Eberron: Tales from the Hounds (Inactive)

Game Master Kayne Rhal

”I’ll maintajn the illusion until the big guy shrugs it off or dies, then it’s crispy fritters for these annoyances. Fair warning.”
Threll, his brow knitted. seems irritated at the amount of concentration it takes for the illusion.

Seras sidesteps what would have been a devastating swing, flicking it past her shins with a contemptuous wave of her blade before sliding the sharp tip back along the kobold's weapon.

Riposte: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Unfortunately, the creature avoids that strike, and Seras begins backpedaling and giving ground, her sword weaving through the air in a network of complex feints and defensive swipes. These guys are a little tough for me, but I think I can keep them busy for a little while. Take down that Warforged quick, though.

Fighting defensively for -4 to hit, +3 AC. Also using combat expertise for -1/+1

Stabbing Black again: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Not sure if the illusion makes his FF AC take affect, or what the adjustment is.

XI winces from the initial slash from the cloaked warforged. While it struggles with the blinding illusion that Threll has afflected it with, he concentrates silently for just a moment, after which his mindblade lights up more brightly.

imbue mindblade for psychic strike, move action

As soon as the blade is ready he thrusts it quickly forward, taking advantage of the confusion.

two-handed mindblade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 grrrrr

His strike would have been true, but the cloaked warforged jerks just out of the way has it turns to listen for noises.

It does, but it doesn't lower it that much.

AS1: 1d8 ⇒ 5
AS2: 1d8 ⇒ 2

The warforged takes a couple wild swings, only to hit the wall behind it before lucky aiming at Xi on the return swing.
Attack 2 vs XI: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 = 20
Dmg: 1d6 + 6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 4 + (4, 6) = 22
Dmg to Self: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Hi/Low to Hit: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 75 Miss!

Threll your up

Initiative Order:
XI - 25
Seras - 24
Cloaked Figure - 23
Lady Elaydren - 23
Threll - 22
Kobolds - 9

Threll will continue to do nothing helpful maintain his illusion Standard Action

”I may have to drop this illusion if the others move over here. If they bunch up any tighter I can set them alight. Doc, get ready to not be there.”

Only one more kobold seems to break the illusion of Thrells, deciding that its brothers have Seras under control he closes in.

XI and Seras are up.

Initiative Order:
XI - 25
Seras - 24
Cloaked Figure - 23
Lady Elaydren - 23
Threll - 22
Kobolds - 9

With additional frustration at how unfocused his last swing was, and against a blinded foe, XI re-imbues his mindblade with psychic energy. It stills hold the previous psionic charge. He knows that he has to keep this foe contained if the group is going to stay ahead in this battle.

two-handed mindblade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Still, something is off about his aim. I need a new d20...

Someone move me up and right on the map please.

Seras disengages from one kobold and reaches for a second device, attempting to engage her Shield by attaching the mechanism to her shoulder guard and using it as a hardpoint.

And this is when I get Crit for real. Take your AoO :). AC is 18 but will increase to 22 after it resolves, unless he attacks my device instead of me. It uses the rules for attacking a potion vial but I can't remember those offhand.

Taking attack. Also moved you on the map.

Blk AoO vs Seras: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Blks stab towards Seras misses and the shield she decided to activates goes off without a hitch.

Threll your up

Initiative Order:
XI - 25
Seras - 24
Cloaked Figure - 23
Lady Elaydren - 23
Threll - 22
Kobolds - 9
Guards - 0

Dropping the his concentration in the face of the Kobold's attack, Threll makes an angry noise, half a cry and half a growl.

He takes a step back and releases a torrent of fire at the Kobold that attacked him, and the one behind. Burning Hands, Reflex DC 15
Fire Damage: 3d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1) + 6 = 12

The kobolds in the fire burn with a terrible stench. They drop to the ground trying to put out the fire. With a loud bang a vile on their belts explode on them making the fire burn hotter on both.

Seras and XI are up

Initiative Order:
XI - 25
Seras - 24
Cloaked Figure - 23
Lady Elaydren - 23
Threll - 22
Guards - 21
Kobolds - 9

Haha what's hitting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

After an ill-fated stab at the kobold, the Seras readjusts her position, carefully moving closer to Threll.

Five Foot Step east

As the blinding box disappears from his foe's head, Guardian gains a heightened sense of urgency. He re-imbues for psychic strike and slashes down at the warforged...

two-handed mindblade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Really?!?
two-handed mindblade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 GM-ruled re-roll, because 1-3-1

two-handed mindblade no psionic focus, psionic charge, psychic strike: 4d6 + 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 4, 6, 4) + (4) + 10 = 32

[i]The warforged has two options at this point do what he came to do, or flee. As a loyal follower of the Lord of Blades his choice was made for him. "By my Lord you traitor shall die before me!"

Quickly crushing another repairing potion, he swings boldly at Xi.

Swift Action: Repair Potion: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

A1 vs XI: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 13 - 2 - 2 = 14 Miss!
A1 Dmg: 1d6 + 6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 4 + (3, 5) = 21
Self Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 5

A1 vs XI: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 2 - 2 = 5 Miss!
A1 Dmg: 1d6 + 6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 4 + (4, 5) = 20
Self Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Both blows miss and the lights of his eyes turn a darker shade then normal, hinting at his mood to the missed attacks. "I don't know what foul magic you wield but it shall end along with your life." Activated Combat Expertise, AC improved by 2

----------------------------------

Lady Elandren raises her hand once more and again with some quick words some energy missiles head towards black.
Magic Missile vs Blk: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 = 9

Threll your up

Initiative Order:
XI - 25
Seras - 24
Cloaked Figure - 23
Lady Elaydren - 23
Threll - 22
Guards - 21
Kobolds - 9

Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Half of 5 founding down to 2 right?
Given the short stature, Threll is able to jump up, singing his legs and boots but elsewise avoiding the worst of the fire.

Threll is so frustrated at the little stabbing minion prodding him that his claws extend without a conscious decision. He feels the crushing desire to rip the Kobold to shreds, but instead chooses to let them bathe in fire.
Casting Burning Hands Defensively, Concentration DC 15+(2*Spell Lvl), 17
Concentration: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Made it!
Damage(Reflex 15 for half): 3d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) + 6 = 14

Assuming your only targeting Blue

The kobold barely dodges the close blast but still is burned along its back. At this time you see a small squad of guards lingering at the door, shouting for everyone to drop their weapons and allow them in.

XI You get and AoO against one of the Kobolds, feel free to pick one. After that XI and Seras have their actual turns.

Initiative Order:
XI - 25
Seras - 24
Cloaked Figure - 23
Lady Elaydren - 23
Threll - 22
Guards - 21
Kobolds - 9

Keenly watching the chaos, Guardian lets the guards pass him. He's thankful that they only counter-attack the instigating warforged and don't (or at least don't seem to?) associate them as together.

After the guards flood the room and cause the kobolds to retreat, he takes a swipe at the apparent leader as they attempt to flow by.

AoO vs. yellow, two-handed mindblade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
two-handed mindblade damage, no psionic focus: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 3) + 10 = 17
No combat reflexes, so just the one AoO

As soon as he makes his swipe at the fleeing Kobolds he turns back to the hostile warforged, hoping to end his threat and make it clear to the guards which side he is on. This time he pauses to square himself and imbue his blade. Can't be too sure...

two-handed mindblade vs cloacked warforged, action point: 1d20 + 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (14) + (3) + 9 = 26
two-handed mindblade no psionic focus, psionic charge, psychic strike: 4d6 + 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 5, 4, 2) + (5) + 10 = 27

After the strike he looks around at the guards and nods.

Seras flicks her offhand forward, launching her second coin with another crack like thunder.

Attacking a Warforged (Action Point): 1d20 + 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (9) + (4) + 3 = 16
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"What part of surrender is so alien to you people? You are going to die, having accomplished nothing! Don't you realize the Lord of Blades is throwing you away in an attack he doesn't expect to work? Lay down your weapons!"

Seras' coin seems to fall on deaf ears, as the warforged falls over either dead or inert.

So what do you do?

Know Geography: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Man, these dice.

Seras flicks through the letter before passing it off to whoever wants to read it next, taking the time to throw the handy haversack over her shoulder and mentally map a route. "Rhukaan Draal is the capital of Darguun, so getting there's easy, but it doesn't have a direct lightning rail connection last I checked. Fastest way there is a railway to Sterngate, then some fast horses through the Marguul pass to the capital. I don't know what was in the letter they stole, damn Elaydren's tight lips, so I think we need to move now. Agreed?"

Before they open the pack, Guardian spends a short period of time meditating silently, though he doesn't really give any indication that this is what he's doing. It looks more like a temporarily inert warforged with "glassy" eyes.

Regain psionic focus

As they rifle through the bag's pockets it's obvious she has outfitted them generously for a more extended mission than the previous request.

He takes the letter from Seras next and reads it quickly as she gives her rundown of a route.

"Agreed, leave now or as soon as possible. Are there horses large enough to bear me?" Without waiting for the answer he refocuses on one line from it, and re-reads it softly aloud..."I wonder if this research is tied to the Day of Mourning?. I had this suspicion as well. I would love to get answers about it as it represents a great sadness for me, personally."

150pp + 500gp, 50pp 166gp per person, 2 extra, split to me and Doc?

As the fight ends, Threll begins to calm himself. He take a moment to kick a kobold body out of the way as he rejoins the others.

After the guards question them and eventually give them clearance, Threll will take the time to inform the guards, "You should still have one of his comrades in custody of the guard. I would keep them far away from each other."

After reading the letter, he looks around at the destroyed common area and says "I would love to be off from here. Let us stop by the guild hall and gather some of our things."

Seras' investigation and looking at the provided letter of credit for House Lyrander and Orien offers you two routes to choose from.

Threll will smile as he reads the letter. I guess I do still have family... or at least blood relatives.

Threll will purchase a set of Identification papers with a portrait before they leave. Site says 5gp

Finding his comrades, he voices an opinion: "I think we should go by ship. The fastest way is best."

After the complete their decision, Threll continues by showing them the letter.

"I would also greatly appreciate it if we could take a long arm trek to Varna on the return, that I might meet my newly found kin."

Finding his comrades, he voices an opinion: "I think we should go by ship. The fastest way is best."

"If you think it is efficient, I agree we take the ship."

After the complete their decision, Threll continues by showing them the letter.

"I would also greatly appreciate it if we could take a long arm trek to Varna on the return, that I might meet my newly found kin."

"I have a sneaking suspicion the return won't come for quite some time... but I don't see why not."

Seras nods in agreement. "I'll happily take that detour. Speaking of detours, we need to stop by a machinist on the way out so I can pick up some gears and plates to fiddle with on the boat."

You easily are able to make any arrangement for supplies that you would like to get on your way to the boat.

Your accommodations are a large cabin on a lower deck. A mess is down the hall with a chef on call that can prepare a decent selection. During the day your able to roam the deck as long as you stay out of the way, during which you see several others enjoying the trip as well.

Welp, Lets get to work.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Ugh, they hate me
Threll will take the moments before the ship sets sail to acquaint himself with the passengers of note. That done, he will be bored until the ship sets out.

One the first day, forced to intermingle by the size of their ship, Threll will try to gather information about the party's destined stop.
Gather information: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

The second day, Threll's boredom overwhelms him and he decides to play a small prank. He uses Ghost Sound to lure passengers near the edge of the ship, then conjured the Silent Image of tentacles racing up over the starboard bow. He cackled maniacally at some of the scarred passengers.

He is soon discovered, I mean, he is cackling like a monkey and readily admits it and, given there was no actual harm, gets off with a day in the ship's holding.

After a night and day below deck, Threll's boredom reignites itself. He spends most of the third night drinking in the mess and inciting anyone he can to join him.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

He spends the fourth day sleeping off the third night.

Your mingling in with those also on board is pleasant enough, but you find that after pleasantries are done they people seem to excuse themselves to mingle in the crowd. As you narrow down your discussions with those in the crowd and sailors that seem to be free you do find out a couple things about your destination.

Ok guys the rest of you have have a solid day, then day two some trouble happen, with Threll at the center. So give me day one actions, and your response to Threll incarceration.

”Ah, a supervisor, wonderful. Good day, welcome to my... well I suppose tis your cell, rightly.”
He removes his glove and likewise reveals his mark to the half elf... as well as the scales and such.
Kn Local her mark?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Before boarding the ship, Seras acquires some bits of living steel for her latest time-killing idea; a pocketwatch that can repair itself and, possibly, self-wind more efficiently. 200gp of easily worked living steel, and I'm using 83.33 of the 100gp crafting value on the watch.

On the first day, she attempts to stay away from the deck as much as possible, not willing to test how well she remembers those swimming lessons from her youth in the open sea. She fiddles with her project, beginning the laborious process of creating all the requisite gears and such. She pulls on her Dragonmark to make the process go a little smoother.

Craft (Clockwork) with Crafter's Fortune: 1d20 + 1d6 + 19 ⇒ (8) + (4) + 19 = 31
32/250gp of progress on the pocketwatch.

On the second day, she almost has a heart attack when she listens to Threll and comes up on the deck after breakfast, and descends into the brig after him to shout abuse in Draconic for a few minutes before admitting that it was at least decent spellwork.

GM discretion on whether or not I manage to luck into timing this so that I'm there with the other lady or not.

Only if you spend the rest of the day with him.

The woman glances down at your revealed mark, then shakes her head. "By the Twelve, what gives you the right to disrupt my ship?

She takes but a moment before angrily continues at Threll. "Showing me a mark isn't going to save you from spending time in my brig before I hand you off to the Watch at Korranberg, and with the witnesses on hand your fine should keep you quiet for a few years."

On the ship, Guardian is quickly reminded that not all humanoids have warmed up to the warforged. He's not cast aside outright by the entire passenger population, but he notices small groups flowing to opposite sides of the deck to avoid him, clearing passageways below deck when he walks through, and other similar subtle behaviors. Thankfully, it's not the majority and he is able to strike up some smalltalk on deck to attempt to learn about their destination.

Diplomacy, gather info: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Being warforged, they still feel the need to focus more on that in the conversations than actually providing helpful answers to his questions. Even warforged have limited patience and he writes off the first day as a loss.

When he hears that Threll has gotten himself thrown in the brig, Guardian heads down there to wait at his cell and help however he can. After the half-elf woman arrives he attempt to make a case to her.

"Look, if he'd performed an actual damaging illusion, say to get somebody to go overboard, that would be one thing. What he's done is equivalent to some onboard entertainment. Consider his abilities in a different light, if you will. Say we were set upon by another ship, his illusions could prove the difference in getting away or getting overtaken."

Diplomacy, Xi is not a lawyer: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
At her reply to the mark, Threll seems confused, and aghast, he replies, ”I will be clear on one thing: I meant no persuasion in revealing my mark. I simply saw yours on display, large as it is, and chose to extend the same courtesy of leaving mine unconcealed.”

Calming down slightly, he takes a breath and continues
”And I wouldn’t call it much of a disturbance what with the lack of any kind of lasting cost other than the enmity of my fellow passengers and yourself. For the pointless disruption I will apologize to you personally. But I will ask if there are any formal charges that will hold, given the lack of any damage?”

Giving XI a nod in recognizing he was there, she returns her attention to Threll.

"This doesn't even include the fact that several of my crew had to leave assigned duties to get weapons. The halting of the elemental, so a coarse correction could be made to potentially avoid more trouble. No sir, there are damages, and a personal apology is not going to be enough to cover what I now have to deal with."

Threll what did you do...other then create trouble and great RP experience :P

Threll will smile at the mention of other dragonmarked and their behavior. ”I have manifested my mark just recently. I suppose I’ll have plenty of time to learn to feel haughty about it then.”
Threll falls silent, thinking, then as realization strikes him he asks a question.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 Hey maybe she likes me!(probably not though)
”Well, if it is as cut and dry, then you’re here for either of two reasons: to ensure that I rightfully feel dread as to my coming punishment, or to offer a way out in exchange for work or a favor return.” He continues hopefully, ”Surely, there is something you need? Else I see no reason for the Captain to personally handle my chastising.”
He smiles before completing with ”Not that I mind the company.”

"Flattery will not help you, I came here cause people who do sign on to charter my ship are told not to interfere with the operations and you did do that.

As for working off your punishment it might work, do you have any shipwright skills? Artificing or crafting skills? If not I'll talk to my people as we're making our stop at Korranberg, at that point you'll be issued a fine and likely put on our blacklist."

Diplomacy w/ AP: 1d20 + 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (13) + (2) + 9 = 24
Still smiling Threll retorts "Apologies for the flattery, it comes effortlessly."

At the mention of craft work, Threll has a lightbulb torch? moment. "Unless you require the use of a warmage marked by the God of Law and Magic, I'd be a rather useless to you. As per crafting I can make little of permanence, though I do have the capacity for illusions. However, within my party is a House Cannith crafter who would happily aid you for my release... well, perhaps happily isn't the right word but she will help."

XI is listening to the negotiations, clearly his reasoning about Threll's usefulness didn't immediately pan out, but he's coming back around to it himself. XI decides to chime in with an additional offer.

"If it helps, and you accept transfer of sentences, my considerable strength can be put to work until we reach our destination."

Diplomacy, aid another, action point: 1d20 - 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) - 1 + (1) = 10 I've never worked so hard for a +2 in all my lives...

Seras looks up from fiddling with her watch, head cocked to the side as if hearing something before she dismisses the feeling as just a passing fancy and returns to messing with tiny gears.

Ooo Seras sensed a disturbance in the force!

The woman shakes her head, "Well for one that just manifested, your acting like one born and raised, willing to use companions to deal with your problems.... I find your honor....lacking."

"What house?" Are the only thing he says to you. His back to you as he continues looking at the items in front of him.

At the comment on his honor, Threll's draconian eyes thin to slits as anger wells. He refuses to allow it into his voice as he replies, but the diplomacy slips from his voice "I have killed for her, and she has killed for me. Outside our party I have no one else in the world to look to, so If I cannot ask it of her or Eleven here, I can ask it of no one... but I thank you for your opinion of my honor."

He cools at the new arrival, his curiosity overwhelming his frustration at the insult.
"If you mean the house my mark is tied with that would be Vadalis. The house is notified of my existence but beyond that I have not met with them. My claim to the house is as good as that piece of paper you see in my things."

The woman look at your response is a little dark, choosing not to respond continued to leave.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Looking at the thing, a frown creases his face. ”...This type of thing usually would require to agree to a specific task. I doubt ‘whatever tha captain says’ is specific enough to be binding...”

His mind meanders off into the complexities of the spellwork before snapping back. Managing to muster some amount of professionalism from behind bars, Threll asks ”What’s the job?”
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

"I apologize, it seem I was miss understood, we treat these as tokens of favors. You bonding them is merely saying that you are willing to be called on in the future for two favors. Think of it as an imprint that only you can verify and it cannot be replicated, it also a way to keep track of favors your willing bind yourself to."

Shrugging, Threll will bond with the two markers as he is bid. ”You scratch my back I’ll scratch yours, then. Deal. Know this, do not ask me to kill someone who does not deserve it, because pact or not there will be a consequence. Aside from that, you’ll have your favors.”
Diplomacy to make this seem like a reasonable request and not a direct threat: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

"Excellent, now if you don't mind I'll ask you to return to your room. If you must leave, be careful, a few of the passengers aren't your biggest fan at the moment." With a nod of his head towards you and then XI he heads away, tossing one of the token like it was a coin in the air.

A sailor soon comes to release Threll, he doesn't look happen but does so without speaking a word or looking at Threll more then necessary.

Nice add to your post, but it doesn't change mine :P

Threll will completely ignore the captain’s advice and ascend to the deck. Rather than sit and wait for other passengers to come air grievances, Threll chooses to climb the mast and sit along the mainsail’s crossbeam
Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Threll is stopped and informed that if he doesn't wish to return to the brig for again disturbing the crew, he shouldn't continue climbing the mast. He is reminded that hes a passenger and not crew, if he wishes to climb the ship, he should look for permission from the first mate or the captain.