The story so far...
The DM
The steady drip of water coaxes you back to consciousness. Bruised and
possibly broken, the very air you breathe seems to hurt. You're
covered in blood, some of it definitely your own judging by the many
cuts and gashes on your body, some of it perhaps belonging to the
other bodies around you. You force yourself up on your elbows, every
movement accompanied by a symphony of painful grunts and gasps. The
bodies of a dozen men, clad in robes black as pitch, are strewn about
you. Their hacked and mangled limbs akimbo, their faces are frozen in
the last anguished looks of their evil lives. There are other bodies
too. Dressed in an odd assortment of gear, you vaguely recognize them
as others from your group. Their names still escape you. For that
matter, so does your own. You lie back for a bit and try to remember.
[From Jack]
The green haired figure sits up and looks around, his eyes slowly
taking the scene in.
Ugh I must have had way to much to drink last night.
He thinks to himself before standing up on unsteady feet.
He breaths in slowly to settle his thoughts, looking around he takes
stock of the
situation. A quick check of his body shows no new wounds to add to
his
plethora of scars. A pat of his belt assures him that his pistol is
still in place. His clothes though a little worn seem intact.
I seem to be OK, damn sight better than most of the bodies around me.
His thoughts are still muddled and he finds it hard to focus on any
one thing. Instinctively he begins cleaning his gun, a practice he
has
used to keep the weapon in good repair and to help him think. His
sharp eyes pick out detail in the gloom even though one side of his
face has an ugly pink scar crossing it. He is short in stature and
very lean, little muscle shows on his body.
Was this because of what I had done? Who I worked for?
He looks around confused for a second.
What did I do? Who do I work for? Weren't there others with me?
He finishes cleaning his pistol and holsters it, looking down he
grabs his pack and slings it over his shoulder.
What in the world has happened to you Jack.....
Jack?.....
Yeah my name is Jack, no last name don't need one anymore.
Jack looks over the grisly scene once again and starts to pick out
the
others from his group. Taking a step towards the nearest one he says.
Hey are you alive?
[From Jace]
Upon hearing another voice, I open my eyes as they quickly adjust to
the surrounding light.
What the... Where am... How did I... Who the hell are you and why are
we surrounded but mangled bodies!
These are the first things that spring to mind and fly out my mouth as
I gather everything in. The sound of the dripping water echoing in my
sensitive ears seams to pound in my head louder than goblin battle
drums. As I go to stand up a feel the cold steel of my blades still in
my hands and look down upon their complete blackness the seems to
swallow up what little light is available. Upon seeing them faint
memories pop into my head but nothing solid enough to hold onto.
Who are you? I call out to the voice I heard a moment ago.
Better yet... Who am I!? As I grasp for my name a sharp pain causes me
to clutch my chest. As I open my shirt I am shocked at what I see. I
think out-loud. Bloody who? A relatively new tattoo burns in my chest
as what I can only hope is my own blood and sweat mixes into the still
healing skin.
Well this won't do. Instinctively hiding my weapons I begin to dig
through my backpack.
What the heck am I even looking for? As I scramble around my bag I
notice a piece of paper with the name 'Jace' on it. Unfolding it the
paper reads. "Way to go! Probably another long and lonely night of
drinking... You are Jace Kale! Check the side pocket."
I mutter under my breath. Man I must really make a habit of this to
have a reminder to myself in my bag.
Checking the side pocket as the note said I pull out a thin wooden
stick and am hit with a few more flashes of my past. As I let out a
sigh of relief I mutter "Da mihi Mortem" as I point the stick at
myself. A rush of energy runs over me and suddenly I feel a lot
better.
Well I feel somewhat better but I'm still covered in blood. Now then
who are you again? Jack was it? I'm Jace, Jace Kale. I gather we
somehow know each other. Either that or we both managed to piss off
the same person.
The DM
The first to return to the waking world, the two of you eye each
other with a sense of familiarity. You know each other of that you're
both certain, although the how and why are still mysteries. No
animosity stokes the flames nor does any sense of fear or love for
that matter. Surveying your surroundings you find you're in a rather
large cave. The dripping sound is emanating from a small spring barely
eeking out of a rocky wall and landing in a small pool at its base. A
tunnel set a few feet up on one wall appears as the only portal, in or
out.
[From Jack]
Jack nods to Jace as his eyes wander the room. "Feel like I know you,
not sure how. Lets search the room for any other survivors and useful
items."
The green haired man takes a few steps and stubs his toe in the gloom.
Grumbling under his breath Jack searches around his pockets until he
finds a small pebble. With a whistle he tosses it in the air where it
begins to glow and slowly circle his head.
Searching the cave does not turn up much but with a shout of surprise
he pries an odd looking dagger from the skull of one of the bodies.
Holding it up to inspect it in the light many small holes are apparent
in the blade. "Damn things break like twigs if ya use them too rough,
glad this one is still in one piece." He place the blade back in a
sheathe on his wrist a small click can be heard.
[From Jace]
After sizing up Jack, Jace agrees that the best course of action right
now
is to see if anything can be scavenged for the multitude of body parts
strewn about.
"Ha!" Laughing out loud Jace pulls his hand from his pocket and says.
"I was just about to offer you mine." and shows Jack a dull gray
stone.
"I guess I'll hold on to it for now, not that I really need it..."
At that Jace places the stone back in his pocket and begins to search
the bodies
and the rest of the room.
"I'm gonna go check out that pool over there." Jace whispers to Jack
as he quietly
approaches the small pool of water.
[From Farfig]
A big, big man sits up from behind some piled rocks, rubbing his head.
He looks around and a goofy grin spreads across his face. In a voice
reminisce of the beach-loving hicks, he exclaims, "Dudes! That was
some party! I can't even remember what happened! Looks like this place
is totally trashed! Time to slide out the back before the 'rents come
home, know what I'm sayin?" With a chuckle to himself, the tall human
stands up and stretches. Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, he
mutters, "Gotta find me some more of that juice. Must have been a
wicked party..."
Finding a sword among the debris, he picks it up and finds he has no
sheath. Shrugging, he carries it in hand. He tromps through the room
to join the others, sometimes kicking the cloaked head of a corpse,
other times crushing one beneath his heavy boots. The others see a
large silver belt buckle with the name "FARFIG" holding up his
breeches.
Farfig catches up to the other two. "Hey Green-Haired Guy, thanks for
the light man. Anyone know where we are? I can't seem to remember
anything after, uhm... uh... huh?"
Farfig starts to look around and actually begins to register some of
the surroundings. He starts to pick through the bodies for loot.
[From Jace]
"Hey big guy, welcome to the land of the living. Catch!"
Jace tosses a dull gray stone to the lumbering "giant" Farfig.
"It works just like ol' green hair's stone, just hold it up above
your head and voila! Instant light. All I ask is that you keep the
light off my back.
I prefer to keep to the shadows and those tend to make that a little
difficult."
"Now then lets try to figure out how we all got here, wherever here
is, and how to get out."
[From Jack]
"I'm in the same boat as you. Don't know much other than I know you two from somewhere and we worked together. Gather up your stuff and lets get out of here."
Jack looks around the cavern one more time before setting his pack squarely on his shoulders and headding towards the entrance.
"Jace can you take point? Farfig watch our back."
What in the world kind of name is Farfig, he thinks to himself as the trio heads out.
[From Jace]
"Yeah lets get going, we'll figure out whats going on along the way."
"Keep the light off my back and stay back several yards. If I see
something
I'll either come tell you or you'll hear it. If its the later please
feel free to jump in."
Finishing up with his directions to the others, Jace quietly slips
into the shadows and
heads down the tunnel.
The DM
As the three of you pick through the remains of the cloaked bodies,
tossing jibes back and forth like old comrades, the sounds of thunder
roll into the cave.
Amongst the bodies you find several money pouches, a few scroll cases,
an emerald carved to resemble half a lock, and small black orb,
roughly the size of a large marble. They are otherwise, unarmed.
Checking your own possessions, you account for all your belongings
(none are missing) and begin picking your way towards the exit from
this cave, up the wall a little.
A few winding minutes through two other larger rooms, one shaped like
a crescent moon with a small pool near one wall and you find
yourselves near an exit. Outside it is dark, the moon and stars hidden
behind thick storm clouds, sparking with lightning. The rain is
torrential, cloaking the encroaching forest in an impenetrable cloak
of dark water.
[From Farfig]
Farfig gathers up the coins and gem looking things, stuffing them in
his pack for later. He ponders the use of extra wipe paper or
kindling, but decides he doesn't have need of them right now. He nods
at Jace as thanks for the rock, but gives it a befuddled look when the
others turn away. He stashes it in the pack as well.
While covering the rear during the trek through the caves, he decides
he doesn't like being in the back, but can't recall why it seems to
bother him. Maybe he likes to be in the front and ready for action
when the dragon poop hits the windmill. He shrugs to himself and stops
the deep pondering because it's starting to give him a headache.
Upon reaching the exit, he looks out through the downpour over the
trees. "Well, I'm good." Farfig drops his pack and starts to gather
any dry materials near the entrance for a fire, intending to wait out
the weather in the dry cave. After a bit he recalls the kindling and
robes and thinks they just might be put to good use.
[From Jack]
Jack is quiet during the treck to the surface noting every detail of the cavern. He sees some of the minor ingredients needed to make gunpowder and collects them as they go.
Once at the entrance to the cave Jack nods to Farfig. "I agree, I'd rather keep my powder dry. Lets just keep an eye behind us, dont want any of those bodies sneaking up on us."
Jack helps to get the fire going and hunts around for anything to eat within the cave.
[From Jace]
"I agree, I prefer to stay dry. If you wish to start a fire go a head but it might just draw more attention to us."
"I'll take last watch if you want. Ohh and Farfig, that stone works if you hold it up by your head and let it go."
The DM
As the three of you arrange yourselves in the cave to wait out the
storm, Jack gets a small fire crackling. Farfig itches at fresh scab
on the side of his head and contentedly counts his bruises. Jace casts
wary glances at the shadows, both inside the cave and out. Settling in
to await a slightly less damp dawn, the three of you take turns at
watch. Without discussing it, Jace takes the first watch, Jack the
second, and Farfig the final. An old routine perhaps? Or just the ease
of old companions falling into a familiar rhythm.
With the dawn, the rain diminishes to a light drizzle, cold and quiet.
Through the twilight of dawn, a game trail is evident, leading
straight out from the cave. Stepping out enough to look up, the party
can see the cave is in the face of a sheer mountainside, many hundreds
of feet high, its face a shale gray, pocked and marked with moss and
lichen.
Farfig is the first to note the fresh, and abundant, wolf tracks in
the mud of the game trail. Some of them bigger than Farfig's spread
hand.
[From Jack]
"Well its easier to follow a path than it is to push through the
forest. Keep your eyes open, any idea where to go to?"
Jack will follow what the group wants. "I do best at short distances
if you guys forgot, also I'm sorry if you get caught in any blast. My
bombs don't care who they blow up."
Jack grins a little as they walk down the path he is excited at the
prospect of a fight and a fresh path to follow. He eases his gun
around to the front of his belt and readies it for action.
[From Farfig]
Farfig pushes on down the path, using his sword as necessary to clear
the way. He keeps his eyes open for wolves, because you never know
when you could use a good giant wolf mount.
Or a giant wolf head mounted on a wall...
With fangs. And a nice fur cape. Or a wolfskin cap with the tail down
the back. Maybe raise some pups to fetch my slippers. Or hunt vampires
with. Woah, mounted wolf-riding vampire slayers with fur capes and
caps! I'm so there dude...
"Anyone have some garlic?"
[From Jace]
Dire Wolves... That's a pack of fun I'd prefer to avoid. They always
hear you coming and have smelled you coming for even longer. Damn near
impossible to get a jump on something that hunts to live.
Hey Farfig can you try not to make so much noise. And what makes you
think of Vampires out here? And Garlic? Are you hungry? Because the
only thing Garlic does to Vampires is give them a bit of bad breath.
Jace offers some of his rations to Farfig. Here have some Jerky, it's
not garlic but it tastes better.
Ok I'm going to try to scout up a ways so if you guys could do your
best to be somewhat quiet. Ohh and Jack, I'm nimble and all but I
really hate having to replace my clothes so try to keep those bombs
away from me. I'd hate for there to be any misunderstandings...
At that Jace deftly runs ahead, disappearing into the barely lit, dewy
foliage.
[From Jack]
"Sure I'll do my best to keep the explosives from hurting you." Jack shouts to
the receding figure of Jace with a smirk.
What does he think, I can tell a bomb where to blow up and where not to?
Jack will take the rearguard position one hand rests lightly on his pistol to
other holds a vial of his precious mutagen.
The DM
As you set out into the tree line, tromping through the mud, the water
still dripping from the thin canopy of leaves above, the sun breaks a
few beams free of the clouds. In the light, you can make out a castle
nearby, roughly a mile away. Perched, north, atop the cliff wall you
just exited, its crenelated battlements cast deep shadows on the
ground far below.
The trail you're on heads west from the cave, plunging deep into a
primeval wood. The moss and underbrush are deep, punctuated at
frequent intervals by rocky outcroppings and gnarled roots. The trail
winds, snaking between rock and root, tree and bowl. Numerous smaller
trails intersect at random, but none rival the vein of mud that leads
you on. Above, in the branches, you can make out the occasional animal
noise and once, while scouting ahead, Jace sneaks upon a doe, brown
and white furred. Hearing the crashing footsteps of Farfig, her eyes
widen and she darts down a small trail into the safety of the dense
forest.
After a short while, the trail delivers the group to a swift running river,
roughly a hundred feet across. The stones beneath are a rich deep red,
casting a crimson tint on the running water above. While shallow at
the bank, its depth is lost to sight a few dozen feet across, making
it impossible to divine the depth at the center. The opposite bank is
a less dense tree line that gives way to a rapidly rising hill.
To the north, a quarter mile or less away, a stone and timber bridge
spans the river, connecting east and west banks.
The surroundings, here at the river, and especially the bridge, seem
so familiar. Farfig is struck by the memory of fending off two large
dire wolves at the east end once. His legs deep in snow, his breath
coming out in the slow metered puffs of mist that countered the snarls
and snaps of the two beasts that failed to recognize the death in his
eyes. Jace and Jack both recall having once ridden a wagon across,
headed east towards the cliff, laden down with large clay pots, their
contents hard to remember, but valuable. As quick as they come, the
memories fade into the gray depths that cloud your minds.
OOC: Whoah! I forgot how awesome Bolt was... Have to add Farfig, but until then I'm here.
Moving on toward the bridge.
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With an uneasy feeling Jace decides to go towards the bridge with the others.
"I've got a bad feeling about this guys so I'll try to scout up ahead real quick"
Jace moves off into what shadows he can find in an attempt to see if there is anything or anyone near or on the bridge.
Stealth and Perception checks in that order.
OOC:
about the OOC comments and the Discussion tab... I was gonna do that but it says it's not been connected yet. So we can't post anything there.
As the river courses south, carrying detritus away from the bridge and past the group, the group walks its eastern bank north. Sticking to the treeline in caution, they allow Jace to scout ahead while Farfig and Jack take their time on the approach.
Jack and Farfig
Jace
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Feeling at ease about the bridge situation, Jace heads back to Farfig and Jack.
Seems fairly safe up ahead, I only saw two barely interested guards leaning on the sides of the bridge. Looks like a well traveled and safe bridge. Not sure why I had a bad feeling about all this...
Feeling a little more at ease finally, Jace walks back towards the bridge with Farfig and Jack.
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Careful when we get to the guards. We may not be welcome in this area. If the guards want to cause us trouble lets not cause too much of a scene.
Jack continues along the bank, he slides his pistol under his vest and behind his back.
Yeah, were going to look real innocent trying to cross this bridge. He thinks to himself.
Sleight of hand to hide gun:
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Good thinking Jack, we've obviously been here before but who know how long ago. Many things could have changed.
Looking at both Jack and Farfig...
Let me do the talking ok? I have a way with words that I'm only going to presume neither of you do.
Noting Jack's now hidden pistol, Jace decides it best to conceal his Kukri.
Seeing three, well armed, men emerge from the woods seems to have coaxed the bridge guards back to attentiveness. They grab up their loaded crossbows and shoulder them, but the bolts remain pointed at the ground in front of your feet. They seem ready to challenge your approach when looks of shock, and perhaps recognition, flash across their faces. They immediately lower their crossbows and stand to opposite sides of the bridge, one using his free hand to motion you across.
Jack
Jack notices that the other uses his free hand to "accidently" nudge a stone free from the low wall on his side of the bridge. It splashes softly in the water below.
The one motioning anounces, "The road is free and their have been no sightings of any smugglers this day." They both seem anxious for the three of you to be on your way.
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Jack smiles and nods to the guards waving with one hand. He scratches and itch on his lower back (close to his gun) with the other. Somethings not right, I think we are about to be surrounded. He whispers to the other two.
He mentions smugglers and I remember driving a cart loaded with hidden items over this very bridge. Well I've done worse in my life than smuggling. I think. Jack ponders this as they cross the bridge.
Their faces shift from shock to confusion. They glance at each other for a moment, then the one motioning you across clears his throat nervously.
"Castle Gilrova?" They glance to the castle and back to each other, their bewilderment at your question unchanged.
"Does your visit to the village portend anything, sirs?"
The confusion on their faces builds.
The other, who has till now remained silent, stammers out, "We d-d-d-don't take orders f-f-from you."
The other takes up the conversation, "What he means is, any visit to the village is our concern. We are the Reeve's guards, after all." He eyes you all strangely, as though a thought is developing in his mind, but its implications are still lost on him.
"Good day to you, brave men." He salutes smartly, the other seems bewildered by the whole exchange, but after a moment's hesitation, follow suit and salutes.
The guards do nothing to prevent your crossing. On the other side of the bridge, a simple cobbled road leads to a merging of paths. One runs south, along the river and disappears over the edge of a hill. The other runs west and a little north. Seeing no signs, you head west. The road meanders through the forest, showing signs of continuous, if poor, maintenance. After a short thousand feet or so, an intersecting road crosses from the north and runs south to a village. The sounds of civilization ring through the afternoon.
Jace
Jack
Farfig
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Jack stops for a second before deciding which way to go. "Those guards knew us. I have no clue what's going on but I don't think we are liked here. It seems like they tolerate us but that's about it. I will attempt to hold my tongue and let you do the talking Jace. Farfig keep doing what you've been doing. I vote we head into the town and see if we can learn any more about whats going on."
Jack moves his gun into a more well seen position. Don't want anyone thinking were easy marks.
OOC: Jack will stay quiet and let Jace do the talking. He attempts to look menacing to anyone that may try to rob them. Unfortunately he sees most people as trying to rob him.
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I agree Jack, those guards definitely knew who we were. Something odd was going on and I wouldn't be surprised if we run into any trouble in the town ahead. Let's head towards the village and see if we can't get find out a little more about ourselves.
Setting out with Jack and Farfig, Jace thinks to himself. What happened here and why can't I remember it...
Jack will keep an eye out for anyone following the group or paying undue attention. He is also very interested in the build of the houses, trying to discern if this is a rich, poor or average town by the cost of material used to build it.
Perception =
Know (engineering) =
Sense Motive =
Farfig walks toward town with the others without a care in the world other than "two, no more than two."
And if they have good mead. He's in the mood to try some good mead. Not the cheap stuff either, but the well made full flavored leaves a warm fuzzy feeling in your mouth kind of good mead. He wonders if he should count his money now, or after he gets a few good drinks, just in case he doesn't have any coins left. He thinks he recalls he bought the last round and he's pretty sure it's Jace's turn.
He gives Jace a knowing wink.
The village materializes through the trees after a short walk south. It is a small cluster of buildings, a church, smithy, tavern, a few small homes, some other miscellanious structures that defy easy identification.
The streets seem relativley empty as you enter, save in front of one building. A dozen militia men, armed and armored as those in a fashion similar to those on the bridge, are arrayed in a half circle, their weapons and shields raised towards a man, floating a few feet off the ground. His exposed flesh is covered in tattoos, from his finger tips all the way to the top of his shaved head, and he is adorned in only an armored leather long coat.
The floating figure shouts at a man standing behind the wall of militia, "Sythenos will know of this betrayal. You have gone too far this time with your defiance. The deaths of her followers will be avenged and I will be her instrument!"
The man he is shouting at only returns his shouts with an icy stare through thick grey brow and beard. He raises a muscled arm and drops it, from behind him, secreted on a rooftop, an arrow is loosed at the floating figure. It's flight is true and well aimed, but an inch from his heart it is caught in unseen winds and thrown off course, fluttering to the ground.
The floating figure summons a ball of crackling black and green energy and propels it at the rooftop sniper, striking him. The sniper lets out only a cry as his body crumples and falls to the ground. With that the militia men jump into action, some hurling spears at the figure, others stepping forward to shield their comrades.
The figure floats higher, out of spear range, a few knicking his armored jacket, but none finding home, and launches more energy attacks on the guards.
No one seems to notice the three of you.
Jack
Jace
Farfig
OOC: You don't notice the... er.. you fail.
Farfig's eyes widen as he actually recalls something of importance. He charges to the building he sees and tries to climb quickly, before the ragdoll flees.
Initiative
Climb
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Jack watches the other two rush toward the mage and gives a sigh. So much for preparations. He advances on the scuffle drinking from one of his many concoctions along the way. As he does his arms and legs get longer and he takes on an almost bestial visage.
Initiative = (pistol drawn)
Drink mutagen = +4 dex, -2 wis, +2 nat AC.
Move 30' toward fight.
AC=21
Ooc: Does his coat have any markings simalar to anything we saw in the cave? After I move how close am I?
Farfig bounds for the building with Jace hot on his heels. As they reach it, Jack quaffs the volatile mutagen and tosses its vial to the ground, his muscles twitching and shaking his frame. Clambering quickly up the easy handholds provided by the masonry walls, Farfig gains the edge of the roof and is seven feet from the back of the figure on roughly the same level. Jace perches next to him eyeing the figure.
The guards move forward and throw more spears at the figure, but to little effect. He launches another barrage of energy blasts at the guards, snarling and laughing, "Pigs!! You're all pigs!! Just pigs for the slaughter!!!" Two guards fall, never to rise again and the rest close ranks.
The bearded man, leading the militia finally notes you three as you enter the fray and the look of sheer surprise on his face is evident. There is also a note of confused concern.
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Jack moves closer to his target loading his pistol as he goes. He raises a lanky arm and instinctively shouts with a snarl. Jace, Flash and Slash! He than fires a shot at the mage that flares into a bright ball if it hits him. Fearing retaliation he drinks his prepared elixer surrounding himself in a shimmering shield of force.
Round 2 Actions, Init = 25, AC = 21
Move 30' closer to fight (load flare and regular shot, free action)
Shoot at mage with flare shot = Dam = (he only takes half)
Flare shot = Target is blinded unless he makes a fort save (DC15)than he is dazzled.
Not sure how far away he is from me if he is within 20' its a ranged touch attack and point blank shot will take effect. If not the range on the pistol is 20'.
Round 3 Actions Init = 25, AC=25
Move 30' closer to fight if needed.(load empty barrel with regular shot)
Cast shield on self.
[alchemical cartridges and rapid shot makes loading the double barrel pistol a free action)
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Standing on the edge of the roof, Jace has but a quick moment to realize that this is probably going to hurt regardless of the outcome.
Gripping his Kurki firmly in each hand, Jace takes a few steps back to get a bit of a running start before leaping through the air.
No time like the present... Muttering to himself Jace leaps from the roof top, both Kukri aimed and ready to sink into the floating man's back.
Farfig leaps!
Move -
Standing long jump DC 14:
Acrobatics (with the +4 for my high speed, subtract 4 if it doesn't apply)
(and if I miss within 4 I can try to still "grab the ledge" with DC 20 Ref)
Reflex Save if needed
Standard -
Attack roll to hit/start grapple: (provokes AoO)
CMB
(if it all fails and I fall:)
Acrobatics to land "softer"
Providing I'm maintaining the grapple, activate enlargement (what type of action is it? If standard i don't think I can right now) and initialize rage (free), then
Grapple to Pin the fool (standard):
CMB (-2 if no enlarge)
I choose him as my dodge target btw...
The report from Jack's gun splits the chaos. The bullet strikes home on the floating figure's back and the resulting flash engulfs him in a blinding light from which his too slow arm cannot shield his eyes. As the flash fades, Jace leaps, kukris slashing and lands a solid hit from his right hand in the man's back, his left only rending clothing. Blinded and arcing his back in pain, the figure screams, frantically spinning his head from left to right in a vain attempt to focus his damaged vision and see his attackers. Jace hears a roar from behind him and instinctively lets his blades slide free of the man, and drops the 20' to the ground as Farfig leaps upon the figure's body, his added weight, too much for the enchantment, causing both the figure and the wild man on his back to collapse to the ground.
They land in a heap, with Farfig wrapping muscled arms around the spellcaster, twisting limbs in ways they were never meant to bend. All this seems to have rather shocked the militia men who stand, awestruck at the sudden attack and looking to the bearded man for direction. His face too, seems surprised, but a definite look of recognition plays across his features at the sight of the three of you. Confusion mingles there as well.
"Stay your spears men!!! Form a ring around them all and standby." At that the few remaining spearmen move to encircle the group as Jack moves closer to the downed figure, reloading his pistol and muttering an incantation to shield himself. Farfig continues to grapple the downed figure, easily bending his limbs and contorting him into positions of pain.
Jace brushes himself off after his fall and scans the circling guards for any intentions to attack.
Damage from falls
Jace
Farfig
The figure is unable to break Farfig's hold. His head is currently being forced, face first into the dirt, with his legs pinned by Farfig's weight and one arm bent around behind his back to the point of almost breaking. His other arm grasps at the dirt wildly looking for purchase or aid. At this point the guards seem to be encircling with no intention of attacking and the bearded man is watching the group with a keen interest.
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Well we got him, now what? Jack thinks as he slowly paces in front of the mage being held by Farfig. Hold him tight lets get him bound and gagged. He says nodding for Jace to help Farfig. Keeping his pistol trained on the mage's head Jack looks to the guards. We need a place to question this scum in private.
Farfig bellows to his captive, "Say Uncle! Say it!"
At the same time he wraps a thick arm around the spellcaster's throat and flexes, choking him out.
Farfig continues to hold the pin and grapple, choking him out to unconsciousness, and for a few rounds after that as well. If he ever attempts to speak or seems to be attempting to cast a spell, smashing his face into the ground.
Grapple check:
The guards continue to close in on the group and their pinned victim. As Farfig continues to grind his face into the dirt, the bearded man answers Jack with a gruff laugh.
"This Scum?!? Yes, we should question the scum. But it will not be in private, and we'll be doing the questioning." With that he motions with his hands and the guards come forward to bind the arcanist. After gagging him and manacling his feet and hands, they lift him from the dirt. His vision no longer confined to the dirt road, his eyes search for the faces of his unknown assailants. Alighting upon you three, each in turn, his face turns to hatred, deep and pained. He lets out guttural oaths, muffled by his gag, as the guards drag him into the nearest building.
From down the road, one of the bridge guards approaches swiftly. His eyes take in the scene making note of your presence before he whispers something to the bearded man. They have a brief, hushed conversation before the bearded man pats the guard on his back and he departs back up the road.
The bearded man considers the three of you again. After a moment he says, "Welcome home gentlemen. We'd feared you lost or worse." Watching your faces, he continues, "Jerod believes you may be suffering from a loss of memory. Well let me remind you that you are in the employ of this town to protect us from the brigands and agents of the witch queen. If you should ever leave us believing that you've abandoned these duties again, we'll be forced to destroy what remains of your payment. Is that understood?" He waits for your response.
With that he motions for you three to follow him into the building after the guards and your prisoner.
Inside, the gagged man is still manacled and now thrown in a corner with spearmen surrounding him, points leveled at his throat. The bearded man approaches and one of the guards says to him,"Reeve, are we really to trust these..." Before he can finish the bearded man cuts him off.
The bearded man announces to the assembled guards, "Having reminded these men of their duty to the village, in our fight against the witch queen, I will be relying upon them to assist us in handling this prisoner. Perhaps they may be of some greater aid than we know. None here shall bring them harm unless they should threaten the village or its people. So sayeth the Reeve, so sayeth the law." With that he levels his gaze across to the prisoner. Without turning his head he addresses the three of you, "Care to start? Lets see what Malifus here has to say for himself now"
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I don't trust a word anyone is saying right about now.
Right, thanks uhmm Reese. Jack says with a smirk.
Walking to the bound prisoner he circles him a few times studying his face, looking for any other clues as to how he knows this man. He stops in front of the mage and with the flick of his wrist the many holed knife appears in his left hand. With a smile Jack grabs one of the mages bound hands and spreads his fingers out on the table. He places the blade over the little finger, hovering it over the extended digit. OK Malfius, tell us what we want to know and you keep your digits. What is going on here that would cause you to attack this town's sworn guardians? Where were you last night and what were you doing? What is the Witch Queen's designs for this town? Jack will keep the blade at the mage's finger until all questions are answered. If at anytime the answers seem false or he is reluctant Jack will start cutting into the digit at the joint.
Sense motive (Reeve)=
Sense motive (Malfius)=
Farfig will flex and appear intimidating to assist in any questioning by the others.
Intimidate:
Sense Motive:
Something sort of seems odd to Farfig, and he'll take a look at the soldiers and the Reeve closer to see if anything triggers a memory or recognition, when he's not grunting and looking mean. Farfig does recall the Reeve saying something about payment, and he keeps that in mind for a better time to ask.
Jack
Malfius is an enigma to you
Farfig
Malfius only scowls at your questions and seems slightly amused at Farfig's flexing. As you prepare to slice his index figure, his scowl only deepens as sweat beads upon his tattooed scalp. The sweat falls from brow to bloodied table as you begin to saw through a knuckle. His gaze does not falter from your face. Indelible hate is written on his gagged countenance. You've cut off his index finger before he even blinks.
At that the Reeve interupts, "Not that this vile bastard is worth the concern, but I'll not have torture used on one of my prisoners. Especially if it provides nothing. That's enough, Green Jack." With that the guards haul him away to a cell below the floor. His gaze only breaks from Jack when they dump him in the oubliette beneath the floor boards.
The Reeve considers the three of you again, clears his throat and pours a dram of golden whiskey from a bottle secreted in the desk before him. Pulling it to his lips and downing it smoothly, he speaks without looking up at you, "What now? What do you remember? What questions can I answer? I don't expect you to be friendly, you've never been before this, but at least hear out any answers before losing your tempers."
Jack
Farfig
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Jace stands up and says, That wasn't torture, that was payback. And as for questions, many come to mind but right now what's most pressing is how you know us and if you know what happened to us.
Jace contemplates on the few things he's heard and seen thus far. Tempers, Green Jack, confused looks at our actions. Clearly we are know very well here but what are they not telling us...
Farfig begins to bang some helmeted heads together to see if anyone is paying attention...