GM RePete: Mask of the.....City of Golden Death (Inactive)

Game Master RePete

Dylph will fire at one of the wounded privateers...

Shortbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Damage + Sneak: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 = 5

As Lorqinor and Dylph send projectiles his way, a second privateer tumbles into the water between the ships.

There are now 2 left, one right in front of Purnel and one behind the first. Neither is injured.

Aerian, Purnel, and Lauranna are still to go.

Aerian fires at the lead boarder.

to hit: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 22
dmg if hits: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Purnel will put his spear through the first boarder or remaining, I can't find the map. I just see a yellow square and I can't seem to scroll around it.
spear thrust bless inspired: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 20
damage inspired: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

After the thrust, Purnel drops the spear to the deck. "Bah, I think I will try to my luck unarmed."

Lauranna moves forward and strikes the nearest target in croquet-like fashion.

mwk earthbreaker v someone (bless, divine favor, inspire, rage): 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 19 damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2, 6) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 14

Aerian fires a bolt into the only privateer remaining in the front row. Purnell pokes the same privateer with a spear, and Lauranna smacks him so hard with her smiley faced earthbreaker that he also goes unconscious and falls into the water between the boats.

The last privateer decides that safety is worth more than valor and throws a vial of alchemists' fire at Purnell, and then gives the order to leave. The privateer ship pulls away and disappears into the night.

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
miss direction: 1d8 ⇒ 3

The vial lands behind Lauranna, and Purnel and Lauranna each get splashed for 1 damage. The ship also starts to smolder behind them like it is trying to catch fire, but the sailors promptly put it out.

The rest of your journey to Tamran is uneventful. In about two hours, you can see the lights of Tamran glittering. It is a rather newly built town, mostly of wood, with the few older buildings showing signs of damage from war. You arrive on the docks. The captain's last word as you disembark is to suggest the tavern and inn called Gar's Last Meal near the dock for the first night. He tells you it is clean and safe.

You easily follow his directions and find yourself at the inn.

"A pity we did not prepare a performance, lass," he says to Lauranna Cindel. "This would have been the perfect venue for our debut. Still..."

"Inkeeper?! What do you have in the way of entertainment. Some of us are starved." i.e bored, bored, bored, bored, yadda, yadda, yadda.

I just realized i missed the rage chance. I could have done that whisp thingy. I will be ready next time. My son was hogging the computer and i had very limited time to post.

It can be hard to get players to use the buffs provided at the best of times. Throw a child into the mix and you were doomed.

Seriously though, I like it when the GM puts an 'ongoing conditions' blurb at the bottom of his or her status reports rather than relying on capturing that information from the stream of posts. I do try to update my tag lines with current buffs to help me remember when I see someone post a buff spell. Speaking of which I need to remove the ones from the battle now...

We didnt do too bad he announces after the fight.

[b]"They were not expecting a ship full of combatants, I expect"[.b]

It just occurred to me that a few fellows fell overboard and Syllyn would have wanted to save their lives.

"I've never been to Tamran. What Country is this again?" "Are we there yet?" Purnel asks as he disembarks. He takes in a deep pull of fresh harbor air. "It is good to be on dry land again. No more boats for me for a while if you please."

At the inn, Purnel asks the Keeper a few questions about the local area. "Do many Halflings make Tamran their home?" He pauses for the answer. "What would you recommend we visit to see the sights?" "Does Tamran have an "architect such' to see?" You can fill in 'architect stuff' with things like 'flying buttresses', 'arched bridges', 'fountains with waterfalls' and 'gigantic monolyths', but I am not an architect so ... blah, blah, blah."I would truly love to see them." "Oh, could you tell me if there is a herbalist shop near by?" He again pauses for an answer. "There aren't any weird customs we should know about, like if you touch something you must buy it, is there?"

With a sad sigh to leave the ocean, the half elf embarks on his new location and mission.

Leaving the ship as Purnell begins his rapid fire question, you note the barge captain quickly unloading his goods and preparing to push off again. Glancing towards the small creature, he smiles. "Such a curious one, eh? I would have expected you to ask such things before being transported. Yes, this is Tamran. And it is within the limits of Nirmathas. Best of luck!" Without another word, the barge pushes off and heads into the night.

At the Inn
As you breach the threshold, the pungent aroma of fish assails your senses. That scent aside, the interior seems in decent shape. A massive gar stares you down from it's mounting upon the far wall.

A grizzled man looks up as you enter. "Names Puglas. Yas needen a room? It'd be 2 golden rounds a night. Food be 3 silver ones. As fer entertainment, we's got ale and e'eryones got a story. Iffen they's willin ta tell it" boasts the man, smiling at the potential customers.

"What kin I do fer ya?" he asks.

"Is there a first time rate for new customers?" "I don't snore or take up much room." He pauses but is not quite patient enough to get the answer before continuing, [b]"My name is Purnel, this is Lauranna, Lorqinor, Delph and Syllyn. Syllyn is musical, but I haven't heard him tell stories."
Wait, is that 2 gold each or can we share rooms?"

Before Purnel can kick up a fuss about the costs, Syllyn chimes in,

"What do you have for the meal. I'm, quite interested in local cuisines, and hope there is something on the menu unique to your area. We'll take the rooms and the meal."

The half elf will be on the lookout for trouble
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Lol!

Dylph nods as he'd prefer to share a room at that rate...if not, he'd feel just as comfy in the stables...

He looks around the inn to scope it out...

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

"Is there a first time rate for new customers?" "I don't snore or take up much room." He pauses but is not quite patient enough to get the answer before continuing, "My name is Purnel, this is Lauranna...."

o_O!

"Uh, that's Ser Lauranna! Of the uhh, Laurannas, of umm, West Towns-ville-ton-burg... Heights! Heh." The fat figure says it almost as a question. Then he smiles and wiggles his mustache ingratiatingly.

If it comes to a disguise check she attempts to use 'a bit of luck'.

"Oh, yeah! Sirrrr Lauranna. Right!" Purnel Stumbles over his apparent miss introduction. "Dylph, we can split a room. Two gold is steep, but not if we partner."

"Puglas, what are you serving for dinner tonight?" "I am starved." "I hope you have venison." "Or a nice beef stew would hit the spot." "Anything but fish; I am a little tired of it at the moment."

Later after dinner is done and things are settling, Purnel will ask Puglas, "What about that story? What is going on in Tamran? What is the scuttle?"

Smiling with amusement at the group, he replies. "No discounts. The cost be per room, so iffen yall want to get cozy...who am I to judge, eh?" With a nod to the stammering Sir Lauranna he adds "Please to meet you all."

"Tonights fine dining consists of fish sandwiches, fried fish, baked fish, or fish in a basket. I'm sure you recognize our proximity to the lake..." he advises, glancing towards Purnel. "Oh, we do have a fish salad, if you'd prefer."

Once all have settled on a meal and room arrangements, he points to the massive gar mounted on the wall. "Now, ya see that there? That be my story." Suddenly realizing the innkeeper is missing an arm as he turns back to you, he continues with a harrowing tale of bravery and valor. Discussing a vicious battle ending in victory, he finishes with "Damned ting took me arm, but I got him in return. Seems a fair trade ta me."

Glancing around the tavern, he frowns. "But ya weren't askin bout that was ya?" In a near whisper he presses "Lots o things goin on. Not all true, not all lies. I try not ter tell too tall a tale me'self. Yous askin bout that church, aint ya?"

Pausing to take a breath, the man pulls up a stool and downs a quick pint. "Here's what I'd be willin ta say. Don't trust 'em. Them strange folks come from 'cross the lake...something wrong with the lot. No captain should tangle with them faith barges o theres on the lake if don't hafta."

Taking another drink, the man's smile returns. "Damn things be scare off da fish!" he calls out in a louder tone, slapping the tankard down. "Anything else I can help ya with? Otherwise, gotta see to me guests."

"I'll take a little of each!"

While sampling the dishes, not being a glutton, but honestly interested in the cuisine, he looks around the room trying to spot other candidates.

As usual, he is constantly tapping this or thumping that, experimenting with sounds, sounding a lot like an orchestra warming up in a way.

The half elf will eat a sandwich made of fish and ask if there are chips?

Purnel huffs, "How very 'fishy'." With a sigh of defeat he orders the salad hold the fish.

After Puglas's story and revelation about the strange barges, "What are these barges doing out on the lake anyway?" "Are they ferrying people here?" "That really is 'fishy'."

Purnel in kind related the story of the groups experience in the crypt of the ever burning torch, but with the names removed to protect the innocent. He leaves out any reference to the religious cult instead calling them bandits that broke in and stole the medallion. He, instead of bragging about his groups deeds, substitutes a ficticious group of local heroes, one of whom was his cousin, who gave him first hand information on the events.

Whispering to Puglas, "Just between us chickens, the town authorities thought it was the result of some evil cleric." "So I guess we all have religious issues to live with." "Has anything weird like that happened lately in Tanram?"

diplomacy to gather information: 1d20 ⇒ 2
All that talk for a 2. Purnel must have offended him by avoiding the fish.

As the food arrives, the man begins to tap his foot in tune with the Nagaji's beat. Staring at Purnell's plate as the story begins, the may is quite obviously distracted, though he stays silent until the man finishes his story.

Standing abruptly, he spouts "I'm sorry, sir but it seems the waiter forgot the fish that comes with that. Wait right here!" He proceeds to almost run to the kitchen, a bit of incoherent yelling reaches your table and he returns moments later with a brand new salad. A rather large fish is fileted over the lettuce. "I'm sorry sir. I can't believe the cook forgot it1 I have a reputation to uphold 'ere! It be on me tonight. He won't ferget again, I promise."

Pausing a moment, he turns back to Purnell, "So beins you are from elsewheres, whatcha doin in Tanram? What brings you lot 'ere?"

As an afterthought, he turns back the half-elf "Sorry, yeah. No extra charge. With a snap of his fingers a trembling waiter appears and drops a plate of chips before the man.

Dylph orders the fried fish along with an ale. "Can you tell us more about these faith barges?"

Syllyn, always curious about food preparation, tries to get a glimpse into the kitchen.

I wonder if it would be impolite to go in there and watch?

He's not sure how to answer the man's question. Though they are on an undercover mission to join the cult and infiltrate, the owner obviously dislikes the cultists. So do they play on the man's dislikes and put down the cultists and draw him out? But if they do that and news gets back to the cultists, then their hope of infiltration is ruined. But if they announce their intentions to join the cult, he will cease bringing such delicious food and shut up like a clam... Hmmm...

"Do you have any clam dishes?"

Clams are good! So are mussels and so are lobsters and crab. Squid is good too! he replies to the skald, taking a big bite out of his sandwich.

"Oh, yeah! Sirrrr Lauranna. Right!" Purnel Stumbles over his apparent miss introduction. "Dylph, we can split a room. Two gold is steep, but not if we partner."

Smiling with amusement at the group, he replies. [b]"No discounts. The cost be per room, so iffen yall want to get cozy...who am I to judge, eh?"

"Uh, I'm going to need my own room. I um--I have allergies!" As if to prove his point, Ser Lauranna sneezes the most adorable chipmunk-sounding sneeze. It seems impossible that such a large, basso-sounding man could produce such a sound. Then he quickly re-affixes his mustache.

Once all have settled on a meal and room arrangements, he points to the massive gar mounted on the wall. "Now, ya see that there? That be my story." Suddenly realizing the innkeeper is missing an arm as he turns back to you, he continues with a harrowing tale of bravery and valor. Discussing a vicious battle ending in victory, he finishes with "Damned ting took me arm, but I got him in return. Seems a fair trade ta me."

"Better than fair I think. Technically, you got your arm back." Ser Lauranna says sagely, looking at the fish. "You checked inside, right?"

"I know when to admit defeat. Oh, Joy! Fish! I would love some fish."
Purnel timidly pokes at the monsterous fish staring back at him. He then bows his head and says a small prayer to Erastil. Fish is better than no food. He then resignedly proceeds to eat his 'on the house' fish salad.
After a valiant effort to eat it all, pushes it away. "Well, Puglas, that fish 'burp' was not bad." Purnel then turns serious and states, "I am an architect looking for work, although with the wooden structures here, I might have trouble finding work. I thought I would try my luck here. I am traveling with others that are also looking to start fresh in this area. But I am not sure their goals."

"I suppose, but there's not much to tell." whispers the man, his eyes darting around the room. "It's those religious types. They send their acolytes out to 'protect the shores' from..." Stopping mid-sentence at the sound of another patron coughing, he looks down. "I...there's nothing else I can say in those regards."

"Of course I retrieved me arm." he replies, smiling. "Got it in a jar in ma office! Glad you liked the food."

Pausing a moment, he scratches his chin. "So, yall looken fer a fresh start. Suppose this be as good a place as any...gotcha a contact?"

The half elf savors his meal while listening to what is going on.

"Please go on! What would they need to protect you from?"

"Protection on the beach?" "Are there giant sea monsters in the lake?" "Is that what you are talking about?" Purnel wisely drops his voice to a near whisper when asking. "I've never seen a sea monster. That could be neat...from a good distance perhaps." Purnel throws out an absurd assumption in the hopes that Puglas will correct him with more information.

"So if we walk around on the beach we might see acolytes protecting people on the beach or protecting the boats from people on the beach?""
"Or was I closer with sea monsters?"

I think we hav picked Puglas clean of information. I vote we venture down the the beach and hope of a religious barge siting or the loc Ness Monster.

"Dey protectin us from unbelievers" he whispers hurriedly, "Now, no more questions about the church, kay?" he promptly hurries away to help another customer.

You all want to take a good stroll down the beach? Bed down for the night? Ritualistic murder?
I follow the rule of 2 - once I have two consenting opinions, I push that direction. Now there is always the option of splitting up...

"Jinkies! And er, Zounds(?)! We should split up and search for clues!" Ser Lauranna says with a finger to the side of his nose, and wink of his eye.

bluff (innuendo): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The message she conveys is that the party should split up and search for clues.

Fortunately for the gnome, Syllyn is used to antics by now and does not need a mysterious signal to figure out he should ignore what the gnome says.

"To the beach?"

Loquinors like the beach. he says with a big smile.

Looks like the beach, then...

Dylph will scout out the beach, quietly and discretely checking things out...

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Fortunately for the gnome, Syllyn is used to antics by now and does not need a mysterious signal to figure out he should ignore what the gnome says.

"To the beach?"

"Syllyn? Syllyn you aren't seeing gnomes again are you?" Ser Lauranna says shaking the Nagaji. "Maybe the beach would be best. Fresh air, open spaces, no place for anything small and scary to hide."

From a dark corner of the room.

"Heheheheheh."

You make your way back down to the lake. The familiar docks you recently arrived on greet you. A few workers move back and forth, loading and unloading different ships. The barge that brought you has departed already.

Moving away from the docks, you manage to find a short stretch of vacant beach.

Not much to learn "at the beach" currently. :-P

Is there anyone who looks able to talk or maybe the port authority office to ask around at?

"Nice little beach, but no religiuos acolytes or barge. And no sea monsters either." "We could ask at the harbor office? They might have information about these barges."

Anyone have spesk with animals? We could ask the sea gulls.

Syllyn watch the fishermen at work for a bit and then gets bored.

"Maybe they have a temple we could visit? Nothing going on here."

Ser Lauranna uses his ability to speak at animals.

"Cheep, cheep, cheep-cheep, cheep."

Not so diplomatic, lol

Syllyn starts wondering whether he could use Lauranna's helmet as a drum, sure that it would produce some interesting sounds. Naturally, without removing it first.

"If there is no office or port authority, perhaps we can check in the town market and see if anyone there has any other information to help us locate the religious influence here."

How large is Tamran? I think it is large (capitol city) but I am not sure. It might help to get a feel for what the town has in it. What kind of a check would that be? Knowledge local?