1. GM Edwin's Zeitgeist Campaign

Game Master Insnare

Lt. Dale chuckles a bit and says, "You've read my treatise. A military scholar, eh...?"

Then, Lieutenant Dale cursorily glances over at the amulets you are wearing but takes on everything at face value and is obviously in a hurry to get back to his barracks.

"Lower your weapons, gents. No need for any paperwork Officer; we were just doing our job. I'm sure if you and your team would just give us a reasonable explanation for why you are throwing multiple sunrod around a Forbidden Zone we can all go home to our beds with no forms to fill out'.

As he offers to walk you down to the Nettles below the front door to the Mansion opens and a figure dressed in a long black robe runs towards you. It's Macbannin in his dressing gown.

"No, - they're with me officer Dale. guests of mine. I am so sorry I didn't have time to notify the military that folk would be on the mountain; I hope ye didn't have to give it up over your warm beds cause of this, officer. Would'ya come in with us for a cup of whisky or brandy officer?'*

per: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Johnathan seems fairly catatonic, but trudges along with, staring at nothing.

See nothing to worry about simply says angus toward the military men

Dale orders his men to stay outside and the group of you with the Mayor follow him inside. He pours your group some stiff rye whisky and gets to work using his rituals.

Mayor Macbannin is also curious about the bright lights on the mountain, and asks you to explain everything inside the Manor. He first checks all your amulets - 'None of You still removed your amulets I hope' - and once he establishes you are not possessed, for Lieutenant Dale's records, he'll purify them from any lingering ill energy.

Nevard explains to Dale and the Mayor what has happened on top of the Hill. Macbannin ponders the situation with his drink, crossing his legs. A flash of bright red pyjamas peek out before he straightens his dressing gown. [b]'This shadow man must have followed you up the Hill. He's either after your lives, or else after Nevard's. Who else knew you were climbin' the Hill toneight?' he inquires. Nevard shrugs: everyone in the Cloudwood knew. Mayor Macbannin continues theorizing.

'Who would try to kill a dying Shkyser? surely you have some leads on this shadaw man - you might follow it up quickly and find him before he finds you again. Until you do, you're all in mortal danger.'

"Working for RHC, I guess that's a part of day's job. Now, you have convinced us before, and Lt. Dale here has demonstrated quite efficiently that access to this site, from any side, is guarded. So how could this shadow man pass by your patrols/people? And even more important - why were the spirits not attacking him? Any ideas Mayor?"

Cretien stands, collects his things, and suggests "Perhaps we could continue this later? We do have somewhere to be. No time for drinks." His tone is polite, but urgent.

Johnathan speaks up finally, stammering at first, "Y-yes, the fire. We have to stop it."

The mayor shoots a look of indignation at Porter before he can respond.

Lt. Dale says, What is this about a fire?

Johnathan speaks quickly as his eyes become clearer.

"A fire, two factories will burn. They'll be collapsed entirely by morning if we don't stop it. A sign in wreckage will read 'Sechim’s Alkahest & Etchings.' We have to hurry, there's only a few hours left."

it seems that this vision was granted to us so that we could stop it. From what i understood this act of sabotage is to further divide those who cherish magic and those who beleive in technologie. But then again i am not sure. the only fact is that we can be there to stop this incident.

"Maybe my elfen friend. Just maybe" says Dale chewing on the problem of the fire.

Anything else? before I push it forward

ready to move on myself

Just this before moving on

"Any ideas Lt. Dale? Your maybe sounds like there's more behind it?"

Lt. Dale says, "It is very easy to paint things in the macro but sometime things are in the micro. Hmm, it may just be that I am an officer of small unit tactics but just like our king who was able to almost single handedly bring Danor to heal in the Third Yerasol War before he became king by stealing the Danoran capital ship Excelsior, this may be just someone with an axe to grind against Nevard's nephew."

You take a carriage through the deserted nightime streets to Parity Lake. The hulking factories circling the polluted lake are silent for once, it being the middle of the night, and the effect is unsettling, like wandering through a post-apocalyptic cityscape. Litter and glass - from broken windows - crunch underfoot when you get off the carriage.

You notice torches in the alley
between Sechim’s factory and the adjacent firedust factory. The small
protests outside the two adjacent factories have dispersed this late at
night, but a pair of sleepy guards stand in front of the chained doors
of each.

In that same alleyway you see Wagon with a lizardfolk man with a clipboard giving out directions to others.

does the wagon or the lizardman seem out of place? And do the guards seem to notice them?

It doesn't look like the guards are paying them any mind. Any more information would require some sort of a check. Or you could talk to the guards, the lizardman or something

Knowledge/local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 To try and understand what the lizardmen seem to be doing?

Falko takes in the scene as Lt. Dale's words come back to mind.

Is Nevard playing us? Is the Royal Con just helping his nephew's interests?

The sight of the lizardman makes him tilt his head sideways, wondering.

A lizardman with a clipboard..?

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Falko

Everyone give me perception checks

Johnathan closes his eyes a moment to remember which side the fire sprang from, and heads towards that factory. If he doesn't know, he'll pick the firedust one.

Per: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 +1 more vs traps

Chretien and anyone who beats 13

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

whispering look there, another lizardman attempting to hide on top of the Sechim factory. he says to those next to him

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

"They make deliveries at night because of the protests during daytime. Keeps the business running I guess. You say there is one on the roof? That's odd. Perhaps we should go and check what's on that clipboard?"

The clipboard may just be a cover says angus smiling

"alert the guard?"

"not sure I can trust the guards either... Maybe go for both?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Another 1?!?

"I do not see anyone there (on the rooftoop), but you are younger my friend and seem to have better eyes. I will wake and discuss with the guardsmen, informing them that we are of RHC and that we expect an arson to happen'. I want them awake and alert. You guys go and discuss with other lizardmen, check their story. Can anyone climb up easily to keep tabs on the runaway lizard?"

indeed porter go flash the RHC and tell him we will be conducting a surprise inspection of cargo and everything else. lets see how they react.

There is a ladder on the side of the building, if you want you can climb stealthily.. You can talk to the lizard man on the ground. Sneak up to him to look at the clipboard, talk to the guards or do you have another idea?

im not good at climbing or sneaking, perhaps I could just go with Porter for backup?

Falko nods and walks up to the lizardman with the clipboard: "Evening sir! Yes, you with the clipboard. Surprise inspection I'm afraid. Have to make with the weird schedule you guys hold on account of the daytime trouble, don't we. May I see that clipboard please and inspect your merchandize?"

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"OK Cretien, in that case I'll go up and you go and wake the guards" - shaking his head, Porter tries to hide a smirk while moving towards the ladder. Checking quickly of all of his equipment is properly secured he proceeds to climb up the ladder as silently as he can. Once on the roof, he prepares his weapon (just in case) and tries to see the "phantom lizardmen". After locating him, he tries to sneak up stealthily on the lizard (or if he does not notice him, he will move in the general direction Angus showed them). Just like the old days...

Here's a few rolls, if needed

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Johnathan seems confused by the group's actions, his eyes locked on the factories as if by throwing his body at them he could prevent the flames.

He decides to go with Falko for no discernible reason, hurrying to catch up.

Chretien nods, then walks over to the guards. "wake up, wake up. What are you doing here? "

Porter climbs the ladder

The lizardfolk on the ground talks to Falko, "Spot check, huh... who is spot checking me? Me and my two associates here," pointing inside the wagon. "Are bringing the supplies to Sechim's. I don't recognize you."

The two guards look at Chretien and the older one says, "Sorry, we are just glad for a little lull. The protests are getting crazy, how can we help you, my Danoran friend?"

"well the lull is soon to end, if reports are to be trusted. We've gotten word that there will be a tremendous structure fire tonight amd this area matches the description. Be on high alert. Have there been any other deliveries at all, or any other suspicious activity? You may also want to step up your patrols a bit. My fellow RHC officers are over there questioning those lizardfolk. Would you be amenable to escorting me around the premises to ensure safety?"

"RHC my dear man... That's right, King's business. Now hand it over!" says Falko as his demeanour changes to the sour when the lizardman offers less than full cooperation.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Johnathan backs Falko up, raising a hand palm up, a dull red light beginning to glow ominously there. lv.0 Light

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Which apparently turns out pink and flashes daintily?

To Chretien, "No, problem. Hey Jimbo, could you bring the officer around a bit ton ensure safety. Make sure your pistol is locked and cocked. Seems we's gots trouble."

The lizardfolk says, "No problem officer" and as he hands the clipboard over to you he moves quickly and bites you on the shoulder. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 hit 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 "Brother, set it now!"

Initiative: John 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11, Falko 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14, Chretien 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7, Porter1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20, Angus1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3, Eberardo 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9, Valando 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17, Guards 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17, Arsonist Assistants 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Porter, Guards, Valando, Assistants, Falko, John, Eberardo, Chretien, Angus
Round 1

Porter I put you with a 5ft step of the brother on the roof

MAP

So i was right ! as angus gets ready for combat.

aw, i was hoping the lizardfolk were upstanding folk so our racism would be unfounded. haha

when it's johnathan's turn...
Johnathan steps back from the vicious attack on Falko and fires his crossbow at the primitive lizard-man.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
1d8 ⇒ 3

crit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

There are bad grapes in every bunch...

Porter, hearing the scuffle below and his friend and the direction the lizardman, takes a five foot step and attacks with both of his weapons MW Rapier 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 miss Light mace1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 miss

Guard 1 moves into the alleyway and fires his pistol at the lizardman 1d20 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 1 - 2 - 4 = 15 crit 1d20 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 1 - 2 - 4 = 1 no 1d8 ⇒ 3

Guard 2 double moves to get in range.

Valando will read a scroll while in melee

Porter A.o.o.

Sorry, weekends tend to be hectic for me...

Attack of opportunity: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

After the Assistants...

"Now wait a minut- Oow! What foulness is this! Biting are we?!" says Falko, offended and injured.

As he feels hot blood pour down his shirt, he fights a whooziness and takes a step back, drawing his rapier for defense, but moving the fingers of his other hand fast as he recites an incantation to incapacitate the lizardmen: "Incantis Tormeliana..."

Casting Sleep DC 14

Porter's blade strikes true causing the lizardman to lose concentration
DC 17 Concentration Check 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 fail
DC 5 Wisdom check 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 pass

His scroll crumbles to dust in his hands but no averse affect occurs.

Four assistants merge from within the carriage

DC 14 Will Save Assistant 1 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8 fail
DC 14 Will Save Assistant 2 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4 fail
DC 14 Will Save Assistant 3 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6 fail
DC 14 Will Save Assistant 4 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9 fail

All of his assistants fall asleep.

Johnathan fires his crossbow at the lizardman striking him.

Ebarardo unsheathes his greatsword and takes a five foot step to attack Falko, cleave 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 miss slashing air as Falko sidesteps the attack.

Chretien Angus

"Help!" Johnathan yells, seeing the near miss of the greatsword--woefully inadequate to help Falko.

Chretien will move over to the alleyway to observe what is going on.

holding standard, but i believe most of the combat is over? what does he see by looking down the alley?