Come Together... Next Scene (DM Mstitt) Tuesday May 24th, 2016 9:15:05 PM Micah sadly reflects on his lost friend. He tells the group that they are at the right place if they want to investigate the Hands. K worries about being so tiny but it’s also true that everyone else is now tiny. He wonders about the luck of finding the girl. With the symbol of Flower on his chest he walks up to one of the Elf ear vendors and finds a confectionary delight shaped like an elf’s ear. The vendor is pleasant enough and really busy. Martisan stares wide-eyed as the wold changed. She advises that the group should take care to search for information. She warns that they need to be careful. Stohp is apprehensive till the world reappears. The event pulls a laugh from the large centaur then looks for a guide. Avril follows you inside. Zanderallen growls and the transfer puts him into a bit of a haze longer than the rest. Maybe it’s the thoughts of old friends that has him distracted?
As you get closer the entrances tower above you. The vendors line up to each side. “We have hot meat here. On a stick, not on a stick.. Buy one!” Shouted one vendor. “Dried potatoes in a bag!” Shouted another . Outside of the vendors are ,well-made, rolling structures. Along the top of the structure it says “BETS” You find a couple Caeroldra guards standing in front of one of the structures talking to another guard. Hands of Love clerics stand within the entrance. They are dressed in purple, head to toe. They wear the goddess Caeroldra’s symbol on their chest and smile as they hand out small scrolls. “Love without passion is flat,” one of the clerics is heard saying as he passes a scroll to a centaur that seems less than interested.
(OOC: What would you like to do? Talk to Avril? - She may have more information. Get something to eat and run into the guards? Go inside the stadium, talking to the Hands of Love clerics as you go.)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+7=24 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2016 10:13:09 PM
Micah nods agreement with Martisan's suggestion to observe before acting.
At the call of dried potatoes in a bag, he must know more. "Are they any good?" he asks of the vendor, hoping to get a sample. Assuming he does and they are, he will haggle a price and get a bag to share with the others as he rejoins them. [Diplomacy 24 to negotiate price]
He furtively places his hand on K's arm as the approach the Caeroldra guards. He grits his teeth himself at their misguided words.
"Avril," he asks quietly, "Why is Caeroldra so strong here? What more they are up to?" He pauses to look around. "This is quite the operation. I find it unlikely that this is only about gambling profit. Do you have any suspicions as to what is really going on here?"
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 Wednesday May 25th, 2016 1:41:46 PM "An unjust gambling profit, while spreading their message of passion. Which of course serves to further their profits." Martisan whispers with a shrug as they approach the priests. "Seems like a pretty good racket to me." She laughs softly "But I'd be surprised myself if that was their only game here. Perhaps the Octopus Gardens are housing the Hands' preparations for their 'big event' on Mask day?"
Taking a scroll from the clerics of Caeroldra, Martisan examines the paper before turning to Avril. "Eldrich mentioned a 'Turtlebrook' in the note he left for us. Said that's the guy been feeding Matheus' gambling addiction. Operates out of the Gardens here. I think you mentioned his name back outside Professor Nightshade's - do you know where we can find him?"
Speaking again to her friends, Martisan waves toward the Caeroldra guards standing by the stadium entrance. "We know what she looks like, and who she's hanging out with, but we still need a plan to find the alchemist's daughter. We could talk to those guards, or wander about looking for the girl, but I think it's best if we meet with Matheus' bookie sooner than later - you don't need to read anyone's fortune to know that the Jack Trippers coming back empty handed means the old man's trouble isn't over. If we're lucky, we'll see Briselda on the way. If not, at least we have something solid to act on, and maybe the money lender will give us an idea as to the Hands' true motivations here."
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Wednesday May 25th, 2016 3:56:17 PM
K munches on the pastry, glad they're not actually serving elf ears. All this subterfuge hurt his head, and he was starting to realize that a single-minded focus on finding Briselda may not work in his favor.
"Ok," he says to no one in particular. "I'm not really sure where we should start, but Martisan seems to know what she's doing." He turns towards the halfling. "I'm good with letting you make the call. What's our next move?"
Stohp wanders through the vendors, looking with great interest at everything but not buying anything yet. Upon spotting the Caeroldra guards and clerics she approaches beaming. Seizing their hands one by one she shakes them profusesly, expounding "Ah the Hands of Love! I've heard much about you! Good and bad I'm afraid!"
Laughing she and chatting energetically, she tries to make friends with them for a moment (diplomacy 21 to make friends) before telling them, "This is my first time here so I'm afraid I'm rather lost. Tell me, could you or one of your associates show me around? I'd also like to learn more about your group! Caeroldra sounds fascinating and I might be convinced to contribute to the cause!" (bluff 22).
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Wednesday May 25th, 2016 9:52:35 PM
Micah waits patiently in line for the dried potatoes, keeping an eye open for Briselda or Maltheus.
He gestures assent with a nod of his head at Martisan's suggestion in agreement with K.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+9=12 ; d20+3=10 ; Wednesday May 25th, 2016 10:10:26 PM
Zanderallen decides a direct approach might be the quickest and putting on his best smile he marches up to one of the group's of Caeroldra guards, hopefully ones just distracted by the very boisterous Minotaur and asks, "I'm looking for an acquaintance of mine. Just met her the other day but I remembered that she was wearing a badge like your's. Do any of you happen to know where I might find Brizzie?" I'd really appreciate it if you could direct me to her."
(Diplomacy 12, not directly lying but bluff 10)
I Saw Her Standing There (DM Mstitt) d20=14 ; d20=14 ; d20=7 ; Wednesday May 25th, 2016 10:53:48 PM
“Oh, these are good,” confirms the vendor as he scrubs a curly beard with his fingers. “Best in the Float.” (Appraise for Barter: 14 ) Micah barters for a bag of dried potatoes. (Diplomacy: 24) "I'll take a single gold piece. No need to barter. Easy peasy" He then asks Avril about Caerolda’s influence. Avril responds to both Micah and Martisans question, “Caerolda’s influence has been around for a while. The Hands of Love have a powerful message, lately. They are not a bad group completely. I think the leadership is a bit corrupt. As for the games and the gambling, it comes and goes. Perception +15: Highlight to display spoiler: {Octopus Gardens is run by Earon Turtlebook. The Turtlebooks run a pretty tight ship here. Strict rules for sponsoring the games.”} The clerics are happy to offer the scroll adding, “Put passion back in your life. It’s all inside the scroll.” Perception +12 Highlight to display spoiler: {“Earon Turtlebook can be found in the director's suite. He is an old man and not likely the man you are looking for. His brother is likely the bookie your are looking for. He is usually hustling someone around here.”} Martisan then asks if they have a plan? K enjoys the Elf ear and tries to relax. He waits on Martisan to make a plan. Stohp dressed as a large minotaur wanders through the vendors. His presents sets smaller creatures back a bit. Many too afraid to approach. She seizes the hands of the Caerolda guards. The two guards hiss. Their green scaled skin shook… but after some adjustment the two nagaji guards smiled. “Hands of Love,” replied the first guard. “We are not Hands of Love. We police the neighborhood under the guidance of our goddess Caerolda. We are passionate about law and order…” “...and luck,” joked the other guard. “Yeah, Geranis, your right and luck.”
Micah waits for his dried potatoes watching for anyone familier. Zanderallen matches up to the guards after Stohp. (Sense Motive: 14) The one called Geranis smacks the other one and nods suspiciously. “Brizzie, I know a Brizzie,” said the other guard. We can take you to her. “Is it only you two looking for her?” He looks a bit guilty and looks around but is convinced he sees no one. (Bluff: 7)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+7=25 ; d20+9=23 ; d20+3=8 ; Thursday May 26th, 2016 1:50:15 PM
Zander sees straight through the guard and realizes something is up (Sense Motive 25). "Well I'm here with some friends to see the gardens, finding Brizzie was just something I'd thought I'd do while I was here. You couldn't just tell me where she probably is could you? So I could look for her later." (Diplomacy 23, Bluff 8)
Zander makes sure he is positioned so the two guards can't box in him if they were to get a little too passionate about taking him to see Brizzie.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Thursday May 26th, 2016 5:55:28 PM
At the mention of "you two" Stohp looks about and notices Zanderallen. "Oh I'm not with him, I was just wondering if one of you fine fellows could show me around the place and tell me more of your goddess. If this Brizzy could do that then I can go see her I suppose, wouldn't want to take you away from your post. Anyone will do really."
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+11=24 ; Thursday May 26th, 2016 7:17:05 PM
Picking up Zander and Stohp's conversation with the guards, Martisan smiles faintly as she looks about for a self-important-looking bookie trying to hustle anybody (Perception 24). "Well, if the bookie's trying to talk folks into betting more, he's probably by the betting counter or watching the races." She says softly to Micah and K. "Zander and Stohp seem to be making headway taking the.. er... direct approach in our search for Briselda." She nods discretely toward their companions attempting to bluff the guards. "I'm gonna take a stroll, put a little money on the races, and see if I cant find this bookie."
With that, the halfling jaunts over to the the betting place and smiles up at the person taking bets. "Two gold pieces on the prettiest turtle!" She states happily, placing her coins on the counter.
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Thursday May 26th, 2016 9:19:21 PM
K looks around to see if there's a viewing area to watch the races. If so, he settles in to watch the races & scans the crowd looking for anyone resembling Briselda.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20=16 ; d20+3=22 ; Thursday May 26th, 2016 11:09:24 PM
Micah takes his bag of potatoes and shares with K, choosing to join him in the wait and watch approach with him and seeing how the other's fare in there attempts.
[both checks are for perception, though I can't read spoilers on my phone]
I Am the Walrus (DM Mstitt) d20=2 ; Friday May 27th, 2016 9:17:08 PM
(OOC: Sorry guys about yesterday. ) Zanderallen senses the guards are being dishonest. "Well I'm here with some friends to see the gardens, finding Brizzie was just something I'd thought I'd do while I was here. You couldn't just tell me where she probably is could you? So I could look for her later." The guards began to get a bit antsy and they look to Stohp to confirm.
"Oh I'm not with him,” Stohp says. “I was just wondering if one of you fine fellows could show me around the place and tell me more of your goddess. If this Brizzy could do that then I can go see her I suppose, wouldn't want to take you away from your post. Anyone will do really."
We could still show you. It’s just around the corner. The two naga guards begin to walk away, encouraging both to follow.
Martisan watches from a distance. She sees that the guards are acting a bit weird. She ultimately decides to head into the stadium. A couple vendors down is a greyish counter. A gruff-looking goblin stands, angry at the world. "Two gold pieces on the prettiest turtle!" She states happily, placing her coins on the counter. “The prettiest turtle, come on lady. Do I look like a fashion photographer?” He then points to a list of racers above him. Martisan Perception: 15+ Highlight to display spoiler: { The list goes from left to right with the name of the turtle first followed by the goblin rider and that riders offensive spell. 1.(Blue) - # 05 - Sandy - with Goblin rider/Fireball 2. (Yellow) - #22 - Burt - with Goblin rider/Summon Bees 3. (Red) - 31 - Michel-a-turtlo - with Goblin rider/cause Panic 4. (Green) - 12 - Basketcase - with Goblin rider/ Dismount rider 5. (White) - 01 - Don-a-turtle - with Goblin rider/ Slow }
K steps into the stadium. The Hands of Love ask him if he would like to take a quick survey to measure his passion for life. Other patrons pass him and disappear into a cave-like structure. Once you pass that structure you can see a small open door on the other end with sunlight flooding through. Micah enjoys his bag of potatoes and shares the bag with K. He watches Zander and Stohp talke to the guards. Martisan standing at the betting vendor and [K] checking out the stadium.
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Saturday May 28th, 2016 12:16:01 PM Don't do anything stupid, K.
...
K, don't do anything stupid.
...
K,
"I have a passion for beating on short-sighted idiots. It's something I enjoy immensely. Lady Flower, however, frowns upon me acting on it without good reason. Consider yourselves lucky."
Sigh...
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+11=15 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+3=9 ; Sunday May 29th, 2016 3:57:05 PM
Martisan squints up at the sign for a moment (Perception 15). "Hmm... well, then, let's put two gold pieces on number twelve. Green is the prettiest color, after all." She gives the unpleasant goblin attendant a big wink, with a twinkle in her bright green eyes.
Seeing the odd-acting, reptilian guards move off, with an apparent invitation for Stohp and Zander to follow, Martisan does her best to quietly cast a spell as she moves away from the counter. Standing by the vendors, appearing to peruse their goods (Bluff 9 [untrained]), the halfling casts her spell, discretely pointing at Zanderallen and Micah [Slight of Hand 16 (untrained) to cast Message - Targets can hear whispered messages & whisper back replies. DC 25 Perception to eavesdrop on messages. 120ft range.] She mouths the words "Zander's got a lead on Brizzie. Following some weird acting guards. Take care, keep us updated." Which whispers into the ears of the two followers of Domi.
She gives the potato bag man a gold piece for some chips and heads back to the goblin clerk taking bets. "How long until the next race starts?" She asks.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury Monday May 30th, 2016 1:23:33 AM "Well if it's that close, why not. My friends can follow along. And if Brizzie can show the big fellow around I guess he can come too."
Zanderallen motions to Micah to follow him and heads after the naga guards.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 Monday May 30th, 2016 3:11:51 PM "Something is up," whispers Micah to K, "Zanderallen may be on to something--and it involves some Hand guards." He tugs on K for emphasis and heads toward Zanderallen while continuing to share the potatoes.
Domi guide and guard us, he prays silently, consciously checking his hammer in his belt as he walk toward the paladin and the guards.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Monday May 30th, 2016 8:13:26 PM
Stohp notes the others gathering to follow the guards to Brizzie and decides that, as soon as they find her, she'll make her excuses and go elsewhere. The whole point of a disguise is so she can gather information that the Hands wouldn't share with the Silver Shields; she doesn't want to be associated with them in the Hand's minds.
Help! (DM Mstitt) d10=10 ; d20+4=13 ; Monday May 30th, 2016 8:34:12 PM K reminds himself to be calm shouts at the Hands of Love clerics. The clerics step back a ways and allow K to walk past. Martisan puts 2 gold pieces on number 12. “Two gold pieces on Basketcase. Thank you.” The grumpy goblin takes the coins and places them in a drawer. He then hands Martisan a ticket and asks if she would like to bet on another. Martisan casts a spell and sends a message to Zanderallen and Micah One of the guards spots the action and alerts his friend. (Sense motive: 13) Perception: 14+ Highlight to display spoiler: { The guards begin whispering among either other. They then speed up the pace and stop urging Stohp and Zanderallen to follow. The two guards disappear behind a vendor cart and into a vaulted doorway. } Zanderallen agrees to follow and is close behind the other two guards as they disappear. Micah OOC: (K and Micah Do you catch the whisper?) Perception +15 Highlight to display spoiler: {"Something is up," whispers Micah to K, "Zanderallen may be on to something--and it involves some Hand guards." He tugs on K for emphasis and heads toward Zanderallen while continuing to share the potatoes. Domi guide and guard us, he prays silently, consciously checking his hammer in his belt as he walk toward the paladin and the guards.}
Perception -10 Highlight to display spoiler: { You can tell Zanderallen is suspicious of something but can’t make out what he’s saying. There may be a way to spot the group once you get into the stadium.}
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d20=1 ; d20=9 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2016 8:07:03 AM
K sees red at the edges of his vision. He breathes deep, finds a point off in the distance, and focuses on it. As he manages to regain his facilities, he becomes aware that Micah's trying to tell him something.
He nods to the cleric and follows along, though he's completely oblivious to most of what's going on around him. (Perception: 1).
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+1=2 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2016 2:13:54 PM
Zander thinks a quick prayer to Domi as he heads after the guards, reassured that Micah and K appear to be following. He'll look around but doesn't notice anything. (perception 2)
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+11=15 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2016 2:35:35 PM
Martisan sees the guards become more suspicious and swears under her breath (Perception 15). "They're on to us. Whatever that means." She whispers magically to Micah and Zander, before heading through the tunnel into the arena. Clutching her ticket and taking a seat, she keeps an eye out for Turtlebrook, Briselda, and the two naga guards.
Get Back (DM Mstitt) d20=2 ; d20=4 ; d20=15 ; d4+4=8 ; d20=7 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2016 9:30:34 PM Zanderallan prayers to Domi and follows the guards. He disappears from view as Stohp is a step behind him. Martisan sees the naga guards waiting. She can make out something going on but continues to move through the cathedral ceilings and toward the stadium seating. (OOC: with that perception you could head to the fight instead of the stadium)
The guards wait for Stohp and Zanderallen to enter the stadium They try to intimidate the two but the sight of Stohp put a stop to that. Someone whispers- Stohp and Zanderallen Perception: 15+ Highlight to display spoiler: {"Why did they bring a Minotaur." "I don't know but I know that Paladin."} (Intimidate: 2 - Claws (1d4+4)) One of the Naga guards swings at Stohp with claws but flat out misses. The other does a little better and strikes Zanderallen for 8 hp Stohp and Zanderallen Perception: 15+ Highlight to display spoiler: {"Tell them you want their gold."} Someone again whispers to the guards.
"We want all your gold," they said with uncertainty.
K and Martisan are a turn away from the fight. Micah is several steps behind. Perception: 7+ Highlight to display spoiler: {“ You see the ambush.. run or continue on your way?” }
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+6=11 ; d20+5=7 ; Tuesday May 31st, 2016 10:19:42 PM
Eyes widening, the fake fat merchant raises his hands hastily retreats. "Good gods, what did I do?" Stohp heard the whispers but not the content of them (Perception 11), so she tries to determine the guards intent by their body language (sense motive 7). Looking about she calls "Thieves! Thieves! Someone help!" If the rest of the Silver Shields are around then that will hopefully bring them. It might even bring more guards; this pair is clearly receiving orders from someone who won't want to reveal themselves to give orders to a whole gaggle of guards
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d20=2 ; d20+6=23 ; d8+2=9 ; Wednesday June 1st, 2016 9:03:15 AM
K, oblivious as ever (perception: 2), fails to see anything other than some naga trying to rob Stohp. He sees the creature take a swing at the disguised minotaur, and approximately one second later the paladin has his bow drawn, arrow pointing at the naga, ready to fire. "ON THE AUTHORITY OF FLOWER, GODDESS OF LOVE, YOU WILL SURRENDER YOURSELF."
He waits. If the naga takes a violent action, he fires. If anyone else appears and takes a violent action, he fires at them.
***
Held attack: Hit AC 23 for 9 damage
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+8=21 ; d20+11=20 ; Wednesday June 1st, 2016 1:42:37 PM
[Everyone still has +1 perception, flat-footed AC, reflex saves vs traps & AC vs traps from Careful Teamwork.]
Rushing toward the apparent mugging, Martisan pulls a tiny potted plant from a pocket in her backpack. She carefully tucks her ticket into one of the plant's oddly hand-like appendages, and calls out as she hurries over. "What's all this!? Here Caeroldra's guards are supposed to be keeping order, and I find two of her little snakes trying to mug some innocent fair-goers, one of whom is my friend and a fellow member of the Silver Shields, no less!"
The halfling shakes her head and brandishes the anthropomorphic little plant, which wiggles sternly at the naga. "Enough of this nonsense. Go back to your posts! I put good coin on this race, and won't have you ruffians ruining the show!" Martisan's tiny plant shakes her ticket at them. "And I'll tell you - you don't want option B." The bard and her hand-held helper both nod toward K with his drawn bow.
[Move action to get closer to the fight, drawing the plant. Standard action Diplomacy 21 to persuade the "guards" to stop. Perception 20.]
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 19/23 AC: 15 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+1=13 ; d20+1=3 ; d20+3=22 ; d8+6=10 ; d6=4 ; Wednesday June 1st, 2016 1:48:05 PM
(AC is adjusted for not having shield out)
While expecting something to happen, a direct attack takes Zander by surprise. His senses are somewhat awakened but he can't catch what is being whispered (perception 13) and then the battle rage dulls his senses as the claws rake his flesh. (perception 3)
"Treacherous Blackguards, Domi smite thee! You'll have steel before gold.
Zanderallen hears K's command but is already to committed to defending himself. The image of Brizelda her father gave them before the Hands of Love got hold of her in his mind's eye, Zander draws his war hammer and grabbing the haft two-handed he takes a swing at the naga that clawed him (Attack 22 Damage 10) Recovering from the swing he lays his hand on his wound and heals himself (Lay on Hands 4)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+3=13 ; d20+3=14 ; d8+3=7 ; Wednesday June 1st, 2016 1:55:24 PM
Micah is outraged to see such a villainous ambush attempt (perception 13) and attack on his friends. Drawing his hammer as he advances, he tries to flank one of the guards with an ally. He swings his weapon two handed while shouting, "Thieves and muggers, DESIST!" (14 to hit; 16 if flanking; for a potential damage of 7) .
[His preference is to flank with Stohp if there is a choice.]
Because we know ... we can’t be found! Round 1 (DM Cayzle) d20+12=30 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+12=16 [nagaji claw attacks]; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=35 [shadowy guy sling attacks]; d6+2=8 ; d6+2=8 ; d6+2=8 [damage vs Martisan]; d4=3 [roll to see which snake-man was hit by K]; Wednesday June 1st, 2016 9:17:57 PM
[OOC note: ALL creatures, PCs, and NPCs are now FINE in size. That means all attacks are at +8 to hit, and all ACs are increased by +8. Also, all weapon damages are reduced to a base 1 hp damage on a hit. The entire arena fills two adjacent 5x5 squares. The entire battle takes place within one of those squares. Per the rules, you cannot flank and you have no reach and you can attack only other creatures in your square. That said, you can attack any creature in your square. There is NO movement in this battle unless you want to run away to the other half of the arena, which you can do with a five foot step. The magic that has shrunken you down to FINE size has imposed no size modifiers to your ability scores. This is certainly a non-standard battle situation, so please go with the flow and enjoy it! ]
[OOC note: Last round, a snake-man (aka nagaji) attacked Zander for 1d4+4 = 8. In fact, all base damages are reduced to 1 hp, so Zander actually took 1+4=5 damage.]
=====
TOP OF ROUND ONE PLAYER ACTIONS
Stohp is shocked and retreats. She shouts for help.
“Stop her from screaming,” calls a man in the shadows.
The patrons hear Stohp and do not much react. Some laugh, some yawn, some actually seem to place wagers. The other guards also seem not much to care about the fight, at least not so far.
K threatens to shoot.He readies an arrow. [See below for more.]
Martisan brings her plant out of storage. That would provoke an AoO, if anyone had any way to threaten anyone else. But there are no AoOs in this fight! She “moves” closer, but she is already in the same 5x5 square as everybody else, so there is no real movement. She tries diplomacy, but using diplomacy is generally aan action that is not possible in combat because of the long time it takes to do so. (Generally at least a minute, IIRC.)
Zander swings at the snake man who clawed him. He hits for base 1+6 damage = 7. [OOC: Zander, how are you doing +6 damage on attacks with Str 15? Even two handed, your damage bonus should be +3, right?]
Micah swings too, hitting AC14. That’s AC22 with the +8 size bonus to hit, but the snake-man is AC24, so that’s a miss.
BOTTOM OF ROUND ONE ENEMY ACTIONS
“Is this what is supposed to happen?” one of the snake-man guards says to the other, blinking in his reptilian way.
“What are we going to do now?” asked the other.
“Take care of them,” shouted one of the shadowed men from the corner. “Shredds is not going to be very happy with this.”
The two nagaji attack. That triggers K’s arrow, which normally would hit, but both are in melee, so there’s a -4 penalty for firing into combat. That means the arrow is at +8 for size and -4, for a total +4 to hit. And that IS a hit, by my calculation, vs AC27. The base damage is reduced to 1 hp, however, so the snakeman takes only 3 damage instead fo 9. [OOC: You have a +2 strengthbow?]
Which one does the arrow target? Random chance says ... Number 2.
Now the two snakemen attack, both going after Zander. They hit ACs 30, 20, 20, and 16. That’s one hit against Zander’s AC25, and Zander takes 5 hp damage.
“There is more of them? Oh jeez...” Says snakeman 1 as he spots Martisan coming.
Then the three men in the shadows let loose with their sling bullets. Only, their bullets are actually Magic Stones, which inflict a base 1d6 no matter what your size! All three focus fire on Martisan. They hit ACs 33, 30, and 35, and Martisan is AC23. All three hit. Martisan takes 24 damage! [OOC: WOWSY! That’s an 18 I rolled on 3d6!] That puts Martisan down at -9 hp!
A shadowy man calls out, “That’s a good lesson for you! We won’t take kindly to interference! You just let us be and go find some undead to turn or demons to banish, you goodie-two-shoes!”
ENEMY STATUS:
Snake-man 1 (AC23) 7 damage Snake-man 2 (AC23) 3 damage Shadowy Figure 1 (AC25) - In shadows = have concealment = 20% miss chance! Shadowy Figure 2 (AC25) - In shadows = have concealment = 20% miss chance! Shadowy Figure 3 (AC25) - In shadows = have concealment = 20% miss chance!
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d6=4 ; Wednesday June 1st, 2016 10:00:58 PM
Micah shouts in dismay at seeing Martisan drop. "Domi sustain us!" he cries and he is surrounded by healing light which dashes and flashes so as not to envelop the two injured snake men while healing his wounded allies.
[Selectively Channeling for 4 points of healing; 4 uses remaining]
Because we know ... we can’t be found! Round 1 (DM Cayzle) Wednesday June 1st, 2016 11:47:09 PM
OOC: Please accept a 50 xp cleverness award for that, Micah! Selective Channelling is a great idea because the entire arena is in a 5x10 area. Every single person in the joint aside from the two snake-men were affected by that Channel!
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20-3=0 ; Thursday June 2nd, 2016 10:45:17 AM
Stohp runs away, breaking line of sight with the combatants. Once she's on the other side of the arena, at a moment were she's either surrounded by other people or can duck behind a pillar, she turns off her Hat of Disguise without slowing down. Soon she's circled the entire area and comes up behind the enemy to attempt to grapple one of the shadowy figures (Grapple 0).
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: -5/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 Thursday June 2nd, 2016 11:32:06 AM
[Just a point or two higher on the first or last attack roll & Marty'd be toast.]
Martisan has time to widen her eyes before she's cut down by the magical sling stones. A barely audible grunt slips from the halfling's lips as a resounding, wet crack sounds from the first stone striking her hip. Already unconscious before the final missile hits, a dull thud announces her sudden fall, quickly followed by another as the last stone lands home.
[Didn't bother to roll stabilizing check; 4 HP healed from Micah's channel]
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 21/23 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+11=13 ; Thursday June 2nd, 2016 1:53:51 PM
(OOC the other +3 damage is coming from two handed power attack, sorry thought I mentioned it but must have edited it out by mistake, taking the -1 to attack)
Seeing Micah's channel stabilize Martisan, Zander is free to continue pounding the foe in front of him. (Attack 13 with the +8 misses) Distracted by the fall of Martisan, Zander swings wide.
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 d20-2=9 ; Thursday June 2nd, 2016 7:27:24 PM
OOC: Best. Map. Ever.
K's eyes widen. This was bad. He's guessing those thugs have more of those really effective sling bullets at their disposal. Meanwhile, he could shoot toothpicks. He sees Stohp, and realizes she has the right idea here. This small, his wiriness give him an advantage. He stashes his bow & tries grappling with one of the shadowy figures, likely one that Stohp isn't.
***
Grapple: 9. I'm assuming their CMD is lowered by 8, as is my CMB, yes?
Because we know ... we can’t be found! Round 2 (DM Cayzle) d100=79 [K miss chance]; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=15 [Snake-man 2 claw attacks]; Thursday June 2nd, 2016 10:53:51 PM
TOP OF ROUND TWO PLAYER ACTIONS
Martisan falls. Those stones sure did hit true and crack loudly.
Micah heals Martisan for 4 hp using selective healing. That also heals everyone in the arena except the snake-men. (ooc - Micah also wins 50xp)
Stohp steps away from the fight and removes her disguise. (ooc - That would be a standard action. You would have to step back into the fight next turn.)
Zanderallen swings but misses wildly.
K tries to grapple a fellow in the shadows. They have concealment, so that’s a 20% miss chance, but the DM rolls for K and ... the shadows are no defense this round! K’s grapple check 9 is vs the fine-size human’s CMD10, so the grapple fails by one.
[ooc - remember that you have bonuses if you are grappling with both hands free.]
BOTTOM OF ROUND TWO ENEMY ACTIONS
Snake-man 1 is badly hurt and takes a defensive position. With total defense, his AC is now 27.
Snake-man 2 hisses and attacks Zanderallen, hitting AC18 and 15. Z is now AC25, so those miss.
Shadowy Human One activates some kind of magic (standard action). A tattoo on his arm glows. Three stones appear in his hand.
Shadowy Human One loads his sling (move action).
Shadowy Human Two takes a stone (move action) and then loads his sling (move action).
Shadowy Human Three takes a stone (move action) and then loads his sling (move action).
ENEMY STATUS:
Snake-man 1 (AC23) 7 damage Snake-man 2 (AC23) 3 damage Shadowy Figure 1 (AC25, CMD10) - In shadows = have concealment = 20% miss chance! Shadowy Figure 2 (AC25, CMD10) - In shadows = have concealment = 20% miss chance! Shadowy Figure 3 (AC25, CMD10) - In shadows = have concealment = 20% miss chance!
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 d20-1=16 ; d100=66 ; Friday June 3rd, 2016 8:35:25 AM
K's no wrestler, but he thinks this is still the best course of action. If nothing else, he hopes he can disrupt those sling attacks.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d8+2=5 ; Friday June 3rd, 2016 10:48:12 AM
Micah moves next to Martisan using his body to shield her from the shadowed slingers as much as possible. Reaching down he touches her gently, calling upon the power entrusted to him warm power passes into her closing her wounds, but still leaving her weak.
[b]"You are needed. When I catch my breath I will heal you some more."/[b] he says softly upon seeing her eyes flutter open.
[Spontaneous casting CLW to heal for 5 using Command slot]
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 21/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+11=15 ; Friday June 3rd, 2016 2:48:29 PM "You know, I think I've found a passion of mine. Pounding those who actively mislead the innocent."
(Attack 15 misses)
As his attack swings wide again Zander realizes he letting them get into his head and curses his impetuousness refocusing with a short prayer, 'Domi forgive me and strengthen my courage not my passion'
He then draws his shield, adjusting his grip to just his right hand.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20-3=12 ; d100=57 ; Friday June 3rd, 2016 3:38:54 PM
(+1 perception, flat-footed AC, reflex saves vs traps & AC vs traps from Careful Teamwork Concealment - 20% miss chance)
Stohp finishes her circuit of the arena and seizes shadowy human 1. As she struggles with the man she enters the same shadows concealing him.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 0/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 Friday June 3rd, 2016 8:38:07 PM
Martisan's eyes snap open and slowly crawl to a squint. "Oof." She states simply as the strange scene spins around her. "Thank'y'sir." She slurs while leaning forward, drawing her whip. "Looks like I have something to share with Agrippa and her stories of deadly rats."
[Staggered; move action draw whip.]
Because we know ... we can’t be found! Round 3 (DM Cayzle) d20-3=14 ; d20-3=16 [grapple checks]; d20+16=30 ; d6+2=8 [sling vs Z]; d20+12=31 ; d20+12=16 [Snake-man 2 claws vs Micah] Friday June 3rd, 2016 9:24:46 PM
TOP OF ROUND THREE PLAYER ACTIONS
K grapples Shadowed Human 1.
Stohp takes a five ft step and grapples Shadowed Human 2.
Zanderallen swings and misses Shadowed Human 3.
Micah heals Martisan for 5 hp.
Martisan, though wounded, barely conscious even, draws her whip.
BOTTOM OF ROUND THREE ENEMY ACTIONS
“Hey, get off me. Bothersome intraluder… introluder… Interluder.” Shadowed Human 1 tries to break the grapple. His CMB to do so is -3. K’s CMD, is now 10. The human rolls a 17, beating the needed CMD, and escapes the grapple, losing concealment in his haste to get away.
The other grappled human, Number 2, tries to turn the tables, grappling Stohp. He rolls a nat 19 and becomes Stohp’s grappler. Surely he will try to pin her next round if she does not break free or turn the tables back.
Shadowed Human 3 whips his sling at Zanderallen, hitting AC30 for 8 damage. [OOC: Z, what’s your AC with the +8? Your PC sheet says 19, your header says 21/23 ??] He reloads his sling with a nonmagic bullet.
Snakeman 1 is visibly worried and continues to use total defense. “Come on, don’t do this,” says Human 1 to the nagaji. “I told you it does not matter if you croak. FIGHT!”
Snakeman 2 watches as Micah hovers over Martisan. He suddenly hears a clash of iron as someone scrapes by with a scabbard against a wall. He strikes out at Micah with his claws. He hits AC31 and AC16. That’s one claw that draws blood, hitting Micah for 5 damage.
Perception 15+ Highlight to display spoiler: {This guy is familiar. He is one of the thugs from the earlier confrontation. He is a Jack Tripper.}
ENEMY STATUS:
Shadowy Human One has a loaded sling, is not grappled, has no concealment. Shadowy Human Two has a loaded sling is grappling Stohp. Shadowy Human Three has a loaded sling but with a nonmagic bullet.
Snake-man 1 (AC27) 7 damage Snake-man 2 (AC23) 3 damage Shadowy Human 1 (AC25, CMD10) - No Concealment Shadowy Human 2 (AC25, CMD10) - Concealment 20%, grappled Shadowy Human 3 (AC25, CMD10) - Concealment 20%
Note that Human 2 does not gain any benefit of concealment with regard to Stohp, who he is grappling. Also note that Stohp now has concealement (except not vs Human 2).
Micah (John) HP: 12/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d6=1 ; d20+3=6 ; Saturday June 4th, 2016 12:46:41 PM
Micah calls upon holy power again to strengthen Martisan as well as heal his and Zanderallen's wounds, continued to shield her as best he can.
[Channel energy for 1, selecting out the two snake things.]
Micah (John) HP: 14/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d6=3 ; Saturday June 4th, 2016 2:56:56 PM
[reroll channel energy to a 3; love me some house rules]
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 16/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+11=31 ; d20+11=22 ; Saturday June 4th, 2016 7:39:49 PM
(AC now takes into the +8 size modifier AC: 27)
Zander swings out with his hammer, now in only one hand, power attacking as he swings to drop snake man 2.
(Attack 31 crit threat, unconfirmed with a 22 Damage 5 = 1 + 2(str) + 2(PA) )
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 d20-1=16 ; Sunday June 5th, 2016 3:42:45 PM
K punches his fist into his open hand. "I'm not done with you yet, buddy." He closes the distance and re-grapples shadowy dude #1.
***
Grapple: 16
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 3/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+11=26 ; d20+13=18 ; d100=2 ; Sunday June 5th, 2016 7:52:43 PM
(Perception 26) Rising to her feet to stand behind Micah, Martisan nods her thanks, tight smile showing that she's far from fine. Attacking with her whip, she attempts to disarm the one human slinger not engaged, but instead cracks the masterwork whip against the shadows (Disarm 18 vs CMD. Miss chance 2 fails vs 20%). "I want to capture the naga that's still fighting, if we can. He was with the Jack Trippers." She whispers to Micah in front of her, her voice carrying magically to Zanderallen as well.
[DC 25 Perception to overhear the whisper, per Message spell. Move action stand, standard action disarm attempt.]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20-5=5 ; Monday June 6th, 2016 1:31:34 AM
(+1 perception, flat-footed AC, reflex saves vs traps & AC vs traps from Careful Teamwork Concealment: 20% miss chance Grappled -4 dex, -2 to Combat Maneuvers other than grapples)
Stohp learns several new things as she grapples the human. Firstly, at this size, no one weighs anything. When you weigh 800 lbs usually you can hold someone by being dexterous enough to grab them and then just sitting on them; no real strength or strategy required. When you weigh less then a pound and so does your opponent, both of you go rolling and bouncing at the slightest tug. Expecting her weight to give her an advantage as usual, she's surprised when the human rolls them over with ease and ends up on top of her, in control of the grapple.
Secondly she learns that, at this size, hitting things doesn't hurt nearly as much. Probably the weight thing again. She yanks on the human, sending them tumbling. The pair knock over several things in the dark, and a something falls over her back, but she doesn't actually hurt from the impacts with various objects or walls. It does, however, make her dizzy, and that added to her opponent holding on tight enough to restrict her mobility means she finds herself on bottom again when they finally stop bouncing off things (grapple 5). Drat.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 16/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 CMD: 15 Party Treasury Monday June 6th, 2016 10:06:52 PM
Zanderallen contemplates the uniqueness of how small they are right now as his hammer slams into the his opponent, feeling so very different than it should even with the amount of force he can still put behind it in this bizarre garden. He still wonders how some tramp hasn't sat upon it yet, but they probably don't allow tramps in the Gold level like he's used to seeing in the Fence. 'I just hope we can get out of here soon'
Because we know ... we can’t be found! Round 4 (DM Cayzle) d20-3=4 ; d20-3=8 [enemy grapple checks]; d20+15=23 [sling miss]; Monday June 6th, 2016 10:31:15 PM
TOP OF ROUND FOUR PLAYER ACTIONS
OOC Clarification: You have never seen these snake-men before. You DO recognize at least one of the shadowed humans as a Jack Tripper.
Micah calls upon holy power again to strengthen Martisan as well as heal his and Zanderallen's wounds, continued to shield her as best he can. [Channel energy for 3, selecting out the two snake things.]
Zander swings out with his hammer, now in only one hand, power attacking as he swings to attack snake man 1. He hits for 5, and the fellow drops.
K punches his fist into his open hand. "I'm not done with you yet, buddy." He closes the distance and re-grapples shadowed human #1.
Martisan rises slowly. She cracks her whip into the darkness -- but misses. She tells the others she wants to capture a Jack Tripper.
Stohp learns her normal advantages with size are more valuable than she thought. She fails to wrench herself out of the grip of human 2.
BOTTOM OF ROUND FOUR ENEMY ACTIONS
Snake-man 1 is down, unconscious but not dead.
From the crowd watching, a number of bottles, chairs, and other object are thrown at the downed snake-man, along with several race-demeaning insults. These are enough to kill the fellow! The crowd cheers, and the nagaji’s body disappears in a flash of light.
Perception: 10+ Highlight to display spoiler: { As the crowd cheers, several bouncer-types begin to show up}
Snake-man 2 is visibly shaken and falls to his knees. He puts his hands up. He still has his claws but he looks beaten. . Shadowy Human One, grappled by K, tries to turn the tables on K and grapple him. His grapple check is a 4, and K’s CMD is a ten, so he remains grappled by K, who can try to pin him next round.
Shadowy Human Two is grappling Stohp and tries to pin the mini-minotaur. The enemy rolls an 8, and Stohp’s CMD is a 5! Stohp is pinned!
Shadowy Human Three fires a non-magic sling bullet Zander. It hits AC23, a miss. He reloads.
ENEMY STATUS:
Shadowy Human One grappled by K, has no concealment. Shadowy Human Two has pinned Stohp. Both humans 1 and 2 have dropped their slings for better grappling, and both are out of the shadow now. Shadowed Human Three has a loaded sling but with a nonmagic bullet.
Snake-man 1 (AC27) POOFED Snake-man 2 (AC23) 3+5=8 damage SURRENDERED Shadowy Human 1 (AC25, CMD18) - No Concealment, grappled by K Shadowy Human 2 (AC25, CMD18) - No Concealment, pinning Stohp Shadowy Human 3 (AC25, CMD18) - Concealment 20%
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 3/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+11=31 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2016 5:21:45 AM "Things are getting rowdy." Martisan calls out with a pained laugh as the first snake man goes down and then disappears. "If these lousy guards are any example, I don't think the big fellas coming through to calm things down are gonna be on our side either." She nods towards the bouncers starting to move through the crowd, then turns her attention back to the fight and casts a spell. Stohp's clothing is suddenly covered in a slippery film of grease that makes her much harder to hold on to.
[Standard action cast Grease on Stohp, granting +10 to CMB and escape artist checks to escape a grapple, and +10 to CMD to avoid being grappled. Perception 31.]
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 d20-1=0 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2016 11:44:13 AM
K goes to pin this stupid thug, but some of that grease must have splashed on him. He fails miserably.
***
Pin: nat 1
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+14=31 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2016 11:45:37 AM
(+1 perception, flat-footed AC, reflex saves vs traps & AC vs traps from Careful Teamwork Concealment: 20% miss chance Pinned: lose dex bonus and -4 AC. limited actions Greased +10 to Grapple checks)
Stohp grins at the human as the grease covers her. With the grease she easily slips out of his grasp and stands up (escape artist 31).
Micah (John) HP: 14/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+4=15 ; d20+11=18 ; d8+3=9 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2016 1:22:42 PM
Micah also sees the bouncers coming through and realizes they have little time left to deal with this on their own. Hearing Martisan's call that these slinging scoundrels are Jack Trippers, he steps over and strikes the thug pinning K.
[Perception +3+1 for 15] [To hit +3+8. Did not account for bonuses of him being grappled. Damage, if applicable: 9]
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 16/23 AC: 25 T: 17 FF: 24 CMD: 7 Party Treasury d20+1=17 ; d20+10=19 ; Tuesday June 7th, 2016 7:50:18 PM
Zander cries in dismay as the crowd pelts his fallen foe moving to shield him with his body. He jumps when the naga disappears in a flash but quickly recovers as he sees the bouncers moving in, (perception 17). Hearing Martisan's recognition of the humans he'll move to subdue Human 3, the one not fighting K or Stohp.
Charging he'll attempt to deal non-lethal damage no longer power attacking. (Attack 19, +10= +4(base)+8(size)+2(charge)-4(non-lethal) misses)
(OOC: AC and CMD modified for size and charging)
Because we know ... we can’t be found! Round 5 (DM Cayzle) d20-3=13 [grapple check to break free]; d20+16=31 [sling]; d6+2=6 [sling damage]; d20+15=34 [sling] Tuesday June 7th, 2016 10:28:14 PM
TOP OF ROUND FIVE PLAYER ACTIONS
Martisan watches as the first snakeman disappears. She has little confidence that the other guards are going to help at all. She buffs Stohp with a Grease spell. She could have covered a 10x10 area -- that is, the ENTIRE arena and everyone in it -- but she chose the option that just coats one individual. And with the spells range, she does not even have to touch her target.
KTries to pin the thug but finds the annoying man is a bit slippery. The human is still grappled, though.
Now Greased, Stohp slips from the grasp of the thug and stands next to the man.
Zanderallen has an issue with the crowd. He would like to charge the third thug, but per the rules, a charge requires at least a ten foot running start, and he’s only a few feet, maybe inches, away from the fellow. He swings and misses.
Micah swings at the thug that K is grappling but misses.
BOTTOM OF ROUND FIVE ENEMY ACTIONS
Human One tries to get free of K’s hold and resorts to threats. “You will let us go. I will send this man back to the Float. It’s a painful way to go back home.” His grapple check to break free is a 13, enough to slip away from K. He shouts, “Ha!”
Human Two wrestles with Stohp. He curses as the grease lets the minotaur slip away. He stoops to pick up his sling, and then fires it at Stohp: he hits AC 31 for 6 hp damage with his magic stone.
Shadow Human Three fires a nonmagic bullet at Zanderallen, hitting AC34 for 3 damage.
At this point, five bouncers weigh in. “Now you all stop that right now!” one shouts. “The next one to swing gets the club!” Indeed, all five have readied attacks to club the next person to make an attack.
ENEMY STATUS:
Human One no concealment, no damage. Human Two no concealment, no damage. Shadowed Human Three concealment, no damage.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Wednesday June 8th, 2016 8:51:50 AM
Stohp raises her hands in surrender. "That's fine with me, they started it. Those three and that snakeman jumped my friend and some merchant. They demanded gold."
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 3/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+13=18 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2016 4:41:53 PM
Holding her whip ready, Martisan looks warily at the gathered crowd and grumbles under her breath "Thugs pretending to be guards. Overly passionate chaos parading as order.""Oh aye, wasn't any trouble until these muggers ambushed us." She calls out after Stohp's explanation.
[Readied action trip attempt (18) against anyone that attacks one of her companions. (+1 BAB +3 Dex +1 MW +8 Size.]
Micah (John) HP: 14/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+8=21 ; Wednesday June 8th, 2016 5:45:54 PM
Micah slowly relaxes his grip on his hammer, releasing his left hand so that his weapon can rest easily by his right side.
He keeps a wary eye on these new arrivals trying to discern their true intentions (Sense Motive 21).
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Wednesday June 8th, 2016 6:36:45 PM
These thugs attacked K's companions. Unless these bouncers are deputized officials acting in accordance w/ Float City laws, he'll be darned if he's just going to get up and let them break this up.
"Unless you're here to place these miscreants under arrest, I'll not be letting these three walk away."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 16/23 AC: 25 T: 17 FF: 24 CMD: 7 Party Treasury Wednesday June 8th, 2016 7:30:07 PM "We were merely acting in self defense. These thugs should be arrested.", motioning to the three humans with his hammer.
Zanderallen remains in a readied stance but lowers his hammer.
Give Peace A Chance (DM Cayzle) Wednesday June 8th, 2016 9:19:11 PM
The head bouncer sighs, especially at K. "Look, this is why we can't have nice things," he mutters.
The humans who attacked you shrug and put away their weapons. "We delivered our message," says one. "You interlopers better watch out next time." they walk off, heading for the exit.
If anyone wants to stop them, there will be five readied club attacks to differ with you.
The chief bouncer says, "Look, we like it here in the Garden. We don't need any officials or bureaucrats to spoil it. Just enjoy the place, relax, and calm down. Have a drink, watch a race."
You see that several turtles are lining up on the track's starting line, in fact.
[OOC: Everybody earned 400 xp on April 27; 250 xp on May 20; and, today, for this fight, 150 xp.]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Wednesday June 8th, 2016 11:04:45 PM
Noticing the disgruntled looks of her companions Stohp makes a calming motion. "Keep cool. This isn't the time or place for a fight; we're here for info not to bust heads."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 16/23 AC: 25 T: 17 FF: 24 CMD: 7 Party Treasury Thursday June 9th, 2016 8:31:35 AM
Zander motions to K and the others to back down, stowing his hammer and shield as he does, "A lesson I've been learning recently, sometimes discretion is the better part of valour. If we get into this now we probably end up getting our heads cracked and lose any chance of finding what we came to find." Zander thinks back to how he joined the group, charging alone into Eleazar's warehouse, and how well that went. Gathering close to his companions he whispers to them, "As much as I want to bring them to justice it seems the gardens are outside Float jurisdiction and we aren't carrying the biggest stick here. Let's see if we can't can't find some way to get what we want without using force."
Zanderallen then moves to watch the race that's about to start, if their is still time to place bets he'll put a gold on the smallest turtle.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d6=5 ; Thursday June 9th, 2016 2:25:07 PM
Micah nods at Stohp and grins as he processes her wise words. At Zanderallen's promotion of peaceful inaction, he laughs out loud at the irony.
Observing the severity of Martisan's wounds, as well as those of the others, he again calls upon healing power granted to him by Domi. If the snakeman is still nearby, he will exclude him with a disdainful grimace appearing on his face.
[Selective Channel for 5: two uses remaining]
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 d6=3 ; Thursday June 9th, 2016 3:23:31 PM
K is totally here to bust heads at this point. It takes a lot of will to calm himself down and let the Trippers walk away.
"You're here to help reunite a father with the daughter he loves. Get a hold of yourself."
With a deep breath, he lets the encounter settle behind him. If Martisan is still injured, he grips her tightly on her shoulder & lets some of Flower's energy flow into her.
***
Lay on hands: 3 hp
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 11/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 Thursday June 9th, 2016 6:39:20 PM
Martisan straps her whip back to her belt and watches the humans leave with a sour look on her face. She's so intent on glaring at the ambushers and the bouncers that she doesn't notice K and Micah healing her injuries until the pain in her hip starts to fade.
"Right as new!" She says after a moment, smiling up at them, before a slight wince flashes across her face. "Almost. Hey don't worry about those guys - if these lugs hadn't come along we'd have some criminals to drag back to the Fence with us. As it is at least we have a better idea of the danger the Hands pose, and know without a doubt that they can't be trusted." She nods to the unorthodox paladin of love; a passing apology for previously doubting his ardent words against the Hands.
Although far from content, Martisan understands the situation and follows Zanderallen to the stadium seating.
Penny Lane (DM Mstitt) Thursday June 9th, 2016 9:48:28 PM Stohp tries to settle the others as Zander motions everyone to do the same thing. He then chooses to push through the crowd toward the race. Micah laughs and heals Martisan for 5 hp. K reasons with himself and settles his anguish. He heals Martisan for 3 hp. Martisan puts her whip back and glares at her attackers. She doesn’t notice her friends healing her until it’s done. The bitterness with the Hands of Love grows. She follows Zander to the stadium.
The One-Eyed Seer, Mathieus fights through the crowd. “Thank you Goddess Jantierri,” he begins. “You guys are ok. I was so worried. Looks like I just returned the favor you folks did for me.”
The bouncers push through the crowd and grab the naga guard. “Where is your brother?” Shouted the biggest bouncer. “How many times have we told you that you and your brother are not welcome under the goddess.” The Naga guards head sinks. He reveals his brother has passed on back the Float. Perception: 12+ Highlight to display spoiler: { You notice the guards all seem to be followers of Caeredora } The head bouncer pushes the naga against the wall and binds his wrists. He then turns to the thugs leaving the guard available for interrogation. The thugs are noticeably nervous when the four large bouncers approach. One of the thugs is covered in grease and slips from the grip of the bouncers and attempts to flee. The other two are thrown to the ground hard and bound. Thug 1 sees Matheus and begins screaming. “You! One-Eye! The Turtlebook will hear about this! You are dead. You and your friends.” The largest bouncer grabs Thug 1. “You three have stayed here and caused trouble for the last time.” He reveals a large dagger and stabs the thug with it. The thug screams, then disappears in a ball of light. “You are hereby banished forever from the Gardens.” Perception 15+ Highlight to display spoiler: { The guard reveals the dagger but it has no blood on it.} The guard then punches the second thug with the dagger and he disappears. The bouncers then disappear after the third. Mathieus is joined by Eldritch. The Naga guard stands facing the wall. The crowd begins to disperse and file into the stands. (OOC: Choose your own adventure- What would you like to do?)
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 d20=20 ; d20=11 ; Friday June 10th, 2016 8:15:23 AM
K's not the most observant guy around, but his eyes are drawn to the symbol of Caeroldra (perception: 20). "This is sick. This whole thing is rotten."
There's a lot going on here that K doesn't understand. These people obviously have some history that he's in the dark over, and he's pretty sure most of the people involved in it are unsavory.
Unfortunately, K's completely oblivious to the fact that the bouncers probably didn't just kill those two thugs (perception: 11). He's still in shock as they run off. "What just happened? Why did those thugs vanish after the Hand stabbed them? We need to go after them; even in the Fence murder is frowned upon."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+6=23 ; d20+6=9 ; Friday June 10th, 2016 12:34:11 PM
Stohp notes the use of the phrase 'passed on back to the float'. While she doesn't see the clean knife (perception 9) she is still able to put the pieces together. "Relax K, I don't think anyone died. The Naga said his brother is back on the float, and those flashes indicate some kind of magic going on. Probably death here just means you find yourself lying in the alley we came in from."
Stohp sticks around for a moment to make sure no one does something to rash. She'll want to find a quite spot to disguise herself again, but she decides against becoming the same fat merchant. It's time for a new approach, maybe she can talk to one of those priests she saw earlier. While the guards seem to be followers of Caeredora (perception 23) they seem busy and to low on the totem pole to get useful information from.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 21/23 AC: 27 T: 19 FF: 26 CMD: 7 Party Treasury d20+1=20 ; d20+1=15 ; Friday June 10th, 2016 7:24:47 PM "There is something messed up going on here. Caeredora followers acting as police, stabbing people to make them disappear but no blood on the knife. (perception 20 and 15) I don't think they died. And if we start into with the guards we make Briselda an enemy as well. But if you want to I'd follow you in cracking some heads until we get banished.", turning to Mathieus, "It's good to see you again but how did you return the favor?"
Zander is at a loss at what to do next until he has an idea. However he's not sure if it's a good one. Maybe he should run it by Micah. "Brother Micah, what do you think of us acting as representatives of the church sent by a worried father to seek out and verify the safety of his daughter? It puts our cards on the table but would let us be direct in asking after Briselda. If we are persistent enough it may give us the chance to speak with her."
You Say You Want A Revolution (DM Cayzle) Friday June 10th, 2016 11:15:57 PM
Zanderallen, Stohp, and K put their heads together and deduce how part of the magic of this place works -- that those who die in the Octopus's Gardens are merely returned to the Big Float.
As they talk, music starts to play over by the track. Slowly and surely several huge turtles are lining up at the track's starting line. To one side, the bar is doing a good business, and the servers are delivering drinks and food. It looks like the bar area is the place to go if you want to make a bet.
Matthais the seer is watching the bar with something like greed. But then he seems to see some people he knows, and dashes off to the other side of the Gardens, for a good spot at the rail to watch the race. Eldrich grimaces and tells you, "Even he can predict what will happen if he shows his face in the betting parlor. I better stick with him." Eldrich follows his old friend.
What do you do? Zander ponders approaching the followers of Caeroldra and just telling the truth.
Seeing the naga guard left alone - tied up no less - Martisan slips out of the crowd to meander up behind the snake man facing the wall. "You and your brother had the right idea giving up that fight. No reason for it." She chuckles softly as she again pulls out her little potted plant, "And now you're worse off than you were before."
"Who knows, maybe if you hadn't started all this ruckus the followers of Caeroldra might've let you join them for real," She plucks at the symbol on the naga's clothing, matched to that of the guards. "But seeing where these other fellas are leading you, I suggest you try a little harder to find yourself some decent companions. You'll notice we know how to treat our own. In fact, if you can provide my friends and I with some simple information, we'd be happy to help get you goin' in the right direction." (Diplomacy 11)
Drawing her shortsword, no bigger than a normal dagger, Martisan presses two coins into the palm of the bound man's hands. "One each for you and your brother, for the trouble today and a sign of good faith toward a better tomorrow. Give me your word that you'll meet us outside the soothsayer's shop and I'll cut you loose to walk out with dignity. Or you can go out the fast way like the people you came in with, if you prefer." She gives him directions to Mathieus' shop, if needed. (Sense Motive 14).
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+4=9 ; d20+4=7 ; Sunday June 12th, 2016 4:05:17 PM
Micah nods at Stohp's interpretation of the stabbings and pauses to ponder Zanderallens suggestion. After a moments contemplation he answers, "I am not sure our credentials hold much weight here and, though conceptually true, we are not actually acting in any official capacity. I think we should wait." When he sees Martisan approach the naga he adds, "Let us wait and see how the little one's gambit plays out."
With this he waits for Maltheus' reply.
[two missed perception checks]
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Sunday June 12th, 2016 6:23:37 PM
K nods. "Curious to see how that goes myself." He looks around. K does not like this place. He feels stifled, surrounded by greed and hedonism. "This entire place is counter to my beliefs. When we're done with our task, I'm going to look into ending this circus."
He crosses his arms and waits to see what the naga will do.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 21/23 AC: 27 T: 19 FF: 26 CMD: 7 Party Treasury d4=2 ; d20+7=15 ; Sunday June 12th, 2016 8:52:04 PM "I'm with you K. But our small friend may have hit upon a solution to part of our problem.", Zander stands with the others trying to judge how the naga takes Martisans offer.
(Sense Motive 15 on how the naga reacts, d4 was a misclick)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Monday June 13th, 2016 9:47:01 AM
Stohp is reminded of her interactions with Rooger and Jasper and also pauses to watch Martisan. Redeeming/helping criminals and enemies might become a thing for the group at this rate; something Stohp would rather enjoy.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 11/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 Monday June 13th, 2016 2:33:57 PM
[If you're watching, and we're all waiting, an aid-another roll couldn't hurt. Especially with my mediocre rolls. That's how I was gonna try to help free Stohp until I remembered I could cast Grease.]
Yellow Submarine (DM Mstitt) Monday June 13th, 2016 8:45:18 PM Martisan approaches the naga and tries to reason with him. The naga is not in the friendliest mode and grumbles when Martisan mentions his brother. He drops the coins and attempts to move from the tip of the blade. “I’m not obligated to do anything for you. This was supposed to be a simple robbery to build cred. It was stupid but my brother sits in the Float waiting for me. Just kill me so I can join him. I’m done with Octopus Gardens.” Micah is unsure about the group’s credentials and he is right. “The world runs a bit different in the Gardens,” says Mathieus. (OOC: Diplomacy with Naga failed but Mathieus is friendly) “Octopus Gardens is an illegal organization. It’s the reason why it’s so hard to find. It runs at on it’s own schedule and has it’s own rules.” Diplomacy + 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {}There is a board of commissioners somewhere within the Gardens. That’s really all I know about how the Gardens is run. The Turtle race is about to start. I have several gold pieces on Turtle number 12. I’m telling you this is the most exciting race in the Wold.” K is curious but really doesn’t like the Garden. He vows to end it.” Zanderallen agrees with K The naga doesn’t seem to be up to anything. He is aggravated and trapped.
Stohp is reminded of her interactions with Rooger and Jasper and also pauses to watch Martisan. Redeeming/helping criminals and enemies might become a thing for the group at this rate; something Stohp would rather enjoy.
Mathieus runs off and joins Eldritch at a set of stairs. They step into the sunlight and find a seat in the stadium. In front of him and thousands of other miniaturized residents is a long winding river of blue water. In the center of the stadium is a stretch of land. A large home, with parapets and towers sits within this stretch. The front of the home is a buzz with activity. There is an outstretched balcony on the second floor. To the left, druids mill around a temporary bridge attending to Turtles lined up behind a wooden fence. The druids are dressed in similar red cloaks. They seem to be interested in the turtles and the riders. Each turtle has a small fairy rider and a goblin shoved into a basket on the back of the turtles. Most of the goblins look unhappy. (OOC: Do you continue to interrogate the naga for more information? Do you sit and watch the race... or pretend to watch the race and head somewhere else.)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20=20 ; Monday June 13th, 2016 10:05:15 PM
Micah steps in to help Martisan. Seeing that her approach did not appear to be effective, he tries a new tack.
"It looks like any credibility you may have had with those folks is done. They have already banished your brother. It appears your options are limited. Perhaps helping us is not such a bad play after all." As he says this he scoops up the coins and hands them to Martisan with a slight shake of his head.
[Diplomacy 20+7=27]
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 Tuesday June 14th, 2016 8:12:25 AM
K reminds himself that everyone deserves love, even nagas that tried to rob them a few moments ago just to get some kind of ridiculous street-cred at a turtle race. He looks up, trying to see if there are any normal-sized persons watching over them.
Are they really shrunk, or in some kind of shared dream-state? K wasn't an expert on magic, but he doesn't think that shrinking spells work like this. You get stabbed while small, you just bleed less. He's pretty sure that's how it works.
He's eager to move on from this, but figures he'll give this stupid naga 6 more seconds before writing it off, especially since the Shields seem intent on grilling it.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 21/18/18 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+17=34 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2016 10:02:04 AM
Stohp decides that she's no help here and goes to find a secluded space to disguise herself. Realizing that the spell has made everyone the same size, she uses her hat to make herself look human (Disguise 34).
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 21/23 AC: 27 T: 19 FF: 26 CMD: 7 Party Treasury d20+9=22 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2016 12:39:50 PM
Almost swayed by Micah's words even though they're not directed at him Zander moves to back up his friend. "Listen to my friend. Any chance you had with these people is over. Help us out and we will be willing to help you and your brother out." (Aid Micah Diplomacy 22)
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 11/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+7=26 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2016 4:11:34 PM
Her face a bit flushed, Martisan nods sheepishly as she takes the coins back from Micah. "This being our first trip here, I think I can speak for our group when I say we're not the biggest fans of the Gardens ourselves." She gives the naga a look, making it clear that the Silver Shield's poor opinion is due in no small part to the ruffian's own actions.
"No, you don't owe us anything. You're a terrible robber. If you were any better, that might be different, but thankfully it's not something we need to worry about. You do, however, still have the opportunity to earn some gold and a different (better) kind of credibility. So, unless you're really set on continuing to fail as a street thug, who are those men you were working for?"
[Aid Another Diplomacy 26 for +2 to Micah's check.]
I am the Walrus (DM Mstitt) Tuesday June 14th, 2016 8:17:18 PM Micah makes a convincing argument and the naga-kin bows his head. “Do with me what you wish?” He says broken. “Shredds will hear of this and my brother and I will pass on to the Shadows. We were only trying to make some extra cash. Naga’s like us are rare around here. The Float has not been kind to us. There is a bar on the other side of the starting line. It’s where the race commissioners stay. You say you are looking for a girl. She may be there.”
K waits to see what comes of the interrogation.
The snake man does not notice that Stohp is gone.
Zanderallen aids Micah’s wonderful Diplomacy.
Martisan grumbles at the nagaji and also aids in the diplomacy
“Fine,” the naga begins. “What do I know… I know the name of the Turtlebook is Shredds. He is not someone you want to meet. Nasty, nasty guy. The Garden used to be a fun place to gamble till he came along. He is heavy handed and authoritarian. My brother and I were fired for petty theft. Can you get that we are not good at thievery? Look what happened? Shredds pretty much runs the race committee, even though he is not on the committee. Those politicians are spineless criminals.”
Suddenly, the people sitting in the stadium erupt with cheers. The noise booms through the stairwells and bursts outside. A beautiful fairy steps from the balcony of the of the house within the stadium and begins to speak.
If you make a Perception check vs DC15 then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {The fairy offers a prayer and a thanks to King Eberyon and Queen Maab. The fairy offers her thanks to the Goddess Caeroldra and the God Wardd for their collaboration to make Octopus Gardens possible.}
The fairy then blows a small horn that echos through the stadium.
Outside of the stadium and under the Garden’s concourse, the Caeroldra guards begin to reappear with the thug tied up. His face is bloody and bruised but he is still in the Garden. “Are you done with this guy?” They ask. “We need to take these two and lock them up.”
(OOC: What do you want to do next? Check out the race that is starting? Go visit the bookies in the tavern area? Continue Diplomacy? Something else?)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20=18 ; Tuesday June 14th, 2016 10:49:55 PM
Micah motions to Martisan to decide on the final course of action with the Naga satisfied that as much information came of this interview as was possible.
Once the Naga is gone he softly says to Martisan, "Good call on following up with that one. We now have a name and a place to look. Slightly louder he adds, "What say we all head to the other side of the starting line?"
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:25/22/21 CMD:10 d20=19 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2016 8:53:51 AM
Perception: 19
K rolls his eyes so hard he almost dislocates them. "Yes, thank you Caeoldra, for yet another cesspool of debauchery." He nods at Micah's suggestion & begins heading towards the bar.
Stohp, now disguised as a tall muscular human woman, starts over with her original plan. If she can approach the Hands of Love as a new recruit she can learn something about their recruitment methods and, hopefully, their goals. If nothing else learning what rhetoric they use to recruit more members will make it easier to successfully convince their members to abandon the cult. This time she tries to make certain she approaches someone who can actually recruit her; she thought those naga were part of the hands of love but it seems they were just thugs hired by them. Now she searches for one of the priests of the cult (perception 12).
While she searches she hears the fairy over the roar of the crowds (Perception 20). Stohp grunts to herself, thinking [i[That's a fairly impressive list of gods and fey powers involved in this place. [/i]
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 11/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+11=18 ; d20+8=10 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2016 6:16:30 PM
[Still adding +1 from Careful Teamwork applied outside the arena, first thing after we shrank. Also using Message, 20 min duration, cast a minute or two before the fight. Perception 18, not enough to recognize Stohp, even though I can probably see her in her human disguise.]
"It was your spirit that won him over." She responds softly to Micah with a smile. Glancing around briefly for Stohp, Martisan shakes her head and steps up to the approaching guards, wriggly plant still in her hand. "How long will they be locked up for?" She asks, frowning at the badly beaten naga and slowly rotating the pot in her palm (Diplomacy 10).
"You all go ahead, I'll catch up in a minute." She whispers to Micah and Zanderallen, giving the group a wink. "Take notes for me."
The Long and Winding River (DM Mstitt) 5d20=44 ; d20=10 ; d20=7 ; d20=5 ; d20=10 ; d20=3 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2016 9:57:11 PM Micah motions to Martisan. Then praises her for deciding to interrogate the snake man. Micah advises they head to the other side of the starting line. K shows his displeasure with a monster of an eye roll then begins toward the bar. Zanderallen follows the others up the stairs and onto the track.
Inside, by the water-filled track, the bridge that extends in front of the gate folds in on itself. It almost traps one of the druids causing him to curse. The fairies and goblins get situated on top of the turtles. The fairies sit near the front, within a small leather seat. They hold a leather strap attached to a rein. This rein is tied to a metal bit fit into the beaks of the turtle’s mouths. The goblins settle into wicker baskets on the back of the turtles. Each goblin holds a wand and tests it by swinging it around. An announcement booms from the house in the center of the track “First position: (Blue) - # 05 - Sandy - with Goblin rider with Fireball Second position: (Yellow) - #22 - Burt - with Goblin rider with Summon Bees Third position: (Red) - 31 - Michaelangelo - with Goblin rider/cause Panic Fourth position: (Green) - 12 - Basketcase - with Goblin rider/ Dismount rider Fifth position: (White) - 01 - Donatello - with Goblin rider/ Slow”
Another horn blows and the gate drops. The turtles drop into the water and begin to surge forward. They are surprisingly quick in the water, possibly enchanted by another spell. As they approach the first turn… (OOC: Now the fun begins :) ) The announcer: "Donatello is in the early lead. Oh! this is unusual." He says. The small goblin on the back of the turtle and fires a wand. "Oh!! "Slow, is thrown at Sandy but what is this... Sandy disappears." The crowd cheers Burt is driving her turtle hard... it gains on Michelangelo and Donatello. Leaving Donatello in the back. "Move it turtle!" Shouts the announcer. "What is that... that I hear. Looks like the goblin on Basketcase is thrilled to be in the lead but it doesn't last long when Sandy appears..." "Oh, that goblin is mad... his wand just fizzled and did nothing."
Outside of the race, the bar is situated on the outside of the track. There is a large crowd. Many more people than expected. You can make your way through the crowd sitting in the seats or walk behind the seating, through the concourse.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 15/10/15 CMD:13 d20+4=21 ; Wednesday June 15th, 2016 10:37:12 PM
Nodding agreement with his statement, Micah says to K with a sigh, "Let it be.". He amends it with, "For now," as they step into the throng.
As they press through the crowd, he keeps his eye open for Briselda and anyone affiliated with the Hands, giving only token attention to the race so as to not appear out of place. His primary focus, however, is on their mission.
[Perception 21]
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 21/23 AC: 27 T: 19 FF: 26 CMD: 7 Party Treasury d20+1=9 ; Thursday June 16th, 2016 1:43:33 PM
Zanderallen pushes his way through past people, doing his best to keep the group together in the crowd. He's looking for Hand guards, Briselda in particular, and for Shredds.
Stohp has no real interest in the race; gambling has never much interested her. However she needs to fit in, so she ooh and aahs and cheers with the rest of the crowd, passionately following every moment of the race.
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