Garridan looks around the church, Derilicts, orphans, and, beggars. How can anyone worship here, when there is so little hope. He shakes his head and wonders, What does Layne hope to find here, except for the never ending swarm of the down trodden. Even the clergy here appear pathetic.
Jhonas speaks, ”Yes, I’m Jhonas, and yes, I’m fine, more or less.” he says through droopy eyes. ”It’s just the father is ill and so I must do so much more here than I did before. It’s very tiring as you may imagine, running such an establishment. But luckily I have many who would help me.”
He looks nervous, ”Well, I’m not very good at this, but we do take donations…” his voice trails off in embarrassment.
The priest seems honest, but exhausted. Something is keeping him up nights, and you suspect it’s his sick senior. Nothing seems more amiss than that.
”Well, I’m not very good at this, but we do take donations…”
Ederin watches as a man he'd caught watching them exits the 'church'.
Runnin', or gettin' friends?
He watches for awhile longer but finally turns to Jhonas.
"Gave some sweets to the beggars, might as well give some to the man runnin' this place, eh mate?" He hands over a gold coin and a couple silvers.
"Let's see this sick father of yours. Might be we can do somethin' for him."
If/when they're brought to see the sickly father Ederin looks him over for any signs of disease he'd seen from his days in Rotgut.
"Anythin' you can do for him Garry?"
Kaylayne looks past Jhonas.
"I wish to speak to your father. I need...I need something that I doubt you can give," Kaylayne whispers. She hopes that Garridan can do something for the older priest.
"I can help you," Kaylayne says, her hand hovering over her full coin (with rocks) coinpurse. "But I'm going to need what I need."
Jhonas takes your money uneasily, but happily, when you’re interrupted by a voice from the entrance to the church. ”Leave the good father alone, he’s sick! We’ll handle this Jhonas - these people seem like trouble makers to me.”
Jhonas replies, a mixture of relief and something else… ”Oh, excellent, sure thing Beltias. You deal with them, OK.” and he quickly begins to depart through the doors from which he came.
‘Beltias’ walks up to the party, a few others in his wake, ”Now why are you bothering the priests here. Can’t you see they’re busy?! I think you lot should just clear off and leave these poor people in peace.”
Kaylayne gives Beltias a quizzical look.
"We don't want trouble, but we do wish to speak with the head priest. Is 'trouble' and 'bothering' the right words you want to use? If you want us to go, we'll go. But we were people who had the ability to help people here," Kaylayne responds, looking around.
"But maybe Beltias, you want to show me the same care you offer others, and allow me to see if Sarenrae's light might shine upon me, even if for a moment. Please let me see the head priest."
Dipomacy
”Don’t trust ‘em Beltias” so says the man on his right.
Beltias responds in a poor whisper.
He turns back to you and says simply and firmly, ”The priest cannot be bothered because he’s very sick. But I’ll allow you to stay, such is the magnanimousness of Sarinrae, to be sure. What would you do for us, I mean the church of course?” he opens his arms in a posture of welcome.
Gettin' friends it was then.
"We've been donatin' to the poor and askin' for help. You got a weird definition of troublemaker, mate. Why not just let us finish our business here?"
”Don’t trust ‘em Beltias” so says the man on his right.
Beltias responds in a poor whisper.
”The priest cannot be bothered because he’s very sick. But I’ll allow you to stay, such is the magnanimousness of Sarinrae, to be sure. What would you do for us, I mean the church of course?”
"We might be able to help heal the priest, ain't that helpin' the church? Let us see him and maybe there's a few sweets in it for you too."
Garridan is quickly getting tired of these Acolytes of Sarinrae, "Beltias, perhaps you have mistaken us for common rabble, which is understandable considering the composition of your congregation." He takes a breath and continues, "I am Garridan, Brewmaster in the service of Cayden Cailean and will be addressed with a little more respect. Further, what is your position here and by what authority are you denying the father a visit from those who may be able to help him."
”What would you do for us, I mean the church of course?” he opens his arms in a posture of welcome.
Kaylayne frowns.
"What I want is to see the head priest. What I want is between me and him and Sarenrae, if she has guidance to offer. I'll pay for what I get. I've worked hard to earn the coins I have, and I'll give them for fair services rendered," Kaylayne says, trying to keep her temper.
"We might be able to help heal the priest, ain't that helpin' the church? Let us see him and maybe there's a few sweets in it for you too."
Garridan is quickly getting tired of these Acolytes of Sarinrae, "Beltias, perhaps you have mistaken us for common rabble, which is understandable considering the composition of your congregation." He takes a breath and continues, "I am Garridan, Brewmaster in the service of Cayden Cailean and will be addressed with a little more respect. Further, what is your position here and by what authority are you denying the father a visit from those who may be able to help him."
"What I want is to see the head priest. What I want is between me and him and Sarenrae, if she has guidance to offer. I'll pay for what I get. I've worked hard to earn the coins I have, and I'll give them for fair services rendered," Kaylayne says, trying to keep her temper.
A couple other bystanders have taken note of the conversation and are watching, but most of the beggars and other poor folk have moved away from you.
Beltias scowls at the group, ”The priest is fine, he just needs his rest, he’s on the mend, and I’m in charge of this here church see. Jhonas and father Padrick do what I say ‘cause I keep ‘em out of trouble. Riddleport’s a tough town and they weren’t making it before I came along. Done real good since I took over too.”
He pokes a thumb to his friend, ”I think Balston here is right. You lot are too much trouble. Why don’t you just leave me a nice donation for the cause and I’ll let you all go without any more difficulty. OK? So hand it over and take off.” His voice has an edge to it you find unpleasant. He and a few of his men, stand between you and the door through which you entered.
"I should have known the gods would not help me," Kaylayne scowls and makes to leave.
Beltias stands in your way and a few of the observers close ranks, "Not yet missy, first your purse - a little coin please from you and your gentlemen. For the church. You understand."
Garridan looks to Layne with a grin, "Is this what you were looking for?"
Dimitrio's hand goes to his rapier, and he stands a little taller, left hand on hip. He starts reciting one of his poems. This time it's a dark poem about some would-be thugs who died over the lust for gold. It is meant to demoralize those seeking their coin.
"Is this what you were looking for?"
Kaylayne gives Garridan a not right now look, the kind from a woman that you never ever want to earn. His mirth turns her annoyance to anger. She turns her attention to the thugs.
"You're going to rob me in a Church?" Kaylayne shakes her head. "Lemme see what we have here." Kay goes for her pouch.
"You lot wanna make a fight o' this?" Ederin draws his sword and smiles.
"We rid ourselves of Zinchers men earlier this week, what makes you think you got a chance eh?"
Kay can cast her spell, Ederin draws his sword, and Dimitrio orates - but that's it in the surprise round. I'll have initiative and the map up momentarily.
Oh, and we'll say it's two days after the Gold Goblin raid for those of you who may yet be injured. :)
When Ed draws his sword Garridan backs his play and draws his rapier. "I warned you we weren't common rabble," he says with contempt.
First up, Kaylayne in the surprise round, then the entire party for round one. Figures the sneaky guys would be going last. :(
Oh, do keep in mind that you only know Beltias and Balston are necessarily bad guys. You're pretty sure about the others, but they haven't attacked or anything yet.
Dimitrio
Ederin
Garridan
Kaylayne
Lief
Good Guys
Round Surprise, Init 15
Kaylayne casts a rainbow spray at the goons as she steps up.
The three men blink and keep looking harshly at the party as they wait, a little longer, to go.
Seeing where things are going Garridan offers a quick prayer and strikes out at the thug in front of him with the pommel of his rapier.
AC: 19 (f18/t11)
HP: 18/18
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Conditions = +1 to hit/ Damage (divine favor), +1 to hit/damage Inspire courage
Rapier Attack Mods: BAB +1, Str +4, Weapon Focus +1,
Rapier Damage Mods: Str+4
Spells (caster level 1, concentration +3)
Level 0 (DC 12) Light, Mending, Purity Food and Drink
Level 1 (DC 13) Bless, Divine Favor, Divine favor(used)
Blessings 3/3 (Travel | Holy Smite)(used 1)
Round 1, Init 15a
Kaylayne gapes as the goons shrug off her magic like it was nothing.
"Oh, that ain't good."
Kaylayne reverses herself, stepping back and casts Magic Stone, pulling out 3 stones from her pouch.
Interested in the court proceedings held against the thugs of Croat, Lief spends the full time noting all business associates who come to speak on Saul's behalf, as well as the spin doctoring of the event. He can't help but hold a little admiration for the litigation at hand.
When the judgment is passed, Lief is relieved to learn that the new protection is something greater than mere sellswords. Still, he wonders if it will be enough...
...
His week is a little more subdued, the ache in his side keeping him from his brilliant smiles, and witty comebacks in his daily interactions with the populace. He wearies of the work, truth be told.
On his second day out, Lief approaches Dimitrio before leaving the Gold Goblin. "You offered... healing? I'm nowhere near well enough to continue full days, and my work suffers. Would Desna be kind enough to bless me?"
...
When Kaylayne speaks on religion, Lief perks up. He doesn't let his injuries keep him from a possible encounter or two in the holier districts. Especially Calistria.
"Does anyone want to walk around the city with me? I seek to know about some of the different churches around. I do know too much about the Gods, but I hope I can find one to help me...with a private matter."
"I'm pretty sure their healing extends to all forms of disease, Kaylayne. I'm sure you'll succeed in finding the help you need."
""You could also go shopping and come back for me."
Lief turns to the others, expecting them to depart. "Yes, she needs her privacy here, gentlemen."
Everything about this part of town tells Lief that remaining here is unlikely to be good for the health, but when the others remain, so does he. Yes, this is probably best. They should have a waiting area... somewhere...
The young man enjoys watching Dimitrio caring for the child. He seems quite at home with children. He is likely no stranger to siring bastard children himself.
He waves off the beggars, sure that beginning to give to the poor in such an open manner will only promote a frenzy of sorts.
"I came to get help...spiritual help. But...but..."
Lief blushes to hear the woman speak more innocently that he first assumed. Spiritual help... of course...
The young man is almost glad when the interruption comes from across the 'church', courtesy of Beltias.
He might not hear what the men discuss, but Beltias's sudden change of heart doesn't sit well with Lief. He becomes more vigilant about his surrounds, and begins to cough. He pats his throat, then reaches for his extract.
Round 1, Init 10
AC = 18, Shielded
HP = 6/13, or full if Dimitrio healed him on the second morning
Weapon Equipped = Sap
Condition(s) = Inspired
Lief pulls out a sap, unhappy that they'll be coming to blows shortly. "Bloodshed in the house of a god is probably not the best of ideas." He speaks to no one in particular. Anyone approaching him in a hostile manner receives a swing.
Round 1 - Initiative 8+
HP: 16
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons: Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
Ederin steps forward and takes a slash at his foe.
"That's all the warning you get."
The bard calls out to Beltias while he draws arcane symbols in the air with his long fingers. For some reason, his voice sound like Ederin, "C'mon mate. There's no need to get excited. We don't mean any trouble. Besides we are old friends, you and I? Remember that night with that tavern wench...?"
Whew...
More to come in a moment, just wanted to get this save out of the way.
GM, is the Goblin close enough to this place that I can tell the orphan to drop by for food if she wants some?
Yes, more or less. It’s several blocks, but the city is not so large that it’s a problem. Be careful though - do you really want the Gold Goblin known as a soup kitchen? Might attract a different sort of crowd than Saul is hoping for…
In the surprise round, Kaylayne throws down a color spray, seeking to incapacitate her foes, but they all resist miraculously. Perhaps they are religious after all? Dimitrio begins another of his famous speeches, and Ederin makes ready.
Garridan attacks the nearest threatening-looking target, but was he threatening? He is now… The crit confirms, but he fails to drop his foe. Dimitrio tries to befriend Beltias, but he’s not having any. Kaylayne, having some distress over her last spell, falls back to her successful stones and a longer combat. Ederin wonders if the man in the red hat is hostile - and he is! Alas, he does not connect with his first swing though he does nearly topple the holy water font a few feet away in a different direction. Lief draws a sap and readies for an attack, which will come, but alas he will miss (init changed to 8).
Beltias takes a step back (5’ step) draws and quaffs a potion. Seemingly instantly he has a dagger in his hand and he waits for Ederin to miss again. He smiles confidently.
Balston and Madrat concentrate on Lief as they close (5’ steps and swings!) with their rapiers.
Garspheal pulls out a bow and takes a shot at Lief as well, through some cover.
Meanwhile, Badeye tries to clobber Garridan with his morning star.
Also, I fixed the map (thanks for the help Kaylayne) so you can see the names of your opponents now. I could see them the whole time, but there's a special flag for you to see them. Sigh.
Round 2, Init 15
Kaylayne 5' steps up and tosses a stone at Badeye.
to hit; (PBS,Bard)
damage.
And with a small pebble, a stone drops Badeye Rumblefist in his tracks.
He's down and unconscious, but not bleeding as much of his damage is Non Lethal.
Round 2 - Initiative 8+
HP:16
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons: Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:Rangers Focus on Beltias (+2 attack/damage), +1 attack.dmg Inspire courage, -1 attack from buckler for wielding 2handed
Incensed by Beltias' smug look Ederin steps forward and attacks again this time using both hands for added power.
Garridan watches the thug before him fall and calls upon Cayden Cailean's might again and feels his healing touch rush through him like a shot of rum as he moves to help his companions. He thrusts his rapier at another thug as he tries to surround Ed.
HP: 17/18
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Conditions = +1 to hit/ Damage (divine favor), +1 to hit/damage Inspire courage
Rapier Attack Mods: BAB +1, Str +4, Weapon Focus +1,
Rapier Damage Mods: Str+4
Spells (caster level 1, concentration +3)
Level 0 (DC 12) Light, Mending, Purity Food and Drink
Level 1 (DC 13) Bless(used), Divine Favor, Divine favor(used)
Blessings 3/3 (Travel | Holy Smite)
Fervor 1/3 (used 2)
Madrat too drops quickly and begins to bleed all over the floor.
The gloves were off and so the rapier came into the bard's hand. His arcane gestures changed to powering his blade, which hummed with pent up power.
He stepped towards his would-be-friend Beltias and sliced upwards with his blade. "Stand down man! You are gonna die for a couple of gold coins? Yield now!"
Round 2, Init 8
AC = 18, Shielded
HP = 8/13
Weapon Equipped = Sap
Condition(s) = Inspired
Lief steps into flank with Ederin, taking advantage of the newly occupied position, with the man at his feet. He nods to Ederin, grasping the sap, and bringing full swing on the man known as Balston.
"Of all places, we fight in a church. Arrow in the back for my troubles. This is just great." He looks on the archer with contempt.
"You're thinking of running now. It's a good thought."
Garridan swiftly heals himself, then bounces around to try and injure another rogue. He connects, and the rogue drops bleeding. Dimitrio stings the would be king-thief and tries to explain the facts of life to him. Kaylayne produces a rock and topples the tallest of the rogues. Ederin steps up and swats at the annoying Beltias and, barely, hits him. Lief steps into flank with Ederin and connects with the thug Balston.
Brandy comes rushing through the entrance and looking for trouble. She finds plenty, but can capitalize on none (double move).
Balston responds to a nod from Beltias. Using the withdraw action, he moves into flank (no AoOs from anyone - but he doesn't get a swing).
Garspheal switches targets and tries to end Ederin’s attacks on his boss.
Beltias waits a moment for the others to get into position while he rubs his injuries. He’s unhappy when Dimitrio hits him - and takes away his initial flanking opportunity, but Lief paves the way for another. Clearly displeased but determined, he presses his attack against Ederin - and goes for the jugular!
”Clearly it is you who want to die over a couple coins. Most of my crew has yet to arrive - surrender now and we’ll go easy on ya!”
Round 3 - Initiative 20
Seeing Ed fall dives Garridan into a reckless rage and he runs into the melee. "Froth and Foam," he curses as he swings at the bow wielding cretin that just gravely injured his friend.
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Conditions = +1 to hit/ Damage (divine favor), +1 to hit/damage Inspire courage
Rapier Attack Mods: BAB +1, Str +4, Weapon Focus +1,
Rapier Damage Mods: Str+4
Spells (caster level 1, concentration +3)
Level 0 (DC 12) Light, Mending, Purity Food and Drink
Level 1 (DC 13) Bless(used), Divine Favor, Divine favor(used)
Blessings 3/3 (Travel | Holy Smite)
Fervor 1/3 (used 2)
Round 3 - Initiative 8+
HP:-3
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons: Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
Ederin doesn't even have time to enjoy the blow he struck as Beltias retaliates with blow that knocks his sword from his hands and drops him to the floor. At least he passed out before seeing his blood pool around him, that was always the part he hated most.
Round 3, Init 15
Kaylayne 5' steps up and throws a stone at Beltias, the jerk.
to hit; (PBS,Bard)
damage.
"Grr."
Round 3 - Initiative 17
Oh s*#%, oh s~@!.
Dimitrio curses as Ederin goes down. Not wanting to get in a position where he would have to defend from two sides, the bard nimbly steps away and moves beyond Balston. Now it was Belstian that had to defend from two flanks.
His rapier once more swings out, the extra energy on it causes havoc on the thugs.
Brandy lashes out with her rapier on Garridan.
sigh...
Garspheal drops with Garridan's attack.
Beltias does not go down to Kaylayne's stone, though she does hit him. However, when Dimitrio steps up and also rolls well (grrr) the leader of thieves goes down in a lump.
Round 3, Init 8
AC = 18, Shielded
HP = 8/13
Weapon Equipped = Sap
Condition(s) = Inspired
Lief watches Ederin go down to a rather well-studied attack. His first thought is one of admiration, for its execution. The second thought is, of course, anger, as his mate takes to the filthy floor.
As Brandy attacks Garridan, Lief tries to cuff her strongly, in order to end this fracas.
Lief turns to Balston, and waves his sap. "You've taken down one of us, for what, several of yours? I'm using this here, because I'm not an assassin. I can't speak for my friends here, but you'd best stop this altogether, or your life is forfeit. Or am I wrong? Do you not see a certain kind of court being held here?"
Garridan slides into position and strikes down the archer. Dimitrio shifts into position attacking the leader! Kaylayne flings another stone with unerring accuracy - almost as if the very gods themselves were involved. Ederin collapses quietly to the floor, but stabilizes and bleeds no more. Lief connects with the fair lass and injures her.
So quickly a combat that had started shifting their way got totally out of control and collapsed around the few survivors. They each attempt to flee, in various directions.
Balston flees through the church and to the rear doors, though he has not yet opened them.
Brandy Nurrus attempts to flee out the door (she has cover from Lief on her second move so no AoO for him).
There’s a silence as the thugs Beltias claimed would come, do not.
We are out of initiative unless you wish to pursue, or try to stop the bleeding of those downed.
Round 4 - initiative 20
Garridan moves over to Ed's side and touches him as he says,"This is not your last call."
P: 17/18
Weapon Equipped = Rapier
Conditions = +1 to hit/ Damage (divine favor), +1 to hit/damage Inspire courage
Rapier Attack Mods: BAB +1, Str +4, Weapon Focus +1,
Rapier Damage Mods: Str+4
Spells (caster level 1, concentration +3)
Level 0 (DC 12) Light, Mending, Purity Food and Drink
Level 1 (DC 13) Bless(used), Divine Favor (used), Divine favor(used)
Blessings 3/3 (Travel | Holy Smite)
Fervor 1/3 (used 2)
Round 4- Initiative 8+
HP: 0
AC: 18 (Touch and FF: 14)
Equipped Weapons:
Conditions: Staggered
Relevant Data:
Ederin's eyes fly open and he grits his teeth as he stands up and looks around the room. He smiles when he sees a number of the thugs on the ground or running, even as he sways on his feet.
"Don't suppose you got more where that came from mate?" He asks through the pain. It's clear he can barely move.
"Don't suppose you got more where that came from mate?" He asks through the pain. It's clear he can barely move.
Dimitrio sheathes his bloody rapier and thanks Desna for coming out of the fight unscathed again. Not even I am that good. This is your doing, sweet Lady
He then nears Ederin, "Come here, we'll pray for the sweet Lady together."
With fingers tracing the wound and whispers of sincere adoration, the bard calls forth his healing magic.
He then looks hard at those gathered, willing them to stay put while he starts to move out. "C'mon everyone, it's not safe here."
The bard's baser instincts then kick in and he starts checking out the gear and belongings of those fallen in battle.
As the party heals and loots, Jhonas walks back in from the hallway where he was hiding.
Fear marks his countenance and his step is quiet and hesitant. ”Please don’t harm these people. Just take what you want and leave.” he pleads with the party.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
”Please don’t harm these people. Just take what you want and leave.”
Kaylayne looks around for more foes, rock in hand and ready to throw. She is clearly not happy. She turns her ire to Jhonas.
"F$*& that and f%&~ you! You stood by and let them try to rob us! And now you ask that we don't do anything?!" Kaylayne walks up to Jhonas' face. "WHAT THE F#@! IS WRONG WITH YOU!? IS THIS WHAT YOUR GOD TEACHES!?!"
Kaylayne looks ready to slap the 'priest', but holds herself back.
"Gimme one g+@*&&n reason why I wouldn't end these thug's lives and another for why I shouldn't end yours. I came here seeking council, someone who wanted help...and you gave me war. I will *NOT* allow others to suffer the same fate. I WILL NOT!"
Ederin look at Kaylayne with admiration as she exemplifies whatnot means to be a citizen of Riddleport. He whispers his thanks to Garridan and Dimitrio, not wanting to interrupt.
I knew I liked her.