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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He's Sheriff Brunt, everyone would recognize him. He looks around in silence, and nods at some of you in acknowledgement. A witness brought me here. He said Blake went all mad on a lady, and that someone was givin' the fella an hard time for that. He puts the gun back into the holster, and lifts his visor, showing a web of wrinkles around deep green eyes. Good thing you did not shoot the bastard down. Nice job scarin' his ass away.

Lianna has just enough time to respond to Sanzu, before getting called by the Marshal to give her version of the events: I have worked with him for many years, he thrusts me. He ruled that you can only go after Slate if he authorizes it, but he's not very content with the results so far. Bounty hunters so far have been disappointing. When I'll tell him what happened here and that you saved my life, he will surely let you have your chances.

Sanzu:
From what you can see, she's not lying. Actually, she looks almost sorry that she can't repay you with money right away.

Lianna is interrogated by the Marshall, who then asks few other questions to the barman and some regulars. Then he speaks to you before heading outside. Well, my work here is done. If you see Blake again, try not to kill him and let me know. See ya.

Lianna stays there, letting you know that she's ready to go to the office.

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

Well, sounds reasonable. On the way there, can you tell me anything about this Adrian Slate? Sanzu says in a neutral tone.


Not much, really. He's an outlaw from the Valderran capital, that escaped from a public execution there and came to the West. I don't know what he did exactly, but they say he's a dangerous man, and that he has his way with words: he recruited outlaws and outcasts and formed a gang. Recently, he killed the members of a caravan of Easterns ambassadors, and that's when the Constable decided to issue the bounty.

But I can't tell you where do we think he's hiding, the Constable decided to keep that information secret. Even I don't know that. But I'm sure he will share it with you once we are at the Office.


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

As soon as Lianna mentioned heading to the constable's office Grym stoppered the bottle and slid into his pouch...looks like I...I mean we, will get a chance at the bounty on Slate...a good day indeed...

Well then it sounds like we should head over to the Office. At your liesure Lady Lianna

The half elf will stand and gesture towards the door.

We should stay on guard. This Jaxus might have just gone to round up his crew and returned to ambush us.

He wondered what the man and his brother had to Ember to cause her such discomfort but he wasnt a man to pry into such things. If and when she was ready to share then she would and when she was ready to collect the blood payment he would be be on her flank with steel bared as he knew the others would be too.

Shall we?


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

Nodding at Grym's remark to be on guard, Ember nods. "That'd save me alota trouble if they would be so obliging as to come to us. If they do, I can tell you that Jaxus and his brother are both good with a gun. Last I knew they also traveled with a fella who was deadly with his knives and another big fella who carries both sword and gun." Ember subconsciously rubs at the scar on her chest when mention the guy with knives and from the look in her eye you know she'd kill him if she had the chance.

Ember will rise with the others and follow Lianna to the sheriff's office. Maybe, if I'm really lucky, Jeras and his gang will be riding with Slate and I can get both bounty and revenge.


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

Mord stands outside the Clock n Gear, watching Thel go off to track, and the rest go to the constable.
"Get us a good deal Ember. I'll go along with Thel, in case Jaxus doubled back."

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

It sounded like the Sheriff did not want him killed, is there a bounty on Jaxus' head too? I hate having to bring them back alive, so much more work.


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 gives Sanzu a hard look. "If Jaxus is by himself, be prepared for more work then. I want him alive and able to talk about his former gangs whereabouts. Do I make myself clear?"


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

Easy now Ember. We'll do what we can but if that man draws heat on anyone of us you cant blame a man for putting him down. Thels will find his tracks and ifyou want we can go after him as soon as we settle up at the Constable's with Lianne.

Grym strolled along and kept his flat eyes on their peripheral watching for unwanted attention.

Perception - 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

Sanzu returns Embrianna's stare with his stern gaze We Jzen have many ways of making people talk if that is what you wish, though most fear what is said, even from their own lips.


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 takes a deep breath and tries to calm back down. "You're right Grym, sorry. It's just that this one isn't about a bounty, it's personal. And yes Sanzu, it is my wish that he talk and I don't care what it takes to make him talk."

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

It is good that you can control your emotions, exorcising a spirit of rage and destruction can be very painful for the host. Very well, we shall hunt down this Jaxus and make him talk, even if we have to rip his voice from the great beyond.


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Alive eh ? I agree that its usually more work then it's worth ... But if you have any personal dealings with that man I'll try and respect that Ember Hmm Might need to get some subdual tools then ...

Thel ponders about how he is going to drag an unwilling man across the desert and sighs at the thought of carrying him.

I'll go and check for tracks before they are damaged too much. Coming Mordechai ?

He waits for Mordechai, then walks out and goes in a large circle around the village, checking for tracks and chit chating /monolougeing about hunting, tracking and "when I was young" stories

Survival Check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

Nods at and follows Thelnyss on his rounds.
He isn't as chatty, but you can tell he's listening, and not ignoring you, commenting politely where appropirate. He doesn't offer up much about himself, assuming you already know.


Thelyniss can clearly see some tracks heading to the south, away from the town. Unfortunately, it looks like Jaxus is headed to the Salt Flats, and in that zone tracks are notoriously difficult to follow. And if the wind starts to speed up, it's almost impossible to track someone in the desert.
Sanzu, there is no bounty on Jaxus that you know of.

SOUNDTRACK
You follow Lianna outside the Clock and Gear, among the looks of the few regulars still inside. The sun is still high, and after the noon break, the town of Hangman's Noose is slowly returning to its busy, overcrowded self. Many men and women talking in the streets, headed for High Road to do some shopping. Slackers enjoying a drink while they sit on the gallows of 13 Noose Square. Halflings with big packages, visibly in a hurry, headed for the Postal Offices, meet a group of half orcs laborers that are going to the Railway construction site along the way. Miners enjoy their last minutes of lunchbreak, spouting with a group of merchants trying to sell them some more food. A single Elf sitting on a stool in the middle of the road, smoking a pipe with the most relaxed look on his face. And the local gravedigger, a gloomy gnome dressed in black, that is walking towards Main Road all alone, because nobody bothers to have a conversation with the gravedigger.

The air is hot and tastes of dirt and salt, as usual. After crossing 13 Noose Square, you enter the Constable's Office.

Will post a bigger update tomorrow, waiting for Noa and hopefully Masao to join.

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

Hmm grave digger, maybe he knows about some Exorcist work. I'll have to ask him about that later

So what kind of work did you do for the Constable Lianna?


I've been his secretary for many years says Lianna just before entering the Office. Here, please wait outside just for a moment. I'll be back soon.

Sanzu:
Since you are still outside in the Square for a couple minutes, I'm assuming you go ask the gravedigger before getting called back by Lianna. After you ask him about exorcism work, he looks puzzled.Exorcism? Like in, getting the demons out of somebody's head? Dunno 'bout that. Look, I just put people the good six feet underground they're supposed to be, and hope they stay down there and don't came back. But if yer looking for the demons, maybe you could ask Father Prester at the Leadbell Church. The old man is always ramblin' about demons and spirits and the likes. He then leaves his hat, salutes you, and keeps on his way.

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

Thank you, may the spirit of death fail to find you before you sleep this night. Oh ya, I forgot humans do not use priests for all of their undertaking needs. Such a strange custom to have someone of another race bury you in the ground, and they are not even ordained!Well at least he gave me some information. Leadbell eh? what strange names.


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

Grym stood leaning against office calmly spinning a dagger in the palm of his hand and flashing it through his fingers.

Look Embrianna, you got no need to go apologizing. You say its personal, then its personal. The Great Eye knows we've all gotten heated over personal scores before...

The typically gloomy half elf pauses and you can tell he's reliving some past moment. Although you can't tell if it was a fond memory or not.

... You want him to talk, then he's gonna talk alright. If I have to carve him up like those gourds halflings put out for their celebration of Oiche Samhain.

Here he smiles to himself as halfling celebrations are generally carefree events and he found a way to cast a ghastly aspect to it.


For info about the Leadbell Church, roll Knowledge Local, History or Religion (whichever is higher).

DC 12:
The Church was rebuilt after the burning of the town, caused by the shootout of many years ago. A new bell, entirely made out of lead, was forged for the occasion. Since then the Church houses an altar for the Gods of Light, but everyone who can spare a prayer for this or that cult is welcome. It is run by a dwarf priest named Prester. He is a good man and always willing to help anyone that comes visit him.

DC 20:
Prester may be old and blind, and many people believe that he's a bit crazy; but not many know that the man has constant visions of what probably is the Otherworld, the place where the dead wander and the demons thrive. The dwarf is quick to warn everybody of the constant danger of demonic possessions and influences, and recently performed an exorcism on a girl that stabbed his mother and his little brother. She was, indeed, possessed by an evil entity.

Also, the Father rebuilt the Church all by himself. The Lead bell is made of all the bullets shot during the town's burning and extracted from the bodies of the deceased during the event, reforged together. Some old cronies and superstitious people believe that the bell is magical, and that keeps the demon at bay.

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

Sanzu has none of those, so he will remain ignorant until he checks it out


I'm in the same cart as Sanzu.


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

After about fourtyfive minutes of searching they find a promising trail heading south out of Hangman's Noose towards the Salt Flats. South to the flats eh ..

See these deep long marks ? They are from a hurried horse - and they are leading straight to the Salt Flats. Only the foolish or suicidal hurries there. Hard place to track in, but even harder to find fresh water...

Thel kneels down next to the footstep and mubles a few phases in Sylvan, the language of the nature spirits; Lords of the hunt: Show me my prey and draws several ritual patterns in the sand with his finger.

Using the spell Residal Tracking to confirm the results


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 gives a little smile. "Thank you Grym, both for the offer and the mental image that came with it. She leans against the office wall beside him as they wait for Lianna to come back out.

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 Survival roll to remember the nearest fresh water in the salt flats in the direction of the tracks.


Sanzu wrote:


1d20 +10 Survival roll to remember the nearest fresh water in the salt flats in the direction of the tracks.

There is none: to the south of Hangman's Noose there is only a wasteland for hundreds of miles. So unless the man has a safe hideout, he will either have to go back to the town, or die in the flats.


After a few minutes of waiting, Lianna comes back to you. Come in, please. I think I convinced him. He's waiting for you. You follow her into the Constable's Office, a tidy and luxorious building where many administrators of the town work. Everything is made out of prime grade wood and decorated tapestry. Lianna knocks at a door, then lets you in. I shall leave you now. Thanks again to anyone.

Inside the room you find two people. One is sitting at a large mohogany desk, the other is on an armchair right in front of him, both look at you as you go in.

The Constable is an imposing man, dressed in a white suit, with silvery framed spectacles and a well groomed beard. The other man is unmistakebly dressed in full samurai armor, and an high quality one apparently. Constable Castle rises from his chair and talks to you.

Lianna told me everything, about how you saved her and fended off tha criminal. I am grateful for that: she is a keen worker and has been my secretary for many years. It would have been a shame if something happened to her.

But let's just cut to the chase, if you will. She asked me to allow you to go after Slate without having to wait anymore. Normally, I wouldn't do that, as this town is too much on the verge of chaos already to allow more bouty hunters to go around shooting and killing. But I'm afraid that this is not a normal situation, the one we're in.

He pulls out a cigar and a glass of whiskey from his desk and gets closer to the big world globe on the side of the room.
This man here is a high dignitary from the East. Last month, Slate and his men ambushed a caravan of other easterns coming to the town. Slate killed them and stole a very precious object from the caravan, and now his owner, Mister Yabusa right here, wants it back. This is the reason we stopped tolerating Slate and decided to issue the bounty: we can't allow him to keep what he stole. But the other hunter's efforts have been pointless so far.

He touches the globe, make it spin slowly. You must realize that Hangman's Noose is not just a small town lost in the middle of the desert anymore. We occupy a strategic position for the Kingdom now, which is why we can't risk a diplomatic incident if we allow Slate get away unpunished and with Mister Yabusa's prized possession still in hand. Which is why I decided to allow you to go after him, provided you get both Slate and the object. To be honest, I doubt that you will be able to do that, but you saved my secretary's life and she is conviced that you aren't just a buch of good for nothing. So it's worth taking a shot.

Do you have any questions?


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

I have just two questions. First what is this object that we must retrieve? And which way was Slate last headed?


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 listens intently to the Constables speech and nods in agreement with Grym's questions. "It would be most helpful to have an accurate description of the object, sir."

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

I only know Adrian Slate by name, can you tell me more about him and his gang? I assume he is human. How many are in his gang? What weapons does he specialize in? Does he have any family, friends in town? You said there was bounty hunters who came befor us, might you tell us who they were?


"How long do we have before this becomes an 'incident', Constable?" Noa asks from the back of the group.


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4
Thelnyss wrote:


See these deep long marks ? They are from a hurried horse - and they are leading straight to the Salt Flats. Only the foolish or suicidal hurries there. Hard place to track in, but even harder to find fresh water...

Mord looks on with interest.

"Well we already knew he was a damn fool. This jus' confirms it I reckon."


The samurai replies to Grymblade and Embrianna. His accent is very strong, but everyone is able to understand the words. It looks like a sphere, no bigger than a pomegranate, entirely made of jade, with carvings and ideograms on its surface. It as been in the treasurery of many kings and rulers for almost two thousand years, so its historical and traditional value is immense. No sense in hiding that, it is also magical: it has been an object of study of the mystical properties of the jade for centuries.

Constable Castle answers the other questions. Slate was last seen going to the Whispering Canyons, 12 miles to the West. That it most likely his hiding place. We don't know exactly how many people are in his band at the moment, but Slate is becoming very influent and so his personal army is growing very fast. That is why you must get him as soon as possible, that and the fact that the ambassadors are more and more preoccupied by the situation. Slate is not a strong man, but he's quite a shot, so watch out.

He has no family here, he's not even from here: he is a former noble from the Kingdom Capital, turned rogue: he escaped the guillottine here only to get himself a ticket for the gallows here. No ordinary man's life is worth 60 thousands gold: but this is no ordinary man, and the King himself sent me the funds to pay for his death.
Whoever has Knowledge (nobilty) can make a check.

As for the other bounty hunters before you, they either gave up or got killed. Simple as that.

Now I must ask you if you are still interested. In addition to the bounty gold, I'm willing to give you 10000 more if you kill or capture his men, and I allow to keep whatever treasure Slate might have collected. Except for the sphere, of course. If you are in this, I'll get you six signed authorizations.


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV
Mordechai wrote:

Mord looks on with interest.

"Well we already knew he was a damn fool. This jus' confirms it I reckon."

Thel nods at Mordechais words. Aye. Lets get back to the others


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

The half elf listened intently as the man gave a full accounting of what they knew about Slate and the Jade globe.

Oh we're interested alright. There's two more member's of our gang that should be on their way over here soon.


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 nods in agreement as Grym expresses their interest. So, free reign to capture or kill Slate's men? I wonder what the odds are that Blackstone and his fellas are joining that fast growing army?

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

Thank you for answering my questions Constable, I am in for sure, but may I ask one more question of Mr Yabusa? Sanzu waits for acknowledgment then asks It is known to my people that jade has some properties against certain entities from the hereafter, where were you taking this stone? and could Slate have any idea of its use or desired destination? Any information could help lead to his capture.


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

Nods, and follows Thel back to the constable's office.


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

While we wait for our pals is there any more you can tell us of Slate and his men? Like physical descriptions and preferred weaponry or some such?

Grym was eager to get out in the chapparal and hunt down these men. Thels comments earlier about dying of boredom were starting to resonate in his skull as he'd been drinking and dicing away the rewards of his last bounty for quite some time.

...my steel is getting dull and my wits even more so lounging in saloons and drowning is spirits...


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Thel and Morde arrive at the constable's office, where the secretary ushers them in. Thel decides to ask the team for a recap on what he missed later, instead of wasting the constables time by asking him to repeat everything.

I just moved us to the constables office so that the team is all together again, if something crucial comes up, and to make it easier for intra party chat


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

While the constable looked over his papers; obviously searching for the information that they had asked of him; Grym filled the Guide and Gunslinger in on what theyd heard so far in hushed tones.

...so the half of it is we get a shot at Slate's bounty...


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 adds to their discussion in quiet voice; "If Slate really is attracting a bunch of other outlaws to join his personal army, there is a good chance that any number of them might also have bounties out on their heads. Not to mention that there is a chance that Jaxas headed out there as well."


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Thel nods silently in appreciation towards Grym "We should bring along copies of the bounties... Lets just hope we don't have to slog thru too much blood to get Slate" he adds in a hushed tone.


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

Listens to Grym as he recounts the offer...
"Sounds good."


I'm back, sorry for the long wait.

The Constable makes a timid smile at your expression of interest. Good, very good. I'll get the papers ready: you can leave tomorrow morning, so you'll have the time to go around shops and saloon and get some supplies and, the Gods willing, more information that we don't know about yet. I'm afraid that we don't know much about his men, but perhaps some slacker in a bar knows something we don't.

Now that your friends are here too, I can officially declare you an endorsed posse. If you encounter trouble during your way to the Canyons or here in town, show the papers: they might help. Lianna will give them to you in her office; now, if you don't have more questions, you are free to leave. Good luck, boys, and good luck to the lady too.

Sanzu, Yabusa looks at you and aswers your question. You are right; jade has special properties, and its magical powers have many uses. This sphere in particular used to be called Ghensu Kyuui, or how you would call it, the Ruler's Peace. But I don't know if Slate has any idea of its use: he probably stole it just because it was precious.
Sanzu, you and you only do a Sense Motive check.

Lantern Lodge

Male Elf Inquisitor(Exorcist) 4

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Sense Motive
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Knowledge Arcana for Ghensu Kyuui or Ruler's Peace.


Sanzu:
By reading his body language, you are able to determine that Yabusa is probably hiding something. When he says "I don't know if Slate has any idea of its use" he's probably lying, and you see that is exactly the fact that Slate might know how to use the sphere that preoccupies him the most. You don't know anything more about the sphere though.

In the other office, the rest of you meet with Lianna that smiles when he sees you. I knew the Constable would have given the job to you. I'm so happy about that, but promise me you are all going to be very careful. I'd be glad if you got the bounty money, but not if we were forced to raise the bounty reward because Slate killed you too. She gives you six written permissions, signed by the Constable and with seal over them. Whoever casts detect magic can see that they have a faint aura of magic over them: this way they cannot be forged. After that, Lianna whishes you good luck, and goes on with her job.

You have till the rest of the day to mess around in the town. You can stick together or go alone for your business. If you want to buy something, just list the stuff you need, assuming you don't also want to interrogate or ask informations to the various merchants.


Male Half Elf Rogue - Knife Master - 1

Grym nods to Thels and Mord but shakes his head at the ranger's wishful thinking.

That would be ideal but I dont reckon its gonna go all peaceful like.

He didnt really sound like that bothered him either.

In the outer office he thanks Lianna and asks if they can get multiple copies of all of the outstanding bounties.

Much obliged for the opportunity here lass. We're all square as far as I'm concerned.

The rogue is going to let the others know that he means to get some more armor and maybe some general store items and will meet them back at the Clock and Gear. Anyone that wants to come along is more than welcome.

shopping:
Grym's after some studded leather leggings and arm armor and some manacles (just in case somebody gives up all peaceful like <thumbsdown>). Wont be able to do all of the math til I get home from work though.


M H Zen Gunslinger Monk 4

"I reckon I got everything I'll need. I'm gonna head over to the Zen Garden, then to the Crane monestary and get some meditatin' in, and maybe ask a few questions about that jade sphere. I'll meet ya'll at the Clock 'round supper time."
He'll tip his hat at the fellas, and bow slightly to Lianne and Ember.
He gets to the door and turns.
"Sumthin' you all might wanna keep in mind...we jus' jumped to the front of the line goin' after Slate, might be some folks in town won't take to kindly to that. Watch your...behinds."
He'll mosey on over to the Zen Garden.


Male Desert Elf Ranger (Guide) IV

Wise words Morde. Thel replies I think I got most of the supplies I need, but there are some things I would like to look for. See you back at the Clock
Thel wanders of towards the edge of town. There are some things that would be useful if we need to catch them alive (one could hope)... maybe the apothecary has some...

shopping/Cube:

I was thinking of acquiring some knock out poison, for capturing. Also for the flawor of shooting cowboys with poisoned arrows... ^^ Was thinking of either the blue whinis or (drow) knock out poisons (can be found on d20pfsrd under afflictions\poison). They are about ~100 gp a dose and I was thinking about paying the full amount and fluffing it as gathering some herbs in the wildness and preparing them with expensive reagents from the apothecary. Are you okay with this ?

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