Gerard gives thanks to Jinkoo the Goblin, extending a forearm and treating the creature with respect.
Should you need anyrhing, Jinkoo... do not hesitate to ask.
"Jinkoo do, Jinkoo do mighty warrior."
When you crawl out the well concealed sewer grate, you can hear Jinkoo giggling it in place, it is night time. It is somewhat strange being on the street at night considering the shadow beasts use to rule the evenings. for the most part the streets are deserted....old habits are hard to break it would seem...but you do see an occasional shop light still on.
One shopkeeper even recognizes you rushing up to hug Andrea. "Well you are a sight for sore eyes. Is it really true those nasty beasts are gone from the night" She gives you and the then the group a once over, "YOU definitely need a good scrubbing and well, grooming." She huffs. "With all this turmoil, it's been terrible for business. Simply atrocious."
Smiles and gives Lady Elmira a friendly peck on the cheek. Such a delight to see you again! I must say we have been through the wringer quite a bit these last few days. I have only slept in a proper bed once in perhaps the last week.
The turmoil has been awful as well. Andrea gets into gossip mode. I hear the theatre has been thrown into turmoil with Thesing up and vanishing supposedly, has he been around any of his favorite establishments?
We are indeed going to get a proper bath I assure you and I think I will indeed make some time for a pedicure tomorrow. Perhaps Euphemia would like to join me? Lady Elmira gives excellent hair and nail care.
"That flop," she waves her hand, "He really lost his was after that play you all performed last year." Tsk...hmmpht [b}"Sixfold Trials was it."[/b] Her eyes light up when she sees Orsin. "Oh my, young man you do need a good manicure and haircut." Realizing who he is.
"Well, rumor is he never quite recovered from that play you all were in. Brooding I suppose."
Oh my, well he did rather lack in the endurance department I have heard. Andrea laughs at the catty comment. Oh, to answer your earlier question. the streets are now free of those dreadful shadow beasts! Unfortunatly with all the troubles, it seems it will be a while before we can properly enjoy the night.
Andrea does fondly ruffle Orsin's hair. Perhaps a little colorig, Orsin has been under a dreadful amount of stress and the grey is rather unsuited for a man his age.
"My, my...now who do we have here?" as the gossiper turns her attention to Aurelio. "I haven't seen this treasure before, but...there is something distinguishing almost familiar abut you."
Orsin smiles weakly at the mention of a manicure, but quickly scowls at Andrea's mention of his premature graying.
Even though Elmira has been nothing but a friend to their group since as long as Orsin's known her, the hairdresser's manner seems all to chipper for such dire times. Her sudden interest in Aurelio might also belie some more sinister intentions if Elmira has gone rogue.
The Drovenges could buy almost anyone they want to at this point. Not even Aurelio is completely above suspicion...yet.
Orsin you reflect on the Elmira's overall demeanor and everything that you know about her - mostly through stories from Andrea and Lucrezia - and you realize she is a merchant and gossiper, there is nothing harmful. Simple chit chat, tidbits of information she naturally gets from her profession. Knowing Andrea, on of the heroes of Westcrown, hs been good for her business. Her clientele generally consists of well to do merchants and a smattering of nobility.
She really is happy to see everyone safe and sound. Aurelio is nobility, she can sniff that out a mile away. :-)
Have you been to the Gargling Gargoyle recently? I've heard sad things that buisness is is drooping even with the troubles. Supposedly some ne'er do wells have moved in and thus it has become unsightly for meals. I hope that is just a rumor.
"I haven't bee to the Gargoyle in a couple days...trouble stayed away frm the place with...you know...Hellknight protection and all, but like...well, I've heard the Rack hasn't been there in a few days." She smiles, "troubles possible...maybe a new group of thugs have sprung up."
"You know the real problem has been the arson, it seems to have some sort of pattern anyone loyal to the old mayor and his family has had trouble."
Andrea sighs. Well it seems that old scores are being settled, I certainly hope it doesn't engulf the entire city. We must look into those fires as well.
After a little more chatting that no doubt has the men at their wit's end, Andrea politely break off with Elmira and leaves with the others.
So we should still check out the Gargoyle. We are still at peak performance and since the Shadowbeasts are gone from the streets, we can operate for longer.
Plus we need to see if there is any olyalists who haven't gotten their homes burnt down yet. We might be able to catch the arsonist in the act.
You know Euphemia, you should ask Talbard if any protective bands or such cna be made for Frank. Keeping him safe from spells is paramount. Perhaps a leg band that protects against cold and fire.
As the group makes their way towards the gargling gargoyle you can make a perception check.
You get within a a couple blocks of the Gargling Gargoyle when Andrea and Phem you each catch of whiff of smoke coming from a side street. It's not coming from the tavern but it is coming from a nearby location.
*sniff sniff* I smell smoke! Considering what is going on, I think we have some arson going on! Let us get moving!
Frank, into the satchel of safety!
Euphemia squeals, overseeing the process.
"Gerard, do you find yourself ready to put out some fires? They are literal entities this time!"
If there is a big fire, I can summon water elementals to help put it out. Andrea says as she moves with the others.
The group hustles along then moves down an alley when they see the a two warehouse smoking, the flicking of flame can be made out behind the glass. There's a crowd gathering as panic sets in.
You are roughly 50 feet form the building, there are people mostly with their backs to you, running around frantically. Many have a bucket brigade going on.
Aurelio surveys the chaos in front of him and begins to shout for order in his best parade ground voice.
Andrea, seeing that people are starting to panic casts Calm Emotions over th group that seems most panicky
Please calm down! we are here to help! Is there anyone in charge here?
Several people nearby turn and look the armored man shouting. "We need water...damn arsonist." Eyes wide.
Those most frantic and sobbing start to calm down as the wave of cooling emotion hits them.
Several folks look towards the newcomers for leadership and guidance on how best to save the burning warehouse.
A young boy comes forth and begins to tug on Andrea and Phem's robes trying to get someone's attention.
Aurelio makes a quick look around the area.
Euphemia looks down, her ears still keen.
Andrea looks at the boy. Yes? Is there something you need?
Then the tugging of your robes distracts you.
The boy looks up at the two girls, 'I's seen it....looks like a giant porcupine."
A giant porcipine started the fire? Andrea waves to everyone and points across the street. In between two buildings across the street, a big spiney figure. I believe that is our culprit.
Andrea looks at the boy. Thank you very much, we'll take care of the big porcupine and put out the fire. Best get home and stay safe. Andrea smiles and pats the boy's shoulder.
She then turns to the others. We have two problems, the fire and whatever is lurking betwen the buildings. I can summon some water elementals to put out the fire for us and then we can go get whatever is out there.
Small Water Elementals by casting Summon Monster 4 and then send them into the warehouse to use their Quench power to put out flames.
Good people! let these spirits of water pass! They will help put out the flames! Stand ready to help put out what they cannot reach!
Andrea spend the time summoning four small water elementals then putting them on the task of extinguishing the flaming warehouse.
Initiative:
Gerard
Euphemia
Aurelio
Foe
Andrea
Orsin
The area in which Andrea pointed is roughly 35 feet away, it is between two buildings.
Maybe a hedgehog... having a bad hair day! Gerard moves, taking as much advantage of cover... as he can.
Gerard cautiously moves up and near the alley. This is the map from your position. You don't see anything but there are signs of destruction as something large has scraped the ground and buildings.
Next Up:
Euphemia
Aurelio
Foe
Andrea
Orsin
Euphemia creeps after Gerard with her own hedgehog in his safety bin. Honestly, a "hedgehog" in this case could be many things, but she doubted they would find an actual such beast.
Euphemia creeps up on Gerard's backside. Take a look a the map that I posted above that is what you can see. There is clearly damage to the buildings and stone as something heavy made it's way through.
HP 86/86
Current Saves: F12R5W115
AC: 33/T20/FF33
In hands: Wooden shield+3,Sword of Planes
Current BaB: +10/+5
Spells in Effect: Blessing of the Watch (+1 Hit/Saves vs. Fear 11 hours),Vindicator's Shield (+8 AC for 24 hours/until struck),
Channels 5/6
Bit of Luck 8/8
If Andrea is still occupied with her summonings, she sends them dashing into the warehouse to quench the flames.
Phem you moved then you can cast a standard action spell. That fine with me.
Andrea your full round action occurs last round before in, you give the elementals their mission, you can act in this round.
Something caused the fire. A big spiny figure. A deviL? Elemental? Could be anything.
Andrea follows about 10 feet behind Euphemia.
Edir: Suddenly mindful of possible flame based dangers, Andrea casts Resist Fire-Communal on everyone(30 points protection, 11 minutes)
Aurelio will bang his knife against his shield as he advances down the alley.
How many devils are hanging out in the alleys in this town anyhow? I thought crossroads were their thing.
First Shadowbeasts and now devils? It is a wonder we don't have Erynies hookers on the corners considering this is Cheliax.
Ha! That would be an improvement over murderers and arsonists.
Three words; Infernal Sexual Disease.
Aurelio grins with the weight of long experience on campaign.
That's how the clerics earn their pay.
The group approaches the entry of the alley, cautiously peeking around the corner. You do not see any creatures but you can hear clanking and movement coming from around one of the jutting builging you are positioned behind.
RD 2:
Initiative:
Gerard
Euphemia
Aurelio
Foe
Andrea
Orsin