Ross's CotCT PbP (Inactive)
Game Master Ross Byers

"Keep your eyes peeled on that building."

Taemin nods and leans against a wall quietly, making himself small and surreptitiously watching the meat market.

Stealth to go unnoticed watching: 1d20+8 -> [13,8] = (21)
Perception to watch meat market: 1d20+9 -> [8,9] = (17)

If any charisma check need be made (diplomacy, bluff, or streetwise) 1d20+1=16 (dmtools #4103)

The drunk smiles lopsidedly at you. "I's only seen a few of 'em. Der's that fellow with the ham'r. An'oter couple of 'em runnin the shop. Then there's the pale skinny fella...need sum'ore sun, I says. He comes out and takes care o' dem cows once in a bit."

Haedrik nods thoughtfully. He turns his head to Taemin a bit. "Tae, I know your sister is in a rough spot, she could probably use a bit of these gents' generosity." Haedrik turns back to the drunk. "'Bout what time do they do the handouts and the like?"

"Starts in the morn'in." The man pauses to beltch and take another swig of his (watery) ale. "Then they gives to those who needs it 'til dey run outta' meat."

"Thanks for help fellas, toast one to the king tonight will ya?"

Haedrik walks off nodding for Taemin to follow.

When they are out of earshot. "So not too many men, but damned if they aren't heroes to these people. Do you want to get closer or head back?"

The man toasts his glass to you (nearly toppling off his chair in the process.)

"Do you want to get closer or head back?"

"Let us pass by so we can see all sides. We can circle back around on another street."

Taemin ponders a bit as they walk, "Heroes or not, rebellion is not the answer. Still it would be good to give Vancaskerkin a chance to reform."

Haedrik agrees and the two make their way as unobtrusively as possible throughout the block.

"Rebellion is not the answer? What if the rule is unjust, cruel, or violent? Why is giving food to the needy a sign of rebellion?"

Haedrik pats Taemin on the back of the shoulder. "I am not arguing with you, just thinking out loud. But these are interesting questions nonetheless. Clearly such talk is a sign I've gone sober too many days."

Once they return, Taemin will fill in the others on all he saw, and recommend a non-lethal assault.

*Returning her blade to it's proper place*
"Why must we attack them at all? I say we return with this knowledge and convince, by force if necessary, those who do not understand this benefit to the people. I have no loyalty to this queen or her servants. The gold would be welcome so I can leave this city. But I can make my way on my own if necessary."

"I agree with Karista, I'm not comfortable attacking a group of guys who set aside their uniforms to feed the poor. I would like to talk to these people and get their perspective though. I am curious why they would leave the guard under such strange circumstances."

Here's what Haedrik and Taemin were able to see:

At the front of the building, under the smiling cow sign, a large display window reveals a large marble slab that hasn't been cleaned as well as it should. A second story with smaller windows is stacked atop the shop. The far side of the building comes up very nearly adjacent to the next building (a cobbler's), with a gap barely large enough for stray animals (and smallish children or halflings) to pass through.

The rear of the building faces an alley that passes between the rears of the business on this street and those of the next, but there does not appear to be a rear door. As you pass around on the next street, you see the man with the hammer step out again. This time he brings a pig inside.

"I suggest we just approach the front door and request to talk to the gentleman in charge about making a donation. That should get their attention and perhaps get us in the front door. It would help if we made an effort to not look like an assault squad though. Definitely no bared steel."

"The problem is they're not setting aside their uniforms," Verronax responds. "They have deserted the Watch, at a time when they are most needed. Look around-" Verronax gestures to the streets. "The king's death has caused riots, social unrest. The Watch and the Guard represent Law and Order, and both are crucial now. One group of watchmen cannot be allowed to make their own decisions regarding what is best for the city, whether they give out free food or not. The Queen and the Arbiters make the decisions. These men can volunteer at a temple in their free time if they want to help the people so much."

"Besides, we already agreed to take on this task. It is our duty to bring them to justice. If you like, I can go talk to them first. Perhaps you are right, and they are good-hearted, if misunderstood, men. And if not, perhaps they will hesitate to attack a priest."

Haedrik shakes his head. "Both of you are right. Let's combine the plans a bit, eh? V should do the talking, but he should not be alone up there. At the very least Taemin should be with him, and the rest of us should be in a position to help if needed."

Haedrik pats his rapier. "I'd like to get a little swordplay in, I am not going to lie," Haedrik gives a shrug, "but with recent info coming to light, I can't say I am eager to run these guys through."

Is everyone agreed on a plan?

I'm assuming we are trying diplomacy then non-lethal assault if that fails.

"I think it would be a good idea if I were to be the front man for the group when dealing with these guys. My demeanor is less confrontational and I am good with people."

"Further if it does become a confrontation I can react extremely quickly and hit them with some magic that will stun them and get out of the way."

Taras always acts in the surprise round and has a +6 init modifier. There is a good chance he can hit them with color spray while they are flat footed and clear out before they can react. He also has a +4 diplo so if nothing else is good for aiding another with diplomacy.

Taras is going to spend a little time casting mage armor and hanging a second copy of color spray.

*Impatiently pacing*
"Make up your minds already! You lot are worse than those clothes washin' women down by the river."

"Surprisingly, I am agreed with Karista, of all things. Very well, Taras, by all means. Have a word with the 'gentlemen'."

So... I take it you folks are 10' back from Taras when he knocks on the door? Anyone at the door with him?

*knock knock knock*

moves quietly to the spot between the buildings so I can scale the wall quickly for another way in, or to launch an attack from above if the need arises.
Rolls if needed -
1. #4243 1d20 + (+10) = 30
2. #4244 1d20 + (+10) = 27
3. #4245 1d20 + (+10) = 25

Verronax will stand with Taras at the door.

Taemin will remain out of sight with Karista, straining to hear.

A loud voice responds, "Whaddda ya want?! We're closed!"

Haedrik will actually be about 20-25 feet away, likely leaning against a building finishing his cigar

"We are here to speak with Verik Vankerskins on behalf of a wealthy patron."

Diplomacy (1d20 4=13)
Bluff (1d20 2=15)

"Hold on."

You hear someone going up the stairs, while another face pulls back the curtains behind the display window to peer out.

A few moments later you hear another voice, just on the other side of the door. "Who sent you?"

"My patron would prefer a little discretion. Perhaps I have come to the wrong address. I'm certain I can find a better outlet for her generosity."

Taras turns as if to go.

Do I can hear someone heading upstairs or get a signal to head up from Taras?

Perception : #4269 1d20 + (+6) = 22

Do I can hear someone heading upstairs or get a signal to head up from Taras?

Perception : #4269 1d20 + (+6) = 22

You not only hear the clumsy steps going up the stairs, but the quieter steps coming back down. Presumably, the quieter set belong to whoever spoke second.

Taras, I rolled a nice bluff check for you. The voice repies, "Vimanda? Did she send you?"

"Am I that transparent? My mistress will be disturbed she was hoping for subtlety."

Taras quickly tries to recall what he can about Vimanda and how he can use that knowledge. Knowledge (Nobility) (1d20 6=16)

"Am I that transparent? My mistress will be disturbed she was hoping for subtlety."

Taras quickly tries to recall what he can about Vimanda and how he can use that knowledge. Knowledge (Nobility) (1d20 6=16)

You don't recognize the name specifically, but it sounds Vudran, and House Arkoma has extensive dealings with that nation.

Glaring at Taras, waiting impatiently for our next move. Caressing the hilt of my blade in anticipation.

Sorry for the delay. I wanted to wait a bit to see if Taras wanted to do anything with the results of his knowledge check, and then I got caught up in work yesterday.

There is a pause, then a bit of muttering on the other side of the door. The door opens, just a crack. "Come inside. What is this about?"

"A gesture if you will from my patron, she is intrigued by your actions and is moved towards a bit of philanthropy but first wants to know why you split with the crown and what your intentions are. Your departure from the guard was most unusual." Taras enters the building and gestures for Verronax to follow.

The man looks very suddenly surprised, "But this whole thing was Viman...Who sent you!? Who really sent you?"

How many people are in the room? Can we get a map?

"My patron is more or less independent, an outside influence and more interested in the plight of the people than the politics."

How many people are in the room? Can we get a map?

I'll get a map up after lunch. Right now, there are only two people in the front room. (Well, in addition to yourself.)

Map Up
The fellow in the square bracket is the guy who is taking. The one in the round bracket is the guy who peeked out the window.
Haedrik is leaning against a building across the street.

The man reaches back for a spear left against the wall. "Answer the question."

I've also updated the City Map.

Clearly this was not a well thought out plan... ah well it got the door open ;)

Not seeing this discussion coming to a peaceful conclusion without withdrawing Taras takes a 5' step into the corner, shouts and casts color spray, trying to get both of them in the arc.

As soon as Haedrik hears the shouts he pulls out his rapier and races forward. Seeing the door blocked, he crosses his arms in front of him and hurtles himself through the window of the buildings front.

This is a double move action. Haedrik should end his turn 1 square north of the rightmost enemy, if he successfully jumps through. Applicable rolls:

Initiative = 11 (DMtools #4366)
Acrobatics = 8 (4367)
Reflex = 19 (4368)

Initiative (1d20 6=11)

Amid a wash of color, the second man collapses to the floor, twitching. The other, however, clutching the spear, manages to cover his eyes and blinks hard.

That's the surprise round. I have Haedrik's action for the first round. How about everyone else?

Seeing the commotion at the front door, I launch up the wall, and make for the smaller windows on the second floor, blade at the ready once I reach the second floor.

rolls referenced in previous post

Taemin startles for a moment, then lopes up the side of the building with Karista, making for the roof if no other entrance seems accessible.

Initiative 1d20+3: [6,3] = (9)
Climb 10+9 = 19 (Take 10, Shingle Runner feat)

Haedrik throws himself through the plate window, vaulting over the display counter and the twitching ex-guardsman, interposing himself between the spearman and Taras.

Haedrik takes 3 points of damage from the shattered glass, after DR from armor.

At the same time, Karista and Taras kick in the upper level windows, finding themselves in an upstairs living area. Another ex-guardsman is seated at the table.

[ooc]The Map has been updated. The 'upstairs' is shown to the right.

At the same time, Karista and Taras kick in the upper level windows, finding themselves in an upstairs living area. Another ex-guardsman is seated at the table.
I imagine you mean Taenim?

Taras uses his diviner's touch on Haedrik (+2 on next attack roll or skill check).

I imagine you mean Taenim?

Yes. Yes I do.

Haedrik ignores the scratches from his grand entrance, tips his head in quick introduction and drives the tip of his rapier towards the nearest enemy.

Using Combat Expertise to offset the Diviner's Touch. So AC is now 19; I will also assign my dodge against the enemy not affected by Color Spray, making my AC 20 against them.

Attack Roll = 1d20+6 = 23
Damage Roll = 1d6+2 = 7

Taemin jumps up onto the table and give the ex-guardsman a kick to the head, intending to deal non-lethal.

Acrobatics to Jump: 1d20+12 -> [4,12] = (16)
Attack roll 1d20+3 ->[9,3] = (12) (+1 for higher ground?)
Damage roll if hit 1d6+2 -> [2,2] = (4) nonlethal.