GM Rednal's Legendary Planet AP (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"I have no idea what this is about, which is why we're still talking. But I'm neither a vigilante, nor do I like threats. I'll not stand by and watch a murder happen in public...that goes for all of you!", Phai states, waving her Glaive over the scene ending with it pointing towards Child-of-Planes. "It would seem our interference was unnecessary, but if you all want to brawl, do it without bloodshed- life is precious, here as on other worlds...waste your own if it pleases you, but do not take another's over such petty disagreements."

Isen glanced over. So, the new folks would be less than likely to help. Isen shrugged mentally - since no could see him doing so physically - and summoned some armour to defend himself. Just in case they were able to find an invisible Elf and attack.

One of the other thugs muttered something, too quietly to hear, and the leaders scowled slightly. Then, as a group, they started backing off and heading away from the four of you, towards the far entrance of the alley. They didn't seem to like you, but with the situation quickly starting to look out of control...

After the thugs were out of sight, Vincent pushed himself away from the wall he had been leaning against and approached Child-of-Planes. "Well now, I'm glad that didn't get too ugly. Name's Vincent," the auttaine said, offering his elegantly articulated right hand, "and this is my friend Phai. Is your friend still around? I think it's safe for him to come back now that you've scared them off."

After everyone had had an opportunity to introduce themselves, Vincent asked the question that had drawn him to the ally in the first place. "Who were those guys, and why were they trying to rough you up? You mentioned something about peddling drugs to children?"

"I'm here," Isen replied as he reappeared, "And indeed, never left. Invisibility can sometimes be of great benefit when it comes to dealing with these situations, and I find that dear Child here can usually cope without me. My name is Isen, Isen Kalla. Charmed to meet you both." The Elf bowed and smiled to you.

"As for those...low level enforcers, I would imagine. I'm afraid we have upset a few of the good people in the upper areas of power on this lovely world. The ones whose business is in the shadowy areas, as it were. While they were probably the ones giving free 'samples' to young people to get them hooked, given they believed we had there...'stuff', it's also possible they were people traffickers, sellers of the young or some other despicable business."

Kalla sighed slightly. "I'm not sure how familiar you are with this city, but I'm afraid you'll find the most common religion is Business. The majority devotees to coin. I don't mind a few bits myself, of course, but they take it to something of an extreme here. 'Do Not Interfere With the Flow of Commerce' is the first commandant, and one I'm afraid we've broken. It's even possible that this merry band were something to do with Auditor Fire-Eyes, the lovely lady in charge, although I doubt we've caused that much of a fuss."

"Right. Yep. We didn't do anything illegal, but—let's say, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, someone really didn't like me asking questions, and I wound up snapping some drug dealer's legs. Isen here is... likewise entangled in the whole thing. I'd doubt the Redfists have any real legal authority, but their threats carry just as much legality as their trade."

"I've been looking for a job anyway, either an excuse to get off-world or something worth my while here in Zel-Argose, but keeping Redfist thugs off my back single-handed seems pretty tedious."

And his breastplate disappears, fading into a thin film of flowing air that distorts the space around him, covering Child-of-Planes like a second skin. Now that you've gotten a better look at him, he's clearly not-quite human, though that's hardly a surprise on this city. His eyes lack whites, holding solid colors, and his physique seems almost sculpted, well-muscled but somehow devoid of features, details, or wrinkles. The suli nods his head, and when he raises it again, his eyes glow the bright off-white of lightning.

"This is Child-of-Planes," he explains, in an authoritative but somewhat squeaky voice. "It's partly a name, and partly a curse. You can call him 'Child' for short. Bodyguard, factotum, and guide to worlds both alien and spiritual. If you fine gentlemen have a job you might be hiring for."

Diplomacy (activating shard) to speak to the strangers with sufficient politeness: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Knowledge (local, archmage) to gauge their knowledge of local customs: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

While she intends to let Vincent deal with the two newcomers, Phai had not expected the thugs to back off so easily.
"They felt confident when it was 4 of them against...however many of you two. Maybe we should discuss what happened and why they assaulted you over a drink in some other, public location, rather than wait and talk here until the return with sufficient backup to even the odds again? Honestly, I would like to avoid unnecessary bloodshed...or attention...we may have need of reliable support, as we do potentially have problems of our own. If we can work something out that is mutually beneficial, it would be to all our advantage! But first, we should get out of here and make sure we're not followed. Wouldn't want them to try and cut my throat while I sleep for interfering with what they consider justice."

Child's eyes return to normal, and he cocks his head. "Right," he replies, in his normal voice. "Happy to hear it out, especially if it gets us off the streets. I doubt the Redfists would cut anyone's throat, but I'm fine not finding out."

"That's an excellent idea Phai. Child, do you know of any good... restaurants nearby? I must admit, we're fairly new to town ourselves, and exploring the local dining has not exactly been high on my priority list. Though I don't eat much, I do like to try the local cuisine from time to time.

"As for a job, we were thinking about offering our services to some of the coteries to get more familiar with the way the city works, as well as making a bit of coin to pay for our lodging. We ran into some trouble not that long ago and wound up here, and we have a bit of unfinished business here in town before we are ready to move on."

Sorry, my computer took a drink yesterday and took a while to decide it was going to live. The internal clock still isn't working when the lid is closed...

"Thankfully, I love to eat." Isen glanced around. "I'm sure we can find something of a suitably pleasant nature. It's not the finest cuisine I've ever had, on this planet, but it's more palatable than many."

Isen considered the suggestion as he hunted for a decent looking eatery. "Well, you will need to be wary. Many of the coteries don't engage in savoury business practices. Unless such is not an issue for yourselves, of course - but most people with that attitude don't tend to help out poor labourers in a back ally. Can you tell us of the troubles you've had, or is this a private matter?"

"No offense meant, but until we learned more about you, I would prefer my troubles stay mine. They are with another off-worlder, and I wish to learn for certain that neither of you have any association with this individual. I know that may seem paranoid, but I had part of my life stolen from me, and that kind of thing puts people on edge. So: If it's not for the cuisine, nor for the coteries, do tell, what is YOUR reason for being on this planet? Because you don't seem like typical tourists...nor typical mercenaries...typical merchants...nor typical anything...as such, I would very much like to learn for which reason you ended up in Zel-Argose in the first place?"

Isen nodded. "Of course. Your past is your own, as long as you wish it. As for myself...I ran afoul of the Jagladine - horrible people, if you've never met them, I whole heartedly recommend not bothering - and spent some time in there company. After a while they were defeated and I was allowed to go on my merry way. While I considered going back to my home world, it frankly holds little appeal to me. Instead, I have chosen to wander the stars in the night's sky, and see what wonderful sights and magnificent people I can finds for myself instead. Occasionally, I like to stop and help people a little." Isen smiled warmly and moved with a relaxed stride, but noticeable tensed at the mentioned of the Jagladine.

Child-of-Planes shrugs. "I was left behind by my uncles, after they grew weary of me. Recently. Been looking for work, but the only local gate I've been through passes pretty close to the fire swamps of Lower Arvendale, and there's not much reputable trade or travel going that way these days."

As a general note, COP, I prefer past-tense in writing. XD Would you mind sticking with that? It's kind of weird to read three players in past-tense and then one in present, and it keeps throwing me off.

There was, of course, one other reason for staying on the planet - not having a good way off. Merchants were usually allowed through easily enough, but only if they were established. Besides, without a clear destination, one could easily end up in a much worse location... Zel-Argose may not have been especially pretty, but there was food, and work, and it was mostly pretty safe as long as you didn't piss off anyone with a lot power.

Of course, there was a bit of a difference between food existing and edible food existing. Many different species lived in the city, and it took about twenty minutes before you found an eatery that looked like it would serve things all of you could eat. A sign outside named it the 'Weave Runner', though it seemed a bit noisy inside... oddly so.

Isen looked at the place. "Well, with such a healthy and excited clientèle, it must be either good, cheap or staffed by exceptionally pretty people. My personal hope is for all three." Or they were having a brawl. Either way, it would at least be entertaining and there might be food in it. With a small shrug Isen headed inside.

Right, my bad! I think I've made that problem in other games. You're basically the only GM out of like 15 or so games I'm in who does past tense, so I need reminders every once in a while.

With a smile, Vincent held the door for the others before following them inside. "It certainly seems spirited, perhaps we can find a corner away from all the bustle?" he asked as he stepped up to survey the room.

Child-of-Planes half-smiled. "I'd buy you two a meal out of thanks," he explained, "If my currency were worth anything on this world. Alas, I've spent the few years traveling through barter economies, and I'm not quite ready to pawn any of my weapons—though perhaps I should bring some the next time I head outside."

"Still, eating is a good way to shut the ancestors up. Have you two had any better luck at finding work in this city?"

"Been on our way to check out the coteries for work when we run into you. Morals aside, they seemed like our best bet to get someplace else...not that this city is not lovely on it's own, but I don't plan on settling down here.", Phai answers as she enters the 'Weave Runner', then suggests:"With what you told us, we may opt to reconsider that choice of potential employer. Maybe the Bestiarium has need of hired help? One's they send off-planet to fetch new and interesting creatures? I've heared Vincent has a soft spot for the critters, too!"

Really? Huh. Interesting. XD

This dimly lit room features large, round tables with chairs positioned around them. The northwest corner includes a spacious bar lined with barstools. Behind it, large mirrors and shelves hold a variety of glasses and seemingly exotic liquors in a dizzying array of colors. Empty, worn, leather couches rest against the north and west walls, and an empty stage, suitable for musicians, rises five feet above the main floor in the northeast corner. Double doors exit south and east, and a single door leads north.

It took longer than expected to actually enter the place - as you moved to open the doors, they slammed open from the inside and nearly twenty people came out of the building at a run. Five figures were left inside - well, four now, as one of them hit the ground after being cut by a faintly feline woman. "Lomrick's going to have to do better than that!" she cried.

"Ah, plenty of free tables. Where do you guys want to sit down?", Phai exclaims loudly, moving towards the center of the room in a way that puts the other standing figures in-between her and the feline woman.
"You guys responsibly for the service here?", she casually asks the first one to look her way.

Initiative?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Seeing swords drawn, Child-of-Planes stopped just inside the door, reflexively suiting up once again. (Unless combat breaks out with higher initiative; he'll cast Metamorphosis and summon his armor)

Vincent stayed close to Phai as she moved into the room, content to follow her lead for now. She seems quite capable of handling herself with her blades, and if the others were sent by Lomrick, perhaps she is a fellow escapee, thought Vincent.

For now, going to wait and see how everyone reacts to our intrusion, but I'll probably step in if a full on brawl breaks out. I want to protect the woman so we can talk to her, since it sounds like she might have important information about Lomrick.

Same, Vincent...I'm just waltzing in bluntly hoping that they are unsure how to react at first, and then have to consider a very disadvantageous tactical position if they mean to cause further trouble...it's also why the loud talking, to draw their attention, not letting them focus on the woman alone.

As she walks, Phai puts her main hand on her glaive...ready if any of the troublemakers would move her way.

"Excellent," Isen said with a bright smile as he followed, "A meal and a show. A lovely strike, madame." Noticing the others seem to be preparing for trouble, Isen shrugs for now. He could call up armour as needed and his sword...well, that was within reach when he needed it. For now, he perused the menu. "I wonder if they anything spicy? I do so enjoy spicy food."

Init (Skulks): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Init (Isen): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Init (Phai): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Init (Vincent): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

The rat-like creatures attacking the woman hissed angrily - but the brawl was already underway, and they looked like they had no intention of stopping just because others had shown up.

CoP, Isen, and Phai may act! Note that we're using a map, and it's been updated to reflect this area. Incidentally, the tables are made from a heavy, solid wood, sturdy enough to easily hold the weight of a Medium creature. Their surfaces are 3-ft.-high, and nearly 8-feet around. A successful DC 12 Strength check can flip them over or move them aside, but doing so requires a move action.

So much for subtely getting closer to them before battle breaks out.

Obviously, this woman was no friend of Lomrick. By extension, that made Phai no friend of her attackers.
Stepping around the table, while moving, Phai draws her bow and a arrow, aligns it with the leftmost rat-creature from her field of view, and lets fly, covering herself with her shield and holding the glaive ready to intercept any of the creatures that would divert it's attention to her, while taunting them:"4 against 1? How about 3 against 10 instead?"
Single Shot+PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16 Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 + (2) = 8
Good things they had not acted yet, making them flatfooted...thus I also included Sneak Attack in the Damage...I also did this because it's more in line with the out-of-combat plan of waltzing right in, boldly, before acting. If no Sneaking is possible, I would instead sidestep at the entrance and rapid-shot...

I assume CoP's action is the "armor+natural weapon summon?" If not lmk and he'll start flipping like Jesus.

Also...

As Child-of-Planes sees the battle already underway, he closes his eyes, and re-opens them as bright red.

Marshal effect! Everyone gains +2 to damage with weapons or spells (your choice, but it can't change all combat). And if Phai misses that attack, add 1d6+1 to that roll as a spirit surge.

Sighing slightly, Isen looked up. "Does this mean dinner is delayed? Darn." With a flourish, Isen drew a long, curved sword from...nowhere. "I'm guessing the arrows mean we're taking something a more active roll in this fight, yes?" Isen's protective spell was still working, and so he moved forwards on light feet. Without further preamble, he lashed out at one of the rat things.

Curve Blade: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12
Destruction: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Crit Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

@Isen: Doesn't crit multiply destruction damage as well? And did you add marshal bonus damage? It's an untyped +2 and thus should multiply on a crit.

P.S. let me know if I should be doing something else in this round.

Phai's arrow darted through the air and sunk into her target as Isen almost moved forward, but clearly realized he'd misjudged the distance a bit and stepped back to a more defensive posture instead. The feline woman spun two weapons - a shortsword and a kukri - around a moment later, then stabbed both to the side and towards the rat-thing Phai had injured.

Melee: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 for Daamge: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Melee: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Only one of the blades actually managed to hit the enemies, and it yelped in pain. However, even as she stepped backwards, that rat darted to the side and flung a dagger through the air and towards Phai.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

It bounced off harmlessly as she managed to use her glaive to strike it out of the air. The other two rats followed the feline woman, lashing out with their shortswords.

Melee: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Melee: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Phai loses two more arrows at the Rat Creature she attacked before(unless first shot hits and kills, then second shot at number 3), then steps back diagonally to get a better line of fire at the others:"Miss, if you are so inclined, feel free to head our way. We are no friends of Lomrick."

Rapid Shot 1+PBS: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 16 Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 12
Rapid Shot 2+PBS: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 25 Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 11

Child-of-Planes takes took a double-move, bringing him to the woman's side. Pointing at the thug with his normal hand, he added, "We really can handle that for you, if you want. Experienced fighters and all that."

Now invisible, Isen moved up to strike. He couldn't move in and attack, but he could position himself to do so later.

Vincent was slow to react, but once he saw that combat was unavoidable he rushed to engage the ratmen. As he came around the table, Vincent slowed just a bit to draw his falcata and gripped it in both hands.

Phai's first arrow missed, although the second managed to sink into her target. It let out a pained squeak, then withdrew out the front door of the building. One of the remaining figures jabbed at the cat-women, the other at Child-of-Planes.

Melee: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Melee: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The injured woman stepped back a moment later, opening a flask by her belt and quickly downing the contents.

The joy of being invisible, Isen considered as he lined up a strike, Is you can take a moment to try and get it right.

Curve Blade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Sneak: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7
Destruction: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Try being the operative word, he added as he saw the poor stroke.

Yay dice...I love thee, too

That done, she lets go with her main hand, drawing two more arrows(shooting at fleeing one if possible...otherwise I'd move to avoid soft-cover and only make one shot...even so, I'd miss with those rolls :P), but failing to connect with either. Disappointed at her dismal performance, she attempts to gauge the ability of their new friends instead.

Rapid Shot 1+PBS: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 7 Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 8
Rapid Shot 2+PBS: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 10 Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 8

"Will that one be a problem?" Child asked, a hint of playfulness edging into his voice as his eyes glowed brighter red. With a wave, his free hand pointed at Isen's target, and the thug stumbled as the attack swung through the air.

Isen Surge: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 (Adds to Isen's to-hit roll as an immediate action, but only if the attack would otherwise miss—otherwise, let me know, and I won't expend the surge)
Don't forget to add the +2 to damage, guys! If you're an ally within 30' of Child when he's in Marshal form, you get to choose +2 to Weapon damage, spell damage, spell healing, or +1 and class skill to a skill of your choice. I can put it in a spoiler below his name if it's hard to remember.

And, spinning around, he wrapped his free hand over the magically-oversized one, swinging so hard he missed the enemy entirely.

Slam power attack offensive: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 + 5 = 16

Vincent deftly moved around the cat lady to engage her attackers.

Swinging for the one in a flank if he's still up, otherwise the other one.

Falcata: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 9, Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 + 2 = 13

Unfortunately, he was unaccustomed to using both hands to attack, and overcompensated during his swing.

Wow, this was a pretty bad round of attack rolls.

Yep, when I'm in the lead with a 4(and a 1 on the other), that is quite...unlucky. In the game I run, 6 out of 10 rolls were 20's and 19's in the last combat...guess Karma is a thing.

Ask Phai about the burning skeletons sometime.

Isen's blade whiffed harmlessly through the air, even as Phai's arrows missed and bounced off the walls. Child-of-Planes and Vincent weren't doing much better, and the total failure of their assault seemed to fill the rat figures with renewed confidence. The first one whirled around to stab at Isen, the second struck at Vincent instead.

Melee (Isen): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Melee (Vincent): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Vincent yanked his falcata out of the floor just in time to deflect a blow from one of the rats, and struck out at the one that Isen was distracting.

Falcata: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 13, Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 3 + 2 = 17

Technically an improvement!

"No," Child frowned, "This is getting stale." His head tilted to the side, and his fist lashed out, striking the closer creature with a loud smack and crunch.

Slam power attack offensive armor: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 5 + 2 = 20

"Time to hush, vermin, so the grown-ups can have a conversation" he taunted the (presumably-reeling) rat-man.

I dunno what 1 is doing, nor did anybody clear my fire zone, so I'll have to move and shoot, anyway. If the outside of the building makes this realistic(as in, there's not a crowd of alleyways he can double-move into to already be out of sight), I'd move out and shoot the fleeing one. Better to explain to bystanders than to let Lomrick learn about us. Otherwise I'll move inside(clear to the right) and shoot whichever one seems more hurt.

Pew: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 23 Bang: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 9

Grunting at the blow, Isen sighed slightly, then decided to return the favour.

Curve Blade: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Destruction: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

By the way, just so nobody's surprised, killing other people - even criminals - in a very public place in the middle of a city might not be a wise idea. Also, 1 was running out of the area and should've been removed from the map. XD; There's totally a crowd outside, so you'd want to be attacking someone on the inside instead.

Vincent's weapon missed - Child-of-Planes' didn't, and dealt a heavy below to his target. Phai shot the injured one a moment later, and it slumped to the ground, just before Isen stabbed the last... and looking badly wounded, the creature started to withdraw, running towards the doors. He clearly wasn't interested in dying here.

Isen followed the creature with a calculating look. He didn't especially want the creature to flee into the night. If it could be stopped...

With a grunt, Isen activated his unique abilities to move just a little closer, but close enough to do what he wished. With an apparent effort he jerked his hand in an upward motion. A wall rose, covering the door and blocking the creatures escape.

"Oh no, little one," Isen said, his voice a silken pur. "Please, stay a moment. Just answer for us a few questions instead, and you'll see how much better life can be..."

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

In case it isn't clear, Isen has used the Illusion Sphere to make the illusion of a wall. A DC 14 Will Save negates.