What was a storefront has been converted into a billets for 16 guards. The room contains eight cots, and sixteen packs, two per cot. The packs have basic sundries only, as the men keep on their person anything remotely valuable.
Stairs on the north side lead to a second floor.
A platform sits in the south side. A series of ropes and pulleys are attached, so that it can be raised and lowered to/from the second floor. Basically, a service elevator for bulky supplies like grain, etc.
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Wednesday March 29th, 2017 9:17:40 PM
[OOC: Assuming Sid does so...]
When Sid waves them in, Micah trots to join him. While waiting for the others to join, he asks their scout In hushed tones, "How do you want to play this?"
Awaiting their next step, he grips his shield securely and makes sure his hammer is loose in his belt. He tries to remember how many guards they fought compared to the number of cots and tries to discern whether the officers slept in this room or not.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2) Thursday March 30th, 2017 12:31:44 AM
Bartomus followed Micah trying to keep pace with him. He passed through the double doors into the reconfigured room and looked about. When he saw the stairs, he moved over to the base of the stairs.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+11=24 ; d20+9=24 ; Thursday March 30th, 2017 3:37:00 AM
Sid sees the empty barracks and motions to the rest of the shields. He silently moves through the barracks with his eyes straining to find any inconsistency. He makes his way to the stairs, motioning any eager shield to stay back as he peers up them.
IF everything is alright he motion them forward again, and walk up the stairs.
ELSE Sid will halt everyone and silently let them know how many beings are waiting for them.
======================================
Stealth: 24 Perception: 24
((I know we haven't worked out a handsign yet, but Sid would do something like: Motion you to stop, point upstairs, hold up a number of fingers that equals the guards he saw. Very basic, very simple.))
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] d20+6=22 ; Thursday March 30th, 2017 9:02:57 AM
Letting the others lead the way, Dorbin brings up the rear, keeping watch behind them with his crossbow at the ready (perception: 22).
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Thursday March 30th, 2017 10:07:57 AM
K continues to cover the group's rear. When the rest of them move, he follows.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple d20+8=12 ; Thursday March 30th, 2017 1:06:22 PM
Stohp advances, eyes peeled (12 perception).
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 d20+6=21 ; Thursday March 30th, 2017 4:52:16 PM
Bartomus followed after Sid, nodding at the hand signs. He kept his eyes open and listened as he headed up the stairs with his fellow Shields.
==== Perception roll 21
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 d20+2=14 ; Thursday March 30th, 2017 5:54:18 PM
Advancing and waiting on Sid's queues Zanderallen keeps his own eyes and ears peeled for any trouble. Perception 14
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Thursday March 30th, 2017 6:24:18 PM
Micah anxiously watches Sid has he reconnoiters the upper floor. Feeling light headed, he realizes he has been holding his breath. He forces himself to take a calm and quiet breath all the while keeping his eyes intently focuses on the slender elf.
DM PaulJ Thursday March 30th, 2017 10:02:47 PM
The group heads upstairs
At first glance it is obvious that this is the actual bakery and also a storage area.
Two boxes lie near the lift, each about a quarter full of seed.
Shelves of flours and various baking utensils and ingredients line the north wall.
On the west side of the room are three ovens.
Racks of cooling bread line the southern wall.
In the southeast (lavender shaded area on map), is a haphazard pile of candlesticks, silverware, porcelain, etc
The group trivially spots two Hands Of Love Acolytes hiding behind the racks.
When they are spotted, they both step into view with their hands raised. Both look afraid but only one speaks immediately
"Please, please don't kill us. Just take whatever you want and leave"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 d20+5=13 ; Thursday March 30th, 2017 10:12:37 PM "Actually, we are hoping you can tell us why you all are here? Not the owner or his staff," Bartomus countered with an attempted gruffness in his voice. ============ intimidate = 13
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+11=23 ; d20+9=10 ; Thursday March 30th, 2017 10:30:39 PM
Sid waves everyone up and with his scimitar out looks for other hidden people, doors or objects.
===============================================
Stealth: 23 Perception: 10(Nat 1!)
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Thursday March 30th, 2017 11:00:07 PM
With a glance to K and Zanderallen, Micah then nods his head in the direction of the acolytes. He is not unaware of the irony of K dealing with members of the Hands of Love.
He then casts detect magic and looks for any auras, starting with the pile of wares.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Friday March 31st, 2017 2:08:47 AM
Sid misses the crates of seed and other stuff and enjoys the delightful smell of the baking bread. "Hmmm, wish that wasn't drugged," he murmurs to himself.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Friday March 31st, 2017 8:27:47 AM
Dorbin stays with K at the stairs to guard while the others do the talking.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Friday March 31st, 2017 10:33:08 AM
Stohp stays outside. Until her Hat of Disguise is working properly she'd better not go in and scare the poor guys with a giant lizard monster.
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 d20+5=17 ; Friday March 31st, 2017 11:16:37 AM
K stows his bow and walks over to the acolytes. He stands tall, the symbol of Flower prominent on his chest. "I swear, I've spent nearly my entire life as a paladin cleaning up after you people. Just when I think we can have some common ground, this happens.
"You will tell us what this racket is all about. I am offering you one, and only one, chance to show you two are worthy of the patience and love Flower demands of me."
Intimidate: 17
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Friday March 31st, 2017 4:41:45 PM
Following Micah's nod, Zander directs his gaze over the two acolytes and the rest of the room. His stern countenance revealing his concentration as he focuses his power to use 'Detect Evil', hoping to find any hidden auras and determine whether these two acolytes possess any divine power of their own. If he detects any auras he will alert Micah with a sign and maintain concentration to learn more about them.
DM PaulJ Friday March 31st, 2017 10:33:36 PM
Other than what the characters brought with them, there is nothing magical or evil in the room
The group decides that being intimidating is the way to go with the two Acolytes and proceed to threaten their lives. Fairly poorly but with some success.
The same acolyte who spoke before speaks while the other remains silent,
"I'm not totally sure. Most of the leadership of the temple were selected as undercrats, leaving Father Arellius in charge. We've been putting that seed into the bread. It makes the eaters really happy and easy to control. Also makes them very tired.
Which let the guards start looting the houses with no difficulties. Well, until you showed up.
But all I did was what I was told to do. When you're an Acolyte, that is what you do! Please don't kill me"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Friday March 31st, 2017 11:24:22 PM "Seed, where did you get the seed?" Bartomus asked as he watched K talk to the two nervous acolytes. "Who is Father Arellius?"
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Saturday April 1st, 2017 5:36:13 PM
With a glance to K and Zanderallen, Micah then nods his head in the direction of the acolytes. He is not unaware of the irony of K dealing with members of the Hands of Love.
He then casts detect magic and looks for any auras, starting with the pile of wares.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+11=17 ; d20+9=22 ; Saturday April 1st, 2017 10:18:39 PM
Sid takes some rolls of fresh baked sleep bread and puts it into his haversack, distracted by the smells before he walks over to the seed and looks it over.
===========================================
Sleight of Hand: 17 Perception: 22
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 d20+5=6 ; Sunday April 2nd, 2017 2:48:07 PM
K stares at the acolytes for a moment, then loses his mind.
"YOU POISONED YOUR NEIGHBORS TO MAKE THEM EASIER TO ROB? HOW DOES THAT EVEN SERVE CAEROLDRA? DO THEY HAVE A PASSION FOR HAVING THEIR STUFF STOLEN, OR DO YOU TWO JUST HAVE A PASSION FOR IDIOCY?"
He paces a bit, his eyes never leaving the two. "Days ago you lot were trying, and succeeding, to generate goodwill around this place, and now you follow orders to loot these same people?" He grabs the acolyte who pulled the "just doing what we're told" card. "I don't give a tinker's cuss what you were told to do. For goodness sakes, man, you serve the goddess of passion! HOW IS BLINDLY FOLLOWING ORDERS FOLLOWING YOUR PASSION?"
He lets go of the acolyte. "You lot will tell us everything you know about this Father Arellius. Your entire organization is about to learn what happens when you threaten the homes of our neighborhood."
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Sunday April 2nd, 2017 4:33:08 PM
[OOC] Post from Saturday was a duplicate post. Other than the date, I have no explanation for how that occurred.
Astonished by K's outburst, Micah's mouth falls open. Recovering from his initial shock, he glances at Zanderallen to confirm that those words had not just come out of the other paladin's mouth.
Having verified that his ears did not deceive him, he continues to look on, torn between preparing to restrain the paladin of Flower or assist him in any forthcoming violence.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Sunday April 2nd, 2017 5:06:38 PM
Giving the sign that the room is clear Zander was preparing to try a gentler hand with the two acolytes to try and get them to see the error of their way and free them from the influence of evil minds. Any thought of doing so quickly dissipates as K gives them what for. 'I guess we are giving them some hard love today.'
"I would listen to the man if I were you two. Hard love and hard knocks often go hand in hand. And you two heavily involved in the robbery of an entire street. Even down on the Fence I think the guards will not be so pleased. You better start working to right that wrong."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Sunday April 2nd, 2017 6:32:30 PM
Stohp hears the yelling, though she isn't sure what it's about. Rushing into the room she stops when she sees everyone is fine. Walking closer she stays silent, watching over the other's shoulders. Her hat is still malfunctioning, making it seem like an enormous lizard creature is looming behind K, frowning down at them with arms crossed.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Sunday April 2nd, 2017 10:42:18 PM
Bartomus was startled by K's outburst, but when he heard the sound of footsteps coming up behind K, he was even more surprised to see the head of an enormous lizard. He nervously smiles at it and then turns back to watching the interrogation.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Monday April 3rd, 2017 10:09:08 AM
Dorbin keeps guard over the stairs and whispers to no one in particular, "I think we need to know where to find this fellow first, then we might see more answers."
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+9=15 ; Monday April 3rd, 2017 4:59:35 PM
Sid walks over and peers around K. "Guys," he says to the acolytes, "I can't restrain him an they're not really wanting to do so. I think it's in your best interest to give up everything you know." He then goes over to the and such and inspects them.
================================================
Perception: 15
DM MikeK Monday April 3rd, 2017 7:22:40 PM
The two acolytes, one an older human with a paunch, and the other a skinny human boy just barely into his whiskers, are not warriors by any means. Both were already having trouble keeping it together due to the mere presence of the gore soaked, well armed, and possibly unfriendly group of individuals that have entered their bakery.
As K removes all doubt about 'possibly' unfriendly, the man turns sheet white, and the boy messes himself. Words flow out of the man's mouth in a torrent, while the boy, blubbering incessantly, can only manage to nod emphatically along.
"Father Arellius is in charge of the Temple now that Six and the others got selected and he's a Hard Love believer while Six was Soft Love so he said we were changing tactics and we had to follow along or he and that taur-dragon fellow were gonna kill us both and the Temple didn't loot anyone it was the taur-dragon fellow's men and they're the ones that brought in the seed I heard from the Woods and they been bringing it in in shifts and resting downstairs at least they were until that last crew came in all messed up and now no ones gone back and we're running out of seed and Father Arellius and the taur-dragon fellow are getting awfully mad and we just wanna stay out of everyone's way and bake bread."
No one detects any sign of deception in his words.
Sid gives the seeds a glance, but other than being tiny and not something he's seen before, he can't really tell anything.
Micah notes some very low level magic emanations coming from the pile of goods, and spots an Everburning Torch.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Monday April 3rd, 2017 9:55:59 PM "Ok, ok, well now where is the Taur-dragon fellow staying? Is he coming and checking in on you all, or just having you report to him?" Bartomus asked with some uncertainty as to how the workings of the temple were playing out.
"K, we need to have some of these other followers come here, reduce their numbers and such. Maybe we can have the acolytes make bread, minus the seed, so they think things are working as they planned?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Tuesday April 4th, 2017 8:29:34 AM 'For a religion about freeing yourself to follow your own passions, they seem to slip into total control of their followers quite often.', letting his thoughts remain just thoughts Zanderallen shakes his head, sad that these two have been reduced to such straits. "Well seems like Arellius and Shredds are both to be held responsible here. I have some unfinished business with them both. Unfortunately taking the temple head on would most likely result in a blood bath, however we need to confront Arellius and Shredds and stop them. I wonder who or what attacked the last crew to go to the woods?"
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] d20+6=21 ; Tuesday April 4th, 2017 9:39:38 AM
Dorbin heads over to a window to look out to see if anyone is approaching the bakery from outside (Perception: 21).
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Tuesday April 4th, 2017 10:05:40 AM
K nods at Bart's suggestion. "Maybe, but it may be better to take all the seeds they're using and wait for them to come to us." He looks at the acolytes and asks, "where are the seeds, anyway? Are there more at the temple?"
He waits until the Shields have finished questioning the acolytes, then addresses them directly. "You have made poor choices, but my lady dictates you are worthy of love. If a simple life of baking is truly what you want, go talk to Mother Melody or Sister Delphia at the temple of Flower. Tell them K sent you, and confess what you've done. Leave any part of your crimes out, and Melody will know. Do not underestimate that woman."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Tuesday April 4th, 2017 10:30:07 AM
Stohp leans against a nearby wall (carefully) and ponders. The Undercity was attacked by that plant-based plague, now plant men are serving Shredds and the election took out the non-extremist leaders of the Hand of Love. There seems to be a connection between all of those events, which is disturbing. Once the two men are gone and they're alone she shares her thoughts with the group.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+11=30 ; d20+6=14 ; Tuesday April 4th, 2017 3:51:08 PM
Sid takes out his mug, fills it with the seed and puts it back in his haversack. "Seed's over here," Sid yells, "there's about [estimate in pounds] left."
===================================
Slight of Hand: 30 Profession(Merchant): 14 ((To give a good estimate of how much seed there should be left.))
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Tuesday April 4th, 2017 6:29:59 PM "This could be handy," says Micah as he picks up and stows the discovered everburning torch in his pack.
After collecting that item, he watches and listens to the others. When K makes his offer to the poor acolytes, he smiles in admiration of the paladin's kindness and thoughtfulness.
DM MikeK Tuesday April 4th, 2017 7:51:58 PM Micah picks up the Everburning Torch from the pile of goods. A nagging memory reminds he and the rest of the Shields that the fat baker mentioned that pile is composed of items Shredd’s men have stolen from the local citizenry.
Sid helps himself to some of the seed, and notes to all that there’s about 5 lbs left.
Shtop ponders recent developments, wondering about the connection.
Bartomus asks about Shredd’s location. “His quarters are on the third floor of the Temple,” the elder baker offers. The boy adds, “He just talks with the mercs. We go see Father Arellius after our shift is over.”
K offers the acolytes a way out of this predicament, which both readily agree to. They rise to leave, but are still within earshot when K, Bartomus, and Zanderallen begin discussing next steps. At the mention of remaining opponents, the older man pauses. And then turns.
“Um, once you get past the taur-dragon’s men, there’s only a few left who’ll fight you,” he says quietly. “There are some Soft Love advocates left on the second floor of the temple. Arellius agreed to leave them alone as long as they stayed there. And with the Undercrat thing, others just left. Its really just Arellius and the taur-dragon and their guards on the third floor.”
Dorbin takes a look down Crook Street, but it remains empty.
If nothing else is asked, the two bakers hurry out of the bakery, and down Crook Street until they are out of sight.
Also, everyone will note that this second floor is much bigger than the room on the first floor that the group entered. So, there must be more space on the first level of this building. Sid recalls there are interior walls and doors opposite the stairs in that first floor room. [ooc - adding this as I’m not sure it was mentioned to you before you came upstairs.]
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Tuesday April 4th, 2017 9:43:09 PM "So, we have a bit of a dilemma, we either continue to go down and deal with each fortified building or street crossing; or, we find a way to move quickly after the acolytes who I think just said that they report to that Father after their shift," Bartomus said and sighed. "Assuming that is where they are running to right now."
Bartomus started towards the stairs thinking that moving and talking would be better than standing.
DM MikeK Tuesday April 4th, 2017 10:28:51 PM
Clarification - the two bakers are moving away from the Temple, heading back up Crook Street toward the busted barricade.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Wednesday April 5th, 2017 8:38:44 AM "Well then it appears that the only ones left at the Hands Temple are those who need to be dealt with. Maybe paying them a visit isn't such a bad idea. Then we can deal with cleaning up this mess and returning all these goods." Zanderallen looks around at the group, specifically Micah, to see what the decision is to do next.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Wednesday April 5th, 2017 8:49:55 AM
Dorbin says, "I agree that we need to move quickly. Do we head directly to the temple now?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Wednesday April 5th, 2017 9:20:23 AM "Does this Shredds have any weaknesses we can exploit?" Bartomus asked as he headed down the stairs and looked about the room he had passed through rather quickly.
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Wednesday April 5th, 2017 1:27:17 PM
"He's pretty full of himself, but he's tough and always has people willing to fight for him nearby."
K pauses a moment. "This may be a good time to bring up the fact that I promised my mom I wouldn't start a holy war in the fence. I'd really like to lure Shredds out if we can. If we just wait a bit, someone will notice the bread stopped coming. We can get ready instead of fighting them on their turf."
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Wednesday April 5th, 2017 1:39:02 PM
Micah considers the provenance of the found torch and tosses it back into the pile. At some point he will see that an attempt to return the items to their rightful owners, but there are more immediate concerns.
In reply to K he says, "I like that idea. I wonder, however, how long that might take. Let us explore the rest of this building to make sure there is no one else here or any clues before making a final decision. I will join Dorbin as lookout while the rest checks the other rooms in the ground floor."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Wednesday April 5th, 2017 6:06:23 PM
Now that she has a free moment she has time to be annoyed again. Stohp frowns at the lizard illusion, pondering. Then she face-palms at her own stupidity and takes off the hat, restoring her regular appearance. Duh.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+9=12 ; Wednesday April 5th, 2017 7:21:18 PM
"Alright," says Sid to Micah, "that works." And he begins to scour the room and will go upstairs if there is another floor.
==========================
Perception: 12
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 d20+6=26 ; Wednesday April 5th, 2017 9:19:16 PM
Bartomus looked about the first floor joining the others who were doing the same.
========= Perception =26
DM MikeK Wednesday April 5th, 2017 9:27:29 PM
For orientation purposes, here’s a map of Crook Street. You entered Charnum’s Baked Goods via the double doors on the north end of the building.
Micah put the torch back, and Shtop has a d’oh moment after realizing removing the fritzy hat of disguise restores her appearance.
There is a brief discussion as whether to attack the temple now, or wait it out in hopes of the bad guys coming to the bakery. The decision is briefly shelved in favor of exploring the rest of the bakery.
Some of the group stay upstairs, while others descend to the ground floor. [OOC - Need to know who’s going where] Sid checks around for a possible third floor, but does not see any stairs, ladders, lifts, or any other evidence that a third floor exists.
Those descending to the first floor again notice this area is dominated by eight cots, and sixteen packs, two per cot.
An interior wall is to the south (the blue line), with two closed wooden doors set into it at about equal intervals (the red double lines).
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Thursday April 6th, 2017 9:26:49 AM
Dorbin remains upstairs at the window where he can keep an eye out on the street.
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Thursday April 6th, 2017 9:40:17 AM
K nudges Zander & nods towards the two doors. "Let's go see what's in there." He walks over, opens the westernmost door, and peeks inside.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Thursday April 6th, 2017 9:46:00 AM
As he walked away from the stairs, he realized that the space on the first floor wrapped around to his right. He walked to the corner and looked at further down the narrow hallway that seemed to wrap back on itself in the distance.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 d20+2=22 ; Thursday April 6th, 2017 2:08:59 PM
Zander follows K to the western door and posts up beside him as he opens it. He looks around as the door opens, looking for anyone hiding inside.
Perception 22
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Thursday April 6th, 2017 7:53:08 PM
"Dorbin, I didn't see see anything up here, you staying up here? If so I'll move down stairs."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Thursday April 6th, 2017 8:37:39 PM
Stohp considers a moment. "A thought. I can make myself appear to be Shredds. It could let us get the drop on any of his minions, but it could also scare any of the "Soft Love" hands remaining, prevent them from co-operating. So that no one shoots me I could leave part of my outfit as something distinctive, perhaps a big fancy hat."
DM MikeK Thursday April 6th, 2017 9:23:45 PM Dorbin remains on the second floor, keeping watch. The only windows in the place are set in the north wall, directly above the double doors on the first floor. From there, Dorbin does get a pretty good view down Crook Street. At the moment, nothing is stirring.
With nothing interesting happening on the second floor, Sid moves downstairs.
K and Zander move to the westernmost door, with Bartomus trailing behind. K tries the door. The door handle turns freely, but the door won’t open. The paladin can feel something is preventing him from pushing the door inwards.
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Thursday April 6th, 2017 10:13:18 PM
Micah stays on the upper floor but moves to the top of the stairs to keep an eye on Dorbin while being able to hear better what is happening on the ground floor.
"Call out if you discover anything concerning. Dorbin and I are up here for now," he says to those on the bottom floor.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Friday April 7th, 2017 1:14:16 AM
Sid moves over to the group of people standing in front of a door. "Hey guys, what's going on?"
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] d20+6=25 ; Friday April 7th, 2017 8:42:07 AM
Dorbin remains watching out the window (perception: 25) and calls to Sid, "I'll watch, you yell back for me if you guys go out a back door or anything."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Friday April 7th, 2017 9:57:20 AM
Bartomus watched as K tried to open the door. The handle turned, the door seemed to be unlocked, but the door didn't open.
K, need some Taur help there?" He said with a bit of delight at being able to help the paladin.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 d20+3=4 ; d20+3=13 ; d20+2=15 ; Friday April 7th, 2017 10:04:39 AM
Motioning K aside Zanderallen moves in front of the door and braces his shoulder into it. "I've had enough of this. Unblock the door, we're coming in one way or another. Your choice is whether I come in angry or happy." If someone responds he holds back. If he doesn't hear anything in a few seconds he starts throwing his weight into the door trying to force it open.
Intimidate 4 Str check 13 Perception 15
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Friday April 7th, 2017 10:05:10 AM
K nods. He turns to the door & speaks loudly. "If anyone's in here, you have one chance to come out. As a paladin of Flower, I am duty-bound to acknowledge your deserving of love, and to show patience and mercy. If you refuse, I will be forced to yield your treatment to a paladin of Domi and our minotaur friend."
He waits, listens, and if no one speaks or comes out, stands aside to let Bart force the door.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple d20-1=16 ; Friday April 7th, 2017 4:44:48 PM
Everyone seems to be focusing on the one door so Stohp goes to check the other one. Is it locked as well? If so she leans her weight against it hoping to force it open (STR 16 to open).
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Friday April 7th, 2017 5:33:49 PM
Hearing the commotion, Micah considers running downstairs. Not wishing, however, to abandon Dorbin at his watch, he anxiously waits at his vantage point at the top of the stairs, poised to rush down if trouble arises.
DM MikeK - Knock Knock Friday April 7th, 2017 8:54:44 PM Micah gets to a better position, and both he and Dorbin call down asking the Shields to keep them appraised of the goings-on. None of the Shields respond directly, but there sure is a lot of banging on doors going on down there.
Bartomus offers to get all minotaur-y on the western door, but Zanderallen decides to take a crack at it. The paladin’s calls go unanswered, so he proceeds to slam into the door. However, whatever is barring the door is doing a really good job of it. It doesn’t budge.
Meanwhile, Shtop decides to give the eastern door a try. This door is locked in the standard fashion, the handle will not turn. However, the door also handles getting whacked by several hundred pounds of minotaur in the standard fashion. With a sharp “CRACK!”, the deadbolt gives way under Shtop’s weight, and the door flies open.
On the other side of the door is a small, triangular sized room containing two cots. A backpack is stowed under each cot. Otherwise, the room appears empty.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 d20+4=7 ; Friday April 7th, 2017 9:10:46 PM
Bartomus stepped back a few steps and then tried to get his shoulder into the door. Yet, he rolled his torso as he slammed the wood.
He stepped back a bit and looked at it, and then at his colleagues, "Well now, that seems to be a bit stronger than it should be." === [ooc] MD - 7, really ok fine. [/ooc]
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Saturday April 8th, 2017 2:31:59 PM
K steps out of the way so the taurs can open the other door.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Sunday April 9th, 2017 7:25:15 PM
Stohp searches the backpacks and tries to determine if they're owned by the people who normally run the mill or if they're from the Hands of Love who had taken it over.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Sunday April 9th, 2017 7:40:44 PM
Zanderallen gives way to let the 800lb taur have a clear shot at the door, rubbing his shoulder from his first attempt at the door.
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Sunday April 9th, 2017 9:59:13 PM
Micah takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. He then waits for word of other developments, maintaining his post between upstairs and downstairs.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+9=11 ; Sunday April 9th, 2017 10:22:32 PM
Sid slips around Stohp and checks for secret doors.
=======================================
Perception: 11
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Monday April 10th, 2017 7:52:47 AM
Dorbin shivers when he hears and feels the smashing into parts of the building, but maintains his watch on the street.
DM MikeK - Investigations Monday April 10th, 2017 9:10:02 PM OOC – By the way, everyone gets 2000 xp for the mega-combat down Crook Street.
While Sid slips in, and checks for secret doors, Shtop rummages through the backpacks. The taur isn’t all that sure what a baker’s backpack might look like, but the two she’s got contain goods very familiar to adventuring types – cloak, blanket, shovel, cook kit, whistle, pack of cards. She also notes these two packs look a lot like the sixteen stowed under the eight cots in the entryway, just packed better. Shtop does note a couple items of interest. In addition to the common goods, she finds:
A potion 110 gp A carefully rolled up piece of parchment, which is blank on both sides when unrolled A vial of some kind of gooey, yellow, lotion type stuff A vial of what smells like vinegar
Sid finds no secret doors.
Meanwhile, Bartomus, Zanderallen, and K keep working on their door. Shtop is pretty much through her investigations before they finally manage to push through the … roots? … barring the door.
The room on the other side appears to be empty, other than six potted trees, each reaching the top of the 10’ ceilings. The pots of the nearest two trees seem to have exploded outward, and the roots have grown out across the floor and are interlaced with one another across the doorway. Nothing is moving in the room.
Micah and Dorbin await breathlessly.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Monday April 10th, 2017 9:42:43 PM
Sid sighs, "One day Sid, one day," he mumbles to himself. "So," he says to Stohp, "it looks like we're about ready to take this to the Hands of Love, what do you think?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple d20+10=16 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2017 12:10:59 AM "Officers I'd bet." Stohp comments to no one in particular as she examines the packs. "About taking on the Hands again? I think that we need to insure we catch Shredds this time. He's caused more then enough misery on the float already, and if we clear out his followers in the Hands, again, but he gets away, again, we'll be having this exact same problem two weeks from now."
Frowning, Stohp looks at the "blank" parchment. "A single piece of parchment, with no writing utensils, stuff into a pack that's otherwise identical to a dozen other packs? If this is really blank, I'll eat my hat."
She tries to think of various ways people can conceal writing (linguistics 16). Snapping her fingers, she tries pouring a little vinegar on the page; if that doesn't do anything after a few minutes she'll try the lotiony stuff.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+9=10 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2017 3:08:52 AM
Sid listens to Stohp and starts thinking of ways that letters are hidden as he sees what she is doing, and ends up reciting a stanza from the fall of the second age. Just a really epic line that he is reminded of and drifts through one of his favorite epics.
=======================
Linguistics: 10(nat 1, sigh)
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Tuesday April 11th, 2017 8:47:57 AM
Dorbin wonders what the group is doing downstairs, but continues to watch the street.
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Tuesday April 11th, 2017 9:42:56 AM
K looks into the room with the trees. "Well, this looks creepy as heck, though it's pretty impressive that they got stuff to grow in The Fence. Obviously this has something to do with those plant guys we fought." He takes his rapier and pierces one of the roots, looking for any reaction.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 d20+4=24 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2017 9:59:09 AM "Trees, really," Bartomus peered into the room over K's shoulder. He looked at the leaves and the branches of the trees. As he looked about, he caught movement below him and before he could offer any suggestions he watched K prick one of the roots with his rapier.
=== Knowledge Nature - 24
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Tuesday April 11th, 2017 1:59:36 PM
Micah keeps glances at Dorbin, then continues to listen to what is happening below.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Tuesday April 11th, 2017 3:14:39 PM
Wary of the potted plants, Zander draws his longsword as K pokes around at the roots, almost expecting them to start moving. "Anyone how knows botany, do you know what type of plants these are? Could they be transplants of whatever they're harvesting the seeds from? Or used to grow those plant men we fought?"
DM MikeK - Secret Messages Tuesday April 11th, 2017 7:34:25 PM Micah and Dorbin continue to wait upstairs, watching each other and the street below. It’s getting pretty late, and the magical roof of the Fence Level has long since shifted to “night”. Crook Street is dark. There are the same standard streetlamps here as on the rest of the level, but no one has come around to remove the covering to allow the continual light spells to brighten the road. The only light that can be seen is coming from the left, most likely in or near the Temple. The two spellcasters cannot pinpoint the light’s source, as it is obscured by intervening buildings.
Bartomus, Zanderallen, and K carefully enter the room. K stabs at one of the trees, but it continues to remain just a tree. The six trees all rise from fairly decorative pots on slender trunks to evenly pruned branches. To K, they remind him a lot of the decorative fruit trees sometimes seen on the nicer estates on the higher levels. Bartomus thinks they’re fig trees. None of the Shields has ever seen the like on the Fence Level before. The trio pokes about some more, but there doesn’t appear to be anything of interest .. other than six potted fruit trees, two of which somehow went through an epic growth spurt, but only their roots, which then just happened to grow over the doorway.
As Sid looks on, Shtop gets the brilliant idea to use the vinegar in an attempt to uncover secret writing on the parchment. The taur’s efforts are quite successful. Writing appears on the parchment:
“Next pickup, dawn on (a date which is the day after tomorrow). Boat is the Regina.
Call – “You catch whitefish in that thing?” Response – “No, just sturgeon” Confirm – “I like the red ones myself”
Below that is a crude, but effective, map – Floating City, the lake, a dot on a shoreline, and a dotted line that leads from the dot into the Crying Woods to an X. Written below the dotted line is “trail southeast half a mile.”
And finally, one last sentence: REMEMBER REPELLANT!
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Tuesday April 11th, 2017 10:15:22 PM
[ooc: not yet knowing what was found]
"Dorbin, what do you make of that light by the temple? Should we check it out when the others are finished?"
He renews his Detect Magic spell in anticipation of going downstairs.
He then calls down the to the others, "All seems calm in the street, but the temple appears to be lit, though we cannot see how or why from here. How much longer do you think you will be?"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Wednesday April 12th, 2017 12:01:25 AM "Figs. Figs, really? Hmm..." Bartomus looked over the trees, and then looked back into the darkening room. "Someone helped these to grow. This just doesn't make any sense."
Bartomus turned about and looked for the other Shields. "We have six fig trees in here? Anyone got anything else, cause these are not going to help us figure out what is going on here."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Wednesday April 12th, 2017 8:41:41 AM "Got something." Stohp comes out and shows the others on the first floor what she's found. "Lets head back up and show Micah what we've found, then we can decide what to do."
Glancing at the sky, Stohp tries to judge if they have enough time to hit the hands HQ tonight and get some sleep before making it to the meeting in the morning.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Wednesday April 12th, 2017 9:18:59 AM
Dorbin replies, "With all the action with the Hands and Shredd, I'm guessing that we're not going to need to find the source of that light, but it will come to us."
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Wednesday April 12th, 2017 9:40:18 AM
K nods approvingly at the note Stohp found. "Pretty sure an attack on The Hand is going to scare off whoever's involved with this note. Maybe we should follow up on this first." He turns to Stohp. "Good find, lady," he says before following her up to see Micah.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Wednesday April 12th, 2017 9:41:03 AM "So, Stohp," Bartomus followed his fellow taur and the others as they headed back up the stairs to find Micah. "What would they mean by repellant? We'll need to get some supplies and rest as well."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Wednesday April 12th, 2017 12:35:02 PM
Still a little uneasy about the fig trees, 'Who would bring fig trees here?', Zander finally convinces himself to leave them alone rather than chop them into so much firewood. Reading the note as Stohp passes it around he gives her an impressed look as she explains how she found the note. "I think this is a really good opportunity to catch some people who may know more. As much as Shredds needs to be stopped storming the temple could put a lot of innocent lives in danger."
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+11=17 ; Wednesday April 12th, 2017 5:02:05 PM
Sid looks over, "Well, knowing the Cryingwood it could be a repelent for anything including the Cryingwood itself. I've been wanting to look at the Cryingwood for a while now."
================================
Knowledge(local): 17 ((As a bartender have I heard anything about a "repelent"))
DM MikeK - Misinterpreted Secret Messages Wednesday April 12th, 2017 6:41:52 PM
Bartomus and the paladins come to the conclusion that whoever or whatever moved and then grew the trees aren't around anymore.
Instead they cluster around Shtop and her find. Rereading the note, everyone realizes the meet is not tomorrow morning, but the morning following that, giving the Shields a good 36 hours to deal with current events.
There follows some discussion around supplies in general and repellent in particular, but exactly what requires repelling is still a mystery. Although Sid makes a valid point that on a trip into the Crying Woods, there be a whole lot of possibilities.
Micah and Dorbin continue to watch the light, and conclude the light source is not moving, and is most likely a fixed lamp or lantern, rather than hand held.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Thursday April 13th, 2017 8:59:30 AM
Dorbin starts to relax a bit as the noise subsides from the downstairs area. He takes one last look out the window then says, "Well, maybe that's all that are attacking tonight. Let's go down with the others and see what's what."
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Thursday April 13th, 2017 9:46:37 AM
"So, we have a day and a half before this meeting takes place? Heck, we can't sit on our hands for that long with Shredds out there doing who knows what."
He looks to Micah, waiting for his call.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Thursday April 13th, 2017 12:21:28 PM "Well then, let's push on towards that light. But, a full out frontal assault seems like something we need more folks for," Bartomus said with a bit of uncertainty. "But we need to keep moving, waiting here gives them even more time over there to put together a defense."
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Thursday April 13th, 2017 2:56:10 PM "They know we're here or atleast inside the barrier. The guards that escaped have told them. We can push on tonight or come back in the morning. I don't see things getting better or worse overnight.", Zander waits for the decision ready to head out either way.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Thursday April 13th, 2017 3:20:46 PM
Stohp makes sure to grab the strange salve and, after a moments consideration, some of the fruit from the strange trees. Either could be the "repellent" mentioned.
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Thursday April 13th, 2017 7:28:02 PM "Agreed," says Micah in reply to Dorbin's decision to return to the others. He waits at the top of the stairs, allowing the wizard to lead the way.
After joining the others and learning what they have discovered, he comments, "I am inclined to move forward. We have the initiative now. I think we should not give it back. Having said that, I agree that a we are not sufficient to a frontal assault. Suggestions on how to move against the temple?
During the ongoing conversation he adds, "And let's not forget the seeds. Something needs to be done with those to keep them out of the wrong hands."
DM MikeK - Decisions, Decisions Thursday April 13th, 2017 8:13:53 PM
Shtop finds that the fig trees are not in season, and therefore are not bearing fruit at the moment.
She and the rest of the Shields regroup and discuss next moves....
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Thursday April 13th, 2017 9:55:39 PM "We could torch the seeds and the barricades. Do it out in the street maybe....use that distraction to our advantage, maybe?" Bartomus said as he headed towards the front door of the bakery and opened the door to look outside.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Thursday April 13th, 2017 9:57:27 PM
"Ok, I'm good with burning the seeds, which we can do by throwing them in the oven so the building doesn't burn down, and then going into the temple. That sounds solid to me."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Friday April 14th, 2017 10:24:23 AM
Dorbin nods at the decision to burn the seeds and then steps outside the door to keep watch on the street once more from this level. If the nearest street lights are close by, he will go over and attempt to remove the cover to provide more light in the street.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Friday April 14th, 2017 2:12:41 PM
Zander's brows furrow, unfurrow, and then furrow again as he thinks, comes up with an idea, and then realizes some potential problems with it, "Somebody said that Shredds moved in and gained followers among the Hard Love faction, right? And that the Soft Love faction can't really stop them but isn't with him. Maybe if we could get to their temple and have Sid sneak in, maybe K too, and try and make contact with a member of the Soft Love faction we could convince them to let us in and get straight to the source of the problem without having to force in the front door. The challenge would be getting close since they're probably on guard and then finding the right person to talk to."
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Friday April 14th, 2017 3:45:11 PM
Sid perks up, "Hey, this sounds like right up my alley. I'm starting to get a bit bored and don't want to be around when the seeds start smoking. K I gather you've had some dealings with the hand of love, do you know of a back way in or should I scout?"
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 d20+9=20 ; Friday April 14th, 2017 4:17:15 PM "Sounds like a good idea," add Micah to Zanderallen's suggestion. He continues to nod assent as Sid gives the concept some definition.
He grasps his chin in thought before commenting, "However, I am not sure burning such a large quantity of seeds is a good idea. Given how it affects people when ingested, the smoke may be worse.
===== Heal Check 20 to evaluate wisdom of burning seeds on the Fence level.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Friday April 14th, 2017 7:29:01 PM "Another option is that I pretend to be one of them and try to walk right in. At least, I can do that as long as my hat of disguise doesn't malfunction again."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Friday April 14th, 2017 7:52:39 PM "Ok, we can maybe seal this stuff up and then maybe split up with a few of us doing the show of force at the front of the temple, letting the others slip inside." Bartomus agreed with plan being proposed. [/b]"Any taurs in that temple? Cause I think Stohp could really use her disguise tactic to be an acolyte."[/b]
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Saturday April 15th, 2017 8:41:21 AM
"We could just dump the seeds over the side of The Float, let the lake take'em. Also, I don't sneak. I've got nothing against sneaking, I'm just not good at it. Unless you can somehow silence all my movements, I'd probably get us caught. Sid and Stohp, you two would be best.
"Maybe Sister Catherine is still in there. She seemed a bit, and only a bit, more reasonable than the rest of those people."
DM MikeK - Interim Saturday April 15th, 2017 4:44:21 PM
ooc - keep planning it out folks. I'll post again tomorrow night.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Sunday April 16th, 2017 6:10:04 PM "Sister Catherine did seem to lighten up a little after the whole ordeal. And that gives a definite person to be looking for rather than just two indistinguishable factions. It's also possible by the time we get there everyone actually involved may have left. I would be up for most of us trying to talk to them at the front and if you're not attacked on sight Sid and Stohp could try to sneak in while we distract them"
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Sunday April 16th, 2017 7:32:46 PM "I think that we just need to get there aND knocking on the front door makes sense, if we have someone looking at the back door," Bartomus said as he stepped back out into the street leaving the door open behind him.
Dorbin finds a couple of streetlamps near the front doors to the Bakery, and removes the covering, bathing this portion of the street in light. Still nothing moves.
The Shields have a pow wow, and the questions of what to do with the seeds, and what to do with the note Shtop has discovered are temporarily tabled in favor of dealing with Shredds. More or less, a plan if formed to try the front door, while Sid tries something a bit more unobtrusive.
The Shields move southwest down the unnamed alley off Crook Street, follow the turn northeast, and then come to the intersection with another alley heading due south along an outside wall of the Temple of Love. Those members of the company who were here before will know about the side door in the Temple.
Sid (and anyone else?) heads southward into the dark, and arrives at the side door without incident.
The main body continues northeast and peers around the corner toward the front door of the Temple. Everburning Torches line both sides of the closed doors, the light source Dorbin and Micah were wondering about. In front of the doors stand two guards in the livery of the Temple, armed with nets and saps.
Both become alert as the sight of you, and ready nets. Other than that, they neither attack nor flee, but stand their ground.
Perception or Sense Motive 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Neither one of these guys wants a fight. }
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Sunday April 16th, 2017 11:55:48 PM
Micah allows Sud the time he needs to get in position. He then approached with the others.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+11=22 ; d20+9=19 ; d20+6=9 ; Monday April 17th, 2017 3:43:32 PM
Sid sneaks around the temple and looks for an entrance near the back, possibily near the kitchen, but any open window will do.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Monday April 17th, 2017 9:50:36 PM
Dorbin looks at the guards and says, "Nets? Who fights with nets these days?" He casually loads his crossbow.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 d20+6=12 ; Monday April 17th, 2017 10:22:29 PM
Bartomus looked at the guards, and when Dorbin asked about the nets, he shook his head in agreement. "Ok, two nets. We can take them if we need to do that."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 d20+6=12 ; Monday April 17th, 2017 10:22:29 PM
Bartomus looked at the guards, and when Dorbin asked about the nets, he shook his head in agreement. "Ok, two nets. We can take them if we need to do that."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Tuesday April 18th, 2017 9:28:41 AM
As Dorbin readies his crossbow, he look around at the others, attempting to see if they are all on the same page.
OOC: Dorbin has no intimidate, but he could aid someone else...
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 d20+8=22 ; d20+8=21 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2017 10:04:59 AM
Sense motive: 22
K puts his hands on Dorbin and Bart's shoulders. "Hold, these men don't want to fight." He remembers the two at the bakery. He doubted they were the only two to find themselves stuck in a suddenly menacing cult. He approaches the front door, weapons stowed.
"I am K, paladin of Flower," he starts. "We understand The Hand has a new leader, one that seems fine with committing crimes against the neighbors you folks were trying to reach out to just days ago. My friends and I are here to stop it. We don't seek out violence," he pauses to look each in the eye directly, "but will resort to it if it means protecting these people. My goddess dictates everyone, even those who follow her mother, are deserving of love. So, I'm giving the two of you one chance to stand down, open these doors, then make yourselves scarce."
He folds his arms across his chest, waiting for an answer.
***
Diplomacy: 21 - K is not being overly threatening.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 d20+12=17 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2017 11:01:42 AM
Stepping forward right behind K Zander backs up his words, "Heed the words of my companion. A hand of mercy is being extended to you. If you reject it the next hand to be offered will be that of justice." ----- Aid Diplomacy on K (17 gives K +2)
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] d20=2 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2017 2:01:16 PM
Seeing K's approach, Dorbin attempts to put his crossbow away and aid them in their diplomacy attempts. Instead he points the crossbow in a circle at almost everyone in the area.
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Tuesday April 18th, 2017 2:11:46 PM
Micah beams at the words of the holy warriors as he joins them. Domi, let them be wise, he prays silently about the guards to himself.
Since his hammer is already stowed in his belt, to emphasize their message of peace, he also stows his shield and holds his arms by his side with hands open and palms forward.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Tuesday April 18th, 2017 4:08:45 PM
Stohp lurks in the back of the group, watching silently.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Tuesday April 18th, 2017 4:52:44 PM
Bartomus moved up behind the others and leaned into his glave as he waited to see what the guards' response was going to be. Keeping the peace on this floating block is becoming a bit more demanding than I expected, he thought to himself.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Tuesday April 18th, 2017 5:14:34 PM
As he looks, Sid wishes that he had striped one of the brothers of their vestments. That would make this so much easier.
DM MikeK - To the Temple Tuesday April 18th, 2017 9:21:28 PM Sid looks about, but the side alley here seems to be built with defense in mind. There are no windows. The door naturally, is locked.
Over around on the front door, K senses the guards are in no mood to fight. He and Zanderallen give the two guards an out, as the rest of the Shields look on.
The guards glance at one another. One says, "we would be interfering with their passion." The other grins at his comrade, and then turns to K.
"Your passion for justice is evident. We will not interfere." The guards discard nets and saps. The second guard unlocks the front doors, and turns back to K. "The ones you seek reside on the third floor."
Both guards step away from the doors.
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Tuesday April 18th, 2017 9:56:19 PM
Micah keeps a straight face, hiding his elation at the apparent "lack of passion" for a fight the two guards exhibit.
He then steps over to Sid and whispers, "Any visible way in? Observing the lack of windows, he further inquires, "What about from above?"
After a moments reflection, remembering the secret entrance to their own headquarter, he adds "or from below?"
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+13=14 ; d20+9=24 ; d20+6=13 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2017 10:36:53 PM
Sid looks at the locked door and pulls out his picks and almost breaks one as the lock jams. Sighing Sid looks around and then looks up to see if there are any windows he can climb to.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 Wednesday April 19th, 2017 9:43:21 AM "Welll then," Bartomus said with a bit of surprise, "I wasn't expecting that."
He shrugged as he watched the two guards drop their weapons and then one unlock the door. "Then the third floor it is.'
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] Wednesday April 19th, 2017 10:03:20 AM
Dorbin thanks the guards as they head inside towards the third floor.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Wednesday April 19th, 2017 10:05:29 AM
Stohp nods the the guards in appreciation and gets ready to move, though she lets the meat-shields enter first.
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Wednesday April 19th, 2017 10:07:22 AM
OOC: I love the good cop/bad cop thing Zander and K have going on.
"Thank you, both of you." He goes in without further comment. He hopes the backdoor folks are doing well.
"We should check the second floor before we go up to the third. The two at the bakery said those folks were unhappy with this hard love nonsense too." "...and maybe Catherine's still there," he thinks to himself.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Wednesday April 19th, 2017 4:50:17 PM
OOC: I'm greatly enjoying it too. They are a frightening pair.
"Lead the way K. Hopefully we can avoid needless bloodshed. Once we find Shredds though I'm putting an end to him. He has deliberately endangered too many innocent people.", the steel in his voice leave little doubt as to his intentions. His weapons remain sheathed but he does strap on his shield ready for a potential attack.
Sid is pretty much at a loss. He can’t unlock the door, and there aren’t any windows on this wall. He does note that he’s not hearing any fighting over by the front door.
Micah hovers at the intersection where he can just barely see both groups. He whispers some encouragement to Sid.
Everyone else starts moving past the guards and into the Temple. The guards move off. The five Shields will be in the Temple and moving on their own in a few seconds. What are Micah and Sid going to do?
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Wednesday April 19th, 2017 8:20:04 PM
Sid stretches as he walks back and then readies his bow. He makes his way up to Micah, "No go this way. How's the front door?"
Micah (John) HP: 28/31 AC: 21/10/21 CMD:15 Wednesday April 19th, 2017 9:46:19 PM "Apparently all clear," Micah replies with a grin. "It appears we will be making a frontal assault after all," he adds as he hustles along with Sid to join the group at the main entrance.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 27/32 hp AC: 19/13/15 CMB: +8 CMD: 18 +2 vs grapple Thursday April 20th, 2017 9:01:10 AM
As Stohp enters she tries to spot the stairs. If they aren't in sight she'll pick a random door to check; it's best if they ascend quickly to the second floor.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:20/27 CMD:14] d20+6=19 ; Thursday April 20th, 2017 9:11:58 AM
Dorbin takes a last glance at the door as the group heads inside to see if anyone else is in the street that might have seen them enter (perception: 19).
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 23/23 AC: 13 (11+2); Perc+6 d20+6=7 ; Thursday April 20th, 2017 9:54:49 AM
Bartomus followed along into the building and looked to see if there were additional guards. But, quickly got distracted by his surroundings. ===== Perception - 1+6..um ok then.
K (Carl) HP: 25/25 AC:16/13/13 CMD:18 Thursday April 20th, 2017 10:16:21 AM
K waits for Sid and Micah to catch up, then heads inside.
Sid (Andrew) HP:31/31; AC: 16/14/12; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+11=28 ; d20+9=23 ; Thursday April 20th, 2017 3:58:54 PM
Sid takes up the rear and stealths behind the group making sure no one sneaks up on them, and looking for anything interesting along the way.
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Perception: 23 Stealth: 28
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 39/43 AC: 21 T: 9 FF: 20 CMD: 18 Thursday April 20th, 2017 4:54:06 PM
With everyone together and the front doors open to them Zander moves in alongside K and the others. He looks around for the stairs and unless someones stops him starts moving directly there, eager to get to the head of the serpent.
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