JCServant's Council of Thieves (Inactive)

Game Master JCServant

It seems to finally get to Aemon all this parading around, he sighs. We've been jumping through hoops backwards all day.. what more could they need. "What we know is all in the information we've shown to two other people to get their signatures, and now we're here in front of you with these signatures and the information - It's about a prisoner Calseinica Nymms you have locked up unlawfully."

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Kyle would have cast enhanced diplomacy on Tessai upon entering the room not sure if she would need it or not.

"What would you like to know?" Kyle asks unsure of what the man wants.

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

This makes her diplomacy roll so far a 17

Beppo also addresses the Lictor. He bows formally, then begins, Your honor, please pardon our interruption. We are personally acquainted with Ms. Calsenica Nymm, Some of us more than others, he thinks to himself as his eyes stray toward Kyle, and know her to be a loyal servant of Cheliax. Tessai here has our documentary evidence. He motions for Tessai to show the folder to the Lictor.

Through a misunderstanding, she has come to be imprisoned here. As your colleagues have witnessed, the evidence against her is not sufficient to justify holding her. We therefore ask that she be released, and have the support of your colleagues.

Anything else falls under Mr. Gray's question: what would you like to know?

(aid) diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

JC, just for you to know, I am following what's going on but in this particular exchange I think the best thing Brandon can bring is silence given his -2 modifier. He made a few remarks which almost got everyone in trouble and, recognizing that, has decided to keep his mouth shut.

I'm going to leave this to Beppo and Tessai. This is their world and they understand the rules of this game. Anything I say here is just going to make things worse.

Strictly speaking, form a mechanical standpoint, your -2 penalty really doesn't matter. Worse thing is that you get a low diplo roll and you end up not helping Tessai. Now, if you blurt out in character, "All Hellknights are SCUM!," then you'll hurt her chances...but if you say something supportive, in character, and roll a -1, the worst that happens is that your words fall on deaf ears.

DiViri sighs, slams down the evidence, and swears profusely. Clearly irate, he signs the affidavit and begins a gruff address.
That my order would accept a falsely accused prisoner, and one who is a public figure, no less? Completely unacceptable! No payment assuages that fact! It is clear from your testamony and this evidence that Calseinica Nymm is innocent. And thus, she must be freed. I assume you wish to escort her from our custody? Yes, good. This embarrassing error must righted.

Travel to the southernmost end of the keep; there, beneath a tower called the Forgetful Spire, you’ll find an entrance to our oubliette—a place we call Caina. Pay no mind to what or who you find there, for they are meant to be forgotten. Just give this certified affidavit to Maralictor Ganden Heriphis, the oubliette’s keeper. He’ll know what to do. Now, quickly, be on your way—this blunder will be rectified promptly or not at all!

Beppo maintains his obsequious mask. Thank you, ser. We shall remain discreet about this incident, and appreciate your just and balanced review. Jackass.

He then collects the documentation if Tessai does not, and heads toward their escort and the Forgetful Spire.

Kyle releases the breath he was holding.

Could it be that this is simply an askew vision of Law and Order - could all these people simply think they are doing their job..?

Tessai leaves without another word, nodding as Beppo takes the signed documentation.

I have yet to find any particularly useful piece of information in this place - we are beset by hellknights at every bend, I doubt we will be able to sneak off. But their perspective is in fact VERY interesting - I wonder if the Order of the Nail could be influenced? Made to see that what is going on in Westcrown has nothing to do with protection, but instead oppression - that could be our greatest victory yet...

The tiefling seems completely lost in their thoughts as they leave DiViri's office.

You are led to the 'Forgetful Spire.' This slender tower rises from the northeastern tower of the citadel, with barren walls and barren floors given credence to its name: the Forgetful Spire. Aside from the door to Bastion Ferox’s bailey and the stairs climbing the cylinder’s inner wall, the tower appears to be a hollow, empty shell.

Elixia explains that in times of assault (though there have yet to be any attacks on this castle), this tower can easily be converted to a barracks, a watchtower, or an armory. Currently, however, it lies empty, the only life within buried three stories below, in the oubliette known as Caina. The trapdoor in the floor which leads to this hidden prison is well-disguised.

Under Field-Maralictor Elixia Makorios’s guidance, she opens the door for you with a key from her belt. She points you down the spiraling stairs and tells you that her job is done. The stairs are illuminated by faint everburning torches placed every 10 feet. Until one is within 10 feet of the foot of the stairs, they appear to spiral downward indefinitely.

What order do you go down?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Tessai eyes the Field-Maralictor squarely, trying to understand if all this is true or but the simplest of traps.

If she feels no false motive:

The tiefling takes the lead down the spiraling staircase, her senses fully alert.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

"You're not going to wait to show us out?" Kyle asks.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Aemon holds his silence as the order is given to take us to the tower. Hopefully this can all be over with now. When they reach the tower, his stomach starts to churn, as their point down into the oubliette apparently not needing an escort now. "Do we not need an escort anymore?" Tension starts to build up in Aemon. This has to be a trap.. what are the others thinking. He quickly looks to each of their faces.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 4 = 23

I guess we are all getting paranoid - good job GM-JC :D

I remember a GURPS Cyberpunk/Horror/Supers Campaign I played in - we got in so deep that we were even paranoid when we stopped somewhere to eat. Truth be told, a couple of diners were blown away by those chasing us, and way more than once. My character slept in his van, everyone was paranoid about getting back home to rest and sleep. It was amazingly fun to be honest, and we still remember it to this day ;)

Brandon will come down last.

This is strong security just to house a dissident. Are we willingly putting our necks in the noose here?

His hand slips down to the mutagen at his belt.

No, she replies. You will be fine on your own. The maralictor will assist you as you exit the stairs.

Don't forget marching order down the stairs.

Beppo likewise questions the lack of need for an escort. But who will show us the way out, milady, and how will we have an opportunity to thank you for your hospitality?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Beppo will allow the lovely lady with the keen eyes for the dark to go first, and will follow just behind.

"Umm ok, we'll take it from here then.." Aemon then waits awhile to make sure she's out if ear shot then speaks. "That was strange right? Their just letting us walk alone now? Let's get down there and get this over with I hope I'm just being paranoid."

Tessai, Beppo, Kyle, me, Brandon? That seems to be our order now

I approve that marching order.

Everyone keep their wits about them and we'll be fine. A chill runs up his spine.

I wish I actually believed what I'm saying. But this is madness. How do you get a group of anti establishment renegades into the deepest darkest hole of the Hellknight fortress? You just ask them apparently.

Agreed Aemon. Order is:

Tessai
Beppo
Kyle
Aemon
Brandon

I just had to show it differently.

The musty staircase hidden below Forgetful Spire leads to an oubliette containing a dark, dreadful grouping of prison cells that the Hellknights call Caina, after the infernal realm of torture and pain. Prison cells dominate both the room’s north and south walls; the largest of these serves as a torture chamber for prisoners whose sentence also includes correction with devices such as racks and bottomless chairs. A thick column lined with bloody stains stands in the center of the main room; the torches mounted on it throw grim light upon all the oubliette’s horrors. A desk sits along the east wall; from there a single guard can keep an eye on all of the cells.

See picture of Maralictor Ganden Heriphis in drop box.

A somewhat tall and dark man sits at the desk, petting one of two large black dogs. He stands up. Stop there, and speak your business.

"We have papers authorizing the release of one of your prisoners."

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Would you please peruse them, and confirm everything is in order?" - Tessai adds.

Beppo holds the papers out in the direction of Maralictor Heriphis.

An ominous look creeps across his face. He inspects the affidavit carefully and mutters to himself, I should have known this would get messy. He immediately sics his hounds upon you, taking you off guard with no further explanation!

Enemy Surprise Round
The dogs attack Tessai.
Dog Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 181d8 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (2) = 9
Dog Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 191d8 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 1 + (5) = 13

Both miss. Maralictor pull out his flaming sword, and joins his dogs in attacking her.
Long Sword (19): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 251d8 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + (1) = 12
Long Sword (19): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 181d8 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (5) = 13

He strikes her once for 12. She will be flanked next round.

Combat actions!

Status

EFL' Hound1 (Perfect, ), Hound2 (Perfect, ), Malalictor (Perfect, ),
PFL' Beppo (49/49 ), Tessai (31/43 ), Brandon (48/48 ),
5' Kyle (32/32 ), Aemon (44/44 ),

Seeing his worst fears materialise before his very eyes, his shock makes way to anger.

Hellknights! You purport to uphold the law and yet when presented with evidence of a miscarriage of justice you attack like cowards in the night!? Thats.... Just.... Inconceivable!

He rips his Morningstar from his belt and swings it in a wide arc, aiming at the dogs.

Power attack, cleave: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 2 - 2 = 6
Power attack, cleave: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 2 - 2 = 6

Spec-f#%+ing-tacular

Kyle grants Beppo a bit of luck.

"You betray your own order by attacking us?! Even if you prevail, how will you justify this to the others?"

Beppo, shocked and dismayed that such a grubby servant as this would openly defy the law his superiors so meticulously follow, shouts, Your superiors will hear about this!

He draws his shining greatsword and hacks through the hounds:

Attack 1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Just in case...
BoL reroll attack 1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Damage 1: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 2) + 8 = 16

Cleave to 2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Damage 2: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 6) + 8 = 18

Cleave to Maralictor: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Damage punk-ass: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 1) + 8 = 11

"You are nothing but bastard curs, hiding behind the cover of Law, as long as it allows you to be what you are without consequence - but that will end soon!"

"You have caught me by surprise, but I am not surprised anymore..."

Knowledge Local (I assume he is humanoid?): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Setting up Bane for next round, unless Beppo mows everythng down :D

Uttering a few short magical, divine words, Tessai attacks with measured strikes.

Attack on Maralictor fighting defensively: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 4 = 19Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Swift Action: Judgement of Sacred Protection + Standard Action: Attack
I REALLY should consider a two handed weapon - I am not hitting anything though... But look at my girl's AC through the roof :D

"I knew it! Can never trust a hellknight. You and your order will pay for this and everything you've done to westcrown." Aemon shouts as he notches his bow.

bow one: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 - 2 + 4 = 17
damage one: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 17

bow two: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 - 2 + 4 = 27
damage two: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 20

aimming for the human

Remember, afternoon posting should be before 6pm EST...some of you were almost cut off from this round...but I held my itchy trigger finger, LMAO.

Round 1
Brandon's swing completely misses the target. Beppo hits two of the mutts, but misses the leader. The Maralictor parries Tessai's blow while one Aemon's arrows hit him in the sholder.

Enemy Turn
The two coordinate their attack with their leader. They are very well trained.

Dog's flank attack: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 4 = 321d8 + 1 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (2) + (2) = 10 Crit!
Dog's flank attack: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 4 = 311d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 Confirmed!

Dog's flank attack: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 4 = 291d8 + 1 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (4) + (5) = 12 Hit!

{I'm showing Tessai's AC at 29, so all of the above hits. However, one of the d6's are fire damage, so she negates some of that...25 total)

In answer to Kyle, he says, Do you not know? This is the "Forgotten Spire." Die here, and no one will ever know you disappeared.

Longsword: 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 4 = 291d8 + 4 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (2) + (4) = 13 Hit! (Ignore 2 dmg)
Longsword: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 4 = 171d8 + 4 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + (3) + (2) = 16

Tessai goes down!

My hounds shall feast on her bones, after we put the rest of you down!!

Status

5' Hound1 (Good, ), Hound2 (Good, ), Malalictor (Good, ),
PFL' Beppo (49/49 ), Tessai (-6/43 KO, Prone, Bleed), Brandon (48/48 ),
EFL Kyle (32/32 ), Aemon (44/44 ),

Kyle lays his hand on Tessai

CSW: 3d10 + 5 ⇒ (2, 1, 4) + 5 = 12

For some massive healing, LOL

Morningstar, PA, Sneak, Flanked: 1d20 + 10 - 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 2 - 2 + 2 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 1 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 + 6 + (3, 4, 4) = 29

Brandon sees Tessai crumple under the Marelictors blow and turns his attention to the aggressor. Putting everything into on mighty strike, he attempts to cave in the side of the mans head.

The then steps back (5ft) trying to create some distance to enable him to grasp his mutagen.

bow one: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 = 29
damage one: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 19

bow two: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 = 17
damage two: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 20

You GOTTA be joking me...

markus is me sorry phone is spazzing here

Not sure if you should have healed me Kyle. When Tessai gets up, she will be murdered by AoO... And now her AC is only 25, which is clearly insufficient.

Tessai stands up and attacks the Maralictor.

Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

AC: 25 || HP: 6

And here I was thinking you'd be upset if I didn't heal you. These guys might be liable to continue to attack you since they are evil along with the GM. I was thinking you need to full defense and stand. Hopefully your chances would get better if we took out some of the enemies. If they aren't looking to take you out, then they would attack someone else after knocking you down again. They won't kill you with the damage they're dealing.

I'll just stick to my action - stand and attack.

I was kinda hoping Beppo would have posted by now? Anyone know what happened to him?

Round 2
Kyle heals Tessai.

Brandon (I'm showing 25 total to hit) smashes the knight for 22 while Aemon sticks an arrow through his thigh. Tessai uses a hero point for a second wind (+11 hps, +2 AC) to stand up. (AC = 29 with Judgement and 2nd wind. Enemies using melee attacks gain +4 to hit prone PCs.)

Dog's flank attack: 1d20 + 8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 4 + 4 = 231d8 + 1 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 1 + (5) + (1) = 15
Dog's flank attack: 1d20 + 8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 4 + 4 = 361d8 + 1 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (2) + (4) = 9 Hit
Longsword: 1d20 + 12 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 4 + 4 = 301d8 + 4 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (1) + (1) = 12 Hit!

Tessai falls again at -1 hps.

Enemy Turn
Looking bloodied, the hellknight continues his relientless assault, while directing his dogs on Beppo.

Tiefling @!$#!%, stay DOWN!
He drives his weapon into her.

Longsword: 1d20 + 12 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 4 + 4 = 231d8 + 4 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (3) + (1) = 10 7 pts (Tessai ignores fire dmg)

Dog's flank attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 141d8 + 1 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 1 + (5) + (5) = 19
Dog's flank attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 171d8 + 1 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 1 + (5) + (1) = 15 They miss.

Status

5' Hound1 (Good, ), Hound2 (Good, ), Malalictor (Hurt, ),
PFL' Beppo (49/49 Flanked), Tessai (-8/43 KO, Prone, Bleed), Brandon (48/48 ),
EFL Kyle (32/32 ), Aemon (44/44 ),

Wasn't Tessai at 17 hp with Kyle's heal + Second Wind?

Yup. AoO round: 17-7-11= -1
Then 7 pts on his attack after you were KOd, -8

Brandon sees Tessai stagger bravely to her feet only to be mauled and slashed back down.

Aemon, fill this fool with shafts! Beppo, don't stay your hand - they started this! Ill deal with the mutts!

Morningstar, pa, cleave, hound1: 1d20 + 5 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 3 - 2 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 3 = 14
Moningstar, pa, cleave, hound2: 1d20 + 5 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 3 - 2 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 3 = 16

Beppo lets out a full-throated IT IS YOU WHO SHALL BE FORGOTTEN, SON OF A CUR!! as he swipes at them all with his zweihander.

Attack (dog 1)!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Damage!: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 2) + 8 = 16
Confirm crit (dog 1)!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
More damage!: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 6) + 8 = 17

Cleave attack (dog 2)!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Damage!: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 2) + 8 = 14

Cleave attack (son of dog)!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Damage!: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 6) + 8 = 16
Confirm!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
More damage!: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 6) + 8 = 16

...and if I can get an extra shot in to make up for missing the earlier post...

Attack (dog 1)!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Damage!: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 4) + 8 = 13

Cleave attack (dog 2)!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Damage!: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3) + 8 = 15

Cleave attack (son of dog)!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Damage!: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 3) + 8 = 13

Aemon grits his teeth as he see's Tessai go down again. "Tessai! You're dead for that! Hellknight scum! "

bow one: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 = 19
damage one: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 17

bow two: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 = 30
damage two: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 16

Kyle tries to keep Tessai alive as he sees the man trying to kill her.

CSW: 3d10 + 5 ⇒ (3, 4, 10) + 5 = 22

Hope it's not too late.

Brandon hurts one of the dogs, as Beppo kills the Hellknight and puts the dogs down. Kyle heals Tessai.

Status

PFL' Beppo (49/49), Tessai (14/43), Brandon (48/48 ),
EFL Kyle (32/32 ), Aemon (44/44 ),

You hear a voice from an old man in one of the cages. Finally, someone put the ol' blowhard in his place.