM
To the Snake-Thumb Anna says, "The survivors are not dead, because up until Neutronis declared his crusade we were all on the same side. It is a shame any are slain by this infighting and we aim to put an end to it. if you'll pardon the pun we are going to stop the snake by taking out its head and hopefully when Neutronis is neutralized we can put an end to this madness and re-unite the splintered Fist."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday October 5th, 2015 8:38:52 PM
OOC: Nikolai meant to speak to Revan but after that long speech, he forgot. BTW, you need to have your PC name linked to your PC sheet like ours. Ask DM ken to e-mail you separately with the instructions. It's not hard.
By the time Nikolai finished his speech he realized that the Thumb was still deaf from the Thunderstone. He shrugs, and then turns to the crossbow sniper.
"I am Nikolai and this is Nikolai's Fist of Wolf Regiment. Your assistance was unexpected but much appreciated. I had half expected a Wolf Regiment Agent sent by our Commander but any help is accepted with gratitude. You obviously have a grievance against the Tigers since it didn't seem to matter to you who you were helping as long as it was a fight against them."
Nikolai looks around for a moment then continues in a whisper, "We are on a very dangerous mission which you may have already deduce much of it from my speech. You are more than welcome to join us in this, seeing as your Regiment and ours are on the same side, that of the integrity of the Mailed Fist, but are under no obligation to do so. Regardless of your choice, you are entitled to an equal share of their equipment. I hate taking stuff from Mailed Fist members, but we can ill afford them keeping things they can use against us again."
Nikolai thanks the Snake Thumb. "My, my, word spreads fast," he grins. "Had you arrived on time we would have gladly accepted your help. As is, we still need it to some degree. Yes, there is a reason they are still alive, as my friends have just stated. We are soldiers and loyal to the Mailed Fist Code. Although we know that Commander Neutronis executes all those that do not agree to follow him, we will not stoop to that level. These three Tiger members believed to be doing the right thing but now, after what I've told them, seem to have come to some common sense understanding of how they've been executing orders for the wrong purposes. I agree to let them go free. The Thumb, however, was deafened by myself and thus hasn't had a chance to hear me out. You may need to keep him in custody for a 'short' while. The Mailed Fist will be better served if the Snake Regiment does not have executioners blood on their hands."
If the Snake Thumb agrees to not harm the three Tiger members then they are released, otherwise they are held until the Snake members are gone.
If Captain Konrad will have Nikolai's Fist on board for the night, Nikolai agrees to spend the night on the ship. When the Tiger Thumb regains his hearing, Nikolai goes through the same speech he gave the others.
"It's up to you," he says. "Pledge allegiance to King Neutronis or the Mailed Fist. You can't have it both ways. Either way, we aren't the killers like the Son's of Neutronus. You may go free. But if we meet again on opposite sides, there are no guarantees we'll be lenient."
The Fist gathers up the Tiger equipment and deposits it in whatever room they are assigned. Most ships only have a few rooms and the crew sleep in hammocks wherever they can hang them, but hopefully there's at least a secure hold for the time being.
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday October 5th, 2015 8:42:13 PM
Tinker looks up and sees his battle-mates are taking care of the important conversations and needs no help from a hard-headed dwarf like himself. He collects the loot together, tying arms and armor into bundles the better to heave onto the ship , and takes a glacé at the dwarf that helped so well against the Tigers.
"Hey, wolf-brother!", he calls up. "You coming?"
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Monday October 5th, 2015 10:11:18 PM
Trayvin assists anyone who still needs healing. "I think it is a good idea to rest on board ship. That should help us avoid any legal hassles with the town guard."
Trayvin walks over to Revan and offers his handshake. "Our thanks for your assistance, those warriors were every bit as tough as a Fist is expected to be. That could have gone even worse than it already did."
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channel energy 3/6 remaining
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP69/70-CMD 22 Tuesday October 6th, 2015 2:35:09 PM
Realizing the newcomers aren't hostile towards him,he relaxes and slings his crossbow. He then hears the familiar loud voice of a fellow dwarf,and,despite all that has happened,he he has a small smile to himself.
Aye,I'm comin' he leaps again,only to land in front of a man who wasn't there seconds ago. He gives the man a firm handshake. I agree,you weren't lookin' so good when I saw ya. Although that ball o' fire was a nice trick. Very original. Releasing the man's grasp he calls out seemingly to the air itself Kegger! Come on lad get up here! he calls out to his faithful drinking buddy and companion,who was cleverly hidden nearby. (In an alleyway)
Scene 4: On Foreign Soil
DM Ken Waterfront Map Tuesday October 6th, 2015 4:18:22 PM
"O' course ye can stay aboard the ship. Jess' tell me where it is we are going, and we shall set sail as soon as my contacts there can give me a safe berth. There's also the ships fee of 300 gold pieces per traveler."
The captains face looks truly saddened as he holsters his silver weapon and wrings his hands over a heavy golden necklace.
"Desperate times, I'm afraid, call for desperate prices. I be risking my ship."
Meanwhile, the stoic fist of Tiger company seems unsure. After several long moments in prayer to Pantheon, god of justice, he finally relents. The snake thumbs are wary of just letting them go.
"It's a shame you were given this wolfs word, tiger cubs. Merina Swain would have loved to meet you. "
(Merina Swain is the commander of Snake Regiment, and de facto spymaster of the Fist.)
You now have a day at the minimum to shop, sell, or prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Tuesday October 6th, 2015 9:06:49 PM
Trayvin isn't sure that letting the Tigers leave is the best course of action either. "All of you tigers, should consider carefully the second chance you are being given here. Consider that maybe you were on the wrong side of this. I hope you don't do anything foolish."
"Maybe the captain would be willing to take some of these items off of our hands instead of gold? I'm sure some of the things we would have sold anyway could be useful to the captain of a ship."
OOC- I still have healing remaining if anyone needs it.
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d)* 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channel energy 3/6 remaining
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 22 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday October 6th, 2015 9:31:28 PM
OOC: I forgot the name where we are going. :}
"Hmm... I guess it takes a while for word to reach the port and back.' Nikolai muses when he is told they'll have a day of waiting. But 300gp apiece?
"I understand that times are tough. It is that way for all of us. I'd like to make a deal. 300 gold for passage for each of us if, and only if, our passage goes uneventful. If you are attacked we'll certainly come to the aid of the ship and your crew but that will cost you too. If you or any of the crew get sick or injured, we can heal, but it will cost you. And don't take us wrong, we aren't in this for the money, it is purely a matter of proper business. You render a service and so do we. As a matter of fact, some of us have magical skills that can make your food taste like your mother used to make, rid your clothes of fleas and other biting vermin, make you smell good for the ladies, clear your ship of rats, and so forth, all at your disposal, for a price, " Nikolai says with a grin.
Nikolai bids the Tiger Thumb farewell and suggests he stay clear of the area for a while. "See if you can find the other three. Discuss your roles in the Mailed Fist or in Neutronis' kingdom."
Nikolai thanks the Snake Thumb for honoring Nikolai's word of safe passage to the Tiger men. "On behalf of the Wolf Regiment, give our regards to Commander Merina." It then occurs to him that Commander Merina, being the defacto Spy Master of the Mailed Fist, that she might know of a contact where they are headed to that could help them get past patrols and such.
In a low whisper he asks the Snake Thumb, "You wouldn't perchance know of anyone in Neutronis' camp that could help us get past patrols, or at least know where we can find him, would you? Wolf Regiment will gladly share the honor of putting an end to this internal war with anyone who can help."
With that business taken care of, all that is left is for the ship captain to show them their quarters and to work out the details of their Passenger Contract. A good rest and with a day to spare, they can unload the the extra gear they don't need.
OOC: whoever is best at negotiating and bargaining hop in and do your thing. We want to make this captain work for his money. LOL! :)
Header still reflects Haste. I'll try to remember to fix that next post.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+10=29 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2015 10:07:19 PM
[OOC: I'm afraid Pru may be our diplomat, so I'll go ahead and roll a check.]
"We are going to Ailithmur," Pru says. "As you say, these are dangerous times, and you must charge accordingly. We are prepared to pay, though as Nikolai says, we may have things you want even more than gold. Perhaps we can give you half now, and half when we arrive? If we still owe it?"
[Diplomacy 29]
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+6=7 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+7=18 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2015 10:17:32 PM
Michael Has a bluff of 8 and appraise of 5 and a perform of 7 and a sense motive of 6. He tries to read the situation and the captain sense motive 7 Natural 1 and sensing that the captain is a kind hearted man, just trying to make a living for himself and his crew, Michael gives him the puppy dog eyes bluff 27 and asks in his best child like voice, these longswords are all masterwork quality, uncle, surely you can equip your men with them and with all else we can do for you you will come out far better on the deal if you take the trade, the swords for passage. perform 18
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+1=18 ; d20+3=5 ; Tuesday October 6th, 2015 11:03:16 PM
(OOC: I am going to change my spell selection for the trip because we won't be around plants on an ocean voyage)
Anna says, "I can change my form to suit my needs. I am also pretty good when it comes to spells relating to the natural world. I can quench flames, warp and shape wood, give someone the ability to breathe underwater or climb like a spider for a time, create a gust of wind or a fog cloud. I just need to change my spell selection tomorrow when I pray to nature and Eberyon. Plus I can turn into something that swims in the ocean and scout and catch fish if that is what you need. I will gladly trade any of these services in lieu of coin."
(Diplomacy: 17 to aid another = success, OOC: ignore the plus 1 I am used to roll charisma based checks for Toston) (Sense Motive: 5)
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday October 7th, 2015 7:33:37 PM
Tinker keeps quiet. Between the gold and equipment and some of the Fist fighting in the ring, he is confident Nokolai will get an acceptable deal.
DM Ken Waterfront Map Wednesday October 7th, 2015 8:43:58 PM
(DM post inc.)
DM Ken - The Indecent Proposal? Wednesday October 7th, 2015 8:55:09 PM
Trayvin, Nikolai, Prudence, Anna, and Michael all assail the captain with pleas for alternative payments. For a brief moment, a dark brooding look begins to cross his features, but before he can speak his mind Anna and Michael point out their services might be more valuable than gold, not to mention the haul of masterwork long swords. Tinker and Revan introduce themselves, and Karavik is silent on the matter.
"Well, yes. Those swords an' weapons be a spot better than anythin' we have aboard. An' it be a dangerous time to be a captain who breaks rules."
He looks over the stuff, squinting in the dark.
"Give me the crossbows and scimitars. That be about even, and I'm givin' ya what ya'd pay for em, not what a merchant would buy em fer. "
He looks at Prudence and combs his beard with his hands.
"An' if the lil' miss here would accompany me to dinner, perhaps I could let you keep the blades?"
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday October 7th, 2015 9:12:12 PM
Tinker harrumphs. He nearly interferes before pulling back and waiting. Prudence can take care of herself and doesn't need a protector. He thinks Gargul told him that. The dwarf actually smiles, and puts the crossbows and swords in one bundle for the Captain.
The rest is loaded in a rented wagon to take to the merchants and convert to cash (less the items the Agents have claimed).
As an afterthought, Tinker calls out to Nikolai. "The Snakes have the best spies, Nikko. Maybe we can get some more information from an officer? Since they know what's what and they are against Nutrius, that's just another nail in the coffin, yes?"
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Wednesday October 7th, 2015 9:32:35 PM
Trayvin agrees it sounds like a good deal. "It sounds good", he says and shakes the captains hand. "Umm except for the dinner part I mean, Pru will have to answer that for herself".
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday October 7th, 2015 10:13:04 PM
"Just dinner, right?" Pru says. "I'd hate for there to be any kind of misunderstanding between us."
Aiming carefully, to avoid hitting anybody, she casts a Burning Hands and sends a sheet of flame from her outstretched fingers.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday October 7th, 2015 10:35:19 PM
Anna says, "While I wouldn't mind having one of these fine scimitars, we need passage, so I would forfeit my claim if it would help us get where we need to go."
"On the other hand if we can trust our good captain, to be a gentleman and this is something that you want to do Pru, I wouldn't say no to having one of those blades, but no blade is worth doing something you are uncomfortable with...Then again I do have that wand if the captain is less than gentlemanly. I am sure Eberyon's divine fire burns just as hot as Pantheon's..." Anna looks sternly at the captain.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+8=18 ; Wednesday October 7th, 2015 11:09:24 PM
A grin creases Michael's face, and grows and grows. A laugh threatens, but seeing the stern look on Pru he quickly turns it into a cough bluff 18 while still amused about the interplay he realizes that his attempt to cover his laugh is not working too well when Anna gets snarky with the captain, He gives up and just lets it loose.
The burning hands spell inflames him even more and he falls to his knees, now laughing so hard he is having trouble breathing and gulps air between bouts of mirth. Pru is so innocent, so caring and in her own way a wallflower...if said wallflower shoots fireballs and wields a spear. to look upon her discomfort, should provoke his protective side, but it's just all so ludicrous..it's just hilarious. between guffhaws he manages to croak out
HAAAAAAA...GASP! I...hah hah...can...GASP...act...HOWL...as.... gasp...chaperone. He forces it down for a moment and with barely restrained glee says seriously in fact, I'd pay to be there for the dinner....HAHAHAHA He loses it again and makes a pitiful sight leaning on Tinker for support.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Thursday October 8th, 2015 12:35:51 AM
Nikolai accepts the deal of the crossbows ans scimitars. As for Pru, that is up to her. "Pru, it's up to you. I trust you can keep him on the level. But if you really wish not, we can do without the scimitars. But if you do, rest assured we will be close."
To the captain he confirms the deal for passage, minus a scimitar if Pru agrees to have dinner with him. "She is a fire mage, and ships burn real easy like, so be sure you are the perfect gentleman," he warns.
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday October 8th, 2015 7:05:30 AM
Tinker holds up the poor halfling, weakened by mirth. Not sure what to do, he continues to hold Michael while giving a frown and shake of his head for Prudence. Tinker doesn't like the Captain, he doesn't like him at all.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 Thursday October 8th, 2015 2:08:10 PM
Karavik looks on as passage his secured. His daydreaming has gotten the better of him it seems, and he has been of no real use for the encounter. Perhaps he can put his skills to work during the voyage. Surely the men of the ship would enjoy being entertained by a proper bard.
OOC: Sorry all, I was having internet issues. I believe they are fully resolved now.
DM Ken - The Indecent Proposal? Thursday October 8th, 2015 2:22:23 PM DM Ken: Glad to have you back!
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Thursday October 8th, 2015 9:30:12 PM
"Are we taking the horses too? If not let's see if we can stable them with the Snake Fist"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Thursday October 8th, 2015 10:20:06 PM
In all the fracas, Nikolai forgot about the horses.
"Best let the Snake Fist take our horses," he says and makes arrangement for the Snake Thumb to take the horses.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+7=11 ; Thursday October 8th, 2015 10:37:54 PM
"Is Michael okay? I fear the stress of the day's events may be too much for him. Trayvin, is there anything you can do?" (Heal: 11 to assess Michael's health)
(OOC: checking in b4 crashing)
DM Ken - The Indecent Proposal? d20+20=24 ; d20+20=36 ; Thursday October 8th, 2015 11:36:10 PM
Konrad considers Pru's display of might very carefully. He gives her one last wistful glance.
"On second though, me lads really be needin' those blades. The responsible thing fer me to do as Cap', is get them armed. No hard feelins', I hope."
He edges back carefully, and heads towards The Knuckleduster.
"Ye have free reign to come aboard. I'll let ye know when we can leave. Until then, enjoy tha town."
With a wave, he's gone, leaving you and the Snake Fists alone. The Snake thumb waves goodbye also.
"We are going to keep watch on those Tigers. You have our word they won't be harmed. Like you say, for the good of the Fist and all."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday October 9th, 2015 12:55:34 AM
Pru is feeling a little sick. "I guess he didn't just want dinner," she says. "Under the circumstances, I think I'd prefer to stick close to the group."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Friday October 9th, 2015 6:33:43 AM
"Well, I could try to pray for a spell of 'knock some sense into him', but maybe a good old fashioned smack upside the head will work." Trayvin gives Michael a look that says 'behave yourself'. "Pru, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do or be anything you don't want to be. My mother taught me that."
"Let's finish the shopping and get onboard. Hopefully the Snake Fist can smooth over any town guard feathers that were ruffled by that fight."
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday October 9th, 2015 6:52:08 AM
Tinker frowns even more, the edges and planes of his face looking particularly craggy. A small voice in the back of his mind is happy that he doesn't know any destructive magic, because if looks could kill, they would be searching for another Captain.
All the dwarf really wants is to convert the loot to more transportable denominations and get away from this city with the Agents.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Friday October 9th, 2015 3:34:27 PM
"Easy come, easy go." Anna says reflecting on the scimitar.
"At least I have a new wand with 2 charges and I am so glad that the good captain didn't force me to use it on him. I have a feeling we may need it against Pavillion depending on how fanatical his supporters are."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday October 9th, 2015 10:39:39 PM
OOC: DM, we stated that we would leave the horses with the Snake Fist. I trust that this was accepted.
Nikolai laughs at Trayvin's comment. "You need that spell for Commander Neutronis more'n Konrad. He's just being what he's always been. Considering Pru's safety, a diner with the captain might have gotten us some information not easily gotten otherwise. However, I am relieved that the captain chose against it,"
Nikolai assists Tinker with the task of selling the remaining loot and is glad that his fist now has some extra cash on top of the passage paid for. They may need some extra cash for bribes and other enticements once they get to the other side.
With the money distributed, Nikolai sets up some rules: "If you want to do some shopping, make sure you don't go alone. Best if we all go together. There may be other Tiger Fists out there."
When they finally settle down on the ship: "Whether on land or on a ship, we keep our guard up. We set up watches just as if we were camping out on land. Just as the captain said, there are pirates and other stuff in these waters."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+5=25 ; Friday October 9th, 2015 11:20:38 PM
Michael gets over his mirth and pauses to reflect on what just transpired. He looks at Pru. Then looks again, this time not with the eyes of a. Brother in arms, but this time with the eyes of a man. He had never really noticed till now just how attractive Pru was, for a human. He becomes a bit concerned , by his reckoning she is squandering a very valuable resource by not learning how to use her womanly charms to bend men to her will. He wonders if he should broach the subject with her....but decides against it, she had an evil gleam in her eye when the flames shot out of her hands.
Michael helps sell the loot around town using his appraisal skill to help out. Appraisal 25 (natural 20!).
DM Ken - Halfling rivalry. Saturday October 10th, 2015 12:52:16 AM
Michael is absolutely sure the value of their gear is correct. If he wants to try and snipe a little extra in trade, he would need to make either a bluff, to convince someone to pay more, or a profession: merchant to find a great deal from a hard up buyer.
Prudence and Tinkers opinions of the good captain have darkened, while Nikolai just sees a spade as a spade. Anna reflects on how easily a humans mind can change. Karavik snaps out of his daydream and figures a bards as good as any entertainment while at sea. Trayvin is reserving a charge of the wand for the Cap'ns libido, should it act up again.
You arrangements are simple. A belowdecks section of a larger berthing has been sectioned off with sheets and set aside. Hammocks are hung for each of you. Sadly, the donkey is crammed into your space as well.
The next morning, the Knuckleduster is full of activity. Stores are being brought on board and a number of new sailors are checking in.
Sprat, a small halfling with abnormally large muscles, greets you as you wake from your tightly packed sleeping area. He has ration sacks set aside for each of you.
"These are for the trip, seein' as fare is included."
He offers a smaller sack to Michael, and when our resident rogue reaches for it, it drops to the ground.
"Woops. Please fergive me."
He turns and heads topside, calling over his shoulder.
"Captain says we got a messenger back sooner than expected. We are clear to leave either tonight or tomorrow morning, your call, seein' as you are our guests. I'm Sprat, the first mate. Let me know when you know. I'll be at the con."
(Doesn't seem like anyone has any plans for 2 days downtime? Crafting, buying, skill checks, selling, etc. Last call. If not, we move on monday. Yep, Snake Fists have the horses, except someones donkey animal companion.)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+8=17 ; d20+6=23 ; Saturday October 10th, 2015 1:56:38 PM
Michael haggles with the merchants, trying to get them the best deal possible. Bluff 17
He lets the others get their spaces first on ship, then finds him a small cubby hole in which to set up. When the halfling drops his ration pack, Michael waits till he turns to leave before he examines the sack, and if safe pick it up. He thinks back on the oddity of the exchange and tries to figure out just what happened.
Sense motive 23
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Saturday October 10th, 2015 2:08:57 PM
During the cruise, if there is space enough he practices bluff moves with Nikolai, trying to work out methods with which to fake out his opponents to drop their guard while in battle. Other than that, he chips in on ship, learns some sailcraft and learn some knots. If the fist wants to discuss strategy for the upcoming conflict, Michael chips in with a will.
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday October 10th, 2015 4:17:23 PM
Tinker isn't a hard bargainer, just fair, and ensures he brings back everyone's just rewards. (Ooc: passed out via email)
Not interested in wandering the town with Snakes and Tigers killing each other and a price on his head, Tinker stays on the boat, practicing with his Urgrosh in the morning and his manacles in the afternoon.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Saturday October 10th, 2015 6:04:35 PM
On board ship, Pru stows her gear as best she can. "I don't have anything more to do in town," she tells Sprat. "I think we can leave as soon as the ship is ready."
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 d20+13=27 ; d20+13=28 ; Sunday October 11th, 2015 10:56:08 AM
Karavik attempts to wile away some of the time by entertaining others while they work. Nothing makes time go faster than a tale of intrigue and adventure. He also throws in a bit of comedy, trying to lighten the mood and endear himself.
Perform (Oratory) +13 for a 27 Perform (Comedy) +13 for a 28
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+16=34 ; 2d4=5 ; 2d4=7 ; 2d4=2 ; d20+6=15 ; Sunday October 11th, 2015 11:18:01 AM
Anna says, "I don't know how much it will matter, but if I can find some berry bushes, I could make some goodberries. If so I could make more berries tomorrow too if we don't leave till then."
Anna first casts guidance and the centaur version of Toros Taur Try on herself before looking for some berry bushes. (Survival: 34)
If she finds them she casts her prepared goodberry spell making 5 good berries.
If the party is planning to leave in the morning and she found the berry bushes she will prepare 2 more good berry spells and cast them then. This will yield 7 and 2 good berries each.
If the party leaves before morning she will prepare 2 other first level spells instead.
Anna will also do some last minute shopping while in town. Reflecting on the fact she had no way to foil the arrows of the tigers she buys 2 smoke sticks (-40 gp) and a disguise kit(-50 gp). She also sells an acid flask(+5 gp), an alch fire(+10 gp), 12 darts (+3 gp) and a holy water (+12.5) gp
"Pru, can you help me. If I am to be your lady in waiting I will need new clothes and some jewelry but I do not know what is in fashion."
She then goes dress shopping with Pru buying a nobles outfit, a signet ring and 100 gp worth of accompanying jewelry. (-180 gp)
Total spent = (270 gp less 30.5 = 239.5) new coin total = 0 gold, 0 silver and 6 copper...updating character sheet to reflect these purchases.
Regardless she will attempt to make friends with the mule while on the voyage (Wild Empathy: 15)
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday October 11th, 2015 2:20:51 PM
Tinker considers the discussion of how to get to Pavilion. "Nikko, I think we need a team to talk to the Snale Regiment spies. May get good information for the other side of this voyage. "
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Sunday October 11th, 2015 8:35:52 PM
OOC: On 10/6 Nikolai said: 'Nikolai thanks the Snake Thumb for honoring Nikolai's word of safe passage to the Tiger men. "On behalf of the Wolf Regiment, give our regards to Commander Merina." It then occurs to him that Commander Merina, being the defacto Spy Master of the Mailed Fist, that she might know of a contact where they are headed to that could help them get past patrols and such.
In a low whisper he asks the Snake Thumb, "You wouldn't perchance know of anyone in Neutronis' camp that could help us get past patrols, or at least know where we can find him, would you? Wolf Regiment will gladly share the honor of putting an end to this internal war with anyone who can help."
Was there any response there?
If Not: IC: "I need to get some common clothes to go with my new duties and Anna and Pru need pretty clothes and some jewelry pieces. I say we go first find the Head Snake commander in this area and see what intelligence we can gather about Neutronis' camp then get the outfits."
For himself he purchases a disguise kit and a travelers outfit. He could rely on his hat, but Neutronis will probably have magic detection protections and True Seeing devices that would render the hat useless.
Pru and Ana will need Noble's outfits with some jewelry accessories.
The 'butler' will need a courtier's outfit. The rest something other than their uniforms.
Nikolai suggests they all go together and get the clothes and talk to the Snake commander. If there is no agent they can contact once they land, then they'll just wing it.
But any Intel is better than none.
DM Ken - Halfling rivalry. Monday October 12th, 2015 9:16:08 PM
After the initial meeting, Snake Fist is like a ghost, and difficult to track down. It seems it would take some invested time in finding them a second time. The Agents certainly have that option.
Nikolai recalls asking the Snake thumb about any contacts Merina might have had inside Pavillions camp. The reply wasn't encouraging. They have had one or two, but they get ferreted out very quickly. It seems that Neutronis has a solid ring of counter-espionage.
Michael tries to get a feel for the other halfling, and with his best guess, it seems there's a bit of rivalry in the first mate, who may be trying to establish himself as Alpha Halfling. For his part, Michael is able to add an extra 35gp to his pockets with his expert haggling.
Anna has no problem with her berry detailed plan of the day.
In your errands to and from the ship, you come across the seemingly bored first mate once or twice. All your costume supplies are gathered and roles discussed. The third time, the men are in a circle throwing some dice around.
Sprat looks up, "Time to go?"
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday October 12th, 2015 9:38:23 PM
Pru is not having a good day. First she had to fight some fellow Mailed Fist soldiers, which made her stomach want to do flip-flops. Then there was that horrible ship captain, who made her want to go hide someplace.
And now her companions were concocting some elaborate scheme which involves her, Prudence Gundle, pretending to be some fancy noble lady. Pru isn't even sure how this came to be the plan, but if her Thumb wants her to pretend to be some kind of noble, Pru will give it her best effort. The near-certain feeling that her best effort is going to be nowhere near good enough makes her stomach start acting up again.
And then Anna asks her about fashion of all things, and Pru swallows a cackling, hysterical laught. "Well, I know that fashion is a wicked poison of pride and vanity which looks to ensnare the righeous and lead them down the path to sin and debauchery," she says. "Not helpful, I know, but that's what I was taught."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Monday October 12th, 2015 9:53:50 PM
Trayvin sits to watch the dice-throwing game. "Yes, I think it is soon time to go. Fate waits for no one."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Monday October 12th, 2015 10:19:55 PM
"I spent most of my life in the forests of Fargunia. I didn't really have much need for finery. It would just get ruined in the woods. In fact this is the first dress I'll ever own. They didn't seem that practical. All those layers and not one will do a lick of good against a weapon. Also I do not believe that a dress would hold up that well against mud, brambles or grass stains. " Anna says to Pru.
Anna does not know fashion either so she finds herself trying to decide between a large puffy orange dress that looks ridiculous or an almost scandalously short cut jade gown that looks potentially practical in that while it certainly has less layers it would allow for decent mobility if forced to fight or flee.
"Anyone else have an opinion on a dress if I am supposed to be a noble lady in waiting? Is it supposed to be warm or cold where we are going?" Anna asks the other agents.
================================================================================= A short time later Anna returns to the ship.
"I'm okay to go" Anna says to Sprat.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Monday October 12th, 2015 11:16:32 PM
Michael grins a bit at the thought of a petty rivalry, So odd, almost like a comedy, after the last few weeks. A poem he heard one of the older Mailed Fist members comes unbidden to his mind.
"Me that 'ave been what I've been -- Me that 'ave gone where I've gone -- Me that 'ave seen what I've seen -- 'Ow can I ever take on With awful old Fargunia again, An' 'ouses both sides of the street, And 'edges two sides of the lane, And the parson an' gentry between, An' touchin' my 'at when we meet -- Me that 'ave been what I've been?
Me that 'ave watched 'arf a world 'Eave up all shiny with dew, Kopje on kop to the sun, An' as soon as the mist let 'em through Our 'elios winkin' like fun -- Three sides of a ninety-mile square, Over valleys as big as a shire -- "Are ye there? Are ye there? Are ye there?" An' then the blind drum of our fire . . . An' I'm rollin' 'is lawns for the Squire, Me!
Me that 'ave rode through the dark Forty mile, often, on end, Along the Cthonia Range, With only the stars for my mark An' only the night for my friend, An' things runnin' off as you pass, An' things jumpin' up in the grass, An' the silence, the shine an' the size Of the 'igh, unexpressible skies -- I am takin' some letters almost As much as a mile to the post, An' "mind you come back with the change!" Me!
Me that saw Bryn Baraz took When we dropped through the clouds on their 'ead, An' they 'ove the bows over and fled -- Me that was through Di'mond 'Ill, An' Pieters an' Springs an' Heldfast -- From Dundee to Vereeniging all -- Me that stuck out to the last (An' five bloomin' bars on my chest) -- I am doin' my Sunday-school best, By the 'elp of the Squire an' 'is wife (Not to mention the 'ousemaid an' cook), To come in an' 'ands up an' be still, An' honestly work for my bread, My livin' in that state of life To which it shall please God to call Me!
Me that 'ave followed my trade In the place where the Lightnin's are made; 'Twixt the Rains and the Sun and the Moon -- Me that lay down an' got up Three years with the sky for my roof -- That 'ave ridden my 'unger an' thirst Six thousand raw mile on the hoof, With the Vaal and the Orange for cup, An' the Brandwater Basin for dish, -- Oh! it's 'ard to be'ave as they wish (Too 'ard, an' a little too soon), I'll 'ave to think over it first -- Me!
I will arise an' get 'ence -- I will trek South and make sure If it's only my fancy or not That the sunshine of Fargunia is pale, And the breezes of Fargunia are stale, An' there's something' gone small with the lot. For I know of a sun an' a wind, An' some plains and a mountain be'ind, An' some graves by a white stone fence, An' a Taurian I've fought 'oo might give Me a job where I ever inclined To look in an' offsaddle an' live Where there's neither a road nor a tree -- But only my Maker an' me, And I think it will kill me or cure, So I think I will go there an' see."
He chuckles a bit, and resolves to let the first mate have his moment of glory, Having seen death and stife, the price of conflict is too high for something so silly.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+2=7 ; Tuesday October 13th, 2015 12:45:58 AM
Aid Another (Knowledge Local) Noble's Dress +2 = 7
Nikolai isn't a whole lot of help in choosing a dress but does the best he knows from what his own mother wears to Mailed Fist Officer parties.
"The Lady-in-waiting cannot wear something that takes the attention away from the Lady. This jade dress will certainly help in keeping all eyes focused on you and distract them from looking closely enough at the rest of us, but you might also attract some unwanted attention. Go with the orange dress," Nikolai suggests while failing to keep from blushing.
"Pru, we have confidence that you will be a good noble lady. Now remember, you and Ana will need to treat the rest of us like low-born servants, and except for the butler, we are not to speak unless spoken to. That will be the hardest part for sure," Nikolai laughs.
Just before returning to the ship Nikolai purchases a bale of hay for their donkey. "I don't know if it will be cold or hot where we are going, or how long it will take to get there," he confides.
When they encounter the ships crew playing dice, Nikolai takes the opportunity to get to know them a little better and perhaps make some friends. He asks if he can join them in their game. "Yep, almost ready. Hey, what's your game here? What's the stakes? Mind if I join?"
During the dice tossing, he asks how long the trip should take and if the crew could use something they've not the funds to purchase. "We would like to help in manning the ship but none of us have that experience. We don't like to just sit around idle while you guys do all the work. Is there anything we can get here to help? Some spices for the cook to liven up your meals, perhaps?
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday October 13th, 2015 9:53:52 AM
Tinker's own expertise in the nobility is somewhat lacking, but he knows what his adoptive mother would say. "When you are the center of attention, be the center of attention. Posiepocket would choose the orange one", he tells Prudence.
The dwarf's thoughts darken when Nikolai tells the team what the Snake Sergeant told Nikolai. "If they are good at counter-espionage, this scheme isn't gonna get far. We may have better luck just walking up and asking to speak to Pavilion. Either that, or turning around and getting the information we have so far to Palance."
Either way, Tinker tells Nikko his plans, then spends the time before departure writing two letters. One he addresses to Jaspertink (gnome); Traders Corner; Culverwood. The second is to Qualtrime My Love; The Citadel; Faragunia. In the second, he puts a factual account of what the Agents found at the farm, the battle between the Snakes and Tigers, and the speculations so far about Pavilion.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 d20+9=17 ; Tuesday October 13th, 2015 3:00:21 PM
Karavik is bu no means an expert in women's clothing, but he does know a little about the nobility. Perhaps that can help in determining if the dress is appropriate.
Knowledge (Nobility) +9 for a 17
DM Ken - Halfling rivalry. Tuesday October 13th, 2015 8:32:33 PM
The men look at Nikolai with a grin, and go ahead and let him into the game.
"10 gold a round, matey. We got time for a few more rounds, anyways. Ya make up to three throws with the dice. Closest to 10 wins the round. Ties go to the pot for a playoff round between the tied folks."
They hand Nikolai the cup and the three six sided dice. Anyone else interested is given space to throw as well.
Karavik, Tinker, Anna, and Prudence continue on ironing out the plan of a Noble Prudence, despite Tinkers misgivings.
Karavik thinks the orange dress reminds him of a noble merchant family from the Isles to the south west. It's far enough out of the way perhaps, that it would take some time to discover their falsehood, unless magic were involved.
He also writes friends and allies and takes the precautions of labeling his letter to Qualtmie as a love letter. Hopefully, the ruse is enough.
Those pondering distance and climate are reassured when they remember that travel across the Bay of Elenna is swift. Three days tops and they will arrive in a climate nearly identical to their own, though the cold air from the infamous Shadow Mountain might serve to drop the temperature to chilly.
They are also still well ahead of the invasion schedule Neutronis afforded Alithmar. Uncharacteristically, Michael decides the let the other halfling have his tiny victory. How many griffons, dissenters, and enemy soldiers has that little sailors killed? Probably not half as many as Michael.
With everyone aboard with no further plans ashore, the Knuckleduster slips out of it's moorings and down the pier. The salt air is refreshing and crisp, and even the surly sailors and fighters aboard the Knuckleduster are in high spirits.
As the ship races past the last fingers of land, a commotion calls the shiphands to attention. There is some muttering, and men make superstitious signs of luck and warding. Against the beautiful backdrop of the coastal scenery and early morning sun sparkling on the ocean, a noose tied to a hangman's stand holds a single burning man, and black smoke dances darkly against the blue sky. It is flanked by three empty nooses.
Hanging there is the young thumb of Tiger Fist, long dead. At his feet is a large white sign with painted black letters. "Wolves: The only tiger you can trust is one with no fangs."
"Wouldja lookit that?!", calls Captain Konrad. The rest of the men comment under their breaths, then go about their work. A few seconds later, the familiar rattle of dice in a cup clatters on the decks.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Tuesday October 13th, 2015 9:04:30 PM
Trayvin looks backward as the ship sails, thinking about the hung Tiger. "I wonder who was responsible for hanging him? Was it Snake Fist, or the city? I hope we are up to the challenge, if not it could mean the end of the Fist."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Tuesday October 13th, 2015 9:47:12 PM " I think this is the end of the fist as we know it, no matter what ending comes about. The bonds of brotherhood once severed are hard to knit back together. It could be though, the the Snake Fist knew something we didn't, and killing him may have saved us much grief.
he pauses and collects his thought for a moment.
I think that playing the spy games leaves little room for mercy or quarter, No man can be your friend and betrayal is a way of life.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday October 13th, 2015 10:07:24 PM
Prudence retreats below decks and prays for hours. Her grave misgivings have grown fangs and begun chewing on her nerves. "If I can't pretend to be a fancy lady, that's me," she whispers. "Hanging and burning. Domi give me strength."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) 3d6=9 ; Tuesday October 13th, 2015 10:58:28 PM
Nikolai hopes that this camaraderie will help and places 10 gold in the pot and tosses the dice: 3d6 = 9
His eyes lite up but keeps calm. He grew up playing such games of chance with his friends but not for money. If he won too much money the sailors would hate him but if he won once and then lost some also...
When the ship sets sail Nikolai gathers his Fist together at a spot on deck where no one else can hear. "I know some of us are not too sure about this plan. I know that sneaking around and trying to get close that way would be near impossible considering what Snake has told us of their security. Going in the open at least lets us see everything and talk to people. A widowed noble lady wanting to know what her standing will be in the new order seems to have a better chance to get through. However, tonight I'll use our scroll to communicate with Commander Palance. We'll tell her our plan and what we've found so far. If she agrees with it, we go on, if she calls it off, we have time to head back.
Passing by the burning man, Nikolai feels sorry for him but he knows they did what they could. "I'm sure it was the Snake. Only Snake knows enough details of the battle and that we'd be passing by this point. We told the guy to get out of town. We did our part. Let's just hope the other three got out fast enough. I can't blame the Snake for it, but I wished they hadn't. I just hope they had good enough reason, like he was going to inform Neutronis."
Nikolai eyes the dice playing sailors. If he knew how to 'cheat' to loose, he'd give it another try.
Anna Morphe[eagle] (Hugh C) -- AC 16/15/12 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+13=22 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=28 ; Wednesday October 14th, 2015 12:07:46 AM
"Isn't Pantheon the God of Justice?" Anna wonders out loud.
Anna continues her musings. "If so what justice is found in his follower's hanging? i wish I could tell if those Tiger troopers were evil when we crossed swords. He could have been a good person just caught up on the wrong side of the conflict. Spies are traditionally dodgy. I know that good intel is important in a military operation, but at what cost does that come with? Is it right to use torture to uncover the planned slaughter of innocence? It's different when there is a contract and we have something or someone to protect or someone to save or something to investigate, but this the fighting with in the Fist it is needless. How many more of our brothers and sisters will meet the fate of the tiger thumb? Will any of us? I can become a tiger with fangs, is the message meant to fracture our fist?"
She then goes silent for a while, before deciding she needs to clear her head. She turns into an eagle and goes for a flight. She keeps the ship in sight and when she spots a fish she tries to catch it using her claws. She at least wants to catch a dozen fish if she can, depositing them on the deck of the ship as she catches them.
Active Effects: wild shape as beast shape II - small eagle +2 size bonus to dex, +1 natural armor, +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, +8 disguise -1 CMB/CMD low light vision, 10 ft, fly 60 ft(good), 2 talons+8(1d4+3), bite+8(1d4+3)
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday October 14th, 2015 5:52:29 PM
Tinker folds his arms on the weathered wood of the aft railing and watches the dead and burned corpse until it is lost to sight. His face could be carved from stone as he reads the words and notes the three empty nooses over and over again. A warning? A lesson? Or a confirmation that the Snakes with all their knowledge are not infallible. The other three were NOT hung, that is something.
Tinker rummages in his purse and pulls out two gold coins. Rearing back, he throws them as far as he can towards the ghastly gallows, and shouts as loud as he can. "Coins for your passage to Gargul, brother of the Mailed Fist! May we meet in the Lands of Rest!"
The craggy dwarf is silent once more.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Wednesday October 14th, 2015 8:56:48 PM
Trayvin helps the sailors as best he can. He is no sailor, but he is not afraid of some hard work either. If he just seems to be in the way, he will go to where the Fist is staying and think about which spells might best help in the trials to come.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday October 14th, 2015 9:11:37 PM
Nikolai tries to help Ana. "It isn't Justice anymore. I can see the point in showing the Kings and Nobles that one doesn't break a contract with the Mailed Fist without dire consequences. On the other hand, I've never heard of a case where someone just didn't want to pay either. Up until now everyone has honored a contract. How this is being handled is the problem. If indeed Neutronis is intent on invading Alithmar and form his own kingdom, that certainly falls way outside the boundaries of any punishment the Fist would normally do.
What bothers me is not so much the split, but the violence. Commander Neutronis could just as easily take the Fists that agree with him and go do what he wants to do and leave the rest alone. I've not heard that any of the other Commanders were mounting a force to stop him, Palance wasn't in any case. So his commanding units to seek out and kill so-called defectors makes no sense whatsoever. That bothers me the most."
Nikolai watches Ana take to the air in the form of an eagle and soar across the waves hunting for fish. "Ei!" he yells. "Try a pelican next time. They are the real fishing birds and can bring in quite a few in that big pouch or theirs!"
Pelicans may not have the grace of eagles, but sure fish better without worrying about drowning.
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 d20+13=26 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=26 ; Thursday October 15th, 2015 7:46:17 AM
Karavik continues in to try to keep everyone entertained. 3 days isn't a long trip by any means, but keeping tensions low is always a good idea. I little story-telling, a little comedy, and maybe even a little traditional dance should keep everyone in good spirits. Perhaps if there are any women his age in the crew, he might even find a dance partner.
Oratory +13 for a 26 Comedy +13 for a 26 Dance +13 for a 26
OOC: Three straight 13's with a +13 on each. Not sure how I feel about that....
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Thursday October 15th, 2015 9:31:31 AM maybe there is an angle to this we aren't seeing. Didn't the commander say that her correspondence with him grew very strange the last few times? Could he be under some sort of compulsion? I would not put it past the followers of Ga'... Their God to attempt to subvert us. Weaken us from within, the attack on the city fails through insufficient manpower and inside information from their mole, who also happens to be our supreme leader. With the Fist gone, a great deal of the defensive power in this region is reduced. It would throw the defensive organization for the area into total disarray, opening a crack that the Aisildurians could exploit to expand their influence.
Shane P [posting for Tristan B (Revan) Thursday October 15th, 2015 9:41:10 AM
Revan gets settled on the boat and relaxes a bit, danger may come tomorrow, but for now the wind and the waves bring a sleepy relaxation.
Nikolai's dice experiment is a near success. He hits a nine, but another crewman scores a perfect 10. It doesn't seem anything but luck, though there is skill in choosing how many dice to roll. The mans first roll is a five, he rolls a second dice, and hits a five again. None of the other fellows comes close, so he rakes in the 60 gp pot.
Each of the Agents handles the depressing sight of the young burning cleric in their own way. Tinker's stoic silence breaks down, and he swears to meet the lad once his own life has ended. Prudence sees herself in the smoking corpse, knowing that failure means that might be her. Nikolai tries to help Ana through her doubts and concerns, pointing out they they ARE in the right, and only by keeping that conviction can they stay sane. Michael feels that no matter how this ends, The Fist is finished.
Karavik keeps folks entertained and distracted with wonderful tales, clever jokes, and dancing accompanied by a ships accordian player. He looks for a lass to dance with, and though there's none among the crew, Prudence is there, pretty as a peach.
Captain Konrad finally offers some intel.
"I'll be skirting the northern end of the Bay of Elenna, keeping out of sight as best we can. I'll drop you off on a beach there. All things bein' good, you'll have 8 hours of march by foot the the siege lines. It's tha best we can do."
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 Thursday October 15th, 2015 11:14:12 AM
Karavik approaches Prudence, hoping to find a willing partner.
Pru, if you are indeed to pass as a noblewoman, perhaps it is proper that you practice a few of the local dances. I'd be happy to show you a thing or two... in the interest of the mission, of course.
Karavik has that slight glimmer in his eye that is all to common to a bard.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday October 15th, 2015 6:09:41 PM
After completing her fishing foray, Anna reverts back to her human form and ensures that the ship's cook gets the fresh fish.
She then returns topside and overhears Karavik talking of dancing, "Do I need to know how to dance, too if I am to be be Dear Prudence's Lady in Waiting or does the waiting part mean that I don't dance and just stand there?" She asks.
"I can become more lithe by becoming a gnome or a halfling or some other small humanoid, but it would probably be considered strange if a noble lady suddenly became a different race. We could say I was cursed?"
She then raises a flaw in the potential plan knowing what they know now of the terrain on the other side. "Won't it be strange to those at the siege lines that 2 noblewoman and their retinue are traipsing through the wilds, without any mounts, carriages or other means of conveyance aside from a donkey? I could become a horse for Pru to ride, though someone might think it odd when a noblewoman's horse disappears when her lady in waiting shows up." Anna says.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Thursday October 15th, 2015 9:17:45 PM
"It will be close enough captain, thank you."
"Now, maybe we should start discussing some strategies."
Shane P [posting for Tristan B (Revan) Thursday October 15th, 2015 10:26:13 PM sure, we enter the camp as the retinue of a noblewoman, minor landed gentry at best, and proceed to look about the place and try to figure out what is happening, If we see an opportunity we try to exploit it, but if not we just try to get out clean and report back to the commander.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Thursday October 15th, 2015 10:30:49 PM
OOC: sorry meant to post as Michael with that, but Revan works too.
Michael nods sagely at Revans words, truly the dwarf has great intellect and wisdom.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Thursday October 15th, 2015 11:03:26 PM
Nikolai also has some of the same concerns as the others. "I had hoped we'd land near a town where we could buy or rent a carriage. However, in a war torn zone, it would not be unusual for people to be afoot, their mounts and carts being confiscated for the 'war effort'. Which brings up a good idea for our visit to Neutronis' headquarters. We were traveling, minding our own business, when some ruffians that went by the name of Sons of Neutronis stole our carriage."
Nikolai enjoys Karavik's entertainment.
That night, when most of the crew is asleep, he takes the Fist to a quiet corner and pulls out the scroll Commander Pallance gave them. After someone experienced in using scrolls unleashes the magic that calls upon their Commander, Nikolai waits for Pallance to answer, then gives her the main points of their trip so far: 1) there are spies within the Citadel 2) the citadel is being watched and studied carefully for weaknesses 3) a group called the Sons of Pavilion has been ordered by Neutronis himself to capture and either persuade other Fist members to join him or kill them.
Then he tells her of their plan to disguise themselves as a Noble's entourage seeking Pavillion for reparation of stolen equipment and goods.
Then he asks for either approval to continue on, another plan, or to return.
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday October 16th, 2015 10:16:34 AM
Tinker wonders at Michael's strategic thinking, something the dwarf himself isn't very good at. Yet as a theory, it holds together quite well. "A possibility, sure"
He slowly brings things together at the dress from the south-west islands and landing away from a town. "So, the Lady arrives and only has one mount, Anna as a horse or Revan's mule, and a small retinue. Being from so far away, it is OK that people don't know her or the customs, and the reason she came all this way is..."
He lets the question hang for someone better than him to answer.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday October 16th, 2015 10:21:26 AM
"I have to dance, too?" Pru is looking more anxious.
Then again, Karavik is a good-looking young man, his primary drawback being that he is not Nikolai. "Um, okay," Pru says. "But I really don't know how to dance."
She tries not to think too hard about the rest of the charade she will be asked to play. Getting nervous at this point isn't going to help anyone.
Shane P [posting for Tristan B (Revan) Friday October 16th, 2015 10:43:34 AM
Michael sees that Pru, in here innocence and good homespun moral upbringing is uncomfortable with playing the noble woman.
. Look Pru, nobody expects a spoiled rich girl to have any sense whatsoever, just act like a combination of a baby chick and two year old. Sneaking in isn't going to do us any good, so what we've got to do is be loud and obnoxious. Be demanding, stomp your foot, complain about every blessed thing, from your butt hurting riding the horse to the fact that you have no clothes. Our story will be that every thing was confiscated or destroyed by some brigands calling themselves the sons of nutronis. We came here because it's a mailed fists outpost and we felt we would be safer there. Our reason for being in this area needs to be fleshed out,, Maybe we were going to a nearby city for a shopping expedition and to conduct some business, but the brigands put paid to all that and now all we want is to get home.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 Friday October 16th, 2015 6:46:56 PM
[past]Revan does manage to relax a little on the shop,but the truth that seems to be unraveling around him about the fist is getting to him.
Sometime during the journey,he's going to ask each induvuidual to explain what happened that caused the Fist to become this.
[present conversation] He ain't a mule! He's a war pony,and one of me' best friends! But I agree with the young lad, miss. It's a decent story alright.
Revan is tall for a dwarf,with short cropped brown hair. He has a beard of brown,tied in a braid so as not to be caught on anything. He has tan,tough skin from hours upon hours in the sun. He's quite broad with muscled arms,but walks with surprising grave for a dwarf. He never looks fully relaxed and his eyes are constantly moving. He is wearing clothing with a combination of Browns and greens over his breastplate. His plate is far from shiny as he makes attempts at concealment. His weapons though,do seem to be kept in semi perfect condition.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Friday October 16th, 2015 9:00:01 PM
"I think the more important question is if we pull off the charade, what do we do next? Kill Neutronis if we can and then flee? I don't see that solving the problem, some other commander could just take his place. I feel that we will need to convince their leaders that what they are doing is wrong."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Friday October 16th, 2015 10:14:01 PM
"What if we kidnapped Neutronis and had Nikolai in the hat of disguise be the new Neutronis? He could then countermand the order to invade and offer amnesty to the other side before surrendering to face judgement at which point we would switch the original Neutronis back?" Anna suggests.
Shane P [posting for Tristan B (Revan) Friday October 16th, 2015 11:08:16 PM
OOC: sorry meant to post as Michael with that, but Revan works too.
Michael nods sagely at Revans words, truly the dwarf has great intellect and wisdom.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Friday October 16th, 2015 11:17:55 PM I don't think we can kidnap Neutronis, He is a powerful fighter and could probably kill us all in short order.
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday October 17th, 2015 10:20:40 AM
Tinker shakes his head. "Kidnap and substitute Nikko? No chance. Nikko couldn't act like Pavilion even if there were no one who could see through magical disguises. And I don't want to fight any Fist if I have a choice. How about we get there and find out what is actually happening before making plans? We don't even know if the Sons are under his orders or what the Alisidurians have actually done to break a contract."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Sunday October 18th, 2015 7:27:11 PM
Nikolai laughs at the idea of trying to imitate Neutronis with the hat. "That's true. I've never seen him nor heard his voice, so I could not even dream to imitate him and get away with it. I think Tinker has the best idea. Get there, see what really is going on and confirm if the Sons of Neutronis are legitimately under Neutronis' or simply believe it. If Neutronis says that the message is a counterfeit, then we've got some ground to work upon. If he confirms that it is from him... well, we'll have a lot of ground to work upon."
DM Ken - Halfling rivalry. Monday October 19th, 2015 12:00:52 PM
Plans are discussed finally, and the consensus is made that more information is needed. Some room is left for Neutronis to prove himself not all bad, but it's a very small amount to wiggle indeed. Prudence and Karavik share a dance, in the name of science. Nikolai and Tinker, Michael and Anna discuss strategy. Trayvin points out they still have to escape alive, even if they manage to kill Neutronis. Revan makes it completly clear his good friend is a war-pony, not a mule.
The first day of sailing draws to a close, and with it most of the hardest part of being underway. The second day is a jumbled mess of bored brawlers spitting and cursing. At one point, a giant wheel of cheese is brought out and turns are taken punching the poor round of bacteria to see who can leave the biggest dent.
The halfing first-mate makes it a point to wait until Michael is watching, then flicks a dagger into the cheese wheel, sinking it to the hilt.
The good captain has takes a moment to check on the Agents.
"Is there anything else ye be needin? There's a cove of smoother water we can wait at if you need to delay fer whatever reason. Otherwise, we should be there just after the noon tomorrow."
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 d20+13=20 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=25 ; Monday October 19th, 2015 12:51:06 PM
It is readily apparent that boredom, rum, and a ship full of pirates might not be the least explosive situation imaginable. Although everyone has gotten along well to this point, Karavik resumes his entertainments. No sense in letting a good story sit idle in his mind. A little self-deprecating humor may lighten the mood as well.
As to the strategy being laid out, Karavik isn't sure how best to approach the situation. It wasn't long ago that he was one of Neutronis' men, even if he had misgivings about that post himself. Perhaps his prior affiliation could be levered to help the group now though.
Oratory +13 for a 20 Comedy+ 13 for a 16 Dance +13 for a 25
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday October 19th, 2015 1:24:37 PM
"The main thing," Pru says, "is to get information back to Palance. That way, even if--even if something happens to us, she'll have the information she needs to act. Any action we take should happen after we report in."
She knows this has been covered before, but she thinks it can't hurt to repeat it.
She watches the assault on the cheese with a bewildered expression. True, all that pounding won't actually hurt the cheese, or make it spoil or anything, but she can't imagine why anybody would want do do that. And, unless they want toasted cheese, she refrains from participating.
DM Ken - Halfling rivalry. Monday October 19th, 2015 2:39:57 PM
DM Extra!
Sorry I didn't mention the results of your Sending spell, but your GM is feeling generous enough to remind you sending is limited to a set number of words. Please rephrase appropriately the information you wish Palance to receive.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 Monday October 19th, 2015 3:32:59 PM
Revan,noticing the women,Pru,if his memory was still working right,watching with a sort of disgust at the display of beating the cheese. He wanders towards her. I've only heard of cutting the cheese. We dwarves do it all the time. I don't think stabbing has the same effect. he says with a hearty chuckle,laughing at his crude joke. You're the one they call Pru right? He extends his hand I'm Revan. Bear Regiment,Iron Marines,Special Forces. Best scouts you'll find,and the best snipers too. after giving her a minute to introduce herself,he asks the question,his face going from what passes as cheery to a serious and dark face. I'll tell you about me self and recent events in a moment though. But for now,would you mind explaining to me what's happened to the Fist lass? I havent been able to find out all of it yet.
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday October 19th, 2015 7:47:50 PM
Tinker doesn't think it's a good idea to join the brawlers; if he shows weakness the Agents may be vulnerable. Likewise, there isn't an armory on board that he feels comfortable enough to work with. He plays with the manacles just for a while, but ends up hanging around close to Prudence for most of the trip.
He listens to Revan, and stoically waits his turn to speak. "Daemar Torvalsson, called Tinker. Wolf Regiment, First Agents. We tend to get the missions that don't fit nicely in any one sections assets." He looks around the ship of brawlers going from a town in civil war to a siege in a foreign land as the Mailed Fist implodes. "Like now."
Tinker is all set to get off the ship as quickly as possible. "Just saying, Nikolai, that if we get off this ship without some monsters attacking us, or a storm nearly sinking us, or the like... it will be the first time!"
Anna Morphe[Gorilla] (Hugh C) -- AC 15/11/13 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 17 d20+8=21 ; d6+5=9 ; Monday October 19th, 2015 9:53:41 PM
Anna decides to join the cheese punching competition. She first turns into a gorilla then hauls back and punches the cheese. (hit vs AC 21; 9 damage)
She waits to see how the others react to her feat of cheese punching.
Active effects : Wildshaped as Beast Shape II - 6 hours large gorilla +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Monday October 19th, 2015 9:58:24 PM
"We're close. If we have time to spare, maybe we should do as the good captain suggests, and stop to finalize our plans."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Monday October 19th, 2015 11:08:43 PM
OOC: the exact night does not matter as long as it is done before we disembark. :)
The Scroll of Sending is read and the magic activated. Nikolai tries to be brief as he knows the spell can carry only so many words. "Neutronis has spies within the Citadel and keeps close watch over your defenses looking for weakness. A group called the [i]Sons of Pavilion are a fanatical group that roam the countryside on orders by Neutronis to kill any who don't join him. We plan to disguise ourselves as a noblewoman and her entourage to try to get into his camp and close to Neutronis. What we do once there, we don't know. Should we continue on this plan? Any news we need to know?"[/b]
Nikolai would like to put their toughest brawler to the test but they are too close to their objective to risk it. He only half pays attention to Pru's dance lesson. He's seen these dances plenty of times as a boy at the Mailed Fist Officer's Ball. He'd learned most of the moves from his older sister when she was getting ready for her 16th birthday party. But he was not a showoff and let Karavik give the lessons.
When the lessons are over, Revan engages Pru in conversation. Nikolai sees an opportunity to learn more about their newest member.
"I could not help overhearing you are from Bear Regiment. I understand that parts of the Bear Regiment were involved in the contract to rid the area of marauding giants. The word has it that the refusal to honor that contract and pay up is what has caused all this. The word we have is that Neutrnis expects to take Alithmar as payment. This has caused a rift in the Mailed Fist, who's charter states that the Mailed Fist observes the Laws of Kingdoms and taking a city as payment subverts such laws. There must be another way to get them to comply."
DM Ken - Halfling rivalry. Tuesday October 20th, 2015 7:57:48 PM
Karavik does a fine job lifting the mood. One of the sailors even tips him with 11 gold! Michael is strangely silent.
Nikolai starts talking once the sending spell is active.
"Neutronis has spies within the Citadel and keeps close watch over your defenses looking for weakness. A group called the Sons of Pavilion are a.."
The spell then cuts off. A few moments later, an angry Palance's voice echoes through the cabin.
"Are a what, Nikolai? 25 words, man! I don't need the suspense, thanks. This one comes out of your pay. We will keep eyes open."
Anna the Gorilla hits the cheese as hard as she can, and leaves a deeper dent than any of the others. A few men cheer, and few others call it cheating. Either way, a few that seemed to ignore her have started giving her a bit more space on the crowded ship. Prudence decides no one wants cheese dip, and restrains herself.
Revan and Nikolai have a chat, to include Tinker as well. They get to know their new ally. His knowledge of Bear Fist is decent, but he has no current knowledge of their plans or schemes. The mission with the giants was about how it sounds on the surfacace. 22 squads of Bear mobilized in the operations against the giants coming from Shadow Mountain. At the end, there were grumblings about refusal to pay.
Trayvin recommends the group consider the option of spending a day in the cove, but as no one else seems interested, it might be a waste of time they cannot afford.
(Unless the party wants to spend another day thinking over strategics, tomorrows post will be your last one at sea.)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Tuesday October 20th, 2015 8:31:53 PM
Anna reverts back to her human self after the cheese punch is done. "There was no stipulation about remaining in the form you were born in." She says to her detractors.
She then goes to the others and weighs in on spending some time in the cove as Trayvin suggests, "I think we should press on as soon as we can when we hit land. We took a slight detour at the farm and now we need to get to where the conflict is as soon as we can. The disguise plan seems good enough."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday October 20th, 2015 9:52:44 PM
"Hello, Revan, I'm Prudence Gundle," Pru replies. "I set things on fire."
Revan asks about the current situation with the Fist, but Tinker and Nikolai answer, so Pru doesn't have to. She goes back to worrying about how she's ever going to convince anybody she's some kind of fancy noble lady.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Tuesday October 20th, 2015 10:32:33 PM
Trayvin is concerned with all the unknowns with their mission, and with the Fist. But the time for worry will soon be over. They will reach their destination, and then see what fate has in store for them. He offers a silent prayer to the Gods of the Wold, and asks for strength and guidance.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+11=18 ; d3+1=3 ; Tuesday October 20th, 2015 11:06:31 PM
Michael tosses a dagger at the uninteresting cheese, in the spirit of fun and to chase away boredom. He then retrieves his dagger, along with a small section of the cheese, nibbling on it he walks back to the barrel he was setting on and give the other halfling a wink and a smile as he goes by.
to hit ac 18 damage 3.
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 Tuesday October 20th, 2015 11:28:22 PM Neutronis is the cause of this!? He is the ringleader? He is why my squad now lie dead where they were ambushed by Tigers?! Neutronis will for what he did to my friends! That is the reason I joined ye' in the fight against the Tigers instead of shootin' you. 20 men and women of Bear and Wolf,my friends and brothers in arms,now are dead because of Neutronis. A mix of emotions play on Revan's face,anger sadness,fury.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday October 20th, 2015 11:31:18 PM
OOC: sorry. DM said keep it short, I just didn't read up on the spell and posted in a hurry. Housekeeping for my inlaws is chewing up a lot of time. :}
IC: If we are going to spend a day to plan, I want it to be on solid ground. Last time we spend a night in a cove we were attacked by sea trolls."
Nikolai shrugs off Constance's rebuke of his misuse of the scroll. He's not a wizard to keep such details in mind. "Oh well. No point in discussing our plan with her. Our plans have a way to get side tracked anyway. What we start out with won't be anything like what we end up with."
He tells the captain of the ship they should press on. Any day now the rogue Fist commander may start his move toward Alithmar, then it will be much harder to stop. "We need to catch him before the army starts moving."
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 Wednesday October 21st, 2015 12:09:41 PM "I agree that we need to keep moving. I don't believe that hanging around on the ship any longer than absolutely necessary is a good idea. I think Nikolai has a good point too that we could always take some additional time on solid ground if really needed."
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+19=35 ; Wednesday October 21st, 2015 8:25:56 PM
Tinker agrees that leaving the ship soon is the way to go, and doesn't feel any words or actions of his will help that, so he remains silent and plays with his locks and manacles.
Disable Device 35
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Wednesday October 21st, 2015 9:31:03 PM
Trayvin offers no more argument to slow their arrival. "Let's get this done."
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Wednesday October 21st, 2015 9:54:26 PM
The final night at sea comes and goes, and come morning, the crew is back to being active and alert, aware that they have entered dangerous waters. As you all gather for breakfast, the good captain approaches. He starts in a delicate tone, wringing his hat in his hands, looking almost sad, yet his eyes glitter with greed.
“Alright lads and miss Prudence, were almost there. All that’s left is the matter of payment. Not yer personal tickets, mind you. At the fair rate for securely transporting a military organisation onto foreign soil, with mums the word, we come to 3,000 gold pieces for the unit, to cover fare, entertainment and expenses. Then there’s the 300 gp passenger fee, per person, for sailing from a port on lockdown to a port in lockdown, which ye already covered."
The licks his lips and rubs his hands together.
“We take gems, gear, and other items in trade as well as gold and platinum pieces. No credit please.“
As Konrad speaks, a few of his mates, including the brawny roid-halfing, make their way around the breakfast table.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday October 21st, 2015 11:08:05 PM
Nikolai eyes the captain and his mate with cool eyes. "Interesting bargain, yours is. You come to an agreement of passage and its cost and sign it. Once on board you change the terms of agreement. You DO know who you are talking to, right? We are Mailed Fist, who are experts in Contracts of Service. You can wail all you want, you can threaten all you want, but the Mailed Fist will die to protect its contracts. I don't even need to lift my pinky finger and Pru will have this ship burned to the water line. Ana can transform into a kraken and splinter these timbers into match sticks. All within the Mailed Fist Law. As a matter of fact, we are headed right now to intercept a Mailed Fist Commander who is about to capture Alithmar on breach of its contract with the Mailed Fist."
Nikolai remains alert and tense but pretends to be relaxed. "Now, you want another contract? Just say so. We can start with how we provided your crew with invaluable protection. You saw what we did at the docks so you know our protection of your ship is not in question. We also provided entertainment to your crew as our bard here spend most of his time in music, song and stories. As far as a secure port, we dealt with any opposition to you leaving by decimating the Tiger Fist so that counts for us, maybe you even owe us since you'd not have ANY business with the Tiger Fist there to enforce the lock down. As far as a secure port to embark, you mentioned you were going to dump us on the beach. Hardly a secure port.
Now, lets talk about this new Contract you propose. You suggest a 3000gp fee for these 'services'. Give us a few minutes in private and we will come up with our own fee for the services we performed for you. If we owe you some, we pay, If you owe us some, you pay. Deal?"
Nikolai is quite ready to bash these two unconscious and is sure his mates are too. But he holds himself calm nevertheless. "Park yourselves outside for a few moments while we discuss our fee and then we can together ink it on paper and sign it."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday October 22nd, 2015 12:18:49 AM
Pru frowns. "But there are only eight of us," she says. "Three eights are twenty-four. I know I'm just a simply country girl, but even I know my threes. So 2400. And Nikolai," Pru adds, "he did say 300 per person when we started."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Thursday October 22nd, 2015 12:49:26 AM OH he still wants the 300gp a piece Pru, he's just trying to soak us for another 3000gp b'cause he thinks he has us over a barrel.
Michael smiles as he says it, and his eyes never leave the muscular halfling. if they leave us be, to come to a decison, Michael watches him till he goes, if they stay, Michael keeps an eye on the halfling and walks to a quiet corner away from the press of people, subtly signaling the burly 1st mate to join him for a dance of blood and fury.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday October 22nd, 2015 1:08:30 AM
Anna joins the huddle with the rest of her Fist.
"We could always try to parley...Isn't that something these seafaring types go for? I thought I heard that somewhere but I am not sure where."
She whispers to Nikolai, "I can become an octopus or a squid, but neither are quite a kracken. I could turn into a water elemental or a fire elemental though. One would let me swim and the other would help Pru in burning down the ship. Should I turn into something more threatening to prove our point?"
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 d20+13=14 ; Thursday October 22nd, 2015 8:08:32 AM
Karavik listens to the captain's words and Nikolai's reply, trying to get a good feeling for whether the captain is really willing to risk losing his ship for an extra 3000 gold or if he is just bluffing to try to mae some extra coin. (Sense Motive)
Sense Motive +13 for a 14 :/
AC 24 T17 F17 CMD 21 (29 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday October 22nd, 2015 8:22:54 PM
Tinker frowns, "that's not the terms of the contract."
The dwarf is tense, watching the sailors, and Readies himself to throw the table on its side as a improvised tower shield on the first sailor, mate, or captAin that attacks.
Ready action: up end table.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Thursday October 22nd, 2015 8:38:03 PM
The captains grin fades as he realizes the inherent danger in his gambit. He seems to be calculating something, whether odds or gold, is anyone's guess. He wrings his hat once more.
"Sorry mates. Me head must be addled by the bright mornin' sun. So be it, ye have me word I consider our debt settled. Ye'll not here another word on the subject."
He claps his hands and proclaims.
"Another round of breakfast for our esteemed guards and guests lads. The rest of ye, we have a landing to prepare for. Out of here now!"
He grabs the halfling and practically shoves him up the stairs and leaves the agents alone for a moment with their thoughts. He's gone for only a moment, before opening the door again, his face pale and white.
"Uhm. I know this be a bit poorly timed, considering our most recent misunderstandin', but I think ye should come up topside lads and Miss Pru. Thar be something going on."
Up above decks, the crows nest can be heard shouting something to the crew below.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Thursday October 22nd, 2015 9:12:40 PM
"Well, I think you will need to negotiate the fee for us coming up topside first. The Fist doesn't do anything without a contract. Right Nikolai?" Trayvin gives the captain a large toothy smile.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday October 22nd, 2015 11:30:26 PM
"I think you mean 'lads and Miss Pru and Miss Anna'," Pru murmurs.
She shrugs at Trayvin's objection. "I'll go look," she says. "Looking is free. Anything else....."
She goes up to see what's going on.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+13=26 ; Thursday October 22nd, 2015 11:40:19 PM
the buzz fades, Michael wasn't even aware it had started til he felt it leave, His grin goes from predatory to bemused to Schadenfreude when the cap't sticks his head back in eating crow. He listens intently and a moves to go up the stairs to see what is going on. he didn't miss that the cap't had to hustle the halfing out, so he's on the look out for a knife in the back as he goes up. he also looks around for an ambush so he can warn Pru and Anna, should perfidy be planned.
perception 26
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+7=18 ; d20+13=28 ; Thursday October 22nd, 2015 11:55:55 PM
Sense Motive +7 (is this a trick or a genuine crisis)= 18
"Best get back up there again. We'll gather our weapons and follow on your heels." Nikolai exclaims excitedly.
As soon as he leaves he tells the Fist, "Be weary of the food from now on is all I can say. About this threat, let's see if it is not a trick. Be on guard. I'll take the lead, Tinker and Michael after me, Pru and Trayving next, Karavik and Anna last."
Nikolai gathers up his backpack and starts for the stairway to the upper deck. As he goes up, he listens carefully for what is going on upside. Perception +13 = 28
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor
Action: Move to upper deck, alert.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 20/13/17 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=24 ; Friday October 23rd, 2015 8:56:05 AM
"Let me either find new fish or check the food out before we eat it." Anna says "I have spells that will allow me to determine if it is ok to eat." Anna says to Nikolai.
When she hears the commotion she tries to determine what is going on (Perception : 24)
She then falls in line at rearguard where Nikolai set her. Learning from what went down with tiger fist she casts barkskin on herself before she can get in a spot where she is threatened by battle.
Active Effects: barkskin : +3 natural armor - 60 minutes
Actions: Cast Barkskin / move to surface alert at rear guard per Nikolai's order
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=19 ; Friday October 23rd, 2015 9:12:00 PM
Tinker nods at Nikolai's words; he's not going to touch anything other than his hardtack from his own backpack until well away from the ship.
But the Captain's question is... Interesting. Quickly being fully loaded with weapons, armor, and equipment, the dwarf trots up the ladder first , being fully defensive in case of any sudden treachery.
Full defensive +6 ac
Perception 19
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Friday October 23rd, 2015 11:31:39 PM
Konrad eats his crow silently. He nods, somewhat sheepishly, and clears way up the ladder. It seems he is genuinely concerned about what's happening.
The morning mist clumps thick around the ship, Konrad waits near the wheel, and points towards shore as you emerge.
"I gave us orders to find a suitable anchor not long ago. Yer rows are ready to take ye out to land. Then that happened."
In the crows nest, the lookout gives a sharp cry again, this time able to be heard clearly by all.
“Captain! Riders on the shore!” To the east, a group of ten riders wait dismounted, flying a curious flag.
Profession Sailor DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {The flag carries Middle Seas nautical message for Parley Under Threat. }
“Pah. We can just circle back and ..”, Captain Konrads dismissal is quickly interrupted as a Fireball of massive size comes roaring across the water, striking the ships mast and sails. There is an explosion, and dozens of tiny metal spikes fall from above and embed themselves in the ship. The mast cracks and sizzles, the treated wood resisting the flames for now. The sails however, are quickly engulfed in flame. Of the watch from the mast, there is no sign.
“You damned maniacs!”, screams Konrad. He squints his eyes at the shore party, mumbling to himself as different colors of smoke begin to appear, puffing up, apparently being used as a message of sorts.
Profession Sailor DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: { Warning Shot. Turn towards shore. }
Perception DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {The colored smoke is not coming from flares, but rather a man in robes casting a spell. There is also a small battle flag near the wizard, containing the picture of an eagle grapping a wand in one talon, and a sword in the other.}
Profession Soldier, DC 10. (Only if you made the above perception check.) Highlight to display spoiler: {The battle-flag belongs to Eagle Regiment, who are known for mixing magic and martial prowess.}
Konrad looks at you and frowns.
“We can’t outrun their spells. We have to parley.”
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+13=17 ; Saturday October 24th, 2015 11:18:23 PM I can't see a danged thing over these side boards, whats going on gu....HOLY SEA TROLLS...they are shooting at us! Yeah Parley or shoot back!
perception 17
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 20/13/17 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=19 ; d20+6=18 ; Sunday October 25th, 2015 1:34:54 AM
(Percception: 19)
"I can't see anything over this smoke." Anna says, "also I told you the nautical types like to parley."
"Let me try to rectify the fire" Anna casts quench targeting a 120 ft cube that encompasses the burning pieces of ship. [OOC: per the spell: Quench is often used to put out forest fires and other conflagrations. It extinguishes all nonmagical fires in its area. The spell also dispels any fire spells in its area, though you must succeed on a dispel check (1d20 +1 per caster level, maximum +15) against each spell to dispel it. The DC to dispel such spells is 11 + the caster level of the fire spell.]
(If needed dispel check : 18)
Active Effects: barkskin : +3 natural armor - 60 minutes
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Sunday October 25th, 2015 2:59:16 PM
"Yeesh how do they expect us to come to shore when they torched the sails, paddle?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=29 ; d20+7=21 ; Sunday October 25th, 2015 6:48:01 PM
Profession-Sailor: untrained Perception +13 DC20 = 29 Profession-Soldier +7 DC10 (perception roll made)= 21
"Thanks Anna," Nikolai says then squints at the beach and surveys the troops. His keen half elven eyes see a lot. "It's the Eagle Regiment troops. That smoke is actually coming from a spell caster and his spell casting. Eagle and Bear regiments were two of the Regiments that participated in getting rid of the giants for Ailithmar. They may be just wanting to stop the ship as they would any other or they may know we are here. Considering the condition of the sails, I doubt trying to get away to some other spot will work. Being Eagle Regiment, they probably have all manner of bird scouts along these shores anyway."
He looks at the captain and tells him "Send out a signal to parlay. Don't mention us unless they ask. If all they want is to search your ship for contraband, we can sneak over the other side and hide in the water. If they know some agents of the Fist are here, don't put yourselves in any more danger, just tell them we will talk to them."
Nikolai hopes the captain will be brave. "If you pull of this landing without them suspecting we are here, we can put some extra gold in your pockets. But don't let greed cost you your ship and men either."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+10=29 ; Sunday October 25th, 2015 11:00:23 PM
Pru readies an action to try to Counterspell.
[Spellcraft 29 to identify the spell as it is being cast; she will couter it if it is a spell she has.]
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday October 26th, 2015 9:29:36 AM
Tinker unlimbers his repeating crossbow and prepares to support Nikolai's move
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Monday October 26th, 2015 4:10:44 PM
The Agents of the Fist make their way above decks, ensuring that the there is no trickery from the captain. Nikolai encourages the Parley, but warns Konrad to do nothing stupid to endanger his ship or his crew. Prudence readies a counterspell, and Anna quickly drenches the remaining flames, saving some of the ships sails, though they look to be in pretty bad shape. Trayvin, Tinker, and Michael observe the damage, and prepare for whatever might come next.
The Captain makes orders for a small boat readies, and those orders are quickly followed. He also has 4 more boats readied for use, 2 on each side of the ship, just in case people have to abandon the ship quickly.
He makes his way with a couple of crewmen towards shore, and leaves his first mate in charge, with orders to leave the anchor up in case they have to try to run. The first mate seems concerned with the ships movements.
"Tide is carrying us closer, about as fast as the captain can row. An' he told me not to drop anchor. There might be an undertow here. Look!"
The captain's men row with skill and strength, and although they are closing with shore, they aren't putting much distance on the ship. After about 10 minutes, the captain and his men make shore. The ship, not far behind, lurches to a slow stop as it's keel rubs against the beach below, about 300 feet from shore.
(You have ten minutes worth of spells and actions, should you choose to take them. Tick 10 minutes off of any ongoing spell effects. )
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 Monday October 26th, 2015 4:22:58 PM
Karavik readies his crossbow and selects a story to recite in case things continue to head south....
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=23 ; Monday October 26th, 2015 7:50:18 PM
Tinker moves to the seaward side of the ship and tries to see if there is a way for the Agents to take one of the boats and escape this trap. He reports what he has seen to Nikolai and the others.
"I don't like this, the Eagles are fully in the pay of Pavalion from what we know, and it is as if we are captured. Or we can try and kill the mage and escape, though we are rapidly becoming more and more notorious for the other side."
Perception - 23
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 20/13/17 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+6=11 Monday October 26th, 2015 9:32:37 PM
"Well we could go with plan B." Anna suggests. "I prepared water breathing and I can give 7 people the ability to breathe water for 107 minutes each. I could cast it, touch all of you and then we slip over the side and plan to meet up further down the coast. I would turn into something that just naturally breathes water and then we could avoid the Eagle's entirely." Anna says.
If the others agree, she will cast the spell on each of her companions then slip over the side and turn into a water elemental.
Active Effects: barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
potentially: water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes) and Anna is a small water elemental for 5 hours 50 min (Stealth 11) (OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min) (see above)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Monday October 26th, 2015 10:24:14 PM
"I disagree with you Anna. Running makes us look guilty. If we are going to convince the other Fists that we are in the right, then we need to act like it. Let's see what they have to say, if it comes to a fight, I'm not sure that we can evade them anyway. They certainly seemed to know right where to find us."
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday October 26th, 2015 10:25:49 PM
"Anna's is a good escape plan," Pru says, "but let's make sure we actually need to escape before we try it."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+7=13 ; d20+11=16 ; Monday October 26th, 2015 10:29:46 PM "That's a good idea, Anna," Nikolai says as he surveys their situation. "Underwater, linked together with a length of rope with you towing, we could escape the notice of any scouts. That's better than me using my magical feather."
He then takes Pru's suggestion but adds. "The problem with this escape plan if we wait is that we won't have time to do it. Anna needs to have the time to cast the water breathing spell on all of us before we get blasted and we know they can do that easily enough since we are getting closer by the minute. I suggest we do it now, escape when the gate is open wide. Especially if they don't really know we are here and this is just a normal cargo check."
Unless there are reasonable objections from the majority of the Fist, Nikolai has everyone join Tinker and gather at the point most opposite the shore (Stern?) and Anna gets ready to cast her water breathing spells. "This will also save the captain some embarrassment or punishment. We've made our payment, he's delivered us to the shore. That's good enough for me. Let's just try to get in to the water without too much of a splash, ok?"
With that decided he has everyone look up and about for any possible bird scouts and if the coast is clear and they can do this out of sight of the shore, Anna casts her water breathing spells while they attack two segments of rope (total 100') so that the slower swimmers are left behind. With Anna towing the rope and the others holding on and aiding in the swimming, they should be able to stick together.
"Now, over the side quietly as possible."
With the rope hanging over the rails, each one slithers down into the water, Nikolai last, bringing the other end of the rope with him.
Climb down ship hull +7 = 13 Stealth +11 = 16
Once all are in the water and holding the rope, he gives Anna the signal to head on down the shore towards Ailithmar.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+13=21 ; Monday October 26th, 2015 11:28:44 PM
Michael takes the tail end Charlie position and lets the others drag his 30 lbs along while he watches behind for signs of pursuit and trouble.
Perception 21
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+11=15 ; d20+18=32 ; Monday October 26th, 2015 11:30:42 PM
Climb down 15
Stealth 32
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery d20+7=27 ; d20+7=12 ; d6+4=10 ; 3d6=11 ; Tuesday October 27th, 2015 8:16:22 PM
The Agents, following Nikolai's plan, work quickly to start securing their climb down the port side of the ship. Ropes are fastened, and one by one they start the descent. Nikolai is first to the railing, but decides to be the last down.
(As I understand it, the ropes are affixed to Anna, whose strength of 16 should be enough to support one descent at a time. )
Your DM needs climb checks from everyone, as well as a definitive climbing order, volunteered by anyone.
The ship from keel to deck is 40 ft high. Unknotted Rope, Slippery Surface
Climb, DC 20
With a successful Climb check, you can advance up, down, or across a slope, wall, or other steep incline (or even across a ceiling, provided it has handholds) at one-quarter your normal speed. A slope is considered to be any incline at an angle measuring less than 60 degrees; a wall is any incline at an angle measuring 60 degrees or more. A Climb check that fails by 4 or less means that you make no progress, and one that fails by 5 or more means that you fall from whatever height you have already attained. The DC of the check depends on the conditions of the climb. Compare the task with those on the following table to determine an appropriate DC.
You need both hands free to climb, but you may cling to a wall with one hand while you cast a spell or take some other action that requires only one hand. While climbing, you can’t move to avoid a blow, so you lose your Dexterity bonus to AC (if any). You also can’t use a shield while climbing. Anytime you take damage while climbing, make a Climb check against the DC of the slope or wall. Failure means you fall from your current height and sustain the appropriate falling damage.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Tuesday October 27th, 2015 8:52:05 PM
OOC:DM, the rope is attached to one of the pins (used to fasten the sails's ropes) at the railing, Nikolai unfastens it and takes it with him when he goes down.
Also, those using the rope are just letting themselves down. Nikolai, who will actually be climbing down the ship's hull should be the only one actually 'climbing'. So what's the DC to slip down a rope?
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD d20+2=10 ; Tuesday October 27th, 2015 9:53:05 PM
Trayvin quietly slips over the side and begins climbing down the rope. He doesn't feel this is the best course of action, but now isn't the time to argue about it.
Actions: climb check = 10
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday October 27th, 2015 10:23:47 PM
Pru does not even have a mathematical chance at a DC 20 Climb check, so she will wait until last.
Anna Morphe[small water elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 21/14/18 - HP 53/53 -- CMD 15 d20+6=24 Tuesday October 27th, 2015 10:51:30 PM
Anna says, "I have a spider climb spell prepared as well, but I can only cast it on a single party member. Should I cast it on Pru, who seems to have the most difficulty climbing or Nikolai who is going to go last? I also have a climber's kit in my sack, but I would have to return back to being human to retrieve it. However I can cast guidance on everyone before they climb."
Anna casts guidance on each party member who did not receive spider-climb before they attempt the descent.
Active Effects: Wildshape as Small Water Elemental [elemental body I] - 5 hours 50 minutes +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD, +2 size con, +6 hp (due to con), +4 natural armor, swim speed 60 ft, base speed 20 ft, dark vision 60 ft, can breathe water, slam +8(1d6+4) and can create a vortex vortex: Save DC 17(4th level spell+3 wisdom modifier), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d6+4
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes elapsed - either on Nikolai or Pru
guidance : next skill check + 1 to roll - rest of party minus Nikolai or Pru (see above)
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
Climb = take 10 = 15 (normally + 4 + 1 from guidance) Stealth = 24
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+11=23 ; Tuesday October 27th, 2015 11:16:43 PM
? climb check 23
since I'm the lightest one here, and I also have one of the highest perception checks. you can easily drag me through the water and I can watch behind us for signs of pursuit, I'll just tie the rope around my leg
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Wednesday October 28th, 2015 1:24:08 AM
DM Ken
To simply slide down the rope without falling, DC 15
Any surface with adequate handholds and footholds (natural or artificial), such as a very rough natural rock surface or a tree, or an unknotted rope, or pulling yourself up when dangling by your hands.
I believe it would be just as hard to descend non-catastrophically as it would be to ascend.
DC 15:
Fail by 4 or less no progress down. Fail by 5 and you slide down, taking 5 points of damage from rope burn and descend 1/4 move speed. Fail by 6 or more and you fall the 40ft.
You may attempt, per regular rules, to move at half move speed by taking a -5 penalty. You may also attempt to slide at full move speed, by taking a -15 penalty.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Wednesday October 28th, 2015 2:06:48 AM
OOC: past midnight, posting tomorrow. Wow, this is one heck of a tall ship for the hull to have 40' above the water line. On the other hand, if it is like the Mayflower, where the aft is much higher than the mid or front sections, I can see that. :)
Karavik (Brad) AC 18/13/15 HP 31/46 CMD 17 d20+4=13 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+9=24 ; Wednesday October 28th, 2015 7:55:45 AM
Karavik begins to make his way down the rope and towards the water, attempting to do so as inconspicuously as possible. Neither his climbing nor his stealth seem to be going well though.
Climb +4 for a 13(no progress) Stealth +7 for a 10 Perception +9 for a 24
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=27 ; d20+15=16 ; Wednesday October 28th, 2015 8:58:08 PM
Tinker doesn't want to wait for the rope, a device that the dwarf has a 50/50 chance of falling off anyways. "We got a shore break and wind in the sails to mask any noise we might make." he tells his friends. He quaffs his Elixir of Swimming and gracefully ...jumps!
Tinker maneuvers himself to soften his fall and so only hits the water like a minor meteor, and comes up spluttering.
.....
Elixir of Swimming - +10 swim checks for one hour Acrobatics DC 15 to ignore first 10 feet fallen 27 success! Swim - 16
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Wednesday October 28th, 2015 9:10:13 PM
The agents begin the downward descent, but are a jumble of bodies on a rope.
Michael makes good progress. Karavik, Tinker, and Trayvin do not, and though each are on the rope, in that order, they are fumbling about. Prudence, Anna, and Nikolai wait atop the ship to figure out how the final straws will fall.
Those still topside watch the exchange on shore tensely, as does the crew of the Knuckleduster, nets and other rigging in hand. The first mate keeps his eye stuck to his looking glass, and seems tense without Konrad on board.
The boat and the shore delegates meet, and conversation seems to begin. The men ask the captain questions, and he shakes his head "no" vigorously, several times.
Perception: DC 23
Highlight to display spoiler: {The metal shards that fell into the deck from the explosion are still moving, even though the ship is still and ran aground.}
On the Ship: Anna, Prudence, Nikolai, Revan. On the rope, from top to bottom: Trayvin (40ft to go), Karavik (40ft to go), Michael (35ft to go).
In the water: Tinker (5 subdual)
Tinker finds the water to be cold, very cold! Still, he keeps his head above water. In his brief time under, he discovers there's only about 12 feet of water below him.
Though the Agents are 300ft from the occupied beach, Tinker figures a good 700ft from the next closest land mass.
DC 15:
Fail by 4 or less no progress down. Fail by 5 and you slide down, taking 5 points of damage from rope burn and descend 1/4 move speed. Fail by 6 or more and you fall the 40ft.
You may attempt, per regular rules, to move at half move speed by taking a -5 penalty. You may also attempt to slide at full move speed, by taking a -15 penalty.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD d20+2=13 ; Wednesday October 28th, 2015 9:35:46 PM
Trayvin continues attempting to climb down the rope. He hopes the captain is having some success at stalling the Eagle Fist on the beach.
Actions climb check = 13
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) d20+13=21 ; Wednesday October 28th, 2015 9:47:34 PM
Perception +13 = 21
With the rope wrapped around a pin a couple of times, the rope is made secure and the Fist start over the side. Rappelling down the ship's hull and trying to remain quiet is not so easy as it had seemed.
Nikolai sees the captain shakes his head vigorously but can't make out what is being said. The descent is taking too long.
"Anna, go ahead and turn into a water elemental and jump on in. You three down there, just take a dive once Anna is in the water. Pru, start down as best you can but just drop in if it looks like it will be too hard to manage. I'll follow once you're in the water. We don't have the time to be pretty."
Nikolai hopes that the distance and the ship itself will muffle and splashes. He tells the crew that if the shore party looks at them and asks what's going on, to just yell back that it is the surf hitting the stern as the tide comes in.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday October 28th, 2015 11:18:42 PM
Pru frowns down at the water. "I knew I should have learned Feather Fall," she grumbles. She waits for the rope to be a little less cluttered.
Anna Morphe[small water elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 21/14/18 - HP 53/53 -- CMD 15 d20+11=19 ; Wednesday October 28th, 2015 11:22:42 PM
(OOC: Oh Kindly Dms was the reason why Anna was still on the ship, was because you cannot take 10 on this check or the rope was at maximum occupancy?)
(Perception: 19)
Anna has no clue what is going on with the captain so she casts spider climb on Pru, so that she can descend safely without getting hurt.
Anna directs someone to be standing at the gunwhale with a bucket and then hops over the side, hoping that since she is liquidy and sound she makes will look like someone was emptying a bucket over the side.
Active Effects: Wildshape as Small Water Elemental [elemental body I] - 5 hours 50 minutes +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD, +2 size con, +6 hp (due to con), +4 natural armor, swim speed 60 ft, base speed 20 ft, dark vision 60 ft, can breathe water, slam +8(1d6+4) and can create a vortex vortex: Save DC 17(4th level spell+3 wisdom modifier), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d6+4
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes elapsed - on Pru
guidance : next skill check + 1 to roll - rest of party minus Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
DM OOC: It was because Anna was going to cast Spider Climb on someone, and both Pru and Nikolai were still on deck.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+15=29 ; Thursday October 29th, 2015 9:40:38 PM
Tinker swims away from the boat, keeping the ship between him and the beach. He doesn't want to get hit by a friend. "Just fall on down, we gotta get a move on, Agents!" He hisses.
Elixir of Swimming - +10 swim checks for one hour Swim -29
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+11=28 ; d20+13=32 ; Thursday October 29th, 2015 9:55:12 PM
"Piece of cake" thinks Michael as he makes his way down the side of the ship, curiously he notices the pieces of metal moving on the deck of the ship even though the ship does not now move.
climb 28 perception 32
Anna Morphe[small water elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 21/14/18 - HP 53/53 -- CMD 15 Thursday October 29th, 2015 10:52:53 PM
After falling into the water, Anna swims a little away from the fall zone of the boat so as not to have a team mate fall on her.
(OOC: checking in)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Thursday October 29th, 2015 10:58:33 PM
If it takes Trayvin too long to climb down the rope, he will jump into the water.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday October 30th, 2015 12:03:45 AM
Nikolai suggests Anna cast the Spider climb on Pru. He has a halfway decent chance to climb down.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20+4=15 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+4=5 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=13 ; Friday October 30th, 2015 10:18:40 AM Trayvin continues to struggle with the rope and his armor. He doesn't make any progress at all! Anna casts spider climb on Pru, then slips over the edge with a clever bucket ruse. She hits with a splash, and finds that being made of water doesn't soften the blow of her drop. Michael continues easily traversing the rope.
Nikolai steals another glance at shore. He sees something exchange hands between the captain and the Eagle Fist, and things go south in a hurry.
The captain fires a flare of his own into the sky, a deep blue color. Almost immediately, the nets and ropes goes fying from the men onboard, and they rush Pru and Nikolai! One of them hits Revan with a sap, and the dwarf drops cold.
The muscled halfling folds his arms and watches, then produces a dagger and starts to cut the rope, calling down to Michael.
"Looks like we missed our chance to dance, punk. Maybe you chumps should have paid the captain the extra 3 grand he asked for!"
2 Nets vs Nikolai. Hit touch/fftd AC 11 and 23.
2 Nets vs Prudence. Hit touch/fftd AC 5 and 14
2 Crew try to grapple Nikolai: 9 +2 Aid another = CMD 11
2 Crew try to grapple Prudence: 13 + 2 Aid another = CMD 13.
(Remember to subtract your dex bonus from your CMDs this round)
"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 non-proficient one to do so.
On the Ship:Prudence, Nikolai, Revan. On the rope, from top to bottom: Trayvin (40ft to go), Karavik (40ft to go), Michael (30ft to go).
In the water: Tinker (5 subdual), Anna (14 subdual),
DC 15:
Fail by 4 or less no progress down. Fail by 5 and you slide down, taking 5 points of damage from rope burn and descend 1/4 move speed. Fail by 6 or more and you fall the 40ft.
You may attempt, per regular rules, to move at half move speed by taking a -5 penalty. You may also attempt to slide at full move speed, by taking a -15 penalty.
No map, at this particular time. The net throwers are 10 ft away from Pru and Nikolai. The 4 grapplers are adjacent. The halfling is cutting the rope at the edge of the ship.
Perception: DC 24
Highlight to display spoiler: {The little metal shards in the ship have continued to burrow into the deck, and are now glowing faintly.}
Anna Morphe[small water elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 21/14/18 - HP 39/53 (nonlethal) -- CMD 15 d20+11=15 ; Friday October 30th, 2015 12:58:33 PM
Anna swims to get closer to the ship.
Anna loses Warp Wood and Bull's Strength to spontaneously cast summon nature's ally II.
Next round a small air elemental will appear 40 feet in the air as near to the ruckus on the ship as she can summon it.
Active Effects: Wildshape as Small Water Elemental [elemental body I] - 5 hours 50 minutes +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD, +2 size con, +6 hp (due to con), +4 natural armor, swim speed 60 ft, base speed 20 ft, dark vision 60 ft, can breathe water, slam +8(1d6+4) and can create a vortex vortex: Save DC 17(4th level spell+3 wisdom modifier), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d6+4
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes elapsed - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Friday October 30th, 2015 4:14:23 PM
(Note that since Trayvin and Karavik have made no progress, they can simply spend a move action to go from rope to ship.)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) d20+11=26 ; 5d4=13 ; Friday October 30th, 2015 4:17:30 PM
Pru is almost insulted. After seeing what she can do, this crew thinks hauling her up in a net is a good idea?
She uses all her concentration to cast the spell while tangled in a net. [Concentration 26, success] Flames leap up around her, setting the net alight and singeing any crew member foolish enough to be too close.
[Cast buring hands. Any creature caught in the blast takes 13 points of fire damage, DC16 Reflex save for half. According to the spell description, flammable materials burn if the flames touch them, and Pru is hoping that includes net cords.]
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=21 ; d20+15=19 ; Friday October 30th, 2015 6:40:57 PM
Tinker feels completely outmaneuvered, feeling very slow in the water with no good way to get back to help his companions. He looks around for some handholds or anything to get him climbing back to the tall flat-topped ship and stuff those words back in the halfling mate's mouth!
He swims back towards the ship's side at any likely spot to climb up.
Perception 21 Swim 19
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 22/14/21 Hp 21/59 CMD Friday October 30th, 2015 9:17:37 PM
Giving up on climbing the rope, Trayvin decides instead to hop back on board the ship. Once on the deck, he draws a weapon and takes in the scene. "I think I need to do something about those climbing skills."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple) Friday October 30th, 2015 11:33:33 PM
OOC: Quick question - Since Pru and Nikolai are next to the rope, then they are next to the halfling cutting the rope, right?
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Saturday October 31st, 2015 12:11:59 AM
Ooc: Sure.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+1=3 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+16=29 ; Saturday October 31st, 2015 12:54:27 AM
Michael reaches into his pocket and pulls out an alchemist fire, he tosses it up into the junction of the forecastle and the deck ( where the flames can gain good purchase on the walls of the forecastle). unfortunately his grip slips and he falls backward, he puts his left thumb and forefinger to his forehead in the classic L for loser sign, while falling and looks pointedly at the pudgy halfling LOOOSER!
str check to hold onto the rope with one hand 3,
toss the ACF while falling to hit the ship 18
acrobatics check to hit the water at reduced or no damage and still get the burn in on mighty mite (dm option) 29.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+10=17 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=15 ; Sunday November 1st, 2015 8:52:06 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing
Condition: Entangled = -2 att, -4 dex, move half speed, Escape Art DC20 or Str DC25. Adjusted: AC 19 Tch 19 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple)
Nikolai is not happy at the double cross. In his view, this lifts any legal bounds their contract with the captain had in preventing any attack or damage to the ship or crew. All was now quite legal.
[[b]"Everyone! Just jump into the water! Don't fret for anyone caught!"
He knows his Fist. They'd get themselves caught here trying to fight the crew. Under the circumstances, a rescue would be easier later, maybe. He hopes everyone else follows suit and jumps overboard also.
For his part, he tries to get some leverage of his own. The smug halfling cutting the rope gives Nikolai an idea, the Thumb is not going overboard alone.
OOC: I found no rule preventing a net grappled victim from performing a grapple himself, just the -2 att.
Improved Grapple Att on halfling: CMB d20 +10 (-2) = 17 - 2 = 15 vs hafling CMD
If this attempt fails, he tries again: CMB d20 +10 (-2) = 17 - 2 = 15 vs hafling CMD
If this attempt fails (duh), spend a Hero point for another try: CMB d20 +10 (-2) = 15 - 2 = 13 vs hafling CMD
OOC the die roller is not in my favor today. :(
If the grapple succeeds, he hefts himself over board with the halfling in tow. Move: you can move both yourself and your target up to half your speed. Etc..
Since Nikolai is not attempting to place the target anywhere but going over the side with it, I don't think the +4 bonus to break the grapple applies. My opinion. :)
Success or not, he then takes a 5' step to fling himself overboard. He has a plan for later.
Standard: Grapple att, one or two or three. Move: 5' step to flop over the railing, with or without the ship's mate.
OOC: If I understand the 5' step rule correctly, he should be able to use all three grapples and still use the 5' step. It it is deemed not, then just one Grapple attack and then overboard.
The canny double-cross of the Agents has left the party split up and in two different places!
Anna is in the water and in elemental form. Since she has a natural swim speed, casting the spell in no problem. She begins concentrating on a summoning spell. Michael's fall from the rope is almost slow motion. His finger and thumb create the perfect "L" over his fore head, then launches an alchemists flask up over the ship. It impacts on the ships sides, and begins to burn. His eyes lock on those of his halfling rival just before he contorts to reduce his fall damage. (Michael, 8 subdual)
Prudence (going off your character sheet) is not only netted, but grappled. (CMD 15 - 2 dex = CMD 13.) She struggles to cast a spell, even while in the arms of these petty sailors.
"Casting a spell while you have the grappled or pinned condition is difficult and requires a concentration check (DC 10 + the grappler’s CMB + the level of the spell you’re casting).
Prudence needs (2) concentration checks this turn.
Concentration 26 vs DC 26 Grapple = success! Concentration 16 vs DC 16 Net = success! (Rolled by DM. d20+11 I believe?)
Pru's flames cover both of her assailants and both net throwers and incinerates the net restraining her. Prudence is no longer entangled. 3 of the men fall in a burning heap, except her grappler.
"You'll pay for that witch!"
Trayvin makes it up onto the deck. Revan finds himself stirring and stands. His assailant has left him and is charging into the ruckus!
Tinker searches for a way back aboard. He could try scaling the side of the ship high enough up to try and jump to the rope, but unless he can fly, he doesn't have many other options. Nikolai tries in vain to secure his small prisoner, then flops over the ships railing. (Nikolai, 16 Subdual. 17 if you fail your acrobatics)
Although Prudence burned three of the men, there are 7 left on deck. 2 who threw nets at Nikolai, 2 who tried to grapple Nikolai, Pru's grappler, Revans attacker, and the First Mate.
2 men move to bull-rush Trayvin over the side! He gets an attack of opportunity on one of them! (DM Rolled, d20 + 7 = 9. Miss!) The bull-rush beats CMD 21, and Trayvin is pushed back 5 ft and over the edge of the ship! Trayvin takes 12 subdual damage and must start swimming (Unsure if you are in your armor.)
Prudence's grappler moves to pin her to the ground. He pins CMD 20.
A pinned creature is tightly bound and can take few actions. A pinned creature cannot move and is denied its Dexterity bonus. A pinned character also takes an additional –4 penalty to his Armor Class. A pinned creature is limited in the actions that it can take. A pinned creature can always attempt to free itself, usually through a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check. A pinned creature can take verbal and mental actions, but cannot cast any spells that require a somatic or material component. A pinned character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level) or lose the spell. Pinned is a more severe version of grappled, and their effects do not stack.
Casting Spells while Pinned: The only spells which can be cast while grappling or pinned are those without somatic components and whose material components (if any) you have in hand. Even so, you must make a concentration check (DC 10 + the grappler's CMB + the level of the spell you're casting) or lose the spell.
The halfling laughs as Nikolai and Trayvin go overboard.
"I think you might consider turning yerselves in to whomever is chattin' with the captain, or else the pretty lady up here is going to pay the price!"
He kneels and uses his rope to give Prudence the "Tied Up" condition. (23 vs CMD 14)
If you have your target pinned, otherwise restrained, or unconscious, you can use rope to tie him up. This works like a pin effect, but the DC to escape the bonds is equal to 20 + your Combat Maneuver Bonus (instead of your CMD). The ropes do not need to make a check every round to maintain the pin. If you are grappling the target, you can attempt to tie him up in ropes, but doing so requires a combat maneuver check at a –10 penalty. If the DC to escape from these bindings is higher than 20 + the target's CMB, the target cannot escape from the bonds, even with a natural 20 on the check.
As a result of being tied up, Prudence is effectively "Helpless". There are 4 people in range to effectively coup de grace Prudence if ordered.
Helpless: A helpless character is paralyzed, held, bound, sleeping, unconscious, or otherwise completely at an opponent's mercy. A helpless target is treated as having a Dexterity of 0 (–5 modifier). Melee attacks against a helpless target get a +4 bonus (equivalent to attacking a prone target). Ranged attacks get no special bonus against helpless targets. Rogues can sneak attack helpless targets.
As a full-round action, an enemy can use a melee weapon to deliver a coup de grace to a helpless foe. An enemy can also use a bow or crossbow, provided he is adjacent to the target. The attacker automatically hits and scores a critical hit. (A rogue also gets his sneak attack damage bonus against a helpless foe when delivering a coup de grace.) If the defender survives, he must make a Fortitude save (DC 10 + damage dealt) or die. Delivering a coup de grace provokes attacks of opportunity.
Creatures that are immune to critical hits do not take critical damage, nor do they need to make Fortitude saves to avoid being killed by a coup de grace.
The remaining 4 men finish cutting the rope over the side. Only a groggy Revan remains onboard. Karavik takes 9 subdual from the fall.
On the Ship: Prudence, Revan
In the water: Tinker (5 subdual), Anna (14 subdual), Michael (8 subdual), Trayvin (12 subdual), Karavik (9 subdual)
DC 15:
Fail by 4 or less no progress down. Fail by 5 and you slide down, taking 5 points of damage from rope burn and descend 1/4 move speed. Fail by 6 or more and you fall the 40ft.
You may attempt, per regular rules, to move at half move speed by taking a -5 penalty. You may also attempt to slide at full move speed, by taking a -15 penalty.
Prudence and Revan, Perception DC 18: Highlight to display spoiler: {The small metal shards are glowing very brightly now, and emitting a low hum. }
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP70/70-CMD 22 d20+11=29 ; d12+6=16 ; Monday November 2nd, 2015 4:22:43 PM Why ye double crossing little...I'll get you you pint sized Orc lover!!
With that,he runs to Pru's aid. He's going to charge the man nearest him that is threatening Pru,but also where it would put the other three within his threatened space.
As he charges he draws his greataxe: Attack roll:25 to hit(18+9+2 charge -4nonlethal) or 29 if he's a human. Nonlethal Damage:16(10+4+2charge bonus) 20 damage if he's human
I got you little one,no worries! As his axe(most hopefully) slams home into the man.
With Revan in their ranks,it'll at least give Revan a chance to attack the coup de gracer(?) before they get Pru.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday November 2nd, 2015 5:37:28 PM
Pru can't move, but she can still speak.
"Nikolai!" she calls. "Tinker! Everyone! Keep going! I'll be fine! Finish the mission! I'll catch up!"
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 d20+6=10 ; d4+1=4 ; Monday November 2nd, 2015 8:07:14 PM
The spell finishes and the air elemental appears 40 feet in the air.
Anna gives the elemental a command in Auran.
Auran speakersHighlight to display spoiler: {"Attack those who threaten the bound woman! Focus on the short one first!"}
The air elemental moves to attack those threatening Pru and attacks if able. (100 foot fly speed)
(hit vs AC 10; 4 slam damage)
Anna then says to Pru, "Hold on Pru!!! Help is on the way."
To Tinker Anna says, "Get on my back. I'll transport you to the ship."
Anna takes a standard action to wildshape into the form of a dire bat and once Tinker gets on her back she takes a move action to fly 40 feet at a 45 degree angle. (OOC: This forms a right isosceles triangle. Assuming she flies along the hypotenuse this puts her at 28 feet in height.) She burns her last hero point to travel another 40 feet which puts her at 56 feet in height which should allow her to fly over the ship and Tinker to get on Deck if he so chooses.
Active Effects: Wildshape as Dire Bat [Beast Shape II] - 6 hours +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD, 20 ft speed, fly 40 ft(good), bite+8(1d8+7) space:10, reach 5
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes elapsed - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Monday November 2nd, 2015 11:05:03 PM
"Well which is it? Are we getting off the ship or back on?" Trayvin treads water and watches the scene unfold. With no real way to get back up onto the ship, there's not much he can do to help anyway.
OOC- I doubt he would have worn it around on the ship while in transit, so I will say the armor is stashed in his haversack.
notes: -12hp subdual dmg
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD d20+4=13 ; Monday November 2nd, 2015 11:06:11 PM
OOC forgot the swim check = 13
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+6=16 ; d20+14=31 ; d2+3=4 d2+3=4 Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 12:58:47 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing
dmg: 16 subdual Condition: Entangled = -2 att, -4 dex, move half speed, Escape Art DC20 or Str DC25. Adjusted: AC 19 Tch 19 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 22/24(Grapple)
Nikolai hits the water with a plan. He notices Anna take the form of a bat and carry Tinker off so it is too late to do something about that but he calls out to the other three, "Michael, Trayvin, Karavik! Help cut me loose. I've got a plan.
To Anna, he calls out "Can you summon any more critters? A giant squid or octopus is what I need for my plan!"
OOC: Details of plan coming later if we can get an octopi or squids.
Oops, forgot my action: Action: remove a shuriken and start cutting at the net. Flurry attack on net: Dmg = 4, 4 OOC: Do I need to roll to hit? Do it for me if I do. :}
Tinker attempts to scramble aboard Anna to catch a lift to the top of the ship. He doesn't have a chance of getting off safely, but when he is over the deck, he'll just roll off and try to acrobatically avoid getting hurt by too much...
.... Ride +2 to stay on Anna's back Acrobatics +10 to avoid first 10 foot damage
Revan's heroic charge is both effective and dangerous. He takes some moderate wounds as he closes in ( 2 AoO's hit charging AC of 20 for 13 damage.). Anna's Air elemental also appears overhead, and flails awkwardly at one of those near Prudence.
Prudence, for her part, pleads for the Agents to move on, but it seems like what could be her last request is unanimously ignored.
Anna and Tinker dart for the top of the ship, Tinker rolls off the side of the Giant Bat, and lands without much trouble.
Nikolai, Michael, Karavik, and Trayvin are left treading water down below. Nikolai cuts through his bonds with a shuriken, then hatches a plan needing many arms and tentacles.
On board, the the melee gets full swing. The first mate begins to sweat a little, seeing what looked like a seven to one hostage situation quickly become a much closer affair.
Time slows down as he quickly issues an ultimatum.
"I mean it! Stop this mess or we cut her throat! Surrender right now!", he screams. He looks desperate and serious. Immediately next to Prudence are the halfling and two lackeys. A third is a mangled mess on the floor.
Players, please post verbal reactions to the threat only, no actions, as this is a special sequence post occuring just before the crews turn as a free action.
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 2:46:08 PM
Anna stuck in bat form has literally no way to respond to the oaf's demand nor Nikolai regarding his plan. On principal she is against negotiating with terrorists. Really at this point no matter what she does, unless she shifts into something that has a mouth she can't belay that last order to the air elemental to attack those thug's threatening Pru as she has no way to tell it to back off, at least for another 30 seconds when it will cease to be summoned.
Active Effects: Wildshape as Dire Bat [Beast Shape II] - 6 hours +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD, 20 ft speed, fly 40 ft(good), bite+8(1d8+7) space:10, reach 5
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes elapsed - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 3:15:08 PM
Tears are rolling down Pru's face.
"Go!" she yells to her friends. "You can't stop this! Go! I'm willing to die so you can get away. I am not willing to die because you tried something stupid and failed!"
She puts all of her heart, all of her soul, all of her strength, all of her voice, and (if possible) a surge of magic into one final shout.
"GO!!!!!!"
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP58/70-CMD 22 Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 3:42:42 PM I can't do that...I can't let you die little one. Not after so many others have too. A hint of sadness in the dwarf's voice. He looks straight at the halfling: Same goes for you,I don't want to kill ye' and I didn't kill your mate here. I don't enjoy killing. But if you kill her,I will slaughter every last one of ya. Even if it takes me own life,I will protect her and her memory.
Revan hasn't known them for long,but he knows his fallen companions and friends from Bear and Wolf would want him to be doing this right now.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 6 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 7:09:22 PM
Tinker looks at Prudence who wants him to leave, and thinks about Nikolai who always thinks about the mission, and then at the halfling. And frowns. "You aren't going to hurt her. Do you know why? If you hurt her, no matter what happens, no matter who gets killed, I will cut. your. head. off."
Tinker waits a heartbeat
"The alternative is you let her go, and we will all jump overboard and not be your problem anymore."
"Your choice."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 8:55:33 PM
Trayvin offers what he hopes is more sense than everyone else seems to be offering. He isn't really in agreement with the escape anyway. So he shouts as loud as he can, hoping to be heard up on the ship.
"WE SURRENDER".
No sense in anyone getting killed over this, Trayvin thinks. We don't even know what the Eagle Fist wants, for all we know they are not enemies.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Tuesday November 3rd, 2015 10:34:45 PM
OOC: if I understand it, this post is supposed to be verbal only, so no time passes, eh?
Nikolai has a plan but one aboard the ship could work too. The halfling can only live if Pru lives. Is his life worth so little he'd kill Pru and sacrifice his own? What reward does a dead man get?
Trusting Tinker to keep up the gambit, he glares at Trayvin Finally free of the net he says, "Ok, you stay here and pretend you surrender. I've got a table to turn. Michael, Karavik, this is what we'll do..."
Nikolai quickly explains his plan to intercept the captain's dingy as it returns to the ship, overturn it, and capture the captain, their bargaining chip. "If the ship's mate kills Pru, the captain dies. If we get a chance to capture the Eagle Thumb as well, great. Since we can breathe water, they'll either surrender or drown. Trayvin, stay here if you wish, but we got a dingy to dump."
All this is said in hush-hush.
To the halfling, he yells back before he dives underwater, "We live by the Fist, we die by the Fist. Well put your head in a sack of 3000 copper and send it to Davy Jones' Locker where you can look at your reward for a long time!"
That's it for speech.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Wednesday November 4th, 2015 12:29:48 AM
ooc. sorry for the delay guys, works was killer the last few days.
Michael surfaces from is dive, still slightly stunned from the fall. he moves to Nikolai and starts cutting his bonds with his knife. He nods understanding the plan and submerges and begins swimming for the captains dingy.
Anna is unable to really respond at all. She just blinks her big batty eyes. Tinker and Revan exercise true dwarven diplomacy, promising death and missing limbs for everyone who might be involved in an attack on Prudence.
For her part, Pru isn't afraid to die, but would be immediately dissapointed if her capture resulted in the death of her allies.
Michael, Nikolai, and Karavik are ready to move out, but Karavik starts to readily fall behind. It seems he doesn't know how to swim! The Bard is left behind to tread water.
Trayvin alone is will to call a truce, and receives orders from Nikolai to pretend to give up.
With three threats of death, the men have to check their guts and their resolve. The call is made for them, however, when the ship suddenly lurches and starts being pulled towards the shore!
The metal shards inside the hull are the ship are glowing fiercely, at least the ones still visible. One of the Eagle Company war-mages seems to be doing something with a rod. Konrad is yelling and waving his arms, visibly upset.
The men on deck nervously abandon Pru and lash out at the dwarves!
2 men grapple Revan, who gets an AoO on one of them. (Grapple CMD14)
2 men grapple Tinker, who also gets an AoO. ( Grapple CMD 18)
With both grapples failed, two men try to bull rush Revan off the ship! (CMD 16)
The halfling sidesteps to flank Revan with his men and cuts wildly with his daggers! (Nat 20, confirm vs AC 24) for 22 damage. Second attack missed.
1 final sailor steps up nervously to Tinker, covers his eyes, and waves his shiny new cutlass about wildly. (d20+0=3)
Those in the water notice that the ship is moving quickly. It covers 30ft of the 300 between it and the shoreline, and it's speed seems to be increasing!
ALL Perception: DC 32
Highlight to display spoiler: { There is a minimal spatial distortion in the air above you. Either there's something odd going on, or something invisible is watching your progress.}
Revan (Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP58/70-CMD 22 d20+13=19 ; d12+8=17 ; d20+9=21 ; d12+4=14 ; d20+4=24 ; d20+4=19 ; d12+4=15 ; Wednesday November 4th, 2015 4:20:56 PM
AoO: 19 to hit(6+9base+4favored enemy) damage:17(9+4+4 favored enemy)
Fine,you wanna deny just the unconsciousness,I'll knock you out permanently instead! Revan yells out as the daggers strike true. He swings his axe at the man that was foolish enough to open himself up.
Then he swings at the halfling: to hit 21(12+9) damage:14(10+4)
He reverses his swing almost immediately,coming in for a second attack on the halfling:
to hit: natural 20,to confirm:19. Damage without crit:15. Damage with crit:45
Total damage this turn to the halfling:59 with the crit 29 without the crit
Revan(Tristan B) AC 22/14/18-HP58/70-CMD 22 d20+12=21 ; Wednesday November 4th, 2015 4:22:06 PM
Forgot the perception roll.
Perception:21
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 6 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=12 ; d20+5=23 ; d8+3=10 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+10=26 ; Wednesday November 4th, 2015 5:48:31 PM
Tinker doesn't pay much attention to his surroundings, and swings his urgrosh around to smack the first sailor with the flat of his blade!
His backstroke, however, fails to mark the sailor's companion. No matter, the real danger is the First Mate, and Tinker belies the bulk of dwarves by lightly slipping around to place the halfling between two angry dwarves!
...... Perception 12 AOO non-lethal AC 23. Dam 10 non-lethal Attack AC 7 Acrobatics 26 to avoid AOO Move to flank the halfling with Revan
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday November 4th, 2015 6:31:41 PM
Pru wriggles and squirms, but the ropes hold fast. "Uh....little help?" she says.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD d20+4=5 ; Wednesday November 4th, 2015 8:51:33 PM
Trayvin tries to swim after the ship as it is dragged towards the shore. Hopefully, he can catch up to it and help out those still on board.
Actions: swim check = 5(or just paddle around uselessly I guess)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Wednesday November 4th, 2015 9:50:48 PM
OOC: Remember, the taller ship, the deeper the keel. If it hit a sand bar, ok, but it can't be much deeper closer in. It can't beach itself like viking longboat. It's up to the DM as to how fast ocean floor rises.
Just saying. Because it makes a big difference. As big as this ship is, the beach crew should still have to get in the dingy or swim out to it. A good way to figure out the depth of the keel is to assume that two thirds of the hull is underwater, else the ship capsizes. That would mean the ship has 80' of hull under water, at least.
I'm going by my experience in building the plastic models of Mayflower and USS Constitution, and the so many pictures and movies I've seen. I've got the Cutty Sark still in the box, half painted, waiting for that day I can finish it. :(
Post incoming.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=29 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+13=32 ; Wednesday November 4th, 2015 10:34:22 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing
Nikolai needs everyone with him for his plan to work, so he stays with Kravaik. Being able to breath under water makes a big difference! He Makes sure, by hand gestures, that Michael knows not to get ahead as well.
He's not in a big hurry as he figures it will still be a little longer before the captain gets in the dingy to get back to the ship. But then the ship starts moving! Towards shore!
As best as he can see underwater, he tries to gauge the rise of the sea floor and the depth of the keel to get an idea how close the ship will get to shore.
Perception +13 (- underwater penalties) = 32
Location Start 300ft to shore Moved: as fast as the slowest swimmer, double move = ?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+13=18 ; d20+11=24 ; Wednesday November 4th, 2015 11:00:20 PM
Michael is ticked to death at the ability to breath water! he strokes onward toward the dingy pretending he is a shark. thinking of how he's going to get the men out of the boat. He grins, and pulls a ACF from his pocket. when he gets to the dingy, he shoots up and smashes the bottle in the bottom of the boat. If this don't get them out of the dingy, they can darned well burn for all he cares. perception 18
to hit the floor of the dingy 24.
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 d20+11=29 ; d20+6=14 ; d4+1=2 ; d20+8=25 ; d8+7=15 ; Thursday November 5th, 2015 7:54:07 AM
Assuming Revan killed the mate the air elemental chases after the moving ship, lands and attacks one of the halfling's lackeys.
(Slam hits vs AC 14; 2 damage)
Anna-Bat flies after the ship that it is gaining speed. If she can land close enough to the skirmish she will and bite one of the lackeys. Otherwise she will just use a double move action to land on the ship.
if needed:
(Bite hits vs AC 25 for 15 damage)
(Perception: 29; OOC can anyone hit a 32 my mod is only plus 11?)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Dire Bat [Beast Shape II] - 6 hours +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD, 20 ft speed, fly 40 ft(good), bite+8(1d8+7) space:10, reach 5
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
summoned elemental - 4 rounds
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes elapsed - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery d20+2=18 ; d20+2=5 ; Thursday November 5th, 2015 6:25:24 PM
Revan yelps as the halfling cuts into him, but stays the course and kills one of the crew and the attacking halfing. Tinker kills the main grappler, then ignores the second man. Prudence calls for aid!
Trayvin forgot how to swim apparently, then remembers he can just take 10 on his swim checks/. He moves at 1/4 of his speed, trying his best to keep pace with the ship. Nikolai[/b[ moves ahead with ease, and signals for Michael not to get ahead or do anything crazy. [b]Michael is ready to burn the captains row-boat, but is still a good ways away, moving at 1/4 of his regular speed while swimming.
Anna lands on the ship and bites at a lackey, and he quickly goes limp.
The ship picks up speed, but doesn't seem to rise any higher. Those in the water notice that the ship seems to be sailing through the sandbar as if it were water! The ship is dragged 70ft closer to the shoreline! (This leaves it 200ft from shore. Michael and Nikolai are about 250ft from shore. Trayvin is about 270ft from shore. Karavik is struggling to maintain his head above water.)
Anna, Tinker, and Revan must make a reflex save DC 15 or fall down![/b]
Only one of the two remaining sailors on board keeps his own feet. He runs for the captains cabin and shuts himself inside. There is a *thunk* from the other side of the wooden door.The second sailor throws his cutlass overboard and crawls towards the kitchen.
Both draw attacks of opportunity, 1 from Revan, the other from Anna and Tinker.
(Revan has taken 35 damage total. 13 and 22.)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Thursday November 5th, 2015 9:30:59 PM
Trayvin continues along after the ship, but since it is moving much faster than he is able to, it will be a bit before he can catch up. He wonders at the turn of events, the group was only moments before trying to flee the ship, now they are trying to overtake it.
OOC- I didn't want to take 10 as even though Trayvin is not threatened directly, it is technically combat rounds. But I'm fine with the DM helping me swim to shore :)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Thursday November 5th, 2015 9:41:42 PM
Michael, though a shark at this point in time, still heeds the commands of his thumb. He treads water and waits for the rest of the group to catch up before playing smoke on the water with the dingy.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 6 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=23 ; Thursday November 5th, 2015 10:13:29 PM
The ship shudders and Tinker is able to keep his balance and feet. As the one sailor crawls away, Tinker lets him go. "You were only following orders, but remember there is a difference between knuckle dusting and cold steel."
He straps his urgrosh down and moves to Prudence. "Don't worry Bean Pole, I'm pretty good at tying and untying knots!" And. "Someone tell Nikko that we got Prudence and can make our escape!"
Tinker gets busy.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday November 5th, 2015 11:33:02 PM
"Thanks, Tinker," Pru says. Prone on the deck is not the best vantage point to see what's going on. "Um...is the boat really sailing over dry land? I didn't think they could do that...."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+6=21 ; Thursday November 5th, 2015 11:43:41 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing dmg: 16 subdual
OOC: BTW, I've not mentioned this, but since we can breathe underwater, all our swimming is underwater, with the occasional peek above. We will use Stealth checks to peek above water.
Also, what size was that dingy? Was it a large lifeboat type or a small four or six man rowboat? Makes a big difference.
IC: With the ship still between them and the shore as cover, as it is moving faster than they, Nikolai takes the opportunity to make plans.
If the rowboat is a small one: "Two of us grab the same side of the dinghy and put all our weight to pull it down, then let go. Then the other one does the same on the other side. After a couple times this should be enough to tip it over. That will also keep them off-balance."
If the rowboat is a large lifeboat: "Toss your Alchemist Fire and I will toss a Fireball bead, then Karavik tries to break an oar. Depending how that works we either climb aboard or snatch a Captain."
Swim +6 = 21, Moving forward .... underwater.
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 d20+3=17 ; d20+8=12 ; d8+7=12 ; Friday November 6th, 2015 9:53:15 AM
Anna retains her feet and also lets the crew member slink off. (reflex save:17)
Anna attempts to help Tinker and Pru by chewing through the rope. (12 vs AC of rope; 12 damage to rope)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Dire Bat [Beast Shape II] - 6 hours +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD, 20 ft speed, fly 40 ft(good), bite+8(1d8+7) space:10, reach 5
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
summoned elemental - 3 rounds
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes elapsed - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 Saturday November 7th, 2015 9:32:15 AM
(OOC: checking in)
Anna either contemplates the taste of rope or gets a big bite of air.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 6 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=16 ; Saturday November 7th, 2015 8:59:27 PM
Tinker's world narrows until it is just him and the ropes on Prudence. He unites quickly
Disable device 16
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Sunday November 8th, 2015 11:22:40 PM
Nikolai ponders whether his plan will work. Will the rowboat be too big to capsize? Will the Eagle Fist members be on it too? How many will there be on it? What's going on on board the ship?
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Monday November 9th, 2015 8:41:32 AM
Trayvin continues to trail behind the ship. He is now 260ft from shore. Revan, Anna and Tinker get Pru free from her bindings. Prudence is no longer tied up.
Nikolai recognizes the ship as a smaller one. He hasn't been above water for awhile, so he isn't quite sure about troop placements or exact size, but he remembers it was only the captain and 2 crewmen that went to shore. Karavik is sputtering and doggie paddling for a small outcropping rock.
The ship continues it's hurried course, speeding up one last time before slowing down with a lurch. All on board must make a Reflex Save, DC 17 or fall prone. (Anna, Prudence. Tinker, Revan)
Ship: 100 ft from shore and stopped. It's just a guess, but the water is probably only around 8ft deep here.
Perception 32: Highlight to display spoiler: {Whatever the invisible creature is continues to watch you from above.}
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 6 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=23 ; Monday November 9th, 2015 7:48:54 PM
Tinker is still able to keep his feet at that last huge lurch. He moves to hold onto a rail and help anyone who fell back to their feet. "Time to go, battle-mates. This boat doesn't look like it's going anywhere soon. "
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday November 9th, 2015 8:35:22 PM
Pru was already prone, having been tied up. She scrambles to her feet and looks around. "Um....all right. How do we get down?" she asks Tinker.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Monday November 9th, 2015 9:59:47 PM
Trayvin gets out and drinks his elixir of swimming. If he doesn't get there soon, he will miss out on all the action.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Monday November 9th, 2015 11:15:15 PM
Michael sizes up the best place to throw his ACF, when Nikolai give the word it's pirate fosters for dinner tonight.
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 d20+3=15 ; d20+11=27 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2015 12:27:30 AM
Anna-bat falls prone (Reflex save: 15).
She scrambles to her feet and tilts her head at her friends making a flapping motion with her wings.
If any of her friends mount up she will attempt to carry them away from the boat.
(Perception:27)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Dire Bat [Beast Shape II] - 6 hours +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD, 20 ft speed, fly 40 ft(good), bite+8(1d8+7) space:10, reach 5
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
summoned elemental - 2 rounds
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes elapsed - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=20 ; d20+6=8 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2015 12:46:09 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing dmg: 16 subdual
Perception +13 = 20 Swim +6 = 8
Nikolai fights the current and has trouble moving forward. He breaks the surface for a moment to check their progress towards shore, where the ship is and to see if the captain is making a move to get into the rowboat.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Tuesday November 10th, 2015 8:46:11 AM
Tinker, Prudence, and Anna have the option of jumping or trying to secure another rope. Michael and Nikolai don't really gain any distance towards shore. Nikolai takes a quick peek, and sees that the captain doesn't appear to be getting back in the dinghy at all. His weapons are drawn and he seems confused.
Trayvin drinks his elixer and makes a huge stride to catch up with the others.
The Agents have a few clear choices developing.
A. Head towards the ship and use it as cover and prepare for conflict. B. Regroup and prepare to retreat, or attack the beach.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday November 10th, 2015 6:40:48 PM
"I need to learn Feather Fall," Pru says, looking over the side. She begins looking around for a rope to climb down with. She doesn't have any rope, but she is optimistic that she can find some. It is a ship, after all.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 6 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=13 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2015 7:04:09 PM
Grabbing a nearby hawser, Tinker begins knotting the rope to make it easier for Prudence to get down the side. Once done, he ties the end up and heaves the rest over the side. He shrugs, I'm good at tying as well as untying".
Know Engineer. 13
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 d20+10=24 ; Tuesday November 10th, 2015 7:11:38 PM
(OOC: Pru is still affected by spider climb. She should be able to climb down)
Anna-Bat stares pointedly at her friends and makes flappy motions with her wings, kneeling so that some or all could mount up.
If her friends take her up on her offered ride she flies as best as she can away from the ship.
(Fly: 24)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Dire Bat [Beast Shape II] - 6 hours +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD, 20 ft speed, fly 40 ft(good), bite+8(1d8+7) space:10, reach 5
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
summoned elemental - 1 round
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes remaining - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Tuesday November 10th, 2015 9:02:09 PM
Trayvin keeps on swimming to catch up with everyone. He is ready to support them no matter what course of action they choose.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday November 10th, 2015 10:38:34 PM
"Oh! I guess I can still climb," Pru says. She climbs down the side of the ship.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=28 ; d20+6=26 ; Wednesday November 11th, 2015 12:35:17 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing dmg: 16 subdual
The ship, moving by magical means, is faster than Nikolai and his friends can swim, so he moves to keep the ship between this friends and the shore. With a lesser danger of being seen now, he now swims with his head above water. It is too important to loose sight of what is going on. Some activity on one side gives him hope that those aboard have managed to get the upper hand.
With the ship coming to a sudden halt 100' from shore, he presses on. "If no one comes out to the ship, we may just have to go to them instead. Let's see how the others fare first, though," he blurts as the others bob their heads above water also.
Perception +13 = 28 Swim +6 = 26!
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 6 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday November 11th, 2015 9:15:32 AM
Tinker smacks his head with his hand. "Magic. Right."
"So, Revan, we get your buddy the pony out and he can swim to shore, right?"
Tinker helps get the hold open and does the field expedient thing of trotting the pony over the side so it can swim to shore.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; Wednesday November 11th, 2015 10:40:42 AM
Prudence slips overboard easily into the water. she half walks half climbs down the hull of the ship, and finds herself able to stand in about 5 ft of water. It's close to her limit, but she can mantain her position without swim checks. Tinker, who secures a knot then watches Pru scamper over the side, is efficient with the rest of his time, and rides a pony over the side of the ship into the water below! (Pony and Tinker, 11 subdual)
Anna in bat form has no immediate signs of securing a rider.
Trayvin catches up with the ship, and Nikolai and Michael reach it as well.
The fist has a moment behind the ship to regroup.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+15=17 ; Wednesday November 11th, 2015 11:33:26 AM
Tinker comes up sputtering and with a new set of bruises, but keeps above the water well enough. He slaps the pony on the rump and watches it splash off to get around the ship and to dry land. "OK Agents, let's swim th opposite way. Hopefully, the shore party will see the horse and go down the beach thinking we are following the horse. We, then, will swim to shore on the other side of the ship. Wardd's Luck has all been against us so far, so it's time to have the coin flip and get to the shore unmolested?"
At least so Tinker hopes.
..... Elixir of swimming. Swim 17
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 Wednesday November 11th, 2015 11:41:28 AM
Anna-Bat screeches at Revan an exasperated look on her bat face. She is kneeling with her wings making the flapping motions.
The air elemental disappears in a poof.
If Revan hops on Anna's back she carries Revan away.
(Fly check : 24 OOC: assuming I can just reuse my previous roll)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Dire Bat [Beast Shape II] - 6 hours +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD, 20 ft speed, fly 40 ft(good), bite+8(1d8+7) space:10, reach 5
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes remaining - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Wednesday November 11th, 2015 10:15:26 PM
Trayvin finally catches up with everyone. "So what are we doing? Escape, or go to shore and see what Eagle Fist wants?"
Active effects: elixir of swimming
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Wednesday November 11th, 2015 11:01:47 PM
"Ghk!" says Pru as water splashes into her mouth. Moving carefully, she gets herself to shore before making any other decisions about what to do.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Wednesday November 11th, 2015 11:26:07 PM
Michael is a bit confused as to what needs to be done, do we swim to shore? tip the dingy? try to get away? He's at the ship, but so what? He thinks we should submerge and get as far away from this place as possible. he's not the leader though and awaits Nick's say on the matter.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=18 ; d20+6=10 ; Thursday November 12th, 2015 1:04:15 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing dmg: 16 subdua
Things had gotten totally out of hand by the time Nikolai reaches the beached ship. Tinker has sent the pony to shore and Pru is sploshing her way to the beach as well.
"*&#()$(&"! he exclaims exasperated.
[b]"Alright. Trying to stop Pru will just draw attention, which we are trying to avoid. So everyone, let's do as Tinker suggests. We'll swim underwater to the beach as best we can, then surface and give that Eagle Fist a piece of our minds."[/b[
With that he goes under and starts swimming arund the opposide side of the ship than the pony and turns towards shore.
Perception +13 = 18 Swim +6 = 10
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday November 12th, 2015 7:10:02 PM
Tinker is actually surprised that Nikolai is further out to sea than the group that was on the ship, but then, on second thought, it made sense.
"Sorry Nikko, didn't know where you were!", the dwarf apologizes for usurping the Sergeant's authority.
Then he gets down to being part of the team.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Thursday November 12th, 2015 10:02:31 PM
Revan and Anna leave the ship, where Nikolai, Trayvin, Tinker and Michael have all gathered.
Nikolai's plan is now to starts underwater, and head towards shore for an encounter. Prudence already is heading that way.
The ship is still 100ft west from the beach where Eagle Fist is waiting. 300ft north and 400ft south of the ship there is more land. Back west is nothing but water.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Thursday November 12th, 2015 10:13:03 PM
Trayvin swims towards shore, as long as the water is deep enough to do so. then walks the rest of the way. "Guess it's time to see what they want after all."
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 d20+11=29 ; Thursday November 12th, 2015 10:33:21 PM
Anna-Bat is still exasperated but no longer at her teammates for taking their time in getting off the ship. She is now exasperated by the fact that they are headed back towards Eagle regiment despite the fact that she used a good number of her daily spells trying to avoid a conflict with them and rescuing Pru from the now dead first mate. Her resources thin she nonetheless follows her thumb's lead hoping that this isn't a mistake. She lands near where the rest of her party is gathering.
She warily eyes the eagle regiment. If it comes to a fight she will have to be smart, attempt to take out their leader and potentially the rest will be in worse shape without him or her. (Perception:29 to identify their leader and anything threatening he or she may be up to.)
Then again, now that they are on land, entangle and plant growth are viable options...
Active Effects: Wildshape as Dire Bat [Beast Shape II] - 6 hours +4 size bonus to Str, +4 natural armor, -2 size penalty dex, -1 Attack, -1 size bonus AC, -4 stealth, -2 fly, +1 CMB,CMD, 20 ft speed, fly 40 ft(good), bite+8(1d8+7) space:10, reach 5
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes remaining - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+11=23 ; d20+13=25 ; d20+6=22 ; Thursday November 12th, 2015 11:21:45 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing dmg: 16 subdual
Pru stomping towards shore set things in motion against the original plan to get away. So Plan B kicks in.
He has those swimming with him to stay under water as long as possible. He takes a peek once as he swims to get a view of what's going on. How many Eagle Fist members are there? How are they reacting to the horse splashing to shore? To Pru splashing to shore? To Batgirl?
Stealth (pop head up quickly to get a view) +11 = 23 Perception +13 = 25 Swim +6 = 22
He gets that much closer...
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Friday November 13th, 2015 1:00:17 AM
As soon as Pru is in shallower water (say, waist-deep), she pauses to see what the rest of her Fist is doing.
Anna Morphe[large dire bat] (Hugh C) -- AC 19/12/17 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 17 Friday November 13th, 2015 8:10:12 AM
Anna opts for a water landing in the shallows as that where everyone is gathering.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+12=20 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+9=13 ; Friday November 13th, 2015 5:25:39 PM
Tinker knows he isn't the best swimmer and it is only the elixir that is giving him a chance at not drowning. Further, the dwarf knows what a disadvantage they would have trying to fight in the water. Swimming until he can get his legs under him, Tinker comes up beside Prudence.
"You may not need a protector, but we stick together Bean Pole."
Once wading ashore, he keeps a wary eye one the Eagle Fist.
Swim Checks for 50 feet of swimming. 20 19 30 31 26 Perception 13
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Friday November 13th, 2015 9:36:18 PM
Michael makes his way to the beach with the rest of the party. He is concerned about the lack of direction and chaos that has taken hold of the group of late.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Friday November 13th, 2015 11:15:32 PM
Michael does not even try to swim, he just sinks to the bottom and walks toward the beach till he can get his head above water.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Monday November 16th, 2015 4:49:21 PM
The Agents gather together at waist high level, somewhere around 4ft for most of them. They are 50ft from the shoreline. The water here is deep enough to prevent running, and movement is at -10 ft. You figure it's still deep enough to duck under and make locating you by sight difficult.
Tinker and Michael have a slightly harder time of it, and can either choose to make a swim check, or have their movement reduced by 15ft as they wade through neck high water.
Nikolai takes a good look at the enemy Fist. Like before there are too fists arrayed. Several are holding wands, several ranged weapons, and the rest are armed with armor and melee weapons. They seem to be watching you, quite intrigued.
So at the moment, to recap.
Michael and Nikolai are under-water. Nikolai has peeked above. Prudence and Tinker are standing in the water, waist deep, along with Trayvin. Anna-bat lands in the water, near all the others.
"Agents of the Fist!", comes the call from shore.
"You've made quite the name for yourselves. Please forgive me if I don't offer a chance for surrender, that route's left a wake of dead Fist from here to the citadel, back to the were-rats in Isumbre. I think at this point, the Grand Marshall is better off with you dead and much more malleable to questioning from another realm. Be prepared! It will not be said that Eagle Regiment does not warn it's prey!"
A flurry of spells begin from the men ashore. At this point, those who had not recalled previously, are aware of the fact that Eagle regiment's reputation is built upon melding arcane and melee arts. It's a fair bet that every man and woman opposing you can cast a spell of one sort or another.
There are 9 enemies ashore, as well as 2 crewmen from the Knuckleduster and Captain Konrad.
Enemies, Round 1.
Konrad and the two crewmen flee along the length of the beach. One of the men in the front of the enemy formation, barks out an order. The first line of foes each drink a potion, and their skin becomes tough and gnarly. Behind them, in unison the battle-mages cast Shield spells.
Agents: 50ft from shore. -10 movement speed in water. Can submerge and swim. 65 ft from archers. 75 ft from mages. Enemies are standing 10ft apart from each other, for the purpose of area of affect spells.
Map coming with tomorrow mornings post.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday November 16th, 2015 5:30:50 PM
Pru casts Haste on everyone, which ought to help with the whole "we're still in the water" thing.
[OOC: I think I can get everyone. We're down to six now, yes?]
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+15=20 ; d20+15=27 ; Monday November 16th, 2015 9:49:57 PM
Tinker doesn't know what to do, and so Delays, waiting for Nikolai to give an indicator. Whichever way the Thumb indicates, the dwarf will go underwater and swim double move as fast as he can.
Elixir of Swimming Water Breathing
Swim. 20 and 27
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Monday November 16th, 2015 10:26:03 PM
Nikolai pokes his head up enough to call to his Fist to stay under water and come to him, them calls out to the Eagle Thumb.
"The ONLY reason there is death, is because we were called Traitors to the Mailed Fist, and THAT we are NOT! We were promised an execution without trial by your Commander, in his own words, in writing to the Wolves of Neutronis!
You signed a Contract with the Mailed Fist when you joined. You go read that Contract again! The Mailed Fist has pledged not to conquer or dethrone any Power or Kingdom. But Commander Neutronis has broken that pledge. Why do you side with someone who's blatantly soiling the Mailed Fist's Honor to the rest of the Wold for his own Pride?"
Swim: tread water with feet touching ground
Action: speech - free Action: Readied - duck under water at the sign of spells or missiles being cast/shot at him.
Anna Morphe[small water elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 22/15/17 - HP 40/54 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 Tuesday November 17th, 2015 12:03:58 AM
Seeing as Anna's current form does not possess the ability to breathe water she changes from Dire Bat into small Water Elemental. Which not only gives her a swim speed, but the ability to breathe water and talk.
As soon as she has a mouth she adds to Nikolai's overture, "Eagle Fist, surely you must realize this infighting is bad not just for the Iron Fist but for the land itself! We do not wish for further bloodshed within our ranks, but if the choice is your lives or our own we will not hesitate to defend ourselves. All we want is for this madness to end, so either set aside your allegiance to the would-be tyrant Neutronis or let us pass in peace and we will not harm you. We so swear on our honor!"
Active Effects: Wildshape as Small Water Elemental [Elemental Body I] - 6 hours +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD +2 size con, +6 hp (due to con), +4 natural armor, swim speed 60 ft (90 haste), base speed 20 ft (40 haste), dark vision 60 ft, can breathe water, slam +9(1d6+4) (with haste) and can create a vortex vortex: Save DC 17(4th level spell+3 wisdom modifier), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d6+4
haste : +1 Attack; AC; Reflex Save; +1 attack on full attack; +30 feet 6 rounds
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes remaining - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+13=19 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2015 2:23:24 AM
Michel keeps his head below water most of the time, His companions can do all the talking, when his water breathing spell runs out he'll take quick gulps of air and stay submerged. He stays on the lookout for projectiles coming his direction, but makes no move to attack.
perception 19
total defense.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery d6-2=3 ; 5d6=21 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2015 8:43:10 PM
The response to the imminent attack of the is Nikolai trying desperately to talk them down. Or at least perhaps, to make them see why he chooses to act as he does.
The Eagle thumb offers a brief response.
"It is Merina Swain and Constance Palance that bring division. Three entire regiments decided to follow Neutronis, I would think that if anyone cared about keeping us together, it would not be the two Regiments who rebelled."
He thinks a bit, then adds.
"Also Nikolai, the Agents were never at any real risk. The Wolves were supposed to kill dissenting or deserting common soldiers. YOU were always to be brought back to the Grand Marshall for a personal discussion on what exactly Constance was doing, why she was doing it, and eventually you would see things his way!"
Of course, this exchange is fairly strained, with the Eagle Thumb having to deliver his response in between Nikolai's various head submerges in the water. Anna takes the moment to change forms, Michael stays under water, Prudence hastes her allies, and Tinker holds his position.
With most of the fist ducking under water, the men on shore don't really have a clear shot.
The Thumb continues talking, his archers doing nothing, though a few of his mages seem occupied behind him.
"You could have been, could still be, Agents of the Kingdom of the Fist! Nothing would change! The strife would be gone! Like Constance, Neutronis has offered free dismissal for all men in his armies who wish to leave, AFTER the Kingdom is established. He would make no man serve a king they do not feel loyalty to, but until he IS a King he is still Grand Marshall of the Fist! Anyone leaving before they are authorized is a dissident, plain and simple!"
He calls back to his Mages.
"Take them alive. I've changed my mind. Neutronis would prefer them breathing. Maybe he can convince them where I cannot."
A few spells are cast, mostly from wands held by the three members of the Battle Mages who appear to hold the most rank. Since only Prudence remains above water, she is the primary target of two.
Enemies, Round 2.
Konrad and Crew continue fleeing north.
Ranged Foe 1: Barkskin, Shield. Readies an arrow. Ranged Foe 2 :Barkskin, Shield. Readies an arrow. Ranged Foe 3: Barkskin, Readies an arrow. Ranged Foe 4: Barkskin, Readies an arrow.
Battle Mage 1:Shield, Casts Ray of Enfeeblment (Enlarged) from a wand at Prudence! 7 Str damage. Fortitude DC 12 for half. Battle Mage 2:Shield, Casts Summon Monster II from a wand! Is still casting the spell! Battle Mage 3:Shield, Casts Fireball from a wand! Affects Prudence, Nikolai, and Tinker! 21 Damage, Reflex DC 15 for half! (Reading fireball seems to imply the spell isn't really affected by water. Just substitute super-hot bubbling water for flames.) Battle Mage 4:Shield, Moves up and casts Shield on an Archer. Battle Mage 5:Shield, Moves up and casts Shield on an Archer.
Agents: 50ft from shore. -10 movement speed in water. Can submerge and swim. 65 ft from archers. 75 ft from mages. Enemies are standing 10ft apart from each other, for the purpose of area of affect spells.
Map coming with tomorrow mornings post.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Tuesday November 17th, 2015 9:35:29 PM
"Well, it looks like we've worn out our welcome with these guys, and after what they said, I don't think they will listen to any argument that they are on the wrong side. If we are leaving, then let's go. Maybe Anna can pull us all along underwater till we are away."
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 50/51] [Mage Armor, Haste] d20+6=16 ; d20+4=12 ; Tuesday November 17th, 2015 10:44:38 PM
[OOC: Remember that Haste helps Reflex saves!]
[OOC: Isn't Shield a personal spell? I didn't think you could cast it on another person.]
Pru makes the Fireball save, and her fire resistance takes care of most of the rest of the damage.
She also makes the Ray of Enfeeblement save, although it does weaken her.
She casts Protection from Arrows on herself.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=27 ; d20+13=15 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2015 12:03:05 AM
OOC: Shield is Personal, but Shield Other isn't, so my guess is the spell used is Shield Other.
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing dmg: 16 subdual
Nikolai keeps his patience and tries one more time. If this doesn't work, he's done with this brainwashed dufus.
"Eagle Thumb! You REALY need to pull out your Mailed Fist Manual and read it again. Whatever happened to True Steel for Honest Coin? You know darn well the True Mailed Fist is Neutral and must be kept that way else no one will hire us out and we crumble! If Neutronis wants to be king, fine! But he must resign from the Mailed Fist first! He has broken every Law of the Mailed Fist from it's Founding and trounced upon those foundations. He cannot survive as King of Anything. NO kingdom around here will allow it and he will have NO support! Commander Constance is trying to maintain the True Honor of the Mailed Fist so that when Neutronis is squashed by the rest of Elenna, something will be left.
Neutronis can't survive as King. No one will join the Mailed Fist as we'll be seen as traitor and backstabbers. He will be cut off, as no one will want to trade with him. He will be surrounded and squeezed until there is nothing left. THAT is what you have to look forward to in his service.
I have other plans for my life and so does the Agents. We want to be able to travel freely through the land and not be ostracized or persecuted for the complete trashing and burning of the Mail Fist Code!
We want to be seen as honorable, honest, heroes, not bandits and usurpers!"
That's about all Nikolai probably will say in the matter. If he gets no positive response this time, there there really is no hope with this unit.
Action: Readied - duck if/when arrows or spells are or seem to be aimed at him. Perception +13 (arrows or spells aimed at him)= 27 Perception +13 (other) = 15
OOC: just wondering: if a Fireball goes off above the water, and the target ducks (readied action), the only effect is the surface water being heated, so basically the target is unaffected as he/she will be deeper than just at the surface (the surface of the water blocks the area of the blast.) Water provides total cover, right? No Line of Sight, right? So a Fireball can't be targeted at a point under water unless the caster is also under water to get Line of Sight, right?
DM Ken: Maybe, but there's no rule either way. Prudence was targeted, the other two were in the area. IT's a radius blast of magical fire and heat, so it affects up, down, left, and right. I do not believe the surface of the water would make much difference either way, and we already have rules that say fireballs just super-heat the water. I figured it's easiest to roll with that.
As far as targeting a square underwater, I'd say no, that probably can't be done.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Wednesday November 18th, 2015 1:43:00 AM
Michael takes his silk rope out of his poiket and hands an end to Anna, he then strings it out to everyone else,
Lets make like a tree and leave this place guys, Anna pull us away.from here, everbody grab on!
Anna Morphe[small water elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 22/15/17 - HP 40/54 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 Wednesday November 18th, 2015 8:13:31 AM
Anna grabs onto the rope and tries to use her 90ft hasted swim speed to motor the Agents away from the Eagle Fist. With a double move action she can get 180 feet away from Eagle Fist. (OOC: not sure how much dragging the other agents will slow her down)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Small Water Elemental [Elemental Body I] - 6 hours +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD +2 size con, +6 hp (due to con), +4 natural armor, swim speed 60 ft (90 haste), base speed 20 ft (40 haste), dark vision 60 ft, can breathe water, slam +9(1d6+4) (with haste) and can create a vortex vortex: Save DC 17(4th level spell+3 wisdom modifier), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d6+4
haste : +1 Attack; AC; Reflex Save; +1 attack on full attack; +30 feet 6 rounds
barkskin : +3 natural armor - 50 minutes
water breathing on the rest of party : 107 minutes each (or 97 accounting for the 10 minutes)
spider climb : 50 of 60 minutes remaining - on Pru
(OOC: Water Breathing can be cast once and shared among multiple creatures touch 12 hours / 7 creatures = 109 min)
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 23/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+11=13 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+15=33 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2015 11:03:30 AM
Tinker Is hampered by the water, and while it would be easy to get away from the fireball normally, the dwarf takes the full brunt of the spell!
That and the earlier bruises from falling off the ship... Twice... Take most of the fight out of Tinker. The Thumb wants to disengage and Tinker satisfies himself with a venomous glance deforestation ducking under the water, grabbing the rope, and swimming in the direction Anna is pulling.
........ Reflex 14 (with +1 from Haste still fails! :-0 ) Swim. 32 and 33. (80 feet double swim per round?) Haste +1 AC, Reflex, attack, +30 move
Water Breathing Elixir of Swimming
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Wednesday November 18th, 2015 10:13:24 PM
OOC: I figured Pru was above water enough to be affected by the fireball. The interpretation would be that the area of the spell is stopped by solid walls, but since water is not solid, the area would extend to its fullness, even under water. So ducking would not help much except maybe add to the Save or lessen the damage. The problem of targeting from above to a square under water is the distortion water has on light. It would be possible but with a chance to miss the targeted square. For fireballs, that's not that big of a deal. For Rays though, that's a different story.
DM Ken: Considering how rarely it will come up and that most water isn't 100% clear I'm just going to say that being underwater prevents target by sight, ie full concealment. It has no effect on area spells that don't require targets except gas clouds.
Anna Morphe[small water elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 22/15/17 - HP 40/54 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 d20+11=23 ; Wednesday November 18th, 2015 10:53:59 PM
Anna takes a look around the aquatic environment she is propelling her group through..
(Perception: 23)
(OOC: Checking in)
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Wednesday November 18th, 2015 11:05:19 PM
Without a ship, or flight, there's not much chance of the shore party catching up to the Agents as they flee.
To the west: Open ocean. To the north and south: dry land, mostly plains. To the east: Hostile groups.
The ball is in your court, as you flee the scene, seemingly unchased.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 50/51] [Mage Armor, Haste] Thursday November 19th, 2015 12:28:56 AM
Pru had rather been enjoying the prospect of watching the mages waste Fireball after Fireball on her. But then again, her luck was sure to run out at some point, and one would catch her full-on.
She turns and follows her Fist-mates in whatever direction they choose to go.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Thursday November 19th, 2015 10:35:37 AM
head south Michael thinks...
Anna Morphe[small water elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 22/15/17 - HP 40/54 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 Thursday November 19th, 2015 1:14:07 PM
Anna pulls her friends South, unless Nikolai directs otherwise in which case she will go his direction.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Thursday November 19th, 2015 6:10:32 PM
"The Eagle Fist might be able to track us, but at least we can get a good headstart on them."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 23/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=23 ; Thursday November 19th, 2015 7:41:52 PM
Tinker swims and holds the rope, finding breathing in water a new experience.
He expects they swim underwater until the spell fades, and they trudge toward shore.
Tinker moves ashore, checking to see if there are any enemy about and to find a place to hunker down and dry out!
Perception 23
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Thursday November 19th, 2015 11:44:04 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Water Breathing dmg: 16 subdual
Nikolai grips the rope and helps move it along by kicking and paddling with his free arm. South is just fine. They need to get far enough away from Eagle Fist before they come ashore, but with an hour of water breathing that should be easy enough and the Eagle scouts should not be able to follow them while they remain under water.
Meanwhile he thinks about their next move. It appears that Nikolai's Fist has gained quite a reputation. Unfortunately the wrong one. No one tells about how they've tried to avoid fights.
He wonders how it would have been if they'd pretended to be defecting to Neutronis' side. Could they have kept the farse up long enough? Would some form of mind reading or torture revealed the truth and all be lost? He decides that they tried the best option, for the time.
But now times have changed. They are in enemy territory and the enemy will have a massive search party looking for them. Managing to hide and sneak all the way to wherever Neutronis' HQ is now seemed something that sounded great in books but not practical in real life, even if they could all go invisibly.
Once they come ashore again, they'll have to reassess their strategy and cook up Pan C.
Scene 5: The Best Laid Plans
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Friday November 20th, 2015 10:01:42 AM
Rather than engage Eagle Fist, the Agents have the the Knuckleduster and sped towards shore!
The terrain here is rocky and sandy, just beach and surrounding plains with jutting rock formations from place to place. Not too far from the infamous Shadow Mountain, it makes sense that the terrain here would be start to show some of the rock the mountain is made up of.
Their position is somewhere north of of their original landing spot, which is somewhere north of Neutronis and his camp. Nikolai and crew ponder the direction of their mission from this point forward, but the amount of time they have is questionable. Eagle Fist might be a mile or two behind, but they also had horses.
Though near the beach is a number of patches of skinny trees, heading inland seems to leave just rocks for cover. There's a small grouping of buildings up the beach that might provide cover, but from this distance (another mile), it's hard to tell exactly what they are.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+13=24 ; d20+7=22 ; Friday November 20th, 2015 8:16:39 PM
If Michael was trailing a group of enemies it would be quick to check out a group a buildings. He thinks they should skirt the buildings and go hide in the bush. don't follow a trail or a road, stay to the bush. He scouts what he can and looks out for danger.
Perception 24
survival 22
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 23/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=12 ; d20+11=28 Friday November 20th, 2015 9:27:35 PM
Tinker moves to a location to keep watch while the others get organized and decide what to do.
He keeps his crossbow ready.
Perception 12 Stealth. 28
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+18=29 ; Friday November 20th, 2015 10:15:51 PM
guess you also need a stealth roll as well.
stealth 29
Anna Morphe[small water elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 18/14/14 - HP 40/54 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 d20+6=14 ; d20+11=23 ; Saturday November 21st, 2015 12:14:43 PM
"I'm slow on land as a water elemental, but I only have one shift left. Should I stay in this form, shift into something else that can fly or is fast on land or revert back to my normal form and save my final shift for if we find ourselves in battle?"
Stealth(14) Perception (23)
Active Effects: Wildshape as Small Water Elemental [Elemental Body I] - 5/6 hours remaining +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD +2 size con, +6 hp (due to con), +4 natural armor, swim speed 60 ft, base speed 20 ft, dark vision 60 ft, can breathe water, slam +8(1d6+4) (with haste) and can create a vortex vortex: Save DC 17(4th level spell+3 wisdom modifier), Height: 10 - 20 ft, damage 1d6+4
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=24 ; d20+11=17 ; d20+10=18 ; Sunday November 22nd, 2015 7:55:10 PM
Nikolai wades ashore and looks around. Buildings, some skinny trees, and rocks are the terrain ahead of them.
"Well, stealthily sneaking up on Neutronis' camp and catching him by surprise is now probably out of the question. No point in hiding in any buildings as we need to keep moving. Same thing for the trees, too easy to scout out. Our only real option seems to be head inland and through that rocky terrain seems the only real choice.
Anna, you'll leave a wet watery track in that form. Go ahead and revert back to your normal self. We'll head inland and I'll try to erase our tracks as best as possible. Meanwhile, since the Eagle Fist will have reported back to Neutronis, either already or in short order, they'll be looking for us for sure and I've no doubt the'll find us. We need to insure them we are on a peaceful mission. We need a flag of Truce.
Let's head for the trees first, take a brief rest and make that Truce flag, then head into the rocks."
Nikolai goes last but has Michael and Tinker head into the trees to scout them out before everyone else goes in.
As the last man, he tries to erase their tracks as best as possible.
Perception +13 (danger signs from the trees or buildings) = 24 Survival (Track) for signs of tracks on beach +11 = 17 Survival (erase tracks) +10 = 18 OOC: DM, the erase tracks is a guess.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 50/51] [Mage Armor, Haste] Sunday November 22nd, 2015 10:01:06 PM
"We'll need a pole or something to carry the flag on, as well," Pru says. She heads for the trees with the others.
[OOC: Given the circumstances under which we left the Knuckleduster, how much of our gear do we have with us?]
DM Ooc:
I'd say you have anything that wasn't too big to carry, like a horse or a mule.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Monday November 23rd, 2015 5:04:41 PM
The Agents keep their eyes peeled for cover, but find there literally is none other than the small collection of buildings. Their options include skirting the spare beach trees, which are barely enough to block sight of their original landing destination, or darting from rock to rock as they head south.
Alternatively, they could simply follow a southbound road heading into Alithmar.
Nikolai muses that the Eagle fists are reporting in to Neutronis. This is every bit as likely as them coming in after you in pursuit. Most fists have magical communication for sensitive field messages, there's no reason Eagle Fist would be the exception.
A truce flag would be easy enough to construct. Various white undergarments could be attached to a stick.
Michael and Tinker are uncomfortable about waiting in the open, and find places to temporarily hide.
Nikolai attempts to cover up tracks, but can't help but shake the feeling that his covering might be every bit as noticeable as his original trail in the sandy beach.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 23/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=29 ; Monday November 23rd, 2015 9:38:45 PM
Tinker nods at the plan. Not fighting with arrogance nor sneaking with weakness, but open truce as if by mutual prowess of equals. "Might just work!" He says with a rare smile to Michael. "Let's lead inland"
Tinker takes the lead with Michael, letting the sun and wind dry his clothes. He marches inland towards Alithmar, crossbow ready but not threatening, and jeeping a sharp eye out.
Perception. 29
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 50/51] [Mage Armor, Haste] Monday November 23rd, 2015 9:51:30 PM
Pru carries needle and thread with her, so she is able to piece together a flag of truce.
"We can carry it on my longspear, I suppose," she says. "I'm not very good with using it as a weapon anyway."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Monday November 23rd, 2015 10:32:45 PM
"If we are going to surrender anyway, I don't see the sense in hiding. Our actions in coming ashore will hopefully be understood considering the manner in which the Eagle Fist stopped the ship and yanked it into shore."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 d20+13=18 d20+15=16 d20+12=19 d20+11=17 d20-1=2 Monday November 23rd, 2015 11:59:24 PM
Anna tries to aid Nikolai in hiding their tracks. She continually casts the Centaur version of Toros Taur Try (+2 survival / 10 min) every 10 minutes and uses her own survival skills to assist (18 v 10 for another +2; bringing Nikolai's grand total to 22)
"Keep your long spear, I carry a few 10 foot poles in my efficient quiver. We can either lash them together or just use one, Nikolai's choice." Anna opines.
"I also have some canvas and can use my knowledge of nature to perhaps find a natural bleaching agent so we can leave our undergarments intact." Anna says.
She casts Toros Taur Try on herself and then uses her knowledge of nature and survival skills to hopefully find a natural bleaching agent for her canvas. (Survial: 16; Knowledge[Nature] : 19)
She also keeps an eye out for anything threatening and tries to be as stealthy as someone untrained wearing hide armor can be.
(Perception: 17; Stealth: 2)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+10=23 ; d20+13=28 ; Tuesday November 24th, 2015 1:08:09 AM
OOC: I misunderstood about the density of the trees.
IC: While they take a breather under a tree, they discuss what to do next.
Nikolai locates a tree branch that is straight enough to be used as a pole for flag of truce. A white undergarment is produced and tied to the new pole.
"Anyone has any better ideas had better speak up now," he sighs.
Holding the 'flag of truce' he leads his Fist out into the jumble of rocks. There's no telling where Neutronis' camp is but he has a feeling he won't need to know.
They march through the rocky terrain until they cross something interesting or are intercepted. Interesting things would be a path or road, signs of an army, and so such.
Survival +10 (look for signs of passage of troops) = 23 Perception +13 (general look out) = 28
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Tuesday November 24th, 2015 5:55:42 PM
The Agents carry their banner down the road for some time. Following it south, they hear the approaching hoof-beats of horses heading their direction. The familiar voice of the Eagle thumb is calling out orders to maintain a wide search pattern.
He pulls up his horse in a stop when he notices you and your flag, then gathers his men together and rides towards you. Still mounted, they pull up about 100 yards away. He calls out, surprise in his voice.
"Surrender? This is unexpected, Agents of Wolf Regiment."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Tuesday November 24th, 2015 9:00:21 PM
"Maybe we could call it a truce instead." One way or another, it looks like the group isn't too far from meeting Neutronis.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 23/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=18 ; Tuesday November 24th, 2015 9:40:43 PM
Tinker harrumphs at Trayvin for even suggesting it is a flag of surrender.
Several hours later his bAttlemates hear the same sound of incredulous stubbornness when the Eagle Thumb makes the same suggestion. "We evaded you when we wanted, and we'd kill you if we wanted too, but that's not the mission. The mission is to talk to Pavilion, so we're ambassadors."
Tinker doesn't try hard to be diplomatic, but maybe sometimes being blunt works.
Diplomacy 18
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Tuesday November 24th, 2015 10:01:26 PM
Spells in effect: Mage armor, water breathing
"You keep up this Surreneder thing and you'll end up like the Tiger Fist. If you don't have a clue as to what a Flag of Truce is, it is time to learn. We left the Citadel on a peaceful mission to find out the truth about Commander Neutronis. The Wolves of Neutronis, Tiger Regiment, and you behave in a manner to imply that Commander Neutronis is a madman who kills for the sake of killing!
We've come to Parlay with Commander Neutronis, not surrender to you. You can escort us to his HQ if you like, but we remain under our own free will and our gear and weapons.
How can Commander Constance know whether to join Neutronis or not if we can't talk to him? This ridiculous action of yours can only work against you if you truly want all the Regiments to join Neutronis.
So either lead us to Neutronis or stand aside!"
Prudence Gundle Tuesday November 24th, 2015 10:30:46 PM
Tinker and Nikolai seem to have the conversation in hand, so Pru stands to the side and tries to look harmless.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 Tuesday November 24th, 2015 11:57:27 PM
Anna is hoping that Nikolai and Tinker's overtures get through to the Eagle Fist, however it is prudent to be prepared if things turn south, so she readies an action to cast entangle centered on the eagle fist if and only if it looks like they are going to attack after all.
SUB for Michael Wednesday November 25th, 2015 8:01:28 PM
Michael watches carefully, considering where to sink his daggers if things go south.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Wednesday November 25th, 2015 8:11:30 PM
The Eagle thumb considers the Agents carefully, his face showing obvious disdain.
"I've had about enough of traitors talking down on me today, or assuming they are diplomatic equals!"
He dismounts and waves and confers with his men for a moment, then returns.
"Alright Nikolai, I'll take you to Pavonis. Maybe if you talk to him first hand you'll see that you have it wrong. Don't expect to keep weapons in hand when you meet him, and don't expect your spell-casters to have access to their magic. During the rest of your time in the camp however, you'll be free to come and go as you please, and maybe the report you issue to the former Knight-Captain Palance will be enough for her to save her head. Try anything, and I'll be all to happy to avenge the lost men in Tiger and turn the fat tongue of your boisterous dwarf into a component for my spells.
It should serve nicely as the focus for a Feeble-mind spell."
The two fists seem on edge, ready to act as their Thumb offers his terms.
"Do you agree to these terms?"
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 23/45/nonlethal 17 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=26 ; d10=6 ; Wednesday November 25th, 2015 8:37:16 PM
Tinker doesn't say anything, it's Nikolai's call, but this looks about the best opportunity for the group to get in and see the former commander of the Fist. The dwarf isn't worried about the Ragles right now either, since they wasted defensive spells and potions at the beach, it will be easier taking care of them here and now if it comes to blows...
He is confident that Nikko knows his mind and has the mission in mind to any decision.
Ready to fire at the Closest Eagle Mage not the Thumb, Tinker waits
......
Ready action AC 26. Dam. 6
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 Wednesday November 25th, 2015 9:05:10 PM
Anna tensely waits, her entangle spell ready to center on the largest cluster of Eagle Fist members. She hopes it doesn't come to a battle as most of her useful spells have been cast and most of her shifts have been used.
Anna is ready to meet with Neutronis if Nikolai gives the say so. She has 2 tricks up her sleeve that will be unaffected by being disarmed and prevented from casting spells. She can still wild shape and use her plant domain ability to turn her fists to wood. Neither one of these abilities can be disrupted by what the Eagles are proposing, so if Nikolai is okay with this she at least will not be completely defenseless.
Readied action to cast entangle centered on the largest cluster of eagle fist if and only if they go to attack first.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Wednesday November 25th, 2015 9:22:25 PM
Trayvin waits patiently for Nikolai to make the call. The demand to give up both weapon and spell will not sit easy, and so he guesses it could still go either way.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday November 25th, 2015 11:02:24 PM
Pru frowns a little at the Thumb's speech. He doesn't seem to realize that Nikolai doesn't need weapons. And she's not convinced they can cut her off completely from her magic, though it will be interesting to see what they do.
But it is Nikolai's call, so she waits.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=24 ; d20+7=8 ; Thursday November 26th, 2015 12:43:29 AM
Nikolai glares at the Thumb. "I do find it interesting that I've quoted from the Mailed Fist manual to prove that we are in the right and in contrast you've only spouted how you are right but can't prove it. Show me where the Mailed Fist manual justifies your actions!" Nikolai answers back, then starts laughing.
"You would be fool enough to try to use dwarf parts as spell components despite the fact that dwarfs are highly resistant to magic and whatever spell you cast using dwarf parts would most likely fail or backfire."
He turns to his Fist and looks them over for any sign that they might give that what the Eagle Thumb proposes is not a good bargain. He thinks he sees that they all agree that this is the best they are going to get.
He turns back to face the Eagle Thumb and answers him, "I agree to be truthful to our mission to talk to Neutronis on behalf of Commander Constance. As far as not having any weapons on hand when we do, if he is that afraid of us, then we meet in the open and talk in the open. We keep our weapons and give our word we will not raise weapon or magic against him unless you or any other present proves traitorous. A man of his stature and power surely can trust that he can smack us silly if we try anything foolish. So lead on and we'll follow."
He gives his Fist a glance. He expects that they all will keep sharp and on their toes. He trusts this Thumb only as far as he can throw an ogre.
"By the way. While we travel, It would be helpful if you could show us in the Mailed Fist manual how you have come to the conclusion that we have it so wrong. To have such strong opinion against us and hold us in such disdain and contempt, I have to assume you've studied the manual and know what chapter and page we need to look over again to see the light such as you have."
Nikolai has the suspicion that perhaps the Thumb is under some enchantment magic. If the Thumb can justify his belief in Neutronis by some form of twisted logic from the manual, that would be one thing, but if he refuses to even engage in a discussion of Mailed Fist policy from the manual and simply continue to state that they are in the wrong, then perhaps he's been charmed. Problem is, Nikolai does not think any of his Fist can detect such enchantment. Detecting Magic might work but most likely would be inconclusive.
For now, at least, he waits and watches, following the Eagle Fist to Neutronis' headquarters.
Action: letting the Eagle Fist take the lead, he follows, still holding their Truce Flag, always attentive to any traitorous actions: Perception +13 = 24 Sense Motive +7 = 8
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Thursday November 26th, 2015 9:32:30 PM
Well Trayvin thinks, at least the two sides were talking and not just tossing fireballs. Maybe there is hope for the Fist yet.
DM Ken - Post for Michael Thursday November 26th, 2015 10:48:43 PM
Michael grudgingly sheathes his daggers.
Well, one of them. He tucks the other up his sleeve and is ready for the worst.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Thursday November 26th, 2015 10:56:12 PM
Nikolai hopes that Gargul appreciates the risk they are taking to maintain peace if this leads to another meeting with the god.
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Thursday November 26th, 2015 11:07:49 PM
"It doesn't seem you'll agree to anything further. We can cross the bridge of your weapons later, for now, we need to get moving. You've got the word of the Eagle, no hostility unless you provoke it out of us."
The trip back towards the camp takes the majority of the day. Captain Konrad had mentioned that you would be about a day north of Neutronis and his encampment, and he was generally correct. After night-fall, the Eagle Thumb calls a halt and begins to set up a camp.
"I'm sure you'll post your own guards Nikolai, but I gave you our word regarding your safety. We are at war here, so we aren't going to travel in the night. Come morning, I'll take you the rest of the way in."
He begins giving standard orders, setting perimeters and making sure that everyone has food and water and bedding available.
"We didn't expect to be bringing you back with us alive, so we didn't pack any extra bed-rolls. You can hot-swap beds with the guards if you like. It should be enough to make sure we all get a decent nights sleep, as best as we can expect."
In regards to Nikolai's request for specific points in the Fist Charter, he scoffs.
"War isn't bureaucracy Nikolai. It is admirable that Constance Palance has instilled such reverence for our bylaws within her men, but don't forget the core of the Fist and who we are. Mercenaries, Agent. Mercenaries one and all. Men who are willing to fight and die and kill for coin are also men who will be quick to leave that life behind for something better. The charter is an old document, written by founding fathers who may or may not have understood just how large we would get. They couldn't have forseen the stresses of running such a large group."
He sighs.
"It's no lie that the Grand Marshall is exploiting a situation for his gain. It's also no lie that 3/5ths of the Fist have decided to back their leader, in spite of a weathered document that tells him he should remain politically neutral."
Shrugging, he stuffs a mouthfull of field rations in his mouth.
"I suppose we are thankful that Neutronis has given us a chance for something more of a purpose than living pay purse to pay purse. For many of us, this is an ill-fated long-shot, a roll of the dice that we are willing to make. Did you know that the Free-States are amassing an army? Same thing with the Aisuldurian Empire. Hell, even the Pirates of Jack are threatening to blockade our to-be Kingdom."
Taking a drink from his waterskin, he continues.
"But Pavonis is a military genius. He's also a skilled negotiator. I can promise you none of those armies want to be the first to take on the amassed regiments of all the Fist. That's exactly why so many of your recent opponents see Swain and Palance as such a vile traitor, because they know deep down that we probably can't win unless we are at full strength."
He shrugs.
"Funny thing. There actually is no limit on methods to reclaim payment from someone who does not. There are tactics traditionally used, but no limits inherent to the system. This probably was an oversight, but the Grand Marshall is willing to use it I think, to build his lasting legacy."
He stretches and strips off his breastplate, throwing hit on the ground near him.
"I'm Color Sergeant Akir. These men here will let no harm come to you. They are also your best chance at surviving. You aren't the only squad of Agents in Alithmar, Wolves. If something happens to us while we sleep, I'd hate to think of the corner of this Wold you'd have to hide in to escape our Knight Captains wrath. Any thing else before I get to bed?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 d20+12=23 ; Thursday November 26th, 2015 11:26:03 PM
"Color Seargent Akir, Permit me to introduce myself. I am Anna Morphe as far as I know one of the last Druidesses of the Shifter Sect. I have one more wild shape left in me for the day and if we are going to trust one another I offer my services to you as a scout. I can shift into an owl or air elemental and investigate the areas around our chosen campground from the air if you and Nikolai will allow and deem it prudent. As for sleeping arrangements I carry my own bedroll, blanket, and tent in my handy haversack so I can see to my own needs, though thank you for your offer of sharing with the sentries when they are not using them just the same."
Anna casts the Minotaur version of Toros Taur Try on herself as needed if her leader and color guard Akir assent to the scout.
(Perception: 23)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=14 ; Friday November 27th, 2015 10:09:23 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor dmg: 16 subdual
Nikolai formally introduces himself. "I'm Nikolai Komonov. My father is in the Fist, my grandfather was in the Fist, and my great grandfather as well. So I know the charter front to back and sideways. The charter is NOT too small for the size of the Fist. Those who wrote it knew what they were doing. They knew that one day someone would want to take Power and conquer and not be content to be merely a mercenary. They knew that it would not work and would ruin the Fist. Like you said, the kingdoms all around are marshaling their forces against Neutronis. But that isn't all of his worries either. He can't possibly win over the hearts of the people he conquers. Without that, rebel groups will spring up here and there and you will be spending all of your time just keeping the people quiet.
Then, if you do actually hold out, where will your income come from? No one will hire you out and no one will want to trade with you. There are plenty of other mercenary groups that will gladly slip into the vacuum you create
Neutronis would have been better off resigning from the Fist and tried it without the Fist name. Instead, he created a civil war within the Fist and he's ruined the Mailed Fist reputation, probably beyond repair.
I don't envy your choice at all. You've already cast your dice with him and if you did see the folly in this, you probably wouldn't be able to leave with your life. Those who are in the wrong must use violence to maintain their position. That's the difference between the two commanders we follow."
Nikolai shows that they all have their own camping equipment and bedrolls. "We both keep watch. For your sake and ours. You gave your word, but it may mean nothing to others out there, like the Wolves of Neutronis."
NIkolai has his Fist help in getting camp set up and details a watch in their usual manner. He encourages Anna to get rest instead of shifting but if she wishes to do so on her watch, that's fine. "Just make sure you get the rest you need, we don't know how this is going to end up and we may need to march day and night to escape."
Perception while on watch +13 = 14 must be REAL tired!
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Friday November 27th, 2015 11:00:34 PM
"I can see where Neutronis has a goal and a plan. What I also see, is that he could have convened the heads of all five branches of the Fist, and perhaps updated the charter to provide new opportunities without starting a big war. In the kind of war he has started, nobody wins."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 34/48 (nonlethal) -- CMD 16 Friday November 27th, 2015 11:54:46 PM
(OOC: Checking in)
Anna follows Nikolai's advice. She passes her watch in her human form.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=16 ; d20-1=17 ; Saturday November 28th, 2015 10:47:12 AM
Tinker follows Nikolai's lead. "I am Lance Corporal Torvalsson, Agent of the Fist". He makes a courteous enough now without taking his eyes off the Eagle fisters. "And I too pledge no violence first."
The Eagle was right about one thing, they were certainly going to keep their own watch! Tinker takes his usual middle-of-the-night watch to best utilize his dark sight.
He's right about another as well, thinks Tinker, this is probably the last best chance to achieve their mission alive. So these Eagles will help them get to the objective. The dwarf tries to think about the situation like a puzzle or a lock, and tries to think what tumbler needs to move to align right...
He ponders Akir's words during dinner. They do not meet with the training that he got at the citadel, this 'grab what you can when you can' mentality. A thought occurs to the dwarf and, though tacit by nature, he attempts to strike up a conversation with the Eagle on watch.
"Nice night, isn't it?" "Reminds me of doing night training as a recruit, those night maneuvers with drill sergeants waiting in the woods..." "Took me three years training at the Citadel, how about you?"
(Tinker is wondering if the different mentality and the recent heavy recruitment of the Fist means that many of the newer Fist were not trained to standard at the Citadel)
The non-lethal bruising heals overnight, along with some regular rest healing. Tinker is feeling mostly back up to snuff.
Perception 16 Diplomacy. 17 (multiple rolls because couldn't see the result)
DM Ken - Collect on Delivery Saturday November 28th, 2015 2:31:21 PM
In the morning, Akir is more chatty, and less cautious. He seems generally surprised at Tinkers comment.
"Eagle Regiment trains at the Eyrie. Not every Fist member goes through the Citadel anymore. Most of the other Citadels have a four to six week basic training. I had no idea you went through such a long induction."
For Trayvin, he nods.
"Neutronis knows people fairly well. It's possible his prior relationship with Merina Swain and Constance Palance led him to believe such a meeting would be fruitless. Or it's possible they did meet magically somehow. I do know Merina did not give the outright official stance that Constance did, we didn't know her motivations until we heard of Snake Regiment countering our operations to find you."
He considers Nikolai's arguments for a while, then shakes his head.
"I suppose that for me, it's trust that Neutronis has a plan and knows what he is doing. And I don't imagine he has any ideas about giving up mercenary work. He can draw income through taxation. Alithmar is still also the closest port this side of the bay of Elenna, trade will happen unless the Pirates of Jack blockade it, but I imagine they wouldn't punish merchants who are seeking to continue their lifestyle."
He locks eyes with the thumb and smiles.
"You're right though, the choice wasn't easy. Eagle Regiment has locked up it's own detractors for now, humanely, and without pain other than inconvenience. They will be discharged when this is over. The Sons of Pavillion are a messy bunch. They operate of their own volition, however much they may be encouraged by Neutronis, he did not set them up on his own."
DM Ken - Post for Michael Saturday November 28th, 2015 2:32:43 PM
Michael isn't sure how he feels about all the political discussion. Fairly certain he didn't have to buy anyone a ticket to stabby-town today, he sheathes his second dagger and tags along quietly.
Prudence Gundle Saturday November 28th, 2015 2:44:26 PM
Pru introduces herself as Lance Corporal Prudence Gundle, but is otherwise uncharacteristically quiet. She takes a watch if instructed, and spends the rest of the time watching those around her and whispering prayers to the various gods. She looks very unhappy.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday November 28th, 2015 6:52:58 PM
Tinker looks for a time to find the Agents with no Eagle's about and relays the news he got the night before. That training has decreased quality for quantity, and that there are people of every regiment that disagree. "They're locked up, but could be an asset to Captain Palance if we could get them out through negotiation"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=26 ; d20+13=19 ; 2d4=4 ; d20+11=24 ; Sunday November 29th, 2015 12:47:57 AM
Anna changes her spell list to be more in line with life on land.
She uses her survival and nature knowledge to hopefully find some berries and if she finds them casts good berry giving her 4 goodbeerries. (Survival : 26) (Know [Nature]: 19)
Anna says, "I wish we wouldn't have spent all that coin on clothes and jewelry if our charade was thwarted before we really began. Unless we manage to dissuade Neutronis from this course of action and they throw us a fete to celebrate, but i would have preferred the other dress I was talked out of for that. "
When they go to leave she keeps her eyes peeled for any threat while on the trail. (Perception: 24)
DM Sanity Info Highlight to display spoiler: { 0th: Detect Magic; Detect Poison; Toros Taur Try; Guidance (at will) 1st: Shillelagh,Magic Stone,Longstrider,Goodberry - cast ,Entangle,(Domain) 2nd:Spider Climb ,Soften Earth and Stone,Bull's Strength, Barkskin,(Domain) 3rd:Spike Growth,Magic Fang, Greater, Snare, Plant Growth(Domain) 4/4 wildshape left 4 goodberries; 6 days remaining }
The Siege of Alithmar
DM Ken Monday November 30th, 2015 11:57:21 AM
In the morning, Akir and his men mount up to escort you into the camp of Pavillion Neutronis. After a few miles, the coastal city of Alithmar creeps into view, poking up high through the morning fog rolling off the sea.
Pavillions camp is massive. Tiger, Bear, and Eagle regiment banners fly high in the air, and tents dot the landscape. Ballistae and catapults sit unused in various locations throughout the camp. From your vantage point atop a rolling hill, you can see that despite tiny copses of large thick trees in your immediate area, the land surrounding the city is mostly plain and flat, with a few roads traveling through.
Pavillion, seemingly having emptied all of tiger and bear regiment forces, leaving the Eagle Regiments behind as rear-guard. He has Alithmar surrounded on all sides but one, where the city and it’s western walls court the Bay of Elenna. His camp, set just outside of arrow range, is full of commotion and cadence calls and bugles repeat into the morning air.
"Looks like he's giving it another go.", muses Akir. His men cheer at the action taking place below.
For the next ten minutes, men array themselves into complicated battle lines, and you draw closer to the action. Finally, about the time you arrive, final orders are given.
Large warriors as big as trolls suddenly break forward from the camp, carrying tower shields. In small packs on their back, small sized humans ride in strange harnesses, shielded from the oncoming fire by their makeshift humanoid-mounts.
When the line of warriors crashes into the walls of the city, they drop their shields and start smashing huge weapons into the walls. A measured response of fireballs, arrows, and magical attacks surge from the walls of Alithmar into the attackers, and one or two fall dead. The rest however, are constantly healed by the riders they carry!
Large chunks of rock are hewn from the walls, thinning them noticeably in some spots. Slowly, the men begin to peel back, retreating from the range of the enemy spells and arrows.
A small contingent of horsemen turn their mounts and trot back to a large tent flying the red and gold banner of Pavillion Neutronis.
"He's been at this for awhile.", Akir points out. "Any day now we will be inside."
The action dies down as men are healed and the Mailed Fist withdraws from arrow range completely.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=13 ; Monday November 30th, 2015 7:47:50 PM
Tinker doesn't know much from tactics, but it appears to maximize damage to the wall while minimizing his own casualties. Tinker is nodding his head in admiring approval before he remembers that he is against what Neutronis is doing.
In compensation, the dwarf puts on an extra long scowl and waits for the escort to the tents.
He looks about to see if there are any units of Wolf or Snake in the host.
Perception 13
Prudence Gundle Monday November 30th, 2015 7:55:57 PM
Pru watches the assault, looking unhappy.
"Perhaps we could offer to negotiate," she says. "With Alithmar, I mean. If we could put an end to this conflict, that would help, right?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=31 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+6=8 ; Monday November 30th, 2015 11:07:43 PM
Anna hopes to get a chance to observe Nuetronis. She casts detect magic on herself and if she notices him she examines him for any auras or anything seemingly off. If Neutronis does not present himself she still tries to casually observe any of the other senior officers in the camp for signs of anything being up. If she finds anything funny she will wait for an opportunity to tell Nikolai without tipping off Neutronis's force of what she observed.
She also renews her minotaur version of Tauros Taur Try on herself. (Perception: 31) (Sense Motive: 22) (Know[arcana]:28) (Spellcraft:8)
Active Effects: Toros Taur Try (minotaur) Detect Magic
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Monday November 30th, 2015 11:47:20 PM
"Well, it is certainly more effective than an orc horde charge, but maybe not by much. Not much point in taking a city if there is nothing left of it at the end."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Tuesday December 1st, 2015 1:04:44 AM
Nikolai listens to Akir but knows there's no point in saying much. When Akir mentions about the locked up dissenting Fist members, he simply says 'Evil is as Evil does' and leaves it at that, however he does contemplate that if they do get out of this alive, a raid on this Eyrie to free those captives would be in order.
That some, if not all of these off-shoot training bases have been cutting corners and graduating recruits in mere weeks is not a surprise and explains why so many know nothing or care nothing about the Mailed Fist Code of Honor.
At the battle camp, Nikolai looks on in amazement at the futility of the attack. "He's been at this for a while and hasn't broken through yet? Some great plan that is" he mumbles. Best not be too vocal he decides.
'Any day now,' the guy says. Nikolai almost tells him that if he wanted in there that bad, the monk would load him up on one of those catapults and the guy'd by inside in seconds. As is, Nikolai just keeps quiet and waits for the Eagle Thumb to lead them on into Neutronis' camp.
DM Ken - Post for Michael Tuesday December 1st, 2015 6:57:21 PM
Michaels keen eyes take in the situation. He also doesn't miss the implications of the help men inside the Eyrie. If the war in the Fist continues, they could be an important asset.
DM Ken Tuesday December 1st, 2015 7:08:57 PM
Nikolai and Trayvin offer some pointed criticisms of Pavillions tactic. Pru just wants to de-escalate the whole thing as quickly as possible. Anna doesn't find much out of place, but the camp is fairly empty until the men start to filter back towards their tents.
If Nikolai and Trayvin have bothered Akir, he doesn't let on.
"Yea well, when the city you are taking has an impenetrable ward against both magic and war-machines, you have to make do. Luckily, that same ward prevents them from magically mending the wall, and our archers make them repairing it outside the city impractical."
He nods towards Paviliions Tent as a second flag runs the mast, one depicting a gaudy golden wolf on a red background.
Akir grins. "He's modest, isn't he?"
He leads you through the maze of tents and pops inside, leaving you to your own devices for a moment. The tent is made of thick dyed canvas, and the flags are embroidered silk. You are left alone for a couple of minutes before Akir pops back out.
"You must keep your weapons sheathed. Draw one, and things will escalate. Lastly, the Sorceress and the Cleric must have their hands bound. A gag is not required, nor will we ask to confiscate the clerics holy symbol for the meetings duration."
He retrieves some cloth bindings and offers them to Tinker.
"Do you agree? Please think on the diplomacy you profess to desire before acting rashly.", he says to Prudence and Trayvin."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 1st, 2015 7:59:50 PM
Tinker takes the cloth bindings but doesn't yet bind anyone's hands. "Don't ambassadors get to defend themselves? Neutrius will have guards and any spell takes time to cast, really, just as much time as drawing a weapon. This doesn't sound right..."
Tinker contemplates his ability to pretend to tie hands and make them easy to slip off. He's pretty confident he can do it, but less confident that he will not be noticed.
(Ooc: DM, what skill check would it be to fake-tie Prudence and Trayvin's hands?)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=28 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+10=20 ; d20+6=10 ; Tuesday December 1st, 2015 8:25:31 PM
Anna tries to project a blank face. She can cast spells too and does not need to be bound. Between her domain, her spells and her wild shaping she has a lot of options at her disposal.
Active Effects: Toros Taur Try (minotaur) Detect Magic
DM Ken Tuesday December 1st, 2015 9:11:59 PM
Akir shakes his head.
"No Tinker, it's not the same. A mage can kill a man without having to cross the room. Weve kept our word to you. It will only be Neutronis and my men in the tent with you. It's just precaution."
(Tinker thinks he can make a sleight of hand check to pretend to tie the knots, opposed by Akir's perception. Of course, Anna and Trayvin will need to make perceptions to notice as well, since this isn't a common thing in Nik's Fist.)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Tuesday December 1st, 2015 9:13:36 PM
Trayvin raises an eyebrow at Akir "Rashly? I don't recall being the ones who dragged a ship bodily onto a beach. I am not concerned for my safety, except where other nations will now see me as an enemy simply for being a member of the Mailed Fist. I will agree to have my hands bound. Considering he is surrounded by an army I would hope Neutronis would not consider us a threat whether armed and bound or not. If he isn't secure with that, then maybe he shouldn't be trying to conquer other nations."
Trayvin holds his hands out to be tied. "Come, let's talk to Neutronis and see what he has to say. We've been through a lot to get here, so let's stop wasting time."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 1st, 2015 9:58:44 PM
Tinker looks dubious, but when Trayvin's offers his hands, that pretty much decides what to do. He lashes the cleric's hands together. He waits for Prudence's OK to do the same to her. He doesn't try to fake the lashings, cause it's not gonna be Tinker's fault for things going south!
(Tinker will also stay close to Prudence, ready to draw and cut her cloth bindings if they get in a fight. )
Taking 10 to bind. Ready to draw dagger and cut Prudence's cloth bonds at the first attack on the Agents.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday December 1st, 2015 10:46:21 PM
With a wry smile, Pru extends her wrists to be bound. The binding will hamper, not eliminate, her ability to use magic.
But Akir doesn't need to know that.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 1:26:24 AM
Nikolai stares at Akir and declares "What you require is NOT an act of diplomacy. We already gave you our word that we came as ambassadors to talk to Neutronus face-to-face on Constance's behalf. If Neutronus is so paranoid that he can't take the word of a Mailed Fist Fist, one that still adheres to the Mailed Fist Code of Honor, then he's not 'just being cautious', he's a coward. I will not command my Fist to be bound. You say we have nothing to fear as you've given your Word, is our Word worthless? If the two you wish to be bound accept, fine, but I will not give such a command to them."
Nikolai is starting to feel his blood boil. The hypocrites! Evil, and those who act upon Evil deeds can't be trusted and he goes into the tent with trepidation.
DM Ken - Post for Michael Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 3:30:12 PM
Michael also fears this may be an elaborate set-up, he keeps his weapons sheathed. "For such a strong guy, Pavonis sure is paranoid."
DM Ken - Post for Michael Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 7:26:41 PM
Akir shakes his head, somewhat frustrated with Nikolai.
"It's not like that at all Nikolai. A King being a warrior doesn't preclude the need for his guard, even if the King could slay all of them in a matter of seconds. You and I are soldiers, if we die to treachery it doesn't matter, because we are only men at arms. You don't risk your liege lord to previously hostile casters, regardless of what they promise you."
With that, he peels open the curtains and motions for the Fist to enter.
"Here they are, Grand Marshall. They've agreed to see you peacefully."
The inside of the tent is a military affair. There is a large table with maps spread over it, and writing scrawled on a few of them. There's a large high-backed stuffed chair, the only real piece of furniture other than a basic military cot and bedroll.
Neutronis himself is less spartan. A chainmail made of gold-tinted mithril is worn over red-dyed leather. A red mailed skirt stops just above his knees. Red and gold seem to be his thing.
He weapon, the Bastard Sword "Mercenary", is sheathed across his back. A shield leans against the tent wall in the corner, near a pair of wicked looking lances.
"Alright Akir, post your men outside. You and Thak stay here with me."
When Akir returns, alongside him is a lightly armored dwarf. Neutronis smiles and gestures compellingly.
"Welcome to the siege of Alithmar and the start of the Kingdoms of the Fist. I think we both know one another, so tell me good agents, are you ready to join your Grand Marshal?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=32 ; d20+3=15 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+6=8 ; Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 8:42:34 PM
Anna turns her magic-detecting cone toward Neutronis. Are there any auras emitting from the soldiers body?
She also studies him to see if anything seems off about him.
"Grand Marshall, Sir, I mean no disrespect but by what authority do we have to break the Mailed Fist's charter of neutrality?"
Active Effects: Toros Taur Try (minotaur) Detect Magic
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 9:43:28 PM
Trayvin agrees with Anna. "I think answering that question is important. The Mailed Fist is now looked on with distrust most places we have been through to travel here, and nearly outright hostility in others. We have heard of several nations armies lining up to destroy you. I don't see what you hope to gain."
Prudence Gundle Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 11:14:47 PM
"If we did join you, sir," Pru says, "what sorts of things would you want us to do?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 11:58:36 PM
Nikolai introduces himself formally, "Thumb Nikolai of Nikolai's Fist, Hurricane Company, Wolf Regiment, Commander Constance Palance." However, he does not salute.
"Interesting that you call it Kingdom of the Fist even though you do not have authority to call it so. However, it would be a waste of breath to quote from the Mailed Fist charter that details this illegal action of yours on behalf of the Mailed Fist. But the name is just a technicality, really. If you had decided to capture Alithmar to hold as ransom for payments due, that would have been one thing. What Commander Constance adheres to is the Mailed Fist Code of Neutrality. The Mailed Fist ceases to exist without it.
All of Yrth, and especially the Elennian peninsula know of the Mailed Fist charter and how it is being tossed aside here. If they didn't like us before, at least they respected us for our work and our honesty. Now, however, they amass their own armies because of your actions. They know that if you are allowed to gain control of Alithmar and establish a kingdom, what will stop the other mercenary groups from doing the same? Of more concern, though, is what would stop you from going for other cities? You can't give any of these kingdoms any word that can be trusted.
Supposing you finally succeed in taking Alithmar, you won't have the hearts of the people. You will have to contend with hostility from the outside and from the inside. Your neighbors will impose an embargo on any trade and raise a blockade against anyone, if anyone, does wish to trade. You'll have to contend with the meager resources you can squeeze out of the people you rule go on to continued expansion of your kingdom just to survive.
Surely you and your advisers can see this. Commander Palance is staying to the Mailed Fist Code because she sees this and the core of the Mailed Fist must be seen by others as remaining honorable to the code in order for what little that is left to survive once this venture here crumbles.
There are several key points here that alienate you from the true adherents to the code. The first and main one I just stated, but the sanction of the slaughter of those who respectfully disagree and wish to peacefully detach themselves is the worse. Commander Palance has the note you wrote to your Wolves. That note will be widely circulated among all the Commanders and all the kingdoms hereabouts. That note tells the people who you really have become.
Our original mission was to try to persuade you from ceasing this action and accepting the payment due to our services, probably with some extra penalties for the original non-compliance. I see that no power of persuasion short of the gods' will be successful. So we still intended to meet with you and perhaps ascertain the truth of the rumors of your full intent. Is this just a bluff? Do you intend to have Alithmar surrender first then exact payment and then leave?
The second part of our mission was to confirm that Commander Palance can not join you for the reasons in the Mailed Fist Charter. She cannot betray the Founding Members for such a small grievance that could have been resolved in a less violent way. We thought we would be able to travel peacefully and openly to your camp and parlay, but we found that Companies and Fists under your command were slaughtering Mailed Fist members rather indiscriminately. Except perhaps for a few more conscious soldiers, you basically have a band of brigands, taking what they want where they go, including whole farms.
My father is Alexi Komonov. You may know the Komonov family. We have Mailed Fist blood going way back and my mother is Mailed Fist too. So I've have the True Code in my blood going back near to when the Mailed Fist was first formed.
I can only speak for myself. I cannot join you in this venture. Each of the Agents has his or her own voice. I do not influence them nor does Commander Palance. I will note that even Palance gave us the choice, to join you or remain in the Wolf Regiment under her command. She does not know what we will decide here, but one thing is certain, she is does not thirst for the blood of those who disagree with her as you thirst for the blood of those who disagree with you.
I'd like to wish that Gargul be merciful to you upon your eventual death, but you may have too much innocent blood on your head for that to be possible."
Nikolai steps back and waits, letting the others speak if they wish.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=14 ; Thursday December 3rd, 2015 4:51:06 PM
Tinker's never been much on social cues or the delicacy of diplomacy, but it appears to the young dwarf that the group should still speak to Neutronis as a figure who has earned respect. He heaved a sigh, "let's hope he appreciates bluntness", he mutters into his beard.
And, thinks Tinker, he just might. Neutronis waved away the need for the dance of introductions and titles with a sentence. Perhaps laying the cards in the table will work?
Tinker gives Neutronis the bow a Fist gives to a foreign head of state. "I follow the Mailed Fist Code, my lord, which forbids me from pillage and taking booty. I must respectfully say no to your offer. But we were talking on the road and thought of a way for you and the warriors following you can get what you want and to keep the Mailed Fist as a neutral mercenary organization."
Diplomacy 14
[url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4c-nSwo2jOvYkt0cEdqN3dnOHM/view?usp=sharing]Thak Val Zsing[/url] (Lewis) Thursday December 3rd, 2015 7:27:51 PM
The lack of eyebrows makes the dwarf more inscrutable than most; yet an interested observer can easily see the nervousness in his occasionally darting eyes and tapped finger against his crossed arms. The full pack with all his belongings on his back helps. Nevertheless for the moment, he remains silent, hand empty of weapons but placed to be ready for the four of them dotting his body.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday December 3rd, 2015 8:42:25 PM
Tinker sizes up the new person standing guard for Neutronis. If it weren't for the bald head and eyebrows and his choice of weapons, Tinker would think he is looking in a mirror. Tinker himself is loaded for nearly any contingency with a plethora of weapons and tools within easy reach. His hands twitch as if needing to do something and being forcibly denied.
DM Ken - Post for Michael Thursday December 3rd, 2015 9:17:05 PM
(Sorry Anna, your detect magic lasts for 6 minutes. I would assume that at least that much time has passed since since the battles end and being corralled into the tent. However, since I wasn't specific on time, I'll give a little something your way.)
Neutronis looks at Nikolai carefully, obvious displeasure on his face. He seems to be considering something, when Tinker's tidbit catches his ear.
"I'm sorry, what?"
Broad and tall for a human, Neutronis eases into his chair, rubs his stubbled chin, then leans back.
"It seems there's some strong opinions in this room, and that's fine, but I want to make a couple things clear."
He takes a breath.
"Men of power are not bound to an old decaying book somewhere filled with bylaws. As Grand Marshall, the Fist is mine, and it's soldiers at my command. When I give an order, such as 'Meet me outside Alithmar', those who disobey that order are willfully disobeying me. There's a number of ways to handle that, and that changes from Regiment to Regiment."
He points at Akir.
"For example, Akir's Regimental Commander told his men they were marching to Alithmar, and those who did not feel they could carry that duty out had the right to detain themselves until the matter was resolved."
He shrugs.
"I miss those men, but they are alive and healthy and will be discharged when this mess is over. Akir, his Commander, and the rest of his Regiment are here and serving admirably."
He points at Nikolai.
"Uppity officers like Constance thrice-cursed Palance turns around and not only openly defies the order, but unlawfully dismisses her men through a otiose reading of those same bylaws you love so much. She made deserters out of them, deserters that might have moved to harm my cause here at Alithmar."
He grips the arms of his chair, keeping his voice checked with visible effort.
"Not only did she defy my orders, she cost me an additional regiment when she convinced Merina Swain to hold out, then she cost me my navy when she lured Shark Regiment into her scheme as well."
He takes a deep breath.
"To her credit, several men have checked in here from Wolf Regiment, saying that Palance gave them unmolested leave to join me. That's why I -might- be talked down from draw and quarter to a guillotine. I have no room for such disloyalty to me."
He stands, and crosses to his tent and stares out of a cut open window. He claps his hands behind his back and gazes out, something you have seen Knight Commander Palance do many-a-time.
"Constance... she and I were very close once. I might shout and holler, but I don't think I could ever actually hurt her."
He peeks over his shoulder at Nikolai.
"It's funny you mention the Sons of Pavillion. It was difficult to endorse them, but I need an asset like them right now. They've certainly stemmed the tide of deserters."
He walks to his chair and sits again.
"I'm sorry none of you are interested in what's happening here. I knew there would be some men loyal to me, and some loyal to our charter. I just had hoped it would be more of the former and less of the latter. Not all the Regiments found people of as stern of character as Constance and her sister did."
He nods to Tinker.
"Tell me your plan, Agent. I'll listen at least, but can make no promise."
Anna's detect magic is fading, but she is able to detect a lot of magic coming from the man. His armor, his sword, his shield and Javelins. His saddle, his rings, nearly all the items he wears are setting off her detect magic spell. She decides the two strongest auras are his armor and his weapon.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Thursday December 3rd, 2015 9:43:59 PM
Trayvin waits to hear what Tinker has to say. Nikolai laid out the case pretty well, and it didn't look like Neutronis budged at all on his position. He appears to be drunk on power and looking for more.
"It is funny that you mention giving orders and having the troops follow them. Everyone who is in the Mailed Fist serves the Fist, not you. I think you have forgotten that."
Prudence Gundle Thursday December 3rd, 2015 10:01:29 PM
"You don't have to respond to my question, sir," Pru says, somewhat sharply. "I'm not anybody important, after all. But then to turn around and say 'I'm sorry none of you are interested in what's happening here'--well, it's rude. And untrue."
DM Ken - Post for Michael Thursday December 3rd, 2015 10:20:44 PM
Pavillion seems caught offguard for a moment, then chuckles and slaps his forehead.
"I'm so sorry Lance Corporal. I got a little bit bent on a tangent. Let me explain, briefly."
He points out of his tent towards the city.
"There's a trio of clerics in there, that say they are clerics of Ffloy. I assume that means they are likely in some kind of trade deal with the city. They are the ones who are keeping the spells that prevent our catapults from harming the walls and our spells from doing anything at all. I would need you to convince them, in any capacity available to you, to leave here and let these military matters be resolved as normal."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20=13 ; Thursday December 3rd, 2015 10:40:14 PM
"Well Commander, you are certainly not heart seeded. Your gear radiates a lot of magical auras but none appear to be coming from you directly so this decision to invade Alithmar is not sparked by Ga'al's command, unfortunately."
"As Pru said it is unfair to assume we are not interested in the events here. We came here because of the events that are happening here and while we seem to have come to some philosophical differences relating to the interpretation of the charter, we are still members of the same organization, an organization that has been turned on itself because of the order to invade given here."
"It is true that you are the leader of the Mailed Fist, but as previously stated those who are members serve The Fist itself. The charter is more than just a set of musty old rules. It is a code that sets us apart from common Mercenary rabble and allows us to work the jobs that we do. The idea of Neutrality with respect to sovereign nations allows us to take work from any sovereign nation provided said work is in line with the other tenents of the code. Furthermore it allows us to exist and function the way we do because we are a large military unit outside of the affairs of international politics. We start taking territory and you put a large target on our back. The surrounding states could band together to take down this Kingdom of The Fist before it gets much traction. At the same time, who knows how long it will take to deal with the Insurrection of the Regiments that did not answer the call. Some are skilled in guerrilla tactics, intelligence and naval warfare. Those skills combined could prove quite the thorn in ones side. Between them and the allied forces united against you we are suddenly fighting a war on two fronts and those kinds are some of the hardest to win. As Tinker says we have a way to potentially satisfy the contract and avert this scenario from happening, please hear him our and consider this option. If not for the Fist than for the Wold. I spoke with an elder of my religion on the way here as we passed through a farm where the family that owned it got displaced by a loyalist group and he pointed out that this infighting within the Fist could have repercussions that are felt beyond the organization."
(Diplomacy: 13)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+4=16 ; d20+13=22 ; d20+8=20 ; Friday December 4th, 2015 12:06:46 AM
Michael is silent for a time. listening. He waits for a lull in the conversation to speak.
Heatseeds....
It's the one thing that nobody has thought of during this whole fiasco.
The People of Althimar are all Heartseeded. The are the slaves to the will of the God Ga'al, they are also his eyes and ears and he is a covetous and willful god. No man has ever been cured of the taint of the Heartseed, but many men have died during the attempt. When you breach the walls he will pour his people on you like rain to stop your advance...you have to know this. Ga'al seeks to extend his reach. Not lose ground.
An attack on this city will only weaken The Fist. and turn our allies against us, thus fragmenting the delicate balance of power in the region toward Aisidur. This is basic tactics. something anyone schooled in the least would be able to see.
But you do not, and I have to wonder why.
Surely your pride and ambition is not so great as to blind you to this fact.
You aren't stupid. so why?
I've heard that the followers of Ga'al sometimes send out "missionaries" and elite hit teams to further Ga'al will. I've seen their "work", lived with it for years. so I have a sense of what they are capable of and I have a great desire to see their work come to ruin, but I'm not so stupid as to think this has a chance of working. So once again I ask myself "why"?
I would like to see your chest Lord Neutronis, because the only thing I can think of is that you have been Heartseeded, and ordered to bring down the Mailed Fist.
Michael then looks pointedly at Neutroinis, locking his gaze with a look that says "I know what you are"
diplomacy 16 Perception 22 bluff 20
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Friday December 4th, 2015 12:09:00 AM
ooc: Hey guys it's good to be back!
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Friday December 4th, 2015 1:06:27 AM
Nikolai does not budge nor flinch when Neutronis looks at him. After the others have said their piece he responds.
"Men of power are not bound to an old decaying book somewhere filled with bylaws," you say? May I remind you that you were elected Grand Marshall and can be 'de-elected' at any time. The Fist is NOT yours. YOU are supposed to serve the Fist, not the Fist YOU. The reason these bylaws are relevant today as much as anytime is because Power begets Corruption, and as evidenced here, you have Corrupted the Fist. Don't dance around the truth and pretend you are doing this for the good of the Fist. You are doing it for yourself and only yourself. You just said so. You care nothing of the lives that are lost, either those who fight for you, or those who fight against you, or those who just want to get away.
You accuse Palance of causing all this and making deserters out of good men. I remind you that everyone who joined the Mailed Fist signed a Contract that specified the Code and swore by that Code. You are requiring these men and women to break that Code. In any Court of Law, that makes the Contract null and void, so they are not deserters. And in any Court of Law, your actions against them are murderous. Those that chose to follow you technically signed on to YOUR contract, not the Mailed Fist.
Constance knows this and in her kindness, allowed those who wished to join you to do so peacefully. She could have, according the the Code, tried them for treason and executed them. Since she still holds to the Mailed Fist Code, it would be Lawful, but she didn't.
Whereas your heart is hard and selfish. You say you need the Sons of Pavilion? That proves you really don't have the power you wish. Your ambitions is your downfall. You will murder until someone closest to you turns the table on you and steals all you've done, and Gargul does not look favorably upon heartless murders. You don't like the code? Then resign from the Mailed Fist and erect your own banner and write your own laws. Leave the Mailed Fist out of this.
You want us to go talk to those clerics of Ffloy? What is your request, specifically? If they know they can keep this up forever, why should they stop? They don't want you as their ruler as they know you'll slaughter them. So what bargain can you make? By now they may be willing to pay their dept to the Fist, but you aren't giving them that option. Unfortunately, you'd throw your own son against those walls just for the chance to be called King, even if for just one day."
He looks at Tinker, "Go ahead, tell the Man who would be King our plan."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday December 4th, 2015 7:10:42 PM
Tinker isn't sure he likes all the attention in the room, it is not his demeanor nor training. And his battle-buddies are certainly pouring vitriol on the fire. But he does have Neutronis' attention, and probably the only time he will have it. The dwarf takes a deep breath and begins speaking.
"There is a way that you can get your kingdom, retain the Fist as a viable mercenary force, and maybe even have the marching armies of the surrounding kingdoms to pause or even turn around. ". Tinker needs another deep breath to continue. "You can resign as Grand Marshall. "
The dwarf hurries on before Neutronis explodes. "Think on it sir. Those who follow you and not the Charter will continue to do so. The marching kingdoms won't have the specter of a mercenary kingdom, and those who are loyal to the charter are not enough to oppose you. The remaining Fist would have to withdraw, not oppose you, and consolidate to pick a new Grand Marshall. Eventually, they would even fight FOR you because you would be a king and could hire them. No more civil war."
Tinker turns to Nikolai. "Nikki, as Agents, you could even authorize us to hire with Lord Neutronis and do this mission for him as an incentive. We could hire for one gold piece for honor sake, and then everyone wins. "
Flushed with perspiration, Tinker falls silent, waiting to see what will come.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Friday December 4th, 2015 9:47:53 PM
It is a sound idea. Trayvin optimistically wonders if Neutronis will go for it.
"Maybe you should think on it a bit. I think we have said our piece, and said it well."
DM Ken Saturday December 5th, 2015 1:02:59 AM
Pavillions smile diminishes as Nikolai and Michael rail against him. It fades completely, replaced by a deep scowl. The longer Nikolai talks, the deeper it gets. Even Akir, seemingly a man as much for peaceful resolution as anyone else, places a hand on his weapon.
Tense moments pass, Michael both offers insult and requests Pavonis strip and reveal his chest, a request that is met with a snort. Tinker reveals his plan, but still nothing. It seems as if Pavonis is locked in a deep internal struggle, trying hard to decide what to do next.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Saturday December 5th, 2015 2:27:12 AM
In the middle of the arguments of nations and would-be-nations, the bald dwarf coughs for a small amount of attention. He takes a half step forward and salutes. "Sirs... I guess now's the time. Look, I godsdamn hate arguing over the code. But I reckon it's right here because these fellows are right." He nods towards the disarmed and bound guests. "That and... I'll serve you 'till death as Grand Marshal, sir. I can't serve you as King or whatever y'choose to become if'n you take this path. I ask discharge, transfer, whatever, sir. It's been an honor."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday December 5th, 2015 9:33:33 AM
Tinker is surprised the bald dwarf is taking this moment of decision, where it seems Neutronis is balanced on the razors edge of agreeing and killing them all, to side with the Agents. It is so completely out of the blue that Tinker thinks it may snap the unbearable tension of the room.
Using that snap, he growls under his breath trying to only be loud enough for his companions to hear. "Nikki, Mike, stop badgering him! If he were me, right now if you told me I needed to put out the fire I'm standing in, I wouldn't do it just to spite you!"
Louder, he tries to add one thought to Neutronis' inner turmoil. "Sir, your decision will end opposition, weaken your enemies, and strengthen your position here and in the future. What do you want future generations to remember, taking care of your pride, or taking care of the mission?"
For Tinker, that question is a no-brainer. He only hopes that Neutronis feels the same way.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Saturday December 5th, 2015 12:57:28 PM
"Also if you think about it, this allows you patch things up with Commander Constance. If you are King or Whatever of your own Kingdom you can hire her to fight for you. I mean in this scenario doesn't everybody win? You get to rule your Kingdom, the Fist can continue being Neutral and The Fist can stop fighting itself."
"I know you and the Commander were close once." Anna says wistfully.
Prudence Gundle Sunday December 6th, 2015 8:51:23 PM
Pru stands off to the side, biting her lip. This isn't going how she wanted it to, and she's not sure now what she can do to get things back on track.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+1=9 ; Sunday December 6th, 2015 9:35:54 PM
Nikolai does not act bothered by Neutronis' scowl. The Agent knows he's in the right, and that gives him the confidence to face up to the Grand Marshal, something he'd never think of doing otherwise.
"My brashness seems like a bur in your armor, Sir, but I do not apologize. Commander Constance gave us orders to come seek you out and try to end this matter one way or another. Obviously, we are no match for you and certainly that was not Commander Constance's intent. Tinker's suggestion is that one way or another and is the most logical. I can now return to Constance with the Assignment accomplished to the best of our abilities. By Akir's example, you have the troops loyal to you that you need. By this dwarf's example, you have troops who wish you no harm and would still follow you but disagree with this military solution as per their oath to the Mailed Fist.
Resign from the Mailed Fist and you retain the forces you have and you'll have no dissent among the troops or troops questioning their consciences. You already have a problem with what you call deserters, but this solution gives them a reason to stay with a clear conscience.
Also, if you were no longer head of the Mailed Fist, we, Nikolai's Fist, could attempt to broker a deal between you and those three clerics. If we were to attempt such a thing while you still holding the title of Grand Marshall, our lives would hang in the balance just as much there as they do here.
History will be written of these events here, and those written Histories are not always kind to those whom it is written about. You are in the fork in the road and hold in your hands to go to where History will be kind to you not. We don't want to see one of the greatest Mailed Fist Grand Marshall's in our annals to go down the road of infamy."
Aid Another +1(to Tinker's Diplomatic solution): 9 sigh....
DM Ken Monday December 7th, 2015 11:01:52 AM
With visible, trembling effort, Neutronis rises to his feet and nods to Akir.
"Find them tents, give them food, and post guards around them. Do not make it known who they are. We wouldn't want someone from Tiger Regiment seeking vengeance for their hanged comrades, comrades who had surrendered, I believe."
He looks at Thak.
"Put him with them, Akir. Strike him from your active roster."
His features neutral, Neutronis considers Nikolai again.
"Young thumb, regardless of this rift in our Fist, I'll offer you some advice. Always be careful with the lives of your Fist. A commanders job is to judiciously allocate the lives of his men to achieve a purpose that can honorably die for. A thumbs job should always begin with making sure as many men survive his commanders orders as possible, while still accomplishing their mission. You very nearly cost your entire Fist their lives."
With a sigh, he sits down.
"I've never been a rash man. I'm going to take a night to consider what you've proposed, though I make no promise. The rub is that I need those priests of F'floy out of my way, and they won't meet anyone from my army, and no sum of gold has yet to persuade them."
He looks at Tinker and Thak.
"The two of you just saved these men and women. Let stories of Dwarven stubbornness never outstrip the stories of Dwarven common sense and rationality."
DM Ken Monday December 7th, 2015 11:02:22 AM
Akir nods, and motions to Nikolai's Fist.
"This way, if your ready."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday December 7th, 2015 6:09:10 PM
Tinker lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He doesn't trust himself to say anything, and so only bows as to a head of state and waits to be led to the tent and promised food.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Monday December 7th, 2015 6:33:28 PM
Thak raises a hand and salutes fervently. "Thank you, sir." With parade precision, he marches into step with Tinker and the rest to head for the tent.
Prudence Gundle Monday December 7th, 2015 9:19:31 PM
Pru lets out a sigh of relief. All of this is way beyond her. She just wants to do her job well, and maybe help people sometimes. Why do things have to get so complicated?
She moves to follow Akir with the others.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Monday December 7th, 2015 9:23:55 PM
Nikolai smiles, still knowing he was in the Right and that he did his duty to point that out. "With all due respect, Sir, I'd have done no less for you if the situation had been flipped. I will point out that we gave the Tiger Fist much respect, healing all those that we could and warning them to make themselves scarce. We were very saddened to see those that were hung. But I was not surprised. Your Fists were ruthless first. Revenge for that should be expected.
Nevertheless, we, Nikolai's Fist, went out of our way to spare your men since the day we left the Citadel. Ask Akir here what happened on the beach when we arrived. Ask your Sons how they let us get a hold of your note. We could have killed them at that farm but did not. Unfortunately for the Tiger Fist, they cornered us and they gave us no viable option. As a cornered Wolf, we fought back."
Nikolai only expects some rebuke of sorts so only hesitates a bit of a second before turning to follow Akir to their assigned tent. Only once inside does he let out a sigh of relief.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Monday December 7th, 2015 10:43:29 PM
"Nikolai, you poked him too hard. Anyway, I think we should consider going to talk to those clerics. If we do that, maybe he will take our proposal more seriously. There may be more to what is going on here than he is telling us, and if that is the case, they will know. Maybe we should see what the other side of this conflict has to say."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=16 ; Monday December 7th, 2015 11:27:06 PM
Anna falls in step with the rest of her unit.
"Are there any berry bushes in the area? If so could 8 berries be brought to me tomorrow morning or could i get an escort there tomorrow? I would like to make some more good berries tomorrow, but if I am to be kept in a specific area under guard that doesn't seem possible without help. I don' t mean to inconvenience you sir." She says to Akir.
(Perception; 16)
Anna keeps an eye out for anything noteworthy while being escorted.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Tuesday December 8th, 2015 12:20:54 AM
Michael is silent as Akir leads them to the tents. introspective. Maybe asking about the Commanders chest was a bad idea. but the thought keeps nagging at him. Before Akir drops them off Michael asks a question.
Does the Commander have a Valet? and if he does would it be possible to speak with him?
DM Ken Tuesday December 8th, 2015 7:14:24 PM
Taken to their new quarters, the Agents have some time to settle down. Their tent is military standard affair, much like any other Fist camp they have been in before.
"I'll leave you to it then.", says Akir. He pauses, then looks at Nikolai. "I'm glad it didn't come to blows, but you pushed him too hard. If you do that again, he will probably kill you, or order me to do it. I'm starting to like you guys, so don't let it get that far out of hand again, okay?"
Akir takes a moment to consider Michael.
"He's not heartseeded. You aren't the first to accuse him of such, actually. Though the escalation was happening for awhile, the announcement to seize the city was sudden. Our Knight Captain though the same, and says Pavillion proved he was not under any outside influence."
With that, he leaves. You can hear him outside, giving orders for food and to find some berries for Anna.
Short of the Agents going exploring, they have the distinct feeling they will be waiting here for the night, and possibly longer. Perhaps preparations are in order?
DM Ken Tuesday December 8th, 2015 7:14:24 PM
Taken to their new quarters, the Agents have some time to settle down. Their tent is military standard affair, much like any other Fist camp they have been in before.
"I'll leave you to it then.", says Akir. He pauses, then looks at Nikolai. "I'm glad it didn't come to blows, but you pushed him too hard. If you do that again, he will probably kill you, or order me to do it. I'm starting to like you guys, so don't let it get that far out of hand again, okay?"
Akir takes a moment to consider Michael.
"He's not heartseeded. You aren't the first to accuse him of such, actually. Though the escalation was happening for awhile, the announcement to seize the city was sudden. Our Knight Captain though the same, and says Pavillion proved he was not under any outside influence."
With that, he leaves. You can hear him outside, giving orders for food and to find some berries for Anna.
Short of the Agents going exploring, they have the distinct feeling they will be waiting here for the night, and possibly longer. Perhaps preparations are in order?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Tuesday December 8th, 2015 8:21:24 PM "Akir, you appear to be a good man. The Tiger Fist probably too. You had the fortunate unfortunate fate of us having a backdoor to escape and the Tiger Fist did not. I held no ill will towards them neither towards you. I pushed him hard, but it was necessary to determine how hard his heart had become. It is a relief of sorts to see he is still in control of himself and not turned into a crazed lunatic as some had feared.
If you do get a word with General Neutronis, let him know that we are aware that there are two sides of a story. It would be very helpful to know the full reason as to why Alithmar refused payment. If those clerics hold the key, we need to talk to them. If other influences are in control of the city, ones that would threaten all of the peninsula, we need to know that too. Only way to do that is to get into the city, either by diplomatic means or by stealth. Provoking him into capturing the city may be a plot from agents he is completely unaware of and it just so happens to work in their favor. Only way to know that is to get inside."
Nikolai finds a cot, unloads his gear and plops down. Eyes closed, he tries to work his way into a Meditation and process their meeting with Neutronis. Had they missed anything?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Tuesday December 8th, 2015 9:40:47 PM
Michael nods at Akir's words. He thinks to himself. could the corruption have spread among all of the senior officers? could akir be heartseeded as well?
His eye begins to twitch and he starts seeing heartseeded people everywhere, The priests of Ga'al breaking down the door their cloth scarves dripping with the blood of heretics hearts. They were every where looking at him with the blank stares of those who have lost their will to a mad god. thievery was easy, when all are one with a god no one cheats, so noting is guarded. but every eye is the eye of an informant, every man the potential vector for the inquisition. got to get away...but the priests watch the gates. Even the bloody sewers are watched. I'm trapped...oh Gargul, please let me die cleanly...don't let me become one of those...abominations.
With a start Michael pulls from the path his mind had taken, a path he avoids as often as his waking mind will let him. He finds him a place beneath one of the cots and creates a little fort with his back pack and bedroll, to enclose himself from the eyes of his teammates. Only when suitably covered does he let the shakes take him.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday December 8th, 2015 10:42:18 PM
"Um....can I be untied now?"
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 47/59 CMD Tuesday December 8th, 2015 10:47:49 PM
"We are in a military camp, that is engaged with an enemy. We should set some watches among ourselves while we wait." Trayvin is relieved to have the restraints removed. When the food arrives he helps himself and suggests everyone should eat and keep their strength up.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=27 ; Tuesday December 8th, 2015 11:00:12 PM
Anna volunteers to take the watch closest to daybreak as that is when she prays and hopefully will receive her berries soon after that.
She periodically casts the minotaur version of Toros Taur Try on herself as she is on watch in order to help her better detect anything unusual.
(Perception : 27)
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=21 Wednesday December 9th, 2015 1:42:54 PM
Tinker quickly unties Prudence and Trayvin's at first opportunity, in Neutronis' waiting room if at all possible!
While escorted through the camp, Tinker keeps his eyes and ears open to see if there is anything unusual about this army camp compared to what they learned as recruits.
Once in the tent, Tinker frowns into his beard and doesn't say much. Nikolai still has the but between his teeth and is absolutely sure that he was justified in his harsh words to Neutronis. His loyalty to his friend is playing against his loyalty to keep all his friends safe, and it makes the dwarf quieter and more brooding than normal. But there is something needing done before the group takes watches and prepares...
"So, anyone want to talk about the elephant in the room?", he asks while staring pointedly at the bald dwarf. "You volunteer to be on our side when the Grand Marshal was an inch from killing us, and he sends you off with us. So, who are you and why should we trust you?"
To start the talk, Tinker nods. "I am Daemar Torvalsson, called Tinker in the Agents. My home is from Trader's Crossing in the Culverwood where I was raised by a gnome family. I have trained as a locksmith and warrior."
Perception 21 to look about the camp
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Wednesday December 9th, 2015 7:18:38 PM
"I ain't no elephant, maybe a badger given the size o'most o'the folks here." The tattooed dwarf finds a corner and with relief slides his heavy pack off his shoulders and onto the floor. Rubbing his spine a moment, he looks back at you all. "Name's Thak; Thak Val Zsing. Why you should trust me, hrmph. I've a few reasons I could run you through, see what takes y'fancy." He reaches into his pack and pulls out two handfuls. "Well, first, I've got soap to share f'those who've been on the road for awhile without. And marbles if'n anyone wants a game; I've never been that good but I'm still willin' to wager on a few shots." He stows them away then looks over at you again. "Second, let's see... I work for the Fist, just as you. Have done for many, many years. Third, they're all I've got; family's banished from Dwarven lands and hearths for the rest of my life. Only when my son or daughter's born will someone f'my blood be welcome in the city-mountains, and only if'n I live and die with the Fist."
He scratches his cheek thoughtfully before adding, "Oh and I'll take first watch if it's going. Let y'all get a little sleep before your shifts. I can hunt, track, trap and fight, and my eyes're better than any of yours, I'll wager. We good?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday December 9th, 2015 9:43:18 PM
(OOC: checking in)
Anna grabs a cot and envelops herself in her heavy blanket before falling asleep.
DM Ken for Brian Zappe (Trayvin) Wednesday December 9th, 2015 9:46:07 PM
"I think so. Hopefully no one will disagree but it isn't exactly a great time to turn away any possible allies. I'm Trayvin Smithson. I'm kinda new here myself, but they seem to like me. I serve the Gods of the Wold, just the good ones mind, and the Fist since I joined Tiger Company several years ago. I have plenty of family, and the Fist is my family too."
OOC character description: Trayvin is a half-orc who could ‘almost’ pass for human if he bothered to disguise himself, something he never does. He is proud of his heritage. He is typically found wearing quality armor and weapons, with neatly packed gear. A soldier prepared to be on the move as needed. He wears a non-magical scrimshaw amulet he received from his mother. It bears the imagery of the orc tribe she once belonged to.
The Fog of War Wednesday December 9th, 2015 10:22:32 PM
The Agents are left to consider what they learned from Neutronis. Tinker doesn't have enough time to assess the mood of the army, but the encampment strategies are strictly by the book.
First, he hasn't gone too far off the deep end. He -did- agree to meet the agents and didn't order immediate slaughter. Second, he's taking the time it seems, to contemplate Tinkers offer. He also kept his rage in check against Nikolai's taunting. He did seem intent on his plan, and didn't deny what he was doing was taking advantage of a molehill and turning it into a mountain.
A while latter, Anna is brought her berries by Akir. He spares a sad look at Thak, then shakes his head and leaves again. The food and drink left detect non-magical and non-poisoned, should someone bother to check.
Sleep is the remaining task on the list, and with no night-ops planned, a watch is set and the Fist drifts off ...
Silence is an odd thing.
It can be necessary for sleep, or at times, a precursor that something is amiss. It can be assuring, peaceful, maddening or frightful. At times, silence is enough to make you bolt upright from your rack, cautious of the impending danger.
In a heavy, slick sweat, each of the Agents awakens, one by one, on the floor of a completely barren tent. No racks, no bunks, no tables or chairs, lamps or candles. How is it then, that the inside of the tent is well lit, as if several torches were burning? The floor is a strange blue grass, covered with an ominous purple fog that dances and swims over your arms and legs.
Each Agent is completely armed and armored per their usual, breathing heavily with the metallic tang of blood in the corners of their mouths. It's the taste of battle, a coppery buzz accompanied by breathlessness and panting as if you just defended yourselves for your lives against incredible odds. Curious, then, that there's not a scratch on anyone.
Inside is silence, other than the live-wire of excitement and blood rushing in your head. Outside is silence, still and foreboding. The tent flaps part momentarily for a silent, silver wind that helps cool the skin. It's black outside of your well let little tent, a literal blackout that reveals nothing past the vertical plane of the tents opening.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday December 9th, 2015 10:35:28 PM
Pru sits up. "What--what just happened?" she says.
Clearly something odd is going on. Pru casts Detect Magic and begins concentrating to see what she can learn.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) d20+12=28 ; Thursday December 10th, 2015 12:10:47 AM
"...what sorcery is this."
Working to suppress the battle-adrenaline in him, Thak slowly rises to his feet and draws twin knives, scanning the tent.
Perception
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=18 ; Thursday December 10th, 2015 12:35:32 AM
Nikolai is glad he has smart Fist members and can carry some of the load of leadership when he's not up to it. He accepted the tattooed dwarf as he accepted all the others that joined their Fist, but just wasn't up for much talk, so when Tinker chirps up and fills in for him in welcoming the Eagle member into their group, he remains quiet and listens. Formal introductions can come later, now he just wants to think.
Nikolai sits up. He trusts his Fist that the Watch did not nod off. Although a magical sleep could have been used, to get past two dwarves and himself would mean some very powerful magical sleep indeed.
He checks on each member still waking up and verifies that they all feel the same thing he felt when he first awoke.
"Presumable we are in some other place, either by Dream or by a powerful teleport magic. I would treat all things here as if Real. Someone or Something wants to meet with us for Some reason. I can probably guess what it is about. On the other hand, it could be a test of arms, so be ready. My father spoke once of a place he was teleported to that was a perpetual arena. I don't want to contemplate that this is some trick of Neutronis, but he may not be the only one in this camp working the Strings of Fate."
Nikolai remains alert and ready for combat or talk.
Perception +13 (feel of the grass, smell of the fog, and such) = 18
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=15 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+6=25 ; 2d4(4+3)=7 Thursday December 10th, 2015 4:38:23 AM
(OOC: Are our spells slots / abilities restored?)
If Anna's abilities are not restored she goes through her morning ritual in the hopes that maybe they will be.
If her abilities are restored at this point she casts good berry on the berries she was brought creating 7 good berries.
"This is strange...." Anna says "...I'm going to try some things. Also this purple fog reminds me of a rumor I heard about some halflings and a tower."
She then casts the minotaur version of Toros Taur Try on all of the Agents. (everyone gets +1 Perception/ Intimidate for 10 minutes) followed by detect magic , and detect poison.
She examines the fog and their surroundings looking for any auras or any indication that the fog may be poisonous.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+17=24 ; Thursday December 10th, 2015 9:43:42 AM
Michael looks around the strange world they now find themselves in. The "buzz" thrums in his blood calling seductively. His Rapier appears in his hand and he looks about the tent. The grass, the darknes and the mist are strange. He wonders if he would be able to find his way in the darkness outside, when he realizes that the tent is lit by no light...just light. He realizes then that this is an area made by a Power. It probably would not be beneficial to try and sneak out the back to get the jump on whatever comes through the tent flap.
He smiles at that. "Fortune favors the bold" he thinks as he slinks to the back of the tent, lifts the skirt and rolls out the back. He keeps his hand on the tent fabric as he makes sure he can still see the tent from the outside. He then sneaks around to.the front corner to await visitors
Stealth 24
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+13=29 ; Thursday December 10th, 2015 9:47:00 AM
Perception 29
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Thursday December 10th, 2015 6:30:10 PM
"Well this is interesting. I wonder if it has anything to do with those clerics that have been giving Neutronis so much trouble."
Trayvin leaves his weapons sheathed, but remains ready to grab them if need be. He concentrates for a moment to see if he still has his spells and channels ready or if they were already used to heal everyone.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday December 10th, 2015 9:01:22 PM
Tinker nods noncommittal lay at Thak's words, and turns thoughtful over Trayvin. That half-Orc has some wisdom! Bottom line for Tinker is that Thak has given up a lot to put his chips in with the Agents. Tinker gives Thak his hand, "welcome to the Agents"
And with that, Tinker doesn't worry about it anymore. The dwarf signs up for a mid watch and goes to sleep...
...waking in an adrenaline-rushed sweat, legs braced and urge is him his hands! He looks around wildly, trying to look for his next opponent and notices the Agents are around him. Well, that is as it should be. What's strange is they were fighting inside their well-lit tent and outside is dark.
Tinker dashes to the tent flap and holds one side open to look out. He relays what he sees to the others.
... Dark sight 60 feet
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday December 10th, 2015 10:48:44 PM
(OOC: Checking in)
Anna double checks to make sure she has all the supplies she normally carries quickly. If she detects that the fog is poisonous she yells for Tinker to get back in the tent.
The Fog of War Thursday December 10th, 2015 11:05:31 PM
Prudence casts her spell, or at least, she thinks she does. As she recites her words of power, she hears them echo all around her.
"What..what...wat...wht.."
As far as she knows, nothing is detecting magical, even the pieces of gear she knows should be magic. Thak is obviously no wiser on the matter, demanding to identify the sorcery at hand. Anna finds no auras or indications of anything. The fog is just there, rolling around oblivious.
Trayvin has a theory, that the clerics of Ffloy might be involved. Nikolai seems to think the same, or considers some other more disturbing suggestions. Tinker, but sees only black nothing.
Michael moves to the edge of the tent. He ducks down and grins, ready to roll. He crouches and...
Standing outside, all of the Agents recoil from the bright explosion of color. The sky is a glaring, hateful thing. Orange mixes with red in a neon sunset, while could the color of black ink splotches bleed away into the tigers-blood mixture in the sky.
They seem to be near the middle of the camp, a strange inverted color landscape where nothing is as it should be. Many of the tents that dot the landscape are appropriately shaped voids of color, where only black is reflected. All of the tents, but one.
The Grand Tent of Pavillion Neutronis bleeds reds from regular colored canvas. His red and gold flag is replaced with a banner of the flayed skins of men and women. The tent flap is open and light shines from inside. The sound of men laughing carries on the air.
Running from the Grand Tent, a river of the most pure gold flows down the gnoll back towards the Bay of Elenna.
Furthest away, glowing with a bright white aura, the City of Alithmar awaits behind a wall built of a massive, continuous scroll of parchment, covered with words unreadable from this distance.
Prudence Gundle Thursday December 10th, 2015 11:43:59 PM
"As far as I can tell, it's no sorcery at all," Pru tells Thak. "I'm not even sure my magic works here."
She tries to cast a Dancing Lights, to see if it works.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Friday December 11th, 2015 12:04:54 AM "...I HATE metaphors" Thak mumbles to himself before nodding at Pru. He waits for orders.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=31 ; Friday December 11th, 2015 12:51:14 AM
Nikolai absorbs the bizarre world around him. If magic works, it has its own separate rules. "Just watch what magic you cast. We aren't sure what is Real and what isn't."
He looks around again then back to his friends. "I'd like to know what those words are. Let's go there first."
He starts heading towards the city walls that look like one giant scroll.
Perception +13 (generic, as everything is so unusual anyway)= 31
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Friday December 11th, 2015 12:10:10 PM
Michael studies the camp, the walls and Pavllions tent. Suddenly the light comrs on and he realizes what this is. He speaks up. Waste a moment honored Thumb. A moment of study could pay dividends here. As Thak says this is all Metaphor. The scroll walls are just that, a symbol of the spells keeping the Mailed Fist at bay. The soldiers are inconsequential to the core of the problem and thus are barely represented. Only Pavillions tent shines bright, with the pride and glory of conquest, with the price in hide he is willing pay in his banner and the gold he wishes to gain flowing from his door. The Gods have given us this to show us something to end this or perhaps allow us to strike. If we go to the wardings around the city we may miss what the Gods wish us to uncover at the tent. It could be a choice, the scrollwork could give us the means to breach the walls, aiding Neutronis..I think the tent is where our answers lay. We dont know how long this will last. It is best we choose wisely.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=17 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+6=13 ; Friday December 11th, 2015 2:27:03 PM
(OOC: Any word on our abilities / spells...are they refreshed?)
Anna draws her over-sized club and carefully follows Nikolai over to the metaphor tent.
She keeps looking with her detect magic / detect poison / minotaur enhanced senses for anything magical, poisonous or threatening.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday December 11th, 2015 8:26:53 PM
"Meta-what? Poly-who?" His friends are talking way above Tinkers head. He does know he needs to stay together. He hefts his urgrosh, tries to ignore the weird colors and follows the team.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Friday December 11th, 2015 9:16:04 PM
"I agree with Michael, I think we should check the tent first. But we shouldn't split up. Nikolai if you insist we check the scroll-wall first, then so be it."
The Fog of War Saturday December 12th, 2015 12:22:37 AM
Prudence, as she always has, searches for the magic to power her dancing lights spell. A trio of flashing lights appear, swirl for a moment, then vanish in a puff of rainbow smoke. Thak lets everyone know how he feels about a common literary device.
"Lets go there first.", says Nikolai.
He takes a step, and nearly crashes headfirst into the wall of words and script. They appear to be a very long and wordy contract, with notes in red scribbled over it at various places. For each various condition, there is a underline in red, with a check appearing next to each one.
One particular condition, "The payment of a sum of gold for the mobilization and military service of the Mailed Fist, two full regiments, plus insurance and death benefits for the same, a sum of 165,000 gold pieces.", is circled several times, with many emphatic check marks placed beside it. Written in small text on the border of the parchment, a curious phrase is written. "Under review of the violated contract, the purchaser of Mailed Fist services is awarded the boon of deific protection, and no more and no less than three (3) clerics to aid in the same."
Michael opens his mouth to speak, but his words come slowly. Even as he finishes, and says "I think the tent is where our answers lie.." he realizes Nikolai is nowhere to be found. He is in front of Pavillions tent looking in, where 4 men lay dead and one is seen begging for his life.
Anna draws her club, and focuses on detecting poisons. She finds, like Pru, her magic to be iffy at best. As she focuses on the somatic components for her Detect Poison spell, she finds herself surrounded by images of a food she strongly dislikes.
"These guys are talking way above my head", thinks Tinker. And as quickly as that, the dwarf feels himself crushed and unable to breath! Every ounce of him feels tremendous pressure, and his dwarven senses tell him he is surrounded by at least a mile of dirt and earth! It is pitch black, and he can see nothing.
Trayvin, having seen the Agents vanish, teleport, and disappear, has a moment to rethink his actions. As it is, he feels himself stretching, torn between both the tent and the wall!
Prudence Gundle Saturday December 12th, 2015 10:07:57 AM
"Wait, where is everybody going?" Pru asks, alarmed. "We really shouldn't wander off; there's no telling what might happen!"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Saturday December 12th, 2015 11:29:00 AM
Anna is suddenly overwhelmed by images of fishy tasting fish, gruyere cheese and raw tomatoes. She is not a fan of any of these types of foods.
She stops focusing on the somatic components of detect poison in the hopes the images will go away.
She notices the highlighted section in the giant contract and asks, "Is this the agreement with Aisuldar? If so it seems like there is something about awarding deific protection to the purchaser and some clerics. Those clerics that Neutronis wanted us to talk to were aligned with Ffloy, werent they?...Doesn't Ffloy broker contracts? Could this imply that Ffloy thinks that The Mailed Fist violated the contract and not Aisuldar? In which case this means that the Mailed Fist is not only trying to establish a Kingdom and violate the charter, but they broke good faith with Aisuldar and breached the contract not Aisuldar. If this is true who will want to do business with us after this?"
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Saturday December 12th, 2015 7:32:58 PM
Thak hesitates, then sheathes his weapons. "I'm a dwarf; I can do metaphors in statue, art and stone. Not... all this."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+13=26 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+6=14 ; Saturday December 12th, 2015 8:26:05 PM
Michael focuses his eyes and ears on the scene before him, even as he finds a place to hide in shadow, he tries to record in his memory what is happening, but cannot help but assign narrative to the players. He scans the interior of the tent as well looking for more metaphor to help fit pieces to the puzzle.
Perception 26 stealth 22 sense motive 14
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+4=16 ; Saturday December 12th, 2015 10:20:13 PM
Dark! Crushed! Tinker is unbelieving for a moment, there is no way this can be happening! His last thought before succumbing to literally tons of earth is of his battle-mates. Michael and Trayvin, Nikolai and Anna, 'Bean Pole', he hopes.
will save vs illusion 16
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Monday December 14th, 2015 12:07:56 AM
Nikolai is unaware that he was instantaneously moved to the wall of Alithmar as he is totally consumed in the study of the contract. '165,000 gold... two regiments... under review of violated contract... what?
"Hey Fist! Look! There seems to be a part of the story Neutronis forgot to mention!" he turns and shouts only to see Anna next to him.
Hey! What happened? How'ed? ... where'ed? he looks about, confused. Last he remembers is Michael mentioning something about metaphors and Neutronis' tent.
"Ana, this bit here changes everything. We need to confront Neutronis about this violated contract bit. Let's go to his tent and see what's up there." he mentions and takes a step in that direction.
The Fog of War Monday December 14th, 2015 8:11:37 PM
"We shouldn't wander off!", warns Pru. "There's no telling what could happen!"
She hears her voice strain, then choke. The echo that surrounds her repeats endlessly, "No telling... no telling..no telling.".. to her horror, her lips are zipped shut!
Anna and Nikolai seem to have stumbled upon the same conclusion, that Ffloy himself has reviewed this conflict, and finds the Mailed Fist in violation of some part of it. Anna recalls that they were supposed to meet with clerics of the same on behalf of the Mailed Fist.
Thak, seemingly on to the essence of this place, takes a dwarven approach. He stuffs his weapons away and does nothing. Tinker isn't so lucky. He thinks that this is all just too unreal, but the crushing pain and lack of oxygen do not go away. He thinks of his Fistmates, and finds himself standing before each of them, for about 1 second each, before being unceremoniously dumped in front of Prudence.
Nikolai wants to step towards towards Michael, and is suddenly on top of the halfing. As they peek inside Pavillions tent, they find themselves observing a strange event..
Neutronis is sitting on a throne, laughing wildly at a man trying to flee, but is stuck running in place. Slowly, a dagger is soaring through the air getting closer to his back...
When the dagger impacts, the man shatters into thousands of gold pieces, which melt and begin to swirl on the floor in a pool of bright gold. Neutronis cackles, then also turns into a rush of golden liquid. The river of gold rushes outside of the tent, and mixes with the river that flows towards the ocean point far away. Neutronis's giant bastard sword, Manslayer, seems to have kept it's shape, and bobs curiously up and down as it dances down the river, seemingly with a purpose.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday December 14th, 2015 8:32:36 PM
"Bean Pole? Prudence?" Tinker staggers and catches himself, doing an internal inventory. "I can't believe it, but if this is a dream, it is very real. Anything I think, happens." He shakes his head and tries something. Without drawing his urgrosh, he imagines the feel of the smooth wood against his calloused hands.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Monday December 14th, 2015 8:44:33 PM
Trayvin is confused. Some of the Agents left the tent, then reappeared. he is not even sure at this point who is still in the tent, and who has left. "We're getting separated. We need to act like a cohesive group. Let's head out together to look for whoever is missing."
Trayvin closes his eyes and focuses inward. It was easy for him to do, to call upon the Powers of the Wold for spell or healing. But this time he searches deeper, trying to detect if the Powers are having a direct influence on events.
Prudence Gundle Monday December 14th, 2015 9:51:27 PM
Pru panics when she can't open her mouth. She starts to hyperventilate, which really isn't a good idea when your mouth won't open.
Don't cry! she tells herself frantically. Don't cry! Don't cry! If she cries, her nose will stuff up and she'll suffocate.
When Tinker appears next to her, she reaches out and catches his arm in a death grip. Well, in what passes for a death grip from Prudence. She's not strong; it probably feels like a light squeeze.
"Mfff!" she squeaks.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Monday December 14th, 2015 10:22:44 PM
Anna takes her rope from her haversack and ties it to herself. She then tosses it to Nikolai. "Let's use the rope to keep together." Anna says, "Nikolai, tie it to yourself and then pass it to another agent. We can keep doing this until we are all connected with the rope. As for where we head next I want to follow Manslayer down the river. I wonder if this metaphor means that Manslayer is cursed or intelligent or both? We don't have to follow Manslayer if I am outvoted, but I'm really curious to know where it is going. Aren't you?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Monday December 14th, 2015 10:39:15 PM
Nikolai is not the smartest or brightest Mailed Fist, but catches on quickly. "Tying a rope around each of us won't do any good," he replies. "But I think you are thinking the same thing I'm thinking. The sword must be a key to this and follow it we must." He closes his eyes to concentrate and pictures himself with wings flying above the river of gold and following the sword [i[Manslayer[/i], then opens his eyes expecting just that.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Monday December 14th, 2015 10:55:43 PM
Michael is curious as to where Manslayer is going too. and he guesses how this whole metaphor thing works. He says formally
I want to follow the sword manslayer to see where it goes.
He prays this reality will work on intent instead of grammar, he was never in school and the writing he learned, was at the Citadel.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Tuesday December 15th, 2015 12:46:02 AM
OOC: what checks would I need to make to try and identify the people in the tent besides Nut job?
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Tuesday December 15th, 2015 2:02:38 AM "What... I... what?" Legendary dwarven fortitude seems to crack far too readily when the rules of reality are upset. Hesitantly, Thak tries to follow after his new comrades.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 15th, 2015 9:13:32 PM
Tinker really really hopes nothing bad happens.
The Fog of War Tuesday December 15th, 2015 9:39:41 PM
Prudence clutches Tinker, but the Dwarf doesn't seem to notice her sealed lips. No one does. Nikolai takes flight in the air, and the Agents find that over such a long distance, it feels more like they are moving the world, rather than moving within it.
The golden river twists and winds, Manslayer staying just in front of them no matter how fast or slow they travel. The river eventually dumps into a wider channel, then into the ocean. Manslayer bobs and weaves, flowing through the sand of the beach as if it were water. It flows underneath a long ocean pier, and rests neatly between the ribs of a skeleton under the water, bound to the ocean floor with heavy rocks and chains.
It looks at you, and speaks in elven.
Highlight to display spoiler: {"Find me."}
-----------------------
"So, anyone want to talk about the elephant in the room?", Tinker asks while staring pointedly at the bald dwarf. "You volunteer to be on our side when the Grand Marshal was an inch from killing us, and he sends you off with us. So, who are you and why should we trust you?"
To start the talk, Tinker nods. "I am Daemar Torvalsson, called Tinker in the Agents. My home is from Trader's Crossing in the Culverwood where I was raised by a gnome family. I have trained as a locksmith and warrior..."
It's early. Very early. Most of the camp, with the exception of the guardsmen are asleep. Tinker and Prudence are standing together, and he finds himself pointing at Thak, who thankfully, has not turned into an elephant. Also asleep in the tent are two members of Akirs fist, previously set to watch over you, sleeping soundly on the floor.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Tuesday December 15th, 2015 10:04:29 PM
'It said something? What did it say?" This was all very confusing. Trayvin moves to the sword and tries to get a better look at the skeleton.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Tuesday December 15th, 2015 10:51:31 PM
"I don't know what it says. I only speak Sylvan, Auran, Ignan, Aquan, Terran, Druidic and Common and I can tell you for a fact it was none of those." Anna says.
She then introduces herself to the new Dwarf. "My name is Anna Morphe. I was originally found at the citadel as a babe then given to a half-elf ranger to raise in the wilds of Fargunia. I'm a druid and shifter but I sense that that may be changing rather soon. Regardless I should still be able to turn into an elephant at some point, though I get the feeling that you don't mean me."
(OOC: I will try to get the sheet updated as soon as possible, but I'm trying to focus on the next Bonetown module first)
Prudence Gundle Tuesday December 15th, 2015 11:16:24 PM
[OOC: So....I don't get it. Half the group is flying and the other half is back in the tent? And it's the night before? Is it the night before for everybody or just us? Is Pru's mouth still sealed shut?]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Tuesday December 15th, 2015 11:24:29 PM
Nikolai thinks he has the answer but awakens before he can get a closer look at the skeleton and anything on it that might indicate who it was. Although he an guess.
He bolts upright and blinks. "Find me!" it said. It rested on a skeleton and said "Find me!".
He looks around and sees the two sleeping guards. 'Court Martial for sure', the thinks. He notices the hour as well.
"What dreamscape! Come together everyone and try not awaken those two. I feel we'll need to slip out of here rather immediately."
Nikolai quietly details the writing on the scroll and how it indicated that Ffloy himself was preventing Neutronis from taking the city due to some breach of contract of his own, not the city's. The answer to this mystery, what part of the contract the Mailed Fist failed to keep, apparently lies at the bottom of the sea under a long ocean pier.
"It might be the real Neutronis, might not be, but we are expected to find the remains in order to solve this mystery. Thus we need to sneak out of here and head back towards the coast."
He looks at the newcomer dwarf. "My name is Nikolai Komonov. I'm the Thumb of this Fist. Our structure is not quite the same as most Fists but you'll get the hang of it quickly, I'm sure. Tinker here can help you out. Right now we need to know where this special pier is. How long have you been in this area? Do you have any idea where this pier may be?"
Nikolai is clearly of elven and human racial mix. He wears no armor and his weapons are simple. A crossbow, a nunchaku, kama, and a bandolier holding shuriken.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+18=28 ; d20+13=29 ; Tuesday December 15th, 2015 11:54:01 PM
Michael tugs on the bald dwarfs curass sticks his hand out and says quietly Michael, Nice ta meet'cha
The Halfling is a bit short and rather slight even for one of his folk, after shaking Thaks hand he moves with fluid grace quietly past the guards and peeks out the tent. If he sees no one guarding the tent he motions for the others to follow and begins scouting a way to the closest exit from the compound.
Stealth 28 perception 29
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Wednesday December 16th, 2015 8:01:21 AM
Thak just grunts an acknowledgement. "Aye. I'm sure I'll know you all much better come a fight... be it sooner or be it later."
He thinks about piers in the area (k geography.)
Prudence Gundle Wednesday December 16th, 2015 10:28:54 AM
Pru takes a deep breath, glad to be able to do so. "I wish we could have taken Neutronis up on his offer," she says. "It would have been nice to hear what those clerics had to say. And see what's going on in the city."
"But anyway, now we have to find this....what was it again?"
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=20 ; d20+11=21 ; Wednesday December 16th, 2015 5:55:18 PM
Tinker blinks and then takes a deep breath, pretending that what just transpired was the result of some bad camp food. Nikolai, Anna, and Trayvin's dream seems to have been different than the others, and that they got some good information both about the contract with the city and about where to search next.
Thak also has a good thought that Tinker silently approves; he has always found combat to be a time to solidify the bonds of a team. So there is nothing to say about that either.
Tinker just hoists his rucksack and moves into the lead to lead the Agents out of camp and towards the ocean.
Perception 20
Stealth. 21
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20=8 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+13=25 ; Wednesday December 16th, 2015 9:30:38 PM
(OOC: checking in)
Anna casts the liontaur version of Toros Taur Try on everyone (+1 stealth/acrobatics for 10 minutes) before trying to move away stealthily.
(Sttealth:8) (Perception: 24) (Survival: 25 to hide trail)
The Fog of War Wednesday December 16th, 2015 9:40:51 PM
Moving through the inside of the camp is surprisingly simple. While the watch-fires surrounding the camps perimeter flicker and dance and show signs of being attended, every guard from your tent onwards seems to have fallen into a deep sleep.
Still. perimeter patrols are active, especially to the south and west. Options seem to be limited to attack on a guard pairing or trying to sneak past.
Pavillions tent is guarded as well, and commotion from inside (muffled sounds and body silhouttes against the tent walls) seem to indicate he and his guards are not asleep either.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Wednesday December 16th, 2015 10:06:56 PM
"Maybe we can do both? We can tell Neutronis we agree to meet with the clerics, and then scout out the pier on the way with his blessing. After all, we need to find the best way in right?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+19=38 ; Wednesday December 16th, 2015 10:18:37 PM
patrol means gaps in the perimeter, If they will take Michaels lead in this he will try and time the crossing of the perimeter at a point where the guards are either facing away or out of sight.
Stealth 38
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+13=15 ; d20+11=20 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 12:08:45 AM
The vision of the sword leaving the tent and ending up under a pier in a skeleton leads Nikolai to believe any further dealings with this Neutronis won't be enough. They need true evidence to expose him. That means finding out what the skeleton means first, then seeing the three priests.
"Seeing the priest first without knowing who that skeleton is won't be much help. We need some cards in our favor that we can play to get the Clerics to believe us. With that we can then confront Neutronis. Otherwise it is just a wild dream or fabrication. No one here will believe us and Alithmar will think it some deceitful plot."
He lets Michael study the patrols and calculate the best time to breach the perimeter and leave the camp behind.
"To bad we can't take these guards with us, They'd be a good eye witness for us. Oh well."
Perception +13 = 15 Stealth +11 +1 (bonus) = 21
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20=5 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+13=21 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 12:36:50 PM
(OOC: ignore the first D20 it was a misclick)
Anna casts Longstrider on herself and then shifts into to the form of a dire rat. (OOC: As a dire rat she can move at 50ft with longstrider, which means that she moves stealthily at 25 feet)
She moves as stealthy as she can, keeping an eye out for danger. She also does what she can to obscure her parties trail.
(Stealth: 11) (Perception: 15) (Survival: 21 to hide tracks)
Active Effects: toros taur try : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min on everyone; renew as needed longstrider : +10 speed - 6 hours Wildshape as Beast Shape 1: form of dire rat (small animal) - 6 hours +2 size bonus to dex, +1 natural armor, +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth (adjusted to +8 modifier with taur try and wildshape) +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD +10 disguise (adjusted to +8 modifier to pretend to be rat) low light vision, scent speed 40 ft,(adjusted to 50 ft with longstrider) swim 20 ft, (adjusted to 30 ft with longstrider) climb 20 ft, (adjusted to 30 ft with longstrider) bite+7 (1d4+5)
DM Sanity Info Highlight to display spoiler: { 0th: Detect Magic; Detect Poison; Toros Taur Try; Guidance (at will) 1st: Shillelagh,Magic Stone,Longstrider,Goodberry - cast ,Entangle,(Domain) 2nd:Spider Climb ,Soften Earth and Stone,Bull's Strength, Barkskin,(Domain) 3rd:Spike Growth,Magic Fang, Greater, Snare, Plant Growth(Domain) 3/4 wildshape left 4 goodberries; 6 days remaining }
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=17 ; d20+11=30 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 6:30:25 PM
Tinker agrees with Nikolai; any attempt trying to reason with Neutronis or trying to expose him without evidence will be disaster. He tries to help Michael find the right timing.
Stealth aid another. 17
Perception 30.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) d20+12=32 ; d20+7=22 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 7:42:56 PM
Thak raises an eyebrow but shrugs, dons what he needs from his pack, and joins the others in leaving the camp.
31 Perception, 22 Stealth
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Thursday December 17th, 2015 9:10:58 PM
"We're using stealth? You know some of us aren't really very good at that right?"
The Fog of War Thursday December 17th, 2015 10:03:18 PM
The Agents gather together, and under Michael's lead, pick a trail that leads them out between the seams of the Mailed Fist patrols.
Thak knows this area well, and has little trouble finding his way down to the pier that everyone saw in their dreams. It takes about forty five minutes, meaning dawn isn't far away by the time you arrive.
The pier is almost exactly the same as it was in your sleep. The tide is high, so it's impossible to tell what's what without getting your feet wet.
Perception: 30
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+6=14 ; d20+6=19 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 12:42:35 AM
Nikolai knows there's not much time left and removes any excess gear and heads into the water. He swims, if necessary, as best he can judge, to the point they saw in the dream then goes down, his Everburning Torch giving off what light he needs. He swims down and starts looking for the skeleton.
Swim +6 = 14, 19
Prudence Gundle d20+3=4 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 12:54:18 AM
Pru moves as quietly as she can, which isn't very quietly. Somehow, she manages to find every twig and branch between the camp an the pier.
[Stealth 4, Natural 1!]
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+5=9 ; d20+13=29 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 2:01:27 AM
drawing on his memory of the dream, Michael doffs his gear and heads into the water right beside Nikolai, and begins searching a wagon wheel pattern around his thumb, hoping to maximize the searched area, he inhales some water and flounders at the surface instead. but thinks he may be in the correct area.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Friday December 18th, 2015 2:03:10 AM
oh swim 9 perception 29.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) d20+10=23 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 5:17:01 AM
Thak pulls off his armor and moves with the rest. He keeps his eye on everyone's position, monitoring how they move as a group.
Swim 23
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+11=17 ; d20+3=8 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 2:20:11 PM
Anna-Rat has a 30 foot swim speed so she just swims. She looks for the skeleton shown in the shared dream (perception:17)
If she finds it she attempts to raise it from the water. (Strength check: 8)
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD d20+4=7 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 9:21:12 PM
Trayvin isn't much better at swimming than he is at sneaking, so he keeps his armor on and keeps a lookout instead.
Perception = 7
The Fog of War Friday December 18th, 2015 10:50:05 PM
The Agents find the skeleton with little trouble. Trying to pull it from the water proves to be a little difficult, as the skeleton is bound by chains to a the wooden logs hammered into the beach floor. The skeleton seems to have a satchel or a pouch in it's grasp.
Strength Check: DC 17 to burst the chains. Escape Artist: DC 20 to fanagle the skeleton out of the chains. Strength Check 10: Rip the satchel free, though it appears there is a chance of its contents being tumbled loose.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=20 ; Saturday December 19th, 2015 8:31:55 AM
Tinker has stayed on the beach, his crossbow guarding his teammates' equipment while they go skin diving.
Perception 20
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+21=24 ; d20+5=17 d20+21=28 d20+21=28 d20+21=40 Saturday December 19th, 2015 8:36:00 AM
If if the team calls him for a little lock-picking, a gleam of excitement lights in his eyes and Tinker will forget all about guarding. I limbering himself of everything but a dagger, his tools and small clothes, the dwarf goes into the water and holds his breath.
If it doesn't work the first time, Tinker keeps trying...
Disable Device. 24 28. 28. 40. Swim 17
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Saturday December 19th, 2015 9:34:34 AM
Anna goes back to the shadows and reverts back to human (so she does not have to make swim checks in her hide armor)
She calls out to the others, "We have some options. I don't know if we want to try to just break the chains in which case I can turn into a Giant Octopus and make myself stronger with Bull's Strength or working together we may be able to finesse it out. It is almost dawn and i could change what spells I am blessed with then. I could pray for water breathing and cat's grace and I could cast guidance on each of us and we could all help each other untangle the skeleton from the chains."
Active Effects: toros taur try : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min on everyone; renew as needed longstrider : +10 speed - 6 hours
DM Sanity Info Highlight to display spoiler: { 0th: Detect Magic; Detect Poison; Toros Taur Try; Guidance (at will) 1st: Shillelagh,Magic Stone,Longstrider-cast ,Goodberry - cast ,Entangle,(Domain) 2nd:Spider Climb ,Soften Earth and Stone,Bull's Strength, Barkskin,(Domain) 3rd:Spike Growth,Magic Fang, Greater, Snare, Plant Growth(Domain) 3/4 wildshape left 4 goodberries; 6 days remaining }
Prudence Gundle Saturday December 19th, 2015 12:07:36 PM
Pru assists by staying out of the way.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) d20+5=24 ; Saturday December 19th, 2015 5:26:48 PM "Just everyone help me break the chain with my own two arms, lass." Thak reaches out and pulls.
Strength- 24
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+6=8 ; d20+13=25 ; Sunday December 20th, 2015 12:51:26 AM
Michael gets back to shore, coughed the water out of his lungs and tells Tinker the skeleton is locked down by chains. " he smiles go get'em tiger .
He then dries himself off, puts on his clothes and watches over his team mates while they get the corpes to shore.
Swim 8. Perception 25.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+6=20 ; Monday December 21st, 2015 12:43:44 AM
Nikolai emerges last and hears the exuberant members with their plans. He likes Tinker's idea to attempt to pick the lock first.
"If that fails, all who wish to join in the chain breaking gang can hop in and we can give it a go together."
Nikolai follows Tinker down to help keep watch for underwater denizens while Tinker tries to pick the lock that holds the chains bound to the skeleton.
Swim +6 = 20
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+3=8 ; Monday December 21st, 2015 1:47:10 PM
(OOC: Checking in, this might be the only time I have to post today)
Anna lets Tinker do his thing.
She says to Nikolai, "I think we should try to untangle it rather than burst the chains. I just worry that if we burst the chains the skeleton or the contents of the satchel may get away from us."
If the agents do insist on bursting the chains Anna will help out but fail. (Strength check : 8 to aid another vs DC 10 :( )
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Monday December 21st, 2015 4:57:49 PM "That makes sense," he agrees with Anna.
The Fog of War Monday December 21st, 2015 6:06:35 PM
The Agents get together and start pulling on chains, or at least, discussing it. Thak however, true to his own personality, doesn't spend much time talking.
Thak's thick arms strain, then a moment later, the chains pop apart. The skeleton, heavy with some last fleshy bits remaining, floats free in Thaks arms.
Dragged ashore, the corpse awaits any plans the agents may have for it. The back shoulder blades and spine are partially shattered and marred, and a non-descript dagger is buried up to it's hilt.
The pouch is sealed, and appears to have easily stood up to the salt-water. It bears an embossed insignia.
Heal DC 17: Highlight to display spoiler: {The corpse seems fairly fresh, though aquatic conditions and sea life have stripped most flesh and greatly aided decomposition. It is less than two months old. }
Knowledge Nobility DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {The pouch bears the isignia of the Aisiludurian Empire, the nation to which Alithmar belongs. }
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) d20+7=15 ; Monday December 21st, 2015 7:23:02 PM
Stowing the smallest length of broken chain away in his pack, Thak studies the body and the weapon, but fails to determine anything meaningful.
Heal 15
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday December 21st, 2015 7:48:00 PM
Tinker, unable to unlock anything, gets fidgety. He dries off and gets back into his clothes, twisting a piece of metal puzzle back and forth in his hands. "If we keep the skull and take it to the Ffloy clerics, they may be able to talk to the fellow and find out what killed him. "
His fingers keep twiddling the small toy puzzle.
Prudence Gundle Monday December 21st, 2015 9:58:30 PM
Pru can't hold back a gasp as the skelleton is brought out of the water. "Oh!" she says, keeping her voice low with an effort. "Oh, the poor man! What do you suppose happened to him?"
As the others investigate, Pru begins saying prayers for the dead.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD d20+8=12 ; d20+6=7 ; Monday December 21st, 2015 10:39:15 PM
Trayvin tries to help out with the investigation but isn't able to add much. "Tinker, I agree with your idea, but I think we should bring the whole thing along in that case, I'm not sure if just the skull would be enough. In any case, I think we should move out of here before we are seen. Whatever happened to this person, someone obviously took great pains to hide it, and standing here too long may draw the wrong kind of attention."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 d20+4=18 ; d20+13=15 ; Monday December 21st, 2015 11:52:38 PM Well Pru, it looks like someone beat him severely, then stabbed him, then weighted him down with chains and threw him in the water. From the look of the body and the damage of the salt water, fish, current flow and a host of other variables, it looks like this was done about...oh lets see...carry the two....at the very most 2 moths ago, most probably less than two months ago. which is just about the time all of this started...is it not?
heal 18 perception 15.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+7=19 ; Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 11:57:39 AM
(Heal: 19)
Anna agrees, "Michael has the right of it. I'd say he was there about 2 months as well. As for the satchel well I am not really versed in matters of nobility so I can't really give you anything there."
"As for getting it back, I could turn into a horse or a tiger or something and you could tie the remains onto my back if that would help get them back quicker." Anna suggests.
Active Effects: toros taur try : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min on everyone; renew as needed longstrider : +10 speed - 6 hours
DM Sanity Info Highlight to display spoiler: { 0th: Detect Magic; Detect Poison; Toros Taur Try; Guidance (at will) 1st: Shillelagh,Magic Stone,Longstrider-cast ,Goodberry - cast ,Entangle,(Domain) 2nd:Spider Climb ,Soften Earth and Stone,Bull's Strength, Barkskin,(Domain) 3rd:Spike Growth,Magic Fang, Greater, Snare, Plant Growth(Domain) 3/4 wildshape left 4 goodberries; 6 days remaining }
The Fog of War Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 9:45:17 PM
The Agents consider where this man came from, and how he got here. Michael's assessment of the mans demise is pretty accurate. All of the agents remember a man running in place in their dream, where a dagger struck him in the back. The river in the dream led them here, it's likely those things are related.
As they ponder the next step, a haggard voice cuts through their conversation.
I wouldn't imagine this poor man would like to be returned home as just a head. Why don't we bring his whole body along, if we decide to take him anywhere, hmm?"
It doesn't take long for the voice to have a body. Above you, in the sky, a rift slides open, and from it emerge three men in white robes bearing ancient high-woldian symbols. They are the symbol of Ffloy, a sraight-forward thing which depicts equal values of goods and gold flowing in two different directions, symbolizing a fair and honest deal. Each wears a heavy pick strapped to his back. All three seem to be wearing a pained expression, as if they were straining mightily against something.
One of the men looks at the corpse with open pity, then back to the Agents.
"So, no one has wondered why exactly a messengers pouch has managed to survive untouched for two months under-water? I thought you Agents were a far more inquisitive lot than that."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 9:57:50 PM
"Well, by magic, I suppose", responds Tinker before he realizes he is speaking to three men in the sky. There is magic and there is magic, and these guys have magic!
The dwarf retreats into silence, furiously twiddling his simple puzzle.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 10:41:52 PM I've known some pretty tough messenger pouches in my day, but that's not the reason you guys are here now is it? If Ffloy is involved with all of this, it must mean that The Mailed Fist has defaulted on a contract with the city, As a representative of The Mailed Fist I would like to extend my heartfelt apologies to the city of Aisildur, and their agents of note in this matter. We of the Mailed fist take contracts seriously, but it seems we have been co-opted in this matter by our leadership. We would love to make right any discrepancies in this contract, but without a change in the leadership of the Mailed Fist it seems we are at an impass to do so.
Michael has his bargaining face on as he faces the clerics of Ffloy
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 11:19:12 PM
Thak mutters a short prayer and squints suspiciously up at the flying clerics. "S'not natural..." He lets the others take the lead.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 11:19:32 PM "Well done," Nikolai grins as Thak emerges with the skeleton. He deduces murder as the motive and stabbing in the back as the method but knows little or nothing about nobility.
"Ask me about Mailed Fist stuff and military stuff, and I'm pretty good, but nobility stuff, I've not seen enough of it to know much."
Taking the whole skeleton would be the preferred choice but before he gets a to organize the group to head towards the city, the rift opens and the three Ffloy priests appear.
"It was only a matter of logistics, Sirs. We certainly would do our best to keep the skeleton intact for proper honorable burial later. As for the pouch, Tinker speaks our minds. You say he's a messenger and by the insignia for an very important person, so such an important message would be sent well protected against the elements. As for our curiosity, it is very peaked at the moment, we've just not had the time to voice them all."
He bows to the three and then introduces himself, "I'm Nikolai Komonov, Agent of the Mailed Fist. These are my comrades. We serve the Mailed Fist, but we have good reason to believe that the actions here are not proper and certainly not in the best interest of the Mailed Fist. At worst, it breaks the Mailed Fist Code. We had a dream last night that brought us here. We hoped to find the answer to these irrational actions here. With your presence, that possibility increases, we hope."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 11:24:59 PM
"Are you the clerics then from inside the city? I had hoped we would be able to speak with you, looks like you saved us a trip. As for the satchel, we just hadn't gotten far enough yet to investigate it properly."
Prudence Gundle Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 11:36:16 PM
"I beg your pardon, sirs, but we just dragged a skeleton off the bottom of the river because some of us dreamed it was there," Pru points out. "If that isn't inquisitive enough for you, I'm not sure what would be."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+10=20 ; d20+6=9 ; Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 11:10:46 AM
Anna is silent at first. She casts Detect Magic and then spends 3 rounds studying the bag. Does it have any auras? If it has Auras she attempts to identify what the auras are and potentially what the effect of the magic does
(Knowledge[arcana] 20 vs 15 + spell level or 15 + 1/2 caster level for nonspell effect) (Spellcraft 9 vs 15 + item's caster level = fail)
If she learns of any auras she confirms what Tinker says "Aye, It's magic." and then tells those assembled what auras she detects.
"Esteemed Brokers of Ffloy, it is as my Thumb said. We were sent to get to the bottom of the happenings down in Aisuldar and through the course of a shared dream we find ourselves dredging up this poor man. The dream seemed to suggest that the Mailed Fist was in the wrong as clerical protection was given to the wronged party which we can only assume means you. We do take contracts very seriously and ideally we want to put an end to the infighting that is going on within the Fist. If the cause of this war / fool's errand of Neutronis is a broken contract by the Mailed Fist and not Alithmar, I would have to imagine this would put a damper in Neutronis's plans as if it was revealed he was lying and that the Mailed Fist were at fault for the breach in contract and not Alithmar then some if not all who flocked to his banner may rethink their allegiances as he is clearly in the wrong."
Active Effects: toros taur try : +1 stealth / acrobatics - 10 min on everyone; renew as needed longstrider : +10 speed - 6 hours
The Fog of War Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 1:58:15 PM
The first-most cleric nods his head.
"Yes, yes we know of your dream. We crafted it ourselves. We apologize for any discomforts, but the dreamscape of Ffloy takes everything rather literal. It's a necessity for a god laden with the very specific task of assessing contracts."
The trio float slowly to the beach, then under great strain, walk towards the corpse. They wait patiently while Anna inspects the bag.
She finds a strong aura of enchantment. It's primary purpose seems to be the protection of documents within it. She also finds a pair of letters within.
"Go ahead, read them.", urges one of the clerics.
--Letter 1
"The Empire of Aisildur and it's Esteemed Emperor do grant to the Mailed Fist, and Pavillion Neutronis of the same, a check-draft for the sum of 165,000 gold pieces, redeemable from any capital city within the Lands of our Blessed Empire."
--Letter 2
"Grand Marshall Neutronis. The City of Alithmar thanks you most deeply for your stellar military service. As agreed, we will pay for your services the sum of 165,000 gold. We do not have those funds available within our coffers at this time, so we shall issue a check note for the sum that can be redeemed at a larger location within the Empire.
May Ffloy bless you and your men for the work you have done and the lives you have saved."
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 6:19:19 PM
Thak sighs and shakes his head sadly. "Marshall... why this dishonor. And this from a dwarf who knows $*#@ well about dishonor!" Drawing his kukri in the blink of an eye, he slams the hilt into the earth with a muttered growl, then sheathes it again.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 10:49:07 PM So the sorry &%$#@*, is trying to pull a fast one on the whole Fist is he? Well we will see about that! Hmmmmm...we are going to have to think of a way to get all of this to the commanders of Tiger, Eagle , and Bear companies. Assuming, that is, that they are ignorant of the deception that Pavillion is pulling on them. IF they are privy to his plans, we are signing our own death warrants by showing them this. Perhaps we need to show it to the Thumbs for the various companies first? In any case, what can we as Agents of the Fist do to Help the Clerics of Ffloy?
Prudence Gundle Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 11:26:57 PM
"Um, am I missing something?" Pru says. "The messenger was slain before he could deliver his message. Neutronis never received it. It's possible, of course, that he's the one who sent the assassin, but I don't think we know that for sure. It could be some third party, trying to cause mischief."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday December 24th, 2015 12:13:06 AM
Tinker has a hard time of letting go of loyalties, and feels compelled to point a couple of things out. "We don't know that Neutronis had this done, just that it was done. Maybe these clerics can tell us more?"
The dwarf thinks for a bit more and addresses the clerics directly. "You seem constrained. Can you tell us why? And do you know who killed the messenger?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Thursday December 24th, 2015 1:03:39 AM
Nikolai is very pensive as the letters are read. They were not the smoking crossbow that he had hoped. Tinker and Pru voice his own thoughts.
"These letters don't reveal much other than the city's intent to pay. The dream seemed to indicate that Neutronus is the murderer but we need a physical link. Can this dagger be traced back to Neutronis?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+10=23 ; d20+6=26 ; Thursday December 24th, 2015 10:07:36 AM
Anna turns her magic detecting cone toward the dagger and studies it for some rounds. She relays anything she discovers to the other agents.
(Knowledge [arcana] : 23 vs DC 15 + spell level) (Spellcraft : 26 vs DC 15 + spell level)
"I don't suppose one of you Brokers could cast Speak with Dead to find out what fate befell this poor messenger. The pouch was sealed so could Neutronis have been duped or do we know he is complicit with everything that has been going on? I mean the dream did seem to suggest that the Fist breached contract and I would have to imagine that if a third party prevented the Fist from receiving payment and they seiged would they still be in breach? This is most peculiar."
The Fog of War Thursday December 24th, 2015 12:44:57 PM
Wearily, the Brokers of F'floy consult each other, then answer Pru and Tinkers concerns.
"Neutronis killed this man himself. The body was dumped here, and chained, in hopes it would not be found. He made the assumption the Satchel and letters would rot in the ocean, I suppose."
One of the Clerics, the one with the most decoration, steps forward.
"I am Zacharia. These are Ezrah and Uriah. We are Oathbound of Ffloy. The amount of death and the gravity of this situation has angered our Patron. We were sent to maintain the Null-Aura around Alithmar. It drains us daily, and limits our ability to interfere with Neutronis. Then our divinations led us to your Knight Captain Palance, and that led us to you."
Uriah speaks up.
"The Bear and Tiger are aware of Neutronis and his deception. The Eagle is ignorant, but would be hard to convince. You will have to decide if it is worth risking a return to Pavillions tents to try to persuade a third of his army to abandon him, if you think you have the capability to convince them in the first place."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday December 24th, 2015 7:33:26 PM
Tinker's head bows down. It is hard but he has to admit that Neutrius and many of the leadership here know that the entire attack was engineered. An excuse to do something Neutonis long planned.
"Yet what can we do?" He growls in frustration. "He knows and we know and if we took the job he offered to speak with the clerics he would know that we know and have no further use for us. Yet taking the evidence to a neutral party will take time and Alithimar will fall before we could do anything. "
He turns to Nikolai. "You don't have another Message scroll do you? 25 words to Captain Constance can get the news immediately out there. "
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Thursday December 24th, 2015 8:14:52 PM
"I don't think Knight Captain Palance is in any position to help us. Maybe she could write some letters to the leader of Eagle Fist, but as far as material aid goes, she is barely holding onto the Citadel when we left."
"Neutronis knows what he has done. We could try and find Akir and see if we can convince him at least. Other than that, our options seem to be limited to either attacking Neutronis and trying to take him out or sneaking into the city to help the defenders."
"If we need it for evidence later on, I can speak with the dead. I have not used the spell before, but I know the gods of the Wold will grant it to me if I make the request."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday December 25th, 2015 10:49:46 AM
"Not to help us", Tinker tells the half-orc, but to get the information out so Neutonis can't bury the truth if he buries all of us." The dwarf's brow furrows. His words are all too likely no matter what the Agents decide. They have to still fulfill their mission, so leaving is not an option, and every other choice leads to near-certain death.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Friday December 25th, 2015 1:22:56 PM
lets talk to the Fists of the various units about this. they and the officers run the Fist, The General officers are just that, they give orders, if no one obeys they are powerless...relatively...
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Friday December 25th, 2015 1:39:16 PM
"I don't suppose anyone has any magical way to get this information out to a lot of people a single time, like a way to project sound or images over a large area? I'm just worried if we do this, that we may still be silenced before we can get the message out to enough of the enlisted, but the problem still becomes what if enough of them feel that the charter is too constrainingl like Neutronis and want to conquer Alithmar for its wealth? We still have to do something but we need to be smart about it. Alternatively can anyone cast sanctuary or calm emotions? Couldn't we strategically apply these spells so that we could move through the amassed soldiers spreading the message without fear of repercussion?" Anna puts forth.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday December 26th, 2015 5:40:34 PM
"Anyone we talk to in the camp is just as likely to try and gut us as listen. Remember what Sergeant Akir said, most recruits who trained somewhere besides the Citadel didn't get our level of training to serve the Fist. They are more loyal to their leaders than to the Code."
Tinker becomes thoughtful. "We could still take up Neutronis on his offer to talk to the clerics and get into the city. Then we can help with the defenses. ". And then his brows furrow again. "But that would mean breaking a contract, and I won't do that. And it would mean taking a contract we know is wrong, and I won't do that either."
"Looks like telling the wold at large is the only way to achieve our goals without a suicide charge to me."
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Saturday December 26th, 2015 10:32:36 PM "Oh, rabble-rousing's ancient as the hills; no shortage of ways to do it." Thak ruminates.
[ooc]As my character was/is a Neutronis soldier, can I know anything related to that which would help?[/ooc]
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday December 27th, 2015 3:41:13 PM
Tinker looks hopefully at Thak and the others for an out-of-the-box brilliant idea that will achieve the mission and keep their bacon in one piece at the same time.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Monday December 28th, 2015 8:35:26 PM
Nikolai manages to keep silent for a while and listen to ideas. Meanwhile he ruminates upon the options and their mission.
"Well, we have discovered everything we need to show Commander Constance and prove that what she is doing is the right thing. As far as stopping Neutronis, there may be a way short of killing him, but it will entail a lot of diplomacy between the Commanders on the outside with those on the inside."
He asks the three clerics if they have the capabilities to either cast a Message spell on their behalf to contact Constance or if they can scribe a scroll for them.
"We need to let Constance know what we've found. My plan is to get this skeleton to a neutral location where the Eagle Commander can meet with us and Constance and the Snake Commander. We then cast Speak with the Dead so the Eagle Commander can see the truth for himself. To do that, we need a ship to get across the bay.
We don't have the means to announce to the Eagle Company this news even if we thought they'd believe such a thing without proof. Our proof is here but in occupied territory. Getting it out of here is a priority. If we can't get it out across the bay, then we must seek refuge in Alithmar, although that should be a last resort.
Perhaps your divinations can lead a fisherman or cargo ship towards us as we stick to the beach. We can hide in the water when necessary."
Nikolai makes it clear that going to Neutronis with this will just seal their fate and guarantee a visit with Gargul. Even relying on Akir would be false hope. The Sergeant, when faced with the obvious breach of Mail Fist code did not waver from his loyalty to Neturonis and didn't kill us only because Neutronis wanted to see us also.
Getting the Eagle Commander to see the evidence and talking to the victim would be the fastest way to break up Neutronis' forces. If the Eagle Commander decides to leave Neutronis, all the other individual Thumbs from Bear and Tiger that wish to leave won't need to be exposed as the siege collapses. If the Eagle Commander decides to stick with Neutronis, then there's nothing else to do but seek the elimination of Neutronis.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Tuesday December 29th, 2015 10:35:18 AM
"Begging your pardon, Nikolai but can the city hold out long enough for us to set this in motion? We are talking about getting ourselves to neutral territory as well as the other commanders. Also what happens if Neutronis sends some of his goons to take out these clerics here, especially since he probably surmises we are in league with them now. They can't cast the spells needed to prevent the siege weapons from working if they are dead. What is wrong with attempting to spread the word to those who are amassed here especially if we are protected from violence by sanctuary and calm emotions, granted I cannot cast either of these spells but maybe one of our other casters could or perhaps the good Brokers? I mean things are going to get a lot worse once the city falls. Neutronis can use the Eagle regiment to fix any breach in the walls with magic and he will then have a stronghold that he will be hard to be dislodged from and think of the people of the city. You won't tell me they won't be safe from rape and pillage. Send some of our number with the body to broker this neutral meeting but if we need to maybe split up and try to at least spread the word to the troops aligned with Neutronis. If that doesn't seem to be working the people attempting to spread the word can cut and run, but it doesn't feel right to abandon the city without trying at the least." Anna makes an impassioned plea to her Fist mates. She honestly does not believe the city can hold out for Nikolai's plan to work unless they do something first to weaken Neutronis forces. They have information they can disseminate why not try to do so. she thinks.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 29th, 2015 11:52:21 AM
Tinker gauges the sky. "I don't think anyone in camp knows we are gone yet, but it won't be too long before that changes. I think we have a chance to do something before Neutronis knows; what they said in Basic as 'getting inside the opponent's decision loop'." The dwarf stops to consider. "I think it's up to us as to what that what is."
Tinker's mind starts racing as if this whole thing is like tumblers in a lock of a massive puzzle.
" we know, the Ffloy clerics know, and Neutronis knows, although he doesn't know WE know yet. And, because he was willing to let us go to the city, I don't think he knows the clerics know either."
"We know the high officers know, and we know that most recent recruits and even sergeants are more loyal to their leaders and the chance at land than the Mailed Fist. (Although Neitronis is trying to use the loyalty to the Fist to keep some or even many here."
"For the city, Neutronis thinks it won't be too many more days before he breaks the walls. I'll bet these clerics can tell us how many days THEY think the walls will last too." He looks expectantly at the clerics.
Tinker doesn't think randomly trying to convince other Fist will do anything other than get the Agents killed. He is worried that there is not enough time to get the message back to Captain Constance or even the other side of the bay. And accepting a contract from Neutronis on false pretenses is against the Code and is not an option.
"Wait a minute!" Tinker turns and addresses the spectral clerics. "Noble sirs, what if the other armies supposedly amassing? How far away are they and would they be likely to listen to us?"
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 29th, 2015 8:37:02 PM
Tinker adds a thought. "The Eagle Commander doesn't know, does he? Maybe we get to him and his troops are powerful enough to withdraw intact?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Friday January 1st, 2016 1:16:11 PM
"That is true." Anna says to Tinker. "If we can get the Eagle Regiment to pull out that would certainly put a stop to his current enlarged person assault strategy. Without the magic to fuel this and the siege engines kept stilled by the grace of Ffloy the city should be able to hold off long enough for Neutronis's duplicity to be exposed and things set right. I agree with Tinker that we should try to convince the Eagle leadership."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Friday January 1st, 2016 5:33:40 PM
Michael looks at Tinker in Awe! the dwarf is a known for his keeping his own counsel almost as much as he is for his utility with locks. This well though out and well spoken outburst is both uncharacteristic and so like Tinker that it's almost surreal.
[/b]Uh...yeah...What Tinker says....we can hide what we know and go back to camp...maybe get a private word with the Eagle commander or something...or maybe try to get a message to them...or maybe a sending spell? hmmmm...
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Sunday January 3rd, 2016 3:24:13 PM
[b] Hmmmmm....if we can get the Eagle Fist to pull out it would seriously put a crimp in Nutroinis' plans and also, not that it means much we would have a 3/5's majority to call a Quorum and out power hungry monster.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday January 3rd, 2016 9:18:51 PM
Tinker nods; his thoughts exactly.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Monday January 4th, 2016 9:02:37 PM "Well, my instincts tell me to get us out of here while the getting is good. I do like the idea of informing the Eagle Commander before we leave, just in case we can't get him to meet somewhere else. But that means going back without a means to inform Commander Constance of what we found.
And do we bring this poor bloke along? How do we get it to the Eagle Commander? How do we disguise it?
If you guys can solve these three things, then I agree to sneak back and pay a visit to the Eagle Commander."
The Fog of War Monday January 4th, 2016 9:22:27 PM
(Welcome back everyone! I had intended to post more here, but my family surprised me with a snowboarding trip to Santa Fe, so I didn't. =D )
Tinker and Nikolai discuss briefly the merits of informing Captain Palance. Niko points out she might not be able to do much, and he is likely correct. A bit of thought, and Tinker too remembers how desperate Palance seemed at the time.
However, help isn't what Tinker wants to secure, but rather the truth.
Anna considers spreading the truth of the matter, which as explained by the Oathbound of Ffloy, is that Neutronis engineered the entire conflict. Michael thinks along the same lines, but the problem with Anna's suggestion is that one or two strong willed officers might resist such spells and their whole plan unfurls.
Thak considers his life for the past three months. The operation to turn back the giants was successful, and exacted a high toll on the Fist. Neutronis didn't say much other than general moral driven speeches, and left his officers to handle the rest. Bear regiment, in particular, was brutal about quelling any open hostility to Neutronis or his plans. Those few conscientious observers were sent back to guard home bases or tosses in a cell to await the outcome of the war.
"Noble sirs!", asks Tinker. "What of the other armies!?"
Uriah shakes his head sadly.
"We observe them in our dreams, but they are too far. The Pirates of Jack won't amass a land force, and the rest of the Freestaters League would rather see Alithmars army bloodied before helping. There's no love between them and the Aisuldurian Empire, to whom which Alithmar belongs."
Ezrah adds in, "They'll arrive, but not in time."
As the Fist discusses theeir plans, Ezrah cuts back in.
"You could try to alert the Eagle captain, but you do not need to risk yourselves personally. We can allow you to contact him with a spell in the morning. Neutronis and his men will fail in their bid. Ffloy has shown us this much. The problem is that Neutronis, as he is now, is beyond our reach while we maintain our vigil. We have a final miracle to play, but it will leave us defenseless."
Zacharia takes a deep breath and sighs.
"We need you with us in Alithmar tomorrow, when Neutronis shatters our walls and sacks the city."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Monday January 4th, 2016 10:09:46 PM
"Is there no way to stop that? What can we do against his entire army? I feel like the Eagle company may listen but I don't see them moving against him directly even if they believe us."
Prudence Gundle Monday January 4th, 2016 10:51:54 PM
Pru is looking increasingly worried. "What do you want us to do?" she asked. "We want to help, but there are only eight of us. Against an army. I can't help but think that we're better off trying to negotiate, or at least play for time."
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Tuesday January 5th, 2016 1:13:48 AM "Whatever we do, we'll need show most care around the Bears. They're the commander's most brutal supporters" Thak adds sagely.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 5:29:15 PM
(OOC: Sorry that I was so late in posting. I meant to post yesterday, but I had to travel home from my parents house as I was there for vacation and I fell asleep and got into a fight with my wife...long story...anyway here is my post)
Anna listens to what the clerics have to say. "There is no way to stop the sacking of the city? We will protect you to the best of our abilities if it comes to playing your final miracles, but as my comrades have said, we are but 8 against an army. Maybe we should try to use the means to contact the Eagles over distance?" She questions
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday January 5th, 2016 6:51:32 PM
Tinker thinks Anna has the right of it, the city will fall and the Agents can't stop it. It is frustrating, but the mission is to save the Fist. In order to do that, they now clearly need to take down Nutronis' reputation. And the best place the Agents can do that is between the clerics of Ffloy and the armies of Nutronis!
"I have a large sack. I say we stuff the corpse in the sack and hot foot it to the city. In the morning we try to reduce Nutronis' army by magically speaking with the Eagle Regiment Commander. And then we get ready to defend the clerics from anyone who tries to hurt them until they can bring off their miracle."
He looks to Nikolai for the final decision, but the dwarf clearly feels this is the honorable and correct choice.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Tuesday January 5th, 2016 10:40:18 PM
OOC: it is still dawn, I think.
IC: 'Tis a pickle they are in, indeed.
"Well, staying out here we won't be able to do much. Neutronis will have us in shackles before we spread the word very far. And since two Regiments are in on the deal anyway, the odds of us making it far are even slimmer. I think we should indeed take our chances inside the city. Hopefully we'll have time to contact the Eagle Commander from there even today."
Nikolai asks the three, "How do we get into the city? Neutronis must have all the gates watched pretty closely. Direct us to where we need to go and have a safe escort ready for us. I don't want to be dragged through the city accused as spies."
Nikolai points at Tinker's sack. "Hardly very respectful of the dead, but I don't see any other way either."
Nikolai asks about that Sanctuary spell as well. "Could be very useful in getting past any sentries..
WIth that, the Fist prepares to hike it to the city, following any directions the clerics of Ffloy give.
The Fog of War Tuesday January 5th, 2016 11:02:23 PM
The Oathbound seem relieved there isn't much resistance to their plea. Uriah, seemingly unaware of personal space, embraces Prudence. Ezrah and Zachariah follow suit, gathering Tinker and Trayvin close as well.
They smell of pumpkin spice and raisin.
"The city and it's people are not the same thing. Do not forget there is an army of defenders protecting their homes. It is not eight against an army. It is an army against Alithmar, eight capable agents, and a three of Ffloys best negotiators."
Nikolai starts laying out the plans for a cunning entrance to the city, and Uriah nods sagely.
"Or, young monk, Oathbound Zachariah can simply teleport us back inside. He's got a bit of wizard about him, that one."
Zachariah winks and offers his hand.
"Gather around, and we will enter the city."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Tuesday January 5th, 2016 11:14:54 PM
"Well, if you put it that way the odds don't seem quite so bad." Trayvin shrugs his shoulders. "They seem to have a plan, and as long as that plan involves us helping both the city and the Fist, I'm in."
"And if you have any more of that pumpkin raisin spice bread, breakfast sounds nice too."
Prudence Gundle d20+10=29 ; Tuesday January 5th, 2016 11:26:37 PM
"Oof!" As politely as possible, Pru extracates herself from the embrace. It seems a strange gesture to her, so she tries to think about what kind of spell might involve smearing your target with pumpkin spice and raisin. (Spellcraft 29.)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Wednesday January 6th, 2016 12:42:06 AM
Michael is quiet during all of this. He will follow his Thumb to the gates of the abyss if need be. Entering a city of the God Ga'al is....hard. Entering it to defend the "lives" of the wretches dominated by Ga'al is harder still. He thinks it must be like protecting the life of the man who killed a loved one. Hard...so hard. The life of a mercenary is a hard one though. "if I can do this, will it make me a better person? or will it condemn me for protecting that which I hate? He sighs. then speaks aloud as he joins with the rest of the crew. In for a copper, in for a pound. He takes the hand of his brothers to each side of him and closes his eyes, willing the shaking away with the strength he draws from his companions.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Wednesday January 6th, 2016 1:48:20 PM
Anna grabs the hand of the closest fist-mate who is already joined with someone in the chain starting with the clerics.
The Fall
The Fog of War Thursday January 7th, 2016 12:10:05 AM
There is the gentle hum of charging magics, and the Agents are teleported inside of the walls of Alithmar.
It's dawn now, and Uriah spends time showing you through most of the defense network that remains in the city. The Agents are led to a serving room, where men are donning gear and eating breakfast of bread and eggs. The city and it's people had been generous to it’s soldiers during the siege, understanding that they were all that kept them from an unknown conqueror who wanted to possess them for his own ends. The other two priests excuse themselves to oversee other preparations.
Sliding griddle cooked eggs and a hunk of warm bread onto your plates, the serving men and women look at you apprehensively, but show you no rudeness or contempt. Uriah leads you all to a small building with enough room for you to eat and sit comfortably.
"Work out your sending spell and I'll have it ready to go. I've got one scroll and one prepared, so make them go wherever you see fit."
He takes a moment to nibble on some bread and close his eyes. He looks spent and grey, and even begins to snooze a little.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Thursday January 7th, 2016 12:31:52 AM
Their odds of getting into the city increased tremendously with the clerics' offer to teleport them there.
"Your plan beats stuffing this poor guys remains into a sack and trying to sneak past Neutronis' army."
Nikolai gathers around Zachariah. Although, he admits to himself, what they are going to do once inside is a mystery as yet.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Thursday January 7th, 2016 1:59:09 AM "This'll end in blood and tears... and it'll be for the best."
Thak grabs himself a portion and works through it; fresh food in a siege that isn't rat or dog is a rare pleasure. He finds a spot near the group, pulls a grindstone and starts carefully sharpening a dagger, keeping the edge slightly rounded to preserve its strength.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday January 7th, 2016 5:52:06 AM
Tinker thinks they still may need evidence and takes time before the spell to stuff the corpse into a sack from his bulging rucksack and then moves to the smell of food; yes, the smell is making him hungry as well.
"Don't worry, Michael, remember a ground of adventurers destroyed the master Heartseed several years ago. There supposed to be no Heartseeds anymore."
Once in the city, Tinker is pleased they are offered breakfast and a place to temporarily stay. All his training said that prolonged sieges tended to make the defenders eat anything, but then he remembers the Pirates of Jack are keeping the sea lanes open. "That's a relief" he says as he digs into the fluffy eggs.
"How about this for the Message, Nikolai?"
"Agents to Palance. Have proof Nutronis killed Alisidur messenger and engineered crisis. Ffloy forces defending town enforceing broken contract. Bear, Tiger know. Eagle doesn't know."
Prudence Gundle Thursday January 7th, 2016 11:41:43 AM
Since this seems to be the start of a new day, Pru casts her Extended Mage Armor spells on herself and Nikolai.
She accepts some breakfast, and forces herself to eat a few bites even though her stomach is in knots.
"Work out our Sending spell. Right. Twenty-five words to the Eagle captain. Any suggestions? And, Domi help us all, are we counting on me to cast it?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Thursday January 7th, 2016 1:38:03 PM
Anna says to Tinker, "That is 25 words exactly and I think it is adequate for the commander."
To Pru, Anna says, "Wolf Agents to Eagle Captain. Have evidence Neutronis killed Aisulduran messenger bearing payment. Urge you to abandon Neutronis. Are in Alithmar and want to meet."
"I don't know. Maybe someone else needs to come up with the message for them?" she questions
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Thursday January 7th, 2016 7:32:05 PM
"Well, I think Tinker's message to Palance is just about perfect. I have a few comments on the other one though. We may be able to save a few words by skipping the greeting. It would also likely be important to inform Akir that Bear and Tiger are complacent in the scheme. At least the leaders anyway. And maybe a suggestion for him to arrange to keep his forces safe for whatever it is that's coming next?"
After giving his thoughts, Trayvin tucks into his breakfast. In this type of situation, you never knew when a meal might be your last for awhile, wars tended to interfere with things like idle time for meals.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Thursday January 7th, 2016 10:33:37 PM
At least the Fist didn't have to give blood in order to teleport this time. Inside the city, Nikolai feels like one more domino has fallen. He wished he knew how many more dominoes were left to fall before the end.
He listens intently as they are shown around the defenses, paying close attention as it could make a difference later on.
He accepts the eggs and bread graciously and throughout all this he says little. When Tinker proposes the wording for the message for Commander Constance, he sighs with relief that he does not have to be the one to do THAT again.
"I like that message, Tinker, we'll go with that. I like Trayvin's suggestions to the message to the Eagle commander. Let's do it as soon as we can."
The Fog of War Friday January 8th, 2016 12:30:24 AM
Despite Thak's misgivings, Uriah sleeps soundly while the Agents discuss their sendings. With the words in order, Prudence's remaining fear is she is going to have to activate a scroll!
Luckily, as soon as your words are chosen, a lucid Uriah seems ready to cast his spell for you. He prepares the first sending, and the message is sent.
"Agents to Palance. Have proof Nutronis killed Alisidur messenger and engineered crisis. Ffloy forces defending town enforceing broken contract. Bear, Tiger know. Eagle doesn't know."
...
"Wolf, Snake, Shark acknowledge. Mission changed. Execute Pavillion Neutronis, Runkuk the Undying, and Gunter Farias if present. Extreme caution, martial experts. Eagle is your discretion."
"Akir, have evidence Neutronis killed Aisulduran bearing payment. Urge abandoning Neutronis. Meet alone in Alithmar or reply to message. Be wary of treachery.
...
"Agents, too late. Neutronis is mobilizing. 3 hours or less. Will inform Knight Captain Torsus Minek. Nothing short of a miracle can stop Neutronis."
Profession Soldier/Knowledge Local: DC 10
Highlight to display spoiler: { Unkuk the Undying is the beserker barbarian in charge of Bear Regiment. Gunter Farias leads the Tiger Regiment. Torsus Minek is the Knight Captain of Eagle Regiment.}
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Friday January 8th, 2016 2:00:55 AM "...any religious among us feelin' a miracle's closeness? Or's it up to us?"
Prof: Mercenary
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Friday January 8th, 2016 2:26:08 AM Wow, we need to kill the three most fell fighters of the mailed fist. I think it'd be easier to build a bridge to another continent.
well depending on how he enters we might get a chance at one of them once they breach the walls. But Neutronis is a smart, sneaky leader...so he'll prolly enter after the garrison has been reduced. but then again he is full of himself so he might enter with the rest of the troops after the breach is formed.
Maybe we can delay him with an offer of parley at the city gates. put up a flag of truce and begin talks that aught to delay and get a lot of attention put on the proceedings, maybe enough to get the word out about Nut boys perfidy? wait till he forms up to come at us then pop the parley run out and shout to the world his crimes? could throw the army into riot...might bring the baddies out to kill us themselves.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Friday January 8th, 2016 6:30:08 AM
"We could try to challenge them to a duel, Neutronis may be crazy enough to accept."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=16 ; d20+9=21 Friday January 8th, 2016 6:42:46 AM
Tinker nods, he thought that Akir was only a Thumb and Torsus the Eagle Regimental Commander. But he was so interested in the locking mechanism on the door that he didn't worry about the other message until too late. Still, Akir should be able to get it to Torsus in time for some good.
He thinks of the defenses from an engineering point of view, where is the likely weakness and point of attack by the Fist forces? He conveys what he learns to the defenders.
For the Agents, Tinker thinks Michael is half right. "We need surprise and preparation to confront Nutronis. No false parlay, it impinges our honor, and we must demonstrate the difference between Nutronis' followers and the Mailed Fist. I don't think meeting them at the wall will do anything other than exhaust us." He ponders some more; think of it like a puzzle.
"The critical point in this puzzle is the three Ffloy clerics. We defend the location they are at. Nutronis' arrogance will make him directly confront the clerics who kept him out of the town for so long. If we wait there, prepare that place, we will be fresh and he may already be wounded, his forces scattered in eliminating resistance or looting. That's our best chance to fulfill our orders."
..... Know Local. 16 Know Engineering. 21
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Friday January 8th, 2016 10:30:22 AM
"I don't suppose there is some garden area we could chose as our ambush site for Neutronis with the clerics. I can use spike growth and entangle and plant growth and snare to potentially entrap him. I would have to imagine Neutronis would be a lot easier to kill if we could pin him down."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) d20+7=22 ; Saturday January 9th, 2016 10:54:01 PM
Profession (Soldier) +7 = 22
Sending the message through Akir instead of directly to Commander Torus made more sense to Nikolai. "Akir can vouch for our honesty in the message with a better chance of success than if we'd sent it directly,"
Tinker's plan seems the most practical. "In order to get Neutronis to agree to a duel we need to have it where it is worth his while. If the battle is going clearly in his favor, he wouldn't want to risk a duel. But if we stand between him and the Ffloy clerics, he just might agree to it. But duels are usually one-on-one. How are we going to work this out?" he asks.
However it works out, sticking with the clerics is the way to go.
"Three hours. Not much time to prepare. Tinker, don't loose that sack of yours. It's our evidence."
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday January 9th, 2016 11:19:48 PM
Tinker nods, the sack isn't going far from him.
As to a duel, Tinker shakes his head. "I think if he arrives we start trying to kill him, words won't help "
Prudence Gundle Sunday January 10th, 2016 4:14:09 PM
"Umm..." hesitantly, Pru approaches Uriah. "Um, I know you want to keep things to yourself, for security and everything, but I think at this point it would be helpful if we knew what kind of miracle you're expecting. Especially if it's going to be loud."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Sunday January 10th, 2016 9:29:37 PM "Yes, like, maybe make the whole city teleport a couple thousand miles away just as they feel they are breaching the walls?" Nikolai grins mischievously.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 Monday January 11th, 2016 6:49:01 PM
(OOC: not sure if I will have time to post later so posting now)
"Is there any garden-y area we can make our stand in to protect the clerics?" Anna repeats herself
"If so I think I can really help prepare this battle ground to our advantage versus Neutronis and his cronies. I think we need every advantage we can get against the tyrant."
The Fog of War Monday January 11th, 2016 9:53:58 PM
Uriah chuckles at Thak.
"Oh young dwarf, I think I feel one coming along soon enough."
Uriah stands and stretches, and leads the Agents on a quick round about the interior walls of Alithmar. He speaks as they walk.
"Ffloy hasn't yet revealed the Miracle to us. Knowing him, I imagine it will fit the crime well. Neutronis has violated this contract so completely that I don't think anything will be held back."
He leads the Agents up scaffold-stairs and tries to answer their questions.
"All of this is outside, young Druid. Ffloy won't put us in Neutronis's direct grasp. I don't know where you will confront him, but it's a fair bet it will be outside."
He stops and looks over the walls. Neutronis and his camp are awake, and breakfast lines are starting to disperse.
"The walls are pretty much finished. Ffloys spell shielding affects us too, sadly. I think he tests his faithful even as he helps them. Neutronis has used an ugly, hacksaw method, but it's effective. Many key supports are destroyed and at times sections of wall crumble on their own. Today will be the day they fall. He's got enough men and mages that keep Enlarging spells on his men won't be a problem. He will attack all along the wall, at all the supports again, Nikolai. Eventually, something will give and the stones will tumble free."
He watches a bird land on the wall and smiles at it, then looks over his shoulder at his approaching comrades. Ezrah pipes in as he approaches.
"The tower is where we have been beckoned, Uriah. Ffloy has shown us. We will look on from above as the deal breaker crashes against the walls. We are to simply channel the spirit of Ffloy, and his magic will do the rest."
Ezrah points at a watch-tower some 15ft above the walls.
"It has some physical damage.", starts Ezrah. As he speaks, a few timbers fall from the front guard logs.
He shrugs.
"More than some. Either way, Faith will shield us."
The tower sways precariously in the gentle morning breeze.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday January 11th, 2016 10:20:49 PM
Tinker tries to make a pre-battle joke. "Looks like we'll be outside this tower Anna".
The dwarf frowns. Even to his ears the joke isn't very funny.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Monday January 11th, 2016 10:29:50 PM 'When he said outside, did he mean outside the walls or just outside?' Nikolai questions silently.
"Well, we have no magic to keep the walls from crumbling. And we can't be running to and fro looking for Neutronis. My suggestion is stick here at this watchtower and you clerics can give us the word when you see him. Any other suggestions?"
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Monday January 11th, 2016 10:35:46 PM
"All we can do is prepare long duration spells and wait. Maybe we can look for suitable areas for Anna to use to our advantage."
Prudence Gundle Monday January 11th, 2016 11:10:30 PM
"With your permission, sir, I'd like to cast some protective spells on you."
If Uriah agrees, she casts Protection from Arrows on him. If he is not wearing armor, she also casts Mage Armor.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Tuesday January 12th, 2016 1:41:07 AM
Michael looks at the area that the Fists men have been attacking. He looks at where it will lead into the city when it falls. is that section of the wall against a warehouse? alley? road or what?
[b] Honored Clerics of Ffloy, I am not a spiritual being, but I would think that the gods would want us to prepare to receive our guests with as much spite as we are able. I do not doubt your Miracle, but some insurance would be prudent none the less.
When the wall falls, if we can brace timbers against this side it will fall on the invaders and possibly create a barrier that will be difficult for them to cross, some trenches with spikes in the bottom will slow them some more and archers in the houses and around the area will make for a nice kill box for the entering troops, I would help to enact some of these ideas if I could be put in touch with someone who can help me get things done.... Unless, of course, you mean that we should accompany you into the tower for the miracle..{/b]
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 17/13/14 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 16 d20+12=28 ; d20+13=29 ; Tuesday January 12th, 2016 9:01:55 AM
Anna looks for a suitable area near the tower with which to setup some natural traps. (Know[nature]: 28; Survival:29)
"I can create a magical snare trap, that if I can locate a suitable tree can deal a little damage and lift the person that falls for it off the ground. That lasts until it is tripped or broken so that qualifies as a long duration spell. If we can wet the natural earth, I can create thick mud to entrap our enemies and that will last too. I can use plant growth to cause overgrowth which will slow movement down to 5 feet or 10 feet for large creatures. This will last for a day. I can use spike growth which will turn a 20 foot square area into a different trapped area causing damage and potentially injury. This will last for 6 hours. Lastly I have the old favorite, entangle which is a very short lasting spell at 6 minutes, but if we combine plant growth, spike growth and entangle in the same area I think we could cause quite some havok. Any advice on where to set my snare, make the mud and create a spiked plant growth area in?" Anna asks her fistmates.
If a suitable area is found and Nikolai gives first casts the overgrowth version of plant growth. She has either a 100 foot radius circle, 150 foot radius half circle or 200 foot radius quarter circle to work with. Ideally she would want to set this up so that it would affect all her future spells except soften earth and stone so she wants it near a tree for snare. She then casts spike growth on an area within the overgrown area. Lastly she chooses an area that one could potentially travel to circumvent the plant area and asks her friends for help wetting the area down so she can cause some thick mud to hamper anyone thinking to cut through that way. Lastly she tries to spot the perfect spot to cast entangle when the enemy actually shows up as that is a short range spell.
She waits until it gets closer to when the attack should come (ie when the 3 hours are almost up) and casts barkskin on herself.
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? barkskin 60 min - ?
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Tuesday January 12th, 2016 6:59:03 PM
Thak nods to himself, and stretches. "Built a few traps in my time, nothin' bigger than for rabbits, though. Won't need me for the prep. My time... I'll spend it readying to kill my commander. Dwarves've a few chants and songs for this, deal wi' doubt and the like. I'll need it." Thak finds himself a corner and continues sharpening his blades, muttering to himself in dwarven in a softer tone than one would expect.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday January 12th, 2016 7:39:13 PM
Tinker helps out Michael, but isn't sure the wobbly tower is meant for a trap. "I think they mean to stay up in it."
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Tuesday January 12th, 2016 9:44:06 PM
Trayvin offers prayers to the gods of the Wold. He asks them for aid in preventing as much death and bloodshed as possible.
"Hmm, that gives me an idea. If the walls are going to fall anyway, why don't we just let them in? Neutronis can march in with his army and when he arrives at the center of the city to 'take control' he can face judgement for his crime instead."
The Fog of War Wednesday January 13th, 2016 1:32:06 AM
Uriah smiles and stops Pru's casting.
"Thank you, young sorceress, but I fear your magical augments would not sit well with our own."
Michael feels that when the walls do fall, they will indeed fall outward, towards Neutronis. The rubble will hinder the men, but only slightly.
Anna considers her traps, and realizes that there might not be a better spot than the base of the tower itself. It would make getting in and out difficult, and the heavy plants might even help support the structure.
Trayvin's idea is a good one, but Ezrah turns it down.
"Sadly, these things don't work like that. We might convince you, but convincing an entire city that we should just let the enemy in is unfeasable."
He then smiles at Tinker.
"Yes, we mean for us to be up in it."
As time passes, a sentry comes and makes a report to the trio of clerics, who have been in silent prayer within the tower.
“He’s been organizing the army. Sections of the wall are crumbling now, regardless of whether he’s hitting them or not. I think today is it sir. We solve it with blood at last.”
Ezrah nods, then looks at his fellow Oathbound. Something seems to pass between them.
“So be it. We must prepare our Miracle. Prepare yourselves for Neutronis. You only have one chance.”
The Agents, skilled as they are, can easily see the same tactics about to take place. The clerics gather their bodyguards to them inside of the tower.
"Blessings from Ffloy for each of you. Our power is draining rapidly now.. the time is soon.. this is what we can spare."
Nikolai: Owls Wisdom, Bulls Strength Michael: Keen Edge (one weapon) Prudence: Heightened Sanctuary ( DC 20 to overcome) Tinker: Greater Magic Weapon (+4) Thak: Stoneskin Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) Anna: Shield of Faith (+4)
(At this point, please take any last minute preparations...or explain in greater detail previously wanted long term ones)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Wednesday January 13th, 2016 2:14:33 AM
Nikolai thanks the clerics for their aid. "We will do everything we can at the best of our abilities, including dying, for this cause. For the Honor of the Mailed Fist, we protect you and strike out against Commander Neutronis," Nikolai vows.
He contemplates going up in the tower to watch for Neutronis but decides against it. It is their tower and they will be busy with their 'miracle'.
OOC:do we have a map of the surrounding buildings or do we just say we hide here and there?
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Wednesday January 13th, 2016 2:46:39 AM "We do what we must, because we can." Thak taps his legs and summons a fragment of divine power to quicken them.
Longstrider
The Fog of War Wednesday January 13th, 2016 9:39:29 AM
(Maps coming today)
Prudence Gundle Wednesday January 13th, 2016 12:32:11 PM
"I have a few Protection from Arrows spells available," Pru tells her companions. "Would anyone like one?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/22 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 18 Wednesday January 13th, 2016 3:49:28 PM
(OOC: clarifying Anna's preperations) Anna works with her fist to make a 60 square foot patch of earth that is 60 feet out from the tower to make it wet. She then casts soften earth and stone to make this patch turn into thick mud. If this is not feasible she will make as much natural mud that is less than 60 feet square turn into mud. (OOC: Creature moving through this area must succeed on a DC 16 reflex save or be caught for 1d2 rounds unable to cast spells, attack or move. If a creature saves they can move at half speed but cannot run or charge.
Anna casts snare on a vine near a tree along the path to the tower but still within 100 foot radius of the tower. She attaches the snare to the tree. The tree bends a little. (OOC: If a creature steps within the loop of the snare, the tree will strengthen and and deal 1d6 points of damage while the entrapped creature is lifted off the ground. To spot the trap someone with trapfinding must beat a DC 23 Perception. To escape from the snare a creature needs to make a DC 23 escape artist or a DC 23 strength check. The snare has AC 7 and 5 hp)
For the next part she waits until the Clerics of Ffloy have ascended the tower, so that they would not take damage from her spells. She communicates to her fist mates where the affected areas of her spell are so they will not step in them.
Anna then casts spike growth in a 120ft square (OOC misread the description of the area, is actually 20 ft square per level so 20 x 6 = 120 ft) centered on the tower. Any ground covering vegetation becomes very hard and sharply pointed without changing appearance. (OOC: Any creature moving on foot into or through the spell's area takes 1d4 points of piercing damage for each 5 feet of movement through the spiked area. Any creature that takes damage from this spell must also succeed on a Reflex save or suffer injuries to its feet and legs that slow its land speed by half. This speed penalty lasts for 24 hours or until the injured creature receives a cure spell (which also restores lost hit points). Another character can remove the penalty by taking 10 minutes to dress the injuries and succeeding on a Heal check against the spell's save DC. The spell save DC is normally 17, but with the bonus from plant growth will be 21)
After receiving the cleric's blessing as it has the same duration as the entangle spell(min / per level) she casts entangle on the 40 foot radius of plant matter in front of the entrance to the tower. (Anyone entering that area must make a reflex save or become entangled and take 1 point of damage from spike growth. The spell save DC is normally 15 but with the bonus from plant growth it will be 19)
Anna uses the overgrowth version of plant growth to make the plants in a 100 foot radius surrounding the tower to become thick and overgrown. (OOC: within this area speed drops to 5 feet for medium creatures and 10 feet for large. Saves of spells in the area increase by 4 as mentioned above.)
Anna then casts Barkskin, Bull's Strength, and Greater Magic Fang on herself chosing the version of Greater Magic Fang that grants any natural attack she makes a +1 magical attack / damage bonus.
She also casts Shillelagh on her oversized great club.
"I have spider climb if anyone thinks it'll help she offers to her friends. Also Pru, maybe that arrow protection could potentially help me?"
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -6 min (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 6min (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage)
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday January 13th, 2016 6:32:04 PM
Tinker thanks the clerics for the spell, and asks for the Greater Magic Weapon be on his Urgrosh. "We will start with the crossbow, but I am wearily certain the fight will be decided by blows. "
The dwarf has a couple of potions and a few other things up his sleeve, but will wait until the walls come down and the first troops arrive at the tower. In the meantime, he looks about for a place to be a sniper and cover the killing ground.
Trayvin (BrianZ) AC 18/10/18 Hp 59/59 CMD Wednesday January 13th, 2016 10:35:52 PM
"Thank you Oathbound, we will try to honour you."
"Sure Pru, I'll take you up on that offer." Trayvin casts a few spells of his own as well, resist energy, fire, and magic circle against evil. Then he prepares his Morningstar and shield. "Looks like it's time to do what we came here to do. I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but if we have to take out Neutronis to save the Fist and the city, then so be it."
Active Effects: Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) resist energy fire, duration 50min magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell
[OOC: It will prevent 50 points of damage; you guys will need to track your own. :) ]
"I've got at least one more I can cast," she says. "Once the fighting starts," she continues, "I'll want to Haste as many people as I can reach. Unfortunately, that spell doesn't last very long, so I can't cast it in advance. Those of you who want to spread way out can certainly do it, but you might place yourself out of reach of the spell."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Wednesday January 13th, 2016 11:21:23 PM
Michael does what he can to help bolster the defenses of the city. He asks Anna if he can have a few Goodberrries. He gets the pockets of his pants loaded the way he wants them and gets his remaining bottle of Cats grace ready for instant quaffing. He moves some rubble or a cart or boxes around to give him some hiding spots for the upcoming battle and just generally does what he can. he takes the Keen edge on his Rapier with thanks and surveys the battlefield, looking for weaknesses the he can exploit or that can be exploited.
Mostly though he thinks, How many of the men that will be killed this day are men that he knows? If things had been different he would be fighting beside them instead of spilling their blood. Evil, Nutroinis is Evil. He only though that Ga'al was bad for wanting to Dominate mens hearts. Nut Job is worse for breaking his in this way. He thanks Wardd for putting him here to both test himself, his convictions and his mettle but he also thanks him for giving him the chance to put things right, and to try and save something of the Fist he loves so much.
Answering the Call Wednesday January 13th, 2016 11:30:37 PM
(Started a map, realized it wasn't necessary.)
Minutes crawl and the familiar pre-battle buzz settles over the Agents. How different this must be from the siege at Hornfowl, staring across the walls and battlements at men and women who, although you had never met them, were part of a brotherhood that touted itself as indomitable.
Holding hands the clerics ascend to the top of the Watchtower, chanting prayers to Ffloy. On the ground, a great cheer rises from the assembled defenders, soldiers and guards and sailors as well as men and youths capable of holding bows and spears.
A louder call, more like a bawdy tavern shout erupts from the grounds outside. Neutonis, mounted upon his famed steed Charger, paces up and down his battle lines. He is flanked at his side by a large man, covered in the furs of animals and the hides of giants, in Unkuk the Undying, flying the banner of the Bear. The Tiger Standard is far to the north, on Neutronis's right flank. The Eagle flies south, on his left.
"Villians and thieves of Alithmar!", calls Neutronis, his voice echoing and booming over the field. "Your period of grace has expired. It is time to collect, upon delivery, the due of the Mailed Fist! Will you yield and serve, or die in vain?!"
The men on the wall curse at Pavillion, but find themselves looking to the clerics for a response. Still holding hands, their eyes are squeezed shut. For a brief moment, Uriah falls to one knee, but is raised with some effort by the strength of his brothers. Each of the Agents feels a strange magic trickle through them, centered near their throats.
"Respond. Answer his charges, each of you in turn. It is not our place to answer his slander."
The voice is Ezrah's, but changed. It carries a note of authority that compels obedience.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 38/38 CMD 24/26(Grapple) Thursday January 14th, 2016 1:06:00 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Owls Wisdom, Bulls Strength
Nikolai does not hold back when the voice in his head tells him it is Nikolai's Fist that must answer Neutronis' charge.
"I, Nikolai Komonov, 1st Agents, Hurricane Company, Wolf Regiment, call out your lies!" he yells and continues, "The body of the slain Alithmar messenger bearing full payment due as per the contract with the Mailed Fist lies here with us! Found dumped in the ocean, chained to the bottom to hide your crime of Murder, it could not rest until you were exposed, Neutronis, as the liar you are! Hear me, ALL the Mailed Fist! You follow leaders who lied to you! Alithmar brought the payment as per the contract to Neutronis. There was NO breach on their part. Neutronis murdered the man and hid the payment in order to gain your support to take this city for his own purposes. He is not interested in the integrity of the Mailed Fist! He is not interested in your own Honor! All he wants is this city to rule and you as his unlawful enforcers! The god Ffloy has personally intervened on the city's behalf but Neutronis insists on throwing your blood at it for his own profit! Turn away now and you return the Honor of the Mailed Fist to its rightful place of respect among the kingdoms. Go through with this attack and YOU become the Villains and Thieves, marked as Outlaws even among the gods!"
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Thursday January 14th, 2016 3:59:47 AM
Thak heavily stomps his way up to stand behind Nikolai, daggers drawn but held loosely. He seeks out the gaze of Neutronis himself. "Sir... you've done wrong, betrayed your oath. I'm here for you, either t'see you retreat in honor, or stop any more dishonor wit'the tip o'my knife. Whatever't takes, sir. I'm here."
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary] d20+10=14 ; Thursday January 14th, 2016 1:41:34 PM
Pru ignores Neutronis, instead addressing the assembled Fist soldiers.
"This is wrong," she says. "And you know it's wrong. Somewhere, deep down, there's a little voice telling you this is wrong. Listen to it. It's the voice of the gods, telling you to do what is right. I know it's hard. I've been in your situation, not that long ago. As soldiers, we want to obey our commanders. But more than that, as mortals, we must obey the gods. Listen to them. This is wrong. Walk away."
[Diplomacy 14]
Shane P Michael Wittman AC21, T17, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+10(4), R+10, CMB+9, CMD+19 Thursday January 14th, 2016 3:02:51 PM
With the calls of battle Michael's world changed, the buzz started, things took on that unreal quality and it became as though he was standing beside himself looking out ready to bathe in blood. When the Clerics call came to speak it was a surprise to him. He was not prepared to speak, merely to kill. He tries but the song of war is too strong...finally he closes his eyes to the coming storm and lets his tongue be free.
[b]"I, Lance Corporal, Michael Wittman, Komonov's Fist, 1st Agents, Hurricane Company, Wolf Regiment stand upon this wall to bear witness to the truth of Komonov's words. This past night we found, chained to the bottom of a lake, the courier sent to bring you payment. Along with his remains we found the satchel, preserved and intact. The Gods see all, and have lead us to your perfidy. Your actions are unlawful by the Law of man and by Fist law as well. You seek Power at the expense of the lives of men. Discard Honor for riches, and you have committed Murder to further your quest for conquest. How many Fist Soldiers have danced a jig at the end of a rope for that same crime? Yet you seek to lead men and keep yourself above the laws that bind us all together? You have silenced those who disagreed with you and bullied your way to where you are today. I call for a Quorum of all of the Fist Commanders to look at the evidence of treachery, pass judgement on the legality of this action, with respect to Fist law and bring charges of Treason, Murder and Gross Negligence, and Dereliction of Duty upon all found complicit in this affair.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/22 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 18 Thursday January 14th, 2016 6:32:20 PM
Anna says, "This conflict is a curse. It is a plague upon both The Mailed Fist and the Wold itself. My brothers and sisters in arms, let us end this now without further violence...I have seen men hung as deserters for following their conscience. I have good people forced to flee their homes to feed Neutronis's war machine. I have seen fighting in the streets as brother fought brother instead of fighting side by side as they had fought previously. This need not continue. As my fistmates previously stated we found the skeleton of a messenger that was slain by Neutronis bearing the payment that he said we did not received and because of this blatant breech of conflict Ffloy has sent emissaries to try to set it right. We are trying to do the right thing here too and that is why we are on this side of the walls and not amongst you. I ask of you to do the right thing and abandon Neutronis's bid for power. He manipulated everything the Fist once stood for for his own gain. Brothers and Sisters in arms follow us and turn from Neutronis's treachery. We do not want to fight you, but we will if that is what it comes to. However, without an army behind him Neutronis's plans fall flat. Deny him his army, and we can end this before it gets any worse. Tragedies have happened on both sides of the conflict, but put down your arms and we can end this before a greater tragedy can occur."
Her emotions roiling from all she had experienced that lead to this point Anna pleads with the other members of the mailed fist to end things here, reminding them of the tragedies witnessed because of this conflict.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday January 14th, 2016 7:13:10 PM
Tinker hears the magically augmented voice of Commander Nutronis and has to frown. He will never call Nutronis his commander again. The urge from the clerics of Ffloy is unable to resist, and the normally taciturn dwarf speaks from the heart.
""I am Daemar Torvalsson, Lance Corporal, Komonov's Fist, 1st Agents, Hurricane Company, Wolf Regiment. Komonov and the others speak the truth. We have the evidence of Nutronis' betrayal for any cleric to augur or speak with the dead. I ask my battle companions; Those who honor the Mailed Fist, who will live for the Fist and die for the Fist. I ask you to search your honor and defend this town, or stand aside. For the honor of the Mailed Fist!"
Map Thursday January 14th, 2016 9:14:42 PM
"Neutronis! You and those who follow you willingly, and know of your crimes, have less honour than a tribe of orcs! I am formerly of Tiger Fist, but today, I stand with my fellow Agents, and the City of Alithmar. Those among you who still have honour have one last chance to join us before the judgement of the Gods of the Wold is passed upon those who are aiding Neutronis in breaking the terms of a contract, the Law of the Fist."
Active Effects: Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) resist energy fire, duration 50min magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min protection from arrows 50 points remaining
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell
Resolution and Absolution: Map Friday January 15th, 2016 12:18:43 AM
The echoing calls of the Agents thunder across the battlefield, dwarfing the voice of Neutronis by a fair measure. Ripping off his helmet, Neutronis points his Lance at the walls.
"Traitors of the worst degree! You would place the value of words on paper over the wellbeing and lineage of your fellow men at arms! You speak lies, and my lance will pierce the treason from your corpses!"
Clanging his spear against his shield, Neutronis lets forth a mighty cry! Men from the Fist surge forward, enlarged by magic, they crash against the walls of Alithmar. Thunderous hammerblows tear large chunks of stone from it's foundation. Alithmar responds with arrows and spells, but the enlarged sappers do not relent.
There is a crackling groan, and like a root bring ripped from the ground the walls wooden supports burst one by one, showing the defenders and sappers alike in stone and splinter.
As dominoes, the individual wall sections fall slab by slab. Earth and dust rockets into the air, blocking sight for a few moments. Men scream and curse as defenders, standing atop the rubble that was their wall, fight against the first wave of the Fist.
Above, the tower sways mightily, supported solely by the thick vines and plants that Anna has summoned. A quick glance at the clerics and it's obvious they are oblivious to both the battle and the spells and missiles careening towards them.
Behind the front lines, Neutronis begins to gather his cavalry...the banners of the Bear and Tiger flutter forward. On the southern front however, the Eagle banner is slow to creep forward..
The Agents, unsure if their words had any effect, find themselves the shielded by militia teams, one heavily armored with a shield, guarding a less armored pole-wielding ally. The enlarged wall-breakers move swfitly towards them. Behind that however, weapons still sheathed, is a large number of peculiar attackers, violently shoving their own allies out of the way, and seem to even scuffle with men in position to press the attack.
Stranger still, throughout the front charge, several men keel over dead, daggers with snake like hilts jutting from their backs.
Perception: 16
Highlight to display spoiler: { These oncoming men, and several others throughout the battle, seem to have ripped their Fist insignia from their uniforms.}
Sense Motive: 16
Highlight to display spoiler: { It seems these men seek to protect the Agents and join their immediate ranks, as opposed to attacking. }
Round 1
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] Friday January 15th, 2016 12:34:57 AM
True to her word, Pru casts Haste on everybody she can reach. Unfortunately, she can't reach everybody in the group, so she gets everybody but Anna. That means she can include herself in the spell, so she does.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 38/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=32 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+8=19 ; d8=8 ; Friday January 15th, 2016 1:09:37 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Owls Wisdom (+4 Wis) , Bulls Strength (4 Str), Haste (+1 att, +1 AC, +1 Ref) Gains +5 bonus to AC and CMD for Monk Wisdom bonus (Wis 20)
Perception +13 DC16 = 32 Sense Motive +7 DC16 =27 there goes my N20
Nikolai observes the strange things going on in the midst of the battle. "Some of them have ripped their Mailed Fist insignia off" he points to those shoving their way through and even hindering their own comrades' capabilities to fight. "Don't target them! I think they are trying to join us!"
Crossbow in hand, if he can target one of the clerics with slings he takes a shot at one: Crossbow att +8 (+1 haste)= 20 (21 if within 30'), dmg = 8 (or 9 if within 30')
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) Friday January 15th, 2016 5:45:46 AM
Thak stares at the confused and cluttered battle with dismay. "My old drimthsborim would cry if he saw this. Look't their formations, the switching 'llegiences." He shudders, and readies his blades.
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday January 15th, 2016 6:53:40 AM
"Not switching, my new battle comrade, but realizing where their true allegiances lay. I always prefer action over indecision. Yet if ever I find myself tricked into a wrong action, I should take immediate action to correct the fault."
He looks between some tower shields and drinks a potion of Cats Grace whole getting his crossbow ready. "If I were in their boots, I would rip off my insignia and move to block the attack myself."
Tinker intends to start firing as soon as the attackers get within 200 feet.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/22 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 18 d20+3=13 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+11=18 ; 3d6+12=28 ; Friday January 15th, 2016 6:52:42 PM
Prior to the battle being joined Anna handed 2 of her good berries over.
(OOC: the map is view only :( )
(Perception : 18; Sense Motive: 13)
"They have ripped their badges off." Anna confirms.
Once the battle is joined Anna moves 15 feet forward (5 feet normal terrain, 10 through the difficult patch and power attacks one of the enlarged attackers with her oversized shillelaghed club.
(26 vs AC against enlarged attacker = threat of critical ; 14 to confirm ; 54 magic bludgeoning damage on crit or 28 on non crit)
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -6 min (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 6min (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+13=23 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+12=27 ; d6+1=6 ; d6+12=15 ; d20+12=30 ; d6+1=7 ; Friday January 15th, 2016 7:31:47 PM
As the Fist moves forward Michael experiences a strange feeling uncommon to his experience. Sadness and Pride, Remorse and Eagerness, Loss, triumph and a host of other emotions that he cannot rightly put to name. He has heard other Fist mates talk about what they could have been doing before large actions like this. Potter, Baker, bemoaning that they didn't listen to their fathers. He always wondered at that. For it seems to him as if he never had a choice besides this, nor would he have taken the other options available. This is his life, and while the sadness of having to kill his brothers of the Fist is powerful, he would take nothing for this moment. to be here, now. Horrors of war? No...they have it wrong...there is terrible glory here.
When the walls fall and the hordes flow through the gap, there is a click in Michaels head and all thoughts of save the song of Death and the buzz fill his head.
He notes the ones pulling insignia off their uniforms, but why he does not understand, Tinker supplies the answer though so he edits them out of the equation.
He stays beside Tinker and feels the Haste spell take hold, and like Tinker he hold his first shot till the groupe is within 200 yards. Just before that though he downs his Potion of Cats Grace.
Haste 6 round +1 to hit and AC x2 actions per round Cats Grace +4 to dex (24) +6 to ac due to armor.
Staff sling to hit 27 and 30 for 6 and 7 pts respectivly
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 Friday January 15th, 2016 11:38:44 PM
Oh and I'm targeting the Clerics in slings pick one and keep hitting him till he's down
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 Saturday January 16th, 2016 12:16:37 AM
unless, of course a big boy attacks me or tinker, then I will obviously change targets.
Trayvin AC 20 Hp 59/59 Sunday January 17th, 2016 9:20:22 PM
"It looks like our actions and words have not fallen upon deaf ears after all. Neutronis may breach the City, but lose his army to morale. Nikolai, I think Snake Fist is helping us also, let's see if we can't coordinate with them."
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 38/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday January 18th, 2016 6:15:50 PM "Roger that!" Nikolai calls back to Tryvin.
None of the Agents jump the gun and attack those who feel the same as they do. It seems that not all of Neutronis and his men are mindless automatons, though it does add a certain element of chaos to the fight. Trayvin thinks Snake Legion might be involved, and tries to find a way to link up with their command units.
Pru's haste picks up the speed of her Fistmates, helping them better prepare for the coming onslaught. Michael and Nikolai pick out one of the clerics, and quickly stop his rapid heals. Thak readies himself for combat, readying attacks against the approaching foe. Tinker unholsters his repeating crossbow for the first time, and lets bolts fly. 2 hit the closest enlarged man, and he roars in pain.
(Thak, I need a link to your character sheet so we can make you a hyperlink to put in your Post Name.)
Anna, though her weapon is oversized, has no tactical reach. She leaps forward to swing on the enemy big-men, and takes two massive hammers to her person as payment. (AoO's hit AC 28 and 28 for 22 and 22 damage. Weird.) Pushing through the pair, she swings her augmented club down, crushing the enlarged human into a pile of cracked and fractured bones and skin. His Cleric scrambles to his feet and backs away!
- Enemy Actions -
Fist Rebels, switching to the defense of Alithmar, work to position themselves in a place that doesn't invite instant death from the enemies that surround them. They have slowed the second wave of reinforcements from Neutronis and his main force, but for how long is anyones guess.
The large fighters swing wildly, hewing down defenders or anyone else who gets to close. The clerics on their backs channel to heal their wounds.
Knowledge Arcana: DC 16 Highlight to display spoiler: { Their willingness to chop apart anyone, friend or foe within their immediate vicinity, suggests some sort of compulsion or enchantment magic is at work. }[
The rest of the front lines slow down, giving their large allies a chance to soften the enemies front lines.
Profession Soldier: DC 16 Highlight to display spoiler: { This is an advanced tactic common to Bear Fist. First their Beserkers, volunteers who receive extra pay, liberty, and incentives, are unleashed, followed by the greenest recruits, and finally a cavalry charge.}
(starting from top down)
BSF1: Hits Militia for 22 damage. BSF 2: Miss BSF3: Hits Militia for 18 damage. BSF 4: Hits Militia for 15 damage. BSF 5: Hits Militia for 19 damage. BSF6: Miss BSF7: Hits Militia for 23 damage. BSF8: Hits Militia for 17 damage.
Several of the Militia teams buckle under the onslaught, but none fall out. They trade as best as they can, with their pole-arm member lashing out from behind the shielded ally. Sadly, much of their damage is undone by the clerics channeling. Though it won't last forever, it's effective at maintaining an effective push.
A few isolated incidents of infighting have broken out among the back-side of the first charge. Nimble warriors have turned and fled the field, but not before leaving a number of dagger-marked foes dead on the ground.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/22 - HP 4/48 -- CMD 18 Monday January 18th, 2016 7:15:52 PM
Anna, bleeding profusely from the whacks she took from those lumberjacks takes a full round withdraw action and makes a strategic retreat.
"I could sure use some healing. Those lumberjacks really did a number on me" She says as she stands by her fist mates.
Actions: Full Round Withdraw (move for 60 ft due to longstrider)
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -59 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 58 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage)
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) d20+13=19 ; d4+12=14 ; Monday January 18th, 2016 7:31:12 PM "...as I will say before every battle before m'final one... curse you, pops."
Knives at the ready, Thak moves up over the pebbles into combat with one of the enlarged fighters, aiming a blow at a shin. "Height just makes y'a bigger target, soldier. Better watch out." He hopes his words'll encourage the warrior to fight more conservatively.
19 to hit, 14 damage Probably going to cop an AOO from that movement. Active- Longstrider. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4c-nSwo2jOvYkt0cEdqN3dnOHM/view?usp=sharing
------------------------------ Edited by ACDM RobC for language
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 38/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+9=29 ; d20+9=16 ; d8=6 ; Monday January 18th, 2016 10:02:11 PM "Hold the Line, Fist!" Nikolai shouts out. "Keep hitting the clerics! Aim at the one in front of me! when he goes down, pick another!"
Nikolai sees Anna make her retreat. Unfortunately, she's too far away for him to help so he takes a shot at the cleric across the debris field straight in front of him.
Crossbow att +8 (+1 haste)= 29 (30 if within 30'), dmg = 6 (or 7 if within 30'). Crit roll = 16, dmg = 12 (or 14 if within 30') if crit confirm.
Trayvin AC 20 Hp 59/59 3d6=10 ; Monday January 18th, 2016 10:44:34 PM
"Well, they aren't the only ones who can play the healing game."
"Defenders of Alithmar, to me for healing!"
Actions:Trayvin moves to follow Anna, once he is within channel range, he will channel energy and try and catch as many defenders as he can within the burst. Channel energy = 10hp healed
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+12=17 ; d20+12=18 ; d6+1=6 ; d6+1=5 ; Monday January 18th, 2016 11:06:12 PM
While not his weapon of choice the staff sling is a mighty weapon, Happy to see that Nikolai's bolt and his sling bullets have done for the first cleric, he follows his Thumbs lead and lets loose with a couple more bullets at the one his Thumb just attacked.
To hit AC 17 and 18 for 6 and 5 pts
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] d20+9=23 ; d20+8=9 ; Tuesday January 19th, 2016 12:06:19 AM
"The enlarged ones are under some kind of compulsion," Pru calls to her Fist-mates. "Anyone have a Protection from Evil? That might help."
Pru does not, alas, have anything that will help them, but she can disable them without harming them. She takes aim at the closest enlarged fighter, and a sickly green ray oozes toward him. It fizzles long before it reaches him. "Rats," Pru mutters.
[Ray of Enfeeblement misses with a natural 1.]
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+12=19 ; d20+12=24 ; d10=5 ; d10=4 ; Tuesday January 19th, 2016 4:45:05 PM
Tinker takes aim at the cleric Nikolai points out. CLICK CLACK. The repeating crossbow, his link to his possible ancestors is loaded. Aiming... And... Shoot!
CLICK CLACK. A quick slide and another bolt is ready. Aiming... And... Shoot!
CLICK CLACK.
....... Attack. AC 19. Dam 6. (+1 from magic crossbow) Haste Attack. AC 24. Dam. 5
...... Greater Magic Weapon -urgrosh +4 Haste +1 to hit, reflex, AC, +20 feet move, +1 attack when full attack Cats Grace. 10 min. +4 Dex
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/22 - HP 14/48 -- CMD 18 Tuesday January 19th, 2016 10:23:29 PM
(OOC: Checking in)
Anna takes a breath and observes yhe chaos around her, thankful for the healing.
Anna is quick to withdraw, having traded some serious hits for her first-blood strike on the enlarged fighter. He quick attack seems to have galvanized the front lines, and a large cheer erupts as she falls back into the relative safety of her allies.
Thak gives a cryptic curse, then jumps forward, taking a lump from the giant hammer as he does. (Hit AC 18 for 24 damage, 10 of which is reduced by his stoneskin. 90 points remain.) His weapon finds it's mark, and the enraged and enlarged fighter yowls in pain.
Michael and Nikolai continue their concerted takedown of enemy healers. The cleric screams as Niko's bolt pierces his shoulder, then quickly falls silent as two rocks crack his skull and leave him hanging limply in the makeshift harness.
Trayvin saves lives, rather than taking them, and moves to catch Anna and other defenders in a healing burst. Prudence considers ways to counter-act the Rage effects on the men attacking, and in the mean time attempts to sap their strength. Sadly, her spell fizzles away in the chaos of the battle. Tinker stands protectively near his bean pole, mechanically delivering bolts of vindication upon his foes. (Assuming your follows Thumb orders and hitting the enemy casters. )
A Fist rebel, now fighting for the Agents and Alithmar, pounces on the Cleric shot by Tinker. He hacks the unsuspecting rider to pieces as the lumbering fighter chops forward without yielding. The other rebels fair for better or worse, taking damage and giving it in trade.
The sneaky assassins have mostly fled the field, and are regrouping in what appears to be a mostly ranged formation.
The melee grinder continues to push against the shattered walls of Alithmar. Three of the defending formations fall under the attacks, and two are standing only because of Trayvins efforts. The northern section of the Agents defense has crumbled however, and they are open to flanking if not careful. The southern end looks shaky as well, and they are starting to give ground.
The enemy clerics seems mostly spent, from their constant healing from the initial charge on the wall.
From the watch-tower above, a peculair hum can be heard. A faint golden glow is seeping from the arrow slits, and can be seen encompassing the priests.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 38/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+9=14 ; d8=7 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2016 1:49:09 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Owls Wisdom (+4 Wis) , Bulls Strength (4 Str), Haste (+1 att, +1 AC, +1 Ref) Gains +5 bonus to AC and CMD for Monk Wisdom bonus (Wis 20)
Nikolai had hoped that getting rid of the healers would provide the relief the front line needed maintain formation but the northern section was beginning to fail. He directs all attacks on Enlarged Fighter 10.
"Pru, can you send some magic missiles into that enlarged warrior over there?" he points and shoots a crossbow bolt at him to make a point. "Maybe the cleric won't be able to heal him enough. We need to stop that advance!"
Shoot crossbow bolt at Enlarged Fighter 10 (the first one from the top): Crossbow att +8 (+1 haste)= 14 probably a miss but here's the dmg anyway, dmg = 7
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 16 - 40/54 HP - Stoneskin d20+12=29 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+12=19 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+12=15 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+7=9 ; d4+7=9 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2016 1:49:18 AM
Thak grunts as he takes his lump, then lashes out with his twin knives, aiming for joints. He ceases speaking, focus on stepping forward and striking.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+12=22 ; d20+12=14 ; d6+1=4 ; d6+1=5 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2016 1:56:40 AM
The order from his fist is heard and acknowledged, Michael sees the danger of the flanks collapsing, but judged that the giants in front of them are of far more immanent threat. He picks one directly in front of him and heaves two more sling bullets at it.
to hit AC 22 and 14 for 4 and 5 points,
AC 27 T17 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 29/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=12 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+13=30 ; d10+1=8 ; d10+1=8 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2016 6:58:43 AM
Tinker has a sudden thought about Sergeant Helmsbane. Before he was a traitor to the Fist, he was one of the Agents' first sergeants. His battlefield bellow could command instant compliance, and it looks to Tinker that it is needed now for the militia defenders.
"REFUSE YOUR FLANKS! SLOW WITHDRAW, MARCH!"
Tinker tries his best but has never been very good at leading others. He turns his concentration to Nikolai's announced target.
One bolt and another fly towards the enlarged attacker. He stubbornly holds his position, defending the Tower with his life. CLICK CLACK. CLICK CLACK.
..... Greater Magic Weapon -urgrosh +4 Haste +1 to hit, reflex, AC, +20 feet move, +1 attack when full attack Cats Grace. 10 min. +4 Dex
..... Shouting orders. Not to sure the Skill to use, but assuming CHR so... 12 Bolt. 33 crit 14 no. Dam 8 Haste Bolt. 30. Dam. 8
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/22 - HP 21/48 -- CMD 18 d8+1=7 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2016 2:36:11 PM
Anna draws her wand of cure light wounds and expends a charge on herself. (7 hp healed)
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -58 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 57 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage)
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] 3d4+4=11 ; Wednesday January 20th, 2016 8:04:06 PM
"Okay," Pru says. She sends a full spread of Magic Missiles toward the fighter Nikolai pointed out.
[11 points of force damage.]
Trayvin AC 20 Hp 59/59 Wednesday January 20th, 2016 9:15:35 PM
"Nikolai, see if you can get the Fist rebels to organize into a better position. Lead them, they will follow."
Actions:Trayvin positions himself(moving up to 30 feet but not within AoO range) to catch the largest number of combatants possible and casts prayer on the lot. (40ft radius, no save)
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 5/6 remaining
Nikolai gives a sound order, then lets a crossbow bolt fly. It punctures the armor of the enlarged fighter, adding to his current state of mangled armor and punctured flesh. His order is simple, bring it down.. and his Fist complies.
Pru blasts it with a pack of force missiles. The fighter tries to recover, but falls from staggered to dead as heavy bolts rip through him, courtesy of Tinkers newest weapon. Michael sends his slings forward instead.
Thak is a whirlwind of death, not like a fancy dancing elf, but slow and implacable, chopping and killing men, many of whom match his favored of enemies.
Anna and Trayvin take more defensive measure, and the cleric urges Nikolai to lead the defense.
At Tinkers bark, the militia quickly try to fall in line, what's left of them anyways. Several of the Rebel Fist try as well, risking attacks to close in to something sembling a new battle line. Unfortunately, not all are immediately able to heed the command.
Only six of the brutes remain, and without healing support, many are tiring from wounds. They have done their job however, and many gaps are open for the regular men at arms of the Mailed Fist to push into the melee. Some try to press the Agents, but many more break for individual clashes with armed defenders or set about to loot and raid. A mob of them press forward on to Thak, and their weapons whittle 16 points away from his stoneskin spell.
Five of the six remaining large fighters connect, sweeping away the southern miltia teams.
Bugle horns sounds from behind the battle lines. The press of bodies is too much to see through, but something seems to be happening. Is it another wave? The Bugler plays three or four of the more basic Fist commands.
Profession Soldier: DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { The calls are, "Order Cavalry", "Second Wave Ready,", and "Await Call." It would seem Neutronis is getting his horsemen and next line staged and ready to move.}
Behind you, the tower is beginning to shake violently. If not for Anna's vines, it would have crumbled in on the priests already.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 38/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+7=21 ; d20+8=19 ; d8=6 ; Thursday January 21st, 2016 2:16:33 AM
Profession Soldier +7 = 21
Nikolai recognizes the bugles calls. He's heard the Cavalry order many many times. He shouts to his mates, "That's the call that calls the Cavalry. Neutronis is approaching! Steel yourselves!"
He still sees the enlarged fighters as the greatest threat with their longer reach and calls for all missile attacks to target Enlarged Fighter 15.
"Bring him down! We need to keep the south from being overrun!"
Shoot crossbow bolt at Enlarged Fighter 15: Crossbow att +8 (+1 haste)= 19 +1 = 20 dmg = 6
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+12=24 ; d20+12=27 ; d6+1=4 ; d6+1=6 ; Thursday January 21st, 2016 2:53:59 AM
seeing no ready place in which to flank one of the Giants and still well screened by the rubble and guardsmen, Micheal readies and heaves off two more sling bullets from his Sling staff.
to hit AC 24 and 27 for 4 and 6 points
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 16 - 40/54 HP - Stoneskin d20+8=22 ; d20+12=15 ; d20+12=24 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=12 ; d4+12=14 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+12=13 ; d4=4 ; d4+7=8 ; d4+7=11 ; Thursday January 21st, 2016 6:17:46 AM
Thak sidesteps to the south, moving in close to the enlarged soldier's legs. "What'e said lads, Cavalry coming. Hold your ground!" He swings his blades again, shaking his head admonishingly at the soldiers surrounding him. "Nae lads, against blade skills like these keep a distance, launch arrows in my stubby legs!" He goes to work. The survivors will receive his advanced class that also takes account of 'Haste' spells.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/22 - HP 24/48 -- CMD 18 d8+1=3 ; Thursday January 21st, 2016 1:35:11 PM
Anna moves to get in front of Pru and next to Trayvin.
She then uses another charge of her wand on herself. (3 hp healed)
This battle was not going as she planned it, but hopefully she can get to where the enlarged fighters are again and cause some havoc.
AC 27 T23 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=10 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=9 ; d8+7=8 ; Thursday January 21st, 2016 4:15:24 PM
Tinker's call worked, at least as well as expected, and he continues to call encouragement. "Tower Shields, full defense! The longer term stand, the better!"
The dwarf takes enough time for a glance at the tower; is there a particular weakness that he can shore up or at least protect? The Tower is the key!
And when he glances back, he sees the Enlarged attackers are too close to fire his crossbow without retaliation. And so he drops the tool and slides forward and to the right, his Dwarven Urgrosh swinging in the morning sun.
Using his expertise, Tinker makes himself more difficult to hit, counting on the magic of the clerics to compensate. And he strikes at the enlarged soldier! ...... .. Greater Magic Weapon -urgrosh +4 Haste +1 to hit, reflex, AC, +20 feet move, +1 attack when full attack Cats Grace. 10 min. +4 Dex
..... Shouting orders. 10 Know Engineering. 21 Drop weapon (free action) Fight defensively. +3 AC. -5 to hit 5 foot step ( no AOO) Attack. 16. Dam. 8 Haste Attack. 9. Miss nat 1
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] 3d4+3=13 ; Thursday January 21st, 2016 6:15:40 PM
Pru fires another round of Magic Missiles, aiming at the fighter Nikolai pointed out.
[13 points of force damage.]
Trayvin AC 20 Hp 59/59 3d6=9 ; Thursday January 21st, 2016 10:33:29 PM Actions:Trayvin will reposition again, trying to heal as many defenders as possible(and making sure Anna is in that mix) and as few of Neutronis' troops as possible. Channel energy = 9
"Anna, if you are going to do something to impede their movement, now might be the time."
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 4/6 remaining
Nikolai's warning is not misplaced. The thundering hooves of the Fist cavalry charge is near deafening. The ground quakes as well disciplined squads of horsemen ride out, not quite with the fluidity of the Wolf Regiment, but still clearly well trained.
The horsemen beat a charge for the ranged component of Snake soldiers, and though arrows and bolts clatter off armor, none of the lance are seriously harmed. It isn't long, and what support the Snake had to offer is gone. Neutronis carries the momentum of his charge north, then slowly begins to sweep around.
Concerted attacks continue to serve the Agents well. Force missiles, bolts, and heavy rocks drop another large fighter, and the soldiers surround the Fist cheer with excitement! Pru, Nikolai, and Michael have been quite effective at combining fire, how long can they keep it up?
Thak continues his gory lessons, giving any who might be lucky enough to survive the day sage advice. "With skills like yours, stay back and shoot a dwarf of my caliber!" Two more soldiers fall around him.Tinker too, joins the deadly class, teaching one of the enlarged fighters a lesson in defense. It seems the shaking of the towers is coming the raw pressure of the magic being channeled inside. Having seen the large fighters in action though, it's likely they would make short work of it's remaining supports if given the chance.
Anna and Trayvin continue to be removed from offense, and instead focus on defensive actions. Anna heals 12 damage, between her heals and the channel from Trayvin. Trayvin, woldian healing allows for rerolling of ones. Roll each d6 in your channel seperate so we can tell if any can be rerolled.
Enlarged, Raging Fighter vs Trayvin: Hit AC 24 - 15 damage Enlarged, Raging Fighter vs Militia: Miss Enlarged, Raging Fighter vs Militia: Miss Enlarged, Raging Fighter vs Militia: Miss Enlarged, Raging Fighter vs Militia: Hit AC 31, crit confirmed. 46 damage.
The large fighters press in, and one pair of northern guards fall to the vicious hits. Trayvin too, is scored a serious wound. Several rebels and followers of Neutronis trade mortal wounds. The men from the first wave are beginning to thin, but Neutronis isn't far from being able to maneuver to you.
Thak is still surrounded by lesser skilled warriors, but their combined efforts are beginning to take effect.
Fighter vs Thak: Hit AC 18 - 2 damage and 10 points stoneskin Fighter vs Thak: Hit AC 18 - 10 points stoneskin Fighter vs Thak: Hit AC 18 - 5 points stoneskin
49 points of Stoneskin remain.
In the tower, the low hum has grown in volume and pitch, now a ringing tone that seems to shake both your mind and the ground beneath your feet.
Whatever they are doing up there, it's reaching it's zenith soon.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+12=26 ; d20+12=30 ; d6+1=5 ; d6+1=6 ; Friday January 22nd, 2016 2:01:32 AM giants giants everywhere, into which one a stone will I sink giants giants everywhere, to the one who hit Trayvin I think,
a small rhyme pass through Michaels mind as his staff sling whirls and sends two sling bullets at the enlarged fighter who just hit his friend Trayvin. pretty good for a soldier he thinks
to hit AC 26 and 30 for 5 and 6 HP
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 16 - 40/54 HP - Stoneskin d20+12=16 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=18 ; d4+12=15 ; d4+12=13 ; d4+12=14 ; d4+7=11 ; d3=3 ; d4+7=9 ; Friday January 22nd, 2016 4:43:33 AM
Thak refuses to let his hits faze him. He pulls himself forward moment by moment, blow by blow, focusing on his duty. He barely hears the ringing tower.
Active- Haste, Longstrider. AC 19 (forgot Haste) To hit, Damage 16, 15 19, 13 16, 9 10, 14 18,11
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/22 - HP 32/48 -- CMD 18 d20+6=18 ; 3d6+12=22 ; Friday January 22nd, 2016 7:34:09 AM
"I used all my spells reinforcing the tower." Anna says, "I can't impede their movement"
Anna takes a five foot step and power attacks the enlarged fighter with her enlarged club. (OOC: left of the 8 on Map) The blow lands solidly.
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -56 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 55 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage)
AC 27 T23 F17 CMD 27 (31 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=13 ; d20+8=26 ; d20+8=16 ; d8+7=10 ; d8+7=11 ; Friday January 22nd, 2016 10:05:49 AM
Tinker keeps up his encouragement of the town defenders. "Stay defensive, stay alive! Only good you do when dead is if someone accidentally trips on your guts!"
Pithy encouragement, but Tinker is a down-to-earth dwarf, and hopes it helps.
He holds his ground as the axe of his urgrosh rises and falls, rises and falls...
.. Greater Magic Weapon -urgrosh +4 Haste +1 to hit, reflex, AC, +20 feet move, +1 attack when full attack Cats Grace. 10 min. +4 Dex
..... Shouting orders. 13 Fight Defensively. +3 AC, -5 to hit Attack. 26. Dam. 10 Haste Attack. 16. Dam. 11
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 38/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) 3d6=7 ; Friday January 22nd, 2016 9:18:14 PM
What Nikolai would like to do he can't, there are too many friendlies in the area. but several Neutronis troops have broken through to the north and threaten the tower. He takes a bead from his necklace and throws it in their middle.
OOC: I don't know the spacing of the three to the north but I placed a dot in their middle for the blast center. Intend is to get as many as he can.
Necklace of Fireballs bead 3d6 = 7 fire dmg Ref DC14 for half.
OOC: What a lowsy fireball! I imagine they all survived.
If they are still alive: Disappointed in the effects, he tells the Fist to keep the line while he finishes off those three.
If they are dead: He cheers at his luck and looks forward again, expecting Neutronis.
If one or two are alive: He is determined to keep them from getting to the tower and tells the Fist to keep the line while he finishes off the remainder.
Moved Nikolai but if he doesn't need to move put him back.
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 44/59 d20+11=19 ; d20+11=26 ; d8+5=7 ; d8+5=12 ; Friday January 22nd, 2016 10:07:59 PM
Trayvin joins the fight a little more directly and trades blows with an opponent. "We've got to ready for the charge, Fist defenders, grab your spears!"
Actions:attacks: hit AC 19, 26 dmg: 7, 12
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- +1 attack, reflex, AC, +30 feet move, extra attack upon full attack
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 4/6 remaining
OOC- ok, didn't know that about the healing, I will roll them separately in the future.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] 3d4+3=9 ; Monday January 25th, 2016 12:37:26 PM It's too tangled in here to try another ray Pru thinks.
She unleashes more Magic Missiles, targeting whichever enlarged fighter looks most injured.
[9 points of force damage.]
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/22 - HP 32/48 -- CMD 18 Monday January 25th, 2016 12:50:47 PM
Anna observes what her blow did to the enlarged fighter. (OOC: Checking in; not sure if I'll be able to post again later today or not)
Resolution and Absolution: Map Monday January 25th, 2016 1:23:39 PM
Ooc: Sorry all. Expect 4 post weeks for now. If I can squeeze 5, I will. Terribly sorry! =-(
Michael and Anna, working together, bring down the massive fighter in the southern flanks. He falls with a thud, then reduces to normal size. Thak continues his methodical chopping, and two more Fist grunts fall. Two more consider closing in, then share a glance before turning and running in a wide berth around him, towards the city and presumably easier fights. He seems however, to have gained the attention of one of the bigger warriors, who swins away with his giant hammer.
Tinker tries to keep morale high, but finds that he has fewer and fewer men to encourage at his position. No one has broken, the defenders aren't giving ground for free, but the enhanced assault is taking it's toll in blood.
Nikolai's Fireball is an unimpressive thing, but that shouldn't surprise him. This isn't the first time his beads have disappointed him. The men hit by the fireball consider Nikolai, unarmed and unarmored, but decide to push forward deeper into the city. At the very least, he seems to have dissuaded them from attacking the tower at it's base.
Trayvin's mace connects hard against the knee of an enlarged fighter. He roars loudly, and comes right back in to retaliate.
Enlarged Fighter: Hit AC 19 vs Thak, for 14 damage. Thak takes 4, his stoneskin has 39 points remaining.
Enlarged Fighter: Hit AC 20 for 17 damage vs Fist Rebel. The Fist rebel falls solidly to the ground and stops moving.
Enlarged Fighter: Miss AC 16 vs Militia Team.
Enlarged Fighter: Miss AC 14 vs Trayvin
Militia Team: Hits southern enlarged fighter for 4 damage.
Neutronis and his calvary retreat back to their main lines, dodging arrow and spell fire. They form up, preparing to lead a second wave of footmen and enlarged fighters. The few remaining rebels tuck and run, sprinting for the relative safety in numbers of Agents makeshift line. Two of them are crushed by violently swinging hammers, and two others burst through the melee near the Agents.
One of them, a lithe woman with a long plaited braid, slides to a stop near Pru. She adopts a defensive pose that Prudence recognizes, positioning her shield so that it might be able to shield Prudence from the stresses of swirling melee. Kaylee, former serving girl of the Last Assignment, and hero worshiper of Pru, grins big and proud.
"Hello Lance Corporal. I'm glad Nikolai gave the order to let us through, there's worse ways to go, but I'd rather die in your arms than by your hand." She winks at Pru, then dons a determined scowl. Kaylee takes a step forward and thrusts with her spear, piercing the throat of one of the enlarged fighters! (Crit, confirmed x3 damage)
Kaylee has the Shielded Caster feat, so Pru gains the benefits of said feat while Kaylee is nearby.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 23/16/20 - HP 32/48 -- CMD 18 d20+8=16 ; 3d6+12=21 ; Monday January 25th, 2016 3:09:31 PM
(OOC: updating to reflect haste)
Anna power attack charges the nearest enlarged fighter. Her oversized club penetrates his defenses.
Dmg d8+3 (+2 str) = 9 Stun DC18 (+2 Ols Wis) for 1 round, Fort negates.
AC 24 T20 F17 CMD 24 (28 Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=15 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+13=19 ; d8+7=13 ; d8+7=10 ; Monday January 25th, 2016 6:02:31 PM
"Stay defensive, step left!" Tinker tells his defensive team as he tightens his grip on his urgrosh and take a pause to wait for the battle swirl to give an opening.
As soon as they step left, the dwarf steps forward to fill the gap and slams his axe head into the body of the enlarged fighter threatening the militia defenders! (Tinker's intent is to keep the militia alive as long as possible, and put himself in more danger of needs be. )
......
Greater Magic Weapon -urgrosh +4 Haste +1 to hit, reflex, AC, +20 feet move, +1 attack when full attack Cats Grace. 10 min. +4 Dex ..... Shouting orders 15 Attack. 31. Dam. 13 Haste Attack. 19. Dam. 10
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] Monday January 25th, 2016 6:05:04 PM
"Hi, Kaylee," Pru is surprised, but doesn't let that stop her for long.
She casts another Haste spell, this time getting Kaylee and Anna, along with several other randomly selected members of "Team Alithmar."
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 44/59 d20+11=30 ; d20+11=13 ; d8+5=9 ; d8+5=6 ; Monday January 25th, 2016 9:24:17 PM
"What can we do against the impending charge?"
Actions:Trayvin continues attacking the enlarged fighter. Hit AC: 30, 13 Dmg: 9, 6
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- +1 attack, reflex, AC, +30 feet move, extra attack upon full attack
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 4/6 remaining
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+12=21 ; d20+12=31 ; d6+1=3 ; d6+1=7 ; Monday January 25th, 2016 10:19:25 PM
Michael grins firecely, It's been easy up until now, whirl the staff sling, watch the bullets pierce flesh rinse repeat. the main force of giants is been reduced somewhat, and he figures he could cross the rubble and mix it up some, like Thak is doing, but he is doing good work where he is right now so he flings another couple of sling bullets at the giant straight ahead of him. (the one with a 9 written by him. )
to hit AC 21 and 31 for 3 and 7 points
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 16 - 40/54 HP - Stoneskin d20+12=29 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=15 ; d4+12=15 ; d4+12=15 ; d4+12=13 ; d4+8=12 ; d4+8=11 ; d20+8=18 ; d4+8=11 ; Monday January 25th, 2016 11:13:46 PM
Thak steps to the south then focuses on the big fella. C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, one stpe more one step one blow then another c'mon...
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 23/16/20 - HP 32/48 -- CMD 18 Tuesday January 26th, 2016 9:44:04 PM
(OOC: Checking in and going to bed)
Anna marvels at the effects of Pru's spell as she gains enhanced speed.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] Tuesday January 26th, 2016 10:27:02 PM
Pru's hand tightens on her longspear. Should she set it against the inevitable charge, or keep casting spells?
[Tuesday post because we're running out of Tuesday.]
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 44/59 Tuesday January 26th, 2016 10:56:59 PM
Trayvin braces for the charge.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 38/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday January 26th, 2016 11:34:29 PM
Nikolai holds a surprise for when Neutronis finally arrives. He hopes his timing is right and that none of these traitor Fist fighters are in his way.
Resolution and Absolution: Map Wednesday January 27th, 2016 12:03:51 AM
The Agents work together, with the addition of Kaylee and the other Rebel Fists to methodically end the threat of the enlarged fights. Each had a choice to to make as Neutronis and his horses formed up... and each reflected their true nature in the middle of the battle.
Anna and Thak each strike out, still seeking foes. Michael follows his last given order. Nikolai entrusts his squad, and takes leave, seeking out enemies trying to position themselves for weaker foes.
Trayvin considers to think about others, and defense, and how to withstand the incoming charge.Prudence continues to make those around her better, just like she always has. Tinker continues to command the field, showing a side unlike him thus far.
As the charge comes thundering across the short space between the Agents and the enemy lines, only the incantations of the priests of Ffloy are louder. They rise high into the air, their prayers raising in both speed and volume.
Neutronis and Ukruk ride forward, anticipating the beginning of the end.
The priests towers begins to shake. They scream their cry to the heavens, and are answered with a nimbus of golden light, slamming into them with a cacophonous roar that silences all men and beasts on the field, leaving only the noise of still settling rock.
Then, the earth starts to break. Huge fissures open in the ground, pulling man and tent and beast down within. All around the city of Alithmar, abysses of brown earthy depth open, stretching wide their indiscriminate maws to consume anything unlucky enough to have been there when the earth split.
A scream shatters the scene, though it continues unabated.
“Charge! Dark sorcerers and thieves to boot! Take your legacy men of the Fist! Attack! I’ll stop the magics that deny you!”
Neutronis, Ukruk, and his guard turn their mounts and charge at the along with any men brave enough to follow. Easily leaping a few smaller fissures, the Grand Marshall of the Mailed Fist slashes his way through the first defenders in his path. Between he and Ukruk, the the second wave last only a moment longer.
Rearing up, 150ft feet away. Neutronis points up at the tower beyond.
"Move from my way or be slain! By the god's I'll take my due!"
Three others on horseback, including Unruk the Undying, draw near their leader.
[Ignore the map at this point, a new one is coming. You have 150ft between you and the horsemen.]
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 16 - 40/54 HP - Stoneskin Wednesday January 27th, 2016 8:54:33 AM
Thak moves himself a little closer to the rest of the soldiers then holds his blades up defensively. "Some healin'd be mighty fine right 'bout now!" He tries to ignore the works of fate and the divine in the battle, focusing on the blood, horses and men in front of him.
Total Defence action
AC 24 T20 F17 CMD 24 (28 Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=20 ; d20+9=23 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2016 9:09:09 AM
The enlarged warriors are slain or flee, and Tinker's hopes rise, but only for a moment. The miracle of the clerics arrives, an earthquake of immense proportion! The sight and rumble fills his eyes and ears; fissures and rubble strewing the attacking formations all about.
And then Neutronis shouts and the situation reverses. The former commander of the Mailed Fist (for so he is in Daemar's eyes) rallies Unrak and two more horsemen to head straight for the Tower!
The dwarf takes a critical look at the few feet between the horsemen and the defenders of the tower to gauge whether they will have to pick their way through ruined wall parts or if the earthquake has smoothed the field for a charge!
He relays what he knows to the others.
(OOC. Additional post coming)
..... Know Dungeoneering. 20 Know Engineering. 23 ...... Greater Magic Weapon -urgrosh +4 Haste +1 to hit, reflex, AC, +20 feet move, +1 attack when full attack Cats Grace. 10 min. +4 Dex .....
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 25/18/22 - HP 32/48 -- CMD 18 7d6=24 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2016 1:02:42 PM
"I'll give you sorcery, but it won't be dark!" Anna yells
Anna draws the wand of flame strike she captured earlier and unloads a column of divine flame on Neutronis and his charging Commanders.
Effect: 10 ft radius cylinder; 40 feet high of divine flame centered on Neutronis
(24 damage total to everyone in column ; 12 divine fire (not subject to resistances); 12 regular fire ; Reflex Save DC 16 for half)
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -54 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 53 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage) Haste - 5 rounds (+1 to hit; +1 AC ; +1 reflex saves ; + 30 foot movement speed; +1 attack on full attack action)
AC 27 T23 F20 CMD 27 (31 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 45/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+8=13 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2016 1:52:01 PM
Tinker looks over his shoulder at the few remaining defending militia. "This is about to get rough", he starts, ignoring the fact that the defenders of the city wall are already about 90% casualties from the first wave. "Full defense, stay behind me. I'll soak up one horseman's attack and keep him in play. Your job then is to flank the oath breaker and we take him down like a pack of wolves."
Suiting action to words, Tinker moves in front of what he has come to feel as 'his' militia and plants the axe-head of his urgrosh in the dirt. Leaning the spear chest-high to the advancing horses, he braces his right foot against the axe and crouches.
"Contract breakers! Dishonorable oathbreakers! Come and die on my blade! Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist! The Wolves!!! Ahh-ooOOO!!!!" .... Move in front of militia Brace for charge, fighting defensively READY. Attack on first horse that is in reach. AC 13. Dam (d6 -1 + 7 x2 from r brace) =. 17 damage ...... Greater Magic Weapon -urgrosh +4 Haste +1 to hit, reflex, AC, +20 feet move, +1 attack when full attack Cats Grace. 10 min. +4 Dex .....
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] d20+6=19 ; d6+3=6 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2016 2:20:26 PM
"Did I say 'tell us if it's going to be loud'? Because I'm pretty sure I did," Pru mutters.
But the charge is starting, and there's no time for complaints. Pru sets her sights on the middle of the line, and waits for her target to come into range.
[Pru readies the following action: When Neutronis and his horse are within 40 feet, Pru will cast a Ray of Enfeeblement on the horse. If the ready goes off, she hits a Touch AC of 19. The horse takes a 6-point penalty to its Strength score, unless it makes a DC16 Fort save. If it makes the save, it only takes a 3-point penalty to its Strength score.]
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 59/59 3d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2016 9:14:30 PM
"The only thing you are due Neutronis, is an early grave."
"You got it Thak, time for a boost. Defenders of Alithmar! To me for healing!"
Actions: Trayvin positions himself to heal as many defenders as possible(trying to catch any injured Agents) and then channels the energy of the Gods of the Wold. Channel energy = 16 hp healed (ignore first roll forgot to roll separate)
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- +1 attack, reflex, AC, +30 feet move, extra attack upon full attack
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+12=18 ; d20+12=25 ; d6+1=6 ; d6+1=6 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+7=13 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2016 11:46:02 PM
Michael follows up on Pru's flame strike with a couple of sling bullets toward Nut job. As they leave his staff sling he calls out to Nutty buddy
Your due? I thought you served the Fist you Power Hungry Moron! Surrender now and we will leave you with your life and a Traitors brand on your shoulder. Fight on and I will personally hang your body off the walls of the Citadel for buzzards to pick apart! Poltroon! Dishonorable Nincompoop, Idiot, Jerk, you probably don't know who your mother is, and I'm sure you don't know which piece of gutter trash is your dad. I hope you get the twisting sickness and it puts your posterior right over your face, then I hope you get diarrhea for the rest of your miserable life! That way the name your men call you behind your back will be truly accurate!
to hit AC 18 and 25 for 6 and 6 points.
bluff 19 diplomacy 16 intimidate 19 perform 13
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 38/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) 9d6=35 ; Wednesday January 27th, 2016 11:46:56 PM
Nikolai gives the fleeing enemy Fist members the sign of a clenched fist then turns to the more immediate problem of Neutronis' imminent charge and rejoins his friends at the battle line.
He has two more beads on his necklace. He has been saving one for a very special need. This seems like the time for it. He grasps the bead and Readies to yank it off and throw it when Neutronis comes within range.
The range of the throw is up to 70ft. He times his throw at Neutronis' charge at about the 50ft mark. Necklace of Fireball bead 9d6. Blast damage in 20ft rad. = 35, Ref DC14 for half.
Resolution and Absolution: Map d20+8=23 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=18 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+18=38 ; d20+18=37 ; d10+10=15 ; d10+10=14 ; d20+14=22 ; d12+17=29 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+5=7 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=7 ; d8+3=10 ; Thursday January 28th, 2016 1:33:17 AM Thak moves to adopt a defensive posture, bolstering the weakened line near the few remaining guards. He is ready to defend himself - and ready for blood. Tinker also moves to receive the charge, taking place in front of the weaker militia with a cunning plan. He lets Neutronis hear account of every vile opinion held in his esteem, then prepares his polearm for the combat.
Anna isn't waiting. She, and Nikolai, each let loose magical attacks. A column of divine fire engulfs the four calavary commanders.
Trayvin gathers defenders near him for healing, and channels the flow of the gods. He finds, to his surprise, that his channeling is extra potent right now. He can only assume that the approval of the Woldian Diety, Ffloy, is with him at this time. (Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
The horsemen continue to charge forward, bursting through the bright light of the fiery column. No sooner do they emerge, then they are blasted by another fiery explosion from Nikolai!
Reflex, Neutronis:Fail - 47 damage Reflex, Mount: Dead
Reflex, Horsemaster: - 59 Damage Reflex, Mount: 20 - Dead
Reflex, Horsemaster: - 36 Damage Reflex, Mount: 28 - Dead
Prudence's plan to target Neutronis and his mount no longer have much merit. She holds her arcane power for now. Neither does Tinker's set pole-arm, at this moment serve a purpose. Michaels sling bullets bounce off his armor.
The Riders dismount, without much effort. Neutronis looks to his horse and scowls.
"You'll pay!"
He and his men continue their movement on foot, seeming exceptionally fleet of foot, despite all being in heavy armor,
The close the remaining 50ft easily, and crash into the lines of the Agents and militia.
Neutronis, AC 26 or higher, 47 Damage
Squaring off vs Nikolai, on foot, Neutronis casually stalks forward, then swings his sword in a wide arc, and the heavy blade whistles through the air, across the Monks chest.
Manslayer vs Nikolai: Hits AC 38 (Nat 20) Confirms vs AC 37 for 34 damage.
Unruk the Undying, Charging, AC 15 or higher, 41 Damage
The large bulky commander of Bear Squad never slows, heading towards Tinker and Thrak. He easily swats aside Tinkers braced weapon, and sinks his great-axe deep into the dwarfs armor. He is grinning, and still seems to be in control of his movements and tactics.
Heavy Greataxe vs Tinker: Hits AC 22 for 29 damage.
Horsemasters, AC?, 59 and 36 Damage.
The two horsemasters are wearing the badges of lieutenants. This means they are likely very skilled in what they do. One splits north for Thak, the other heads forward for Michael.
Longsword vs Thak: Miss Longsword vs Michael: Miss
Following Tinkers orders, as best they can, a group of the guardsmen surge around Unruk, jabbing with spears. Only one finds purchase through his thick hides, but the barbarian warlord doesn't even grunt.
Polearms vs Unruk
7, Miss 15, Miss 25, Crit, does not confirm. 10 damage
From behind the Grand Marshall, a chorus of men continue to yell and scream. More fissures are opening around the battlefield, pulling in men and beasts, saving nothing from their hunger.
A makeshift line has formed, and the most dedicated of Pavillions men are pushing to aid their general.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 16 - 40/54 HP - Stoneskin d20+12=14 ; d20+12=17 ; d20+12=17 ; d4+12=13 ; d4+12=15 ; d4+12=15 ; d4+8=12 ; d4+8=10 ; d4+7=10 ; d4+7=9 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=23 ; Thursday January 28th, 2016 4:53:42 AM
Thak's expression is sad as he steps up and strikes at his former commander; but his lips are silent, his blade steady. His only sound is a simple exhalation as he aims his blows at the edges of Neutronis' armor.
To hit, damage 12, 15 17, 13 17, 15 14, 10 23, 9
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 25/18/22 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 18 d20+9=17 ; 3d6+12=24 ; Thursday January 28th, 2016 7:50:36 AM
Anna moves up and lays into Unruk the Undying with her oversized club. She actually manages to hits the brute.
(Power Attack : 17 vs AC ; 24 magical bludgeoning damage)
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -53 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 52 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage) Haste - 4 rounds (+1 to hit; +1 AC ; +1 reflex saves ; + 30 foot movement speed; +1 attack on full attack action)
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 16/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+17=24 ; d20+17=21 ; d20+7=14 ; d8+7=9 ; d8+7=11 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=8 ; Thursday January 28th, 2016 3:14:32 PM
Tinker can immediately see that his defensive training will have little impact on how easily Unrak can hit him, so it must be by blood and quickly! The dwarf figures he only has one chance before the barbarian brings the full weight of his superior training and experience to bear, and commits to an all out attack!
Setting one of the militiamen opposite Unrak, Tinker uses him for a MAILED fist team flanking and gets to work. With two wicked blows! ..... Teamwork Outflank on Unrak. +4 to hit Damage. D8+7+2d6 sneak AC. 24. Dam. 9+8. = 17 AC. 21. Dam. 11+8 = 19
...... Greater Magic Weapon -urgrosh +4 Haste +1 to hit, reflex, AC, +20 feet move, +1 attack when full attack Cats Grace. 10 min. +4 Dex .....
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+16=34 ; d4+3=6 ; 3d6+3=14 ; Thursday January 28th, 2016 3:54:03 PM
His tirade exhausted, and men on the way Michael drops his staff sling and draws his rapier. The horsemasterscroll blade narrowly missing him. He takes a step to flank the man against Tinker and thrusts his rapier deep into the mans side.
To hit ac 34 for 6 points damage plus 14 points for flank. 3 points of bleed damage begins starting his round
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] d20+7=15 ; d6+3=7 ; Thursday January 28th, 2016 7:54:14 PM
Pru aims a Ray of Enfeeblement at Unruk.
[Hit Touch AC 15 for a 7-point Strength penalty. Fort save DC 16 for half.]
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 59/59 d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Thursday January 28th, 2016 10:28:07 PM
Seeing how badly injured Tinker is, Trayvin channels energy to try and keep him going. Hopefully some of the other defenders of the city benefit as well.
Actions:channel = 16 hp healed
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- +1 attack, reflex, AC, +30 feet move, extra attack upon full attack
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining*(Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+16=28 ; 2d4+1=6 ; 3d6-1=11 ; 3d6=17 ; d20+16=17 Thursday January 28th, 2016 11:09:13 PM
OOC man I really screwed that roll up. I though that keen edge was a bonus to hit and damage. turns out it's threat range. so lets rehash this all
to hit ac 34 (crit) 28 confirmed damage 6 points stabbing + 12 points sneak +3 points bleed starting his turn.
DM Ken: Remember, with a crit you just roll the damage and mods twice. So 1d4+1 two times. Six is average, so it's fine. You don't roll sneak attack dice twice though. This damage doesn't multiply on crits.
Did you remember both attacks? Haste gives you an extra when full attacking.
DM Ken 2: Rolled it for you. Nat 1. Sorry!
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 20/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=23 ; d20+13=31 ; d8+5=6 ; d6=1 ; Thursday January 28th, 2016 11:46:53 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Owls Wisdom (+4 Wis) , Bulls Strength (+4 Str), Haste (+1 att, +1 AC, +1 Ref) Gains +5 bonus to AC and CMD for Monk Wisdom bonus (Wis 20)
Stunning Fist: 4/5 OOC:I'm assuming that Nikolai is also within the channeling.
Nikolai feels most of his blood splatter all around him and recover much of it all at the same time. Staying in the fight, he takes a step north of Neutronis to flank him with his Fist mate.
Thak is the first to the Grand Marshall, and swings his weapons in a frenzy. Neutronis responds in kind, parrying and deflecting. His skill with the blade is as expected, but that shield.. it seems to seek out attacks! After the flurry ends, Neutronis has not a single new scratch. His gaze smolders, and Thak is certain he's gained his commanders attention. Perception: DC 18, Profession: Soldier DC 15 - Highlight to display spoiler: { The shield likely accounts for a large chunk of Pavillions considerable defense.} Anna steps up next, focusing on Unruk. Unlike the Grand Marshall, Unruk just grunts as the club bounces off his armor. He guffaws at Anna. "Is that it!?" - Tinker takes advantage of the lapse in defense, and pushes for full offensive strategy, hacking with his enchanted weapon. He draws a long scar, slicing through the leg-skins on Unruks hide armor. He second attack comes close, but doesn't manage to penetrate as the first. Michael, who in short months with the Agents has racked up a kill count rivaling any of it's other members, is a halfling ball of murder once again. Daggerwork puts the horseman to his knees for just a moment, before he falls in a heap on the ground. Trayvin tries to keep his squad alive. Drawing on the flowing divine energy in this battle, he channels energy, healing his comrades. Prudence also takes a direct, but subtle stab at Unruk. The beam hits! Nikolai understood long ago this would likely be the outcome of this mission. He steps in after Neutronis, and delivers a round of attacks. The first is thwarted easily, but as Neutronis twists, his shield is out of position, and Nikolai's fist connects hard into steel armor. Neutronis grunts, but maintains control of his body.
Neutronis, AC 28, confirmed. 54 Damage
Neutronis finishes his spin and steps out from between Nikolai and Thak. He focuses on the Dwarf, Thak, swinging with Manslayer. He swings hard, his blade smacking loudly against Thak's stoneskin enchantment. With a grunt, he swings again, breaking off another large chunk of stone!
Nikolai too, finds himself under attack. Though Manslayer hunts Thak, Neutroni's shield suddenly comes alive! A hellish face and teeth emerge, gnashing at Nikolai! Twice the metal jaws snap at Nikolai, but Neutronis is so out of position that he unknowingly pulls the shield out of respectable melee range.
Manslayer vs Thak: Hits AC 31 for 15 damage. Hits AC 20 for 20 damage. Thak takes 15 damage and loses 20 points of Stoneskin. 19 points remain.
Lion Shield vs Nikolai: Miss, Miss. 1 use.
(Thak - please remember to update your header as combat flows. There's been some healing and some damage to account for, good sir.)
Unruk the Undying AC 22 confirmed. 71 Damage -4 Strength. Raging, +4 Strength and Con. 1 Round.
As Pru's necromantic power ripples through his body, for a moment, Unruk seems confused. Glaring at Pru, he bares his large teeth in a snarl.
Fortitude, Unruk: Success
"Weaken? Me? I. CAN. NOT. BE. WEAKENED!"
Roaring like the regiment he leads, the Bear commander flies into a rage. He grabs his axe low on the hilt, and swings it hard. It connects with Tinker again, sending bits of chain shirt flying into the air. His follows his momentum and circles around, swinging again, but Tinker is already bleeding on the ground, and his Great Axe cuts only air. Even though his blow sends Tinker flying, his fierce blue eyes never leave Pru. He takes one heavy step in her direction.
Taking a defensive step between Prudence and Unruk, Kaylee levels her spear and stabs at Unruk twice. Neither attempt pierces his armor. The large man peers at the lightly framed fighter for a moment, then chuckles and shrugs his shoulders.
"Fine by me, tart."
(Tinker, until you are up, and after, feel free to use the three blue bordered pikemen per turn in your general area. Consider them inspired by your fall, so they attack before their friends, who go after the enemy. They are +5 to hit and 1d8+3 damage. They have reach, and shortswords. Oh yea, they also +1 to hit from Haste and +1 attack in a full attack. )
Heavy Greataxe vs Tinker: Hits AC 27 for 27 damage. Natural 1.
Horsemaster 1, AC 20 confirmed. 36 Damage. Fighting defensive, 22 AC this round.
With his most familiar ally slain, the Horsemaster takes a defensive posture and backs up, nervously, towards Unruk. He lashes out at Michael, a clean and traditional Fist routine, jabbing straight and then slashing high. The maneuver has some success against the murderous halfling.
Longsword vs Michael: Hit AC 24 for 8 damage. Natural 1.
Polearms vs Unruk
Inspired by Tinkers fall, the men of the Militia either move to meet incoming foot soliders or converge on Unruk. Bolstered by Pru's haste, spears jab at the barbarian, but only two find any purchase at all.
Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Hit -Miss Miss, Hit, Miss Miss Miss
The second wave of attacks make contact with the milita teams. Having seen them in action, it seems like they are slightly less skilled than the typical Fist trooper, yet these men are fighting for their homes. More fissures continue to open, dragging combatants deep underground. Two fissures open dangerously close to the swirling combat near the Agents!
**Fissure are 50ft deep and wide as they appear on the map.**
Enemy HP and Status are current in their action posts.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 25/18/22 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 18 d20+13=31 ; d20+13=31 ; 3d6+12=25 ; 3d6+12=26 ; Friday January 29th, 2016 10:39:04 AM
Anna is flanking a horsemaster with Thak so she gets her teamwork bonus. She then makes a full hasted power attack against the horsemaster. Both blows connect soldly.
(31 vs AC; 25 magic bludgeoning damage) (31 vs AC; 26 magic bludgeoning damage)
Anna really hopes that horsemaster goes down as she is currently being flanked herself and cannot take a 5 foot step on account of the difficult terrain.
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 5/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+17=37 ; d20+17=30 ; d20+17=24 ; d8+7=8 ; d8+7=8 ; d8+7=9 ; d8+7=14 ; 2d6=12 ; 2d6=4 ; Friday January 29th, 2016 6:44:11 PM
Trayvin's healing magics close some of the terrible would only moments before Unrak strikes again. The barbarian must think the dwarf is dead for the Commander of the Bears turns his attention on Prudence. And threatens the sorceress.
"Not!"
"Yet!"
Tinker, bloody and inches from death, slams his Urgrosh into Unrak's back! And then spins to connect again!
Teamwork Outflank on Unrak. +4 to hit (2of2 uses) Damage. D8+7+2d6 sneak AC. 37 crit! 30. Yes! x3 Dam. 8+8+9+12 = 37. Wow! AC. 21. Dam. 14+4= 18
...... Greater Magic Weapon -urgrosh +4 Haste +1 to hit, reflex, AC, +20 feet move, +1 attack when full attack Cats Grace. 10 min. +4 Dex
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - 19/54 HP - Stoneskin, Haste d20+14=32 ; d20+14=18 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+12=29 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+12=22 ; d4+12=16 ; d4+12=13 ; d4+12=16 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=10 ; d4+7=11 ; d4+7=9 ; Friday January 29th, 2016 7:14:39 PM
Though increasingly wounded, Thak doesn't let it shake his expression of sadness and disappointment as he focuses on Neutronis, steady blows still lashing out at the bold would-be leader. "If'n someone'd lift that shield off'f him, T'd do a great deal."
To hit, damage 32, 16 18, 13 16, 16 29, 11 28, 9
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 59/59 d20+11=19 ; d20+11=14 ; d8+5=7 ; d8+5=12 ; Friday January 29th, 2016 8:51:18 PM
Trayvin moves up to fight Unruk directly. Healing wasn't going to keep up with the damage he was putting out, so putting him down is the only option. "Tinker, I would ask you to fall back, but I know you won't. So let's try to keep him busy with some flanking."
Actions: attacks on Unruk: hit AC 19, 14 Dmg: 7, 12
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- +1 attack, reflex, AC, +30 feet move, extra attack upon full attack
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining*(Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] d20+7=26 ; d6+3=6 ; Friday January 29th, 2016 11:20:31 PM I. CAN. NOT. BE. WEAKENED!
"But you are weak!" Pru shouts. "Weak and cowardly, to follow an honorless liar!"
He does, however, have a wicked Fortitude save, so Pru aims her next Ray of Enfeeblement at Neutronis himself, sliding along the line to give herself a clear line of fire.
[Hit Touch AC 26 for a 6-point penalty to Strength. DC 15 Fortitude save for half.]
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+16=19 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=18 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=32 ; d4+1=2 ; 3d6=10 ; d4+1=4 ; 3d6=12 ; Saturday January 30th, 2016 12:17:07 AM
As the Hosemaster falls, Michael moves in to flank the big barbarian against Anna, secretly glad there wasn't a 2nd one for him to fight. The barbarian is an intimidating mass or rage, it's glorious. Never in his life has Michael faces something so powerful, so unstoppable so...perfect. A fire lights in him. the thought of his friends and comrades dead, His beloved Fist cast to ruins by this...thing...humanity is too good a word for him. He bursts into a spinning ball of rage himself thrusting at all of the vital spots he knows heedless of his safety, heedless of all that is around him, his vision narrows. . the thrusts...and misses, then hits, then miss then hits again
To hit AC 19 and 33 spend a hero point for another action to hit AC 18 and 30 Keen edge means I crit on a 15 or higher so roll for crit 19 no confirmation (sorry for all the extra rolls, I hit enter too many times. ). Damage. 1st hit Rapier 2 sneak 10 + 3 points bleed per round starting his round damage. 2nd hit Rapier 4 Sneak 12 total 6 + 22 = 28 points of Damage.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 20/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Saturday January 30th, 2016 10:40:17 PM
Nikolai calls to Trayvin, "Hang in there! Just hold him off a bit more! Just defend if you need to!"
Nikolai is suggesting Trayvin go into Total Defense. Meanwhile, he Withdraws from Combat but does not move very far.
DM Sanity: Withdraw does not incur AoO, is not restricted by Difficult Terrain like 5' step.
Once away from melee combat, he pulls out a bag labeled Weasleys' Bag O' Sticky.
Full Move: Withdraw Hero Point: take out and ready Tanglefoot bag.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 25/18/22 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 18 Monday February 1st, 2016 1:10:48 PM
Anna braces for the counter attack from Neutronis and Unruk.
(OOC: not sure if I'll be able to post later today or not)
In the midst of combat, Anna's club swings and heaves. Her first blow knocks the Horsemaster dizzy, and before he can defend himself the second crushes him, leaving him smashed into the ground. Tinker pushes forward and attacks with all his gusto, swinging his weapons at Unruk, who uncanny ability to twist and dodge allows him to anticipate and dodge Tinkers sneak attacks.
Unruk still winces with pain however, and something close to concern seems to cross the barbarians features. Trayvin piles in, but Unruk easily swats aside his attacks.
Thak continues to chop away, having much more success this time around. Three times, he gets through Neutronis and his defenses, forcing a sweat from the beleaguered commander. Prudence's ray strikes home again, this time on Neutronis. He grunts as some of his strength leaves him, but he seems to have resisted the full force of the attack.
Michael too, finds that his attacks are finding less purchase than they should. The barbarian, though large, seems to have a knack for twisting at just the right moment. (Hero point only allows one extra attack, from a standard action, not another full round.
Nikolai, thinking his martial abilities might contribute less than 50gp of win, and prepares for it's use.
Neutronis, AC 28, confirmed. 93 Damage. -3 Strength
No longer flanked, Neutronis is in obvious need of a breather. He lets his shield eat away at Thak's stoneskin, and the magical mouth on the shield does just that, chipping 9 points away from the dwarfs magical barrier.
Neutronis sidesteps a little south, then lays into Thak once more, the first hit shattering the remains of the Stoneskin, and carry through to the lightly armored dwarfs ribs. The second swing goes high, crashing against Thak's helmet.
Shield vs Thak. Hit AC 26 for 9. Miss. Manslayer vs Thak. Hit AC 28 for 15, Hit AC 15 for 10.
Stoneskin is depleted. Thak takes 15 total damage.
Unruk looks back over his shoulder at Tinker.
"Stay down, worm!"
His heavy axe crashes down into the dwarf, without mercy. He doesn't stop, cleaving his axe past Tinker and into Michael, but narrowly misses.
Unruk the Undying AC 22 confirmed. 92 Damage -4 Strength. Raging, +4 Strength and Con. 2 Rounds.
The spearmen are ineffective against both Generals, but hold their own against the onrushing Fist footmen. Behind them, two of Neutronis's clerics can be seen hustling forward. One of them stops to channel energy, catching Neutronis in his healing burst.
Another tumultous wave of eruptions shake the battlefield, and more fissures open up wide. The strongest tremors so far, these split the earth right down the middle of the battle!
The first fissure opens up near Neutronis, Thak, Anna and Prudence, then stretches out wide enough to snag several fist soldiers and a cleric. (Chasm 1)
The second opens up by Tinker, Kaylee, Michael, Trayvin, and Unruk. (Chasm 2)
As the ground opens up, the Agents have a choice..
1) Reflex Save DC 29 ( Will save vs earthquake, not arbitrary) to avoid the chasm. Failure means falling and taking the 5d6 subdual.
2) Acrobatics DC 15 to ride a piece of rock down the chasm, taking only 2d6 subdual.
3) Strength check DC 15 to grab a ledge and hang, then you may make DC 10 climb checks to move up or down 1/4 move (or whatever your climb speed is) in subsequent rounds.
Anyone in Tinkers group, should be be unconscious, may use an immediate action (means you dont get a swift action next turn) to attempt to grab Tinker and hold him, as long as he doesn't take you over your max carry load.
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP /45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+2=16 ; Monday February 1st, 2016 5:56:06 PM
Tinker, bleeding from yet another huge wound, keels over and falls. His mind feels like he can only see a cloud, Unfathomable and gray.
Stability Check. 16 vs ?
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] d20+4=7 ; Monday February 1st, 2016 6:58:35 PM
Pru has never been much of an acrobat, and her attempt to "ride" the rubble to the bottom is laughable.
At the bottom of the chasm, she stands up and looks around her.
[OOC: Are you going to roll the 5d6, or should I? Also, can Pru see any opponents from where she is?]
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 59/59 Monday February 1st, 2016 8:13:00 PM
As the fissure opens, Trayvin tries to grab Tinker as they fall into the fissure and cushion the landing with his own body.
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- +1 attack, reflex, AC, +30 feet move, extra attack upon full attack
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining*(Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+12=23 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+16=28 ; Monday February 1st, 2016 11:16:06 PM
( sorry xml screwed up and I hit d20 twice)
Michael is torn from his focus as his feet grip the air, in the buzz of the Haste spell it seems to go in slow motion, but the ground moved out of the way in an instant. The chasm is already outside his reach, but the rocks, people and gravel are still within reach, He latches on to one of the falling chunks of dirt and uses it to break his fall. (ooc xml is still giving me fits, it will probably post the numbers for my roll after I hit enter, but I cannot see them right now.)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 20/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+8=15 ; 2d4=8 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 12:22:14 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Owls Wisdom (+4 Wis) , Bulls Strength (+4 Str), Haste (+1 att, +1 AC, +1 Ref) Gains +5 bonus to AC and CMD for Monk Wisdom bonus (Wis 20)
Stunning Fist: 2/5
Nikolai tries to keep his cool as he sees the large fissures open and his Fist mates go tumbling in. Keeping in focus his determination to limit Neutronis as much as he can, he steps forward (10') and tosses his Tanglefoot bag at the Grand Marshal before he goes over the edge.
Toss Tanglefoot bag: Range Touch Attack (10ft increment) +8 +1(haste) = 16 If hit, Entangled for 8 rounds, Ref DC15 or become glued to the ground (Str check DC17 to break free of the ground or 15pts slashing damage.)
Entangled: -2 att, -4 Dex.
Anna Morphe[Dire Ape] (Hugh C) -- AC 23/16/21 - HP 48/48 -- CMD 20 d20+7=9 ; Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 8:52:22 AM
Hair sprouts from all over Anna's body as she bulks up and her nails and teeth elongate as she seemingly de-evolves into the form of a large dire ape. Her enhanced strength and claws don't help her as she scrabbles to find purchase and grab the ledge, but ultimately fails and ends up plummeting.
Active effects: Wildshaped as Beast Shape II - 6 hours form of Dire Ape: +4 size bonus to strength +4 natural armor -2 size penalty dex -1 attack -1 size penalty AC -4 stealth -2 fly +1 CMB / CMD low light vision, scent, speed 30 ft, climb 30 ft, bite+11 (1d6+8), 2 claws+11 (1d4+8) space 10 ft, reach 10 ft
Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -51 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 50 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage) Haste - 2 rounds (+1 to hit; +1 AC ; +1 reflex saves ; + 30 foot movement speed; +1 attack on full attack action)
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:06:45 PM
Pru coughs and blinks, trying to peer through the dust.
Heroism and Sacrifce: Map Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:11:08 PM
(Waiting on Thak. I'll try to have post up by 11.)
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP -13/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 10:11:40 PM
Tinker doesn't cough, doesn't move. The dwarf's body still rises and falls with each shallow breath n the chasm below the walls.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 20/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 1:50:44 AM
Nikolai anxiously awaits the results, watching his friends disappear into the chasm is disconcerting, to say the least. But Neutronus is the focus and that's where he intends to keep it at.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - 19/54 HP - Stoneskin, Haste d20+14=24 ; d4+12=13 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 8:19:48 AM
As the chasm opens beneath him, Thak ignores it and his own safety. Instead he holds, trusting to his dwarven sense for the earth and its movements, and at the last possible moment, aims a blow at Neutronis to disrupt his footing just as his former commander needs it most. And all the while, his sad eyes bore silently into the commander's face.
Burn hero point, make an attack. Miscalculated, make that attack +16 to hit, so 26.
As the ground splits, Thak makes a heroic lunge at Neutronis. He puts his whole frame of mind into the attack, trying to disrupt his general, but falls short. Neutronis is quick with his shield, and deflects Thak's attack before skidding nimbly among the falling debris and landing on his feet.
Neutronis: 4 subual
Unruk grabs a ledge after a short drop, then lets go and falls to his feet, a light grunt the only sign of discomfort.
Unruk: 7 subdual
Thak falls, his attack robbing his chance at saving himself. (16 damage, subdual. That was at 4 hp, and now must stabilize) Trayvin falls as well, grabbing Tinker and saving the dwarf from the fall, and probably his life. (26 damage, subdual) Anna tries to shape change, but doing so takes too long. She tries to grab a ledge, but her grip fails. (17 damage, subdual) Prudence tries skidding over the rubble, but loses her footing and tumbles as well. (15 subdual) Michael clings effortlessly to his tiny piece of earth, and dismounts easily at the bottom of the pit. Nikolai wants to throw his tanglefoot bag, but can't see. The fissures have kicked up large clouds of dust, and targeting by sight is impossible. (He could try throwing into Neutronis last known square, but he might hit any one of the surrounding tiles.)
Dust fills the air as the situation within each gap takes a grim turn. Tinker and Trayvin are prone on the ground, and Tinker is barely conscious. Anna lays prone from her fall, and only Michael stands between his friends and Unruk, who is invisbile within the dust clouds.
In the other chasm, Thak is unconscious before Neutronis, and only Prudence and her former Grand Marshall are able to fight, and Pru is on her rear, alone in the dust!
Above it all, Nikolai must make a choice, and ponder if he needs to wade into the gap.
(For the next round, swirling dust makes location by sight more than 5ft away impossible. Everyone has full concealment more than 5ft away, though you can see someone without hindrance if they are right next to you.)
(Anna can't shapechange as a free action, so she couldn't do it before the fall, THOUGH if you want to spend a hero point, I'll allow it.)
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 25/18/22 - HP 48/48 --17 nonlethal-- CMD 18 Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 3:55:52 PM
Anna takes stock of her situation...she is still human and prone. She is also fairly bruised by the fall. (OOC: more to come, may only be a placeholder as I am not sure if I have time to post everything before I leave work)
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] d20+5=8 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 4:00:56 PM
"Alone with Neutronis and an unconscious ally" would not have been Pru's first choice. Or her second. Actually, it would have been right near the bottom.
Hoping the swilrling dust will give her some cover, she drops prone and feigns unconsciousness. She spoils the effect by coughing.
[Bluff 8.]
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP -13/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 5:27:40 PM
Tinker is miraculously still alive, though completely unconscious and an inch from death. His mind drifts on gray clouds, and idly wonders if he is glimpsing the Lands of Rest.
......
-13 hp and stable
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+12=28 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 6:07:06 PM
Michael rolls off the debris in a tight ball as it impacts the ground, He unfolds in a crouch. The dust swirls about Michael, though he knows not where Unruk is exactly he can hear the big barbarians heavy breathing in the chasm. He quiets himself and becomes still near the wall of the enclosure, straining his hearing, sense of smell and wills himself to know the barbarians location. thinking he must be at the north end he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his last Alchemist fire. He tosses it at the square flinging it where he believes Unruk to be.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+13=23 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 6:24:29 PM
to hit AC 28,
Perception 23
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - 19/54 HP - Stoneskin, Haste d20+3=18 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 7:15:05 PM
As the grey clouds of unconsciousness cover him, Thak just hopes he did his part.
18 to Stabilize
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 48/59 d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 9:17:47 PM
His friends are hurt, maybe dying but Trayvin can do something about that. Others might despair at such a situation, but Trayvin takes comfort from his connection with the Gods. He concentrates on that connection and channels it, the energy flowing through him. Waiting for the dust to settle, he stands and makes ready for whatever comes next.
Actions:Channel energy = 15 points healed to those near Trayvin DM note: Trayvin: 26 subdual, plus 15 healing puts him at -11(subdual)
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- +1 attack, reflex, AC, +30 feet move, extra attack upon full attack
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining*(Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 20/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+14=16 ; d20+13=15 ; Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 10:21:24 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Owls Wisdom (+4 Wis) , Bulls Strength (+4 Str), Haste (+1 att, +1 AC, +1 Ref) Gains +5 bonus to AC and CMD for Monk Wisdom bonus (Wis 20) Stunning Fist: 2/5
Still holding the Tanglefoot bag, Nikolai does not wait for the dust to settle and see what's up, or down. He takes hold of the edge of the chasm Neutronis fell in and half slides, half falls to the bottom.
Soft Fall: Acrobatics DC15 ignore the 1st 10' of a fall +14 = 16 1st 10 ft = no damage 2nd 10ft = nonlethal
Monk Slow Fall: use wall within arm's reach to slow descent - 4th level treat fall as if 20ft shorter than actual distance.
So, this should be: Total distance to ground is technically 20ft less for purposes of damage with 10ft more no damage from Acrobatics, 10ft at least of nonlethal, the rest left over is either more nonlethal or 1d6 per 10ft.
At the bottom, Perception +13 (looking for Neutronis) = 15, argh the dust!
OOC: let me know how many die of damage I take.
If Nikolai still has an Action left, and not right next to Neutronis, he retrieves a potion of healing. If Nikolai still has an Action left and is right nest to Neutronis, he tosses the T-bag.
Anna Morphe[Small Earth Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 26/19/23 - HP 48/48 -- 2 nonlethal-- CMD 17 Wednesday February 3rd, 2016 11:23:21 PM
Anna wildshapes into the form of an earth elemental her skin becomes rocky and she shrinks. She then glides from prone into the earth below her, righting herself on her way through. She moves through the earth towards where she think Unruk is, but stays below the surface, planning to pop out next round.
(OOC: entry on earthglide reads: Earth Glide (Ex) A burrowing earth elemental can pass through stone, dirt, or almost any other sort of earth except metal as easily as a fish swims through water. Conceivably she could right herself as part of this movement)
Active effects: Wildshaped as Elemental Body I - 6 hours form of Small Earth elemental +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD base speed 40 ft (from haste) burrow 40ft (see earthglide) (from haste) +2 size bonus Str, + 4 nat armor, darkvision 60 ft, slam +12 (1d6+10) (with bull strength, greater magic fang and elemental body str bonus)
Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -50 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 49 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage) Haste - 1 rounds (+1 to hit; +1 AC ; +1 reflex saves ; + 30 foot movement speed; +1 attack on full attack action)
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 9/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=13 ; d8=6 ; Thursday February 4th, 2016 4:32:23 PM
Tinker stirs from his dream, blinks and opens his eyes, seeing dust and earth and stone. For a moment, he wonders if he is in the dwarf Lands of Rest...
"Nay, I hurt too much for that to be true", he says to know one in particular. He glances around to see if there is any enemy standing over him before retrieving a small healthy my potion from his pouch and drinking it.
Now where is his urgrosh or crossbow? Ah yes, Tinker thinks, both are on the ground somewhere. Perhaps close by?
......
Prone Look around. 13 Retrieve potion from pouch. Move action Drink potion. Standard action. Heal 7 hp
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor; Heightened Sanctuary; Haste] Thursday February 4th, 2016 10:32:17 PM
Pru hears somebody else jump into the chasm, but keeps her eyes closed, hoping to remain overlooked.
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 48/59 Thursday February 4th, 2016 10:44:35 PM
Trayvin gives Tinker the sign for quiet, maybe they have a moment to recover before getting back into the thick of it.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 Friday February 5th, 2016 12:01:41 AM
Michael hears the whispers and hears his friend Tinkers voice, quitely through the dust. He hopes his thrown AF will distract Unruk from their position till they can recover.
Heroism and Sacrifce: Map d100=33 ; d100=46 ; d20+15=18 ; Friday February 5th, 2016 12:52:57 AM
Prudence does her best to make Neutronis think she's fallen. Thal moans quietly, but otherwise is immobile, leading Pru to believe she truly is alone. She hears heavy mailed steps falling around her, but no inevitable attacks come her way. The ear ringing noises have subsided, and a quick peek will reveal that the foggy cloud is dissipating.
Tinker feels the cold snap of healing energy rush into him. He drinks a potion, remaining mostly immobile. Slowly, he feels the beginnings of his strength returning. Trayvins channeling has likely saved his life again. Suddenly, he hears a whirling of flame through the air and catches a bright flash from the corner of his vision. The sound of Michaels alchemists vial smashing against the rocky ground seems to echo around the gap. (Concealment, miss) Tinker thinks about his weapons, but as he was dealt the blow above the chasm, he fears he may have to rely on a secondary weapon.
Anna slips under the surface of the ground, righting herself in the process. She prepares an ambush, while on high above her, Nikolai tries to even the odds for Pru. Like his female friend, he sees nothing for the time being, though the dust is beginning to clear. He hears what sounds like rummaging, then the clatter of glass on rock.
Things are not so peaceful in the southern chasm. There is a loud inhaling of air, then a chuckle and Unruk confidently stomps towards Michael. He sounds like he is sniffing the air.
"Halflings smell funny. Kind of like uncooked food. I hope your dwarf friends corpse isn't too hard to find. I'll cook that one." Michael senses the barbarian is close. That sense is confirmed when a heavy bladed axe head crashes into the ground near him!
Scent, pinpoint within 5 ft. Miss vs AC 18.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 24 Tch 24 Ffted 20 HP 20/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=16 d20+8=9 Friday February 5th, 2016 1:38:03 AM
OOC: updating actions, correction
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Owls Wisdom (+4 Wis) , Bulls Strength (+4 Str) Gains +5 bonus to AC and CMD for Monk Wisdom bonus (Wis 20) Stunning Fist: 2/5
Still holding the Tanglefoot bag, Nikolai has to wait for the dust to settle and see what's up, or down.
Perception +13 = 16
The dust is still thick but beginning to settle. He senses more than notices Pru behind him and Thak in front of him (5' right?). Not sure where Neutronis ended up at, he steps past Thak.
OOC: according to the map, that puts him right in front of Neutronis, if so...
Nikolai steps by Thak and suddenly Neutronis is right in front of him. He throws the readied Tanglefoot bag at him and hopes for the best.
Range Touch Attack +8 = 9, N1 OOC: DM can roll the d8 for where it went.
Move: Past Thak. Standard: Toss tanglefoot back
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - 19/54 HP - Stoneskin, Haste Friday February 5th, 2016 3:46:07 AM
Thak shifts, thoughtless and unconscious, in the rubble.
Anna Morphe[Small Earth Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 26/19/22 - HP 48/48 -- 2 nonlethal-- CMD 17 d20+9=12 ; d20+10=13 Friday February 5th, 2016 8:22:40 AM
(OOC: didn't realize Anna was still hasted so updating to reflect but still misses on first, but adding second attack)
Anna attempts to powerfully slam into Unruk from below. (OOC: Power Attack) but her aim is off as she was below the earth (13 vs AC; miss, 13 vs AC; miss)
Active effects: Wildshaped as Elemental Body I - 6 hours form of Small Earth elemental +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD base speed 40 ft (from haste) burrow 40ft (see earthglide) +2 size bonus Str, + 4 nat armor, darkvision 60 ft, slam +12 (1d6+10) (with bull strength, greater magic fang and elemental body str bonus) power attack slam +10 (1d6+16)
Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -50 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 49 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage) haste - +1 AC, +1 to hit, +1 reflex save; +30 foot base speed, +1 attack on full attack
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 9/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+11=12 ; Friday February 5th, 2016 8:05:28 PM
Tinker hears the voices and quiets down, knowing Unrak is only a few feet from the prone dwarf.
Quietly, he gets to his feet, getting his dagger in his hand and rummaging for something to his other hand, coming up with a vial of alchemical fire.
...... Stealth. 12 Stand. Move action Draw dagger as part of move 2nd move action: grab alchemical fire.
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 48/59 d20+6=18 ; d8+2=5 ; Friday February 5th, 2016 8:10:09 PM
Trayvin casts spiritual weapon and directs it at Unruk. attack hit AC 18, damage: 5 Then he offers Tinker a mace if he wants it.
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- +1 attack, reflex, AC, +30 feet move, extra attack upon full attack
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon*, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining*(Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+16=25 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=22 ; d4+1=2 ; 3d6=11 ; 3d4+1=7 ; d4+1=4 ; d4=3 ; 3d6=8 ; Friday February 5th, 2016 11:46:56 PM
Michael grins as the Axe blade falls close to him, He can see it, this also means that he knows pretty well where Unruk is. He hears "elemental Anna" erupt from the ground to his left so he moves up and right to catch Unruk in a flank against her. His blade darts out twice, about where he estimates the big mans hip girdle should be.
5ft step To hit AC 25 and 36 (crit! 22 confirmed!) 1st 2 points for rapier 11 for flank = 13 2nd 7 points for rapier 8 for flank = 15 total 28 points of damage.
haste keen edge
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] d20+5=23 ; Saturday February 6th, 2016 3:18:13 PM Pru's first Haste wears off.
Anna is still hasted, because her spell was cast later, but nobody else is.
Pru hears movement, and tries again to lie still and feign unconsciousness. [Bluff 23]
Nikolai and Anna are the first to act, but both fail to hurt their intended targets. Tinker rises lightly to his feet, readying his weapons. Pru stays on the ground however, and is pretty good at looking dead.
Michael moves to flank, forgetting that barbarians are known for fighting just as well surrounded on both sides.
Improved Uncanny Dodge Highlight to display spoiler: {(At 5th level and higher, a barbarian can no longer be flanked. This defense denies a rogue the ability to sneak attack the barbarian by flanking her, unless the attacker has at least four more rogue levels than the target has barbarian levels.
If a character already has uncanny dodge (see above) from another class, the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character.}
His daggers cut wounds from the large fighter, who grunts and promises to eat Michael alive.
Neutronis, AC 28, confirmed. 93 Damage. 7 subdual, -3 Strength
With no room to maneuver, Neutronis applies as much offensive pressure on Nikolai as he can. His sword lashes out twice, one only attack catches Nikolai unable to dodge (20% pass). He then activates his shield again, and the gnashing teeth tear a chunk from Nikolai's fist.
Hit AC 25 for 10 damage, Shield hits AC 26 for 6 damage.
Unruk the Undying AC 20 confirmed. 92 Damage -4 Strength. 4 Subdual, Immune to Flanking, Raging, +4 Strength and Con. 4 Rounds. Cleaving, -2 AC
Guffawing, the big barbarian shifts his stance and grips his weapon low. His swings carry the same momentum from Anna to Michael, the former he seems to consider more of a threat.
"Come on puppies! Hit me harder!", he is laughing.. and blood sprays from he mouth as he speaks. His legs seem a little shaky.
Vs Anna: Hit AC 26 for 22 damage, vs Michael, Hit AC 22 for 24 damage
The swirling dust finally subsides, and everyone can take stock of the situation in their crevasse. Above, people have started to look in on the battles.. and the fighting seems to have slowed as people crowd for a view of the heroic struggle within the earth.
Uruk takes a deep breath, and his loud voice booms over to Neutronis.
"Too bad we don't have the Tiger with us. These pups wouldn't have lasted more than a minute."
He looks down at the ragged gaps in his sides through the rips in his hide armor.
"I think you'll be on your own in a minute Neutronis. I told you the gods wouldn't like this."
Neutronis pauses at the near admit of defeat from his general.
"Die well, Unruk!"
In the south, the big barbarian hefts his weapon again and smiles.
"Ain't no other way, Pavillion!"
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] d20+10=27 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 1:23:24 PM
Pru surges to her feet. "Alemi preserve us all," she says. Louder she calls, "If the very gods are against you, and you think you're going to die, then for the love of all the gods, surrender! We won't harm you! And by Flower's undying love and Pantheon's eternal justice, we will figure out a solution. Just, please, stop fighting us!"
[Diplomacy 27.]
Anna Morphe[Small Earth Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 26/19/22 - HP 26/48 -- 2 nonlethal-- CMD 17 d20+1=21 ; d20+8=25 ; d6+10=11 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 1:55:28 PM
"Give up Ukruk, drop your weapons and I will not harm you. We will treat you humanely as a prisoner of war. I still don't want this fighting between the Fist, but I will defend myself and my companions if you persist in this foolishness." Anna says, her common sounding gravelly coming from her earthy countenance. (Diplomacy: 21)
She readies an action to attack Ukruk dealing subdual damage if he does not comply with her demands. (25 vs AC(with -4 penalty for nonlethal); 11 magical, bludgeoning, nonlethal damage)
Active effects: Wildshaped as Elemental Body I - 6 hours form of Small Earth elemental +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD base speed 40 ft (from haste) burrow 40ft (see earthglide) +2 size bonus Str, + 4 nat armor, darkvision 60 ft, slam +12 (1d6+10) (with bull strength, greater magic fang and elemental body str bonus) power attack slam +10 (1d6+16)
Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -49 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 48 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage) haste - +1 AC, +1 to hit, +1 reflex save; +30 foot base speed, +1 attack on full attack
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+4=14 ; d20+16=34 ; d20+16=21 ; d4+1=4 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 2:34:58 PM Die well? Die Well?! You betrayed the gods for power, you murdered your brothers in arms for Profit. When you fall this day, do you think any will mourn your passing? That people won't spit at the mention of your name? Do you think the Gods will ignore your perfidy? Your get will change their names to avoid the shame of being kin to a Kinslaying forsworn oathbreaker. Throw down your axe and face Justice, that you might one day atone for the fell deeds you have committed and find the lands of rest with Honor!
Diplo 14
if He don't throw down his ax Michael attacks,..it the man don't quit he's gonna get hit!
To Hit AC 34 (crit! no love) for 4 points of damage.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d4+1=5 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 3:13:53 PM
Sorry, Much love for the Crit! 21! damage 5 for a total of 9!
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 4/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+1=20 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 3:17:47 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor, Owls Wisdom (+4 Wis) , Bulls Strength (+4 Str) Gains +5 bonus to AC and CMD for Monk Wisdom bonus (Wis 20) Stunning Fist: 2/5
Smarting and bleeding badly again, Nikolai holds off attacking and holds back while Pru implores one more time to Neutronis to desist. He doesn't really think it will work, as if the sword may have a grip over the man's will.
"Look at where you are at now and where that great army that was to take this city is. Even if the few of us here die at your hands, you don't have the army left to hold the city against your true enemies. Your reign is destined to be so short as to be laughable an ruin the Mailed Fist for good. Drop it now you'll avoid that worst of humiliations!" he yells at the man in front of him.
He quickly un-slings his backpack and tosses it to Pru. "There's some potions of Healing in there. Use them."
Aid Another Diplomacy +1 = 20, Add +2 to Pru's roll
Standard: Total Defense New AC29 (Acrobatics Ranks gives +6 instead of +4) Move: Give Pru his backpack
OOC: There's one potion of Healing (1d8+1) and he still has the Wand of CLW.
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 9/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+7=24 ; d4+2=4 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 7:39:36 PM
Tinker thinks the others are crazy. They are in the middle of a battle, and is the best chance to kill them on a battlefield and get what everyone wants. Why make this gesture?
A glance above and the dwarf realizes that now the gesture is made, the whole team is going to have to play out the charade. People are watching. The Agents can destroy Nutronis and Unrak's influence by giving them a chance. If they give up, great. If they attack, they may lose or win; yet even if they win they will lose by losing the respect of everyone watching.
Setting his dagger low, he readies an attack for when Unrak is unreasonable. ..... Readied attack. AC 24. Dam. 4
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 48/59 d20+6=14 ; d20+10=20 ; d8+5=6 ; Monday February 8th, 2016 8:43:59 PM
Trayvin disagrees with giving quarter to these men who have caused so much death and destruction, but he follows the lead of his fellow Fist and gives Unruk the choice to surrender. "Drop it Unruk, for if you die here today, you do so without honor." Trayvin then prepares to attack if Unruk is foolish enough to persist.
Readied actions: direct spiritual weapon: hit AC 14 miss move and attack Unruk: hit AC 20, damage: 6
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- expired
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon*, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining*(Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 9/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday February 9th, 2016 9:47:50 PM
Tinker breathes in, and exhales, the slight fog of his breath sparkling in the dusty sunlight inside the crevasse. He watches for Unrak's slightest move to attack, ready to drive his dagger home.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] Tuesday February 9th, 2016 10:31:28 PM
Pru fishes a couple of healing potions out of the backpack, but isn't sure what to do with them. She isn't injured at all, although Nikolai could clearly use their benefit. She clutches the potion bottles, hoping for a chance to use them to good effect.
Anna Morphe[Small Earth Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 26/19/22 - HP 26/48 -- 2 nonlethal-- CMD 17 Tuesday February 9th, 2016 11:22:25 PM
Anna also eyes Ukruk warily, ready to slam into him and hopefully subdue him should he not comply with her request.
(OOC: checking in b4 bed)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 4/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Wednesday February 10th, 2016 12:25:23 AM
Nikolai cautiously points to Thak, "If you get a chance, Pru, see if that potion will help. But don't let your guard down!"
OOC: there's only one, I thought there was two.
Heroism and Sacrifce: Map d20+13=20 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+13=15 ; d20+8=19 ; Wednesday February 10th, 2016 1:05:02 AM
Men speak. Women speak. Unrak is neither. Unrak is rage and death unbridled, and he receives what he seeks, death in combat.
Spitting on the offers of mercy, Unrak yells a final call. "I. DO. NOT. YIELD! I chose conquest over stagnation. I chose to make my axe carve swaths of land for my men, not for something as shallow as gold!"
He steps forward and recieves a heavy blow from Anna. Dazed, Michaels daggers and Trayvins mace lay him low. He falls with a heavy thud, but still breathes shallow breaths. He shoots Tinker a look that seems to be a request, a humble plea for release that is within the dwarfs power.. a call for the dagger in his hands.
In the northern gap, Neutronis isn't so quick to die.
"Sergeant Prudence, do not be so quick to promise what you cannot keep. Whether I die in this hole, or hanging from a noose, defeat here is death for me."
He looks up at the soldiers from both sides watching him now.
"I'm not sure, dear Agents, the odds are not still in my favor. My men march, and from down here, no one really knows whats going on up there. Success means a country for us, a place of our own, for however short the duration. I think perhaps, it might have lasted longer, if not for the sudden geological shake ups."
He draws F'floys holy symbol in the dirt and spits upon it.
"Either way, it will be the end of you, Nikolai. I'm afraid I can't go to the gallows without repaying the insult you gave me."
Neutronis, AC 28, confirmed. 93 Damage. 7 subdual, -3 Strength
Neutronis lunges forward, slashing twice, missing Nikolai both times.
Unruk the Undying AC 14 confirmed. 108 Damage -8 Strength, Staggered, Dying, Fatigued, Helpless, -6 AC
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 4/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Wednesday February 10th, 2016 1:25:07 AM "So be it!" Nikolai replies as he dodges the sword. "Pru!" he calls, "Have no mercy now. You must put forth whatever killing spells you have left!"
OOC: holding actual action until after Pru goes. Finishing the post later.
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 9/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday February 10th, 2016 5:49:19 AM
Tinker usually has many social situations go over his head, not understanding non-verbal communication or the nuance of a word. He can, however, immediately understand what Unrak is saying; honorable death in combat over an ignoble execution.
Still, the dwarf hesitates. Taking a life in the heat of battle is one thing, but with no combat going at the moment? He thinks the Gods of Testing would approve, but he doesn't want to meet them. What of the Gods of the Wold?
There, the dwarf's knowledge breaks down, he just doesn't know, and the dagger quivers in his hand. And a voice is recalled from the past, a peaceful centaur, a cleric of Flower, who was very much out of place in the Fist, even more so than a dwarf raised by gnomes. Linden's voice seems to whisper in Daemar's mind where the dwarf overheard Linden's morning prayers: 'I do not know if my actions please you, but I hope that my wanting to please you pleases you...'
Tears in his eyes, Tinker darts down with his dagger in a coup de grace. "Go in glory and honorable death, brother Fist", he says to the former commander of the Bears. He watches as the barbarian's eyes glaze and his own drops hot tears to mingle with earth and blood.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 Wednesday February 10th, 2016 7:30:09 AM
Michael sees his friends tears and is confused. When a soldier breaks fist law and must die Michael is sad, not all can follow the code of Honor, and when one fails it is a shame. These though we're the example we were to look to. From great men great things are expected. They willfully failed in their duty, Michael has no tears for any of them.
When Tinker is done, Michael severs Unruk head from his body. We must have a way to prove their deaths if we are to stop this. As well, Michael promised he would put their heads on pikes, and that buzzardshe would pick their bones.
Anna Morphe[Small Earth Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 26/19/22 - HP 26/48 -- 2 nonlethal-- CMD 17 d20+12=19 ; Wednesday February 10th, 2016 8:27:40 AM
Anna glides through the earth from the crevasse she was in with the corpse of Ukruk and emerges behind Neutronis in the other Crevasse, flanking him with Nikolai. The elemental druidess attempts to slam into Neutronis, but her aim is thrown off by emerging from the earth.
Active effects: Wildshaped as Elemental Body I - 6 hours form of Small Earth elemental +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD base speed 40 ft (from haste) burrow 40ft (see earthglide) +2 size bonus Str, + 4 nat armor, darkvision 60 ft, slam +12 (1d6+10) (with bull strength, greater magic fang and elemental body str bonus) power attack slam +10 (1d6+16)
Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -48 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 47 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage) haste - +1 AC, +1 to hit, +1 reflex save; +30 foot base speed, +1 attack on full attack - 4 rounds left?
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d20+7=11 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday February 10th, 2016 2:38:48 PM
Pru unstoppers a potion and pours it down Thak's throat.
Thak is healed 8 points.
But her work is not done. Making a heroice effort, she gathers her magic to her and casts a spell.
[Use a Hero point for another action. Cast Scorching Ray on Neutronis. Hit a whopping 11, but that is Touch AC, so I'll go ahead and roll damage. 12 damage.]
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 48/59 d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday February 10th, 2016 9:26:12 PM
"You got better than you deserved Unruk. I was going to keep you alive long enough to face a court over this."
Trayvin channels energy again for Tinker's benefit. "Allright then, now how do we get out of here?" channel energy = 16hp healed
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- expired
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon*, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining*(Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - -6/54 HP - Haste Wednesday February 10th, 2016 9:49:23 PM
Pru's healing potion helps stopper some of Thak's wounds, but does not prove enough to restore him to life.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP 4/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Wednesday February 10th, 2016 10:31:51 PM
Mage Armor, Owls Wisdom (+4 Wis) , Bulls Strength (+4 Str) Gains +5 bonus to AC and CMD for Monk Wisdom bonus (Wis 20) Stunning Fist: 2/5
Nikolai still needs to buy time and keep Neutronis busy. He calls over his back to Pru, "Keep it up Pru. Patience. Take a deep breath to steady your hands!" he encourages
For his part, he maintains his defenses up as best he can and keeps Neutronis between himself and Ana.
Standard: Total Defense New AC29 (Acrobatics Ranks gives +6 instead of +4)
Enough is Enough d20+8=28 ; d20+8=23 ; d20+8=11 ; d8=8 ; d8=7 ; d8=3 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+9=19 ; d10+7=10 ; d10+7=15 ; Thursday February 11th, 2016 12:43:24 AM
Tinker gives Unruk the gift of death, absolving him of his shame of defeat. Whether it was right by the Fist, or wrong by the Gods, it was fine by Tinkers moral compass, and that is probably enough for anyone to understand in the aftermath of this terrible conflict.
Michael however, doesn't quite understand Tinkers inner turmoil. Coming from tougher stock that is used to harsh punishment, he removes any remaining sanctity in the moment and begins the gruesome task of staying true to his word. As he removes the head, men from above yell and scream in anger, many wearing the colors of Bear Regiment. One, wearing a scouts badge, begins firing down with his bow. This reignites the fighting above their chasm, and the battle is back in earnest.
Bow vs AC 22, Crit AC 28 and confirm vs AC 23 for 18 damage.
Trayvin channels, and his healing magic catches both Tinker and the newly wounded Michael. Its a shame for Trayvin, probably. The entire time all he wanted was a peaceful resolution, and it's been denied him to the last. Resolving himself to justice, that process has been stripped from him as well.
Anna takes full advantage of her current form. She, of all her comrades, seems to be coming from a place of less emotion. Newer to the Fist and given a unique perspective on life and death, the Morphling emerges and smashes naught but air.
Prudence tries to even odds by finally taking the offensive. Neutronis, ever agile, continues to dodge attacks. Her potion has helped Thak, who is beginning to hear the roar of the fight around him. How likely is it he understands the commander whom he tried to give respectful death to is fighting right near him?
Neutronis finally plays his final trick. Stepping at an upward angle, he stands effortlessly on the wall of the gouge. Several unexpected thrusts from above are able to catch Nikolai offguard, and he penetrates the monks defense.
Hit AC 29 for 10 damage.
When Nikolai hits the ground, unconscious, Neutonis finishes his attack pattern with a flourish, running his bastard sword through his foes back. The mithril point juts through the monks chest on the other side.
it AC 18 [Niko's AC has dropped.] for 15 damage.
He casts a sidelong glance at Prudence, then again at Anna. He tosses his weapon to the ground and hops to the floor of the scar. He takes a deep breath, then salutes Nikolai, crisply and sharply, with some genuine respect.
"I surrender. Sergeant Grundle, I name you Thumb of Double Fist, free to rename it as you see fit. Agent, as my final order as Grand Marshall, I order you take me into custody."
He looks up at his men, some of whom have begun to throw down weapons as their lord at arms calls the attack a failure.
"Take the others as well, mistreat no prisoner. I have no illusions I'm long for this earth. My head and it's pike can't care for them, but you can. You have the heart that will allow it. After all, you feigned consciousness and inaction long enough to allow Kourmorov and I to settle our differences. Had you magically assaulted me sooner, perhaps with more accurate force magic, we might not have danced our duel to completion. I thank you for your consideration of our feud. "
He slumps to the ground, pained, and sticks out his arms and closes his eyes, waiting for either a rope and manacles, or a final blow.
Enough is Enough Thursday February 11th, 2016 12:45:17 AM
Above the southern chasm, commotion has died down. The archer firing at Michael is quickly apprehended, and a rope is tossed into the pit, held by both city guard and assorted legionairres of various fists.
Anna Morphe[Small Earth Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 26/19/22 - HP 26/48 -- 2 nonlethal-- CMD 17 Thursday February 11th, 2016 1:46:37 PM
Anna kicks Neutronis's weapon and shield away.
"He's dead, Pru." Anna says, referring to Nikolai, "Should I return the favor to Neutronis or are we going to hang the bugger?"
At this point Anna is ready to kill Neutronis, but at the same time she did promise quarter to Ukruk and Neutronis did surrender.
Active effects: Wildshaped as Elemental Body I - 6 hours form of Small Earth elemental +1 size bonus AC, +1 Attack, +4 stealth, +2 fly, -1 CMB/CMD base speed 40 ft (from haste) burrow 40ft (see earthglide) +2 size bonus Str, + 4 nat armor, darkvision 60 ft, slam +12 (1d6+10) (with bull strength, greater magic fang and elemental body str bonus) power attack slam +10 (1d6+16)
Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -48 rounds (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 47 rounds (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage) haste - +1 AC, +1 to hit, +1 reflex save; +30 foot base speed, +1 attack on full attack - 4 rounds left?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 Thursday February 11th, 2016 2:38:30 PM
Michael ties the dead barbarian's long hair to a loop in his belt and climbs the rope as nimbly as he is able. His eyes are hard as he scans the battle ground. locking eyes with the remaining Fist soldiers. He picks the Pike of a fallen guardsman up, Impales the head on it and shoves it firmly into the torn soil, muddy with the blood of fallen men. He stands to parade rest and speaks Loudly in his best drill corporal voice.
What separates we of the Mailed Fist from common brigands, thieves and murderers? True Steel for Honest Coin. It's why we are the best, by the gods mercenary battalion, in all the Wold. We hold ourselves to the HIGHEST honor, We Die by that Honor and we Kill those who BETRAY that CODE! These men, who we have entrusted with that HONOR have BETRAYED it. Did they do so for personal gain? NO. Did they do so for Power? NO. They did it to try and bring more power to the Fist. A noble goal perhaps, but done in such a way as to Destroy the Fist and RUIN ANY TRUST our clients would ever place in US. They Broke Fist LAW! A Soldier who would Raze, Rapine and Steal out side or orders will dance a jig in Traitors Square. We have all seen it! The Lowest recruit private, dead before his clothes are even soiled all for indulging in those crimes. What difference if it is our LEADERS who act the same?
He stares hard around the battlefield, the Head of Unruk on it's pike at his back, his stance daring anyone to gainsay his words.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] Thursday February 11th, 2016 3:02:31 PM
Pru is quite sure she's going to be sick.
The stench of the battlefield is overwhelming, but more than that, the sheer waste of what just happened is appalling. And Neutronis has made her responsible for the cleanup. After killing her--her--her whatever Nikoali was to her. Thumb. We'll go with Thumb.
For a moment, she just stares, fighting the urge to throw up. Then she clears her throat. Then she speaks in a clear, carrying voice.
"Tinker? If you have any manacles or anything like that, we could use them over here. Also, if anyone has any healing potions, Thak is still unconscious. And--and perhaps one of the priests of Ffloy would be good enough to see to the dead."
She picks up her fallen longspear, and moves to keep an eye on Neutronis.
Anna Morphe[Small Earth Elemental] (Hugh C) -- AC 26/19/22 - HP 26/48 -- 2 nonlethal-- CMD 17 d20+12=16 ; d6+10=13 ; Thursday February 11th, 2016 6:43:24 PM
Anna feels empty inside. She is sick of all the death and infighting between the Fist and is saddened and angered at the loss of Nikolai. She really wants to kill Neutronis but obeys Pru's inclination to take him alive.
She readies to slam into him should he make any sudden movements. (16 vs AC; 13 magical bludgeoning; if necessary)
"Are you sure you don't want to end him, Pru?" Anna asks, "He did rally many to his cause, if we leave him alive, perhaps they'll help him escape."
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 25/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+10=20 ; d20+9=21 ; Thursday February 11th, 2016 7:22:48 PM
Tinker isn't sure of his own emotions and makes no attempt to restrain Michael's more gruesome act nor his speech. The halfling is probably right that they need to immediately establish for everyone on the battlefield who is right and who is wrong. But Tinker's mind is turned inward. Are his tears because of taking a life? Because of the near death of the Fist? Because of the fall of a once-great man? Because of all the death in the city they were unable to avert?
Even Tinker doesn't know.
And then Prudence's voice cuts over the tumult. Something to do and someone giving sensible instructions. It galvanizes the dwarf into action and he pushes the confusion away for a time.
Climbing the rope with alacrity, he takes a controlled descent into the chasm where Anna and Prudence are holding Nutronis at bay. Pulling out his manacles and good lock, he maneuvers around Nutronis and locks him tight. A thumbs up to Prudence, Tinker then uses his engineering knowledge to get soldiers and townsfolk to jury rig a trestle to lift the prisoner and Nikolai's body from the hole. ..... Acrobatics down. 20 Know Engineering. 21
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP -/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday February 11th, 2016 9:49:13 PM
Nikolai wishes he could have yelled out "Live for the Fist, Die for the Fist!" but Neutronis' attack was just too sudden. He felt little pain, really, as he already was badly battered. What the sword thrust added only lasted a second and then he felt himself very light.
His spirit lifted from the flesh and he could see the events going on around him but the pull was preventing him from interacting with anything. In a desperate move just before he left for good, he managed to whisper in Pru's ear, 'The wand of healing, in the backpack...' and then the Wold vanished.
Enough is Enough Friday February 12th, 2016 7:01:21 PM
Prudence is sickened by the death of Nikolai for many reasons, and for the first time, the conflicting nature of their relationship surfaces. Even worse, she's now in charge of the situation, in a strange last order given by Neutronis himself.
Nikolai's last words were strange, a reminder to Prudence to carry on healing. As Thumb, Nikolai was always like that. Sensible, perhaps, was the best word to describe him.
Anna has a strong desire to end Neutronis here and now. She even double checks Pru's resolve, and finds it strong enough to resist the urge to kill the man responsible for so much wrong doing.
Tinker too, is conflicted. He is sad, but doesn't know why. There's much to be sad about, and he knows in his heart that Neutronis is every bit as dead as Nikolai, it just hasn't happened yet.
Michael is true to his word, and pikes Unruk's head. Unruk had many natural advantages over Tinker and the Halfling, and if not for the magical bombardment he survived to reach them, might likely have taken the whole lot of Agents near him. Still, one of the lessons of the Fist is that alone you do nothing, and together we do everything. It seems ironic a regimental commander forgot that.
Tinkers rig works, and as Neutronis is led up in manacles, the many fissures of the battleflied have formed a decisive shape, the holy symbol of F'floy. Protected by the rifts, soldiers of each side have been isolated into tiny pockets, and most seem unwilling to cross over and continue the fight.
Even near the shores, men have stopped fighting. A massive fleet of confused looking sailors manning ships are scrambling for anchors. There is commotion from the watch tower, and the trio of Clerics emerge, with Tiger Commander Gunter Farias held by magical strength, hovering behind them in the air.
Closer to the walls, men see Unruks head on a spit and begin to question the wisdom of the fight. Most through down their weapons, surrending to the Fist forces that used to be their friends and comrades.
----------------------------------------
Nikolai finds himself floating high above the field of battle. All around Alithmar, other spirits float as well. Those fallen seem to be suspended, tethered to grounds of the fight.. many seem unaware of their plight, only a few are mobile and reacting to their situation, Unruk, raging and gnawing at his tether, among them.
Nikolai looks, and finds he too is suspended by a chain-like link of spiritual force, despite a gentle pull tugging him upwards.
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 59/59 d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d8=7 ; d8=7 ; Friday February 12th, 2016 9:58:44 PM
Trayvin climbs the offered rope. It looks like the fighting is done. Nikolai apparently was gone, but there were others he could still help. He starts near Thak, and bathes him in the healing glow that is his gift from the gods of the Wold to share. Then he moves about the battlefield, gathering groups of wounded soldiers and channels energy to heal them. Regardless of which side they fought for he heals them all, and continues to do so until the gift from Ffloy wears off and his own reserves are spent as well. He says nothing and goes about the task in silence. Is that a tear in his eye? Nah, just some dust.
channeling(for those near Thak) = 15, also convert bulls strength to cure mod for Thak = 14+6 = 20hp healed
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- expired
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength*, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon*, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining*(Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP21/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 Saturday February 13th, 2016 2:17:34 AM
As the healing energy washes over Michael he finds his struggle to look triumphant and just easier to hold, He see's Neutronis winched to the surface in manacles and it becomes easier still, When Nikolai rises limp from the crevasse though, it becomes harder again. It should have been him, A great man once said that the only thing harder than a battle lost was a battle won. He understands that now to his great regret.
He walks over to where Nikolai's body rest on the ground as they bring the others up. He has no time for tears at the moment, the fate of the Fist rests with how they handle the next minutes, hours, days and even Weeks. But he takes a moment to speak to his Thumb, his leader, his...friend.
I would have gladly traded my life for yours. You were...the best of us, and we are diminished without you here. It was my great Honor and personal pleasure to serve under you, I hope you find your way to the lands of rest. I guess I need to try and put some spine and direction into these soldiers, they will be lost and leaderless now. wish me luck...I hope i do you proud Sir...Nikolai.
He then straightens to his full yard height and Scans the soldiers around the area looking for a Thumb or a corporal. When he finds one he approaches.
Sargent! I am going to need you to start organizing the remainder of your men into fists, start a graves detail and send runners around to gather up the rest of the men. Once that is done I want you to retire to the base camp in good order and report to the commander of Eagle company. Commander Minek will have further orders for you and help in getting the men squared away. Any wounded you find I want you to bring here to the that Cleric over there healing people. Don't do it all your self...delegate and get any other Non com's you find into the program. I am going to go talk to the City guard and try and keep them occupied long enough for you to get the men back to the camp, it will be much harder for them to arrest you if you NOT HERE! do you understand?
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 25/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday February 13th, 2016 7:15:17 AM
Tinker oversees his contraption, a gleam of pleasure in his eye at working with a mechanical thing instead of people. Although... His thoughts flash back to the first wave and how three city defenders responded to his harsh instructions. That worked too. He takes a glacé to see if any of his impromptu squad survived the battle, then resolutely turns his mind to his work, gathering his fallen weapons and getting live and dead bodies out of this crevasse.
And he can do so until Nikolai's body is up. He has no tears for Nikolai, and the thought again makes the dwarf wonder why? "No time" he unconsciously echoes Michael, and calls to some nearby townsmen "get a horse. Here. Now." While they do that, Tinker lashes together a travois and places Nikolai's body on. He uses battle debris to cover his leader's body to the terrible wound in his chest, swords and arrows piled around from the litter. And with a dirty rag, cleans The body's face as best he can.
When the horse arrives, he assembles it to the beast, and then notices the Clerics of Ffloy. "Sirs, would you lead our fallen leader back to the Fist Camp? I think it may be the right thing to do. "
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP -/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Saturday February 13th, 2016 11:22:38 AM
His spiritual accent suddenly stopped, Nikolai is puzzled. He looks about and sees the thousands of other spirits, Alithmar soldiers and Mailed Fist alike, floating above the battle field the same way as he. It's not until he sees Uruk's raging yanking on a spiritual chain that he notices the others are tethered as well. Looking down he notices his chain.
His father said he had been killed in battle once but did not give any details. Each time he asked, his father said 'If you don't die, you don't need to know, and if you do, you'll already know' and that was that. But was this it? What were they waiting for? Judgement?
Looking down still, he can see the small figures running about but this time there is no battle. Straight down he sees the activity around the Ffloy cleric's tower and his own Fist climbing out of the crevasses. He watches with interest, for it appears that their objective to stop Neutronis and save Alithmar seems to have been accomplished. A sense of pride wells up withing his ghostly chest. They did it! And not only did they stop Neutronis but kept the Fist intact, mostly. He knew that facing Neutronis probably would mean death but he inwardly thanks Alemi, his patron god, that his friends were spared. His life in exchange for the Honor of the Fist was worth it.
The only downside was that he would not be around to hear the songs and tales exhorting Nikolai's Fist.
With a ghostly pain he notices as each one of his friends pays homage to his fleshy body. He did what a Thumb is supposed to do, use the best tactics for the situation, sacrifice oneself for the protection of the Fist. Good Thumbs are easier to replace than good Fists. Alexi Komonov, his father, would be proud. His mom would smack him for that but deep inside her tender heart would be proud too. Both are staunch Mailed Fist members and know that their son signed up not just to keep the multi-generation tradition of joining the Mailed Fist going, but it was because their son wanted to live the life of Adventure too. Future Komonovs could now join the Mailed Fist with Honor and not be treated as brigands.
Grandpa and Great Grandpa Komonv died honorable members of the Mailed Fist but nothing noteworthy but their hard work and dedication. Alexi would die one day as a notable cavalry commander. But the name Komonv would only mean something to Wolf Regiment. Nikolai Komonv will be notable to the whole Mailed Fist.
On the plus side of things, he won't have to 'live' up to the fame they'll get for this. His friends will. HA!
Nikolai chuckles.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] Saturday February 13th, 2016 1:25:28 PM
If Neutronis tries to escape, or attack, Pru's best chance of stopping him is her magic. The longspear, however, is a stronger visual menace, so she continues to hold it ready, keeping a watchful eye on their important prisoner.
"Anna?" she says. "Would you please find Uriah and ask him to come over here? There are some logistical matters we need to discuss."
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/21 - HP 41/48 -- CMD 18 d20+11=25 Saturday February 13th, 2016 3:25:59 PM
Anna had reverted to her normal form before climbing out of the chasm.
Once her Fist is out of the chasm and she has reclaimed her wands and oversized club she listens to what her new Thumb had to say. The thought dawns on her that she could have prevented Nikolai's death had she distracted Neutronis instead of going for the kill. She will do a better job this time. She swears to herself to do a better job next time, to try to think of more options before attacking.
"Yes, Ma'am" Anna says saluting.
She returns to her mortal form and goes to find the clerics of Ffloy.
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -47 rounds + ? (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 46 rounds + ? (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage)
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - 14/54 HP - Haste Sunday February 14th, 2016 12:12:12 AM
An explosion of coughing heralds the dwarf's return to consciousness, flecks of half-congealed blood flying onto the dirt as he dry-heaves. Grabbing for his waterskin, he takes a deep drink, before standing and surveying the fight, the captured, the dead. Retrieving his dropped blades, he cleans them against his boot and slide them back into their sheathes. Not today, father...
The moment for judgement having passed, Thak can only look at the captured Neutronis in pity and sadness- but only for a moment, before he feels the last of his duty to his former commander fill him. He moves his way to Prudence and stands next to her, helping to support Neutronis, his grip surprisingly gentle, his stance a careful measure between warning off those who would damage his prisoner, and warning off his prisoner from damaging him. "Easy, sir. Easy. This way."
He passes him his waterskin.
Enough is Enough Monday February 15th, 2016 2:24:11 PM
Neutronis, helped to his feet by Thak, maintains his composure as he stands. He gives Thak a curious look, then nods appreciatively. "You are a good soldier Thak. I'm glad the fall didn't kill you." Neutronis takes a deep breath, then works with the pully to be taken out of the pit.
Tinker finds some refuge in the workings of his toys. The dwarf has always found some peace in mechanical designs, but for the first time in his short career of commanding people, finds that an army has as many moving pieces, kogs, and kinks as any metal blacksmiths puzzle.
Prudence meanwhile, continues to assert command. She keeps her spearpoint at Neutronis, who thankfully doesn't look at her with anything other than confirmation of her orders to him. She sends Anna to find the head cleric, Uriah.
Anna obeys, snapping a sharp salute. Uriah has had Gelt manacled and led away, and gives the young Druid his full attention and thanks. "You all did admirably well. To descend into the depths of battle and climb out, victorious over both Neutronis and Unruk is a feat few could have accomplished." He motions to be led back towards Prudence. All three Clerics in tow, Anna reports back to Pru.
Meanwhile, Michael and Trayvin keep order among both the healthy and the wounded. Many junior Fist clerics report in, healing under his direction the groups most in need. One of the younger men, a cleric of Jancaissis, stops in his work and stares at Trayvin a moment before asking, "Are we going to be hung?"
Michaels commands are met quickly without any questions. Word has spread that he was responsible wholly for Unruks death, despite the truth of the matter. He DID take the barbarians head, and that's enough for many, including those in Bear regalia. Even more telling, many others are ripping off their Mailed Fist insignia, perhaps hoping to be counted amongst the Fist rebels, and not the main force.
-------------------- From up above, Nikolai continues to watch. He is proud of his unit, and happy that the aftermath isn't his concern. The southern side of the battle has ended as well, with an entire regiment maintaining order. Eagle Regiment never partook in the battle, and restrained those from other regiments under their command. It seems the Agents information made it through the proper channels.
Unruk seems to have calmed down, and points at the priests, who, from the vision of the dead are glowing with an incredibly bright aura. Tendrils of color seem to be effortless sprawling from them, making contact with all of the dead. Above them floats a spectral sign, the holy symbol of Ffloy. ----------------------
Arriving in audience with Prudence, Uriah speaks.
"Thank you for all you have done. As the only Fist element here not in temporary custody, Miss Prudence, I believe that puts you in charge of the whole entire force arrayed before us. Have any thoughts on how to handle things from here?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/21 - HP 41/48 -- CMD 18 d20+11=26 Monday February 15th, 2016 3:27:39 PM
"We should see to the fallen." Anna opines.
"As for after that? Is there any precedent, do we have to sue for peace with Alithmar?" She asks
"I mean the Fist was in the wrong through the actions of Neutronis, when he killed the messenger bearing payment. I would also imagine the razed walls and the lost lives will also result in hefty reparations being levied against us. Hopefully we can remain an organization when all is said and done."
Anna stays near Pru with her over-sized club drawn, but at parade rest. She will do all in her power to protect Pru. She remains vigilant for threats.
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -47 rounds + ? (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 46 rounds + ? (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage)
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 25/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday February 15th, 2016 5:17:21 PM
Work done, none of the squad of town defenders to be seen, Tinker returns to where it seems the Agents are gathering. He moves to Prudence and opposite Anna. The Morphling has her Club and Tinker has his Urgrosh. Between the two, he is confident they will be able to see her through any danger as Bean Pole commands the Fist.
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 59/59 Monday February 15th, 2016 6:15:25 PM
"That is a fair question, cleric of Jancaissis. What is your name?"
"You see, the Fist here who were following Neutronis were breaking the law. And those Fist who opposed him were upholding the law of the land, but broke Fist law. By some accounts every last one of us should be hanged. But know this, the gods of the Wold are watching closely today. And I believe they shall judge fairly based on our actions. So follow your heart young cleric, and let the stars fall where they may."
"Now then, if you are up to it, let us continue to render aid to those whom we can help, and say final prayers for those whom we can't."
Trayvin continues to help organize taking care of the wounded and the dead.
Active Effects:(+1 saves from circle) Trayvin: Good Hope (16th level, 32 minute duration) +2att/dmg, saves, skill checks resist energy fire, duration 50min resist fire/10 magic circle against evil(target self), duration 50min 10 foot radius protection from arrows 50 points remaining DR 10/magic vs ranged haste- expired
Spells: 0th- Create Water, Detect Poison, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize 1st- Bless, Comprehend Languages, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith(d) 2nd- Bull’s Strength*, Restoration- Lesser, Resist Energy*, Spiritual Weapon*, Bless Weapon(d) 3rd- Prayer*, Magic Circle Against Evil*, Searing Light(d) *denotes used spell channeling 3/6 remaining*(Roll 1 extra d6 while channeling. At this time, you have an unlimited use of channels. At any time, you may remove this blessing for a single 4d6 channel as a swift action. If you do, your channels go back to normal rules.)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP21/43 Me+12(4), R+12, CMB+10, CMD+21 d20+4=7 ; d20+5=7 ; Monday February 15th, 2016 6:56:52 PM
Michael replies to the Clerics question. Loudly so that all can hear. What crime are you guilty of soldier? You were lied to by your commander and pointed like the arrow you are at what you were told was the enemy. Loyalty to ones commander is not a crime. You are a good soldier and I will be cursed before I let you be punished for the crimes of your leaders. I want you to stop dwelling on that. What I want you to do, and all the rest of you that can hear me as well, is start thinking about how we can get everyone, live, dead and wounded, back to the camp. Pitch in. listen to your non-coms and spread the word that THE FIST IS NOT DEAD! We are going to regroup, make things right and come out of this stronger and better than before.
diplo 7 intimidate 7. ugh...that's not auspicious
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP -/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday February 15th, 2016 10:35:27 PM
Nikolai remains fixed in place and watching the activities below. He still is puzzled at why they are all tethered to the Wold and not on their way, each to his own reward. He can't help but notice the awesome power he sees emanating from the three clerics of Ffloy but does not understand the meaning.
Alemi he understands. His teaching of how to enjoy Life by living a healthy lifestyle both physically, mentally, and spiritually was why Nikolai chose him as it matched his own view of Life for himself despite his father favoring Domi, the patron of Courage. It took great courage for his father to leave the Mailed Fist only after two Tours of Duty but it was Domi that lead the cavalryman to sign up to protect the new mining town of Bryn Baraz. And Gargul, the collector of the Souls, who his own Fist met once before. However of Ffloy he new very little other than his symbol was usually prominent with the merchants the Fist dealt with.
Pondering these thoughts, he began to recollect memories of their meeting with Gargul and his imp. Their Fist Mate Linden had been killed when their Double Fist was defending Hornfoul from a gnoll army. The same gnolls they soon went after in the swamp. The memories are a little fuzzy but he does remember something weird happening to Bliss. Yes, it was through Bliss that they passed through the barrier between the Wold and Gargul's realm. But Bliss left a long time ago.
On the one hand, Nikolai was at peace and glad the fight was over and Alithmar was saved. In his mind, he was sure that through their actions the Mailed Fist would survive and regain it's Honor. On the other hand, he kind of wanted to be a part of that new Mailed Fist. He began to feel torn between knowing he played his part and his time was up and yet still wishing to back with his friends and family...
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] Monday February 15th, 2016 10:41:39 PM
Working at it very hard, Pru manages to keep an outward calm. Inside, she is screaming, I'm 18 years old, for Ffloy's sake! Surely somebody else can sort this out!
But, like it or not, she's the one everyone is looking to. She can almost hear her mother say, Do as you're bid, Prudence, and don't fuss about it.. Right.
"As Anna said, we should start by tending to the wounded and gathering the fallen. Also, if you have the means to do so, I would ask that you keep Neutronis under lock and key until we can figure out what to do with him. I don't believe there's anyone left of a high enough rank to try him. At some point, I would appreciate it if one of you could prepare a Sending spell for Knight-Captain Palance. The soldiers who are not injured--on both sides--let them put down their weapons and assist with the wounded and the fallen. We can sort the rest out later."
She's afraid that didn't sound very leader-y, but it's the best she can do under the circumstances.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - 14/54 HP - Haste Monday February 15th, 2016 11:55:48 PM
Thak doesn't answer Neutronis. He looks to Pru; "I'll find 'im 'is cell, ma'am." He offers a small, bloodied smile. "If'n you'll take some advising words, do 'tever you need to t'keep everyone happy 'fore the top-fellas arrive to make everyone punished or poor. Moisten throats, blanket beds, calm angers." He does a quick little half-bow, then with some others' help takes Neutronis back to the army camp and finds a empty common fighter's tent, shackling him securely to the pole; he keeps a steely eye on any who would interfere with his prisoner.
The heat of battle finally faded, he eyes up Neutronis and almost opens his mouth- but keeps it closed, and lets his thoughts be his own. Commander... had I been up when you fell down, I'd have brought the axe to your neck myself. If I do it now... I can't do it now. No one to see, no way for it to be right, to be lawful.
Too much mercy all round... this was nearly a sacked city, an end to a private empire of tens of thousands, the start of another. Too much mercy means injustice to the fallen, those who would have fallen...
Curse it... I'm agreeing with those puffed-up monkeys who sentenced my father.
Nothing for it. I stay for the rest of me; after some leave though. Find a wife; Agnis in that tavern always seemed amenable to an understanding...
Not allowing his thoughts to compromise his vigil, Thak stands, on guard.
------------------------------ Edited by ACDM RobC for language
Enough is Enough Tuesday February 16th, 2016 5:00:25 PM
Prudence issues her orders, and men listen. They respond quickly, and she hears her commands echo throughout the ranks of soldiers on both sides. Uriah watches her carefully, but says nothing.
Thak considers giving Neutronis a final sendoff, military justice at it's most blunt, but decides that now is not the time. During battle is the time for battlefield justice. In peace, law of land must prevail.
Anna wonders loudly what comes next. Reparations? Debt? She is unsure of what follows a failed invasion, but she is certain it won't be simple. In that certainty, she is correct.
"I shall handle those matters, young druid." Uriah speaks confidently, and his fellows seem ready to try and squash and arguement on the matter. "I have a divine responsibility to do so. Ffloy is very ... adamant.. in this whole matter."
-----
Trayvins answer to the young cleric was as good a summation of the black and white of the matter as any. As the victors, it was certain that the Aisildurian Empire would set the punishment for the defeated. Before the young cleric can answer, Michael's voice rings loud in interruption.
The young cleric considers both answers, then sighs.
"If the goddess feels Alithmars right to vengeance is worth our lives, they shall have them. If she feels it is unjust, another shall deliver her vengeance on my behalf." He smiles weakly. "Thanks for the new perspective."
Under Pru and Michaels commands, the wounded are gathered into the tents outside of the city, mostly for safety from retalliation from unhappy residents of Alithmar. The remaining troops are disarmed, and most are tasked with setting up more temporary shelters.
One by one the tendrils of power from the clerics of Floy travel up the tethers of each floating spirit. Whispers on the wind fill Nikolai's ears, even though his tendril has not yet been reached.
"Many oaths. So many oaths. Some broken. Many upheld. Many shatted.... so many lives.. lives lost from BROKEN OATHS."
The words follows Nikolai as he floats midair.
"Explain your actions, Son of the Fist. Did you break Oath to Neutronis? Neutronis did he break Oath to you? Are both guilty?
The sailors who landed have finished anchor and are now unloading hundreds of marines. A shore delegation, who identify themselves as delegates of the Aisildurian Empire, demand an audience with Prudence. It doesn't take long for things to devolve.
"Only unconditional surrender is acceptable!", he screeches. "All of you are criminals. Every one of you will be hanged!"
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 25/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday February 16th, 2016 5:39:54 PM
Tinker keeps at his post, both relaxed and alert as taught when performing guard duty. He remains at Prudence's side, until hearing the pre-emotive caterwauling from the guy from the ships. He bristles and tightens his grip on his urgrosh. "Not like most of em are criminals anyways; only those who deliberately broke the law. Nutronis even using the name of the Fist was illegal."
He doesn't mutter very hard, only ready to back up Prudence's play, whatever it will be.
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 59/59 Tuesday February 16th, 2016 6:39:01 PM
Trayvin shakes his head at the Aisildurian commander. They never learn. The Aisildurians may have a right to justice, but demanding it of an army, even one recently weakened and finished of battle strikes him as not very wise.
Trayvin moves close to Prudence and nods his willingness to support her. "I think the clerics of Ffloy may have something to say on this matter. If it wasn't for them, your city would be a smoking ruin right now. And those you wish to hang include those who defended your city, for no pay, and no promise of mercy whether they won or lost."
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] d20+10=13 ; d20+10=27 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2016 7:12:46 PM
Pru takes a deep breath. The Why me? in her head is subsiding to a dull whimper.
"Sir," she says. "Let's all strive for calm. The gods are watching what we do; let us not disappoint them." She gestures to the battlefield, where the dead are still being collected. "Surely there has been enough death here today. Must we add to the total? Is that justice? If you hang us all, it will not rebuild your walls. It will not stop the crying of those widowed and orphaned. It will not refill your coffers, or heal the land. It will just be more death.
"You have been wronged. I don't think anyone here would disagree with that. You treated in good faith, and you were cruelly betrayed. The man who betrayed you is now under lock and key. He will face justice. But the man who betrayed you, also betrayed them," she gestures again, this time to the living soldiers going wearily about their task. "He betrayed us. He betrayed his solemn oath, and in so doing, betrayed the gods themselves. We are all here because of his many betrayals.
"Our commanders are dead, or absent, or under arrest. I have precious little authority. But here's what I would like.
"I would like Alithmar's vengeance to be limited to the man responsible, and his close confederates. I would like to see the rest of the Mailed Fist work to repair the damage that has been done here. We are not masons or carpenters, but we can clear away rubble. We are not nursemaids, but if any of the recently orphaned want to find their purpose with us, we will gladly take them in. We are not merchants, but we can and should pay reparations. We are not farmers--well," a wry smile, "not anymore. But we can help clear the land if given direction. We would, of course, have to negotiate the specifics. But does that not sound better than more meaningless death?"
[Diplomacy 27; used a Hero point to re-roll.]
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/21 - HP 41/48 -- CMD 18 Tuesday February 16th, 2016 7:28:21 PM
Anna adds, "I am not a farmer either sir, but I may be able to bestow Eberyon's or Ma'ab's blessing upon the what crops are planted. Just as Eberyon was granted the opportunity to atone for his transgressions instead of being put to death, please allow the Fist to atone for its transgressions instead of being put to death."
Anna holds steady near Pru, ready to defend her new Thumb to the death if need be.
Active effects: Longstrider : 3 hours? (+10 base speed) barkskin 60 min - ? (+3 nat armor) shield of faith 12 - 16 min ? : (+4 deflection) bull's strength -47 rounds + ? (+4 strength) greater magic fang - 6 hours (+1 enhance to all natural attacks) shillelagh - 46 rounds + ? (+1 enhancement bonus; 3d6 damage)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+10, CMD+20 d20+13=23 ; Tuesday February 16th, 2016 7:28:31 PM
Michael, near Pru for this meeting with the Aisildurian delegation, Smiles up at the pretentious mule.
Since Pru is in command, he keeps quiet. but he can almost see the heartseed under the mans tunic.
The hair rises up on the back of his neck and the buzz starts. He begins to reconnoiter the troop arrangement. He said he would be cursed before he let these abominations have any of his men, perhaps what he should have said was that he lay dead on their blood drained corpses before he would let it happen. His hand rests casually on the hilt of his rapier, as his eyes, cold as a sharks, stare at the delegate.
perception 23.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - 14/54 HP - Haste Tuesday February 16th, 2016 9:27:18 PM
Hearing the susurration of tension whispering through the remains of the camp, Thak gribs the hilt of his knife and stands near the entrance to the tent, half-covered by the flaps, ready to defend his prisoner.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+10, CMD+20 Tuesday February 16th, 2016 9:53:51 PM
OH and before we get to meeting, and possibly killing, the Aisildurian reps, Michael supervises the confiscation of all of Unruks and Neutronis equipment. since nobody else was doing it.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP -/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday February 16th, 2016 11:08:07 PM
Nikolai hears the whispers before he himself is addressed. "Explain your actions, Son of the Fist. Did you break Oath to Neutronis? Neutronis did he break Oath to you? Are both guilty?
Nikolai would swallow hard before answering if he could. Or take a deep breath, if he could. But once the question sinks in, his spirit turns red in anger and he blurts out his answer. "I swore an oath to the Mailed Fist. I was assigned to Commander Constance. My Commander disagreed with Commander Neutronis and broke from his command. She in turn gave me and my Fist an assignment to try to stop Neutronis one way or another. I had no Oath to Neutronis once he broke the Mailed Fist Code of Honor. So NO! I broke no Oath, but upheld my Oath to the True Mailed Fist. and YES! Neutrnois did break Oath to me by corrupting his title of Grand Marshal of the Mailed Fist and murdering the messenger for Alithmar as a pretense to justify his military ambitions. I swore an Oath to uphold the Virtues of the Mailed Fist Code of Honor and joined in Alithmar's defense to uphold that Oath. I lived for the Fist and died for the Fist. The True Fist!"
Once he got it all out, he felt better. His speech would look real good on his tombstone. Unfortunately, ghosts can't write these things down on paper to pass it on to his friends.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/21 - HP 41/48 -- CMD 18 Wednesday February 17th, 2016 10:10:45 PM
Anna waits for what the delegation has to say.
(OOC: Checking in b4 bed)
Ffloy Settles His Debts. Wednesday February 17th, 2016 10:13:04 PM
The Alithmar delegation doesn't seem to intent on listening to Prudence. They take what they assume to be an excuse or shouldering of blame, and prepare to write her off.
Then she speaks. Quiet, humble, prudent Prudence explains the situation, and the pompous men from an indifferent empire shaped on the eschewing of emotion for smothering peace... they stop and listen. What Prudence had to say did not take long, but it made an apparent mark upon the mens judgement. With a request for an audience with Uriah and the town leadership, they leave.
The day moves quickly. After a time, members of town guard and regimental leadership relieve the Fist Members of their posts. Soldiers are arranged, but not buried, at the request of Uriah. A sending spell is sent to Constance Palance, by none less than Pavillion Neutronis.
Hours later, near nightfall, Knight Captain Palance is walking the fallen walls of Alithmar. She gather Thak, Anna, Prudence, Tinker, Michael and Trayvin in a tent she now claims as her own. Upon meeting, she is generous with her praise.
"Your actions, and those of your fallen brethren, are perhaps the single thread by which the Mailed Fist now hangs. You have likely saved the lives of thousands of the Fist, who in all likely hood would have been assaulted by Aisildurian regiments inside of their Citadels.
The clerics of Ffloy and Alithmar have nearly finished their negotiations, and we have lost much. The Mailed Fist will no longer be an army in it's own right. Each Regiment must disband, and may keep no more than one hundred operatives in any one region. Several citadels will be dismantled, including those of the Tiger and the Bear. Our revenue and power will greatly diminsih, and we must pay reparations forever, on the anniversary of the attack, in the same amount that we were to be paid for our maneuvers. Instead, the Fist will focus on maintaining small units of elite men and women, and even offer our training to members at large, a new program for us. We still have a lot of experience to offer, we may as well charge for it."
She pauses, appearing to run some numbers in her head.
"Neutronis will be hung at dawn, along with every officer who has had personal knowledge of our betrayal to these people. Neutronis gave no names, but apparently F'floy has been watching this situation, and no help was needed from the former Grand Marshal." Constance shudders. "I'm not comfortable with the thought of a God monitoring everything we do, but it makes sense he would. Many of our soldiers have always prayed to him for guidance."
She sighs and motions for you to stand at ease.
"I have been asked to replace Neutronis as Grand Marshal. I have refused. The Citadel is my home, and there I will stay as it's Knight Captain. Instead, Knight Captain Merina Swain, will take his place. She has a head for secrecy and subterfuge, and should fit nicely into the slot left by Pavillion."
She offers some papers to each member, including one she hands to Prudence with Nikolai's name.
"Promotions, for each of you. Thak and Anna have been officially moved into our camp, even though we are no longer a Regiment, we will keep the moniker of Wolf Company. You also have letters of retention, though you may refuse them. We are drawing down by close to 85% of our current force numbers. Only a select few may stay."
She smiles. "Congratulations, Sergeants." Her smile fades a little as she looks at Nikolai's papers. We are working to get a Cleric on his resurrection. It's a shame he won't be there to see Pavillion hang."
-----------------------------------------------
Constance Palance was very rarely wrong. It was just that sometimes, her information was dated.
Dusk comes, and the sky is blood red. The questions and whispers have probed for hours. Not just for Nikolai, but for all the spirits still tethered to the battle. Grueling questions, dissecting the minutia of every decision that led them to this moment. After hours of questioning, the first tether breaks. It snaps on an old soldier, one who was quick to change sides multiple times in the battle, whenever it seemed one side or the other was close to victory. Screaming, he is pulled into a massive dark void in the middle of the sky. One by one, tethers snap. Only after dozens of men are sent screaming into the dark, does one constrict, yanking the spirit of a Alithmar defender back into his body.
Nikolai waits, and finally the voices answer.
"You have been found true to your contracts and deeds. Innocent of breaking oaths! True to word and deed! Remember this, Ffloy has many followers among those who live by the word of the script. The holy contract! Do not break thy bond to him, though you do not recognize it's lien against your ilk! Those who know the fate that awaits are punished worse than the ignorant. Interest will be collected, should you be found in default!"
With a sickening pull, Nikolai careens towards his body, and in a sudden gasp, is awake and alive once more, aware of the cries of alarm from the living, as those who were dead join them again!
Constance Palance, in the tent, is still lamenting that Nikolai will miss the hanging of former Grand Marshall Pavillion Neutronis. Constance was rarely wrong, and tonight, her information was certainly dated. Nikolai would miss nothing.
------------------------------------
Inside the tent, the Agents hear the yells of joy and alarm as comrades rise again.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] Wednesday February 17th, 2016 10:57:22 PM
"Thank you, ma'am," Prudence manages to choke out as she receives her own papers and Nikolai's. She's not sure what to do with his, but she's not going to give them up.
When the shouts and cries start up, she turns toward them. "Oh, no," she says. "Not more bad news."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP -/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday February 18th, 2016 1:19:39 AM
Nikolai could watch what was going on but not hear. It was very annoying. He puzzled as to why they were all still tethered to the Wold. From the question he received it appeared that Ffloy was doing his own Judgement before sending them on to Gargul. The god of the Dead would then dispatch them to their final resting place, or unresting place, according to that Judgement.
He felt confident Justice would be served in each case and if the god was truly watching, would have no doubt of his innocence in this matter. So, when the tethered finally broke, he fully expected to be sent to Alemi's court. It was a shock to wake up gasping and feeling true pain again. He ached all over and tasted blood in his mouth. This was NOT what a spirit should feel!
He sat up and looked around. There were others doing the same. Not many, but enough that the soldiers looking after the dead were in an uproar. A thought suddenly occurred to him. Could they be thinking that we are returning as Undead?
"Don't be afraid! Ffloy has seen to it that we return. Alive and well I might add!" he blurts out. Zombies don't tend to speak coherently so he hoped that would be enough to dispel any fears of an Undead horde about to attack.
OOC: are we back fully healed?
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - 14/54 HP - Haste Thursday February 18th, 2016 8:31:00 AM
Thak salutes. "My honor, ma'am. I'll take t'retention; though 'n a month or two when all's calm, would 'ppreciate a meeting to discuss some leave."
------------------------------
Keeping to his chosen guardpost outside Neutronis' cells, Thak listens from afar to the cries of the risen dead. He wonders if they give Neutronis comfort. He wonders if anything does.
He begins picking out a spot to watch the hanging.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+10, CMD+20 Thursday February 18th, 2016 12:12:58 PM
Michael is distraught and relieved at his Knight Captains words. The Fist will remain, his home at least is secure. When the yells of alarm ring out Michael is out of the tent like a shot! He sees the bodies of the men newly slain rising from the ground and after a moments pause he heads for the body of his Sargent..Nikolai.
He hears him before he see him and a smile of childhood glee comes over him. He finds him standing and still rubbing at the spot where Neutronis blade pierced his chest.
He pulls up, resisting the urge to hug the half elf around the legs, and stands at attention while rendering a crisp salute. Officer on Deck! Sargent Michael Wittman reporting for Duty Sir! Good to have you back Lieutenant Komanov. I think the rest of the Crew and the Knight Captain Palance would like to see you!
the feeling overwhelms him and he loses all composure to a laugh that begins as a giggle and works it's way into a full on fit, eventually dissolving into the tears he has left un shed, for all that was worked for, all that was lost and all that was saved.
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/21 - HP 41/48 -- CMD 18 Thursday February 18th, 2016 2:31:03 PM
Anna says to Pallance, "Thank you ma'am. I would like to stay on as an Agent. I may have to consult my deities though as to how I can best support operations moving forward. I had an interesting dream. Queen Ma'ab visited me and she offered to give a gift, but it will change the nature of what I can do. I am inclined to accept her offer, but I wanted to give the Fist a heads up, first."
Anna is overjoyed to have Nikolai back from the dead, she had already rehearsed what she would tell Gargul when they petitioned the Lord of Death for their friend's return.
She goes to her returned Thumb,snaps a salute and says, "I'm sorry I failed you sir. I didn't take into account all possible actions I had available. I knew he was heavily armored and my attack was useless against him, but I probably could have distracted him enough to allow you to dodge his sword. I will be more mindful in future battles. Had I not gone for the glory perhaps you needn't have died. I will try to look for the best strategic option moving forward."
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 25/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday February 18th, 2016 4:52:43 PM
Tinker is secretly glad the Angry Alisdurians are mollified by Prudence. "A honey tongue you have, for all that it was the bare truth", he tells Prudence. The dwarf knows he wouldn't have done half so well. The rest of the day is with Prudence, and the sudden appearance of Captain Constance Palance is not much of a surprise. Though falling asleep on his feet, Tinker stays with the others to listen and receive the letters of retention.
This maker looks at the letter unopened and tries to understand what the Captain is saying. "Sorry, ma'am, but are you saying we of the Agents are free-lance now? You aren't keeping us on?"
Like a punch-drunk fighter who only looks where the last hit came from, Tinker turns at the sound of alarmed shouts. He passes the tent flap and then just stares. In an unbelieving tone, he shouts to those still in the tent. "Some of the dead, they are sitting up, alive again! And... And one of em is Nikolai!"
Weariness forgotten, he joins in the general celebration and the more personal one with the Agents' Thumb, Nikolai Komonov.
Trayvin AC 21/12touch Hp 59/59 Thursday February 18th, 2016 10:52:15 PM
Trayvin goes to check on those who have been returned by Ffloy. He is glad to see that Nikolai is among them. "Welcome back. And here I thought we were going to have to argue on your behalf with Gargul. Personally, I'm glad we didn't have to, he can be tempermental. It looks like the Fist is going to survive this, but it won't be the same as it was."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 23 Ffted 20 HP -/38 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Friday February 19th, 2016 1:02:47 AM
OOC: checking in.
Nikolai does not hesitate once his friends give their salute and report. He give them a big Group Hug!
Ffloy Settles His Debts. Friday February 19th, 2016 1:05:46 AM
Trayvin was more correct than he could know, and the first change came at dawn. But first, Palance explained herself again to Tinker.
"No. I am offering you the first contracts among a few. If you wish to stay with the Fist, you will remain as Agents. The designation won't have as much meaning, other than a testament to your pedigree of training and success. We won't have the manpower we did before, so all units will likely be mixed types like yours from here on out. You don't have to stay, but if you do, I'm recommending you all stay with me in Wolf Regime.. well.. Wolf Company, at The Citadel."
Thousands of men, arranged from both sides of the field, stood at attention as Constance Palance, Merina Swain, Uriah of Ffloy, and an Aisildurian general walked solemnly towards the large wooden gallows that had been constructed overnight.
Pavillion Neutronis, his generals, and his officers found guilty of conspiracy waiting with sack-cloths over their heads, already paired with nooses. The gallows was constructed over the deepest of the rifts gouged into the ground, wide enough to simultaniously hang 16 officers of the Fist.
Merina Swain was a pretty woman. Jet black hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. She is short, and dressed in a fitted officers uniform, wearing the silver sash of the Grand Marshall. Walking a step in front of the others, she carries an old dirk in her hand.
"Pavilion Neutronis. You and your officers have been found guilty. Guilty of murder, guilty of treason, guilty of war crimes, guilty of misappropriation of Fist funds, guilty of basically every offense we can find you guilty of. Today, you are called to account for the loss of too much life. You are called to account for the destruction of our Mailed Fist, and called to account for the deaths of your co-conspirators, who are guilty of a crime they would not have fathomed without you."
She looks at those gathered, then nods to the noose-man, who begins fitting ropes over the necks of the arrayed men. He nods to Merina, who crosses to him and begins to check them herself.
She goes through the names, checking each man or womans noose, then makes it to Neutronis. She adjusts the back of his briefly, then continues.
"Former Grand Marshal Pavillion Neutronis. Guilty. Sentence: Death."
A muffled reply comes from beneath his mask, and she shakes her head sadly.
"No Pavillion. You've lost the right to speak to anyone here as a superior."
Walking to the edge of the Gallows, she cuts the support rope, and the floor takes a sixty foot fall, and 16 bodies snap to the ends of their line. Fifteen of sixteen nooses function correctly, snapping the necks of their charges. The sixteenth, that of Pavillion, jostles and kicks like a dragon has been caught on a fishing line.
Pavillion struggles with his noose, kicking and spinning, hacking for breath and flinging spittle from his lips. Gasping sobs for air echo over the chamber of Ffloy's justice. Hushed gasps race through the onlookers. Merina Swain points angrily at the Noose-man.
"Fix this!", she commands. But there is nothing he can do, the chasm is too wide.
Only after the sharp sound of a crossbow clacking, does Neutronis stop his struggle to die. A bolt juts through his heart, placed expertly by Knight Captain Constance Palance. She glares at Merina, who regards her cooly, before turning on a heel and departing with her guards.
Uriah steps forward with his priests, and finishes a prayer. The chasm stretches wider for just a brief moment, and the constructed gallows and hung traitors fall into the gap below. Then, with a gesture, all the rends in the land are healed, sealing Neutronis and his co-conspirators in an earthy tomb.
-----------
End of Module!
All Agents, up to level 7!
As reward for capturing Neutronis, Palance awards you both he and Unruks gear!
The following is a list of loot you recover.
Pavillions Gear.
+2 Bastard Sword +1 Vicious Lance +1 Mithril Chainmail The Lion Shield (Specific Item) Amutlet of Natural Armor +1 Cloak of Resistance +2 Ring of Protection +1
Unruk's Gear
+2 Greataxe +1 Breastplate
Other Treasure
Pavillion's Battle Standard (Might have some value to a collector) Pavillion's Lucky Ring (1000 gp value) Unruk's Battle Standard (Might have some value to a collector)
12,000 in coin
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 25/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday February 19th, 2016 5:39:41 AM
Tinker has see death in the heat of combat and the slow death from that year illness ran through the streets of his hometown. He has seen punishment in the harsh school of Fist training with public beatings and other measures, so he forces himself to stay stoic at the very public end of the leaders of the conspiracy.
When Nutronis' noise doesn't work right, Tinker moves, unslinging his crossbow, but Captain Palance is faster, almost as if she were expecting ... Nah, Couldn't be.
Afterwards,he sits with his battle mates, and he comes to realize, friends, around a small fire and picking at what should be lunch. The rewards before them, Nikolai beside them, and a decision awaiting them that seems harder than it should be. "So... Agents or Freelance?"
Anna Morphe (Hugh C) -- AC 24/17/21 - HP 41/48 -- CMD 18 Friday February 19th, 2016 2:24:33 PM
"I'd like to remain an agent, but I need to seal my deal with Ma'ab first. I would have to imagine that I will probably be a little different after I accept her gift." Anna says.
"Are we still looking to recruit those hungry griffons to our cause? Would those be allowed in the restructuring of the Fist following the agreements after what transpired here or would Griffons be considered living weapons of mass destruction?" Anna asks.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+10, CMD+20 Friday February 19th, 2016 5:23:40 PM The Fist is my home, but you guys are my family. I'd like to stay, I feel that Captain Palance will need us going forward, What remains of the Fist will need good men to keep her afloat and bring back our good name. Speaking of Palance, I need to go speak to her.
Michael throws the remains of his beer in the fire, dusts off his pants and walks toward the Knight Captains tent. He approaches the night guard and expresses his wish to talk to his Commanding officer.
once he is allowed entrance he stands at attention before his Captain and renders a crisp salute.
Sargent Michael Wittman, Utilizing the Open Door policy Ma'am, I have a couple of things that may be of interest to the Fist and may help us head off future trouble. I would have brought them to your attention during the meeting earlier but...well when Lieutenant Komonov came back...things got pushed to the back.
[b]1st off ma'am. As we were travelling, I guess we were about a good 2 days from Delume, we were engaged by a pride of Griffons. My Mule was killed in the engagement, but they weren't after us, they were starving. once my mule was down they backed off and simply waited for us to leave. I'd like to try and recruit the pride to The Fist. If we are going to start emphasizing Quality over Quantity in this outfit I think that having some Griffon mounts would be a great benefit to the organization. So I'm asking if you think it might be a good idea, I'm sure we could do it. It would be kind of nice to do something to help build the fist up...instead of...well...you know...
2nd order of business Ma'am. Pavillion was the worst thing that ever happened to this organization, but he was trying to fix a problem that is kind of the 900 lb Ogre in the room. We don't have a home. We are a family in a lot of ways. shoot, The Fist is my family. But we exist at the suffrage of other nations. We are beholding to their laws, by fist code. and should they have no need of us we are dumped out like yesterdays trash. It may be closing the barn door after the horses get loose, but I think there is an answer to this dilemma, and I think it may involve..Cthonia. It has no central government. it's wide open but it has seas on each side, it's slap dab between The Float and Plateau City. It's Dangerous, yes. but there is a steady income to be made guarding the Trade route. If we want to be a Lean and Mean fighting force, I'm thinking that it will offer massive opportunities for "good training? Lots of wild beasts. Mesas, so we could train up mountain troops, sea and ocean access as well as river access, so we can raise up a salt and freshwater navy. More importantly...it puts us in a place where we are beholding to no one. it's a place where old soldiers can come to retire. New solders can be vetted and we will finally have a home. and...well you are Calvary...can't you just see the awesomeness of company of lancers on triceratops! I'm certain that we will find other things to help us while we are there. That's all Ma'am, I just thought I'd give you some ideas. We'er gonna need a lot of ideas if the Fist is going to survive this fiasco.
If the Captain has any questions Micheal answers them with honesty and alacrity. Once done he takes his leave with her permission.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 51/51] [Mage Armor] Friday February 19th, 2016 10:37:13 PM
When Nikolai returns, Pru hugs him back, tears running down her face. In fact, it takes her a while to let go.
She really, really doesn't want to attend the executions, but realizes she has to. For a few terrifying hours, she had been in charge of the Fist here, and people know who she is. Her absence would be noticable, and remarked upon. So she goes, and stands where she's told, flinching as the trapdoors open and the nooses snap tight.
"Oh no," she breathes as Neutronis begins to struggle. She takes an involuntary step forward, but he is out of range of most of her spells, and she doubts that she could do enough damage to put him out of his misery anyway. Fortunately, Knight-Captain Palance is able to handle the situation.
Knees trembling, Pru finds a quiet place to sit down for a moment.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF15 (ucdodge) HP43/43 Me+11(4), R+11, CMB+10, CMD+20 Saturday February 20th, 2016 12:43:00 AM
Once Michael gets back from his conversation with his Captain, He sets around the fire and enjoys the companionship of his brothers and sister of The Fist.
The Wold has changed, profoundly, and in a way that he cannot fully comprehend. As the night wears on they talk of adventures past, and offer toast to absent companions: Jasper Steelfist (the dwarf, the legend), Bliss(a tiny and odd little halfling), Cameron Honeytamer Steelshaper(too chaotic for the fist, but a good Halfling in a fight) Carver(you should have seen that big centaur use a lance and eat! man could he eat!), Linden Braeburr (Duuude, thats like..not cool...LOL), Braugh Stormbringer(remember when he fought those Skrags in nothing but his underwear!), William the Courageous (Domi I miss that crotchety old fart), Zieluviet lezerth (Man could he build a good bow..Hey! he still owes me one!). Hope Sinclare (Where in the name of Gargul did she go off to?
They talk long into the night, about the Gnoll female and her pups. Gnarlfang: (who was he and where is his treasure now? ) Sgt Timmerik (that man cuts a fine figure of a soldier) Cedric (that old coot has seen a lot, those undead were something though.) Guy the lady with the frying pan (SPLAT! crushed that zombies head like a melon!) Ezra Ian Those Gods cursed Panthenonians (I hate those guys! ) a story teller they met in a tavern somewhere, he told the most amazing stories, What was his name again? Ah yes...it was Ken...Ken Eubanks, perhaps we will meet him again someday. and many others.
The Night wears on, but nobody really wants to be the first to breaks the spell. The morrow may hold danger and ruin for them all but right now...it's good to just sit and talk about old times, old friends and
absent companions.
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 17 - 14/54 HP - Haste Saturday February 20th, 2016 10:00:32 AM
Thak grits his teeth and fingers his knife as Palance fires her weapon; but eventually it subsides. This is his home, now.
After it all, he joins in on the fire, raising his tankard when appropriate and commenting on tales of battlefield heroism when necessary. He shirks a little praise, but not very much. He smiles, and doesn't think of his father.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 17 Ffted 14 HP 53/53 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Saturday February 20th, 2016 1:23:54 PM
OOC: Placer post with new Hps so I don't forget!
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP52/52 Me+11(7)9 for TW, R+11, CMB+10, CMD+21 Saturday February 20th, 2016 9:41:53 PM
OOC: here is my placer post as well.
AC 24 T 20 F17 CMD 24 (28 v Bull Rush or Trip); HP 25/45 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday February 21st, 2016 10:05:33 AM
Tinker joins in with the storytelling, remembering Agents past, and people and situations. "Hey, remember that dream with helping the little guy from the Sargrass? The Manfri, and how he wants chocolate from Weeding City so bad he'll give us each a Steelgrass item of our choice. Prudence still has the whistle", he ends consideringly...
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 - HP 49/49 -- CMD 15 Sunday February 21st, 2016 2:00:33 PM
When Anna goes to bed, she is visited by Ma'ab in her dream. She takes Ma'ab up on her offer to become a Morphling, shaking the fey queen's hand.
All of a sudden string starts shooting out of her mouth and she crafts a cocoon around herself.
The next morning when she wakes up she finds herself literally inside a cocoon hanging from a tree. She frees herself from a cocoon and emerges different.
Anna emerges, her muscles not as bulky as they were when she was a druidess, although she finds herself smarter, and less wise. However, she looks more beautiful than she had previously and is wearing mithril full plate.
"I have accepted Queen Ma'ab's offer. I won't be able to change my form for as long as I used to and some of my forms will be more limited but I can do somethings I previously couldn't and there are some things that I could do previously that I can't anymore. I can't cast spells anymore, but Ma'ab allows me to use some magic."
She also has a fine darkwood guitar strapped to her back.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 17 Tch 17 Ffted 14 HP 53/53 CMD 26/28(Grapple) Sunday February 21st, 2016 9:31:48 PM
Nikolai hangs on to Pru as long as she lets him. Her tears bring a tear to his eyes also, but is was also tears of pride. He watched Nikolai's Fist become Pru's Fist and how they took command and kept a dicey situation from rolling a 1 and coming up with a 20.
He watches the execution with only a hint of remorse. As each one drops he ponders at what point did Neutronis start to have his ambitions? Was it always there? Was it something that simply grew as he grew in power? Maybe the burdens of his position just messed his brain up? He knew that kings and queens can be crazy but that's usually due to ... same thing? Power?
After the execution is over, he approaches Commander Constance aside and asks, "Pru was promoted to Thumb. My return to the living should not change that. She earned the position and no one really could know that I was to return to the Living. She should keep it. I will gladly abide to whatever decision you make on this matter."
Nikolai reminisces with his friends over the campfire, bringing up one little detail or another of their adventures. He comments on how each foe they met they tried to be fair and just, except for the undead, of course. "All that may have been the gods preparing us for this moment. If we had been ruthless during those times, things may not have turned out as well here."
He does worry about their future a little bit. "The Mailed Fist needs steadfast loyal members. Leaders. I see that we are needed as much now to keep things in order and give examples as ever before. My vote is to stay with Commander Constance and give her our support now just as we did when all this started. It would be a big moral crusher if we decided to go freelance."
Nikolai is impressed by Anna's change but does not really understand what the differences will be. The cocoon was weird though. Had he not seen when it all started he'd have been compelled to cut it open to save her. That would have been awful! Good thing she gave some warning as it started to happen!
To answer Tinker's suggestion, he says, "Well, we can't put it off forever. It would be a good diversion for us after all that happened here. It's a group vote, though. What do you guys think? Go for the chocolate now or hold off on that for later?"
Thak Val Zsing (Lewis) - AC 16 - 64/64 HP Monday February 22nd, 2016 1:25:27 AM
Thak works to buoy the Fist's spirits with some drill practice, taking the survivors through practice combat and combination-drills; the thud of blunted wood on cloth and armor rings out from the field again and again. Breathing hard, he finds his stubby dwarven frame extending to new heights of flexibility, landing blows one foes thought long gone and safe.
Come the cocoon, he watches the transformation suspiciously, even as he feels his own fey touch growing from his proximity to the change. The nature of his connection, he muses- competitive, not cooperative.
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