DM JeffO Friday November 11th, 2016 12:19:28 PM
Anna thinks back as she examined the shadow from the night before. The shadow was quite far away, but there is the possibility that it was the dragon… or maybe a really large bird.
Pru directs everyone to prepare for a triumphant entry into town. Michael helps prepare everyone and ensures they are dressed like a proper military unit. Nikolai hands over his weapons and climbs into the wagon as the group heads into town. Tink takes a moment to ensure the campsite is cleared and joins the group headed into town.
Thunder rolls, far in the distance, as the group enters town. They enter with their heads held high. As they do, a man notices them, and quickly scurries away. A door slams and the street seems rather empty. An old woman walking along the sidewalk spits in the direction of the agents at the same time a tomato flies from the other direction and splatters on the ground. Further along the main road, three men stand on the side of the road, their arms crossed, staring at the group as they pass. Perception, DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {You can spot a few different smaller people, they look like children, running around in the distances, behind buildings and such, staying hidden, but keeping up with the group}. Perception, DC 24: Highlight to display spoiler: {You think you can hear some of them laughing!}. After a distance, the group will arrive at the courthouse of the small town. There is a small group gathered outside the courthouse. Perception, DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {It does not appear that any of the group are armed.}
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=25 ; Friday November 11th, 2016 1:50:19 PM
Michael keeps eyes front as they enter the town. When they reach the courthouse he scans over the crowd looking for trouble. If he finds none he forms up around Nikolai to enter the courthouse. Marching order needs to be like so:
Prudence Anna Nikolai Tinker Trayvin . Michael
If the formatting does not come out right it's Prudence in the first rank, Anna, Nikolai, and Tinker in the second rank, Trayvin and Michael in the third rank. We are making a pentagram around Nikolai. Reason: Pru is the leader. Anna and Tinker are pretty good tanks and can protect the flanks. Trayvin can heal anyone that needs it and Michael can watch for threats from behind.
Once they are in the courthouse Michael closes the door and bars it. Once they get to an office or somewhere definite he will unbar the door. Reason: it causes confusion, therefore disrupting potential attack on us while in a vulnerable position.
Perception (watching for threats) 25
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 62/62} Friday November 11th, 2016 10:06:00 PM
Pru double-checks to make sure Nikolai isn't carrying anything that could be considered a weapon, then takes her position at the front of the group. When everyone is ready, she takes a deep breath, squares her shoulders, and leads the way up the courthouse steps.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday November 11th, 2016 10:54:49 PM
That's it? They're just going to stand there and stare at us?
"Agents of the Fist. Reporting as ordered with Nikolai. How do you wish to proceed?"
The answer should be interesting, and maybe show a bit of their intentions.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+14=31 ; d20+7=16 ; Friday November 11th, 2016 11:53:26 PM
Perc +14 = 31
Nikolai takes note of the three. They are certainly different in that they show no emotion, unlike the others. The activity in the background is a little distracting but not enough to keep his attention from the three.
Sense Motive on the three +7 = 16
Nikolai does as he is told, smiling as Pru checks that he isn't carrying anything that could be considered a weapon. He's appreciative of the wall of friends around him.
He whispers, "When you get a chance, Tinker and Michael, scout the alleys around this building and keep a sharp eye out for ways to break in. Just in case."
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+12=14 ; Saturday November 12th, 2016 2:13:25 PM
Tinker isn't one to notice much about people or say much unless needful. He IS very interested in breaking into or out of places; most specifically this court house.
The dwarf moves as slow as possible, looking at locks, windows, and escape routes.
...
Perception. 14
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 d20+7=9 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+1=21 ; Sunday November 13th, 2016 1:09:04 PM
Anna is distracted at thinking over the flying shadow in the middle of the night and is not the most observant as they enter the town. (Perception : 9)
She had taken the time to polish her mithral full plate before they entered the city so if the day had not been overcast her armor would glint in the sun. She is carrying her new steel grass Ranseur perpendicular to the ground as she feels it is the weapon in her arsenal most similar to what a stereotypical guard would carry.
She shores up Nikolai's flank as suggested and is prepared to enact crowd control procedures if need be but carries her reach weapon in a non-threatening manner.
(Perception(looking for threats): 9) (Sense Motive(looking for threats):21)
DM JeffO Monday November 14th, 2016 9:51:48 AM
The group heads into town and the people of the town watch them arrive. Pru takes the lead and the rest of the group form up around Nikolai. Michael watches carefully around them, but he sees nothing more dangerous than a glimpse of what might be a piece of rotten fruit in a hand near the rear of a small crowd. Nikolai stares at the three by the door. It appears to him that they are just out watching the spectacle. It is likely a town of this size does not often have much in the way of excitement. Tinker looks carefully as the group heads up the steps and into the courthouse. When Trayvin starts to speak to them, they turn their back and walk away, ignoring him and the rest of the group. There are a couple windows at the front of the courthouse. Tinker sees no lock on the door at all. Anna watches as the group enters, but sees nothing else threatening, especially when compared to the dragon they saw just last night.
The boards of the floor creak as the group enters the courthouse. The building appears to have seen better days. Inside, most of the building is taken up by a single, large room. There are a number of rows of benches, apparently for the audience. There is a low wooden wall, then the standard area at the front (far side) of the room with a jury box, a judge’s seat, and a seat for witnesses. There are two doors on the far wall, beyond the court settings. On the right and left sides are simple windows with a view of the alley on both sides of the building. Michael turns to bar the door when the group enters, but sees there really is no way to bar the door by any conventional means. The door is, apparently, always open.
Just to the right as you enter the courtroom is a desk shoved against the rear corner of the room where a tall, thin man sits, reading papers. The desk has just a few pieces of paper scattered around the desk and there is a quill pen there, but no sign of any ink. The man has wispy, thin hair and is clean-shaven. He looks up, eyes raised, as you enter, but he says nothing.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+14=27 ; Monday November 14th, 2016 11:56:52 AM
Nikolai lets Pru initiate the conversation despite his natural urge to do so. He is still puzzled as to how this all came about considering that the reports from the scouts is that no one they heard from knew much of anything of the alleged murderous event, or victim, for that matter.
He commits his attention to the papers on the desk and (no wanted papers pasted on the walls mentioned) what might be on them. It is difficult being they are upside down for him but he tries anyway.
Perception +14 (nature of the papers on the desk) = 27
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 62/62} Monday November 14th, 2016 2:22:28 PM
Pru walks up to the desk. "Good morning," she says. "We have brought Nikolai Komonov, as requested." Her tone is cordial but businesslike.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=32 ; Monday November 14th, 2016 9:09:30 PM
Michael takes and at ease position facing away from the group, looking for existential threats coming from another vector.
perception 32.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday November 14th, 2016 9:29:49 PM
Hmmmmm. Interesting. So is the non-chalance an attempt at intimidation, trying to get us riled up, or maybe they really don't care?
Trayvin stands beside Pru, ready to back her up as needed while dealing with the court orderly. He leaves the scoping out of the place to Tinker and Michael.
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday November 14th, 2016 9:32:57 PM
Tinker is quiet but thinking this is really really weird...
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 d20+7=27 ; d20+1=2 ; Monday November 14th, 2016 9:48:27 PM
Anna stands at attention and plants the base of the Ranseur. She tries to cut an imposing figure as she keeps an eye out for any funny business or any warning signs from the crowd.
DM JeffO Tuesday November 15th, 2016 11:59:55 AM
The thin man stands up as Pru explains that the group has brought Nikolai. Nikolai looks over the papers on the desk. One page appears to be a list of names that might be potential jurors. Another appears to be an accounting ledger of some kind. The rest of the group stands guard as the man clears his throat and addresses Pru.
“Ah, thank you for bringing the prisoner to us.” He reaches into a drawer on the right side of the desk and pulls out a piece of paper. He looks over at Nikolai and reads from the paper, “Nikolai, leader of the Agents of the Fist, you are hereby officially charged with the murder of Gerard Parson. These charges are officially presented in my presence in the courtroom of Sandhill Crossing. How do you plead?”
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday November 15th, 2016 8:42:45 PM
Gerard? Didn't we dump him off at a local town jail? Trayvin thinks about the events at Sandhill Crossing. Maybe there was more going on with those bandits than we realized at the time.
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday November 15th, 2016 9:31:02 PM
The dwarf stoically keeps quiet and on guard.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Tuesday November 15th, 2016 9:50:41 PM
Michael cocks an ear back to listen at what is going on while he guards.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 d20+7=15 ; Tuesday November 15th, 2016 11:01:03 PM
Anna remains vigilant, waiting to hear what Nikolai will respond with.
(Perception: 15)
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 62/62} Tuesday November 15th, 2016 11:03:38 PM
"You're welcome," Pru says. "but he isn't our prisoner; he's our companion."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday November 15th, 2016 11:41:29 PM
Nikolai looks the man square in the eyes as he replies, "Considering that we left Gerard and two of his bandit hirelings in perfect health at the jail in Squatting Crossing, and proceeded to Cove to squelch an undead uprising, I plead Innocent!" he finishes with forceful determination.
"I presume you have the body of Gerard available for my defense attorneys study and properly identify? Would be a shame if the one you call Gerard wasn't actually the bandit Gerard we left at Squatting Crossing."
DM JeffO Wednesday November 16th, 2016 10:36:33 AM
The man ignores Pru and looks at Nikolai’s outburst (Perception: 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {His fingers reach under the counter for just a moment, but then his hand returns empty}. Sense Motive: 22 Highlight to display spoiler: {The man is scared of Nikolai}). When Nikolai is done, the man holds his hands up, trying to calm him. He says, “Easy now, I’ve done nothing to you. I’m just following procedures here. You have entered your plea of innocent, and we can proceed from there.”
He reads some off the paper and then addresses Nikolai again. He continues, “I proclaim that the trial shall begin tomorrow morning. You shall have all the usual time to address the evidence against you in accordance with all standard trial rules. I personally can assure you that the judge is fair and even and will hear all sides of the case. In the meantime, however,” he nervously looks around at the heavily armed group, “there is the matter of bail. I have been directed to hold Nikolai here in the town jail cell until such time as the trial shall begin. We do take charges of murder quite seriously here. The judge has listed,” he checks the paper one more time, “the amount of 5,000 gold to be put up to secure his appearance tomorrow. So this court requests that you, or someone, give us 5,000 gold to ensure that you will show up tomorrow, or you will be remanded to jail.”
At that moment, a door opens at the far end of the courtroom and two rather fat humans step through, dressed in blue, ill-fitting uniforms. They appear to be guards. They walk through the door and stand there, looking at the thin man for instructions.
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday November 16th, 2016 8:55:28 PM
Tinker doesn't hide his scowl, staring down the two piles of dough in uniform. If it wasn't for orders...
The dwarf gets a hold of himself. but there are orders, and they say play nice. It will be interesting to get the 'evidence'. "Evidence", he grumbles, "and a list of people bringing testimony too?"
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 Wednesday November 16th, 2016 9:32:06 PM
"I have enough gold to cover the bail, Ma'am" Anna says to Pru, "but it is with our gear, the pack animals and cart. Are we allowed to go there get the gold and come back?" Anna asks
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+14=30 ; d20+7=24 ; Wednesday November 16th, 2016 9:52:08 PM
Perception +14 DC25= 30 Sense Motive +7 DC22 = 24
Nikolai notices the man's hand movements and senses that his forceful statements were taken the wrong way. "Pardon my abruptness. It was not meant at you directly. You can easily understand the frustration of sparing the life of a bandit who's been preying on the good people of this area and then be accused of murdering him by the people in charge of his own trial for banditry." he replies calmly.
After the two guards enter, he adds. "It is customary that the Defense Team have access to all the same evidence that the prosecution has seen before said trial. That includes any witnesses. My two guards are welcome to be witnesses to our investigations so there is no charge of any intimidation or tampering with the 'evidence'. It is also customary that the accused and his Defense Team know who it is that is bringing the charges against them. Is it an individual or is it the City?"
He grins to ease the tension, "The Mailed Fist documents everything, so we will need you to put on paper, and sign, your agreement to give us access to all we need to build our defense, and the bail amount of 5,000 gold. You can write it up now while Anna fetches the bail money," he points to a blank sheet of paper and his pen and inkwell.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday November 16th, 2016 10:12:14 PM
"Since it appears we will be spending some time here, can you recommend an establishment where we might find lodging?"
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 62/62} Wednesday November 16th, 2016 10:23:51 PM
"Of course, Anna," Pru says. "And thank you. We will wait here while you go out and get the cash for Nikolai's bail."
To the man behind the desk, she says. "I am Sergeant Prudence Gundle, in temporary command of Agents pending the outcome of Sergeant Komonov's trial. I'm afraid I didn't catch your name?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Wednesday November 16th, 2016 11:36:25 PM "Get a receipt for the bail money" Michael speaks back over his shoulder, his eyes never leaving the two guards who walked into the room. and as Lieutenant Komonov says, we are going to need to see all the evidence against him as well as who is bringing charges against him.
That will be the last time I let an enemy combatant live to go to jail. Michael thinks to himself. remembering the blood spurting out of the man as Nikolai held him. how easy it would have been to let him bleed out, then we won't have to put up with this mess.
DM JeffO Thursday November 17th, 2016 9:29:50 AM
Tink is upset by the arrival of the guards, but the rest of the group seems to relax a bit, as does the thin man. Anna says that she will go get the gold for the bail while Nikolai engages the man in conversation. He replies, “Indeed, I am sorry for this business, it is quite difficult. I do hope that you will help us ensure that justice is done in this case. As for evidence and motions, I am sorry, but I am just a humble clerk here in the courtroom. The judge will handle everything else. My job is really just to process the paperwork and ensure that everything is in place for the judge.” He digs another paper out of the drawer and continues, “The charges, well, an individual was one who pointed out the alleged crime, but then the town itself takes over the prosecution since, well, the victim is no longer with us. I assure you that all your questions can be answered by the judge tomorrow morning.” He produces yet another paper from the drawer and says, “Indeed, the bail is part of an agreement we shall sign here. Any of you can sign it, as will I, and another witness.” He gestures for one of the overweight guards to come over to the desk.
Trayvin asks about a place to stay. The man pauses a moment and then says, “We do have two inns in town, one at each end of the town on the main road.” He looks the group over, slowly eyeing the weapons and continues, “But please do be careful. Everyone in the town knows of this trial, it is quite the spectacle, if you know what I mean.”
When Pru introduces herself, he puts the papers in his hands down, brushes off his dusty shirt and extends his hand, saying, “Oh dear, I am sorry. Indeed, it is good to meet you Sergeant Gundle. I am Achtan, the clerk of the court and sometimes assistant deputy sheriff in town. I am pleased to meet you, I only wish it could have been under better circumstances.”
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 Thursday November 17th, 2016 6:17:23 PM
Anna goes and grabs 5000 gold pieces from the cart. She makes sure she gets a receipt as she was saving the money for training, enchanting her armor or a magic item to help with her using other magic devices.
After she gets the receipt she asks, "I will get this gold back if and when we prove Nikolai had nothing to do with Gerard's death." She confirms.
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday November 17th, 2016 8:43:02 PM
Tinker tries to keep his demeanor under control, but that has never been his strong suit. He snorts. He has never bared weapon against an unarmed person in his life ; he isn't about to start now.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday November 17th, 2016 8:47:50 PM
Trayvin notices the clerk and guards eyeing up the Agents weapons more than once, and tries to reassure them. "Don't worry, we have no intention of causing any trouble here. We have shown up voluntarily, hopefully that shows that we intend to conduct ourselves with honor."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Thursday November 17th, 2016 9:51:58 PM
Michael does not draw his weapons, but this is no different that a storm or an ogre attack. it's a threat. funny....someone brought these charges up, knowing that the state would pursue them afterward. this gives him an idea.
is it against the law to bring false charges against someone? If so, and we can prove Nikolai's innocence, I would like to bring charges agasint this individual for bearing false witness.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday November 17th, 2016 10:37:19 PM
Nikolai is grateful that Anna foots the entire amount of the bail and says so quietly to her when she has the receipt in her hand.
He turns his attention back to the clerk. "Where can we find this judge? Since the prosecution has had more than ample time to study the evidence, it would be the least he can to is let up see the evidence before the trial also. I presume said Gerard has already been buried? It is vital that we see the body to ascertain what weapon was used to kill him. Relying on evidence we did not collect ourselves is not wise."
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 62/62} d20+13=29 ; Friday November 18th, 2016 12:51:52 AM
"It is very nice to meet you, Achtan." Pru says. "What time do we need to be in court tomorrow? Will were able to look at the evidence before then, or do we have to wait until we appear before the judge? We're not sure how all this works, you see, but we want to do everything legally and properly. I'm sure we'd all appreciate your help."
[Diplomacy 29]
DM JeffO Friday November 18th, 2016 9:22:19 AM
The clerk responds to everyone in turn:
To Anna he says, “Oh no, this bail money has nothing to do with whether he is innocent or guilty, this is just to ensure he shows up in the courtroom tomorrow. After that it will be up to the judge if he should be held during the trial or if other bail will be required.” As he signs the paper and has the guard make his mark on it, he continues, “As soon as you arrive tomorrow, see me at this very table and I shall return this gold to you.”
To Trayvin he says, “I am very glad to hear that. I can only hope the people of the town will share your ideals. But you know, there are always some who want their own justice…”
When Michael mentions false charges, he says, “Well, that is a little premature at this point. But certainly, should that time come, you can tell me of the charges you wish to bring and I will take them to the judge for his decision.”
When Nikolai speaks, he answers a little slower, saying, “Sir, you are indeed the person who has been charged in this crime, of course. The judge will be here tomorrow morning and you can ask him all the questions that you like. He will explain the rules of evidence and you can make all requests for information or really, anything else at that time. As a clerk, I simply do not know all the intricacies of the rules of the judge’s courtroom. That is why we have the judges, you know.”
When Pru speaks, Achtan smiles and says, “Why thank you. I am here to help you and guide you through this process, I know it can be difficult for those close to the defendants.” He tries to hide a glance of contempt towards Nikolai, but fails. He puts on a good face for Pru and continues, “Tomorrow at half-morning the judge will be here. I can answer any questions about the process, but only the judge can answer the specifics. For some, the first appearance leads directly to a trial and the entire thing is over in a few minutes. Others ask a lot of questions and the court works with the judge to ensure all the questions are answered before the judge renders his judgement. I assure you, the judge will be fair and allow you all the time you need.” He pauses, then continues, “Oh, but I will tell you – do not attempt to needlessly delay things with the judge, that only makes him angry. He is known to give delays for many reasons, but he is a sharp fellow, so don’t try any deception with him.”
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday November 18th, 2016 6:08:25 PM
"Be honest". Tinker thinks this goes without being said, but is not the naive recruit he used to be.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Friday November 18th, 2016 9:53:11 PM Fair enough Michael says, He then forms up around Nikolai and escorts him to the motel.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday November 18th, 2016 10:32:36 PM
"Come on, there is nothing more to be done here today. Let's get some food and arrange where to stay."
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 62/62} Saturday November 19th, 2016 2:08:31 PM
Pru smiles at Achtan. "I think we'll go arrange for accommodations now," she says. "Will you be here the rest of the day? In case we have questions?"
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 Sunday November 20th, 2016 7:57:30 AM
"Thank you for the receipt," Anna says, "I will be back to collect the gold tomorrow when we show up to see the judge. Tell me Mr. Achtan, is there any alternative means of settling disputes in these parts? Nikolai is innocent as we traveled together and Gerard was alive the last we saw him, but this whole endeavor seems odd, so if something goes wrong is there a way to opt for something like a trial by combat or an appeals process? Could this be transferred to the Fist for a military tribunal instead? I honestly do not know the customs in these parts. I am however an emissary of King Eberyon and a servant of Queen Ma'ab. I know this is not the same circumstances but a jury of adventurers did vote to allow Lord Eberyon to atone..."
Anna goes into the story of Eberyon's trial
(OOC: Not sure if Anna has the 3 hours needed to give Actan plus her friends and her a +2 divine bonus on next save per Spread the Word)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Sunday November 20th, 2016 4:55:30 PM
The clerk obviously is not taking to listening to a 'prisoner' and 'accused murderer', so he just notes the man's reactions and decides to leave it at that.
Anna's concern for a fair trial mirrors Nikolai's. They won't have any idea what the 'evidence' is until the trial starts, thus no way to prepare a proper defense. If the judge is as quick as the clerk says, there won't be any time to fetch witnesses from Cove or Squatting in time either. But there are a few things they can still do.
The clerk didn't answer him in respect to Gerard's body. Is the guy just so totally ignorant of anything involving the case? Nikolai just hopes they can find out where the bandit was buried from someone else and dig him up, permission or not.
Nikolai is ready to leave, nothing much else to gain here, he decides.
DM JeffO Monday November 21st, 2016 9:39:31 AM
As the group prepares to leave, Pru asks if he will be there all day. He replies, “I have no other plans at the moment, so I expect I shall be here.”
Anna then starts telling the story of Eberyon’s trial (you can take the 3 hours if you like…)
The group heads out into town and the town looks as normal as the average small town can look. People are going about their business and a small wagon slowly moves past. The main street is mostly straight and flat, and there are two larger buildings at the ends of the town to the right and the left, apparently the inns that Achtan mentioned. The group can head for one of them, back out into the area around town, or something else entirely. Looking up, you can see the clouds continue to gather to the west, building more grey and dark.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=25 ; Monday November 21st, 2016 2:38:55 PM
Michael suggests they stay at the Inn he begged at, all the while listening intently to Anna's tale. His eyes never stop roving the area looking for threats though. Perception 25
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 62/62} d20+4=14 ; d20+13=31 ; Monday November 21st, 2016 5:03:01 PM
"I'll catch up with you," Pru tells her companions.
She attempts to talk to a few people on the street about the building clouds. She reaches back to draw on her childhood memories of the farm, talking about the clouds in the context of weather and crops. She tries to find out whether such building clouds are usual for this time of year, or whether it's an anomaly.
[Profession: Farmer 14; Diplomacy 31]
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+13=18 ; Monday November 21st, 2016 8:21:10 PM
With Pru saying she will catch up, Tinker shrugs and follows Michael's direction. "We ain't getting more information until tomorrow, so may as well get out of the rain", he says. The wagon and Nikolai is moved to the inn and Tinker stands next to Nikko. Outwardly he is guarding the ranger-monk, but he's really guarding him from any knife in the dark...
Perception. 18
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 d20+7=16 ; d20+9=26 ; Monday November 21st, 2016 9:08:56 PM
"...and that is why the acorn is the symbol of Eberyon and he has rededicated himself to doing good in this Wold." Anna finishes her story.
"Well, Mr Athan. It looks like we must be off. Good day to you sir. I will be here tomorrow to collect the gold."
Anna moves to the inn with the rest of her companions keeping her eyes out for any threats. After they secure the cart she switches her guisarme for her guitar.
She plays a little on her guitar in the common room. (Perform[String] : 26)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+1=7 ; d20+5=19 ; Monday November 21st, 2016 9:40:31 PM
Nikolai listens to Anna's story with interest, mainly because there was nothing else do to for the moment, but also out of respect for her.
He follows Tinker and accepts his role of being 'guarded' but laughs inwardly as the dwarf knows well that in his case, being unarmed is a boon.
"Tinker, once we get the horses stabled and feed, lets go looking for Gerard's grave. it may not be here but since the charge were filed here, it's save to assume he wasn't murdered in Squatting Crossing. I wonder if there ever was a trial there. Besides, I'm bored and hate just sitting around. Rain or no rain, at least we find out if he is buried here or not."
If Tinker agrees, Nikolai will look for the local temple or temples first. From there he will ask if they know of where the murdered victim 'Gerard' was buried. If they don't know, he'll ask if they know who took care of the burial and go looking for that person.
Diplomacy +1 = 7 He'll add 10gp to their Benevolence box to boost his chances.
As they go about this, he sniffs the air and studies the oncoming storm. Knowledge (Nature - identify unnatural weather phenomenon) + 5 = 19
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday November 21st, 2016 9:59:53 PM
Trayvin looks around a bit on the way to the tavern and takes note of which deities have temples in the town.
DM JeffO Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 10:49:21 AM
Anna spends a good deal of time telling the story of Eberyon’s Trial. Achtan listens carefully and seems quite interested throughout the story.
Michael keeps watch as the group heads to the inn. He spots a few people glaring at them, but he does not see anything overly threatening. Tink moves with him and keeps Nikolai “under guard.” Nikolai discusses ideas about checking out gravesites. As they head for the inn, he can sense that the rain is not far off now. It does not seem abnormal, but he knows that magical means could have simply been used to encourage natural storms. This storm doesn’t look magical or unnatural in any way, though.
Pru watches the clouds and asks about the weather. She finds a man carrying a large sack of grain who seems to be happy to set it down for a moment and talk. He says, “Ah, you know, we can always use the rain. Never seem to get enough round these parts. Except in the Spring, of course.” He does not seem disturbed or surprised about the gathering clouds. He picks his sack back up and heads towards the coming storm, walking quickly.
Looking over the temples in town, Trayvin notices that the largest temple is to Pantheon, the god of justice. That temple is well-built and clearly maintained. That temple is directly next to the courthouse. A block away is a smaller, but clean temple to Alemi. This one also appears well-kept and has clerics wandering the grounds. Near the center of town is a small seating area that appears to be dedicated to Ffloy and another for Flower.
When the group arrives at the inn, a stable boy comes out to see about the wagon and the horses. He stops dead in his tracks when he sees Nikolai. He looks around, unsure what he is supposed to do. He does not offer to take the horse or wagon, but he doesn’t head back into the stable attached to the inn, either.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 d20+9=23 ; d20+7=9 ; Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 8:47:24 PM
Anna continues to play her guitar, trying to blend into the scenery. (Perform[string]:23)
She tries to listen to the conversations going on in the common room to hear if any of the people in the inn sound like the voice of the accuser she had heard earlier. (Perception: 9)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+10=23 ; d20+14=32 Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 9:14:53 PM
Michael looks at the boy and clears his throat, Young man, I am going to need you to take charge of this wagon and these mounts, I need them fed, watered and rubbed down. he flips the boy a gold coin. spoil the mule a bit, she's a good mount. And watch out for them for us will you? we will be staying at the Inn.
bluff 23.
he figures this should snap the boy out of his daze and possibly get word around town and into the ears of interested parties, both good and bad.
he cases the entrance to Inn, making sure to look out for trouble.
perception 32.
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 9:40:20 PM
Tinker is interested. He lets Michael take the lead, and gets Nikolai inside. "I think it better that you not walk around, Nikko. These people seem to recognize you and not in a good way. " We get you set in the room and then some of us can move about. I think I'll stay with you since most of this is gathering information. "
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 10:00:47 PM
"Agreed. In fact, it might be a bad idea for any of us to wander around. We should be cautious in what we do. If we arouse suspicion of any kind that could impact the trial negatively."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 11:05:26 PM
Nikolai ascertains that the rain is not some bad omen or evil portent, at least he hopes it isn't. That dragon was awful close to the town and it occurs to him that it is just a miracle that the dragon hasn't taken to snatching a cow her and there for a meal. Should they warn the town about the dragon? At this point, probably not.
The young boy stares at Nikolai. Normally the jovial monk would be sociable but the kid looked too scared for that and he didn't want to spook him away. Michael steps in and breaks the ice. Nikolai simply smiles and starts to unload their gear from the wagon.
Maybe when this nightmare is over he can talk to the boy about adventuring and the real Mailed Fist.
Prudence Gundle [AC 20; HP 62/62} Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 12:35:43 AM
"Well, it looks to be a regular gully-washer," Pru says with a little laugh. "I'd better get myself indoors before it hits. It was nice talking to you."
She strolls to the inn, but she doesn't rush. A pretty girl with no (visible) weapons can do a lot to make people think a bit more kindly of the Fist. At least, she hopes so.
DM JeffO Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 8:34:29 AM
Outside the inn, Michael gets the attention of the boy with a piece of gold. The boy’s eyes grow wide as he clutches the gold coin tightly and nods his head repeatedly at the instructions of Michael. He very consciously does not look back at Nikolai, almost acting if he cannot see him any more.
Inside, the inn there are only a few people since it is mid-morning. There is a stereotypical bartender standing behind the bar, wearing an apron and cleaning a glass. Behind him is a door, apparently to the kitchen. There are a number of stools at the bar and about a dozen tables scattered around the room. The tables and chairs do not match: there are small round tables and larger rectangular tables. It almost looks like a conglomeration of all the different kinds of chairs and tables that can be found for hundreds of miles around – or that everyone brings their own chair to the inn.
There is a large fireplace on the left side of the room, slightly smoldering at the moment, but there is a pile of wood next to it, ready to be placed in the fire. Seated just to the side of the fire is what appears to be an old farmer, nursing a mug of something. He looks tired, old, and quite unkempt. He does not look up when you enter the room. There are two other couples of people seated in different places in the room. Four sets of eyes look up when the door opens, but no one says a word. When Anna starts playing, the bartender looks over, eyebrows raised, but he does not say anything to her.
Knowledge, Local (to the entire peninsula), DC 18: Highlight to display spoiler: {From the Woldopedia: Many of the old ways of the peninsula continue, especially in the small towns. In many cases, when someone is accused of murder, the accused is considered guilty just in case. The criminal suspect is “stuck” with his loot since his reputation and breaking of social taboos prevents anyone from doing business with him or even communicating with him.
Anyone associating with a person or group that has been labeled outcast by lawful or social means becomes associated with the outcast person and is outcast as well. The effect of this is that word travels ahead of the person and all talk stops in the person’s presence. No one will let him purchase food or needed supplies. This “treatment”, in principle, serves to break the spirit of the guilty and increase the honor of the innocent. The only action the accused can take to clear his name is to endure the ostracizing for 10 years or to admit guild and turn oneself over to the local temple for penance.
Another option is to leave the country which to the Fargunians is an admission of guilt. Those who choose this option have their citizenship revoked if they refuse to reappear within 30 days.}
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+8=20 ; Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 10:23:13 AM
Tinker, fairly versed in the ways of local customs, finally realizes what is the strange response to most people. He explains to the others about the customs of being accused. (Know Local 20;; tells the team about the DM spoiler)
"And that's not only why the locals are acting weird, but also important that Nikolai or any of us don't over-react. Stoically enduring the ostrication will only increase our honor and that of the Fist. And acting like the jailer and not companion of Nikolai will distance ourselves from his crime to enable us to find out what's going on. If we look like we're pals with Nikolai, they won't serve or even acknowledge we exist."
He turns to Nikolai and puts a hand on the monks shoulder. "Need a room to guard the prisoner. Courthouse said we could get support here."
....
Know Local. 20
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 9:25:40 PM
Michael can play act, He visualizes Nikolai as being a bad guy and acts accordingly. he does not look at Nikolia nor speak to him.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 9:39:13 PM
Guard duty. Felt kinda weird to be guarding one of their own. But there's not much choice now but to follow it through. Trayvin hopes Commander Palance knew what she was doing when she sent them here.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday November 23rd, 2016 10:38:59 PM
True to her word, Pru rejoins her Fist-mates at the inn. She listens quietly to Tinker's explanation, then sighs a little. "I guess we're lucky they're letting us appear before a judge at all," she says.
She helps the others get Nikolai squared away. Once that's done, she says, "Unless people have other ideas for today, I'm going to go back and talk to that clerk some more. I think the more information we have, the better off we'll be."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 Thursday November 24th, 2016 3:36:27 AM
When Anna finishes playing she straps her guitar to her back, sidles up to the bar and orders a small beer. She asks the bar keep if he knows anything about Gerard's murder. Considering bar keeps hear all kinds of gossip maybe she'll learn something new, she hopes.
After she talks to the bar keep and pays for her drink she returns to her friends and says to Tinker, "Guilty until proven Innocent? Where is the justice in that? They have a temple of Pantheon here but how is assuming guilt fair? How many innocent people get slandered in this system? How many unscrupulous people take advantage of this system to destroy their rivals? Do you think the judge would allow me to cast zone of truth from a scroll and question Nikolai inside of it? Then again he is strong willed so he could probably resist it, so maybe it is a bad idea?"
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday November 24th, 2016 8:23:13 AM
Tinker shrugs and responds to Anna. "Who am I to debate justice? I'm an orphaned dwarf raised by gnomes and joined the Fist. In Faragunia, if it turns out someone is falsely accused, that is a crime and then THEY get the ostracizing treatment until they submit for justice."
He considers a while to choose his words. "They are much about free will and peaceful solutions here. Maybe that's why their leaders ennobled the Fist Commander and we are on retainer to be part of their army. They need a ready force for those times when the peaceful solution won't work."
He thinks more. "Huh, it sorta makes sense that free will is so important when they neighbor Alisidur which was until recently the complete opposite."
DM JeffO Thursday November 24th, 2016 1:37:45 PM
Tinker explains to the others the likely situation and the group agrees to treat Nikolai as a prisoner instead of a friend.
Inside the inn, Anna heads over to the bartender and asks about Gerard. The barkeep raises his eyes and replied, “Well, I’m guessing you know a bit more than I, what with the company you’re keeping there,” he nods over towards Nikolai. He continues, “Word round here is that that fellow killed some other fellow in cold blood. Neither one is much from around these parts, so it ain’t like there’s family around for either side, but I’ve heard that someone showed up to the magistrate, made the accusation and demanded justice. Hadn’t heard who exactly demanded it, but that don’t much matter when it comes to justice, now does it? Sure enough someone from town will be at the trial tomorrow and will be lettin’ everyone else know how it goes – not much excitement around these parts these days.”
Anna and Tinker discuss a few options of what to do next while the rest of the group guards Nikolai in the inn. He gets a couple dirty glances from the pair by the fireplace, but the others in the inn appears to not even see him at all.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+2=5 ; Thursday November 24th, 2016 4:41:25 PM
OOC: started a post yesterday, got pulled away, fell asleep, rest is history... :}
Knowledge Local: +2 DC18 = 5
Nikolai had been in the Mailed Fist from birth and knew most things Mailed Fist, but local traditions from places relatively distant from the Citadel was a 'lean-as-you-go' thing. So what Tinker explained made sense with respect to how the people were reacting, but as Anna said, it leaves a lot open for unscrupulous people to take advantage of and since the Burden of Proof lies upon the Accused, a determined clever enemy can really do a lot of damage.
"Dead men tell no tales," Nikolai mutters under his breath just for those next to him to hear. They'll know what he means.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Thursday November 24th, 2016 9:31:26 PM
the more Michale thinks of this place, the more he wishes he were somewhere else. suppression of free will from one side of destruction at the hands of people's slander on the other. there has to be a better way, and Michael's thoughts turn to his dream of a country of honor, bravery, justice and egalitarian meritocracy.
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday November 24th, 2016 9:51:57 PM
Tinker goes back to his more normal silent stoicism. He keeps guard of Nikolai until they get a room and then takes the 'prisoner' up to the room to guard, only asking for a couple of plates to be sent up for the dwarf and the 'prisoner'.
Prudence Gundle d20+13=33 ; Thursday November 24th, 2016 10:32:56 PM
Since her Fist-mates are (relatively) settled, Pru goes back to the courthouse to talk with the clerk again.
"Hello again, Master Achtan," she says. "I'm back. I have more questions, if you will indulge me for a moment." She gives him a winning smile. [Diplomacy 33]
"I'm curious about how this charge was brought. Who made the accusation? And who determined that this Gerard was, in fact, dead? May we speak with the accuser? Or any of the investigators? Today, I mean? Or, is there any evidence we would be allowed to look at? Anything at all we could do today?"
She allows him to answer those questions before continuing. "Also, I know some of my companions were concerned about how we could prove Nikolai's innocence. If we learn of some evidence, or a witness, in another town, will we be allowed enough time to go and investigate? Or will the court send an investigator? Or is it all up to the judge?"
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday November 24th, 2016 11:13:15 PM
"I guess the Innkeeper is treating us fairly well, considering how they view the guilty around here. We will have to make a good impression on the judge and the townsfolk if we are going to have a chance to come out of this allright."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 Friday November 25th, 2016 12:23:33 AM
Anna says to Nikolai, "Actually the dead can tell tales. They make a spell for that, but I do not have the scroll on hand and it is beyond what I can produce from my bag of tricks. However, Trayvin should be able to cast it if he devotes a 3rd level spell to it. If we can find Gerard's body and exhume it and if it has a mouth it should be able to answer our questions. The only problem is what happens if Gerard believes that Nikolai did kill him. As a morphling I can make a pretty convincing Nikolai. There could be others out there who can as well. I mean I guess it would depend on the resources the person framing Nikolai had at their disposal."
DM JeffO Friday November 25th, 2016 9:58:19 AM
Inside the inn, the group works to get a room. The bartender pauses and stares at Nikolai for a moment before he responds to the request. “A room? You know, I am sure the guard will be happy to hold the prisoner in the jail until the trial, then you and I would not have to worry about anyone else getting murdered in town. I do not want any trouble in my inn.” He sighs and then continues as he eyes the weapons in the group, “But I see that you wish a room, so a room you shall have. I have a single room on the second floor with eight bunks. The cost is one silver per night.” When anyone moves for the stairs, he calls out, “I really do not want any trouble here.” He looks down and mumbles, “please…”
Pru heads back to the courthouse to ask questions. Achtan smiles when she arrives and appears cooperative. He looks around conspiratorially and replies, “You know, I am not supposed to say anything, but I hear the accuser is from out of town and no one really knows the person. They just appeared one day and demanded justice. The judge talked to him and then the papers were drawn up to bring charges. That is really all I know so far. I do know that all will be revealed at the trial tomorrow. The judge has leeway to rule however he likes. If he wants to delay the trial so you can bring in evidence, he has the ability to delay it as long as he likes. If he does not want to hear the evidence, he can refuse to delay it.” He shakes his head and says, “I really do not know of anything you can do related to this trial today. I can only assure you that this judge takes his position seriously and he will be as fair as possible to everyone.”
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday November 25th, 2016 11:48:58 AM
Tinker doesn't have much ability to be diplomatic, but tries to put the innkeeper at ease. "No trouble. Achtan at the courthouse said it would be available. One room is perfect to take care of the prisoner "
The dwarf escorts Nikolai upstairs and to the directed room.
Prudence Gundle Friday November 25th, 2016 7:52:11 PM
"Well, thank you very much for your help, Master Acthan," Pru says. "If the judge is as conscientious as you are, then I'm sure we'll be in good hands." She makes her polite farewells and returns to the inn.
She finds the group in their room. "I really don't think there's anything left to be done until after we speak with the judge," she says. "He seems to be the one who decides everything. I hope he will be fair with us, but if he isn't, we need a contingency plan. Probably several."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 d20+7=13 ; Saturday November 26th, 2016 5:17:15 AM
"Well maybe we have Trayvin prepare speak with dead and zone of truth in case Gerard's body is exhume-able or the judge allows for Nikolai himself to be questioned inside of a zone of truth. Shouldn't questioning Gerard's corpse or Nikolai in a zone of truth be enough to prove Nikolai's innocence? Although if the judge does say we can get witnesses maybe I should be prepared to travel the 40 miles to get them? Also as a contingency if someone does a distraction maybe Nikolai and I could swap places, though if I am morphing into him the disguise will only last for five minutes so you guys will have to move out. When my ability wears off my plan would be to turn into an animal escape and meet up with you guys later." Anna suggests, her head spinning with ideas.
"I mean we don't have to plan to do all these things, but we did say we should be prepared." Anna says.
When it is time to turn in Anna offers to take the last watch again. She figures they need to post sentries just in case someone plans some funny business overnight. (Perception:13)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+10=29 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+20=36 ; Saturday November 26th, 2016 7:04:30 AM
Since the room has 8 beds and there are only 6 people staying there, Michael takes the pillows and blankets off the two unused beds and creates a pallet beneath the bed he is to sleep in. He puts some cup hooks in the walls at strategic locations around the room, he then strings twine around the room across the shutters and across the door. he will then hook the ends fo the twine to his toe when he goes to sleep so that if anything moves the twine it will awaken him. he puts a loop in the twine and hangs a dagger in it, this way if an enterprising assassin should get clever and cut the twine the dagger will fall, pull the twine and awaken him. He does all this after everyone is in the room. He then makes his bed up to look occupied and gets in his pallet beneath the bed, wraps himself in a blanket and sleeps upon a pillow. He draws his weapons and places them in his hands. this way he wont' have to draw them when silence is needed.
Diable device 29 (to set up the alarm.) perception 31 (to wake up if the alarm triggers. ) stealth 36 (to silently sneak out from under the bed should the alarm trigger. )
prepared actions should alarm trigger quaff potion of dark vision sneak out from under the bed. flank assassin, his scream will be the alarm to wake the rest of the party up.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+14=24 ; Sunday November 27th, 2016 7:10:38 PM
Nikolai has to grin a bit as Anna explains that dead men can tell tales. "Sorry Anna, it's not what I meant," he whispers. "On the other hand, the bodies can tell tales. We must find that body. Don't want to talk to it, just look for how 'it' was killed."
When the inn keeper begs them to not cause any trouble, Nikolai has a bad feeling. Trouble always followed them, apparently even where they don't even go.
"Fist, you know we stick together, that is, I've never left your sight but to go potty. So this fake Nikolai that killed Gerard was acting alone? If they take your word that I've always been in your sight, that means that you are witnesses or even accomplices to the murder. But only I am charged and none of you are even mentioned, as accomplices to murder means guilty as same. So we got that going for us, it it can be made to work in our favor."
When Pru returns, it seems clear that their won't be a body to study. "So he was killed elsewhere. Doubt the accusers will divulge his burial spot. We'll think of another angle to this. The accusers will need to describe what they saw, maybe we can trick them into giving their lie away that way."
Anna is swirling with ideas, hopefully none necessary. "Anna, all good ideas, but we must not use trickery of any sort. It would only hurt our case. Let me keep my hat, that may be good enough if things go sour."
In the room, Nikolai picks his bed near the middle of the lot. I appreciate all this guarding me, I've never felt safer. HA! Just make sure if you need to answer the call of nature, make sure you Michael know first." he chuckles.
Perception for the night: +14 = 24
OOC: BTW, Nikolai consider his belt as part of his uniform so that one item remains on him.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Sunday November 27th, 2016 9:59:28 PM
Michael, replies to Nikolai why didn't this guy bring charges against us in squatters crossing? where we left Gaston? this has nothing to do with you standing trial for murder, this is bait to get us into a position for an attack
DM JeffO Monday November 28th, 2016 9:47:59 AM
The group settles in and hears and sees the large thunderstorm pass by during the day. The rain is heavy, but no one senses anything evil, just a large, wet storm. As night falls, many are starting to get antsy sitting around with nothing to do. Finally Michael sets up a series of twine and traps, just in case.
As the night passes, Michael finds himself suddenly awake. He looks at the twine, but it looks normal. He senses nothing moving in the room. There does appear to be more light than normal outside the window, but from his seat on the floor, he is not really sure. No one else is awake as Michael surveys the room in the darkness. The light from outside the window almost looks like someone is shining a light outside their window on the second floor somehow.
Prudence Gundle Monday November 28th, 2016 6:02:26 PM
As the group discusses strategy, Pru clarifies what she meant. "We really only need contingencies for if the judge is unreasonable or unfair," she says. "If he allows a Zone of Truth, we can take the time to figure out who can cast it and what they need. There are temples in town, so maybe they have somebody who can cast it, and maybe they'd prefer that. Or, if we have to go find a witness or some evidence, we can decide at the time who is going and who is staying and how we're going to keep in touch. That's all stuff we can work out later.
"What we need to work out now is what happens if the judge is unfair. What happens if after five minutes," Pru takes a shaky breath, "he decides that N-Nikolai is guilty and should be...should...should be executed immediately." Another shaky breath. "What do we do then? Or, what if he decides that he doesn't have time to try the case now, and Nikolai has to sit in jail until he has time? Or, what if he decides we're all guilty and locks us all up? That's what we should be planning for now."
But, really, there's only so much advance planning to be done with so little information, and eventually Pru says her prayers and tries to get some sleep. She is sound asleep when Michael sees the mysterious light.
AC 24 T 18 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday November 28th, 2016 8:09:19 PM
"Or if the accuser turns out to be Gerard. ". Mumbles Tinker, but his thoughts are more for sleep than strategy.
He puts Nikolai on a bed away from any window or door and puts the fake handcuffs around a bedpost for Nikolai's hands
In the middle of the night, Tinker is sawing logs!
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 Monday November 28th, 2016 9:03:10 PM
Anna says, "If the judge is unreasonable why don't I turn into a Large Arsinoitherium and physically clear a path out of the courthouse. I mean it seems like the judge most likely will be reasonable but we do need some escape plan if it comes to it. I guess we can sort it out in the morning..."
The morphling yawns and then turns in herself.
In the middle of the night she finds herself dreaming of a fete held by her lady Ma'ab and her consort King Eberyon.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday November 28th, 2016 10:05:30 PM
There were some suggestions for various spells that may come in useful. Trayvin meditates on the choices a bit before going to sleep.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=34 ; d20+20=37 ; Monday November 28th, 2016 11:04:07 PM
Michael quietly slips out from under the bed and shakes Tinker and Anna awake on his way too the window. he uses his mirror to peek out at what is going on outside.
stealth 34 perception. 37
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday November 29th, 2016 12:55:49 AM "All contingency plans are appreciated," Nikolai says with a yawn. He takes the bed Tinker appoints him. He stays awake for a while as if on guard duty but then slips into a light elven sleep.
DM JeffO Tuesday November 29th, 2016 9:12:56 AM
Looking just through his mirror, it is difficult to make sense of what he sees. It seems as if there is light coming from a place... or even more than one place in the air, instead of on the ground. As he moves the mirror about, the light or lights seems to be moving around as well. The lights appear near windows of the inn as best as he can see, and are moving from one place to another...
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday November 29th, 2016 9:03:47 PM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Prudence Gundle Tuesday November 29th, 2016 10:44:02 PM
Pru dreams she is back in the swamp, surrounded by the will-o-wisps. The wisps keep moving and darting about, now difficult to see, now shining their lights right in her eyes. She tries to explain to them that Anna and Tinker are waiting for their cake, but she doesn't speak wisp, and anyway the cake seems to have turned into a large dog. Not that it matters, the wisps just keep shining their lights. It's as if they're laughing at her.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 22/13/19 vs AOO: 26/22/17- HP 52/52-- CMD 16 Tuesday November 29th, 2016 11:02:00 PM
Anna continues her dream about the ball in the court of the fey.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday November 29th, 2016 11:27:19 PM
Nikolai has an odd dream. He's in a courtroom full of people and he sits in the accused chair. The judge calls forth the witness and Gerard appears out of the crowd. He looks much like the zombie corpses he's fought many times. He shambles forth mumbling something about his chain, 'Give me back my chain!'. As soon as the zombie-gerard sits, another appears, then another, and another, until the whole front is full of zombie-gerards all mumbling 'Give me back my chain!'.
Can someone wake him from this nightmare?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Wednesday November 30th, 2016 7:04:09 AM
Michael looks around, apparently his attempt to wake Tinker and Anna up was unsuccessful he resolves to wake everone up now.
Since on one is in the room he shakes everyone till they awaken. Paying special attention to Nikolai who looks to be having a nightmare.
DM JeffO Wednesday November 30th, 2016 11:26:21 AM
Michael quickly wakes everyone. As he does so, the light near the window gets a little brighter and seems to move in front of the window.
Knowledge, nature, DC 20 and Pru: Highlight to display spoiler: {That certainly appears to be a will-o-wisp right outside your window!}
AC 26 T 26 F 11 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+13=15 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2016 5:49:20 PM
Tinker rolls out of bed and lands on his feet, his hands grabbing his urgrosh and crossbow.
The dwarf moves to the window. "I'm not gonna wait to see what's there until it comes through the window. Hold on." And Tinker, poised to dodge, tries to find out if the lights are a night watch Torch, a dragon's fire, or something in between. .......
Fully defensive, no armor.
Perception 15. (With dark vision)
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC14/14/11 vs AOO: 18/18/11- HP 52/52-- CMD 18 d20+13=29 ; d20+7=24 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2016 8:36:33 PM
Anna rolls out of bed, her full plate armor useless at the foot of her bed. She activates her darkvision morphamancy in order to get a better feel for the current layout in the darkness.
(Know[nature]: 29; Perception: 24 with darkvision)
She is able to successfully identify the Will-O-Wisp and whispers to her Fist Mates, "What is a Will-O-Wisp doing outside of our window? Isn't this unusual behavior?"
Active Effects: Darkvision: 5 hours
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday November 30th, 2016 9:11:38 PM
"If that is in fact a Will-O-Wisp, then I would say yes it is. They are intelligent, if it isn't attacking then maybe it is trying to give a message?"
Trayvin grabs his Morningstar and shield, just in case it is looking for a fight.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday November 30th, 2016 10:29:16 PM
Pru scrambles out of bed and gets to her feet, and nobody awakened from a sound sleep should look that good. And then she puts her headband on.
"It's a wisp, all right," she confirms. "I remember those. I also remember that they hurt when they attack, so let's be careful."
When her companions are ready, she moves to the window and opens it.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+5=11 ; Thursday December 1st, 2016 1:20:33 AM
Knowledge Nature +5 vs DC20 = 11
Nikolai awakens wondering what all the commotion is about and word that some Will-O-Wisps are just outside isn't reassuring. "Boy, the news of my impending possible death reaches far and wide. No one put odds on these creatures showing up, eh? At least we are much better prepared to deal with their kind than when we first met."
He stands at the ready when the window is opened.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC14/14/11 vs AOO: 18/18/11- HP 52/52-- CMD 18 Thursday December 1st, 2016 7:19:13 AM
Anna readies an action to turn into a deinonychus should the Will-O-Wisp mean business and attack any of her companions after the window is open. She figures her armor is useless when she morphs into things currently anyway so at least as a Deinonychus she can fight back.
DM JeffO Thursday December 1st, 2016 11:16:20 AM
As Michael moves about the room, he quickly wakes everyone. Tinkers moves towards the window, prepared for a fight. Anna whispers that the light is indeed a will-o-wisp. Trayvon and Anna prepare for battle while Pru suggests the group be quite careful. Pru carefully opens the window while Nikolai stands ready. When the window is opened, the light stops moving, still hovering outside the window. It blinks and in a moment two other lights join it at the window. They spin around one another for a moment, just outside your window, then they take off into the air, flying up from the small town and off to the west, the direction from which the group had come into town.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC14/14/11 vs AOO: 18/18/11- HP 52/52-- CMD 18 Thursday December 1st, 2016 3:52:07 PM
"Should I fly after them? I can only do so for 5 minutes without having to stop" Anna asks her fist mates
AC 26 T 26 F 11 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday December 1st, 2016 5:39:55 PM
Tinker grumbles. "Blasted Wisps, doing blasted things in the middle of the blasted night." He watches them fly off with a sigh of relief then scowls and grumbles some more. "Blast, blast, blast..."
"If they come back we're gonna have to follow 'me, aren't we?"
And then the dwarf continues to think. What if they don't come back? Does that mean they are scouting for something else? And if so, what?
He'll follow Prudence's lead, whatever she decides.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday December 1st, 2016 8:59:12 PM
"Very odd behavior. I think we should see what they are up to. If they meant to attack, they probably would have already."
Prudence Gundle Thursday December 1st, 2016 10:47:35 PM
"I agree, Trayvin," Pru says. "They were probably spying on us, though I'm not sure why. No doubt we'll find out, and no doubt it'll be unpleasant. But I don't think there's anything we can do about it now."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Friday December 2nd, 2016 12:03:15 AM
Nikolai chimes in. "Will O' Wisps aren't know for attacking on their own. They feed off of the fear and dying of others, like in the swamp. They can attack us, of course, but prefer to incite violence between others and feed off of that. If they want us to follow them, it can only be to incite us into a fight with something else, otherwise why not attack us here?
We've got a trial tomorrow and we need to keep from getting sucked into something that will only tarnish our witness. Does anyone find it odd that they know where to find us? Why not hang around the other inn? Or another window? Of all the places to go looking for victims, why here?"
DM JeffO Friday December 2nd, 2016 9:16:03 AM
The group watches as the will-o-wisps fly away from them and the town and ponder what they could mean. The town seems quiet and dark now that the creatures are gone.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Friday December 2nd, 2016 11:10:02 AM Yeah will o wisps ain't like a loyal dog like " what's that boy? Timmy's in the well!". No they are more like the insane murderer who put Timmy in the well to lure you and stupid dog in so he can kill you. One of my cardinal rules is if a will o wisp want you to do something...don't do it and kill the will o wisp
Prudence Gundle Friday December 2nd, 2016 7:10:53 PM
Pru shuts the window. "All right, let's try to get some rest for what's left of the night." She sighs, as she returns to her bed, "tomorrow can't get here soon enough."
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday December 2nd, 2016 9:09:57 PM
"Pru, that is probably the wisest course of action. Still, I can't help wondering what it could mean."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Friday December 2nd, 2016 9:13:47 PM "They say, 'curiosity killed the cat', but I can't help but wonder what this was about and if we are missing out on something fun. Is that weird or what? Yeah, let's get this night over with faster by getting some more sleep."
However Nikolai has had enough sleep, or sleep just didn't come back, as he lay awake pondering their defense strategies for the morrow. No point on pondering the significance of the presence of the Will O' Wisps. Nothing good ever came from meeting one.
AC 26 T 26 F 11 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday December 2nd, 2016 9:22:03 PM
Tinker sighs, happy that Prudence has called for going back to sleep.
He takes his turn at watch and waits for morning.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Friday December 2nd, 2016 9:41:40 PM
will o wisps are bad, I don't care if they are trying to lead us back to where Gaston is hiding wringing his hands as he contemplates Nikolai's downfall. Following a will o wisp is like having a staring contest with a medusa. nothing good comes of it. they are evil and all they want to do is feed upon us as we die.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC14/14/11 vs AOO: 18/18/11- HP 52/52-- CMD 18 Friday December 2nd, 2016 11:33:26 PM
Anna prepares to turn back in, a little disappointed she didn't get to turn into a bird and fly to investigate whatever is out there.
"I was not with you guys the last time you encountered wisps. I would still like to know why they showed up but I will defer to your judgement in this matter if you think it more prudent not to follow them to the Gods know where."
DM JeffO Monday December 5th, 2016 8:55:48 AM
The group is wide awake in the middle of the night and discusses will-o-wisps, medusas, and Timmy in the well. Are the will-o-wisps sending a message? Are they trying to get the group to follow them? There are many questions and few answers on this dark night. After pondering and coming up with no answers, the group decides to attempt to go back to sleep, massive amounts of adrenaline running through the body be damned!
Some lie awake for a bit, trying to relax. The darkness and quiet make it relatively easy, but it is still difficult to fall back asleep after such midnight excitement. Michael wakes up one more time just after he falls asleep, thinking that the string trap had been hit. He sees nothing amiss in the darkness and once again tries to go back to sleep. The morning dawns early and anyone who normally needs eight hours of sleep is understandably a bit tired and perhaps cranky from a lack of quality sleep. The smell of bacon cooking from the first floor is evident and that might improve the mood of some at least a little. Outside the sun is shining brightly, not a cloud in sight, quite an improvement over the previous day. Does this portend good things for our group?
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday December 5th, 2016 7:57:01 PM
Tinker is a proponent of the old military adage of 'never', and sleeps just fine.
In the morning, he puts on his best uniform and all his weapons. "Nikolai the prisoner, you and I will stay here for breakfast. No sense in courting trouble. When Prudence is ready, we'll all go to the courthouse together "
Tinker toys with his trick cuffs, wondering if they should put them on now to avoid real ones being slapped on Nikko or not. The dwarf looks at Prudence. He just doesn't know.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC14/14/11 vs AOO: 18/18/11- HP 52/52-- CMD 18 Monday December 5th, 2016 8:40:27 PM
The next morning, Anna, is still disappointed she did not get to go check out the wisps and is also a little hang-dog from the night before.
She changes into her mithral full plate after taking some time to polish it. She hopes to cut an imposing figure in her armor like she did the last time. She lays her arsenal out on her bed, bow, guisarme, great sword, oversized club and guitar/club.
She finally settles on the guisarme again as it may be useful for keeping any trouble at arms length should anything happen.
She leaves her weapons in the room when she goes down for breakfast and makes sure she gets a large plate of eggs, bacon, flap jacks, biscuits and hashed browns.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=31 ; Monday December 5th, 2016 9:11:21 PM
Michael, having lived in a society where he could have been in a society where he could have awakened in the hands of a all pervalent, ruthless secret police, which pretty much encompased the entire population, goes to sleep just fine. He does though make sure to have his alarms ready though.
when he gets up he eats a hearty breakfast and brings plates up for Nikolai and Tinker. once he has eaten he dresses in his best uniform, his mithril shirt beneath it. once he is dressed and ready to go, he steps outside to check the lay of the land, looking for potiental trouble.
Perception 31
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday December 5th, 2016 10:06:55 PM
Trayvin puts on his armor and eats downstairs. He tries to assess the mood of anyone eating at the Inn that morning.
Prudence Gundle Monday December 5th, 2016 10:26:17 PM
After a moment's internal debate, Pru casts the extended Mage Armor spell on Nikolai just as she always does. "You never know what's going to happen," she says.
She casts it on herself, too, of course.
"I agree, Tinker, there's no point in bringing Nikolai down to breakfast; it's only going to upset people. We'll bring something up to you."
Asked about the manacles, Pru shakes her head. "Keep them. Nikolai is our companion, not our prisoner. That's what we want to convey." She smiles a little. "So if they put real ones on him, we're counting on you to be able to take them off again! If necessary."
When the group has breakfasted and prepared, Pru leads the way to the courthouse.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+14=17 ; d20+7=27 ; Monday December 5th, 2016 11:57:41 PM
Nikolai agrees to stay in the room. "Fine with me, just don't bring us any cold eggs," he grins.
He dons his uniform, ties his belt on good, and for extra measure puts on his hat. "You never know. However, if that judge is smart, he'll have some way to detect magic. At least so as to determine if anyone is under any compulsion spell or such thing."
He enjoys the food from Michael and eats heartily. His next meal may be prison fair.
He accepts the position in the middle of the pack again once they head to the courtroom. He scans the people they pass looking for some look other than the usual contempt or apprehension.
Perception +14 = 17 Sense Motive +7 = 27!
DM JeffO Tuesday December 6th, 2016 10:35:30 AM
The group rises and prepares for the day. There is much preparation in the way of uniforms and armor. Everyone works to look their best for the court. Breakfast is quiet with only a couple other farmers in place in the room. Trayvin checks out the farmers, but they appear to be in a hurry, simply grabbing some food before they head out for their work for the day. They barely give him a nod before they depart. Tink and Michael take extra helpings up to Nikolai who enjoys what may be his last breakfast.
They group gets ready to head out after a hearty (and costly) breakfast. Michael steps outside first to check the lay of the land. The street looks much like it did yesterday, only with fewer people out. There are a few puddles in the low spots on the road, leftover from the rain last night. There are people walking about, leading wagons and a couple riding on old donkeys. Looking down the street to the courthouse, he can see a couple people walk into the building, but other than that things look as normal as you might expect in a small town.
The rest of the group comes out of the inn and Pru takes the lead with Nikolai in the middle, heading towards the courthouse.
OOC: Before you enter, is anyone carrying visible weapons? Any other spells cast or preparations before you enter the building?
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 6th, 2016 7:57:37 PM
Tinker defers to Prudence as she leads the team to the courthouse. Tinker follows Nikolai, his two-handed urgrosh at 'port arms' resting easy across his chest in a non threatening pose.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Tuesday December 6th, 2016 8:04:33 PM
Anna is carrying her steel glass guisarme in a non-threatening manner as the group approaches the courthouse.
She says to Pru, "Should I activate my bark skin SLA in case this is a trap or something or should I save it?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Tuesday December 6th, 2016 8:22:01 PM
Michael has his rapier and his short sword at his side, as an agent of the Fist and part of Farangua milita he is entitled to wear it
Prudence Gundle Tuesday December 6th, 2016 10:08:54 PM
Pru is armed with nothing but her dazzling smile, which is on full view as she steps up to the courthouse door. "Save it," she replies to Anna's question. "And let's all keep level heads. It's possible that somebody may try to provoke us into a confrontation, and we want to avoid that if we can."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday December 6th, 2016 11:40:59 PM
Nikolai is armed to the teeth (almost). His two deadly arms with iron hitting fists swing nonchalantly by his side as he walks. His two vicious feet easily sidesteps the puddles in the road and leaves hardly a trace of where he stepped.
On the other hand, who'd know that that tall, handsome half elf easily striding down the street seemingly totally defenseless surrounded by an impressive armed guard was a vicious murderer?
He scans the people they pass looking for some look other than the usual contempt or apprehension.
Perception +14 = 17 Sense Motive +7 = 27!
ooc; keeping the rolls from above as they are still part of the same action.
DM JeffO Wednesday December 7th, 2016 9:19:27 AM
When the group arrives at the courthouse, they are met at the door by Achtan. He smiles widely at Pru, but the smile disappears when he sees the others, the weapons, and the plainly very, very vicious feet (?!?). He says, “Normally we do not allow weapons of any kind in the courthouse…” he trails off and look at Pru, smiling once again, “But I suppose in this case, as you are in the Fist and all, I suppose it would be acceptable.” As he says so, a person to the side spits on the ground, clearly in contempt. He looks the group over and says, “Achtan, he’s a murderer. The Fist is no good here.” He turns and walks into the courthouse with two other men.
As the group heads into the courthouse, Achtan speaks to Pru, “Good Sergeant, since this is such an important case here, there are no other cases scheduled for today.” He pauses, then continues, “Well, actually, there are not many cases ever scheduled here. We are a quiet town, most of the time. Just take a seat and when the judge comes in, he will call for the murderer. When he does, make sure that Nikolai walks up to the front. The judge will take it from there.”
Inside the courthouse, there are about a dozen people seated in groups of two and three. All talk stops the moment the group enters the courthouse. At the front the two overweight guards from yesterday stand beside one of the doors. As the group is preparing to find seats, a person in black robes, clearly the judge, enters from the door and steps up to the raised seat in front of the room. He is bald and tall, with a large, bushy mustache. You cannot see much more about him with the flowing robes. He quickly takes a seat and slaps the arm of the chair with his hand to get the attention of everyone in the room. He calls out in a deep voice, “Bring forth the murderer!”
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday December 7th, 2016 5:57:11 PM
Trayvin looks around for a murderer. Not seeing one, he shrugs his shoulders.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+13=25 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2016 6:40:20 PM
Tinker growls under his breath. "I don't like this farce. It's like a trap that just keeps getting tighter no matter which way we wiggle."
Still, orders are to be cooperative, and the more suffering before exoneration will only increase the prestige of Nikolai, the Agents, and the Fist.
Tinker descends into silence and keeping a watchful eye.
Perception DC 25
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Wednesday December 7th, 2016 7:17:51 PM
"Your Honor, may I approach the bench?" Anna calls out to the judge. She is hoping to tell the judge that Nikolai is only an alleged murderer and that they intend to show that Nikolai is innocent.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Wednesday December 7th, 2016 7:47:26 PM
Michael nudges Nikolai, I guess he's talking to you, this isn't Fist justice, here you are guilty until proven innocent.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday December 7th, 2016 10:15:05 PM
Pru takes a deep breath before placing one hand lightly on Nikolai's arm. She leads him forward--clearly not coercing or pulling--and stops before the judge.
"This is Nikolai Komonv," she says, "although he didn't murder anyone, and we're all anxious to get this cleared up."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Wednesday December 7th, 2016 10:39:04 PM
Nikolai hides the anger of being called a murderer on the presumption that anyone can accuse someone of anything and the assumption is that they are guilty until proven innocent. But that's the way things have been in these lands for centuries, so, oh well.
"Thanks for the reminder, Michael," he mutters as he follows Pru's lead and they both approach the judge. He keeps silent for the time being, not sure what the protocols are, but figuring the judge will ask him how he pleads. No point in sounding like a bleating sheep or a whinny brat.
He does have a few seconds to ponder where was this judge when Cove was being overrun by bandits, it's citizens held captive and tortured. If his Fist had been fully aware of the laws of the land, they could have held that prisoner until this judge arrived for a trial. Would have made a big difference, maybe.
DM JeffO Thursday December 8th, 2016 8:57:33 AM
Anna calls out to the judge as Pru and Nikolai approach. The judge finally looks up and looks over Nikolai and Pru. After a moment he says, “Yes, yes, of course. You shall have your turn.” He looks at his paper and mumbles, “But I do not appreciate the weapons in my courtroom.” He calls out once again, while looking around the room, “And where is the accuser? Who declares this Nikolai a murderer?”
…
…
There is a quiet pause and the people in the room look around as well.
…
…
The door at the rear of the room opens and a figure shuffles in. The figure wears a long coat with the collar turned up, covering it from head to toe. It also wears a cowl of some sort, pulled down so that their face is shrouded in shadow. Peer as you might, and many of the crowd are doing just that, you cannot see the face of the figure. It slowly shambles across the room, up the side aisle, towards the front of the room. It seems quite uncoordinated. As it reaches the front of the aisle, it starts speaking just before it stops shuffling. The voice is squeaky and has a strange, lilting accent, “It is I. Yes, that’s the murderer right there.” It slowly raises an arm, the hand not appearing past the end of the sleeve and almost appears to lose its balance as it points…
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday December 8th, 2016 7:21:04 PM
Trayvin is pretty sure this seems really unusual. He's also pretty sure that just about any action will cause a scene. He waits anxiously, for the figure to finish pointing and doing whatever it is that it is doing. Trayvin isn't even sure if the figure is going to point at Nikolai, or someone else.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+19=22 ; Thursday December 8th, 2016 7:29:21 PM
Anna notices the odd movements of the accuser and wonders if the accuser is actually alive considering how it moves and the fact that they just came from an encounter with a death worshiping cult so she reaches into her bag of tricks and pulls out a 1st level cleric scroll of deathwatch.(OOC: full round action)
She then casts the spell off the scroll and turns her sensory cone towards the accuser (OOC: 30 foot sensory cone, standard action UMD 22 vs 21 = success)
(OOC: per the spell: You instantly know whether each creature within the area is dead, fragile (alive and wounded, with 3 or fewer hit points left), fighting off death (alive with 4 or more hit points), healthy, undead, or neither alive nor dead (such as a construct))
If she determines the accuser is an undead or neither alive nor dead she approaches the bench and respectfully says to the judge, "Your honor what is the custom if the accuser is not living? Are the charges dropped?"
(OOC: Active effects: Death Watch: 10 min, 30 foot sensory emanation - tell if something is alive, dead, dying, undead or neither dead nor alive
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+8=23 ; Thursday December 8th, 2016 10:26:31 PM
The accuser strikes Nikolai as being the said dead Gerard by it's movements. He's seen plenty of zombies and how they walk to see the resemblance. Most zombies, though, are mindless, but not all undead zombie types are, some retain some intelligence upon death. An intelligence just enough to motivate the once alive creature to seek revenge.
Knowledge (Undead) - favored Enemy +8 = 23
He keeps a keen eye on the shrouded figure, studying it.
"Your Honor, the Fist carry their weapons as a precaution against anyone who would try to prevent this trial. I'm sure the'd put them away as soon as this accuser disrobes to prove he is weaponless likewise."
Prudence Gundle Thursday December 8th, 2016 10:29:54 PM
When the mysterious robed figure approaches the judge, Pru takes a step away from it, giving it a sideways look.
When Nikolai speaks, she clarifies, "That is, we would like the person to remove their cowl." Now Nikolai gets the sideways glance. "Obviously, it isn't necessary that the person disrobe completely. In fact, I'd rather he didn't."
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday December 9th, 2016 6:50:41 AM
Tinker automatically takes a disliking to the accuser. But, mindful of the judge and showing any confession may help the final outcome, the dwarf nods and lays his urgrosh on the ground behind his feet. And places his crossbow on the pile too.
DM JeffO Friday December 9th, 2016 9:01:06 AM
As the accuser moves forward, Anna starts working on a scroll. When she starts reading it, the judge motions towards her and the two overweight guards move forward, placing themselves between her and the judge. While she is reading the scroll, Nikolai carefully eyes the figure. He watches the steps and realizes that it is all wrong – the way it is moving, while completely unnatural, is not at all like a zombie would move. He can’t quite put into words why it’s wrong, but he is quite sure that the movements are not those of the undead.
Anna finishes reading her scroll and the judge starts slapping the arm of his chair, yelling, “Order! We will have order in here, or I shall throw all of you in jail!” When Anna turns towards the accuser, she is at first quite confused about the reading. Part of it is quite clear – there is no one dead there. The strange part is that while she is looking at one figure, the spell seems to be indicating to her that there are two healthy life forces there!
Nikolai and Pru ask the judge that the accuser reveal himself while Pru gives Nikolai a glance. At the same time, Tinker defers to the judge and places his weapons on the ground. The judge continues slapping the arm of his chair until there is quiet. He says to Anna, “If you cast another spell here without my permission, you’re going to jail.” To Nikolai he says, “You are the murderer. You will have your chance to speak, but not until I tell you to.” He says to Tinker, “Thank you, good sir.” Finally he turns to the accuser and says, “Indeed, that is enough. This is not a place of theatrics, you will remove your cowl immediately or I will throw you in jail, too!”
The figure sort of wobbles a bit and then the same voice says, “Okay, sure.” Two arms reach up and grab the edge of the hood and pull it back. When the hood is removed, you can see a rather small face and head, much too small for the body, with red, curly hair, a full red beard and tiny pointed ears. With eyes twinkling, the figure says, “I guess the jig is up, eh?” The robe suddenly drops to reveal two very short people that look almost like twins with the same hair and beards, one standing precariously on the other’s shoulders. When the robe drops, the one on top jumps off and onto a railing. The other sticks it’s tongue out at the judge and says, "And gone!". The first one points at the gathered group of the Fist and laughs. On the other side of the room there are howls of laughter and two more of the people, looking somehow almost exactly like the others jump up from one of the rows and are pointing at the judge and the two in front alternately, howling in laughter…
Knowledge, Nature, DC 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {The “people” are fey: leprechauns!}
Prudence Gundle Friday December 9th, 2016 2:14:09 PM
Pru feels a weird sense of nostalgia watching the scene. Her younger brothers used to get up to all kinds of mischief. True, Rye and Pye had never attempted anything this elaborate--but the tone of the laughter is very familiar.
Pru ignores them--the best thing to do with giggling little pests, really--and turns her attention to the judge. Something tells her he doesn't share these....creatures' sense of humor.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+13=31 ; Friday December 9th, 2016 6:25:39 PM
(Know[Nature]:31)
Anna apologizes to the judge, "I'm sorry your honor for casting a spell without permission. I suspected the accuser was undead and was casting a spell to determine if this was the case but as it turns out the accusers are of the fey. As a servant of Queen Ma'ab and cradled emissary of Lord Eberyon may I address these leprechauns?"
Anna figures the sprites were just playing a prank on Nikolai and may not have realized the ramifications of their accusations.
If the judge allows her to address the Leprechauns She says in Sylan Highlight to display spoiler: {"With all respect my good leprechauns I enjoy a good prank as well as the next person, but Nikolai is a good man and by falsely accusing him of murder you have endangered his life. He is my fist mate and leader and I would be most grateful if you told the judge the truth with respect to your accusations. If this prank was to get us back here because you need help of some sort we would be willing to hear you out but I may need to talk to my friends first as they may not be as aware of your customs as I am." }
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+3=22 ; Friday December 9th, 2016 8:39:19 PM
Michael recognizes the creatures for what they are. The knot of worry he had been carrying around for his friend and commander evaporates with the appearance of the leprechauns. when things calm down he will respectfully ask the judge to drop the charges against Nikolai, that is if the judge doesn't go ahead and drop them himself.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday December 9th, 2016 10:22:43 PM
Trayvin shakes his head. This may very well be the oddest trial the Fist has ever been a part of. He waits to see the judge's response to these fey. "I wonder if they are friends with the Will-o-Wisps?"
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday December 9th, 2016 10:40:15 PM
Tinker keeps quiet; laughter never killed anyone yet and the laws of this land still have Nikolai accused. The dwarf isn't about to breathe a sigh of relief or drop his guard. He watches the judge to see what is his reaction.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+5=14 ; Monday December 12th, 2016 1:06:18 AM
knowledge Nature +5 DC20 = 14
Nikolai remains tense. Still not sure of the nature of what just happened, he's not prepared to assume these leprechauns, as Anna identified them, are just pranking him. How did they know about Gerard and his relationship with Nikolai's Fist?
He mutters to Tinker, "Think Gerard put them up to this himself? We really don't know whether he ever had a trial and may have just bribed himself free."
Nikolai keeps an eye on the fey imps but tries to notice the judge's reaction from his peripheral vision.
DM JeffO Monday December 12th, 2016 11:03:43 AM
When the fey reveal themselves, the judge stands up and his face turns very red. “What is the meaning of this?” he bellows at the top of his lungs. The leprechauns look at him, laugh, and start running around the room. He yells out, “GUARDS!” The two overweight fellows move into action. One tries to grab one of the leprechauns and it jumps right through his arms as the guard crashes into a chair and falls to the ground. Anna tries to speak to the judge and the leprechauns, but the entire room has now devolved into total chaos. People in the audience are standing and yelling. The leprechauns are running around the room laughing. The judge is continuing to yell. The guards are bumbling around. Achtan has come into the room and is unconsciously blocking the exit and he stands there, mouth agape, watching the circus…
Prudence Gundle Monday December 12th, 2016 3:28:40 PM
Pru stays where she is. She lightly grasps Nikolai's wrist to indicate that he should stay where he is, too. She's pretty sure that she and her Fist-mates could capture these creatures, and she's also pretty sure that the judge and townsfolk will resent them for trying.
"Let's wait until we're asked to help," she tells her companions. Or tries to; it's pretty wild in there.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday December 12th, 2016 6:25:51 PM
Tinker can't see any danger, the little fey are trying to cause an uproar but not hurt anyone. When Prudence makes her call, the dwarf grins in his beard. "Our orders are to bring Nikolai here to stand trial. If they want to hire us to get some leprechauns..."
He grins wider.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Monday December 12th, 2016 9:58:51 PM
Nikolai restrains himself with Pru's gentle touch. His first instinct was to nab one and have him spill his story and get this charade over with but Tinker had the right idea. If they want help to capture a leprechaun, they'll have to pay the going fee for capturing leprechauns.
He nods at Pru and smiles. "How much does the Fist charge for the capture of leprechauns? A pot of gold for each one maybe?"
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday December 12th, 2016 10:42:38 PM
"Achtan, my dear fellow, you may want to get out of the doorway in case anyone decides to start running through it."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Tuesday December 13th, 2016 12:03:01 AM
"You know, Nikolai, we may be able to trap them using gold as a lure. They really like the stuff. However I'm waiting until they ask us to help as Pru suggests. My other ideas are to try to entangle them with a tangle foot back or try to make them slip with a grease spell from a scroll." Anna says
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Tuesday December 13th, 2016 7:31:56 AM
with the way they have been treated in this town, if the leprechauns burn the town down he would be alright with it. now if they want to pay, he will be glad to catch them.
DM JeffO Tuesday December 13th, 2016 9:52:32 AM
The leprechauns continue their antics for a few minutes as the Fist stands and watches. After seeing the guards fall down a few times, they seem to tire of their actions and head for the door. Achtan wisely quickly gets out of the way and the leprechauns head out the door. As the last departs, he sticks his head back in the room and calls out, “See you later, Agents of the Fist!” He winks, then quickly disappears.
The room is still in chaos and the people are still talking quietly as the judge tries to restore order and finally succeeds. Achtan helps stand some chairs up and stays in the rear, looking quite red-faced. The judge glares at him a moment before addressing the Agents and the audience. He pauses and waits for the fat guards to regain their position near the rear door.
“Nikolai and Agents of the Fist: I do hope that you can accept my most sincere apologies. This apology comes from me, personally, and the town of Sandrill Crossing.” He looks up to Achtan and he is nodding his head quite profusely. The judge continues, “This is not something that normally happens here in this town or in my courtroom. I was provided with clear evidence of accusations and I truly believed them to be true. As you can see, we were all apparently quite fooled for some purpose. I would have no idea what that purpose might be, though perhaps you, as experienced Agents of the Fist, would have more knowledge of that area.”
“Know this: I am aware of the reputation that has preceded you into town regarding these accusations. Again, I am truly sorry that these came to be, I will investigate my own people to find how we could have been tricked so easily. I will issue proclamations throughout the town and throughout the land declaring your innocence in this matter and explaining that Nikolai is indeed, no murderer, at least according to this court. I can also provide that in writing to you, should you desire a copy to carry with you.”
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 13th, 2016 10:30:13 AM
Tinker breathes a sigh of relief; it appears Nikolai's court with death is over. The dwarf begins setting back a couple of chairs and brushing off a guard or two with his spade-like hand. It's not his job to reply or accept any apologies; that being Prudence and Nikolai respectively. There are, however, two pieces of duty that do need addressing...
The first is chain of command. He turns to Prudence. "With charges dropped, are you still Agent Officer in charge, or are you ending command in favor of Nikolai?" Tinker is clear, it is Prudence's choice to keep or give up command, and the dwarf will back up her lead to the hilt.
The second is this town. "And after that is settled, maybe we talk with a couple of key leaders?" He looks around so the townsfolk can't hear. "Dragons, Will-o-wisps, and Leprechauns all in a day and all around this particular town. What's going on here?"
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday December 13th, 2016 9:39:43 PM
"I agree with Tinker. We should send a message along with a copy of the judgement to Commander Palance. After that I think we need to do a bit of investigating. The fey mostly seem interested in causing a bit of chaos for the laughs, but there is still the matter of where this accusation came from in the first place."
"Judge, how do you feel about us poking around a bit?"
"And Pru, I think you did a fine job filling in as commander. If Nikolai has no objection maybe you should hold onto it a bit longer for some more experience."
Prudence Gundle Tuesday December 13th, 2016 10:04:52 PM
Pru breathes a sigh of relief when she says, "no, that's all right. Nikolai's back in charge now."
She looks at the judge. "For my part, I willingly accept your apology. And I'd like to take a moment to thank Master Achtan for being so kind and helpful. And yes, we definitely need a written copy of your judgement to give our commanding officer."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday December 13th, 2016 11:52:40 PM
Nikolai watches the leprechauns prance out of the court room. In a way he feels disappointment in not getting to try Tinker's trick handcuffs, or putting forth a defense that would put the most astute judge to sleep. However it is with a sigh of relief he answers Trayvin, "Until we get the official word from Commander Palance, Pru is still the Thumb."
He turns to the judge and answers him, "I don't see how you could have avoided this. You were doing your job and leprechauns are notorious for their pranks. Our Commander will need the official pronouncement of innocence for her to file the case away. We'll need the copy to send to our Commander and a copy to carry with us in case word of your judgement does not spread fast enough. At your convenience. Meanwhile, these leprechauns are not finished with their pranks, as they just said."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Wednesday December 14th, 2016 12:02:30 AM
Anna makes it a point to take the receipt to Achtan and get the gold she surrendered in bond money back, having forgotten to take care of it before the leprechauns appeared. She hopes the gold is still there as the leprechauns are known for their pranks and love of gold.
She adds her own voice to the that of her companions in talking with the judge, "As I was trying to say when pandemonium broke loose I am a servant of Queen Ma'ab and Cradled emissary of Lord Eberyon. If the Leprechauns insist on remaining in the area and causing a nuisance in your fair town mayhap I can talk with them and convince them to not bother the town folk or other passers by. Sometimes the leprechauns prank people to teach them lessons but ultimately they are chaotic creatures so who can say really why the leprechauns falsely accused Nikolai of murder?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Wednesday December 14th, 2016 7:15:42 AM
Michael stands a few chairs back up, and just generally makes himself useful. He says nothing to the judge, or anybody else. what more need be said? Nikolai is free, his honor is intact, and adventure awaits! life is good.
DM JeffO Wednesday December 14th, 2016 11:00:34 AM
As order settles, the visitors start filing out of the room. Achtan appears quickly with the gold deposit. When the agents mention judgements, the judge interrupts, “Achtan, see to it that there are a number of copies of my order written up. Be sure it mentions that the Agents of the Fist are completely blameless and not guilty of any charges. I want a copy immediately sent to their commander, and another copy for them. I need a copy for this courtroom, and another for the town. Make up two more copies that we might also send them to neighboring towns.”
The judge thanks everyone for their understanding and continues to apologize, now having left his lofty seat and joining the group on the floor. When he is asked about poking around and checking with the leprechauns, he says, “I have no idea why they are here or what their purpose might be. They had to work awful hard to convince this court of these charges, so I would suspect they had help of some kind. And this is beyond simple pranks, I don’t know what is going on. Feel free to look around the town with my blessing. I will ensure that the people here know that are you not guilty.”
“Achtan, send a crier throughout town right now to proclaim the innocence of the Agents of the Fist.”
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Wednesday December 14th, 2016 5:11:45 PM
"So now that that matter is settled what do we investigate first? That clearing with the dragon tracks? The direction the wisps moved or the Leprechauns. For such a small community it sure seems to have its fair share of unusual creatures. That dragon could be a danger to others in the area, the wisps certainly did behave oddly and the Leprechauns lied to besmirch Nikolai's good name. I'm up for trying to figure out what is going on with any of these fantastic creatures." Anna says to Nikolai and Pru, "Where are we headed?"
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday December 14th, 2016 7:46:47 PM
"Yer pardon, sir", says Tinker to Nikolai, "but you were only removed because you were under arrest. Since you are no longer under arrest and Prudence (who as ranking Fist in this town) says you are the Thumb, well, you are the Thumb." Tinker draws himself to a parade-ground position of attention. "Waiting for your orders, SIR!"
It's a little melodramatic and not necessary for the looser style of the Agents, but Tinker feels the pomp and circumstance could do well for the village audience as well as a formal passing of authority from Prudence to Nikolai.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday December 14th, 2016 9:28:10 PM
"I think the people here will be much more willing to talk to us now than before. I think we should give the news a chance to spread around and then see what kind of information might be available around the town."
Prudence Gundle Wednesday December 14th, 2016 10:24:35 PM
"It seems a shame to waste the whole day, though," Pru says. "Maybe we should stroll out to where we saw the dragon? Talk to folks when we return?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday December 15th, 2016 1:40:36 AM
Nikolai assures the judge that their report will not blame him. "By the way, is it true that once absolved of a crime one can't be charged for the same crime again?" He is not sure of the customs here, but if he is right, he can never be charged for murdering Gerard again.
"I think some time in the woods would do us good. My vote is to pick up where we left off after the dragon attack.Perhaps we'll meet those Will O' Whisps again. Or could they have not been real but also a prank from the leprechauns?" he shrugs.
DM JeffO Thursday December 15th, 2016 8:41:08 AM
The group discusses leadership and where to go next. When Nikolai speaks to the judge, the judge replies, "Well, I don't believe that is a formal law here, but you can rest assured that any charge against the Fist will be difficult to get past me again!"
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+7=16 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+13=23 ; Thursday December 15th, 2016 2:35:50 PM
Anna says enthusiastically, "To the clearing with the dragon tracks that I found then."
If everyone is on the same page she moves to the clearing as fast as she can making sure everyone is sticking together. She hopes to find the same dragon tracks she found last time and hopefully be able to follow them.
(Perception:16, Survival: 24, Know[Nature]: 23)
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=30 ; Thursday December 15th, 2016 7:19:50 PM
Tinker is happy the judge is firmly on the side of the Fist, and nods about the castle ruins.
There's really nothing to be said, so the dwarf hikes his equipment to the ready and moves to his normal place in the rear.
Perception 30
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Thursday December 15th, 2016 9:17:32 PM
Michael contemplates giving this town and it's inhabitants a piece of his mind about the concept of justice and guilt. Nikolai is taking being called a "murderer" with the calmness and honor he always has. but it really aggravates Michael. in the end, he keeps his mouth shut and soldiers on. He is, though, more convinced than ever that the Fist needs it's own country and not be subject to the idiocy of civilians.
Prudence Gundle Thursday December 15th, 2016 10:02:43 PM
Pru thanks the judge again before turning to leave with her companions. "The cart is back at the inn," she says. "Are we going to need it? Or can we leave it there?"
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday December 15th, 2016 10:27:46 PM
"I think we should leave it for now, no sense getting bogged down with it while looking for a dragon."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday December 15th, 2016 11:48:01 PM
Nikolai thanks the judge again for doing his duty. It was easier for him to say that now than 30 minutes ago but the Fist gains it's pay from working for others and acquire many enemies. He's amazed that cases like this are rare, at least he's not heard of any in his lifetime other than Neutronus, but that was different in so many ways.
"To the ruined castle and dragon hunt," he exclaims exuberantly. As they head out, he gathers up his equipment from the divers Fist members. "I don't think the cart could make it down that path anyway," he comments. "We obeyed their law so if we treat this town as if nothing happened, we gain their respect and good will. That being our second mission no matter where we go." he adds.
It bothers him though that he does not know how the leprechauns came across Gerard's name and his association with them. He sense that this isn't over just yet.
"If we can spare the time, we really need to go check on what happened to Gerard. Did he face a trial? Was he released?"
DM JeffO Friday December 16th, 2016 9:16:25 AM
The Agents of the Fist continue to discuss for a bit what’s going on. They are sure that there is more going on than they can see at this time, but they’re not really sure which way to go or what they can do about it. In the meantime, Anna starts leading the way back to the clearing with the dragon tracks, hoping everyone will follow. Pru thanks the judge and the group heads out, with a little discussion about whether they need the cart or if it will be safe back at the inn. Nikolai, relived of the charges, but still wondering about the reasons for them, exclaims, “To the ruined castle and dragon hunt!”
As the party reaches the edge of town, they can hear a town crier yelling about in town. Careful listening can reveal “Agents of the Fist,” “Nikolai,” and “innocent of all charges.”
Back in the forest, a bit from the edge of town (repeated from explorations before):
They see no signs of any other monsters, but happen upon what appears to be an old game trail that leads deeper into the forest. Michael notices there are a couple of large, very old, strangely colored rocks along the trail. They are large (about two feet on a side, cubes) and black and appear almost to be old stones that could have been used in construction of something. The coloring makes them look quite out of place.
After a short search, Michael finds the trail opens up to a relatively large clearing in the middle of the forest. This appears to not be a natural clearing There is no vegetation or grass at all in the clearing, which is very unnatural There are tracks and markings that look like tracks a dragon would make
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday December 16th, 2016 10:27:12 PM
Trayvin readies his Morningstar and shield. If the dragon spends time here then it may come back at any moment.
Prudence Gundle Friday December 16th, 2016 11:09:34 PM
"We injured it pretty badly before," Pru says. "Do you think it will come after us again, or will it stay in hiding?"
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+13=32 ; d20+13=33 ; Saturday December 17th, 2016 8:53:44 AM
Anna searches her memory concerning Green Dragons (Know[arcana]:32 ooc 33 was misclick) and shares everything she can think of with Pru for an idea as to what the one they injured might do.
Anna realizes that all she has is the steel glass ranseur, her ability to turn into creatures and her bag of tricks. As none of her weapons were magical except for the bow this is no big lost as she can grab a scroll of either magic weapon or magic fang from her bag depending on what weapons she decides to use to confront the dragon.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=22 ; Saturday December 17th, 2016 10:08:58 AM
Tinker isn't a good woodsman, and so is happy Anna, Nikolai, and Michael all seem to have some skill. He, crossbow in hand, keeps a sharp eye out on their backtrail, ensuring no one will come up unawares from behind.
Perception 22
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=29 ; d20+16=24 ; Saturday December 17th, 2016 5:15:50 PM
Nikolai goes to work studying the area. Considering the storm the day before, he figures not much evidence is left except those since last night. On the other hand, a dragon is pretty big and heavy, those tracks may linker a while longer despite the weather.
Survival Forest (Favored Terrain) +13 = 29 He tries to determine how old the tracks are and if they are the kind the creature leaves when it settles down or just passing through.
Perception (Forest Favored Terrain) +16 = 24 He also looks for any sign of hiding leprechauns or other unusual things. OOC: kinda generic but...
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday December 19th, 2016 10:01:35 PM
Trayvin doesn't have much skill with tracking, so he just a watchful eye on the area while the others check for tracks and other signs.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Tuesday December 20th, 2016 7:08:08 AM
(OOC: sorry guys, work in the Great White North sucks. it takes twice as long to do anything. I've been late at work and late getting home.
Michael looks around for entrances, artifacts, or anything else of interest here. He organizes a search or the area. laying it out in a grid using reference points and grid points. he takes his time looking over the area. (take 20 on perception).
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=29 ; Tuesday December 20th, 2016 10:54:27 AM
Nikolai chooses one of MIchael's grid points on the opposite end where MIchael starts his search to start his own. What is he looking for? If the dragon spent any time here at all he may have left a 'goodies' cache or some sort. You never know?
From previous rolls: Survival Forest (Favored Terrain) +13 = 29 He tries to determine how old the tracks are and if they are the kind the creature leaves when it settles down or just passing through.
Perception (Forest Favored Terrain) +16 = 24 He also looks for any sign of hiding leprechauns or other unusual things.
new roll: Perception +13 looking for what Michael is looking for, like a hidden hidey-hole, stone runes, whatever is not naturally found in a forest enclave = 29
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday December 20th, 2016 8:49:40 PM
Tinker keeps a steady eye out.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Saturday December 24th, 2016 4:09:47 PM
Nikolai wonders that if the dragon spent some time here, where's his poop? What does dragon poop look like? Maybe they don't poop near their resting place?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Friday December 30th, 2016 11:30:00 PM
Nikolai stumps his toe on a small rock so consumed he is of finding dragon poop.
DM JeffO Monday January 2nd, 2017 1:30:53 PM
It has been a little time since the dragon attacked, and since the group checked out the clearing. As Nikolai notices, due to the previous night and day’s rain, there are few fresh tracks. Trayvin stays ready, watching the sky for the return of the dragon while Pru wonders if it will return quickly or not. Anna tries to prepare to fight it once again, but cannot think of what an injured dragon might do. Would it attack in a rage? Would it hide in a hole and nurse itself back to health? Or maybe it would seek out a dragon cleric for some quick healing before attacking again…
Meanwhile, Tinker watches the rear to ensure the group isn’t surprised from behind. Nikolai and Michael search the area carefully looking for anything of interest. While Nikolai is fascinated by his own search for dragon poop, it is Michael who first notices something out of place. When he steps into the depression, he finds his foot slips deeper into the ground than it should. In fact, it is almost as if his foot disappears into the ground, but not quite. He picks his foot up and puts it down again on the ground, but his foot keeps doing down a couple more inches than the ground. It feels quite odd to him and he shakes his head in confusion (will save, DC 20, Michael and anyone who can see him. Michael gets a +2).
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+5=17 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 3:00:34 PM
Anna notices something is off with Michael as she, him and Nikolai search the clearing (Will Save: 17 or 18 if it is a fear effect)
She is also affected by whatever targeted Michael.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+9=28 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 9:43:55 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Will Save + 9 vs DC20 = 28
Nikolai happened to be looking keenly for hidden leprechauns at the moment Michael came across something odd and noticed him testing the ground and his foot seemingly passing through the earth, and not like he was stepping in muck or quicksand either. He saw plenty of that in the swamps. This was very different, so different as to be magical?
"Hey Michael. Take a care will ya?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+8=10 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 9:53:53 PM
Michael hears Nikolai in a far off corner of his mind, but the fascination of his find consumes him foot up, foot down... Will save 10
Prudence Gundle d20+8=23 ; d20+12=26 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 10:06:56 PM
Pru's interest in the effect is purely professional. [Will save 23] "Now, what do you suppose that's about?" she wonders aloud. [Spellcraft 26]
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=33 ; Monday January 2nd, 2017 10:07:30 PM
Tinker, hefting his crossbow, continues to patrol the backtrail.
Perception 33
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday January 2nd, 2017 10:09:21 PM
Trayvin shakes his head. It looked like Michael was trying out some new dance move he must have learned from one of the villagers. Trayvin returns his gaze to the sky and watching out for the dragon.
DM JeffO Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 9:22:13 AM
While Michael tries to tell what is happening on the ground around him, Nikolai calls out for him to be careful. Nikolai and Pru are able to see some sort of shimmering at the edge of the clearing and when they blink, they can see that the ground in the clearing is actually a shallow pit, no more than a few feet deep, but with steep sides. One more step and Michael would have fallen into the pit. Pru notes that it is indeed a magical effect, likely an illusion to keep people out of the shallow pit. There is a small pile of something in the center of the pit, shining.
Tinker and Trayvin keep watch on the skies and the area around. Tinker smells the scent of some sort of animal on the light breeze. Perhaps a deer?
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+19=20 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+13=21 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 9:49:48 AM
Anna reaches into her bag of tricks and pulls out a cleric scroll of detect magic at caster level 2. She wanders over to the edge of the pit and attempts to cast the spell.
She is a little dismayed when the spell fizzles and she realizes she can't try her luck with that particular scroll for 24 hours.
She reaches into the bag and pulls another cleric scroll of detect magic at caster level 2. This time she is successful in its casting.
She attempts to determine what the spell disguising the pit might be and if there are any other spells in effect. She also is curious if the shiny objects in the center of the pit radiate magic.
(Spellcraft: 24, Perception: 20, know[arcana]:21)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=33 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 5:22:27 PM
focused and having seen is foot disappear multiple times, Michael flops down on his belly to get a closer look at this effect.
perception 33
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 8:37:39 PM
Hmm. Something going on over there. "Is everything ok? I can try to help with the detect magic if you need it."
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=22 ; d20+2=22 ; Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 9:30:58 PM
Tinker is completely assured that his companions will call out if they need his services. Meanwhile, he keeps careful watch, and tries to hone his meager survival skills by stalking the deer.
Perception 22 Survival. 22
Prudence Gundle Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 10:21:19 PM
"All right, I think everyone should stay where they are," Pru says. "The ground isn't real; it's some kind of illusion. And there's something in the center there, but it's hard to make out because of the illusory ground. I wonder if we could dispel the illusion?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 11:09:36 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Nikolai makes his way over to Michael while describing to the bemused friend that apparently there is some kind of illusion disguising a pit. Michael seems to take heed as he gets on his belly to inspect the anomaly in the ground.
While his friends busy themselves with their detect magic spells, Nikolai kneels beside Michael and keeps a hand on one ankle.
"It's a pit in disguise. If you don't see it, you could fall in and bonk your head. Pull back and see if you can clear your head."
Nikolai tosses a twig into the pit.
DM JeffO Wednesday January 4th, 2017 10:07:25 AM
Anna fumbles around with a couple scrolls before she realizes that the pit is covered with a simple, but large, illusion to make it look like there is no pit there. When Michael, Pru, and Nikolai continue their investigation, they all determine the same – there is an illusion over the top of the pit (the twig falls harmlessly into the pit and hits the ground just a couple feet down). It appears there is little else here, but Anna does notice that the pile of stuff in the center of the pit does indeed radiate magic.
Meanwhile, Tinker starts trying to stalk a deer. He steps carefully, but steps on a twig and the area around him goes completely silent.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+17=18 ; d20+14=24 ; Wednesday January 4th, 2017 1:16:49 PM
Michael pulls up and squats at the edge of the pit by Nikolai. Wow, that was strange. I didn't know quite what to think of it there for a minute.. Michael hears the world go silent and hairs on the back of his neck rise. He rolls down into the pit and draws his rapier and short sword. the illusion should give him some sort of concealment and the pit a bit of cover. He looks around beneath the illusion. whats at the bottom of the pit? what does the illusion look like from the inside? does the silence presage an attack? or is he just being paranoid and super curious about what's at the bottom of the pit? either way he's ready for battle and satisfying curiosity at the same time! Win-Win! Unfortunatly that's not quite what happens.
As he goes to roll tactically into the pit he did not see that the edge where he was at did not slope off gently but rather dropped off quite suddenly. He slams onto his back quite suddenly at the bottom, and it takes him a few moments to roll around and get his bearings. and he fumbles about for his weapons. This reminds me of basic training... he thinks as the fiasco goes quickly from frustration to absurdity.
acrobatics 18 (Natural 1 unsure what disadvantage that may entail)
perception 24. (what does an illusion look like from the inside and what is the stuff at the bottom of the pit? )
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+8=27 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+13=25 ; Wednesday January 4th, 2017 5:28:58 PM
Anna activates her spider climb morphamancy to climb down the sides of the pit and join Michael in the bottom. She is curious to get a closer look at the magical objects in the center of the pit.
"Careful Michael, the objects in the center of the pit radiate magic." She moves towards it herself sticking to the sides of the pit.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday January 4th, 2017 6:46:46 PM
Tinker harrumphed and grins at himself; he's hardly a woods-dwarf!
He tugs his beard and returns to the others, always turning his head to look over his shoulder every third step as taught back as a recruit.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Wednesday January 4th, 2017 9:35:53 PM
It's a good thing they mentioned something about a pit. Otherwise Trayvin might be a bit more worried about them disappearing like that. Still, it wouldn't hurt to check....
"Is everything allright down there?"
Prudence Gundle Wednesday January 4th, 2017 10:27:39 PM
"Or, we could just all tumble into the pit and see what happens next," Pru says with a little sigh. Despite her words she stays out of the pit, for now.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=30 ; Thursday January 5th, 2017 12:43:24 AM
OOC: I do believe that rolling a 1 on a skill's check is not an automatic failure. Nor is a N20 an automatic success. Automatic Failure/Success only applies to Attack rolls.
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor
His team mates react differently when the natural forest noises suddenly subside. His woodsman's instinct tells him that the simple snapping of a twig would not be sufficient to bring such a quiet to the neighborhood.
"Be alert everyone. This quiet does not feel normal. My instincts tell me something rather ominous approaches. Have your weapons at the ready. If nothing happens after a few moments, then we finish checking out that treasure pile."
He draws his longbow and readies an arrow. He scans the sky past the treetops as best he can and listens for the approach his instincts warn him of.
Perception +13 (listen for wing beats or other such subtle noise) = 30
Readied attack if the threat
DM JeffO Thursday January 5th, 2017 9:36:29 AM
Michael moves up to the pit and prepares for a tactical move, but then rolls and falls flat on his back in the shallow pit. Looking from the inside out, the illusion is just a little bit blurry so that everything outside the pit looks fuzzy. Anna more graciously steps into the pit, warning Michael about the magic in the pile in the center. Pru laughs at the antics of Michael as the others in the group gather around the edge to see what’s going on.
Looking from the outside in, now that everyone knows what is going on, is possible, but also still with a sort of fuzzy look. Those on the outside can see Michael flopping around like a turtle, but he just doesn’t quite look clear, almost as if looking through a thin layer of water.
Nikolai remains at the ready outside, scanning the skies, perhaps wondering if the dragon has returned. He jumps when a tree suddenly sways and almost lets fly an arrow before he realizes it was a heavy, large bird with long narrow wings that had just taken off from a tree and starts a slow, winding climb into the sky.
Back inside the pit, Michael rolls over and looks around. He can see the pile in the center clearly from inside the pit, and it looks like a tidy pile of treasure. There is a good-size pile of silver coins and ingots, a shield leaned up against it, some cloth or leather peeking through the stack, and a few other things that he can spot from his location. The ground underneath the illusion is strangely exactly like the illusion – stripped, bare, without a single bit of grass or sign of life. As he rolls over, dust covers him and falls of, as if the ground at the edge hasn’t been disturbed for a long time. Perception, DC 25, Michael: Highlight to display spoiler: {After noticing the ground at the edge, you can see the ground near the pile of treasure has certainly been disturbed recently.}
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+8=28 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+8=15 ; Thursday January 5th, 2017 6:28:09 PM
Anna steps closer to the magic pile and starts investigating the pile to see if she can tell anything about the magical properties of the loot.
Prudence Gundle Thursday January 5th, 2017 8:13:39 PM
Pru jumps a little, too, when Nikolai reacts to the bird, but she soon sees it is nothing to worry about. She turns her attention back to her companions. "Just be careful," she says. She remains where she is, not wanting to chance the pit. There's something weird here.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+14=17 ; Thursday January 5th, 2017 9:01:00 PM
Tinker finally gets back and sees the illusory pit and the treasure coming out and also gets nervous. "There is no treasure without a guard or trap. So where's the guardian?"
He keeps looking about.
.... Perception. 17
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday January 5th, 2017 10:51:53 PM
"I agree with Nikolai, I don't like it. It feels like a trap. Why would a pile of treasure be laying around here? I can't believe the villagers never stumbled across it."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=24 ; Friday January 6th, 2017 12:25:18 AM
Nikolai saves his arrow in the nick of time. Although a good roasted bird for supper sounds good, he'd rather use his arrow on something that actually threatens them.
"That's what I figure. Dragons don't leave their treasure just for anyone to wander by and swipe. He was flying around last night so he can't be too far away," Nikolai agrees with Tinker.
"Besides, those leprechauns could be watching and readying a prank,"
He keeps vigilant while the others search the treasure.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=25 ; d20+7=20 ; Friday January 6th, 2017 2:30:14 AM
Once he regains his center Michael moves closer to the treasure pile. He looks it over with a sharp eye, looking for tripwires, sigils, oils and mimics. anything that could be an initiator for a trap, booby or otherwise. He notices the disturbed ground near the Treasure. Lets be careful approaching this loot, the ground looks to be recently disturbed, could be a trap... He looks over the disturbed ground, trying to tease out the events that led to the disturbance.
Perception 25 survival (tracking) 20.
DM JeffO Friday January 6th, 2017 9:56:35 AM
Michael and Anna approach the treasure. Those watching them see the top half of their bodies normally, but the bottom half is in the lower part of the pit, under the illusion, so it almost looks like they are walking through water with the blurry illusion. Anna starts examining the treasure more closely while Michael checks out the area around. He spots a couple thin, broken dragon scales and a clear footprint of what certainly looks like a dragon. The way the edges of the pile of coins looks, it almost appears that a dragon may have been curled around the sides of the pile. He does not see any signs of any additional traps or tripwires.
Anna can more clearly see that there are two shields, and they radiate magic. There is some leather sticking out of the pile that looks like leather armor that also radiates magic. There is a very old box on one side of the pile that only radiates a little magic, as if it is something inside the box. Another bit of clothing, perhaps a cloak, is in the pile that also radiates magic. The coins seem normal and shiny.
Meanwhile, Nikolai spots a game trail with some deer droppings. He can see that the trail clearly an without apparent reason, turned away from the clearing and pit. In fact, all signs of animals in the area here stop at the pit and absolutely do not enter it. The edges are green grass and weeds, but as soon as the pit starts, there is nothing but dead dirt.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday January 6th, 2017 10:40:53 PM
"If it is the dragon's treasure, he may retaliate against the town if we take it."
Prudence Gundle d20=3 ; Saturday January 7th, 2017 11:48:48 AM
Pru keeps a wary eye out. Like many of her companions, she suspects a trap. But even her wary eyes aren't much good for spotting things. [Perception 3]
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+15=33 ; Saturday January 7th, 2017 10:59:44 PM
Tinker hears the words 'trap' and his hands start shaking; it has been so long! Eagerly, he stops worrying about what's going on around the area and focuses on the illusionary pit.
"May be important to make sure, you know", he calls out. But he's already focused on the pit. Hopping down, he ducks under the illusion and does a careful inspection to look for a trap, almost eager to find one...
Perception Trap Finding. 33
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+15=33 ; Saturday January 7th, 2017 10:59:44 PM
Tinker hears the words 'trap' and his hands start shaking; it has been so long! Eagerly, he stops worrying about what's going on around the area and focuses on the illusionary pit.
"May be important to make sure, you know", he calls out. But he's already focused on the pit. Hopping down, he ducks under the illusion and does a careful inspection to look for a trap, almost eager to find one...
Perception Trap Finding. 33
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Sunday January 8th, 2017 12:49:29 AM "Well, we could always leave a note to the dragon. Like an IOU and where to find us," Nikolai quips with a grin. He does not take his eyes off the surroundings. It is obvious the animals of the region sense the danger of this place and avoid it.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Sunday January 8th, 2017 12:49:29 AM "Well, we could always leave a note to the dragon. Like an IOU and where to find us," Nikolai quips with a grin. He does not take his eyes off the surroundings. It is obvious the animals of the region sense the danger of this place and avoid it.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Sunday January 8th, 2017 10:54:16 AM
"Not obvious at all", replies Tinker when Nikolai speaks aloud. "If animals avoided the dragon, ithe deer would be miles away and not walking right up to the pit. Almost like they were lured by magic."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+8=26 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=17 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+8=15 ; Sunday January 8th, 2017 3:32:55 PM
Anna says, "There are a couple of magic shields, some leather armor, a cloak and a box with some magical contents. Perhaps Tinker should try to examine the box for traps and then maybe we could try to identify the magical properties on the magical items here?"
After Tinker has checked everything out she attempts to identify the items.
Spellcraft: 26 on shield 1 Spellcraft: 20 on shield 2 Spellcraft: 17 on cloak Spellcraft: 20 on leather armor Spellcraft: 15 on box contents
DM JeffO Monday January 9th, 2017 11:28:49 AM
Anna starts to check out the items in the treasure pile as Tinker starts looking for traps. Tinker sees nothing that looks like a trap as Anna picks up the first shield to look it over. The first shield is +1 heavy shield. The second shield is a Lion’s shield. The cloak is a cloak of resistance +1. As she pulls the cloak out of the pile of coins, she notices a ring fall out of the pile (ring of feather falling). The leather armor is +1 glamered leather armor. Hidden beneath it was a masterwork silver dagger, a black pearl, and a medium-sized aquamarine gemstone. When she attempts to open the box, she finds that the box is locked and she cannot open it.
Meanwhile, Nikolai keeps an eye to the outside world while Pru watches Nikoalai’s back, her mind apparently wandering. Nikolai hears more brush cracking and it sounds like another deer might be walking around, but then he spots something very large moving around. Very suddenly a large, muscled minotaur appears walking down the path from town. His hair is worn in a warbraid that comes from the back of his head. Other than that he wears no hair, it is shaved so that if he chose, a helmet would fit properly. He has a few silver tattoos on his body. He has scars on his hide, lighter colored stripes mostly on his forearms and torso. All of them appear to be battle wounds.
(Everyone please welcome David, aka Sigvar, to the party!)
Sigvar Monday January 9th, 2017 1:33:21 PM
(Quick lead in post, I'll post a header and stuff later when I have the time) Sigvar pushes his way through the brush that most would call a path and wonders why no path was ever large enough for him. He sighs and continues making his way towards what the townsfolk said was a clearing. He wears heavy looking blackened plate armor (so most of thos tattoos and scars are still not in view) topped by a Mailed Fist tabbard. Most would think that the armor had been scorched by a fire until they got a closer look. Those experienced in the wearing and care of armor would realize that he is clad in adamantite armor, probably why crashing through the brush makes that shrieking, nails on a chalkboard sound, also why the brush leaves no marks on the armor. He hums softly as he advances. Letting the brush annoy him would be beneath him. Looking up to see if he is anywhere near the clearing yet he notices the man and woman in the clearing. Neither obviously armored but both wearing what looks like the dressiest field uniform that the Fist has. The man also has a longbow, drawn and nocked and pointed in his general direction. Sigvar stops dead where he is, raises his hands in a nonthreatening way, and calls out to the pair. " Easy there friends. I'm not here looking for trouble. Rather I am looking for Nikolai's Fist, First Agents. I've been sent to bolster your ranks. And it looks like I have found them. You HAVE to be Prudence, the Citadel talks enough about you for there to be no mistaking that. Which makes you Nikolai. My orders are in my pack sir, may I pull them out?" As he speaks to each of them he indicates them with a tilt of his chin, not wanting to point while still being covered by the bowman, whom he assumes is his new commander.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday January 9th, 2017 7:46:22 PM
Tinker gets excited, his hands itching to get that locked box. The crashing through the forest is an unwanted distraction. And then the distraction talks. Tearing himself away from the pleasure of picking a lock, Tinker is in a foul mood. He grabs his repeating crossbow and hops out of the shallow pit, ready to back up Nikolai if needed.
Flecks of rust streak the dwarf’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. The relating crossbow, a dwarven urgrosh, tools, and a large backpack stuffed with more implements completes the image of an adventurer expecting the worst and ready for anything.
“Daemar Torvalsson, called Tinker, Agent of Nikolai's Thumb, Mailed Fist at your service”, rumbles the bass voice. "Nikko, he's big enough and recognizes our faces, you want to see his bonafides?"
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Monday January 9th, 2017 9:07:47 PM
Anna realizes the lock box is beyond her or rather decides she does not want to waste her bag of tricks on a scroll of knock when she has Tinker in the pit with her or rather she had Tinker in the pit with her until he climbed out of it b/c of some adamantium plate mail wearing minotaur.
She effortless climbs out of the pit herself using one arm and her legs thanks to the spider climb SLA and hands the lock box to Tinker, "You left this." as she takes in the newcomer.
She has a feeling of deja vu at his appearance. "Sigvar is it?" she asks, "Didn't we meet before at some sort of party? The details are a little fuzzy but I swore I spoke with you there. Anyway you may or may not remember me. I am Anna Morphling."
Anna is wearing glistening sliver full plate in sharp contrast to Sigvar's scorched black ensemble and anyone familiar with armor and the exotic materials it can be made from can see that her armor is made from mithral such that it makes less noise than one might expect a suit of full plate to do.
She has auburn hair, green eyes and a messenger styled bag strapped to her person with a guisarme nearby.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+17=24 ; d20+13=27 Monday January 9th, 2017 10:05:40 PM
Michael thinks, I got good reflexes, I'm pretty tough...the dragon was young and his spells probably aren't up to snuff...heh..a rhyme!. his mind made up he yells FIRE IN THE HOLE grabs at a shield, to toss it out of the pit and dive for cover! Just about the time that Pru picks one up and wrecks his groove. still its foolish to waste a good duck and cover so he goes ahead and dives for it, in case it's a trap!
Acrobatics 24 Reflex save 27
if it goes off or not he will then sticks his head above the pit edge and regard this new development.
Michael is a slightly small halfling, handsome in a forgettable sort of way. His bright eyes regard the approaching minotaur with a look of rapt fascination, both for the joy of meeting someone new and the tactical need to assess their weak points and formulate an attack profile. that's never stopped him from talking, though. HOLY Fish fingers! you are a big one ain't ya? Hey is that Adamantine armor you are wearing? Man, that's cool! Polly hard to move quietly in it, but shoot, it's not like anything can get through it if they do hear you. I'm Michael Wittman, a sergeant under Nikolai Fist. 1st Agents Wolf Company, Hurricane troop. Are you from Bear Company? Are they folding Bear Company soldiers into the remaining companies? We go around mounted quite a bit, what kind of mount do you ride? I usually ride a mule, but I ain't really got close to any of them since Daisy died. do you like mazes? I've heard that minotaurs are good at mazes? Whaddya you fight with? We just found a dragon horde! We think he might come back for it. or if we take it he might gas the village...I'm personally hoping he comes back. It would be a great story to tell at the last assignment.
Michael smiles, This guy is gonna be great! In the back of his mind, it feels like his family is finally complete
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday January 9th, 2017 10:16:19 PM
Well, if he was looking for trouble, he probably would have attacked instead of introducing himself, Trayvin thinks to himself. "Greetings, I am Trayvin." The half-orc looks over Sigvar as though appraising his weapons and armor. "You look capable enough. And I think you'll find that as an Agent we get into a fair bit of trouble. My mother fought alongside some minotaurs once. She said they were formidable warriors. I look forward to seeing you in action."
OOC welcome aboard David! I didn't know we were getting a new player.
Prudence Gundle Monday January 9th, 2017 10:54:28 PM
Pru blinks. Then she blinks again. "Um," she says. "Um, yes, I'm Prudence Gundle. It's nice to meet you." Pru is a very pretty human woman with hazel eyes and a long reddish-brown braid. "Um....who did you say sent you?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Tuesday January 10th, 2017 1:13:40 AM
OOC: Welcome to the game, Sigvar. Don't be surprised at our PC's initial reactions. :)
Nikolai does not relax a bit. When they left the Citadel, it was Pru's Fist. Was the Commander re-instating Nikolai or was this some trick?
"Just stay where you are until we verify your legitimacy," Nikolai calmly states. He wouldn't put it past those leprechauns playing another trick on them.
"You guys still got your Detect Magic going? See if he's truly a minotaur wearing Mailed Fist uniform. Anna, inspect his transfer papers."
But then he realizes he's acting like it's Nikolai's Fist and not Pru's.
The half-elf maintain's his guard, his experiences since in the Mailed Fist teaching him to be weary and cautious. His Mailed Fist uniform sports a multi-colored belt. Since the events of the morning he now wears his full complement of gear, his kama, nunchaku, and bandolier of shuriken, and his longbow.
Pru asks her question and is glad she also is cautious.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 27 HP 81/81 Character Sheet Tuesday January 10th, 2017 4:33:51 AM
Sigvar is a bit stunned when the ground erupts and spits out three more people. All of them match the descriptions he had heard while he was at the Citadel, so he is sure he is in the right place. Anna speaks to him and she does sound familiar, like a half remembered dream. Then the rapid fire questions from the halfling hit him. Head swirling he tries to answer the more important questions, the ones that keep that arrow out of his liver. " My name is Sigvar Ironhorn I was sent by Knight Captain Palance to meet up with what is called Nikolai's Fist. She mentioned that Prudence may be in charge of it when I arrived, depending on local conditions. Based on the crier and fliers I saw back in town though, all charges against him have been dismissed. Hold on, let me drop this pack so that you can get to my papers. Don't mind the cat." Sigvar crouches while keeping his hands raised, not an easy feat to accomplish in full armor. When he gets closer to the ground he shrugs off his pack and allows it to slowly slide to the ground. As it hits a feline head pokes out of the pack and takes in the surroundings. When it is clear that people are intent on going through it's traveling home, the cat hops out and scampers to Sigvar's legs, foe now avoiding any attention paid to it. Standing back up he tries to answer some more of the questions. " Yes, Anna, right? I seem to remember a dream where we shared a drink at some party once. We exchanged a few stories about our capabilities and then the party broke up and we moved on. Nice to meet you in the flesh." " Yes Michael, I am originally from Bear company. We tend to walk to where the fighting is, or ride in a wagon. Most animals would be crushed trying to carry a fully armored Minotaur. Stealth has never been my game. One look will tell you that. Our Fist was usually tasked with either creating a breach in the enemy's lines and using it to punch a hole to their center or to hold open a breach created by others so that it could be exploited. As such we sought out the most protective gear we could find." " What's this about a dragon?" Sigvar's armor, shield, sword and a ring on his finger will radiate magic, as will a tattoo on the back of his sword hand and a few items buried deep in his pack.
OOC Sorry Brian, I couldn't find an email for you so I couldn't include you in my planning emails the past few weeks.
DM JeffO Tuesday January 10th, 2017 8:55:15 AM
Introductions continue as Michael spots a bird flying high above, slowly circling the area. Maybe a hawk? It is too high to really tell.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=28 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2017 7:22:05 PM
Michael spots the bird, and strains to get a better view of it. with the thought of the Dragon still fresh in his mind he debates calling attention to it to the rest of the party. If it's just a bird he will look paranoid, if its the dragon, surprise attacks really really suck. Put that way it's no question. better to be paranoid than dead he thinks. Hey guys! we may have some company incoming he says in a loud yet calm voice, pointing up at the circling creature.
perception 28.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 27 HP 81/81 Character Sheet d20+9=16 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2017 8:45:23 PM
Perception 16 Sigvar glances up. It might be a bird, but didn't they mention a dragon? A far off dragon could look like a closer bird... " So are we cool or...." If they are more concerned about the flying creature than Sigvar he draws out his own bow and arrows and reseats his pack on his shoulders. He looks at the cat and says " You better hide... for now" If they are nt yet convinced he is on their side, he still tells the cat to hide, but patiently waits for them to verify his papers.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Tuesday January 10th, 2017 8:50:17 PM
Anna says to the others, " I could turn into a bird and check out the incoming creature from the air."
She picks up her guisarme in case whatever it is means business.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+23=26 ; d20+23=27 ; d20+23=37 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2017 9:42:09 PM
Tinker glances up and sees a bird, just like he'd see just about every other time he would look in the air. The dwarf tries to keep his attention on Sigvar, but Anna waves that box in front of his nose again. Sigvar isn't acting hostile, he's alone, and Nikko is being wary enough for everyone. So Tinker can't wait any more.
All his attention goes to the box. He lovingly brings out of his pack his set of masterwork thieves tools. "Hello my friends", he says to the picks and slides in a leather roll. Whistling happily, he checks the box for traps, disabling any he finds before picking the lock.
Trap. 26 Disable 27 Pick Lock. 37
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday January 10th, 2017 9:50:53 PM
"A bird? If the dragon is going to come back, I doubt it will advertise it is coming. I think we should finish up here and move on."
OOC- David, my email is bblopeATyahooDOTcom please send me a mail so I can add you to my email list for this game.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday January 10th, 2017 10:06:47 PM
Pru squints skyward, but can make out nothing. "If it is the dragon," she says, "we should deal with it. There are too many towns and villages around here; it isn't safe."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=30 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2017 12:05:13 AM
Nikolai relaxes a little, just a little, and looks up to the sky to see what the fuss is about.
Perception +13 = 30
"No Anna, stay with two feet on the ground. We are strategically better located here in the forest. If it is him, let him come and good riddance."
Nikolai puts away his bow and inspects Sigvar's papers while Tinker plays with a box. "Tinker, if you set it off, don't forget to warn us, eh?"[/b" he quips as he looks over the document.
[b]"Well, it looks legit. We certainly could use a brawler like you. Seems intimidation is not one of our strong points. Pru is too pretty, Tinker is too distracted, Trayvin tries but with a halfling next to him it is hard. Anna and I just rather hit them before they can blink, then pick up the pieces of what's left. Anyway, welcome to Pru's Fist. Even though I've been exonerated by the antics of a half dozen leprechauns, only Commander Palance can re-instate me as Thumb," he says as he returns the Mailed Fist Orders to Sigvar.
He smiles at Pru, "Best way to deal with a dragon is to steal its treasure. I'll make out a note to come find us if he wants it back, if he is brave enough to tackle us again. Of course, he could bring his mama if he wants. We got a minotaur and half-orc itching for a fight.".
Nikolai fetches a piece of parchment from his backpack and scribbles a note.
"Thanks for the loot. You were entertaining. We welcome more of your games. Stop by anytime. Pru's Fist, Hurricane Company, Wolf Regiment. Bring your mama if you are afraid you can't handle it."
DM JeffO Wednesday January 11th, 2017 10:31:39 AM
Michael points out the bird above and nearly everyone looks up to check it out as well. It is Nikoali’s keen eyes that can identify the bird and he indicates that it is indeed a hawk of some kind. It is a good think that Anna didn’t turn into a small bird, as she may have been dive-bombed by the hunting fowl.
Meanwhile, Tinker ignores the bird and focuses on the small box. He checks it out and does not see any taps on the box. He works to pick the lock and notices that it is a very old, detailed, and difficult lock. He is impressed with the lock itself and the ingenuity of the lock-maker. After a little work, he does manage to get the lock to open and he quickly opens the box. Inside the box are two large, white pearls and a signet ring.
Nikolai then writes a note to leave for the dragon, taunting it and daring it to come after them.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+8=23 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=10 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2017 6:32:40 PM
Anna examines the jewels and the signet ring to try to determine what they are, magically speaking.
(Spellcraft: 23, 28, 10)
She says to the others, "Well if we are planning to continue to stay in the town should we really taunt the dragon? Do you guys reckon he may have fled elsewhere? Do you think there is any other clue as to the dragon or should we try to figure out the wisps or the leprechauns."
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Wednesday January 11th, 2017 7:55:37 PM
"Signet Ring", Tinker announces. "Does anyone have knowledge of nobility or history? Could be the lord of these ruins."
He looks about, his hands again calm, and thinks aloud. "Nothing more to find here. I can't think of any clues to which way to go for searching the leprechauns or will o wisps. Anyone?"
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 27 HP 81/81 Character Sheet Wednesday January 11th, 2017 8:24:04 PM " So you came hee to answer charges of Murder, that much I learned before leaving the Citadel. Why exactly are we looking for wisps and Leprechauns?"
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) d20+6=7 ; d20+6=7 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2017 9:52:55 PM
Trayvin shakes his head at Nikolai's note, but he doesn't protest. "MY momma said it's never a good idea to antagonize a dragon."
"Hmmm, let me take a look at that ring." Trayvin looks it over for a few moments, bares his small tusks in concentration, and comes up empty. He shrugs and hands it back to Tinker. "Not sure, it's nothing I can recall right now. Maybe our friends at the library in the Citadel can help us research it."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+2=9 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2017 11:24:39 PM
Michael Chuckles. Well it's like this Sigvar, we received word at the Citadel that Nikolai was wanted for the murder of a thief named Gaston that we captured around these parts on his way to join up with a cult of Pavillions mom's ghost squad! we turned him over to the authorities at the next town down the way. so we took Nikolai to this here town to face the charges. Turns out nobody knew who accused him of the crime. So we stayed the night, the trial was supposed to occur today, anyway at about 3 am something woke me up. it was will-o-wisps floating around outside our window....spooky! we ignored them and went back to sleep. so then that morning...get this...we went to the court house..this odd looking dude in a long overcoat, big hat and scarf hiding his face came in to answer for the prosecution...when the judge ordered him to doff his hat so we could see who it was...turns out it was a bunch of leprechauns pulling tricks! charges were dropped and we came out here to look over these ruins.
I personally don't care to have anything to do with will-o-wisps...except perhaps an extermination raid or some sort punitive action...and Leprechauns...I mean really are they even worth the trouble? I dont' want them to get vindictive and all of us wind up with our shoes tied together and our food spoiled for the next 3 months... Huh?...you know it might have been the Leprechauns doing the will-o-wisp thing outside our window..trying to get a rise out of us.
Michael looks at the ring...but no luck he does not recognize it at all.
knowledge(nobility) 9.
Prudence Gundle Thursday January 12th, 2017 12:16:34 AM
"Yes, I think it's logical to assume the wisps and the leprechauns were somehow connected," Pru agrees. "As for the dragon treasure, I think we should go ahead and take it. We did defeat the dragon, even if it ran away instead of staying to be slain. And if its treasure is gone, it may just decide to start over somewhere else."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Thursday January 12th, 2017 12:57:33 AM
Nikolai laughs a good hearty laugh when Trayvin shows his concern over the note he wrote. "Well, that's usually good advice."
Nikolai then goes into relating their battle with the dragon two days ago. "Since then, we think we spotted it once flying around at night. Having attacked us without provocation, we lay claim to its treasure. But it could exact revenge on the towns nearby. Last thing we want is to be blamed for that! It's already bad enough to be blamed for something we didn't do,"
The then explains their puzzlement on the actions of the leprechauns. "We have no idea why they did this or how they came to know us. We'd like to have that resolved before we return. It has the signs of something bigger behind it. But it may be we are just paranoid," he finished with a fake maniacle laugh.
DM JeffO Thursday January 12th, 2017 9:24:22 AM
The group continues discussing the dragon and brings Sigvar up to date on their recent adventures. A few clouds float lazily towards the group from the far south, just light, fluffy clouds probably from the moisture of the sea far to the south pushed by a light southerly breeze.
Trayvin, Tinker, and Michael check over the signet ring, but none can recognize anything about the ring. The metal is very dark and it looks old, it is clearly not a new ring. Anna checks out the pearls and finds that they are pearls of power (1 x level 1 spell, 1 x level 3 spell)! She notes that the signet ring has a very, very faint bit of magic about it, but she can’t quite determine anything more about the ring.
The morning slowly moves towards noon as the group continues to discuss whether they should take the treasure, leave the treasure, hunt for the dragon, search for will-o-wisps, look for leprechauns, head back into the small town, or simply head back to the citadel for more orders.
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday January 12th, 2017 5:34:35 PM
Tinker doesn't have a clue what direction to go, and , inddeed, that there even should DM be one other than a return to the Citadel.
Not a normally chatty person, he keeps silent and waits for word from Nikolai.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Thursday January 12th, 2017 9:20:52 PM
"Well, at least if we get blamed for this, we actually did it. So it looks like we're taking the treasure. Is our business in the town concluded?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+6=26 ; d20+6=23 ; Thursday January 12th, 2017 10:02:13 PM
having failed to identify the signet ring Michael scoops up the mundane gems, the black pearl and the med aquamarine and begins to look them over for value.
Appraise black pearl 26 Appraise Aquamarine. 23.
Really guys, unless someone has an inkling of something else we need to do around here I'm all for high-tailing it back to the Citadel. It's just that I don't' really see much mystery here to solve. Leprechauns are crazier than a march hare, so who can understand why they do anything, but if you wanna track them down and ask I'm game. the Will-o-Wisps were probably an illusion, but if you want to look into them, I'll go. I need to stock up on CSW and Protection from energy (lighting) potions before we go, though. Will-o-Wisps ain't no joke. and I'm not joking when I say "if we find some, we need to kill every bloody one of them".
Prudence Gundle Thursday January 12th, 2017 10:24:46 PM
"We left the wagon in town," Pru reminds her companions. "We really should go back for it. And it's probably polite to warn them about the dragon."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+13=32 ; d20+13=27 ; Thursday January 12th, 2017 10:38:19 PM
Anna asks, "Should I pull a scroll of augury from the bag of tricks and ask about a specific option being good or bad in the next half hour? Personally, I'd prefer to try to hunt down the leprechauns if we aren't going to be going after the dragon, I just don't know if we have a good way to track down either."
Anna thinks about what she knows about Dragons and Leprechauns for potential ideas.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 27 HP 81/81 Character Sheet Thursday January 12th, 2017 11:21:37 PM
Sigvar has just joined this Fist and has little idea what they should be doing. In the past his Fist always had a clear plan and task to accomplish and they did it. This is different. One thing does strike him though so he speaks up to put the idea out there. "We could just camp out here for the evening. From the tales I have heard dragons love their treasue and would visit it regular ly. If these fey want to talk to you and lured you here for that purpose, they will contact you. Doing nothing and waiting here for the other parties to make the first move might show you the way." "Or we could go back to the Citadel, I'm fine either way."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+11=21 ; Thursday January 12th, 2017 11:34:07 PM
OOC: I think we left our mounts and wagon back at the in.
IC: "I agree we are done here but we need to pay our bill at the inn and pick up our mounts and wagon. After that, return to the Citadel and report. Sorry it's been a short trip for you Sigvar, but knowing our luck, we'll get sidetracked somewhere along the way."
Nikolai urges his friends to hurry up and starts scooping coins into his backpack, motioning the others to pick the area clean. Once all that is done he puts the note in the middle of the pit and works brushing their tracks away.
Survival +11 (erase tracks) = 21
Back at the town he pays their bill for the rooms and food and boarding their animals, then consults his map for the way home.
DM JeffO Friday January 13th, 2017 10:27:05 AM
Michael carefully looks over the gems and decides on their values (Black pearl approximate value: 500 gp; aquamarine approximate value: 500 gp). The discussions continue about where to go next and the wagon is still back in town. Anna thinks about what she knows about Leprechauns. She knows a lot about them, and she knows that everything she knows is almost worthless when it comes to figuring them out. The leprechauns like chaos and they do things without reason. Sometimes they work together, sometimes they work for others, but sometimes they just do things because they feel like it. They can live in cities, towns, or in the wilderness with equal ease. They can take up residence in a town and look like good neighbors until they decide to so something silly. Hunting them down without have a direct trail to follow could take a very long time.
As for dragons, she knows they are generally solitary creatures. Based on what she observed about this dragon, it seemed rather young. But even for a young dragon, this treasure pile doesn’t look like all that much. It should have accumulated much more treasure already. This also doesn’t look much like a dragon lair – it is relatively out in the open and usually dragons take more care to hide their lairs, or at least make them more defensible – until the dragon is so powerful that no one will be able to stop it. Dragons also tend to have a large area where they roam, so the dragon might return soon, or it might not return for days.
Nikolai suggests that the group gather up their things and head back to the citadel.
(Barring any other actions/preparations, are we ready for the return trip to the citadel?)
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 Friday January 13th, 2017 6:26:51 PM
"Well you are right about Leprechauns being children of chaos," Anna says to Michael, "Really without a better lead those fey could be anywhere or anyone. We might as well head back. As for the dragon, they usually stake large swathes of territory. This trove is rather small so it could be a satellite hoard. He may not come back here for a while, especially if he thinks we are still in the area considering how bad we beat him last time. I wonder if there might be a way to convince the Leprechauns to trick the dragon into thinking we are still around? That voice at the bar that badmouthed the Fist probably belonged to them. Are we really going to leave that antagonizing note? If so maybe it would be a bad thing to convince the dragon we are still here."
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Friday January 13th, 2017 9:17:58 PM
"Children of Chaos? Where have I heard that before?" Trayvin shakes his head. "Oh well. Anyway, I think Sigvar's suggestion is a good one. We could camp here tonight, and if nothing happens, settle our bill at the town and head back to the Citadel."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 27 HP 81/81 Character Sheet Friday January 13th, 2017 11:47:03 PM
Sigvar calls his cat back and hoists it up to sit on top of his pack. If they decide to stay he tries to hunt down a good spot to camp. If they decide to head out then he follows along.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Saturday January 14th, 2017 2:12:08 AM I'll tell you what lets split the difference. Why don't two of us go back to town and pick up the wagon and settle the bill, then we will all camp out here for the night and head back to the citadel in the morning? If the leprechauns want to talk, the dragon come back for a rematch, or some will-o-wisps come looking for a meal, they will have their shot
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday January 14th, 2017 9:56:10 AM
Tinker chortles at Trayvin's comment, but doesn't speak. At Michael's suggestion, the dwarf lifts his pack and starts walking back to town with the halfling. Tinker and Michael settle all bills, retrieve the wagon, and return to the ruins. There, Nikolai can decide if they camp or start the return journey.
Prudence Gundle Sunday January 15th, 2017 12:12:46 AM
Privately, Pru doesn't think walking back to town is so onerous a task they can't all do it together, but she know some of her companions don't like towns. And Nikolai, at least, has reason to avoid the place. She abides by whatever the group decides to do.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Sunday January 15th, 2017 1:07:05 AM
Nikolai looks at Pru but sees she's not making the decision. "Putting things in perspective, we've no reason to stay. The dragon messed with us once and left nearly dead. He may be young and greedy, but he probably knows when he's beat and certainly won't show up while we are expecting him. As for the leprechauns, if it was just for fun, they had it and now they are gone. If something else motivated them, let them work for it, I'm not going to just sit around and wait for something that may or may not happen.
As much as the Thumb values the opinions and suggestions of everyone, it is up to the Thumb to make the final decision."
He looks at Pru really, really hoping she takes the leadership reins at least one more time and sets the course, stay or leave.
DM JeffO Monday January 16th, 2017 12:50:34 PM
There is more discussion and Nikolai waits for Pru to make a command decision. Pru hesitates and Tink and Michael head back to town to gather up their wagon and settle their debts. Back at the inn, the innkeeper is profusely apologetic and assures the pair that it was a misunderstanding. He says that the group is welcome back any time and he will ensure they get the best treatment when they return. He agrees to provide anything they ask for as they load up the wagon to return.
Back in the woods, the group prepares… to spend the night? (If so, I’ll need watch order, any preparations for the night, etc).
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+7=27 ; d20+9=27 ; Monday January 16th, 2017 9:02:59 PM
Assuming the group is going to camp for the night, Anna volunteers to take the first watch.
"Unfortunately I spent my darkvision already when the will o' the wisps showed up but hopefully I will see or hear anything if it decides to visit the camp."
She then looks for a defensible position to start setting up camp.
(Perception: 27 = natural 20) (Survival: 27 to find a defensible position to setup camp in case of wisps, leprechauns or dragons)
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 27 HP 81/81 Character Sheet Monday January 16th, 2017 9:06:43 PM
If they are staying, Sigvar finds a good spot and sets up his canvas to keep the rain off. " Where would you like me in watch rotation when we do finally camp? Remember I am not able to see in the dark."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) d20+13=15 ; Monday January 16th, 2017 9:17:31 PM
OOC: Tink? LOL. Overlapping games? LOL
IC: While Tinker and Michael go for the wagon and pay their bill, Nikolai busies himself looking for a better place to camp. The open area leaves them too exposed.
"Sigvar, help me find a suitable place to spend the night. If we don't, at least it is a good exercise, right?"
Nikolai observes Sigvar's technique on finding a suitable, defensible spot and assesses his choice. If it passes Nikolai's own assessment, he gives the newcomer a pat on the shoulder and congratulates him. If it does not pass, he suggests another spot but says nothing else.
Survival +11 +2 (Favored Terrain) = 15
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Monday January 16th, 2017 9:25:00 PM
Trayvin offers to take one of the watches. "I can see in the dark better than most of you. Doesn't mean I will see a dragon swooping in at us, but I can at least offer to try."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 Monday January 16th, 2017 9:33:24 PM
Michael is down for first watch or last watch. this gives the folk with infravision (Tinker and Trayvin) the deep night watches, I'm guessing we are posting a lone watch for 2 hrs per shift but with the manpower we have now we could post either a 1 hr watch or a 2 person 2 hr watch
7pm to 5 am everyone gets 8 hrs.
7 Anna 8 Anna 9Trayvin 10 trayvin 11 Tinker 12 Tinker 1 Michael 2 Michael 3 Sigvar 4 Sigvar 5 Awake.
this gets everyone 8 hrs of sleep and 2 hrs on watch. I'm on board with changing it to accomodate anyones spell renewals and or proclivities.
Prudence Gundle Monday January 16th, 2017 9:38:09 PM
"Um, I know I'm not good at noticing things, but I'm happy to stand a watch if I'm needed," Pru says.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 27 HP 81/81 Character Sheet d20+4=12 ; d20+4=18 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2017 4:31:42 AM
Sigvar evaluates the terrain and using his professional knowledge points out some ruins that still have some structure to them. Survival 12 Profession soldier 18 " I'd set up there. The walls are crumbled but still offer some defense and the other ruins give enough structure to set up a dry place to sleep. It's within sight of the illusion you found but not right on top of it. The sight lines could be better, but we have axes and a few hours before turning in so we can improve them." The thumbs that Sigvar has served with were more functional and less into comfort. They would sleep in a muddy hole covered with a tarp and dirt if that was what the mission called for. But Sigvar can see that this Thumb wants to evaluate what he knows about operations and defense so the Minotaur tries his best to oblige.
DM JeffO Tuesday January 17th, 2017 3:35:31 PM
While the pair is getting the wagon, Nikolai and Sigvar check the area out for a place to spend the night. The ruined area has few actual ruins – there are actually just a few blocks of stone that look like one time, perhaps a long time ago, they were part of something else. They are the wrong color and shape, and they just look like stones that were part of a wall. Sigvar checks out the area around the pit and finds a bit of forest. He can see a clear game trail or two that lead around the pit. He selects an area that has a couple trees by a stone that might be used to keep someone from sneaking up on the group while they sleep. It is slightly within the forest so that there is cover, preventing the group from scanning the skies, but it is quite unlikely that anyone could spot a dragon flying overhead at night anyway. Nikolai can’t see any reason to not use that location, after all, the group is in the forest and a bit off the main road to town.
As the wagon returns, the group can load the pile of coins and silver into the wagon easily enough. The shadows start growing longer as discussions occur related to sleeping and watches. Anna, Trayvin, and Pru volunteer for a watch and Michael suggests a watch schedule. The group has plenty of time to chat and wonder about the leprechauns, the dragon, and other things as the night approaches. Sigvar has time to share his exploits and experiences with other units in the Fist. Eventually the darkness takes over and yawns start appearing in the group, and they are quite contagious. The watches confirmed, individuals take to their bedrolls and settle in for the night.
Anna sees nothing during her watch and starts to get tired towards the end of it with nothing to see or do. She is glad when it is time to wake Trayvin for his watch. During Trayvin’s watch, one of the moons rise, giving him a bit more light. The light is shadowy and he jumps a few times when the wind bends the trees and branches just right. He is glad to let Tinker take over the late watch. Tinker wanders around a bit during his watch and he looks over to the pit at least once, wondering about the pit and the illusion and how it all works together, and why. He sees nothing else during his watch. Michael takes the darkest part of the watch as the moon sets. A bat flies overhead and he almost lets out a cry before he realizes that it is just a bat and not a dragon. Even in the darkness, he can easily identify and find Sigvar for the final watch. Sigvar contemplates his old unit and how this unit will be different as the sun starts to break above the horizon, signaling the start of the next day.
OOC: Sorry about the late post, busy day! Preparations, marching order, anything else for the heading home?
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- AC 23/14/20 vs AOO: 27/18/20- HP 52/52-- CMD 17 d20+6=25 ; d20+7=10 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2017 7:00:29 PM
(OOC: per the archives we have both individual mounts and the cart with the beasts that pull it)
The next morning Anna helps break camp and then sees to the animals. (Wild Empathy: 25; natural 19 :D)
She actually finds herself working up a fine rapport with animals and hopes to motivate them to quickly carry the party back to the citadel.
As for marching order she volunteers to take an outrider position with her mount and intended to keep a sharp eye out for any dragons or brigands but the connection she felt with the mount was just too distracting (Perception: 10)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC22, T18, FF16 (ucdodge) HP70/70 Me+12(8)10 for TW, R+12, CMB+11, CMD+22 d20+14=26 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2017 7:54:57 PM
as they chat, Michael counts the silver and ingots to determine the gold piece value. he takes his time and utilzes the groups knowledge to help him if they are willing to help out.(take 20 + any help) He volunteers stories about his and the fists adventures. He tries to bond with the new fist mate and tries to make him feel welcome. As they leave he takes his turn as outrider, and seeing that Anna is really digging her mount he helps her out as well. it's a beautiful day and he enjoys the open road.
appraise (take 20 ) perception. 26
AC 25 T 25 F 18 CMD 23 27vBull Rush or Trip; HP 91/ 91 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday January 17th, 2017 8:36:23 PM
Wagon, and camp, and watch. All are duty and done with the best competence the dwarf can muster. Comraderies around the camp fire? Tinker isn't as good at that, but he loves listening to the others, feeling the comradeship and silently being a part of the team.
Trayvin AC 19/10 touch Hp 70/70(BrianZ) Tuesday January 17th, 2017 9:00:54 PM
Looks like it was time for the road. Trayvin helps break camp and prepare for the trip like a seasoned veteran. While on the road, his thoughts wander a bit...like they always do.
"You know, I was thinking about the trial. If there was just fey and leprechans playing a big old prank, then how did the judge in that town not see it? Seems kind of suspicious that such chaotic creatures could be so organized and formal, just to have the whole thing fall apart the moment they entered the courtroom."
Prudence Gundle Tuesday January 17th, 2017 11:03:42 PM
"Well, in answer to your first question, Trayvin," Pru says, "I'd say it's a small town, and they're always willing to believe the worst of outsiders. And the Mailed Fist doesn't exactly have a good reputation. And small-town folk might not have a lot of experience with fey mischief. I'll bet that judge will know better next time."
She pauses, then shakes her head, "I'm not sure what they hoped to accomplish. Perhaps it was a diversion? I wonder what we'll find when we return to the Citadel?"
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 28 (T 13, FF 23) CMD 27 HP 81/81 Character Sheet d20+9=12 ; Tuesday January 17th, 2017 11:26:03 PM
Sigvar relates some of the exploits of his unit previous to joining the Agents. He holds back a few, knowing that they will need to be told carefully, since they might not be well received. He helps break down the camp in the morning and is more than willing to drive the cart holding th Agent's gear. Perception 12
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 22 Tch 21 Ffted 19 HP 60/60 CMD 28/30(Grapple) Wednesday January 18th, 2017 12:49:05 AM
Nikolai enjoys getting to know their new companion and relates some stories of their own. He concentrates on their adventures in the swamp hunting down the gnolls and their encounter with Will 'O Wisps. With watches set, he assists the last watch and helps get the horses and wagon ready.
"Remember, the judge was not in town when the accuser filed the accusation. It was the clerk that was on duty at the town court house and he would not have been as astute as the judge. The judge simple came upon the request of the town.
At least they forgive quickly and hold no grudge, although why hold a grudge against someone who allegedly killed a bandit that was preying on them? If we have the time, it would be a good closure by paying a visit to the town where we left him and find out what happened after we left.
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