GM Advocate's Hell's Vengeance (Inactive)

Game Master Sir Longears

Open for dot only!

The town of Longacre sits just outside the fringes of the Whisperwood. A few lights shine in the streets and windows, and the occasional snippet of conversation or laughter issues from open doors, but here on the outskirts of town, the night is quiet and dark. Sparse clouds scud across the sky, momentarily obscuring the dim light from the moon overhead. Across a scrubby field, barely distinguishable under the starry sky, a darkened, fortlike compound hunches in the distance.

Crouched, in front of you, is a small woman, barely out of her teens, tanned skin and brown eyes and hair, cut short. She wears a leather armor and many daggers sheathed on her chest.

Cimri points toward the dim structure. "That’s it... Louslik Tannery. Here’s the job: We break in, sack Ol’ Louslik’s office, take whatever’s shiny, and get out before the sheriff shows up. If we get separated, meet back at the Ash House by dawn."

Dull moonlight glints across her dagger as she flicks it in emphasis. "If you get pinched, remember: you’re mute. Keep your mouth shut, and I’ll handle things. I got assurances that we won’t take any blame if things go south. But get chatty and I’ll let you rot."

A beat passes and her usual crooked smirk appears. "If you don’t screw things up, we’ll all be drinking on Razelago’s coin come dawn. Let’s do this."

The tiefling's pure aristocratic looks and shiny black tresses hang down over her armoured coat. Her shield is on her back at the moment like a turtle and the woman looks down at this girl.

"So I do not know you (or Louslik) for that matter. So why do you need so many to raid an office when one can? What protections does he have on that office, my dear? I'm beginning to wonder if you do know anything for me or if in fact you are a liar and just want us to take the fall while you escape scot-free. The rest of you may call me... Melani and I barely know this girl. Who is Razelago too? For that matter I have not heard your name should we become separated as you so carefully suggested. What is your name?"

Sense Motive check on if this is a trap, ambush or just an incompetent girl we have here. SM: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

A man with obvious high standards is - despite his reluctance to do so - also crouching not far from Cimri. His traits are clearly Chelish: dark hair, pale skin, a thin moustache and a well-kept goatee. Two dark eyes, restless and brimming with ideas, animate his face even when he doesn't say a word. Somehow, he seems to scan you briefly, as if probing your thoughts for answers. His clothing has seen better days - scholarly robes now slightly marred by the dust after several days of travel, predominantly ruby red and black.

The man whispers while holding out his hand. "Not so fast, lady." he quickly says, as if casting more than the shadow of a doubt of the lass's credibility. "I don't know these gents, and I don't know you. I know I certainly don't trust you, at least yet. Tell me more before we get on with this foolish expedition to replenish our coffers. First, who are they? Secondly, what intelligence do we have about this compound's defenses or guards? We can't go in blind-sighted, despite your assurance that all may go well should we ever be captured. My reputation is at stake, no matter what bribe you may feed to the local militia."

His eyes narrow as he scans each of the people in his presence again.

Fool that I am. Risking everything for a bit of coin and information. What have I fallen to?

The woman arches an eyebrow at the scholar naming her a gent.

Before we leave
"Remember Cimri - don't mention my wings!" The two women have been getting on well ever since Cimri pulled Ahreni from the river. The only moment of friction was a flippant question from Cimri about Ahreni's mangled wings - a comment the young women regretted when she found herself pinned under those very wings and one of her own daggers facing a face contorted with loathing and pain. Apologies on both sides patched the incident up and a deal was struck. Ahreni wouldn't ask unnecessary questions as long as Cimri didn't either. The arrangement has held up well so far.

********************

Hanging towards the back of the group is a small woman, possibly not more than a girl, her features are nearly flawless aside from a thin streak of white in her otherwise dark hair and strangely ageless. She looks dreadfully out of place crouched uncomfortably in the darkness in a leather greatcoat that is clearly much too big for her. Innocence is written all over her face as she speaks.

"Yeah Cimri, what's going on? You promised me answers after we met everyone else. Well here they are so why are we out here? Razelgo's your new friend upstairs isn't he?" As she waits for an answer she looks over the others, recognising the older man in the armor. That's the town drunk... Marcello? Cimri pointed him out days ago - curse my memory! Why does it have to have so many holes?

Catching sight of the third man, who also has yet to speak, Ahreni feels her heart jump. Damien! He's come back! The thought only lasts a second or so but Ahreni's face visibly falls, although she tries to hide it as best she can. Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Trying to distract attention she volunteers what little she knows. "From what I know it's a tannery. Makes leather, smells bad, not many people work there. Cimri got orders from Razelgo recently about raiding here - he lives upstairs in the burned manor house." The smile she gives Cimri following this speech oozes innocence and mischief. "Nice to meet you Melina and the rest of you all, my name is Ahreni."

Reluctantly, the nobleman introduces himself with a haughty tone.

"Very well. You may call me "Your Lordship". For now. I'll give you my real name if we see this through and we don't get caught."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

"My name is Cimri and we are about to break into Jabral Louslik's tannery... the thing is Ol' Louslik is not paying his taxes like a good, law-abiding citizen should, and is also using his influence to sow discontent against the lawful government of Longacre and I'm pretty sure we are actually making a favor for the Archbaron..."

She points towards the tannery. "The tannery has a 10-foot-tall wall around it, a watch dog, and a couple other workers that could be there... it is definitely not a one-girl job..." Cimri sighs and sends daggers from her eyes at Ahreni when she mentions Razelago. "Yes, Razelago is the new 'friend' from upstairs and he is the man behind this... I assure you he is loaded and has serious connections, including ties to the Archbaron. I think we all have to gain from a well done job here, be it gold, information, or connections... pick your poison."

Cimri gets up. "Come on... we have skills, we have muscle, and we have brains... what could go wrong? This will be easy... we still have some time if you wish to conduct a small reconnaissance around the tannery..."

Vicenzo dry heaved as he waited for Cimri to show up. he wrinkled his nose at the smell of the place. With a ruffled shirt, a long coat, and high-heeled boots, he looked out of place in this backwood area. But it was hard to belong with that sort of outfit. It suited him just fine. His right eye looked swollen, and purple, his hair streaked with what seemed to be blood.

When everyone arrived, he was silent at first and nodded towards Marcellus, letting him know he recognized him. But who were these others? It didn't really matter as long as they could do their job and stay out of his way.

Vicenzo smiled, "Name's Vicenzo and I guess I'm the brains of this here heist."

He did not wait for any response but went straight into planning, "OK, 10-foot high fence. One of you gets up and lowers a rope for the rest of us. Dog. I can put that puppy to sleep and someone needs to kill it quickly. Before it wakes up. You with me so far?"

tag?

He turned to Cimri, "So all we're doing is sacking the office, meaning we take what we want and trash the place?"

Marcellus almost didn't make it out into the woods to meet Cimri. Folly, he had thought of the ruffian's offer. What connection could an urchin like her have with the Thrice-Damned House? He had returned home, resolving to put all thought of the foolish girl's offer from his mind.

Supper with his wife was a quiet affair, and conversation fell flat as he brooded. His silence wore on Isabella's nerves, and she eventually declared she was heading to the church for evening service. Marcellus's knuckles turned white as he gripped his pipe, but he said nothing. His wife knew how he felt about Iomedae.

The hours began to stretch on after her departure. Sitting by himself here in the house was maddening. Abruptly he rose from his chair, donned his armor, and marched out into the darkness.

---

This is Cimri's plan? To 'serve the Thrunes' by burglarizing Louslik's business? Marcus thought to himself. He eyed the others. The vagrant, he thought, looking at Ahreni, having noticed her on at least one occasion near Cimri in recent weeks. A tiefling, he observed, eyeing the demon-spawn. The man with that strange, omnipresent affliction from in town, he thought as he looked at Vicenzo. And how in the Nine Hells did Cimri fast-talk a nobleman into this? Perhaps she has more powerful friends than I thought, he wondered at Anarxos's appearance.

"How desperate are we that we face such risk," Marcellus remarks. "I know this girl and she is no fool, but I find myself marveling at why she thinks we are going to get away with this. Your new 'friend' has this much authority, Cimri?" he asks sternly, staring at her. He waits for a reply before addressing the others. "Those who do not know me, call me Marcellus. Cimri is telling the truth about the tannery's owner. He is outspoken in his opposition to the rightful government, and believes Thrune too weak to come and claim his unpaid taxes." He cracks his neck and back as he stretches his arms, loud *pops* accompanying his creaking, muscled frame. "We are about to prove him wrong."

If you can give me a boost Marcellus I should be able to make it over the wall with a rope. We can get away with it easily as long as we do a good job. Get in quick and quiet - take out the dog and sneak past everyone else. There's enough of us to cause a distraction if we need to move anyone else." Ahreni pipes up. "No point just standing here and waiting."

Remember, this is for Anya. If Razelgo has as much pull as Cimri says then this could lead to big things. Stay strong girl!

Marcellus et al - the tiefling looks like a woman. No horns or tail.

Melani nods to Ahreni and Marcellus. "But what scouting around first? It sounds sensible if anyone is able. Otherwise you can just jump over the wall and take a risk."

Melani looks at her counterparts to see if anyone bites.

"I'll take a look, this is getting boring anyway."

Ahreni slips off into the darkness, moving silently and keeping her eyes open as best she can.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"I'll take a look, this is getting boring anyway."

Ahreni slips off into the darkness, moving silently and keeping her eyes open as best she can.

"Yeah, OK good. Go scout around then. See if there's a backdoor or something."

A white rodent of sorts, sneaked out from under his long coat, perched on his shoulders, and wiggled its whiskers at everyone.

Vicenzo continued, "So this guy is on the wrong side of the law, eh?"

He looked at Cimri, impressed to say the least, "So you're working with the Archbaron?"

At Vicenzo's question about trashing the place, Cimri shakes her head. "I think we should avoid this... after all, we only want his taxes... if we keep his business 'alive' it will generate more taxes in the future I guess. This is more a message than anything..."

At Marcellus' question she shrugs. "He promised me nothing would go wrong if we do our job correctly... but I guess it would be better if we at least cover our faces, of course!"

"Well... I think assuming that is a long shot, Vicenzo... this job is Razelago's work but he has some sort of connection to the Archbaron... who knows, right?" She smirks once more while looking towards the tannery, awaiting for Ahreni to return, clearly eager to finish this small job as quickly as possible.

Marcellus et al - the tiefling looks like a woman. No horns or tail.

Gotcha - I'd missed the Mostly Human trait.

Marcellus looks at the tannery in the distance, deciding what the best approach is. Chaos is to be expected on this operation, but their force is overwhelming. A dog, a tanner, and an elderly couple pose little threat.

What ways can Marcellus assist with reconnaissance?

The woman gently taps Ahreni as he goes by, just a whisper of magic, barely anything at all but enough to give the angelic scout a touch of guidance.

"Good hunting," murmurs Melani.

Anarxos remains silent for a good deal of the discussion, weighing the consequences and benefits of the operation at hand, lost in his thoughts. Frowning slightly, his face animates when he speaks out.

"I wish you'd have told us that sooner, Cimri. Of course working for the Archbaron and the Thrunes' interests - albeit indirectly - is a brighter perspective than a simply larceny. If our actions help keeping the inhabitants of Longacre in line, all the better."

Now seemingly fully on board with this operation, the nobleman ponders things for a moment.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 7 + (5) = 27
"During my stay at the Arch and Lark I may have overheard quite a bit of information that could benefit us this instant. I know that the tannery's owner, this Jabral Louslik, has hired a small night crew to watch over his interests there. The man himself often stays late to finish his accounting. But there's more - night traffic there comes from the town's elderly dung farmers. Shaul and Pippa Umbre. Nighttime is the moment they bring great quantities of dung to use in softening leather. We might take advantage of that. However, we'd better stay put until this restless Ahreni comes back. Her proactive attitde is commendable, though."

Anarxos then returns to his silent meditation, scaffolding a plan that cannot possibly fail. ... can it?

"We could set up a diversion of sorts for Shaul and Pippa Umbre, so that one or two of us could hide in the cargo they're taking to the tannery. Something that wouldn't bring too much attention, that certainly wouldn't be worth mentioning - and thus arouse suspicion - for them when they meet with Louslik, yet something that would keep their attention long enough for us to proceed.

"Which brings me to another question. Is anyone able to render guards or dogs unconscious via a nonlethal solution? Bloodshed may send a message, but even more when it's sparse."

Vicenzo nodded, I can take care of the guard as long as I can see them. Same thing with the dog."

He counted on his fingers, "So... one guard, one dog, and Louslik. Anything else?"

He looked behind as if looking for an escape route, "What about this night traffic? Do we know what time they came in? Perhaps we can be gone by the time they come in or maybe even wait for them to enter. I'm sure they'll have to open up the door, right?"

After making her circuit of the palisade Ahreni slips back to the rest of the group, whose conversation makes pinpointing them easy.

"The palisade wouldn't stop a drunken squirrel. Getting over should be easy - the main gate is locked though. I didn't want to touch it and make a noise. There's a dog asleep outside the building but that was all I could see. We could get in and out quickly enough but I think the dog would wake up. I say we go in, stop the dog however and make this quick. Someone should stay outside to watch for the gong farmers."

She caught the end of Vicenzo's suggestion as she arrived and responds. "If Marcellus can boost us over it should be easy, we can toss a rope back over if he needs extra help getting up at the end. Me first, then Vicenzo?" She glances at Cimri, not exactly asking permission, more curious about how she is taking having her job high-jacked.

His Lorship corrects Vicenzo "I'm not sure there is just one guard, my intelligence suggests that a "crew" of guards were recruited for that job. I'd assume more than one."

Then he turns to Aherni he nods in acceptance, covering the lower part of his face with a piece of cloth.

"What would be the signal for the gong farmers arriving?"

The humanoid woman stands near the wall and prepares to help each person over the wall, allowing them the benefit of Asmodeus' guidance since he must bless this mission in some small way.

"Don't forget the door. I'll meet you there." She pulls off her heavy wooden shield and slowly heads round to the front.

Vicenzo frowns when everyone starts covering their faces. There wasn't much he could about his 'brand' but he tried nonetheless.

He then recounted the final plan, "So we get get over this wall and then open up the front gate for Melani. I think it would be better to get you over the wall as well. That voids the need to cross over to the door."

Not waiting for confirmation he added, "Once we are inside the wall, we make our way to the office. I'll put the dog asleep but someone needs to silence that dog for good because its sleep won't last."

He waited to see if there were any objections to killing a dog.

tag?

"Everyone good? Who will take care of the dog?"

So, just to understand the plan correctly... Ahreni, Marcellus and Vicenzo will head over to the palisade wall where Marcellus will help the other two to jump over it; then Vicenzo and Ahreni will bring the dog down; after this, the two will throw the ropes back and help Marcellus, Melani and Cimri (or Anarxos) to jump over it while Anarxos (or Cimri) stays outside to watch for the gong farmers. This will avoid opening the gate. Is everyone good?

So, just to understand the plan correctly... Ahreni, Marcellus and Vicenzo will head over to the palisade wall where Marcellus will help the other two to jump over it; then Vicenzo and Ahreni will bring the dog down; after this, the two will throw the ropes back and help Marcellus, Melani and Cimri (or Anarxos) to jump over it while Anarxos (or Cimri) stays outside to watch for the gong farmers. This will avoid opening the gate. Is everyone good?

If the dog allows it (doesn't notice), I would rather bring everyone over before taking care of him.

I wasn't aware anyone was staying outside.

That being said, plans are hard to get consensus on in PBP so go with whatever makes sense unless people chime in on time.

Vicenzo thought about what the Ahreni told them of the layout of the place, "I'm assuming the dog is NOT chained but is it staying put in one area more or less?"

He then heaved slightly and added, "If so, we should climb over the wall opposite the dog so everyone can get to the other side. I'm just trying to figure out what we can do if my magic doesn't take or whoever was going to kill the dog doesn't do it quickly enough. you know think of some contingencies and our options are much better if we are together."

Contingencies, ways out, whatever. Vicenzo was always looking for a plan of escape.

OK, I promise I'll shut up and let other people post now. :)

"The dog is asleep,at least for now. I can sneak up on it quietly but you might need to do something if it's a light sleeper." Ahreni seemingly has no qualms about killing the dog.

"If Vicenzo and I get in first and kill the dog then get everyone else in we can move after that. No point exposing everyone if the dog wakes up. Otherwise good plan - who's going to be the look-out?" Ahreni waits a few moments for volunteers before setting off to the wall. Patience is not her strong suit at the moment, she's too tense to wait around.

I'm fine with the plan, bar adjustments above. Marcellus gets V and I over the wall. I deal with the dog - V keeps slumber ready just in case. Once dog is dead we get everyone else over (bar a lookout) and get on with things.

I'd suggest the Rule of Two - if two people agree and post then we assume that the party as a whole is good with it, exceptions obviously where sensible but it speeds up times like this. :)

The priestess spins back at the words of Vincenzo. "I agree Vincenzo. Getting over the wall though is not my strength." Again she shrugs as if she is not bothered - which she isn't.

Her wooden shield goes back on her back to help Melani climb. She looks up the wall and remembers someone else like that - able to climb like a hungry squirrel.

Then she covers up her mouth, nose and chin with a strip of cloth.

Anarxos nods in agreement.

"This plan looks fine. I don't mind the dog dead, nor anyone who would endanger our safety. Now let's head out."

Guided by Ahreni and her darkvision, Marcellus and Vicenzo slowed sneak towards the tannery while the others following little behind. The group manages to reach the wall without alerting the sleepy dog while Cimri remained behind to watch for the gong farmers.

Marcellus and Vicenzo try to help Ahreni to climb the wall but she slips two times before they give up of that idea. Ahreni takes her rope and grappling hook, hoping to make their climb easier and quickly throws it against the wall, and easily latch the grappling hook and nimbly climbed the wall with Vicenzo closely behind.

On the other side of the wall, the first thing that hit both of the burglars was the terrible smell of the place... cart furrows and disturbing stains mar this muddy yard. Around the perimeter, murky water pools in rows of sunken tubs. Unspeakable muck encrusts each vat and half-submerged skins float within. From these scabby concoctions drifts a sinus-assaulting reek... a dizzying miasma of rotten eggs, lime, and far worse. Thanks to their crude masks they were able to keep their guts calm. Ahreni could clearly see the whole property: There were two buildings, one to the east and another smaller to the north with light coming from the window and bathing the work yard with light, eleven chemical vats around the yard (the source of the incredibly terrible smell), and a shipping area to the north, besides the smaller building.

Trying to avoid the light from the window in the north building, Ahreni sneaked between the chemical vats. When she was almost leaving the vats behind, she stepped on a frog and both her surprise and from the poor creature almost awoke the huge dog. Regaining her breath, Ahreni finally reached the dog, her dagger in her hand and Vicenzo just a couple feet behind. To this point, it looks like no one detect nothing, neither the dog, nor the proprietor, nor any other creature around besides the poor frog...

I have not mentioned before but you are free to see any spoiler you want besides those labeled "GM Rolls" and those tied to a failed check. To climb the rope is a DC 5 Climb check. Both Ahreni and Vicenzo are free to do whatever they want with the poor dog. The area in yellow is 'normal light' and the other is 'dim-light'.

Vicenzo smiled at the rogue's skill at keeping silent, even if her climbing skill were not as developed. He was lucky that he found a toehold and made it over the wall.

Keeping silent, the witch brought his finger to his lips and then across his throat, hoping the rogue understood.

Just in case, the witch unsheathed his dagger and readied his magic...

waiting for Ahreni to kill the dog but may attack or slumber hex if the dog survives the initial attack

Marcellus takes the time to tie his undershirt over his nose and mouth. Under his helmet, it would be very difficult to identify him. His injury makes it diffcult for him to boost Ahreni over the wall, and after a few attempts, he begins to grow frustrated with his lack of flexibility. With the rope up the wall, he is easily able to climb up after the rogue.

Climbing a rope with a wall to brace against is a DC 5, so Marcellus takes 10 for a 10.

He lurks by the wall, waiting for Ahreni to do her work. If she is able to put down the dog silently, he will approach the others, avoiding going close to the disgusting chemical vats.

As soon as any of you enter the work yard, I'll need a DC 12 Fortitude Save because of the terrible smell. Failure means you are nauseated for 1 round and then sickened for 1 minute.

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

The smell from the combined filth and chemicals was disgusting, but Marcellus had endured worse in the navy. There was nothing like the smell of burning pitch and bodies as a ship sank beneath the waves.

Fort: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Ahreni dry heaves once when she makes it over the fence but then manages to repress the nausea. Gently sliding her spring blade into her hand she approaches the dog quietly and tries to slide the knife into the back of its neck.

If it's asleep I'm assuming I can get a coup-de-grace. CDG: 3d4 + 3d8 - 3 ⇒ (2, 3, 1) + (3, 7, 7) - 3 = 20

If not then she'll have to go for a normal attack.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (4) + (2) - 1 = 5

Vicenzo takes slow breaths to mitigate the stink of the place and waits to see how the rogue takes care of the sleeping dog. Watch and judge. Is she worth having around?

He's ready for fight or flight.

Ahreni, you have already made your Fortitude Save (I made it for you when you first entered the work yard) so I'll apply your first roll to the attack, effectively making it a critical attack. Not sure where you got your Coup de Grace rules... it works as a crit (so x2 damage) and a sneak attack damage is never multiplied in a crit so your damage would drop to 2d4-2+1d8 = (2,3)+(3)-2 = 6. Your second attack if the dog survives would deal (1,4)+(7)-2 = 10 damage.

Ahreni quickly stabs the huge watch dog but the strength in her stab was not enough to silence the animal for good. The dog gives a high pitched yelp and growls at the presence of enemies in front of him but before he could bark or bite, Ahreni delivers a second attack, silencing the creature.

As soon as the watch dog yelped, you can hear sharp barks from inside the office followed by sniffing sounds behind the door, followed by some growling noises and more barks.

You have 7 rounds before the door is opened.

Vicenzo scoffs and murmurs, "Can't even kill a sleeping dog. S!!%."

He then concentrates on his magic, his swollen eye pulsates slightly and he unleashes his evil on the dog.

Cast slumber hex DC 14. I wanted to time this right after the attack but I guess that didn't work out. :)

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Vicenzo points to the building and signals that they've been spotted.

He immediately starts looking for a way out.

Knowledge (local) DC 14: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (1) = 12
Fort DC 12: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Perception DC 12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Anarxos ponders the best course of action for a moment, his thin black eyebrows leaving not much doubt about his current state of apprehension. A slight nod, and the nobleman fishes in his belt pouch for a murky vial. After one sip, the man's physionomy already starts to change as a membrane starts growing between his fingers and patches of fur cover the back of his hands, now adorned with long, nimble fingers. Grasping at the wall, "his Lordship" climbs the wall with unusual alacrity.

Anarxos consumes his extract of monkey fish to gain a climb speed and overcome the obstacle effortlessly.

As he lands on the other side, the acrid smell overcomes his senses. Anarxos barely has time to remove his mask before he regurgitates his last meal.

A side effect of the extract?

The nobleman dismisses the thought as he gazes upon the vats.

Slowly regaining his composure, he looks around with great care. A disgruntled look crosses his eyes. He whispers to his closer companions before approaching the house:

"Someone's spotted us - a second dog inside. Louslik is coming, ready yourselves."

Sensing imending trouble he'll down another vial, an ice blue one this time, when he hears the footsteps come alarmingly close to the door.

Anarxos consumes his extract of shield, but he waits to do so until Louslik is about to open the door if that's possible.

Melani grabs the rope and attempts to get over like Marcellus slowly but surely.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Take ten for a nine to slowly get over.

There is a moment when the tiefling feels her stomach turn over and rather than be sick she drops into a low crouch holding her belly tight. Then the woman gradually gets up and lopes up behind the nobleman, then takes off her shield.

Marcellus approaches the small structure where Louslik's voice can be heard. Keeping out of the light from the window, he presses himself to the wall and prepares to attack anything emerging from within, hefting the massive heavy mace in both hands.

Vicenzo went to the other side of the house and tried to stay behind the structure. On his way there, he whispered to his companions, "So no killing here. We were hired to steal so just knock him out."

He was sincerely hoping to make a good impression on this first job and do as he was told. Cimri's potential contacts had interested him.

He adjusted his handkerchief covering part of this face and tried to hide his swollen eye. He sighed. he knew his face was one not easily forgotten.

While he waited, he looked for the guard or guards that Anarxos mentioned. Were they coming out of the 'house'?

__________
perception for guards (?): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Ahreni, you have already made your Fortitude Save (I made it for you when you first entered the work yard) so I'll apply your first roll to the attack, effectively making it a critical attack. Not sure where you got your Coup de Grace rules... it works as a crit (so x2 damage) and a sneak attack damage is never multiplied in a crit so your damage would drop to 2d4-2+1d8 = (2,3)+(3)-2 = 6. Your second attack if the dog survives would deal (1,4)+(7)-2 = 10 damage.

I mixed up the switch blade and the punching dagger - hence the reason I rolled a x3 crit rather than a x2 one. The issue of what bonuses you get on crits is one that I can never remember correctly - sorry! :)

Ahreni automatically makes a DC5 perception check.

Ahreni swiftly resheathes her dagger, and slides over to stand behind the door on the hinges side. She presses herself flat against the wall, hoping to use the shadows to her advantage as much as possible. As the rest of the group come over the wall she counts down with her fingers, hoping to give them what warning she can.

Moved on the map (please assume I am on whatever side of the door has the hinges). Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Anarxos, you are able to drink your extract just before the door was opened.

Vicenzo hears no sound betraying more men, be it from the office or from the other building. The door is opened and the bleeding dog is illuminated by the light coming from the room. As soon as the door is opened, another dog, a grey Taldan terrier bursts through the door, barking and looking around and soon starts to growl to Ahreni, Marcellus and Vicenzo.

"Abbie! No... what..." The man then notices Ahreni's and Marcellus' figures besides the door. "Thieves! Murderers and thieves!" He lifts his crossbow, ready to face you.

Ahreni, seeing the dog race past her, steps into the doorway and swings low at the figure with the crossbow.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (4) + (7) - 1 = 10

Her blow strikes home, drawing blood. She feels momentarily bad, but daggers only have one end - the pointy one.

Ahreni's quick reflexes enables her stab Louslik in his guts before he could react but he was still very alive. The man stepped behind and pointed his heavy crossbow in point-blank distance from the rogue... he pressed the trigger and Ahreni could see the bolt flying towards her.

From the outside, Marcellus and Vicenzo were able to see the tip of the bolt protruding from the rogue's back just a couple seconds before she felt into the ground, completely motionless.

The dog, perhaps blind with rage for the loss of his friend, moved forward to try to bite Marcellus but it missed his leg entirely.

Fumbling for his crossbow at first, Anarxos manages to load it, takes aim, and shoots. The bolt flies towards the dog!

Light crossbow, sickened, shooting into melee: 1d20 + 2 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 2 - 4 = 161d8 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1

Confirmation: 1d20 + 2 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 2 - 4 = 21d8 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6 Just a normal hit.

Despite the retching affecting his aim, Asmodeus appears to be guiding Anarxos's hand, for the bolt manages to graze the dog.

Simple heist, eh? Nothing was ever simple or easy for Vicenzo. He's had to claw and bite his way to... wherever he was.

With their cover blown and one of his accidental companions down, the witch moved to see her attacker.

He then concentrated on sending his evil forth to will him to sleep.

He spoke in a commanding voice, "Take him down but no killing..."

move to line of sight (please move my token, hopefully away from the dog) and cast slumber hex DC 14

"Anya..."

Hope Razelgo can cough up some serious healing!

Round 1

Melani steps round the building to the doorway and lifts up her shield and thorned iron symbol, "Nessud Krakis, nessud krakis - sun!" A circle of scarlet energy pulses out from her into all the bodies wihin 30ft., especially the fallen.

1d4 ⇒ 1, Will save DC12 if good or be sickened for 1d4 rds.