Ya. The night passes uneventful under the roof of the Gold Goblin. The pier in question is very near the briney wetlands opposite much of the Rotgut district referred to by town natives as the Boneyard. It's called that because of the tendency of local pirates to dump unwanted and picked over prize hulks at high tide. A seaward approach to Riddleport is littered with these examples of what can happen when you do not respect the authority of the pirate lords of Riddleport.
The choice of the dock is surely meant as a concession to stealth. No one unloads cargo this far away from the waterfront unless its contraband.
Can you guys give me an idea of your approach? Saul is able to secure your wagon. Are you taking the hands with you, or going this alone? And I guess I think I need a spell list from Rees, but I have to look back over my notes to be sure.
Is this the map we should be looking at? Possible to mark the pier? Do Larry, Daryl & Daryl have any ranged talent? Can we assume that the Goblin staff donated work-clothes/robes to the cause?
We are definitely taking Hans, Beyar and Bojask. Tryst asks them to put on a good show upon arrival and aid the party if overwhelmed. Would like them to be carrying swords and holding loaded ranged weapons when we reveal ourselves (if enough to go around). All party weapons should be hidden until we are "just around the corner" from the ship and all armor should be covered with bulky clothing.
"Can you think of a good diversion for our arrival?" he asks Lia as they scramble to prep the wagon. "Something quick and messy? Too remote for the old spilled coins onto a crowded street trick."
Lia looks around at the assembled people. She gives Rees's cleavage the once over. "There's a fine diversion for this lot." Lia turns to Rees. "How much of that are you willing to show, my friend? Can you pull off the 'naked-crazy-lady' routine long enough for us to get into position? That, or a fire is always good. I'll leave the decision in your hands."
I am officially recovered from a great party and am back in action.
Okay, I'm willing to be a diversion. I need to stop at a couple stores to get a pouch for my familiar, and a potion or two. (Luke let me know how much I owe you for 2 cure moderates and a cute leather pouch). Just so you guys know I have 4 0 levels, Daze, dancing lights, stabilize, touch o fatigue and 3 1st levels. mage armor, burning hands, shocking grasp, & charm person.
What do you guys think, option a: naked damsel in distress tattered gown, oh big strong drunkin men help me help me.
option 2: cut the cleavage a little lower and walk out on the pier and go for the dancing lights spell.
Can I get a hand for our ladies Gentlemen? What a group. I wish we could play through all of the adventure paths together.
I like the second one. Rees can have her Nichelle Nichols moment and it keeps their eyes off what's following her. Luke, am I correct that you cannot ready an action (spell) pre-combat?
We were lamenting the loss of our table game just the other night. This experience is completely different from the live game. Like a studio album versus a live performance.
I've been meaning to post a map of the pier specifically and highlight the area of interest on the map Trystan has linked, but I've had lots of awesome distractions lately. The maps are done, I'm just a lame ass.
As far as distractions go, the two best things you could possibly pick to distract sailors are floozies and fire. Your plan sounds good. Now for the execution. :)
As far as readying goes, you can ready an action pre-combat as long as surprise in on your side. If executed well, the surprise round represents the advantage of a well-prepared ambush. If things go well pre-combat, your group may have that advantage as well.
I'll try to to set the scene, resolve the purchases and get the maps up tonight before serenading the ladies pool-side. Chris, I could use your help buddy!
Hey guys, recovering from a bout with MRSA. All looks well now. Sorry for the sudden absence. Looking back through the posts, and will post tomorrow at the latest.
Sorry to hear that Mike. We all hope your recovery is 100%.
Luke, Pam, Mel & Chris, sounds like you guys know how to rip it up. If this game goes on for as long as I hope perhaps I need to come sample some of that Florida hospitality someday. I can drink with the best of 'em, my guacamole is second to none and I was the front-man for a regionally famous funk/rock band in the early 90's.
Isegrim wow one of my friends just went through that, I'm glad your doing better. We miss you.
we have been having fun recently, a new pool is a good reason for lots of partys. A table game vacation would be fun. Trystan would have to bring his leather pants and hairspray!!!!
Option #2 it is. Brenin, your face has turned remarkably red. I'm thinking you just wanted to see option #1. Trystan, pour us another round of liquid courage and lets get on with this. I want to be drinking fire whisky tonight!
Man, and I've actually practiced some lately. We'll have to plan a repeat some time
No doubt. Before I pick up the violin again. Rachel has caught me in the violin curriculum, so this year I'm gonna get pushed as hard as her. Wonder if you might be in to a camping trip to the Florida Caverns this year (out in the panhandle)? We could camp-fire jam like old times.
Trystan, Chris was a rock and roll star for a pile of years with a southern rock band that knew how to kick some ass. I'm strictly an amateur. We'll need a game table room that doubles as a sound studio...
Each of the cure moderate wounds potions is 300 gp. I think Trystan should have access to cheaper brews at the Publican House, so lets say he can get the first two potions at 150 gp each, and you pay full price for the rest. I counted 4 potions purchased.
Trystan, Chris was a rock and roll star for a pile of years with a southern rock band that knew how to kick some ass. I'm strictly an amateur.
Rock star in my own mind maybe and don't let him fool you, he's got skills.[/occ]
DM Luke wrote:
[ooc]Each of the cure moderate wounds potions is 300 gp. I think Trystan should have access to cheaper brews at the Publican House, so lets say he can get the first two potions at 150 gp each, and you pay full price for the rest. I counted 4 potions purchased.
Adds up to more than we have. We'll stick with two for Rees. That will leave us roughly 80gp in various demoninations. We need to get everything else ID'd and sold/distributed.
We're interested in the camping thing. When were you thinking? Lori is opposed to July.
What? Can't take the July heat? Wuss... Melissa just left today on a business trip for the week, and if you do the math, that leaves me with the twins! As for cash, I know Rees has money of her own; maybe Luke has the count? Anyway, she can afford her own potions, so the group should be able to pick up a couple.
Isegrim looks at Reese and says, "Don't worry. I will protect you this time. I swear it." And then with a smirk and a glance at Lia, "of course, TWO diversions would work TWICE as well right?
Yes, we have a house filled to the rafters with love. I'm running an arena combat with the kids, probably tomorrow to give them their first taste of Pathfinder. Figs and dice are picked out. Just need to figure out what to throw at them.
I recall seeing 900 gp on Rees's character sheet. I don't think that was reckoned in the party list.
The battlemap is updated with the scene you see as your group makes its way down Eel Street to Carver's Pier. Though your group is swaddled in obscuring clothing, folks on the street pick up the scent of trouble brewing and take pains to avoid your little army. Bojask, Hans and Beyar shift nervously under their cloaks and remain mute as you make your way along the waterfront.
You spot the masts of the Foamrunner well before the scene comes into view, confirming Luther's news that the deal was going down early. When you round the corner you see a wagon, half-filled with casks of what is presumably your whiskey attended by two guards. Two laborers haul casks over the gangway and onto the pier as the ship captain and a few of his crew look on from the ship. Presiding over the entire labor is a wide-shouldered, armored fellow wearing a heavy broadsword at his hip.
You have the initiative on your side, as you were expecting the encounter. The scene is yours...
Brenin arms his longbow and whispers, "There's a lot of unknowns here. How many more men are in the ship or hiding expecting trouble? What if we wait and ambush the wagon once it gets rolling?"
Yes, we have a house filled to the rafters with love. I'm running an arena combat with the kids, probably tomorrow to give them their first taste of Pathfinder. Figs and dice are picked out. Just need to figure out what to throw at them.
Take a look at the Heroes of Hessiod free adventure from WotC. It uses simplified 4e rules but might give you some good ideas. I'm going to do something like that with my niece very soon so let's talk after you run yours to see how it goes
Brenin arms his longbow and whispers, "There's a lot of unknowns here. How many more men are in the ship or hiding expecting trouble? What if we wait and ambush the wagon once it gets rolling?"
"We'll have time to make that determination once we get close. Let's get a move on, Luther said this was happening soon."
Yes, consider yourselves on the scene. If you're planning an ambush once everything's loaded, then place yourselves on the map where you intend to pull off the ambush. If you're starting close to the enemy, make Stealth and perception rolls as well.
Luke, what's that to the right of the guard in the 14 to 18 range, a roof or a dock? Also, what about down lower between 3 and 5. Is that a street or does it dead end?
How close does our "distraction" get us before we have to start making skill rolls? One member of the party misses a stealth roll and it ruins a well laid plan. Sometimes it seems like the addition of skills removed some story-crafting from DM's hands.
Trystan would prefer to arrive from the side alley, and expresses so on the way. Rees would reveal herself a predetermined time in advance, the rest would follow fully armed w/ ranged weapons loaded and spells ready.
Negative on the climbing. If I need to get on that roof, I'm going back for a ladder. I'll be without internet for the weekend, but if everyone shows up forge ahead without me. I'll catch up when I get back.
"If we can wait for the wagon to turn a corner out of site of the boat before we strike, I think that would be best."
The 14-18 range object on the edge of the map is a balcony on the backside of a fishery that overlooks the pier. There's a door from the second story of the fishery that leads onto it - just off the map.
The intersection in the 3-5 range is an intersection with a side-street. See this map to see how it all connects. The red highlighted area is the battlemap you see (you can click through several locations on the map).
How close does our "distraction" get us before we have to start making skill rolls? One member of the party misses a stealth roll and it ruins a well laid plan. Sometimes it seems like the addition of skills removed some story-crafting from DM's hands.
On the other hand, it is a game of chance with characters doing dangerous things. Explaining the outcome of crappy rolls is half the fun. The element of chance injected into more parts of the game is a good thing in my opinion - but then I played Rolemaster/MERP mostly throughout the 2nd edition days. I miss criticals :) And fumbles 8)
Ummm, yeah man. Well, it says you shattered your own kneecap with your flail. Yer troll s@+@ buddy.
But to answer your question, in an urban setting I think it's equally valid to make a Bluff (cha) check if you like, to pass yourself off as a nobody rather than physically hiding. Sounds like they'll be coming to you anyway.
Looking back over some posts, I realized that Rees may not have adjusted for the Bracers of Armor +1 that Trystan can't benefit from. They don't stack with an active mage armor spell, but they protect a bit when the spell is not active.
I'm going to cast mage armor on myself before I get close to the wagon and dancing lights when I get closer to it or I should say when it gets closer to me. My intention is to have my mage armor for as long as possible. My dancing light selection will be 4 lights that I will use to go up and down and around my body in a ho like way. My sluts-r-us roll is a whooping 18+8=26 so someone should be distracted by my breasts.
Also, I have some money as I to have a rich mom. I will spring for my potions and the group can have the other ones.
Hey you big roughnecks, anybody up for a ride????Shake Shake light light. I start to do a provacative little belly dancing and clevage shaking. I'm sure you big strong men can keep me happy for a while. As I move my hands around I start chanting and I am actually getting my shocking grasp spell in a holding pattern in case I get attacked. Any one up there want to come dance with me?
Tryst watches Rees cast her armor spell and round the corner of the alley, he smiles to himself, double checks his loaded crossbow and readies his Command spell (as per you Luke, still fuzzy on pre-combat spell prep). He turns to double check that everyone else is ready, noticing that Isegrim is about to wring the Raven blade in two.
"Remember, we offer them one chance to live before we kill." he whispers to the party around him. He sees the first glow of the light show and gives the big fighter the nod to lead the charge.
Let us know what rolls you want up to this point. I liked the idea of waiting for the wagon to start coming up the road toward the alley. I don't think we need to worry about the sailors as long as they've been paid already. Perhaps one of our sneaks could have scoped the lay of the land as we approached from a street or two inland?
Okay. You guys have made up for making me create a new battlemap by providing excellent posts. You're forgiven. :)
I'm taking some liberties in the interest of getting this thing kicked off. Hopefully no one's too upset with their starting locations.
Bojask sits with the wagon and horse you've brought along in an alley just up the way from the ambush site. Hans and Beyar clutch their blades nervously and huddle among some trash in the alley where the ambush will jump off. In their heavy cloaks they are hard to spot among the rubbish and long shadows.
As Rees completes the first spell and the invisible force of mage armor encases her mostly naked form, a subtle purplish fog wraps itself around her, obscuring some of her finer parts from view. As the wagon rounds the corner and starts down the street towards your prepared ambush site, the witch works further magic and the little magical fires pop out across her body. Like the armor, the little dancing lights give off a softly perplexing purple smoke.
The wagon draws nearer as the third spell comes off and her hands take on the charge of shocking grasp.
The wagon is being driven by one of the guards, while the heavily armored man and the second guard walk to either flank. The heavily armored guard holds the harness of the horse, his long blade sheathed at his hip. The other guard on foot is the first to notice Rees's alluring form, and he immediately increases his pace to be the first at her side.
"Great Guns, Cap! Would you look at this piece? The mystical blot must have got in her head or somat, eh??" The guard walks up and takes her offered breast in one rough hand.
You have them completely at unawares. The party may act in the surprise round (failed Sense Motive rolls all around on my side). Roll initiative and declare actions. Bear in mind that you have ONE action, move or standard in the surprise round.
My init roll is 12 + 4 for a 16. I intend to stay where I am and be the "flanking surprise girl" with my rapier, unless of course, it gets too much for Rees. Then I'll pop out and stab the nearest prick.
It takes a great effort for Lia to stand by and watch Rees be manhandled. It brings back wretched memories. She shakes her head and holds her ground.
Given the tight quarters, my previous post about being armed with a bow does not apply. Instead I'll have my longsword and shield. Initiative is 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19. My first move will be to get to 16,10. I'm assuming I can utilize those partially obscured tiles.
At first contact between Rees and the men she's seducing the group bursts into action.
Brenin's move is legal. The obscured squares are simply under eaves and the enemy is flat-footed and therefore not entitled to attacks of opportunity. Isegrim and Trystan have also been repositioned.
I have Trystan's spell DC for command at 10 + 3 + 1 = 14. I have failed my save.
The look on the big man's face goes from delight through dawning awareness and comes to rest on slack-jawed obedience to Trystan's command. He drops to the cobbles with a swish and a clang of his tin-plated pants.
He will still act on his turn, but from a prone position (and not in the surprise round).
Rees is up. If she is unable to post before this time tomorrow, I'll have Lia take her action.
Mostly the latter. Give them an order and see what happens. Anyone doing this (noticing their reluctance to engage) can try an inter-personal skill roll of their choice as well (intimidate, diplomacy or raw charisma).
I realize that Lia is hidden, but to miss her turn altogether...
Adrenaline courses through Lia as she watches the scene unfold. She steels herself and remains in shadows as the cart with the whiskey draws nearer. She holds herself ready for action.
All this means is I want first shot at the cart as it nears me. My action is to get on it some how or grab the reins, whatever opportunity presents itself.
"For my next trick, I shall now channel Melissa!"
Rees sees one man fall and feels her friends drawing closer. She's had about as much from this flea-ridden dung farmer as she's going to take. "Like what you see? Too bad. Now remove your filthy hand from my person or...never mind. Take that!" And she releases the spell she was holding as she touches the grimy hand that holds her, well, cleavage.
Rees releases her charge into her would-be patron, causing him to screech in pain and stagger. 9 hp electrical damage.
Seeing the others come charging out of the alley he draws a short sword from a scabbard below his cloak and lashes out at the first real threat he sees. Make that chauvinistic robotic pirate ninja thugs.
The shock plainly has taken a toll as his off-balance attack poses no threat to Isegrim.
The second thug calls out in alarm as his leader hits the pavements in front of the cart he's driving. Perhaps sensing the electrical discharge in front of it, the horse veers into Brenin's path and away from the enemy lying in the street. The horse comes to a stop as the driver drops the reins, stands, and draws a sword of his own.
Lia's action is wasted as the cart will not make it that far, but the advantage of being concealed is still with her.
