DM Panic's Scourge of the Slavelords Prologue

Game Master wakedown

"Stop your struggling, can't you see Doruk has you beat!"

Is there room to get flank on this little boat?

Petrel will grab one of the oars and toss it away.

I saw the reversal of the pin btw. :) I am inspiring Doruk, like a bard.

Actually can I have some more info and a chance to revise action? Are Doruk and Irontusk standing? Are they prone? If they are standing Petrel can try to rock the boat. If they are prone he can attack with sneak.

Feel free to revise. They are now both standing and have the grappled condition. Irontusk has the upper hand at the moment in the grapple.

There is not enough room to flank, but you have the usual advantages against members of a grapple.

You can toss one oar into the water per move action used, as your are adjacent to both oars.

To knock Irontusk into the water (for Petrel), he could use a Bull Rush to knock him back 5ft. Irontusk currently has a -2 to his CMD while he grapples with Doruk, making his raging CMD 17 (normally it's 17 or 19 raging)

I like the idea of trying to rock the boat, trying to knock them prone. (Or out!) Would this be a CMB? Fortunately they would both be -4 to dex and -2 to non-grapple combat maneuvers...

Petrel will attempt to rock the boat, knocking them down. He will also move and toss an oar in the water.

CMB +0! 1d20 ⇒ 14

CMB 14 is enough to knock Doruk down in his grappled condition. But he's being held by the halforc so what happens?

The grappler can end the grapple at any time as a free action, so if Petrel tried to bull rush Doruk off the boat, Irontusk would simply let go and Petrel would plow into Doruk knocking him into the water.

Presumably Petrel would declare who he is using the maneuver against prior to the roll (if it was a natural 20 rolled, I know it would've been Doruk.

I'll resolve this action as Petrel tried to get Irontusk to fall into the water, which will need a CMD17 to accomplish. He also tossed in one of the oars.

6---
Mukluk 24 : Moves to Z-7, shakes fist, curses
"I" 14: Rages, reverses the grapple
Petrel 12 : Attempts to knock Irontusk into the water and fails
Aralynn 10 : Treads water in place
Martigan 7 : Extinguishes part of the fire
Doruk 3 : Fails to reverse grapple

7---
Mukluk 24 : Moves to W-9
"I" 14: Tosses Doruk into the water, ending the grapple
Petrel 12 : TBD
Aralynn 10 : Swims onto the dock at (a,6)
Martigan 7 : TBD
Doruk 3 : TBD

Petrel works to knock Irontusk into the water, but the half-orc simply guffaws at his attempt. "Har har, yer not getting me t'swim that easy!"

CMB to toss Doruk into the water (vs CMD14): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

He forces Doruk to face the water and thrusts his right knee into the Shieldlander's back. Doruk is forced face first into the water while Irontusk whips around and stares down Petrel. "Shove off lest you wanna swim, too" he spits.

He bends down and picks up the other oar, brandishing it at Petrel like a weapon.

AoO from Petrel I believe using his concealed knife while Irontusk fetches the oar.

Latest Map - shows Round 7 after Irontusk's action (also counts Aralynn's)

Round 7, Init 24

Mukluk double moves to Z6.

Round 7 Initiative 7

Martigan continues to direct water at the flames on the barge.

"Well Mukluk, no we'll see if Doruk can swim."

Round 7, Initiative 3, Location ~ D 16

Doruk is not happy face first in the water, so he swims back to the boat and tries to climb back in.

Swim check 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 2 = 14
Climb check 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 = 21

This is getting out of hand! I was not hired to swim! This tusky bastard needs to go down.

7---
Mukluk 24 : Moves to (W,9)
"I" 14: Tosses Doruk into the water, ending the grapple
Petrel 12 : TBD
Aralynn 10 : Swims onto the dock at (a,6)
Martigan 7 : Extinguishes the fire on the boat
Doruk 3 : Swims and climbs back onto the skiff

8--
Mukluk 24 : Moves to (Z,6)

Martigan is successful in extinguishing the flames on the small craft.

Doruk wades in the water before climbing back into the skiff.

Irontusk, eyes locked on Petrel scowls when he sees Doruk return. "Aw, big man in tin can should sink." He continues to brandish the makeshift weapon.

Irontusk, eyes locked on Petrel scowls when he sees Doruk return. "Aw, big man in tin can should sink." He continues to brandish the makeshift weapon.

"What I have in tin I make up for in strength. Look, can't we just talk this through without the need for bloodshed?"

Opportunity Attack: Petrel will go for a non-lethel clubbing with the knife.

1d20 ⇒ 101d4 ⇒ 1

Round 7, init 12

"Tusk for a big orc you scare too easy. We just wants to talk to you about that key you stole."

Petrel will draw a second knife, but not attack in case the 1/2 orc wants to make this easy.

"Your lackeys gave you up for the Theldrat job. You should help me out or my lackeys will shop your name around, looking for a wizard's reward."

Intimidate 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

7---
Petrel 12 : Misses with non-lethal damage
Aralynn 10 : Swims onto the dock at (a,6)
Martigan 7 : Extinguishes the fire on the boat
Doruk 3 : Swims and climbs back onto the skiff

8--
Mukluk 24 : Moves to (Z,6)
"I" 14: Offers information for freedom, readies attack if attacked
Petrel 12 : TBD
Aralynn 10 : TBD
Martigan 7 : TBD
Doruk 3 : TBD

The half-orc appears to consider Doruk's offer, while sneering at Petrel's pathetic attempt to intimidate him.

"Aw, hells. Look I'll tell you what I know if you let me just row away from this mess. Deal?"

The half-orc appears to consider Doruk's offer, while sneering at Petrel's pathetic attempt to intimidate him.

"Aw, hells. Look I'll tell you what I know if you let me just row away from this mess. Deal?"

"Deal. We wants that key back. Lets talk out here away from my excitable companions. Where is the key and how does it work?"

Petrel is obviously eager to hear about Tusk's big score, which was probably like the entire Magical Library or something.

To Doruk, he calls "Hey Doruk, bring that oar in the water over here."

Doruk uses the other oar (if the half orc will give it to him) to paddle the skiff over to get the remaining oar. He's not keen to go swimming again if he can avoid it.

Round 8

Aralynn moves to the end of the docks at C-12 as things seem to have calmed down, but is ready to dive in again if necessary. You're like a brother Doruk, but if you make me jump in again I swear...

Martigan will wait to see what happens.

Delay

Now that you get more than a moment to study the half-orc in the skiff, you feel confident that this is indeed Irontusk, as evidenced by the iron cap on one of his orcish tusks.

"Awright, so you wants to know bout da key hurr?"

The half-orc looks at Doruk and Petrel with squinting eyes before he lets out a big sigh.

"Look, these two guys hired me to steal it. I delivered it sometime in the middle o'the night. I ain't gots it no more."

Mukluk will begin to carefully move to C,11/12 (whichever square) so he can see what is happening and help out, as needed.

"We need names of those twos, 'Tusk. You can see we are chasing the dream of a a magic key that can open any doors, nothing personal. Cough out those names and how to finds them, and we will leave you alones."

Diplomacy +1 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

At least I am not worsening his reaction

After grabbing the other oar, Doruk rows the boat back to the dock.

"Thanks for your help on this. It really is important we get those names."

Diplomacy 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13 to aid Petrel.

Irontusk shakes his head. "Dun know their names. One was real sick and the other was some rich lookin' elf."

He reaches down into a pocket and rummages around before taking a crumpled note and tossing it at Petrel.

"That's a map I made to their guild house.... we good?"

"Ask him what he was paid for the job. And ask if the key was given to those two men."

Overhearing Mukluk's question, Irontusk answers. "What I was paid is my business. And yes, I personally set your key into the hand of the elf."

Irontusk looks impatient and repeats again, "We good? I don't wanna stand here all day."

Doruk presses an electrum in the halforc's hand.

"I think we're good. Thank you very much for your assistance, and no hard feelings. Perhaps we'll see each other again someday under more amiable circumstances."

Doruk climbs out of the boat onto the dock and retrieves his guisarme.

"Docks fun when you are around Tusk. We should do this again some time."

Looking at the map, he says "It looks good!" And nods to the half orc's question about taking off.

They let the small one go to snare the big one. The ends are definitely more imporant than justice to our employer.

Aralynn is relieved to see the others return safely to the dock and begins to wring out her clothes. "I'm glad you're safe, but what did that half-orc have or say that was convincing enough to let him go?"

"Did you like your bath, eh? You and Doruk are clean sorts and I appreciate that. Let me help you out there."

Mukluk casts Prestigitation to help Aralynn dry off.

"I think we got what we needed from 'Tusk...of course, if he's lying to us, we might have to do this again. Hopefully, you'll stay dry."

* * *

Mukluk assembles everyone together.

"So, it appears this here map is where the key was taken. Let's make our way there and maybe see what we can learn on the way. Petrel, want to ask around a bit and meet us there? Anyone else have good contacts in the city?"

If people agree, Mukluk will go to the location on the map intending to walk right on by it while taking a looksee.

Mukluk casts Prestigitation to help Aralynn dry off.

"Thank you, sir. While we're on the way, by chance do you know of a merchant that would carry blunt arrows? As you saw in the shop, I can be effective up close, but I am also skilled at a distance. However, I doubt the local authorities will take kindly to too much bloodshed. Also, people such as the half-orc will not be able to talk with an arrow in their lung."

With everyone gathered together, Martigan channels the power of Pelor to heal everybody before continuing.

Channel Positive Energy
1d6 ⇒ 5

Mukluk casts Prestigitation to help Aralynn dry off.

Pointing at Aralynn, Petrel lets out an abrasive laugh. "You looked like a drowned poodle!" He is completely oblivious to his own coating of fish filth and feathers.

Pointing at Aralynn, Petrel lets out an abrasive laugh. "You looked like a drowned poodle!" He is completely oblivious to his own coating of fish filth and feathers.

*in through the nose*out through the mouth* I'd like to punch him in the mouth. I wonder if our employer needs us enough I could get away with it.

Petrel thinks about the name of The Green Dagger Guild ... has he ever heard of them?

Knowledge: Local 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"Mukluk, can you hit me up with that bathing spell you used on Aralynn? They'll smell me coming a mile away thanks to that amazing adventure you didn't get to see. Some one even vomited on me!"

Mukluk prestigidiates Petrel, leaving him with the smells of lilacs and jasmine.

"Yar, there you go Petrel. You smell wonderful. Now, let's get moving."

She does look like a drowned poodle...especially the face. Good thing I have such perceptive allies.

The trip from Barge End to River Quarter is brisk, and the talk on the streets focuses more on some drama that unfolded at The Great Library of Greyhawk in the early pre-dawn hours rather than whatever happened at Theldrat's shop or at Irontusk's skiff.

Vendors try to hawk their wares as you pass, ranging from fresh fruits to wine to more exotic fare like puppets or wild animals. One of the marionettes you pass bears a striking resemblance to Mukluk.

Aralynn finds a fletcher en route who sells blunt arrows.

As you arrive at the abandoned building on Irontusk's map, it appears slightly less than abandoned. Clearly there are tracks that are recent even to most of your untrained eyes.

The Merchant House -- from the outside of course. It's 2 stories, both stories are shown in the image with the red vertical line separating the two. On the right side, G18 is a walkway of a sort at the peak of the roof connecting the two second story buildings, where the one section hangs over what appears to be an abandoned stable area (G2). G1 appears to be the front door.

Mukluk will move to E9.

Pointing at the far door, Mukluk then points at Petrel.

"Let's go through the door at E3. Petrel, see if you can open it covertly. If not, Doruk,", Mukluk points at Doruk, "...you bash it down. Aralynn, you ready to plug anything that looks hostile inside. I'll watch the above for threats. Let's do this quick and quiet so the Watch isn't too aroused."

When Petrel is in place, Mukluk will move to C9 and keep a look out.

"...Aralynn, you ready to plug anything that looks hostile inside."

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Not really expecting an answer, Aralynn will follow Petrel and Doruk to the door and then stand in C1 as the door is opened.

No City Watch can be seen in this part of the River Quarter. Convenient!

Petrel's Know Local earlier came up empty on The Green Dagger Guild... never heard of them.

As you approach C1 and C9, you can make out the following additional details.

Front Door (G1)
Although the rest of the building is in shambles, the front door looks relatively new. The iron fittings and door handle show no signs of tarnish or rust. All is quiet in the front yard of the manor.

Covered Stables (G2)
Nestled below a broad overhand, the stables do not appear to be in use. Four stalls stand empty, their floors covered in old straw and filth. A small door hides in the shadowy recesses of this overhand.

Aralynn and Mukluk both spot a shiny glimmer from amidst the straw in the abandoned stables... [from square (A,7)]

Aralynn and Mukluk both spot a shiny glimmer from amidst the straw in the abandoned stables... [from square (A,7)]

Araylnn places her hand on Doruk's shoulder to halt his progress and points to the glimmer. "Hold on for a minute. I want to grab something."

Araylnn will walk towards the glimmer--assuming it doesn't look like the end of an arrow pointed at her--to retrieve it.

Mukluk will move to E9.

Pointing at the far door, Mukluk then points at Petrel.

"Let's go through the door at E3. Petrel, see if you can open it covertly. If not, Doruk,", Mukluk points at Doruk, "...you bash it down. Let's do this quick and quiet so the Watch isn't too aroused."

When Petrel is in place, Mukluk will move to C9 and keep a look out.

Petrel will move to the door (C9) and will inspect the door handle both for traps and listen at the door. He will check if the door is unlocked (or has a lock - maybe it is barred from the inside for instance.

If there is a lock...
He will also try and see if it is a Theldrat brand lock. If so he will secretly try and use the masters keys on it, otherwise he will attempt to pick it.

Where did I leave my picks anyways...

I forgot to buy thieves tools! Disable device DC increases by 10 without them.

Check for Traps: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Listen: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Stealth:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

What wonderful skills you have there, Petrel!

Oh, not as bad as I thought. Apparently I can improvise tools...

This kit contains lockpicks and other tools you need to use the Disable Device skill. Without these tools, you must use improvised tools, and you take a –2 circumstance penalty on Disable Device checks.

Martigan follows behind Aralynn, mace at the ready.

"This is where adventure belongs, on dry land. I am starting to suspect that this city has no Watch, or that if they are in force it is in the richer parts of town."

Martigan looks about at the general state of decay about the building.

"If this is the headquarters of the guild that bought the key, they certainly don't seem to be doing too well for themselves. I can see why they would want the key, to increase their fortunes. Which of course makes me wonder how they could afford the key."

Doruk uses his own Prestidigitation to clean up before following the others. He pays special attention to his weapons ensuring they are clean and dry.

On catching up, he too checks for the watch and then unsafeties his guisarme and light hammer and readies for battle.

"I hope Tusk' wasn't leading us astray. This map could be their gangs next target instead of it's hideout."

He says simply, "I'm ready."

Perception
Aralynn: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Doruk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Martigan: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Mukluk: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Petrel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Initiative
Aralynn: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Doruk: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Martigan: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Mukluk: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Petrel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
s: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Surprise ---
Aralynn : TBD
s 18 : Three "bats" fly down next to Aralynn, Mukluk and Martigan

1 ---
Aralynn 21 :
s 18 :
Martigan 10 :
Petrel 8 :
Mukluk 5 :
Doruk 4 :

As Aralynn bends down to pick up the shiny object, a flutter of leathery wings can be heard from the dark recesses of the overhang. However, these creatures are not bats nor evil animals, but appear to be insects with large needle-like proboscis.

Aralynn gets 2 rounds (surprise and R1) to kick off the combat before the "s" creatures attack.

Green Dagger Stables Map

Surprise & Round 1, Init 21

Big city. Big insects!
Araylnn fires three arrows at S2 and then takes a 5' step to A8.

You can't 5ft step to A8 as it involves traversing a 4ft high wall. I'll presume you stay in (B,7) to use your flurry in Round 1.

Aralynn is thankful for removing her peacebonding from her quiver as the tiny insect flies straight at her person. Three arrows, two hits, and the bug explodes in a spray of blood and mucus on the half-elf's shirt, inches from striking her with it's needle-shaped beak.

s2 dies with the second hit.

Mukluk is impressed with Aralynn's shooting. Three arrows in a blur and an exploding bird..well done.

If we keep her dry, she just might earn her keep.

s1vM: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
s3vMu: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

1 ---
Aralynn 21 : Fires two arrows, kills s2.
s1 : Enters Martigan's square, sinks its proboscis into Martigan
s3 : Enters Mukluk's square, sinks its proboscis into Mukluk
Martigan 10 :
Petrel 8 :
Mukluk 5 :
Doruk 4 :

Two two other bat-creatures make direct swoops at Martigan and Mukluk, their needles sliding into man and dwarf-flesh alike, as a knife would meet little resistance cutting butter.

AoO from Martigan who removed the peacebond on his mace, as well as two AoOs from Doruk who removed the peacebond on his guisarme. I have Petrel likely holding some sort of improvised lockpicks and not threatening during the surprise round.

Both Martigan and Mukluk begin to feel the sensation of these creatures drinking of them.

Updated Stables Map - shows round 1 after the creatures moved.