A Rynmoth Storm (Inactive)

Game Master Eben al'Jol

Reiko watches all the principals with interest wondering... Will Callum take the deal? Why is he so keen on finding his former 'students'? Reiko smells the potential for cash in the deal, if she can wangle herself in.

"An interesting offer indeed, Captain... though it seems to have nothing to do with me unless you want to hire me on as additional security as he," she inclines her head towards the IssLaani, "suggests."

"What do you say, Mr. Rhens? I would be happy to put together a little bit of expense cash for you to fund a security team if you would desire. It is imperative that we keep these two safe."

"An interesting offer indeed, Captain... though it seems to have nothing to do with me unless you want to hire me on as additional security as he," she inclines her head towards the IssLaani, "suggests."

"You are welcome to come of course, Reiko. There's not many that I can trust - it will be good to have you along."

Turning to the IssLaani man, Callum reaches out to shake the man's hand. "Assuming that Ms. Delacroix and her companion agree, it appears we have a deal, Mr.... What should we call you?"

The IssLaani nods at Callum's agreement, a slight look of relief on his face as he grasps his outstretched hand, "My name is ShoLao. Miss Delacroix, Mr. Ambrose, I would suggest you stay close to Mr. Rhens. The Thorns can be tenacious adversaries, and numbers can mean safety."

He looks around, "I think I should leave you now. Mr. Rhens, I will have some traveling money transferred to your inn tomorrow. After that, you should not hear from me until after you make contact with my cousin. It is best if I do not know your plans on getting to your destination. Is there anything else you would ask of me before I depart?"

"Yes, that might be best. One more thing - how will we know your cousin, once in Brackwood?"

ShoLao smiles, "Brackwood is a small town without many visitors. It would not even exist were it not for the small coal operation a few miles outside of town. LoMung will be watching for you."

"Very well, then." He turns to Reiko with a questioning look. "You want to finish up your rumble?"

I'm good to move on when everyone else is, but if Reiko wants to fight, I'd be up for a wager or two.

I assume we have to stay for her fight - but if not, we're game to move on as well... as long as we go by the door and retrieve all the goodies we had to leave there when we came in...

As if mention of the fights were a summons, the thick bouncer sticks his head back in, "Yer about to be up, lady." His thick-lidded eyes swing past all of you to the gory room beyond, "Find anything in there? I had someone send for Hobbs."

You headed back to the ring, Reiko?

Reiko nods. "I'll be ready. Thanks for the warning. It looks like the killer ran for the nearest exit and escaped through the back alley." She hitches a thumb vaguely in the direction of the exit used.

Unless you want to handwave the remaining fights, I'm good to duke it out.

But then we'd miss the best part! :)

At mention of the killer, the bouncer's eyes hang nervously on the far doorway for a bit before he begins to leave, "Then lets get this thing movin'." He doesn't wait for you, heading back through the roar of presses and rain.

All of you follow the man through the dark towards the continuing sounds of illegal jollity. Men and women gamble, drink, shout, and laugh… all apparently ignorant of the strange and bloody events of the evening. At Reiko's re-emergence into the smoky, orange light of the Fight Night areas, a strange cry goes up. The majority of fight-watchers continue to boo, but there is an undercurrent of cheers. Many of those who've already lost their money on fights so far find cheering on the under-dog exciting.

You take a look around and realize ShoLao is nowhere in sight. You're about to ask about him when the now-recognizable shouts of Nasally-voice electrifies the crowd. The next fight is about to begin…

Anything anyone wants to say/do before Reiko steps into the ring? I'll be writing up the next post...

I guess ShoLao is on his own, now. If he wants to run off and get himself killed, that's his business.

Callum addresses the nearest bookie, and shouts over the din of the crowd. "What odds on the lady?"

I'll put down another wager - 100 strips on Reiko.

As Reiko makes her way to the ring amidst a renewed roar of cheers and jeers, Callum finds one of the bet-takers circulating the crowd. He laughs as he takes Callum's strips, handing back a hastily-scribbled betting stub, "The bets on the Tzin are getting less and less profitable, mate. She ain't no underdog no more."

Reiko is unable to see her opponent until her thug bodyguard steps aside at the impromptu-ring entrance. Across the dirty ring stands the tall copper-skinned Appawo. His black crest of hair gives him an exotic look, and his black eyes stare unblinkingly at Reiko over a mouth recently bloodied.

Her step into the ring doubles the roar of the crowd, and Nasally-voice is nearly lost to the crowd. "ARRIGHT! NOW FER TWO OUT-A-TOWNERS! THE HEAVY-HITTING TZIN REIKO AGAINST THE TOWERING ATSILA! WHAT'S TO WIN? THE EMPIRE OF THE DRAGON OR THE WILD MAN FROM DOWN SOUTH?!" He quickly retreats, the closing in of the crowd signaling the beginning of the fight.

The heavy, smokey air. The now blood-and-sweat soaked newspaper and sawdust floor. The pulsing roar of the crowd. The next fight is here.

Then she remembers some words written on a strip of paper hidden in her undergarments.

The Appawo. Tough. Fast. All-around good fighter. Watch his elbows and knees.

Atsila The Appawo Initiative 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7.
Reiko, give me an initiative roll, please.

Reiko nods a greeting at her next opponent, "I don't suppose you'd like to be a gentlemen and bow out, eh?"

When she gets the expected response, she sighs and assumes a fighter's stance that mirrors her opponent's - hands up. Clearly amped from her near miss with the killer, Reiko isn't in a mood to play....

With three fast steps, she's inside the large man's guard and fakes a knifehand stab at his eyes to screen her real attack - a lightning swift, vicious, stiff-toed kick to his scrotum. There is an audible WHOOF of air leaving his lungs.

She remarks drily, "If you're not going to behave like a gentleman, don't expect me to be a lady. Sorry about your tinker-toys."

Initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Fast fast FAST! 0.0

STANDARD: Open Hand (crit: 20/2x)
HIT: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 1 = 24 power attack CRIT?
Confirm? 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 1 = 6 Probably not so...

IMMEDIATE: Auto-Confirm Critical (1 AP - used 3 of 7)

DAM: 1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8 power attack
CRIT DAM: +1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8 power attack
TOTAL DAM: 8 + 8 = 16

Despite the crit, she is doing non-lethal damage.

Deep down somewhere in his stoic features Reiko thinks she can see a glimmer of pain. Reiko has fought many, many men… from the untrained to the master. This man just took a disabling shot and stands his ground.

He pulls a deep breath between his now-gritted teeth, his eyes re-focus, and he tries to unleash a flurry of strikes… a lightning quick elbow followed by a knee aimed towards Reiko's mid-section. Both you easily sidestep.

Adrenaline Surge 1d8 ⇒ 1.
Combo Strike
First Strike 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9; DAMAGE 1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7.
First Strike 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10; DAMAGE 1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8.

You did rock him, and he looks below half full HP (all of it Injury damage), and he Adrenaline Surged to keep fighting… yes, he has AP's. :)

Outside the ring, Rabbit is having a blast, and you can literally see his eyes light up as if the money were already his.

Reiko dances away from the Appawo's well-executed blows and lets out a low whistle, impressed with the Appawo's abilities and more than a little concerned with how the rest of the battle may go. She keeps her eyes on her opponent but gives him a respectful nod, "You're very good. But I have to find out if I'm better. Either way, it's an honor."

She launches a glancing circle kick at his ribs and then uses the momentum to launch herself out of his reach.

FREE: Regain CHALLENGE (1 AP - used 4 of 7)

SWIFT: CHALLENGE

STANDARD: Open Hand (crit: 20/2x)
HIT: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 8 challenge, power attack
DAM: 1d3 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 8 challenge, power attack

Acrobatics (to avoid the AoO) 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21 yeesh, I hope that is good enough.
MOVE: Get 10' of space.

The Appawo, unaffected by the kick but unable to halt her retreat, pursues quickly, rushing across the intervening space to end with a powerful right elbow towards Reiko's jaw. She barely gets her guard up in time.

Charge.
Unarmed Charge 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 20; DAMAGE 1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8.
Reiko takes 8 stamina damage. His AC is reduced for charging.

Nanette and Simon put their heads back whispering, her eyes glancing back towards the entrance to the warehouse.

Lucky, girl, very lucky...

Reiko lets the blow tumble her a bit, trying to give the Appawo a false sense of security. She reflects on his capabilities and knows a moment of hesitation. Open hand fighting isn't her strength but it definitely is his. She throws a kick at his knee and tumbles away again.

STANDARD: Open Hand (crit: 20/2x)
HIT: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 18 challenge, power attack
DAM: 1d3 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 7 challenge, power attack

Acrobatics (to gain 10') 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
MOVE: 10' away from him

As the fight continues, Callum eyes the crowd for suspicious characters who might be focused on anything but the fight.

Maybe we got all of the Thorns here, but we'd better not let our guard down, just in case.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Hey, is that a butterfly? Ooooohhhhh....... Stupid 9.

Reiko finishes her tumbling run, her feet slapping decisively against the floor. She crouches low, her hands rigid, like knives. She gauges her opponent, hoping he's all but beaten and takes a few steadying breaths.

I'm the Daughter of Dragons, a warrior of the Jade Empire. I won't be beat by some outland gaijin no matter how skilled he is!

Nanette notices from Simon's expression that he's not picking up what she's hearing.

"There are people back there - and they're getting closer..."

Seeing that he believes her, she turns to Callum and Rabbit and whispers to them as well. "There are several people coming this way from back by the presses. I think we should move..."

Simon steps into a nearby shadow, just in case, his hands near the hilts of his blades.

Stealth roll 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Reiko's opponent torque's his body, barely avoiding a potentially broken patella, but the blow keeps him once again unable to keep her from dancing away. Once again he takes a deep breath, regaining his unnerving focus and continues advancing… this time at a steady, shuffling pace. Reiko watches him as he closes - his body coiling for another strike, but at the last instant the room is thrown into stark contrast as lightning strikes just outside the warehouse. The brilliant white-blue light pouring in from the large windows along the ceiling of the warehouse bathe the large room in a sudden stark clarity. His eyes snap up past you, focusing on something beyond the ring. A heartbeat later, a deafening clap of thunder jars everyone.

Callum, straining to pierce the darkness into which Nanette and Simon looked, is nearly blinded by the lightning.

The source of Nanette's distraction is clearly illuminated in the flash, however. Easily over two dozen of Rynmoth's city guard are sneaking through the rows of presses, fanning out to create a net to catch the evening's party-goers. in the brilliant flash of the lightning, they stand like so many bugs surprised to find themselves no longer covered by a rock. Armed for riot-control, they sneak forward, some bearing shields and clubs, others with long catch-poles, but to a man apparently ready to bring this whole stinkin' lot of law-breakers to the cells.

Everyone in the room - city guards and revelers alike - stand in shock for a full second before pandemonium ensues.

>> INITIATIVE: Reiko, Callum, the crowd, the po-po, Simon, Nanette.

In the flash of the lightning, the size and layout of the warehouse is finally seen in full. The Fight-night festivities are happening along the back wall of the giant print-press room. There are about seven or eight rows of presses in a grid-like pattern between the festivities and the front entrance - which is roughly 150ft. from the festivities. Spread out among the presses are about two dozen city patrol. From where you all are standing (and facing the entrance), there are two doors along the right wall (one of which went to the room Reiko changed in - also leads to the room with the savage killing), one door along the door behind you, and one door along the left wall (this one snaked around to exit into the courtyard - which you believe to be somewhere behind you and to the left). You also can see that there is a series of simple metal cat-walks in a H above your heads, accessible by a metal stair-way in the corner behind/right of you. They don't seem to lead anywhere necessarily, but they run close to some of the windows high up. You can't tell if there's anything outside the windows. The area around you is pretty crowded with people.

Reiko, Callum… you have initiative. What do you do? (or what do you still need to know?)

If a map would be helpful, i can try to put something together tonight. Gotta finish up work now, though.

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Reiko assesses the situation in the half-a-moment it takes for her neutral look to become a frown.

• I'm Tzin and a woman - one of the few foreigners in this wretched building, if not this city...
  
• My clothes are in the dressing room - another way to easily identify me...
  
• They announced my name before the match, and there are sure to be informants in the crowd...
  
• I SIGNED IN for Gods' sake!

Reiko reaches the obvious conclusion - I'm well, truly, and completely BONED. She lets go of a small sigh, If they want me, there'll be a body-count.

She salutes her former opponent by pressing her slender fingers against her forehead and then tipping them towards him. "Another time, friend. I think it is time to leave."

Reiko is on the move. She sprints across the impromptu ring and flows through the crowd, heading for Callum. "Captain! My blade, my hat, and the backdoor!" A drinking/fighting song, from the bar she works at, sounds in her head.

Acrobatics (moving through the crowd and dodging the PoPo.) 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Not sure of the layout - but the general plan is to grab my sword, hat, and hopefully clothes and hotfoot it out the back, thumping cops, if need be.

Reiko is on the move. She sprints across the impromptu ring and flows through the crowd, heading for Callum. "Captain! My blade, my hat, and the backdoor!" A drinking/fighting song, from the bar she works at, sounds in her head.

The flash catches Callum off guard, but years of training kick in without thought; the war veteran coldy examines the ensuing chaos, a strategy forming in his mind.

Four squads - looks like the printer didn't pay his hush fee to the local tin men. I'd just as soon not be here when they find the bodies.

Callum tosses Reiko's gear to her as she approaches. He quickly scans the room for possible exits, and for the weapon lockup where his pistol is stored. He grabs Nanette by the arm, and pulls her toward Simon.

Damn - There goes my hundred slip bet.

"Stay close, you two; If we get separated, meet up at the Red Heron Inn. Rabbit! - I need my gun, and I need it now."

Where's my pistol, in relation to the exits?

It seems a map is going to be necessary. I don't mind; it'll just take me some time. I'll get one put together as soon as I can.

As he and Nanette stick close to Callum, Simon does keep ready for an opportunity to grab the packs that they were forced to leave locked up when they arrived.

He's not silly enough to choose their belongings over a chance to escape, but if he sees a good opening, he will certainly try to get their packs back on the way out.

Bump