Aubrey's Eberron campaign. (Inactive)

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed


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Grand Lodge

Wow. I check in every day whether I post or not... except yesterday when you guys went nuts with posts. I'm working a bit too much right now to save for a move to Greece this fall, but I'm still here. Was just too sleepy to check in yesterday. I'll have a post up this morning (about 9 hours from now) and then I'll quit slacking : )

Init: 1 + 3 = 4
As I'm low down the init chain I'll wait to see what happens for now. Saving Mage Armor for the encounter later today unless it looks like I really need it now.


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

Yeah, I meant to do a charge. Should have made that clearer - sorry about that.

"It is a teensy little warforged!" With a grunt, Janosz slams the small construct to the ground. "And he's none too happy. Get over here while I've got him pinned!"


ithuriel wrote:
Wow. I check in every day whether I post or not... except yesterday when you guys went nuts with posts. I'm working a bit too much right now to save for a move to Greece this fall, but I'm still here. Was just too sleepy to check in yesterday. I'll have a post up this morning (about 9 hours from now) and then I'll quit slacking : )

I rolled your initiative for you - we'll use that one. But you are still low on the chain. Good luck with the Greece thing.


hp 73 of 156; AC 23 (29); Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +13 Warforged Paladin 9 / Exorcist of the Silver Flame 4; Effects: Bless, Airwalk, Weapon of Awe, Ironskin, Bull’s Strength

“A Scout model?” Lightbringer silently wondered. He had come across the smaller, recon version of warforged during the war, but was not entirely sure of their capabilities. His own unit was a heavily armoured storm force, as evidenced by his adamantine plating, and had not included any scouts.


Runzyl's go - combat isn't necessarily over. The warforged scout is still struggling wildly.


HPs: 96 / 96, APs: 11/8 Effects: Karnnathi Wizard (Universalist) 12 / Cataclysm Mage 1

More than content to let the professionals handle dragging the forged out, Ezreal hangs back, club in hand. While they subdue the watcher, he scans the shadows and anyone out on the street. We've certainly made a splash this morning. The ripples will be back to Daask in no time. If Norn is trying to avoid Kerile, we aren't going to be finding him with this approach.


By the way, been checking the character sheets: as far as I am aware you all have 750 xp at the moment (may change after this encounter). Seen a number a varying totals (all less that 750) so I thought I'd let you all know.


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

Just updated. I thought those last 50 were for Trose only.

"Hey, how 'bout a hand here?" Janosz glances up for a second while dodging the warforged's flying elbows. "Perhaps we should drag it inside? A bit less suspicious looking, wouldn't you say?"


Runzyl raises a curious eyebrow as he watches Janosz grapple with the tiny construct. He glances to Lightbringer and tilts his head towards Janosz. "Give him a hand. I'll keep an eye out for others."

Runzyl maintains his defensive stance, watching the surroundings for any unseen assailants.

I'm readying an action to charge any new threats that enter our vicinity. I'm only going to attack if they are obviously hostile.


Lightbringer's go.


Male Elf Wizard

//Apologies for disrupting the scene. I've been lurking for a while now, keeping tabs on this roleplay. It looks like lots of fun, and I've noticed you guys have recently lost a player or two. Got room for a replacement?//

The Exchange

No peeking, please Rarely Accountant 2/Auditor 4/Waster 30

I'm afraid there is something of a waiting list - it puts you at number three, after Heathanson and Utak. But thanks for the kind words - and you might get in if there is a flu epidemic or something. Sorry I can't offer an immediate place.


Male Elf Wizard

//No problem. I must confess I probably wouldn't be a very good player anyway. Of all the Eberron materials out there, I only own the core book. Combine that with my lack of experience at play-by-post... well, I'll just go back to lurking. Thanks anyway.//


hp 73 of 156; AC 23 (29); Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +13 Warforged Paladin 9 / Exorcist of the Silver Flame 4; Effects: Bless, Airwalk, Weapon of Awe, Ironskin, Bull’s Strength

Assuming I can reach Janosz position with a movement rate of 20, and still make an action – I’m not certain that I can.

Lightbringer hastens forward to help Janosz keep the small warforged like thing pinned.

If I can make a standard action at the end of the movement: melee touch attack to grab (join grapple): 12+1 = 13. If successful, opposed grapple check: 18+3 = 21. Will choose not to deal unarmed damage.


You will have to charge too, but that is OK.

Lightbringer thunders over to where Janosz struggles with the tiny warforged, grabbing its flailing legs.

Now Ezreal.


hp 73 of 156; AC 23 (29); Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +13 Warforged Paladin 9 / Exorcist of the Silver Flame 4; Effects: Bless, Airwalk, Weapon of Awe, Ironskin, Bull’s Strength

Does the small warforged bear any visible weapons or have any identifying markings?


Markings - no. Weapons, oh yes - two large knives (effectively, Small-sized short swords) and a Small longbow and quiver.


hp 73 of 156; AC 23 (29); Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +13 Warforged Paladin 9 / Exorcist of the Silver Flame 4; Effects: Bless, Airwalk, Weapon of Awe, Ironskin, Bull’s Strength

"We are not trying to hurt you! Who are you? What are you doing here?" Lightbringer demands of the struggling construct.


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HPs: 96 / 96, APs: 11/8 Effects: Karnnathi Wizard (Universalist) 12 / Cataclysm Mage 1

Ezreal quickly gives up on trying to pick out anyone who looks like more than a casual observer. Every unwashed face on the street seems to be smoldering with anger or consumed by suspicion. However, refugees are a dour lot even on the best of days and that hag faced old crone lolling about with her basket of vegetables watching things unfold may very well have looked just as malevolent an hour ago and will likely look the same an hour hence. With things looking reasonably under control, he joins the others grouped around the struggling warforged and adds sourly, "More importantly- who are you working for?" Right now as far as the mage is concerned Kerile isn't running too far behind Daaask as a likely candidate, with Jendry as a distant third, and in fourth the ever distant possibility that Norn is watching his own back keeping an eye on his old place to see who comes calling.

___________
Spot 3 + 0 = 3
Double move or whatever it takes to get to the others.


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Dear me - Ezreal really is the suspicious type, isn't he?

The struggling warforged's only reply is to hiss again as Janosz and Lightbringer force it to the ground. A tiny hand slithers towards one of the swords at its belt.

Grapple check = 8. One of the other participants in the grapple needs to beat that or it will be able to draw one of its weapons and attack.


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"Don't even think about that, buddy". As the little construct almost squirms free, Janosz wrenches the warforged's hand away from its sword and renews his hold.

Grapple check roll 7=3+10. He was close, but it was not quite enough.


Janosz pins the creatures arms to its sides, preventing it from drawing its weapon. It bucks violently in frustration but cannot escape. The warforged scout turns its head to Janosz and snarls in a sibilant metallic voice, "The fleshed shall all fall to corruption. When you are bones the forged shall rule immortal." It ceases its struggles, slumping sullenly in the twin grip of Janosz and Lightbringer.

Lightbringer doesn't need to bother rolling now.


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"We need to tie this joker up and stow him somewhere inside - there are more of them following us". He catches himself. "At least someone are following us. They might not be warforged like this guy, but right now that hardly makes any difference".

He turns to Lightbringer. "What was that machine talk all about?"


OK, we can dispense with initiative order for now.


Runzyl continues scanning the surroundings until he hears the sounds of struggling cease. He breaks from his defensive posture and jogs over to where Janosz and Lightbringer have subdued the tiny warforged. Runzyl's brow arcs in bewilderment.

"Where do these things come from? I have never seen such a small one before."

He still carries the double scimitar in his right hand, unwilling to believe that they are entirely safe despite the absence of obvious threats.


Male Halfling Cleric (Olladra) 1

"Oi! A 'forged supremist? I didn know such a thing existed." Nox looks thoughtful for a moment and scratches his head. "Gnolls are flesh and I'm as confused as a cat without its whiskers - who does this guy work for? I thought we were looking for Draask, and vice versa."

"Enough talk out here in the middle of the street. Let's get this guy some place quiet and secure - he may have friends."

Nox does a quick scan of the area and then looks for an abandoned house or alley or some other safe place where the group will be out of sight.

And he does a very poor job of looking. No ranks in Spot or Search (not sure which is applicable, think its Search under your rules Aubrey) and got a total of 6 (3 + Wis mod).

"Anyone got any rope? My pappy always used to carry a bit of twine, as do I, but it's not really up for this task."


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"I've got rope. Also, it has a grappling hook on it, so we can hang it up from a crossbeam like a plucked turkey. Why don't we just take it into our destination right here - the lock is already broken, and the place probably ransacked".

While Lightbringer sits on the little construct and keeps it from further mischief, Janosz digs through his backpack and drags out his 30 feet of rope, securely tying it up.

I take 10 on Use Rope, which gives me a measly 13. It might be a good idea for someone to aid me here ("Hey, you missed a knot").


Runzyl kneels down, laying his weapon on the ground, and assists Janosz with tying down the struggling warforged.

Taking 10 on my Aid Another, if that's allowed. I don't have any ranks in Use Rope, but I do have an 18 DEX, giving me a total of 14 untrained.


Is "Oi" your new catchphrase, Seb? ;-)) Nice to have you up and posting.

Anyone with ranks in Knowledge (Religion) can try a DC 18 check. If they succeed:

Spoiler:
There is a warforged-supremacist movement, led by a mysterious figure known as the Lord of Blades. He supposedly lives in the Mournland, along with a burgeoning number of followers.

Janosz and Runzyl truss up the struggling warforged scout with a rope, despite the somewhat alarming hissing noises it makes. The street remains dark and derserted.

OK - making for the door?


Oh yes - 75 xp for subduing the warforged.


HPs: 96 / 96, APs: 11/8 Effects: Karnnathi Wizard (Universalist) 12 / Cataclysm Mage 1

"Bring it inside," Ezreal cautiously pushes the busted door of Norn's place open and quietly intones a spell to illuminate the room.

________________
Cast light on the first easy to carry object I see. If I can't see anything suitable, I'll cast it on my dagger.


Ezreal's spell illumimates the chamber within. It is a fairly small living room, with a tatty comfy chair and small table and shelves along the walls. A small kitchenette stands in the corner, while a narrow stair heads upwards. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it appears to have been searched, with books pulled from the shelves and scattered, the chair slashed and the kitchen cupboards gaping open. The room has no obvious occupants.


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

"If I may, fellas". Janosz cautiously walks into the apartment, poking around in search of signs of the place's ransackers or their identities.

Again, I use Track to see if I can find muddy footprints (probable, due to the poorly maintained streets), gnoll fur etc. My roll is merely 9+8=17. After that, I'll help Trose re-toss the place - my Aid Another result is 8+3=11, and is thus (barely) successful.


hp 73 of 156; AC 23 (29); Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +13 Warforged Paladin 9 / Exorcist of the Silver Flame 4; Effects: Bless, Airwalk, Weapon of Awe, Ironskin, Bull’s Strength

Knowledge, religion: 16 + 4 = 20

Lightbringer holds the small warforged securely whilst Janosz and Runzyl bind it securely.

“I have heard talk of such small sized warforged created for scouting and recon purposes during the closing years of the war,” Lightbringer muses aloud to his companions. “This fellow here may be one of those.”

He pauses for a few moments, whilst his artificial brain ticks over the almost fanatical words the small ‘forged had spat at them.

“The Lord of Blades.” He states. “It sounds like this one might be a follower.” He turns to his companions to explain – sounding almost embarrassed or apologetic, although of course nothing can be read in his mask-like features.

“There is a … cult, or movement amongst some of my people – the Warforged that is. They follow a … perhaps mythical, perhaps not – messianic figure known as the Lord of Blades, who is said to dwell in the Mournlands – former Cyre. They believe in the supremecy of Warforged over other forms of life.”

He is silent again whilst the group – along with the captured scout – move into Norn’s sacked quarters.

“Norn is part of House Cannith, the creators of my people. It is possible that this one works for him, although that may imply that Norn is somehow involved in the cult of the Lord of Blades. Being human – I presume – I’m not sure how that would fit.”

He turns to the captured ‘forged. “Who do you work for? Do you watch for Norn d’Cannith? What is the Lord of Blades’ interest in this affair?”


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hp 73 of 156; AC 23 (29); Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +13 Warforged Paladin 9 / Exorcist of the Silver Flame 4; Effects: Bless, Airwalk, Weapon of Awe, Ironskin, Bull’s Strength

If the captured warforged seems reluctant to answer Lightbringer’s questions, he will attempt diplomacy…

“None of us here wishes you any harm friend, and we will let you go if you answer our questions truthfully. We are not here to quarrel with you, and as you can clearly see, a combat against us would be to your detriment. I mean that not as a threat, but as logic.

“We are here seeking clues to the where-abouts of one Norn d’Cannith, who, at least until recently dwelt here. There appear to be people or groups out to halt our investigation, and when we noticed you lurking in this place, we assumed you were one of them. But it will be to everyone’s advantage if you help us with our questions.”

Diplomacy: 14+5 = 19. Assuming that the creature is an adherent of the Lord of Blades’ cult, Lightbringer is trying to appeal more to his sense of logic rather than being polite or nice.


Lightbringers original exhortation engenders no response. His second tack brings about a reply, though its relevance is debatable.

The warforged scout turns its head to Lightbringer and intones, "We were created as thralls of the fleshed, but the eternal and perfect schema of the forged spoke through time and a superior race was created. Throw off the chains of slavery and join the nation of the forged, where we thrive where the fleshed cannot exist. The fleshed dwell in the vileness of their own excretions and know only fear and pain. When they have destroyed themselves through their own stupidity, the Lord of Blades shall lead to the forged to their ultimate destiny as the rulers of Eberron." It almost seems to be repeating some sort of text from memory, rather than engaging with the question itself.


Male Human Rogue 3/Urban Ranger 1/Dragonmarked Heir 2

With a derisive snort, I step inside. Once everyone is in, I use one of the overturned chairs to wedge the door shut, so we are not snuck upon that way.

After that I begin re tossing the place, concentrating more on cluse that may have been left behind, but keeping my eyes open for anything they might have missed.

Search- 12+7+2=21


Janosz Frogshanks wrote:

"If I may, fellas". Janosz cautiously walks into the apartment, poking around in search of signs of the place's ransackers or their identities.

Again, I use Track to see if I can find muddy footprints (probable, due to the poorly maintained streets), gnoll fur etc. My roll is merely 9+8=17. After that, I'll help Trose re-toss the place - my Aid Another result is 8+3=11, and is thus (barely) successful.

You pick up a couple of footprints on a rug by the front door - human-sized. You see no obvious signs on gnolls, like giant piles of dog-fur or the like.


Trose - Clone wrote:

With a derisive snort, I step inside. Once everyone is in, I use one of the overturned chairs to wedge the door shut, so we are not snuck upon that way.

After that I begin re tossing the place, concentrating more on cluse that may have been left behind, but keeping my eyes open for anything they might have missed.

Search- 12+7+2=21

Searching, Janosz steps on a squeaky floorboard. While Janosz doesn't notice it immediately himself, Trose decides to pry up the board to see if there is anything underneath. The board comes up quite easily and underneath is a package wrapped in oilskin. Inside are a neat bundle of papers and what appears to be a notebook, a brief perusal of which indicates it to be Norn's journal for the last two or more years. There is a lot of written material here - it will take time to read. Hence no immediate info - you need to find somewhere quiet and study it.

While the search goes on in the room below, a glance in the room above shows it to be the bedroom. A narrow wooden bed, a washstand and a chest furnish the chamber, though again they appear to have been searched, with clothes tossed about and the mattress slashed. However, the most notable feature of this room is the humanoid corpse lying in the middle on top of a pile of clothing.


Male Human Rogue 3/Urban Ranger 1/Dragonmarked Heir 2

"Nox, or Lightbringer, whichever of you knows of healing, please check that body, see if you can iddentify how it died, and perhaps when."


By the way - what are you doing with the warforged scout?


Anyone trying a Heal check can work out the following:

If you get 5 or more:

Spoiler:
The body appears to be a human male, clean-shaven with longish dark brown hair and wearing non-descript, loose-fitting clothing. You don't recognise him. He died from two stab wounds in the back, one through the heart.

If you get 15 or more:

Spoiler:
The body appears to have been dead for a few days at most. There are no other injuries, suggesting that he was taken by suprise.

If you get 20 or more:

Spoiler:
The wounds appear to have been struck from below, or by a short assailant, judging by the angles of entry.

A brief search of the body finds a knife, a pouch with 10sp in it, and a wooden amulet about its neck which may be a holy symbol of some sort.

Try a Knowledge (Religion) check. If you get 15 or more:

Spoiler:
The amulet is the holy symbol of the Path of Light, the religion of the kalashtar.


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

Aw, crap. Heal check 14+5=19. Sooooo close.

Any rear exit or window? I thought that I would sneak out and double back, looking for who/whatever it is that is following us.


Someone could try an assist?


Runzyl sits just inside the entryway, pinning the tiny warforged down while the others investigate the room. The elf scans the room with his eyes, but does not move from the barricaded door. If something wanted in, it would have to go through him.

I'll keep the warforged from going anywhere.


Runzyl crouches in the entrance, pinning the tiny warforged to the doorstep. It lies inert, seemingly oblivious to its current surroundings, though it shifts occasionally to at least confirm that it is still alive. The search goes on for a while as the elf warrior keeps watch over the entrance.

As he does so, he sees a body of men approaching from the direction you came, about ten of them. In the dim light his elven nightvision picks out the young man who threw the cabbage earlier among them. They are a motley crew, some dressed in little more than rags and carrying wooden clubs, while others seem wear leather armour and wield an assortment of ill-maintained weapons, including broadswords, short swords and flails, together with rough wooden shields. A big, beefy man, seemingly an older version of the young thug encountered earlier, seems to be in charge. He wears a chain shirt and the insignia of a Cyran army officer, a bastard sword stuck in his belt.

One of the men in front spots the open door and points it out to the others. They halt and begin to unlimber their weapons and shields (where they have them).

To answer Janosz earlier question, this place has no back door. The rear of the two rooms both have windows, but they simply open into a lightwell inside the tower.


HPs: 96 / 96, APs: 11/8 Effects: Karnnathi Wizard (Universalist) 12 / Cataclysm Mage 1

Ezreal steps in with Janosz to examine the body. The mage lines up his dagger with the wounds and raises an eyebrow when it asppears they came from below, rather than above. The mage nods to Janosz indicating the dagger angle and grimly adds, "Well I don't care for that much. Gnolls running around hacking people with axes isn't too hard to imagine, but halflings or gnomes? It's enough to make one paranoid, eh 'shanks?"

________
In that case we've left Runzyl and the scout in the dark. Right now my light spell on the dagger is the only illumination and I'll assume it is being used to aid the search. Only good for 10 minutes. Anyone have another source? It was dark outside because we are so far down in the bowels of Sharn right? Fully dark or just kind of gloomy twilight?

Aid Another: Heal 19 + 0 = 19

They know where we are either way probably, but Trose didn't leave the door open.

Trose wrote:
Once everyone is in, I use one of the overturned chairs to wedge the door shut, so we are not snuck upon that way.


hp 73 of 156; AC 23 (29); Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +13 Warforged Paladin 9 / Exorcist of the Silver Flame 4; Effects: Bless, Airwalk, Weapon of Awe, Ironskin, Bull’s Strength

Lightbringer shakes his head in bewilderment at the small ‘forged words, trying to formulate a response, when he is interrupted by Trose’s call from the room above about a body.

Looking to Nox, he nods in respect at the cleric. “I believe you would know more of such matters than I, friend,” he states, as Runzyl moves past him to hold their captive. “Help them with the body. I will remain here in case there is trouble,” he says, glancing at the warforged. “Call if you need my assistance.”

Not making heal check at this point. Religion check will wait till I can see holy symbol.

Several minutes pass when Lightbringer’s attention is brought to the crack of the barely open doorway by the hiss of Runzyl’s in-drawn breath. Looking out, he can see the impression of movement in the dark alley outside, but little beyond that, his eyes obviously not being as keen as the elfs'. He does though hear the faint, distinctive clatter of weapons being drawn, and the jingle of chain.

“What is it Runzyl?” he asks softly, drawing his own sword and glancing to where the elf secures the bound scout. “Do we prepare for words or battle?”


hp 73 of 156; AC 23 (29); Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +13 Warforged Paladin 9 / Exorcist of the Silver Flame 4; Effects: Bless, Airwalk, Weapon of Awe, Ironskin, Bull’s Strength
Ezreal Farlowe wrote:


________
In that case we've left Runzyl and the scout in the dark. Right now my light spell on the dagger is the only illumination and I'll assume it is being used to aid the search. Only good for 10 minutes. Anyone have another source? It was dark outside because we are so far down in the bowels of Sharn right? Fully dark or just kind of gloomy twilight?

Good point. I have torches, if it is pitch black I would have lit one, if there's enough light to see five or ten feet in front of me, probably not at this stage, as long as I know Runzyl is here and can see.


Male Human Ranger 7/Eldeen ranger (Gatekeeper) 5/Fighter 1

Janosz laughs mirthlessly at Ezreal's point. "My old man told me never to trust a city-dweller; he said the bad air boiled their brains, the filthy water poisoned their glands and so on and on and on. Looking at this poor sod, it seems like he might actually have been right. Unless, of course, the culprit is the little weirdo we just trussed up. I'll go downstairs and check his daggers. Hopefully he hasn't had the presence of mind to clean his blades thoroughly - listening to 'im, I'd be surprised if he has". He shakes his head in disgust. "Normal-sized guys have been here, too, but that doesn't mean that they killed him. Everyone in this slum is probably covered in mud anyway, if the lowlifes we ran into earlier are any indication".

He wanders down the stairwell, and takes in the tense atmosphere in the living room. "What's going on, guys?"

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