Cries and Clues (DM SteveK) Thursday July 30th, 2020 7:44:42 AM
Sarge decides to banter with Hala. After the veteran's simple sentence, Hala is stunned to silence, and it is not only the angry one. Grams has backed away, and Jem is cowering with the children. Comatose stops nibbling at the bread-stick and begins whimpering. All have real fear in their eyes, as if they have had long trauma and only expect the worst from anyone in power.
Gaffer considers a survivors fund and organization. The druid also remembers the Tide still have connections with the Crescent Moons Trading Company. Although the CMTC was hit hard by Fiest and his assassin team, they were still a viable organization (although needing to be more clandestine). In fact, if Toston has the right of it, the CMTCs mission is to support good people looking to start up a new life to do good things...
The other heroes help about, preparing to fire the whole 'Farm', speculating what to do with the Noble Race jerky and 'wine', and making resolutions and speculations about the whole rakshasa set up. Maybe there are more clues in the Ledgers back at Shale House...
The heroes have the initiative.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Thursday July 30th, 2020 12:58:41 PM
Sarge stops when she sees the others' reaction. "Now, then," she says more gently. "You mustn't mind what an old dwarf says. You know what we're like. My friends and I are gonna help you. We'll look after you, that's a promise."
Sarge then excuses herself to confer with the group. "Unless we need it for evidence," she says, "I think a pyre is our best bet for the jerky and the wine. It's a respectful way to dispose of remains, and I can say prayers for the dead. Then...I dunno. Maybe the whole place needs to be burned, but we'd need to figure out how to keep the fire under control. And we can't take a lot of time about it, because we really ought to get these ladies back to Dirt City."
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] Thursday July 30th, 2020 1:10:49 PM
"Maybe but the masters might return, it might be our best bet to find them?" "Maybe one of you magic types can set up surveillance, if not i'm sure we can find some eyes back in the city." "Other than that I wouldn't mind sending these masters a message, let them know they are the ones being hunted now."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Thursday July 30th, 2020 6:41:31 PM
Hmerrin has been uncharacteristically quiet, trying to wrap his head around the scale and length of this operation.
"Burn it." He agrees, looking around the Farm.
"We can take the...remains of folks up the hill there and set up a pyre. Separate them a bit from... this."
The young man sets about carting the "jerky" and "wine" up the hill. And then does the same with the slaves slaughtered in the barracks. It takes a while, but the fighter is resolute.
Gaffer (Courtney HP:94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 1/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Thursday July 30th, 2020 8:44:07 PM
"A few of us could camp out around here, keep an eye on the compound and see if anyone, or anything, visits. I still have Transport Via Plants, we can move through the trees," Gesturing to the original grove on the hill they gathered near, "If things get dangerous."
If someone else would like to stay and keep watch for a day a two, Gaffer will follow with this, otherwise he will travel back with the others, rather than risking getting caught alone.
He has no strong feelings about burning the buildings, so long as the fire doesn't spread beyond the compound.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Thursday July 30th, 2020 8:51:40 PM
Desdichado fully agrees with destroying the "jerky" and burning this place of misery to ashes.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Thursday July 30th, 2020 9:58:06 PM
Toston says to his friends, "My most readily available means of causing a fire has been depleted. I can use the old breathe weapon to start one, try a burning hands or ditch magic entirely and just use Flint and Steel. I don't know if it matters but my breathe weapon is that of a Gold Dragon and a Gold Dragon is Alemi's avatar. I know that Gargul is the lord of the dead but would it count at all to have a Gold Dragon's flame which may be seen as a symbol of Alemi, the healer, chief amongst the Woldian Gods purify the fallen?"
To Grams, Hala, Jem, Ahn and Tah, he says, "I'm sorry we weren't faster or stealthier in what we did and that so many of your fellow prisoners her died. I give you my word that we will do all we can to protect you from here on out. We already took out this place and this operation at the Arena that this group you knew as the masters were running. We aim to tear down their entire organization brick by brIck or die trying."
The Grim Business of Cleanup (DM SteveK) Friday July 31st, 2020 6:18:01 AM
Sarge, gruff but sincere, is soon able to have the former captives of Jem and the Holograms (oops, spelling error ;-) calming down and ready to at least try to trust the Tide again. They are less impressed by Toston’s promises, maybe because of their recent experiences.
Hmerrin and Desdichado lead the effort to give a better end to the remains of the Rakshasa victims. Hmerrin picks the base of the hill of the five Rowan trees as a suitable site (The base to make carting a hundred mutilated bodies from Farm and Field a little easier, aNd to not destroy the natural living trees to which Gaffer may strenuously object.
Sharpe, Gaffer, Toston, and Eisenhorn continue with speculation and ideas. They (assumedly) assist in the pyre-in-the-making to make the tough and very messy work just a little faster. It takes several hours, but the work is complete and there is a lit bonfire for the burial of the victims, another fire set and designed to spread to the rest of the Farm buildings (and both fires designed to NOT spread out of control). The surviving former captives are also ready to walk with the heroes back to Dirt City.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Friday July 31st, 2020 1:13:05 PM
"Right, well, I think we're done here," Sarge says. "Gaffer, is there any way to call up another of those water elementals and have it stay here? On standby, just in case?"
Regardless, Sarge is anxious to get the erstwhile captives back to the relative safety of the city. She helps them all she can.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] d20+12=30 ; Friday July 31st, 2020 2:11:17 PM
On the way back to Dirt City, Desdichado recommends dropping off the survivors at the Temple and prepare for a clandestine meeting with the CMTC. Once that's done a stranger can "coincidentally" provide the survivors with help getting on their feet.
Back at Shale House, he helps Eisenhorn and the others review the notes they have from the ledgers, and makes a hunch on what he thinks about things they saw at the farm. (Know. Religion: 30)
"I'm pretty sure that Ga'al shrine was just for the guards. Figures people like that would worship that jerk. I don't think the rakshasas care about any of the Gods - good, bad, or indifferent - except for how they might use them to their own ends."
"Based on those notes, they're obviously planning something for the city - and something big."
He sighs. "I know we talked about going to some of the Houses, or even the Prince. With the evidence in these ledgers, I wonder if we should go to them sooner rather than later. I'd be willing to at least meet with some of the Wolves and tell them we've heard something's up. I'm pretty sure we're on their signal horn, anyway." (OOC: I was trying to think of something analogous to radar. I'm not sure it really works. Ha!)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Friday July 31st, 2020 8:07:01 PM
Hmerrin, tired and discouraged, trudges back to Dirt City lost in his own thoughts.
The Tide stops by the Temple of Warrd, seeking to place the survivors of the Farm in some protection until they can get the CMTC to assist.
Once back at Shale House, the fighter looks confused at Dez's remark. "I'm pretty sure we already went through what 'Herald' was planning," he replies. "At least, I hope so. Bunch of people died, a block got burned down, and we were assaulted. Seems to fit the bill, anyway."
"Which brings us to, how do we figure out where this Herald and TigerGuy, and whoever Stag is, are. E, Sarge, any fancy spells that can help us located these..individuals?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Friday July 31st, 2020 11:34:50 PM
Toston did use his dragon fire when purifying the fallen in the pyre by the hill after all.
On the way back he asks his friends, "Do we know anyone skilled in deciphering code? Could those leaders to the Herald contain hidden meanings perhaps?"
When they arrive at Shale House he says, "Just who could we trust among the houses or prince's people? I mean you got these Rakshashas right and they have the ability to shape change and mind control and obvously have resources. Who could be one of them in disguise? Who could be dominated by them and who could just be being paid off by them? I think we'd have to know for certain whoever we go with wouldn't be in cahoots with them if we are going to take this to anyone."
Gaffer (Courtney HP:94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 1/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Saturday August 1st, 2020 1:38:17 PM
In reply to Toston and the conversation around the houses. "Isn't the best way to counter that just to, well, tell lots of people. If being unknown helps them, let's get as many people looking as possible. If they only have individuals here and there then it is in the interest of the houses to deal with them as well."
Gaffer's ideal would be to tell multiple people from each house, at close to the same time, he would look to those with more knowledge of the city to know if that is an option.
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] Monday August 3rd, 2020 4:38:28 AM
"We could try to make a large announcment of this. I'd expect that at least some of the houses would be working with the Rakshasa and would be angry that this has gotten out. Not much we can do about that. I'd also expect that after this if the Rakshasa have any forces left they'll try to hit back at us or the people we freed."
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] Monday August 3rd, 2020 5:29:46 AM
"It is risky, and I don't like the idea of putting the ex-captives in any more danger, maybe we should break up to end the city to hid out movements just go in 2 or 3 at a time? It might be worth letting it be know that there were no survivors from the farm if we go the public route."
Back at Shale House (DM SteveK) Monday August 3rd, 2020 7:52:34 AM
Sarge is anxious to get the erstwhile captives back to the relative safety of the city, and helps all she can.
Desdichado recommends dropping off the survivors at the Temple and prepare for a clandestine meeting with the CMTC. Once that's done a stranger can "coincidentally" provide the survivors with help getting on their feet. He speculates about the Ga'al shrine was just for the guards, and wonder what the rakshasa are planning for the city.
Hmerrin, tired and discouraged, trudges back to Dirt City lost in his own thoughts. Temple of Wardd and survivors taken care of, the heroes go to Shale House. Hmerrin is hoping the team has already gotten the worst of the plan by "Herald".
Toston, symbolically, used his dragon fire to purify the pyre of fallen. On the way back he asks his friends about deciphering codes and hidden meanings. His big concern seems to know who to trust. They have the ability to shape change and mind control and obvously have resources. Who could be one of them in disguise? Or dominated? Or just paid off?
Gaffer has a unique suggestion on worrying about who is on the rakshasa side: tell everyone. If being unknown helps them, let's get as many people looking as possible. Maybe telling multiple people from each house at the same time. Eisenhorn thinks on the large announcement idea. Maybe some House repercussions and some retaliation may be expected.
Sharpe thinks it's risky to come into the city all at once, but the plan is already in motion. Even with the heroes' help, it is nightfall by the time the group makes it back to Dirt City and headed towards the Temple. Night is the most dangerous time, but paradoxically, also the least likely for anything entering to become general knowledge.
The stink of the city's unwashed masses is lessened by a breeze off the ocean tonight. The Tide is only stopped three times by roving patrols. Each time, the patrols bluster about curfew and make a half-hearted attempt at intimidating the Tide and protected party to clear the streets, but soon let them pass. The Tide is well-known by the Common House Thug, and they understand that a patrol corralling the Tide is like the mice belling the cat.
The Temple of Wardd accepts the captives on behalf of the Tide, and a minor acolyte quickly rouses the senior on duty to reassure the Tide that only Good Luck will fall on these unfortunates here. "They seem to already have had more than their share of Bad", she observes, "we can certainly keep them safe for a few days until you make further arrangements." Grams and the other former captives seem like they trust the arrangement too.
And so, our heroes return, finally, to a quiet Shale House in the deep of night. Yet there is someone waiting for them: it is Anduin the Socerer! The Anduin thought to have been killed in the assault on the old WLA! He leans against the bar with a bottle of Tombo's Best red wine opened on the bar and sipping elegantly ... from a human skull.
“You really are troublesome", he observes conversationally. "And after all the work I went through to have you killed in your sleep. Very well, maybe we can make a bargain instead?” He raises a hand in warning. “If you wish to hear from any who used to work in this building again, I recommend you put down your weapons and talk. I know that even in your tired state, you can kill me easily, so I have no reason for getting this close to you unless it was to talk.”
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Monday August 3rd, 2020 1:43:12 PM
"You thought having us killed in our sleep was a good idea?" Sarge says, setting down her hammer. "And now you think taking our tenants hostage is a good idea. I gotta say, I don't think too highly of your logic. But I'll listen. What bargain?"
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] d20+18=25 ; Monday August 3rd, 2020 2:01:16 PM
Desdichado is shocked to see the presumed-dead Anduin inside Shale House.
"Hope you paid for that," he says after recovering his initial shock. "Stealing is wrong."
He moves toward the staircase, and looks up to see if he can hear or see anything unusual (Perception: 25), then leans against the rails. "Also," he remarks after a beat, "I don't feel bad about breaking down your door, anymore."
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] d20+13=16 ; Monday August 3rd, 2020 3:45:34 PM
Sharpe quickly walks past the man and check the rest of the building and the ones closest for companions and watchers before returning to his companions.
Perception - 16
Gaffer (Courtney HP:94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 1/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Monday August 3rd, 2020 4:51:51 PM
Gaffer pulls up a seat at one of the tables appraising Anduin, someone he feels remarkably unfamiliar with given the impact he has apparently had on their lives lately. "This ought to be good."
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] d20=17 ; Monday August 3rd, 2020 6:53:26 PM
Eisenhorn is taken aback by the strange man, but quickly recovers his wits. "Who are you and what in the Wold are you doing here?" looking at the skull. "You know... that thing must be awkward to drink out of...we have regular mugs somewhere in the house...let me find one for you." as he moves behind the sorcerer Eisenhorn tries to take out his Lesser Rod of Metamagic silent and stelthily cast Detect Thoughts. (Sleight of Hand Roll: 17 + 3 = 20) (OOC: Sleight of hand seemed the most appropriate but let me know if it should be something else)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Monday August 3rd, 2020 7:21:21 PM
Hmerrin stays standing right where he is, staring down the intruder.
"You're not really Headmaster Anduin, are you?" he declares flatly.
The young man looks around the tavern, then back to the fellow. "So, talk already."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 d20+18=31 ; d20+7=27 ; Monday August 3rd, 2020 11:03:52 PM
Toston scoffs, "How does that saying go? First They Ignore You, Then They Laugh at You, Then They Attack You, Then You Win? They certainly leave a lot out about slavery, burning and death though."
He continues "So Anduin are you a human in service to the Rakshashas or a Rakshashas in disguise? Have you always been in service to the Rakshashas since we knew you or was there a time when you were uncorrupted? Who does that skull belong to? Anyone we know? Bear in mind I don't take too kindly to threats but I suppose I could make an exception this one time and hear you out."
(Perception: 31) (Sense Motive: 27)
Back at Shale House (DM SteveK) d20+17=32 ; d20+20=33 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2020 11:10:43 AM
Sarge doesn't think highly of Anduin's logic, but will at least listen to the bargain.
Desdichado is shocked to see the presumed-dead Anduin inside Shale House. The paladin doesn't notice any other noises in the building, and mentions both that stealing is wrong and that he doesn't feel bad about breaking down your door. Anduin laughs in true enjoyment. "That's right, Desdichado the Paladin. Do what you want because you can. Feeling 'bad' is for the weak."
Sharpe is not hindered by Anduin as the Fighter walks past the man and checks the rest of the building. Tombo Greenhand, Mazea Ironthane, and Sunny Culpepper are not here.
Gaffer pulls up a seat at one of the tables appraising Anduin, someone he feels remarkably unfamiliar with given the impact he has apparently had on their lives lately. "This ought to be good."
Eisenhorn tries a gambit, and Anduin again doesn't hinder the hero. The Detect Thoughts spell fails to take hold and Anduin again laughs, this time with a superior air. "Save you mage mind tricks for the weak meat, Master Eisenhorn. You noticed I have not tried to insult you with my own attempt."
Toston scoffs at Anduin's blatant use of 'How to Hatch Evil Plots, page 47', and lays in with a series of questions, but can't get a hunch if Anduin is bluffing or not. Anduin holds up the skull. "Pretty, isn't it? Alas, the six hostages we have taken for your good behavior are not marred; that would cease to make them effective. This was my first kill, a human named Alderan. Would you like to hear how I cleaned and preserved it?"
Hmerrin stays right where he is. "You're not really Headmaster Anduin, are you?" he declares flatly. Anduin's grin gets wider. "No and yes, to both questions, young pup", 'Anduin' replies. “I have been posing as Anduin for years. Yes, there really was an Anduin who was a Wizard and supposed to be the open WLA representative in Dirt City. We waylaid him before he ever arrived and I took his place, infiltrating every potential power group in the city." The being not Anduin pauses, smiles, and continues. "And yes, he was delicious. Quite a useful disguise, but one that has outlived its usefulness.”
.......
Anduin’s form shifts and standing before the Tide is a Rakshasa with the head of a Baboon. “I am called Kath, Herald to the MahaRaja. I have been sent to parlay. Hear the words of the Raja of Rakshasa. We seek to make an agreement to share this area called Dirt City. You will not interfere with our managing our stock in the Houses, nor attack or hinder anyone wearing a House Badge. In turn, the Raja agrees to only farm those pledged to Houses and not attack or hinder The Tide and those not wearing a House Badge.” The baboon head grins. “You get your wish; a safe Dirt City for the weak meat. This is what you have fought so long for, and success is in your grasp. Take it! Or…” The Rakshasa trails off, the silence in Tombo’s is deafening when it is usually full and boisterous.
Toston can now sense that "Kath" is gleefully holding information back; information that "Kath" is sure to fill the heroes with worry, fear, and other weak emotions.
Kath waits for the heroes to speak or act.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Tuesday August 4th, 2020 2:20:48 PM
"Which Houses," Sarge asks, trying to buy time. "All of 'em? Or just certain ones?"
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Tuesday August 4th, 2020 4:31:05 PM
Desdichado looks confused after hearing the rashaka's proposal. "If you've all really been watching us, and frustrating our efforts as much as you say, your "Master" can't possibly think we'd agree to that."
"So what do you really want? Us dead, I assume. But really - please tell me you haven't just wasted all of our time with proposing something like that."
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] d20-1=11 ; Tuesday August 4th, 2020 4:47:57 PM
Bluff - 11 (Trying to get more info on the Rakshasa's) "Well hold on, I know I'm new to this group but I came here to punish the houses and I know others here also have issues with them. At the very least we should get the details of the deal and talk it over."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Tuesday August 4th, 2020 5:32:38 PM
Hmerrin opens his mouth to respond, but after hearing Dez, he merely nods along with the paladin.
Sharpe earns a confused eyebrow raise.
"While we're at it," the lad remarks as he turns back to Kath. "We get these hostages back before you leave here, right?"
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] Tuesday August 4th, 2020 6:02:37 PM
"It was well worth the effort, if only to gauge your strength." Eisenhorn replies as he brings a cup and sets it in. front of the Rakshasa. "There you go. No need to be uncivilised." he looks at the Rakshasa up and down taking in its true form. "So Kath, you have come to bargain. You hold the good people of this establishment as your leverage. For all of your posturing that seems like an act of desperation. Surely you know that if you should harm them we will slay you and all of your associates. If you were truly as powerful as you boast you would have killed us and been done with it, instead you strike out at innocent people out of weakness. So my question to you Master Kath is, why are you suddenly so desperate to strike a deal?"
(OOC: Did the Detect thoughts not get cast or is it just not working on the Rakshasa? If it has been cast I'd like to use it to feel out for any intelligent beings within the spells range.)
Gaffer (Courtney HP:94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 1/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Tuesday August 4th, 2020 6:36:48 PM
"Why here? Why Dirt City?" Gaffer, not believing it is as simple as picking a random city, and why the houses would accept their members being fed upon is completely beyond him.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Wednesday August 5th, 2020 12:45:05 AM
Toston opts to play for time with Sarge and says, "Hey Kath or Herald or Anduin, whatever your name is. We saw your picture book at the farm. Tell me are you guys seriously making a play for Ga'al's followers or was that just a gag or something? Follow up, does your Raja have any designs on the Prince of Dirt City? Seems like a Raja and a Prince wouldn't be able to coexist in the same territory."
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] d20-1=11 ; Wednesday August 5th, 2020 5:20:04 AM
Bluff - 11 (Trying to get more info on the Rakshasa's) "Well hold on, I know I'm new to this group but I came here to punish the houses and I know others here also have issues with them. At the very least we should get the details of the deal and talk it over."
Back at Shale House (DM SteveK) Wednesday August 5th, 2020 8:06:17 AM
Sarge asks which Houses, and Kath seems at ease to play along. Kath replies, “If there is a being with a House Badge, they will be our meat to do with as they will. All of them. If there is a being with no House Badge, they are your meat to do with as you will."
Desdichado is confused about the Outsider’s logic and points that out. The baboon head grins. “Of course we would like you dead; it would make things so much easier! And of course this is a temporary agreement! You want to save the weak meat and we don’t want to use the time, effort, and resources to destroy you. And be assured we could. If the Maharaja came to Dirt City, a single Mass Suffocation spell would be the end of The Tide if he truly wished. But we appreciate power, and you have shown enough to be … a respected enemy. Respected enough to come to a temporary reprieve until you or we feel it becomes inconvenient.”
Sharpe wants details, and Kath laughs. “It is a very simple deal. The Houses become the Rakshasa Farms, and we will enjoy punishing them thoroughly. Again, another win for you! Meat becomes very tender if you beat it until almost dead…”
Hmerrin considers what the others say before venturing his own question. Kath shrugs. “No. My return is proof you did not kill me, and that frees your six hostages. opens his mouth to respond, but after hearing Dez, he merely nods along with the paladin. Sharpe earns a confused eyebrow raise. "While we're at it," the lad remarks as he turns back to Kath. "We get these hostages back before you leave here, right?"
Eisenhorn opts to say the actions of the rakshasa show weakness, not strength, and he wonders aloud why they are so desperate. Anger flashes in Kath’s eyes which is quickly concealed, then a nod of respect. “Clever little mage, trying to twist the facts to put your opponent on the defensive. Are you sure you wouldn’t want us to hire you?” The Baboon pauses, then switches thoughts. “The hostages are merely the means to get you to talk without sharp magical things. And a demonstration that we can take them again … any time we wish.”
(OOC: E successfully cast Detect Thoughts, Kath saved. As a 60’ cone with line-of sight, and E behind Kath looking towards Tombo’s front door, E isn’t picking up any other thoughts in the room.)
Gaffer asks "Why here? Why Dirt City?" Kath only looks back at the druid with a twinkle in his eyes. “Ah, ah, ah! I have served as a Herald of the Maharaja for decades. Rule #1: no monologues.”
Toston opts to play for time. Kath pauses, then shrugs. “Call me as you will: you have power enough to do so. So you saw Maschachai’s joke book, did you? Did you read any other pages? The story of Wardd is particularly funny! He dresses up like Marteus, then an outer cloak like Alemi as he walks through a flock of sheep. When hungry, he chooses a sheep and says ‘well, Bad Luck to you!’ “ Kath smiles wider. “You have to admit, that is funny! We acknowledge the gods have some power, and we admire power, but they squander it so!” The Baboon then gets a feral look in his eye. “In the same way, the Shepherd and the Ram share the same field, and the Ram thinks he is in charge; but that doesn’t make them equal.”
…………….
“Come, come!”, chides Kath, “The deal is simple. Agree and we will return all we have taken from this house. No strings! If you betray us you know you cannot be everywhere and we will just take them again. Disagree or betray us and we will send them back to you as gnawed bones, a little at a time. Rakshasa live long, and our knowledge is great to keep them alive to endure more pain. We have successfully infiltrated all the power levels of Dirt City, so we will know if you do not keep your word. Think on this!”
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] d20=11 ; Wednesday August 5th, 2020 9:41:46 AM
Noticing the flash of anger and hearing the reply Eisenhorn deliberatly thinks to himself Highlight to display spoiler: { "Ah it recognizes my genius, and wishes to put the houses though misery the likes of which they have never seen. Excellent! They would make for a far superior ally to this group of rustic half-wit bumpkins. Perhaps this Maharaja may also be a doorway to new knowledge. (Bluff Roll: 11 - 1 = 10) } Hoping that the Rakshasa would not be able to resist the temptation to peer into everyones mind. "Very well Master Kath. You have made your pitch, now we need to decide. If you would give me and my associates a couple of mintues to confer on your proposal I would appreciate it."
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Wednesday August 5th, 2020 2:28:00 PM The hostages are merely the means to get you to talk without sharp magical things.
"I'm more about blunt magical things," Sarge says. "Look, what would it take for you lot to leave Dirt City completely alone? Go hunt someplace else?"
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Wednesday August 5th, 2020 3:35:17 PM
"You wanted to frighten us," responds Desdichado, "We're frightened. You wanted to show us that we were inadequate. For the moment...I grant that."
"But to ask us to trade the lives of our friends for the the rest of the city? No."
He continues, "This is not a 'deal', this is 'duress'. You admit that you might break the deal at any time it is convenient. You said you could and would take our friends again if it suits you."
To the rest of the Tide he says "They've brought this war against us and the people of the city. And just when we start to make any real effort against them, they try to 'persuade' us to stop. That means they acknowledge us as a threat."
Gaffer (Courtney HP:94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 1/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Wednesday August 5th, 2020 4:29:12 PM
Gaffer doesn't enjoy the feeling of being trapped and worries about the group will each respond. They need to get the hostages back, to at least give them a chance to escape. He noticed the interaction between Eisenhorn and Kath, and also worries that there is magic happening he didn't notice. Since Kath admits that they expect one side or the other to eventually break the deal, does that mean something important is happening soon. Lots of thoughts, very few ways to communicate.
"A few minutes to discuss would be good. Eisenhorn can you make sure our old ally isn't listening in?"
If the Tide get a private moment to discuss things, Gaffer repeats the gist of the above. "I vote that we agree for now. We owe it to our friends to get them free and give them a chance to flee. How long the deal lasts, even Kath suggested we break it as soon as it isn't convenient, and a lot of what he said was not convenient."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Wednesday August 5th, 2020 7:16:57 PM
Gaffer and E want to play this out some more, and Hmerrin does his best not to jump in with Dez.
There is something he wants to clear up.
"You've said you'll release our friends upon your safe return to your master, and you've also said you'll release our friends only if we agree to your deal. Which is it?"
With the answer, he goes to confer with the group. "We can't agree to this," he declares, stating the obvious. "And they won't believe us if we did. So, let's tell him what for, and be done with it."
IF Kath says no hostages without agreement "I say we hold on to Kath and exchange him for Tombo and the others, and then figure out next after that."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Wednesday August 5th, 2020 11:33:20 PM
Toson says to Kath, "I too would like a moment alone to confer with my compatriots. Furthermore isn't what you are offering essentially a deal with the devil? Don't those tend to have some kind of catch? What is yours?"
If the Tide can have their moment to confer then Toston says, "I don't trust Kath as far as I can throw him and since I am not that good at grappling that probably isn't far. I suggest we write our thoughts down on paper as we confer and only show them to eachother so as not to risk him eavesdropping."
Toston also moves around the room they are confering in with his passive blindsense of 30 feet to suss out any invisible Rakshashas that may be in the room they are using.
The gnome writes down, Priorities: 1) Secure Hostages 2) find out what is meant by infiltrating all levels of Dirt city? 3)Press the attack against the Rakshashas?
To this end we either need to accept the deal on the surface to secure the hostages then come at them hard or take Kath as our own hostage as a trade as Hmerrin suggests but if we do that we need to make sure we capture it without killing it. We really do have a bad track record at that and he is evil and Domi can have us smite the heck out of him.
A Talk at Shale House (DM SteveK) Thursday August 6th, 2020 7:16:41 AM
Eisenhorn plays a thought-gambit and asks for a couple of minutes to decide.
Sarge goes for blunt magical things, and asks the obvious heroic question. Kath blinks several times to get his thoughts in order. "Hadn't actually thought about that, nor do I have instructions to do that bargain. To clarify, you are seeking a safe haven for all in Dirt City for us to set up a unimpeded operation anywhere else we want? I will have to confer with the Court before speculating on an answer."
Desdichado bends but the hero won't break. He lays out his case to the other Tide heroes.
Gaffer doesn't enjoy the feeling of being trapped and worries about the group will each respond. The druid asks for a few minutes to discuss.
Hmerrin tries to keep rein on his impulses, and wants to clear something up: release on return or release on a deal. Kath shrugs, "Isn't that the same thing? Oh very well, upon my return it is."
Toston too would like a moment alone to confer with his compatriots. He also asks about the catch to this devil's deal. Kath elegantly shrugs. "You don't trust me or the Maharaja, we don't trust you. You feel under duress and so it isn't a bargain in good faith. So what? We will both look for opportunities to break the agreement when we are in the position of power. On that basis, we can agree. Haven't you heard of the two kings who hated each other? One was weaker and needed time to build his strength. One was much stronger, but had a very large border and wanted one area quiet for a while. There was no trust, but they both got what they needed: Time."
Kath, the Herald to the Maharaja, continues: "As a diplomatic Gift, I will give you something precious: a little time. You may have time to confer and make a decision among yourselves", he grins maliciously, "I wish I could feel the pain your consciences are providing, but Alas! We will keep your people, safely, until you decide. If you agree, hang dirty sheets out on your washline, we will see. If you attack us, ask about our location, or we detect magical means of divination, we will assume you have disagreed. And the Gift of Time ends."
The Baboon-headed Rakshasa finishes his wine, condescendingly puts a gold piece on the bar for the bottle, and readies to leave. If the heroes want to confer, Kath will be walking outside into the night.
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] Thursday August 6th, 2020 9:48:29 AM
Eisenhorn pays close attention to Kath waiting for him to leave and maintaining careful control over his own thoughts to ensure that the Rakshasa will only read what Eisenhorn wants.
As soon as the Rakshasa is far enough away that he would not be able to use his mind reading abilities Eisenhorn turns around throws a bit of rope on the ground and casts Rope Trick, creating an extradimensional space at the top of the rope. He gestures for the group to follow him and climbs into the extradimensional space.
Once inside and assuming the group follows him he speaks. "I'm not sure if they've laid out any divination spells to spy on us at Shale house. For now this was the quickest way I could think of to protect us from casual scrying. " he then turns back to the issue at hand. " Their attack on our helpless associates indicates that they do not have the strenght to face us directly, despite supossedly being in control of Dirty City. This in addition with Kath's little parable suggests that they are working toward something bigger and can't afford to deal with us at the moment. This is why we must strike againt them now, otherwise they are only likely to grow in power until they can comfortably deal with us. But we should avoid risking innocent lives. I suggest we agree to their "Truce" to secure the freedom of the people and use the opprotunity to quickly find key targets to strike at. The best thing would be to figure out what they are trying to accomplish and shut it down. It almost seems as if they are gearing up for a confronatation with the Gods themselves, based on that little book and Kath's comments. Dez, Sarge, has Domi seen fit to provide you with any insight into the Maharaja's scheming?"
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Thursday August 6th, 2020 1:59:15 PM
Desdichado climbs up into the inter-dimensional space and looks around. “This place is..mmm…weird.”
“Look, there can be no ‘deal’ with these…things. Especially if we – you – are planning on breaking it anyway. He’s agreed to give us back our friends if we let him return. I don’t trust him either way, but he says they’ll be safe if we let him go.”
“But, now they come to us and ask for peace. Well, we shall have peace,” he says a bit too softly. As he gets worked up with righteous anger, he grows louder and louder. “We shall have peace – when they answer for the misery they wrought at the Farm, and the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace – when the lives of those who were hewn even as they lay dead just for being associated with us, are avenged!”
Realizing he was shouting by the end. He calms himself and answers Eisenhorn’s question. “No, nothing recently. There was a vision of ‘Golden Eyes’ (we never found out who that is, did we?) and darkness…nothingness, but that was a few nights before the attack on Shale House.”
Thinking on that gives him an idea. “Sarge, I wonder if you could prepare a Sending back to the Temple in Plateau City and let them know what’s going on. I think we need some allies in this fight. Anyone else we know we could talk with? If they’ve infiltrated all the Houses in Dirt City, is there anyone in those we can even partially trust?”
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Thursday August 6th, 2020 2:52:18 PM To clarify, you are seeking a safe haven for all in Dirt City for us to set up a unimpeded operation anywhere else we want?
"Yep, that's the deal," Sarge replies. "Although, you know, you could switch to eating sheep and cows like normal people. But yeah, leave this place alone and go set up someplace else. But all we could promise is that we wouldn't bug you there. We can't promise that some other group of heroes won't decide to step in. Really, sheep and cows are your best bet. But anyway. How much to leave this place alone?"
In the Rope Trick, Eisenhorn asks whether Domi has given her any insight. "Not so far," she says.
Dez asks about a Sending. "Not today," she replies, "but yeah, I could cast one tomorrow if that's what we decide we want."
"Look," she tells her friends. "I wanna knock this evil pond scum clean into next week just as badly as you do. But we gotta be realistic. These things are tough. And if they've infiltrated every House in Dirt City? We could be fighting these jerks, plus soldiers from all the houses, and who knows, maybe even the Prince himself. We're not up for that kinda fight--not without plenty of help. Which is why I was asking about paying them to go away. I hate to do it, but it may be our best option."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Thursday August 6th, 2020 7:26:18 PM
Hmerrin initially moves to block Kath from leaving, but sees the team is prepared to take him at his word regarding return of the hostages.
After a long look at the Rakasaka, the young warriors joins his friends in E's Rope Trick.
He shakes his head at Sarge's logic. "If we're not gonna fight these guys, there's no point in us being here. So, yeah, the war is on, cause that's what its gonna be.
E, I don't suppose there's a magic Rakasa detector or something that cuts through their shapeshifting bit?
As far as allies, maybe that Vorelle person? She was supposed to be a fairly powerful somebody or other."
Honestly, given what's about to go down, I'm thinking we go to Wardd's temple and just tell everybody we can talk to what's happening. Make the war public. Flush em out, find em, kill em, and go find some more."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Thursday August 6th, 2020 11:14:06 PM
Before Kath leaves Toston says, "I'm not sure if I heard that one about the 2 kings before. I have heard the one about a village founded by the alliance of 2 clans. One clan was said to have a dark curse. The 2 clans had conflicting views of the future and prior to forming their alliance they were at war with eachother with deaths on both side. The foundation of this alliance was built on shacky ground and everything only got resolved when the most of the clan with the dark curse got wiped out."
Toston enters the rope trick and says to Eisenhorn, "Neat tirck. I approve."
To his friends he says, "I believe we are becomming an effective thorn in their side and to let up now would just ensure that when whatever they want a quiet border for is resolved in their favor they come for us. We need information. I would wager based on their offer of truce and the allegory of the king wanting a quiet border that the Rakshashas are making a play against someone else in the city and they don't want to be fighting a two front war. We may not like the Houses but I'm pretty sure they at least have some standards these Rakshashas are just plain evil. It is possible that their current focus might not be a house but given the power structure in DIrt City chances are it is a house. As for who we could maybe work with to find out the state of play, well we cut ties with CMTC because we were dealing with things difficult for them so they are out. Threebits is either dead or in hiding driven out by these same Rakshashas. We can arrange for a meeting with the WLA going through the beggar and the ingonito transportation with the alignment test. I guess the questions is are their precautions sufficient to stop a Rakshasha pretending to be a WLA member or given the right spells and equipment they could get past the security? I mean do you think the people we worked with to decipher that map might have information on the happenings in DIrt City or know someone who might? I'm just brainstorming out loud. We need allies and we need to know who the Rakshashas are after instead if our temporary truce with us is to be believed."
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] Friday August 7th, 2020 6:00:34 AM
Sharpe will follow into the space.
"If they can't deal with us now, this seems like the best time to cause the most trouble?"
A Talk In the Rope Trick (DM SteveK) Friday August 7th, 2020 9:29:27 AM
After a long look by Hmerrin and a counter-tale by Toston, the Tide let Kath saunter into the night. Then they have an extra-dimensional conference to block Scrying.
Most have no qualms of starting the war right now. The talk is less on ‘if’ and more on ‘how’.
How big and public do the Tide want to go? Do they track Anduin/Kath to the den, make announcements to the whole city? Or somewhere in between?
How to determine who are allies and who are spies? The heroes do know some things. Rakshasa can Detect Thoughts and Alter Self per the spells. There are limitations that are inherit in both spells which our casters remember. DT has a Will save, and AS can’t replicate a specific person.
How to determine the scope of the Rakshasa plan? Is it only one desperate den of Rakshasa left? Have they infiltrated and taken over all the Houses and Prince’s Palace already? Is it even bigger than that?
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Friday August 7th, 2020 2:03:47 PM
"Hang on," Sarge says. "You guys said Alter Self can't duplicate a specific person, so how was this Kath guy doubling Anduin?"
(DM Addendum: Sarge can recall the 4 Aug DM Post response to Hmerrin)
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Friday August 7th, 2020 6:08:59 PM
Desdichado likes Hmerrin's suggestion of going to the Temple of Warrd and letting as many people in the city as possible know what's going on. He's all for gathering as many allies to themselves as possible, especially from outside Dirt City, if possible. "My fear is this is much bigger than this town. Kath did mention something about a "large border"."
"Even with the Houses, we need some way of making as many people as possible aware. More than just sending missives to the heads of each House, since at least some of them are probably compromised."
"As for 'Kath', I don't see any point in following him. I'm sure he has some tricks up his sleeve that would make us lose him or get into some kind of danger ourselves."
Gaffer (Courtney HP:94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 1/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Friday August 7th, 2020 6:48:00 PM
Gaffer throws the coin Kath placed out into the street before joining the others in Rope Trick room. "We have town criers in the city right? I vote we either hire them, or I fly across the city dropping leaflets detailing the situation. I will also send a letter to my circle, this might not be relevant to them, but if there is more to this then they could either know more or be willing to help."
"Also, as we have a Hallow spell, with some magic dispelling power, active on the floor above, perhaps we should be all sleeping there for the timebeing."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Sunday August 9th, 2020 10:48:40 AM
Hmerrin chuckles bleakly at Dez's assessment. "I'm not sure we can protect this building, and your already on the whole region."
The lad thinks. "Well, firstly, we gotta wait. Supposedly, they're letting our friends go, and we can't do anything for about a day to endanger that.
Second, going with Gaffer, time to head to the Catacombs and harden ourselves and our House against their magic, if we can. I'm gonna get a piercing weapon and some oils to bypass that damage reduction, and see what else I can afford.
Then, well, it's on."
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] Sunday August 9th, 2020 7:14:43 PM
"Before we can do anything we need to figure out where to strike. Even if we kill Kath he's made it quite clear that him dieing won't make any difference to their plans. So we need to figure out who and where the other players are."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 d20+1=8 ; Sunday August 9th, 2020 9:29:50 PM
Toston says, "Yes I agree with Eisenhorn and Des. If the large border wasn't just a bluff then they could be active in other parts of the Wold. We really need to know who they are going after why we have this 'truce' so that we can join forces at least temporarily against the Rakshashas. Do you guys think I should go to the WLA and see what we might be able to figure out there? I mean they have a library maybe we could consult it and see if we could find clues? The beggar boy in the alley can arrange the WLA meetup and there are protocols in place to protect against infilitration. I mean if we need all the help we can get maybe we can find a lead on how to get information both at a city level and Wold level with respect to the Rakshashas operations. Unless is there anything in the documents we recovered in the arena or from the farm that might provide a map or something."
Before we go to the WLA mayhap we take another look at all the documents we have in earnest and see if in the greater context we might have missed something before.
(INT: 8)
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] d20+23=33 ; Monday August 10th, 2020 4:27:54 AM
"ill be back" Sharpe slips out the window and attempts to follow Kath.
Stealth - 33
A Talk and a Walk (DM SteveK) Monday August 10th, 2020 7:45:44 AM Before the Rope Trick Gaffer does throw the coin that Kath put on the counter out in the dirt. Whether it is for contempt of the rakshasa's 'gift' or concern it may be a 'Dagger Rakshasa' in coin form, the druid doesn't appear to want either one!
In the Rope Trick Most of the heroes go up into the rope trick and talk about rakshasa inherit magical capabilities, the decision to fight it out, the decision to get allies in this fight, and the fear that all this is much bigger than just Dirt City.
Suggestions are made as to how to spread the news and get allies: Town Criers, dropping leaflets in bird form, announcements in the Temples, contacting the WLA network,
Another point is made that the heroes need to know 'where' to strike, and how to find that information.
The heroes also discuss increased defenses for Shale House. They were attacked without warning before, and Kath all but said if the Tide decides for no truce then the Rakshasa will kill all the Tide's loved ones they can find, soooo...
Sharpe's Solo After the other heroes climb the Rope Trick, Sharpe slips out the window and attempts to follow Kath. Highlight to display spoiler: { In the dark, Sharpe sees the baboon head of Kath pause at the corner near a guttering lamp and his form changes: he has turned into a non-descript elf! Kath-elf moves to shadows and hides as a Wolf Patrol walks by, and the patrol spots neither Kath-elf nor Sharpe. Once the coast is clear, Kath-elf resumes his walk, and Sharpe resumes his stalk.
Sharpe soon finds it ridiculously easy to follow Kath-elf without being spotted. Kath-elf never looks on his back trail, and walks purposefully on, swaggering really, and only occasionally going into hiding as another Patrol comes near. From South Pack, Kath-elf walks onward and soon comes to a fortified manor near the conjunction of Moontown, The Backstab Quarter, Grubbertown, and the Scrum. In the dark, Sharpe can't see much, but it looks like a square two story stone building with no windows to the outside. An equally large courtyard, protected by a stone wall and strong-appearing gate is on the west side of the manor.
Kath-elf openly approaches the closed gate and something happens, because the gate soon opens. There are armed people on the other side, but they let Kath-elf in and then close the door. Sharpe is able to catch a glimpse of a torch-filled courtyard with some sort of statue in the middle. }
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Monday August 10th, 2020 1:45:17 PM
"I don't know why they even proposed this agreement," Sarge says. "I mean, they have no intention of keeping it. And we have no intention of keeping it. And they know it, and we know it. And they know we know, and we know they know. The whole thing's ridiculous. Where'd Sharpe go?"
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Monday August 10th, 2020 5:26:53 PM
Hmerrin looks around at Sarge's question, and drops his head. Rubbing his hand across his forehead, the lad gripes, "Aaaand he went after Kath. Great."
"OK, could nobody else go anywhere till morning, please?"
"Sarge, that Hallow spell upstairs. What does it do, and is it permanent?"
"Toston, good point on all those documents we got. We need to go through that. Any volunteers?"
"Now, once Sharpe and our friends come back, are we in favor of broadcasting what's going on to the City?"
Gaffer (Courtney HP:94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 1/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Monday August 10th, 2020 5:44:18 PM
"Ermm" Gaffer hesitates as Sharpe dashes out the door, looking to Eisenhorne, "Does he always do that? Should we be worried?"
Gaffer explains the standard Hallow effects, explains that he only cast it over the one floor in the time they had previously, and that an additional Dispel Magic effect was put on it, which should cast a single Dispel Magic on any evil creature that enters the area, each time they do.
He has no plans to go off doing anything before morning and after travelling for a full day, followed by this greeting, is about ready for bed.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] d20+18=31 ; Monday August 10th, 2020 7:13:42 PM
Desdichado agrees with Hmerrin's plan to go to the Temple and discuss the situation with the priests there.
If there are other places to talk, such as the Market or the Arena, he comes along, trying to urge people this is important. He tries to find a way to discuss it that emphasizes how dangerous the problem is, but without causing terror. (Diplomacy: 31)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Monday August 10th, 2020 10:13:59 PM
Toston says, "I am not yet in agreement that we need to shout what is going on from the rooftops. I think until we have more information about where things stand we look at the intel we already have and we put feelers out with people we think we can trust, temple folk, WLA and the like trying to see what information we have. If Kath was telling the truth about them having connections at all levels of Dirt City and we start waging an information war, what is to stop them from turning things against us?"
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] Tuesday August 11th, 2020 4:24:48 AM
To Gaffer's question "Yeah, he usually does like going out by himself to scout out stuff... something about it being easier that way. I'm sure he'll be fine and won't take uncessary risks. Let's see if he manages to find anything."
"I can help out with the documents and I still have this letter I picked up at the farm that I'd like to review a bit more closely to see if it reveals anything." Eisenhorn perks up as he hears Toston mention a library. " That could be useful. Check if there are any records of this so called Maharaja Kath mentioned."
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] d20+13=26 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2020 6:09:39 AM
Sharpe waits to see if he in turn was followed and the returns to shale house to report to the others.
Perception - 26
A Talk and a Walk (DM SteveK) Tuesday August 11th, 2020 12:22:27 PM
Sharpe's Solo Sharpe looks around to see if he is being followed. He doesn't see anyone, but his sharp eyes did pick up that the statue in the courtyard and the ones Desdichado destroyed at the Farm were remarkably similar. Satisfied he could do all he could do, Sharpe returns to Shale House to report what he has found.
In the Rope Trick Sarge thinks the proposal is completely ridiculous.
Several heroes are concerned over Sharpe. Whether that is for the Fighter's life or the potential to start a war early... well, time will tell.
Discussion goes more intense on exactly what defenses the heroes can get for Shale House.
For making "Rakshasa are in the City and taking over the Houses" message, several heroes urge caution. Desdichado wants a way to discuss it that emphasizes how dangerous the problem is, but without causing terror. Toston considers what could happen in a counter-information campaign, especially if Kath was telling the truth about them having connections at all levels of Dirt City!
Toston and Eisenhorn identify that there may be more clues with more days of searching the Ledger and cross-referencing with the Farm Letters.
Back in Shale House Sharpe returns to Shale House, and the Heroes in the Rope Trick can see he comes in alone and looking unharmed (through the Rope Trick 'window'.
Thirty minutes later, there is a knocking at the door: six familiar faces are standing there in the dark. Tombo Greenhand, Mazea Ironthane, and Sunny Culpepper are expected, but with them are Nissa Quentina, Lorissa, and Umpip: followers of Toston! Nissa explains they were visiting Tombo’s Inn and were jumped and captured by a whole gang. Their captors didn't seem to know that the three gnomes were followers of Toston, and Nissa was smart enough to keep the others playing dumb: "Just in the wrong place at the wrong time", she pouts. "Grappled before I could get out one spell!" They were all kept bound, gagged, and hooded, so they don't have any information on where they were or who it was. They were told by a wizard named Anduin that they were insurance for the Tide playing nice.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) d20+16=35 ; Tuesday August 11th, 2020 3:15:04 PM
"Yeah, that was no wizard, and his name wasn't Anduin," Sarge says. "Glad everyone's still in one piece."
She looks over the released hostages with a practiced eye, to see if they really are all right, both physically and mentally. [Heal 35]
"One thing we could do," Sarge says reluctantly, "is find a House we ain't ticked off yet, and see if they'll let us help 'em. 'Cause I can't think they're thrilled about having literal Outsiders all up in their business. If we can manage to clean that House, we move on to the next, and so on. Risky, but less public. I dunno."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Tuesday August 11th, 2020 3:38:55 PM
"Well, we're in Wolves territory," Desdichado responds to Sarge. "Might as well start with them - they probably wouldn't take to kindly if it looks to them like we're getting cozy with another House right under them."
Whatever the group decides, Desdichado is ready to talk and start taking action.
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Tuesday August 11th, 2020 5:30:01 PM
"OK," Hmerrin responds to Eisenhorn, "Close to the vest it is."
The young lad is very relieved that the six hostages have been released. He earnestly shakes hands with Tombo and Ironthane, and gives Sunny a crushing hug and a questioning look. "You're sure you're ok?" he asks, with concern.
This group, anyway, is both trusted, and a target, and Hmerrin lays out everything they've seen, done, and learned since this whole thing started. "And that's where we are," he finishes. "We don't know what's gonna happen next. But you need to be REALLY careful for the foreseeable future."
Sharpe comes back, and Hmerrin remembers something else. "I think traveling in pairs, minimum, needs to be the rule of the day going forward.
It's getting late, so let's get some shuteye, and in the morning everyone can start quietly finding things out. I guess I'll go see what's up at the WLA now, for whoever wants to come with me."
Gaffer (Courtney HP:94/94 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 1/4 SB 7/7 LL 6/11) Tuesday August 11th, 2020 6:07:36 PM
"I would like to visit the Temple of Wardd again in the morning, given what we now know I think they have to be warned. They are still helping everyone recover from the last disaster. Does anyone mind coming with me if we are in pairs?"
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Tuesday August 11th, 2020 7:57:35 PM
Dez will go along to the Temple and say what he mentioned in Monday's post.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Tuesday August 11th, 2020 11:23:56 PM
Toston asks Nissa, "Are you okay?"
"What about you, Lorissa and Umpip?" He asks the two of them.
He holds Nissa's hand for a while and then says coldly to his adventuring companions, "I agree we play it close to the vest, but I want them dead, every...last...one...of...them...evil...fetchers. They have committed unspeakable attrocities and threatened the life of my fiance and her kin."
To Nissa he says, "We might have to take extreme precautions again to keep you and the rest of your kin safe, but before we do, can you help us look at some documents? You are really smart and maybe you could help us notice things we missed? I don't suppose you could ward Shale House for the night and stay here with us? Umpip and Lorissa too? I don't think it is safe to be travelling alone right now"
To Hmerrin he says, "I'll team up with you and head to the WLA."
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] Wednesday August 12th, 2020 3:59:49 AM
To Gaffer, "I was planning to the temple as well, if people are being eaten some of my breakfast buddies are likely on the list".
To everyone "Which house controls the territory around The Scrum. Kath did little to hide his comings and goings it seems unlikely the houses don't already know about them "
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] Wednesday August 12th, 2020 8:22:30 AM
Eisenhorn will join Tolston if possible in the WLA to have a look at their library. If not he'll stay at Shale house and go over the documents again to see if they've missed any clues. (OOC: Don't know what I need to roll for this if anything)
The Next Day (DM SteveK) Wednesday August 12th, 2020 10:30:14 AM
The return of the Shale House tenants are welcomed and warned. Hmerrin lays everything out, Rakshasa in Dirt City and what they are capable of. It sobers the room immediately. Tombo, Mazea, and Sunny have a conversation, and each come to the conclusion that they would be safer at Shale House than anywhere else; especially travelling To visit relatives. Mazea snorts; “ just my luck to get dominated and spread the Rakshasa disease to kith and kin.”
The unexpected return of Nissa, Lorissa and Umpip is equally welcome, though it takes Toston to a very dark place. They assure the Toston and the Tide they are unharmed, and Nissa says she cast Detect Magic on all six captives to ensure none have been charmed or dominated. Toston’s fiancé’ gives the Dragon Disciple a fierce hug and agrees they need to be killed, all of them. “The Tide taking out their headquarters Would prove to any enemy that trying to get at you through loved ones is a very bad idea. And While I don’t know where we were; I do have some insight. They fed us one at a time. When they took my hood off, I could see one of the kitchen staff. I can Scry him.”
Turns out that each of the other former kidnappees also have bits and pieces. Adding it up, the Tide can confirm Nissa and the others were held in the same compound that Sharpe scouted, the people had Ga’al symbols, talked about Ga’al a lot, and there was some prayers/chanting outside the room they were held. There were some priest class that stayed in a place called ‘the inner temple’ that would make pronouncements. And there was some talk about ‘offerings’ going into ‘the inner temple’.
The heroes also discuss talking to three potential ‘allies’; the House of Wolves, the Temple of Wardd, and the WLA. Only the WLA is a place the Tide can reasonably expect to be (no longer) infiltrated.
.......
All heroes gain 4,000xp for the excellent role play and thinking outside the box with Anduin and Kidnappees.
This should bring all heroes to 12th Level!! and minimum 220,000xp
If not, make it so. DMs will review updates PC sheets before the next combat.
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] d6=6 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2020 11:49:50 AM
"Well we know where they are now, we need to prepare a plan of attack. But first we should probably rest for the night and regain our strength. Oh before I forget I found this 200 Gold on the Rakshasa and a couple of Kukri's. Does anyone want the Kukri's? Otherwise just grab your share of the gold and I'll see about selling or disposing of the Kukri's. " And with that Eisenhorn goes to find a good place to get some sleep.
(OOC: Rolling for Health)
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Wednesday August 12th, 2020 4:59:00 PM
"If your girl can scry on this person, I think she should," Sarge says to Toston. "We need all the information we can get."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Wednesday August 12th, 2020 7:33:14 PM
Hmerrin grins a feral grin as the location of Sunny's kidnappers is slowly revealed.
He nods along with E and Toston.
"Right, updated plan. So, Plan Q by now, I suppose. We'll do 'get more info quietly' later. We'll go with 'kill every one of them evil fetchers' in the morning. We'd do it now, but we need spells and rest and I wanna make a quick trip to the catacombs and get me a Raka-sticker. My axes aren't doing the job."
"Sharpe, what can you give us on this compound?"
"Nissa, what do you need to scry this guy?"
Gaffer (Courtney HP:103/103 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 5/5 SB 7/7 LL 12/12) Wednesday August 12th, 2020 7:43:28 PM
"Sleep sounds like a good plan, but we might want to agree on what we are telling people. Is it just, everything?"
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Wednesday August 12th, 2020 9:16:55 PM
Desdichado agrees with the plan for stocking up. "I've been doing a bit of research on piercing weapons we can use against those weirdos. I'm also going to head to the Catacombs and replace my old mace with a morningstar. Those nasty spikes can do piercing damage, plus I can still bludgeon any nasty undead we might run into."
"Yep, everything, as far as I'm concerned," responds Desdichado to Gaffer.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 d20+1=21 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=24 ; Wednesday August 12th, 2020 9:58:25 PM
Toston says, "I think we do 3 things. 1) Have Nissa Scry on the Raksashas 2) Solicit the WLA for information and aid 3) cross reference our original cache of documents with the new documents we got from the farm"
"While I think we could maybe work to rid the Wolves of the Rakshasha infestation and team up with them I think it would take time to do so and it might end up tipping our hands. I don't know the odds of the Rakshasha's infesting Warrd though that picture book supposedly had one of them making fun of Warrd so maybe they are there too."
(21: Int check on documents by Toston) (13: Int check on documents by Nissa) (know[local] (Nissa) re : building / kidnappers : 16 (know[history] (Nissa) re : area the kidnappers were in : 24
(OOC: Nissa can scry for 9 or 10 minutes depending on how you rule; as I haven't leveled her up yet. Regardless the save DC for her spell is DC 17 Will; She possesses a mirror focus )
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] Thursday August 13th, 2020 5:45:17 AM
"looks like catacombs is on everyone mind, I need to get Warrds blessing on my bow". " As for the compound I didn't want to risk scouting it out properly without backup, I can tell you where it is, it has one of those shrines we saw at the farm and it is well guarded. A two story building with no window and a large courtyard. It is reinforced with walls and gates, really a small fortress."
"I think an immediate attack might be premature we still have sources of information left untapped and we have no reason to think attacking tomorrow will be any easier the after we have done some digging."
The Second Day (DM SteveK) d20=14 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 3:32:41 PM
The heroes have a good sleep.
The next day is all preparation for defenses and visiting the Catacombs. Packages start to arrive.
Nissa does her Scrying of the person she saw. She suggested near dinner, the more likely to have a servant walking about all areas of the manor. She reports she was successful, that the person she saw was a minor acolyte who, in the time of the spell, walked meals to the front door guards and another set of guards on the shrine in the courtyard. Each guard contingent looked like 4 warriors and 2 priests. Nissa draws the clerical symbol of the shrine priest (the outer guards had symbols hidden) and to no one’s surprise: it is Ga’al.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Thursday August 13th, 2020 3:51:17 PM
There had been talk of doing a Sending today, so Sarge prepares one. Though she isn't sure whether the Sending idea had been abandoned two or three plans ago. It's hard to keep track.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] d10=3 ; Thursday August 13th, 2020 7:20:00 PM
Desdichado re-suggests a Sending to the Temple of Domi where he and Sarge originated from, to tell them the situation, and see if they know anything, have advice, or could send support.
Hearing Nissa's scrying results he says, "More Ga'al followers? Good. I'm ready to fight them anytime."
As the team re-talks through their plans, Dez reiterates that he's ready to talk with anyone (Warrd Temple, Wolves, the Prince, WLA) as the team wants. Going to the location Sharpe scouted sounds good, too, if that's the first item on the agenda.
Gaffer (Courtney HP:103/103 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 5/5 SB 7/7 LL 12/12) Thursday August 13th, 2020 7:59:16 PM
Gaffer would like to enough materials to cast the Stoneskin spell four times before they attack, making a trip to the catacombs if someone will accompany him. [OOC: 1000gp in granite and diamond dust. Do I need to post on the board to do this as it is a non-magical item?]
"I'm with Des, we keep taking the fight to them while they are feeling the pressure. Let's scout out the place today and if all goes well, attack tomorrow." Gaffer would rather fight the enemy they know then worry about all the ones they don't, and while they have good information, they might as well attack.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 Thursday August 13th, 2020 8:45:48 PM
(OOC: Did Toston / Nissa find anything cross referencing the documents from the farm and the arena? Int checks rolled were 21 and 13; 13 could aid the other Int check for a 23)
Toston says, "Hmerrin, let's contact the beggar and get to the WLA. Whoever else wants to come I believe should be able to come soon."
If Hmerrin and anyone else decides to do it he goes through the process to get to the hidden WLA hideout.
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] Friday August 14th, 2020 4:51:32 AM
If possible Eisenhorn would go with Toston to the WLA to check out their library and see what information he can dig up on the Maharaja.
Eisenhorn is OK with scouting the place today and attacking tomorrow.
"Should we also try and secure Shale house so that the danger to the people here are minimized while we go about this?"
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] d20+23=33 ; d20+13=26 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 6:56:22 AM
Sharpe will spend the breakfast at the temple of Waard, in the normal fashion he will bring food and chat with people there ask about any disappearances or "animal-men" in other areas of the city.
When he returns to Shale house she will make himself available to help gaffer with the scouting mission. (stealth and perception rolls for scouting the compound)
Stealth - 33 Perception - 26
Gaffer (Courtney HP:103/103 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 5/5 SB 7/7 LL 12/12) d20+20=23 ; d20+9=20 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 7:55:35 AM
With Sharpe onboard Gaffer is definitely up for scouting, taking the form of a Pigeon to scout, he will keep close to Sharpe from above, trying to watch the movements of the Guards and spot anyone else who comes in. (Perception: 23, Stealth: 20)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 94/109 AC:28 T:16 FF:23 CMD:29) Friday August 14th, 2020 8:59:28 AM
Hmerrin nods at Eisenhorn and Toston.
"OK, we'll head to WLA and see what we can find."
"Everyone else, do what you gonna do, and we'll meet back here."
The young fighter goes with E and Toston to the WLA hideout.
The Second Day (DM SteveK) Friday August 14th, 2020 11:41:56 AM
It sounds like the majority of the Tide agrees to plan/scout/contact known allies one day after Anduin-Kath’s visit, and attack the compound the next day.
Sarge readies a Sending spell, and Desdichado identifies their priest liaison in the Temple of Domi in Plateau City for knowledge, advice, or support. His response is “I will discuss with the high priest and ask for another Divine contact. Maybe he will be able to get clearer answers than before.”
Desdichado is more than ready to fight more Ga'al followers.
Gaffer purchases ingredients for multiple Stoneskin spells (done), and agrees to keep taking the fight to them while they are feeling the pressure. “Let's scout out the place today and if all goes well, attack tomorrow."
Toston and Nissa don’t find anything cross referencing the documents from the farm and the arena in a day, but there are many pages and they aren’t certain if there may be something hidden somewhere.
Hmerrin, Eisenhorn, and Toston goes through the process to get to the hidden WLA hideout. Korgin is happy to see them, but he is the only one in the secret WLA at the moment. He promises to get the information on the Rakshasa to the WLA leadership. “It will take some weeks, but it will get there.”
Eisenhorn can only find vague references of Rakshasa maharajas, the high king. That there probably is one and probably doesn’t live on the plane of the Wold.
Sharpe will spend the breakfast at the temple of Waard, bring food and chat with people there ask about disappearances or "animal-men". When he leaves the Temple, Sharpe perceives he has acquired a ‘tail’. There are people watching him, and the Fighter gets the impression that it would be a very bad idea for him to scout with Kath’s warning buzzing in his brain.
Gaffer, in the morning, scouts as a Pigeon, flying about and doing pigeon things. He can see the layout of the compound.
A courtyard surrounded by stone walls has two entrances; on the East into a Manor-like building, and on the West into the rest of Dirt City. There is a statue in the center and smaller buildings lining the courtyard walls.
There are 4 guards and 2 priests at the front gate. People come and they whisper something and touch their chest before being let in. There are 4 more guards and 2 priests in the courtyard who manage the people coming and going. At the statute is a large coffee where worshippers put in items.
The Manor doors never open for the time Gaffer is there.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Friday August 14th, 2020 12:53:04 PM
Having cast her Sending, Sarge spends the day sticking close to Shale House while the others do their scouting and investigating. She wants to make sure their tenants are all right and nobody else tries to mess with them.
She will prepare another Sending tomorrow; hopefully the Temple will have more information for her.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] d20+18=28 ; Friday August 14th, 2020 4:22:17 PM
Desdichado stays close to Shale House as well, checking around the near neighborhood to see if anything seems more unusual or untoward than normal for Dirt City. (Perception: 28)
(OOC: I'm guessing the the worshipers are putting items into a coffer, but the thought of people leaving an offering of a large coffee in front of the statue was pretty amusing. :) )
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 94/96; AC:32/21/23- CMD 27 d20+7=8 ; d20+1=15 ; d20+5=8 ; Sunday August 16th, 2020 9:28:44 PM
While at the WLA hideout Toston also peruses the library and does his training to get a boost to his fly skill.
(Know[planes]:8) - more info on Rakshasha (Know[local] : 15) - more info related to the Rakshasha in Dirt City / Wold (Know[religion]: 8) - more info related to the cult of Ga'al they stumbled across
(OOC: have we gotten the gold from the loot yet?)
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] d20+13=29 ; Monday August 17th, 2020 4:58:41 AM
Sharpe will mentions to the group on his return that he is being followed and suggests that the following day someone should try and find out who is following him and why. It my be that others are being watched. He will look for sign of surveillance on Shale house.
Perception - 29
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] Monday August 17th, 2020 5:14:40 AM
"I need some time to prepare but afterwards will set up some protections to ensure that Shale House is safe from any would be snoopers."
The Afternoon of the Second Day (DM SteveK) Monday August 17th, 2020 1:19:14 PM
Sarge and Desdichado keep near Shale House.
Toston looks through the WLA Library, but is unable to find anything on Rakshasa in general or Rakshasa in Dirt City in particular.
Several packages from the Catacombs arrive for Hmerrin, Sharpe, and Eisenhorn.
Eisenhorn considers taking another day to shore up Shale House defenses, but then Sharpe comes back with three ruffians tailing him. They take up a position down the street, but it’s pretty obvious they are watching Shale House. And it doesn’t take an eleven philosopher to put two and two together. The tail started after Sharpe talked to several people at the Temple of Wardd asking about Beast-headed people. Sharpe’s stalk last night, Nissa’s Scry on a low level acolyte, and Gaffer acting like a pidgeon wasn’t noticed by the Rakshasa contingent, but talking among beggars at the Temple of Wardd was.
If the Tide want to be on the attack instead of the defense, they no longer have another day. As soon as those ruffians report OR go missing, it is certain as Domi likes wrestling that the war will start: and the first casualties will be people theTide cares about.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Monday August 17th, 2020 2:21:51 PM
Sarge goes to the tenants. "You three are on lockdown," she says abruptly. "Sorry, but you may be targeted again. Come up into our living quarters and lock the doors; you should be all right."
To her companions, she says. "I hope the shopping's done, 'cause it's time to move."
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] d20=13 ; d20=17 ; d20=18 ; d20=7 ; d20=12 ; Monday August 17th, 2020 6:31:30 PM
Eisenhorn will take 10minutes to cast Mage's Private sanctum around Shale House ensuring that the house is safe from Scrying for the next 24h at least. "That should make it more difficult for anyone to keep tabs on what's going on in the house for the next day or so. I may be able to make the effect permanent in the future but I still need to do some research on that subject. I was hoping that with some more tIme I could potetntially entice a guardian for the house but it seems that time is a luxury we don't have. So what's the plan? Do we move out immedietely? "
If the Tide does not move out immediately Eisenhorn will take the time to copy the spell scrolls he's received to his spell book, in the following order depending on time constraints:
Elemental Body III - 1 Hour ( Spellcraft roll: 13 + 21 = 34 vs DC 21) Elemental Body II - 1 Hour (Spellcraft roll: 17 + 21 = 38 vs DC 20) Elemental Body I - 1 Hour (Spellcraft roll: 18 + 21 = 39 vs DC 19) Dimensional Anchor - 1 Hour (Spellcraft roll: 7+21 = 28 vs DC 19) Eagle's Splendor - 1 Hour (Spellcraft roll: 12 + 21 = 33 vs DC 17)
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 126/126 AC:28 T:15 FF:24 CMD:30) Monday August 17th, 2020 7:14:06 PM
Hmerrin unpacks his gear from the Catacombs package, and assembles it upon his person.
In answer to Eisenhorn, he nods emphatically.
"Yep. Looks like the jig is up, and its time to go to work. Sharpe, Gaffer, any way you can sneak up on our watchers and slow them down long enough for the rest of us to catch up?
I'd like to get to that compound without them getting forewarned, but really don't wanna use up one of E's spells to get to them."
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Monday August 17th, 2020 9:14:08 PM
Geared up and ready to go, Desdichado heads out with the others.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 107/107; AC:30/21/25- CMD 27 Tuesday August 18th, 2020 12:54:43 AM
While at the WLA Toston had completed his Champion training, beside improving his understanding of the fly skill he is now proficient at wielding spike chains. He even put in an order for one at the catacombs but sadly his packages have not arrived yet. (OOC: Updated my sheet with the new gold to reflect WLA dues paid; did not subtract for the new gear as I just placed my catacombs order)
Toston says to his companions, "You guys got all this cool new gear but my order hasn't come yet. I know how to use a spiked chain now, which would come in handy against Rakshasha if I used an oil of bless weapon on it however I don't have that either. Guess in the interrim it is my curveblade and relying on Des sharing his smite"
He turns to Nissa, Umpip and Lorissa and says, "Things are about to get rough. I think you should head to the gnome home down below and go on lockdown till you hear back from me. Before you go though can you cast overland flight on me and telepathic bond on me, you, Eisenhorne and Hmerrin? I know you can't include us all in the spell but if you are in it with me then I will know when you are home safe and then Eisenhorne, Hmerrin and myself can communicate telepathically in the upcoming battle. Also wait till we've dispatched these ruffians that Sharpe picked up before you head down there, just in case they have some long distance way of communicating"
He also casts mage armor on himself.
Active Effects: Overland Flight: 10 hours - 40 foot fly speed; +5 bonus to fly checks Telepathic Bond: 100 minutes (Telepathically communicate with Nissa, E and Hmerrin) Mage Armor : 7 hours - +4 AC
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] Tuesday August 18th, 2020 4:14:22 AM
To Hmerrin "I'm pretty confident we could but it might involve killing them simply for watching the place, not sure I can restrain them". "Another option is to lead them on a run around whilst you guys head out then give them the slip and meet at the compound?"
Gaffer (Courtney HP:103/103 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 5/5 SB 7/7 LL 12/12) Tuesday August 18th, 2020 5:08:48 AM
"We might be able to stop them rushing inside but, I'm not confident on stopping them making enough commotion to draw attention still. I do have the Stone Shape spell, I might be able to use a couple of those to make a hole for us all to slip past the gate? Otherwise, those of us that can fly could go inside the courtyard while the others take out the guards outfront. I have Airwalk for one person as well."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 107/107; AC:30/21/25- CMD 27 Tuesday August 18th, 2020 8:34:51 AM
Toston says, "I can cast the fly spell up to 5 times but each fly spell I cast could otherwise be used on a fireball or lightning bolt so keep that in mind."
Battleplans: Afternoon (DM SteveK) Tuesday August 18th, 2020 12:42:41 PM
All the Tide agrees, in Sarge's words: it's time to move!
Sarge collects Tombo, Sunny, and Mazea and has them hole up in the Tide's rooms.
Eisenhorn sets his defensive spell around Shale House, taking 10 minutes. There is no telling how long the ruffians are going to keep loitering outside...
Hmerrin unpacks his gear from the Catacombs, nods to Eisenhorn, and calls to Sharpe and Gaffer to suprise the watchers to hopefully give the Tide a tactical advantage when they attack.
Desdichado heads out with the others.
Toston completes his training and receives his Catacombs package while at the WLA. He gives suggestions to Nissa and the other gnomes, which they agree: ALL of them are going down to the Under City for the time being. Umpip is the one who voices what everyone is thinking. "Win, soon-to-be-Cousin-in-law. Because if you don't, the City Below won't be a safe place much longer."
Nissa casts her spells on Toston: Overland Flight, Telepathic Bond (Toston, Eisenhorn, Hmerrin), and the half-spell called Safety, which involves a fierce hug and kiss.
Sharpe gives Hmerrin an alternate plan besides killing the three ruffians.
Gaffer provides more suggestions for the ruffians and the battle.
Sarge [AC 21; HP 70/70] (Kathy) Tuesday August 18th, 2020 1:24:30 PM
"Just--don't kick things off prematurely like at the farm," Sarge begs. "I spent that entire fight running to catch up. You gotta warn a guy."
Hmerrin (MikeK)(HP 126/126 AC:28 T:15 FF:24 CMD:30) Tuesday August 18th, 2020 5:47:38 PM
Hmerrin shrugs at Sharpe's comment. "I'm not at all upset at the thought of them being dead."
He turns to group. "OK Team. Step One is take out, or mislead, the three goons watching us.
Gaffer, good idea on Stone Shape. But let's hold that for Step Two.
The young fighter looks out the window. "I don't suppose we can just sneak around them. Otherwise, trying Sharpe's idea, and seeing if he can lead them all on a grand tour of Dirt City might be the idea."
DM - Where are the three in relation to the house?
-- Spells in Effect Telepathic Bond (Toston, E, Nissa)
Gaffer (Courtney HP:103/103 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 5/5 SB 7/7 LL 12/12) Tuesday August 18th, 2020 7:26:05 PM
Gaffer, slow on the uptake, only just realises that Hmerrin was talking about losing the 3 trailing them first. "I can wander around town for a bit, lead them away and then fly back as a bird afterwards. I doubt they can travel as quickly."
Gaffer reminds the group that the compound has a guarded gate and then the courtyard area, so they will need to take care of those quickly as well.
Desdichado(Ryan) [HP: 102/102; AC:20/10/20 - CMD 23] Tuesday August 18th, 2020 9:21:17 PM
"I am not fast," replies Desdichado, "so I'll not be much help at drawing them on a wild goblin chase. I'll make my way to the compound, slowly but surely."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP: 107/107; AC:31/22/26- CMD 28 Tuesday August 18th, 2020 10:54:49 PM
Toston says, "I can make Des and Sarge fast and give them flight but it will only last for 7 minutes. I will also have only 3 3rd level spells if we do this."
Toston says, "If they are clumped together I can probably take them out with a well placed fireball or my breathe weapon but I'd be concerned with bystanders. Furthermore I have Scorpion Strikes and Stunning Fists at my dispossal. Stunning fists would stun one of them for a round and a scorpion strike would lower their speed down to a 5 foot step. Alternatively I can hit them with scorching rays. I am now capable of firing off two rays which when combined if both hit would do more damage to a single target than a single fireball. I have a 40 foot flight speed that will last for the next 10 hours. I don't suppose we could use Eisenhorne as bait to lead the ruffians into an ambush? I mean if Hmerrin and I or part of our number were concealed in an alley way that Eisenhorne was leading them down we could jump out and strike them down before they had a chance to react hypothetically. Regardless we should probably make a move soon. If 3 of us each took one and targetted just that one could we be relatively sure we could take them down. I think I could."
Active Effects: Overland Flight: 10 hours - 40 foot fly speed; +5 bonus to fly checks Telepathic Bond: 100 minutes (Telepathically communicate with Nissa, E and Hmerrin) Mage Armor : 7 hours - +4 AC
Sharpe - [AC 27/18/22 - CMD 26; HP 81/91] - [Charles] d20+23=35 ; Wednesday August 19th, 2020 4:35:00 AM
"Id rather lead them away then outright kill them, it seems pretty obvious that they Kath's men but on the off chance they aren't murdering them seems a bit much, or worst case we might be really missing off one of the houses. But happy to keep it democratic."
"RE the compound, I have a grappling hook to help those who can climb over the wall, an option might be to split into two for one team to cause a commotion at the gate and the other slip over the wall at the back?"
Sharpe prepares to leave and lead the tail away. If the team decides to take them out, he prepare to creep out and get the jump on them. Stealth - 35
Eisenhorn (David) [AC 13/13/10; HP 73/88; CMD 17] Wednesday August 19th, 2020 5:29:27 AM
Eisenhorn will finish up the anti scrying spell and cast mage armor on himself. "That will make sure they can't see inside Shale House and no scrying attempts will get through. As for the guards outside, we could potentially sneak out now without them noticing we are not here anymore, but that would put the people here at risk."
--------ACTIVE EFFECTS-------- Telepathic Bond---- (Telepathically communicate with Nissa, Toston and Hmerrin)---- 100 Min. Mage Armor---- +4 AC ---- 12H
Gaffer (Courtney HP:103/103 AC:29(25)(T:21/FF:17) CMD:24 WS 5/5 SB 7/7 LL 12/12) Wednesday August 19th, 2020 6:40:58 AM
As everyone puts forward suggestions Gaffer tries to gather them into a plan.
"Sharpe and I will lead the tail away from here as a distraction, we can easily outpace them to get back to the compound before they do. Once we leave, you all give us a couple minutes head start and then make your way there. Somebody take Sharpe's grappling hook, everyone climbs or flies over the wall to take out the guards beyond the gate first so they cannot warn or group with anyone inside the manor. The guards outfront we'll take out next, Sharpe and I should be with you by then."
He takes a breath, not used to being the one laying out a plan. "Does that sound right?"
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