Ascension - Thieve's Guild (Inactive)

Game Master bbangerter

So thats a yes to the Crow then?

He slowly untied the rope. He was at a loss as to what to think. She did not seem like she would be like the other Drow. But then again, if she made up for her poor combat prowess with guile how would he know?

Keep the blade, never know when you might need it. Now lets be on our way.

Anthony keeps the suit on for as long as he is able to keep to the shadows (stealth +12). Once getting spotted is too likely he will dismiss it. Once at the Crow he will rent two rooms and sit in the common room for a while, hoping some of his companions might show up.

Indeed, Sic, that was my question, but now that I have frther details...what did the antitoxin do?

Second save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

I guess that makes two points of CON Damage.

The anti toxin will give you a +5 to fort saves against poison. It takes 3 rounds for Sic to fetch it and return though. So you've got two more saves to make without that bonus. 1 more point of con damage on the second save - putting you at 8 con currently. Assuming you don't get a stream of horrible luck and take 2 con damage over the next 4 rounds resulting in death, then yes you get the box open. Go ahead and roll the remaining 4 saves all at once. I'll worry about adjusting modifiers based on any con damage take.

Inside the lock box is a sack of gold and platinum coins total worth 4000gp three gems and two pieces of jewelry.

Applying untrained appraise checks from Sic and Maeltheron - if Sorad gets free he can apply an appraise check later.

Maeltheron places the value of the gems and jewelry at 5000 gold.

Third Save: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Fourth Save: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Fifth Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Sixth Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Unbelievable - I think it killed me! Unless someone is able to restore my CON damage over these rounds.

4d2 additional con damage = 6. You are left with 2 con and feeling extremely sick.

Am I a jerk for finding this more than a little amusing? :P

Ok, I guess that means two more saves with the +5 bonus, but what is the negative with the Con Damage?

Seventh Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Eighth Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

No more saves required. The poison lasted for six rounds, one save per round. So your fifth and sixth save were at +5. Round 1 you lost 1 con (-1 to fort saves), round 2 you lost 1 con (still -1 to fort saves), round 3 you lost 2 (-2 to fort saves), round 4 you lost one con putting you at 5 (and -3 to fort saves). Round 5 you got a +5 and took 1 con damage (still -3 to fort saves), round 6 you got the +5 and took 2 more con damage (now at -4 to fort saves, but the poison has run its course).

Am I a jerk for finding this more than a little amusing? :P

Maybe, a badly timed horrendous roll on finding traps...

Note to self, buy some of that poison for my own blade. In fact, perhaps we should all invest in some poison, or better yet steal it. That is after we break Sorad out of prison. I agree with Anthony, some of it is our own doing, but this first night, has been extremely entertaining.

I do have to say, I love seeing a ton of posts through out the day, granted I know the DM can't always post regularly to speed us up. but it makes my lunch hour much better.

Question: Is there any form of distraction I can make that would not remove my invisibility? Assuming that Sorad needs it to escape.

Yes, Anthony...I would say so...lol, just kidding.

I am very weak and will need excessive restorative powers before I am even moderately prepared for action. Sic, can I trust you to help get me to The Crow? I can secure a room there if the guild is compromised to the extent that our Mistress believes. If they have no rooms, then nearby. I need rest and healing, though. The poison has damaged me severely.The others all need to be found and informed of the meet.

Any form of direct attack will remove invis. Anything else will not.

Will 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Breaking free, Sorad tries to look at though still paralyzed.
Bluff check I would suppose.

In order to try that bluff you will need to let them tie you up this round - do you want to go with that still?

Did we decide how tall the building that i'm climbing up is? Also, did I perhaps perceive if the Drow was no longer breathing?

I can provide somewhat of a distraction however much me yelling and the noise of breaking glass (potion vial) will make unless your planning to try and break free when they are taking you back, hoping they don't need all the guards for that.

The roof is ~10' up. It will require a standard action of observing Maklo to determine if he is breathing or not (heal check - which I'll do as a hidden roll in this case if you do take the time to check).

Vaek tries to find someplace to get a hold of the wooden wall to pull himself up, but is unable to get sufficient leverage. DC 25 climb check

I have a Tree feather token. Can I activate it by tossing it on Sorad's location, thus in theory it shoots up underneath him carrying him up 60' in the air away from the guards? and I assume that couldn't be considered an attack to reveal me. Thus allowing him to fly away safely.

Tree Feather token: A token that causes a great oak to spring into being (5-foot-diameter trunk, 60-foot height, 40-foot top diameter). This is an instantaneous effect.

Heh--No. They can try to grapple me. Although I like in ingenuity of Vaek's plan.

Seeing Sorad moving again many of the guards attempt to grab him Most using aid another on the first guard initiating the grapple - d20 + mods = 36 Sorad is gripped firmly and held in place.

"Pull the drow back, I want him around for questioning and this blasted gnome seems intent on seeing him dead." Two of the guards grab the unconscious Maklo and drag him away from Sorad. L57

The captain conjures up another spell and a thick globe of ice forms around Maklo and the two guards who dragged him away. "If that doesn't keep him safe I don't know what will."

Using the feather token will not cancel the invisibility since it is not an attack against anyone. I'm going to rule it as follows:
Standard action to 'attack' the target square Sorad is in, targeting the ground at AC 5 as though it were a ranged attack. Take a -4 penalty for 'firing' into melee. Regardless of the outcome Sorad will get a +5 bonus to his CMB to break the grapple as a number of guards are forced to let go of him. A successful hit will give him an additional +1 for each point you exceed the to hit roll by. If Sorad escapes he will be 60' in the air with a move action left.

Ok Sorad, if you have another plan of escape, I will hold off. If not, were going to make a mage a one tree forest, but it looks like they did get you Sorad. What do you want me to do?

I hold my next action until Sorad let's me know if needs me to do it out of game of course

Sic regarded the sick rogue and thought for just a second before replying.

Aye, I'll get you to The Crow no problem then I reckon I better try to track down the two that havent shown up yet...they better have bolted when we did...

Sic will pack up as many valuables as he can grab in a reasonable amount of time and prepares to leave with Mael in tow.

Let's make us a tree. :)

Grapple: 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 5 = 24 + whatever extra.

Um... wow. That's a lot of... wow.

Saul recalls an inn that he hopes he can hold out the night in. Tonight's gone totally pear shaped, though so he figures he'll take his time and stake it out for an hour or so, just in case.

Perception check I'm guessing

While keeping a steady eye on the inn, Saul has a brief pang of guilt for leaving the others behind. We were told to scatter, he consoles himself Besides, they're all hard as Dwarven nails. They'll be just fine.

Vaek's turn in the combat area

With Sic's help Maeltheron makes it to The Crow, a somewhat ritzy place as taverns go. It takes about an hour to get there

Elsewhere Anthony and Cheyle make their way to the same location. Cheyle takes a moment to don a pair of gloves covering the skin of her hands. She likewise wraps a scarf around her face and pulls her hood low. Under bright light and careful scrutiny she would still be recognized for what she is, but in the dark streets of night none will be the wiser. She follows Anthony moving on silent feet. Alert for possible dangers.

Trying to find an opening to assist Sorad. He decides with the guards pouncing on him, that there would be no other chance.

Trying to keep his voice low enough that the guards won't notice it, but loud enough for Sorad to hear, "Gnome... Catch, hold on and fly!"

He then arcs the tree token over the guards in front of him, aiming for Sorad's hands.

Token Toss: 1d20 + 4 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 3 - 4 = 10

Vaek will then immediately flee the scene, hoping to avoid the guards. He heads back Pleasure House hoping to meet with Diguri and his companions. Going after the drow would have to wait another day.

With a cracking and snapping of stone the roots of the rapidly growing tree dig through the street, firmly sinking into the earth beneath. Branches and leaves thrust skyward, ripping Sorad from the grasp of the guards and flinging him skyward. This is accompanied by the sound of cracking wood as half the roof is torn free from the nearby house.

"Darkest abyss..."
"Cayden's hairy backside..."

And other shouts of alarm erupt from the guards.

Vaek moves away from the building while the guards pick up fallen blades and start looking around the area trying to pinpoint his location.

The captain begins shouting orders, "Search the area thoroughly. I want those two found."

It is good to have solid friends. And they say there isn't honor among thieves... Sorad muses about this philosophical turn of events as he makes his way back to the hideout Move action after grapple, then run action burning last ki point to move an extra 80'. I don't know how much longer the fly lasts, but I doubt they'll catch him regardless. He will use whichever entrance he can to get in the headquarters, hoping to pick up a few valuables before the guards swarm the place.

Sorad will pick up the various items he left behind in his room, then do a general search of the place and pick up anything the others missed before heading topside again.

Going back in time a little, Anthony will stuff his Haversack with anything the others do not take, seeing no reason to leave anything behind for the authorities, should the place indeed be compromised.

It wasn't a perfect night. I have a feeling that the drow isn't dead. Can we trust it to keep the thieve's code and not talk about thieve's guild? But the crew was alive. With no sign of Leandric, one can only assume that the drow's were successful on killing him.

I am assuming that I run into one of the other guys and get caught up on the plan to meet at dawn

Is it true that we must relocate. And go farther into hiding then is normal? Is it possible, that some greater plan was in work that gave Ilvaria to betray us. One can only assume that the law will try to draw us out, especially if Maklo talks.

the below spoiler is mostly fluff/RPG feel free to read

Saul finally takes his chances and goes into the inn.

Assuming nothing jumps out to kill him, some rpg stuff follows.

It took Anthony, Sic and Maeltheron at least a couple of minutes to clean things out - way longer than the battle took, so Sorad and Vaek would have met them on the way out of the forbidden entrance.

The following morning
Everyone heals 5 HP, Maeltheron heals 1 con damage - though if Sic or Anthony had any healing spells they wanted to burn before resting do that now.
Sic is missing 3 hp, Sorad is missing 15, Vaek is missing 16.

The Crow is ritzy for a tavern. The center of the main room has a large crow carved into the floor. The tables, chairs, and bar are made of oak and the place is clean. All of the patrons here look a cut above the typical commoner, with finer dress and a slight arrogance to their demeanor.

As each of you arrive a young human woman greets you at the door. A red ribbon ties back her shoulder length brown hari. She is of a slim build, her face while pretty, she isn't a looker. A pair of glasses frames her face and eyes.
"I believe you are the first to arrive. The private hall is waiting for you."
"A little early, but your friend is waiting inside."
"Breakfast will be served soon, if you would but have a seat inside."
"Good morning sir. Please take a seat."

As the last member arrives she escorts them into the private dining hall and closes the door behind her, locking it with a key she takes from a pouch at her waist.

She turns around with a familiar smile that leaves no doubt this is the Mistress, though her appearance remains unchanged from that of the human woman. "Twenty four dead, including two of my lieutenants. A third is missing. The fourth managed to escape and is currently engaged in other tasks. And the fifth was one of the late mistresses kin, Firyin. We will need to make contact with him at some point" her words convey more than a casual meeting with him, "He is more cunning than his sister, and no doubt was content to sit back and see who came out the victor - putting him one step closer to his own goals. Firyin lives a little north of the mage tower, has a safe house there, which he may or may not be currently occupying."

"Maklo is being held in the guard house at the western gate. He needs to be silenced. I've got a couple eyes on the stronghold. Once Maklo and Firyin and his allies are put down we should be able to return after a time, though some new security measures will need to be put in place. I do not believe they will give up the location of the hold unless they deem that the only chance of removing me from my position. It is simply to valuable a location to hand over to the city watch."

"The last item that needs to be taken care of is Drail Soyeth's warehouses. One of them currently contains a crate full of pesh spice. Normally Drail would take the cut off the top on that, since he isn't around to collect any more though the cut is yours if you can retrieve it."

Drail was one of the lieutenant's. Pesh spice is a hallucinogenic drug, technically illegal in the city, though it flows pretty freely in the west end of town near the The Wailing Spirits and nearby areas. It is often mixed with food, and carries a good price tag with it. Drail operated a number of warehouses in the docks area - doing honest business with the merchant's storing supplies waiting to leave Coran by ship or having just arrived by the same.

Settling down at the table; the half orc was thankful that a plate of hot food would be served soon and listened intently as their Mistress talked.

Thanks Sic. As far as I can tell, I am still 3 down on Con, having taken 8 total, and gotten 5 back.

Maeltheron sits listening intently to the Mistresses words, and he shifts uncomfortably in his seat, still feeling the effects of the poison weakining his system.

Alright then, what do we do first? Do you have a priority of these jobs in mind, Mistress?

Carrying himself in his usual vary, almost hunched posture, Anthony enters, the absense of his suit clearly putting a damper on his confidence. Cheyle follows closely behind. No sooner are they safely inside, before he calls it.

Sitting down, he simply looks at the Mistress when Mael asks his question.

Wanting to comment, Vaek holds back not wanting to interrupt the mistress. He looks over at Mael briefly. He's less pale then the night before. This is good. We will need him at full strength. And I will need to get myself some of that poison to coat my blade.

"Firyin can be dealt with later. I don't expect Maklo will talk, but he might, and he might have it forced out of him. The warehouses are likely already being searched by the city guard. It is only a matter of time before they find the spice - but there are six buildings to search so it may take them some time - depending on which location Drail has stored it in. I'm leaving it up to you how you want to tackle these", her last words hint at a opportunity, "I am in need of some new lieutenants."

Lieutenants you say? Based on what skills would you select them? More importantly, you already know each of us enough that im fairly sure you have already made your choice on the matter, and simply want to hear which of us would want the jobs?

He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, his hands clasped.

I for one would not object to the reponsibility, but neither do I want it to the point where I will take it over those amongst us who desire it more. I know that might seem an indecisive answer, but it is how I feel on the matter.

He looked around at the others expectantly, waiting for them to make their own feelings known.

Vaek sits up a straight. "Maklo is a tough little drow. And if he believes not talking will enable Firyin into his long term goal. He truly has something to lose by talking. With that said, while trying to finish him off with the guards falling upon us. I let it "slip" That we were hired by Mr. Jumai. Whether they believed me or not, they will surely check with him. The story at some point will be proven false."

Pausing for a moment to take a bite of the cooked swine.

"The guards know we want him dead ... I would not put it past them to try to lure us in. I wonder if it would be prudent to let the heat around Maklo simmer for a bit. And then when he is considered less of a target I will slit his throat." Shooting Sicvicus an evil glance, "Unless Vicus gets to him first."

Scanning the room at his companions, Vaek thinks for a moment on a course of action. Talking in a matter of fact manner, "We should look for the spice. Perhaps with disguises of general warehouse workers. Drail isn't likely to keep the spice on the official books. Perhaps, one of his trusted assistants would know of any unofficial books to speed up the process for locating the the spice."

Knowledge local +8 to see if Drail does have an assistant for the above mentioned purposes.

Vaek pulls out a black feather from inside his leather armor. Gliding his finger over the edge of it. The last words from the mistress struck a cord. He had been associated with the guild for two decades. It was no secret he had striven to increase his position with the guild. Hoping to be able to call the shots. To fully run a crew. Make money as he saw fit. Bring the Black Feather to prominence, causing fear in all those who come across his group. The merchants, the magocracy ... There would be a type of chaos that they could not anticipate and would only tremble to know where we would strike next!

With a glimmer of excitement in his eyes, "I concur with Anthony, Mistress. I will only add, that you know my loyalty to you is as strong as oak.

I am certainly interested if the position needs filled, and I willing throw my hat into the ring for consideration. All of us here are more that skilled and experienced enough to fill your needs, Mistress.

Sic let the proposed offer slide by without comment. It was the proverbial carrot and he wasnt taking an interest in it until things were more secure around here...or at least I damn sure aint gonna let my designs be known yet...

He smirked and gave Vaek a small bow of the head in aknowledgment to the challenge of getting to Maklo first...and let the games begin...

The spice is a good start. Our shadow dweller has the right of it with letting Maklo stew...plus with how these two damn near got pinched themselves the guards will be extra wary for a while...and that gives Firyin time to get antsy and play his hand early.

Sic thought he had heard of this Drail before...Knowledge/Local +6

"I have considered Anthony, but people can be fickle. Place an opportunity before some and they trip over their own feet. The same opportunity presented to another will motivate them to new levels of ingenuity and cunning. Until put to the test though one can never be certain how a man or woman will stand though."

If there is nothing else mistress. We should be heading to the warehouses quickly. Do you wish us to report to you back here until further notice?

Vaek finishes his meal. He stands up and his clothes change to that of a warehouse worker. Do the warehouse workers have a uniform, or is it standard working clothes, most likely people who are on the poorer end and their clothes reflect as such

He waits until his companions are ready to leave.

Saul nibbles at his food, his appetite had diminished since his poisoning. I wonder how much it'd cost to hire a taster... he daydreamed for a moment.

I can't say I'm too happy 'bout letting this Maklo fella just cool his heels, but I have to agree with Vaek. It's just too risky right now.

Firyin though, he's a long game. He's prob'ly held up pretty tightly in there. It may be worth the effort to give him something to draw him out.
Saul pokes his food a little bit.
Hell, even the most patient spider will come to the edge of his web for a big enough fly.

A grin splits Saul's face. Besides, you mentioned bustin' into a warehouse. I never get tired a that kinda work."

Saul continues listening to the conversion until the matter of lieutenants is brought up.

Mistress, though I freely admit the coin is nice, you know I'm in this for loyalty. The Guild's been more a family to me then.... Well, my family. But I'm a leg-breaker, that's all I am and all I want to be. You want someone to lead, Saul waves his fork around the table. I'm sure one a these fellas will be more then happy to oblige. Me? Just point me in a direction.

Just standard work clothes and leather gloves.

"If you are going to collect the pesh spice then it should be delivered to Rosuc at the Silver Spirits - he isn't usually around during the day so you will need to catch him in the evening, preferably before he drinks to much. Tell him 10 gold per ounce, no exceptions. I'll make sure to get you a message there. Your cut is 30%."

The Silver Spirits is near the southern gate.

Ok, then, I suggest that we case the warehouses this morning, maybe offering to hire on as workers or disguise ourselves accordingly. Then we can all rendezvous sometime around the 4th bell to discuss our plans and best approach during the evening. Other thoughts or plans of approach?

Sic frowned at the prospect of casing four large warehouses between the five of them.

I like Vaek's idea. Lets snatch up Drail or one of his boys and put the squeeze on him.

I agree that checking out the warehouses is prudent, if only so we know the rough layout of each building. I think two of us should do it, take three each. Simply disguising as a worker should be enough to walk around in there for a little while without being stopped and questioned. Also, I would suggest you find the foreman of each warehouse and simply tell him that "Drail has sent you for the special crate". If they dont know what you are talking about you can simply excuse yourself, saying you are at the wrong house. If they do know what you are talking about, hopefully their response will reveal as much, even if they dont actually wish to acknowledge it. It may not hold the highest chance of finding the crate, but its the easiest opportunity to pursue to start.

He looked from the Elf to the "Feather".

Mael and Vaek are most likely the two best suited for the task, in my opinion.

As for Maklo, letting him...what was it, "stew" sounds good, although finding out what conditions they have him incarcerated under might be prudent. An opportunity to get at him safely might reveal itself.

This time he looked at the Monk and the Killer.

For this I would suggest Sorad and Sic. Both possess the means to disguise themselves, and together they make up a literal toolbox of useful skill that might see Maklo dead sooner than later if that opportunity should indeed present itself.

He leaned back in his seat.

Which leaves me and Saul. If Firyin is indeed as cunning as you say, I should think he would be inclined to atleast agree to talk. I would seek him out, find out for sure what his involvement in all of this truly is, and maybe, if it seems possible, convince him that he is free to return safely to the guild...spare us the trouble of flushing him out. Although that last part is a big maybe.

As much as Saul assures us otherwise, I feel he has a way with words. Between the two of us it is my hope we have what it takes. Equally important, he is, as he says, a Legbreaker, and I am not. Atleast not in the manner in which I will meet Firyin. It will be reasurring to have him with me.

He turned his gaze to Cheyle.

I would take Cheyle with us as well. I still have to keep an eye on her, but she is also kin to Firyin and her mere presence may calm him some.

He exhaled loudly, leaning forward onto the table again, looking around at everyone present before settling on the Mistress.

That is my take on it anyway. But I suspect each of you have words to add, holes to poke in my plans. Have at it gentlemen.

The dwarf dozed through much of the conversation--not so much as to miss anything said, but enough to not care to comment. He had spent much of the night speaking to Eani and discussing the dangers and opportunities of this new situation, as well as his recklessness in going after Maklo. Still, perhaps he will fear us more for it. It makes him less likely to talk.

As Anthony presented his plan Sorad leaned forward, speaking as soon as he had finished. There is also the matter of the gear we picked up last night. We will need to find time to sell it and divide up the coin.

Not sure if Ascension is allowing haggling to get a better price for stuff, but if he is I would suggest Anthony and Saul take it on their way to see Firyin. No reason not to get as much gold as well can.