Crouching Dragon, Smoking Barrel (Inactive)

Game Master Pixel Cube

A Western and Eastern flavored adventure, with gun wielding pistoleros, ninjas and samurais.


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SOUNDTRACK

It's a slow day at the Clock and Gear. Today is Market Day and most of the townspeople are at the Spice Market in the Eastern Quarters, so despite the recent overpopulation, in the saloon there are few regulars. Many are playing cards, drinking at the counter, or simply enjoying some tobacco. Somebody just inserted a silver coin into the tin head of Chet, and now the steam powered pianist is playing a fast melody. It's ten minutes to noon and the barmaids are busy serving drinks and food. You catch a glimpse of a discussion between two gentlemen near you. They are talking, like everbody else, about the bounty.

The amount of money offered for the head of Adrian Slate was so ridicolously high, that many were lead to believe that the Constable went mad. Bounty hunters of various races and shapes have come from all around trying to collect it. Some of them weren't bounty hunters at all, just other outlaws and gallows birds. Three people died after a shootout between two gangs, in fear that their rivals might get to the bounty first. After this, Constable Castle was forced to impose a constraint that caused much protest from the bounty hunters: no one will be able to pursue and kill Slate unless authorized to do so by the Constable himself. You can kill him if you want, but if you don't have received written permission by Castle, you can't collect squat. And the Constable is now allowing few people at the time to be on the hunt, sharing the few information they have on the criminal and letting a new group try its luck only if the previous one failed. Needless to say, lots of people got into the line, waiting for their turn.

You were between them, but there are at least 20 bounty hunters that will get the written permission before you, so it's unlikely Slate will be still free and alive when your turn comes up. With nothing much to do except wait and hope, you are now hanging out with your acquaitances at the Clock and Gear, listening to Chet playing "The Ballad of the Crippled Horse" and enjoying something to drink.

Then, something catches your attention. Two table away from you, two people are arguing in an agitaded manner. The man has shaven head, a long scar across his face, an handlebar black moustache, and looks like your typical good-for-nothing. The lady instead is beautiful, dark skinned, with full lips and curly black hair. She wears an elegant red dress, and look very uneasy. You can't make out exactly what they are saying, but it's easy to realize that the man is giving the lady unwanted attention. She refuses to look him in the eyes, and tries to avoid getting touched by him. The man raises his voice, but for no use. Then, all of a sudden, smacks the dark skinned woman in the face, rises up and grabs her arm, dragging her close to him.

Other bar regulars stand up to do something, but the man his quick to draw his revolver and press it to the lady's temple. She is visibly in tears. Everybody is suddenly too scared to make a move. The man starts to back towards the exit, using the woman as a shield.

I'd like to suggest all the gentlemens over here to mind your own f&@*ing business. says the man in a raspy voice.

You are all in the saloon, a few tables away from him. Nobody else is moving. What do you do?


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Thelnyss leans forward to make some swift quiet conversation with his companions.

Well, what do you think ? Time to get shot ?

He sighs and hangs his head


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

Knowledge Local to recognize the man - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Grymblade leaned back in his rickety chair and took a draw off of the short stemmed pipe he favored. He wasnt sure what all the fuss was about and he was equally unsure why Thelnyss wanted to get involved.

What business is it of ours? Your feeling frisky, bored or both?

he kept his eyes on the man with the gun through the hazy smoke the whole time he was talking to the Guide. If the man made a move he knew his pals would make a move and make it fast.

Perception - 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Thel leans back again, rolling his shoulders.

Noone, realy - I just don't like thugs he shrugs, then adds Might be boredom talking also. Nevertheless, we can't really have gunfire inside the bar ...


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

He hadn't known the full blood for long but he respected his views.

I dont much like them either. With the influx of people lately the Noose is ready to go up in flames with all the flaring tempers. You want to jump then I'll have your back Thelnyss.

He blew a few experimental smoke rings and wondered if he'd see the days end.


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

A dark look crosses Embrianna's face as the man's rough treatment of the woman brought up an unpleasant memory.

"If you gentlemen will excuse me, I'm about to make this my business."

Not wanting to startle the man, Embrianna slowly stands up and turns towards him.

"I am not one of the lucky few to go hunt Slate, I have yet to find the men I came here to kill and I am quite bored right now. Either let the woman go and leave this town or I shall assume that you wish to alleviate my boredom." Her hands hover near her hips, one over her gun and the other her sword.


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

Mordechai listens to the happening, and his companion's conversation, not suprised by Ember's action. He'll stand u pas well.
"See, now you've made it all our business carryin' on in the Clock n Gear. I reckon if my female friend here don't end ya, I will. If not me, then anyone else in here worth his salt will draw on ya. I suggest you cut yer losses and git, 'n leave her here. I gurantee, you drill that lady in the head, you'll soon follow."

One of my favs lately


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

The swarthy half elf wasnt surprised at all at his companion's reactions and he also hadn't moved from where he sat leaning in his chair.

Well you've gone and angered my pals bub. Id suggest taking their advise and moving on or things are going to go very bad for you.

Intimidate - 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

This one is better Mord :)

Embrianna's hands are steady as she stands there waiting for the man to decide what he is going to do and thinks to herself: Nice to see that there are at least some men here who don't approve of treating a woman like that.


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

The temperature inside the room seems to be rising and the familiar thrill of the hunt lurks just beneath the surface of Thels thoughts. He also rises from his chair, twenty-one inches of polished steel in his left hand. He starts to circle the around the armed man, slowly, counter clockwise. He takes great care to keep his path to the man free from obstacles and keeping the initial distance, silently weighting his options if it came to bloodshed.

"It seems as if we do care afterall .. Grym, if I die, tell my kin that I didn't die bored atleast !" he says with almost childish glee in his voice

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

Sanzu will tell the man, She didn't protest your affection because of lack of intrest, she did it because of her ailment friend.Sleep with her at your own risk


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

*Raises an eyebrow*


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

Grymblade chuckled at Sanzu's comment and didnt dare ask how he knew such things about the young lady. He stayed leaning in the chair smoking his pipe confident that Ember and Thels could handle the situation from here.


The man hesitates for a while. He looks undecided on what to do: he hasn't recognized any of you Knowledge(local)1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9, but he realized that you are not a bunch of average paesants. Still, he keeps hold of the woman, who is still in tears, but points the revolver at one of you at the time: he espects an attack, but doesn't know from which way it will come. Hearing Thelnyss and Mordechai conversation, but especially after Grymblade chuckles at Sanzu's remarks, he says: D-do you think this is some kind of joke? That I won't shot this slut in the head if any of you m-moves?
From his tone everyone of you can see that it's pretty intimidated by you, and that he didn't expect to meet with this sort of resistance.

Some of the bar regulars are now slowly exiting the saloon, fearing an imminent shootout.

You can do a Knowledge (local) check too if you want. Still expecting our Witch and Samurai to show up.


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

"I am not laughing, so you can be sure I don't find anything about this situation humorous. I also believe you will do as you say, just as I am sure that you believe that you will be dead a few seconds after she hits the floor. Is it worth your life to take hers?"


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

What you should ask yourself stanger is...if killing her will prevent your death or expedite it. Seeing how my friends are reacting Id say the latter...

The smoke from his pipe hung thick in the air.

Diplomacy - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

...You dont have much time to think about it either.


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Thel freezes for an instant when the gun is pointed towards him, then continues his slow circle movement. He takes a good look on the man, and tries to remember if he had seen him somewhere before

Know (local) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

"Twenty feet of open ground to a nervewreck with a gun. Don't really like those odds ... "

"I think you're on to something there .. The sand is running low" Thel adds, backing up Grymblades attempt for a bloodless solution.

Diplomacy, Aid another 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

Knowledge local 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Mord watches the scene un fold...hoping this man's stupidity doesn't kill the girl...


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

Tossing out another aid another Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

If you are going to shoot her, you might want to back up a bit. If you get her blood on you, you might as well shoot yourself next. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Bluff


Mordechai:
You seem to recall something about this individual. He calls himself Blake, but his real name is Jaxus. He is a gallows bird, that changed name and appearance to escape the law. He's been around town for three or four months. People say he's quite a fast shooter. You don't know if there is a bounty on him. You also recognize the lady (see the other spoiler below)

Thelnyss:
You don't recognize the man with the gun, but you distinctly recall to have seen the lady before. You don't know her name, but she works in the Constable office, probably as a secretary, and that's where you met her, while you were submitting your request to go after Slate.

I'll just wait a little more for the others to show up, then I'll move things along.


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

A light goes off over his head...
"Blake, just let the girl go and walk away...this is the wrong move for a man to clean up his life. Think about it, no missunderstanding with the constable's office is worth swingin for. Let 'er go, and go on with yer life, or it just might end here, for nuthin'. Don't make us kill you, man."

Aid another Diplomacy 1d20 ⇒ 17


Noa looks around to check to see if anyone is watching, then dips a piece of cotton in his water and drops his hands under the table, muttering under his breath while concentrating on the man's gun.

Casting Damp Powder on the man's firearm.


Blake, unaware of the spell that was being cast on his weapon, keeps his gun steady, but he's visibly sweating. You, you don't understand... Oh, the hell with it! He pushes the girl foward, and she falls onto a nearby seat. He quickly backs up towards the exit, his gun still pointed at you. Don't you dare following me... he says, as he leaves the Clock and Gear, probably for good. Moments later, you hear the sounds of a galopping horse outside.

The girl is on the chair. She's sobbing, but looks alright.

Good job guys, you were quite convincing.

Embrianna:
The man's voice sounded oddly familiar to you. Roll another Perception check.


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

Setting his chair back down Grym tapped out the dottle fom his pipe.

Well Thels it looks like you might yet get the chance to die from boredom. A good ending to what could have gone very badly. Another round?

The half elf will stroll to the bar and order a bottle of the potent Meskal that he favored. Taking stock of his coin and thinking of the dry days ahead he doubled his due and laid 20 gold down while saying to the ever present gnome

Make it two Jimble. And I'll need glasses for the lot.

Tucking the second bottle in his pouch he'll return to the table and start pouring out equal shares including one for the lady they just assisted. Raising his glass he offers a toast.

Another bloodless morning.

and will heartily take his shot


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Maybe I could track his horse ...

Thels voice trails of and he looks dreamingly towards the door. He sighs and puts his shortsword away.

I guess you're right Grym... unless ... Miss! Would you care for a drink? It might calm your nerves, and the first one is on my friend?


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

He'd know that Mord doesn't drink...
Mordechai nods in agreement with that sentiment, but like always, does not partake.
He, out of habit, quickly scans the rest of the bar, to make sure nothing else is brewing before he relaxes.
Also watches Ember, to make sure it's done.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Sense motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

Perception 1d20 ⇒ 19


Embrianna:
That man didn't look like him, with that big moustache and scar, but his mannerism, his voice... They remind you of Jaxus, the youngest of the Blackstone brothers. You aren't sure about that. Too bad he's already on the back of his horse...

The lady wipes her tears, then stands up and comes towards you. Her voice is still trembling for what certainly was the scare of her life. Thank you, thank you all... I don't know what I could have done if it weren't for you...


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

A brief look of recognition passed over Embrianna's face when the man started speaking. No, it has to just be the situation making me think of that day. He doesn't look like him at all.

Looking a bit unsettled as he leaves, Embrianna grabs another chair from a nearby table and offers it to the lady. "Here, sit down for a minute and take the drink, you look a bit unsteady."


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

"You're welcome ma'am" he says, tipping the brim of his straw hat. He looks at Ember after that look. He says quietly to her,
"You ok? Did you know of Blake too?"


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

Ember quietly answers Mord; "I..I'm not sure. He sounded and acted like someone, but he didn't look like him though. At least I don't think he did."


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

Mord furrows his brow. He replies quietly,
"Hmm. Well rumor had it, on about 3 or 4 months ago, he called hisself Jaxus." He thinks to himself a split second, then quieter still asks the young lady, "Ma'am, is there a bounty on anyone named Jaxus? Is that what that ruckus was about?"


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

Ember had just taken a drink, trying to not to think of the past. When Mord mentions the name Jaxus she almost chokes on her drink and sputters and coughs for a moment before being able to ask; "What did you say he used to call himself?"


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

Looks taken aback by her sudden intensity...
"Jaxus...why...?"

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

Well, seeing as how your in our debt now in all, know of any work for an exorcist? Sanzu says with a devilish grin.


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

Embrianna stands up for a moment, realizes that Jaxus is well out of town by now, then sits back down with a look of disgust on her face. Right here in front of me and I let the bastard just walk on out and ride away.

Turning back to Mord she asks, "Do you know if he was here in town with anyone else?"


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

"No...just heard word about town that he changed his look a bit and his name to avoid the deputies...been here bout 3 or 4 months, like I said. Taht's all I know of him...I reckon this young woman here really set him off, if'n he was willin' to blow his cover...I also heard he was a quick shot, glad that didn't turn ugly."


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Thel observes Ember and Mordechais conversation with mild interest as he sipps on his drink. Looks like that Jaxus fella meant something to her, judging by her look

If it is really important to ya, I'm sure finding the tracks made by a galloping horse can't be that hard ?


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

Grym tucked his pipe back into his pouch and poured himself and anyone else with an empty glass another drink.

You got a score with this Jaxus Embrianna, then we'll do what we can to make you get to settle it. Let's here this lady's tale as to why he was roughing her up. If he's really on the lam then it must've been important to risk discovery like he did. Well ma'am?

Diplomacy - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18


The girl accepts something to drink, and after she's done, thanks you again. I'm so glad you made him stop. I hope I'll never see him again.
He listens Embrianna and Mord talking about the runaway, then speaks: You are right, his name was Jaxus. Since he came to this town 4 months ago, my life has been an hell. She takes another sip of strong liquor, then continues. He kept stalking and harrassing me. He bought me flowers, and then almost shot my horse when I refused. I think, I think he was in love with me. He even confessed me that he was a murderer, that he changed his looks and name, maybe he was trying to impress me. I couldn't tell the Marshal about this, I feared Jaxus' reaction. I hope it's over now, but I'm glad you didn't kill him.

She pauses for a second, pondering Sanzu's words. My name is Lianna Farson. I'll be eternally grateful to everyone of you. I work for the Constable's Office, and I remember seeing some of you back at the Office, submitting your request for the bounty of Adrian Slate. I have very few money of my own, but perhaps I can convince Constable Castle to give the job to you now, without having to wait. It's not "exorcism work", but you look like you could handle it, for sure. I'll beg the Constable for it, it's the least I can do. Would you like to follow me to the Office?


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

"Yeah Grym, you could say I've got a score to settle with him, more so with his brother though. Lianna, before we follow you, I need to ask you if you have ever heard Jaxus speak of his older brother or of other people he used to ride with."


"That would be appreciated, miss." Noa says, having walked over and joined the group. "I apologize for not confronting him along with the others, I'm not much of a fighter. My name is Noa Emekai."


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

"Thank you, ma'am, much obliged, but for me I don't much like watchin a young gal get manhandled like that. My Pa woulda never sat n' watched it happen without sayin' his peace, reckon I can't neither.
I'm content to wait my turn, all the same, but I don't think my friends here would be...thanks for doin' what you can on that Slate bounty, then."

Realizing Jaxus was a big catch for Ember...
"Sorry there Embrianna. Had I known you was gunnin for Jaxus I'd've pointed him out to ya before today...feel as though I let you down a bit."


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

If it meant that much to you, Ember, I could go and see if I can find his tracks while you visit the marshal?


I'm afraid not. He said he was part of a band of outlaws, but that he "quit" some some time ago. Never said anything about them though. The woman then replies to Noa and Mord: You don't have to apologize. I'm just happy to be alive. And it is my pleasure to help you as much as I can.

About half a minute later, you hear very heavy and clunky steps getting closer. Ha short individual in full suit of armor enters through the saloon's door. He carries a shield as big as a poker table with a star decoration on the front, and a very long and heavy six shooter. Coming from the closed visor you hear a muffled, gruff voice. 'right, what the hell happened here?


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

Knowledge: Local1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 to ID the new arrival...


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Not much really Thel sighs You might wanna talk to the gal over there he gestures towards Lianna.

Equall parts metal and dwarf ... this got to be the sheriff

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

Sanzu considers the girls words. Well of corse THAT job would be great, but how can you convince the constable? 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 sense motive. Something doesn't add up here Sanzu thinks to himself as he takes a break from leering like a letcher to actually sizing up her motives.


Female Changeling Witch / 8 HP: (51)51 / AC: 13 (with MA: 17) / Init:: +2 / Perc: +6 / Will: 10 , Reflex: 5 , Fort: 3 / CMB: +3 / CMD: +13

Embrianna sighs, "Don't worry about it Mord, you didn't know. Thank you Thelnyss, it'd be nice to at least know what direction to head in when I'm ready to follow him."

In response to the sheriff, "This young woman just needed a bit of help convincing a fella that she wasn't interested in him."

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