[PFS] Master of the Fallen Fortress - Whimsy Romp [RD] (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Harasty

You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World, and you’ve always longed to explore one of the countless ruins of failed conquerors that litter the plains outside the city’s walls.

You’ve heard rumors that one of the sealed siege castles has been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is that no one has yet entered the tower, which folks are calling the “Fallen Fortress.” What better way to start a life of excitement and adventure than by exploring its long-abandoned, dusty halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures?

MotFF Whimsy Table

A tan skinned man with curly brown hair stands near the job board eyeing the prospects. A strange hollow tube, with more than a few dents, is propped against the wall next to him. "Hmm...clerical, lab, research...all earn coin I guess...not what I's looker fer though." he mumbles.

Hoisting the tube over his shoulder, he saddles up to the bar. "Give me a pint barwench!" he cries out, glancing around. "Names Big Bobby Boom. Pleased to meetcha. Know of anyone hiring adventurers these days? Could use some coin, but need ta excitement more."

"Be real shiny iffen I could get a few rounds to check out dat tower up yonder."

Aw lucky. I've always wanted to play a spellslinger.

The elf stands in front of a washroom mirror, applying dark eyeshadow onto his white-painted face. Rumor has it there's a strong likelihood of a new Society mission coming down the pipe soon, and he wants to be ready.

His mask complete, he dons the colorful mummer's garb he'd bought and straps on his rapier and bow. It's time to see if this organization lives up to its reputation.

"I better watch what I say, I start cracking jokes, and for some reason weapons catch on fire."

A flamesinger bard doesn't do the standard Inspire Courage for the +1 to rolls. Instead, they have an ability called Blazing Blades that, if you hear me perform for it within 30', you weapon will deal 1d4 additional fire damage. And, for fun, I can make my own weapon more powerful (and magical), since Blazing Blades doesn't affect my own weapon...

A carriage stops outside. An attendant opens the carriage door and out steps a young, noble woman adorned in fashionable, pink attire resembling a Taldan ball gown. Over her shoulder is a matching pink satchel, out of which peeks a well-groomed, fluffy white rabbit.
With her right hand splayed in the air and her left hand on her hip, the woman with perfectly coiffed hair enters the establishment.

Moving across the floor, she appears to be the very image of beauty and grace. That is, until she speaks.

“Listen up, people!” shouts the blonde in a voice that is, at the same time, both oddly high-pitched and tonally nasal. “If I’m not mistaken, I’ve heard rumors that some students from the Arcanamirium, the oldest school of magic here in Absalom, which is also known as ‘the City around the World’s Middle’, are planning on exploring the beautiful tower of Nexus.”

”And I, the Lady Gahlethea Woodsellebaum, plan to join them!”

As the blonde woman speaks, the rabbit in her satchel rolls its eyes.

An elf lady walks into the tavern and goes straight to the listings, "nope on that one... oh that looks boring... oh no I don't think so... ooooh I guess I could just investigate those rumors... but I need to find some smucks... er allies!"

Maria does not exactly tower over an average human at six feet, but has an ability to always look down on fools. Her frame is thin and lithe, covered by simple clothing and few accoutrements. The clothing is obviously tailored to cover most of her skin, but not restrain movement. Visible under the shirt is a form fitting thick leather vest. Her dirty blonde hair is bound tightly into a bun with a few strands falling down and framing her long pointed ears. No makeup and a pale complexion allow her to often be ignored in most crowds. A single bow, full quiver and simple backpack are slung over her shoulders.

She steps up to the bar and looks at Bob's ale and motions to the barmaid, "that looks quite good actually, I'll have one of those, thanks."

When the drink is delivered she smiles at Bob and asks, "I hear you are interested in a little 'research and recovery' work. If you don't mind, I'd be happy to work on the research part while you manage the recovery portion. Maria is the name." She adds on a tiny taunt, "if you and your fancy firearm are up for it of course..."

"Much obliged deary." he replies, inclining his head towards the new comer. Patting his musket, he smiles "We'd be delighted to assist in such a proposition."

Glancing around the room, his eyes quickly return to the woman before him. "So, what kinda shindig was you thinkin?"

She takes a deep swig of ale and smiles, "oh you know... the fallen fortress rumors sounds interesting. I'm sure we could find all sorts of wonderful items and information. Let's see if we can find a couple more 'allies' though."

K: Local or Geography take 10 for 16

She looks around the room, "hmmm... not much here, that bunny looks smart, but we might have to take its ride too."

Pondering something she adds, "clowns are scary to most people right? I guess we could make that work for us. I certainly don't mind a bright distraction either." She looks at Bob, "see if you can get him on board."

Her face looks a bit serious, "I think I need to talk to that arsonist over there too, he might need my help."

___________________________________________________________________

She wanders over the the extremely overdressed lady first, "hello there m'lady, would you be interested in a bit of exciting adventure?" As she speaks, she only looks at the bunny even if her words appear to be directed at the pink thing.

__________________________________________________________________

When able, she heads to where 'Sparks' is sitting. She smiles, "that would be extremely interesting to see Mr...?" She continues, "but maybe let's try outside. In my experience, there is ALWAYS a reason for something."

She adds on as an aside, "anyway, my friends and I are putting together a little expedition and if you wanted to join, I'd be happy to have you."

"Certainly. Anything to hel..." he begins, turning away from Maria. He spots the painted man and stops. "Uh, on second thought...I'd rather not. Clowns and I don't..."

Realizing she's already left, he frowns. Slowly getting to his feet, Bob makes his way across the room. "Gorram clowns. Just not natural like." he mumbles.

Standing in front of the man a good 10 feet away,he silently takes in the figure for a long minute. Finally breaking the silence, "You...uh...hey. I'm..."

Taking a deep breath, he powers through. "Don't mean ta offend. You just got a powerful oddness to ya. So, we aim to head into that fallen place an we needin us a small crew. That be somethin you'd be up for? Course we'd split the goods."

"Names Big Bobby Boom." he adds, holding out a quivering hand.

"Oddness about him, what about the entire group? We all seem a bit odd. The dumb blond with a rabbit in her satchel is especially interesting."

[

The Fool giggles and takes Bobby's hand.
"Of course, Sir Boom. At your service! Though I would say you're the odd one-- the Society's reputation is less than stellar in some parts, you know. Why, where I come from they say only a fool would join it." The colorful man takes a sweeping bow. "You may call me the High Fool!"

She wanders over the the extremely overdressed lady first, "hello there... "

As Maria approaches, Gahlethea’s gaze fixes on the elf--her inelegant clothing, her unadorned complexion, and her tightly-bound hair. ”Ooooooh, you poor thing… “ the witch softly mutters, stepping on Maria's words while gently shaking her head back and forth. Gahlethea's thoughts turn to mournful contemplation of just what type of sad, miserable life could have possibly led an elf, like Maria, to end up at an establishment, like this, in Absalom… And so unstylishly dressed as she is!

For a long moment, the nobleman woman continues to gawk at the elf’s attire and hair, not seeming to notice that the elf had not even attempted eye contact. Gahlethea, the witch begins to internally monologue. Remember when you were dumped by your boyfriend? (Well of course I do. I mean it’s a bit painful to bring up, but yeah, I remember.) That is, more accurately, begins to internally dialogue... extensively. And remember when you wanted to follow your dumping, former beau to the Arcanamirium here in Absalom? (Uh huh, sure.) And then, it just so happened, that on that very same day, that you found that poor, helpless rabbit and took you took him home… and made him feel all… homey and the like? (Sure, I remember.)

And then, don’t you recall how that rabbit, Sir Fuzzleworth Cuddlebuttons, helped you decide to actually follow your dumping, former beau to the Arcanamirium here in Absalom? (Yeah, that’s… kind of… how I remember it.) And then, once you were there, you rose to the top of your class due to your inner charminess, ravenous butashousness, sharpey wit, and unfallicable fashion-sense ? (I was pretty popular, wasn’t I?) And not only that, but, once there, you also learnded-out that you were really, really really good at magikey-type things without even really having to think about it? (Mmmhmmm. Go on.) And, in fact, you were so good at it that you were able to graduate from the Arcanamirium-- the best-est school EVER? (Yes, that was pretty impressive, if I do say so myself.)

Well… Gahlethea’s internal voice suggests, What if you were able to do the same for others? (Do what now?) What if you could use your talents to help others discover their talents?

"...in a bit of exciting adventure?" As she speaks, she only looks at the bunny even if her words appear to be directed at the pink thing.

”I’m sorry…” the blonde witch blurts out audibly without realizing it. ”What is it you were saying?”

She wanders over the the extremely overdressed lady first, "hello there m'lady, would you be interested in a bit of exciting adventure?" As she speaks, she only looks at the bunny even if her words appear to be directed at the pink thing.

The rabbit appears to smile, if such a thing is possible, and shakes its head up and down rapidly.

As the fool takes his hand, a spasm shoots through Bob's body. "Well aint that shiny." he replies, with a slight nod. Forcing a smile, he vigorously wipes his hand on his outer thigh.

'Reckon I'm gon to be headin to the bughouse when we's done...'

"So other than paintin your self all creepified-like, whatcha do?" he inquires, taking a step back. Very pointedly, he taps the firearm and adds "Meself, I like to put holes in things that need it. Try an save the ones that don't."

A man with a noticeable limp walks in and towards you. He clothing would be considered the height of fashion, about a century ago. He voice is low and wispy with a strong Ustalavian accent. "Oh good, many of you have responded to my notice. Yes? Well, it is still quite simple. There is a crumbling tower near hear that has long been abandoned, that has an artifact of significant importance. A rare and valuable McGuffin. I would go myself, my adventuring days are behind me." He notions towards his left leg. "But, you are all young, healthy, and uncursed. You should have no problems. Aside from any other spoils you find, I offer you this sum of gold for return of the valuable McGuffin."

Maria ponders the newer information, well he did say the 'other spoils' are ours. I guess as long as I get a chance to study this 'McGuffin' item a bit, it's worth returning it for the money. And I do need gold... oooh, I wonder if it will be enough to purchase that new set of encyclopedias!

She steps forward, "I'm definitely in. Tell us more about this McGuffin item. It certainly has an odd name, but what does it look like and do you have an idea where it might be located in the tower?"

He notions towards his left leg. "But, you are all young, healthy, and uncursed. You should have no problems. Aside from any other spoils you find, I offer you this sum of gold for return of the valuable McGuffin."

The rabbit jumps out of Gahlethea's satchel and hops up to the man, coming to rest by his right leg.

Rushing after the rabbit, Gahlethea nearly trips over the hem of her dress and almost knocks over the man with the limp before up-righting herself in front him.

"Oopseeeeys! Sorreeeey!" the blonde witch snorts. "I'm the Lady Gahlethea Woodsellebaum.” she says introducing herself to the man with the accent, before adding, ”The ‘Gah’ is silent.”

”So, are you the one leading the field trip to the Tower of Nexus?” After asking, the noblewoman looks around, as if noticing the others assembled there for the first time. ”Come to think of it... none of you really look like students.” she says wagging her finger. ”Except, maybeeee...,” her finger continues to make its wayward journey before finally coming to a rest. ”You!” she says, pointing directly at Sparks.

Then, after glancing once over at The High Fool, and then glancing over at him again for a second time, Gahlethea loudly whispers to him, ”Psst… you’ve got some white stuff… right here…” she gestures with her hand, encircling her face. ”Like, a lot of it… all over---you know—your face.”

Gahleathea can be quite rude and severely lacks manners, so feel free to respond to her antics as you wish. If she gets to be too much, just let me know here or PM me and I will tone her down.

'Wait...I thought it was her...' considers the man, as Maria signs on. With a shrug, he mumbles "Huh, well aint that a thing."

Quickly walking away from the fool, he raises a hand. "I'd be all for it sir. As the girly stated, we gonn need an idea of this item. Wouldn't wanna walk off with your piece of pretty mixed in with ours."

"You got this shindig cleared with the local color?" he asks, eyes darting for the door. "Either way be fine, just like to know where I stand, ya know?"

Glancing towards the Taldan woman, he frowns. "Don't be encouragin that one. Yous just asken for a whole peck of trouble miss. And I'll have ya know I's full cognitived! Been all grown fer...well fer a bit now."

Gahlethea returns her gaze to the man with the limp. Only partially listening to the conversation going on around her, the noblewoman wonders. What is with that outfit? It is so last century.

"...pretty..."

And what is a McGriffin anyways?

"color?"

While the others talk, Gahlethea finds herself imaging the remains of a majestic beast with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, wedged between a pair of lightly toasted breakfast cakes, and hastily wrapped in yellow paper.

"...be fine..."

The blonde witch's thoughts or as close to such a thing as Gahlethea can get are broken as her mind registers a selection of words spoken by Bob McCalister. Those words! Those are ones that I like to hear! she thinks. He must be discussing my favorite subject.... ME!

"...full cognitived!"

Oh my! And he has such a refined vocalitabulary! He could be the most intelligent one here! Besides me, of course.

"...fer a bit now."

"Well said!" Gahlethea responds with a short clap, once McCalister finishes speaking. "Well said!"

"Well, since it is the McGuffin, and we wouldn't be here if we weren't after it, well, count me in!" Sparks makes to grab his bag and head out, but hesitates, as the group isn't right behind him...

The Fool nods. "Holes in things that need it, what an apt--" He breaks off when the limping man addresses the group. "Oh, you must be here for the send-off! Excellent! My friend Sir Boom and I accept the challenge!"

Edit: Did not expect this level of posting earlier.

"Why, yes of course," the Fool says to Gahlethea with a grin. "I notice you have rather less of it on yours!"

"Oopseeeeys! Sorreeeey!" the blonde witch snorts. "I'm the Lady Gahlethea Woodsellebaum.” she says introducing herself to the man with the accent, before adding, ”The ‘Gah’ is silent.”

As the pink thing stumbles in, Maria almost reaches over to help the two up but sees that she is slightly more stable on her feet than the outfit would indicate. When it speaks though, her brain almost breaks and she starts muttering, "wait but you said... Gahlethea... you can't just make it silent... that's not how that works... that's not how any of this works..."

Realizing that her intuition will likely be harmed if she tries to make sense of this person, she puts on a canned smile and refocuses on the pending mission.

The scholar reflexively pets the rabbit. "Oh yes a silent Gah! It all so obvious. In the Kellish tribes they have the silent Ah! And I can see the Kellish ancestry in your facial features. "

He turns to address Maria's question. "Well most likely all the way in the basement. That is were vaults usually are. Unless some cultist found it as their holy, or unholy, or what would be if it were just chaotic with out good or evil?" He seems lost in thought as to trying to puzzle out the question. "Anyway Cultists like to take large rooms and display their unholy power. Or holy power or what every chaotic is"

Look at Bob. "Oh yes. I have a permit!" He producees a parchment that seems hastily written!

Permmit to axeplor Tower(*) near the finn an glorus city of Absooolum.

* or piles of curmmmbling rocs

The man explains. "It is all on the up and up. See it has a seal!"

He points to what looks like to be a coffee stain on the parchment.

Seems legit.

"Written permission if I've ever seen such. I just hope we get there before anyone else does!" We're being led into an ambush.

Maria happily answers the puzzling question, "ah, I believe 'anarchic' would be the most apt descriptor for something like that. But let's hope the item known as "McGuffin" hasn't been used for anything like that, why the mere thought of uncontrolled chaos gives me shivers! I could almost understand a cultist trying to bring order to the world, even through questionable means. But trying to bring more chaos? There is already so much!"

She trails off and starts triple checking her pack, making sure everything is ordered and tagged for easy access, leaving the inspection of the permit up to her trusted ally Bob.

When complete she slings everything over her shoulder, bearing down slightly under the weight and heads for the door after Mr. Sparks.

Sparks sees Maria head out with him. "So, what makes you special enough for this mission? Why were you chosen?"

Maria's face blushes the tiniest of pink, "well I wouldn't say 'special' really. Experienced is probably a better descriptor. I have probably lived longer and seen more things than most of you all combined." She quickly adds, "but really I don't mean that in a boastful way."

She continues discussing as they wait for their allies, "I also don't ascribe to the common fallacy of just allowing things to go unexplained or calling things 'magic'. I firmly believe there is always a reason for things, and anything that can't be explained just means we don't have a way to explain it yet."

Broken briefly out of musing about her life's calling she adds, "I'm also decently competent with a bow... but that's just due to regular training, nothing special."

She smiles and looks over Mr. Sparks, "I am quite intrigued with your fire-related powers. If willing, please tell me more about them and yourself."

The scholar reflexively pets the rabbit. "Oh yes a silent Gah! It all so obvious. In the Kellish tribes they have the silent Ah! And I can see the Kellish ancestry in your facial features. "

What the Kellishee talking about?!?Gahlethea thinks in response. And why is he talking about my farcical features? My mummsie and duddsie are both Taldan!

"My ancestors put the "Dah" in Tal-Dah-n, I'll have you know!" Gahlethea responds. "Otherwise, they'd just be Taldn? Taln?" she adds softly as if straining to reach the right conclusion. Uncertain of her facts and wondering if she had, in fact, been insulted, the witch storms off.

Now where did that fiery, studenty-looking chap go? I hope the field trip hasn't left without me.

The man explains. "It is all on the up and up. See it has a seal!"

He points to what looks like to be a coffee stain on the parchment.

The rabbit at the base of the man's feet appears to be snickering, if such a thing is possible, then raises its ears as if eagerly waiting to hear how the larger creatures respond.

"You want to know what I can do? Pull out a weapon of yours, or arrow, or something" "Sparks" waits until Maria does so.

Perform(Comedy): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
"What was the name of the wizard science teacher? Al Chemy. Get it? Al Chemy!" Sparks starts laughing at his own bad joke. However, when he tells the joke he uses a single Bardic Performance and the weapon that Maria drew catches on fire, along with any unsheathed weapon his companions had available.

As you head out of the tavern you hear the scholar scream at no one in particular, "Anarchic! That's the word." He takes out a worn journal and scribes a quick note. He then realizes that you have left and heads just takes a seat to wait for your return.

The Tower itself is a about an hour travel out of Absalom. And easy to find with the directions you were given.

The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.

See MAP. The clutter ares are difficult terrain. You may place yourselves anywhere up to the base of the rubble area.

Sword drawn, Sparks looks at the rubble and whistles. "Wow, nice destruction. So, this McGuffin is what, on the top floor? Or are we going to be digging for the next month in the debris for it?"

"What was the name of the wizard science teacher? Al Chemy. Get it? Al Chemy!" Sparks starts laughing at his own bad joke. However, when he tells the joke he uses a single Bardic Performance and the weapon that Maria drew catches on fire, along with any unsheathed weapon his companions had available.

As Gahlethea approaches, she hears Sparks performance. Oh, Darling! You were so right! (Well, thank you!) she thinks to herself. The fiery guy obviously is a student! (I do have amazing powers of observification, don't I?) And, oh, he must be discussing one of the professors at the Arcanamirium. (I seem don't recall a professor Chemy.) Well, you can't be expected to know all of the professors there, Darling. You were there for such a relatively short time.

Seeing Sparks converse with Maria, Gahlethea chooses to inject herself into the conversation. "Did you two catch a glimpse of that man's outfit? It is soooo old! I wouldn't be caught DEAD wearing that!" she says pointing at the man with the wispy voice, who seems strangely vigorous for a man of advanced age and who apparently hails from Ustalav, a land known to have served as the home
of vast hordes of animated corpses. "I can find clothing that is much better for the two of you!"

The Tower itself is a about an hour travel out of Absalom. And easy to find with the directions you were given.[/ooc]

Figuring that the field trip must have already left without them, Gahlethea invites Sparks and anyone else who wishes to come along onto her carriage. Although before he boards Gahlethea does suggest to McCalister, "You may want to leave that big, dented cylindricular thing of yours behind. It doesn't quite go with the rest of this look that you seem to be trying to pull off."

The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.

The driver stops the carriage at the area designated area on the map, but having no desire to stay, quickly drives away. "The, um, horses need... some... more gas." the driver cries out, rather anachronistically, as he races away and the carriage vanishes out of sight.

Looking at the rubble before her, Gahlethea pouts her lips. "What a disappointment! her voice rises to a shrill whine, "I always thought that tower would be...I don't know...", before slowly trailing to more of a whimper. "like... like... bigger!"

"And why do they call it the Carinlands, anyways?" she huffs, looking around at the piles of rubble and old bones. "There doesn't seem to be anything 'caring' about it."

The rabbit, perhaps experiencing an imminent sense of dread, hops back into Gahlethea's pink satchel.

The Fool claps at Sparks's demonstration. "Performance magic, excellent! That will come in handy later, I think..."

* * * * *

He gazes up at the tower. "Only place to start is at the bottom, it seems to me. Do you suppose the thing is magical? I do hope it is!"

Fascinated by the flame that doesn't appear to burn her, she pays close attention to all movements and actions before and after the 'magic' occurred. When the flames fade, she takes out a sheet of parchment and starts scribbling notes.

___________________________________________________________________

Maria accepts the carriage ride, no reason to be impolite... I guess. She isn't surprised at all that it appears to be rented and leaves them near the tower in a trail of dust.

Focused on the task at hand, she moves up around the side to get a better look (x). If nothing of interest of note pops out to investigate further, she will complete a loop around the entire structure.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Only place to start is at the bottom, it seems to me. Do you suppose the thing is magical? I do hope it is!"

"Ooooh!" Gahlethea squeals. "I get to help the clown!"

The witch waves her hands in a series of odd gestures and seems to mutter some ancient and mysterious syllables pertaining to matters arcane under her breath.

Then, concluding with a roll of her hips, she announces, "One lookey for aura-lizations coming up!" casts detect magic

While surveying the ugly ruined tower, the sounds of high pitched barking is heard from the southern chamber Yellow X. A pack (three) of dingos appear with a frenzy of teeth and barking.

Although the dogs move with a flurry of speed, everyone but Bob is able to react before they make their way to the tasty elf archer.

Maria hops back... totally not startled... yup that was just to get a better tactical advantage. Calming her nerves quickly for battle she pulls her bow out while thinking, hmm... what exactly are these things and are they just normal animals or corrupted evil beasts?

K: Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Either way, she aims at the front one and readies to fire. "I'm ready for that fancy ability Mr. Sparks, let's see it in action!"

”Oooh! Oooh! Puppies!” Gahlethea shouts with excitement when she hears the barking. With just enough grace to avoid falling over in the hoop of her dress, the blonde witch makes her way over to Maria to get a closer look at the canines. However, her excitement ends, like a popped balloon, when she finally spies the creatures.

”Ugh! Phewey!” she says stamping her foot in anger. ”You puppies aren’t cute at all!”

She points at the nearest dingo (orange?) and then begins to demean it harshly. ”Look at you! You're so ugly, its hurting my eyes! You look as if you haven’t been groomed in…well… ever!” she derides the animal. “Honestly, you should be ashamed going out in public looking like that!”

”Shoot that one, Maria.” Gahlethea calls to the elven archer. Then, looking back at the dingo, she says in a manner, both saccharine and cruel, ”You are the mangiest one--after all--aren't yoooou? Aren't yooou?" She looks the dingo straight in the eyes. "You don't stand a chance against her arrows. Hah!” she says, punctuating her statement with a dismissive laugh.

The rabbit sticks out its tongue, if such a thing is possible, at the nearest dingo.

Earlier

Eyeing the piece of parchment, he scratches the seal and gives it a lick. "Works for me." he replies with a smile, shoving the note in his pocket. "Time to shove off then."

Quickly, joining his companions outside, he catches to sight of Maria's arrow bursting into flames. "Well aint that a neat trick there. Just try an not ignite me powder." he states, winking at Spark.

Climbing aboard the carriage, he pauses. "Do what now? Yeah I aint goin no wheres without me trust musket here. It's a part of me, ya know? Kindo like your pet rabbit thing." he replies.

'Really? Leave you behind? No...I'd never do that sweety' he considers. "Oh! Hold a moment." requests the man as he quickly leans over the barrel of his weapon. Tugging a strang looking horn shaped basket from his waste, he pours a small amount into the device. Tossing a metal ball in on top, he pulls a long tube free from the side of the thing and packs it all down inside. "Aight. She's good and tight now. Lets get goin!"

At the tower

Watching the carriage speed off, he considers 'Well, good. More pretty for me then.' The archer begins to scout, the woman casts some kind of spell... 'Well...seems theys doin a bang-up job.'

Looking up at the tower, then around the area, he smiles. 'Tis pretty 'ere.' His throughts suddenly brought back to the present with the shouting and berading. "Do what? Whatcha findin? OH ME! Wes been bushwacked!"

"Now isn't this a pretty sight?" The Fool draws his rapier and holds it by his side, pointing down. "I think they want to bid us welcome!"

Moving forward and readying an action

If attacked, I'll also spend 1 panache to use Opportune Parry & Riposte

Sparks moves up between the dogs and his companions, and begins to tell a joke.

Comedy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
I know I don't have to roll for it, but the roll determines how funny my joke is.....
Bardic Performance: Blazing Blades... Ally weapons deal 1d4 more damage....
"So, the lamest pickup line I've heard.... I'd like to see what's under your Kuiper Belt."

Maria takes position and when Sparks tells his joke she lets loose her arrow at the nearest dingo and skewers it in one shot. The dog burns a bit longer on the ground.

Gahlethea looks at the down dog and then focuses on the one behind it that is still charging Maria.

Dog (purple) Will Sv: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

It seems slightly unsure, but with part of its pact is still charging and will continue. Hunger seems to still be strong.

The other two dog race up to Sparks and attempt to bite.

Purple
Atk, Dog Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Dmg, Dog Bite: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Blue
Atk, Dog Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

One of the dogs lands its teeth on bard.

Everyone is up.

Maria lets a small smile creep into her face from the good shot but knows combat doesn't always continue to go as well as the first sortie. She looks for another target, but is wary of her flame causing ally stepping into the path of her next arrow.

Taking careful aim, Maria looses another flaming arrow at the closest dog.