All You Need Is Love (DM Cayzle) Monday March 28th, 2016 6:11:42 PM
[OOC: Questions about Mask Day inspire me to give you all some background info on the holiday. This is all common knowledge for you who have lived here for years.]
The Float has two supreme rulers: The Overlord and the Underlord. The Underlord is served by 400 Undercrats. Anyone at all in the city on Mask Day (at least age 20) may be called to serve as an Undercrat, even those who are just visiting. You cannot refuse if selected. 20 are chosen every Mask Day for a term of 20 years.
Mask Day is the most important day of the year. It is a celebration of freedom and captivity, youth and old age. On this day, all citizens wear masks to hide their identity, for if they are one of the twenty chosen, their lives are irrevocably changed. On this day at mid-morning, the Underlord and the twenty Undercrats (the ones whose twenty years of service are completed) form a grand procession up through the city levels, their way paved with flowers. When the procession arrived on the top level, it enters the Temple of Caeroldra where a service is conducted called 'the Evocation of Youth.' There, the twenty Undercrats are touched and are transformed to whatever age they desire, with or without their previous memories, as they prefer. From there, the procession makes the rounds of the Big Temples and then enters the Arena. There a tournament takes place with both the Underlord and Overlord presiding. This begins with a speech from the Overlord concerning the status of the city and to thanks the Underlord for his service. This is followed by an address from the Underlord where he confirms the security of the realm and thanks the Twenty for their service. The procession of the Overlord then commences, forming on the Arena floor and led by the day’s champions. The mood of the day then sobers when twenty trumpets sound announcing the Choosing. The crowd exits hurriedly to find a place along the procession route. The procession heads down through the levels and the difference in the demeanor of the crowd is marked. No one talks. The shuffling feet of the turtles as they proceed bearing the Overlord, can always be heard. Occasionally the droning of various religious groups can be heard as they give thanks for not being chosen. During the descent, the Crown of the Overlord glows green and sends a ghost-like image of itself to float above the crown where it settles on someone’s head. And thus are the chosen selected. Eventually the procession disappears down the Underramp and the crowd explodes in celebration at not being chosen for another year. The masks are torn off and the celebrating continues far into the night. Those who are chosen spend twenty years working for the Underlord as an Undercrat.
Mask Day varies from year to year in the Float, but usually it is on the Day of the Turtle in the Month of Festivals. This year, however, Mask Day falls on the Day of the Nymph in the month of Festivals, which is to say, in seven days.
At the warehouse over breakfast, the Silver Shield discusses the Hands of Love.
K counts the days and realizes that Mask Day is coming soon. He thinks the group should focus on Rielbel's daughter and rescuing her from the Hands of Love.
Zanderallen mentions to the group that maybe the Hands need to be handled carefully, and he mentions the sap he has purchased. He looks ahead to a time after the daughter has been rescued, when she will need to be "talked out of" the Hands cult. He thinks a "good looking fellow" is the one for the job. Is he suggesting himself? He is a charming young paladin, after all ...
Micah volunteers to go with K and Zander to visit the alchemist.
Martisan suggests that if there is a group of Hands registered as adventurers, then information about them is on file at the Palace. She is willing to go look there.
Agrippa suggests going by herself to try to find the alchemist's daughter. Of course, you do not know her name or even what she looks like. Perhaps the alchemist has some useful info?
Stohp and Pesmer volunteer to go with Martisan. Does anyone else wonder if Pesmer volunteered because the flying taxi ride may present an opportunity to say hello to the lovely Elspeth? :-)
So K, Zander, Micah, and Agrippa plan to head over to the alchemist's place. Stohp, Pesmer, and Martisan plan to head to the Palace to find out more. The party steps out of the warehouse and heads north on Lakeview Passage. Before there is a parting of the ways, you note several neighborhood youths -- including Timmy Tanglefoot from the docks -- standing and gawking near the mouth of an alley. You hear a querulous cry from within the alley.
You all are on Lakeview Passage, around square 20-O. The alley is at K-4. Here is a map!
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Monday March 28th, 2016 9:20:44 PM "This is good," K thinks to himself. "We get to investigate the Hand, and I get to show these folks I'm not just a pretty face." He's not much of a talker, but K knows the virtues of love over passion. That was drilled into his head all. the. time.
He gets knocked out of his thoughts when he hears the commotion. He likely doesn't recognize the boy, but he knows trouble when he hears it. "Probably ought to make sure no one's about to get hurt, at least no one who doesn't deserve it..."
That said, he strolls north towards the noise. He'll observe before putting himself in the middle of their shenanigans.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 d20+7=12 ; Monday March 28th, 2016 10:29:26 PM
Glancing to the others, Martisan briefly grips the end of her shortbow before pausing and waving her hands in an intricate pattern, whistling an airy tune. Both sound and motion are oddly reminiscent of a swift summer breeze. "Those aren't peals of laughter." She nods her agreement to K, "And despite what most folks tend to think, there's no one, even on The Fence, that deserves any kind of unlicensed street justice."
Martisan dashes toward the alley, short legs moving in a blur as the magic of her light transmutation spell carries her quickly toward the group of youths.
"Hey, Timmy!" She calls out to the boy and the other onlookers in the most official voice her small frame can muster, "What's all the commotion about!?" Although she didn't meet Timmy with the others when the yet unnamed Silver Shield first formed, Martisan is familiar with the Turtlemistress's helper from her own infrequent trips to the docks (Diplomacy 12).
(Standard action cast [i]Expeditious Retreat/[i]; Martisan has +30 land speed for the next 2 minutes, 50ft Move Action puts her about N-10. Bloody large distances).
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 Monday March 28th, 2016 10:50:58 PM
When Micah sees Martisan dash off, he trots forward as well. He keeps an eye on her in case her reaction may indicate any urgency. As he hustles he wonders what the youngsters may be entranced by and hopes it is nothing too unsettling.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 d20+6=25 ; d20+6=21 ; Monday March 28th, 2016 11:34:56 PM
As her companions start to rush to the scene Stohp lags behind, looking about warily (perception 25). She thinks to herself "I don't like this, it's to close to our new base. It could easily be a distraction so someone can sneak in or learn more about how we work. We should hire guards and install new locks - I bet Jasper would be interested."
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 d20+6=12 ; Monday March 28th, 2016 11:54:39 PM
Pesmer had spent the morning,at least an hours worth, preparing his spell book for the days adventure before he leaves with everyone else to investigate the strange going on's with the potion makers daughter and this group of renegades. Pesmer was, silently to himself, rather happy to be going to the taxi stand today just to get a glimpse of the lovely Elspeth. Maybe he should bring her flowers or some such...
Hearing the commotion ahead and seeing Timmy Tanglefoot and friends gawking at something in the alleyway, Pesmer chuckles a little as he follows after Martisan as she runs her short legged self to meet up with the onlookers. "Is everyone alright? What is the matter, Timmy?" He will peek his view into the alleyway to see what everyone is staring at.
(Pesmer will be around L4 or K4 if he can fit with the rest of the crowd)
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 Monday March 28th, 2016 11:55:26 PM
(Oh oops.. That 12 is for Diplomacy towards the group of people)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 Party Treasury Tuesday March 29th, 2016 12:00:58 AM
Zanderallen keeps pace with Micah, equally slowed by his heavier armor. "Hopefully Martisan won't get in trouble before we can get there. Might just be a good old alley fight among some of the boys, but then all of them should be in on it. Better check it out. Too many troubling things going on around here.", Zanderallen thinks to himself as he moves forward.
Hearing the others call out he feels no need to echo, but he does check his sword and sap to make sure both are ready to draw should he need them.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 14/15 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 Tuesday March 29th, 2016 12:18:54 AM
Seeing Martisan and the others speed towards the commotion, Agrippa will keep up pace with the party (Two moves). She'll keep a hand near her rapier and wait for the children to answer.
The Silver Shields spring into action. Something is happening! And who is first among all? Who runs while the others walk? Who crowds in among the bystanders, heedless of danger? Why, it is the party wizard, Pesmer the Brave!
Pesmer runs to the mouth of the alley and looks in, crowding among the other looky-loos. A group of thugs has surrounded an old, well-dressed man and is giving him a hard time.
The rest of the party advances more cautiously.
Martisan casts a spell and then dashes forward.
K just strolls forward.
Micah (marked "I" on the map) hustles forward. Zander follows behind.
Agrippa keeps with the group.
Stohp takes rearguard and looks around. She notices bystanders here and there, plus a pushcart with a couple people ahead, off the map to the north.
It takes no effort to hear the old man's wavering voice call out, "HELP!"
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d20+5=20 ; Tuesday March 29th, 2016 5:59:33 PM
Hearing the cry for help, K jumps into action. Fixing his eyes on the bystanders, he shouts "STAND ASIDE", waving his arm in a sweeping motion to the right.
Intimidate: 20
He comes to a stop at O4 (P4 if he as to move around Agrippa), bow unslung and ready.
***
Double move to O4, drawing bow as I run.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 d20+6=25 ; Tuesday March 29th, 2016 8:09:31 PM
Stohp walks up next to K (05ish) and tries to peer into the alley. It's hard to see from the crowd, but she manages to get the jist of what's going on. Street thugs, probably nothing to get really alarmed about. It's doubtful that, moments after deciding to investigate them, the Hand of Love would show up at their doorstep after all.
Deciding the alley is crowded enough with the harassers and her party members she plants herself outside of it, watching for hidden enemies and preparing herself to snatch the assailants if they try to escape (prepared action to grapple if one of the men from the alley gets within her reach).
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 14/15 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 Tuesday March 29th, 2016 8:34:31 PM
Agrippa sees the bottleneck at the alleyway and tries to find another way around the building.
- If the building @H10 is public, like an inn or a shop, she'll try and open the nearest door that leads to the back of the alley.
- If not, she will remember her geography of the Fence Level: (http://woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Geography:_Floating_City:_Fence_Level) and say, [b]"They migh' try an' escape through Robber's Run. It's 20 seconds of runnin' bu' we can cut 'em off, or flank 'em. Who's with me?" If at least one other person will accompany her, she will run (4x)(From O9, To M32)
- If nobody will accompany her, then she will move to O3 to look for another door, if that building North of the alley is public.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 d20=1 ; d6=3 ; Tuesday March 29th, 2016 8:41:58 PM
Upon hearing the clear cry for help, Micah subconsciously evaluates his options while continuing to advance to the alley. Without slowing and with most of his attention consumed by his immediate responses he quickly looks about for any access to the rooftops (Perception 1+3=4). He probably cannot use such an avenue in his armored state, but perhaps another could.
When he hears K's commanding shout, he flinches before realizing it was not intended for him.
Seeing how small the alley is, Micah does not want to block it, so he stops at the corner and peers into the alley. (Single move to P4).
If the man seems injured, Micah channels energy while excluding any ruffians who may be hurt. (Channel energy using Selective Channeling feat for 3 if needed.)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 Party Treasury Tuesday March 29th, 2016 9:55:02 PM
Seeing that the front of the alley seems to be well covered by his allies Zanderallen calls out after Agrippa, "I'm right behind you Agrippa. Let's go." At which point he will follow Agrippa down whatever route she thinks is best, through a building or around the alley.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 d20+5=10 ; d4=1 ; d20+7=23 ; Tuesday March 29th, 2016 10:40:24 PM
Continuing toward the crowded alley entrance, Martisan's jaw clenches when she hears the cry for help. As the close quarters of the apparent mugging come into view, she draws her shortsword and moves past Pesmer, placing herself between the unarmored mage and the nearest thug. She nods as Agrippa and Zander move to cut off a possible alley escape. "Follow them if you can, Stohp, you won't fit this way." She calls out to her comparably massive friend. "Hurry!" She adds to all those running through the side streets.
Seeing the number of thugs, Martisan slashes at the nearest assailant with her small blade (10 to-hit; 2 damage if it does). Although she's not one to immediately jump to lethal force, Martisan also understands exactly how close to lethal she actually is.
"Stop this at once!" She yells at the thugs (23 Intimidate).
[40ft Move to K-4, Standard action attack]
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 d20+6=21 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2016 4:37:46 AM
Blinking a few times to see the group of scoundrels harassing the well dressed gentlemen, he goes to speak before Martisan steps before him to slash and yell at the goon in front of her. With his small friend in between him and the mob, he lightly touches her shoulder as he channels his will within her small form.
A semi transparent shimmer dances around Martisan for just a moment before it vanishes, yet Martisan can sense the magic protecting her even if she cannot see it.
"You lot would be wise to take my small friends words to heart. Even I cannot stop her wrath once she gets really angry.." Pesmer would flash the group of thugs a quick smirk, rather hoping the sight of magic alone might scare off the group of thieves.
(Standard action to cast shield upon Martisan. 21 on diplomacy check. Having just looked up the rules for diplomacy, it says it takes a full minute in order to change someone's disposition. Still having Pesmer say what he said even if it doesn't actually change anything. ^>^ )
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 d20+8=28 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2016 1:30:11 PM 20 seconds... Martisan thinks, glaring at the thug in front of her. ...that's too long. And these street toughs aren't gonna run away from little me and the charming wizard. Not after the display I just made. But maybe we can buy the others a little time to get in position.
Lowering her shortsword, Martisan smiles innocently up at the man she just clumsily swung at. "I mean, come on guys, I'm sure there's a more civil way to handle this. What's your issue with the old man? Don't tell me you just want his gold - there's plenty wealthy folks on the higher levels with more in their pockets. I'd certainly have to look for a weak target myself, of course, but a group of strong fellas like you - you guys should be looking for bigger marks. Looks like you could use a bit of help in the noise and attention area too. Now, I'm not so fierce as all that, but I know a thing or two about keeping quiet. Whad'ya say me and my wizard buddy here give you guys a hand with your operation... for a small advisement fee on your next take, of course - guaranteed to be a big one or our services come free." She grins up at the thugs, appearing for all she's worth like a physically weak, but intelligently opportunistic resident of the Fence herself.
[Driving by feel a little here. Spending 1 Hero Point for another action to buy time for Agrippa and Zander; Bluff to Feign Harmlessness (untrained) 28. Included the +5 modifier for being one size smaller, and making no effective offensive action that the target has seen (assuming Thug 1 has more than 10 AC). This is normally a full-round action to use Bluff in this manner, and Hero Points typically only grant a Standard or Move Action when used to gain an extra action. Please modify or delete per DM ruling.]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 Wednesday March 30th, 2016 10:15:25 PM
Stohp spontaneously breaks into a song, dancing and singing about love and happiness. The crowd immediately joins in, somehow knowing the words that Stohp is inventing on the spot, creating a great ring of singing and dancing people. Throwing down weapons, the thugs help the old man up, join the song, and vow to give up their evil ways!
At least that's how Stohp imagines it goes. She has very strange mental tangents sometimes. In actuality she just shuffles her feet a bit and waits to see what will happen.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 Wednesday March 30th, 2016 10:17:13 PM
Micah blinks as Martisan seems to attempt to be all things and all places at once.
With his right hand on the blind side of the corner from the muggers, he readies his hammer.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 Party Treasury d20+8=12 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2016 10:57:52 PM I hope Martisan has a plan., Zanderallen thinks to himself as he follows Agrippa. Calling out to anyone who blocks their way, "Excuse us, Silver Shield coming through." (diplomancy 12)
HELP! - Round 2 (DM Mstitt) d20=16 ; Wednesday March 30th, 2016 11:14:59 PM
(OOC: My first post as DM, be patient with me :) K jumps into action and shouts “Stand Aside!” Forcing everyone to the right. He stops and stands bow at the ready. Stohp peers around K and into the alley. A tall human thug stood in the center of the alley watching the group with a suspicious eye. Agrippa searches for another way and she can make her way through a clothing store. It may be rude to run through the store but you gotta do what you have too to help out. Several people gripe as you Zanderallen push through and end up at E8 Martisan shouts, "Follow them if you can, Stohp, you won't fit this way." The thug guarding the dispute in the alley stops Martisan. “You can’t pass, this is a negotiation.” (10 to-hit: 2) “Ha,” the guard parried the blade easily. “Why do you try to hit me, you don’t even know me? This is none of your business and I will give you the grace of walking away?” Pesmer blinks and Martisan steps in front of him. Pesmer kindly casts shield upon Martisan (+4 shield bonus to AC - 1 min) Martisan adds, "I mean, come on guys, I'm sure there's a more civil way to handle this. What's your issue with the old man? Don't tell me you just want his gold - there's plenty wealthy folks on the higher levels with more in their pockets. I'd certainly have to look for a weak target myself, of course, but a group of strong fellas like you - you guys should be looking for bigger marks. Looks like you could use a bit of help in the noise and attention area too. Now, I'm not so fierce as all that, but I know a thing or two about keeping quiet. Whad'ya say me and my wizard buddy here give you guys a hand with your operation... for a small advisement fee on your next take, of course - guaranteed to be a big one or our services come free."
The smile does nothing for the thug. He is visibly irritated and slightly intimidated but will not admit that. (ooc: I believe you did take an offensive action so if I read it right it is -10) (Thug: Sense Motive: 16 to Martisan: Bluff to Feign Harmlessness 18)
The thug steps up to halfling but then stops. “Why don’t you and your wizard friend turn around and mind your own business.” He then addresses Pesmer. “Oh, and take care of your small friend here. She is going to get herself in trouble.”
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 14/15 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 d20+8=25 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 1:16:25 AM
(Last Round) Agrippa recognizes the clothing store bordering the alley. She makes her way to the door and opens it, allowing Zander to go through. Noticing that the thugs are intent at bad-mouthing Martisan, she'll take this opportunity to get into position while they are distracted.
(This round) She moves into the store. If the attendant has already been alarmed at the speed at which Zander and herself are moving, she'll speak just loud enough for him/her/it to hear, "There's a muggin', we're catchin' 'em." and will attempt to find a door to the back of the alley.
- If she can make it in one [move], She will attempt to open it stealthily (Stealth = 25). - If she needs two [move] actions to make it there, she will attempt to stealth up to the door (Stealth = 20 (-5 for normal speed)
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 d20+5=8 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 1:25:15 AM
[AC is currently 21]
Glancing behind her, Martisan notes the nonchalant wizard at her back, K with his bow drawn and a space clear from the crowd, the ready cleric peaking around the corner, and Stohp guarding the main street with a few pedestrians going by. Turning to the man guarding the alley entrance, she smiles smugly up at the nonplussed thug, dropping all pretense of camaraderie and innocence. "Actually, sir, this is very much our business. You see, we are the Silver Shield - resident protectors of the Fence, and your 'negotiation' here appears a bit one-sided. Seems the poor man you're trying to shake down could use a hand with his side of whatever unjust bargain you're hoping to strike. Stop this at once, or you'll see just what kind of trouble I do indeed have behind me."
Drawing her whip in her other hand, Martisan swings again at the guard with her shortsword, her second strike even further from inflicting even the slightest scratch on the man (*sigh* rolled a 3 this time).
Agrippa, I hope you know what you're doing, because I certainly don't... Martisan thinks, raising her shortsword into a guard position in readiness for the thug's expected retaliation.
[Move action draw whip, standard action attack with shortsword. Looks like I burned through my beginner's luck with the dice roller fellas. Also really have very little idea what I'm doing now.]
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 d20=17 ; d4+1=3 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 6:21:36 AM
Pesmer blinks with such confusion as Martisan goes from swinging her weapon at the thug to trying to be friendly with them to pulling out her whip and missing with her attack. (Rolled a 17 on sense motive against Martisan's 28 bluff)
"What the devil are you speaking about, Martisan? We would never help these thieves in any way, shape or form. Have you been drinking? It's a tad early, you know.."
Pesmer spouts out, truly confused as to what was going on. All he knew is the thugs needed to be put down. As Martisan draws her whip and attacks, Pesmer figures that the time for talk was long over. Raising his hand behind the small halfling, Pesmer chants out as a magical bolt launches from his hand, flying past the thug in front of Martisan and smashing directly into thug number 2. (As in thug 2 on the battle map) The magic missile didn't do a lot of damage but he was hoping it might frighten the thugs more to see actual painful magic being cast.
(Magic missile, not having a miss chance, hits thug 2 for 3 points of damage.)
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 Thursday March 31st, 2016 6:23:03 AM
(Oh and Martisan has shield on herself for 2 minutes as we are level 2. ^>^ )
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d20+6=26 ; d20+6=21 ; d8+2=10 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:41:25 AM
"Why the devil is she attacking?" K wonders aloud, looking to Stohp for some kind of answer. "Can't just go attacking people because someone yelled for help."
He turns to the thug in the alley. "I'd rather not use this thing on you, but one violent action and you're a pincushion."
***
Move: Detect evil on the thug guarding this end of the alley Readied action: Shoot any of these folks who take a violent action against the party, or the older man who yelled for help.
To hit: 26 (nat 20), threat confirm: 21 Damage: 10 (30 if critical)
If the target is within 30', damage is 33 & to hit is raised by +1.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 d20+2=10 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 10:59:11 AM
Stohp sighs in exasperation at the muddled attempts of her companions. "We probably could have just scared them off with our weight of numbers and rep; now we've attacked started a real fight." She mutters, just loudly enough for K to hear. Stepping forward 5 feet, she looms over her smaller companions and tries to look scary (intimidate 10). On the remote chance one of the thugs tries to run past her she prepares to grapple anyone trying to escape (prepared action to grapple).
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 Party Treasury d20+5=11 ; d8+2=3 ; d20+1=14 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 1:47:59 PM
Hoping he didn't upset the store patrons or clerk too badly, "I'll have to apologize later.", Zander steps up to E7 blocking off the alleyway but not engaging the thugs. Having pulled out his shield on his way through the store he draws his sword and readies it in case he gets rushed (Readied Action to attack the first thug to attack him, 11 to hit, 3 damage) he gives his challenge, "Step away from the gentleman and explain yourselves!".
Zanderallen tries to listen to what is happening at the other end of the alley, after his mad dash through the shop he hopes they'll still trying to intimidate and detain the thugs and haven't starting fighting yet. (perception 14)
The bystanders scatter except for one who comes closer from the north.
Agrippa maneuvers through the store to the back door on the alley. [OOC: I added a couple doors for the clothing store to the map.] She is out of line of sight to the thugs, so they do not know she is there. However, she can ONLY use stealth if she has concealment or cover, and other people do not count. So she can stay hid where she is, but once she steps out into the alley, she cannot use stealth.
Zanderallen takes a step forward and readies an attack to be triggered if HE is attacked first. His declaration alerts the thugs that they have opposition from both sides!
Meanwhile, at the mouth of the alley, Martisan makes another attack on the thug in front of her. An ineffectual attack with the sword, but an attack none the less! She has her whip at hand, but she knows that using it so close to a foe would open herself up to an attack of opportunity.
Standing right behind her, Pesmer chants and gestures, and a magical missle of force darts unerringly to Thug 2, drawing blood. "Ah-ow!" the thug yells. "That wizard spelled me!"
K focuses his holy power on Thug 1, detecting evil. However, he knows that the ability will not detect evil at all if a normal person (less than 5 hit dice or levels) is the focus of his power. K does NOT sense evil ... is that because he is not evil? Or because he is a weak ordinary person?
Well, K decides to be ready if his group is attacked, and he holds his arrow notched if a thug attacks.
[OOC regarding crits. I'll let it slide this time, but when you crit, you ROLL the damage dice as needed, NOT multiply. So rather than (1d8+2) x3, you should use 3d8+6. Remember for next time please.]
Stohp steps forward and gets ready to grab any enemy who comes in reach.
Micah has NOT yet used his channel power, because it has a range of just 30 ft, and the old man is not yet in range. Anticipating Micah's desire, the DM has moved the cleric closer, so that he is standing behind Pesmer. NOW he can target the old man, should he so desire next round.
=====
A Thug with a yellow cap, Thug 6, in fact, snarls at Zander. "Old One-Eye here owes the Turtlebook some gold. Won't pay his gambling debts. So we're teaching him a lesson. Why doncha mind your own beeswax!"
If you make a Perception check vs DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You note that the old gentleman -- a tall, thin man with a long dark overcoat and a rounded bowler hat -- does indeed have but one eye, like a cyclops!} ... Martisan and Sander get a +5 on the check, and Pesmer gets a +3, for propinquity.
The old man yells out, "Eldritch! Somebody! HELP!" Then he says to the thugs, "Come on, boys! How's about I tell you a fortune?" The thugs laugh. "Stupid seer can't even pick a winning turtle!" one jeers. "You're a fraud!"
Martisan takes another swing. Thug 1 calls out, laughing, "I got a kid here what's playing with her mama's kitchen knife!"
"Come on, boys, teach this deadbeat a lesson," shouts Thug 6. Thugs 4, 5, 3, and 2 all lay into the old guy with fists, shoes, and saps. The old man falls down and takes the blows -- and the nonlethal damage starts to pile up.
Then stuff gets real, real fast like!
Pesmer hurls his magic and Thug 2 shouts.
Thug 1 takes out a sap and tries to trip Martisan, but K sees him start to attack. One sure-shot arrow later, Thug 1 is lying on the ground with an arrow in the chest, leaking out his heart's blood onto the cobblestones. [OOC: marked on map with splotch.]
Thug 6 shouts, "WHAT! YOU DASTARDS! LEM'S LEFT LUGNUT, YOU KILLED KYLE! I'LL DO YA FOR THAT!" He steps toward Zander and tries to knock him down. He rolls a trip check that succeeds vs DC26, and that beats Zander's CMD of 15.
[OOC: Friends, these guys like to trip, so please put your trip CMD in your header]
Zander is prone: A prone attacker has a -4 penalty on melee attack rolls and cannot use a ranged weapon (except for a crossbow). A prone defender gains a +4 bonus to Armor Class against ranged attacks, but takes a -4 penalty to AC against melee attacks. Standing up is a move-equivalent action that provokes an attack of opportunity.
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18
Thug 1: -33 hp DOWN Thug 2: -3 hp damaged Thug 3: uninjured Thug 4: uninjured Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: uninjured
Edit: UGH! Thug 6 should be in square E6, not E5! Sorry. Please treat him as in E6.
Edit: UGH! UGH! Zander had a readied attack if he were attacked, and he was! Sorry I forgot! But it is moot seeing as Zander's readied attack hit only AC11, and the thug is AC16.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 d20+5=8 ; d20+3=19 ; d4+2=6 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 8:10:52 PM
Pesmer tries to get a good look at the old man but has a hard time really taking in the details as the group of thugs lay the beat down on the poor fellow. (Perception check 8 against DC 15)
As his magic missile slams into thug 2, Pesmer is all proud that he hurt the fellow, rather hoping this would scare them all off. Yet, it was in almost a slow motion as K's arrow broke the sound barrier and impaled itself into thug 1's chest. As the body fell, Pesmer's heart sunk as he watched the miscreant's eyes fade to white and his life leave his body. This fight turned from a scuffle to death in just 6 seconds flat. Poor Kenny.. I mean Kyle.
Pesmer figured the goons were now out for blood, especially hearing what thug 6 shouted, and figured it was best to step up his game to make sure no one else was slain.. at least on his side.
Gathering his will once more within his hand, he launches a telekinetic blast against thug 2 as he yells out. "Stand down! We won't wish to put you all down if we do not have to!"
(Telekinetic fist against thug 2 19 vs his touch AC. If he is considered in melee combat with the old man, then the 19 takes a -4 to make a 15 against his touch AC. Damage of 6)
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 Thursday March 31st, 2016 8:41:15 PM
[AC is currently 21. 15 base Perception with the +5 distance bonus.]
Seeing her attacker go down with an arrow through his chest, Martisan glances sharply behind her, frown evident on her face. "Take care!" She shouts, her blanket statement a warning against unnecessary force as well as an alert for her allies. "Micah, I think I could use a good shield in a moment here." She calls over her shoulder to the armored smith, before sheathing her shortsword and beginning a spell.
Martisan maintains her position in front of Pesmer in the alley entrance, and directs her magic toward the thugs surrounding "One-Eye." A thick splotch of grease appears on the ground in the corner, underneath three of the thugs and the old man.
"There are better ways to settle debts!" She adds to Pesmer's offer of surrender.
[Move action sheathe shortsword to have a free hand. Standard action cast Grease, covering the 10ft square in the corner of the alley (F-4, F-5, G-4, G-5). DC 14 Reflex to remain standing on initial casting, DC 10 Acrobatics to move through affected squares at half speed, failed Acrobatics requires Reflex save (DC 14) or fall prone. Old man is already on the ground, Thugs 3, 4, & 5 require saves. One 1st Level spell remaining.]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+5=7 ; d20+5=16 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 8:59:11 PM
Giving a particularly vile and creative oath that blasphemes several gods, Stohp shoves K's bow down away from the fight (7 to disarm). Stomping forward she shoves her way past her comrades to take the forward position, drawing her sap as she does so. Since this idiocy has turned into a fight she's going to fight, but with luck she can keep anyone else from killing anyone else (Hero point to double move (or I'd be 1 square short due to squeezing)).
(-4 AC and to hit while squeezing)
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d6=2 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 9:29:55 PM
On the one hand, that was a heck of a shot. Probably the best K's ever pulled off outside the archery range.
On the other, he didn't want to actually kill the guy, just stop him from attacking Martisan. Only one good thing to do now.
He's already putting his bow away when Stohp shoves it down. K buries his anger at the gesture & walks forward empty handed.
"You don't know that your friend's soul has departed. Stand down, and I'll save him if I'm able."
K walks towards thug #1. He fights down his instincts, which are screaming at him to continue on the offensive. He hopes his goddess approves, but has a feeling she won't be particularly happy with him.
***
Double move to thug 1. If I can make it with a single move action, I'll lay on hands for 2 HP...at least it will stabilize him.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 d20=9 ; Thursday March 31st, 2016 9:51:31 PM Confound this fog of war thinks Micah who had tried to run to the side of the alley entrance (L5) but somehow ended up behind the wizard. Had the confusion not occurred he could have acted earlier. Now that he is finally in range, however, he calls upon Domi to heal the downed man.
He moves in front of Martisan (I4) to threaten the thugs who are kicking the defenseless man and provide cover for Pesmer and the feisty halfling.
(Channel Energy for 3; rolled in round 1, excluding the injured thugs).
(9 is for a failed perception check)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 CMD: 15Party Treasury d20+1=5 ; d20+4=9 ; Friday April 1st, 2016 12:14:19 AM
Zanderallen's full attention is taken up by the thug who just tripped him (perception 5). "oof" Zanderallen will climb back to his feet attempting to defend himself against the attack he knows the action will leave himself open to. Once on his feet he will swing at thug 6, (attack 9 misses). Then he will 5 foot step back to E8 hoping to give Agrippa the chance to attack from stealth in the doorway if he closes again.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15/15 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 CMD: 15 d20+6=26 ; d20+8=16 ; Friday April 1st, 2016 5:10:58 AM
(Perception = 26) Agrippa comes around the corner to see Zander attempting to get his footing back as a thug attempts to oppress him. She will draw her fancy, colorful rapier during the move and point it at the thug (a square away). Using her formal accent, she says sharply, "Lay your weapon on a Servant of Domi, and condemn your future!" (Intimidate = 16) She will end her movement in D8 to allow Zander's movement access.
She cannot see the race or gender of many of the thugs (lots of clothing..?) but her eyes will flicker to the prone gentleman in the bowling hat for but a moment. "Beatings won't pay debts. Can't we settle this?"
HELP! - Round 4 (DM Cayzle) d20+4=5 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=18 [3 thug saves vs grease]; d20+6=9 [thug misses Z]; d20+6=16 ; d6+1=4 [att on S]; d20=17 [stabilization check]; Friday April 1st, 2016 7:52:47 PM
Pesmer hurls another force attack, this time blasting Thug 2 for another 6 damage.
Martisan casts a Grease spell. The old man, already on the ground, is not further affected ... he may be if he tries to get up, but right now, he ain't. Thugs 3, 4, and 5 might be affected however! They make reflex saves of 5, 22, and 18. Thug 3 falls down!
Stohp tries to relieve K of his bow, but fails. She steps forward into the alley, making a heroic effort to squeeze in! [OOC: That puts Stohp at 4-H-I.]
K moves closer, to L3, but cannot get to the downed thug seeing as Pesmer, Martisan, and Stohp are all in the way.
Micah moves closer -- L5 is about as close as he can get -- and then uses his Channel to cure the old man curled up in the Grease, hoping not to be kicked any more. Some of the nonlethal damage on the old man is removed.
Zanderallen stands up, provoking an AoO from Thug 6. The thug swings his sap, missing. Zander swings and misses too, then steps back to E8.
Agrippa steps to D8, drawing her weapon. She tries to demoralize Thug 6 by intimidation. Her excellent roll of 16 is a success, and the thug flinches. He is shaken for this round, and takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
"Yeah, you ain't such tough stuff," he mutters.
A few bystanders watch from a safe distance -- and one comes closer. Others race off.
=====
Thug 1 is bleeding out.
Thug 2, wounded by Pesmer, with a big ol' face full of minotaur, says, "Yeah, big girl, standing on my dead pal! You got this coming!" He swings his sap at Stohp, hitting AC16, and inflicting 4 nonlethal on Stohp.
Thugs 3 and 4 continue to kick at the prone old man. All three are prone! And slipping around in the grease. They land a solid blow, nonlethal.
Thug 5 crawls out of the Grease and stands up behind Thug 6. He says, "Go on, Ollie, give 'em what they deserve."
Thug 6, in square E6, in the yellow cap, says, "Yeah, if I step up, both of them can team up on me. No way. We got a stand-off here." He readies an attack in case someone steps in range.
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18
Thug 1: -33 hp DOWN Thug 2: -9 hp damaged Thug 3: uninjured Thug 4: uninjured Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: uninjured
=====
No map this round yet. MAYBE I HOPE to post one Saturday Morning.
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Friday April 1st, 2016 9:05:26 PM
K feels the anger rise up inside him. He was trying to save this dude's life, and everyone keeps crowding around his corpse.
He takes a breath, trying to remember the lessons of peace and tranquility that his parents drilled into him over the years before speaking.
"Martisan, Stohp, if you don't get the heck out of my way, that man is going to die."
Ok, not perfectly calm and nice, but a lot better than his first instinct...
***
Move to wherever I can get get within lay on hands range of thug 1, then lay on hands for 2 HP using last round's roll.
Martisan glances down to the man bleeding at her feet, grits her teeth, and lashes out with her whip. Snaking past her large friend, Martisan's whip catches the feet of the thug in front of Stohp, pulling the man to the ground (Nat 20 CMB to trip Thug 2).
Taking advantage of the brief opening, she dashes between Stohp's legs, again drawing her shortsword, jumps over the thug she just tripped, and lands standing over Old One eye. The nimble halfling skillfully avoids an attack from the thug on the ground, while maintaining her balance as she steps onto the patch of grease (Acrobatics 19 vs CMD to avoid AoO; vs 10 to move onto grease). Glaring down at the men who continued to kick the poor old man from the ground, she brandishes her small shortsword at them.
"That's two of your friends down over here. Give up now and we can still settle this without you fellas getting hurt."
[Standard action trip attack; move action to G-4, standing over the prone old man & acrobatically avoiding AoO & maintain footing on grease. Draw weapon as part of move action. Now threatening Thugs 2, 3 & 4.]
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15/15 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 CMD: 15 d20+8=17 ; Saturday April 2nd, 2016 12:47:27 AM
Agrippa wishes she had time to smirk at the gall of this... man(?) in front of her, but hearing the beating from around the corner springs her into action. She will see his tension, and prepare to deflect the blow as she attempts to position herself behind him (Standard Action: Total Defense) (Move Action: Acrobatics to move through enemy square = DC 23; 17 fail).
As she anticipates the blow and attempts to side-step around the thug (which would have been so dramatic), she failed to plan for the strength of the blow she attempted to deflect, loosening her footing, she will move back into her origin square after taking the attack to allow Zander space.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 Sunday April 3rd, 2016 7:44:11 PM
Pesmer blinks a little as he watches the large Minotaur push through him, watching with a nervous look as the tension builds between Stohp and K. Stepping 5 feet back, Pesmer goes total defense as he watches the chaos of this tiny alleyway unfold. He knew there would be lots of anger and unfriendly words passed between friends old and new once this fight was over.. Maybe it would be best to save color spray until then.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 d6=4 ; Sunday April 3rd, 2016 9:37:13 PM
MIcah had disregarded the downed thug, seeing his demise at the hand's of Flower's champion as her just judgment. However, upon hearing K's distress at the downed man's condition, he wonders if the arrow may have flown truer than was intended.
Micah again call's upon his patron's power, this time including the arrow struck thug as well as healing Stoph and the victim that continues to take a beating.
"K, it looks like we have this exit contained--literally. I will see to the downed man's health. Perhaps Agrippa and Zander can use your help on the other side."
(Channel energy for 4 points, exclude Thug 2; two of five usages for the day; three remaining)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 CMD: 15Party Treasury d20+4=13 ; Monday April 4th, 2016 12:43:49 AM "I gave you a warning to stop beating that man", Zanderallen says as he closes once more with thug 6, moving into E7. He swings his sword, (Attack 13 to hit vs AC 16 misses) wide again.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+1=5 ; Monday April 4th, 2016 1:56:02 AM
Contrary to the accusation of his friend, Stohp is very careful to not step on the downed man. He's probably dead, but if he isn't then 800 lbs of cow lady would probably finish the job. She jumps in surprise as Martisan darts between her legs to jump on the man she just tripped. Refocusing on the next thug in line, she reaches over Martisan to try to seize the next man in line, but the confined space restricts her to much and he easily avoids it.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 Monday April 4th, 2016 10:30:09 PM
Based on K's quick and violent actions to defend the seemingly helpless man, Micah speculates that perhaps the ideal of love is as unrestricted to romance as is the ideal of courage not limited only to combat.
HELP! - Round 5 (DM Cayzle) d20+6=16 ; d20+6=14 ; d6+1=5 [thug 6 vs A]; d20+6=8 [thug 2 vs S]; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=14 [thugs 3&4 get up]; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=16 ; d6+1=5 [thug 3+4 vs M]; d20+6=8 [misses Z]; Monday April 4th, 2016 10:35:12 PM
K waits for the chance to save the life of the man he shot.
Martisan trips her foe and then nimbly hops and rolls into the Grease!
On the defensive, Pesmer waits for the best time to trot out his major magic.
Micah channels energy again, saving the life of the downed thug (who remains stable, albeit at death's door). That removes Stohp's nonlethal damage.
Stohp reaches out at a thug, but misses.
On the other side of the fight, Agrippa steps up to Thug 6. The yellow-capped human takes both his readied attack and an AoO. He hits and misses, inflicting 5 hp nonlethal damage on Agrippa. Then she moves back.
Zanderallen steps up and attacks! And misses!
Finally, now that there is a bit of room for him, K reaches in and lays hands on the downed thug.
=====
Thug 1 is down and stable.
Thug 2 swings at Stohp. He misses.
Thugs 3 and 4 both try to stand up, and do so. Doing that provokes attacks of opportunity -- so Martisan and Stohp, please take attacks! Assuming they survive those, the two attack Martisan: they hit AC21 and 16, so one hits Martisan for 5 hp nonlethal damage.
Thug 5 gets out a potion but does not drink it.
Thug 6 attacks Zanderallen, hitting AC8, a pure miss.
No longer under attack, the older man on the ground in the Grease laughs. “I see poor prospects for your future, Frog,” he says to Thug 6.
“Ha ... ha…”
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18
Thug 1: -28 hp DOWN Thug 2: -9 hp damaged Thug 3: uninjured Thug 4: uninjured Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: uninjured
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20-1=16 ; d20-1=12 ; Monday April 4th, 2016 11:08:16 PM
Stohp lashes out at the standing thug (3, 16 hit) and kicks at the prone one Martisan is standing on simultaneously.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15/15 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 CMD: 15 Tuesday April 5th, 2016 2:27:27 AM
Agrippa will wait for Zander to finish his action and step back before acting (Delaying to after Zander). She will say, "Le's dance, Zander; a duet o' pacifism."
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 10/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+6=16 ; d20+5=23 ; d4+1=5 ; d20+14=24 ; Tuesday April 5th, 2016 4:14:18 AM
Glancing from one thug to the other as they stand up around her, Martisan has a flash of regret at trying to run through them to the other side of the alley. Gritting her teeth, she opens a gash in one of the men's arms as he scrambles to his feet (AoO 23 vs Thug 3; 5 damage), but she nearly drops to her knees as the thug's sap comes down heavily on her shoulder in response.
Seeing the precariousness of her current situation, Martisan abandons her position in the alley, tumbling away from the closest enemies and dashing back the way she came as quickly as she can. "Hang in there sir, we'll set this right soon enough." She utters to the old man as she slips past him.
Barely skirting by the thug she tripped, Martisan runs out of the alley and cuts around the corner into the store Agrippa and Zanderallen passed through earlier. Her cheeks are noticeably pink as she hurries past Stohp, K and Micah; a deep rosy flush brought on by more than her brief exertion.
[First roll used for Martisan's Acrobatics vs Grease (16 vs DC 10); full-round action to Withdraw, avoiding AoO from Thugs 5 & 6. Hero Point for +8 Acrobatics (24) vs DC 18 (Thug 3); DC 20 (Thug 4); & DC 23 (Thug 2). Double current move speed, with 1/2 speed through grease & enemy squares, gets Martisan to about H-9. AC currently 21.]
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 Tuesday April 5th, 2016 7:02:17 AM
Pesmer wanted to help but with both K and Stohp in the way, and with Stohp being so large, he just didn't really have great line of sight to the enemy to use his spells. Then an idea pops into his head! He couldn't remember if he still had the wand of reduce person so he checks his backpack real quick to see if he still has it.
(Spends the full round checking his backpack)
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 CMD: 15Party Treasury d20+4=11 ; Tuesday April 5th, 2016 1:30:02 PM
Not even having to move to avoid the attack from the thug in front of him Zander readies another blow. "I'm still dancing to that tune, Agrippa", Zander says as he swings even wider than previously (Attack 11 to hit vs AC 16 fails), "Maybe you can change it." He then steps back to E8 allow Agrippa room to get in.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15/15 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 CMD: 15 d20+2=10 ; Tuesday April 5th, 2016 3:49:26 PM
Agrippa steps up to fill the gap, and with a flourish, will attempt to subdue the thug (nonlethal) with the blunt end of her hilt (Attack: [1d20 (8)] +6, -4 for nonlethal = 10, miss). "Looks like I still need a metronome..." she states as the thug sprawls out of the way of her blow.
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Tuesday April 5th, 2016 5:00:15 PM
Deciding his bow is far too deadly to use again until they're sure that fatal attacks are warranted, K opts instead to drag thug#1 NE as far as he can to avoid Stohp killing him by trampling him...
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 Tuesday April 5th, 2016 9:29:09 PM
With the fight appearing to be avoiding further use of lethal weapons, Micah returns his hammer to his belt while moving behind behind Stohp (K4) where K recently was. He reaches out and touches her gently, divine power transferring to her to give her a surge of divine strength to aid her efforts to subdue the ruffian she is fighting.
[Strength Surge +1 on melee attacks, CM checks, Str based skills and strength checks for 1 round]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Tuesday April 5th, 2016 11:36:23 PM
As the divine power fills her, Stohp fills guilty about her earlier blasphemy. She gives a silent apology to the gods.
[OOC: I did not say it before, so from here on out, attacking around a corner gives a cover bonus to the target. That applies to Stohp attacking Thug 3, for example.]
K pulls the downed but living unconscious Thug 1 out of the fight.
Martisan makes a heroic strategic retreat, using her agility and skill to avoid opening herself to attack.
Pesmer digs out the wand of Reduce Person.
Micah buffs Stohp.
Stohp hits twice, punching Thug 3 and stomping Thug 2. Stohp, please roll damage!
Agrippa delays for Zander ...
Zanderallen swings, misses, and steps back.
Agrippa now steps up, swings, and misses.
=====
Thug 1 is down and stable and out of combat.
Thug 2 stands up. That provokes an AoO from Stohp. Stohp, please make your AoO. Then Thug 2 says, "I need a drink!" -- he takes a 5 ft step back and delays.
Thug 6 attacks Agrippa. "Try dancing on your rear end, missie," he says. He tries to trip Agrippa, hitting CMD27, which trips Agrippa, who is now prone. Then Thug 6 backs up into the Grease, rolling an acrobatics check of 12, which is good enough to stay on his feet.
Thug 4 steps forward to whap on the prone Agrippa with his sap. He rolls a 17, +4 vs prone is 23. That suffices to knock Agrippa back by 6 nonlethal damage.
Thug 3 takes a step over and then kicks at the old man. "Shut up! Shut up!" he shouts.
Thug 5 steps over to Thug 2 -- rolls a 10 to stay on his feet! -- and hands him the potion he got out last round. Thug 2 takes it and drinks it, curing 3 hp damage. "Darn" he says.
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18
Thug 1: -28 hp DOWN Thug 2: -9 hp damaged. -StohpDam2 +3 curing - poss AoO Thug 3: 5 -StohpDam1 Thug 4: uninjured Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: uninjured
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 10/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+6=19 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2016 5:44:06 AM
Martisan pays no mind to any people in the shop as she hurries through. "Zander." She huffs quietly as she passes behind the paladin to stand in the corner at his back. "Gotta get her off the ground.. watch your head!" Martisan cracks her whip around Zanderallen, aiming for the sap in the thug's hand, but the narrow alley and armored paladin between them prevents a good angle.
[Move to E-9. Disarm 19 (+2 whip) vs Thug 4 CMD 22 (+4 soft cover).]
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 Wednesday April 6th, 2016 6:15:45 AM "Ah-ha!!" Pesmer shouts out in happiness as he finds and pulls out the wand of reduce person. Five foot stepping in behind Stohp, Pesmer hits himself with the wand, reducing himself to a size very similar to that of Martisan. Being all small and quick, Pesmer figured he would be able to hit easier now with his spells.. Even if he had to sling them between Stohps legs at the enemy!
(Reduce person- +2 to dex, -2 to strength. +1 to attack rolls and AC.) (Five foot step to the square behind Stohp and standard to use the wand on himself)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d8-1=3 ; d8-1=2 ; d4-1=2 ; d20-1=18 ; d20+2=17 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2016 8:46:10 AM
(Kick for 2 damage on thug 2, sap attack on thug 3 for 3)
Stohp bops the rising thug on the head with her sap (18 to hit, 2 damage) then tries to seize him in a grapple but she misses. Noticing the now tiny wizard behind her she grumbles "You could have just shrunk me so I wasn't squeezed into this tiny alley."
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Wednesday April 6th, 2016 10:11:25 AM
The thug down but stable, K looks to see how he can aide in the fight. Still unwilling to unsling his bow, and with Stohp completely crowding the alley, he double-times it through the clothing store instead.
***
Double move to H9
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15(9)/15 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 CMD: 19 Wednesday April 6th, 2016 2:32:40 PM
Reeling from the onslaught, Agrippa will attempt to deflect blows as she stands up (Standard: Total Defense)(Move: Stand). She wishes she could step out of the way, but the situation makes that impossible for now. "Maybe I should take dance lessons, firs'..."
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Wednesday April 6th, 2016 8:56:58 PM
Micah nods in silent agreement as he sees Martisan and K run to the other battle front.
"Pesmer, back out of there," he states calmly despite the situation, "If we can give Stoph room to back up, she can she reach the thugs while allowing me access to move in and engage. It would also allow me to reach her with spells."
IF Micah can get within reach of Stoph, then he will rinse and repeat with the strength surge (+1 melee, etc; making it 2 of 6 uses consumed).
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 19 T: 11 FF: 18 CMD: 15Party Treasury d6=5 ; Wednesday April 6th, 2016 10:52:53 PM
Not being able to get in Zanderallen sees Agrippa is slightly unsteady from some of the blows she has received and reaches out to help her to her feet and steady her. "Maybe we should add some divine inspiration to this tune" As he helps her up he focuses his spirit and heals her. (Lay on hands heals Agrippa 5, 1 used 3 left)
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 Thursday April 7th, 2016 3:55:41 AM
Pesmer grumbles to Stohp's remark, his eyes flashing up at her. "Not my fault you shoved yourself into the alleyway to begin with, friend."
This situation wasn't great but at least no one was dead. Yet. Turning back to when he hears Micah speak, he nods. "Will do." When Pesmer can, he will five foot step back away from Stohp to give Micah room to enter and Stohp room to shift herself back.
HELP! - Round 7 (DM Cayzle) d20+6=8 [AoO vs A fails]; d8+1=9 [potion]; d20+6=25 ; d6+1=3 [T4 vs A]; d20+6=22 ; d6+1=6 [T6 vs A] Thursday April 7th, 2016 7:54:35 AM
[OOC: Please specify when you are inflicting lethal damage and when you are inflicting nonlethal. It is not always obvious.]
K circles around to H9 throught the store.
Martisan steps behind Zanderallen and tries a disarm attack, but that does not work.
Pesmer reduces himself [OOC: please note +2 AC in header; Note casting time on spell also applies to wand activation] and thinks about stepping behind Stohp. But Micah's words make him pause and he does not advance into the alley.
Micah complains to Pesmer about not having the room he needs. He wants Pesmer and Stohp to back out so he can go to the front. Or he wants Pesmer to leave room so that he can buff Stohp. Pesmer lets Micah step up, and the cleric does so, then buffs Stohp with his domain power.
Stohp [last round] ... does damage and takes an AoO, which hits. [this round] ... snarks at Pesmer that she needs the Reduce more than he does. But she does not attack.
Agrippa stands carefully -- the thug in front of her misses badly with his AoO.
Zanderallen lays hands on Agrippa to cure her.
=====
Thug 1 is down and stable and out of combat.
Thug 2 sees that Stohp has not attacked this round. "You ready to end this, butt out, and go home, missy?" he asks. He takes out a potion and drinks it. That presents an AoO if Stohp wants to resume fighting. It also cures 9 damage.
Thug 3 says to Thug 2, "What, is the fight over? Why aren't you two fighting?"
Around the corner, Thug 4 is focused on Agrippa, and swipes with a sap, hitting AC25, so that lands! Agrippa takes 3 nonlethal.
Thug 5 can't really see very well. He kicks at the old man and shouts, "WHAT'S HAPPENING?"
Thug 6 steps up into Thug 4's place and attacks Agrippa. He hits AC22 [OOC: the die roller loves me!], striking Agrippa for another 6 nonlethal! He snarls, ignoring what's happening on the other side of the fight.
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18
Thug 1: -28 lethal DOWN Thug 2: uninjured after potion, possible AoO from Stohp? Thug 3: -5 lethal, -3 nonlethal Thug 4: uninjured Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: uninjured
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:12/12/10 d20+5=12 ; d4+1=5 ; Thursday April 7th, 2016 8:21:28 AM
(Thank you for the reminder. Completely forgot about that. Pesmer wouldn't be small till just now at the start of the turn. ^>^)
With Micah having shifted into the space Pesmer was in, Pesmer will move to M4, giving Micah one square behind himself to move back into if he has to.
Gathering up his energies, Pesmer sends out a telekinetic bolt to Thug 2, aiming to hit the brute but having a hard time doing so due to Stohp providing cover.
(Pesmer attacks Thug 2 with Telekinetic Fist, 12 vs touch AC of thug 2. 5 damage if hits. 5 out of 7 uses of Telekinetic fist left.)
Pesmer yells out in Elvish in hopes that either Stohp or Micah speak the language. "This isn't working well. If you both pull out from the alleyway a bit, they will come to us and we can all blast them together." He prays one of them understands him.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 AC: 15/12/12 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d8-1=2 ; d20=2 ; d20=8 ; Thursday April 7th, 2016 8:21:28 AM "The fight's over when you surrender and stop beating on the old man!" Stohp growls, taking a step back and swiping at him, missing badly twice.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Thursday April 7th, 2016 8:29:02 AM
(Even after you reminded me I forgot to put the AC change into my Header.. T.T )
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Thursday April 7th, 2016 9:42:30 AM
"Sorry about the fuss, ma'am," K says as he runs through the store. He comes to a stop at D8, hoping to find a way to squeeze into this mess.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 10/15 | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+10=19 ; d20+6=9 ; Thursday April 7th, 2016 2:28:14 PM
Martisan again tries to knock the thug's weapon from his hand, but her whip slaps harmlessly against the side of the wall.
"Poke 'im with the pointy end of that nice sword, Agrippa!" She calls out to the Half-Orc, growing frustrated with their fumbling attempts to subdue the ruffians. Turning from the battle down the alley, Martisan looks up at the buildings around them, searching for handholds or any way to gain a height advantage in the close quarters.
[Disarm attempt vs Thug 6 fail; move action Perception 19, looking for a way to climb above the thugs or reach a perch on the surrounding buildings. How tall are the buildings? Could I get a (rough) climb DC & the distance to the first stopping point from which other actions can be taken? Is there any sort of debris that we could clamber up on?]
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15(9)/15 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 CMD: 19 d20+6=15 ; d20+8=10 ; Thursday April 7th, 2016 6:55:26 PM
Agrippa will attempt to feint (Standard, Bluff: 15 vs Sense Motive), and take a 5-step back as Zander steps forward (Zander could have been in D8 to heal me, but if he is in E8, she will fail an acrobatics check to move without provoking to D9). - If she was hurt during her move back, she'll draw a potion as part of her move - If not, she will draw her sap.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15Party Treasury d20+4=17 ; d8+6=10 ; Thursday April 7th, 2016 7:29:28 PM
Seeing them continuing to kick the old man makes Zanderallen, already frustrated, mad, "I told you to stop kicking that gentleman, you've passed your last warning!", he yells. Moving up to E7 he will drop his shield and placing his second hand upon his hilt swing with all his might. (Move action to undo shield combined with move forward, standard action Attack 17 to hit vs AC 16 A HIT! 10 points of lethal damage) "Take that villain"
(AC changed to remove shield which is lying in E8)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 d20+3=15 ; Thursday April 7th, 2016 10:21:35 PM
Micah considers calling upon Domi's power to bless his allies with courage, but is not sure the effect would reach his allies around the corner of the ally. Instead, he squeezes past Stoph when she backs up, drawing his hammer as he does so to strike at the foremost thug once he is past her. He connects, but not solidly enough to do any harm. (Attack 15 vs AC 16).
HELP! - Round 8 (DM Cayzle) d20+7=17 [trip Micah]; d20+6=21 [demoralize Stohp]; d20+7=15 [trips Z]; d20+6=18 [grease check]; d20+10=30 [poss crit vs Z]; d20+10=29 [crit conf]; 2d6+2=11 [damage to Z]; Friday April 8th, 2016 10:14:55 AM
Pesmer maneuvers and uses his telekinetic fist, but the agile thug dodges out of the way. [Thugs are touch AC13, so you missed by 1, sorry!] Pesmer calls out in an unusual language.
Micah backs up and then pauses.
Stohp offers terms -- surrender! -- and keeps on fighting. She misses, though, as she takes a step back.
Now Micah steps up into the gap! With a swing and a miss.
K apologizes to the clothier as he dashes through the shop, but the woman in charge of the establishment is clearly annoyed. "I'll have none of this tomfoolery and hooliganism!" she shouts as she slams the back door shut on K's heels and LOCKS IT. In the back alley, K crowds in.
Martisan tries her whip again, without luck. She looks around the alley. There are some windows on the 2nd and 3rd floors up above; one could climb up the walls with a DC15 check at quarter speed. That means if you have move 20, you can climb up 5 ft with a move action and a DC15 check; you can climb up 10 ft with a move action and a DC20 check. The windows on the third floor have flowerboxes. You can perch and attack from a second story windowsill with a DC10 acrobatics check for a small character, or DC5 from a third story windowsill. [OOC: email me if you have more questions about that.]
Agrippa very carefully moves back out of the fight, in order to giv e her foe no opening, and drawing her sap as she moves.
Zanderallen drops his shield, grips his sword, and lays into Thug 6 for 10 lethal! The blood splatters onto the alley floor.
=====
Thug 1 is down and stable and out of combat.
Thug 2 tries to trip Micah, who just stepped into the fray. His CMB to trip is +7, and he hits CMD17, which lands Micah on his butt! Micah is prone.
Thug 3 calls out to Stohp, "Run away, little moo-cow! Run away!" This is an Intimidate / Demoralize attack. The DC to demoralize Stohp is 10 +2 levels +0 wis. The thug has +6 on Intimidate checks. He rolls a 21, 9 more than needed. Stohp is Shaken for rounds 9 and 10.
Thug 4 says, "Let me get in there!" and then he delays.
Thug 5 complains that he cannot see anything, and kicks the old man.
Thug 6 tries to trip Zander. His roll, at +7, beats CMD15, exactly what he needed! Zander is prone. Then the thug takes a five ft step back into the Grease, with an Acrobatics check 18 to keep his balance.
Now Thug 4 steps up and attacks Zanderallen, with a bonus to hit the prone fellow. Wow! a nat 20 +10 hits AC30! Follow up to confirm the critical ... hits AC29! Crit confirmed! Zander takes 11 nonlethal.
"That'll learn ya to play with knives, Mister Hero!" shouts Thug 6 at Zanderallen, pressing his hand against his bleeding cut. "Looks to me like you all should be the ones to surrender!"
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18
Thug 1: -28 lethal DOWN Thug 2: uninjured after potion Thug 3: -5 lethal, -3 nonlethal Thug 4: uninjured Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: -10 lethal
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d20+7=13 ; Friday April 8th, 2016 10:46:04 AM
"Enough of this nonsense," mutters K. Better to end this fight, stop that old man from getting kicked, then patch up the survivors.
He pulls his bow back out, leans around the corner, and takes aim at #4. (I assume #4 is in front of 6 based on your post).
He hopes Flower in in agreement with his assessment as he looses the arrow.
***
Move: Draw bow Standard: Point blank shot at Thug4 - 13 (miss)
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMD: 14 d20+6=19 ; Friday April 8th, 2016 11:46:19 AM
Martisan sheaths her shortsword and turns to Agrippa as the rogue moves back from the front line. "Do you still have that rope?" She asks, pointing up to the window ledges and flower boxes above. "It's a bit precarious going up, but I think I could sit up there if I had the means to manage the climb."
With a snap, the end of Martisan's whip catches the wrist of the thug in front of Zanderallen, forcing him to drop his sap (Disarm 19 vs Thug 4 CMD 18). "Cut him too if he tries to pick it back up." Martisan calls out to Zander.
[Move action sheath shortsword; standard action disarm attempt 19 (+3 CMB +1 MW +2 whip) vs CMD 18; prone ally provides no cover.]
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (8) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15Party Treasury d6=3 ; d20+4=14 ; Friday April 8th, 2016 12:45:31 PM
Standing up Zander laughs at the now disarmed thug just hit him, "Looks like you should learn how to keep hold of your weapon"
Focusing and calling on Domi's blessing he lays his hand on his rapidly forming bruise while standing. (Lay of Hands cures 3, 2 uses remaining)
Once reaching his feet Zander raises his sword and strikes out at the thug in front of him (believe it's now 4). His blade swings just wide (Attack 14 vs. AC 16 misses)
Stohp hesitates as the thug acts all intimidating. This really isn't going well; it's hard to fight when you can't swing properly without hitting the wall instead of your target. Fortunately Pesmer's shout in Elvish gives her a way out; she retreats another 5 feet and prepares an action to attack if Micah also retreats and the thug follows.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Friday April 8th, 2016 3:30:00 PM
Having expected it would likely happen against these foes, Micah grins when he bounces bum first on the ground.
Hearing Stohp back up he thinks, "We have you right where we want you now; If only I can stay on my feat long enough to make it count." He stands up and backs up, steeling himself against the inevitable attack his movements will expose him to.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Saturday April 9th, 2016 3:34:27 AM
With Stohp shifting back another 5 feet, Pesmer will use his wand of reduce person to channel the energy within the large Minotaur. "One shrink coming up!" He calls out to his friend.
(Pesmer spends a full round casting reduce person on Stohp. The effects will take place at the start of Pesmers next turn.)
HELP! - Round 9 (DM Cayzle) d20+6=26 ; d20+6=16 ; 2d6+2=6 [crit AoO vs M]; d20+6=14 [Miss M]; d20=16 [thug knowledge check]; d20+6=11 [demoralize fails]; d20+6=24 [demoralize succeeds]; d20+7=15 [trips Z]; d20+6=26 [does not fall in Grease]; d20+6=14 [hits Z]; d6+1=2 [damage Z]; Saturday April 9th, 2016 11:06:39 AM
[OOC: Sorry about the map last time ... Thug 4 should have been in front of Thug 6, as K saw. I'll interpret actions accordingly.]
K takes out his bow, shoots, and misses.
Martisan disarms Thug 4; his sap drops to the ground.
Pesmer activates his wand and begins the spell to shrink Stohp.
Stohp backs up five feet and readies an attack. [OOC: If you ready an attack, please do pre-roll your attack and damage, in case the readied action is triggered. See below.] Half squeezed, Stohp suffers half the usual squeezing penalty ... until she gets reduced, coming up next round.
Micah stands from prone, provoking an AoO. Thug 2 takes a poke at the cleric, hitting AC26 (30 with +4 prone bonus) and threatening a crit! The follow-up check confirms on a roll of 16, make that 20 with the prone bonus. That's a confirmed crit on the AoO! Micah takes 6 damage nonlethal! Micah finishes getting up and takes a five ft step back. [i][OOC: Micah has a standard action left this round, BTW. Feel free to use it.]
Agrippa looks around but does not act.
Zanderallen cures himself as a free action, stands up, and swings at Thug 4. He provokes an AoO standing from prone, but the weaponless thug cannot take advantage of the opening. Zander swings and misses.
=====
Thug 1 is down and stable and out of combat.
Thug 2 steps forward to attack Micah. That triggers Stohp's attack. The thug, if he survives that, attacks Micah. He hits AC14, a miss.
Thug 3 shouts at Micah, "Oh, mister cleric, backing out of combat! What's the god of bravery going to say about his chicken-poop clergy!" That's another intimidate check from Thug 3 vs Micah. DC to demoralize Micah is 10 +2 lvl +3wis = 15. He rolls an 11, failing to demoralize Micah.
Thug 5 peeks around the corner (but does not move) and makes an obscene and blasphemous gesture at Micah. That's another intimidate attempt, and this one is a 24, 9 higher than needed. Micah is Shaken for rounds 10 and 11.
On the other side of the fight, Disarmed Thug 4 tries to trip Zander and then back up into the Grease. His trip attempt is a 15, exactly what he needs to trip Zander! Zander is down again! Thug 4 rolls a nat 20 to avoid falling in the grease.
Thug 6 steps up and swings at prone Zander. He hits AC14, make that 18 with the prone bonus. That hits AC17 Zander for 2 hp nonlethal damage.
The old man lays still in the grease.
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18. Touch AC13.
Thug 1: -28 lethal DOWN Thug 2: uninjured Thug 3: -5 lethal, -3 nonlethal Thug 4: uninjured, disarmed Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: -10 lethal
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMD: 14 d20+4=21 ; d20+6=10 ; Saturday April 9th, 2016 5:38:31 PM
A slight smirk flashes across Martisan's face as the thug again trips Zander. They don't need the saps to knock us off our feet. She thinks, noting the man's skillful maneuver. And their movements are coordinated enough to still get attacks in... but two can play that game.
The halfling takes advantage of Zander's unintendedly opportune fall, and trips the thug in front of him with her whip (Trip Attack 21 vs Thug 6 CMD 18). Shaking her head at possibly repeating the same folly, Martisan makes a break for the corner behind the thug, drawing her shortsword as she moves. Hoping to vault the prone thug as she did once before, Martisan stumbles over Zanderallen's discarded shield before she even reaches the man. She turns back, heading to the corner she just left, knowing that the thug might strike her as she moves.
[Standard action trip Thug 6; move action Acrobatics to avoid AoO 10 vs DC 19 fail; lose move action and provoke AoO from Thug 6. Draw shortsword as part of move.]
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Saturday April 9th, 2016 11:12:58 PM
Pesmer finishes casting his spell through the wand to reduce Stohp to medium size. Satisfied with his work, Pesmer would go total defense as he awaits for Micah to give foot step back.
(Stohp is now medium size and gains the benfits and penalties of reduce person. Her readied attack would go before the spell is fully cast. Pesmer goes total defense.)
As the world shrinks around her and the tight corridor suddenly becomes reasonably sized Stohp can't help but laugh as she suddenly feels light on her hooves. Even though she's still slightly shaken, her reduced sized gives her a burst of confidence she charges forward, tumbling past Micah and leaping acrobatically behind the thug, flanking him (Acrobatics 28 to beat DC 23 to move through thug's space).
Now threatening the thug on two sides, Stohp strikes out at him (7 to hit), but in her exuberance she doesn't take the time to adjust to her much shorter reach, missing him cleanly. Still, she grins confidently at the thug, knowing that they now have the advantage on him.
K (Carl) HP: 20 AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d20+7=17 ; d8+3=10 ; Sunday April 10th, 2016 8:47:44 PM
"Zander, buddy, you mind taking a step back? You're monopolizing all the fun up there."
***
Ready action: Attack 6 if Zander steps back - Hit ac 17 for 10 damage
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 d20+1=17 ; d8+2=10 ; d20+3=9 ; Sunday April 10th, 2016 9:10:26 PM
As Micah stepped back he readied an action to attack should the ruffian advance. Despite being unsettled by the audacious crudity of the thug that appeared around the corner, he solidly pounds thug 2 as he advances.
Still trembling with rage and despite Stohp's brilliant and dashing maneuver that puts the thug threatened from both sides, Micah is unsuccessful in landing that attack.
**** Readied attack in round 9 hits with shaken condition for 10 damage. Attack in round 10, misses.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (10) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15Party Treasury d20+4=8 ; Sunday April 10th, 2016 9:52:11 PM "If by fun you mean landing on your butt then have at it", Zander replies as he stands up, provoking from the prone thug 6 to which he says, "How do you like it?"
He then takes a swing (8+4 prone = 12 a miss) before stepping back to E8.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15(9)/15 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 CMD: 19 d8+1=4 ; d20+8=19 ; Monday April 11th, 2016 6:18:36 AM
(Last Round) Agrippa pulls out and quaffs a potion (+4, total of 9) (This Round) Agrippa will attempt to intimidate the thug from harming her friends, "These next few seconds may be your last. Think of your loved ones, and take a knee!" (Intimidate = 19) She will also equip her sap in her off hand.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMD: 14 Monday April 11th, 2016 8:52:22 PM "No need for kneeling; I say he's fine on his belly." Martisan yells from the back of the alley "Smack him good, too, if he tries to get up. Beating old men for race money. You should be ashamed of yourselves!"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (10) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15Party Treasury Monday April 11th, 2016 10:54:04 PM 'What a fight. It seems we have much to learn about working together.', Zanderallen muses to himself and he reviews the fight so far. 'And these thugs have much to learn about the decency of their actions.'
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (10) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15Party Treasury Monday April 11th, 2016 11:00:27 PM
Micah (Zachary H posting for John H) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13
'Thank Domi this fight is turning in our favor. We will soon be teaching these ruffians about the real meaning of courage, not beating an old man in a alley.' Micah has seen quite even of their behavior and wishes his hammer could but swing truer still in teaching them a lesson.
Martisan trips Thug 6 (success!) but fails to dance around the thug leader. Instead, she opens herself up to an attack, which hits AC15 after applying the -4 prone penalty. That misses.
K waits for a chance to step forward, but that chance does not come ... YET!
Pesmer finishes shrinking Stohp and stays on the defensive.
Stohp, smaller and more nimble, tumbles around Thug 2 to flank -- but misses, even with the new flanking bonus.
Micah, who hit Thug 2 solidly last round, as it turned out, tries again this round but misses.
Agrippa speaks harshly to Thug 6, demoralizing him.
Zanderallen stands up, provoking an AoO -- but Thug 6 already took a swipe at Martisan and is not quick enough to try again. Zander swings at the prone Thug 6 and misses, then steps back.
THAT's the chance K was waiting for! He aims an arrow around the corner at Thug 6 as best he can. But the villain has a +4 AC bonus vs missiles because he is prone and has a +4 cover bonus from the corner. His effective AC vs K's arrow is 16+8= AC24. K hits AC17 and misses.
=====
Thug 1 is down and stable and out of combat.
Thug 2 tries to trip Micah. He rolls an 8, which fails.
Thug 6 stays prone. He takes out a potion and drinks it, curing 7 hp.
Thug 3 moves forward, hops over Thug 6, and steps into the gap. He tries to move out of the Grease and does so with no problem. He moves up to K and swings at him with a sap. He hits AC22, 26 with the prone bonus, and K takes 3 nonlethal.
Thug 4 moves up a step out of the Grease with no problem. He makes a most hideous face at Zander and also makes a rude gesture. This is a demoralize attempt ... he rolls a 14 vs the needed 13, so Zander is shaken this round.
Thug 5 takes a swing at Stohp, although Stohp has cover around that corner. The thug hits AC12, a miss no matter what. He growls at the old man on the ground -- "Move back into the corner or I'll kill you!"
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18. Touch AC13.
Thug 1: -28 lethal DOWN Thug 2: -10 lethal Thug 3: -5 lethal, -3 nonlethal Thug 4: uninjured, disarmed Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: -3 lethal after potion, prone, shaken rounds 10-11
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15(9)/15 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 CMD: 19 Tuesday April 12th, 2016 3:44:40 AM "Looks like this side's doin' well. I'll aid the others." Agrippa says, putting the empty potion back into her pack. She moves from D9 to M8
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 d20+2=14 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2016 7:41:34 AM
Seeing as he couldn't do much to add to this fight from this side, Pesmer turns to see Agrippa running out from the building. His elven eyes looking at the two buildings to see if any ladders or windows are available for him to climb up or look through to get a better angle to cast at the enemy.
(Perception 14 to see if there are any ladders or ways to climb to the roofs or windows he can look through to attack the enemy, especially the grouped up enemy.
HELP! - Round 10 (DM Cayzle) Tuesday April 12th, 2016 7:45:35 AM
EXTRA DM NOTES:
The clothier has barred the back door into the alley. It will take 3 full rounds to hustle from one side of the battle to the other. I expect combatants on both sides to roleplay their tactical ignorance of what is happening on the other side of the fight, unless you shout loudly or something!
ALSO note that the round has been retconned. Pesmer and Agrippa can re-submit orders.
Stohp easily lands a blow on the thug (23 to hit) but her reduced strength causes it to bounce harmlessly off her opponent (0 damage). Cursing, she tucks her sap away to free both hands for easier grappling.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (8) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15Party Treasury d20+2=9 ; d6=2 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2016 10:22:47 AM "Come here and do that where I can reach you coward!", Zanderallen yells at the thug making rude gestures at him. Shaken and distracted by it his swing doesn't even come close (Attack 9 vs AC 16).
'I must refocus. Domi grant me your strength' Zander prays in his mind as he heals himself (Lay on Hands 2, 1 use remaining)
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d20+4=18 ; d6+2=3 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2016 10:42:53 AM
K's not prone and has cover from melee attacks. Still, 18 hits AC 17.
***
"Ow!" exclaims K as the thug's sap connects. Heck of a swing; K almost admired the guy.
Almost.
K lays aside his bow & pulls out his rapier. He often thought he should use something different in melee. A rapier was an effective weapon, but it just looks so silly compared to a nice broadsword or falchion. Still, he'd been practicing with weapons of all sorts for years, and he had to admit it was the weapon he seemed best with aside from bows.
He thrusts. It's a good thrust, but with this wall in the way, it was really hard to land a good blow.
***
Free: drop bow Move: draw rapier Standard: Melee attack w/ rapier - Hit AC 18 for 3 damage. I believe #3 and I have cover from each other, so I think that misses.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMD: 14 d20+5=20 ; d6=4 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2016 10:48:04 AM "Bunch of daisies." Martisan mutters under her breath, dropping her whip at her feet and simultaneously unslinging her shortbow from her back. "We look like rank amateurs.
Sighting down the alley, Martisan times her shot just right, plugging an arrow into the furthest thug at the other end (20 vs AC 16 +4 soft cover, 4 damage).
[Free action drop whip. Move action draw shortbow. Standard action ranged attack.]
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 d20+3=18 ; d8+2=4 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2016 8:42:24 PM
Micah's body still trembles with rage at the blasphemous taunts of these villains, but the tactical advantage provided by Stohp compensates for his reduced control. "Feel iron justice!" roars Micah as he pounds the thug with his hammer.
"Pesmer! I think your grease is about to be more of a hindrance than a help for us."
[+2 for flank; -2 for shaken; net +3 to Hit AC 18 for 4 points of damage]
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Tuesday April 12th, 2016 8:45:01 PM
[Added lethal damage to header]
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Tuesday April 12th, 2016 9:45:20 PM
(I am keeping my previous actions and not reposting, DM Cayzle. Just adding to the roleplay part.)
"I didn't create the grease. That was all Martisan. My magicks involve colors and explosions!" Pesmer snickers as he wonders of Stohp and Micah would mind a color spray to the face.. Hey, gotta get to the enemy some how.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15(9)/15 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 CMD: 19 d20+8=12 ; Tuesday April 12th, 2016 11:01:41 PM
As her party comes to her aid, she's filled with hope, but then the shop-keeper bolts the door, she feels the shade. Agrippa will keep her panic down, and continue the verbal assault on thug 3, "Soon, you will have intimate knowledge of our overpopulated prisons~"
HELP! - Round 11 (DM Cayzle) d20+7=16 [T2 trips Micah]; d20+6=25 [leap over Micah]; d20+6=17 [T4 in Grease]; d20+6=17 [att on S]; d6+1=5 [dam to S]; d20+6=22 [att 2 on S]; d6+1=6 [dam 2 on S]; d20+6=20 ; d6+1=4 [Att on Z] Wednesday April 13th, 2016 9:47:43 AM
Martisan, feeling a bit of contempt, drops her whip, takes out a bow, and shoots Thug 4 for 4!
K drops his bow, draws his rapier, and pokes -- but the corner gets in the way, and the thug ducks behind it. A miss.
Pesmer looks around for a way to make this battle three dimensional. He sees no ladders or fire escapes -- the Float has no such things, considering that most creatures can survive a fall from a reasonable height, no problem. There are some windows on the 2nd and 3rd floors up above; one could climb up the walls with a DC15 check at quarter speed. That means if you have move 20, you can climb up 5 ft with a move action and a DC15 check; you can climb up 10 ft with a move action and a DC20 check. The windows on the third floor have flowerboxes. You can perch and attack from a second story windowsill with a DC10 acrobatics check for a small character, or DC5 from a third story windowsill. Pesmer may consider that he could enter the shop and ascend to a higher window via internal stairs. Might take a few rounds ... [OOC: email me if you have more questions about that.]
Stohp swings, misses, and stows her sap away, flexing her wrestler's hands.
Micah hammers the wounded Thug 2, inflicting 4 damage.
Agrippa tries to demoralize her foe, but she falls short of the needed DC14..
Zanderallen swings and misses.
=====
The old man moves to the corner, as ordered last round.
Thug 1 is down and stable and out of combat.
Thug 2 tries to trip Micah. He rolls a 16, beating Micah's CMD13. Micah is prone! Then with his move action, Thug 2 tries to flee, leaping over the prone Micah, and then running off! He figures Stohp no longer threatens since she put away her weapon [right?]. His roll to leap over Micah is a 25! Micah, you can take an AoO with a -4 for being prone as he leaps over you. He moves off, dashing by Pesmer, unless the AoO lands and stops him! "So long, suckers!" he shouts as he departs.
Thug 6 stands up and yells, "Come back here you coward!"
Thug 4 moves next to Stohp and Thug 5. Acrobatics check to move in Grease: 17 A-OK. Attack on Stohp: 17 beats AC16 [double check AC reduced?] hitting Stohp for 5 nonlethal.
Thug 5 takes a swing at Stohp too, but with a cover penalty. He hits AC22, or 18 after the penalty, enough to whap Stohp. Stohp suffers 6 more nonlethal damage!
Thug 3 takes a swing at Zander, hitting AC20 for 4 nonlethal to Z.
Thug 6 bellows, "Yeah, you got one of us with a lucky shot, and you scared away a coward, but the rest of us will take you all on! The terrain favors us, you kiddie killers."
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18. Touch AC13.
Thug 1: -28 lethal DOWN Thug 2: -14 lethal Thug 3: -5 lethal, -3 nonlethal Thug 4: -4 lethal, disarmed Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: -3 lethal =====
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d20+4=17 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2016 10:17:31 AM
"Your friend will live, provided the rest of you don't abandon him. I healed him myself, and while I have no desire to kill anyone today, we will stop you from beating that old guy, even if he deserves it." He drives this point home by pressing his attack, but the thug's position is just too well protected.
Wincing in pain as the two thugs pound her back, Stohp surprises the thug in front of her with a well placed strike (AoO 21 to hit, 0 damage(I rolled the wrong dice repeatedly)). Now caught in a bad position, Stohp abandons offense in favor of defending herself until Micah finishes the thug (total defense, +4 dodge to AC 1 round, can't make AoO for next round).
HELP! - Round 11 (DM Cayzle) Wednesday April 13th, 2016 12:49:34 PM
OOC RETCONJURATION: Thug 4 is disarmed, so did not hit Stohp, but tripped her instead.
ALSO, an attack that hits for zero damage actually inflicts 1 hp nonlethal damage. So update damage done too please.
Sorry!
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+4=16 ; d8+6=14 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2016 1:25:38 PM "Keep fighting if you want to get hurt. As I've been saying from the start, just stand down.", Zander follows up his statement with an example (Attack 16 vs. AC 16 hits for 14 lethal damage) laying into Thug 3 with a well landed slash.
(I'm going to keep rolls from before, and I hit for 0 last round so thug 4 should have an extra point of non-lethal for a total of 2 non-lethal as of this attack)
As she falls to the ground, Stohp lashes out at the fleeing thug (AoO, 17 to hit for 0, becomes 1 non-lethal). Knowing that she's vulnerable, but standing would allow her opponents to all pummel her, she curls up and covers herself as best she can (Total defense, +4 Ac cannot make AoOs), hoping to endure the assault until Micah finishes the thug and she can roll away.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMD: 14 d20+5=12 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2016 4:03:27 PM
Martisan winces slightly as Zander's sword hews into the foremost thug. Gotta find a happy medium with these holy warriors. She thinks grimly while lining up another shot, aiming at the apparent leader this time. "Sounds like things aren't going real great for your boys on the other side, either. Put down your weapons, and we can still end this with civility."
[Readied action shoot Thug 6 if they don't put down their weapons (that'd be a miss).]
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 d20+13=19 ; d8+2=8 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2016 8:08:41 PM
[b]"Not so fast there, Skippy!" exclaims Micah as he shoves his hammer up into the thug trying to leap over him. Micah winces a little bit as he realizes where the hammer caught his foe.
He then leaps up and moves behind Stohp.
[Superhero point +16 before role! -2 shaken, -4 prone]
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Wednesday April 13th, 2016 8:13:59 PM
Pesmer blinks at Thug 2 rubs towards and past him, rather in awe of how acrobatic this fellow seems to be. Dropping his wand onto the ground, Pesmer's small body whirls around to face the retreating bandit. "Never turn your back on a wizard!" Extending out his now free hand, a multitude of colors sprays out from his finger tips as they engulf the retreating thug. Once the spell hits, Pesmer five foot steps forward towards the thug with quarterstaff in both hands.
(Pesmer drops his wand as a free action, casts color spray as a standard then five foot steps into square N4 which is adjacent to thug 2, quarterstaff in both hands now.
The DC is will save 15 to avoid the color spray.
2 Hit Dice or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round.
3 or 4 HDThe creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.
5 or more HDThe creature is stunned for 1 round.
You can roll the turns blinded and stunned and such if he fails since you know their HD. Such an awesome but complicated spell when you don't know HD...)
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15(9)/15 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 CMD: 19 d20+6=21 ; Wednesday April 13th, 2016 10:48:08 PM
Fully aware that she has lost most of her intimidating prowess, Agrippa will attempt to feint; winding her arm as if she's about to throw her sap at thug3 (Bluff = 21).
HELP! - Round 12 (DM Cayzle) d20=10 [fails save vs spray]; d20+5=13 [miss S]; d20+6=15 [mis S]; Thursday April 14th, 2016 9:51:04 AM
Martisan calls for the thugs to put their weapons down and readies a missile attack in case they do not.
K attacks, and almost hits! Stupid wall in the way!
Stohp, prone after being tripped, does not like facing two-on-one. She goes into full defense mode, at least countering the penalty for being prone.
Micah makes a heroic attack on Thug 2 as he leaps over the prone cleric. He lands a sound blow, and the thug emits a shrill sound of his own, as he takes 8 damage. Thug 2 staggers on, past Pesmer, who has his hands full of staff and wand and cannot take advantage of the chance to strike at the passing thug.
This round, Micah stands from prone and moves up to Stohp.
Pesmer puts away his wand, casts his color spray at fleeing Thug 2, and then grips his staff as he advances five feet. Thug 2 is blind and stunned!
Agrippa startles Thug 3 with her feint.
Zanderallen makes a palpable hit on the already twice-wounded Thug 3, hitting for 14 damage, all lethal! That's gotta hurt!
=====
Thug 1 is down and stable and out of combat.
Thug 2 is blind and stunned.
Thug 3, badly hurt, uses the withdraw action to back up behind his boss. "Froggie, we gotta do like they says. There's too much blood. Too much of MY blood! Look, he half-gutted me!" He drops his sap.
Thug 6 backs up a step and lowers his sap -- still in his hand -- to knee level. "Look, take the old fool, let's just go on our way," he says in a slimy sort of conciliatory manner. "We gotta get our people to the healer. You boys and girls play too rough. You want justice? All our blood on the street, and none of it yours, that's justice."
Thugs 4 and 5, unaware of events around the corner, attack Stohp. Thug 4 kicks at her, hitting AC13, a miss. Thug 5 hits AC15, also a miss.
=====
The Thugs are AC16 and CMD18. Touch AC13.
Thug 1: -28 lethal DOWN Thug 2: -22 lethal, -2 nonlethal, blind, stunned Thug 3: -19 lethal, -3 nonlethal Thug 4: -4 lethal, disarmed Thug 5: uninjured Thug 6: -3 lethal
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Thursday April 14th, 2016 10:12:15 AM
"We responded to violence with violence. We didn't resort to it. You were offered many chances to stand down."
K sheathes his rapier, then retrieves his bow. "Your friend that I shot needs immediate aid. I can heal him more if you'll stow your weapons and move out of this alley."
Stohp rolls away quickly, before the thugs can land a hit on her, all the way behind Micah (withdraw to space behind Micah).
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury Thursday April 14th, 2016 2:00:01 PM
Zanderallen sheathes his sword and moves to retrieve his shield.
"As K said, put away the weapons and move out of the alley. Several of us possess healing abilities and if you cooperate we can help the sting of some of those wounds.", Zanderallen resists the urge to go teach "Froggie" some manners and tries to keep his tone civil, though he is a little bruised and winded from the poundings he's taken.
He then addresses the old man, a hard edge to his voice, "And if what they say about you owning somebody money is true then we all have some talking to do."
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 21 | T:14 | FF:18 | CMD: 14 d20+7=18 ; Thursday April 14th, 2016 4:05:25 PM
Martisan nods, slipping the arrow back into her quiver and pulling her shortbow back across her shoulder. "No, it doesn't seem quite as 'just' when you're the one taking the beating. I'm sorry it's such a hard-earned lesson. As they said, if you boys stay a moment we can stop the worst of your bleeding and patch you up a bit. 'Old One-Eye' definitely has some explaining to do; maybe some debts to settle. But no matter how right you think you are in beating the old man for his dues, I strongly suggest you reconsider the path 'Froggie' here is leading you down." Martisan motions to the area containing the thugs' dropped weapons and spilt blood, before turning to the leader of the street gang.
"We aren't gonna stop you from taking your people to a healer, but The Silver Shield won't permit these kind of 'negotiations' on Lakeview, or anywhere on The Fence, any longer. Put your weapons away; you're gonna be carrying a man or two - unless we can help get you all back on your feet." (Diplomacy 18).
This isn't the way to handle small disputes like this. Martisan thinks, despite her outward confidence in the group's actions. If we hadn't resorted to lethal measures like we did, we might not have stopped these thugs, but nearly killing someone to stop a mugging is too close for my taste. This hero gig is turning out to be harder than I thought..
[Move action stow shortbow; standard action Diplomacy, mostly trying to persuade them to stay to be healed.]
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 d20+3=20 ; d8+2=6 ; Thursday April 14th, 2016 9:54:58 PM
Unaware that the battle is resolving itself around the corner, Micah boldly steps up to cover his ally as she withdraws. He swings his hammer striking this new target soundly, shouting as he does so, "Stand down! Stand down! Do not make me pulverize you any more, because if that is what it takes to stop your villainy, I will!"
[Hit AC20 for 6 points lethal]
HELP! - I Need Somebody! (DM Cayzle) Thursday April 14th, 2016 10:38:18 PM
Stohp rolls back out of danger, behind Micah.
Then Micah strikes the last blow of the fight.
Martisan, Zanderallen, and K set a good example, puts away weapons, and call for a time out.
Agrippa and Pesmer refrain from attacking.
As the fight ends, people start emerging from doorways. Some gawk, some go about their business.
Limping and bleeding, the leader wearing the cap calls out, "Come on, Jacks, it's time to vamoose."
Frog tips his cap but politely declines the offer of healing. The thugs gather their unconscious and their blind and begin to stagger deeper into the Fence Level.
Groaning a bit, the prone victim slowly rolls out of the Grease and stands. If his clothes were not filthy, you might call him well-dressed. He gathers his long dark overcoat around himself and stoops to pick up a rounded bowler hat.
But the remarkable thing about him is that he has only one eye, like a cyclops!
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Friday April 15th, 2016 9:16:42 AM
Panting outright, Pesmer makes no effort to hide his tired form as he has spent most of his magical energies within this fight. Who knew a small group of thugs could be so rough. Seeing the lot of bandits gathering their wounded and hoping off, the wizard will make no effort to give chase but he will peer at the leaders face a moment to try and memorize it.
Turning back to the old male who picks himself up, he watches with curiosity as he notices the male only has one eye. Wandering into the alleyway after retrieving his dropped wand of reduce person, he stows the wand away as he speaks. "The names Pesmer. You alright, Sir? They seemed keen on beating you even while you were down." He wasn't all that great with healing so he would leave it to the professionals to check up on the man's physical wounds.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 (6 non-lethal) AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Friday April 15th, 2016 9:45:17 AM
Stohp stands up, clutching bruised ribs. Leaning up against a wall she groans; that was exhausting! Less then 2 minutes fighting and it felt like 2 weeks. She's not sure what's going on, but everyone seems to be putting down weapons and walking away so the others must have made a deal.
As the shrink spell wears off she resigns herself to standing in the cramped alley so she can at least overhear the conversation with the victim.
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20+8=27 ; Friday April 15th, 2016 10:23:54 AM
K's eyes begin to widen as he sees the man's one eye, but he immediately hears his mother's voice chiding "everyone deserves love, K" in his head.
He grips the man's shoulder, letting some positive energy flow into him to take care of the bruises (4 non-lethal healed). He says nothing. He's trained in the art of diplomacy, but just from being around Martisan he knows there are people here more skilled with words than he is.
He instead goes to the front door of the clothier shop to apologize to the shop owner.
***
Diplomacy: 27 - apologize to the shop owner for their behavior, letting them know the Silver Shield is there to protect this area, not terrorize it.
Also, he feels it's right to inform her that he's not yet a member, but that he did what he did to save a man from a beating. Paladin's code and all that...
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury Friday April 15th, 2016 12:45:00 PM
Zanderallen looks after the departing Jacks, hoping they haven't made lasting enemies and wishing they could have talked it out. 'Atleast we they'll all live from their wounds. And we saved their victim. I really wish we could hear their side of the story regarding his debt though.'
Seeing K head over to the clothier he leaves that to the capable paladin, 'He handles himself well, if he keeps this up I'd let him join the Shield', Zander thinks to himself.
Now to deal with the one-eyed man, "Glad to see you back on your feet, sir. I'm Zanderallen of the Silver Shield, and these are my companions. Things got a little rough back there, do you know why the Jacks were after you?"
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Friday April 15th, 2016 4:03:11 PM
Micah is nonplussed at seeing the collective Silver Shield let these thugs walk away with no more consequences than their wounds.
He exhales slowly, shakes his head, then returns his hammer to his belt and his shield to his back.
Before he can minister to the victim's wounds, K steps in to provide healing, so he looks to the others' health. Seeing nothing but bumps and bruises that will heal on there own soon enough, he withholds any further treatment while keeping an eye for an injury he may have overlooked.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+10=15 ; Friday April 15th, 2016 4:57:17 PM
Martisan watches the gang slump off, wary but far from hateful. She wishes the interaction could've gone differently, but is satisfied that no one was killed and the old man was saved. She dismisses the grease spell as the fight ends, and lets her magically increased speed run it's course.
"That was some first shot you took." She says to K, nodding to the young man with a faint smile. "You held our backs out here, and definitely showed that you can handle yourself." Martisan shrugs, as if to say that despite his obvious good marks, the question of K's membership in the Silver Shield is still a decision for later. "Not a bad thing to bring up later, if you want, after we sort things out here."
She nods as K apologizes to the disgruntled shop owner and listens in as Zander begins questioning the old man, alert for any hidden information he might reveal through tone or posture (Sense Motive 15 for the old man's tale).
HELP! - Not Just Anybody! (DM Cayzle) Friday April 15th, 2016 6:28:55 PM
Pesmer thinks he will recognize these "Jack Trippers" if their paths cross again.
Stohp stands and listens. She hears the old man mutter, "What a mess I've made."
Pesmer introduces himself to the old one-eye man, asking after his health. “I’m fine ... I’m fine,” he says.
K grips the man helpfully and heals him. The man tips his round hat but waves off any further healing.
K takes the hint and goes off to mollify the shopkeeper, who responds well to his explanations. "Huh. New adventurers on the Fence. And from the neighborhood? Huh."
Zander notes these efforts approvingly.
Turning to the old man, he says, "I'm Zanderallen of the Silver Shield." The man nods and says, "The name's Matheus Underwood. Pleased to meetcha!" He offers a handshake to all and sundry.
Zanderallen asks why the "jacks" were after him. He sighs. “Excuse the turmoil I made, friends,” Matheus says.
Martisan, watching, deduces that he is still in quite a bit of pain.
Zander prompts him again for an explanation, but before Matheus can answer, a friend of his pushes through the surrounding crowd and angrily answers for him. “They came to collect on your gambling debts! You need to stop gambling at the Turtle Races. You got lucky that that this group of adventurers came by.”
Matheus scowls. "Lucky! Lucky! Wardd doesn’t understand what he does to people. Eldritch, having something you are passionate about creates its own luck!"
Eldritch shakes his head. "Not this old argument! You should still be thanking these young people!"
"Well, we agree on that!" the one-eyed gent makes sure to greet each of you, hear your name, and thank you.
In addition. he says, “You should join me at the Gold level. You know about the famous turtle races up there? In the Diamond Midway, praise the Goddess.”
“Mathieus!” scolds Edlritch.
"Well at least let me take you to the coffeehouse." His eyes light up. "I'll tell your fortunes!"
A group of 12 men and women in armor and carrying nets and saps arrive on the scene. They want to know what happened. Bystanders fill them in, and they look at the blood on the road and at your weapons. They want to see your adventuring license, and they want to know why you let the thugs get away, They wear the insignia of a turtle carrying a vase on its back.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 (6 non-lethal) AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Friday April 15th, 2016 8:13:17 PM
Stohp pulls out her license scowling, not really at the questions but rather at the reminder of how badly the situation went in general. Taking a deep breath, she schools her expression and answers civilly.
"Because in our zealousness to render aid we badly wounded several of them and they needed immediate medical aid. If you feel a near death experience isn't enough punishment to teach them a lesson, they went that way in search of a healer. I'm certain you can catch up with four bleeding men carrying two others."
Ok, somewhat civilly. It hasn't been a good day for her and her ribs still hurt.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+7=9 ; Sunday April 17th, 2016 1:20:48 PM
Seeing the armed group approach, Martisan grips her sheathed weapons, but relaxes as the newcomers' official nature becomes evident.
(K:Local 9 to recognize the turtle insignia)
Martisan nods soberly at Stohp's explanation, slowly rotating her shoulder and massaging the bruise forming there. "We've dubbed ourselves the Silver Shield; new adventurers on the Fence, here." The halfling motions down the street toward the group's warehouse, "We recently rented a building down Lakeview that we're using as a base of operations - my slightly bothered, bovine friend here put it right - we were a little... eager.. in our desire to stop the unexpected trouble in our own neighborhood, and after we pricked them a bit deeper than we intended, decided to let the ruffians off with their unfortunately grievous wounds as punishment."
Martisan gazes up unflinchingly at the patrol, not quite defiant, but daring the group to push the question of the Silver Shield's jurisdiction and judgment. "I'm sure Old Matheus is grateful he didn't have to wait for a rescue, and the 'Jacks,' as they called themselves, would probably have been happier for the delay as well, with a less painful getaway." She shrugs impishly, waving again in the direction the thugs left. "I doubt they'll be eager to come back around here, and it'll be a while before they trouble anyone at all, even if they haven't learned their lesson. Like she said, you can go after them if you want."
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 d20+5=16 ; Sunday April 17th, 2016 11:10:02 PM "I believe they are called the Jack Trippers. They are bent on tripping people, as their name implies. I admit we probably shouldn't have let them escape.. But both sides were wounded and we decided to tend to their victim here. (Diplomacy 16 to the group that has approached our characters.)
Pesmer does his best to help explain the situation while showing off his adventuring license to the group. "Who are you, by the way? He asks the groups leader.
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Monday April 18th, 2016 10:20:37 AM
K thanks the shopkeeper for her understanding. "We'll do our best not to make a habit of this." He looks around the shop briefly, seeing if it's someplace he'd be interested in spending some coin in the future. Hardly time for a shopping trip now.
He heads back to find the his new companions explaining the situation to some official looking folk. That's when he realizes that technically, he's not covered by their adventuring license.
"You could just keep your mouth shut, K. They're not asking to see individual credentials here.
"Yea, but would that be right? A lie of omission is still a lie."
K sighs. Sometimes being a paladin was a real pain. He clears his throat to get some attention. "Probably should say that I'm still petitioning this group for membership and may not be covered under that license. I saw someone getting beaten and felt the need to jump into action. Made the right decision by my goddess, but maybe not by your laws."
Then, he stops talking and waits to see what happens next.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15(9)/15 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 CMD: 19 d20+6=10 ; Monday April 18th, 2016 7:25:38 PM
Agrippa takes note of every word as Mathieus and his friend speak, and when the guards arrive, she lets the party do the talking.
Agrippa will also try to get a good look at the friend of Matiheus, named Edlritch; clothes, race, any symbols they may hold (Perception = 10).
Glancing to K, Martisan nods and relaxes slightly. "I believe we should be allowed to vouch for the lad. He made a good showing today. I also traveled with the group, then unnamed, for a time before joining myself." She shrugs again, smiling, and flashes the closest turtle-guard a wink. "The Jack Tripper Gang will likely factor into our plans over the next few days. We did hurt them badly, and a check-in would probably be in order."
She opens her mouth as if to say more, but hides it with a smile and a glance to Stohp.
"This mess has actually interrupted our plans for the day, and raises other questions besides. If you folks don't mind, we do have other business in The Float."
Don't need everybody knowing we're looking into the Hands of Love. She reflects, remembering Stohp's warning about being more cautious. She turns to Pesmer, whose own question was still unanswered.
HELP! (DM Mstitt) Monday April 18th, 2016 9:28:43 PM
“There are several issues here,” the largest of the group says as he squeezes into the center past Stohp. He takes the license, reads it and passes it back.
He listens to the Minotaur.
"Because in our zealousness to render aid we badly wounded several of them and they needed immediate medical aid. If you feel a near death experience isn't enough punishment to teach them a lesson, they went that way in search of a healer. I'm certain you can catch up with four bleeding men carrying two others."
“One, you are in a tight situation here. I don’t mean to squeeze you but with Caeroldra as my witness you took those Jack Trip guys out with some passion. That passion is commendable but Caeroldra guards prefer to deal any fatal blows from now on. Luckily, there were now.” The guard attempted to give Stohp a high five.
The Sergeant of Guards then turned his attention to Martisan.
"We've dubbed ourselves the Silver Shield; new adventurers on the Fence, here." The halfling motions down the street toward the group's warehouse, "We recently rented a building down Lakeview that we're using as a base of operations - my slightly bothered, bovine friend here put it right - we were a little... eager.. in our desire to stop the unexpected trouble in our own neighborhood, and after we pricked them a bit deeper than we intended, decided to let the ruffians off with their unfortunately grievous wounds as punishment." (OOC: I believe the knowledge check failed.) “You all must be new here, welcome to the Float… that out of the way don’t ever apologize for the passion you display. It should be celebrated not apologized away.” His face sank into a dour expression of frustration but quickly bounced back.
"I'm sure Old Matheus is grateful he didn't have to wait for a rescue, and the 'Jacks,' as they called themselves, would probably have been happier for the delay as well, with a less painful getaway."She shrugs impishly, waving again in the direction the thugs left. "I doubt they'll be eager to come back around here, and it'll be a while before they trouble anyone at all, even if they haven't learned their lesson. Like she said, you can go after them if you want."
“Ah, you met ole One Eye. Matheus, you have yourself in a constricted situation. He then laughed. He is entertaining himself with the jabs at the tight space. “I’m surprised they let you leave old Octopus Gardens.”
The Sergeant then turns to Pesmer and listens "I believe they are called the Jack Trippers. They are bent on tripping people, as their name implies. I admit we probably shouldn't have let them escape.. But both sides were wounded and we decided to tend to their victim here. “Yeah, I know of the Jack Trippers. They are a group of hooligans working for a bookie named Shredds.”
“Who are we? We are the officers of Caeroldra. We enforce all things beautiful and full of passion.”
The shopkeeper holds in a bit of angst but he accepts the apology. The shop holds some clothes. Nothing interesting stands out. (OOC:I believe a Perception rolls will reveal further details :) )
K admits, "Probably should say that I'm still petitioning this group for membership and may not be covered under that license. I saw someone getting beaten and felt the need to jump into action. Made the right decision by my goddess, but maybe not by your laws."
“Oh… oh!” Said the sergeant. “Not a member of these wonderfully passionate individuals. What should we do?” He looks to the other guards but then replies. “I think I can squeeze in some compassion.” He laughed again and began to walk away.
Martisan added "I believe we should be allowed to vouch for the lad. He made a good showing today. I also traveled with the group, then unnamed, for a time before joining myself." She shrugs again, smiling, and flashes the closest turtle-guard a wink."The Jack Tripper Gang will likely factor into our plans over the next few days. We did hurt them badly, and a check-in would probably be in order."
"This mess has actually interrupted our plans for the day, and raises other questions besides. If you folks don't mind, we do have other business in The Float."
Agrippa tries to figure Mathieus out but his is a simple gentlemen. Nothing special outside of the single eye and a pension for promising predictions.
“Please don’t let us get in your way.” The sargent collects the others and they begin to head toward where the others went.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+9=18 ; Monday April 18th, 2016 10:27:05 PM
Zanderallen takes a look at thee guards and how the locals defer to them in explaining the situation, 'Guardsmen, better make sure we don't ruffle any feathers.
"Glad to see you good guardsmen and women. While it might have been best to detained the Jack Trippers we weren't in the best position to stop them from leaving. While we had managed to wound several of them the fight could have still gone either way if hostilities were resumed. We made the best of the situation to attend to the man they were assailing. We can give a full account and description of those involved including the names they called each other if you wish to start an investigation. As for K here, while not technically covered by our adventuring license he is on probation to join our ranks and I would extend him the privileges of membership until such a time as he is confirmed as a full member or we decide to part ways. If there is anything we can do to help you please let us know.", Zanderallen addresses the guards as a group until one presents them self as being in charge at which point he defers his attention to them. He is trying his best to keep peace and not step on official toes while defending the party's actions. (Diplomacy 18)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Monday April 18th, 2016 11:20:48 PM
Micah, by not having said anything in opposition, tacitly agreed with the others' decision to let the thugs depart, and no he sticks with it. Having nothing more to add to what the others have said, he remains silent again.
He does, however, step forward moving protectively in front of K, nodding in agreement with Martisan's and Zanderallen's statements regarding him.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Tuesday April 19th, 2016 4:10:11 AM
As the sargent takes his group and leaves, Pesmer lets out a sigh of relief as he turns back to his friends and such. "Well.. What now?" He asks the group as he lets out a tired huff. It was a very tiring fight after all.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 (6 non-lethal) AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 d20+17=23 ; d20+1=9 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+6=16 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2016 5:47:47 AM "Now I follow them..." Stohp says quietly, pulling out her Hat of Disguise. "They mentioned Caeroldra, those guys are Hands of Love. " (religion 9? she specifically looked up this information so shouldn't require check)
Slipping on her hat and taking on the appearance of a Male Minotaur laborer, Stohp moves to the edge of the alley and watches them go. (Disguise check 23 so they won't recognize her, perception 16 to track the large group). Once they are far enough ahead (20 feet) Stohp steps out and tries to blend with the crowd, following without being noticed (Stealth? 9).
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Tuesday April 19th, 2016 10:23:58 AM
K's temper flares when these jerks mention Caeroldra. Forming a city watch not to keep peace, but to engage in violence while never leaving the comforts of a city? Typical.
He breathes in, then out. He finds his center. He calms his passions. He will not fly into battle at their behest. These folks are the tip of an iceberg, he tells himself.
He likes Stohp's idea. He'll have to trust her to do what she does and see where she goes. He still wants to talk to that alchemist. He imagines he knows the Hand's MO more than the rest of the party
"Thanks for the vote of confidence back there," he says to the rest of the Shields. "We still need to see that Alchemist about his daughter, and the fewer people trailing those guys the better." He stops short of recommending an actual plan of action, hoping the Shields see the wisdom in what he's suggesting and act accordingly.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+10=17 ; d20+10=16 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2016 1:57:53 PM
Martisan laughs softly as Stohp magically assumes a disguise and begins trailing the guard patrol.
"It seems we may have run into the fellows we were originally planning to look for." She whispers loud enough for her companions to hear, targeting Stohp and Agrippa with a spell. (Message, 20 minutes; whisper short messages & receive replies). "We were gonna go to the palace and ask about the followers of Caeroldra that registered themselves as adventurers, remember?" She says to Pesmer, nodding toward the receding guard patrol.
"They called themselves 'Officers of Caeroldra,' but from the sounds of it, I agree they're probably connected to the Hands of Love. K's right - If we're gonna follow them, we need to be careful." She looks between the party's Half-Elf wizard and the Half-Orc rogue. "Here's your opportunity for some skulking, Agrippa, if you want to look for the potion-maker's daughter another time. Pesmer, I think this one might be less your tune than carpet rides with pretty ladies in the Open Air." She gives her flashy friend a wink. "Of course, you're more than welcome to sneak about, so long as you promise not to give us away with those pyrotechnic displays of yours."
With that, the halfling bounds after the disguised Stohp, making no effort to change her own appearance, but using the corners, doorways and general commotion of the street to keep herself hidden from the guards' view. She keeps the guards and Stohp at the edge of her sight, staying as far back as she can without losing them (Stealth 17, Perception 16).
Help! -- So Much Younger Than Today (DM Mstitt) Tuesday April 19th, 2016 7:38:33 PM
Zanderallen treats the other group with diplomatic tact. He seems to have earned the Silver Shield a modicum of respect, judging by the way the leader nods when he turns to go.
Zander and Micah both make it clear that they consider K to be a part of the Silver Shields, and he is not to be considered in violation of anything.
K assumes that these so-called "officers" are roaming about with the goal of engaging in violence for its own sake. And that makes him mad.
Martisan and Stohp head off in stealthy pursuit of the Caeroldra-devotees. After a few blocks, no one has seen any sign of the tricksy Jacks. They have clearly slipped away.
Stohp hears a young woman ask the leader, "Ugh, how long are we going to keep on this wild goose chase? They could be anywhere." The leader replies, "I know Brizzie. But we did our best, so we have to be content. There will be miscreants to discipline another day." Stohp says quietly, "They mentioned Caeroldra, those guys are Hands of Love. " The group of officers maybe the Hands of Love. Stohp gets a confirmation when one of the officers drops a leaflet for a special event at the Octopus Gardens. The leaflet has different colored turtles over a figure eight. The text talks about the event and “special prizes” from the Hands of Love.”
Martisan overhears a young man in the vigilante group ask an older woman, a veteran by the look of her scuffed armor, "Why were the criminals all cut and bleeding but those guys weren’t?" The older, war-worn woman answers, "The criminals know that the city frowns on bloodshed, so they keep it soft in case they get caught. But the Float doesn’t care who you kill if you are a registered adventuring group."
The vigilantes give up the chase, and they disperse, some to one direction, other to another. Martisan and Stohp return to the party.
Pesmer wants to know what's next.
Mathieus waited till the splintered group came back together. “I’m so glad you came back,” he said with a large smile. “Master Mathieus would like to invite your group for a cup of coffee. A little thanks for the help.” Mathieus’s companion Edlritch speaks up.
"Please, It would do him a favor to take him up on the offer," says Mathias's friend to you, whispering. "It'll keep him out of the betting dens for a little while."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury Tuesday April 19th, 2016 10:16:15 PM "I don't know if we have the time right now as we have an appointment we need to get to, but I'm sure we could meet with you later to enjoy a cup. We had better get going to meet with our alchemist friend and take care of our other business.", Zanderallen says to his companions and Mathieus.
Once he learns of the identity of those he thought to be guards he regrets his extreme tact. But reasons it's probably best they have no reason to be suspicious of them. He also appreciates K's apparent ability to restrain himself in not shooting one of them through the heart upon hearing them announce themselves as agents of Caeroldra.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Tuesday April 19th, 2016 10:22:11 PM
Pesmer decided to wait with Mathias and his friend Edlritch. He wasn't much for the ol' cloak and dagger bit. When everyone returns, he welcomes them back before replying to Mathias and his friends offer. "A cup of coffee sounds delightful. I say we take him up on the offer, friends."
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 d20+6=17 ; Tuesday April 19th, 2016 10:32:40 PM
Micah makes note of their insignia and their words (Knowledge Religion 17).
Before they step away, being more comfortable with his fellow disciple, he whispers to Zanderallen, "Does your sense tell you there is evil in their hearts?"
When Malthieus makes his offer he replies, "Dear sir, we would be honored to accept your hospitality and, perhaps, hear more of your story. I, for one, would like to know how those guards know you and what this Octopus Garden is they mentioned? I regret to add that we do have business to attend to and cannot tarry long."
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Tuesday April 19th, 2016 10:33:06 PM
(continuation as I hadn't seen Zander's post)
Turning to Zanderallen as he speaks of maybe doing tea later, Pesmer replies. "Good point, Zanderallen. Maybe we could have that coffee tonight. A good dinner to end the evening."
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Wednesday April 20th, 2016 10:11:02 AM
K stands by silently. He's eager to speak with that alchemist, but it seems that's where the party's headed anyway.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 (6 non-lethal) AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Wednesday April 20th, 2016 12:17:57 PM
Stohp returns, a little annoyed that the Hands split up without leading her to their headquarters. Taking off her hat and resuming her normal appearance, she shows the group the flyer so they can all read about the event. "We might want to attend this, see what they're up to. At the very least the crowds will give us an opportunity to snoop around some without being noticed."
(You didn't actually tell us anything about what the flyer says; a day/time would be nice to plan our actions!)
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 15(9)/15 AC: 20.(t)17.(ff)13 CMD: 19 Wednesday April 20th, 2016 1:32:20 PM
Glad that the guards were "compassionate" towards our circumstances, Agrippa breathes a sigh of relief. She will be a while before the guard doesn't scare her.
Agrippa nods, with the intent to gather information from a willing Mathieus. "Coffee though? As long as they serve 'taters too~"
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+7=26 ; Wednesday April 20th, 2016 2:26:28 PM
Rejoining the others, Martisan drops her pack in the corner by the old man and quickly digs out her journal and a quill. "All this excitement? Sure, I could relax with a cup of coffee. Hope you don't mind if I take a few notes while we talk." She gives the old men a wink before casting a brief spell on the quill, which magically produces purplish ink as she begins to note the already eventful day. (Prestidigitation, 1 hour; cool little magic effects). "I'll have to go over it later with real ink," she says with a shrug, "But it beats messing with the jar right now."
"You all go ahead and meet with the alchemist; we can meet up later for dinner. Matthieus, you said this little shop of yours was in Octopus Gardens?" Martisan turns to Stohp, indicating the flier she found. "Was there a date on there? Either way, it could be a good chance to scope out the neighborhood; those 'Officers' mentioned it as well, sounded like they're pretty familiar, might be from around there."
(Knowledge: Local 26 regarding 'Octopus Gardens')
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Wednesday April 20th, 2016 9:37:10 PM "I will stay with you, Martisan," says Micah. He prepares to join them and whoever else decides not to visit the alchemist. He suspects there may be more to Matthieus and the Hands than they yet knows and is glad to see that Martisan is also wanting to chase down this possible new lead.
Help! -- I'll Follow the Sun (DM Mstitt) Wednesday April 20th, 2016 9:45:13 PM
Zanderallen thinks now is not the time to drink tea. The distraction is unnecessary when the group has other business with an alchemist.
Mathieus smiles and listens.
The others come back from there scouting trip. Pesmer says, "A cup of coffee sounds delightful. I say we take him up on the offer, friends." then he agrees to Zanderallen’s point and suggests they have tea later in the day.
Micah makes a note of the insignia and any other clues. He also confirms that they are Hands of Love but he whispers a question to Zanderallen. "Does your sense tell you there is evil in their hearts?"
(OOC: I don’t see a roll for sense evil)
After a moment of silence Micah accepts the offer for tea with the condition that Mathieus answer a couple questions about the guards and Octopus Gardens. Mathieus’s single eye lights up at the mention of Octopus Gardens and he smiles. His companion steps in and speaks for him.
“We would be more than happy to answer your questions.”
“Yes.. yes,” Mathieus adds. “What’s better than a comfortable seat and a cup of tea.”
Stohp stomps back to the others and reveals the flyer.
"We might want to attend this, see what they're up to. At the very least the crowds will give us an opportunity to snoop around some without being noticed."
Agrippa sighs and is thankful the guards were compassionate. She tentatively agrees to the coffee as long as it has ‘taters’
Martisan digs out her journal and a quill. Just before she adds a spell to the quill she adds, "All this excitement? Sure, I could relax with a cup of coffee. Hope you don't mind if I take a few notes while we talk."
Mathieus’s single eye focuses on Martisan. “That is a neat trick,” he says with excitement. "I'll have to go over it later with real ink," she says with a shrug, "But it beats messing with the jar right now."
"You all go ahead and meet with the alchemist; we can meet up later for dinner. Mathieus, you said this little shop of yours was in Octopus Gardens?" Martisan turns to Stohp, indicating the flier she found. "Was there a date on there? Either way, it could be a good chance to scope out the neighborhood; those 'Officers' mentioned it as well, sounded like they're pretty familiar, might be from around there."
Mathieus looks at the others. His eye examines them all individually. He then explains, with a giggle, that the Octopus Gardens is certainly not in his shop. “Octopus Gardens is the turtle races, sillies. The Hands of Love have the stadium all week. There is no need to worry about time.” Says the strangely giddy Seer. His companion adds that the Gardens are a stadium complex blessed with magic. “It’s where this old man spends all his gold and gets into trouble. If you wonderful adventurers still want to stop in for tea. I’m sure Mathieus give you a few predictions. Outside of the store he gets a bit distracted. The Broken Shack, is only a couple blocks away.”
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Thursday April 21st, 2016 7:11:07 AM "Stadium.. Of magic?" Pesmer didn't know if the man spoke truth about such a magical sounding place but it certainly did catch his attention. "I think.. I shall be joining you for tea, good sir. Predictions and tea to sooth my aching bones sounds lovely." Pesmer was hoping he could learn more about the octopus garden's and maybe the group could use Mathieus to get in or at the very least learn about the ins and outs of the place.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 (6 non-lethal) AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Thursday April 21st, 2016 1:34:17 PM
Stohp is starting to get impatient at the discussion and tries to get things organized. "Ok so lets orginize, who's doing what and going were now? Are a couple people staying for tea now, or are we all coming back later? I still plan to go investigate the Hands at the Office of Public Safety."
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Thursday April 21st, 2016 6:28:35 PM
"I'm going to see the alchemist about his daughter," is all K says.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury Thursday April 21st, 2016 8:16:55 PM "Let's stick with our original plan for the morning and then we can meet Mathieus for lunch or dinner. If everyone agrees let's head out.", and with that Zanderallen starts heading towards the alchemists house unless he hears an objection.
Once they are on the way Zander turns to Micah, "Sorry brother, I did not hear your request until the guards were already out of range of my gift. I am sure we will check a chance in the future to check for evil in their hearts."
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 Thursday April 21st, 2016 9:01:01 PM
Martisan raises an eyebrow as the old man excitedly describes the turtle races and mentions the Hands of Love in the same breath, with no sign of contempt or concern. "Ah." She says simply, scratching in her journal while Eldritch elaborates.
"I think it'd be good for us to keep the old man out of the gambling house tonight, as his friend suggested." Martisan whispers to her companions. "I fear these followers of Caeroldra may have a greater foothold in The Float than we first thought, and are up to much more than it originally seemed."
"Although there's undoubtedly more information to be had, I have no particular interest in visiting the alchemist myself. Our original plan had us splitting into two groups to find out what we can about this growing love cult - I don't see any reason we can't stick to that, or even split off a third group to follow up on more of these leads."
Martisan reaches her arm out toward Agrippa, stopping just before patting the Half-Orc. "Agrippa, if you'd make sure to find out everything you can about the Octopus Gardens and the Hands of Love's influence there, I'll keep Stohp company on her way to the records office." She says with a sheepish grin, putting away her journal and sticking her hands in her pockets. "Shouldn't take too long for a simple inquiry; we'll make our way back to the soothsayer's shack and join you for tea after we're done."
It's clear the halfling has questions for Matheus and his friend about the situation in Octopus Gardens, but would rather postpone her inquiries than have anyone in the party traveling alone through The Float.
Help! -- I'll Follow the Sun (DM Mstitt) Thursday April 21st, 2016 10:28:36 PM
Subject header: Come Together! Right Now!
Pesmer doesn’t quite know whether to believe the one-eyed man about the magic racetrack, but he looks forward to sitting and relaxing with a little tea. He hopes Mathieus will lead them in the right direction.
Stohp becomes impatient. She wants to seek out some source of authority. What would that be? The barracks of the city guard, one level up? “I still plan to go investigate the Hands at the Office of Public Safety," she says. [OOC: What’s that?]
K states he is going to see the alchemist.
Matheus watches with intense interest (a little more than somewhat amazed) as the group battles over what they want to do. [OOC: Your hard-working DMs will allow you all to split up and scatter to the winds if you like, but (A) is that wise, considering there are thugs and vigilantes wandering around in large armed groups? And (B) are you trying to make life harder for your poor DMs?]
Zanderallen seeks a compromise ... visit the alchemist, and agree to meet Mattheus at a later date. How does this reasonable suggestion strike the group?
Martisan suggests they split.
“Sounds like you guys are quite dedicated to finding the Hands of Love," comments the one-eyed man. "I would be happy to reserve a date for you later. I could certainly use a few more moments at the races.”
“Master, please,” pleads Eldrich.
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Thursday April 21st, 2016 11:07:28 PM
Micah sighs inwardly at the lack of consensus and decides to attempt to guide the group to a common plan, gesturing them to join him away from Mattheus and Eldrich.
"All, I think our plans have changed. First, these Jack Trippers are not a group to be trifled with and we should be careful to not be caught alone or outnumbered. Second, the Hands of Love seem to be more entrenched then we realized," at this he nods to Martisan, " and similarly could pose a threat to us if we do not stay united.,""Third, we have a new concern," nodding to Matheus as he makes this last statement.
"I propose, rather than splitting up, we go to the alchemist together while Matheus waits for our return in his shop. Then, rather than spend time visiting with him, we invite him with us to visit the Octopus Gardens so that we can get there sooner rather than later."
Raising his hand before he can be interrupted, Micah continues, "I realize he is a liability, but if we leave him alone he may go anyway and get or cause more trouble. I do think we should speak with him further; I feel he has more to tell us if we can coax it out of him. By inviting him along, perhaps he will share more of what he knows and he can be our guide as he has obviously been there before."
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Friday April 22nd, 2016 6:11:38 AM
Pesmer's head was starting to hurt with all of this going back and forth. "I like your plan, Micah. Let's do that." Pesmer throws his vote in for Micah's plan with all his muster.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury Friday April 22nd, 2016 7:44:03 PM "Sound wisdom Brother Micah. Let us proceed."
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Friday April 22nd, 2016 10:10:25 PM
K sees the wisdom in Micah's suggestion. "Ok," he says. "Sounds good to me too."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 (6 non-lethal) AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Friday April 22nd, 2016 10:44:32 PM
Stohp feels that their isn't really any risk to splitting up, but is more interesting in starting to move then arguing about it. "Fine."
HELP! - Not Just Anybody! (DM Cayzle) Saturday April 23rd, 2016 8:09:30 AM
Micah wisely seeks consensus on a common action. He proposes visiting the alchemist first, then the Octopus's Garden with Mattheus and Eldrich.
Pesmer, Zanderallen, K, and Stohp all clearly agree, and Agrippa and Martisan agree by not disagreeing!
You recall that the house of the alchemist from the time you hunted magical rats in the basement. Right on Dagger Point Road, then right down an alley to the house. You see something new right away -- on the door is a discreet placard that reads, "Rielbel Thalras, Purveyor of Potions." There is also a new knocker.
You knock, and a servant shows you in. The place has changed -- and for the better. There are new magical lanterns to keep it bright, and fresh flowers. No more reek of wine. You are shown into a sitting room, and greeted warmly by the alchemist.
And what a change! The last time you saw Riebel, he was an unshaven drunk in a bathrobe. Now his mage robes are clean and neat, and he looks very spiffy.
"Ah, my young friends. You may not know it, but you have inspired quite a reversal for me. Rather than mope around and drink, I have decided to take action and improve my life -- and hopefully my daughter's as well."
He engages you in some small talk, asking what you have done recently. He says he is hearing stories ...
As for him, as you can see, he is restarting his business. And he has a favor to ask of you. He wants to find his daughter, kidnap her from the cult she is in, and bring her home to him.
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Saturday April 23rd, 2016 11:48:45 AM
K looks sideways at the alchemist. He was all for rescuing maidens, but kidnapping? Even from The Hand, that was asking a lot of a paladin.
"How old is your daughter, sir?" Is all he asks for the moment.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 14/14 AC:13/13/11 Saturday April 23rd, 2016 2:42:40 PM "I am glad to hear you have turned your troubles around. You and this place look rather professional."
Pesmer will shake the Alchemist's hands before sitting and chatting with the rest.
"While I agree that if she needs saving, we shall do all we can to help, I think kidnapping isn't exactly the best option. We would need to find out how deep within this cult she has willingly embedded herself in and if she truly wants to be saved. If we kidnap her, as you say, there isn't much to stop her from going right back unless she truly wants out of the cult. Plus.. Its kind of against the law for such things like kidnapping."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 (6 non-lethal) AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Sunday April 24th, 2016 12:48:33 AM
Stohp is greatly pleased at the clear indication of how their efforts have brought change and improvement, at least for this man. As he talks about how he's heard of their exploits she's not sure if she should be proud or worried considering recent events. At the mention of kidnapping she sighs; one street brawl gone bad and people already think they'd resort to kidnapping for a good cause. That does remind her of the group she saw though.
"Also a description of her would be helpful, so we can recognize her." She thinks back to the Hands they've already seen, maybe she already knows his daughter, by sight at least.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury d20+7=14 ; Sunday April 24th, 2016 4:04:54 PM
Zanderallen introduces himself to Rielbel, telling him of when he joined the group. He never met the alchemist before and is surprised that this man and place used to be a drunkard's shop. Looks right pleasant now.
As Reilbel starts talking about his daughter and his plan for rescuing her Zander shares the concern of his party. He'll speak up, "Now Rielbel, I can't imagine the worry you must feel about your daughter being in this cult but as my companions have send if she has willing put herself there, removing her by force is only going to strengthen her resolve to be part of them. Now that isn't to say there is no hope. Is this cult truly is truly as bad as it sounds we may be able to break them apart and reason with your daughter in the error of their ways. Talking her into leaving them of her own free will. And any info you could give us about your daughter would be very helpful."
Zander realizes he has been talking a lot but the thought of a damsel in distress has brought back stories of heros and knights and dragons and has his head spinning even as he tried to think through the realities of this particular situation. As they talk he tries to get a read on Rielbel's feelings towards his daughter and towards the cult. (Sense Motive 14)
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Sunday April 24th, 2016 4:43:50 PM
MIcah's smile is large and genuine as he sees the positive change in Riebel's condition. "Domi be praised, he thinks to himself as he enters the alchemist's house.
When Riebel makes the request to rescue his daughter, Micah realizes it is not mere chance that has brought them to his place at this time.
Nodding in agreement with his companions as they speak, he adds, "We want to help your daughter. In fact, besides seeing how you are doing is the main reason we came. As has been said, a direct approach would not be legal nor effective in the long term. You can help her by entrusting us with any knowledge you have about her, where she is, how she came to be there, and anything you know about the cultists or anyone who came in contact with her before she left to join them."
Micah will also mention the turtle races, the octopus races, and everything else they have recently associated with the hands of love.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 Monday April 25th, 2016 3:19:35 PM
In the Alchemist's sitting room, Martisan continues her note-taking, and quickly retraces the ephemeral magic ink. She smiles as the man describes the positive change and new found motivation in his life, broadening to a grin when the others turn down Rielbel's suggested action. "Kidnapping is a bold move." The halfling agrees, pausing from her writing to glance up to Micah and Zanderallen. "It's true we need more information - as much as you can provide." She turns to K, seeming to speak as much to their newest companion as the alchemist. "If, however, these Hands of Love operate as I'm beginning to suspect, removing her from their clutches may be an initial, necessary step in bringing the enthralled girl to her senses."
Rubbing her forehead for a moment, Martisan bends back over her journal, quill in hand. "Or perhaps not... We need to be careful around these people currently running the Octopus Gardens, where an old man gets into enough gambling debt to warrant beatings in the street, yet would go back with a smile on his face to spend more coin."
She's Leaving Home After Living Alone ... (DM Cayzle) Monday April 25th, 2016 6:32:51 PM K was all for rescuing maidens and he has reservations about kidnapping. Riebel looked at K. “My daughter’s a bit too young to be getting into stuff like this. She is not a child if your asking. She just turned 16.”
Pesmer thinks that kidnapping is not only going too far, but likely illegal! Riebel looks at once abashed and embarassed. “Look, I just want some time with her. I’m sure that if I can get her away from her ‘friends’ to have a talk with her, I can convince her to step away from the cult. I have good reasons she should come back home.” The alchemist looks around at the group. “I just want to have a private talk with her. That’s all. If she wants to go back to the cult after that, I won’t stop her. Is that kidnapping? Call it what you will, to let a father convince a daughter he loves her. And not that filthy ‘love’ that cult is giving her.”
Stohp asks for a description of the girl. The mage does you one better. He casts a Silent Image to show you exactly what she looks like: a short girl with dark skin and curly brunette hair. “She’s got her own mind, like her mother did,” says the alchemist. “She’s not afraid to speak up. Her name is Briselda, but her ‘friends’ call her ‘Brizzie.’ Stupid nickname.”
Zanderallen tries to convince Riebel that they can pry the girl away from the cult without recourse to kidnapping. Riebel is doubtful, but he trusts you to handle the situation as best you can.
Micah wants more information -- where is she, how did she get there, anything about the cult. Riebel drops his eyes, and Zander has the intuition that the old man is ashamed. “I ... I lost it when my wife died. I should ... should have paid better attention to Briselda. I failed her and now we both are paying the price. I’ve done some soul searching, and I owe her an apology. I just pray she’ll listen.” He sighs. “And to answer your question ... no. No, I was soaked at the bottom of a wineglass when she left me. I have no idea what happened.”
In contrast to the others, Martisan seems willing to consider the idea of a kidnapping as a necessary step. He mentions the Octopus’s Garden and racing, but the alchemist knows nothing about that.
He does, however, seem grateful, very grateful, that you are not dismissing his request. “Anything I can do to help, I will. Please.”
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Monday April 25th, 2016 10:21:22 PM
Micah listens calmly as Riebel bares himself to the group.
"We will try to bring her back to you," he says, then pauses to get confirmation from his colleagues.
Then he continues, "Do you have a token, that would speak to her? A shared remembrance of your wife, her mother or something that would remind her of a time when your love for her was clearly evident. Or is there anything else you can think of that may speak to her of a father's love more loudly than the mere words of some strangers?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury Tuesday April 26th, 2016 10:36:24 AM
A single tear runs down Zanderallen's face before he quickly hides his emotions. He reaches out and grasps Riebel's shoulder. "Do not be ashamed Reibel. Yes, you lost your way for a time. But you are now facing life again with courage. By Domi, we will get your daughter back to you." His face set in a look of fierce determination.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 18/18 (6 non-lethal) AC: 17/14/13 CMB: +5 CMD: 14 Tuesday April 26th, 2016 12:09:06 PM
As Stohp listens politely to the story she tries to remember if she's seen the girl from the image before. Nope, not that she can remember. As for the story, she's heard stories like this before so is less moved than her paladin companion. He's doing pretty well now at least, and with their help it can all have a happy ending.
Stohp tries to think of anything else they need from the mage, but can't think of anything other than the token suggested by Micah. That is a good idea, proof they come from her father can make convincing her to leave the cult much easier.
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Tuesday April 26th, 2016 1:44:16 PM "That's stupid, mom. Why would you let something go if you love it? Aren't you supposed to keep close to people you love?"
"Because, Karma..."
"...K..."
"Because, K, love can't grow if it's constrained. Love has to be given freely. Love means letting people go without knowing if they'll come back to you."
"So you'd just let dad walk out that door and keep on loving him? That can't be right."
"K, if love were easy, we wouldn't need a goddess to handle bringing it into the Wold..."
It was still a lesson K had difficulty with, but far be it from him to throw away a core belief of his goddess just because of his own stubborn instincts. Nothing but trouble down that route.
Luckily, these folks didn't appear any more agreeable to kidnapping than he was. He takes a deep breath. "The Hand is a problem, but not one that can be solved through violence. I...we can speak with your daughter, but the choice to return and leave that cult has to be hers...and frankly, barging in and telling her how silly she's being isn't going to fix things.
"If it's any consolation, kids who end up in The Hand often leave willingly after they suffer some misfortune that the rest of their new friends don't want to deal with."
K then mulls over how that's probably not much consolation at all.
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 Tuesday April 26th, 2016 2:17:46 PM
Martisan writes down the man's description of his daughter, nodding and closing her book as Rielbel recounts his woes. "You've done well to compose yourself; we'd be glad to help bring the remaining pieces together." She voices her agreement. "I do ask that you leave the task to us, and not go digging into your daughter's whereabouts on your own. This group she's fallen in with may be dangerous - not as much for the misguided members, likely," She gives K a quick look, "But possibly for some folks on the outside. We're following up on leads to investigate them further, and will make Briselda's safe return our top priority."
Help! -- With a Little Help from My Friends (DM Mstitt) Tuesday April 26th, 2016 9:28:21 PM
Micah listens calmly as Riebel bares himself to the group.
"We will try to bring her back to you," he says, then pauses to get confirmation from his colleagues.
Then he continues, "Do you have a token, that would speak to her? A shared remembrance of your wife, her mother or something that would remind her of a time when your love for her was clearly evident. Or is there anything else you can think of that may speak to her of a father's love more loudly than the mere words of some strangers?"
A single tear runs down Zanderallen's face before he quickly hides his emotions. He reaches out and grasps Riebel's shoulder. "Do not be ashamed Reibel. Yes, you lost your way for a time. But you are now facing life again with courage. By Domi, we will get your daughter back to you." His face set in a look of fierce determination.
Riebel dried a tear that began to fall and searched the room for anything that would help the adventurers. He found a thin red scarf. “This scarf,” the tears began to fall. “This scarf, I gave to Briselda when she was 13. It was her mother’s. She never left without it until those monsters got their claws in her.”
Stohp listens and tries to remember if she had seen the girl before. She doesn’t recall the girl but feels less moved than Zanderallen seems to be. She is convinced that the group can help and the scarf will help in that end.
K recalls a conversation with his mother. The thought convinces him to stick with his core beliefs. "The Hand is a problem, but not one that can be solved through violence. I...we can speak with your daughter, but the choice to return and leave that cult has to be hers...and frankly, barging in and telling her how silly she's being isn't going to fix things.
"If it's any consolation, kids who end up in The Hand often leave willingly after they suffer some misfortune that the rest of their new friends don't want to deal with."
Riebel frowns. “Unfortunately, for you young adventurers you have never had a child. Any injury to your child is tragic. After losing her mother it is hard not to seek out revenge but I will settle for the privilege of speaking to her again. To be perfectly honest I don’t care how you do it.”
Martisan adds, after closing her notebook. "You've done well to compose yourself; we'd be glad to help bring the remaining pieces together." She voices her agreement. "I do ask that you leave the task to us, and not go digging into your daughter's whereabouts on your own. This group she's fallen in with may be dangerous - not as much for the misguided members, likely," She gives K a quick look, "But possibly for some folks on the outside. We're following up on leads to investigate them further, and will make Briselda's safe return our top priority.
“I trust you. I will wait here for your return.”
Micah (John) HP: 16/16 -6 nonlethal AC: 17/10/17 CMD:13 Tuesday April 26th, 2016 9:53:33 PM
Micah reverently takes the scarf. Impulsively he reaches out and dries the grieving father's tears with it.
"A gift from your heart, marked with your loving tears. I can think of no better sign to bring to her than this. I pray we can bear it well," says Micah as he gently folds up the moistened scarf and puts it inside his tunic for safe keeping. His eyes, too, are wet with emotion.
Voice thick, he whispers, "We will return," and steps quietly away.
K (Carl) HP: 20 - 3 nonlethal AC:17/14/13 CMD:18 Wednesday April 27th, 2016 9:46:17 AM
K nods and leaves with Micah. "Meant what I said back there. The Hand's insidious. Being told it's ok to follow your passions is a message most folks would like to take to heart. Heck, it's not without merit. Also meant what I said about kids burning out after they realize no one's there to take care of them anymore."
Inwardly, he wonders how she still feels about her father. Is she resentful, or did she come to the conclusion that it was right of him to follow his passion for drink & debauchery? He thinks that maybe that can be a weapon against her.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 23/23 (12) AC: 17 T: 11 FF: 16 CMD: 15 Party Treasury Wednesday April 27th, 2016 10:08:33 AM "With Domi's blessing you'll see your daughter wearing this scarf once again.", with that Zanderallen leaves with Micah and K.
Listening to K Zander repliew, "Sounds like the Hand has it half right, follow what you love. They're just forgetting everything in moderation. And the lie being partially true makes it all the more insidious. Well let's head to Octopus Gardens and catch up with Matthius. We have a lot to figure out."
Martisan Odenthorp (Damarr) HP: 15/15 [10] | AC: 18 | T:14 | FF:15 | CMD: 14 d20+8=24 ; Wednesday April 27th, 2016 3:39:39 PM
Quietly repacking her things, Martisan nods a farewell to the alchemist and makes her way out with the group. "I don't doubt it." She says to K, "But there's no need to worry the poor girl's father. Let's hope we can show the lass some sense before she faces any such misfortune."
Martisan checks her gear as the group nears their destination to meet with Matheus. "The old man made it sound like this cult has a strong presence in the Octopus Gardens, so we'll want to be careful. If that group of guards we ran into are as close to the Hands as we suspect, our reputation may already precede us, for better or worse. Don't let these purveyors of passion mislead you, and be careful with any brash reactions." The halfling cautions the group, concerned with their excursion into unknown enemy territory, as she sees it. (Perform: Oratory, 24. 3 rounds of Bardic Performance for Careful Teamwork; all allies within 30ft gain +1 Perception, +1 Disable Device, +1 Flat-Footed AC, +1 Reflex Saves & +1 AC vs traps for 1 hour. 6 rounds of Performance remaining.)
Stohp has no words of wisdom or consolation to share as she prepares to leave. She just gives him a reassuring nod and heads out. She agree's with Martisan's advice; always best to be careful.
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