Jon-Wyn |
Jon strikes with both his kukri at weak points on the golem.
Kukri, mw, cold iron: arcane strike, 2wpn fight, flank, weapon blanche (adamantine)
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 2 + 2 = 20 To Hurt: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6 Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Kukri, mw, silver: arcane strike, 2wpn fight, flank, weapon blanche (adamantine)
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 2 + 2 = 22 To Hurt: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5 Sneak tack: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8
Yanmei |
Yanmei continues the song, inspiring her allies to great courage and confidence. As her voice fills the chamber once again, she circles the edge of the room, preparing to intervene with magic if necessary.
Holding action until someone needs healing or otherwise
Sa'Kage |
The jet of scalding steam surprised Kage when his first attack cracked the golem's glass enclosure, inwardly he recognized 'this is going to hurt!' Still he was there with his brethren, this was what he was borne to do. Gritting his teeth to cut out the pain, Kage pressed home his attack, trying to thrust at the same as Jon-Wyn to leave the golem nowhere to go. Kage thrusted powerfully at the golem, but the points of his blades skidded off it's metal exterior with a shower of sparks, sending numbing jolts up his arms!
Full attack, with flank, power attack, studied target and sneak. Going to assume both attacks missed.
Mainhand: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19Damage: 1d8 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 11 + (4) = 16
Offhand: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17Damage: 1d8 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 11 + (5) = 20
DM Stalwart |
Gafar's jab misses the golem entirely, as it begins thrashing about after being blinded once more. As he steps up, Jon-Wyn moves to allow them both in optimal striking position.
1d100 ⇒ 54
Blinded once more, the construct slams its limb into its dome again, and more cracking can be heard.
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
This time, the strike does little to clear its vision, so it remains blinded.
Everyone can go again! Let's finish it off!
Jon-Wyn |
The coating on his weapons used, Jon continues to move to allow his comrades an advantage against the golem even as he strikes out at it.
Kukri, mw, cold iron: arcane strike, 2wpn fight, flank
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 2 + 2 = 25 To Hurt: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8 Sneak Attack: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 8) = 15
Kukri, mw, silver: arcane strike, 2wpn fight, flank
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 2 + 2 = 25 To Hurt: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7 Sneak Attack: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
Kukri, mw, cold iron: confirm crit, arcane strike, 2wpn fight, flank
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 2 + 2 = 25 To Hurt: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
Kukri, mw, silver: confirm crit, arcane strike, 2wpn fight, flank
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 2 + 2 = 24 To Hurt: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4
Sa'Kage |
When Eris's spell blinds the golem yet again, Kage risks a glance at Tamerhawk. The man was watching them fight his creation, would he really let them finish the contract and walk out? Time would tell but Kage wanted to be ready.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15
Events overtook Kage's observation and he had to duck beneath an wizzing arm as the golem thrashed around. Jon-wyn launched a savage attack, prying open an access compartment and exposing the vulnerable innards. "Good man!" grunted Kage as he tried to press the advantage. Waiting for the damaged area to spin into view, Kage thrust both adamantine sabers inside!
Full attack, with flank, power attack, studied target and sneak.
Mainhand: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22Damage: 1d8 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 11 + (4) = 16
Offhand: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 8 + (2) = 13
Sa'Kage |
Sorry Yanmei I managed to miss inspire courage. There is +2 to hit and damage on Kage's attacks and maybe Jon-wyn's as well.
Sa'Kage |
That's studied target.
Sa'Kage |
I think that's probably DC 14 save.
DM Stalwart |
Golem's Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Jon-Wyn places two skilled strikes in vital spots of the golem, shattering glass components and rending copper tubing. However, his efforts are rewarded with an electric current sparking back in his face. 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11
Jon-Wyn takes 11 points of electricity damage.
Kage follows up with a pair of brutal strikes of his own, made all the more effective because of the starmetal sabres he used. But he, too, receives 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 a blast of supercooled gas in response to his strikes. 2 cold damage
Gafar is unable to connect as Eris unleashes a high-pitched sonic attack that further cracks and pits the golem's vital components.
From Kate's brief glance, he sees Tammerhawk on the edge of his seat, fully enraptured with the combat.
1d100 ⇒ 99
The blinded golem, smoking, sparking and spewing out noxious chemicals, finally tries to blindly strike its assailants.
2d3 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
Two slams on Gafar: 2d20 + 19 ⇒ (12, 11) + 19 = 42
Miss chance: 2d100 ⇒ (20, 98) = 118
One of the wild swings misses, but through blind luck the other connects with the assassin. Damage: 2d8 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 8 + (6) = 18
1d4 ⇒ 4
Gafar takes 18 points of damage, six of which is fire.
Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 Still blinded
You're up!
Jon-Wyn |
Jon grits his teeth through the shock and continues to strike at the weak points of the golem.
Kukri, mw, cold iron: arcane strike, 2wpn fight, flank, inspire courage
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 21 To Hurt: 1d4 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 7 Sneak Attack: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Kukri, mw, silver: arcane strike, 2wpn fight, flank, inspire courage
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 29 To Hurt: 1d4 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 8 Sneak Attack: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 4) = 11
Kukri, mw, silver: confirm crit, arcane strike, 2wpn fight, flank, inspire courage
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 25 To Hurt: 1d4 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 7 Sneak Attack: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 8) = 9
Sa'Kage |
The blast of extreme cold surprised Kage more than anything. He yelped and very nearly dropped his saber as he snatched back instinctively. Mastering himself with a savage curse, he smashes his off hand into the exposed innards of the golem!
Full attack, with flank, power attack, studied target, inspire courage and sneak.
Mainhand: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 2 = 15Damage: 1d8 + 11 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 + (6) = 23
Offhand: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 = 25Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 + (4) = 18
DM Stalwart |
Braving the hissing, steaming wreck the golem is swiftly becoming, Kage and Jon-Wyn deal savage blows and the construct collapses upon itself. As its glass dome falls to the flagstone floor, it shatters and the brain spills out amid the gel-like fluid that oozes from the wreckage.
There's a tense moment where the only sound is the gurgling of the golem's death throes, and Myra's writhing from the alchemical fireball she endured at the fight's outset. Then, a slow, deliberate clap from Tammerhawk.
"You obviously came prepared. Quite the show, I must say. I'll keep your order in mind if I ever need such services." He stands, then bows deeply in the direction of Yanmei, "Or, if I'm in the mood for more opera." He gives her a tight, hungry smile.
He gestures toward the door. "I believe you know the way out. I feel that my hospitality is at an end."
Yanmei |
Yanmei bows politely to Tammerhawk, as retaining professionalism was key to proper networking, "Best of health Lord Tammerhawk." She has to fight back a shudder of a revulsion as Jon-Wyn gathers up the innards of their target. She was socially exhausted and would be happy to retire for the night.
Sa'Kage |
Without a word Kage leaves a small rectangular vellum calling card on a table near Tammerhawk and leaves. The card is mostly plain vellum, human rather than calf skin. The card is entirely plain on one side with a stylized inscription in red ink inscription on the other:
'With complements. To request a contract, prick your finger and blot reverse.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cISYzA36-ZY
DM Stalwart |
The assassins are not harassed as they exit the Cyphermage compound and step into the Riddleport night. Poor Myra was the worst off, having taken the golem's opening salvo and being fully engulfed in flames.
Anything you wish to do in the pirate town, or shall I move things along? Here's where Myra leaves the group, as she's going to need a long time to recover.
Sa'Kage |
Kage limps a little as they head away from the lodge, the wounds he received where mostly superficial but they hurt like hell. After going a few blocks, he remarks softly to Jon-Wyn, "I can see you are very skilled with those." His quick glance to where Jon's dagger scabbards are lets the half elf know what he is referring to. He adds, "I think we make a good pairing in combat."
A block later he suggests to everyone, "It's probably time to leave, I think Lord Tammerhawk meant the town not just the lodge."
Yanmei |
Yanmei brushes the back of her hand against Jon-Wyn's face. A healing warmth spreads through is body and the nerves and flesh seared by electricity fade.
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
She does the same to Gafar whose burns seem a little more vicious.
CMW: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 4) + 5 = 17
"Gentlemen, you did splendidly and lived up to that reputation I've heard so much about."
She nodded in agreement with Sa'Kage and Jon-Wyn, "I will be leaving as well. I hope that you find my abilities useful and will allow me to travel with you."
Sa'Kage |
Kage nods to Yanmei, "Eris sponsored you and I see now she made the right decision. Your abilities complement us well."
He then acknowledges Gavar's point, "Very good, lets sail with the tide. We shall be gone in a few hours."
He follows Gafar's lead to the docks.
DM Stalwart |
Gafar's arrangements have the assassins leaving the city of Riddleport in short order. Speeding away under sail, the small cutter is out of the harbor and into the waters of the Varisian Gulf.
The crew eyes the passengers warily, unsure of this group who boarded just before shoving off and wondering in low, grumbling tones if they would be carrying any troubles along with them. However, nothing pursues them as they head south along the rugged coastline, and the crew breathes a collective sigh of relief.
Captain Josper Creesy of the Flying Cloud is a gracious enough host, providing reasonable accommodations on the small vessel. He has the crew keep a respectful distance and invites them to dine in his cramped cabin.
Thankfully, the assassins are not required to endure the close confines of the Flying Cloud for long, for the ship is hailed by a freighter familiar to the Red Mantis on the second day. Before long, the Red Mantis have returned to the Bantu Wind allowing the Cloud to speed along to its intended port.
Kage, Eris and Myra of course are familiar with the freighter and its crew of quiet yet silently menacing sailors. They don't make small talk, and simply nod to the entry to belowdecks if asked anything. The dingy hold is filled with crates and barrels of various goods as unremarkable as any cargo ship would store. However, one large crate is slid aside revealing an opulent crew quarters and well-stocked dining room.
In the comparatively spacious hold of the Wind,, the assassins are allowed to replenish and refresh themselves before meeting with Vespid. Myra, still gravely wounded and suffering from intense burns, is taken into another section of the ship that you have never been.
While the other Mantis are refreshing themselves, you are invited into a small sitting room where you are greeted by an attractive human woman in customary red leather, though her hair is a yellow-blonde streaked with black. She nods in greeting and offers you a drink as she gestures for you to sit. "Greetings, Gafar and Jon-Wyn. I am known as Vespid, and I take my instructions from Vernai Eremia. I understand your Vernai is Acantha, correct? She had sent me word of Vestmark's resurrection, but I was unaware you had decided to return to Riddleport. I hope my team was courteous, since they were similarly unaware of your presence."
She seems genuine in her concern for your perceptions of her actions. "If you need, I can cast a sending to her. Simply tell me what you would wish me to say."
This conversation can continue, but I'm also going to continue with everyone. We'll just "flex-time" this conversation here. Oh, and if you're interested, give me a Knowledge (local) or (religion) roll on Vespid.
After a short while, Gafar, Jon-Wyn and Vespid join the rest of the assassins in the dining room. Vespid is smiling lightly, as she sits down at her customary place at the head of the table. She crosses her legs and leans back in her cushions as she pours herself a goblet of wine.
Her eyes take on the aspect of a predator sizing up its prey when she studies Yanmei. "Hello, my dear. I have not yet had the pleasure. My name is Vespid, and you are in a very dangerous place. I would like to know about you, and why you are aboard my ship."
Her eyes glance about the other faces in the room, taking in their reactions as she puts Yanmei on the spot, then resumes her focus on the geisha.
Sa'Kage |
Getting away from the stinking cesspool that was Riddleport had improved Kage's mood no end. The thought of a town ruled by a borderline insane diviner had not sat well with the young assassin. Still as often happened on the Bantu Wind, Kage found himself strangely listless. By now he knew not to rush Vespid, she was one not to be meddled with. He viewed this time as the calm before the next contract's storm.
When Vespid suddenly appeared Kage felt a thrill of anticipation, but what was this? Would Eris speak up for Yanmei?
Jon-Wyn |
Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
After Jon-Wyn pays Vernai Vespid the proper respects, he says, "Your team was courteous and accommodating. We did not have orders to return, but were given leave to do so and we were both eager to remove the stain of Vestmark's return... both from the Red Mantis and from the two of us."
Yanmei |
The geisha took a sip of her tea, retaining a calm posture. She sets her cup down and folds her hands in her lap and addresses the ship's captain, "Good evening, Captain Vespid. I am Yanmei, former geisha of the House of Lotus Pedals. I am conscripted into the companionship of those you serve." She motions to the rest of the group, "If you have an issue, dear captain...please speak with my sponsor, Lady Eris."
Sa'Kage |
Kage caught Vespid's eye and made a subtle gesture scratching his left ear. A casual observer might think nothing of it, but Vespid had no problem divining the hidden meaning.
:TRUTH:
Kage yearned to say more, but it wasn't his place to do so. His eyes flicked to Eris.
Eris Triguna |
Oops, I was actually waiting for a response from Vespid, and prepared to step in only if Vespid had an issue with Yanmei - as per Yanmei's recent post.
Eris remains rather disinterested in the presence of Vespid, looking relaxed and probably a little bored. "Its true that I sponsored Yanmei, she had crucial information regarding our target, and her price for such information was inclusion during our mission. I agreed, and failed to see any incompetence during our time together, being able to provide welcome assistance during our final attack. Quite frankly, I imagine she would fit in fairly well around here."
DM Stalwart |
Vespid smiles genuinely. "I am relieved to hear that. And that you display none of the territoriality that plagues too many of our brethren. When I heard you were returning, i feared that you would take offense to my team already being in place."
"If you would join us for dinner, I have a new mission for the others. Vernai Acantha has requested assistance for a little problem in Korvosa, and you may be interested."
Vespid studies the quiet and respectful geisha, then looks back to Eris. "Fit in? It is not for us to decide, but Achaekek who calls us to this trade. Let us hope that her convictions are firm, yes?"
Fixing her gaze back at Yanmei, her eyes soften. "Then welcome aboard, my dear Yanmei. Does anyone else wish to say anything on the matter?" Her eyes flick around the room, but stays slightly longer on Kage than anyone else.
Sa'Kage |
Without blinking, Kage stated flatly, "Lord Tamerhawk is ruthless and could have killed us in an instant if he had so wished. She acquitted herself well, showing courage and daring. I believe her skills will prove useful."
He casually regards Vespid, wondering how long she planned to keep them on tenterhooks. The guild had marked someone, or something, for death. It was his duty and his honor to administer the holy rite of murder for the greater glory of Achaekek.
DM Stalwart |
Vespid nods her head in Kage's direction, then focuses on Yanmei. "Once our business here is concluded, perhaps you would like to join me in my quarters? I wish to discuss your initiation with you privately."
The matter of Yanmei settled for the moment, Vespid then waves a hand at the other two Red Mantis who joined the group recently. "I formally welcome Jon-Wyn and Gafar aboard the Bantu Wind. From what I hear, it was good that they arrived in Riddleport when they did, and ensured that our contract was completed once more."
She shifts in her seat slightly, and her eyes grow hard. "It is a shame that we have lost another of our number. Plus, I've been told the halflings will be of better use elsewhere." Her mouth twists in distaste.
A tense moment of silence passes as Vespid pauses to refill her glass. She stares at the crimson liquid for a few heartbeats, then takes a slow sip. Finally, she looks up at the assassins before her. "This was an experiment. To take some of the more... unorthodox members of our order and create a team who would work together to deal with some of the most difficult assignments within our unholy mandate."
An edge, bordering on frustration, crawls across Vespid's features. "You have been successful, do not doubt that. The Vernai cannot ignore your results. However, they have made note of the casualties we have incurred. The Minister, Blackstone, Ghiv, and now Myra and Bess, they have been torn from my circle. Taken from me. From us."
Vespid sighs, and leans back in her chair. "We are sailing to Korvosa, capital of this frontier land. Vernai Acantha has requested some additional Red Mantis to assist her in the missions in that city."
Stiffly, she intones, "'In light of our recent setbacks, our task is to submit to Acantha's direction to bolster our new alliance with Queen Ileosa and render what aid we may.'" She shakes her head and crumples up a sheet of parchment.
"Rumors have it that Korvosa's going through a series of upheavals. Dissension, plagues, and riots, among other turmoil. The queen is employing our services to stamp out pockets of resistance and members of the old regime who would oppose her rule. I believe it's beneath your talents. However," she draws herself up and leans forward, "there may be opportunity, considering Acantha has lost several Mantis to the insurrectionists."
Eris Triguna |
Eris wrinkles her brow, slightly confused and a little frustrated. This didn't sound much like doing Achaekek's work, more like acting as servants to royalty, doing the dirty jobs no-one else was willing to do.
"Korvosa...doesn't that put us back into close proximity to the Order of the Nail again?" Eris questions, wondering how the Hellknight investigation was going after they had successfully infiltrated a supposedly impenetrable prison, killed a high value prisonor, and easily escaped while evading pursuit. It seemed unlikely the Hellknights were willing to let water flow under that particular bridge.
Sa'Kage |
Kage frowns, 'This has the stench of politics about it. No doubt this queen required various irritatants to have accidents. Permanent accidents.'
With casual seriousness Kage asks, "Whoever the guild requires shall die, but how may we best serve holy Achaekek in all this?"
This was Kage's way of asking about what opportunity Vespid had divined.
DM Stalwart |
Vespid smiles wickedly in answer to Kage. "Succeeding where others have failed, of course."
Looking over to Eris, she shrugs. "Perhaps. You are right that Korvosa has many ties to Cheliax. You must always stay alert for such complications, but at least the Hellknights are, as a whole, predictable. If the rightful ruler has procured our services, they will not interfere."
Yanmei |
Yanmei listened to the exchange intently, her mind collecting the bits and pieces of information that she was privy to in that conversation. For her part, she needed to start building a network of informants if she was going to prove useful to the Red Mantis order. But she could do a few things before their arrival. She searched through her memory to recall any history of Korvosa that she may have studied.
Know(His): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Yanmei spoke up, "Korvosa is a trade hub left over from the Chelaxian expansion. It has no major exports but is a financial trade center. We could be traveling as interested investors poised to expand our services to the city. It would be low-key, but still explain our audience with the queen should that be noticed by the public."
Sa'Kage |
Kage nods, "That could work. As ever my appearance tends to be unsettling, so it would be best if I played the part of a bodygard."
He's an albino with blood red eyes, and a scary demeanor.
DM Stalwart |
Vespid nods in agreement. "Work on the details as we voyage. It will still take us several more days before we arrive."
She turns her eyes toward the albino. "Sa'Kage, those are very fine sabres you wield. I understand the need for such weapons, and trust they served their purpose. But know that if you intend on keeping them, further boons from the Mantis will be long in coming.
"In the meanwhile," she leans back and studies the group, "I'll open my stores and see what sort of treasures I might have that I can spare. I wouldn't want you stepping into Korvosa without the proper equipment, now, would I?"
Translation: Equipment time! Everyone gains 6,000 gp worth of gear and magic items. Kage's got his in the form of the adamantine sawtooth sabres unless he wants to give one or both back. Let me know what you select in the discussion thread or we can roleplay it out (which I'd prefer, honestly.