Briar 'tosses' another arrow hitting his opponent and dropping him whereupon he takes his place by the door. Fondo inspires everyone to greatness. Barael deftly maneuvers into flank, where he promptly takes out a spider, completely missing their King. Nikolay does what's right and though he fails to crit he severely injures the only other guard actually in the room. Dandilion, seeing an opening, hammers at the King drawing first blood on the man.
Devargo responds by standing (I'm ruling standing from sitting in his throne does not provoke), shifting slightly, and attacking Barael connecting (please make a Fort DC 12 or lose strength). G2 hits Charlie through the doorway (soft cover - it's a small ship-door), but the other enforcers miss their targets.
Round 2, Init 23 {>E06}
Fondo circles around Barael, ending in front of the door (and provoking). He then attempts to skewer the cretin.
AC 18, 19 if he can equip buckler during move (10 +3 dex +3 studded leather +1 buckler +2 harrow point)
HP = 19/19
Weapon equipped Rapier
Shield equipped Buckler?
Bardic performance 2 of 6 rounds used
Spells remaining 1st: 1 of 2
"You're running's done, foul eater of maggots.
Eight legs and yet still, none can get away.
You'll find that kindness doth larger coin yield.
But Harrow's judged, and you're to lose your throne."
Devargo takes his AoO gleefully somehow. You feel the magic of the Harrow stroking through your body, and the blow glances aside...
Also note Barael is missed. I forgot his Combat Reflexes... ;(
Round 2, Init 22+
AC = 17, 18 with Combat Expertise
HP = 20/20
Weapon Equipped = MW Rapier
Condition = Inspire Courage, +1 to att/dam/save v fear
I hope Combat Expertise applies in this case. Otherwise, I'll gladly expend the Harrow Point, and join brother Briar in the sacrifice.
Barael hears the small squish of a late spider under his heel, and winces in disgust. Fearing any further movement would incur further needless arachnid massacre, and gauging the trapdoor's location, Barael barks at Barvasi. "We would show you kindness, just throw down your gauntlets. We won't even cage you, spin you round and round, neither."
for damage
for damage
Barael regrets not stalking the Spider. He looks towards the floor to confirm what Fondo chirps about. Getting at his flank would have been a sweetness. And yet, I trust the Varisian. His mood hasn't turned on me, and for that, he'll have my loyalties.
Round 1, Init 15 {B08-->C08}
Charlie will move to C08 and use the wand to heal himself. He yells, "There's a trap door in "
Round 2, Init 15 {>C07}
Charlie will climb the table in C07 wait for an opening to heal.
AC 13 (10 +3 MW studded leather)
CMD 10
HP = 14/14
If anyone is poisoned Charlie will attempt a heal check (6) if possible.
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:14 (Create Water, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:15 (4/4 per day) (Bless, Ray of enfeeblement, Shield of Faith, Cure Light)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 7/7 times per day.
Sociable Trait2[/b]/4 rounds per day
wand CLW 40/50
Weapon equipped = Biting wit
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
Round 2, Init 25
Briar smirks as the thug who handled him falls and turns his attention to the stink face/eye delivered by Charlie.
"The politics and business I could care less about. It was their disrespect of magic that caused this quarrel."
If they only had respect for what Nethys' domain, they might have left here alive.
As Charlie leaves the spot by the door, Briar feels an unfamiliar ache in his left hand...of magic unbound.
Recalling the rune from his CallingDream, Briar will etch the same symbol, invisible, into the square Charlie vacated (B8).
"Nik, Halfblood, Waif, do not cross this. It would be...uncomfortable..." Briar says as his left hand bemagicks the square.
You see a faint outline of a glowing rune laced with power.
Step on it? acidic damage.
Briar will then move (avoiding rune and trap), to F10.
Edit: Briar will stow his shield as he moves.
Round 2, Init 22-
Facing multiple foes, Nikolay swings his sword at the injured guard and then follows up with a shocking grasp if necesary. Both things fail him and he almost steps into the square vacated by Charlie until Briar says something.
I don't yet understand this new steel. One moment it almost sings in my hand and the next nothing.
"Where's that trap?!"
- sword
- combat cast
Round 2, Init 19
Taking a 5ft step, and throws bomb at the men by at the door, though this time she must avoid her companions.
Charlie backs out of combat and heals himself. Briar drops a magical trap where Charlie once stood. Fondo steps up and is somehow missed - and then finishes strong with a critical! Barael not to be outdone, has a critical of his own! Nikolay has bad luck all around. Dandilion just missed as the bomb hit against the cover of the doors (Nikolay is not splashed).
Fondo, Barael, Briar, and Charlie can give me perception checks.
Devargo lurches forward reaching for something at his belt, but he doesn't quite make it, falls to the ground, and begins to bleed quite badly. The guards make a more fearsome push to try and save their lord and master though. G2 steps in setting off the acidic rune though he continues to swing on Charlie hitting despite the pain. G3 and G4 continue to press their attacks on Nikolay (though unsuccessfully), while a new enforcer appears on the scene (though not yet able to swing).
Round 3, Init 23
AC 19 (10 +3 dex +3 studded leather +2 Harrow +1 buckler)
HP = 19/19
Weapon equipped Sap
Shield equipped Buckler
Bardic performance 3 of 6 rounds used
Spells used 1st: 1 of 2
Despite his words to Charlie, Fondo steps over Devargo's body and places his rapier at the man's heart. He smiles at the man's guards.
"Indeed, the spider king has lost his web.
We'll give his throne to those who'd act as friends.
Lay down your arms, and leave us now. Anon,
We'll let you do your business, safe and sound."
Round 3, Init 25
Briar smirks as the power of the rune sprays acid on the guard.
I warned them about the magics they face.
Briar draws his bow and aims at G3, trying to aid the swordsman, Nik.
to hit;
damage.
"Your king has fallen. Go now and tell the others...you and they may escape his fate."
Round 3, Init 22+
AC = 17, 18 with Combat Expertise
HP = 20/20
Weapon Equipped = MW Rapier
Condition = Inspire Courage +1 to att/dam/save v fear
Barael looks at the slouched form of Barvasi, gets a new look at the door. "We tried to be courteous!! Let someone see reason here tonight! You'll be able to breath easier with Barvasi humbled before you."
Feeling like he's said his piece, he tries to gain positioning to support Nik at the doors.
Barael attempts to seal his negotiations with a swing on G2 to disarm.
Round 3, Init 15 {C07-->D07}
Charlie'll make a 5' step to D07 to perform a heal check on Barvasi to stop the bleeding using the healer's and surgeon's kits
Perception check [/ooc]
Charlie has a grim, stoic look on his face. Whatever lighthearted fantasy that was there before is replaced with his own blood and cold sweat.
"Next time your feelings are hurt Briar, don't gamble with *MY* #%^&*-ing life!"
AC 13 (10 +3 MW studded leather)
CMD 10
HP = 7/14
If anyone is poisoned Charlie will attempt a heal check (6) if possible.
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:14 (Create Water, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:15 (4/4 per day) (Bless, Ray of enfeeblement, Shield of Faith, Cure Light)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 7/7 times per day.
Sociable Trait2[/b]/4 rounds per day
wand CLW 40/50
Weapon equipped = Biting wit
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
"Indeed. And next time you should address me in a language befitting your blood."
Dandi takes another 5ft step to get a better line of fire on the guards pulls another vial, but holds off throwing the alchemists fire to see if the guards surrender
Round 3, Init 22-
Nikolay prepares to swing at the guard, but holds on Fondo's words. He waits to see the guards' reactions but is ready to swing on G-3.
"Drop your weapons and leave. You can return for them later."
The enforcers hesitate... and press their attacks. Their grim faces clearly show their reluctance to do so, but something greater than their fear of you pushes them onward. The pseusdodragon is next to Barael.
Charlie hops off the table, pulls out his kit, and tries to stabilize Devargo - but fails. Briar shoots and misses. Fondo threatens death (though maybe Charlies' actions belie your true intent), and yet does not shake the guards resolve. Barael takes a chance getting into flank and draws the AoO before taking away the mans weapon. Nikolay tells them to drop their weapons, and drops his opponent instead. Dandilion rounds out the round by promptly setting another on fire.
Devargo, struggling mightily against his multiple injuries, stops breathing and his body shudders to a peaceful rest. Even in death there's a sneer on his face like he's somehow won. The spiders continue to climb over his body. G1, G2 and G3 bleed while G4 and G5 take their swings at Nikolay through the soft cover of the door. A new enforcer shows up just outside, and seems to be trying to find a way in, but no luck in the mass of bodies both active and prone.
Round 4, Ini 23
AC 19 (10 +3 dex, +3 studded leather, +1 buckler, +2 Harrow)
HP = 19/19
Weapon equipped Rapier
Shield equipped Buckler
Bardic performance 3 of 6 rounds used
Spells used 1st: 1 of 2
Fondo curses and stops speaking. . He begins searching Devargo, wrapping his hand in a scarf to help ward off the bites of small spiders. He's especially looking for keys.
Poor bastard. Zellara, I failed. Temptation—anger—took me. I didn't wish to murder him. Then again, I did wish him dead.
Round 4, Init 25
Briar smirks as the guards stand their ground.
Briar crosses the room to F8, still mindful of the trap that he can't seem to spot...or can he...
Perception?
Briar will fire his bow at G5.
to hit;
damage.
Briar eyes the cage that the dragon is in. How to open? Break?
Edit: Pot crit:
to hit;
damage.
Round 4, Init 19
"Go on, now, get out of here!" Dandi says, pulling out another vial.
Round 4, Init 22-
B-09 -> C-09
Nikolay tries the sword first this time with the same luck. He shouts at the sword as he takes a 5' step back before the spell.
"Work with me!"
Uhm. Where'd that come from? Maintain your composure, Nikolay.
Sword.
5' step back to C-09
Acid splash
Briar shifts to the other side of the throne and reaches out to another enforcer bloodying him a little. Fondo finds three keys, two large and one small, on Devargos still form. Nikolay does his best, but misses on all fronts. Dandilion threatens the guard further while the one she hit last round burns and bleeds.
The enforcers, seeing Devargo is dead, lower their weapons and back away slowly. When they get enough distance, they sheath their swords, and scatter into the crowd. It doesn't seem like they're raising any alarms, but rather getting away - far away - from the killers of their former boss.
Presuming the party stabilizes G2 this round in one form or another (Charlie still has an action from last round as well) the only death is Devargo.
None of the partiers seems to pay much attention to the noise - apparently some form of combat or other is common in this area of the ship.
Charlie performs a heal check on Fondo to help w/ the poison if it's not too late.
[ooc] Thanks Fondo, it felt like I had one chance and my concentration is slighty poorer than my heal check. Rolling a 1 makes it a moot point. Cast stabilize on the enemy if needed. [/occ]
Briar watches as the Fondo goes through Barvasi's pockets for keys.
"I would have the keys for this cage, Varisian," Briar asks, holding his hand out.
If they find a key that works, Briar will cast Detect Magic and pick over the belongings of the spider.
"I wish he were alive again so I could tell him why he is dead now. I wish I could tell him that affronts to magic will not go unpunished. My only regret is that he dies thinking we are politicals or gang members when this conflict arose over his disrespect of magic and those who represent Nethys' influence in the world," Briar smiles at the pdragon.
One moment...and you shall be free of this.
Charlie - I missed Fondo (sadly) and so no poison save needed...
You all hear a polite but strained voice in your heads in the next moment, "As I promised the elf, I shall serve you willingly and well for a year in whatever capacity you wish. I thank you for freeing me of this hellish prison. My name is Majenko."
Once free, the Pseudodragon flys over to Briar's shoulder, lands, and begins to preen himself. Though fatigued, he is otherwise uninjured.
Majenko, a Korvosan Pseudodragon
---
Devargo has two potion flasks which detect as magic as does his leather armor. He also has five doses of what smells like poison, MW bladed gauntlets, a MW hand crossbow (w/ 20 bolts), and the three keys - one to the cage and two larger ones for doors unknown.
Near the body, in the blood and muck from the combat, is a Harrow Card - the Rabbit Prince. It is cut nearly in half, but is clearly from Zellara's deck...
The double doors to this chamber have a large set of deadbolts to lock them should be inclined to close and lock the doors. No key of course - but they will be secure from the outside.
The sneer. He passed over, carrying something. Let's hope we can put hands on something tonight that salvages this slaughter. Heh, slaughter, like slaughterhouse. Barael moves to the double doors and closes them to the living world outside. He then heads to the only other door in the room, and checks for locks or traps on it.
"I wish he were alive again, so... we wouldn't have to dig through spiders to find a lockbox..."
"Barvasi was awfully confident about bringing us evidence. He summoned guards to watch us while he retrieved it. Are you thinking that it's likely on this boat, and not another? It's his and all, most comfortable for him, and most uncomfortable for his audience.
If the way looks clear, Barael will open the inner door, and report what he sees to the others. "Shall we see what lies below?"
The inner door is ajar and leads to a small staircase into the hold. With that in mind you search for traps anyway, and find none.
"I wish he were alive again so I could tell him why he is dead now. I wish I could tell him that affronts to magic will not go unpunished. My only regret is that he dies thinking we are politicals or gang members when this conflict arose over his disrespect of magic and those who represent Nethys' influence in the world,"
Dandi puzzles over Briar's words, eying the elf oddly, "I thought it was about that Chelaxian fop, what's his name?"
"I wish he were alive again, so... we wouldn't have to dig through spiders to find a lockbox..."
"Here, Barael, I'll do it. " poor things, they're just misunderstood. Dandi moves to help Barael in his searching, but mostly to protect the spiders.
Aside from some drink, a little food, and a lot of blood - there is nothing else in this chamber.
Well, OK, there are 3 enforcers sleeping off their injuries. They have chainmail, long swords, and daggers.
"It's talking, in my head." Barael eyes the pseudodragon. "Was it talking before? Did Barvasi know that creature can talk like that?" Barael's finger points from the throne to the cage and back. "Majenko, have you been an unwilling witness to Barvasi's charade of a court? If so, for how long? And how'd a creature of your intelligence end up subjugated to a Spider's will?"
Barael looks to Dandi as she investigates. "Thank you for that..." Wait, she's not trying to intimidate here. She's... comfortable with them. And I thought Majenko was the strange bird.
Barael heads down the stairs, looking back to make sure that he's being followed.
Fondo looks a bit wearily up from Devargo's body. His smile is half forced, half rueful.
He picks up the cut card — will need to mend this — and readily opens the cage, releasing Majenko. "Well met, Majenko. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Have you any idea where the spider kept his papers?"
If and when Barael gives the all clear, Fondo sneaks down the stairs, presumably with him.
Charlie will make sure the deadbolts are secure and then clean himself up. After recharging he walks over and casts detect magic to figure out the leather armor.
Charlie tells you the armor is +1 studded leather.
The party moves down the narrow stairs (squeezing) where it opens up a little in the hold. There are several doors to chose from (map provided). The watery looking area to the south is actually an open hatch to the bilges below. There is a slimy knotted rope hanging over the edge providing clammy access to and from the bilge.
The area is lit by oil lanterns fixed to the wall at various points. It's not brightly lit, but it is well lit.
Fondo points toward the double doors at the end of the hall, and sneaks towards them carefully.
"I wish he were alive again so I could tell him why he is dead now. I wish I could tell him that affronts to magic will not go unpunished. My only regret is that he dies thinking we are politicals or gang members when this conflict arose over his disrespect of magic and those who represent Nethys' influence in the world,"
Okay...Note to self. Keep an eye on the elf.
---
To the pseudodragon.
"Good day. I am honored by your presence. The elf might be a bit more zealous than I am, but I have respect for magic too."
----
It sure would be nice if I could talk to my sword as easily.
----
If necessary, Nikolay uses a stabilizing touch on anyone but the Spider King. He does not loot the guards, but has no such reservations about the Spider King or his possesions.
Nikolay then follows the party down the stairs.
Dandi follows the others downstairs, though her gaze wanders back to the spiders left in the room. Any that might climb on her, she is careful not to dislodge, and tells the others to "hide until it's safe".
Briar welcomes the Majenko to his shoulder, making room as appropriate.
"You are welcome, magic dragon." Briar stares into the creature's eyes. "I thought I did this at the bidding of my brother. Then I thought I thought I did this for bidding of the whispers the night and the callings in my hand. But now I realize, Majenko..." Briar continues, "...I did this for me and choosing parts of my own path and how I would accomplish them."
Briar smiles and stands a bit fuller, confident...as if good decisions have been made.
"I welcome your service, Majenko, but in my mind, you are already free. I will protect as best I can if you choose to stay. Mind the roses and thorns on my armor..."
Briar helps loot Barvasi and the room.
* * *
Briar enjoins the group as they explore the bottom of the ship.
Fondo listens at the double doors, and then looks for any alarm triggers.
If he sees or hears nothing, he opens the doors. If he does hear something, he waits.
Briar will open the K-line door.
"What do you to expect to see down here, Majenko?"
Majenko flicks his tail at Dandilion a little from Briars shoulder. He seems to be gauging your interest in playing a little. If not opposed, he'll hop/flap from Briar to Dandilion and perch there while the doors are opened. He plays a little with the hairs at the back of your neck.
Two doors are open, nearly simultaneously in the long hall of the hold. The fore-hold behind the double doors is filled with crates, barrels, and assorted wood craft. Taking a quick 5 minutes to search the hold reveals nothing but food, water, oil, firewood and assorted supplies for the ongoing maintenance of the various Eel's End endeavors. Nothing of particular value resides here.
The other chamber is a different matter. The door sticks slightly (humidity), but comes free with a thump. Two large fireplaces are built into the curving wall of the ship's hull here, each fitted with an iron bar on which dangle several cauldrons. Firewood is stacked to the north in a haphazard mound and dozens of empty glass vials sit atop the mantles of each fireplace. It is clear to the alchemically skilled in the party that this is a brewing room - in this case especially for the drug shiver.
There is a bitter smell coming from the cauldrons which are boiling down a mixture of alcohol, water, and dream spider venom into several doses of the drug - a process that takes several hours. Among the empty glass vials you'll find 6 doses of shiver (street value 25gp each - but ownership is a punishable crime in Korvosa, let alone sale).
Fondo does not carefully search the forward hold. We're looking for an office. Papers, perhaps. As he passes the drug lab, he grimaces. Desna has her own designs for our dreams. He closely monitors Dandilion for a bit, in particular focusing on her ring and the fingers that so frequently fiddle with it.
"I've nothing against a little medicine, and find few enough reasons to agree with the Crown. This stuff, though, needs to burn. Desna cries at the polluting of dreams," he says grimly, not conscious of the growing common ground between himself and the Crown, or at least the guard.
After watching Dandi for few moments, he listens at and searches the door at 027, leaving the more northerly door to Barael.
Charlie...waits
Barael thinks back to the slaughterhouse. "I'm regretting the last stab on Barvasi, brovs. We need to be thorough down here. His sneer was a challenge to us, and I mean to meet it."
Barael looks over the glass vials, searching for salvageable items. "Dandi, do you see anything here to your liking?" When Barael comes across the doses of shiver, he begins to crack the glass vials against the sides of the cauldrons. He pulls a scarf to wipe any excess left on his hands.
Just needs a little more study time with this one.
Barael steps to the northern door , and opens it cautiously.
Barael - please confirm your desire to take-20 the two large rooms. To do so will mean an hour or more worth of searching... opening each crate, checking each barrel of water, etc. There is a lot of ground to cover.
Presuming (for now) the party proceeds with some measure of speed (5 minutes or so in each room - a little more in the larger hold) you then proceed to the other doors.
The northern room is a privy - and fairly clean at that. The southern room is more interesting. A single low desk sits against the wall of the room and three chairs are scattered through the area. The southern door is marked with a painting of a spider. A quick search of the southern room (there's not much there - 2 minutes) reveals nothing. The desk is for taking notes during meetings apparently or some other study, but it is empty excepting a few slates and some chalk.