Tucked away in a tiny storefront, about halfway down Murder Street, between Casper's Sheets and Pillowcases, and Deovin's Porcupine Grooming parlor sits the tiny, but busy cafe known as Moondoe's. With Eleven locations and growing in the capital city of Al Kapone, capital city of the Sea-Horse Lands, Moondoe's is bustling both night and day.
Surprisingly your group is all together in the city at once, and were just enjoying a cup of steaming Milkweed Juice, when there was a sudden commotion in the streets. Thelma, your favorite waitress happened to be standing near the window, and looked up her mouth widening in horror, and her tray of spiced Beetle cakes dropping to the ground with a resounding crash.
As she quickly dodges to the side, the peace of the morning is shattered as a dark form quickly fills the large window on to the street, and the glass is shattered by something humongous crashing into the room from the street. All you see when you glance up are the forms of two giant Black Rhinoceros beetles, maddened and pushing through the crowd.
Perception DC15
Perception DC20
The unusual attackers continue to advance through the room, crushing customers underfoot, and beginning to raise their crossbows, the whole mess heading right at your table.
Reflex saves everyone, Then initiatives, and you're up!
"It has honestly been too long since I saw you all. So, what brings you all to Al Kapone?" The good Captain takes a swig of milkweed juice, only to be rudely interrupted by the sudden appearance of two overgrown beetles.
"Nothing much, I was about to ..."
Delwyns reply is interrupted by the breaking window and the chaos that erupts.
"What the bloody hell ?!?"
Seeing the crossbows being raised, he jumps from his chair and attempts to overthrow a table to take cover.
Perception:
Reflex:
Initiative:
Perception:
Reflex:
Initiative:
"What is it, just when your Milkweed Juice is at the optimum temperature, you get rudely interrupted."
"Aah, Tritons. That reminds me of a funny story. Did I ever tell you the time I ran across some Tritons at a backwater inn in...where was it again...anyway, it was a most amusing story. But perhaps for another time."
Eva curses and dives for cover.
"Damn it! Why do these kinds of things always follow us around!"
Perception:
Reflex for Eva and Cronus:
Initiative:
Initiatives:
Corvus
Delwyn
Geoff
Tritons
Eve
Harktom
The cart rumbles to a stop. and the Tritons brandish their crossbows about, looking for a threat. You notice in the center of the Wagon is a giant Clam shell, which is slowly beginning to open even as you watch. With all the rubble, and debris in the area all terrain is considered mostly blocked with only 5' steps allowed in the immediate area.
There are broken and bleeding bodies laying all about, including some of the employees of the joint. Looking outside through the new door, you can see a couple of people trying to rise to their feet looking dazed, and or injured.
Spot DC 23
ACTIONS?
Sir Corvus considers the damage - to his cloak. He plucks the hem and notices a small tear in the fabric, obviously caused by some falling rubble.
"Corbie is a wizz with a needle and thread," he says absently to himself, "it'll be right as rain in no time at all."
His attention is then drawn to the clam shell. "Obviously someone that likes to make an entrance." He quickly surveys the room. "And he no doubt is here to see me."
Sir Corvus quickly tucks the tattered hem of the cloak out of sight and draws himself up to his full height, ensuring his chin is protruding ever so slightly, and his better side is in profile for the occupant of the clam.
Perception:
Delwyn looks at Corvus, the pompous fool is standing there making a huge target of himself.
"Corvus, madman ... get down ... before that cloak is the LEAST of your worries!"
Grabbing his blade, he clutches the hilt tightly and yells at the tritons.
"What for the devil is your problem ?!"
"Look at this mess, what the hell do you people want !?"
He then waits for an answer.
Perception:
"Whatever they want, I doubt it's anything good. Cronus," she says, turning to her bear, "be ready for a fight."
The bear growls and starts picking his way through the rubble towards the cart. Meanwhile, Eva starts working her way towards the man in the fashion accident robes.
Geoff quickly dusts off his hat and draws his rapier. "Ah, tritons. Devils of the sea. Or was that sahuagin? No matter. They certainly didn't come here for cake, I can guarantee it." He clears his throat and yells at the tritons. "I agree! State thy purpose or be prepared to feel out wrath!"
You can now see that there are 8 of the Tritons on the cart. Four are armed with pointing crossbows, and Four with long wicked Tridents. As your party shouts at the creatures, they look questionably at each other and you overhear one of them say to the other. "Quabblurgby, Ibbububly dob bobabutin" They then raise their crossbows and point at anybody brandishing a weapon.
At the same time the giant clam shell starts to open. As you eyes travel up the body of the creature inside the shell you notice first the fair blemish free and flat abdomen of a young woman, followed by shapely and firm chest, partially concealed by long flowing blonde hair...then you hear a heavenly voice..."Cababobbula". "Dobabuda Quaboda" she then intones pointing at the strange man in the black and green robes.
As she points the four Tritons with Tridents leap from the cart eyes intent on the stranger. She then turns her eyes towards you and your mouths drop open, as her/it's face is revealed. It is of a wide eyed, ugly, squat faced man . As she catches your eyes a thought appears in your head..."Do not interfere. This is not your business".
As you notice the target of the attack, the old man seemingly overcoming his fear, gestures frantically, and 2 of the approaching Tritons drop where then stand, seemingly unconscious. He then pulls a slender wand from the sleeves of his robe, and looks imploringly at your party, as they seem to be the only others in the place standing up to this invasion. "Help me"! he compels in common.
Actions?
I take a look from behind my table, taking in the situation.
Counting 8 of the attackers, and catching a glimpse of the female in the clamshell.
At that point the two tritons fall to the floor, and hear the man asking for my help.
"This man needs my help, the most powerful man in the universe cannot cower behind this table."
I must act ... NOW !"
"WRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH !!!
"Cowaardly scum ... how dare you attack an eldery man in this fashion."
"You better hope that I cannot make it over to you, I will rip out your lousy intestines with my bare hands !!!"
"By the Power of Gorum ... I have the POWER !!!"
I pick up the table and use it as a shield, trying to move over to carriage.
Making myself a target, I hope to distract them long enuogh so my friends can take care of the other enemies.
Geoff leaps up onto another of the tables and points his sword at the lady. "Flee now, cowards, for you shall soon feel the wrath of " As he says this, a few of the tritons feel themselves begin to faint from sheer awe.
Sir Corvus feels a little uncomfortable at his original reaction when the clamshell opened.
"Beauty is only skin deep, they say," he muses. "But then, whoever came up with that clap-trap never saw my chiseled features."
Pausing a second to smile at his own joke and reflect on his own divine beauty, the cogs and wheels inside his head start to work.
"Of course," he says to no-one in particular, "the challenge about being a Paladin, is that it is all about honor and righteousness in the defense of good and the battle against evil. In this case," he waves absently at the assembled throng, "we have yet to determine who the good and who precisely the evil are."
"If I consider the facts..."
His face registers a vacant look whilst he considers what information he possesses about the situation.
"Oh bother," he says as his face slowly turns a shade of red. "Thinking was never my strong point. Perhaps a more direct approach."
"Well crap," Eva frowns, "I guess we're really going to have to do this. Okay.... SPIRITUAL SOLDIER PRINCESS EVER HENSHIN UP!"
Eva's lifted off the ground, surrounded by a cloud of swirling leaves and sparkling lights. Her clothes vanish, only to be replaced by a skimpy and overly frilly outfit of white and green, and her auburn hair turns golden blonde.
"In Gaia's name," she declares, pointing at the tritons and the hussy even more indecently dressed than she is, "I will punish you!"
Whirling sling in hand, Eva flings a bullet at one of the trident-wielding tritons.
Attack: . Damage:
At the same time, Cronus strikes, snapping powerful jaws at the same triton.
Attack: . Damage: . Critical Confirmation: . Critical Damage:
Sir Corvus feels a little uncomfortable at his original reaction when the clamshell opened.
"Beauty is only skin deep, they say," he muses. "But then, whoever came up with that clap-trap never saw my chiseled features."
Pausing a second to smile at his own joke and reflect on his own divine beauty, the cogs and wheels inside his head start to work.
"Of course," he says to no-one in particular, "the challenge about being a Paladin, is that it is all about honor and righteousness in the defense of good and the battle against evil. In this case," he waves absently at the assembled throng, "we have yet to determine who the good and who precisely the evil are."
"If I consider the facts..."
His face registers a vacant look whilst he considers what information he possesses about the situation.
"Oh bother," he says as his face slowly turns a shade of red. "Thinking was never my strong point. Perhaps a more direct approach."
Corvus
"Er, chaps," Sir Corvus manages, as all sorts of mayhem starts to erupt.
"We may be acting a little hasty here. I'm not sure what the gentle-, sorry I mean young la-, er I mean person in the clam is intending, but let's not jump to any hasty conclusions. Shall we?"
"I've already jumped onto a table and waved my sword at them, it's too late to turn back now!"
I look back at Sir Corvus.
"Yes .. I've just declared my help .. I do not wish to go against my word !"
"Although .. Dammit Corvus .. this is no time to start thinking."
I look back at the carriage and address the woman in the clamshell.
"You .. woman in the clam .. Tell me what the deal is, or by Gorum I'll have clamsoup tonight !"
"They're terrorizing innocent people, that makes them bad guys!" declares Eve.
"They're terrorizing innocent people, that makes them bad guys!" declares Eve.
Sir Corvus turns to Spiritual Soldier Princess Eve. "Well actually that's a very interesting point. In fact, I have rather an amusing anecdote on the subject."
Sir Corvus chuckles to himself. "Anyway, another time. But the fact remains that I promise to uphold the rights of the good against the evil. There's nothing in the Paladin constitution about upholding the rights of the evil versus the rights of the more evil."
At that point he smiles broadly, flashing his sparkling teeth, and nods to the person in the clam. "Not that I am suggesting for even one minute that you are indeed evil. This is something of a hypothetical conversation at present."
Then, turning to Delwyn Mane, "As a matter of fact, clams make a much better base for a chowder than a soup. I remember this time I was at this charming little sea-port with a couple of mermaids and a seahag." He clears his throat. "But nothing was ever proven." He shakes his head and his body visibly shivers.
The Captain speaks to the Tritons, weaving his magic in his words, and one of the crossbow toting Tritons, falls into a slumber, causing his crossbow bolt to fire wildly nearly hitting Vanderhaven, and thunking solidly into the table that Delwyn had just overturned.
Delwyn then picks up the table sloshing tankards of hot milkweed all over the floor, and brandishes the table like a gigantic Tower shield. Seen from the view of the wagon it must seem like a talking, threatening table.
Time tends to stand still as Princess Eve Que slow motion sequence turns into uber babe before everyone's eyes, then quickly shakes loose her sling, sending a bullet narrowly missing one of the Tritons, as he falls asleep and ducks just under the flying bullet.
Cronus moves forward, and viscously tears into one of the Trident carrying Tritons with his teeth, tearing out his throat...or Gill patch...or whatever that fleshy thing is below his chin, and the Triton falls to the ground in a bloody heap of chum.
Those watching the old man in the fashion disaster robes see him gesture quickly, then a fog cloud forms around him, extending some distance into the room, and you hear the sound of running, and moving chairs...along with a few "Hey watch its".
You hear more strange burblings from the clam lady, and her voice once again appears in your heads. "You fools"! "I told you to stay out of this". "Now Ogen is getting away, and you've killed members of The Triton Guard". "You shall pay for this". She burbles something else to the remaining guards and they move towards the party. The remaining two trident wielding Tritons head towards the area where the fog is gathering at a run, glaring at Delwyn behind his shield as they pass. Delwyn may take an attack of opportunity on one of them if he wishes as they pass by
The other three shoot their crossbows at The Captain, Sir Corvus, and Princess Eve in turn, then drop them into the wagon. Two of them then leap down, and drawing their Tridents as they jump. The third heads towards the sleeping Driver of the cart, and pushes him away from the reins.
From the street you can all now hear the whistles of the Badas Guard approaching from the streets.
Rolling in order 8, 5, and 20. And Princess Eve takes 6 points of damage from the bolt. (Also make a Fort save)
The giant Rhinoceros Beetles just stand there like the dumb animals they are.
"They're terrorizing innocent people, that makes them bad guys!" declares Eve.Sir Corvus turns to Spiritual Soldier Princess Eve. "Well actually that's a very interesting point. In fact, I have rather an amusing anecdote on the subject."
Sir Corvus chuckles to himself. "Anyway, another time. But the fact remains that I promise to uphold the rights of the good against the evil. There's nothing in the Paladin constitution about upholding the rights of the evil versus the rights of the more evil."
At that point he smiles broadly, flashing his sparkling teeth, and nods to the person in the clam. "Not that I am suggesting for even one minute that you are indeed evil. This is something of a hypothetical conversation at present."
Then, turning to Delwyn Mane, "As a matter of fact, clams make a much better base for a chowder than a soup. I remember this time I was at this charming little sea-port with a couple of mermaids and a seahag." He clears his throat. "But nothing was ever proven." He shakes his head and his body visibly shivers.
Corvus
"Now, you shall now find out the consequences of crashing into random cafes! Have at thee, villains!" Geoff leaps from his perch on the table and moves up to the nearest triton, thrusting his rapier at it with perfect form.
"Perhaps you should have stated your business first, and handled things in the street."
"Not crashing through windows into a bar full of innocent people!"
As I see one of the tritons pass me, I smash one of them with the table.
"WRAAAAAGH ... !"
Bump.
"Ow!" yelps Eve, "that hurts, you jerks! Get 'em Cronus!"
Eve flings another bullet, this time at the triton trying to take up the reins, and Cronus jumps for him as well.
Sir Corvus has mulled over his options. Time has literally stood still.
With a faint whiff of of burnt sawdust, Sir Corvus makes a decision.
"If I consider my oath for a moment, I'm sure it says something about smiting evil - even if it's not necessarily persecuting good at the time. So..."
Quick as a flash, Sir Corvus heads in the direction the fog (and the 'hey, watch its') came from.
"My fellow adventurers, follow me!"
One of the crossbow wielding Tritons, drops his weapon and grabs the reins, pulling back on them sharply as the Giant beetles begin to move slowly backwards. He is more than slightly distracted by the bear eating his leg. The other two grab their tridents and try to pry the bear from their comrades leg.
Attack 16, and a 20 (9 on confirming) Damage 11 total
The two Tritons running into the fog dodge in surprise as the seemingly talking table swings itself at them as they move by, missing wildly. One of them rushes past Sir Corvus (Not close enough for AOO) towards the back of the shop. The other runs right into a Whack-a-Sandworm machine, and falls prone in front of Corvus, perhaps somewhat distracted by Sir Corvus pricking him with his weapon as he approached.
Perception 21 and 7
The shell lady looks disdainfully at the guard with his throat torn out, then gestures, and speaks some weird words and points at the group of you.
You're not sure what the Old man is doing, but the shouts of "Look out" and "Hey" diminish and you hear a door slam from somewhere.
Actions beginning of round 3 Corvus you're up
Harktorm if you're back you've just had time to stand up from your initial dazed condition (Dinklewith's beer sign fell on your head) and you have a standard action left. You see an old man emerging from a fog bank in front of you, followed by a blue triton, followed by an amazingly beautiful man wielding a rapier with a blood tinged end. Just as you shake the cobwebs clear the old man opens the back door, and slams it behind him.
"My dear, would you please be quiet? We're trying to have an honorable duel heeeeeeeeeeee........" Geoff seems more dazed than usual as the enchantment begins to take hold.
Cursing loudly after missing I prepare to throw the table at both of the tritons.
"See how you like this, fishy scum!"
If the dilemma of the situation was obvious to everyone in the room, Sir Corvus seems oblivious to it. His one-track mind knows only one course of action - to follow and vanquish the evil old man.
He follows the sound of the closing door in the fog in an attempt to follow him.
"OK troops, keep close behind." He pays no attention to the other members of the group - confident that they will be closely formed behind him, following his instructions and hanging on his every word.
Actions beginning of round 3 Corvus you're up
And it's Sir Corvus to you...!
Actions beginning of round 3 Corvus you're upAnd it's Sir Corvus to you...!
Corvus is able to clearly see the back door of the place, and as he rushes towards it he hears a distant pall of Thunder, the ever-increasing volume of guard whistles, and the shuffles of the three patrons that have followed him to the door...An old woman with blueberry stains around her mouth, and a teenage couple on the edge of fainting.
Princess Eve - Shakes her head a bit as the room tilts and she gets dizzy, but is able to right herself and act.
The Captain - Stands and does nothing but babble incoherently
Cronus - Sits on his haunches and tries to make sounds in some language.
Delwyn - Has second thoughts, and decides to whack himself in the head with the table instead (Damage 2 + STR Modifier)
"...Every captain's ship is his castle but no man is an island so a castle can sail to no man but a ship carries dozens of men so it carries dozens of islands but that would never work a ship can't hold that much weight so when I get a ship I'll have to be sure to staff it with only women. But wait..."
"Oh, crap," says Eve, realizing that she's suddenly the only one left.
Swallowing hard, Eve takes everything in... and runs at the tritons.
"Here goes nothing.....IMPENETRABLE MISTS OF FAIRYKIND!"
At her command, a thick blanket of fog issues out from her, covering the sea folk and hopefully, hiding everyone from them.
Since Cronus quit snacking on his right leg the Triton who had grabbed up the reins backs the wagon out of the impromptu doorway and partially turns it about. The other Two Tritons left in the cart, hold their Tridents Menacingly, but seem content on defense. The Woman slowly descends into her shell with a last glance at the fogbank the party has disappeared into. You all hear in your minds..."You have not heard the last of Angel-ick". as the wagon disappears into the opening. The blare of guard whistles is now becoming louder, and your hear shouts of "Stop that Cart"! In the name of the Guard, stop that Cart"! Which seem to be going unheeded.
Sir Cronus. Unless you stop them or beat them to it the two Tritons, one of them now a few feet behind since he had to pick himself up off the Whack-a-Sandworm game, move to the door and open it into a back alley. The old woman holds up her purple umbrella and shouts in her best cackling old woman voice "Let's go gettem, then she viciously (Well viciously for an old woman) swings said umbrella at one of the Tritons, missing badly and nearly falling flat, saved only by the quick reactions of Archie and Veronica the teenage couple, whom stare in open appreciation of the dashing valiant warriors courage and conviction. "Don't worry sir", Archie says". "Veronica and I have your back"... You are not reassured. Back to the top.
Sir Corvus - Free to act
Delwyn - You assume the Fat child next to you is your enemy, and must be stopped. He is busy scrapping Jelly Creme donuts off the floor, and stuffing them into his mouth, so he is considered flatfooted. NOTE: 20% miss chance due to fog
Captain Geoff - You see Delwyn drawing back his table and getting ready to attack the poor, innocent, starving child, and have to stop him. NOTE: 20% miss chance due to fog
Princess Eve - Stand and striking a pose which actentuates your curves you realize you can't see what is happening out on the street, but it seems that the Wagon is retreating. You are free to act.
Cronus - See's his meal getting away, and is not full yet. As he stumbles through the fog he sees a giant delicious bug in front of him, and tries to take a bite of it. (Attack Giant Rhino Beetle normally with bite attack)
Tritons - move after Sir Corvus
"...then I will have to fi- Wait, what was I talking about? No matter-DELWYN NO! NOT THE CHILDREN!" Geoff desperately runs to the halfling and grabs ahold of his dreaded table.
You see a strange looking half-orc emerge from under a rather large beer sign. He's still chewing on something which seems to be wood since there's splinters falling from the corners of his mouth.
"WHOT HAPPEN? WHO HURT HARKTOM?"
When done shouting like a baby Harktom calms down a bit and grabs a huge Falchion that's strapped on his back.
"This is mess! Who made mess? You?" he says as he points to Captain Geoff.
"An ally of the fishmen is an enemy of mine!"
"Stop stealing those donuts ... prepare to die!"
I swing the table at him, full force. Ignoring the Captain who's hanging on to the table by now.
"Wraaagh ... Take this !"
"An ally of the fishmen is an enemy of mine!"
"Stop stealing those donuts ... prepare to die!"
I swing the table at him, full force. Ignoring the Captain who's hanging on to the table by now.
"Wraaagh ... Take this !"
As the old woman and the young couple intervene, a knowing smile crosses Sir Corvus' lips. "Of course," he says to them. "You must be overwhelmed with being this close to a living legend. You've probably heard many stories about me? Or a bard's song? Or even seen a statue or painting somewhere?"
"Never mind that. Underneath all of the dashing good looks, the awesome bravery, the faultless swordplay and the genuine wish to avoid the limelight, there beats the heart of an ordinary man. Well, the heart of an ordinary hero. Well, OK, something of an extraordinary hero." He grins bashfully. "We all have our crosses to bear."
"Anyway, you good people stand back and leave this sort of thing to the professionals. My trusty band of adventurers will be following me any minute now and I wouldn't want you trampled in the rush. They can be a little boisterous at times. Bless them. They think the world of me you know - but then, who can blame them."
With a flashing smile, Sir Corvus gives the trio a little wave and heads after the old man.
You see a strange looking half-orc emerge from under a rather large beer sign. He's still chewing on something which seems to be wood since there's splinters falling from the corners of his mouth.
"WHOT HAPPEN? WHO HURT HARKTOM?"
When done shouting like a baby Harktom calms down a bit and grabs a huge Falchion that's strapped on his back.
"This is mess! Who made mess? You?" he says as he points to Captain Geoff.
You see this obvious Sea officer trying and failing to wrestle a large table away from a ridiculously musclebound Gnome, whom is in turn trying to hit a fat boy with said table.
You see a stunningly hot female human standing atop another table...or sort of see her through a swirling misting fog covering everything in the area...
Barely through the fog towards where you know the street to be, you sense the presence of something large moving away from you, and hear the sound of guard whistles from the street.
From behind you where the fog has lifted you see a dashing man bowing and strutting towards a young couple, and an old lady with a purple parasol. You think you saw something blue dash through the door in front of the man, as he flourished about with his drawn rapier, before he dashes out the door with a final bow and doffing of his hat.