DM MikeK - Knock, Knock Monday November 19th, 2018 8:04:35 PM
Micah and Stohp do some shopping at the Catacombs.
Sid continues working on a new bow prototype. OOC - Call it three weeks in-game time of craft checks
Dorbin and Dirk go over notes, and contemplate the future.
Stock does some wandering, and, as usual, ends up where it all started, at a gate on the Open Level.
Zanderallen considers his meeting with Lord Belkior.
The days pass, and become weeks.
But eventually, as Micah predicted, the peacefulness is eventually interrupted.
In this case, the interruption occurs as a late evening pounding on the HQ door. It is around 10, and the pounding is rapid, if not especially strong. Whoever opens the door finds a lanky, teenaged, human, fairly out of breath. [Perception 12 Highlight to display spoiler: { He's one of the kids that does odd jobs for Brassy McGurk at the Brass Toad }
“Big trouble at the Brass Toad,” he gasps. “Big, mean, fellas looking for a fight. Brassy says ‘Get down here afore someone gets kilt.’”
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Monday November 19th, 2018 10:53:47 PM
The pounding at the door wakes Dorbin, especially when Emily jumps up, claws bared. He looks around, confused. The pounding continues and he struggles to his feet, still slightly disoriented. He wonders who is pounding and why they are pounding. He puts his robes on backwards, then takes them off, and puts them back on the right way.
Stock (JonM) HP: 72/72; AC: 25/15/21; Per: +12; Surv: +10; SM: +6 d20+12=22 ; Tuesday November 20th, 2018 10:18:25 AM
Stock is in bed when the knocking starts. With his bed one of the nearest to the stairs, he hits a (dwarf speed) sprint quickly and gets to the door, brushing past Dorbin on his way. Stock opens the door and listens intently.
"Hey, you're one of the runners that Brassy uses, right? What do you know about the big, mean fellas? They human? Should we come ready to break some face?" ========== Perception 22
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 d20+4=17 ; Tuesday November 20th, 2018 10:41:09 AM
Being an early riser, Micah is sound asleep when the knocking occurs. He rises, wishing to discover what may be the cause of a late night visit. He chuckles at the sound of the rushing dwarf and makes it to the main room about the time Stock finishes his question.
With an ear attuned to the reply he heads back toward his sleeping area. Not wishing to spend the time fully arming himself, he slips on a tunic and trousers, grabs his pack, mace, and sword, then heads back down. While waiting for the others to respond, he casts magic vestment on his shield.
He stands ready to help either Zanderallen or Stock don their armor.
======== Magic Vestment duration 7 hours
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 Tuesday November 20th, 2018 11:36:03 AM
Having retired for the night Zanderallen is not quite asleep when the knocking starts. Hearing turbo dwarf feet he refrains from rushing to the door himself, just rising and listening. When he hears "afore someone gets kilt." he jumps into action. Looking at his plate put away nicely on the arming dummy he shakes his head, 'There's no time.' Instead he whips open his armor locker and pulls out his old chain mail, pulling himself into it as fast as he can with little worry about the proper tightening of straps. "I'll be ready in a minute." True to his word he comes almost falling down the stairs just a minute later, chain mail mostly in place, shield hanging from a strap on his arm while he fight to buckle on his sword belt. With a little help from Micah he gets it in place adjusting the sword on one side and his sap on the other. "Let's get going." As soon as everyone is gathered he starts out towards the Brass Toad, finally managing to get his foot all the way in his boot about 5 steps from the door. ------------------ Chain mail hastily donned takes 1 minute, AC updated in header for hastily donned chain (-1 AC) Equipment grabbed, MW Chain mail, Flaming Longsword, MW Sap, pack with potions, healers kit, waterskin, and lantern
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Tuesday November 20th, 2018 6:56:34 PM
Stohp is up late working on something or other. She meanders out and listens as Stock talks to the messenger. "Lets try not to be the first to kill anyone. If a fight starts pull your punches."
DM MikeK - Ready to break some face Tuesday November 20th, 2018 9:37:01 PM
Stock recognizes the teen, and asks what sort of big, mean guys he's talking about.
Meanwhile, Zanderallen, aided by Micah, quickly throws on some armor.
"Longshoremen," the boy answers Stock breathlessly. "Big, drunk, loud, longshoremen. Some human. Couple like him," . But the really mean one's a half-orc. They got some Ratties cornered, and they're doing a lot of yellin'. C'mon!"
By this time, the kid is already heading down the street toward the Brass Toad.
Sense Motive DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { He seems to be telling the truth } Know Local DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { 'Ratty' is a pejorative term that has recently cropped up on the lower levels for the Beastfolk who live on the Trash Level. }
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+9=11 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=12 ; Tuesday November 20th, 2018 9:44:38 PM
Dirk was so into reading his book that he didn't even remember falling asleep. He is startled awake by the knocking and hears the boy mumble something and scurry off. Dirk grabs his pack and heads out towards the Brass Toad..although he isn't quite sure why.
------------------------ Perception: 11 Sense Motive: 13 Knowledge Local: 12
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 d20+7=16 ; d20+6=8 ; d20+6=19 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2018 12:07:30 AM
He had been carving on a few pieces trying to adapt the shapes and forms that he had seen in the lizard folk's compound. His mind adapted them to the bone pieces he had and he lost himself in the carving. His hands continued to work as he focused on the various designs of the three pieces he was working on.
It was when he heard the pounding that he realized something was up. He headed out and looked down to the first floor as a young lad began talking about a group starting problems at the Brass Toad. The boy was sincere and Bartomus realized that this ws a runner he had seen about earlier. When Zander calls everyone up to duty, Bartomus turned and put on his darkwood armour, his kilt and grabbed his glave. He came down the stairs in a hurry.
--- [i] sense motive 16; Know local 8; crafting
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+15=17 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2018 2:09:11 PM
Dobin rubs his eyes as they head for the door. He counts to make sure everyone is awake and with the group. As they run along past the boy he calls out, "Ratties, for those who don't know, is what some have started calling some of the folk with more animal features than human and purebloods."
OOC: Knowledge, Local: 17
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 Wednesday November 21st, 2018 3:17:15 PM
Zanderallen is right behind the kid, pounding down the street. He seems to be pushing himself pretty hard encumbered with armor as he is but his voice comes out steady and even, "Our goal is deescalation, words first, subdue second, kill as a last resort. But we'll shows these thugs that kind of behavior is not to be tolerated." His face sets into a look of grim determination as he thinks of Jaspar and some of the other ratfolk they've met being bullied by some dock thugs.
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 d20+1=5 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2018 4:28:58 PM
Micah, being without armor, finds it easy to maintain Zanderallen's pace.
As they approach, he asks the youth, "There must be more to it than merely longshoremen. Brassy can handle a simple bar fight. What else is going on?
Easily able to keep up, he pauses to cast detect magic on himself. Rushing to catch back up, he to the paladin, "Be alert for something else behind this." He gives him the stare that Micah uses to indicate that the warrior's evil sense be used.
Stock (JonM) HP: 72/72; AC: 25/15/21; Per: +12; Surv: +10; SM: +6 d20+6=11 ; d20+3=20 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2018 4:53:58 PM
Stock grunts as the boy runs off. He turns to the others and says only, "Trouble." as he heads back to grab his armor. He puts it on as quickly as he can and then does his best to catch up.
====== Sense Motive 11 Knowledge Local 20
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+15=17 ; d20+14=29 ; d20+10=28 ; Wednesday November 21st, 2018 6:59:27 PM
Sid hearing the ruckus comes down from his room/workshop and yells, "Is it company or trouble?" When he finds out that Brassy is in trouble he grabs his stuff and slides down the banister as everyone is leaving. "Fill me in on the way." Sid keeps an eye out as they move.
Acrobatics(for sliding down the railing): 29 Knowledge(local): 17 Perception: 28
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Wednesday November 21st, 2018 11:57:56 PM
Stohp follows along as they rush to Brassy's place.
DM MikeK - Brass Toad Thursday November 22nd, 2018 9:00:12 AM
Stock and Bartomus throw on some armor, and hurry after their comrades, eliciting some humorous looks from any late night revelers catching sight of a dwarf and a minotaur running up the street.
The pair are about 100 yards behind the rest of the Shields.
Micah asks about Brassy handling the fight, and the kid answers between breaths, not breaking stride. “Torry’s day off.” “Bard’s sick.” “Just two bouncers.” “A lot o’ them. “S’why Brassy sent me “For you.”
Reaching the Brass Toad, the kid throws open the door and rushes in. Zanderallen and Micah enter first. Stohp, Dirk, Dorbin, and Sid come in behind them.
To the right, a bunch of empty booths and tables.
To the left, a group of six Beastfolk, with the ratlike features typical of the Trash Level residents, are cowering together in the far end of a circular booth.
Two tables of six people each are set out so as to be blocking the booth. No one from the booth can leave without squeezing past the tables. Mugs and tankards aplenty sit on the tables, and in hands. The people are of various races, but all are well muscled.
To the front, Brassy, flanked by his two bouncers - large humans armed with clubs, stands behind the bar. They are attempting to stare down a half orc and two minotaurs who stand on the other side of the bar, directly across from them.
The group enters just in time to hear Brassy yell, with as much bravado as he can muster, “I’m telling ya, the bar is closed! Go home!”
Silence descends on the room as everyone in the place turns to look to see who has entered the tavern.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 Thursday November 22nd, 2018 7:44:48 PM
Zanaderallen takes just a second to take in the view. He steps towards the bar, letting his hand drop to the handle of his sap. "Are you deaf? Brassy just said bars closed. I'd listen to him."
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+9=23 ; Thursday November 22nd, 2018 7:59:12 PM
Dirk stops and backs up against the wall at the outburst from Brassy.
"No one wants a problem gentlefolk, but we will defend Brassy if provoked."
------------------------------------------------- Dirk checks for any others in the room. Perception: 23
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+10=30 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=16 ; Thursday November 22nd, 2018 8:13:16 PM
Sid stands next to Zanderallen with his shortsword in hand and gives them a once over. "You heard'em," Sid says in his publican voice((Firstish/Longest job at the float was barkeep)), "Leave."
Perception: Nat 20(Look at their faces) Knowledge(Local): Nat 1(To see if I recognize any of them) Knowledge(Local): Nat 1(To see if I recognize the ratkin)
((This folks is why I don't gamble))
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 Thursday November 22nd, 2018 8:17:03 PM
Micah takes a quick survey of the situation. He turns to Stohp, "Be ready for me to cast enlarge on you. A huge minotaur with your wrestling skills might come in handy in a brawl we want to remain non-lethal."
Micah readies to cast enlarge on Stohp should violence erupt.
To Dirk he advises, "Do you think you can get scare cast such that it affects mainly the thugs? I am not advocating that as an initial action, but something to consider given the tactical situation."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) d20+2=8 ; Thursday November 22nd, 2018 8:38:22 PM
(Why is no one trying to intimidate?)
Stohp walks in and looks around, assessing the situation. She crosses her arms and does her best to look scary (intimidate 8). If they look like they're ready to fight anyway she advises them, You're outnumbered and against the Silver Shields. Do you really think this will work out for you?" (reputation bonus to the intimidate maybe?)
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Thursday November 22nd, 2018 9:26:02 PM
Dorbin wants to look intimidating, but he knows he can't scare a mouse. He steps to the side, into the shadows a bit, out of the direct line of sight of the drunk folk. He tries to move to a place where he can get a good view of any potential battlefield and sets up to step up on a table if needed for an even better view.
Stock (JonM) HP: 72/72; AC: 25/15/21; Per: +12; Surv: +10; SM: +6 Thursday November 22nd, 2018 11:42:28 PM
Stock sees the others ahead but no matter how hard he tries he can’t make his short legs go faster. And it’s starting to annoy him just as he enters the bar.
DM MikeK - Fun with drunk people Friday November 23rd, 2018 10:06:04 AM
Zanderallen, Sid, and Stohp try intimidating the half-orc and his two minotaur buddies. Sid doesn't recognize anyone. He can tell the people at the tables seem to be with the half-orc, and everyone of them have drunk quite a bit.
Dirk tries to reason with them.
Micah works out some tactics.
Dorbin gets out the way.
The trio at the bar turn from Brassy. The half orc takes a few steps to get within snarling distance (about 10') of Zanderallen. The two minotaurs flank him. The twelve people at the tables rise as one, and move to fall in behind those three. There is general murmuring as they back up their fellows.
"High an' mighty Silver Shields", the half orc growls. "Big whoop" Eyeing Sid's sword, he snarls, "You gonna cut me open fer wanting a drink, elf?"
Pointing to the booth, he growls some more. "We are having a talk with the Ratties 'bout getting my cousin killed, and we ain't leaving till we're done. So you big shot go back up Top and do your bootlicking with the Lords and Ladies, an' leave us to ours."
Stock and Bartomus arrive on that note.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Friday November 23rd, 2018 10:10:58 AM
Dorbin whispers from the rear, "If things get ugly I can fill the entire room with a fog so no one can see, I don't know if that will help or make things worse..."
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+14=33 ; Friday November 23rd, 2018 10:28:53 AM
Dirk turns to Micah and nods his head slightly and begins to pull the spell from memory. As he begins to recall, he speaks once more.
"Good folk, why don't we just sit down and have a chat? I'll buy us some drinks? There's no need in violence in this nice place."
--------------------------- Diplomacy: 33
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 d20+15=21 ; Friday November 23rd, 2018 1:30:06 PM
His senses screaming danger at the amount of tension in the room Zanderallen takes just a half second to make sure he's still in complete control. "Well then let's get to the bottom of this. Everybody let's take a seat. Brassy a round of drinks for everyone." Ignoring the thugs grouped in front of him, he moves to take a seat looking at the half orc and looks for a leader of the ratfolk, "Alright, let's get some names." Even though outwardly ignoring the physical danger to himself, Zanderallen is one wrong move from drawing his sap. ---------- Diplomacy 21 - +2 to Dirks Diplomacy
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 Friday November 23rd, 2018 5:23:41 PM "Wait, who licked boots, I didnt lick any boots that i recall," he filled his voice with sarcasm as his hands and mouth worked the spell for creating water. He held the final executing word with a sly smile.
"May need to quelche this attitude and let Brassy clean up."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Friday November 23rd, 2018 5:50:29 PM
Stohp tries to keep things reasonable. "Look if there's some problem then tell us about it. A drunken brawl in a bar won't really fix whatever's got you so hot will it? So tell us about it. What happened to your cousin?"
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 Friday November 23rd, 2018 11:16:38 PM
Micah suppresses the smile he wants to show at Dirk applies the charm with Zanderallen's assistance.
He turns to Sid, "It appears these folk have a complaint that needs to be adressed." He pause to look at the elf's sword. I doubt that will be necessary."[/b]
He then addresses the half-orc. "You say you wish to talk and have a drink. The drinks are coming, so what is it you have to say?". As he says this he pulls up a chair and calmly takes a seat.
======= Diplomacy +15. Automatically aiding Dirk for another +2. [At 37 now.]
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Saturday November 24th, 2018 8:44:51 AM
"Too much paperwork anyway," Sid says sheathing his sword, but he stands at the ready.
He turns to Bart, "We live on this level right? Like that did change while we were on it the woods right?"
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 Saturday November 24th, 2018 11:58:36 AM
Dirk feels even more confident as he continues his diplomacy and nods over at Micah as he also takes a seat.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 Saturday November 24th, 2018 12:39:49 PM "Right, it seems that they're a bit confused, muddled and such, must have been drinking the Taurian Halfcut again," Bartomus snickered at Sid and winked. ""Can't really imagine us living up there I mean you get all dizzy with the glitter and glamour of the lordly folk."
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 Saturday November 24th, 2018 5:54:03 PM
Micah strives to ignore the repartee of Sid and Bartomus. He looks around for a drink to avoid reacting to Sid's jibe and clears his throat softly to keep from laughing..
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) d20+14=31 ; Sunday November 25th, 2018 2:54:26 PM
Stohp looks at the angry townsfolk more closely. Maybe she can pick up more clues as to their identities, figure out what's going on from their appearance (perception 31).
Stock (JonM) HP: 72/72; AC: 25/15/21; Per: +12; Surv: +10; SM: +6 Monday November 26th, 2018 9:35:56 AM
Stock slowly shoulders his way forward to right in front of the half orc. He sees some of the Shields already pulling up chairs and guesses at least which way the wind is blowing, even if he did arrive to late to hear what was said. "I recommend that you listen to the talkers over there...If however you want to continue down a more...reckless path, then I can certainly oblige you."
Stock is not so much trying to intimidate the guy as he is trying to be very transparent about the options available to the half-orc.
======== Mitch - Unless somebody took a swing at Stohp already, you can probably reset her HP
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Monday November 26th, 2018 12:53:02 PM
Dorin stays far in the corner, away from any fight that might break out, still prepared to act quickly...
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 Monday November 26th, 2018 2:36:51 PM
While maybe not regularly taught in the temples of Domi, Zanderallen liked to regard Domi's teachings by thinking of his two hands. The right hand held out to shake, a sign of diplomacy, while the left was held back in a fist if the right was rejected. Stock was definitely the left hand of Domi. Let's see if it's needed Zander thinks as he continues to move for the chair.
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 Monday November 26th, 2018 8:03:08 PM
Micah catches his breath as Stock interjects.
He quickly snatches a chair, and striving not to make his gesture too abrupt, indicates to Stock that he should take a seat as well.
Micah then calmly crosses his legs projecting an attitude of casual calmness.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Monday November 26th, 2018 8:07:36 PM
Sid stands back and doesn't look menacing, but he does look prepared. He gauges where the civilians are and tries to formulate the best way to make sure they are safe.
DM MikeK - More talkin, less fightin Monday November 26th, 2018 9:00:05 PM
Zanderallen, Micah, Stohp, and Dirk try the diplomatic approach.
Stock, Sid, and Bartomus make clear they’d be more than happy to accommodate anyone looking for a fight.
Dorbin stays far in the corner.
While the half orc and several of his cronies seem willing to take Stock up on his offer, the dulcet tones of the bard, as well as the efforts of priest and paladin, and of course, free ale, do enough to placate the crowd.
Most turn toward the bar, where Brassy enthusiastically hollers “Round for everybody, on the Shields.” This pulls most of the others.
Zanderallen takes a seat. If there is a leader among the beastfolk, he’s not very obvious.
The half orc and two minotaurs remain where they are. He’s still pretty steamed. They are not so much, and have done the math, and are sticking around more in an effort to keep him out of trouble than joining him in it.
“Grash,” he answers Zanderallen sourly.
The paladin regards the group of beastfolk for a long thirty seconds before one timidly stammers. “I’m Zoule. We didn’t kill anybody.”
“Ya might as well have!” Grash roars. “You people let us go out there. You knew the wave was coming, and you didn’t say squat! None of you! Light and darkness and tidal waves and rocks fallen from the sky and that red grass and you said butkis!”
Stohp regards the men. They sure seem like your standard group of longshoreman. Long on muscle, and short on deep thinking.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Tuesday November 27th, 2018 8:24:51 AM "We're never going to get anywhere like this. Please start from the beginning Grash. Once you're done then we'll hear from Zoule. No interruptions please, everyone will get a chance to tell their side of the story."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 Tuesday November 27th, 2018 9:51:53 AM "Don't think we knew about the wave," Bartomus whispered as an aside. The whole battle with the red grass still gave him an occasional twitch when he thought about that too much. But he felt that he understood the frustration Grash felt. "Lots of losses those days, seems listening to what happened may help everyone realize that."
Stock (JonM) HP: 72/72; AC: 25/15/21; Per: +12; Surv: +10; SM: +6 d20+6=15 ; Tuesday November 27th, 2018 11:18:54 AM
Stock shrugs and moves over to a seat at the bar to listen. He leans his flail up against the bar near his feet and changes his drink order from an ale to juice.
========== Sense Motive 15, I get that they are angry but who is their anger directed at? The Shields? Also, are they drunk?
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 d20+15=17 ; Tuesday November 27th, 2018 2:40:33 PM
Zanderallen thinks back to that awful day. It could have been so much worse, but there was more than enough pain to go around. Logically there was no way anybody could have known what was going to happen. But anger, coupled with drink, threw logic out the window. He had an idea of what the real issue might be. Motioning to Grash to have a seat he holds out a mug. "Grash, who did you lose? Tell me about them." ------------------------------------ Diplomacy 17
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Tuesday November 27th, 2018 2:46:51 PM
Dorbin stays in the corner, not convinced that all the chances for violence have ended. He remains standing and on guard.
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 d20+15=18 ; d20+16=36 ; Tuesday November 27th, 2018 4:17:43 PM Nice approach thinks Micah as Zanderallen attempt to turn Grash focus away from the ratfolk.
He watches for cues as Grash replies, attempting to gain insight into what the real issue is in hopes that that might inform them how to best calm the half-orc down.
=========== Diplomacy 18 aids Sense Motive 36
DM MikeK - Grash's story Tuesday November 27th, 2018 9:08:12 PM
Zanderallen and Stohp ask for more details, as Micah watches approvingly.
Bartomus relaxes a bit as he starts understanding Grash’s anger.
Dorbin stays out of the way.
Stock heads for the bar. He notes the general anger seems directed at the beastfolk. He also notes pretty much all the dockworkers are drunk, some more than others. One of the men regards him for several moments before leaning over. “D’you guys REALLY fight a god?” he asks, curiously, with a touch of awe.
Grash looks at Zanderallen, deciding. After a few moments, his face falls. He takes a deep breath, sits down, and holds out a hand. One of the minotaurs places a full mug in it, which he takes several deep gulps of, and then tells his story.
“Boat’s name was The Countess. Piece of junk. Garroush named her as a joke. He’s, he was, my brother. Him and Chorg, our cousin, were fishermen. Take her out every day. Catch enough to get by. Then that day. That tidal wave come through here an’ the whole city up and steps over it….well, they was on the lake, an’ they never came back. Went out looking, didn’t find anything. Nothing at all.”
Grash drifts off and his face goes blank, remembering. Recalling where he is, he sneaks an angry look at the beastfolk before turning back to Zanderallen.
“Then, a couple weeks ago, we’re all loading up for some Higher Up Brainiacs outta Plateau City doing some sightseeing or whatever, and they're all talking to themselves ‘bout how AFTER the Sargrass land got back to wherever it was supposed to go, the beastfolk starting getting born. AND, some of them, the Ratties, tried to go back to the Shadow Lands, and got lost in Time, and ended up here on the Float decades BEFORE they had left.”
Grash accompanies this last by sky writing a big circle.
“And THAT means,” he concludes, stabbing a finger at the beastfolk. “Everything that happened to us, is history to them. They knew it was coming. They let it happen. They killed my kin.” The half-orc is working himself up again.
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+19=25 ; Tuesday November 27th, 2018 9:21:18 PM
Dirk holds up a hand. "Let's just take a breath or two and think about things before they heat up. I've seen the beastfolk fight, and they're downright terrifying at their ferocity."
----------------------------- Bluff: 25
Sid(Sub by Zach H) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Tuesday November 27th, 2018 11:28:45 PM
Sid relaxes as the people persons in the party seem to have deflated the situation. Still not quite comfortable with how boxed in everybody is he moves closer to the ratfolk to be able to intervene if necessary. As talk moves to time travel his head starts spinning a little as he tries to figure out how that would work.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 Wednesday November 28th, 2018 1:01:57 AM "But, would they know? Wouldn't it just be a story to the young and their young? " Bartomus asks to no one in particular as he raised his mead for another drink. "Would any of us have believed them if they tried telling us? I mean really, would we have believed such a tale?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Wednesday November 28th, 2018 8:38:14 AM "So tell me Grash. What was your father's father's father's father doing 100 years ago? Do you know? I imagine most people don't, and who knows how many centuries ago the beastfolk appeared."
Stock (JonM) HP: 72/72; AC: 25/15/21; Per: +12; Surv: +10; SM: +6 Wednesday November 28th, 2018 10:15:10 AM
Stock grins at the man and says, "Well it certainly didn't feel like it at the time. It felt like we were getting our butts kicked...and then there were these flying elf guys and I got eaten by a giant lizard. Can't say I really hope to be in that situation again." He then holds up his hand and listens.
His mouth drops open as he listens. What are they even talking about? Lost in time? This might have gone quicker if we would have just fought 'em. Live and Learn, Stock.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 d20+15=30 ; Wednesday November 28th, 2018 11:01:42 AM
There was a lot of information to process in that statement, but Zander's mind whizzed through it making mental notes to think about it later. His immediate concern was the soldering hay stack next to him about ready to start blazing again. He really wanted to start asking the ratfolk about this tale but first he needed to defuse Grash, "And what would Garroush and Chorg say if they looked down on what old Grash was doing back home? Lost in drink, spouting mystic mumbo jumbo, and blaming random innocent folk for their death? Even if it's true and Zoule or his buddies had said, 'Hey we fell through time and we have legends that something bad happened today' would that really have stopped Garroush and Chorg from going out that day? They sound like good honest workers and it is a tragedy that they were lost but it isn't anyone's fault. Take heart and let them go. A toast to Garroush and Chorg, may their spirits find rest." Raising his mug Zanderallen waits for the toast to be taken up, giving a hard look towards Zoule and the others to join it. --------------------------------- Diplomacy 30
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Wednesday November 28th, 2018 11:06:36 AM
Dorbin senses the fellow getting angry again. He remains in the corner and tries to eyeball the angles for strategic attacks that might be needed. He wonders if anyone should try and get the ratfolk to head for the exit while they aretalking...
Micah (Zach posting for John H) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 d20+16=23 ; d20+15=29 ; Wednesday November 28th, 2018 5:10:48 PM
Micah inwardly hoped that the half-orc was strong enough to deal with the straight forward approach the others were taking with him, 'Domi grant Grash the courage to deal with his greif' he prays silently as his fellow Shields try to get the half-orc to see reason. As Zanderallen asks for a toast Micah intones a blessing for the fallen, continuing to try to get Grash's focus away from the ratfolk. He continues to walk Grash for any tells, knowing that if they can move him past a crisis point the chance of anger flaring out would be much less. ------------------------- Sense Motive: 23 Diplomacy: 29 Aiding Zander
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+8=21 ; Wednesday November 28th, 2018 7:21:31 PM
Sid looks at the Ratfolk and wishes he had asked Dorbin for some books on the actual arcane. He crosses and gets a drink and says, "To Garroush and Chorg!" and finishes all but the last sip and pours it out for them.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Wednesday November 28th, 2018 8:33:00 PM
Stohp feels stupid for not realizing they were referring to the Bloodgrass events. Fortunately she didn't think she said anything stupid before realizing. She joins the rest in the toast.
DM MikeK - To Garroush and Chorg Wednesday November 28th, 2018 10:12:59 PM
Bartomus and Stohp argue that the beastfolk can hardly be held responsible for not knowing what seems to be ancient history.
Zanderallen points out Grash’s kinfolk wouldn’t look to kindly on his actions this day. Micah watches his reactions carefully, ready to jump in, if needed.
But, it doesn’t look like he needs to. The half-orc deflates, and mumbles agreement.
Stock answers the fellow at the bar, while trying hard to follow the circular time logic going on.
Dirk tries bluffing about the ferocity of the beastfolk. He does well enough to get a few alarmed looks, but still, that’s a tough sell.
Dorbin keeps out of the way.
Sid offers a toast. The company rises as one and joins him. "To Garroush and Chorg!" they call, draining and emptying their mugs as well.
Grash stands. “Let’s go home,” he tells the crew. He walks out, and the rest of the people begin shuffling out into the street.
The beastfolk don’t move. Sense Motive DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: { They’re scared to death }
Brassy calls out. “Another round, Shields. On the house.”
As the mugs are passed round, the tavern keeper becomes more serious. “You talked Grash down, but that story about the ratfolk having foreknowledge of the Dark Times is getting around. I’m hearing it from lots of folks, and it all spells trouble for them and their kind. Big trouble.”
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 d20+7=27 ; Thursday November 29th, 2018 12:29:26 AM "We need to do something to help them out."Bartomus nodded towards the beastfolk. Bartomus picked up the newly filled mug, nodded at Brassy and nodded even more so when the barkeep explained what he had been hearing.
He walked over to the table of terrified beastfolk and smiled. "Well, hopefully, that won't be that common. Seems everyone gets angry when there is loss and change. Are you all ok?"
He waited to see their response and to see who else might join him. His thoughts went to what options might exist to help protect the beastfolk.
Stock (JonM) HP: 72/72; AC: 25/15/21; Per: +12; Surv: +10; SM: +6 d20+6=18 ; Thursday November 29th, 2018 1:35:06 PM
Stock participates in the toast and then walks over to Bartomus and the beastfolk. "Did you guys really get lost in time? That's gotta be disorienting."
====== Sense Motive 18
Micah (Zach posting for John H) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 d20+13=30 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=21 ; Thursday November 29th, 2018 1:51:59 PM
Micah relaxes slightly as the longshoreman file out. One crisis averted but if that story is going around how much longer before this turns in to a witch hunt? They needed to find out where these rumors were staring and if there was any truth to them. He nods thanks to Brassy and asks, "Any idea where that story is coming from? Grash mentioned some people from Plateau City. Any ideas as to who that could be or who might know?" Micah thinks over his own learning for any mention of the Shadow Lands or who might know more. ----------------------- Know: Religion 30 Know: Arcana 19 Know: History 21
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 Thursday November 29th, 2018 2:12:29 PM
Zanderallen downs his mug and as Grash finishes his clasps him on the shoulder in support and let's him go with no further words. Hopefully tonight was good for him and would allow him to move past his anger and continue down the path of grieving. With the immediate danger passed he turns to Zoule. "Alright Zoule, you have nothing to fear from us. What's your side of the lost in time Shadowlands story?"
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Thursday November 29th, 2018 2:42:42 PM
After the longshoremen leave, Dorbin wanders over to the rest of the group. When they mention helping out the beastfolk, Dorbin mutters, "It's the trash level. Stuff happens here. It always has, and it always will." He shakes his head, remembering times from his childhood on the streets in the trash level.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) d20=2 ; Thursday November 29th, 2018 7:04:03 PM
Stohp doesn't really care about all the "origin of the beastfolk" hocus pocus. What really matters is if it's causing problems for them. "Have no fears here friends." she reassures them, sensing their unease (Sense motive 12). "With worked with and made friends with several ratfolk earlier in our adventures. We know you had know way of predicting the disaster and will defend you from assault. Tell me, are difficulties like this becoming more common?"
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Thursday November 29th, 2018 7:23:09 PM
Sid looks to the Ratfolk after getting his drink, "Yeah, come on. This is a story I'm dying to hear now."
DM MikeK - Zoule's story Thursday November 29th, 2018 8:46:41 PM
With the immediate danger out of the way, the Shields turn their attention to the beastfolk.
Bartomus and Stohp work to reassure them that they are safe, while also asking if difficulties like this are becoming more common. Dorbin philosophizes that Trash Level always has some kind of trouble.
Micah wonders about the source of the rumor.
Zanderallen, Stock, and Sid sense a story, and press for details.
The beastfolk have relaxed a bit, as no one has yelled at them in the last five minutes, and edge out from the booth to stand before the Shields.
“Well,” begins Zoule, “the rumors are pretty much right, as least as far as the main points. My grandfather always said that his grandfather was born during a great cataclysm that began with the Crystal Mountains exploding skyward, and ended with death of Sarr, and the rebirth of the Sargrass.
At the end of it, a new race came to be, the beastfolk.
But the new land, the new Sargrass, was a frightening place. Plants and monsters and men all fought and killed, and some of the beastfolk, my ancestors, begged Moab to take us in.
In her mercy, she did, and for several generations, our people lived peacefully in the Valleys of Twilight.
After some time, Moab came to my grandfather’s generation, and told them she had found them a new place to live, in the Wold, but far from the Sargrass. And they came through a gate to the Float.
It was years before some thought to seek out what had become of the Sargrass, only to find it was completely different from what the stories had said. There were no druids, no mutations, only grass.
And years more before my father’s generation realized that the events resulting in our people’s birth hadn’t even happened yet.
Some of us went to Plateau City several years ago to the Academy there, to piece together our history with the Sargrass’ future.”
Zoule holds out his hands. “But none of knew of the signs and portents and disasters awaiting the Float, awaiting us. My grandfather’s grandfather came to be after that. We had no idea we were witnessing the beginning until after it was over.”
The man looks up at Stohp. “As for trouble, yes, it is getting worse. People all over the Trash and Fence Levels are blaming us for what happened, or saying we should have warned them, or even that we should have stopped it."
He sighs.
“The Float is becoming a very dangerous place for us to be.”
Micah considers his recollection of the Shadow Lands, and decides the story is at least possible. Both time and distance have very little meaning in the Twilight Vales.
There's a "poof", and a gnome appears struggling to balance a minotaur-sized breastplate on his head. "Catacombs Delivery for Stohp" he squeaks from underneath it. With another "poof", the gnome is gone. The breastplate remains.
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 Thursday November 29th, 2018 9:00:53 PM
Dirk jumps, starting at the sudden appearance and disappearance of the gnome. He points over at the location where the gnome was.
"Am I the only one who saw a leprechaun or something?"
He shrugs and turns back to the conversation.
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 Thursday November 29th, 2018 9:06:54 PM
Dirk takes out his book and hastily writes down the entire story as much as he can remember it. He makes sure to note the arrival from a gate to the Float. He arcs an eyebrow momentarily and asks Zoule.
"Does anyone know were this gate originated from?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 Friday November 30th, 2018 9:54:59 AM "So it's true. That is going to make things slightly more difficult. Not that we blame your kind at all. We saw the powers in play at that event. Even if you had known you would have been batted aside by the universe if you had tried to stop it. And having spent several generations in the Shadow Lands I very much doubt you had anything more than vague legends survive. But the concern is we need to figure out how to clear your people's name, any ideas?", Zanderallen surveys the group looking a little lost.
Micah (Zach posting for John) HP: 52/52 AC: 16/12/16) CMD:18 Friday November 30th, 2018 10:04:11 AM
Answering Dirk's questions, "Catacombs delivery service. As to the gates there are several of them located on the Float. Been around a long time. During the Sargrass event they were opening to strange places, not surprised Moab would be able to open one."
Considering the situation Micah offers his advice, "We may want to check with the scholars at Plateau City, Grash heard the rumor from some of them and maybe we can get them to help us put a stop to these rumors."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 Friday November 30th, 2018 10:43:14 AM "Not sure whether it being true will help with those that lost family and friends," Bartomus said with a heavy sigh. He sipped from the mug watching a bit of the condensation make a trail on the outside of the tankard. "We should check those gates again, recall the witches that had helped open them and Moab could definitely open the gates. No doubt about that if she was so inclined."
"I keep getting this idea that maybe we should also give some thought of how we dampen the risk to the beastfolk in total. Do you have any allies on the Council or amongst the merchants? We may need to take a look at where would be best to make appearances with the folk."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Friday November 30th, 2018 11:09:52 AM
Dorbin blurts out, "People, this is the trash level. Those thugs are going to target someone, that's what they do. You're not going to stop them by talking to them. No one on any of the levels above this are going to care one bit. In fact, right now I can guarantee that those thugs are outside somewhere, or in their berths, still grumbling, complaining, and blaming the beast folk. If you want to help the beast folk, get them all out of the Float. Either that or you're going to have to kill three-quarters of the residents on the Trash level."
He suddenly realizes that he's been talking out loud and everyone is staring at him. He puts his hand over his mouth and slinks down in a seat, trying to disappear.
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 Friday November 30th, 2018 4:48:25 PM
Dirk turns to Micah, "Oh, I see. Thank you for that clarification. I know a little about a lot of things, but I was not aware of that. I--"
Dirk was going to continue but he was interrupted by Dorbin's outburst.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Saturday December 1st, 2018 7:09:15 AM
Stohp frowns, deep in thought. "I'm not sure if this is a problem we can solve as adventurers. As Dorbin says we can't exactly pull over every person on the trash for a stern talking to not can we go around beating up anyone who attacks ratfolk. Not and make any real progress. Nor can we just tell them all to pack up and move elsewhere. This is their home and I doubt they would be willing to leave. Even if they were willing they may not have the resources to restart life in a new place.
I think Bart has the right idea. Lets talk to all of our friends and allies about the situation and see what ideas they might have."
Stock (JonM) HP: 72/72; AC: 25/15/21; Per: +12; Surv: +10; SM: +6 Saturday December 1st, 2018 8:29:56 AM ”So how many of you are there? Any ideas, Shields on how we can bring down the tension level against these guys?”
DM MikeK - Options? Saturday December 1st, 2018 9:54:20 AM
Dirk asks about the gate Zoule had mentioned, as well as the sudden appearance of the gnome. Micah is able to answer on both counts.
Zanderallen asks for ideas on clearing the beasfolk’s names. After all, legends and stories don’t offer much in the way of details and timing.
Micah suggests checking in with the scholars at Plateau City.
Bartomus wants to check the gates again. Additionally, he suggests using the group’s new found political connections to do some publicity.
Dorbin departs from his typical quiet nature to point out that “No one on any of the levels above this are going to care one bit”. - A reality you know to be all too correct. It’s why the merchants on this level brought about the formation of the Shields in the first place. The summoner recommends getting the beastfolk off the Float.
Stohp demures, pointing out the beastfolk are probably unwilling to leave, and don’t have the resources to leave even if they wanted to. She seconds Bart’s motion on bringing in the councilpersons and merchants.
Stock asks the beastfolk if they’ve any ideas. He echos Zanderallen’s question to the group about easing tensions.
In answer to Stock’s direct question about numbers, Zoule answers “Around 200 of us”
Other than that, none of them say anything.
Perception DC 15 --Highlight to display spoiler: { But they react to interchange between Dorbin and Stohp. } IF succeeded at perception check, then Sense Motive DC 15 --Highlight to display spoiler: { They seem to agree with Dorbin }.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 d20+10=21 ; d20+7=9 ; Saturday December 1st, 2018 10:24:52 AM "200 you say, well now, we could see what the higher ups can do to help. If we can lower the tensions, that would be a good thing, right?" Bartomus noticed that the beastfolk seemed to pay attention to what Dorbin had said. He looked back at his mead,swirled it about in the tankard and then looked back at the group. "I mean it isn't like we could just move them over to the logging camp we found out in the woods, right? So, getting the nobles to help out here makes sense. They don't want fighting and mayhem to be a constant issue, right? We just make an appointment and check out the gates on the way." ---- Perception 21; Sense motive 9
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Saturday December 1st, 2018 11:19:37 AM
(Make Up Post)
Sid looks at the gnome and then Dirk, "Yeah, sometimes they take awhile though. I put Branwen, a longbow Ellie made for me, in to be enchanted before we got to the woods and she still hasn't come back."
Sid looks at the Beastfolk thoughtfully, the gleam of the tale sparkling in his eyes a bit when Dorbin speaks up, "Well, you have a bit of a point. My first adventure with the Shields was with a zombie outbreak on the Trash Level and the residents were either helpful or wanted us out of their way, even with the zombies at our backs. Preeetty tough."
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Saturday December 1st, 2018 11:24:43 AM
Sid takes a sip of his drink and looks at the Shields, "Hey guys, didn't we just meet a large group of people needing skilled labor in a forest with plenty of open land?"
He looks to the Ratfolk, "I'm not trying to be offensive, so pardon me if I am, but what skills do you and your folk possess? Any trades that you tend to specialize in or any crafts?"
"I mean, it would be easier that going to the grasslands or the Vale of Twilight ourselves you know."
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 Saturday December 1st, 2018 9:46:40 PM "Well, I agree with Sid. It would be easier than going to the grasslands. Why don't we see if they'd be willing to help out with the skilled labor?"
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+9=18 ; d4=4 ; d20+5=14 ; Sunday December 2nd, 2018 4:19:11 PM
Dirk takes out his pipe and a bag of tobacco. He fills his pipe and then offers the bag around. "Would anyone like some tobacco while we are talking?"
Dirk places the leather bag on the table and lights his pipe as he checks the folks around him.
--------------------- [i[Please disregard the D4 roll, I accidentally clicked it.[/i] Perception: 18 Sense Motive: 14
Stock (JonM) HP: 72/72; AC: 25/15/21; Per: +12; Surv: +10; SM: +6 d20+12=17 ; d20+6=26 ; Monday December 3rd, 2018 11:47:21 AM
Stock watches the beastfolk closely and says, "Wait...do you want to leave? I mean there's a whole formerly enchanted forest out there that could be your home." He then waves a hand at the other Shields and says, "I know, I know that is Lizardfolk land but there is a ton of coastline along the lake. Certainly enough that a 200 person village should not cause big problems. Who knows, maybe our lizard friends could even use these guys as allies."
======= Perception 17, Sense Motive 26
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+9=27 ; d20+2=19 ; Monday December 3rd, 2018 12:46:32 PM
Dorbin steps back into the shadows, but he sees the beast folk looking around and he spots a couple nods in agreement. He whispers to Bart, "The nobles won't care about this lot one bit. I'm with the others, we should talk to our new lizardman friends and see if they're open to a new alliance and new guests in their lands."
OOC: Perception: 27 vs DC 15 success Sense Motive: 19 vs DC 15 success
Micah (Subbed by JM) Monday December 3rd, 2018 5:09:41 PM Almost forgot I'm subbing this week!
Micah closes his eyes and feels like this is fitting together too perfectly. If the lizardmen accept the beastfolk as neighbors...seems too clean to me.
========= Are the lizards still staying at Shields HQ?
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 24 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 d20+5=21 ; d20+13=23 ; Monday December 3rd, 2018 6:23:03 PM
Zanderallen blinks a couple times in surprise out Dorbin's outburst, at first thinking that forcing these people to leave their homes is a terrible idea. Then he looks around at Zoule and the others and notices they seem receptive of the idea. "I don't like the idea of you being driven from your homes, but there is an opportunity here for you. If the lizardfolk are gathering like they planned into a central settlement there could even be villages ready to be moved into. What say you Zoule?" --------------------- Perception 21 Sense Motive 23
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+9=28 ; Monday December 3rd, 2018 7:45:40 PM
Dirk nods at Zanderallen in solidarity. "Agreed my friend, this could be a winning compromise for all sides."
--------------------- Perception: 28
DM MikeK - Winning Compromise or Too Perfect? Monday December 3rd, 2018 9:46:01 PM
Bartomus continues to favor going the council, and possibly checking the gates on the way.
But, several of other Shields have caught on to some non-verbal clues. Stock, Dorbin, and Zanderallen ask Zoule to confirm if the beastfolk are amenable to leaving the Float, and if so, maybe this large contingent of lizardfolk up north would like some neighbors.
Dirk and Micah also approve of the idea, though a suspicious Micah wonders if perhaps this is too convenient. He also recalls there are no lizardfolk at Shield HQ. Tangleweed, as an official ambassador, has an apartment on the Gold Level. No other lizardfolk are currently on the Float.
Zoule ducks his head, and answers Zanderallen.
“It is true. Since the Crying Wood has left, we have debated starting a new home somewhere there, away from the crowded squalor of the Trash Level. These latest incidents have made it easier to decide.
I think some of our elders are planning to ask the Witches to help us divine a suitable location.
I will tell them what you have told us about the lizardfolk, or you can come yourselves to the Trash Level to talk to them. Or, I think one of our elders is your friend? Jaspar? We can ask him to find you.”
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Monday December 3rd, 2018 10:19:03 PM "It might be best for us to leave the labor and witches to you while we smooth things over with the Lizardfolk. You don't want to move to avoid persecution only to make your new neighbors mad and possibly face more of the same.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Tuesday December 4th, 2018 9:35:08 AM
Dorbin mumbles, "This isn't going to go away any time soon. We should probably send someone to the docks to see about transportation for a group of a couple hundred. If the others on the trash level see they're leaving, they just might leave them alone for another day."
Micah (Subbed by JM) Tuesday December 4th, 2018 10:56:48 AM
Micah nods and asks, "Do your people have the financial resources to pay for an exodus across the lake?"
He then looks at the other Shields and says, "This seems like something we should support, regardless of the form that support takes."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 Tuesday December 4th, 2018 1:12:30 PM "I gotta say that if we help them relocate, we need to ensure that they have some support and help here. There are a lot of things that could go wrong and that worries me. I am in for helping them do what they want though. Worry tinged the Taur's voice and tempered the look on his face. "Also, if there's an ambassador here of the folk, we have to consult her before they suggest this to their elders."
Stock (JonM) Tuesday December 4th, 2018 6:30:59 PM "Anybody want to volunteer to talk with the lizards? Zanderallen? Micah? Should be one of you talkers. Stohp - you seemed to have a way with them as well."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 24 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 22 Tuesday December 4th, 2018 7:46:39 PM "I think meeting with Tangleweed would be a good idea. I will go, Micah, Stohp, Sid? Who else wants to go? And Zoule be very careful discussing this with your people. Make sure word doesn't get out. Those who wish to do your people harm might view it as an admission of guilt if they hear you are leaving the city."
Sid(Sub by Zach H) HP: 42/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Tuesday December 4th, 2018 7:53:17 PM "I would go along to meet with Tangleweed. It's been awhile since I talked to him. It will be good to check in and see how his role as ambassidor is treating him. And he might enjoy having a conversation in his native tongue."
DM MikeK - A Plan of Sorts Tuesday December 4th, 2018 8:53:21 PM
Stohp suggests visiting Tangleweed to smooth things over with the lizardfolk while the beastfolk keep doing whatever they’re doing.
She gets general agreement to the plan, as well as consensus that the Shields should help.
Micah asks about funds. Zoule nods. “Um, well, we’ve been planning something like this for a while,” he admits, hesitantly.
The gathering breaks up. Brassy thanks everyone once again, and sets about closing the tavern.
Zoule and the other beastfolk depart.
It being rather late, Tangleweed may not be up.
Which leaves the evening to go home, or split up or make plans.
OOC - Who is going to visit Tangleweed? What is anyone not visiting Tangleweed planning to do instead?
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 Tuesday December 4th, 2018 8:59:30 PM "Tangleweed sounds interesting, but I think I should stay here and help around the place. Also, I would like to gather some more stories for my book." Dirk takes a look around and follows up, "If there are no objections from my gracious hosts?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 Tuesday December 4th, 2018 11:48:19 PM "Sleep sounds good to me, and while you go check with Tanglewood, I want to check out these gates. Also would really like to see if I could ask the Paragon for his help in soothing the anger at the beastfolk. At least ask him to try." Bartomus finished his tankard and set it down on the table. He nodded at Brassy and the others. "Who's walking back? Can be company."
Visit gates and visit Belikor if possible.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+16=20 ; Wednesday December 5th, 2018 9:39:15 AM
Dorbin says to Dirk, "Maybe we should have a little muscle around. And I think I know where some of the longshoremen hang around, I wonder if we should take a walk past, just to see what's what. Maybe we could stick with Bart as he heads out. Bart, you want to walk past the toughs on your way around, just in case?"
OOC: Knowledge, Local, Float: 20
Stock (JonM) Wednesday December 5th, 2018 12:48:21 PM "HA! Dorbin are you calling yourself the muscle! Anyway I'll tag along, try to keep you out of trouble and all."
Micah (Sub by JM) Wednesday December 5th, 2018 12:49:05 PM "Yes, I can help to visit Tangleweed. I really don't think it will be too hard of a conversation."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 Wednesday December 5th, 2018 2:10:12 PM "That's not a bad idea Bart. Micah, Stohp, and any of the others can meet with Tangleweed. I'll go with you to meet with Paragon Belkior. Having a member of the council atleast informed may be of benefit and he might be able to help in other ways. Good thinking."
Zander heads back to the HQ to return to his interrupted sleep. He is up early the next morning and after getting ready prepares himself to visit the Paragon Lord with Bart.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Wednesday December 5th, 2018 7:35:13 PM
Sid looks around, "If we're good here I have to head home and tell Ellie."
Sid heads to the Split Arrow where he explains things to Ellie. He then asks about any contracts or arrangements he needs to check on((Ellie handles the business end of the business and I don't know if any formal or potential arranges have been made with the Lizardfolk.)). And they have a long night together before he goes off again.
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 59/59 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 Wednesday December 5th, 2018 7:47:53 PM
Dirk nods over at Dorbin. "I'm glad you're around, Dorbin. You always think about the things I don't. I'll tag along with you on the walk around, if you'd like."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Wednesday December 5th, 2018 7:54:01 PM
With everyone in agreement as to what to do Stohp goes to bed. None of this can't wait until the next morning.
DM MikeK - A Plan of Sorts part 2 Wednesday December 5th, 2018 9:21:24 PM
Zanderallen, Stohp, Bart, and Micah go back to Shield HQ and hit the sack.
Sid goes back to the Split Arrow, where Ellie tells him they have signed a contract to purchase a specific kind of ash wood that Cactusflower insisted would make an arrow’s flight path extremely consistent. He spends the night there.
Dirk, Dorbin, and Stock take a stroll in the other direction, stepping into a couple bars near the docks that Dorbin knows to be hangouts for the longshoremen. They don’t see Grash or his buddies at either location.
Dirk finds plenty of new fishing stories to jot down.
Additionally, the three find the view about the beastfolk having foreknowledge of the catastrophes presaging the Sargrass Event is fairly common on the docks, to the point where everyone assumes it to be fact. Making such a rumor go away is not going to be easy.
The trio returns to Shield HQ, and goes to sleep.
In the morning, the group splits up and heads out on various errands, but your DM is still not sure who is going where.
Micah (Sub by JM) Thursday December 6th, 2018 10:07:05 AM
The next morning, Micah rolls out of bed and greets the other shields. "Stohp, Bart are you ready to visit Tangleweed? Anybody else coming with?"
Stock (JonM) Thursday December 6th, 2018 10:11:23 AM
Stock is already awake when the others begin filing downstairs. "Seems like the rumors about the ratfolk are pretty well established. If we want to protect the ratfolk, we either need to relocate them or we need the local government to start caring. As much as I hate forcing them to leave...Anyway, Z, see if you can get the Paragon to get involved. If the guard could play an active role here, at least we could keep this from being a panicked rush. Micah - I'll come with you to visit Tangleweed as well."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Thursday December 6th, 2018 12:39:43 PM
Dorbin is glad that they don’t spot Grash, but he knows that Grash is still out there, and he’s likely to be trouble at some point. He hopes that the Shields can find a way to get the bestfolk out of town.
The next morning Dorbin wakes up and heads to the common room in the HQ. He sits down in the corner in the comfy chair and opens his notebook. He works with the book, copying some notes, but mostly preparing the book for the next adventure. He carefully takes out used pages and keeps the important ones. He pulls out some new pages and weaves them into the notebook so they will stay together in whatever adventures the Shield get up to. He watches and tries to keep track of who is going where so that if they are needed, he knows where to send the messages.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 19 T: 13 FF: 19 CMD: 22 Thursday December 6th, 2018 12:46:14 PM "Bart I believe you mentioned wanting to go to Lord Belkior. Let's head out while the others go to Tangleweed. If we could get his support or official sanction it could help keep things calm." Zanderallen is ready to go see him as soon as Bart and any others are ready.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 Thursday December 6th, 2018 4:50:02 PM
Bartomus smiled at the compliment from Zander as they headed back to their headquarters. When they got to their building, he said good night and found comfort in the approach being taken.
He awoke, did his morning meditations and contemplations, and sought out Zander. He made sure to have his best shirt, his kilt clean, and even polished his horns. They were needing to impress the and he hoped he looked presentable.
"Morning Zander, hope we can get even a few minutes w the Councillor. Also hope we can take a look at a couple of those gates. We saw the one used by the witches when the wold got crazy. Bartomus said with a bit of excitement.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 39/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+14=23 ; Thursday December 6th, 2018 7:35:44 PM
Sid leaves early and sets the tea going at HQ. He makes breakfast and waits for people to be ready. Making a cup appear at Dorbin's side and humming softly to himself a Halfling tune. He makes sure that Rodrigo, or whomever is helping watch the place, is fed and watered as well. "I'm going to Tangleweed too," Sid joins in as people gather, "I have to check in on our contract, and I want to make sure things are going right."
Stealth(to quietly walk about in the early morning): 23
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 36/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Thursday December 6th, 2018 7:48:55 PM
Stohp gets up and gets ready to go quickly. Lots to do today.
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