Tavern Tales - An Introduction

Game Master Koolaid

A Tavern Tales Play By Post.


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Koolaid's official Tavern Tales Play By Post. Let's see what happens when I post this...


Male Human Ex-Soldier (Warfare, Artifice, Bardic Lore)
QuickCrunch™:
Life: 31/40 | Block: 6 | Brawn: +3 | Finesse: +2 | Mind: +1 | Spirit: -1

Quintis Buccio reporting in!


Male Human, Merchant Guild Mercenary
Crunch:
Brawn +2 | Finesse +3 | Mind -1 | Spirit +1
Traits:
Double Strike| Sheer Determination|Call For Aid

Thoril reporting for duty!

Shadow Lodge

Human, Male, Urchin ----== Finesse 3 | Spirit 2 | Mind 1 | Brawn -1 | Tough 10 | Life 29/40 ===----
Traits:
Jack of All Trades (Another Way In) | Swashbuckler | Leap Of Faith | Honor Among Thieves | Call Familiar | Weapons: Dual knives: melee, ranged
Abilities:
dramatic entrance=GR++ attack/bolster | wall Jump, jump as far/high as you could normally move | ++jump, ++climb, ++balance, safe fall +5 | ++socialize with scoundrels | pet rat

Ben emerges from the sewers, exhausted, dirty, and afraid. After catching his breath, he begins to follow a soldierly looking fellow.

Over his left shoulder, his worldly belongings are tied up in a threadbare blanket. He draws the stick forward and speaks into the makeshift bag.

In hushed tones: "Look at the runes on those weapons, Finn. That bloke can definitely protect us."


Male Human Raven Mage
Abilities:
Body-1 | Finesse: +1 | Mind +3 | Spirit +2 |
Traits:
Signature Trait: Ritual | Traits: Evoker | Flight | Just As Planned, Marshal Forces |

"Hello," says Trencius.


Male Human Ex-Soldier (Warfare, Artifice, Bardic Lore)
QuickCrunch™:
Life: 31/40 | Block: 6 | Brawn: +3 | Finesse: +2 | Mind: +1 | Spirit: -1

Unbeknownst to Quintis but knownst to us [name that movie? Hint: if you can read this you don't need glasses] a theif's courier began to follow him as he walked back towards the North Quarter. He made it a point to regularly visit with those poor and homeless army veterans who lived in Hartscourt (never really liking veterans of the Watch). His straitbacked figure was a welcome sight in that area, as it meant a warm meal and a few pints and an evening of storytelling for any veterens who were up for it. Quintis travels up the cobbled winding street, lost in thought about what if anything he can do to get himself out into the world again in a meaningful way. He walks unhurriedly, when he sees his aquaintance Thoril exiting a pub he smiles. He knows Thoril is, as Quintis is, a restless warrior who longs for more. Do you want to decide how we know each other?

"Salve Thoril. How are you this evening?" Quintis asks as he approaches.

holy crap, what an awesome crew we've got so far!


Male Human, Merchant Guild Mercenary
Crunch:
Brawn +2 | Finesse +3 | Mind -1 | Spirit +1
Traits:
Double Strike| Sheer Determination|Call For Aid

[Sounds really familiar, can't place it...]

Resisting the urge to burn the last of his coin on cheap drink Thoril stands from the bar, leaves a few coins to cover his tab and heads out, making way for the Guild's Barracks. Most decent mercs choose to acquire their own lodgings as the barracks are far from comfortable, but they are free so long as you're actively taking jobs from the guild. Soon he will not have to choose between lodgings and drink, there are opportunities abound in this city, he just needs to seize one.

As he steps a voice addresses him and he turns to meet it with a stern glare. Realizing who has spoken the glare falls and a slight grin appears on his face. "Hello Quintis. Tonight I'm bored and dissatisfied, as I am nearly every night now. I'll ask how you are, but I feel that I might already know." [I'd say it stands to reason you might've tried mercenary work in the past and we could've met then. If you don't like that however it's completely up to you. Also, yeah pretty awesome crew.]

Shadow Lodge

Human, Male, Urchin ----== Finesse 3 | Spirit 2 | Mind 1 | Brawn -1 | Tough 10 | Life 29/40 ===----
Traits:
Jack of All Trades (Another Way In) | Swashbuckler | Leap Of Faith | Honor Among Thieves | Call Familiar | Weapons: Dual knives: melee, ranged
Abilities:
dramatic entrance=GR++ attack/bolster | wall Jump, jump as far/high as you could normally move | ++jump, ++climb, ++balance, safe fall +5 | ++socialize with scoundrels | pet rat

That's when the thugs finally caught up to him. Two brutes in hakamas. Posh looking, for bodyguards. Maybe Syndicate.

One of them catches Ben with a mighty backhand that sends him clattering to the floor.

damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

He lands on his back, right between the two soldiers.

Wiping blood from his cheek: Help?


Male Human Raven Mage
Abilities:
Body-1 | Finesse: +1 | Mind +3 | Spirit +2 |
Traits:
Signature Trait: Ritual | Traits: Evoker | Flight | Just As Planned, Marshal Forces |

Trencius tosses a cigarette butt onto the cobblestone ground and leaves the beam of lamplight, immersing himself in the dark of the street.

He walks aimlessly through the winding alleys before hearing a commotion in an adjacent pathway.

"What the hell is going on here?" Demands the mage, striking the stone with the butt of his staff.


Male Human Ex-Soldier (Warfare, Artifice, Bardic Lore)
QuickCrunch™:
Life: 31/40 | Block: 6 | Brawn: +3 | Finesse: +2 | Mind: +1 | Spirit: -1

I like it! Quintis tried working for the merchant's guild briefly but found that he thought of and treated the other mercenaries as soldiers and that lead to a lot of frustration on everyone's part so he left.

"Are you still living in the barracks? Let me walk with you." Suddenly, a scuffle breaks out and both Quintis and Thoril turn in unison grabbing for their weapons. At the sound of Trencius' staff striking stone Quintis squinted into the darkness while walking towards the man who was knocked to the ground. "Yes, what is this?" Quintis is still glancing around looking for the speaker who slammed his staff against the stone, and looking at the two thugs and their would-be-victim for an explanation.


"This mangy rat needs to pay up!" growls one of the thugs. He spits at Ben and takes a few steps towards him. The other thug interrupts his friend with a quick shove.

"Shut it, bonehead. This one looks Watch." Beady eyes meet with Quintis'. "Ain't no business o' yours. He's comin' with us."

Both men have their hands on the hilts of their weapons at this point. Coupled of sheathed katanas. Syndicate style, for sure. Regardless of how mixed and melted the pot that the City is, Syndicate always stayed true to their culture.


Male Human, Merchant Guild Mercenary
Crunch:
Brawn +2 | Finesse +3 | Mind -1 | Spirit +1
Traits:
Double Strike| Sheer Determination|Call For Aid

Thoril wearily eyes the mage before turning his attention to the thugs "It became our business when you brought it into the streets."

He holds a sheathed blade as he slowly circles around, trying to close off as many escape routes as possible.

"Talk, what the hell do you want with him? Seems harmless enough." Thoril gestures with his off hand at Ben. His grin has grown, perhaps tonight will be interesting.


Male Human Raven Mage
Abilities:
Body-1 | Finesse: +1 | Mind +3 | Spirit +2 |
Traits:
Signature Trait: Ritual | Traits: Evoker | Flight | Just As Planned, Marshal Forces |

"Why don't we talk about this first?" says Trencius, trying to hold back a grin.

Trencius lowers his staff, aiming it at the one called Bonehead.


"Seriously?" gawks Bonehead, with an incredulous look on his flat face. "You're gonna mess with us?" He flashes an Eastern-looking character on the inside of jacket. Yep. Definitely Syndicate.

"I said shut it." There goes the other one again. His head is way cooler than Bonehead's. Even though the thugs are outnumbered, this one isn't shaken. "Time to back off. He's not worth a fight club match right outside North Quarter."

"Trey, really? Ain't this dishonorable?" Bonehead stumbles a little with that last word.

"Yeah, really, and for the last time shut it. We'll be back for the rat. Besides, these guys may end up helping us out."


Male Human Ex-Soldier (Warfare, Artifice, Bardic Lore)
QuickCrunch™:
Life: 31/40 | Block: 6 | Brawn: +3 | Finesse: +2 | Mind: +1 | Spirit: -1

"As you're so concerned with honor," Quintis sneers at the pair, letting them know what he thinks of the honor of two men that were about to attack what he supposes to be a helpless street urchin, "I'm sure you fine citizens will bring your grievance before the magistrate tomorrow." Quintis helped the urchin to his feet.

"Well, that was exciting. What's your story? Where are you headed? Probably best if we walk you there, if you don't mind Thoril." Quinitis looks uneasily at the mage in the shadows, "And you, Mr....?"


Male Human Raven Mage
Abilities:
Body-1 | Finesse: +1 | Mind +3 | Spirit +2 |
Traits:
Signature Trait: Ritual | Traits: Evoker | Flight | Just As Planned, Marshal Forces |

"My name is Trencius" the Mage says, "But I suggest we save introductions for later."

He turns to Bonehead and Trey.

"Make up your minds, already." he says, sounding bored to tears.

What kind of music exists in this world? I was wondering if Should I Stay or Should I Go would be playing in Trencius' head right now.


Bonehead turns toward Trencius with a menacing, or just ugly, snarl on his face. Trey quickly grabs Bonehead's collar and swings him to the cobbled street with a thud and a groan. At this point, half the tavern is watching the spectacle. Trey looks displeased, to say the least. The Syndicate is supposed to operate quickly and quietly. Attention should be avoided.

"We'll be back for him." And that's all Trey adds before taking his partner-in-crime by the arm and crossing back into the shadows.

A small note lies on the street where the two thugs stood.

When things like this happen, the thugs are NOT out of reach yet. It's simply an option for you to let them go. I'll try to never sever interaction on my own, but rather provide an opportunity for you all to make the choice.

Shadow Lodge

Human, Male, Urchin ----== Finesse 3 | Spirit 2 | Mind 1 | Brawn -1 | Tough 10 | Life 29/40 ===----
Traits:
Jack of All Trades (Another Way In) | Swashbuckler | Leap Of Faith | Honor Among Thieves | Call Familiar | Weapons: Dual knives: melee, ranged
Abilities:
dramatic entrance=GR++ attack/bolster | wall Jump, jump as far/high as you could normally move | ++jump, ++climb, ++balance, safe fall +5 | ++socialize with scoundrels | pet rat

The two Syndicate thugs begrudgingly backed into the shadows, but not before snatching up the tied-blanket satchel. "I think this is ours."
Benjamin: Finn!
A distant shout is heard, "See you soon, Bronze &$%*#ers!"
Benjamin: Bastards!

...

As soon as he's sure the thugs are out of earshot, Ben draws his rescuers in close and produces a package from his sleeves. Smaller than a breadbox. It's waxed cotton, wrapped and tied around something..

Handing the package to Quintis: They wanted this.

If you open the package:
Feel free to decide what's in the package. Anything you want.
...If you need an idea, I suggest a severed female hand. But really, it's up to you.

And they've got my rat. I raised him from a pup.

Looking at the note: Can anyone read?


M Human Thief
Abilities:
Toughness 10 , Life 40 Brawn +1 | Finesse +2 | Mind +3 | Spirit -1 | Signature: Sneaky | Combat: Sneak Attack | Exploration: Case the Joint | Interaction: Lone Wolf

"Trouble with the Syndicate, huh?" Lupus says as he steps from the shadows of an alleyway. Drawing near, he holds out his hand for the note.

"I could take a look."

Shadow Lodge

Human, Male, Urchin ----== Finesse 3 | Spirit 2 | Mind 1 | Brawn -1 | Tough 10 | Life 29/40 ===----
Traits:
Jack of All Trades (Another Way In) | Swashbuckler | Leap Of Faith | Honor Among Thieves | Call Familiar | Weapons: Dual knives: melee, ranged
Abilities:
dramatic entrance=GR++ attack/bolster | wall Jump, jump as far/high as you could normally move | ++jump, ++climb, ++balance, safe fall +5 | ++socialize with scoundrels | pet rat

Handing the note to his good friend: Lupus! Where the hell have you been?


M Human Thief
Abilities:
Toughness 10 , Life 40 Brawn +1 | Finesse +2 | Mind +3 | Spirit -1 | Signature: Sneaky | Combat: Sneak Attack | Exploration: Case the Joint | Interaction: Lone Wolf

"Didn't expect to see you here," he says as he takes the note. "But I think your story might be more interesting judging by the Syndicate thugs that are after you."


I'm going to write my take on the Note and the Box. If someone had an idea for either of these that they wanted to write, this post can be redacted in favor of your post. It's no biggie either way.

In the Package:

Spoiler:
It is the severed hand of a young woman. The left, to be exact. There's an engagement ring on her ring finger. Looks expensive, too. Whoever she is, or was, she's probably a noble.

The Note:

It reads... wrote:

Trey,

You better not screw this up. Deliver this to Atus Manor. It'll cause some noble infighting. The Watch will have their hands full, and we can start taking some territory.


Male Human Ex-Soldier (Warfare, Artifice, Bardic Lore)
QuickCrunch™:
Life: 31/40 | Block: 6 | Brawn: +3 | Finesse: +2 | Mind: +1 | Spirit: -1

Quintis holds the package back out to Benjen. "I don't know if this is yours, but I'm not looking to get involved. I'll take you to wherever you sleep and leave it at that. I'm not looking for trouble, and I'm not looking to keep you out of trouble if you want to be in it. If the rest of you want to get involved that's your own business."


M Human Thief
Abilities:
Toughness 10 , Life 40 Brawn +1 | Finesse +2 | Mind +3 | Spirit -1 | Signature: Sneaky | Combat: Sneak Attack | Exploration: Case the Joint | Interaction: Lone Wolf

Lupus reads the note then looks at Ben.

"How'd you get in the middle of this?"

Shadow Lodge

Human, Male, Urchin ----== Finesse 3 | Spirit 2 | Mind 1 | Brawn -1 | Tough 10 | Life 29/40 ===----
Traits:
Jack of All Trades (Another Way In) | Swashbuckler | Leap Of Faith | Honor Among Thieves | Call Familiar | Weapons: Dual knives: melee, ranged
Abilities:
dramatic entrance=GR++ attack/bolster | wall Jump, jump as far/high as you could normally move | ++jump, ++climb, ++balance, safe fall +5 | ++socialize with scoundrels | pet rat

Exposition, B!$&@es!

"I make my living delivering things. Usually notes, documents, sometimes money. I get jobs on account of I don't read so well. We're not supposed to, but everyone looks.

So the other day, The Syndicate commissioned me to deliver a package. This time, it wasn't a document." Ben opens the waxed-cotton package to reveal a human hand, now somewhat dried, coated with acrid smelling powder.

"I'm no chump. Whoever delivers this package ain't leaving with his head. So I just... didn't.

Ben looks at Quintis again. "Never mind walking me home. Got no home to speak of. Anyways, if you leave me, I'm dead. No point delaying it."

Holding the package out, on offer: "What would you bet the rest of this body is still alive somewhere?"


Male Human Raven Mage
Abilities:
Body-1 | Finesse: +1 | Mind +3 | Spirit +2 |
Traits:
Signature Trait: Ritual | Traits: Evoker | Flight | Just As Planned, Marshal Forces |

Kurt Vonnegut FTW!

"In that case, you're coming with me, kid."

Trencius takes the package and says,

"I've got a place you can stay. No way will the Syndicate !@#$ with you while we're there."


Male Human, Merchant Guild Mercenary
Crunch:
Brawn +2 | Finesse +3 | Mind -1 | Spirit +1
Traits:
Double Strike| Sheer Determination|Call For Aid

Thoril relaxes his stance and turns to Ben "Nobles in danger? Sounds like an opportunity, tell me, where'd you meet these guys when you were commissioned."

He glances to Quintis, "Before you leave, any idea who the hell owns 'Atus Manor'?"


M Human Thief
Abilities:
Toughness 10 , Life 40 Brawn +1 | Finesse +2 | Mind +3 | Spirit -1 | Signature: Sneaky | Combat: Sneak Attack | Exploration: Case the Joint | Interaction: Lone Wolf

"If you don't want to get involved you should leave quickly. You might already know too much and there's things we need to discuss," Lupus says to Quintis while holding up the note.


Male Human Ex-Soldier (Warfare, Artifice, Bardic Lore)
QuickCrunch™:
Life: 31/40 | Block: 6 | Brawn: +3 | Finesse: +2 | Mind: +1 | Spirit: -1

It's amazing how much space diologue can take! This looks like a wall of text now that I've written it!

"Oh in the name of all the gods." Quintis turns white but does not look away.

"Yes. They're a noble family, I know through our shared cultural community. Their daughter went missing some few days ago. She had just gotten engaged. I must assume this is her...hand. This is disgusting. Animals! I cannot abide cruelty. I will take this to her family. It would be best if the news came from someone they know, as you said courier, they might well take your head. You are all welcome to accompany me, though I think it's unlikely you'll be allowed inside. Before I go, we should sit and talk about this. Trencius, was that invitation open to us all? I need to ask this courier some questions on the family's behalf. All we know so far is that she is either dead or maimed. They must be told that the Syndicate is playing some cruel game; there is likely going to be a scapegoat. I am not familiar with their business or with their other social circles. It doesn't matter, I will bring this to them, but I hope they will not look at it."

Quintis is shaken and ignores Thoril's avaricious comment, though no doubt he's right. This may mean that many sellswords will have work soon.


M Human Thief
Abilities:
Toughness 10 , Life 40 Brawn +1 | Finesse +2 | Mind +3 | Spirit -1 | Signature: Sneaky | Combat: Sneak Attack | Exploration: Case the Joint | Interaction: Lone Wolf

Lupus nods several times after Quintis is finished before speaking.

"Alright, so we're all in this then. The note's from a guy named Jacknall. I've heard of him. He's a player in the Syndicate and from what I've heard he's not one to cross."

He looks up at the others before continuing to read. "The note's for Trey, one of the guys that was just here. Seems he was in charge of the delivery. Says here it was supposed to serve as distraction for the Watch while the Syndicate expands its territory. Apparently Trey wasn't supposed to screw it up," Lupus says the last part with a dark laugh.

He holds out the note for the others to examine.


Male Human Raven Mage
Abilities:
Body-1 | Finesse: +1 | Mind +3 | Spirit +2 |
Traits:
Signature Trait: Ritual | Traits: Evoker | Flight | Just As Planned, Marshal Forces |

"Did you say Jacknall?"

He reaches out and takes the note. His gaunt face lights up like the moon. He reaches into his grey coat and hurriedly retrieves a small black book. As he flips through the pages a dark feather falls to the ground from under his coat. His finger lands on a name on a page.

"He's on my list. Oh, I think I'm going to enjoy this job..." Trencius says quietly to himself.

He looks around and says, "My invitation was open to all of you, and I'd rather continue this conversation out of the street. My home isn't far from here."

Shadow Lodge

Human, Male, Urchin ----== Finesse 3 | Spirit 2 | Mind 1 | Brawn -1 | Tough 10 | Life 29/40 ===----
Traits:
Jack of All Trades (Another Way In) | Swashbuckler | Leap Of Faith | Honor Among Thieves | Call Familiar | Weapons: Dual knives: melee, ranged
Abilities:
dramatic entrance=GR++ attack/bolster | wall Jump, jump as far/high as you could normally move | ++jump, ++climb, ++balance, safe fall +5 | ++socialize with scoundrels | pet rat

As the group follows Trencius, Ben motions them to join him in the middle of an intersection. Cart traffic and passers-by look annoyed at the disruption.

This vantage offers a keyhole view into the Cloister district, where, on a hill, the distinctive silhouette of a pagoda darkens the sky. It seems oddly out of place with it's upturned corners, surrounded by much older stonework spires.

"We pick up Syndicate jobs there."

He pulls his cloak tighter as the first drops of rain start to fall.

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 171d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 71d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Unfortunately, Ben didn't notice something important (7).


Male Human Ex-Soldier (Warfare, Artifice, Bardic Lore)
QuickCrunch™:
Life: 31/40 | Block: 6 | Brawn: +3 | Finesse: +2 | Mind: +1 | Spirit: -1

that is a great idea! putting your abilities in your header!

"Jacknail. I've never heard of him" Quinits takes the box in hand and seals it tightly, following Trencius to his home.

As they walk, Quintis is deep in thought:

I need to find out what the hell is going on before I take this to the family. What a motley crew we make. What in the many hells was this Lupus character doing there? Courier gets knocked down and his old friend happens to be there? Could be, it's a small world, but it does seem a little fortuitous.


Ah, yes. The Temple of the East. It was constructed not long after the Yoenan and Wu-Shao peoples started emigrating to The City. That was a long time ago. But the Temple is still one of the newer structures built in the Cloister. It's no surprise that the Syndicate uses that location as a safe place.

Suddenly, the cart traffic stops. The passerby seem to have disappeared, too. No watch in sight. From the shadows emerge several men in hakamas. More Syndicate. Six? Seven? Doesn't look like Bonehead or Trey are with them. They've got some clubs and chains and knives. Guess it didn't take long to figure out the box wasn't in Ben's blanket-o-stuff.

Seems like a good time to test some Combat mechanics.
Eenie meenie minie moe... well, whoever wants to can roll Initiative for the group! Probably best that way.

Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 61d20 ⇒ 121d20 ⇒ 14


Male Human, Merchant Guild Mercenary
Crunch:
Brawn +2 | Finesse +3 | Mind -1 | Spirit +1
Traits:
Double Strike| Sheer Determination|Call For Aid

Thoril's blades are in his hands like lightning, he's been waiting for this.
Initiative(finesse): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 161d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22


Male Human Raven Mage
Abilities:
Body-1 | Finesse: +1 | Mind +3 | Spirit +2 |
Traits:
Signature Trait: Ritual | Traits: Evoker | Flight | Just As Planned, Marshal Forces |

Trencius turns to the gangsters with a grimace and raises his staff.

"Get ready!" He shouts to his comrades.


Thanks to Thoril's quick hands, your group wins Initiative. Since these guys are just lackeys, go ahead and take a few turns at them. Slap 'em around a bit, use those Combat Traits. Don't afraid to get dirty or put yourselves into a spot. Also, use the environment - I'm letting you have Creative License over things that would make sense to be in the area. Maybe there's some loose cobblestones you can throw, a couple of boxes that fell off of a cart. Mud from the rain. Go crazy! If you don't, you know -I- will with these thugs!


Male Human, Merchant Guild Mercenary
Crunch:
Brawn +2 | Finesse +3 | Mind -1 | Spirit +1
Traits:
Double Strike| Sheer Determination|Call For Aid

16 is the middle so we go first right? I guess I'll take our first round. Any SIN to either side, or do we only get one?

A wicked smile has found a place on Thoril's face he bursts forward ready to take on whichever thug he can get to first.

I'm going to spend the advantage I get from Warfare on this attack. I roll a lot of dice for combat, see assault and double strike.

AttackRoll(Increased,Finesse): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 61d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 181d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 211d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

So, because of Assault I rolled 3d20 twice for one attack and I take the highest from those, then since I used my advantage the roll is also increased to the highest instead of the middle, so I get 24 on the attack roll

DamageRoll(Increased,finesse): 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 5, 6) + 5 = 213d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 6, 5) + 5 = 20

Double strike lets me roll damage twice, take the higher, 21

The thug doesn't expect the sudden assault and what little defense he offers by blocking with his club is easily bypassed and a gash appears in his stomach, staining his hakama red.

This strategy works better than I expected. Tell me if I'm reading anything wrong, or if you're still confused.


We can call it SIN 2. It's fuzzy, though, because this is a Play By Post. No one wants to hold up combat when life gets in the way, but they also don't want to be left out. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that should address those things.

That makes sense to me. Since you have two weapons, you roll for attack and damage twice, and the advantage you spent from the Warfare trait increased the attack roll. Perfect. Now you've spent that advantage.

I like Thoril a lot so far. He reminds me of Mugen from Samurai Champloo.

"Shit, who is this guy?!" shouts a Syndicate thug in the back as Thoril's victim falls to the ground, clutching his wound and moaning. The vocal thug could be the one leading this little witch hunt. They all hesitate at the mercenary's handiwork. Thoril's smile appears to have struck some fear in these lowlives.


Male Human Raven Mage
Abilities:
Body-1 | Finesse: +1 | Mind +3 | Spirit +2 |
Traits:
Signature Trait: Ritual | Traits: Evoker | Flight | Just As Planned, Marshal Forces |

I really love the idea of calling Syndicate, SIN.

Trencius lets out a growl through clenched teeth and moves his staff like a spear, stabbing at a SIN twenty feet away.

Attack Roll (Mind): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

An invisible blade flies through the air colliding with the falling raindrops.

Damage Roll (Mind): 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Trencius' victim screams as the spell carves into his shoulder causing blood to fall to the cold rain-slick cobblestone street.

I just started Samurai Champloo and I totally know what you mean.


Actually Butcher, SIN stands for Strength In Numbers, which is the mechanic that allows PCs to attack more often than their enemies in situations. Like if you're all fighting just Syndicate thug, and he loses the initiative roll, under normal circumstances every time one of you punches him in the face he gets to punch one of you back. With SIN, you all get to punch him in the face first, and if he's still conscious, THEN he gets a shot in.

"Argh! What in the wang-chou-liren was that?!" cries Trencius' victim. He draws a knife from inside his jacket. "Two can play that game, jerk!" Flicking his wrist, the knife goes soaring at Trencius in a return-fire.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 91d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

The knife-thrower wasn't kidding. As if using Mirror Move, the blade flies through the air, cutting the light falling rain and gashing Trencius' shoulder. Guess they aren't just a bunch of pushovers.

Remember when you take damage to watch your health and apply Block!


Male Human Ex-Soldier (Warfare, Artifice, Bardic Lore)
QuickCrunch™:
Life: 31/40 | Block: 6 | Brawn: +3 | Finesse: +2 | Mind: +1 | Spirit: -1

Quintis charges forwards, spear in hand. He regrets having only brought one spear now, and wishes he'd brought his shield as well. He throws the spear with all his might at the farthest Syndicate thug, channeling his concentration into the runes of accuracy engraved on the haft.

There is no flash of light, no sudden shift in the course of the spear, nothing to suggest any sort of magic at all, just a brutally accurate throw.

attack: 3d20 ⇒ (18, 8, 20) = 46 (middle = 18) FYI you can preview your post to see what you'll roll so you can talk around that. Once you've previewed a roll, the page won't re-roll it!
Attack: 18+3=21

(increased damage, glyphs)
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
10 damage

He continues running as he throws the spear, drawing his sword to face down his nearest opponent.

Shadow Lodge

Human, Male, Urchin ----== Finesse 3 | Spirit 2 | Mind 1 | Brawn -1 | Tough 10 | Life 29/40 ===----
Traits:
Jack of All Trades (Another Way In) | Swashbuckler | Leap Of Faith | Honor Among Thieves | Call Familiar | Weapons: Dual knives: melee, ranged
Abilities:
dramatic entrance=GR++ attack/bolster | wall Jump, jump as far/high as you could normally move | ++jump, ++climb, ++balance, safe fall +5 | ++socialize with scoundrels | pet rat

Ben wakes himself out of his stupor and quickly takes stock. Alcove, abandoned cart, loose cobblestones.

He rolls under the cart and flings a knife at the nearest thug.

hide: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Result: 15 (increased by Lurker trait)

throw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Result: 10 (no increase)

damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 I have no benefit from hiding yet

Technically, this takes two of my actions, I'll be offline for a few hours. Koolaid, if I miss anything, I'll keep hucking knives (I have 4 of them)


That's cool. Once Lupus posts we can wrap up the fight.

Quintis' spear strikes the vocaloid thug squarely in the thigh. Failing to muffle his yell, he snatches up the spear and tosses it to a comrade. That distraction allows him to start limping away without the rest of the gang noticing.

Ben's knife's hilt bluntly strikes the head of Trencius' dueling partner. His head's so thick he doesn't notice.

One of the bigger, braver thugs accepts Quintis' charge, planting his feet in a sumo-like stance. Producing a steel tonfa from his sleeve, he thrusts his arm out with an exotic strike at the charging veteran.

3d20 ⇒ (18, 17, 15) = 50 A hit.

1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Doesn't do much against the well-protected Quintis.


M Human Thief
Abilities:
Toughness 10 , Life 40 Brawn +1 | Finesse +2 | Mind +3 | Spirit -1 | Signature: Sneaky | Combat: Sneak Attack | Exploration: Case the Joint | Interaction: Lone Wolf

Lupus singles out the thug with a knife in his shoulder Assassin Passive. He'll let those of his companions with armor fight fair.

Approaching with his belt dagger in hand he attacks when he judges his opponent's attention to be on one of his allies. mind modifier

3d20 + 3 ⇒ (9, 11, 12) + 3 = 351d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Lupus's attack makes contact with the thug but the blow feels off, too weak.

Never done this dice roll stuff so let me know if I made a mistake


Normally, yeah, that wouldn't be enough to knock this guy out. But he's getting ganged up on and frankly getting sick of this. In the interest of speed and getting use of your Assassin Passive, this guy is defeated.

Fed up with this shit, Trencius' dueling partner turns tail and runs back into the shadows. Clearly he isn't getting paid enough for this. He and the vocaloid are officially retreated. This rewards Lupus his 4 combat advantage from his Assassin Trait.

Now the group is pretty scared. I'm going to award combat advantage to the whole group and let you clean house. This combat is over!


Male Human Raven Mage
Abilities:
Body-1 | Finesse: +1 | Mind +3 | Spirit +2 |
Traits:
Signature Trait: Ritual | Traits: Evoker | Flight | Just As Planned, Marshal Forces |

"Seems like we make an effective team..." says Trencius.

He turns to Quintis, "You should go to Alton Manor to speak with the family. I'll give you the address and we'll go to my place and try to figure out what to do next from there. How does that sound?"

Shadow Lodge

Human, Male, Urchin ----== Finesse 3 | Spirit 2 | Mind 1 | Brawn -1 | Tough 10 | Life 29/40 ===----
Traits:
Jack of All Trades (Another Way In) | Swashbuckler | Leap Of Faith | Honor Among Thieves | Call Familiar | Weapons: Dual knives: melee, ranged
Abilities:
dramatic entrance=GR++ attack/bolster | wall Jump, jump as far/high as you could normally move | ++jump, ++climb, ++balance, safe fall +5 | ++socialize with scoundrels | pet rat

Sounds good to me.

Maybe on the way, I'll ask around to see if anyone knows what big play the Syndicate is trying to make.

Honor Among Thieves trait gives me an increase to socialize rolls when talking to vagabonds, scoundrels, criminals

...

Whispers into a darkened alley: "Pssht. Hey G... Syn is pushing; whafor? Never mind the Bronze, they're paid."
Socialize, spirit+2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 181d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 211d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Result: 21


Male Human Ex-Soldier (Warfare, Artifice, Bardic Lore)
QuickCrunch™:
Life: 31/40 | Block: 6 | Brawn: +3 | Finesse: +2 | Mind: +1 | Spirit: -1

yup, that deals 1 damage to Quintis! I'm not sure what just happened as far as the end of combat, did the last few run away? I'm going to assume they ran away.

"No Trencius. I want to know more before I take this to them. It wouldn't be fair to come with only what we know right now. I'm going to come with you all and discuss this more. Has anyone seen my spear? Bastards may have made off with it. I've got more equipment at home. I think we should go to Trencius' home, and figure out our next steps. When we or I go to Atus manor we or I will swing by my place, I can pick up another few spears and my shield. if any of you are interested I would be glad to show you how to inscribe your weapons, for what it's worth.

Quinitis has a trait that lets him give other people temporary traits, and use other people's too! Iron Sharpens Iron (Warfare) I'm thinking it makes sense that he'd be able to share the Charged Device (Artifice) trait!

Quintis keeps his hand on his sheathed shortsword as everyone walks towards the clocktower in Hartscourt. What have I gotten myself into?


Male Human, Merchant Guild Mercenary
Crunch:
Brawn +2 | Finesse +3 | Mind -1 | Spirit +1
Traits:
Double Strike| Sheer Determination|Call For Aid

You think this is a valid use for 'Call for Aid' in warfare?

Thoril's smile begins to fade as he walks, pondering his next move.
"I guarantee someone at the Guild has a bone to pick with the Syndicate. I might be able to get their help."

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