Mothman's Whispering Cairn
Game Master Mothman

The cloaked figure pulls back into the shadows.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Rolled for Boland earlier: 10 + 2 = 12, and hoping some of the debris and rubbish he's attempting to hide behind will bump up this result a little!

The cloaked figure is silent for a moment thinking it over, before he slides his blade back into its sheath, "A meeting, eh? Tell you what. I'm looking to facilitate a little meeting of my own. I help you, and you return the favor. What do you say about that?"

The elf digests the dwarf's offer for a moment and then nods, "I will return the favour." He turns to Boland and nods again.

"I am Mythalas..."

Brashen Trell wrote:

Hearing Bowlands question Brash reaches a large hand to scratch his face to cover his wispered reply. 'The large soldier boy, heading out the front door, im behind.'

"Incoming!" Boland hisses at Mythalas and the gruff Dwarf, warning them that someone is approaching. He does his best to duck down out of view of the mouth of the alley and calls to mind the spells that will be of use.

"I am Mythalas..."

Myth turns his full attention Boland and does his best to step in front of the wizard, offering his full protection.

Natural 1+2 = 3 for Stealth; I was hoping Myth could obscure his features a bit as he moves in front of Boland. Can he recover with an Perform (act) roll 11+3 = 15, to act like a drunken warrior resting in the alleyway?

Natural 1+2 = 3 for Stealth; I was hoping Myth could obscure his features a bit as he moves in front of Boland. Can he recover with an Perform (act) roll 11+3 = 15, to act like a drunken warrior resting in the alleyway?

Sounds like a plan.

Anyone who is in the alley may wish to make similar checks – Bluff, Hide or Intimidate – to disguise their purpose there.

Doh! Just realised that the post I made immediately ahead of this one appears to have disappeared.

Ok Brash will wait till he steps through the door before gettingup and following.

As the burly warrior disappears out the front door, Brashen leaves his seat and follows. Andolphas casts a sly glance over at the half orc and his compatriots, but no one seems to be paying a lot of attention.

***

Whistling a tuneless song and kicking aside a leprous beggar, the cloaked man swaggers into the alley-way – and stops, squinting into the darkness at the figure standing proudly blocking his way.

“Oi! What are you s’posed to be then?” he barks at Mythalas, a hand going to the hilt of the sword at his waist, as he peers about for any other trouble.

Swaying slightly, Mythalas smiles absently and moves to the side of the alleyway to allow the man past. He resists the temptation to pull the man into the darkness and stares hard at the ground trying to look drunkenly humble.

Mythalas will attempt to appear as harmless as possible. However, if it gets any worse he will drag the guy into the alleyway. Depending on the actions of his companions of course! :D

“Heh,” the man snorts, seeing Mythalas stumble against the wall. In the dim light of the alley the elf’s drunken act apparently started off a little too subtle – all the man could see was an armed figure blocking his way. However, the exaggerated stumble and humble posture seem to convince him that the elf is no threat, and he pushes past, down the alley, heading towards the rear of the tavern.

The poor lighting conditions seem to work in Boland’s favour, as the man apparently does not notice him, and as for the dwarf, well, not even Boland or Mythalas noticed where he slipped off to.

As the man reaches the far end of the alley unless someone does something to try to stop him as he moves past, fumbling with his belt, Brashen arrives at the alley entrance.

Brash takes on a stumbling walk, muttering to himself as he heads into the alley. '...can't call that slop mead, I bet the bastard pisses in it to stretch out his stock...' He moves closer to the target.
Brash intends to charge the man and barge him hard into the wall, before grappling and trying to cover his mouth. Initiative 9+2=11

As Brashen breaks into a charge, the man starts to turn, trying to tug his sword free from its scabbard, hearing the burly warrior’s footsteps crunching down the alley behind him – will he draw his sword free before Brashen reaches him?

Alright, the alley is about forty feet long, with a relatively unobstructed path five feet wide down the middle of it. Piles of refuse, alcoves, deep set doorways etc provide plenty of hiding places and spots to stand outside of this path.
Brashen starts the round at the south end of the alley, his foe near the north end. Brashen is making a bull rush attack with a charge on the man. I’ll give him a +4 circumstance bonus to his initiative – sort of a ‘surprise’ bonus since he’s kicking off the action. Tell me if you plan to do anything and then roll for init.
The rest of you are about the alley, but no one is closer than twenty feet to the man.
Andolphas is still inside, but remember that Boland can keep him appraised of the situation via the message spell.

initiative 12+2+4=18

initiative 12+2+4=18

Psst - you already rolled a 9 ...

hahaha doh!

Initiative 6+2 = 8

As soon as Brashen comes into the alleyway, and the man runs, Mythalas stops acting drunk and sets off in pursuit.

Harrigan shakes his head at the coincidence of it all when he sees that their target is one of Kullen's boys. Personally he would have waited for one of the weaker ones, but between them this could be done. Slowly he pulled the sap from his belt and waited for the drunken idiot to walk by. Then someone from the tavern breaks into a run charging Kullen's boy. What the hell... What is going on here...

Init: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Harrigan will pull off a charge + sneak attack if he can. It probably isn't a straight line though, which is fine. He should still be able to get there in 20 feet.
Also I swapped Combat Expertise for Improved Init as it will be way more useful for now.

I'm going to end up going first with a 27 so I might as well do it now.

A short but broad hooded figure slips out from a shadowed recess in the alley once the tavern drunk has the target's attention. He slips up the alley and winding up like a pitcher swivels in to smash the creep's skull from behind. It would have gone well if he hadn't slipped on that wet mud just as he swung. Instead he barely managed to correct enough to keep himself on his feet and clipped a shoulder just enough to say hello.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
That will hopefully give Brashen a flanking bonus so all is not lost.

Harrigan 27
Brashen 15 (9+2+4)
Boland 12
Mythalas 8
Andolphas - Inside the tavern

The warrior – some of you will recall that his name is Todrik – should be thankful indeed for the unexpectedly slippery patch of mud, for otherwise the unseen dwarf would have completely had the drop on him. Instead, he curses as he feels the sap rebound of the shoulder gaurd of his banded armour, and tugs at his sword (which appears to be sticking in the scabbard) as Brashen bears down on him.

And it is Brashen’s turn. For reference, Todrik acts on initiative 13.

Harrigan, Todrik was flat footed, so you can easily have slipped around behind him if you want. However, it looks like Brashen might be initiating a Bull Rush, which is essentially just an opposed Strength check – as such, you won’t provide a flanking bonus and may be in the way, if you’re directly behind him, of Brashen pushing the man back if his action is successful.

"What's going on out there," whispers Andolphas to Boland as he raises his mug to his lips without taking a sip. "Everything under control?"

If it is a Bull's Rush, then put me diagonally behind him to one side.

Bugger the bullrush, ill just try to grapple and then pin him next round, if the grapple works. Im not sure if I would get flanking bonus or charging bonus for the grapple, so will let you add them if I do.

As Brash breaks into a run his somewhat confused by the small figure who also seems to be attacking Todrik, but decides that this cant be a bad thing. Nearing the man he braces himself for the hit as he launches himself , praying Todrik doesn't get his blade free.

Grab, melee touch attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Hold, opposed grabble check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Brash gets to him before he can draw his sword, slams the man back against the wall and grabs him. But Todrick’s moves are born of desperation. He twists his arm up and around, throwing off Brashen’s hold and smacking the back of his hand against his jaw no damage, but you don’t get a hold.

As Brash stumbles back slightly, Todrik at last gets his sword free of its scabbard and swings wildly at Brashen, an uncalculated attack that Brashen is fortunately able to leap back from.

“KULLEN!” Todrik roars.

Boland and Mythalas

"What's going on out there," whispers Andolphas to Boland as he raises his mug to his lips without taking a sip. "Everything under control?"

Boland is so expecting to be spotted that he is stunned into inaction when Todrik walks right past him. He starts to rise, a finger pointed at the man's back, but then Brashen appears and the action explodes around him before he can cast the planned spell.

He hears Andolphas's whispered question around the same time he hears the man roar out Kullen's name. "If you heard that, then no" he whispers hurridly back to Andolphas, before trying to work out how he would be most useful.

He rises fully from hi hiding spot and points at the man, chanting the words to a spell as he does so. Winds whips through the alley and a sinister light glows behind him, causing his face to take on a shadowy demonic look, with eyes glowing red.

Poetic license for casting Cause Fear. If Todrik fails his Will save he becomes frightened for 1d4 rounds. If he succeeds he is just shaken for 1 round.

Apologies for slow posting; had a crazy week at work

Andolphas groans as Boland conveys the latest developments.

I'm guessing that Andolphas will not have heard Todrik screaming for Kullen from inside the noisy tavern, and that consequently neither will Kullen and co.?

Andolphas:

A look of wide-eyed fear crosses Todrik’s face as he looks at Boland. It’s too bad he never had the chance to relieve himself before he was attacked, as it looks as though he may have done so now …

Ash, can you make sure to give me the DC for your spell saves next time, and / or note them on your character sheet – thanks.

Mythalas’ turn.

"Better be quick," whispers Andolphas to Boland. "Though I can't imagine anyone hearing what' going on in the alley above the din in this place, the hairy swamper just turned his head as if he had..."

Ash, can you make sure to give me the DC for your spell saves next time, and / or note them on your character sheet – thanks.

Right, will do. Sorry 'bout that

"Better be quick," whispers Andolphas to Boland. "Though I can't imagine anyone hearing what' going on in the alley above the din in this place, the hairy swamper just turned his head as if he had..."

"Ok; let us know if he starts out this way", Boland whispers in reply as Andolphas' voice sounds in his ear.

"Quickly, grab him before he alerts the others!" he hisses as loudly as he dares at Brash, Myth and the stout stranger.

ACTING ON BEHALF OF MYTHALAS

With a sigh at Brashen's rather brash charge, Mythalas moves to join the combat just as Todrik draws his blade. Seeing the man subsequently recoil in horror at Boland, he decides to take advantage of the human's fear, leaving himself open but hoping to knock the sword from his hand.

Disarm attempt. Assuming the AOO misses, opposed attack roll = 10 + 6 = 16

Apologies on the avatar - wasn't sure if there was a way to use Mythalas' or not, but figured it was best to get things moving again

Harrigan recovers his balance and steps back waiting for an opportunity, lead filled blackjack held back in one fist ready to lash out.

Andolphas is inside.
Harrigan will delay until after Brashen.
If he is disarmed and you grapple him I'll be able to sneak attack for non-lethal.

Mythalas darts forward, seeming to open himself up to attack from Todrick, but managing to block his opponent’s strike – barely – on his shield. With the blade of Todrick’s sword momentarily stuck into his wooden shield, the elven paladin brings his own longsword down hard against the other blade, trying to knock it from the warrior’s hands. But Todrick has a tight, two handed grip on his sword, and isn’t letting go. Suddenly wrenching his sword free from Mythalas’s shield, he attempts to knock the elf’s sword from his hands – but to no avail. The two opponents step back, neither having been able to gain the upper hand.

Harrigan is delaying, so Brashen’s turn. Andolphas may do something if he likes too.

Brash curses as me moves forward to try to overbear the man again. 'Im going to get piss all over me...'

Got improved unarmed combat so shouldn't provoke an attack.
Grab 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 hold 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Once again didn't include the flanking bonus. Is it applicable for unarmed combat?

Harrigan strikes out, but has to pull the blow to avoid hitting the other guy when they shift during the struggle. The hooded assailant starts in on a blistering streak of profanity and waits for another opportunity.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 vs AC without Dex if grappled
Bleh. Well that sucked.

Andolphas stays where he is, keeping an eye on Kullen and co... and waiting for the play by play from Boland.

Todrick is up

Andolphas stays where he is, keeping an eye on Kullen and co... and waiting for the play by play from Boland.

Hey Moth, you probably have, but remember Todrik is either shaken or frightened, getting -2 to attack, ability, saves and skill checks

"Oh for the love of the Green Lady!" Boland mutters, sending the whispered comment via his message spell to Andolphas. "Who'd have thought one drunken lout would be this difficult to take down? If they haven't heard us yet I think they might soon, unless you can make some sort of commotion inside to cover the sound..."

"Oh for the love of the Green Lady!" Boland mutters, sending the whispered comment via his message spell to Andolphas. "Who'd have thought one drunken lout would be this difficult to take down? If they haven't heard us yet I think they might soon, unless you can make some sort of commotion inside to cover the sound..."

"That's not terribly encouraging," whispers Andolphas in response. "Hmmm... never thought I'd consider launching into a fire and brimstone sermon in the middle of the Dog, but why not... it's as good a place as any to spread the Green Lady's creed..."

Andolphas begins to scan the tavern for a familiar face -- a tough labourer who reveres the Green Lady and might be willing to champion his faith in a physical contest?

Spot: Listen: 10 + 1 = 11; Spot: 20 + 1 = 21.

Brashen dodges aside from Todrik’s sword thrust and grabs the other man in a lock, then elbows him in the face. Todrik cries out in pain and roars out for Kullen again (though the shout is partly muffled by the mouthful of blood), while he tries to break free of Brashen’s grasp, barely noticing the dwarf trying to hit him again.

Brash, beat 16 on an opposed grapple check or he breaks free. Then Boland and Myth may act, followed by Brashen and Harrigan again.

opposed grapple check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Brashen dodges aside from Todrik’s sword thrust and grabs the other man in a lock, then elbows him in the face. Todrik cries out in pain and roars out for Kullen again (though the shout is partly muffled by the mouthful of blood), while he tries to break free of Brashen’s grasp, barely noticing the dwarf trying to hit him again.

"Wait! Got 'im...I think!" Boland whispers excitedly to Andolphas on seeing Brashen grab the big man in a tight grip.

As he says so, he darts over to where the two men struggle. Spying a dead rat to one side of the alley, he reaches towards it as if sucking it's essence into his hand and then reaches out to touch Todrik, whispering "Rest, just rest"

Casts touch of fatigue and attempts to touch Todrik. Touch attack 9 + 1 = 10. Assuming that is enough to hit, he cannot run or charge and takes -2 to Str and Dex).

"Drag him down into the gully!" he whispers loudly to the others. "We can question him away from the pub."

Brash holds Todrik in a tight grip – he is unable to break free, or even move enough to avoid Boland’s touch. He slumps, head hanging, clearly fatigued, much of the fight going out of him.

Brash tightens his grip further, grinning in satisfaction at having bested the other man in this test of strength. It turns to a slight frown when we considers the face that four others helped out...
Shaking his head clear of such thoughts Brash asks Mythalas to administer the gag he had prepared earlier. Then with the help of the Elf, starts to move towards the direction indicated by Bowland.

Yep, at this stage you can pretty much restrain him, gag him and drag him where-ever you want to go between the lot of you. At the end of the alley is a bit of an open space (the ‘back yard’ of the tavern) featuring some latrines, weeds, rocks and scrub, ending in a short cliff. A steep set of stairs is cut into the cliff face, leading down to an area of rocky waste land overrun with thorny weeds and bushes. Some houses back onto this area, and there is a tangle of narrow streets and alleys beyond.

"Definitely got him" Boland whispers to Andolphas, hoping to catch the priest before he brings now unnecessary attention towards himself inside the bar. "We'll take him down to the gully for some questioning."

As the Brashen and Mythalas begin to man-handle Todrik down the steep stairs to the gully, Boland extends a nervous hand towards the stout stranger who had aided them in their ambush.

"I'm Boland" he whispers, concentrating hard and succeeding in keeping his voice from stuttering. "What...um, interest do you have in Todrik here?"

"Definitely got him" Boland whispers to Andolphas, hoping to catch the priest before he brings now unnecessary attention towards himself inside the bar. "We'll take him down to the gully for some questioning."

"Good!" whispers Andolphas back. "I had doubts about my planned diversion! Now be quick!"

Brash leads the group down to a secluded spot in the gully, looking for a spot that would be hard to spot from the top of the cliff/stairs if possible.
He dumps Todrik onto the ground, and pulls a dagger from his belt. He grabs the man by the scruff of the shirt and pulls him half of the ground.
'Now your going to be quite, or your going to find this dagger in your gut. Your going to tell us what we want to know, or your going to find this dagger in your gut. Your going to have to be a very good boy not to find this dagger in your gut. Got it?'
While Brash makes the threat he traces the dagger lightly over Todriks cheek and neck.
Intimidate check 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11