GMTrex's PFS [CORE] God's Market Gamble (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

COMBAT MAP!
Mission: figure out who's killing Society couriers in the God's Market


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The fire cracks merrily in the hearth, providing a welcome and cosy warmth throughout this small library nestled in the heart of Skyreach...


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Venture Captain Hamshanks ignores all pretense of pleasantries as he pounds into the meeting room in the Grand Lodge in Absalom. "Never time to do it right, is there? Gorum see us through this, then." He grunts loudly and levels his glare at murder of Pathfinders before him. "Ever been to Qadira? Religion is almost a fad down there, with new cults springing up like weeds and getting crushed just as quickly. It has been that way for centuries. But some make a mark--on Qadira, or in the Chronicles. Three centuries ago, the archdevil Moloch, preaching surrender to the desert heat, suddenly became the rage. Qadirans walked into the desert just to die just as if the heat was their paradise." Hamshanks glares around, expecting a reflection of his own disgust at such nonsense.

Grunting again, he continues. "The most devout sought out the hidden Citadel of Flame, where a fearsome bull-headed idol of Moloch judged them and sent the worthy to Malebolge, the sixth layer of Hell. No surprise that Sarenrae's priests launched a mighty crusade to demolish the citadel. After two weeks, a great sandstorm swallowed the expedition--and, it seemed, the citadel and its idol. Nothing more was heard from either.

"Until ten days ago, that is. Sandstorms regularly scour the Qadiran highlands, and this time they emptied an entire valley of dunes. Poking out of that valley, visible only to those soaring above--such as a flying Pathfinder wizard--was the lofty spire of a fortress: the Citadel of Flame, presumably. Hopefully we are the first to learn about its reappearance and we need to act fast. The Decemvirate doesn’t expect any trouble, so they're sending you. But I do expect trouble--who knows what’s infesting that citadel? Get in there fast and find that idol--it could be the key to the entire cult. It’s likely statue-sized, maybe as big as me, and should
have a bull’s head on it. And for Gorum’s sake be careful."
Hamshanks shakes his beefy jowls. "Your ship sails for Sedeq within the hour. Any questions?"


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Hamshanks scowls for a bit before saying, "Bah! You're not up for the task. I'll find someone else!" The door bangs loudly as he storms out, leaving the group once again in the quiet ambiance of the crackling fire.

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

"Good, I dislike hot places," Eveline responds once the venture-captain storms out, "wonder where he'll get new agents if the ship's going to leave in an hour..."

"Anyway, all, I'm Eveline. Well..." she pauses, as she sees too many familiar faces in the dark room, with only the crackling fire creating long shadows on the walls, "oh, it's you." Her tone might indicate she's disappointed, but in fact she is glad.

Eveline takes her time to greet Reed, Numair, and... Lionel. The halfling woman is glad the team still lacks male halflings—or even male gnomes—who might show exaggerated attention to her.


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Left to their own devices by the irritable VC Hamshanks, the group eventually retires one by one to their temporary quarters in Arliss Hall. The next morning finds a brief missive attached to the inside of each Pathfinder's door: "Meet Kreighton Shaine in the stables to discuss missing artifacts."

In the muddy stables, Kreighton’s scholarly robes drag through the muck, and his soft shoes are clearly soaked through, though he doesn't seem to notice. "I've been working on an extensive study of religious relics, trying to ascertain whether items gain a certain aura of divinity that cannot be detected through normal means. I've been collecting these artifacts through a series of well-known dealers in the God's Market. We've never had any trouble before, but recently several of our couriers have been waylaid by a particularly elusive bandit." Kreighton pauses briefly as his mud-soaked robe snags on a nail and he nearly falls over, but a stable boy catches his arm and steadies him. "As they were headed through the Ascendant Court," he continues, "a group of thugs ambushed our couriers. The first time I thought it was a coincidence--a random mugging. After the second time, however, Grandmaster Torch had some harsh words with me. He suspects someone has targeted our couriers specifically. The Drandle boy suggested I have you investigate the disappearances."

There is a long, uncomfortable pause and for a minute it seems the elf has completely forgotten he was discussing something. Finally, he glances up with a sort of stunned look on his face. "Oh yes, here, this list will help you. The Grandmaster has helpfully provided it as a starting point."

List:

Pathfinders,

I am sure that daft elf has thoroughly confused you by now, so hopefully this note will help set things straight. Someone has been preying on your fellow Pathfinders and stealing important relics from the Society. We need you to discover who is behind these crimes. The Greycloaks have found scant information. They did recover the Shard of Iomedae's Lance, but the details about the recovery are scarce. My contacts have provided me with the names of some of the witnesses to the muggings, which I have included below.

Rialla Barleyhusk: Witnessed the first mugging: works at the shop across from Cayden's Hall.
Friar Horace: Witnessed the second mugging; is the master brewer at Erastil's alehouse.
Jarid Moltwin: Was caught selling the Shard of Iomedae's Lance; owns a private stall in the Gods Market.

The Pathfinder's reputation with the Greycloaks is tenuous at best, so try to work with the Greycloaks and don't leave a trail of bodies behind you.

Tread carefully,
Torch

Questions?

DC 10 Kn Local:
The God's Market is a sort of bazaar filled with various vendors hawking all sorts of religious items. All of the major gods are represented, as are many minor gods. One can purchase religious texts, items of worship, holy water, and even minor blessings in the God's Market.
DC 15:
The God's Market is policed by a group of guards called the Greycloaks. They are sworn to hold no god above any other and are all staunch atheists. They are easily identified by their plain, unadorned gray cloaks, but wear nothing else to make them stand out.
DC 20:
The commander of the Greycloaks is Runewulf the Unbeliever, a hard man known for being harsh but fair in all things. Runewulf doesn't believe in anything he can't see or feel for himself.
DC 25:
There is a thriving underground black market of items sold in the God's Market for those who know where to look and whom to ask. Such illicit trading includes both banned items and stolen goods.

The Exchange

Male Human Cleric 3
Stats:
HP:39/39 [AC:18(12), T:12; F:16(18)] [F:6, R:3, W:6] [Perception +2, Init +9]

Lionel's sitting on the corner, feet raised on a chair, playing with something that appears to be a compass, attempting to figure out how it works. Upon opening it for the first time, he drops it, but manages to catch it, just before it hits the ground. As the venture-captain bursts out of the room, he looks around. Innocently raising an eyebrow, he asks loudly, "Wasit somethin' I said?" As he notices Eveline addressing the room, his grin widens as he waves to the tiny halfling. I know she's technically a tall halfling. Technicalities.

"How ya been, Eve? Haven't seen ya since that time in that dank cave, girl. All peachy?", he says, standing up, nearly filling the room in his massive frame and cloak.

-------------

Lionel wakes up in his chamber, the air thick with pungent, stale smoke, an empty bottle next to his head. Why is tha bottle empty... Why did I make it empty yesterday..., before throwing on his clothes and making his way downstairs, surrounded by the smell of cheap perfume. Sitting on a chair, he rubs a massive hand on his bloodshot eyes, and sighs. "Why are mornin's always so early in the day..."

Knowledge(Local), untrained: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

"Hey, I know tha place! Is where I got me this!", he points to the whip at his side. "There's was otha stuff as well, but I haven't been there since I got me more clink in the pouch."

Reading the letter, he grins again. "Heh, Absalom's underworld, sounds right up ma alley. Better than spendin' all that time on a sea boat. So who's them Graycloak characters? Tha local guard? So, I say we look at tha fence first, so we can ask 'im about the sellers of our goods, folk. Then we can ask the withnesses an' all, how'sit sittin' with ya?"

Scarab Sages

'The Grandidierite Sage' Male Half-Elf Sorceror 9 (HP 74/74) (AC 16/10/16) (CMD 12) (Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +8) (Init +6) (Perception +22)

Numair smiles at Lionel's enthusiastic greeting.

"Why hello, dear boy! Fancy have to run with you again - and dear Eveline, too! 'Twill be such a merry little party..."

When he listens to the description of what has been going on, his expression sours.

"Bandits? Targeting Pathfinder agents in the heart of Absalom? Well, we clearly can't let that go unchecked; it sets entirely the wrong sort of precedent. Let's go have a 'chat' with the witnesses..."

Start at the top, and work our way down?

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

Earlier

"I'm good, thanks," Eveline answers, folding her arms, "we should probably leave, we have no more business here." Eager to leave, she hops off her chair and heads towards the door. A dark room with a dark man with possibly nefarious intents? Sign Eveline out!

------------

Eveline has been a good pathfinder and has gotten up early in the morning; so early, in fact, that even Drandle Dreng couldn't wake her up with his nightly mission assignments. She's been using the time to do proper training and exercise. Her primary reason for pre-dawn exercise is the lack of other eyes prying on her.

Untrained Knowledge (local): 1d20 ⇒ 9

"It appears the Greycloaks will be of no use," Eveline ponders after reviewing the missive, again folding her arms, "we should first ask the witnesses, then the fence. If the fence is behind this, we'd have at least some witnesses testimonies to challenge the fence."

Oh boy,we're going to an ale house... this'll take a long time, Eveline thinks to herself, and sighs audibly.


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That's one vote for Jarid, and two for Rialla. Barleyhusk it is!

Well-accustomed to Absalom by now, traveling to the God's Market in the Ascendant Court takes only a few brisk minutes. Locating Cayden's Hall is of no difficulty whatsoever, with the riotous noise pouring forth from the beerhall audible from several streets away. Soon, the party faces a brick building fronted by two large, many-paned glass windows and a large sign that reads, "Mercantile, Curiosities, Unique Items, and Magic—Bought and Sold Within."

Inside the store, the shelves are lined with all manner of goods, crafts, and artwork both domestic and foreign. A halfling clerk sits on a large stool behind a human-sized countertop and greets the newcomers merrily. "Welcome! Welcome! Looking for something in particular? I can help with that!"

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

Female halfling clerk, I presume.

"Yes, we are looking for something," Eveline starts, "you're Rialla Barleyhusk, correct? We have information you had witnessed a mugging recently. We need all the details you can give us."

And now of course I come up with questions we should've asked from Kreighton, like in what condition the mugged couriers are, can we question them, where did the muggings happen exactly, what cargo they had...


Kingmaker Tactical | Strategic | The Marchlands | Campaign Tracking

In true Pathfinder fashion, questions always come after the briefing... :)

GM Stuff:
4d20 ⇒ (2, 4, 18, 5) = 29

"Yes, I am! Oh! Yes, I did!" Barleyhusk says excitedly, hopping off her stool and coming around from behind the counter. Bustling over to a shelf near the door, she points at an ordinary patch of floor. "This is where the victim collapsed!"

Barleyhusk’s excitement is palpable, and without skipping a beat she rambles everything in one long, breathless speech. "That poor man who was attacked, he looked a right mess, he had an arrow in his side, and he could barely walk. I sat him down and started to bandage him up. Then all of a sudden the Greycloak was there and asked if I had a potion to fix him up. I said I could patch him right up because I took a class from Berntuck’s Fine School of First Aid. That Greycloak gave me the nastiest look and said the Greycloaks would pay full price for the potion. Well, I knew the master had some peppermint-flavored healing potions that weren’t selling very well, so I ran back to get the potions and before I could even get to them, I hear the injured fellow gasp really loud. 'Hurry!' the bossy Greycloak said, so I ran back as fast as I could, but when I got there, he was already dead." The halfling quietly sobers up as she finishes her story, and walks back behind the counter and climbs onto her stool. "I was too slow."

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

Eveline squints her eyes. "Sounds dreadful," she says in a stoic manner, "I have a series of questions following this, though, so answer them to the best of your abilities so that you might exact proper revenge on those who assaulted him. First, did the man utter anything when entering, say anything who or what attacked him? What was the time? Given your training in first aid, did his wounds seem that bad? What did the Greycloak look like?"

After a rapid series of questions, Eveline ponders whether or not she should sooth the sulky halfling. She decides against it, since it might affect the testimony.

Scarab Sages

'The Grandidierite Sage' Male Half-Elf Sorceror 9 (HP 74/74) (AC 16/10/16) (CMD 12) (Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +8) (Init +6) (Perception +22)

"Hmmm.... It does seem rather suspicious that the man died as soon as he was alone with the Greycloak. I think that a description would be incredibly useful."

The Exchange

Male Human Cleric 3
Stats:
HP:39/39 [AC:18(12), T:12; F:16(18)] [F:6, R:3, W:6] [Perception +2, Init +9]

Hells, Nummer, I was thinkin' that same thing...

Lionel stares at the others, then asks, "Are we lookin' for a description for that bossy Graycloak or tha courier?", before turning towards Barleyhusk, as soon as Eveline's questions are answered, [b]"Yo did fine, sista. Yo did all ya could an' more. Tell ya what, we gon pop 'round an' see 'bout other muggins like this one, an' may pop an' talk ta ya later.


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Barleyhusk answers Eveline's first questions morosely. "No," the man didn't say anything about the attack, "no," he didn't say who he was, "evening" was the time of day. But when asked about the wound itself, the halfling's expression turns thoughtful.

"Hmm, well... According to what I learned from Berntuck, an injury like that shouldn't have killed your friend so quickly. Berntuck said gut wounds are a long slow death. I'm not sure what happened. I meant to ask the Greycloak about it, but by the time I thought to ask her, she was already gone."

To Eveline and Numair's chagrin, however, Rialla can't remember much of the Greycloak herself, saying she just remembers that it was a 'tall, dark woman.'

Scarab Sages

'The Grandidierite Sage' Male Half-Elf Sorceror 9 (HP 74/74) (AC 16/10/16) (CMD 12) (Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +8) (Init +6) (Perception +22)

"Curiouser and curiouser. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the person who shot him in the first place (or an accomplice), making sure the job was finished... Still, that is just supposition, and does not bring us any closer to finding out *why* it happened..."

Grand Lodge

Male Human Ranger 2 HP 20/20 | AC 19/13/16 | F +4, R +6, W +1 (+2 on Fear vs Humans)| Init +5| Perc +6

Reed listens thoughtfully through it all, chuckling ruefully at the end. "So a tall, dark woman, eh? Not many of those around. Still, we appreciate your help, good sir." He claps him on the shoulder, then collaborates with his companions.

"So what do you guys think? Ask around for the Friar for corroboration?"

Scarab Sages

'The Grandidierite Sage' Male Half-Elf Sorceror 9 (HP 74/74) (AC 16/10/16) (CMD 12) (Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +8) (Init +6) (Perception +22)

Numair nods emphatically.

"I think that would be an excellent idea!"

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

Psst, Rialla's a halfling. And female.

"Now that we are here, I might actually buy some of those peppermint-flavored healing potions," Eveline interrupts and points at Rialla, "the standard cherry flavor disgusts me. You said they haven't been selling well, are they on a discount? Regardless, I'll buy two of them."

Eveline ponders about some other possible questions. "So, Rialla, tell me one more thing. Were you alone in this boutique when the man burst in?"


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"Hmm, I'd have to check with my manager before I could give you a discount... but I'll get you two right away!" Normal price, 50gp each for 100 total. "Ah, oh, and yes," she says, handing Eveline the potions. "It was a slow day."

Following Reed's suggestion, the group heads for Erastil's Alehouse (already familiar to Lionel, at least). Erastil’s Alehouse is a thriving brewery and alehouse run--shockingly--by monks of Erastil. Located near the edge of the Avenue of the Hopeful, it's currently a challenge to enter, with a mob of followers of a would-be-god crowding around the entrance hoping to catch a glimpse of the future godling drinking a swig of ale. A monk stands at the entrance blocking the path of some of the more aggressive followers who are trying to squeeze into the alehouse.

Seeing a new band approach, he shakes his head at the group's approach with a frustrated expression. He shouts over the crowd, to the party as much as anyone else, "I'm sorry, but the Alehouse is a mite full at the moment. Come back later!"

The Exchange

Male Human Cleric 3
Stats:
HP:39/39 [AC:18(12), T:12; F:16(18)] [F:6, R:3, W:6] [Perception +2, Init +9]

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Lionel waves at the monk from behind Reed and gives the man a firm handshake.

"Hey there, Nature-brotha! Been a while since I was in this 'ere nice shindig, but I got coin, fair people, and a hella attitude. Wha's with tha crowd, brotha? Wasn' expectin' that sorta crowd that early, unless ya got free beer today?"

Shifting to the side, he grins even wider. "So is a man tryin' ta get ta godhood in there, I hear? Well, I'ma foremanost expert in gods'n'all, as ya know, so it'd be even more disrespectful ta refuse ta let us fine folk in, know what I'm sayin'!"

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

I really need to learn to first write my reply on notepad before sending... stupid Paizo.com ate my post entirely. My hatred is eternal.

By the time the alehouse comes into view, it's evident Eveline has a strong disgust towards establishments like this. She winces and pulls her scarf up to her nose, covering it, although there are no strong scents that would violate her sense of smell.

"And here I thought only followers of the lucky drunk, Cayden Cailean, were lured into these watering holes full of wanton buffoons," Eveline complains, keeping close to the group in fear of being trampled by the loud crowd.

When it becomes clear Lionel is a regular at the alehouse, she shakes her head and gives out a trademark sigh. Should've known. "Get on with it, Lionel. Just state our business," she says angrily.

The Exchange

Male Human Cleric 3
Stats:
HP:39/39 [AC:18(12), T:12; F:16(18)] [F:6, R:3, W:6] [Perception +2, Init +9]

Lionel sends a trademark grin at Eveline, lighting a cigarette to violate her sense of smell. "Eve. Look at tha place. What do ya see? On tha outside, isa place they sell booze at too high cost of what it's worth, and is loud, bad for tha health, and sometimes even dangerous. Tell ya why them places are popular.", he takes a deep draw, holding the smoke in, then lets it out in a giant cloud, dispersing towards the sky. "Is that them here places are ideas. Symbols. Is tha place where ya go, after workin' hard all day. Ya go an' ya don' think ' bout tha coin. Ya think how ya gonna see ya buddy, who's just as tired as ya are, an' ya're gonna have a drink, ta let ya mind at ease an' talk 'bout tha same stuff ya usually talk 'bout. Is fightin' tha routine, ya know."

Gesturing over to the place, Lionel finishes, "Is that bars are a testimony to humanity, tha right ta trade logic for emotion." He then looks at the burning ember and mumbles quietly, "That shit makes me philosophical'n'all."

-----------

Lionel grins even wider as Eveline grunts at him. "Ya, we's here for business, not pleasure tonight. Need ta talk ta tha head brewer 'bout tha muggins around here. Is kinda stressful, though, so I'll probably pop here after we're done!", grinning at the monk. "So, can we go in?"

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

"Coming to stop by to fill your head full of poison every workday hardly constitutes as 'breaking the routine'," Eveline snarks, watching the cloud of smoke. That's rather mesmerizing, how does he do that? "Bars, pubs, alehouses... they all are recluses for those looking for a quick escape from their morose lives. Take their silver in exchange for a short relief, which only makes matter worse? And keep all those things bothering you inside yourself? These establishments give out the wrong message, 'drink to drown your sorrows'. Nay, it's not right."

After her counter-speech Eveline becomes less angry and a bit more apprehensive, rubbing her arms in an anxious manner. "People under the influence are irrational. They do bad deeds. Kids fear an intoxicated, rambling man. How could I ever support anything that leads to behavior like that?"

Scarab Sages

'The Grandidierite Sage' Male Half-Elf Sorceror 9 (HP 74/74) (AC 16/10/16) (CMD 12) (Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +8) (Init +6) (Perception +22)

Numair winks at Lionel, before commenting to Eveline with a twinkle in his eye:

"See? It's actually handy to have him around!"

He then waits to see what the outcome of Lionel's entreaty is.


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"Can't you lot get to the point!" the monk wheezes in an exasperated tone. "Friar Horace is out back if you want to talk to 'im--Get out, I said!" He firmly pulls a would-be reveler from the door jamb. "Look, just head down the next street and take the alley. The friar should be there."

When the group nods their assent, his face turns appreciate and he calls out, "Come back later for an ale!"

4d20 ⇒ (7, 19, 18, 20) = 64

Down the next street is an unwelcome surprise -- a tail. Well, three tails, actually, one literal and two figurative in the form of two unseemly fellows and a mangy dog. When the Pathfinder party enters the alley proper, the tail follows and draws weapons. "Don't be meddling in business that ain't yours," smirks one.

Initiative!:

Eveline: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Lionel: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Numair: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Reed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Tail: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Lionel is the first to react!

Round I - bold may act!
1. Lionel
2. Tail
3. Reed, Eveline, Numair

Grand Lodge

Male Human Ranger 2 HP 20/20 | AC 19/13/16 | F +4, R +6, W +1 (+2 on Fear vs Humans)| Init +5| Perc +6

Reed is faintly amused at the exasperated monk, crossing his arms as Lionel unsuccessfully tries to talk their way in. The ranger nearly laughs aloud as he hears that the Friar is in the alley, giving the monk a respectful nod before following the others to the alley.

As the 'tail' boxes them in, the ranger's face grows dark.

The Exchange

Male Human Cleric 3
Stats:
HP:39/39 [AC:18(12), T:12; F:16(18)] [F:6, R:3, W:6] [Perception +2, Init +9]

Lionel grins, rather malevolently, at the tail. "Well, brotha, Imma make a counter-offer. Y'all go ahead an' leave, and we don't go all...Eve, how did tha Venture Captain call tha goin' in swords drawn? Somethin' bout murderhoboin'?", before running forwards and stabbing the dog with his spear.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

"Y'all fools gonna stick around soo you can tell us what that ruckus 's all 'bout? I know tha dog ain't talkin'."


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Wow, killing the guy's dog... that's so mean...

Fully impaled, the dog promptly slumps.

"FLUFFY!" cries one tail, his face twisting up in rage. He drops his crossbow and moves forward, billy-club raised high!

Club @ Lionel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 HIT Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The other takes aim at lightly-armored Numair before reloading...

Crossbow @ Numair: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 HIT Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5 plus a Fort save!

Round I - bold may act!
1. Lionel (16/19hp)
2. Tail
3. Reed, Eveline, Numair (3/8hp, FORT SAVE)

Scarab Sages

'The Grandidierite Sage' Male Half-Elf Sorceror 9 (HP 74/74) (AC 16/10/16) (CMD 12) (Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +8) (Init +6) (Perception +22)

Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22.

"Ouch!"

Thoroughly incensed, Numair moves forward with murder in his eyes.

Morningstar: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 = 17, for 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 damage.

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

Attacking the dog, now that is a little excessive, Eveline thinks, though the thought is left short by the advancing thugs. The halfling woman grabs her longbow from her back and aims from the narrow view towards the blue thug.

"Ya'll better lay down and surrender!" Eveline shouts. Right after saying, though, she regrets the first word, thinking it might sound too much like Lionel.

Mwk Longbow + PBS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17
Damage (piercing) + PBS: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Free action: 5ft step; Move action: draw longbow; Standard action: shoot blue thug (from top-left corner, no cover)


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The man with the billy-club swings as Numair moves past, but he's too angry to hit!

Club @ Numair: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 MISS

The mage's morningstar cracks the man's jaw with a sickening crunch, leaving him stumbling from the blow. Meanwhile, Eveline lands a shot on t'other!

Round I - bold may act!
1. Lionel (16/19hp)
2. Tail (Red 11dmg, Blue 8dmg)
3. Reed, Eveline, Numair (3/8hp)

Grand Lodge

Male Human Ranger 2 HP 20/20 | AC 19/13/16 | F +4, R +6, W +1 (+2 on Fear vs Humans)| Init +5| Perc +6

Reed moves up to help surround the one tail, hoping laying this one low will encourage the other to surrender and answer some questions.

MW Hand Axe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The Exchange

Male Human Cleric 3
Stats:
HP:39/39 [AC:18(12), T:12; F:16(18)] [F:6, R:3, W:6] [Perception +2, Init +9]

I thought the guy would've provoked an AoO. I don't mind in this situation, but maybe I can roll mine in a spoiler beforehand, unless the GM would like to roll for me?

"We gon take one of them alive, right?", says Lionel, before stepping backwards and swinging the shaft of his spear towards the foe in front of him.

Attack, non-lethal, flank: 1d20 + 6 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 4 + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7


Kingmaker Tactical | Strategic | The Marchlands | Campaign Tracking

Yep, my bad, I momentarily forgot you're weilding a spear. Go ahead and take an AoO! I'll resolve everything else after.


Kingmaker Tactical | Strategic | The Marchlands | Campaign Tracking

Or, now that I'm not on my phone, I can roll one for you :P

Lionel jabs with his spear before the furious man can approach, but isn't quite quick enough!

Longspear: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 MISS

Reed's arrow goes wide and Lionel's improvised club simply bounces off his target's studded red-leather doublet!

"You killed my dog!!!" The man clearly hasn't taken a breath in a while, his face nearly as red as his outfit, and the exertion of his wild swing is enough to knock him out.

Club @ Lionel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 MISS

The other, in blue, fires a parting shot before moving back onto the main street. "You'll regret this..." To make his point, he aims right for Numair's spine. The bolt thuds into the mage's back and he goes down after his quarry.

Bolt @ Numair: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 HIT Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Round II - bold may act!
1. Lionel (16/19hp)
2. Tail (Red [bleeding out], Blue 8dmg)
3. Reed, Eveline, Numair (-4/8hp, stabilize check)

The Exchange

Male Human Cleric 3
Stats:
HP:39/39 [AC:18(12), T:12; F:16(18)] [F:6, R:3, W:6] [Perception +2, Init +9]

"Ya ain't goin' nowhere, fool!", shouts Lionel, running towards the escaping foe. Drawing his whip from his side as he dashes between walls and barrels, he lashes it towards the escapist's feet.

Trip, Charge: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

The whip snaps in the cold air, sending the man flying flat on his face on the ground.

Is that a legal charge? I presume so, since, if I'm not mistaken, the dog was on the square with the white circle-y thing. If not, he's going to make chase. Unless Eve drops him. *nudge-nudge*.

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

So we're the bad guys by succumbing the dog, although they attacked? Eveline moves forward, her bow ready. But as Lionel charges, first tripping the assailnt, he's pretty much in the way. Turning down her aim, she sees Numair in a pretty bad shape and turns to him, trying to stop the excessive bloodloss.

Heal (DC 15): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Apparently Eveline's rash decision—to remove the bolt entirely, something that's often unadvised—yields good results. Although the wound opens for even further bloodflow, she clogs the wound by wrapping Numair's clothes tightly around his midsection. "Numair's patched!" she announces to everyone, momentarily looking around in case there are any civilians watching the fight.


Kingmaker Tactical | Strategic | The Marchlands | Campaign Tracking

Given the barrels and such and the hard corner, my cruel and malevolent nature encourages me to say not a legal charge, BUT I will give you a hustle even closer and let you keep your roll as an AoO when he tries to retreat again.

That is, if Reed doesn't drop him first!

Round II - bold may act!
1. Lionel (16/19hp)
2. Tail (Red [bleeding out], Blue 8dmg)
3. Reed, Eveline, Numair (-4/8hp)

Grand Lodge

Male Human Ranger 2 HP 20/20 | AC 19/13/16 | F +4, R +6, W +1 (+2 on Fear vs Humans)| Init +5| Perc +6

Reed starts advancing towards the remaining tail, pulling out a more-balanced throwing axe and letting it fly at the man.

Throwing Axe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The ranger then takes a moment to nod to Eve to give acknowledgment of her statement.


Kingmaker Tactical | Strategic | The Marchlands | Campaign Tracking

And Reed's hand-axe thuds into the tail's back, eliciting a sharp yelp shortly before he collapses to the ground! Lionel cracks his whip for added effect.

Out of initiative! Both foes will bleed out if you leave 'em. Up to you.

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

Eveline does her best to keep the assailants alive, and proceeds to give them first aid. First and foremost the dog, which was brutally attacked first. An innocent piece of nature attacked by a man of the ghetto, fitting, Eveline thinks.

Heal (dog): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 Success!
Heal (thug): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18 Success! (the one next to Numair)
Heal (thug): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

And then she pulls out her new wnad of cure light wounds and taps Numair a few times. I let you roll as many as you deem necessary. No limits, sticks are cheap.

"Lionel, you really outdid yourself. Attack the dog? Did they teach you to be heartless at the temple? You've got two huntsmen in your group, of which either could have easily befriended the mislead canine," Eveline scolds Lionel, completely unintimidated by their size different. She takes a quick glance at Reed, trying to ascertain his with her. "And the first rule of city combat; always defend. That's in case the watch steps in or has been watching us, less issues with the law. The Society has tough times as it is with all law enforcement."

"Regardless, these men obviously know something about the attacks. We need to take them away from here and interrogate them. The friar can wait."

Scarab Sages

'The Grandidierite Sage' Male Half-Elf Sorceror 9 (HP 74/74) (AC 16/10/16) (CMD 12) (Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +8) (Init +6) (Perception +22)

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9.

Numair coughs weakly as his eyes flutter open.

"Glad to see that we were able to deal with then. Thanks for that," he says, nodding to Eveline.

"Now then, let's see what these fellows know..."

The Exchange

Male Human Cleric 3
Stats:
HP:39/39 [AC:18(12), T:12; F:16(18)] [F:6, R:3, W:6] [Perception +2, Init +9]
Eveline Bleakrock wrote:

"Lionel, you really outdid yourself. Attack the dog? Did they teach you to be heartless at the temple? You've got two huntsmen in your group, of which either could have easily befriended the mislead canine," Eveline scolds Lionel, completely unintimidated by their size different. She takes a quick glance at Reed, trying to ascertain his with her. "And the first rule of city combat; always defend. That's in case the watch steps in or has been watching us, less issues with the law. The Society has tough times as it is with all law enforcement."

"Regardless, these men obviously know something about the attacks. We need to take them away from here and interrogate them. The friar can wait."

Lionel quickly leans down, putting two fingers, crossed in an almost bone-breaking bind on the still bleeding thug's forehead. As his breathing slowly returns to normal, he looks down at the ranting Eveline. "Sorry 'bout tha dog, Eve. Most o' tha hound 'round town are crazy fightin' mutts, trained ta fight in dog-rings an' whatnot. I'd rather have it speared than takin' a bite outa tha old Lionel's neck.", he says, pointing towards his neck, heavily clad with holy symbols and medallions. "An' for attackin' first, well... There's no guards here, is there?", gesturing around the street with a grin. "Is like everythin', bigger tha chance, biggar tha reward."

Grand Lodge

Male Human Ranger 2 HP 20/20 | AC 19/13/16 | F +4, R +6, W +1 (+2 on Fear vs Humans)| Init +5| Perc +6

Reed nods slowly to Eve's assessment. "Aye, I could have tried to calm the dog down, but it shall live. And Lionel was only trying to drop potential attackers. If anything, blame these rascals here." He points towards the two downed ambushers. He then turns gently towards Lionel, "But yes, Lionel...any wildlife we encounter we have a decent chance of calming down or enlisting to our aid, Eveline is correct."

The ranger then waits, ready to start interrogating the guards about why they would ambush the party to begin with. Even with the dog there was little likelihood of success, so what was their game?

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

Eveline gives Lionel a confused look. "Chance? Rewa—ugh, look, all I'm saying is that you were being rash. Sure, you could've been bitten in the neck, but even from a combat perspective it would have better if you had been bracing for the attack!" Eveline gestures towards the dog with an open palm.

She takes a look around the street and sighs. "Well, since the streets of Absalom are ever so dangerous and devoid of watchmen, we might just interrogate these men right here, right now. Numair, you're the one who took the beating from them, so I'll give you the honors." With that, Eveline proceeds to wake the assailants up, using the healing wand if necessary. (GM is free to use the wand up to the point the thugs—and the dog—have at least 0 hp remaining)


Kingmaker Tactical | Strategic | The Marchlands | Campaign Tracking

I'm assuming you're tying them up or something?

3d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 7, 4) + 3 = 18

Coughing blood and otherwise sputtering, the thugs awaken and look around at the party blearily. Their expressions are resigned, and they wait patiently.

The dog on the other hand jumps up and scampers off into the street.

Scarab Sages

Female Halfling Ranger 2/Paladin 2 | HP 31/32 | CMD 18 | AC 21, t 15, ff 17 | Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +8 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +6, Perc +10 | Active conditions: Darkvision

Eveline doesn't have the means to tie them up. If the thugs are foolish enough to try and escape, Lionel would be there with his spear. Attacks of opportunity and all that nice. Basically creating a ring of death around them.

Eveline nudges Numair to speak up. She herself sees that the dog scampers into a direction where it would not end up to be someone's next meal. And surely its rightful owner will find it sooner or later.


Kingmaker Tactical | Strategic | The Marchlands | Campaign Tracking

Works for me.

Upon consideration, Eveline is skeptical that the dog HAS a rightful owner. One of the thugs coughs uncomfortably as they wait.

Grand Lodge

Male Human Ranger 2 HP 20/20 | AC 19/13/16 | F +4, R +6, W +1 (+2 on Fear vs Humans)| Init +5| Perc +6

Reed, as unskilled at questioning as Eveline, nudges Lionel, as well. The priest might not be as silver-tongued as Numair, but he certainly wasn't afraid to communicate.

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